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This Day Changes Everything
Dash & Lily meets Ferris Bueller's Day Off in Edward Underhill's new whirlwind rom-com about two queer teens who spend one life-changing day together in New York City.
Abby Akerman believes in the Universe. After all, her Midwest high school marching band is about to perform in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City—if that’s not proof that magical things can happen, what is? New York also happens to be the setting of her favorite romance novel, making it the perfect place for Abby to finally tell her best friend Kat that she’s in love with her (and, um, gay). She’s carefully annotated a copy of the book as a gift for Kat, and she’s counting on the Universe to provide an Epic Scene worthy of her own rom-com.
Leo Brewer, on the other hand, just wants to get through this trip without falling apart. He doesn’t believe the Universe is magical at all, mostly because he’s about to be outed to his very Southern extended family on national TV as the trans boy he really is. He’s not excited for the parade, and he’s even less excited for an entire day of sightseeing with his band.
But the Universe has other ideas. When fate throws Abby and Leo together on the wrong subway train, they soon find themselves lost in the middle of Manhattan. Even worse, Leo accidentally causes Abby to lose her Epic Gift for Kat. So to salvage the day, they come up with a new mission: find a souvenir from every location mentioned in the book for Abby to give Kat instead. But as Leo and Abby traverse the city, from the streets of Chinatown to the halls of Grand Central Station and the top of the Empire State Building, their initial expectations for the trip—and of each other—begin to shift. Maybe, if they let it, this could be the day that changes everything, for both of them.
Abby Akerman believes in the Universe. After all, her Midwest high school marching band is about to perform in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City—if that’s not proof that magical things can happen, what is? New York also happens to be the setting of her favorite romance novel, making it the perfect place for Abby to finally tell her best friend Kat that she’s in love with her (and, um, gay). She’s carefully annotated a copy of the book as a gift for Kat, and she’s counting on the Universe to provide an Epic Scene worthy of her own rom-com.
Leo Brewer, on the other hand, just wants to get through this trip without falling apart. He doesn’t believe the Universe is magical at all, mostly because he’s about to be outed to his very Southern extended family on national TV as the trans boy he really is. He’s not excited for the parade, and he’s even less excited for an entire day of sightseeing with his band.
But the Universe has other ideas. When fate throws Abby and Leo together on the wrong subway train, they soon find themselves lost in the middle of Manhattan. Even worse, Leo accidentally causes Abby to lose her Epic Gift for Kat. So to salvage the day, they come up with a new mission: find a souvenir from every location mentioned in the book for Abby to give Kat instead. But as Leo and Abby traverse the city, from the streets of Chinatown to the halls of Grand Central Station and the top of the Empire State Building, their initial expectations for the trip—and of each other—begin to shift. Maybe, if they let it, this could be the day that changes everything, for both of them.
283 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2024
56 people are currently reading
13552 people want to read
About the author
Edward Underhill
5 books429 followersEdward Underhill is an author and composer who grew up Wisconsin, studied music in Ohio, and spent several years living in tiny apartments in New York City. He currently resides in California with his partner, where he writes music and stories. When not doing either of those things, he’s probably gardening or getting yelled at by his cat. He is the author of the young adult novels Always the Almost and This Day Changes Everything. His adult fiction debut, The In-Between Bookstore, is forthcoming from HarperCollins in 2025.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 411 reviews
February 4, 2025
It sucks believing in the Universe, but someone has to.
But what does it mean to believe in the Universe? I like to think that whatever you look like, whatever you think about yourself, whatever you feel about yourself, if you want, out there, a person is waiting for you.
In other words, we're also called hopeless romantics, and this story, which directly came out from a winter rom-com, is the perfect example of how delusional we are.
But please, don't judge us; there are days we also have difficulties in believing in the biggest scheme of our lives, and those days are tough.
Before explaining the many reasons why you should start reading this book in this precise moment, I clarify it’s a fall story. It’s set during Thanksgiving and there's already a Christmas vibe, so don't ruin the atmosphere before even starting and read it during the right season.
It's important to point that out because this story is also, among many other things, a love letter to New York from the eyes of who can truly appreciate its details: someone who's never been there.
First things first, there's “Queer” written all over it: on the cover, on the spine, on every page; characters have the word “Queer” written on their foreheads.
And those characters feel so real: they talk about gender and labels and topics that aren't usually discussed out loud for unknown reasons, they’re starting to know each other and are confused about themselves. But what truly makes you see them as real people is that even after a big apology from his mom, Leo doesn't just forgive her.
Would you forgive someone for whatever reason the moment they apologize? I wouldn't, but I usually don't forgive at all. But in movies and books is common sense to do so, otherwise, the story can’t end with its happily ever after.
Well, it's bullshit and This Day Changes Everything shows how you can accept someone's apologies because they fucked up, but that doesn't mean you are healed on the spot. It can take time, it can take nothing, the only right answer is the one that feels right to you.
↠ 4 stars
Thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley, who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.
But what does it mean to believe in the Universe? I like to think that whatever you look like, whatever you think about yourself, whatever you feel about yourself, if you want, out there, a person is waiting for you.
In other words, we're also called hopeless romantics, and this story, which directly came out from a winter rom-com, is the perfect example of how delusional we are.
