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Then, Again
A woman in the most challenging moment of her life faces impossible decisions in a poignant and deeply moving novel about love and loss, letting go, and moving on.
Asha’s husband, Charlie, isn’t dead, but he’s been gone just the same since the day his aneurysm trapped him in a coma. Everything that made him Charlie left this world a year ago for a limbo that has trapped Asha, too. She doesn’t want to stay in this situation, but she can’t bear to kiss the love of her life goodbye.
Luckily, she’s not alone. Asha has the support of her best friend, her father, and then, unexpectedly, Jason. Asha and Jason shared a tumultuous romance from junior high through her early college years, and he’s her first love. Now divorced, Jason wants to reconnect. Suddenly, the bittersweetness of her past brings Asha to life again. It feels weird. It feels wrong. But for now, it also feels kind of wonderful.
Exploring love—and its infinite variations—Then, Again deftly captures the choices made in the face of monumental loss and the power in memories of better things to carry us through impossible times.
Asha’s husband, Charlie, isn’t dead, but he’s been gone just the same since the day his aneurysm trapped him in a coma. Everything that made him Charlie left this world a year ago for a limbo that has trapped Asha, too. She doesn’t want to stay in this situation, but she can’t bear to kiss the love of her life goodbye.
Luckily, she’s not alone. Asha has the support of her best friend, her father, and then, unexpectedly, Jason. Asha and Jason shared a tumultuous romance from junior high through her early college years, and he’s her first love. Now divorced, Jason wants to reconnect. Suddenly, the bittersweetness of her past brings Asha to life again. It feels weird. It feels wrong. But for now, it also feels kind of wonderful.
Exploring love—and its infinite variations—Then, Again deftly captures the choices made in the face of monumental loss and the power in memories of better things to carry us through impossible times.
309 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 12, 2024
347 people are currently reading
4052 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
September 30, 2024
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This was such a hard book to read. Ashley's husband, Charlie, has been in a coma for almost a year and to read about her heartache was difficult, luckily Asha has a wonderful support system in her father and best friend Bridget. Just as she settles into a routine and gains acceptance, her first love, Jason arrives back on the scene and it brings up memories of the past for Asha, and not all of them are good memories.
This was an exceptional debut. I love the author's writing style it was very realistic and flowed wonderfully. I liked getting to know Asha in both incarnations. The younger part of her story was a lovely coming-of-age tale and her current timeline was heartbreaking yet hopeful at the same time.
I loved that the author showed the different ways we grieve and how it isn’t linear. Although there are two men that Asha loves this is not a love triangle, but an exploration of the different kinds of love. Full of humour and wit Then, Again will take you on a journey of love, loss and hope. I won't soon forget this one. All. The. Stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
The Book Review Crew Blog
This was such a hard book to read. Ashley's husband, Charlie, has been in a coma for almost a year and to read about her heartache was difficult, luckily Asha has a wonderful support system in her father and best friend Bridget. Just as she settles into a routine and gains acceptance, her first love, Jason arrives back on the scene and it brings up memories of the past for Asha, and not all of them are good memories.
This was an exceptional debut. I love the author's writing style it was very realistic and flowed wonderfully. I liked getting to know Asha in both incarnations. The younger part of her story was a lovely coming-of-age tale and her current timeline was heartbreaking yet hopeful at the same time.
I loved that the author showed the different ways we grieve and how it isn’t linear. Although there are two men that Asha loves this is not a love triangle, but an exploration of the different kinds of love. Full of humour and wit Then, Again will take you on a journey of love, loss and hope. I won't soon forget this one. All. The. Stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
September 16, 2024
Jaclyn Garver's Then, Again is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the journey of moving forward, presented through a masterful dual-timeline narrative. Set against the backdrop of Cincinnati and its suburbs, the novel delicately balances the themes of grief and joy with a touch of nostalgic charm.
At the heart of the story is Asha, who faces an unbearable reality: her husband, Charlie, is in a coma following an aneurysm, leaving behind a shell of the vibrant man he once was. The emotional weight of this situation is intensified when Asha receives a message from Jason, her first love, which stirs up a storm of memories and unresolved feelings. The novel navigates through Asha’s emotional turmoil as she grapples with her past and present loves.
Garver skillfully intertwines two significant phases of Asha’s life, allowing readers to experience her love for both Charlie and Jason. This dual timeline structure enriches the narrative, providing a deeper understanding of Asha's struggles and triumphs. The shifts between the 1990s, the mid-to-late 2000s, and 2017 are executed with finesse, making the transitions smooth and engaging.
One of the novel’s standout features is its authentic portrayal of Asha’s relationships beyond her romantic entanglements. The bonds she shares with her best friend and her father—who is a first-generation immigrant from Iran—are depicted with such sincerity that they elicit genuine emotional responses. The unwavering support and love from these characters add a layer of depth and tenderness to the story.
Garver’s writing is evocative and immersive, capturing the essence of the 1990s and 2000s with vivid references to the music and cultural vibes of the era. This nostalgic element not only grounds the story in its setting but also amplifies its emotional impact. However, while the descriptive quality of Garver’s prose creates a vivid sense of place, it can also lead to a slower pace, which might not appeal to all readers.
Though I was thoroughly engaged throughout the novel, I found myself yearning for more at the end. While the story’s resolution is satisfying, an epilogue might have offered a deeper glimpse into Asha’s future, leaving me almost begging for one.
Then, Again is a compelling read that balances the melancholy of loss with the hope of renewal. Garver’s ability to portray complex emotions and relationships with honesty and humor makes this book a memorable experience. This is my first encounter with Garver’s work, but it certainly won’t be my last. Her portrayal of dynamic, diverse characters and her thought-provoking storytelling mark her as an author to watch.
At the heart of the story is Asha, who faces an unbearable reality: her husband, Charlie, is in a coma following an aneurysm, leaving behind a shell of the vibrant man he once was. The emotional weight of this situation is intensified when Asha receives a message from Jason, her first love, which stirs up a storm of memories and unresolved feelings. The novel navigates through Asha’s emotional turmoil as she grapples with her past and present loves.
Garver skillfully intertwines two significant phases of Asha’s life, allowing readers to experience her love for both Charlie and Jason. This dual timeline structure enriches the narrative, providing a deeper understanding of Asha's struggles and triumphs. The shifts between the 1990s, the mid-to-late 2000s, and 2017 are executed with finesse, making the transitions smooth and engaging.
One of the novel’s standout features is its authentic portrayal of Asha’s relationships beyond her romantic entanglements. The bonds she shares with her best friend and her father—who is a first-generation immigrant from Iran—are depicted with such sincerity that they elicit genuine emotional responses. The unwavering support and love from these characters add a layer of depth and tenderness to the story.
Garver’s writing is evocative and immersive, capturing the essence of the 1990s and 2000s with vivid references to the music and cultural vibes of the era. This nostalgic element not only grounds the story in its setting but also amplifies its emotional impact. However, while the descriptive quality of Garver’s prose creates a vivid sense of place, it can also lead to a slower pace, which might not appeal to all readers.
Though I was thoroughly engaged throughout the novel, I found myself yearning for more at the end. While the story’s resolution is satisfying, an epilogue might have offered a deeper glimpse into Asha’s future, leaving me almost begging for one.
