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In the Orbit of You
In the Orbit of You is a YA story of enduring love from acclaimed author Ashley Schumacher, where a personality test reunites two friends and makes them second guess their careful plans.
It's been years since Nova Evans last saw Sam. She was too young then to understand why he had to move away—and what it had to do with the cuts and bruises he got from home and never wanted to talk about. All she knew is that they promised to find each other when they were older, something she thought was impossible thanks to her and her mom moving around constantly. Until she bumps into Sam in her new school, and realizes he has clearly forgotten their childhood promise.
Sam Jordan has a plan for his accept his college football scholarship, date his girlfriend Abigail, and—most importantly—hide how much he wants to do something, anything other than The Plan™ his parents and coaches have set before him. It doesn't matter if sometimes he finds himself thinking about the new girl he met in the cafeteria, a girl who reminds him of a past that hurts to remember.
When a school-wide personality test reveals Nova and Sam to be each others' top matches—not only that, but a match of 99%, the highest in the school—they begin to remember why they were such close friends, all those years ago. As well as the myriad of reasons this new-yet-familiar, magnetic, sparkling thing between them will never, ever work out.
In the Orbit of You is a story about the enduring and changing nature of friendship, of the strange struggle between who you are and who you want to be, and finding your voice after trauma.
It's been years since Nova Evans last saw Sam. She was too young then to understand why he had to move away—and what it had to do with the cuts and bruises he got from home and never wanted to talk about. All she knew is that they promised to find each other when they were older, something she thought was impossible thanks to her and her mom moving around constantly. Until she bumps into Sam in her new school, and realizes he has clearly forgotten their childhood promise.
Sam Jordan has a plan for his accept his college football scholarship, date his girlfriend Abigail, and—most importantly—hide how much he wants to do something, anything other than The Plan™ his parents and coaches have set before him. It doesn't matter if sometimes he finds himself thinking about the new girl he met in the cafeteria, a girl who reminds him of a past that hurts to remember.
When a school-wide personality test reveals Nova and Sam to be each others' top matches—not only that, but a match of 99%, the highest in the school—they begin to remember why they were such close friends, all those years ago. As well as the myriad of reasons this new-yet-familiar, magnetic, sparkling thing between them will never, ever work out.
In the Orbit of You is a story about the enduring and changing nature of friendship, of the strange struggle between who you are and who you want to be, and finding your voice after trauma.
313 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 19, 2024
20 people are currently reading
8063 people want to read
About the author
Ashley Schumacher
7 books558 followersAshley Schumacher is an author of whimsical and romantic books for teens and adults with a degree in creative writing from the University of North Texas. A full-time writer, she feels more than a little vindicated for having spent lots of math classes reading beneath her desk. When Ashley isn’t working, you’ll most likely find her playing cozy video games, planning trips to far-off places, leafing through the folklore and fairytale anthologies she is always acquiring “for research”, or traipsing about her North Texas home with her husband and son.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 323 reviews
January 10, 2025
oof. okay. this had so much potential to be a book i would whole-heartedly adore. im a complete sucker for childhood everythings being separated and rekindling their bond later on in life. but this just didnt do it for me.
while i liked the concept, i needed more of nova and sams childhood connection. just because they found a snail once doesnt convince me they were inseparable. having more flashbacks and more insight into sams difficult homelife would have made their teenage reconnection much more impactful.
i also didnt appreciate sam and how his choices were written. i get this is fiction, but i have a huge problem with . it wasnt necessarily condoned, but it also wasnt condemned either, which is the issue. it was completely unnecessary to the plot and really just ruined him as a character and the storys ending overall.
so a disappointing read for me, unfortunately.
↠ 2.5 stars
while i liked the concept, i needed more of nova and sams childhood connection. just because they found a snail once doesnt convince me they were inseparable. having more flashbacks and more insight into sams difficult homelife would have made their teenage reconnection much more impactful.
i also didnt appreciate sam and how his choices were written. i get this is fiction, but i have a huge problem with . it wasnt necessarily condoned, but it also wasnt condemned either, which is the issue. it was completely unnecessary to the plot and really just ruined him as a character and the storys ending overall.
so a disappointing read for me, unfortunately.
↠ 2.5 stars
August 27, 2023
Ninety-nine percent guaranteed, you're going to find yourself utterly captivated by the enduring and intricately woven love story of Sam and Nova. Their journey through life, marked by decisions that define their individual paths, is a testament to the power of destiny and choice.
Their enchanting friendship took root in the innocent days of childhood when they were nothing more than young neighbors. Together, they crafted a vibrant world of their own invention: Snailopolis, a realm adorned with dirt and inhabited by snails. Amidst the earthy landscape, their bond flourished, representing the epitome of youthful camaraderie. Nova, with her perceptive eyes, noticed the telltale signs of pain on young Sam's body, etched in the form of burns and bruises. In a touching gesture, she kissed his palm, a gentle healing that mirrored the depth of her unwavering support. Sam found solace in her presence, a safe haven from the monsters that lurked in his world. Yet, Nova wasn't alone in recognizing the shadows that haunted Sam; they both understood the reality of his struggle against abuse.
Their world changed one day when Sam revealed his intention to move in with his uncle, a decision that would physically separate them. However, he didn't bid farewell without a promise — a promise to find Nova once he turned eighteen. With a heavy heart, he departed, leaving Nova behind.
Years rolled by, and fate's hand orchestrated their reunion in the bustling expanse of the same city, within the hallowed halls of a shared high school. Even a comprehensive personality test couldn't deny the uncanny compatibility between Sam and Nova, scoring them at an astounding 99%. However, fate's irony was unrelenting; Sam was tethered to a girlfriend he couldn't disentangle himself from. The trajectory of his life was firmly fixed on a future football career that would earn him the pride of his parents. Meanwhile, Nova's journey had seen her traverse multiple cities and schools, a transient existence that had become the norm. Her resentment towards her mother grew, a product of never being granted the luxury of a stable home, a place to put down roots and cultivate lasting friendships. Focusing on her own uncertain future, Nova found herself unable to acknowledge the romantic currents that stirred for Sam Jordan, let alone contemplate a friendship. The intricate web of emotions was further complicated by the presence of other stakeholders, including Sam's girlfriend, Abigail. But when Sam, the harbinger of nostalgia, resorted to a time-tested method of communication by throwing stones at her window, Nova's heartstrings resounded in response. She couldn't turn him away. And so, their rekindled friendship grew anew, an avenue through which they both learned and rediscovered facets of themselves previously unexplored.
Could this be their chance for redemption? With each passing day, their orbits seemed to tighten, the magnetic pull intensifying, impossible to resist. Their journey, marked by a profound coming-of-age transformation, was a testament to the resilience of love and the power of self-discovery.
