Safe Places

by Hannah Morgan

Alexis has been living in survival mode her entire life. With a mentally ill father and a mother that abandoned them, she’s begrudgingly given up hope of ever venturing out of her bubble of existence.  

Malachi has a bright future ahead of him—until his parents pass away, leaving him to raise his younger brother alone.  

These childhood sweethearts are unexpectedly reunited and find support in each other when they need it the most. Safe Places is a story of how to go on living despite all odds, and the bonds that hold us together.  

Trigger warnings: suicide, loss of a loved one, mental illness

313 pages

Published August 27, 2023

About the author

Hannah Morgan lives in Maine, US. She lives and breathes books and writing, and can usually be found with a stack of novels within reach. She focuses on young adult and new adult fiction, especially about mental health, coming-of-age, clean romance, and happy endings (a must!).

She can be found on Instagram as @hannahmorganwrites.

Reviews

[Kermina Sherif · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Well, I can be that. You know, a safe place. For you.”
“Only if I can be your safe place, too.”
A small fire lit in my chest, despite everything going on. I had someone in my corner. I had a safe space. It was a fire that almost felt like hope.

Uh I love this endlessly 💗 pure love that is so heartwarming that doesn't take only gives , also the struggle , acceptance, mental health awareness was so well written and I couldn't put it down to even study 😂💕
And ohhh, having double povs bonus star😍
I loved reading the thoughts of them and understanding them well

First of all, I need to thank the author of this book for providing me with this gorgeous ARC that contains one of my all-time favourite characters now💕

I adored Malachi so much, and his cute lists of embarrassments and lists for his brother and Alexis
I loved the moments when he felt so weak and breaking but still wanted to seem strong in front of her, especially 💔
His care for his brother and wanting to provide for him at a young age when he should be in college or enjoying life, but still he fought to be with him
He brought her a gift he saw fit for her, although he didn't have much (extra cuteee ) and when he calls her "Royal Highness"
This is Malachi being Malachi 😂: "My mission: save Alexandra the Great, Queen of Macedonia, from whatever had splintered her into a million pieces."

I loved Alexis and her fierce character, her way of concealing weakness and only showing strength, never faltering although she had every right to break and show weakness , it felt so sad to see that she's been through alot as well as Malachi

There were many moments when I cried and laughed , when I screamed and when I felt over the moon
I felt like it was more of a "he fell first "trope and definitely "grumpy vs. sunshine." Of course, he's the sunshine who else is 😂💕
There were endless quotes here
Some of my favourites :

Alexis: “Nobody can be strong all the time.”
Malachi: “I don’t have a choice,”“I have to be.”

Malachi: “Can you tolerate me enough to let Matt drive us back, so you don’t get kidnapped?”
Alexis:“People don’t really get kidnapped all that often, you know.”
Malachi: “Still good to be cautious. Gotta protect Your Royal Highness.”

[Gracey Sutherland · Rating 3 out of 5]

My favorite part of any book is when the title is slipped into the story and this book was no different!

This ARC came to me at a “perfect” time of grief and loss. There were so many discussions towards mental health and a bluntness to depression and suicidal ideations done in a way that I didn’t feel like it was too heavy and wanted to stop reading. Hannah Morgan does a great job to allow readers to constantly be reminded there is a light at the end of the tunnel through Alexis and Malachi, which are the cutest anyways!
The only reason I didn’t rate it higher was the romance timeline was a little odd to me and I wasn’t a fan of how it ended. I am a reader who wants the unrealistic, book fairytale, happy ending, which would not have fit with the message I believe the author intended. I would encourage any reader to take a peak at this book if you have a passion towards mental health awareness as it will warm your heart to find an author that did so well.

Check for trigger warnings before reading!

[Kayleen (kayleenreads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciated that the author put emphasis on accepting help and challenging your perspective when it comes to mental health struggles. Both main characters experienced growth through the support of their found families. The book involved a lot of introspection and self-reflection of both main characters.

As someone from working class New England, the portrayal of poverty in the book felt a little inauthentic in some parts.

Overall, I enjoyed reading Malachi and Alexis’s stories and appreciate the message of hope.

