Ever the Same

by Michelle Wishner

Sam thinks her life is over when her parents tell her the family is moving weeks before school starts. Starting over is hard enough, but when it is your senior year of high school, it's even harder.

Conner has a great life. He is captain of the school's hockey team, dating a cheerleader, and ready to breeze through his senior year. He didn't expect his life to be thrown off kilter on the first day of school when he meets the new girl.

Ever the Same takes you on a journey of friendship and love that you won't be able to put down.

Genres: Young Adult, Fiction

170 pages, Hardcover

First published January 23, 2024

About the author

Michelle Wishner is currently an assistant principal at the middle school level. She has over fifteen years of experience in education, working at all levels from grades TK to 12. She lives in Southern California with her husband and two daughters. Ever the Same is her debut novel, created in her spare time and while watching her eldest daughter play softball.

Reviews

[Cara · Rating 5 out of 5]

REVIEW TO COME, I HAVE NO WORDS RIGHT NOW😭😭

[*ੈ✩‧₊˚Sassy Little Hippy˚₊‧✩ ੈ* · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.4 ⭐️
A quick YA read with a happy fairytale-esque ending.

This story follows the MC to a new school where she quickly meets a great group of friends and has the hottest 2 guys in the school vying for her attention.

🧚‍♂️ The story moves very quickly, and not to diminish the conflict (a very serious topic), but it is very one-dimensional and best possible case scenario. She is very naive in nature but has a solid friend group looking out for her, and has the emotional support of her parents, best friend, friend group, and suitor.

🌈 It’s seriously portrayed as cuddles and rainbows surrounding a dark cloud, as they got to her just in time, rallied around her, knew exactly how to support her… the entire school had her back. The character flaws were still virtually flawless, even the bad guy owned up to his actions. Heck, the entire reason they moved was for the Father to spend more time with the family…I wish that was a more common reason for a move. If that isn’t chasing rainbows, IDKWI.

🥿 This just kind of fell flat of reality and true depth of situations like this. This is how every conflict SHOULD go, full of love and support, a happy ending for all. Sail into the sunset. But reality? Maybe for 1 lucky person out of a million? And in the end, there wasn’t any true justice with the bad guy, he got to avoid any real consequences.

🎀 Cute surface-level sweet love story, but just too perfect for me. I like more flaws and grit, more character growth. But it definitely leaves you with a feel good, happy ending and you can walk away knowing this little girl is FULLY loved and supported.

Thanks to NetGalley, Koehler Books, and Michelle Wishner for providing me with a complimentary ARC to review!

[Aleesa ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. I absolutely loved this book, I didn’t put it down and finished within 3 hours. It’s such a sweet YA love story about finding your person. I enjoyed the little found family that Sam has come into. I enjoyed the playlist given at the end. The song “Ever the Same” fits the love of Sam and Connor so perfectly. Trigger Warnings: SA.

[Jxn · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Michelle Wishner's poignant novel, Ever the Same, readers are transported into the tumultuous world of senior year through the interwoven perspectives of Sam and Conner. Sam's life is uprooted when her family unexpectedly relocates weeks before school, leaving her to grapple with the daunting task of starting over in a new town during her final year of high school. On the other hand, Conner, the epitome of high school success, finds his world turned upside down by the arrival of the enigmatic new girl on the first day of school. As Sam and Conner's paths intertwine, they embark on a profound journey of friendship, self-discovery, and the complexities of love. Wishner deftly captures the emotional turmoil experienced by both Sam and Conner as they navigate the challenges of their respective situations. Sam's struggle to adjust to a new environment while coming to terms with the loss of her old life is relatable and poignant. Conner's initial arrogance and reluctance to embrace change gradually evolve into a genuine connection with Sam, revealing the depth of his character. The novel explores the universal themes of friendship, identity, and the choices that shape our lives, making it a compelling read for both young and adult audiences alike. The strength of Ever the Same lies in its authentic and well-developed characters. Sam's resilience and determination in the face of adversity inspire readers, while Conner's growth from a self-absorbed jock to a compassionate and empathetic individual is equally heartwarming. The supporting cast of characters, including Sam's best friend and Conner's parents, add depth and nuance to the story, creating a well-rounded and engaging narrative. Wishner's writing is fluid and engaging, seamlessly weaving together the perspectives of Sam and Conner to create a cohesive and captivating storyline. The novel's pacing is well-balanced, allowing for ample character development while maintaining a steady progression of events. The setting, a small town on the cusp of change, provides a backdrop that both reflects and complements the themes of the novel. In conclusion, Ever the Same is a heartwarming and thought-provoking novel that explores the complexities of friendship, love, and the choices we make in life. Michelle Wishner's authentic characters and relatable storylines make this book a must-read for anyone who has navigated the challenges of adolescence or simply appreciates a well-crafted coming-of-age tale.