This poignant tale, seamlessly blending romance and personal growth, holds a mirror to the intricate tapestry of life's choices and the evolution of the human heart. The characters, beautifully rendered and multilayered, evolve organically, drawing readers into their world with raw authenticity. As the story culminates with a conclusion that serves as a new beginning, a sense of satisfaction washes over, leaving an indelible smile on the reader's heart.
My deepest gratitude extends to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for generously providing me with the opportunity to engage with this soul-stirring book, through a digital reviewer copy, in exchange for my candid reflections.
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Their enchanting friendship took root in the innocent days of childhood when they were nothing more than young neighbors. Together, they crafted a vibrant world of their own invention: Snailopolis, a realm adorned with dirt and inhabited by snails. Amidst the earthy landscape, their bond flourished, representing the epitome of youthful camaraderie. Nova, with her perceptive eyes, noticed the telltale signs of pain on young Sam's body, etched in the form of burns and bruises. In a touching gesture, she kissed his palm, a gentle healing that mirrored the depth of her unwavering support. Sam found solace in her presence, a safe haven from the monsters that lurked in his world. Yet, Nova wasn't alone in recognizing the shadows that haunted Sam; they both understood the reality of his struggle against abuse.
Their world changed one day when Sam revealed his intention to move in with his uncle, a decision that would physically separate them. However, he didn't bid farewell without a promise — a promise to find Nova once he turned eighteen. With a heavy heart, he departed, leaving Nova behind.
Years rolled by, and fate's hand orchestrated their reunion in the bustling expanse of the same city, within the hallowed halls of a shared high school. Even a comprehensive personality test couldn't deny the uncanny compatibility between Sam and Nova, scoring them at an astounding 99%. However, fate's irony was unrelenting; Sam was tethered to a girlfriend he couldn't disentangle himself from. The trajectory of his life was firmly fixed on a future football career that would earn him the pride of his parents. Meanwhile, Nova's journey had seen her traverse multiple cities and schools, a transient existence that had become the norm. Her resentment towards her mother grew, a product of never being granted the luxury of a stable home, a place to put down roots and cultivate lasting friendships. Focusing on her own uncertain future, Nova found herself unable to acknowledge the romantic currents that stirred for Sam Jordan, let alone contemplate a friendship. The intricate web of emotions was further complicated by the presence of other stakeholders, including Sam's girlfriend, Abigail. But when Sam, the harbinger of nostalgia, resorted to a time-tested method of communication by throwing stones at her window, Nova's heartstrings resounded in response. She couldn't turn him away. And so, their rekindled friendship grew anew, an avenue through which they both learned and rediscovered facets of themselves previously unexplored.
Could this be their chance for redemption? With each passing day, their orbits seemed to tighten, the magnetic pull intensifying, impossible to resist. Their journey, marked by a profound coming-of-age transformation, was a testament to the resilience of love and the power of self-discovery.
This poignant tale, seamlessly blending romance and personal growth, holds a mirror to the intricate tapestry of life's choices and the evolution of the human heart. The characters, beautifully rendered and multilayered, evolve organically, drawing readers into their world with raw authenticity. As the story culminates with a conclusion that serves as a new beginning, a sense of satisfaction washes over, leaving an indelible smile on the reader's heart.
My deepest gratitude extends to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for generously providing me with the opportunity to engage with this soul-stirring book, through a digital reviewer copy, in exchange for my candid reflections.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
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January 11, 2024
I will never look at snails the same way after reading this adorable story *inaudible squealing*
Thank you Wednesday Books, Ashley Schumacher and "It Starts With Books" club for this advance copy.
Nothing hits my romantic heart strings like fate bringing together two people who were meant to be...gosh this sweet young adult book made me so happy.
I think my favorite thing about this story is the quotes go so hard. The ending quote just really gave me goosebumps and it will live rent free in my head forever.
As much as I adored Nova and Sammy's love story, this is so much more than romance. It's about self discovery. It's about being confident. It's about being honest. It's about being self resilient. It covers all these important topics that I think are so important for a young adult to feel touched by from their books. Young Dani would would have really appreciated this book.
I think I would have felt not alone with a character like Sam introduced into my world. Having a father figure who is threatening and scary to be around is something that a lot of children and teens deal with. It was interesting to get a point of view from a character that is still trying to deal with the grief and post traumatic stress from their childhood. I liked that we got to see those moments of anxiety and triggers in his everyday life because not a lot of young adults may recognize these important things about their mental health so having a book like "In the Orbit of You" in the world feels super crucial.
This book made me cry and my heart swim with giddiness. It's the perfect mix of everything that you would want in a friends to lovers romance but hits on important topics to open even an adult readers eyes.
How can I not give a high rating to a story that made me tail spin into a core memory from my childhood of watching Brave Little Toaster.
🐌 High School Nostalgia
👑 Soooo Emotional
🌌 Best Friends to Lovers
🐌 Underdog Story
☄️ Fate
Thank you Wednesday Books, Ashley Schumacher and "It Starts With Books" club for this advance copy.
Nothing hits my romantic heart strings like fate bringing together two people who were meant to be...gosh this sweet young adult book made me so happy.
I think my favorite thing about this story is the quotes go so hard. The ending quote just really gave me goosebumps and it will live rent free in my head forever.
As much as I adored Nova and Sammy's love story, this is so much more than romance. It's about self discovery. It's about being confident. It's about being honest. It's about being self resilient. It covers all these important topics that I think are so important for a young adult to feel touched by from their books. Young Dani would would have really appreciated this book.
I think I would have felt not alone with a character like Sam introduced into my world. Having a father figure who is threatening and scary to be around is something that a lot of children and teens deal with. It was interesting to get a point of view from a character that is still trying to deal with the grief and post traumatic stress from their childhood. I liked that we got to see those moments of anxiety and triggers in his everyday life because not a lot of young adults may recognize these important things about their mental health so having a book like "In the Orbit of You" in the world feels super crucial.
This book made me cry and my heart swim with giddiness. It's the perfect mix of everything that you would want in a friends to lovers romance but hits on important topics to open even an adult readers eyes.
How can I not give a high rating to a story that made me tail spin into a core memory from my childhood of watching Brave Little Toaster.
🐌 High School Nostalgia
👑 Soooo Emotional
🌌 Best Friends to Lovers
🐌 Underdog Story
☄️ Fate
Read
November 15, 2024i did sort of enjoy this one, but did end up having to DNF it at 37% as it was a bit too juvenile for me.
I’m not going to give it a rating since, but I did really like the authors writing and believe it was a good book - just not for me.
I’m not going to give it a rating since, but I did really like the authors writing and believe it was a good book - just not for me.
March 19, 2024
Thank you to Wednesday Books for the free copy.
