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It Was Always You
Charlie is a hopeless romantic who has always dreamed of being a part of his own great love story. But when love story after love story in Charlie's life ends in heartbreak, will Charlie ever meet the one? Will his soulmate walk through the door on a beautiful spring afternoon while birds sing a song of romance or has Charlie been right next to her all along? Get to know Charlie through his lessons in life and love, and follow the breadcrumbs to a love story that will last.
382 pages, Paperback
Published June 3, 2024
9 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
About the author
James Michael
3 books22 followersJames Williams lives in Moore, Oklahoma. He graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a Master's degree in English Education in 2024. In May 2024, James published his first novel, It Was Always You. He currently teaches high school English in Oklahoma City. James is the father to Brady, Nevaeh, and Hayden, and stepfather to Sage. He and his partner, Rachael, have a cat, Shadow, and 3 dogs, Harley, Alfred, and Drake. In his free time, James enjoys learning about free time and imagining what that would be like.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
April 9, 2025
This is by far one of the most unusual books I’ve ever read and that is in an amazingly beautiful way!!
The author, James Michael, brings you along on the story of his love life, from adolescence to adulthood. Along the way he talks directly to the reader and I swear he was talking directly to me!! During those “talks” he makes emotions arise in you “the reader” that you haven’t felt in a while. He makes you feel like he knows you inside and out. He becomes your friend. A friend many of you, as the reader needs at that very moment. You don’t know how deeply this book will affect you until you get there but, believe me, you’ll get there. This beautiful story will stay with me for a very long time and the friendship will last a lifetime!!!
I hope you enjoy this book as much did. Please open your heart to the beautiful message that this book will bring to you and the friendship that you will have forever with Charlie. ❤️
The author, James Michael, brings you along on the story of his love life, from adolescence to adulthood. Along the way he talks directly to the reader and I swear he was talking directly to me!! During those “talks” he makes emotions arise in you “the reader” that you haven’t felt in a while. He makes you feel like he knows you inside and out. He becomes your friend. A friend many of you, as the reader needs at that very moment. You don’t know how deeply this book will affect you until you get there but, believe me, you’ll get there. This beautiful story will stay with me for a very long time and the friendship will last a lifetime!!!
I hope you enjoy this book as much did. Please open your heart to the beautiful message that this book will bring to you and the friendship that you will have forever with Charlie. ❤️
May 17, 2025
This was a sweet and heartfelt story about the main characters journey for love! You follow Charlie throughout his life and all the different types of love he experienced! While on his search of love you also experience what he goes through in life and how that affects his relationships. It’s a cute and sweet read!
April 11, 2025
Do you ever listen to the same song over and over and over again because of how it makes you feel? Well that’s what I want to do with This book, y’all. This. Book!! Infinite Freaking stars!!! I cannot truly say enough about it to do it justice.
So, for this review, I’m doing something a little different. I’m going to read you my spoiler-free notes. Some of them are just words or feelings the book evoked, some are quotes, and honestly—ahhh—I just want to reach through your device and let you feel what I felt reading this.
So here goes…
Pure Witty Relatable Funny Heart Warming Heart Breaking Innocent I looove Charlie and want to be his friend. We all need a Charlie in our lives. Took me back to my coming-of-age days. When puppy love feels like the Big Love. Warm Fuzzies Uplifting Inspirational Romanticizing the Big Love Hopeless Romantic Sweet Selfless Vulnerable Raw Honesty The author needs to be a motivational speaker. Empathy Humble Strength in trauma Humility Grace Forgiveness Fiction and inspirational self-love all in one.
So. Much. Food. For. Thought.
And one of my favorite quotes: “We all need someone who makes us feel like we are the center of the universe. And if we are lucky, we will all have someone who is the center of our universe.”
This book was spectacular. The writing was beautiful, but even more than that—the messages in this book? Life-changing. Soul-touching. It’s the kind of story that grabs you by the heart and doesn't let go, and you don’t even want it to. It felt personal! Like the narrator was talking specifically to me.
This is a book I feel everyone must read at some point in their lives. I will definitely be purchasing a shelf trophy—because this one deserves a place of honor.
Do yourselves a favor and read this ASAP. And if you can do an immersive read to get the full touching experience!