[Avery B-Z · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this through NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Trigger warning for partial description/mention of attempted sexual assault.

I thought that it was a rather easy read because it moved quickly. I think it was enjoyable and the romance between Conner and Sam was sweet and realistic.

I think this a fun, short read for anyone who wants to read a ya romance, and is not looking for a focus on hockey. I will note that I was disappointed that there was so little about hockey. I thought that because there were hockey details on the front, we’d get more than the mention of Sam drawing NHL logos, the occasional mention of which teams people cheered for, and the mention of Conner having to do pre-season conditioning.

The story is focused more on Sam and her interactions with her friends and Conner and Jake.

[Pamela · Rating 2 out of 5]

I would like to thank NetGalley, Michelle Wishner and Koehler books for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

2 ⭐ -  do I think I'm the right audience for this book? Not at all, but I was intrigued by the synopsis and I wanted to give this book a fair chance.

It's a very quick YA romance read. Although I read YA romance/books, it felt like the story was written by someone attending high school. If you're into that, then this book is perfect for you - I couldn't get into this book. This story, while cute at times comes across as childish to me.

[Read.with.lo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very light for the first 60% and then very quickly turns very heavy, much like real life. I think this book is incredibly well written and can even be healing for some due to how things played out. That being said I do recommend people who check trigger warnings to check trigger warnings for this book.

[hailey lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 i really enjoyed this cute hockey book! short & sweet & a super easy quick read !!

[Tori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book:
EVER THE SAME by Michelle Wishner (Thank you Netgalley and Koehler books for the Arc, OUT NOW)

Review:
4⭐
EVER THE SAME was a quick, lovey-dovey read, but it was more than that. EVER THE SAME is gut-wrenching. Yeah, it was cringey at times, and there was repetition, but this book was just an emotional-rollercoaster. I almost cried while reading this book. Reading what Sam went through, and how her friends and family were about it was so heartbreaking. This book is a lot in that way. There's so much drama and it's a somewhat cutesy(minus the not so cute parts) read.  Going into this, I was expecting romantic, love-at-first-sight, and it delivered on that and more.

What I Liked About It:
*Sam and Connor's relationship
*All of Sam's friends making her feel welcome and helping her overcome everything

[Jess Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book.
The bond that these girls share in this book is heartwarming- at their young age to stand by each other.
I felt all the emotions with this book. I found myself, laughing, crying, happy and so mad!
Enjoyed this story!

[Ally · Rating 5 out of 5]

This. Book. 🥹 I absolutely loved it! Quick YA read. If I didn’t have a full time job and 2 kids, I probably would have finished in a day. I loved how Conner spoke to Sam through music when words either weren’t enough or couldn’t be used. It’s definitely a best case scenario and not usually what happens in real life, but I honestly loved that about it!

[Keri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy from a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for my honest opinion.

A solid 4.5 stars.

Quick and easy to read in one sitting for a few hours. I really liked Conner and Sam's story. I could have easily read another 100 pages about their school year together, hockey games, etc. I was surprised the focus of the story is just a time span of a month maybe two in the beginning of their senior year in which their relationship develops. That is it.

