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Catch the Sun
"Kissing you feels like catching the sun…"
At seven years old, Ella Sunbury and Max Manning were inseparable—until life scattered them in different directions, forcing Ella to abruptly leave town. A decade later, she returns for their senior year of high school, moving in across the street from her childhood best friend.
But she's not the same girl Max once knew.
She now lives in the shadow of her brother: a notorious felon on death row, convicted of a crime that shook the nation. Reeling from the fallout and shunned by her peers, all Ella wants is to fade into the background.
Max has little room for distractions, juggling responsibilities for a disabled father and a distant twin brother. But Ella's return reignites something within him. He wants to be close to her again, to understand her…and to turn their friendship into more.
But as their relationship blossoms, new tragedy strikes, and darkness threatens to tip their delicate balance. In order to find the light, they'll have to navigate the shadows.
And to catch the sun…they must first endure the flames.
At seven years old, Ella Sunbury and Max Manning were inseparable—until life scattered them in different directions, forcing Ella to abruptly leave town. A decade later, she returns for their senior year of high school, moving in across the street from her childhood best friend.
But she's not the same girl Max once knew.
She now lives in the shadow of her brother: a notorious felon on death row, convicted of a crime that shook the nation. Reeling from the fallout and shunned by her peers, all Ella wants is to fade into the background.
Max has little room for distractions, juggling responsibilities for a disabled father and a distant twin brother. But Ella's return reignites something within him. He wants to be close to her again, to understand her…and to turn their friendship into more.
But as their relationship blossoms, new tragedy strikes, and darkness threatens to tip their delicate balance. In order to find the light, they'll have to navigate the shadows.
And to catch the sun…they must first endure the flames.
1 pages, Audio CD
First published July 19, 2024
3770 people are currently reading
57213 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Hartmann
34 books15.5k followersJennifer Hartmann resides in northern Illinois with her own personal romance hero and three children. When she is not writing angsty love stories, she is likely pondering all the ways she can break your heart and piece it back together again. She enjoys sunsets (because mornings are hard), bike riding, traveling, bingeing Buffy the Vampire Slayer reruns, and that time of day when coffee gets replaced by wine. She loves tacos. She also really, really wants to pet your dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 4,636 reviews
February 27, 2025
★ 4.25 stars
I don't know what it says about me that I can binge chunky emotional books in a day but, I'm going to take it as a positive. I wish I picked this earlier!! I've heard Jennifer Hartmann delivers on emotional and angsty books and this definitely had that appeal.
The story follows Max and Ella from their first meeting at 7 years old and fast forwards to their adolescent years. 10 years later, when Ella returns to town, she is treated like a social outcast as her brother has been convicted of murder. Ella is terrified of letting anyone in because of what she's been through and is determined not to get attached.
Ella and Max's bond was beautiful and innocent. Max was such a sweet soul, I loved him!! He was so patient, non-judgmental and always put Ella first. I loved watching them grow close again and fall in love. Their love story is accompanied with emotional turmoil because of what they've had to go through and I had a few tears in my eyes at points.
This is so much more than just a romance book, it also has a suspenseful plot. The story covers darker themes (murder, attempted sexual assault, grief, healing, trauma and forgiveness). I wasn't sure how this book was going to end, it kept me on my toes. It did delve into the land of unrealistic at points, but the overall message of the book resonated with me.
I appreciated the authors writing style - it was engaging. Once you start this, you won't be able to put it down. It's unlike anything else that I've read.
This book is marketed as a young adult book and I disagree with that. This is new adult and contains open door spice. This was a nice surprise for me, but I think this should be made clear for those who do not read this.
I'll will be adding Jennifer's books to my TBR immediately!
Thank you NetGalley & Sourcebooks Bloom Books for the advanced copy in exhchange for an honest review.