[Paola Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of Safe Places by Hannah Morgan. ☺️
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"𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘢𝘨, 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘨𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘢 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘰𝘧𝘧-𝘭𝘪𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘢𝘨𝘨𝘦𝘳𝘴? 𝘚𝘰, 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘣𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘬𝘪𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘣𝘰𝘳𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘥, 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘴 𝘴𝘰𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘱𝘴, 𝘰𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳, 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘧𝘦."…….."𝘞𝘦𝘭𝘭, 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵. 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸, 𝘢 𝘴𝘢𝘧𝘦 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦."
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B E A U T I F U L. I read this ARC in one sitting. (Started around 6:45PM and finished minutes before midnight) I could not put this down. 🥲
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Safe Places touches on a variety of topics: grief, suicidal thoughts/ideations, familial and non-familial relationships, and mental health. The way that these topics are discussed is in such a raw yet respectful manner. The awareness and reality of these things are so so so so powerfully depicted. The amount of times I teared up while reading was very unexpected. While the story line very much tugged at my heartstrings, it still very much reminds you of that light at the end of the tunnel that may sometimes feel no where near in sight.
The love that I have for Safe Places is unreal. This is one of those books that I want to own a signed physical copy of because it will hold a special place in my heart. 🫶🏼🩷🥹
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I don’t want to reveal much about the story and characters except for I LOVE them all…. Well maybe not Alexis’ dad, but this rest I adore. Also THE LISTS!!! I love the lists!!! (You’ll know when you read!)
This book releases August 27th, 2023… go ahead and prepare yourself to add this to your TBR!

[Mariam Bhadmus · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an emotional read for me. It sheds a whole new light on mental health issues, living with grief and depression, helping people who struggle to get it all together, being kind to people and being their safe space.

Alexis and Malachi are childhood friends who lost contact for a while and by the time they saw one another again, each one has a great burden weighing them down and are both trying to be each other’s safe space amidst all the hardships amd tough times.

Both characters were very strong and determined not to break down in the face of the card life has dealt them with and they had an amazing group of friends who would take their troubles away if they wanted but life isn’t always easy. All the supporting characters were equally wonderful to read about and I look forward to reading about Matt and Jackie if the author would oblige me.

I feel like I can’t speak highly of this book enough. I just want you to know that you need to pick it up as soon as it becomes available. I can assure you that you will not regret it!. Thank you to the author for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review:

This book is absolutely beautiful. Reading these characters and their story just made me want to give every single one a HUGE HUG. it was literally like watching friends the show where you feel like you are part of the family and part of their lives. Seeing Alexia grow out of her shell was absolutely wholesome and Malachi just being so understanding and wholesome with her was a beautiful and overjoying to observe.
Malachi also handled his little brother and their lives so well. Whenever i see how he talked with him and he is just understanding to everything whether he can relate to it or not.
The story overall is absolutely amazing and indeed healing and you get to heal and comfort a few parts of your self.
This book and these characters are just a warm part of my life now. I lived a lot of things with them, i felt sad when they felt sad, i felt happy when they did. I am so proud of every single one of them and wish i had this sort of people in my life.
I also want to give one big shout out to the amazing author of this book. Miss Hannah this book is absolutely wholesome and it was not short of anything!

[Patty Baumeister · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Book Review
Safe Places
A Novel Written By Hannah Morgan
Fiction
Published August 27, 2023
313 Pages
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2

This is the second book by this author that I have read. Her first book was Our Next Chapter. Both of her books involve characters with personal struggles.

Safe Places is told in dual points of view by the two main characters, Alexis and Malachi. Alexis and Malachi were childhood friends until Malachi moved away with his family. Now at the age of 20 they are neighbors. Both find themselves in situations where they have to be the family caretaker. They both have to be the strong one in their families. They have to shoulder family responsibilities. They have to put their dreams aside and not live a life a normal 20 year old would live.

As I read I was rooting for Alexis and Malachi. I wanted their lives to get better. As their stories unfold there is an emphasis on accepting help from others. Burdens do not need to be carried alone.

Read the trigger warnings before reading this book.

“I knew what it was like to have reality stand like a brick wall in front of your dreams.”