So, for this review, I’m doing something a little different. I’m going to read you my spoiler-free notes. Some of them are just words or feelings the book evoked, some are quotes, and honestly—ahhh—I just want to reach through your device and let you feel what I felt reading this.
So here goes…
Pure Witty Relatable Funny Heart Warming Heart Breaking Innocent I looove Charlie and want to be his friend. We all need a Charlie in our lives. Took me back to my coming-of-age days. When puppy love feels like the Big Love. Warm Fuzzies Uplifting Inspirational Romanticizing the Big Love Hopeless Romantic Sweet Selfless Vulnerable Raw Honesty The author needs to be a motivational speaker. Empathy Humble Strength in trauma Humility Grace Forgiveness Fiction and inspirational self-love all in one.
So. Much. Food. For. Thought.
And one of my favorite quotes: “We all need someone who makes us feel like we are the center of the universe. And if we are lucky, we will all have someone who is the center of our universe.”
This book was spectacular. The writing was beautiful, but even more than that—the messages in this book? Life-changing. Soul-touching. It’s the kind of story that grabs you by the heart and doesn't let go, and you don’t even want it to. It felt personal! Like the narrator was talking specifically to me.
This is a book I feel everyone must read at some point in their lives. I will definitely be purchasing a shelf trophy—because this one deserves a place of honor.
Do yourselves a favor and read this ASAP. And if you can do an immersive read to get the full touching experience!
May 1, 2025
Such a great story!!
Charlie takes us through his journey of finding love and the meaning of love, all while dealing with all the things life throws at us .
I love that there are chapters of his story and chapters of him taking directly to the reader. A lot of the life lessons hit home for me . Highly recommend
Charlie takes us through his journey of finding love and the meaning of love, all while dealing with all the things life throws at us .
I love that there are chapters of his story and chapters of him taking directly to the reader. A lot of the life lessons hit home for me . Highly recommend
June 26, 2025
This was such a cute, reflective story. Following Charlie from a young age into adulthood and the journey of relationships and love.
This was unique as there are moment when the author is speaking directly the the reader! There are so many aspects that you can connect to - as we have all lived similar experiences. The messages are all so touching.
I listed to the audio, and James narrators himself, which had me feeling more connected to him and the story! Thank you so much James for sharing this story - I will continue to think about it
This was unique as there are moment when the author is speaking directly the the reader! There are so many aspects that you can connect to - as we have all lived similar experiences. The messages are all so touching.
I listed to the audio, and James narrators himself, which had me feeling more connected to him and the story! Thank you so much James for sharing this story - I will continue to think about it
August 26, 2025
I’m not even sure how to describe this book. Love is a journey and this is exactly what this book delivered the journey of finding love not just love in a mate, but loving yourself enough so that you’re able to give love and receive unconditional love.
This book was beautifully written, it felt like a memoir, like you’re having a conversation with the author. It was very unusual, but I loved every moment of it and it just kept on getting better and better and more emotional and deep.
I can’t wait to read more of his work.
This book was beautifully written, it felt like a memoir, like you’re having a conversation with the author. It was very unusual, but I loved every moment of it and it just kept on getting better and better and more emotional and deep.
I can’t wait to read more of his work.
August 26, 2025
This book left me sitting in my room thinking, "What now ?!
If you're having a hard time in your life, I think this book will do you some good. while, yes, you might end up crying at some points .You will also feel seen !
This book had me feeling so many things, and I loved it so much.
If you're having a hard time in your life, I think this book will do you some good. while, yes, you might end up crying at some points .You will also feel seen !
This book had me feeling so many things, and I loved it so much.
May 6, 2025
"WOW! Where do I go from here?" That was my last thought as I finished this book.
It Was Always You follows Charlie as he recounts his life and talks to the reader. He tells us about every love story he has encountered from his first "girlfriend" in kindergarten all the way through marriage, children, divorce, and the many other tragedies he has faced throughout his life. Charlie touches on real-life topics like body image, peer pressure, SA, alcoholism of a parent, and the abuse that can sometimes come with that, to religion and faith. The author, James Michael, makes you feel as if you are part of the story, as if you were there with Charlie through all his ups and downs.