જ⁀➴°⋆ Tropes
♡ Childhood friends to lovers
♡ Small town
♡ Trauma
♡ First love
♡ Second chance
જ⁀➴°⋆ Quotes
“Romanticize your life. Don’t live every day like it’s your last. Live every day like it’s your first. Lasts are tragic. Firsts are exciting and full of celebration. Look at every sunrise like it’s the first time you’ve ever seen colors like that before. Listen to your favorite song like you’ve never heard such a precious melody. If you make every day a celebration, you’ll never get bored in your own story.”
“Kissing you feels like catching the sun.”
“Souls don’t see, Sunny. Souls feel. They feel, and they yearn, and they know. I’d feel you in any lifetime, in any version of any reality. And I’d know, without a doubt, without a shred of hesitation…that your soul was meant for mine.”
“Grieving someone still alive becomes choice, instead of chance, and I’ve had a whole lot of experience with that. Sometimes I think it’s the only thing in this world worse than death.”
“But love without forgiveness? That’s like a tree without roots; it can’t stand for long. It can never truly live.”
“I think that’s the only way to recognize your real home. You need to be lost first. You need to be wandering, forgotten, misplaced. Only then will you truly know where you belong.”
I don't know what it says about me that I can binge chunky emotional books in a day but, I'm going to take it as a positive. I wish I picked this earlier!! I've heard Jennifer Hartmann delivers on emotional and angsty books and this definitely had that appeal.
The story follows Max and Ella from their first meeting at 7 years old and fast forwards to their adolescent years. 10 years later, when Ella returns to town, she is treated like a social outcast as her brother has been convicted of murder. Ella is terrified of letting anyone in because of what she's been through and is determined not to get attached.
Ella and Max's bond was beautiful and innocent. Max was such a sweet soul, I loved him!! He was so patient, non-judgmental and always put Ella first. I loved watching them grow close again and fall in love. Their love story is accompanied with emotional turmoil because of what they've had to go through and I had a few tears in my eyes at points.
This is so much more than just a romance book, it also has a suspenseful plot. The story covers darker themes (murder, attempted sexual assault, grief, healing, trauma and forgiveness). I wasn't sure how this book was going to end, it kept me on my toes. It did delve into the land of unrealistic at points, but the overall message of the book resonated with me.
I appreciated the authors writing style - it was engaging. Once you start this, you won't be able to put it down. It's unlike anything else that I've read.
This book is marketed as a young adult book and I disagree with that. This is new adult and contains open door spice. This was a nice surprise for me, but I think this should be made clear for those who do not read this.
I'll will be adding Jennifer's books to my TBR immediately!
Thank you NetGalley & Sourcebooks Bloom Books for the advanced copy in exhchange for an honest review.
જ⁀➴°⋆ Tropes
♡ Childhood friends to lovers
♡ Small town
♡ Trauma
♡ First love
♡ Second chance
જ⁀➴°⋆ Quotes
“Romanticize your life. Don’t live every day like it’s your last. Live every day like it’s your first. Lasts are tragic. Firsts are exciting and full of celebration. Look at every sunrise like it’s the first time you’ve ever seen colors like that before. Listen to your favorite song like you’ve never heard such a precious melody. If you make every day a celebration, you’ll never get bored in your own story.”
“Kissing you feels like catching the sun.”
“Souls don’t see, Sunny. Souls feel. They feel, and they yearn, and they know. I’d feel you in any lifetime, in any version of any reality. And I’d know, without a doubt, without a shred of hesitation…that your soul was meant for mine.”
“Grieving someone still alive becomes choice, instead of chance, and I’ve had a whole lot of experience with that. Sometimes I think it’s the only thing in this world worse than death.”
“But love without forgiveness? That’s like a tree without roots; it can’t stand for long. It can never truly live.”
“I think that’s the only way to recognize your real home. You need to be lost first. You need to be wandering, forgotten, misplaced. Only then will you truly know where you belong.”
July 5, 2024
REVIEW TO COME!!!!!!!