WHYYYYY.
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I thought this was going to be a solid four star. I’ve read a previous book by this author and enjoyed it. But then two critical scenes happened that glossed this book into 300 pages of gray area, emotional, turned physical cheating. And I just can’t don’t like those kind of stories. I know high school kids make mistakes, but the way it was handled and processed frustrated me a lot.
At the heart of the story was a soft second chance romance from two young people who were each other’s closest friend when they were little. I had such hope for the direction of this story. There were soft moments of remembrance and some insightful reconnection. Everything feels shadowed by the treatment and ignorance towards the girlfriend. Abigail deserved better.
Feeling flustered by this one y’all. I would love to try Schumacher’s next book and crossing my fingers the dynamic is better.
Overall audience notes:
- YA Contemporary Romance
- Language: moderate
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: low-moderate
- Trigger/Content Warnings: house fire, mentions of child abuse
WHYYYYY.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
I thought this was going to be a solid four star. I’ve read a previous book by this author and enjoyed it. But then two critical scenes happened that glossed this book into 300 pages of gray area, emotional, turned physical cheating. And I just can’t don’t like those kind of stories. I know high school kids make mistakes, but the way it was handled and processed frustrated me a lot.
At the heart of the story was a soft second chance romance from two young people who were each other’s closest friend when they were little. I had such hope for the direction of this story. There were soft moments of remembrance and some insightful reconnection. Everything feels shadowed by the treatment and ignorance towards the girlfriend. Abigail deserved better.
Feeling flustered by this one y’all. I would love to try Schumacher’s next book and crossing my fingers the dynamic is better.
Overall audience notes:
- YA Contemporary Romance
- Language: moderate
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: low-moderate
- Trigger/Content Warnings: house fire, mentions of child abuse
March 25, 2024
This book was very frustrating for me.
Both the main characters feel stuck at the current point in their lives. Nova is a girl who is trying to figure out who she is and what she wants to do with her life, while Sam has his life planned out by the people around him and is too afraid to say otherwise. They find comfort in spending time with each other because they feel like they don’t have to pretend to be something they’re not. While I’m a sucker for a good childhood friends-to-lovers trope, this felt rushed to me. They were instantly infatuated with one another, and I did not feel that deep connection based on what little we had to go off of. (Snailopolis became a trigger word for me.) And I’m sorry, but cheating is not okay! Having trauma doesn’t condone it either. Abigail deserved better, and she ended up being my favorite character.
This book just wasn't for me, but that's not to say that it's not for someone else.
Both the main characters feel stuck at the current point in their lives. Nova is a girl who is trying to figure out who she is and what she wants to do with her life, while Sam has his life planned out by the people around him and is too afraid to say otherwise. They find comfort in spending time with each other because they feel like they don’t have to pretend to be something they’re not. While I’m a sucker for a good childhood friends-to-lovers trope, this felt rushed to me. They were instantly infatuated with one another, and I did not feel that deep connection based on what little we had to go off of. (Snailopolis became a trigger word for me.) And I’m sorry, but cheating is not okay! Having trauma doesn’t condone it either. Abigail deserved better, and she ended up being my favorite character.
This book just wasn't for me, but that's not to say that it's not for someone else.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2024
Review:
This was Ashley's best since Amelia Unabridged. I loved it (I binged it so hard) and I just found it so wholesome and heartwarming. This is the best childhood friends to lovers I've ever read and really reasserted that I do love this trope. Yes, there were minor flaws, and I won't deny that they're there, but I love it too much to care so 5 stars :)
Pre-release:
WE HAVE A COVER.
I REPEAT.
WE HAVE A COVER!
This was Ashley's best since Amelia Unabridged. I loved it (I binged it so hard) and I just found it so wholesome and heartwarming. This is the best childhood friends to lovers I've ever read and really reasserted that I do love this trope. Yes, there were minor flaws, and I won't deny that they're there, but I love it too much to care so 5 stars :)
Pre-release:
WE HAVE A COVER.
I REPEAT.
WE HAVE A COVER!
August 29, 2024
Such an emotional and beautiful story of love and second chances
September 12, 2025
3.5 ⭐️!!
March 7, 2024
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Nova and Sam were childhood friends who found comfort in each other. When Sam, who lived in an abusive home, was leaving to live with his uncle, he made a "promise, promise" to find Nova again when they were "big". It seemed the universe thought it was time, and they found themselves reunited when they both seemed to need each other most.
I have adored Schumacher's books since my very first one, Amelia Unabridged. There is something special about the way she crafts her characters and takes such care with their personal journeys. I am always moved as I read these characters' stories and extremely happy for where it takes them.
I found the idea of fate bringing these two in and out of each others lives at vital points so beautiful. When they were five, Nova provided comfort to Sam as he endured physical abuse at the hands of his father. Further down the line, they were at a crossroads in their lives, and it seemed they each had something to offer the other.
Due to his traumatic past, Sam worked hard to avoid conflict, and often found himself agreeing to or stuck in situations that he really wasn't onboard with. Now, in his senior year, he was struggling with his future - playing football, dating the cheerleader, not pursuing his love of woodwork. His desire not to hurt others was keeping him from his happiness.
Then there was Nova. She moved around constantly for her mother's job. She was a junior and this was her SIXTH high school. In order to survive, she became a chameleon, adapting to her surroundings. Due to this defense mechanism, she was suffering a personal crisis of not really knowing who she was or what she wanted. This scared her because the future was knocking on her door.
I believe so many people will be able to relate to Nova and Sam's personal struggles in some way and will root for these two the way I did. I was so happy they found each other when they did because it helped them make those hard decisions and have those honest discussions with the people they loved. The connection between Nova and Sam was undeniable, and I couldn't help but celebrate each step they took that brought them closer to each other as it was easy to see that they needed to tap into that special bond they shared.
Overall, this was a beautiful story filled with love and friendship. It was about figuring out who you are, what you want, and not being afraid to ask for it. I know I was elated that the universe brought Sam and Nova back into each others orbits, and I was filled with glee at where their journeys took them.
*ARC provided by publisher
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Nova and Sam were childhood friends who found comfort in each other. When Sam, who lived in an abusive home, was leaving to live with his uncle, he made a "promise, promise" to find Nova again when they were "big". It seemed the universe thought it was time, and they found themselves reunited when they both seemed to need each other most.
I have adored Schumacher's books since my very first one, Amelia Unabridged. There is something special about the way she crafts her characters and takes such care with their personal journeys. I am always moved as I read these characters' stories and extremely happy for where it takes them.
I found the idea of fate bringing these two in and out of each others lives at vital points so beautiful. When they were five, Nova provided comfort to Sam as he endured physical abuse at the hands of his father. Further down the line, they were at a crossroads in their lives, and it seemed they each had something to offer the other.