Throughout the book, there are different notes to the readers. These notes remind all of us who are reading Charlie's story that we are amazing, enough, loved, appreciated, deserve to be noticed and seen, and that we are all beautiful humans who matter. The notes are real, raw, and packed with so much emotion. They make you feel like you are worthy of hearing Charlie's story.
There are so many excellent quotes from the book, but my favorites were:
"It felt like a bookmark was being placed in my life."
"If you care enough, you will work to fix your mistakes. Then they aren't mistakes, they are lessons."
It Was Always You follows Charlie as he recounts his life and talks to the reader. He tells us about every love story he has encountered from his first "girlfriend" in kindergarten all the way through marriage, children, divorce, and the many other tragedies he has faced throughout his life. Charlie touches on real-life topics like body image, peer pressure, SA, alcoholism of a parent, and the abuse that can sometimes come with that, to religion and faith. The author, James Michael, makes you feel as if you are part of the story, as if you were there with Charlie through all his ups and downs.
Throughout the book, there are different notes to the readers. These notes remind all of us who are reading Charlie's story that we are amazing, enough, loved, appreciated, deserve to be noticed and seen, and that we are all beautiful humans who matter. The notes are real, raw, and packed with so much emotion. They make you feel like you are worthy of hearing Charlie's story.
There are so many excellent quotes from the book, but my favorites were:
"It felt like a bookmark was being placed in my life."
"If you care enough, you will work to fix your mistakes. Then they aren't mistakes, they are lessons."
September 6, 2025
How do I describe this amazing book?! It’s like nothing I have ever read before in a very beautiful way!
James Michael is an outstanding author. The way he writes I could imagine myself in the book right along with Charlie. This book is so relatable.
We follow Charlie from childhood, through Junior/high school, manhood and becoming a parent and the journey he takes in searching for love, finding love and dealing with life’s ups and downs. I can remember so clearly going through the same things growing up as Charlie did. But I tell you, I never met someone like Charlie in high school. He is very kind, caring, sensitive and loving and continues those attributes throughout his life. He is someone you would inspire to be.
In the book the author talks “To The Reader” and I know he’s talking to me! So many things he says hits home, makes you contemplate things in your own life and want to be a better person. The quotes in this book are life changing. One of my favorites is, “we all need someone who makes us feel like we are the center of the universe. And if we are lucky, we will all have someone who is the center of our universe.”
Please read this book. You can thank me later. 😊
James Michael is an outstanding author. The way he writes I could imagine myself in the book right along with Charlie. This book is so relatable.
We follow Charlie from childhood, through Junior/high school, manhood and becoming a parent and the journey he takes in searching for love, finding love and dealing with life’s ups and downs. I can remember so clearly going through the same things growing up as Charlie did. But I tell you, I never met someone like Charlie in high school. He is very kind, caring, sensitive and loving and continues those attributes throughout his life. He is someone you would inspire to be.
In the book the author talks “To The Reader” and I know he’s talking to me! So many things he says hits home, makes you contemplate things in your own life and want to be a better person. The quotes in this book are life changing. One of my favorites is, “we all need someone who makes us feel like we are the center of the universe. And if we are lucky, we will all have someone who is the center of our universe.”
Please read this book. You can thank me later. 😊
May 22, 2025
A read that really brings all the feels. I love the nostalgia, the way Charlie talks to the reader, and the overall theme of the book.
Charlie is me. He is you. He is all of us. Whether we like to admit it or not. We were all once quirky and uncertain about something. (RELATIONSHIPS!!!) None of us has ever walked into our first relationship knowing exactly how it was going to play out*. This book flicks the heartstrings with reality, and takes us back to a time when life was a hell of a lot easier--but at the time . . . not so much.
*If you have, well, I would like to write your love story myself!
Take your time and pick this up!! THE James Michael is a talent in the making!
Cheers
Charlie is me. He is you. He is all of us. Whether we like to admit it or not. We were all once quirky and uncertain about something. (RELATIONSHIPS!!!) None of us has ever walked into our first relationship knowing exactly how it was going to play out*. This book flicks the heartstrings with reality, and takes us back to a time when life was a hell of a lot easier--but at the time . . . not so much.
*If you have, well, I would like to write your love story myself!
Take your time and pick this up!! THE James Michael is a talent in the making!