BYE, I NEED TO HIBERNATE, THIS BOOK DESTROYED ME TO SHREDS😭😭😭
BYE, I NEED TO HIBERNATE, THIS BOOK DESTROYED ME TO SHREDS😭😭😭
July 13, 2024
WOW, I am unwell. This is just such an emotional read and so beautifully written.
Max... Max is legit perfect. He loves Ella so hard and I found myself highlighting almost everything he said to her. The trauma that Ella + Max went through BROKE me.. shattered my heart into a million little pieces. Also.. Max's lists.. I CANNOT 🥹🥹
I genuinely haven't read any book like this yet and it was my first Jennifer Hartmann book and now I must read everything is writes because this was legit everything.
Prepare for all the emotions with this one, y'all.
"You're my answer, Sunny."
"Souls don't see, Sunny. Souls feel. They feel, and they yearn, and they know. I'd feel you in any lifetime, in any version of any reality. And I'd know, without a doubt, without a shred of hesitation... that your soul was meant for mine."
"You smiled at me and I knew I was going to marry you one day."
-coming of age
-first love
-second chance
-trauma and healing
Max... Max is legit perfect. He loves Ella so hard and I found myself highlighting almost everything he said to her. The trauma that Ella + Max went through BROKE me.. shattered my heart into a million little pieces. Also.. Max's lists.. I CANNOT 🥹🥹
I genuinely haven't read any book like this yet and it was my first Jennifer Hartmann book and now I must read everything is writes because this was legit everything.
Prepare for all the emotions with this one, y'all.
"You're my answer, Sunny."
"Souls don't see, Sunny. Souls feel. They feel, and they yearn, and they know. I'd feel you in any lifetime, in any version of any reality. And I'd know, without a doubt, without a shred of hesitation... that your soul was meant for mine."
"You smiled at me and I knew I was going to marry you one day."
-coming of age
-first love
-second chance
-trauma and healing
August 30, 2024
“I think that’s the only way to recognize your real home. You need to be lost first. You need to be wandering, forgotten, misplaced. Only then will you truly know where you belong.”
Jennifer Hartmann is the master of beautifully written and emotionally captivating stories and she has done it again. Catch the Sun is a powerful love story but also deals with the topics of loss, grief, forgiveness, trauma, and healing. Be prepared to ride a rollercoaster of emotions with this one. Do not go into this story thinking it is just a cute romance because it is so much more. Please check your trigger warnings before reading.
"To those who have weathered life’s harshest storms and sought its silver linings, And to those still seeking their sun, This one’s for you."
Catch the Sun is about two childhood best friends, Max and Ella, who are ripped apart when Ella moves back home with her mom. Ten years later, Ella moves back to Juniper falls, after her older brother was sentenced to death row for murder. Broken and lost, Ella is trying to find her way when she runs into none other than her childhood best friend Max. The story that unfolds between the two of them is nothing short of beautiful. Two souls damaged because of the circumstances around them, fight to find solace and peace in each other. Then their lives are turned upside down.
Ella, our FMC, is emotionally damaged. She doesn't believe in love and believes love is the deadliest assassin. Her walls are like fortresses and she has no intentions of letting anyone in close enough to feel love again. My poor heart breaks for her and how she is treated by others because of her brother's decisions, but I love how she uses her sarcastic humor and wit to find a way to cope.
Max, oh Max, he is absolute perfection. How can he be so sweet and tender and patient? Why can't we all have a Max. Max deserves all the stars.❤️❤️
"“I’d feel you in any lifetime, in any version of any reality. And I’d know, without a doubt, without a shred of hesitation…that your soul was meant for mine.”
"Love always hurts, honey. That’s the price we pay to experience it. Sometimes that hurt is on a smaller scale, and sometimes it’s big enough to move mountains."
"Forgiveness without love is one thing. But love without forgiveness? That’s like a tree without roots; it can’t stand for long. It can never truly live."