Then, Again is a compelling read that balances the melancholy of loss with the hope of renewal. Garver’s ability to portray complex emotions and relationships with honesty and humor makes this book a memorable experience. This is my first encounter with Garver’s work, but it certainly won’t be my last. Her portrayal of dynamic, diverse characters and her thought-provoking storytelling mark her as an author to watch.
May 27, 2025
I mean, I wrote it, so I suppose I'm a wee bit biased, but I sure do like it :) I think you will, too, if you're into
+ Following a character through multiple timelines (in this case, the 1990s, the mid-to-late 2000s, and 2017)
+ First love vs. best love
+ Ridiculously loyal BFFs
+ Midwest *vibes* (the story is set in Cincinnati and its northern suburbs)
+ A grumpy (to put it mildly) sister-in-law you *really* want to throttle
+ A first-gen protagonist with a super sweet relationship with her dad, who's from Iran
+ Lots of '90s & '00s music refs
+ Following a character through multiple timelines (in this case, the 1990s, the mid-to-late 2000s, and 2017)
+ First love vs. best love
+ Ridiculously loyal BFFs
+ Midwest *vibes* (the story is set in Cincinnati and its northern suburbs)
+ A grumpy (to put it mildly) sister-in-law you *really* want to throttle
+ A first-gen protagonist with a super sweet relationship with her dad, who's from Iran
+ Lots of '90s & '00s music refs
October 10, 2024
I think every woman always wonders, at some point, what happened to their first love from high school.
After high school, Asha married Charlie (not her first love) and they lived a wonderful life until Charlie suffered an aneurysm and went into a coma for a year. Just as Charlie has been in the coma for one year, Jason, her first love, comes back into Asha's life.
This is a multilayered story. It goes back and forth through various timelines, but not chronologically. The story jumps back to different points of time through Asha's life. We watch her in an off-and-on relationship with Jason. We watch her meet Charlie and marry him.
Asha has many arguments with herself. She suffers guilt. .She doesn't know if she should see Jason. She goes through a multitude of emotions. Love, guilt, need, acceptance. Through it all she has a best friend, Bridget. Everyone should have a BFF like Bridget. For years and years, she stands by Asha, provides a sounding board, support and relief. Just an excellent friend.
Another interesting character is Maura, Charlie's sister. She is a completely off-the-wall religious fanatic. No redeeming qualities at all. I'm not crazy about Jason’s character. He is a very moody and possessive. I honestly don't understand why Asha is always drawn back to him.
I found some parts of the book very good. But parts of it were too wordy for me. That slowed the flow of the story,
The premise was great but I think I would have liked a story better that was a little more fast paced.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
After high school, Asha married Charlie (not her first love) and they lived a wonderful life until Charlie suffered an aneurysm and went into a coma for a year. Just as Charlie has been in the coma for one year, Jason, her first love, comes back into Asha's life.
This is a multilayered story. It goes back and forth through various timelines, but not chronologically. The story jumps back to different points of time through Asha's life. We watch her in an off-and-on relationship with Jason. We watch her meet Charlie and marry him.
Asha has many arguments with herself. She suffers guilt. .She doesn't know if she should see Jason. She goes through a multitude of emotions. Love, guilt, need, acceptance. Through it all she has a best friend, Bridget. Everyone should have a BFF like Bridget. For years and years, she stands by Asha, provides a sounding board, support and relief. Just an excellent friend.
Another interesting character is Maura, Charlie's sister. She is a completely off-the-wall religious fanatic. No redeeming qualities at all. I'm not crazy about Jason’s character. He is a very moody and possessive. I honestly don't understand why Asha is always drawn back to him.
I found some parts of the book very good. But parts of it were too wordy for me. That slowed the flow of the story,
The premise was great but I think I would have liked a story better that was a little more fast paced.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
October 12, 2024
Asha's husband, Charlie, isn't dead, but he's been gone just the same since the day his aneurysm trapped him in a coma. Everything that made him Charlie left this world a year ago for a limbo that has trapped Asha, too. She doesn't want to stay in this situation, but she can't bear to kiss the love of her life goodbye. Luckily, she's not alone. Asha has the support of her best friend, her father, and then, unexpectedly, Jason. Asha and Jason shared a tumultuous romance from junior high through her early college years, and he's her first love. Now divorced, Jason wants to reconnect. Suddenly, the bittersweetness of her past brings Asha to life again. It feels weird. It feels wrong. But for now, it also feels kind of wonderful.
This was a good book. I read it in less than a day and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It flips between multiple timelines throughout the book and that was one of my favorite parts, I love how intriguing books can become with that aspect.
I was annoyed with the main character at times but honestly it’s because in one of the timelines she’s a young girl just figuring out life. I had to remind myself she was going to make dumb decisions, because she was just a teenager! I loved/hated the side characters and I think that’s a testament to how well they were written.
For my Christian girlies, there’s a very hypocritical christian character in this book that I could not stand. The author wrote her to be everything we are not supposed to be and it made me so sad, I wish we weren’t portrayed that way but I know at the end of the day…so many people act that way and claim to be christian. There are also a couple sex scenes that I had to skip.
Overall I enjoyed this! 3.5 stars!!! It will be published on November 12th, 2024
This was a good book. I read it in less than a day and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It flips between multiple timelines throughout the book and that was one of my favorite parts, I love how intriguing books can become with that aspect.
I was annoyed with the main character at times but honestly it’s because in one of the timelines she’s a young girl just figuring out life. I had to remind myself she was going to make dumb decisions, because she was just a teenager! I loved/hated the side characters and I think that’s a testament to how well they were written.
For my Christian girlies, there’s a very hypocritical christian character in this book that I could not stand. The author wrote her to be everything we are not supposed to be and it made me so sad, I wish we weren’t portrayed that way but I know at the end of the day…so many people act that way and claim to be christian. There are also a couple sex scenes that I had to skip.
Overall I enjoyed this! 3.5 stars!!! It will be published on November 12th, 2024
June 25, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an advanced digital copy of this book.
Asha has endured the worst year of her life since her husband, Charlie suffered an aneurism, putting him in a coma. Though he is alive, there is no part of the loving, outgoing, and generous spirit remaining in the Charlie-shaped shell at the rehab facility. While she has a small but mighty support system, Asha finds herself going through the motions trying to sort the pieces of her shattered life. A message from her first love (childhood friend, first boyfriend, first kiss, first… everything), Jason brings to the forefront some strong and complicated feelings, leaving Asha trying to reconcile her past with her present.
Then, Again was a devastating yet hopeful story of grief and love, of joy and heartbreak, and of holding on and letting go. Told in a dual timeline, the reader is brought on a journey following the two great love stories of Asha’s life- her now, and her before.
While I was truly invested in Asha’s romantic relationships with both Charlie and Jason, what pulled at my heartstrings the most were the bonds she shared with her best friend and her father. The genuine love and support they gave to Asha no matter the circumstances felt genuine and raw, and literally had me aww-ing out loud on more than one occasion.
While I was thoroughly engaged throughout this novel, I can honestly say that I wanted more at the end. I’m not always a fan of an epilogue, but in this case, I think I could be reduced to begging in order to get one. Please? Pretty please? (Insert pouty lip face here.)
This was my first read by this author, but it certainly won’t be my last. Ms. Garver wrote characters who were dynamic and diverse and a story that was emotional and thought-provoking. Kudos!