Cheers
May 13, 2025
This book was so heartbreakingly beautiful. At first I didn’t think I was going to enjoy it. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever read but once I got used to following Charlie’s life I was hooked. This follows him throughout his life. Through ups and downs and serious trauma. Charlie’s ability to love knows no bounds. His capacity for acceptance is so large it’s unbelievable. He loved so deeply and cared about people so deeply he never wanted to hurt anybody. This book should be a teaching tool I think everyone should read this. We need more Charlie’s in this world.
May 5, 2025
This book was like sitting down and learning about a new friend and the choices that made him the person he is. I felt like this book was told only for me. It was so personal. I have never annotated a book, and I wanted to for the first time reading this. Some of the thoughts were the best I've read. "How can we truly accept someone if we don't give them the freedom of their own reaction?" Please read this book!
April 17, 2025
This book is not just a story. It’s a whole experience. The main character Charlie stole my heart and held on tight. It’s a story of Charlie’s journey through love from a young age all the way through adulthood and the trials that come with it.
The ending is something I will never forget. It’s truly a beautifully written book that I would recommend to everyone.
The ending is something I will never forget. It’s truly a beautifully written book that I would recommend to everyone.
July 7, 2024
I don’t think I’ve ever read YA before, and this book was quite lovely. I felt very connected to Charlie, especially when he spoke directly to the reader. His feelings became intertwined with my response to the events as they unfolded. I hope we will be able to hear more from him someday.
August 27, 2025
This book is so perfectly different than anything else out there right now. It is so relatable especially when Charlie is in Jr High and going through all the ups and downs of trying to find his first girlfriend. All the emotions. I absolutely loved the sections to the reader. This was so refreshing and such a good read.
June 7, 2025
5⭐️
It Was Always You..is a book that takes us on a heartfelt journey of growth, allowing us as readers to experience the transformative process alongside Charlie, the main male character.
It chronicles his uncertainties, emotions, mistakes, the “what ifs”, grief, beliefs and milestones as he evolves from childhood to adulthood.
James Michael’s narrative resonates deeply with our own experiences and emotions, as we reflect on our personal growth and maturation into the individuals we are today.
Through heartbreak, coping with an alcoholic father, as well as everyday struggles, we witness Charlie's growth in inner strength, self-awareness and love, not only in himself but for his own enemies.
This is a beautiful and amazing book.
I highly recommend everyone giving this one a read!
I look forward to the second book!!
It Was Always You..is a book that takes us on a heartfelt journey of growth, allowing us as readers to experience the transformative process alongside Charlie, the main male character.
It chronicles his uncertainties, emotions, mistakes, the “what ifs”, grief, beliefs and milestones as he evolves from childhood to adulthood.
James Michael’s narrative resonates deeply with our own experiences and emotions, as we reflect on our personal growth and maturation into the individuals we are today.
Through heartbreak, coping with an alcoholic father, as well as everyday struggles, we witness Charlie's growth in inner strength, self-awareness and love, not only in himself but for his own enemies.
This is a beautiful and amazing book.
I highly recommend everyone giving this one a read!
I look forward to the second book!!
April 25, 2025
I loved this book. Such a sweet story of James and the real life situations he faces growing up from a young boy to an older man. James brings the reader along and shares his life of pubescence, from his first death experience, first crush, body changes, and home life, to his first kiss, multiple girlfriends, his first true love, marriage and kids. All while revealing to the reader his intimate thoughts and encouragement to us. I very much enjoyed this romance story and related to it in all aspects of what James went through in his life. It was refreshing to read of a MMC that is so thoughtful and kind to everyone he encounters no matter how he is being treated. Life threw lemons at James and he made a lemon grove.
May 1, 2025
This book was pure magic. It felt so nostalgic, like stepping into a memory I didn’t even know I had. I’ve never read anything quite like it, and I loved everything it took me through the joy, the heartbreak, the quiet moments that spoke volumes.
Charlie completely stole my heart. Following his journey was such a powerful experience, full of emotion and authenticity. I laughed, I cried, and I felt everything in between. And yes, I’m heading straight to the bridge (IFKYK). 😭
James Michael crafted something truly unforgettable. If you want a book that wraps around your heart and stays there, please read this one.