But please, don't judge us; there are days we also have difficulties in believing in the biggest scheme of our lives, and those days are tough.
Before explaining the many reasons why you should start reading this book in this precise moment, I clarify it’s a fall story. It’s set during Thanksgiving and there's already a Christmas vibe, so don't ruin the atmosphere before even starting and read it during the right season.
It's important to point that out because this story is also, among many other things, a love letter to New York from the eyes of who can truly appreciate its details: someone who's never been there.
First things first, there's “Queer” written all over it: on the cover, on the spine, on every page; characters have the word “Queer” written on their foreheads.
And those characters feel so real: they talk about gender and labels and topics that aren't usually discussed out loud for unknown reasons, they’re starting to know each other and are confused about themselves. But what truly makes you see them as real people is that even after a big apology from his mom, Leo doesn't just forgive her.
Would you forgive someone for whatever reason the moment they apologize? I wouldn't, but I usually don't forgive at all. But in movies and books is common sense to do so, otherwise, the story can’t end with its happily ever after.
Well, it's bullshit and This Day Changes Everything shows how you can accept someone's apologies because they fucked up, but that doesn't mean you are healed on the spot. It can take time, it can take nothing, the only right answer is the one that feels right to you.
↠ 4 stars
Thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley, who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.
September 29, 2023
Sunshine and grumpy, being lost and getting lost, great rep, and another stunning cover by Myriam Strasbourg. What do we want more?
What I loved most about this story is the being lost-getting lost parallel. Leo feels lost. So many people don’t see him as the boy he is. His extended family doesn’t even know he’s trans, so his parents want to call him a tomboy. Again. Other people misgender him all the time. Abby is lost in her favorite romance book and almost frantically believes in fate and true love. But she’s, um, gay?, and nobody knows. Not even her best friend Kat, who she’s in love with. But everything changes when Leo and Abby get lost on the New York subway.
Edward Underhill’s vibrant and uplifting writing made loving Abby’s and Leo’s story so easy. His characterization is top-notch. Both Abby’s and Leo’s voices are very distinctive, and Edward doesn’t shy away from harder-hitting topics. What does it mean to live in a small town and feel alone? Because there aren’t any other queer people? Not visible at least. What does it mean to get lost, not know where you are, and suddenly feel free? This story is about being put in a box but wanting to be in another box or maybe not even in a box at all, and in the end, it’s about being who you want to be without other people limiting you.
On that one day in Manhattan, on the subway where people can read a book featuring two shirtless embracing guys on the cover, like it’s no big deal, those two teens find each other and themselves. And that’s all that matters, right? Because the universe is what you make it.
Thank you so much, Nomaris from Macmillan International, for sending me an ARC of this book!
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What I loved most about this story is the being lost-getting lost parallel. Leo feels lost. So many people don’t see him as the boy he is. His extended family doesn’t even know he’s trans, so his parents want to call him a tomboy. Again. Other people misgender him all the time. Abby is lost in her favorite romance book and almost frantically believes in fate and true love. But she’s, um, gay?, and nobody knows. Not even her best friend Kat, who she’s in love with. But everything changes when Leo and Abby get lost on the New York subway.
Edward Underhill’s vibrant and uplifting writing made loving Abby’s and Leo’s story so easy. His characterization is top-notch. Both Abby’s and Leo’s voices are very distinctive, and Edward doesn’t shy away from harder-hitting topics. What does it mean to live in a small town and feel alone? Because there aren’t any other queer people? Not visible at least. What does it mean to get lost, not know where you are, and suddenly feel free? This story is about being put in a box but wanting to be in another box or maybe not even in a box at all, and in the end, it’s about being who you want to be without other people limiting you.
On that one day in Manhattan, on the subway where people can read a book featuring two shirtless embracing guys on the cover, like it’s no big deal, those two teens find each other and themselves. And that’s all that matters, right? Because the universe is what you make it.
Thank you so much, Nomaris from Macmillan International, for sending me an ARC of this book!
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August 5, 2025
3 stars. OK, so I am very much NOT the target audience here at all - I’m not a queer young person, I’m a senior female who considers herself an Ally to all 🏳️🌈 But gosh, if you are going to market a book as a “queer Ferris Bueller”, shouldn’t it at least be funny??? This was really NOT, and I seriously struggled with it & should have DNF’d. I also didn’t care of either of the two leads - they were both so self-centered & shallow (I know they’re teens but I remember treating my friends & family much better). I did like the book love here - loved the scavenger hunt in a bookstore. The story focused very, very heavily on their identity issues, which fair, but it was just way too heavy-handed to be a “rom-com”. I’m quite sure some gay teen will love & perhaps be helped by this book, but I can’t recommend to a casual reader.
July 24, 2023
I’m starting to see that Edward Underhill really is the type of author who knows exactly how to pull at your heartstrings but make your entire being happy at the same time. I was lucky enough to also get an advance copy of his first work, ‘Always The Almost’ last year and both stories have brought me so much joy.
At the root of the story is discovering who you are, very coming of age in a time when it’s sometimes difficult to get others to understand. I’ve said it before but stories like these, that unpack the very real turmoil queer teens go through, is more important than ever. They need to be heard. As someone who grew up as a queer teen with no sense of what that meant or who that made me and not knowing who would accept me, Abby’s story especially hits me.