Asha has endured the worst year of her life since her husband, Charlie suffered an aneurism, putting him in a coma. Though he is alive, there is no part of the loving, outgoing, and generous spirit remaining in the Charlie-shaped shell at the rehab facility. While she has a small but mighty support system, Asha finds herself going through the motions trying to sort the pieces of her shattered life. A message from her first love (childhood friend, first boyfriend, first kiss, first… everything), Jason brings to the forefront some strong and complicated feelings, leaving Asha trying to reconcile her past with her present.
Then, Again was a devastating yet hopeful story of grief and love, of joy and heartbreak, and of holding on and letting go. Told in a dual timeline, the reader is brought on a journey following the two great love stories of Asha’s life- her now, and her before.
While I was truly invested in Asha’s romantic relationships with both Charlie and Jason, what pulled at my heartstrings the most were the bonds she shared with her best friend and her father. The genuine love and support they gave to Asha no matter the circumstances felt genuine and raw, and literally had me aww-ing out loud on more than one occasion.
While I was thoroughly engaged throughout this novel, I can honestly say that I wanted more at the end. I’m not always a fan of an epilogue, but in this case, I think I could be reduced to begging in order to get one. Please? Pretty please? (Insert pouty lip face here.)
This was my first read by this author, but it certainly won’t be my last. Ms. Garver wrote characters who were dynamic and diverse and a story that was emotional and thought-provoking. Kudos!
November 26, 2024
This book so good - but the ending could’ve been a little better or she needs a second book.
December 5, 2024
I was so excited to get get Jaclyn’s debut novel on its release date that I dove right in and was hooked instantly, always a good sign. And the book did not disappoint. I fell in love with Asha, like I was an aunt cheering her on. The depth Jaclyn gave this young woman, who is processing and living the unthinkable, made me want to protect her. The details in this book are divine. The book made me laugh and cry and made me angry. I’m sad I’m done with these characters and I hope I’m not.
November 16, 2025
Great book. Good storyline. Touching and heartfelt.
October 3, 2024
What an emotional rollercoaster. This is a slow, emotional immersion into love, loss, and healing.
Asha's struggle with her husband's coma and the return of her first love isn't the typical love triangle, it's more about the messy, real life ways we grieve and move forward. The pacing can feel slow at times, but the emotional development makes up for it.
If you enjoy reflective stories that focus on internal conflicts and growth, this one's worth a read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Asha's struggle with her husband's coma and the return of her first love isn't the typical love triangle, it's more about the messy, real life ways we grieve and move forward. The pacing can feel slow at times, but the emotional development makes up for it.
If you enjoy reflective stories that focus on internal conflicts and growth, this one's worth a read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
September 23, 2024
I feel incredibly lucky to have been sent an advanced copy of Jacyln’s debut novel. I’ve known the author for many years and most recently she freelanced for me. I’ve always known she’s an incredibly talented writer, so it’s no surprise her novel is well written and thoughtful. I absolutely love the delicious way the 3 timelines work in conjunction to slowly reveal the back stories and details of the relationships woven throughout.
As a xennial (a member of the microgeneration between millennials ans gen x’ers), the historic chapters transported me back to my middle and high school days. And this novel will surely speak to anyone who ever had a first love in adolescence. The urgency and abandon that occurs when you don’t know any better is all consuming, and I couldn’t help but reminisce about my own first love.
The author’s words transported me, and I could feel the way Asha felt at every stage of her life. It’s has been awhile since I’ve stayed up past bedtime reading, but I could not put this down.
As a xennial (a member of the microgeneration between millennials ans gen x’ers), the historic chapters transported me back to my middle and high school days. And this novel will surely speak to anyone who ever had a first love in adolescence. The urgency and abandon that occurs when you don’t know any better is all consuming, and I couldn’t help but reminisce about my own first love.
The author’s words transported me, and I could feel the way Asha felt at every stage of her life. It’s has been awhile since I’ve stayed up past bedtime reading, but I could not put this down.
October 20, 2024
Title:
Then, Again
Author: Jaclyn Youhana Garver
Genre: Fiction
Rating: 3.75
Pub Date: November 12, 2024
I received a complimentary eARC from Lake Union Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #Gifted
T H R E E • W O R D S
Considerate • Messy • Moving
📖 S Y N O P S I S
Asha's husband, Charlie, isn't dead, but he's been gone just the same since the day his aneurysm trapped him in a coma. Everything that made him Charlie left this world a year ago for a limbo that has trapped Asha, too. She doesn't want to stay in this situation, but she can't bear to kiss the love of her life goodbye.
Luckily, she's not alone. Asha has the support of her best friend, her father, and then, unexpectedly, Jason. Asha and Jason shared a tumultuous romance from junior high through her early college years, and he's her first love. Now divorced, Jason wants to reconnect. Suddenly, the bittersweetness of her past brings Asha to life again. It feels weird. It feels wrong. But for now, it also feels kind of wonderful.
💭 T H O U G H T S
Discovering new authors and reading stories with the theme of grief weaved into the narrative are two elements I actively seek out in my reading life. Therefore, it was easy to request an advanced reader copy of Then, Again as it ticks both those boxes.
Told through multiple timelines, this multilayered story gives the reader a glimpse into Asha's life at different stages. There is no surprise I felt a deep connection to the MC as I, too, have felt many of the feelings and thought a lot of the thoughts she has throughout the narrative. What really drew me into the story is the authentic relationships, particularly those with her best friend, Bridget, and with her father.
There were a few plot holes and some much needed editing that were equally hard to ignore, yet the reflective nature of the plot kept me invested. The middle does drag, but it ends up being worth it in the end. Additionally, things got a little silly and over-the-top towards the end, which made it all a little less relatable.
Overall, Then, Again is a well thought out exploration of love and, ultimately, loss. I didn't necessarily agree with all of the MC's choices (particularly as a teenager), yet empathized with her situation and the feelings she was having. It is the relationships (beyond romantic love) that truly make this story. I would certainly read more from this author in the future.
📚 R E A D • I F • Y O U • L I K E
• reflective stories
• young love
• the theme of grief
⚠️ CW: death, death of parent, death of partner, grief, medical content, medical trauma, religious bigotry, alcohol, sexual content, infidelity, mental illness, depression, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempt, divorce
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"I think it you love someone, a part of you always does. It might look different. It had to look different and change. But it's always there, yes."
"I think you believe you should not be ready for recommencer, but it comes when it must. There's no way to force it. Like the season. We believe we are not ready for the summertime to end, but then we remember the beauty in the falling leaves. There is sadness in recommncer, but there can be goodness, too. I swear on your life, there is goodness."
Author: Jaclyn Youhana Garver
Genre: Fiction
Rating: 3.75
Pub Date: November 12, 2024
I received a complimentary eARC from Lake Union Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #Gifted
T H R E E • W O R D S
Considerate • Messy • Moving
📖 S Y N O P S I S
Asha's husband, Charlie, isn't dead, but he's been gone just the same since the day his aneurysm trapped him in a coma. Everything that made him Charlie left this world a year ago for a limbo that has trapped Asha, too. She doesn't want to stay in this situation, but she can't bear to kiss the love of her life goodbye.
Luckily, she's not alone. Asha has the support of her best friend, her father, and then, unexpectedly, Jason. Asha and Jason shared a tumultuous romance from junior high through her early college years, and he's her first love. Now divorced, Jason wants to reconnect. Suddenly, the bittersweetness of her past brings Asha to life again. It feels weird. It feels wrong. But for now, it also feels kind of wonderful.