Charlie completely stole my heart. Following his journey was such a powerful experience, full of emotion and authenticity. I laughed, I cried, and I felt everything in between. And yes, I’m heading straight to the bridge (IFKYK). 😭
James Michael crafted something truly unforgettable. If you want a book that wraps around your heart and stays there, please read this one.
May 4, 2025
This book had me feeling all the feels: joy, sadness, anger, hope, vulnerability, and even had me laughing out loud at times. It’s raw, honest, and full of heart. Charlie’s journey through love and life is one many of us can relate to, and the way he speaks directly to the reader makes it feel incredibly personal, like he somehow knows exactly what you need to hear. It’s part coming-of-age, part love story, and part soulful pep talk. The writing is tender and powerful, with life lessons that sneak up on you and stay with you. I didn’t expect a book to feel like a friend, but that’s precisely what this one did. This isn’t just a story, it’s an experience I’ll carry with me for a long time.
April 17, 2025
This book is a masterpiece! It resonated with me on a deep level, evoking a mix of emotions – laughter, tears,grief, anger and warmth. The characters are so relatable, and the writing is stunning. One quote that stood out to me is, "We all need someone who makes us feel like we are the center of the universe." The story feels personal, like the author is speaking directly to my heart. It's a beautifully crafted tale of love, self-discovery, and growth. I highly recommend it – read it and experience the magic for yourself!
May 8, 2025
This one got me in the feels! I have never read a book that made me feel like I was having a conversation with my best friend. It was written in such a unique way that makes the story feel personal to the reader. I believe everyone can connect or relate to Charlie in one way or another and on some level it feels like he may be living your own story. He even has some insight that would prove useful to so many.. I know I took some gems away from this story that I will forever hold onto! A truly incredible read that should be on everyone’s list!
April 26, 2025
This was such an intriguing book! I truly, truly enjoyed it.
It was always you, follows Charlie's life from junior high to high school, specifically the girls he had had feelings for.
This book was so touching, and warm but also had parts that It was heart breaking. This book had all the feeling, smiling, laughing and I even cried!
I read this book a few days ago and its still with me, I'm sure it will stay with you too.
It is a must read!
It was always you, follows Charlie's life from junior high to high school, specifically the girls he had had feelings for.
This book was so touching, and warm but also had parts that It was heart breaking. This book had all the feeling, smiling, laughing and I even cried!
I read this book a few days ago and its still with me, I'm sure it will stay with you too.
It is a must read!
Read
December 9, 2024Even though he was in a alout of relationships he still find a way to
help him self get back up in the future through all the hart brakes .
help him self get back up in the future through all the hart brakes .
April 29, 2025
This book is so raw, and real. It holds so much truth to it. I could not believe how close I was able to relate to Charlie. I loved it!
July 17, 2025
Full video review is available on @DarinasReads TikTok page.
The author sent me a message saying that he would like to know what I think about his book. I like the description, so I bought it on Amazon and read it within a couple of days.
The author asked for an honest opinion. It may not be what he expected but here is it. My honest few thoughts about this book.
First impression: Wow! Just wow! I love the writing. I love personal touch. I love the feeling of reading a diary. And I absolutely love the self-help encouraging message to a Reader. Being a part of this diary feels truly special.
No page numbers!
Charlie is a charmer, a giver, and a people-pleaser and a too nice boy for his own good. In fact, he sounds too good, too understanding, too caring, too considerate to be a real teenager. Where are all those teenage hormones? where is the rage, mood swings? Rebellion? Occasional recklessness? No amount of education and bringing up can erase all of these in a high school student.
Charlie is also needy and clingy with lots of insecurities and not nearly enough love towards himself. However, if it were a diary of a real person, I wouldn’t believe him and I wouldn’t trust him either. He is trying too hard to be seen as a good person. The real Charlie has to be way more complex and dimensional than he lets on.
At times it sounds more like a guidance of an adult putting all his best effort a d experience to create an exemplary character, someone who speaks to the teenagers on their language, from their perspective adding a little bit of wisdom here and there without sounding like a counselor.
It’s a good thing. I am just not sure the teens will buy it. Most likely they will see right through it. But if they read it, it will still plant a few good seeds to grow in their minds.