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick and emotionally-satisfying story of navigating the ups and downs of high school. Sam is forced to start over at a new school in her senior year. How is she going to fit in and fly under the radar, but also make friends and build a new support network? Connor is certain of his future as the captain of the hockey team with the cheerleader girlfriend and college recruitment on the horizon - until he sits down next to Sam and she immediately shakes up his entire world. This teen/YA novel looks and feels like a fairy tale story at first, but it ultimately packs an emotional punch [TW for issues of consent and sexual pressure/assault]. Michelle Wishner does a beautiful job of quickly, but sincerely, developing strong bonds of friendship and love. And with a gentle touch, she leads her characters into trusting in those bonds and in themselves.
I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Thank you to Michelle Wishner, Koehler Books/Books Forward, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

[Guisel Berry · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️ cute YA read about high school, love and friendship when you have to start at a new school. TW for attempted sexual assault. I received an advance reader copy from NetGalley for an honest review.

[Anastasia Morozova · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5 stars!

I quick YA book with a happy ending.

Ever the Same follows Sam, a high school girl that was forced by her parents to move to a new place on her senior year. She was very depressed to leave her best friend and her home town. Sam was terrified of a new school she had to go but the first day turned out great.

She met Connor, a very handsome boy at her first day and they fell in love with each other from the first second. Later, she met three girls that became her new bbfs and Jass was Connor’s twin sister.

And there was Jake, a handsome asshole of the school. He put his eyes on Sam and took her on few dates.

Through the book, we see an amazing friendship between the girls, a great support for each other, a few bad situations with Jake, and Connor, a true gentlemen that will do anything for Sam even when he wasn’t honest with her at the beginning, he does all to prove how honest a true his intentions are and saves and supports Sam when she needed it.

I good YA book for teenagers, I gave less stars because it wasn’t for me. Way too simple and short read.

Thank you LibraryThing, Booksforword and of course Michelle Wishner for choosing me as a giveaway winner of this physical book!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book and I couldn’t have loved it more! I found myself thinking about it still days after finishing. What a perfect description of true high school days and the issues that surround kids today. I loved the building relationship between Sam and her new friends, as well as the relationship between Sam and Connor. The good ones will always wait. Thanks for the copy, NetGalley. What a wonderful book!

[Kristi · Rating 3 out of 5]

{TW: attempted SA}

This book is perfect for early teens (13-15) but it is written a little young for the older YA audience. It is a quick read but it was a little too everything is fine in the end for my liking. I wish that the characters had a little more flaws & character growth.

Thank you to NetGalley & BooksForward for an advanced copy of this book!

[books.n.ash · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Beautiful Story!! I didn't know what this one was about going into it, but oh my goodness. I laughed, I cried and I cried some more. This story following Colby and Callen through their childhood friendship and how it progressed through the years was so good. There were so many missed moments. So many times you thought "this is it" and it wasn't. All the angst and heartache and family trauma wrapped together. It was an absolutely beautiful story of coming of age and falling in love with your very first best friend.

[LitPick Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sam is just about to enter her senior year of school, when she finds out that because the past few months while her dad’s promotion has called for him commuting longer hours daily, it has taken its toll on the family. So, her parents have decided to move closer to his job causing Sam to have to switch high schools during her last year. She’s beyond mad at her parents for not considering her feelings. Now that’s she driving, she had even asked if she can drive back and forth to school just so she can graduate with all her friends that have been together since elementary school. Her parents are firm on their decision, so Sam starts her senior year in a different high school. She knows she will be the odd girl just because everyone else has been through the past few years together. Never does she imagine that she will be involved in a situation that will change her life forever. Nor that she would have to rely on a fellow student named Conner to be the one to initially help her through that situation. What is the life-changing situation Sam experiences? Is she able to work through the emotional and physical aspects of it?