💭 T H O U G H T S
Discovering new authors and reading stories with the theme of grief weaved into the narrative are two elements I actively seek out in my reading life. Therefore, it was easy to request an advanced reader copy of Then, Again as it ticks both those boxes.
Told through multiple timelines, this multilayered story gives the reader a glimpse into Asha's life at different stages. There is no surprise I felt a deep connection to the MC as I, too, have felt many of the feelings and thought a lot of the thoughts she has throughout the narrative. What really drew me into the story is the authentic relationships, particularly those with her best friend, Bridget, and with her father.
There were a few plot holes and some much needed editing that were equally hard to ignore, yet the reflective nature of the plot kept me invested. The middle does drag, but it ends up being worth it in the end. Additionally, things got a little silly and over-the-top towards the end, which made it all a little less relatable.
Overall, Then, Again is a well thought out exploration of love and, ultimately, loss. I didn't necessarily agree with all of the MC's choices (particularly as a teenager), yet empathized with her situation and the feelings she was having. It is the relationships (beyond romantic love) that truly make this story. I would certainly read more from this author in the future.
📚 R E A D • I F • Y O U • L I K E
• reflective stories
• young love
• the theme of grief
⚠️ CW: death, death of parent, death of partner, grief, medical content, medical trauma, religious bigotry, alcohol, sexual content, infidelity, mental illness, depression, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempt, divorce
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"I think it you love someone, a part of you always does. It might look different. It had to look different and change. But it's always there, yes."
"I think you believe you should not be ready for recommencer, but it comes when it must. There's no way to force it. Like the season. We believe we are not ready for the summertime to end, but then we remember the beauty in the falling leaves. There is sadness in recommncer, but there can be goodness, too. I swear on your life, there is goodness."
January 11, 2025
3/5 Stars
Then, Again by Jaclyn Youhana Garver is a heartfelt story about love, loss, and moving forward. The main character, Asha, is dealing with the emotional weight of her husband Charlie being in a coma, while also reconnecting with her first love, Jason, after receiving a message from him. It’s an interesting premise that explores Asha’s struggle to balance the past and present, especially with her complicated feelings about love and grief.
One thing I really liked about this book was the way Garver portrays Asha’s relationships with her friends and family. Her bond with her best friend and her dad, who’s a first-generation immigrant, added a lot of emotional depth to the story. These connections felt real and helped ground Asha as a character.
Garver’s writing is beautiful, and I could really feel the 1990s and 2000s vibes throughout the book. The music and cultural references from those eras were fun and added a nice nostalgic touch. However, at times, the descriptions felt a bit too detailed, and the pace slowed down, making it harder to stay fully engaged.
The dual timeline approach—jumping between Asha’s past and present—was an interesting way to tell the story, but sometimes it made things feel a little uneven. I did enjoy the way it gave more context to Asha’s emotions, but there were moments where I wished the plot would move faster. And while the ending was satisfying, I couldn’t help but want a bit more, like an epilogue to show where Asha goes from there.
Overall, Then, Again is a solid read that deals with some tough emotions in a sincere way. It didn’t completely blow me away, but I enjoyed it enough to be interested in reading more from Garver in the future.
I think this book would appeal to readers who enjoy emotional, character-driven stories about love and personal growth. If you're a fan of dual timeline narratives or books that dive deep into relationships and grief, you'll likely appreciate this one. Fans of contemporary fiction with a nostalgic touch will also enjoy it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Lake Union Publishing and Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Then, Again by Jaclyn Youhana Garver is a heartfelt story about love, loss, and moving forward. The main character, Asha, is dealing with the emotional weight of her husband Charlie being in a coma, while also reconnecting with her first love, Jason, after receiving a message from him. It’s an interesting premise that explores Asha’s struggle to balance the past and present, especially with her complicated feelings about love and grief.
One thing I really liked about this book was the way Garver portrays Asha’s relationships with her friends and family. Her bond with her best friend and her dad, who’s a first-generation immigrant, added a lot of emotional depth to the story. These connections felt real and helped ground Asha as a character.
Garver’s writing is beautiful, and I could really feel the 1990s and 2000s vibes throughout the book. The music and cultural references from those eras were fun and added a nice nostalgic touch. However, at times, the descriptions felt a bit too detailed, and the pace slowed down, making it harder to stay fully engaged.
The dual timeline approach—jumping between Asha’s past and present—was an interesting way to tell the story, but sometimes it made things feel a little uneven. I did enjoy the way it gave more context to Asha’s emotions, but there were moments where I wished the plot would move faster. And while the ending was satisfying, I couldn’t help but want a bit more, like an epilogue to show where Asha goes from there.
Overall, Then, Again is a solid read that deals with some tough emotions in a sincere way. It didn’t completely blow me away, but I enjoyed it enough to be interested in reading more from Garver in the future.
I think this book would appeal to readers who enjoy emotional, character-driven stories about love and personal growth. If you're a fan of dual timeline narratives or books that dive deep into relationships and grief, you'll likely appreciate this one. Fans of contemporary fiction with a nostalgic touch will also enjoy it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Lake Union Publishing and Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
July 21, 2024
Tragedy hits a young married couple in their 30s, when Charlie suffers a brain aneurysm and falls into an irreversible coma. When the novel opens, his wife, Asha, has visited Charlie in a nursing home once a week for the past year. She holds his hand, talks about everything going on around her, leaves a bowl of dates on his bedside table. Asha has accepted that Charlie will not recover, but she still can't bring herself to focus on her future without him.
On the flip side, Charlie's sister, Maura, visits her brother every day, believing with all her heart that God will cure Charlie if everyone prays hard enough. She runs a successful Instagram account that I really couldn't figure if she did it to push religion or make lots of money. Maura and Asha have a very strained relationship, because neither agrees to change their beliefs -- Maura won't accept that Charlie won't recover, and Asha won't believe that prayer will miraculously cure Charlie.
While I enjoyed this push-and-pull between Maura and Asha, as well as the themes of dealing with grief and how to move forward in the face of such devastation, the author decided to veer away from these issues by focusing on Asha's past romance with Jason, whom she had a tumultuous relationship with from middle school through high school. There is also a storyline in which Asha has an affair while Charlie is in the coma, and she deals with happiness and guilt for most of these chapters.
The novel is told in many, many non-chronological chapters, and I found myself eventually skimming through the Jason and Francis (the man Asha had the affair with) chapters, because I just wasn't as invested in those characters and their stories (especially that of Francis). While Jason does show emotional growth -- which I liked, I just felt that those chapters took up too much of the book. I appreciated Asha's struggle with wanting to stay emotionally connected to Charlie, but also wanting to move forward with her life.
Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC and the opportunity to review this novel.
On the flip side, Charlie's sister, Maura, visits her brother every day, believing with all her heart that God will cure Charlie if everyone prays hard enough. She runs a successful Instagram account that I really couldn't figure if she did it to push religion or make lots of money. Maura and Asha have a very strained relationship, because neither agrees to change their beliefs -- Maura won't accept that Charlie won't recover, and Asha won't believe that prayer will miraculously cure Charlie.
While I enjoyed this push-and-pull between Maura and Asha, as well as the themes of dealing with grief and how to move forward in the face of such devastation, the author decided to veer away from these issues by focusing on Asha's past romance with Jason, whom she had a tumultuous relationship with from middle school through high school. There is also a storyline in which Asha has an affair while Charlie is in the coma, and she deals with happiness and guilt for most of these chapters.