Due to his traumatic past, Sam worked hard to avoid conflict, and often found himself agreeing to or stuck in situations that he really wasn't onboard with. Now, in his senior year, he was struggling with his future - playing football, dating the cheerleader, not pursuing his love of woodwork. His desire not to hurt others was keeping him from his happiness.
Then there was Nova. She moved around constantly for her mother's job. She was a junior and this was her SIXTH high school. In order to survive, she became a chameleon, adapting to her surroundings. Due to this defense mechanism, she was suffering a personal crisis of not really knowing who she was or what she wanted. This scared her because the future was knocking on her door.
I believe so many people will be able to relate to Nova and Sam's personal struggles in some way and will root for these two the way I did. I was so happy they found each other when they did because it helped them make those hard decisions and have those honest discussions with the people they loved. The connection between Nova and Sam was undeniable, and I couldn't help but celebrate each step they took that brought them closer to each other as it was easy to see that they needed to tap into that special bond they shared.
Overall, this was a beautiful story filled with love and friendship. It was about figuring out who you are, what you want, and not being afraid to ask for it. I know I was elated that the universe brought Sam and Nova back into each others orbits, and I was filled with glee at where their journeys took them.
*ARC provided by publisher
BLOG | INSTAGRAM |TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
March 15, 2024
“What isn’t there is just as important as what is. Narrow in the space you know you don’t need, and you’re left with what it is you want.”
When Nova and Sam first met they were just kids. Through a hole in their fence, they bonded, and filled in a real life hole for one another, initiating the kind of friendship you always remember.
So years later, when teenage Nova sees Sam in her new school, she knows it’s him right away. Sam, however, doesn’t have the same instant recognition of Nova. It takes a quirky quiz, and basic geography, to reunite the two. But now that they are once again in each other’s orbit, they quickly realizes that this time around, there will be no circling back.
In the Orbit of You is the latest young adult romance from the amazing, Ashley Schumacher. Not only do her books evoke powerful emotions, they all have equally, if not more, beautiful covers. However, while the first few chapters gave me all the feels, the majority of the story felt a bit elementary for my tastes, even despite touching upon some heavy subject matter. That said,, I still believe young readers will likely connect with this story of first love, intermixed with fate and sweet second chances.
When Nova and Sam first met they were just kids. Through a hole in their fence, they bonded, and filled in a real life hole for one another, initiating the kind of friendship you always remember.
So years later, when teenage Nova sees Sam in her new school, she knows it’s him right away. Sam, however, doesn’t have the same instant recognition of Nova. It takes a quirky quiz, and basic geography, to reunite the two. But now that they are once again in each other’s orbit, they quickly realizes that this time around, there will be no circling back.
In the Orbit of You is the latest young adult romance from the amazing, Ashley Schumacher. Not only do her books evoke powerful emotions, they all have equally, if not more, beautiful covers. However, while the first few chapters gave me all the feels, the majority of the story felt a bit elementary for my tastes, even despite touching upon some heavy subject matter. That said,, I still believe young readers will likely connect with this story of first love, intermixed with fate and sweet second chances.
September 25, 2023
Gaslighting, emotionally manipulating, and cheating on your girlfriend is so hot, apparently
This is not a wholesome story of enduring love, like the synopsis states, this is hardly a story of love at all. Nor is it a heartfelt contemporary romance that will make you feel good inside.
This is a story of a cheater, who blames his serial mistreatment of friends and people who love him on a bad childhood. A guy who gets called out on this, but still thinks what he does is right.
This is a story of a 17 year old who cheats on his sweetheart of a girlfriend (who he initially got together with because she got cheated on before homecoming by her ex boyfriend) over and over again, spends 100 pages justifying that this “secret” is okay because it’s private (?????) and she’ll never have to find out. All because he recognized a girl he knew briefly when he was, get this, literally five years old.
A story of enduring love, of reconnecting from your childhood, of finding each other again, has everything going for it in terms of a heartfelt plot. Yet for some reason the author decided that what this story needed was an incredibly hard to read and upsetting story of cheating, and why cheating is actually a good thing!
This book makes a surface level, abysmal attempt at trying to say “guys don’t worry cheating is totally bad” but gives them the happy ending, gives Sam no repercussions to his actions, and still paints him as the good guy somehow. If the author was trying to make a point against cheating, I’m sorry but the mark was completely missed, by like, a mile.
Beyond the cheating, emotional manipulation, and lying that made me sick to my stomach, there was an extremely out of left field coincidence plot thrown in here with the parents. Which again, may have worked if this WAS a heartfelt story of reuniting with old flames and rekindling an enduring love, but say it with me folks, this is not that story.
I quite literally was sitting here exclaiming “what the fuck” at every turn. I think I still am the more I think of this book. I will promptly be wiping it from memory, thank god it was a quick read.
This is not a wholesome story of enduring love, like the synopsis states, this is hardly a story of love at all. Nor is it a heartfelt contemporary romance that will make you feel good inside.
This is a story of a cheater, who blames his serial mistreatment of friends and people who love him on a bad childhood. A guy who gets called out on this, but still thinks what he does is right.
This is a story of a 17 year old who cheats on his sweetheart of a girlfriend (who he initially got together with because she got cheated on before homecoming by her ex boyfriend) over and over again, spends 100 pages justifying that this “secret” is okay because it’s private (?????) and she’ll never have to find out. All because he recognized a girl he knew briefly when he was, get this, literally five years old.
A story of enduring love, of reconnecting from your childhood, of finding each other again, has everything going for it in terms of a heartfelt plot. Yet for some reason the author decided that what this story needed was an incredibly hard to read and upsetting story of cheating, and why cheating is actually a good thing!
This book makes a surface level, abysmal attempt at trying to say “guys don’t worry cheating is totally bad” but gives them the happy ending, gives Sam no repercussions to his actions, and still paints him as the good guy somehow. If the author was trying to make a point against cheating, I’m sorry but the mark was completely missed, by like, a mile.
Beyond the cheating, emotional manipulation, and lying that made me sick to my stomach, there was an extremely out of left field coincidence plot thrown in here with the parents. Which again, may have worked if this WAS a heartfelt story of reuniting with old flames and rekindling an enduring love, but say it with me folks, this is not that story.
I quite literally was sitting here exclaiming “what the fuck” at every turn. I think I still am the more I think of this book. I will promptly be wiping it from memory, thank god it was a quick read.
August 6, 2025
i was obsessed with snails when i was a kid and this book just took me back in time
March 25, 2024
A sweet, swoony, utterly charming YA love story about Nova and Sammy, two childhood friends torn apart who later find themselves in the same town but circumstances are still working against them being together.