Both Abby and Leo are lost but in very different ways. It takes New York, one of the most magical places in the world to me, and it takes you on a whirlwind of adventures in such a short span of time. Both lead characters are incredibly endearing and as much as I adore the romance aspect, the bonds of their friendship were also very strong. The representation was beautiful — finding space for trans youth and also kids who might not know where they fall yet and that’s okay. It details that happiness isn’t dependent on a label and as long you are true to yourself, then there’s nothing else to worry about. That bookstore scene will stick with me and it made me so giddy, I can’t even properly explain it.
Using New York City as a backdrop, as cliche as it might be, really adds to the whimsicality of the narrative. It’s so freeing and beautiful, taking you through ups and downs with the same lifts and dips as the marching band music Abby and Leo play. You feel it and it doesn’t have to be the most realistic or plausible for it to feel that way. Sometimes believing in a little magic is what helps us create that magic in our every day lives and you get that theme throughout the entire novel. No matter what age you are or how you describe yourself, there is a slice of happiness to be found in this book. In the span of 24 hours. Not to mention, the ending had my heart soaring to outer space.
Extra shoutout to the supporting friend group who are exactly the kind of people you want on your side and when you’re two teenagers running around in New York unsupervised. I couldn’t adore them more if I tried.
Thank you always to St. Martin's Press & Wednesday Books for providing me with an advanced copy for reviewing purposes!
At the root of the story is discovering who you are, very coming of age in a time when it’s sometimes difficult to get others to understand. I’ve said it before but stories like these, that unpack the very real turmoil queer teens go through, is more important than ever. They need to be heard. As someone who grew up as a queer teen with no sense of what that meant or who that made me and not knowing who would accept me, Abby’s story especially hits me.
Both Abby and Leo are lost but in very different ways. It takes New York, one of the most magical places in the world to me, and it takes you on a whirlwind of adventures in such a short span of time. Both lead characters are incredibly endearing and as much as I adore the romance aspect, the bonds of their friendship were also very strong. The representation was beautiful — finding space for trans youth and also kids who might not know where they fall yet and that’s okay. It details that happiness isn’t dependent on a label and as long you are true to yourself, then there’s nothing else to worry about. That bookstore scene will stick with me and it made me so giddy, I can’t even properly explain it.
Using New York City as a backdrop, as cliche as it might be, really adds to the whimsicality of the narrative. It’s so freeing and beautiful, taking you through ups and downs with the same lifts and dips as the marching band music Abby and Leo play. You feel it and it doesn’t have to be the most realistic or plausible for it to feel that way. Sometimes believing in a little magic is what helps us create that magic in our every day lives and you get that theme throughout the entire novel. No matter what age you are or how you describe yourself, there is a slice of happiness to be found in this book. In the span of 24 hours. Not to mention, the ending had my heart soaring to outer space.
Extra shoutout to the supporting friend group who are exactly the kind of people you want on your side and when you’re two teenagers running around in New York unsupervised. I couldn’t adore them more if I tried.
Thank you always to St. Martin's Press & Wednesday Books for providing me with an advanced copy for reviewing purposes!
August 16, 2023
2.5 stars
Having read and loved Edward Underhill's Always the Almost, I was excited to jump into his sophomore novel. This Day Changes Everything follows two queer teens throughout a day in New York as they explore the city and fall in love. While I was a little tentative of this premise because of my inclination towards slow burn romances, I still had high hopes. Unfortunately, I never found myself enjoying this book the way I did the author's previous. One issue I found with this novel is that, although I loved it's diverse array of queer characters, the messages and statements regarding queer identity were not thoughtfully woven into the plot the way I found them to be in Always the Almost. Instead of having moments of queer revelations and teachings be woven into the plot, the plot would instead repeatedly pause for a character to tell someone or think to themselves a very blunt statement about what it means to be queer. There were so many moments throughout the book when everything would pause for one character to deliver a message to the audience and it sometimes felt like it was breaking the fourth wall to preach to its audience. Don't get me wrong, I myself am queer and did love the themes of this book, I just wish they were written with a gentler hand. Secondly, I found both the main characters to be at times selfish, especially in the ways they treated their friends. They grew on me over the course of the book, but I never loved them. I also didn't really feel their connection until the very end of the book, and almost wish they had just remained friends. And lastly, this book felt a little too much like an (inclusive) Hallmark movie for me. This may be a selling point for some people, but many of the moments of the Universe giving the main characters a sign and the repeated praise for New York as an inclusive adult playground felt a little too cliche for my liking. So while I do love the themes of this book and am proud that queer works like this are being published, it simply wasn't my cup of tea. I know it will resonant with others though, especially those who are just beginning to understand their sexual or gender identity. I hope this book reaches those people and I look forward to the author's next novel.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