The novel is told in many, many non-chronological chapters, and I found myself eventually skimming through the Jason and Francis (the man Asha had the affair with) chapters, because I just wasn't as invested in those characters and their stories (especially that of Francis). While Jason does show emotional growth -- which I liked, I just felt that those chapters took up too much of the book. I appreciated Asha's struggle with wanting to stay emotionally connected to Charlie, but also wanting to move forward with her life.
Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC and the opportunity to review this novel.
December 5, 2024
𓇢𓆸 “𝙄𝙛 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙡𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙜𝙤, 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙄 𝙖𝙢 𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙡𝙮 𝙞𝙣 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙮𝙤𝙪. 𝙈𝙖𝙮𝙗𝙚, 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙙𝙖𝙮, 𝙮𝙤𝙪’𝙡𝙡 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄’𝙡𝙡 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬: 𝙔𝙤𝙪'𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙢𝙚, 𝙩𝙤𝙤.”
A poignant and emotionally charged story that explores love, friendship, and the complexities of moving on.
This novel follows Asha, a woman whose husband has been in a coma for a year. When her first love, Jason, reappears in her life, she’s forced to confront her past while navigating the delicate balance of loss and hope.
What stood out the most to me about this was the compelling aspects of the author's beautiful, poetic writing. Her writing is flawless, perfectly depicting the feelings of young love, those first-time feelings. Her ability to evoke such raw emotion while also delivering moments of humor was immensely admirable.
Asha, our heroine, is incredibly relatable, which drew me into this story a whole lot more. Her emotional complexity makes her journey feel authentic, and I really loved seeing her HEA play out. Jason, her first love, is a bit of a disappointment. Which I guess you could say all first loves are, but still. His actions, at times, come off as unloyal and frustratingly typical of a boy who hasn’t fully grown or changed. This made some of the books emotional stakes feel a little muddled, especially when Asha’s feelings towards him seemed so all over the place and shifted so easily. Even still, in the end, I loved him and Asha together. As for Charlie, there’s not enough words to express my love for that sweet man.
Despite this, the plot itself was compelling and kept me turning the pages. It’s a quick read, which I very much appreciated, yet it still carries significant emotional depth. The story touches on topics of love, grief, letting go, and what it means to heal, making it both thought-provoking and heart-wrenching. I would love to see this be a movie adaptation one day!
𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗼 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝗚𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗽𝘆!
ᥫ᭡ 𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀/𝗺𝗶𝗰𝗿𝗼 𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀
Second chance
Dual timeline
Found family
Love triangle
First love
Husband in a coma
4.3 ★
A poignant and emotionally charged story that explores love, friendship, and the complexities of moving on.
This novel follows Asha, a woman whose husband has been in a coma for a year. When her first love, Jason, reappears in her life, she’s forced to confront her past while navigating the delicate balance of loss and hope.
What stood out the most to me about this was the compelling aspects of the author's beautiful, poetic writing. Her writing is flawless, perfectly depicting the feelings of young love, those first-time feelings. Her ability to evoke such raw emotion while also delivering moments of humor was immensely admirable.
Asha, our heroine, is incredibly relatable, which drew me into this story a whole lot more. Her emotional complexity makes her journey feel authentic, and I really loved seeing her HEA play out. Jason, her first love, is a bit of a disappointment. Which I guess you could say all first loves are, but still. His actions, at times, come off as unloyal and frustratingly typical of a boy who hasn’t fully grown or changed. This made some of the books emotional stakes feel a little muddled, especially when Asha’s feelings towards him seemed so all over the place and shifted so easily. Even still, in the end, I loved him and Asha together. As for Charlie, there’s not enough words to express my love for that sweet man.
Despite this, the plot itself was compelling and kept me turning the pages. It’s a quick read, which I very much appreciated, yet it still carries significant emotional depth. The story touches on topics of love, grief, letting go, and what it means to heal, making it both thought-provoking and heart-wrenching. I would love to see this be a movie adaptation one day!
𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗼 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝗚𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗽𝘆!
ᥫ᭡ 𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀/𝗺𝗶𝗰𝗿𝗼 𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀
Second chance
Dual timeline
Found family
Love triangle
First love
Husband in a coma
4.3 ★
April 17, 2025
This was a beautifully-written exploration of love, loss, and self-discovery. One year after her beloved husband, Charlie, falls into an unexpected coma, Asha grapples with complicated feelings around grief and several complex relationships - including the return of her first love, Jason.
This story is told over the course of 3 timelines, where we follow Asha throughout her teenage years as she grows up with her single father and finds love for the first time with Jason, then her college years and young adulthood where she meets and marries Charlie, and finally as a woman in her thirties, 10 years after she and Charlie have been married and a year after his aneurism. It reads almost like a memoir as we switch between the 3 timelines seamlessly, and I loved that. Often, when there are multiple timelines, it can get tiring for me because it can make the story feel choppy, but I think this was done very well. Each storyline was interesting enough to keep me engaged and waiting for more, and I never felt like I was left hanging for too long waiting for one before it picked up again.
The characters felt very human. The author did a wonderful job of showing their strengths as well as their weaknesses. At no point were we supposed to believe that anyone was perfect. They were messy and flawed, but not in a way that made anyone unlikeable (except maybe Maura, Asha's sister-in-law).
The writing style was very easy to follow while still being almost poetic - it was a perfect balance for me. The author successfully crafted a tone that was a combination of melancholy, hope, and humor.
I received an e-ARC of this book via NetGalley, but I also listened to the audiobook, and it was narrated beautifully. Since it was a single POV, we only had one narrator, but she absolutely crushed it. Her delivery was perfect and she brought every single character to life so seamlessly, I forgot I was listening to one person. 10/10 recommend the audio, but it's definitely also a great physical read.
This story is told over the course of 3 timelines, where we follow Asha throughout her teenage years as she grows up with her single father and finds love for the first time with Jason, then her college years and young adulthood where she meets and marries Charlie, and finally as a woman in her thirties, 10 years after she and Charlie have been married and a year after his aneurism. It reads almost like a memoir as we switch between the 3 timelines seamlessly, and I loved that. Often, when there are multiple timelines, it can get tiring for me because it can make the story feel choppy, but I think this was done very well. Each storyline was interesting enough to keep me engaged and waiting for more, and I never felt like I was left hanging for too long waiting for one before it picked up again.
The characters felt very human. The author did a wonderful job of showing their strengths as well as their weaknesses. At no point were we supposed to believe that anyone was perfect. They were messy and flawed, but not in a way that made anyone unlikeable (except maybe Maura, Asha's sister-in-law).
The writing style was very easy to follow while still being almost poetic - it was a perfect balance for me. The author successfully crafted a tone that was a combination of melancholy, hope, and humor.
I received an e-ARC of this book via NetGalley, but I also listened to the audiobook, and it was narrated beautifully. Since it was a single POV, we only had one narrator, but she absolutely crushed it. Her delivery was perfect and she brought every single character to life so seamlessly, I forgot I was listening to one person. 10/10 recommend the audio, but it's definitely also a great physical read.
December 2, 2024
I was given the opportunity to listen to an advance audio copy of “then, again” by Jaclyn Youhana Garver.
Asha’s husband, Charlie, is in a coma. It’s been a year. Asha visits the care facility weekly, but knows that Charlie is no longer with her. Asha has a complex relationship with her judge-y SIL who makes Asha feel like a horrible wife. When things don’t seem complicated enough, Asha’s first love, recently divorced Jason, shows up unexpectedly.