If you like stories about right person, wrong time, mutual pining and star crossed lovers this book will grab you from the start and not let go. One warning, there is a bit of a love triangle and childhood trauma/abuse.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and finished gifted copy in exchange for my honest review. I can wholeheartedly say this is my new favorite from Ashley Schumacher!!
If you like stories about right person, wrong time, mutual pining and star crossed lovers this book will grab you from the start and not let go. One warning, there is a bit of a love triangle and childhood trauma/abuse.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and finished gifted copy in exchange for my honest review. I can wholeheartedly say this is my new favorite from Ashley Schumacher!!
March 16, 2024
I’ve wanted to read this author for a while, and now after reading and loving this one, I know I need to go back and get to the ones I missed. This was a very emotional story, with really a lot of angst because both characters wanted to be with the other. But both knew or had reasons that they thought they shouldn’t be together. Reading about Sam’s past, how his dad had been to him, for the most part there were no immediate scenes describing the abuse. Just the after effects like bruises and injuries that Nova noticed, or him trying to figure out how to cover them or stay safe.
Now Nova’s life wasn’t bad. She just moved a lot with her mom’s job taking them places constantly as she helped on company then moved on to the next when that job was done. Nova had always seemed to like it. I mean, how much fun to be able to reinvent yourself in each new place and try out what life could be like in a different clique/group of high school. However all the reinventing made it so she didn’t really know what she actually liked and what she’d just participated in because of her found friends. She also ended a relationship that she’d thought was more than it was and was reeling a bit from that, thinking she now just needed to be herself in this latest place. Especially as the need to figure out what she wanted to do for college became a high priority both at school and with her mom.
Sam had been adopted by his aunt and uncle and it was a good life now. He was a star football player, dating a cheerleader, living the high school dream of so many boys, especially in Texas. But underneath it all he doesn’t quite know if he’s happy. He doesn’t know that he actually wants to do football for the rest of his life, even as scouts and colleges are promising him full rides and his new parents celebrate with him and are so proud. And even though he’s not really shown any signs, there’s just always the fear that he might become like his own abusive father. Not to mention he doesn’t want to disappoint either his parents or his girlfriend, and isn’t it a happy enough life the way it is, to follow these expectations?
But Sam and Nova had made a promise promise to each other when he left that they’d find each other again when they were 18 years old. It may be a year early for Nova, but when she happens to move in to his school, in fact his very neighborhood, all sorts of things start to connect. Then a personality test the school has all the students take on the first day Nova is there shows the two have a 99% compatibility, the highest of anyone else in the school, even Sam and his girlfriend aren’t that close! Even as I said, they both try to fight it.
I was totally in for this will they won’t they story. My only issue was the tiny bit of cheating it involved, even if it was really just spending time that they felt guilty about even as just friends. And the one kiss at a dance. Sam’s girlfriend Abigail was such a good person. Not your stereotypical cheerleader mean girl. I imagine her character was very similar to how my younger sister who was a cheerleader actually was in school. My sister was never a mean girl, well except maybe to our younger sister, but that’s a sibling thing. And I like getting a story where the cheerleader can be shown differently than the stereotype.
So really this was overall a great story and one I can’t wait to share with my students!
Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.
Now Nova’s life wasn’t bad. She just moved a lot with her mom’s job taking them places constantly as she helped on company then moved on to the next when that job was done. Nova had always seemed to like it. I mean, how much fun to be able to reinvent yourself in each new place and try out what life could be like in a different clique/group of high school. However all the reinventing made it so she didn’t really know what she actually liked and what she’d just participated in because of her found friends. She also ended a relationship that she’d thought was more than it was and was reeling a bit from that, thinking she now just needed to be herself in this latest place. Especially as the need to figure out what she wanted to do for college became a high priority both at school and with her mom.
Sam had been adopted by his aunt and uncle and it was a good life now. He was a star football player, dating a cheerleader, living the high school dream of so many boys, especially in Texas. But underneath it all he doesn’t quite know if he’s happy. He doesn’t know that he actually wants to do football for the rest of his life, even as scouts and colleges are promising him full rides and his new parents celebrate with him and are so proud. And even though he’s not really shown any signs, there’s just always the fear that he might become like his own abusive father. Not to mention he doesn’t want to disappoint either his parents or his girlfriend, and isn’t it a happy enough life the way it is, to follow these expectations?
But Sam and Nova had made a promise promise to each other when he left that they’d find each other again when they were 18 years old. It may be a year early for Nova, but when she happens to move in to his school, in fact his very neighborhood, all sorts of things start to connect. Then a personality test the school has all the students take on the first day Nova is there shows the two have a 99% compatibility, the highest of anyone else in the school, even Sam and his girlfriend aren’t that close! Even as I said, they both try to fight it.
I was totally in for this will they won’t they story. My only issue was the tiny bit of cheating it involved, even if it was really just spending time that they felt guilty about even as just friends. And the one kiss at a dance. Sam’s girlfriend Abigail was such a good person. Not your stereotypical cheerleader mean girl. I imagine her character was very similar to how my younger sister who was a cheerleader actually was in school. My sister was never a mean girl, well except maybe to our younger sister, but that’s a sibling thing. And I like getting a story where the cheerleader can be shown differently than the stereotype.
So really this was overall a great story and one I can’t wait to share with my students!
Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.
May 18, 2024
I enjoyed 99% of this book, cried the other 1%.
TW: ~Abuse, child abuse, toxic relationship, adoption~
Genre: Romance, Fiction, YA
Age: 14+
🌶️: 1/5
🔫: 1/5
🤬: 3/5
⭐️: 5/5
TW: ~Abuse, child abuse, toxic relationship, adoption~
Genre: Romance, Fiction, YA
Age: 14+
🌶️: 1/5
🔫: 1/5
🤬: 3/5
⭐️: 5/5
May 28, 2024
*4.5 Stars
This is one of the most genuine and honest books I’ve read. There were so many authentic moments so it felt real and raw. Nothing felt forced and every bit, including the very difficult parts of Sam's past, were done with sensitivity and care so it was a wholly honest book. I feel like it’s so hard for authors to write young characters but all of the flashback moments were just as believable and genuine. It was the field day scene and the way that Nova said she hurt her elbow that really solidified how authentic this book was.
I loved all of the characters. They were rounded and three dimensional, even if they seemed like stereotypes, but no one fit neatly into a box. Abigail is not the perfect cheerleader, Fox is the goofy jock side character who is genuinely kind and such a sweet guy to Leanne who is also such a caring person.
The pacing suffered at the end so it’s not a perfect five, but I still really loved this book.