[Bonny.bookdragon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc Review

🖤 Friends to Lovers
🖤 Slow burn
🖤 Dual pov
🖤 Grumpy / Sunshine
🖤 Mental health awareness

This was emotional, to say the least, speaking about things that most don't talk about, and as someone who has suffered mentally, I could relate to most of it. It had moments that brought tears to my eyes, from it's depth and showed understanding in aspects of day to day life of those who live with depression and grief. We see what we want to see, but sometimes there are things hidden beneath those smiles.

I felt this was such an insightful book, and I connected with the characters on such an emotional level that I felt like I was reading about a close friend/relative, and at times, myself. I understood what the characters were facing as i have faced similar things. It made me feel herd and normal on a completely new level because someone had written about it. If that makes sense.

I really was rooting for Malachi and Alexis romance. It was sweet and awkward, but perfect, i hope they get their happily ever after, as they both deserve it.

Was just such a gripping and brilliant read, I highly recommend this to all!

[Karina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Huge thank you to the author for sending me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Y’all, this book got me all in my feelings 😭
I was sucked in from the start and couldn’t put the book down.
This book tore my poor little heart out but also healed it by the end of it.
I enjoyed having dual POV and being able to understand what Malachi and Alexis were both thinking and going through. They both had so much going on but found the strength to keep moving on in life.
Such an amazing, beautiful story!

✨Please check TW before reading!

[Mallory Bolick · Rating 4 out of 5]

first off, thank you so much Hannah Morgan for the arc. i am honored that you chose me to be on your arc team. this book was good. you get to connect with characters on a deeper level when you read about such heavy topics which is nice. if you like the mental health rep and can handle heavy topics, then i do recommend this book, and what’s more, the cover is so pretty!! that’s certainly not the most important thing to consider when looking to read a book, but it helps. i am definitely guilty of judging books by their covers 🙈 😂 and i love this one! (i did enjoy reading this book, but i will say i typically read more lighthearted books, romcoms especially, so the heavy topics presented in this one were hard to read and i will say if you don’t handle reading such heavy topics well this book may not be for you.)

[Madison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.

As with Hannah Morgan’s first book, Safe Places tackles heavy themes of mental health, grief, and the importance of asking for—and accepting—help when you need it. The story includes very dark themes, but the love and positivity radiating from the found family made it a surprisingly bingeable read. I’m also a sucker for dual POV when there are romantic feelings between the two main characters!

Order a copy starting August 27 from Amazon!

[Ilyse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, I have to say, Ms. Hannah Morgan has done it again! This is the 2nd book I've had the pleasure to read as part of her ARC team. Thank you!

I have so many feels after reading this book. It's a perfect masterpiece that sheds light on mental health and helping others in their time of need, and being their "safe space."

I personally have a huge connection to this subject matter and the fact that Malachi and Alexis had so much going on through their journeys and could still be there for eachother, speaks volumes. Malachi took on this role of being a parent figure at a young age, and he did it well.

Ugh. This book. I truly can't speak highly enough about it. As soon as it comes out, run, don't walk to read it!! You will NOT regret it.

[Fariha Binte Islam · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tight and warm hug! This book exactly felt like that.

Malachi and Alexis are weighed down by their own shares of trouble.Alexis with a mentally disturbed father barely surviving and a mother who abandoned them.Malachi being a victim of life being a parent to his sibling while being deprived of the chance of grieving the loss of his parents. I can't admire the characters more.The way he addresses Alexis is freaking adorable and then his list of embarrassment!!I think I can declare him as one of my most favourite m.c.
Then,I must appreciate how wisely mental health struggles were narrated throughout the book.Overall,I must say this book made my July somewhat better.❤️Best of luck for this book.

[Cecily Kraft · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!💗💗💗📖📖📖

[Erika Watts · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was endearing and like a warm hug. The characters were all quite lovable and portrayed a phenomenal found family who help through the toughest times. So many hard to talk about subjects were present in this book, but all were talked about gracefully. Definitely a great read!

[Brooke]

Content Warning: Depression, Suicidal thoughts and attempts, Loss of parents

In "Safe Places" by Hannah Morgan, the power of human connection takes center stage as Alexis and Malachi navigate the tumultuous waters of their lives. This deeply moving novel explores themes of depression, loss, and the strength that emerges from leaning on one another and building an unexpected support system.