Having read and loved Edward Underhill's Always the Almost, I was excited to jump into his sophomore novel. This Day Changes Everything follows two queer teens throughout a day in New York as they explore the city and fall in love. While I was a little tentative of this premise because of my inclination towards slow burn romances, I still had high hopes. Unfortunately, I never found myself enjoying this book the way I did the author's previous. One issue I found with this novel is that, although I loved it's diverse array of queer characters, the messages and statements regarding queer identity were not thoughtfully woven into the plot the way I found them to be in Always the Almost. Instead of having moments of queer revelations and teachings be woven into the plot, the plot would instead repeatedly pause for a character to tell someone or think to themselves a very blunt statement about what it means to be queer. There were so many moments throughout the book when everything would pause for one character to deliver a message to the audience and it sometimes felt like it was breaking the fourth wall to preach to its audience. Don't get me wrong, I myself am queer and did love the themes of this book, I just wish they were written with a gentler hand. Secondly, I found both the main characters to be at times selfish, especially in the ways they treated their friends. They grew on me over the course of the book, but I never loved them. I also didn't really feel their connection until the very end of the book, and almost wish they had just remained friends. And lastly, this book felt a little too much like an (inclusive) Hallmark movie for me. This may be a selling point for some people, but many of the moments of the Universe giving the main characters a sign and the repeated praise for New York as an inclusive adult playground felt a little too cliche for my liking. So while I do love the themes of this book and am proud that queer works like this are being published, it simply wasn't my cup of tea. I know it will resonant with others though, especially those who are just beginning to understand their sexual or gender identity. I hope this book reaches those people and I look forward to the author's next novel.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
June 15, 2024
✨ 4.75 Stars ✨
This book completely deluded me into thinking NY is a magical city to live in again… so I now have to prevent any sense of reconciliation with that 🫠 (I’ve been plenty of times y’all, it is genuinely the US version of Paris Syndrome 🖐️😭)
But the romance was soooo CUTE. Like, I was so happy and giddy and enamored, and the plot did not falter ONCE! I’m usually super angsty about many of the romance books I read, so props to this one 😊
Abby and Leo… I love you my fictional babies 🥹 Time to join a marching band 🫡
This book completely deluded me into thinking NY is a magical city to live in again… so I now have to prevent any sense of reconciliation with that 🫠 (I’ve been plenty of times y’all, it is genuinely the US version of Paris Syndrome 🖐️😭)
But the romance was soooo CUTE. Like, I was so happy and giddy and enamored, and the plot did not falter ONCE! I’m usually super angsty about many of the romance books I read, so props to this one 😊
Abby and Leo… I love you my fictional babies 🥹 Time to join a marching band 🫡
Want to read
July 14, 2023E-ARC generously provided by Wednesday Books in exchange for an honest review, thank you so much!
Cover is gorgeous and I genuinely love a good 24 hour romance, so fingers crossed. I enjoyed Edward Underhill's debut a lot so I'm looking forward to this!
Cover is gorgeous and I genuinely love a good 24 hour romance, so fingers crossed. I enjoyed Edward Underhill's debut a lot so I'm looking forward to this!
Read
February 13, 2024I had some problems with Underhill's last book, but there were enough aspects that really appealed to me that I thought I'd give this one a try. And I'm glad I did!
Once again, yay for trans representation and queer kids trying to figure out who they are and how they fit in the world, and how they can matter. Again, with music as the keelson of the story as a school marching band goes to New York City for an exciting twenty-four hours to participate in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
The music really gave the book both passion and focus; these kids are serious about their music, and the authors knows the subject. It just shines through. Lovely, lovely story.
Once again, yay for trans representation and queer kids trying to figure out who they are and how they fit in the world, and how they can matter. Again, with music as the keelson of the story as a school marching band goes to New York City for an exciting twenty-four hours to participate in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
The music really gave the book both passion and focus; these kids are serious about their music, and the authors knows the subject. It just shines through. Lovely, lovely story.
August 30, 2023
Thank you to Wednesday Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
3.5/5 RTC
3.5/5 RTC
August 1, 2023
˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ 4 stars
‘This Day Changes Everything’ follows Abby and Leo as they arrive in New York for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade. Both of them then losing their respective bands and getting on the same wrong train. These two teens have very different moods about the trip, Abby believing today would be a magical day, and Leo being much more hesitant about it. I was very excited to receive this E-ARC since I was a huge fan of Underhill’s debut, Always the Almost. This is notably by the same author, including all of the last book’s charming writing.
First of all, the characters were everything! I loved both MCs and their arcs. Both of them were developed well with the time given and they’re both very relatable! Leo being the trans Logistical Headache hit home. His POV always had me in shambles. Abby was also an amazing character. Her obsession with romance novels and happy endings was great. I adored the emphasis by the end on making something with what the Universe gives you instead of letting it control you.
Secondly, I love that this is a very very queer book despite being m/f. The discussions of queerness are real and raw. Both main characters are sorta unlabeled which is something not often seen. It’s great to see some queer rep where labels aren’t such an emphasis. (This isn’t to negate the importance of labels of course, it’s just gray to see!)
The setting of the book was also a great inclusion. It made the whole story much more whimsical and was overall a great backdrop to a great story. I loved that I recognized some of the places. This definitely made me want to drive over to NY right now.
The romance was pretty sweet overall and I was really rooting for them all throughout the story. The grumpy/sunshine was executed perfectly and there are plenty other well immersed tropes that had me giggling. I wasn’t totally a fan just because I’m not a fan of the 24 hour romance trope but I really liked this despite that. (The pacing made it much more bare able then others)
Overall, if you’re looking for a short, queer, coming of age novel, then this is for you! Thank you to Wednesday Books and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
‘This Day Changes Everything’ follows Abby and Leo as they arrive in New York for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade. Both of them then losing their respective bands and getting on the same wrong train. These two teens have very different moods about the trip, Abby believing today would be a magical day, and Leo being much more hesitant about it. I was very excited to receive this E-ARC since I was a huge fan of Underhill’s debut, Always the Almost. This is notably by the same author, including all of the last book’s charming writing.