This is one of the most genuine and honest books I’ve read. There were so many authentic moments so it felt real and raw. Nothing felt forced and every bit, including the very difficult parts of Sam's past, were done with sensitivity and care so it was a wholly honest book. I feel like it’s so hard for authors to write young characters but all of the flashback moments were just as believable and genuine. It was the field day scene and the way that Nova said she hurt her elbow that really solidified how authentic this book was.
I loved all of the characters. They were rounded and three dimensional, even if they seemed like stereotypes, but no one fit neatly into a box. Abigail is not the perfect cheerleader, Fox is the goofy jock side character who is genuinely kind and such a sweet guy to Leanne who is also such a caring person.
The pacing suffered at the end so it’s not a perfect five, but I still really loved this book.
April 18, 2024
3.75 stars
This was incredibly easy to fall into, the story is sweet and sad and overall pretty emotional. When childhood friends Sam and Nova reunite more than a decade later in high school, they've both changed so much and aren't necessarily where they hoped they would be. The teens immediately reconnect and remember how easily they click, but will they be able to stay together this time?
I thought this was a good coming of age book and had some cute moments between the two leads. I did think this could have benefitted from a bit more plot and I disliked how Sam treated his girlfriend and that things were just glossed over. Maybe not my favorite Schumacher read, but still pretty good.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All opinions are my own. Thank you to Wednesday Books and NetGalley for this copy.
This was incredibly easy to fall into, the story is sweet and sad and overall pretty emotional. When childhood friends Sam and Nova reunite more than a decade later in high school, they've both changed so much and aren't necessarily where they hoped they would be. The teens immediately reconnect and remember how easily they click, but will they be able to stay together this time?
I thought this was a good coming of age book and had some cute moments between the two leads. I did think this could have benefitted from a bit more plot and I disliked how Sam treated his girlfriend and that things were just glossed over. Maybe not my favorite Schumacher read, but still pretty good.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All opinions are my own. Thank you to Wednesday Books and NetGalley for this copy.
January 7, 2024
holy shit? I'M SORRY? my first finished read of the year was so excellent and thank you miss schumacher and the odds that i pulled this random ya romcom from our stacks and boxes and shelves of arcs when i was looking for things to read. i'm writing this review with tears streaming down my face and i'm not exaggerating. i love my emotional cheaters, "oh we have to stop pining" and what do you do? keep pining?????
i read this entire thing tonight, in one go, as i took a break from "more serious" (whatever) reads. this is getting a staff pick blurb on the website, on our YA shelf, on the rom com shelf. i'm honestly just kind of in shock, in awe, once i started crying (lightning storm, worse during homecoming) i put julie arsenault's "homeschool" on repeat to keep it going. i'll read more of ashley's work this year. i'm so beyond thrilled.
i read this entire thing tonight, in one go, as i took a break from "more serious" (whatever) reads. this is getting a staff pick blurb on the website, on our YA shelf, on the rom com shelf. i'm honestly just kind of in shock, in awe, once i started crying (lightning storm, worse during homecoming) i put julie arsenault's "homeschool" on repeat to keep it going. i'll read more of ashley's work this year. i'm so beyond thrilled.
May 13, 2025
taylor swift reading challenge
⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂ ⠂⠄⠄⠂☆
soon you'll get better — read a book about illness or recovery
cute but underwhelming
⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂ ⠂⠄⠄⠂☆
soon you'll get better — read a book about illness or recovery
cute but underwhelming
March 10, 2024
Schumacher's latest YA romance novel missed the mark for this reader. Because of the premise of the book--two young adults separated by circumstance reunite and pick up where they left off--there was a lack of tension in the relationship. In the will-they-won't-they paradigm, they were always in the will-they category. The tension lies in how much of a mess they'll make if-they, which didn't work for me. As soon as they agreed to make their relationship "private" despite it's lack of physical intimacy and labels, I got the ick big time. The entire book is Sam emotionally cheating on his girlfriend, not wanting to engage in any form of conflict (for valid traumatic reasons), and Nova saying she doesn't condone it, but fully participating in it (not without guilt). While it's not the responsibility of the author to teach kids how to have healthy relationships, I do worry that this sends the wrong message--that star-crossed lovers who are destined for each other will be together no matter the odds and no matter who it hurts. (And honestly, I didn't really like Abigail's character but I felt the most for her). There was, however, some additional conflict created with the historical motivation for these characters' actions (Sam's abusive father, Nova's constant moving). I found Sam's backstory more persuasive, but Nova's felt simplistic and not realistic, which prevented me from engaging with her as a character in a meaningful way. I did appreciate the discussion of lasting, generational trauma, and I did like the supportive parental figures.
August 22, 2023
I received an e-arc from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.
WOW. I didn't really know what to expect, except that it would probably be really sad (as the blurb mentioned recovery from abuse, etc). But no.
Can I just say, cheating is not okay. Just, nope.
Nova and Sam were friends when they were FIVE and SIX. Then, Sam left suddenly, and they haven't seen each other since. Flash forward twelve years and they randomly meet in high school, and they're suddenly infatuated with each other. *cue eyeroll* But Sam has a girlfriend, who's literally the sweetest person ever. Of course, Sam's dealing with a lot (his biological parents were terrible and abusive), but for some reason he refuses to break up with his girlfriend, instead choosing to hang out with Nova privately (not secretly, as they keep reminding each other! they're just not telling his girlfriend, because that's okay.).
I don't know, maybe I'm getting too old for this type of YA. I was so annoyed with Nova and Sam the entire book, as they keep justifying why it's okay for them to hang out together (um, they specifically go to a diner an hour out of town, just so his girlfriend wouldn't stumble across them). And if I have to read the word "Snailopolis" one more time...
And, is it even possible to have a crush when you're FIVE or SIX years old? Because I think not.
Also the ending. -_-
WOW. I didn't really know what to expect, except that it would probably be really sad (as the blurb mentioned recovery from abuse, etc). But no.
Can I just say, cheating is not okay. Just, nope.
Nova and Sam were friends when they were FIVE and SIX. Then, Sam left suddenly, and they haven't seen each other since. Flash forward twelve years and they randomly meet in high school, and they're suddenly infatuated with each other. *cue eyeroll* But Sam has a girlfriend, who's literally the sweetest person ever. Of course, Sam's dealing with a lot (his biological parents were terrible and abusive), but for some reason he refuses to break up with his girlfriend, instead choosing to hang out with Nova privately (not secretly, as they keep reminding each other! they're just not telling his girlfriend, because that's okay.).
I don't know, maybe I'm getting too old for this type of YA. I was so annoyed with Nova and Sam the entire book, as they keep justifying why it's okay for them to hang out together (um, they specifically go to a diner an hour out of town, just so his girlfriend wouldn't stumble across them). And if I have to read the word "Snailopolis" one more time...
And, is it even possible to have a crush when you're FIVE or SIX years old? Because I think not.