However! I can’t help but notice that none of the school graduates here mentions even considering going to college. In 2004. They just drift off - work at a local store, get married at 18 and that’s it. This cannot be normal and completely contradicts the moral of the story. How come none of them even mention college after school? The one and only mention of a community college was a few years after Charlie graduated from school.
It’s been a long time ago when I read The Catcher in the Rye. I need to reread to make a proper comparison because I remember only snippets from its plot. For some reason this book reminded me if it and my brain keeps telling me that there are similarities. I may be wrong though.
Among other things it touches the topic of safe physical relationships - whose responsibility it is to ask and listen for the answer. That’s where many ya are confused. Many still believe that saying no is a responsibility while it should be a preventative mandatory wait for the yes.
The synopsis promises romance with a mystery to it that will keep a reader guessing until the end. Well, I finished it and the main mystery is the mystery itself. I don’t see any mystery in this story. I have a feeling I know where it is coming but I wouldn’t call it a mystery. There is no setup for the mystery neither at the beginning nor in the middle. It is a diary of a grown-up man retelling his school years and all the girls in his life at that time. Heartwarming and charming but there is no mystery. There might be a “big reveal” at the end. If there is, the proper synopsis would be an “unexpected ending” because for me the term “mystery” in literature refers to something else. (Not that I am arguing with the English teacher, I am giving my perspective of matching the synopsis with the plot).
The timelines of the last part are messed up and confusing. Also, giving different characters in one family exactly the same names are beyond confusing. There is no way to guess who is mentioned especially when both characters with the same names are mentioned in the same paragraph. The words like “junior” would help to distinguish them apart. Without them, these parts were very difficult to understand.
Side note: with all this church-related things that take a large amount of the story, it was satisfying to read the part of charging for the service. I felt validated after reading so much about church services. I had the song Take Me To Church by Hozier playing in my head the whole time.
The author sent me a message saying that he would like to know what I think about his book. I like the description, so I bought it on Amazon and read it within a couple of days.
The author asked for an honest opinion. It may not be what he expected but here is it. My honest few thoughts about this book.
First impression: Wow! Just wow! I love the writing. I love personal touch. I love the feeling of reading a diary. And I absolutely love the self-help encouraging message to a Reader. Being a part of this diary feels truly special.
No page numbers!
Charlie is a charmer, a giver, and a people-pleaser and a too nice boy for his own good. In fact, he sounds too good, too understanding, too caring, too considerate to be a real teenager. Where are all those teenage hormones? where is the rage, mood swings? Rebellion? Occasional recklessness? No amount of education and bringing up can erase all of these in a high school student.
Charlie is also needy and clingy with lots of insecurities and not nearly enough love towards himself. However, if it were a diary of a real person, I wouldn’t believe him and I wouldn’t trust him either. He is trying too hard to be seen as a good person. The real Charlie has to be way more complex and dimensional than he lets on.
At times it sounds more like a guidance of an adult putting all his best effort a d experience to create an exemplary character, someone who speaks to the teenagers on their language, from their perspective adding a little bit of wisdom here and there without sounding like a counselor.
It’s a good thing. I am just not sure the teens will buy it. Most likely they will see right through it. But if they read it, it will still plant a few good seeds to grow in their minds.
However! I can’t help but notice that none of the school graduates here mentions even considering going to college. In 2004. They just drift off - work at a local store, get married at 18 and that’s it. This cannot be normal and completely contradicts the moral of the story. How come none of them even mention college after school? The one and only mention of a community college was a few years after Charlie graduated from school.
It’s been a long time ago when I read The Catcher in the Rye. I need to reread to make a proper comparison because I remember only snippets from its plot. For some reason this book reminded me if it and my brain keeps telling me that there are similarities. I may be wrong though.
Among other things it touches the topic of safe physical relationships - whose responsibility it is to ask and listen for the answer. That’s where many ya are confused. Many still believe that saying no is a responsibility while it should be a preventative mandatory wait for the yes.
