Hey all, Dani here.
Today is a backlist book review day. I think I’ve had an okay balance of new releases, backlist titles, and ARC reviews lately, and I’m pretty happy about that. It’s sometimes hard to find a happy medium when you have a long list of books you still need to talk about. The temptation is there to get all of the backlist reviews up before you forget most of the specifics when it comes to plot and character, but there’s also that lazy procrastinator feeling when you look at how long that to-do list for older reads is. Yikes. I’m sincerely hoping that I can get myself all caught up and then not let my backlist get this bad ever again.
Anyway, I guess today I have yet another contemporary book to review. These spring months are the ones where I find myself gravitating a bit more towards contemporary. Pretty much any other time I tend to prefer fantasy and sci-fi. So, let’s just jump into the review.
Summary
Next-door neighbors and ex-best friends Hannah and Emory haven’t spoken in months. Not since the fight—the one where they said things they couldn’t take back.
Now, Emory is fine-tuning her UCLA performing arts application and trying to make the most of the months she has left with her boyfriend, Luke, before they head off to separate colleges. Meanwhile, Hannah’s strong faith is shaken when her family’s financial problems come to light, and she finds herself turning to unexpected places—and people—for answers to the difficult questions she’s suddenly facing.
No matter how much Hannah and Emory desperately want to bridge the thirty-six steps between their bedroom windows, they can’t. Not anymore.
Until their paths cross unexpectedly when, one night, Hannah finds Luke doubled over in his car outside her house. In the aftermath of the accident, all three struggle to understand what happened in their own ways. But when a devastating secret about Hannah and Emory’s argument ultimately comes to light, they must all reexamine the things they hold true.
In alternating chapters, a skeptic and a believer piece together the story of their complex relationship and the boy caught somewhere in the middle. New York Times best-selling author Tamara Ireland Stone deftly crafts a moving portrait of faith, love, and friendship.
My Thoughts
Rating: 5 stars
I can admit that when I first started reading this book, it took me a while to get fully invested in the characters and the story. Sometimes that happens for me, most typically when it comes to contemporary–or really any non-fantasy book.
The setup/concept of this story is an intriguing one, and it did lend itself to very different “voices” from each of the the girls. And the summary is totally right about this being a story exploring faith, love, and friendship. It truly is a worthwhile read.
The buildup and tension leading up to all the revelations about what happened with Emory and Hannah’s argument only compelled me to read more and more, and faster and faster. I continue to be a fan of books by Tamara Ireland Stone, though I still believe that Every Last Word is still my favorite of hers. This one is probably a decently close second place.
Where to Buy
You can pick up your own copy from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-a-million, Book Depository, or your local independent bookstore.
Free State of Geek 
This sounds really interesting! I like the concept of them only being separated by thirty-six steps. Would you say this is a Christian inspirational book? Or a contemporary book with a focus on faith?
LikeLiked by 1 person
There is a focus on faith, with one of the girls being a more devout Christian. I think the decision of if it is inspirational or not will vary by reader, honestly. But I still think it is a good read.
LikeLiked by 1 person