The story goes back-and-forth from when Asha was in junior high and high school and dating Jason, and to the present day, and also tells the story of Asha and Charlie.
Asha’s relationship with Charlie was always easy. They met each other and fell in love. Asha’s relationship with Jason was much more complex, with a lot of drama,
The story of Asha and Jason sounds like a story between teens. There was a lot of jealousy, backstabbing by friends, and way too much insecurity for a solid foundation.
It was a decent enough story, but it was pretty slow. The author could have condensed some of the information from the past. I did like the fact that the author explored things that happened since Charlie’s coma, and before Jason returned in to the picture. It added another dynamic. Man that Francis is something else.
I enjoyed the details throughout the book, including the food that Asha’s father made, and what happened with Charlie’s ashes after the funeral.
The narrator, Samara Naeymi, does a nice job narrating the book.
Thank you to NetGalley and brilliance publishing for the advanced audio copy in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
3.25⭐️
Asha’s husband, Charlie, is in a coma. It’s been a year. Asha visits the care facility weekly, but knows that Charlie is no longer with her. Asha has a complex relationship with her judge-y SIL who makes Asha feel like a horrible wife. When things don’t seem complicated enough, Asha’s first love, recently divorced Jason, shows up unexpectedly.
The story goes back-and-forth from when Asha was in junior high and high school and dating Jason, and to the present day, and also tells the story of Asha and Charlie.
Asha’s relationship with Charlie was always easy. They met each other and fell in love. Asha’s relationship with Jason was much more complex, with a lot of drama,
The story of Asha and Jason sounds like a story between teens. There was a lot of jealousy, backstabbing by friends, and way too much insecurity for a solid foundation.
It was a decent enough story, but it was pretty slow. The author could have condensed some of the information from the past. I did like the fact that the author explored things that happened since Charlie’s coma, and before Jason returned in to the picture. It added another dynamic. Man that Francis is something else.
I enjoyed the details throughout the book, including the food that Asha’s father made, and what happened with Charlie’s ashes after the funeral.
The narrator, Samara Naeymi, does a nice job narrating the book.
Thank you to NetGalley and brilliance publishing for the advanced audio copy in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
3.25⭐️
November 19, 2024
A dazzling debut that is all the stars ah-mazing! The down to earth conversational tone makes it feel like you're sitting back talking to an old friend. Which is a stellar feat considering, this contains heavy content. It raises hard questions regarding grief and love and how those paths can become entwined and a twisted mess sometimes.
Asha's husband Charlie has been in a coma for a year with a poor prognosis. She has a wonderful father who moved to America from Iran as a boy. I valued their relationship so much. A widowed single father who is lovely and supportive-YES! Her friendship with Bridget spans the multiple timelines in the novel. She's one of those friends who feels like the best kind of family. Everyone needs a Bridget in their lives! Despite the support she receives, Asha's life is filled with grief and uncertainty. An old flame who she grew up with resurfaces bringing with him a lot of memories, emotions to work through, but a bit of hope too.
Multiple timelines featuring the '90's, 2000's, and 2017 show readers the many layers that make Asha who she is. The author painted an authentic portrait of this character; I felt like I really got to know her. It gave insight about the challenges she was facing moving forward.
This novel enchanted me from the first line. The connections between characters remain honest despite not shying away from the tough moments.
Well Done! 👏👏👏
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the Advance Readers Copy
Asha's husband Charlie has been in a coma for a year with a poor prognosis. She has a wonderful father who moved to America from Iran as a boy. I valued their relationship so much. A widowed single father who is lovely and supportive-YES! Her friendship with Bridget spans the multiple timelines in the novel. She's one of those friends who feels like the best kind of family. Everyone needs a Bridget in their lives! Despite the support she receives, Asha's life is filled with grief and uncertainty. An old flame who she grew up with resurfaces bringing with him a lot of memories, emotions to work through, but a bit of hope too.
Multiple timelines featuring the '90's, 2000's, and 2017 show readers the many layers that make Asha who she is. The author painted an authentic portrait of this character; I felt like I really got to know her. It gave insight about the challenges she was facing moving forward.
This novel enchanted me from the first line. The connections between characters remain honest despite not shying away from the tough moments.
Well Done! 👏👏👏
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the Advance Readers Copy
October 27, 2024
This engrossing novel introduces us to Asha, whose husband Charlie has been in a coma for a year. Her first love Jason is back in town and recently divorced, and as she negotiates her raw grief, she also finds a second chance at a love that was formative in her life. With a supportive cast including Asha's father, who was born in Iran but emigrated to the U.S. and settled outside of Cincinnati, and her best friend Bridget, Asha's narration explores layers of love and loss with sensitivity and nuance but also with an ultimately hopeful outlook. The book includes three timelines in alternating chapters: The present, Asha's 20s when she met Charlie, and Asha's adolescence-to-college romance with Jason. As I started each chapter, I was a little sad that I was skipping back or forward in time, but by two pages in, I was reinvested in that particular timeline. Charlie's sister provides interesting tension, and I have to say, Charlie is the best. I'm glad we get to meet him in the past--it makes his present so much more heartbreaking because he's such a wonderful match for Asha. The late-'90s and early-aughts vibes are strong, as are the Midwestern ones. Asha's exploration of her inherited Iranian culture--especially the food--provides an interesting subplot. All in all a life-affirming read. I look forward to whatever the author writes next!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced reader copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced reader copy.
November 17, 2024
I hated this book to end! A poignant story about the adaptation and evolvement of love from teen-aged angst to a mature, comfortable love.
Asha's husband, Charlie, has been in a coma for a year. Her best friend and her dear father support her through this grief. Asha is confronted with the dilemma of remaining loyal to the love of her life and facing the inevitable and burdensome act of moving forward with her life. The relationships with Charlie's family are strained or non-existent.
Then, her first love, Jason, reemerges in her life while her religious zealot of a sister-in-law stands by judging and accusing Asha about her decisions with both Charlie and Jason.
It is a beautiful yet heart-wrenching story about the colossal quandary of decisions and emotions that accompany life and death decisions.
Splendidly written! The story flowed easily. The perspective alternated between Asha's memories of her first love experiences, to her encounters during her marriage, and her present situation. These perspectives at various times in Asha's life were easy to follow and made sense, one piece at a time. I connected with the characters quickly and was immersed in their development.
Thank you, #NetGalley and #LakeUnionPublishing , for the advanced reader's copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
#ThenAgain #WomensFiction #EthicalDilemma
#Romance #LoveStory
@netgalley @lakeunionauthors
Asha's husband, Charlie, has been in a coma for a year. Her best friend and her dear father support her through this grief. Asha is confronted with the dilemma of remaining loyal to the love of her life and facing the inevitable and burdensome act of moving forward with her life. The relationships with Charlie's family are strained or non-existent.
Then, her first love, Jason, reemerges in her life while her religious zealot of a sister-in-law stands by judging and accusing Asha about her decisions with both Charlie and Jason.
It is a beautiful yet heart-wrenching story about the colossal quandary of decisions and emotions that accompany life and death decisions.
Splendidly written! The story flowed easily. The perspective alternated between Asha's memories of her first love experiences, to her encounters during her marriage, and her present situation. These perspectives at various times in Asha's life were easy to follow and made sense, one piece at a time. I connected with the characters quickly and was immersed in their development.