Pre-Read Review:❤️ Buddy reading with my Beautiful Besties: Noi and Bella! ❤️
My book club pick of the month. I heard this one makes you go through all the emotions. I enjoy reading Jennifer Hartmann and I have heard this is a new favorite amongst her readers. Hoping it delivers!🤞❤️
December 28, 2024
˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ 2 Stars ˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗
₊⊹⁀➴ ꕤ Quick Summary ₊˚⊹ ʚɞ
We follow our two main characters - Ella and Max. Recently, Ella's mother has moved them back to town after Ella's brother that she idolizes is sentenced to death row for killing his girlfriend and a guy. She is harassed and judged for being his sister and stays to herself.
Her Mom is so busy trying to get her brother's case overturned that she forgets to be there for Ella as she grieves. Meanwhile Max, who lives across the street with his twin brother and Dad and has the responsibility of taking care of the house and their depressed alcoholic father so he doesn't have much time for a social life.
Over time they keep being thrown together by fate and circumstance and become friends again and the emotional walls she has built around her heart are slowly coming down until New Year's Eve when the events of the night change the course of their lives and their friendship and budding romance.
₊⊹⁀➴ ꕤ My Thoughts ₊˚⊹ ʚɞ
Damn, this is the third book now by Hartmann that I'm just not feeling. It's been a different issue with each one but I'm definitely starting to feel like this author just isn't working for me anymore.
˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ To start - this is marketed as young adult but there are explicit sex scenes, attempted murder on page and attempted rape/sexual assault on page. The spice scenes felt a little weird for me considering the age of the characters but not just that. The whole thing just felt off to me. They weren't mature enough but they were simultaneously not young enough either- idk if that makes sense but the characters just didn't work for me and I wasn't able to connect with them.
The story felt so long, too long to be honest. I dragged myself through much of the first half - the second half was paced a little better but the drama was really over the top and far-fetched. I really just wanted to close the book and be done with it. I love a good heartbreaking story but this one came across try hard and inauthentic to me.
˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ The non stop Winne the Pooh nicknames and references was literally sending me right off a cliff.
╰⪼ ☀️Sarcastic FMC
╰⪼ 🌺Broody MMC
╰⪼ 🧡Loveable Side Characters
╰⪼ ☀️Trauma/Healing
╰⪼ 🌺Grief and Loss
╰⪼ 🧡Childhood Friends to Lovers
╰⪼ ☀️Coming of Age
╰⪼ 🌺First Love
╰⪼ 🧡He Falls First
₊⊹⁀➴ ꕤ Quick Summary ₊˚⊹ ʚɞ
We follow our two main characters - Ella and Max. Recently, Ella's mother has moved them back to town after Ella's brother that she idolizes is sentenced to death row for killing his girlfriend and a guy. She is harassed and judged for being his sister and stays to herself.
Her Mom is so busy trying to get her brother's case overturned that she forgets to be there for Ella as she grieves. Meanwhile Max, who lives across the street with his twin brother and Dad and has the responsibility of taking care of the house and their depressed alcoholic father so he doesn't have much time for a social life.
Over time they keep being thrown together by fate and circumstance and become friends again and the emotional walls she has built around her heart are slowly coming down until New Year's Eve when the events of the night change the course of their lives and their friendship and budding romance.
₊⊹⁀➴ ꕤ My Thoughts ₊˚⊹ ʚɞ
Damn, this is the third book now by Hartmann that I'm just not feeling. It's been a different issue with each one but I'm definitely starting to feel like this author just isn't working for me anymore.
˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ To start - this is marketed as young adult but there are explicit sex scenes, attempted murder on page and attempted rape/sexual assault on page. The spice scenes felt a little weird for me considering the age of the characters but not just that. The whole thing just felt off to me. They weren't mature enough but they were simultaneously not young enough either- idk if that makes sense but the characters just didn't work for me and I wasn't able to connect with them.
The story felt so long, too long to be honest. I dragged myself through much of the first half - the second half was paced a little better but the drama was really over the top and far-fetched. I really just wanted to close the book and be done with it. I love a good heartbreaking story but this one came across try hard and inauthentic to me.
˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ The non stop Winne the Pooh nicknames and references was literally sending me right off a cliff.
╰⪼ ☀️Sarcastic FMC
╰⪼ 🌺Broody MMC
╰⪼ 🧡Loveable Side Characters
╰⪼ ☀️Trauma/Healing
╰⪼ 🌺Grief and Loss
╰⪼ 🧡Childhood Friends to Lovers
╰⪼ ☀️Coming of Age
╰⪼ 🌺First Love
╰⪼ 🧡He Falls First
July 24, 2024
M𝐘 𝐑E𝐕I𝐄W A𝐍D O𝐓H𝐄R𝐒 can also be found on my blog:
╰┈➤𝐊I𝐓T𝐘 𝐊A𝐓S C𝐑A𝐙Y A𝐁O𝐔T B𝐎O𝐊S
'C𝐀T𝐂H T𝐇E S𝐔N' Is a full length romance book by Jennifer Hartmann. Spoken in 'dual perspectives' HEROINE: Ella Sunbury 💋 HERO: Max Manning
5 favourite STAY stars
From the cover, to the blurb throw in the author and I was giddy for release day so I could quickly purchase a copy, once Arcs were done and dusted I dived into this, and from that moment onwards I couldn't put it down, I read it in a day unputdownable, unforgettable, this author wove her magic again and I fell under her spell.
💋 Childhood friends
💋 Virgins
💋 Friends to lovers
💋 Trauma and Healing
Max had such a beautiful soul, the boy who loved fully, who selfishly looked after the ones he loved, but he was breaking under all the responsibility on his young shoulders.
Ella had the sins of her brother on her shoulders, ostracized by his crimes, bullied beyond belief, but even though she appeared broken and beaten down she was tough and sassy. But behind that sass was a broken girl closed off to love and the world.
📚 "𝐑o𝐦a𝐧t𝐢c𝐢z𝐞 𝐲o𝐮r l𝐢f𝐞. D𝐨n't l𝐢v𝐞 𝐞v𝐞r𝐲 𝐝a𝐲 𝐥i𝐤e i𝐭'𝐬 𝐲o𝐮r l𝐚s𝐭. L𝐢v𝐞 𝐞v𝐞r𝐲 𝐝a𝐲 𝐥i𝐤e i𝐭'𝐬 𝐲o𝐮r f𝐢r𝐬t. 𝐋a𝐬t𝐬 𝐚r𝐞 𝐭r𝐚g𝐢c. 𝐅i𝐫s𝐭s a𝐫e e𝐱c𝐢t𝐢n𝐠 𝐚n𝐝 𝐟u𝐥l o𝐟 𝐜e𝐥e𝐛r𝐚t𝐢o𝐧."
At the age of seven Max and Ella became fast friends where she spent a memorable year until her father whisked her away without even a goodbye..Ten years later and she's back living right next door to the boy she never forgot about.
But neither are the same happy kids they used to be, both live under a dark cloud hovering above their heads.
A beautifully written emotional, twisty, angsty, storyline which had me within its grasp from front to back, this wrung out so many emotions and closing that last page felt like I was saying goodbye to a family member.
This easily went from a 5 ⭐️ to a 2024 favourite book, making this another favourite read by this author.
* Teaser used is off the authors facebook page *
August 20, 2024
This is one of those books that gaslight you into 5 stars because of how it ends 😭😭
July 6, 2024
This is a story of a boy and a girl who met as little kids and loved each other. They then separate for many years and finally live near each other again as teenagers. It’s a story of first love, but it is def not an easy love story.
There were a lot of heartbreaking twists in this book. There were times it was so sad & times it made me smile. I did not predict the twists that happened.
I honestly wish I could quote this book, but since it’s an advance copy I can’t, but there were sooo many beautiful quotes. In particular, there was one quote about innocence that I felt was one of the most beautiful things I have ever read.