First of all, the characters were everything! I loved both MCs and their arcs. Both of them were developed well with the time given and they’re both very relatable! Leo being the trans Logistical Headache hit home. His POV always had me in shambles. Abby was also an amazing character. Her obsession with romance novels and happy endings was great. I adored the emphasis by the end on making something with what the Universe gives you instead of letting it control you.
Secondly, I love that this is a very very queer book despite being m/f. The discussions of queerness are real and raw. Both main characters are sorta unlabeled which is something not often seen. It’s great to see some queer rep where labels aren’t such an emphasis. (This isn’t to negate the importance of labels of course, it’s just gray to see!)
The setting of the book was also a great inclusion. It made the whole story much more whimsical and was overall a great backdrop to a great story. I loved that I recognized some of the places. This definitely made me want to drive over to NY right now.
The romance was pretty sweet overall and I was really rooting for them all throughout the story. The grumpy/sunshine was executed perfectly and there are plenty other well immersed tropes that had me giggling. I wasn’t totally a fan just because I’m not a fan of the 24 hour romance trope but I really liked this despite that. (The pacing made it much more bare able then others)
Overall, if you’re looking for a short, queer, coming of age novel, then this is for you! Thank you to Wednesday Books and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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July 12, 2024i think the sad truth is i'm getting too old for this. or as this other old dude once said: ô jeunesse ennemie que n'ai-je tant vécu que pour cette infamie.
it's all fun and everything. but i just see the concepts and the frames and the ropes everywhere and I can't quite manage to believe in these characters as people. i just see them as tropes, tools, coat hangers for different plot beats and thematic imputs and that just. yeah. feels juke like in Disneyland: I know it's really well crafted but I just don't buy into the magic anymore. the main difference between this book and Disneyland being that Disney does it for the money and Underhill does it for young people to feel representated and embraced with queer joy which, by all means, I support. and which is also why i won't be rating the novel with stars: my personal enjoyment was about 2 stars, but why would I put that into rating when it's just that I am not - anymore - the target audience, given that I love and celebrate what the book puts into the world and what it representes in the publishing industry?
anyways
i'm gonna go eat an apple and think about the fact that six years from now my muscles will start their slow and irreversible atrophy process until I myself look just like my sad, shrivelled apple core
it's all fun and everything. but i just see the concepts and the frames and the ropes everywhere and I can't quite manage to believe in these characters as people. i just see them as tropes, tools, coat hangers for different plot beats and thematic imputs and that just. yeah. feels juke like in Disneyland: I know it's really well crafted but I just don't buy into the magic anymore. the main difference between this book and Disneyland being that Disney does it for the money and Underhill does it for young people to feel representated and embraced with queer joy which, by all means, I support. and which is also why i won't be rating the novel with stars: my personal enjoyment was about 2 stars, but why would I put that into rating when it's just that I am not - anymore - the target audience, given that I love and celebrate what the book puts into the world and what it representes in the publishing industry?
anyways
i'm gonna go eat an apple and think about the fact that six years from now my muscles will start their slow and irreversible atrophy process until I myself look just like my sad, shrivelled apple core
August 21, 2025
A YA romance with some of my very favorite elements- a marching band trip, New York City, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Grand Central station. However, as a band mom and veteran chaperone- the chaperones in this trio should be ashamed! A terrible headcount! You need to do room checks every night and tape the doors! Okay so all jokes aside, this was classic Edward Underhill, I absolutely love his books. After reading The InBetween Bookstore, I read through his backlist. This was the last title on the list and probably my second favorite. I will read anything he writes forever. I do think that YA is his strong suit.
I’m also so grateful that there is Ace representation and such a great story of trans characters and romance. Gender expression is handled so exquisitely in all of his novels.
I’m also so grateful that there is Ace representation and such a great story of trans characters and romance. Gender expression is handled so exquisitely in all of his novels.
August 18, 2025
Yes. Yes. YES. 6 star read & Edward Underhill may officially be in my top 5 favorite authors.
He really ate with this.
"This Day Changes Everything" has all of the wholesome, queer, YA vibes. Prepare yourself for the cutest adventure.
The characters?
The setting?
The romance?
The tension?
Done to perfection. This is exactly what I needed. WHY COULDN'T IT BE LONGER?
Leo and Abby: Meant to be.
I was desperately waiting for Abby to OPEN HER EYES, and see that boy right in from of her!
Once she finally did, I felt I could die happy.
This story is everything I look for. Bravo.
He really ate with this.
"This Day Changes Everything" has all of the wholesome, queer, YA vibes. Prepare yourself for the cutest adventure.
The characters?
The setting?
The romance?
The tension?
Done to perfection. This is exactly what I needed. WHY COULDN'T IT BE LONGER?
Leo and Abby: Meant to be.
I was desperately waiting for Abby to OPEN HER EYES, and see that boy right in from of her!
Once she finally did, I felt I could die happy.
This story is everything I look for. Bravo.