Thank you, #NetGalley and #LakeUnionPublishing , for the advanced reader's copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
#ThenAgain #WomensFiction #EthicalDilemma
#Romance #LoveStory
@netgalley @lakeunionauthors
January 15, 2025
Talk about ripping my heart to shreds and finding ways to put it back together again over and over again. Jaclyn Youhana Garver's first novel is beautiful and raw and makes you feel all the emotions!
𝐈𝐭 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐟 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐭 𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐢𝐧 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐝𝐚𝐲—𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐬 𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲.
The novel follows Asha who is trying to figure out how to keep living after her husband is taken from her. A year after the tragedy, her first love, recently divorced, comes back into town wanting to reconnect. You're transported back and forth between the past and present taking you through every time Asha falls in love and picks up the pieces after being broken.
The tragedy that befalls Asha's husband is heavy, but you don't feel like you're carrying too much of the weight. The sadness is broken up by humor and lightheartedness as Asha tells the story of how they fell in love and how they'll always be in love.
You also get to meet Jason, Asha's first love, who honestly reminded me so much of my own high school boyfriend. Teenage years are weird. You relive awkward middle school dances and first kisses and jealousy. Remembering a time when you felt like you were an adult, but really you were just going through growing pains.
Everything feels so candid, and that's really what makes you forget you're reading a novel. I think it’s a must read for anyone who has felt a heartbreak and needs to remember the hope of what comes after.
𝐈𝐭 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐟 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐭 𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐢𝐧 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐝𝐚𝐲—𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐬 𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲.
The novel follows Asha who is trying to figure out how to keep living after her husband is taken from her. A year after the tragedy, her first love, recently divorced, comes back into town wanting to reconnect. You're transported back and forth between the past and present taking you through every time Asha falls in love and picks up the pieces after being broken.
The tragedy that befalls Asha's husband is heavy, but you don't feel like you're carrying too much of the weight. The sadness is broken up by humor and lightheartedness as Asha tells the story of how they fell in love and how they'll always be in love.
You also get to meet Jason, Asha's first love, who honestly reminded me so much of my own high school boyfriend. Teenage years are weird. You relive awkward middle school dances and first kisses and jealousy. Remembering a time when you felt like you were an adult, but really you were just going through growing pains.
Everything feels so candid, and that's really what makes you forget you're reading a novel. I think it’s a must read for anyone who has felt a heartbreak and needs to remember the hope of what comes after.
November 8, 2024
Asha is experiencing a life-changing complication. After a freak medical emergency, her husband is in a coma and the doctors do not know if he will ever wake up. During this time, Asha has her dad, her best friend, and surprisingly, Jason, a boy she had been in love with for years growing up, by her side.
Thank you Jaclyn Youhana Garver and Brilliance Publishing for the audio version of this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed here are mine and mine alone.
I started out absolutely loving this book. I loved all the timelines going back to different moments of Asha's life. I loved how middle school romance was written. But then as the book progressed, everything became about sex. Plainly stated, it was too much. There is more to life than being horny or having sex with a guy who is dating someone else. It just felt icky and almost praised or brushed aside in the book. Having said that, I liked the ending as well as it left Asha with hope for her future. It was nice, it felt right, but I don't think we needed all the sex to get there.
The narrator was amazing and I really liked her voicing for the different characters. I would definitely listen to another audiobook read by this narrator.
5 star beginning
1 star middle
4 star ending
5 star narrator
2.75 stars overall, rounded up to 3 stars
Thank you Jaclyn Youhana Garver and Brilliance Publishing for the audio version of this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed here are mine and mine alone.
I started out absolutely loving this book. I loved all the timelines going back to different moments of Asha's life. I loved how middle school romance was written. But then as the book progressed, everything became about sex. Plainly stated, it was too much. There is more to life than being horny or having sex with a guy who is dating someone else. It just felt icky and almost praised or brushed aside in the book. Having said that, I liked the ending as well as it left Asha with hope for her future. It was nice, it felt right, but I don't think we needed all the sex to get there.
The narrator was amazing and I really liked her voicing for the different characters. I would definitely listen to another audiobook read by this narrator.
5 star beginning
1 star middle
4 star ending
5 star narrator
2.75 stars overall, rounded up to 3 stars
January 8, 2025
At first, I thought the book was going too far back into childhood and jumping too many years forward and going into irrelevant details from childhood. I was tempted to quit reading it, but as I kept going, it made complete sense why the author chose to include all the small details from years back.
I also love how the author demonstrates the mental and emotional damage that goes into both parties in a relationship when one or both parties suffers from depression. The parents divorce caused depression and the depression caused so much insecurity within the Male main character that it damaged the female main character and cost so much hurt for the both of them.
Another thing I love was how the author included the realities and the pain that comes with losing a spouse and a parent. This book has cost me to consider writing an advance directive because of the suffering that I saw in one of the main characters when the spouse was on life-support.
If you haven’t already read this book, I recommend that you do! Although it’s not so much of a tearjerker, it does go into some really hard and depressing topic like death of a loved one death of a parent suicide and mild emotional abuse.
5 out of 5 from me
I also love how the author demonstrates the mental and emotional damage that goes into both parties in a relationship when one or both parties suffers from depression. The parents divorce caused depression and the depression caused so much insecurity within the Male main character that it damaged the female main character and cost so much hurt for the both of them.
Another thing I love was how the author included the realities and the pain that comes with losing a spouse and a parent. This book has cost me to consider writing an advance directive because of the suffering that I saw in one of the main characters when the spouse was on life-support.
If you haven’t already read this book, I recommend that you do! Although it’s not so much of a tearjerker, it does go into some really hard and depressing topic like death of a loved one death of a parent suicide and mild emotional abuse.
5 out of 5 from me
June 30, 2024
Jaclyn Garver paints a beautiful picture with her writing. The descriptive flow of her writing gives a perfect view of the scenes. I almost feel like I was there. Unfortunately, it also results in the book going extremely slow.
Then, Again tells the story of a woman, Asha, whose husband, Charlie, has been in comatose state for over a year. When her ex-boyfriend/first love, Jason, moves back into town she is torn between her devotion to her husband and the feelings that she still has for Jason. Each chapter alternates between past times with Jason and Charlie and present time.
I finished 40% of the book and while I got a full run down of Jason and Asha’s past, I failed to reach the point where they had met in present time. While I grasped the excitement of first loves, I was NOT in love with Jason. After reading so far without forward movement, I was not invested in them reconnecting.
I do think the book is very true to life. It’s not always exciting with big plot twists. The characters simply did not speak to me.
Then, Again tells the story of a woman, Asha, whose husband, Charlie, has been in comatose state for over a year. When her ex-boyfriend/first love, Jason, moves back into town she is torn between her devotion to her husband and the feelings that she still has for Jason. Each chapter alternates between past times with Jason and Charlie and present time.
I finished 40% of the book and while I got a full run down of Jason and Asha’s past, I failed to reach the point where they had met in present time. While I grasped the excitement of first loves, I was NOT in love with Jason. After reading so far without forward movement, I was not invested in them reconnecting.
I do think the book is very true to life. It’s not always exciting with big plot twists. The characters simply did not speak to me.