Alexis's battle with depression is a central element of the story, and Morgan handles this sensitive topic with a delicate touch. Through Alexis's perspective, readers are offered an intimate look into the struggles of living with mental health challenges, as she juggles her own emotions while caring for her father, who grapples with his own depressive and suicidal episodes. The portrayal sheds light on the often unspoken complexities of such experiences.

Malachi's story adds another layer of depth to the narrative. As he steps into the role of guardian for his younger brother after losing both parents, the weight of responsibility is palpable. His journey of resilience and adaptation all while keeping a smile on his face, is one of my favorite parts of the story. He is strong and brave but isn't afraid to turn to Alexis as his safe place when needed.

Morgan captures the characters' emotions, allowing readers to empathize deeply with their struggles and triumphs. The secondary characters in the community, who also offer support to Alexis and Malachi, add a rich layer to the narrative, emphasizing the importance of friendship and community in times of hardship.

Throughout the novel, the concept of "safe places" is metaphorically and literally explored. From the bonds formed between characters to the settings that provide comfort, the theme underscores the importance of creating spaces where vulnerability is embraced and healing can take place.

"Safe Places" is a touching and heartwarming novel that delves into the depths of human emotions and relationships.

[Crystal Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, this one hit close to home.
"Existing as a human is exhausting."
I had the absolute pleasure of receiving an ARC copy of 'Safe Places' and can say I enjoyed reading it. I knew going into it, it was going to hit hard and hit all the feels, but man it was worth it. I saw a bit of me in Alexis and her situations. Or more accurately, most of her situations. This shed such a realistic light on mental illness and how hard it is to break out of a set mentality. Also, seeing the differences between Jonah's and Malachi's grieving process and how they were adapting to the big changes they were going through really tugged at the heartstrings. This was so grounded in reality it was like a breath of fresh air. To see Alexis and Malachi go through struggles that so many people go through and notice that they needed a safe place then, truly, becoming each other's safe places in the end was just perfect. Cause in the end we all need someone to lean on.
"Well, I can be that. You know, a safe place. For you."
"Only if I can be your safe place, too."

[Sally Cobb · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Safe Places* by Hannah Morgan quickly drew me in, and I became deeply invested in Alexis and Malachi’s journeys. While the story delves into dark and difficult moments, it offers a powerful look into the struggles these characters face. The book touches on various aspects of mental illness and depression, yet it never feels overwhelming—though the characters themselves often feel as if they’re drowning, the reader always has a lifeline of hope.

At its core, this story is about leaning on others, accepting help, and recognizing that you are loved, cared for, and worthy.

Hannah Morgan brings these characters to life in a way that fosters understanding and empathy. We encounter people like them in the world around us—do we meet them with judgment or with curiosity? This book reminds us to choose the latter.

I look forward to reading more from this author. Her keen insight and engaging writing style make even heavy subject matter feel meaningful and compelling.

[Alexis Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow one my fav reads so far this year!

Wow this was such a beautifully written story and I could not put it down 😫
I loved everything about it and the realness of the characters and their struggles was the best I’ve seen in a while of reading.
My hat off to Hannah for constantly pulling on my heart strings with this one.🥹

[Riss 🫶🏻☕️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A truly wonderful read from an author I love! The characters, the story, and the setting were all perfect and I found myself not wanting the story to end. I could not put the book down, the writing is great and the author has created a great book to read.

[Meg (bookish.apothecary) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a heartwarming and healing read, like getting a hug 😌. Full review to come!

[Ta'mar Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

If a book ever gave 💫hope💫 about being normal and seen. I can't say anymore, my ❤️‍🩹🥹

[Sharon Hajj · Rating 5 out of 5]

Safe Places by Hannah Morgan gently handles some difficult themes. The two main characters, Alexis and Malachi, were childhood friends and have been reunited. They now each face struggles and must learn to rely on others to help them through. The book is heavy at times, so please pay attention to the content warnings so you’re prepared. The book accurately portrays internal dialogue that can happen when suffering with depression. I applaud Morgan for doing this delicately and with purpose. This story is powerful for those wanting to be prepared for some difficult conversations.