The synopsis promises romance with a mystery to it that will keep a reader guessing until the end. Well, I finished it and the main mystery is the mystery itself. I don’t see any mystery in this story. I have a feeling I know where it is coming but I wouldn’t call it a mystery. There is no setup for the mystery neither at the beginning nor in the middle. It is a diary of a grown-up man retelling his school years and all the girls in his life at that time. Heartwarming and charming but there is no mystery. There might be a “big reveal” at the end. If there is, the proper synopsis would be an “unexpected ending” because for me the term “mystery” in literature refers to something else. (Not that I am arguing with the English teacher, I am giving my perspective of matching the synopsis with the plot).
The timelines of the last part are messed up and confusing. Also, giving different characters in one family exactly the same names are beyond confusing. There is no way to guess who is mentioned especially when both characters with the same names are mentioned in the same paragraph. The words like “junior” would help to distinguish them apart. Without them, these parts were very difficult to understand.
Side note: with all this church-related things that take a large amount of the story, it was satisfying to read the part of charging for the service. I felt validated after reading so much about church services. I had the song Take Me To Church by Hozier playing in my head the whole time.
August 30, 2025
It Was Always You is a heartfelt and engaging story that pulled me in right from the start. The author does a beautiful job capturing the emotions between the characters, the push and pull of love, the misunderstandings, and the longing, all of which felt real and relatable. I especially enjoyed the way the story balanced romance with personal growth.
That said, a couple of parts moved a bit slower than I expected, and there were moments I wished for a little more depth in the secondary characters. Still, those were small things in an otherwise wonderful read. Overall, this is a touching, well-written romance that I’d happily recommend to anyone who loves a second-chance love story. A strong 4 stars.
That said, a couple of parts moved a bit slower than I expected, and there were moments I wished for a little more depth in the secondary characters. Still, those were small things in an otherwise wonderful read. Overall, this is a touching, well-written romance that I’d happily recommend to anyone who loves a second-chance love story. A strong 4 stars.
August 26, 2025
4.5/5stars
This was such a cute and unique story following the mmc Charlie throughout his journey of adolescence and life / adulthood.
A lot of what the author wrote about hit home for me and when the author addresses you the reader, he connects with you. He almost becomes your friend. He sees you.
A story well appreciated.
This was such a cute and unique story following the mmc Charlie throughout his journey of adolescence and life / adulthood.
A lot of what the author wrote about hit home for me and when the author addresses you the reader, he connects with you. He almost becomes your friend. He sees you.
A story well appreciated.
August 27, 2025
This book reads kinda like memoir from Charlie’s perspective. Takes you from his early childhood thru adulthood and various events, relationships and being a new parent and the struggles and triumphs that this little thing called life comes with. Enjoyable story for sure !
December 2, 2024
What I liked about the book is how the author wrote it from the “to the reader” chapters to the book's ending. The book had meaning like the author cared and wanted to keep the reader entertained, not many books are made like that now. The ending of the book was very well put together, I say that because I thought the author was going to tell us who he picked but he didn’t pick anyone, he was talking to the reader the whole time and that was a surprise because I was not expecting that. Overall I loved the book and feel that the author should make another one because he did well for his first book. One thing I think the author could change about the book is the “To The Reader” chapters, they are good but a little sad. I get why the “To The Reader” chapters were like that, but the author could do something different, like making one different from the previous chapter. So say chapter 5 is sad, make the chapter “To The Reader” happy or exciting and make it have nothing to do with chapter 5 if that makes sense; but other than that the book was great, and even though I don’t like reading I would love to read another book from this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 8, 2025
I wish I could say I flew through this book—but I didn’t. I had to let it marinate, especially during certain parts that hit a little too close to home.
Right from the beginning, my jaw hit the floor. While the book didn’t break me, James Michael’s storytelling certainly made me pause. The way he aged me—ha!—was slightly offensive, but also incredibly nostalgic. He transported me straight back to the 80s and 90s, and I felt like I had grown up right alongside him. That connection was impressive.
I could feel his triumphs and his downfalls with every step he took. It was beautiful. Beautifully written and deeply personal.
Around 90% of the way through, I had to stop. I was genuinely afraid of how it might end, especially with the shadow of depression looming. But I’m thankful—thankful for his strong will and the love he has for his children, which ultimately pulled him through.
It Was Always You is a heartfelt journey through growing up—experiencing the full spectrum of emotions from childhood to adulthood, with all the heartbreak and deep attachments along the way. A wonderful, emotional, and relatable read.
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