Also the ending. -_-
March 1, 2024
I've really enjoyed each of Ashley Schumacher's books, but I was underwhelmed by this one. Like her other work, the writing is excellent, but I couldn't get past the cheating throughout the entire story and Sam refusing to break up with his girlfriend. I also found Sam and Nova's relationship very instalovey. While they were friends when they were five, they instantly fall in love with each other after suddenly meeting again years later in high school, which felt unbelievable to me. I was disappointed in this one, but I still look forward to Ashley Schumacher's future books.
April 25, 2024
In The Orbit of You
Başlangıç: 22 Mart 2024
Bitiş: 22 Mart 2024
Kitaba Sam ve Nova’nın çocukluklarını okuyarak başlıyoruz. Çocukken komşu evlerde büyüyen ancak Sam’in taşınması sonucu yolları ayrılan iki ana karakterimiz bu sefer Nova’nın annesinin işi sebebiyle Sam’in kasabasına taşınmasıyla tekrar karşılaşır.
Nova’nın işi gereği sık sık farklı şehirlere taşınmaktadır bu sebeple kızı da peşinden sürüklenir ve her seferinde yeni bir okula, yeni bir ortama, yeni arkadaşlara alışmaya çalışır. Ancak bu sefer gidecekleri yerde yalnızca üç ay kalacaklarından hiç kimseyle arkadaş olmamaya karar verir. Okulun ilk günüyse yemekhaneye adım attığında Sam’i görür ve tanıdık gelen bu yüzü bir gülümsemesiyle çocukluğunda ki o yüzle bağdaştırır.
Sam çok sıkıntılı bir babayla sıkıntılı bir evde büyümüştür ancak ilk taşındıkları zaman amcası ve yengesi onu evlat edinir artık onlara anne baba demektedir. Okuldaysan çok popülerdir, kız arkadaşı vardır ve okulun futbol takımındadır. Hatta üniversitede de ailesi bu alana odaklanmasını beklemektedir. Ancak Sam futbolu o kadar fazla fazla sevmediğini fark eder, her planını buna göre yapan ailesine gerçeği nasıl söyleyeceğini bilemez.
Okulun ilk gününün ardından öğrencilerin birbiriyle ne kadar uyumlu olduğunu gösteren bir testin sonucunda Sam birisi ile %99 uyumlu olduğunu fark eder, bu kişinin kim olduğuna bakmak için uygulamaya girdiğinde Nova olduğunu görünce çocukluk arkadaşını hatırlar. Hem de Nova hemen arkalarındaki eve annesiyle birlikte taşınmıştır.
İkisi konuşurlar , arkadaşlıklarını sürdürürler ama başta bu arkadaşlığı okuldaki kimseye söylememeye karar verirler. Nova zaten kısa bir süre sonra gideceğini söylese de aralarındaki çekime karşı koyamazlar.
• İçerisinde hiçbir sakıncalı unsur bulunmayan bir lise aşkı. En fazla bir öpüşme sahnesi var.
• Çok olaylı değil. Bir bölümde dişe dokunur olay görüyoruz.
• Dili ağır değil, kolay okunuyor.
Başlangıç: 22 Mart 2024
Bitiş: 22 Mart 2024
Kitaba Sam ve Nova’nın çocukluklarını okuyarak başlıyoruz. Çocukken komşu evlerde büyüyen ancak Sam’in taşınması sonucu yolları ayrılan iki ana karakterimiz bu sefer Nova’nın annesinin işi sebebiyle Sam’in kasabasına taşınmasıyla tekrar karşılaşır.
Nova’nın işi gereği sık sık farklı şehirlere taşınmaktadır bu sebeple kızı da peşinden sürüklenir ve her seferinde yeni bir okula, yeni bir ortama, yeni arkadaşlara alışmaya çalışır. Ancak bu sefer gidecekleri yerde yalnızca üç ay kalacaklarından hiç kimseyle arkadaş olmamaya karar verir. Okulun ilk günüyse yemekhaneye adım attığında Sam’i görür ve tanıdık gelen bu yüzü bir gülümsemesiyle çocukluğunda ki o yüzle bağdaştırır.
Sam çok sıkıntılı bir babayla sıkıntılı bir evde büyümüştür ancak ilk taşındıkları zaman amcası ve yengesi onu evlat edinir artık onlara anne baba demektedir. Okuldaysan çok popülerdir, kız arkadaşı vardır ve okulun futbol takımındadır. Hatta üniversitede de ailesi bu alana odaklanmasını beklemektedir. Ancak Sam futbolu o kadar fazla fazla sevmediğini fark eder, her planını buna göre yapan ailesine gerçeği nasıl söyleyeceğini bilemez.
Okulun ilk gününün ardından öğrencilerin birbiriyle ne kadar uyumlu olduğunu gösteren bir testin sonucunda Sam birisi ile %99 uyumlu olduğunu fark eder, bu kişinin kim olduğuna bakmak için uygulamaya girdiğinde Nova olduğunu görünce çocukluk arkadaşını hatırlar. Hem de Nova hemen arkalarındaki eve annesiyle birlikte taşınmıştır.
İkisi konuşurlar , arkadaşlıklarını sürdürürler ama başta bu arkadaşlığı okuldaki kimseye söylememeye karar verirler. Nova zaten kısa bir süre sonra gideceğini söylese de aralarındaki çekime karşı koyamazlar.
• İçerisinde hiçbir sakıncalı unsur bulunmayan bir lise aşkı. En fazla bir öpüşme sahnesi var.
• Çok olaylı değil. Bir bölümde dişe dokunur olay görüyoruz.
• Dili ağır değil, kolay okunuyor.
February 27, 2024
3.5 stars
I’m a big fan of Ashley Schumacher’s writing and In the Orbit of You started off really strong. The premise intrigued me (please be sure to check CW’s) and I was drawn into the story right away. Unfortunately, the beginning, middle, and end chapter format/breaks didn’t make the most sense to me and the story went from love to like by the end.
Ashley Schumacher captured all the yearning, joy, confusion, and heartache of young love well. I wanted to root so hard for Nova and Sam (even if it was a little odd that they would have such deep and lasting feelings for each other starting at the age of 5/6). As certain plot points continued to drag on and on (and on) though, things started to derail. I can forgive a certain amount of back and forth and lack of communication, even more so in YA, but this pushed me beyond my limit. The ending was hopeful though and allowed our characters to grow into themselves. It left me smiling, but I’m sad this one didn’t fully work for me.
CW: child abuse, transient childhood, grief, cheating, anxiety/panic attacks, lightning strike & fire
OW/OM: The MMC has a girlfriend for almost the entire novel. There is emotional and physical (kissing/light touching/hand holding) cheating.