For me the first half of the story was a little slow, but once it got going so much happened. If I could change one thing, I would make this book a little shorter and focus more on all the shocking parts in the second half.
Thank you to netgalley for the free advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
There were a lot of heartbreaking twists in this book. There were times it was so sad & times it made me smile. I did not predict the twists that happened.
I honestly wish I could quote this book, but since it’s an advance copy I can’t, but there were sooo many beautiful quotes. In particular, there was one quote about innocence that I felt was one of the most beautiful things I have ever read.
For me the first half of the story was a little slow, but once it got going so much happened. If I could change one thing, I would make this book a little shorter and focus more on all the shocking parts in the second half.
Thank you to netgalley for the free advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 18, 2024
I CRIED ON THE AIRPLANE.
I haven’t picked up a YA book in a HOT minute, but no one writes emotional angst quite like Jennifer Hartmann.
There were SO many plot twists and I just could not put this book down. I seriously need EVERYONE to read this. One of the best books i have read this year HANDA DOWN.
…also I’ll never look at the colour orange the same way ever again #cry
*yes, this book has an HEA but please look up the CWs
I haven’t picked up a YA book in a HOT minute, but no one writes emotional angst quite like Jennifer Hartmann.
There were SO many plot twists and I just could not put this book down. I seriously need EVERYONE to read this. One of the best books i have read this year HANDA DOWN.
…also I’ll never look at the colour orange the same way ever again #cry
*yes, this book has an HEA but please look up the CWs
July 10, 2024
from the moment i read the blurb i was instantly intrigued and for good reason. this is a well told story of grieving and loving someone despite the evil they may have done. and it’s very clear by the fmc’s conflicting feelings about her brother on death row. while she’s dealing with the turmoil, she finds a friend in her old childhood friend who has since changed as well.
and while i think this story is told really well, i just honestly could not stand the writing style. the characters were just overtly the stereotypical “awkward moody teenager who just wants to be left alone” and don’t get me wrong i understand why but i think this book missed the mark by like 10 years.
“You could call me Monday. Nobody likes Mondays.”
genuinely nobody talks like this, it’s giving facebook mom stealing old tumblr quotes and posting them on her page.
i just don’t think the writing style was enjoyable at all for me, i couldn’t take it serious when i wanted to. and this honestly saddens me because i think the plot was so so good, it’s just the writing /:
all in all i enjoyed the story not the writing which in the end ruined it for me, i think if you’re able to look past it then this book can be enjoyable, i see why people have loved it but i am not of them.
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for an honest review
and while i think this story is told really well, i just honestly could not stand the writing style. the characters were just overtly the stereotypical “awkward moody teenager who just wants to be left alone” and don’t get me wrong i understand why but i think this book missed the mark by like 10 years.
“You could call me Monday. Nobody likes Mondays.”
genuinely nobody talks like this, it’s giving facebook mom stealing old tumblr quotes and posting them on her page.
i just don’t think the writing style was enjoyable at all for me, i couldn’t take it serious when i wanted to. and this honestly saddens me because i think the plot was so so good, it’s just the writing /:
all in all i enjoyed the story not the writing which in the end ruined it for me, i think if you’re able to look past it then this book can be enjoyable, i see why people have loved it but i am not of them.
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for an honest review
August 22, 2025
☼.°༄ "The sun is extra bright today, Sunny. We should try to catch it."
Rating: 3.5 stars ᯓ★
A beautiful story of second chances, young love that gets tipped on its head, whilst overcoming struggles, trauma and heartbreak. I adored Ella and Max's love story, and spent the majority of this book fully connected to their journey. I cannot express how much I adore Max, he is the absolute greenest of green flags. He deserves the whole entire world and more. The most loving, loyal and patient man.
The thing is, I truly thought this was going to be a 4 star read, I was really loving it and when everything started to fall apart, my anxiety was through the roof. However, I didn't feel the heartbreak and turmoil in the aftermath of everything like I usually do with these books. Therefore, I ended up losing the connection to Max and Ella. I am so, so disappointed by this, I truly expected to be sobbing my heart out. The more I think about their story the more it makes me sad that it dropped off.