Opinion:
I want to start off by saying that I really enjoyed this story. Ms. Michelle Wishner has a way of telling Sam’s story that pulls you in immediately and holds you until you finish it. My heart went out to Sam because I couldn’t imagine having to start a new school during senior year and having to leave all the friends you know since you were a young child. Everything that was familiar to her was ripped away in a short time. I had faith that Sam would make new friends at her school, but I knew it would be hard because the teenagers there already knew each other for years. I was glad to see that a few girls, Jess, Rachel, and Lynn, immediately stepped up to show her around and they all hit it off well together. These girls were the very backbone Sam needed later on in the story.

When Sam met Conner, the captain of the school’s hockey team, I could feel the sparks flying between them immediately. It was as if they were right in front of me and I felt the electricity flow between them. I wanted them to start something off with each other, although I knew it was just the beginning of the school year. I have to admit though, when I found out that Conner had a girlfriend, I wasn’t too happy that he was so drawn to Sam. I wanted him to make the decision who he thought he should be with and not string either one along for his benefit only. I never felt that he and his girlfriend had the connection like he and Sam did from the very first day of school. I hoped he didn’t hurt either girl and would make a decision quickly.

As the book progressed and Sam was fitting into her new school, I was happy for her that her new girlfriends were easing her into the new transition of being in a new school with all new friends. I felt bad she couldn’t spend as much time with her best friend, Becky, from her old school, so when Becky came for a visit and fit right into Sam’s new group of friends, I felt more at ease for her that she was acclimating fairly well. When they went to the party at Jake’s house, another hockey player at their school, I really felt that Sam was coming out of her shell. That was until the unthinkable happened to her. I don’t want to give anything away, but I am so proud how Conner, Jess, Rachel, and Lynn handled the situation for Sam. I knew she had made true friends that would look out for her well-being.

Overall, I really enjoyed “Ever the Same” and would highly recommend it! It has an age range set for 13-18 year olds and I feel this would be the perfect fit for teenagers in that age bracket. Honestly, I am an adult reviewer and I thoroughly enjoyed this story. If you’re looking for a great read that has romance, strong friendships, loyalty to friends and family, and a lesson or two about coming-of-age, then look no further. This is a story you shouldn’t pass up! Well done, Ms. Wishner!

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sam is horrified, sad, and angry when her parents decide to up and move the family just as her senior year of high school is about to begin. Navigating a new school, loneliness, and anxiety is just the beginning, but the worst part is leaving her best friend, Becky behind. She can barely talk to her parents…why couldn’t they wait one more year?

But on the first day, she meets Conner and feels a connection. She likes hockey, he plays hockey. He’s kind and friendly. Maybe this year won’t be so bad after all…plus, she’s made a few friends with other girls in her classes. Then, a bombshell drops, Conner’s been lying to her all along. So, against her girl friends advice, she goes on a date with bad boy Jake.

Things escalate and not in a good way. Actually Jake’s actions are out-of-control and abusive. Conner comes to her defense, but damage has been done. How will she tell her parents? How will the school year play out? How will she get through the trauma?

Ever the Same is a YA novel with a timely theme. However, two things bothered me:

Authorities should have been alerted and a charge should have been filed even though Sam was refusing. What happens when the next girl is assaulted?

Dialogue was cheesy and unrealistic. There aren’t any high school students who talk like Sam and Conner…anyway none that I know.

Thank you to LibraryThing Early Reviewers, KoehlerBooks, Books Forward, Hannah Robertson, and Michelle Wishner for this ARC.

[Julie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ever the Same is a coming-of-age novel with strong friendship and romance themes. It stars high school student, Sam, who is forced to move and change schools just before starting her senior year. While initially she's (understandably) upset about the move, she seems to have few problems adapting to the change. We get to follow along on her journey while she navigates new friendships & relationships, with a few stumbles along the way.