July 15, 2023
3.5 stars
This was a really cute book and I highly recommend to anyone in the mood for a wholesome YA romance.The characters and story felt so real and genuine. This book is full of queer and trans joy. This was a great book, and I look forward to more from the author.
A special thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press & Wednesday Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was a really cute book and I highly recommend to anyone in the mood for a wholesome YA romance.The characters and story felt so real and genuine. This book is full of queer and trans joy. This was a great book, and I look forward to more from the author.
A special thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press & Wednesday Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 28, 2024
This is the cutest! A grumpy sunshine YA rom com. Two teens stuck together in New York City creating adorable memories and eventually falling in love. I loved this story and the main characters! And also the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade is a huge part of this which makes this even better.
August 12, 2023
I have always had a soft spot for romances that feature bizarre, impossible scenarios with very real, human characters in them. That’s the draw, right? We know these things don’t happen in real life, but the characters feel like someone you could meet on any old day, so the story feels closer to you somehow.
This Day Changes Everything is the epitome of that feeling.
Leo and Abby are two confused, anxious, queer teens who have a singular, whirlwind day together in NYC. There’s no way they realistically would’ve gotten away with it. It’s utterly fantastical. And yet Leo is sitting with very real feelings of anxiety and dread around his transness and Abby is still discovering exactly how she fits under the queer and they’re a little cringey and it’s all so endearing and human and very, very *real*.
This book inspired such a fondness in me in a way that only queer books can. I love a good “feel good” read and that’s exactly what this is.
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC!!
This Day Changes Everything is the epitome of that feeling.
Leo and Abby are two confused, anxious, queer teens who have a singular, whirlwind day together in NYC. There’s no way they realistically would’ve gotten away with it. It’s utterly fantastical. And yet Leo is sitting with very real feelings of anxiety and dread around his transness and Abby is still discovering exactly how she fits under the queer and they’re a little cringey and it’s all so endearing and human and very, very *real*.
This book inspired such a fondness in me in a way that only queer books can. I love a good “feel good” read and that’s exactly what this is.
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC!!
May 4, 2024
Review to come.
June 22, 2025
I thought this was a super cute and easy read. I loved that the MC's were in marching band. I was never in marching band but I was in band and I did play the clarinet like our MC Abby. This took place in New York because both Abby and Leo's school marching bands were in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. This was my first book from this author and I can't wait to read more!
May 30, 2024
Some parts of this book felt like it was made for me. As a former band kid, as someone who looks back on my HS choir trip to NYC with fondness, as someone who was queer and from a small town in high school, as someone for whom Ferris Bueller is in my top five films, I think I was set up to love this. I loved these aspects of the book: the parts where we got to see New York and band kid mischief.
However, I didn't realize going into this book that it's not a contemporary, but actually a romance, which was disappointing to me. I think this book could have had so much potential if it was telling the story of a life-altering friendship and the important of queer friends: instead it turned towards insta-love, which won't bother everyone, but definitely bothered me. I felt that the romance cheapened the messages of the book when a different approach could have underscored some of the themes that were otherwise present. It was still a fun vibe and a fun audiobook, but I just saw so much more potential in this story and in these characters.
However, I didn't realize going into this book that it's not a contemporary, but actually a romance, which was disappointing to me. I think this book could have had so much potential if it was telling the story of a life-altering friendship and the important of queer friends: instead it turned towards insta-love, which won't bother everyone, but definitely bothered me. I felt that the romance cheapened the messages of the book when a different approach could have underscored some of the themes that were otherwise present. It was still a fun vibe and a fun audiobook, but I just saw so much more potential in this story and in these characters.
March 21, 2024
This story reminded me so much of my fave, Dash & Lily, while still being a completely unique story in it's own right. With the two main characters both being Queer teens, this felt like a modern update of that story, even stopping by one of Dash & Lily's favourite bookstores.
This has all the chaotic fun I want from a contemporary romance, where the bigger focus was on finding the locations in Abby's favourite book so she could get gifts for Kat, making the romance feel like it was progressing naturally.
I really loved the characters, and discussions about what makes people Queer and who can use that label felt so authentic. The moment Abby and Kat finally talked was uplifting and honest, and Kat has a way of just stating facts that I immediately loved, she's a character I'd love to see in a future story.
This has all the chaotic fun I want from a contemporary romance, where the bigger focus was on finding the locations in Abby's favourite book so she could get gifts for Kat, making the romance feel like it was progressing naturally.
I really loved the characters, and discussions about what makes people Queer and who can use that label felt so authentic. The moment Abby and Kat finally talked was uplifting and honest, and Kat has a way of just stating facts that I immediately loved, she's a character I'd love to see in a future story.
July 31, 2023
OH MY GOSH THIS BOOK. The cuteness, the wholesomeness, the magic of connecting with someone over forced/chosen proximity and falling in love with them, the vulnerable discussions about queerness and coming out and labels, and the absolute wholesomeness of "seeing" someone 😭 there's an "I see you, you exist to me" scene, and I teared up so hard.
Almost the entire book takes place over one day, one day of adventuring in New York (side note: I really want to go to NY now), and yeah one day seems fast burn, but the connection is such a wholesome slow-burn, I'm so obsessed with the pacing in this book.
TWs - anxiety over coming out as queer, transphobia
-- ty to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for an advanced copy!