July 5, 2024
Thanks very much to NetGalley and Lake Union for the advance copy of Then, Again, another 24-hour read. There is so much to love about this novel--crisp prose, a captivating and heart-wrenching plot, the richly drawn, spot-on flashbacks to the narrator's high school and early adult years in the nineties and early aughts. However, the thing that delighted me the most (and surprised me, given the serious subject matter--the husband of the main character, Asha, is brain dead in a coma in his thirties) was how *funny* (actual LOL funny, in many places) Then, Again is, thanks to Asha's sharp narratorial voice. One of the best tips I picked up this year in my MFA program was how humor can prime your readers to experience deeper, "more serious" emotions and empathize more strongly with your characters. Then, Again is a perfect example of this. So, if you like well-written fiction about relationships (as I do), I'd definitely recommend Then, Again--either now on NetGalley or in November when it's released!
October 18, 2024
What a brilliant read! I felt like I was reading "Are You There God, it's Me, Margaret", for grown-ups! In fact, Judy Blume's iconic book is mentioned in this story, so maybe that was some of the author's inspiration?
Told across multiple timelines, we get to know Asha as a teenager, with her first love, Jason, and in the present as the wife of Charlie, who is in a coma having suffered an aneurysm. Throughout Asha's life, her constants are her wonderful father and her best friend, Bridget.
I absolutely LOVED Asha! She was totally relatable and I felt her anguish, her happiness, her hopes and her struggles. Along with Bridget, she made me laugh, many times, and her bond with her ever supportive dad warmed my heart.
My only criticism, and it's a small one, is that I found the timeline switches confusing at times, and had to go back and check which year we were in.
I can't believe this is a debut and look forward to more from this fabulous author.
5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Jaclyn Youhana Garver and Lake Union, for an ARC in return for an honest review.
Told across multiple timelines, we get to know Asha as a teenager, with her first love, Jason, and in the present as the wife of Charlie, who is in a coma having suffered an aneurysm. Throughout Asha's life, her constants are her wonderful father and her best friend, Bridget.
I absolutely LOVED Asha! She was totally relatable and I felt her anguish, her happiness, her hopes and her struggles. Along with Bridget, she made me laugh, many times, and her bond with her ever supportive dad warmed my heart.
My only criticism, and it's a small one, is that I found the timeline switches confusing at times, and had to go back and check which year we were in.
I can't believe this is a debut and look forward to more from this fabulous author.
5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Jaclyn Youhana Garver and Lake Union, for an ARC in return for an honest review.
October 28, 2024
Genre: Romance/Coming of Age
Synopsis:
Asha’s husband is in a coma and she struggles with whether it’s appropriate to move on or mourn. Her high school boyfriend is in town and she flashes back on how her first love compares to her real love.
This was a great debut. It goes back & forth between her high school boyfriend and their unhealthy relationship to her present day life with her husband in a coma.
The concept was very interesting and I thought she did a good job of depicting Asha’s inner struggle with grief. I wanted more of the coma plot and present day than I did her high school love. I didn’t care for Jason & their toxic relationship and those chapters were more YA/coming of age.
I loved to hate her sister in law and wanted more of that drama too.
I didn’t love the ending for Asha.. no spoilers.
What to expect:
Coma patient, grief, heartbreak, toxic relationships, culture, first love, coming of age, high school drama, single dad raising a daughter, starting over, crazy in-laws, letting go
Thank you Amazon Publishing for the gifted copy! ♥️
Synopsis:
Asha’s husband is in a coma and she struggles with whether it’s appropriate to move on or mourn. Her high school boyfriend is in town and she flashes back on how her first love compares to her real love.
This was a great debut. It goes back & forth between her high school boyfriend and their unhealthy relationship to her present day life with her husband in a coma.
The concept was very interesting and I thought she did a good job of depicting Asha’s inner struggle with grief. I wanted more of the coma plot and present day than I did her high school love. I didn’t care for Jason & their toxic relationship and those chapters were more YA/coming of age.
I loved to hate her sister in law and wanted more of that drama too.
I didn’t love the ending for Asha.. no spoilers.
What to expect:
Coma patient, grief, heartbreak, toxic relationships, culture, first love, coming of age, high school drama, single dad raising a daughter, starting over, crazy in-laws, letting go
Thank you Amazon Publishing for the gifted copy! ♥️
February 18, 2025
I was attracted to the premise of the book. Her husband is in a coma/vegetative state when her ex-boyfriend wants to come back to her life. I was intrigued.
I was also disappointed. I wanted to DNF it at 60%, but I kept reading as I wanted to find out the ending. At 80%, I wanted to DNF it AGAIN. My Kindle said I only had a couple of hours left to the end, so I finished it.
It was overly long, overly drawn out, and the ending wasn't an ending at all. There should have been an epilogue. After her husband passed away, did she end up with Jason?
Also, there were additional characters that didn't need to be part of it. Her sister-in-law, Maura. She didn't bring anything worthwhile to the story. Neither did Francis. It seemed they were thrown into the story as the author needed to complete a novel with a certain amount of words.
I was highly disappointed. I was really looking forward to a good, emotional book that would give me the feels and leave me pondering what I would do if I were in that situation.
I was also disappointed. I wanted to DNF it at 60%, but I kept reading as I wanted to find out the ending. At 80%, I wanted to DNF it AGAIN. My Kindle said I only had a couple of hours left to the end, so I finished it.
It was overly long, overly drawn out, and the ending wasn't an ending at all. There should have been an epilogue. After her husband passed away, did she end up with Jason?
Also, there were additional characters that didn't need to be part of it. Her sister-in-law, Maura. She didn't bring anything worthwhile to the story. Neither did Francis. It seemed they were thrown into the story as the author needed to complete a novel with a certain amount of words.
I was highly disappointed. I was really looking forward to a good, emotional book that would give me the feels and leave me pondering what I would do if I were in that situation.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2024
I enjoyed the emotional ride this book took me on. Experiencing various stages of Asha's life, her first love, and all that goes with it was a ride worth taking. The book essentially takes us through three phases of Asha's life and introduces us to Bridget, Jason, and Charlie- three people who play a major role in her life. I did struggle to like Jason in the teenage years and wasn't sure how I felt about him being back in her life as an adult. The author did have Jason address his past issues and talk about them with Asha, but I still had a hard time moving past his character/personality.
I found myself talking about this book with other people, as I was reading it. Wondering how I might respond, if I was in the same situation and asking other people what their thoughts were. It was a book that didn't stray far from my mind when I had to pause my reading and I am thankful to NetGalley for the ARC.
I found myself talking about this book with other people, as I was reading it. Wondering how I might respond, if I was in the same situation and asking other people what their thoughts were. It was a book that didn't stray far from my mind when I had to pause my reading and I am thankful to NetGalley for the ARC.
September 30, 2024
This is Asha's journey told in dual timelines. When she was young, in middle school and the things she learned along the way. Her first boyfriend, Jason, her relationship with her father, and her best friend. Then when she grew up, she met Charlie, and then we learn what her life is then. Now her husband is in a coma, and has been for a year. She goes and visits him, reads to him, talks to him, even though he probably doesn't hear her. Her first boyfriend, moves back after getting a divorce, and wants to see her and spend time with her. She still loves her husband Charlie, but it has been a year so she is at a crossroad, as to what to do. The crossroads of life, gives you options, and you have to decide which one you are going to choose, and what happens after making your choice. It makes for an interesting read, but also made me think about what I would do.
I received an ARC from Lake Union Publishing through NetGalley.
I received an ARC from Lake Union Publishing through NetGalley.
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