*I voluntarily read an advance review copy of this book*
I’m a big fan of Ashley Schumacher’s writing and In the Orbit of You started off really strong. The premise intrigued me (please be sure to check CW’s) and I was drawn into the story right away. Unfortunately, the beginning, middle, and end chapter format/breaks didn’t make the most sense to me and the story went from love to like by the end.
Ashley Schumacher captured all the yearning, joy, confusion, and heartache of young love well. I wanted to root so hard for Nova and Sam (even if it was a little odd that they would have such deep and lasting feelings for each other starting at the age of 5/6). As certain plot points continued to drag on and on (and on) though, things started to derail. I can forgive a certain amount of back and forth and lack of communication, even more so in YA, but this pushed me beyond my limit. The ending was hopeful though and allowed our characters to grow into themselves. It left me smiling, but I’m sad this one didn’t fully work for me.
CW: child abuse, transient childhood, grief, cheating, anxiety/panic attacks, lightning strike & fire
OW/OM: The MMC has a girlfriend for almost the entire novel. There is emotional and physical (kissing/light touching/hand holding) cheating.
*I voluntarily read an advance review copy of this book*
December 23, 2024
“But we’ll always be friends. When we’re big, I’ll find you again.”
I … honestly expected more from this book. The thing is, that quote above was on page two and I appreciate when a book can break my heart that early. So, I had high hopes for this book and I really wanted to like it.
And this cover is beautiful.
I loved the book at the start, but right up to their early reconnection days as teenagers.
I’m glad that Nova and Sam being childhood friends wasn’t a mystery for the whole book. I love that we didn’t waste time on figuring that out. And at that point, although the book is short, we really got to see the depth of their friendship and how it lingered throughout their lost years.
But that was it. I didn’t really like what happened after.
Firstly, Abigail wasn’t the best character, but nobody deserves to be emotionally and physically cheated on. And the fact that Nova, who experienced something similar in a past relationship, was cool with it? No.
Thank you, Netgalley, for the ARC!
I … honestly expected more from this book. The thing is, that quote above was on page two and I appreciate when a book can break my heart that early. So, I had high hopes for this book and I really wanted to like it.
And this cover is beautiful.
I loved the book at the start, but right up to their early reconnection days as teenagers.
I’m glad that Nova and Sam being childhood friends wasn’t a mystery for the whole book. I love that we didn’t waste time on figuring that out. And at that point, although the book is short, we really got to see the depth of their friendship and how it lingered throughout their lost years.
But that was it. I didn’t really like what happened after.
Firstly, Abigail wasn’t the best character, but nobody deserves to be emotionally and physically cheated on. And the fact that Nova, who experienced something similar in a past relationship, was cool with it? No.
Thank you, Netgalley, for the ARC!
October 25, 2024
Okay, let me just get this out of the way. Did I hate that most of the book centered around Nova and Sam emotionally cheating on Abigail? Yes, most definitely. I wanted to rip my hair out, especially because Nova had been cheated on before (so she should know how it feels), Abigail had been cheated on before (and Sam thought the guy who cheated on her was a jerk and saw how much it wrecked Abigail), and Sam and Nova both knew it was wrong. I was also annoyed at all the bystanders and accomplices of their emotional cheating scheme. Some examples are Fox and Sam’s dad. Do I think that Abigail let Sam off the hook too easily? Yep.
Now, that that is out of the way, let me say that I loved the recurring motifs throughout the book. While I am usually a sucker for ambiguous endings, I appreciated that the author rejected the ambiguous ending here. Towards the end, I was rooting for Sam and Nova and wanted a ‘happily ever after’ rather than an ambiguous ending. This book will forever make me think of snails differently, and I will cherish the phrase, “It goes where it needs to go.” 🐌
Now, that that is out of the way, let me say that I loved the recurring motifs throughout the book. While I am usually a sucker for ambiguous endings, I appreciated that the author rejected the ambiguous ending here. Towards the end, I was rooting for Sam and Nova and wanted a ‘happily ever after’ rather than an ambiguous ending. This book will forever make me think of snails differently, and I will cherish the phrase, “It goes where it needs to go.” 🐌
November 13, 2023
Nova and Sam were besties as young children until their circumstances forced them apart. Now in high school, life brings them back into each other’s lives, but will they have the same connection they did?
Y’all this was an emotional read. Sam especially deals with a lot of trauma and trying to find himself again despite it. And yet, he has this beautiful kind soul. The story focuses a lot on Nova and yet I wanted more of Sam.
I think there are also many people who will relate to Nova, no matter what age you are. She’s trying to find who she is without all the noise of society and with a lack of stability and support at home.
I adored this story and would recommend preordering and adding to your TBR!
Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book. The review expresses my own opinions.
Y’all this was an emotional read. Sam especially deals with a lot of trauma and trying to find himself again despite it. And yet, he has this beautiful kind soul. The story focuses a lot on Nova and yet I wanted more of Sam.
I think there are also many people who will relate to Nova, no matter what age you are. She’s trying to find who she is without all the noise of society and with a lack of stability and support at home.
I adored this story and would recommend preordering and adding to your TBR!
Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book. The review expresses my own opinions.
Read
January 26, 2025"don't ask for too much, you don't want to risk what you already have."
1:48:26 sam
that was going pretty good and had good relationship writing which overhauls my usual grievances with high school romances having characters that never go to high school. it did a good job of establishing the reunion based on them as teenagers rather than entirely using their memoires from kindergarten. the drama from the pseudo-cheating (until it wasn't) was interesting, although it dragged for a bit. the resolution to that conflict was very underwhelming and not it though. lowkey, felt like the biggest cop-out because the dude doesn't even entirely understand why what he did was hurtful. you've just got abigail out here doing some fast-processing she shouldn't have to do. eh, other than that it was fine.
january 25, 45²
1:48:26 sam
that was going pretty good and had good relationship writing which overhauls my usual grievances with high school romances having characters that never go to high school. it did a good job of establishing the reunion based on them as teenagers rather than entirely using their memoires from kindergarten. the drama from the pseudo-cheating (until it wasn't) was interesting, although it dragged for a bit. the resolution to that conflict was very underwhelming and not it though. lowkey, felt like the biggest cop-out because the dude doesn't even entirely understand why what he did was hurtful. you've just got abigail out here doing some fast-processing she shouldn't have to do. eh, other than that it was fine.
january 25, 45²
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2023
I liked all previous Ashley Schumacher books, so I was delighted to receive a copy of In the Orbit of You . Plot was really touching and the prose is well done, as is the dialogue. I enjoyed both characters' POVs equally. Also pacing of the entire novel was well done, until the end. I recommend checking it out!!
A special thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press & Wednesday Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A special thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press & Wednesday Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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