Almost the entire book takes place over one day, one day of adventuring in New York (side note: I really want to go to NY now), and yeah one day seems fast burn, but the connection is such a wholesome slow-burn, I'm so obsessed with the pacing in this book.
TWs - anxiety over coming out as queer, transphobia
-- ty to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for an advanced copy!
August 13, 2023
this is the book that I hope absolutely every queer and trans teen finds and reads and deeply absorbs to know they’re not the only one, they can do the hard things, and they are deserving of love.
wow, oof. Abby and Leo were so beautifully crafted and their adventure around New York made me fall in love with them while they fell in love with each other. I’m a sucker for any New York based story, especially when it’s told from the POV of a non-New Yorker getting to experience the wonders of the city for the first time. There were so many elements of this story that surprised me in the best way and I hope so deeply that the universe (and booksellers) put this story in the hands of the kids (and adults) who will find as much comfort in it as I did.
wow, oof. Abby and Leo were so beautifully crafted and their adventure around New York made me fall in love with them while they fell in love with each other. I’m a sucker for any New York based story, especially when it’s told from the POV of a non-New Yorker getting to experience the wonders of the city for the first time. There were so many elements of this story that surprised me in the best way and I hope so deeply that the universe (and booksellers) put this story in the hands of the kids (and adults) who will find as much comfort in it as I did.
November 18, 2024
If you liked Dash and Lily's Book Of Dares, this'll be right up your alley--two teens falling hard while exploring holiday-season NYC. I never quite clicked with this one but hey, you win some and you lose some. It was cute and the cover is gorgeous.
September 12, 2023
This is such a love letter to NYC and I love visiting NYC. In addition, it was compared to Ferris Bueller and I love Ferris Bueller :)
Two teenagers find themselves together in NYC. Both are very much trying to figure out their place in the world and who they are.
Abby has realized recently that she’s in love with her best friend Kat. She has written out love notes to Kat in their mutual favorite book and plans to come out and spill her love for Kat during their marching band’s trip to NYC. But she looses the book on the subway shortly after she gets separated from the rest of her group.
Leo is dealing with the fact that he’s about to be outed as trans on tv. His parents know and his sister knows. But his whole extended family is going to find out when they see him on a pre-parade segment as Leo. His parents have just been telling the family he’s a tomboy and he knows they aren’t going to be happy when everything comes out during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade.
Abby and Leo meet after Leo is also separated from his school group. At first they plan to meet back up with their group as quickly as possible. But after Abby loses her book, they mutually come up with the idea of finding little tokens around NYC that represent the book so Abby can give those to Kat instead.
And then they start having a lot of fun on their big NYC adventure. It takes them to all kinds of noteworthy NYC spots. They mentioned Strand books, Chelsea Piers and a number of places I have enjoyed on my own trips to NYC. It really made me smile.
As these two start to bond and to understand themselves better in NYC, it makes them wonder about the other one’s place in their lives.
This day really could change everything.
I got to read an early ebook edition on NetGalley and really enjoyed it.
Two teenagers find themselves together in NYC. Both are very much trying to figure out their place in the world and who they are.
Abby has realized recently that she’s in love with her best friend Kat. She has written out love notes to Kat in their mutual favorite book and plans to come out and spill her love for Kat during their marching band’s trip to NYC. But she looses the book on the subway shortly after she gets separated from the rest of her group.
Leo is dealing with the fact that he’s about to be outed as trans on tv. His parents know and his sister knows. But his whole extended family is going to find out when they see him on a pre-parade segment as Leo. His parents have just been telling the family he’s a tomboy and he knows they aren’t going to be happy when everything comes out during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade.
Abby and Leo meet after Leo is also separated from his school group. At first they plan to meet back up with their group as quickly as possible. But after Abby loses her book, they mutually come up with the idea of finding little tokens around NYC that represent the book so Abby can give those to Kat instead.
And then they start having a lot of fun on their big NYC adventure. It takes them to all kinds of noteworthy NYC spots. They mentioned Strand books, Chelsea Piers and a number of places I have enjoyed on my own trips to NYC. It really made me smile.
As these two start to bond and to understand themselves better in NYC, it makes them wonder about the other one’s place in their lives.
This day really could change everything.
I got to read an early ebook edition on NetGalley and really enjoyed it.
Want to read
August 22, 2023I LOVE 24 hour romances and I also LOVE how Edward Underhill writes trans joy. a grumpy trans boy and a sunshine queer girl falling in love in nyc while looking for their respective marching bands sounds SO SO SO CUTE
February 13, 2024
ETA- This book is adorable and fun and a total joy to read and it’s out today!!
This was so CUTE! Such an enjoyable read with a lovable cast of characters and a super fun premise. Pacing was perfect and it made me laugh a few times. Both lighthearted and emotional. Just all around a great read. I think young readers will adore it.
*ARC provided by NetGalley
This was so CUTE! Such an enjoyable read with a lovable cast of characters and a super fun premise. Pacing was perfect and it made me laugh a few times. Both lighthearted and emotional. Just all around a great read. I think young readers will adore it.
*ARC provided by NetGalley
July 21, 2023
I wrote in my review of Always the Almost (which I loved- read it ASAP if you haven’t) that I was so excited for more future books by Edward Underhill. Well folks, he did it again. This was a 5-star read and Edward has officially landed himself on my auto-buy author list.