In all fairness, I'd like to start by saying that I don't think that I'm the intended audience for this book. While I do read and often enjoy young adult novels, I think this was a little too YA for me. The premise was cute, but I just could not get into it. The writing was all over the place and super repetitive. A lot of the storyline was just...dumb. As the intended reader, I think a teenager in their last year of middle school or just beginning high school would enjoy & appreciate this book a lot more. It just wasn't for me.

*Thank you to NetGalley, Michelle Wishner & Koehler Books for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.*

[Sabina · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's Sam's senior year and her parents suddenly tell her they're moving houses. It's only 2 hour drive from her hometown but still she needs to change schools. The sudden decision destroys Sam's relationship with her parents. But as her best friend Becky advises Sam tries to make the best of this year in her new school. On the first day she meets Conner a great hockey player, but situation complicates itself when another boy is involved (Jake). Sam decides to go out with Jake even though she is told not to do that by all her friends. In the end she goes through a serious trauma which she overcomes thanks to her loyal friends.

The book is a fast read, I quite enjoyed it although the plot wasn't too sophisticated. The only thing that seemed to be weird about it was the fact that some of the sentences were repeated multiple times. It made the story a bit off, I mean, as if the author forgot that she had already used them in the book, but still it's and ARC so things can be corrected.

[Taylor’s Book Nook]

*Thank you Netgalley for the ARC, all thoughts are my own*

DNF @ 8%

I don’t think it’s fair for me to rate this because I am not the right audience for this book. From the synopsis I was expecting a fun and light read about friendship, love and maybe som self discovery. Based on the other reviews I’ve seen, I think this does what it sets out to do. My issue is that the tone of this book comes off very juvenile. The main Character, Sam, is starting off her senior year at a new school but the way she is written sounds more like she’s 14/15. Honestly, I think this book could have been more effective had Sam been younger. Overall, not for me. I would say maybe this is good for someone on the younger side of YA but I’ve seen some trigger warnings so not really sure who I would recommend this for.

[Amber Stamm · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first, the book feels like a sweet fairy-tale romance, but it eventually reveals a deeper emotional impact.

It’s a cute love story on the surface, but for me, it felt a bit too perfect. I tend to gravitate toward stories with more flaws, grit, and character growth. That said, the book does offer a satisfying, heartwarming ending. You really feel the support and love surrounding Sam, especially in the friendships between the girls. There’s some drama with Jake and Connor, but ultimately, Connor shows his true character, proving that he’s a gentleman willing to do anything for Sam. Despite some initial dishonesty, his actions speak louder than words as he helps and supports Sam when she needs it the most.

Overall, it’s a sweet, emotional story with a positive message, but I would have liked to see more complexity in the characters and their growth.

#ARC #netgalley

[Cynthia · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lovely story about teens finding new friends and becoming comfortable in a new place and adapting to change. I found myself unsure of continuing throughout the first half of the story as teens just don't talk that way. It felt exaggerated. However, I found myself liking the characters and wanting to continue reading. Ultimately, I enjoyed the story and the lesson of sticking close with friends. It would be a good read for high school and college age teens about the lessons of friendship and trusting each other and having a plan for safety.

[Caitlyn Meyers · Rating 1 out of 5]

Nope

Who is this book for? The basic romance, love triangle, new school plot in the beginning felt middle school. It wasn't deep at all. And then boom. Something way too dark and traumatic for this level of book/writing. The main character has no depth to her. No personality. Yet every other character revolves around her.
At least it was a quick read and helped put me to sleep most nights.

[Katrina Mackrides · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michelle's story reminded me again of the struggles we face while learning to become an adult. Sam has to learn to navigate through the struggles of a new high school in her senior year. She rebels at first, but soon realizes that friendship is one of the most important factors in her life. This story is perfect for teenagers.

[Ellen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book "Ever The Same" and all opinions expressed are my own. This was a quick read about YA romance. Most of the story is about friendship, romance and high school loves, family struggles. Overall ok. Spoiler: attempted rape and abuse.

[Monica Hansel · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy from a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for my honest opinion. Trigger warning.
Quick and easy YA read. I really enjoyed the story.