This Day Changes Everything is the serendipitous story of two high school marching band members crashing into one another’s lives in NYC. Abby is from a small town in Missouri. She loves reading romance novels and browsing queer Tumblr. When she realizes she has feelings for her best friend Kat, she starts planning the perfect romantic gesture to win her heart. Leo is a trans boy from another small town in North Carolina. He’s struggling with the fact that while he’s out, his parents don’t seem to want his extended family to know. He feels conflicted about hiding his identity for the sake of peace in the family while also wanting to be his true, authentic self. Both Abby and Leo’s marching bands are chosen to perform during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in NYC, both end up staying at the same hotel, both get separated from their respective bands, and both wind up on the wrong train together. Enter 12 hours of spontaneous, uninhibited adventures all over Manhattan.
I absolutely adored this book. I loved the initial grumpy / sunshine dynamic between Leo and Abby that blossomed into pure adoration. I also loved the tone and the pacing in this book. This is the first book I’ve read where the entire story takes place in the span of one day. I was curious to see if I would feel rushed or find myself wanting more, but I felt nothing but a full heart. The author executed Abby and Leo’s story flawlessly.
I also can’t say enough about the setting of this book. I’m a Jersey girl, and watching Abby and Leo run around to some of my favorite spots in Manhattan was absolutely magical. I was so invested and captivated by their spontaneous adventures together. There was a scene in the Strand where I actually felt giddy; like full on giggling and kicking my feet while reading.
Read this book if you want A+ representation, genuine chemistry, self-acceptance journeys, and two people finding someone who makes them both feel unapologetically free.
Thank you so much to Wednesday Books and NetGalley for this ARC
*4.5 stars rounded up
This Day Changes Everything is the serendipitous story of two high school marching band members crashing into one another’s lives in NYC. Abby is from a small town in Missouri. She loves reading romance novels and browsing queer Tumblr. When she realizes she has feelings for her best friend Kat, she starts planning the perfect romantic gesture to win her heart. Leo is a trans boy from another small town in North Carolina. He’s struggling with the fact that while he’s out, his parents don’t seem to want his extended family to know. He feels conflicted about hiding his identity for the sake of peace in the family while also wanting to be his true, authentic self. Both Abby and Leo’s marching bands are chosen to perform during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in NYC, both end up staying at the same hotel, both get separated from their respective bands, and both wind up on the wrong train together. Enter 12 hours of spontaneous, uninhibited adventures all over Manhattan.
I absolutely adored this book. I loved the initial grumpy / sunshine dynamic between Leo and Abby that blossomed into pure adoration. I also loved the tone and the pacing in this book. This is the first book I’ve read where the entire story takes place in the span of one day. I was curious to see if I would feel rushed or find myself wanting more, but I felt nothing but a full heart. The author executed Abby and Leo’s story flawlessly.
I also can’t say enough about the setting of this book. I’m a Jersey girl, and watching Abby and Leo run around to some of my favorite spots in Manhattan was absolutely magical. I was so invested and captivated by their spontaneous adventures together. There was a scene in the Strand where I actually felt giddy; like full on giggling and kicking my feet while reading.
Read this book if you want A+ representation, genuine chemistry, self-acceptance journeys, and two people finding someone who makes them both feel unapologetically free.
Thank you so much to Wednesday Books and NetGalley for this ARC
*4.5 stars rounded up
August 9, 2023
The way that this book sucked me in and would not let me go was so wonderful to experience. It brought me right back to high school both in the wide eyed teenaged feelings that Abby and Leo were having, but it also felt like I was reading the kind of instant classic I used to be handed in English class. Two teens "lost" in New York trying to find their way "home" but also getting into shenanigans and hijinks along the way?? And the element of two queer kids from the middle of nowhere parts of the country where they feel isolated and alone, finding community in each other and in the wider world that New York opens up for them just warmed my heart, I found myself unable to put this book down for large chunks of time, I never wanted it to end. This book just existing is going to change young queer kids lives and I am so so grateful that it exists and that I have gotten the chance to read it. I cannot speak highly enough, what a wonderful read.
January 20, 2024
4.5* This Day Changes Everything is the perfect amalgamation of the whimsy of Dash and Lily’s Book of Dares, the adventure of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and the sense of urgency of The Sun is Also a Star.
It beautifully encapsulates both the confusion and wonder of being a teen discovering your place in the world. It’s is a truly special queer coming-of-age story with a wonderfully messy and endearing cast of characters exploring a city Underhill does a superb job at bringing to life.
This is a book full of heart, angst and wonder and that left me with a heart full of joy and a deep desire to go on a bookish scavenger hunt in a NYC bookstore.
It beautifully encapsulates both the confusion and wonder of being a teen discovering your place in the world. It’s is a truly special queer coming-of-age story with a wonderfully messy and endearing cast of characters exploring a city Underhill does a superb job at bringing to life.
This is a book full of heart, angst and wonder and that left me with a heart full of joy and a deep desire to go on a bookish scavenger hunt in a NYC bookstore.
February 28, 2024
To see the full review check it out here.
A wonderful story with intense character development and wonderful queer teen rep. Highly recommend the audiobook!
A wonderful story with intense character development and wonderful queer teen rep. Highly recommend the audiobook!
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