There is also something that happens in the plot that just felt almost lazy, I think this is where the something missing started. Either way, it is a great book and their story is heartbreaking and beautiful all in one. There is just something that goes missing along the way.
I know Max and Ella are enjoying every sunset together though & this softens the blow ♡
JH's writing is one of my favourite, and there were so many quotes I loved.
“I mean what I said, honey. Romanticize your life. Don’t live every day like it’s your last. Live every day like it’s your first. Lasts are tragic. Firsts are exciting and full of celebration. Look at every sunrise like it’s the first time you’ve ever seen colors like that before. Listen to your favorite song like you’ve never heard such a precious melody. If you make every day a celebration, you’ll never get bored in your own story.”
“Souls don’t see, Sunny. Souls feel. They feel, and they yearn, and they know.” Swallowing, I move in closer, refusing to give up on this. Refusing to give up on her. “I’d feel you in any lifetime, in any version of any reality. And I’d know, without a doubt, without a shred of hesitation… that your soul was meant for mine.”
I will say this is labeled as YA but please be aware it tackles heavy topics and also has open door spice scenes.
Rating: 3.5 stars ᯓ★
A beautiful story of second chances, young love that gets tipped on its head, whilst overcoming struggles, trauma and heartbreak. I adored Ella and Max's love story, and spent the majority of this book fully connected to their journey. I cannot express how much I adore Max, he is the absolute greenest of green flags. He deserves the whole entire world and more. The most loving, loyal and patient man.
The thing is, I truly thought this was going to be a 4 star read, I was really loving it and when everything started to fall apart, my anxiety was through the roof. However, I didn't feel the heartbreak and turmoil in the aftermath of everything like I usually do with these books. Therefore, I ended up losing the connection to Max and Ella. I am so, so disappointed by this, I truly expected to be sobbing my heart out. The more I think about their story the more it makes me sad that it dropped off.
There is also something that happens in the plot that just felt almost lazy, I think this is where the something missing started. Either way, it is a great book and their story is heartbreaking and beautiful all in one. There is just something that goes missing along the way.
I know Max and Ella are enjoying every sunset together though & this softens the blow ♡
JH's writing is one of my favourite, and there were so many quotes I loved.
“I mean what I said, honey. Romanticize your life. Don’t live every day like it’s your last. Live every day like it’s your first. Lasts are tragic. Firsts are exciting and full of celebration. Look at every sunrise like it’s the first time you’ve ever seen colors like that before. Listen to your favorite song like you’ve never heard such a precious melody. If you make every day a celebration, you’ll never get bored in your own story.”
“Souls don’t see, Sunny. Souls feel. They feel, and they yearn, and they know.” Swallowing, I move in closer, refusing to give up on this. Refusing to give up on her. “I’d feel you in any lifetime, in any version of any reality. And I’d know, without a doubt, without a shred of hesitation… that your soul was meant for mine.”
I will say this is labeled as YA but please be aware it tackles heavy topics and also has open door spice scenes.
July 19, 2024
4 stars
Catching the Sun is one of those books that gave me all the feels. I love Jennifer Hartmann’s writing and this was heartbreaking at times, but the end left me so happy and hopeful.
Max and Ella met when they were children and they became best friends. They were separated when Ella moved away and didn’t see each other again until their teens. Ella’s life is a mess and Max’s isn’t easy either.
I don’t want to go too far into the plot because I liked not knowing what had happened or what was happening. It kept me on the edge of my seat and intrigued all the way through. I have some thoughts and theories (specifically about Ella’s brother).
This book was emotional, intriguing, and romantic. The love story was so beautiful. I love a devoted hero so much, and Max was perfection. Catching the Sun is a mature YA novel that you don’t want to miss out on!
Catching the Sun is one of those books that gave me all the feels. I love Jennifer Hartmann’s writing and this was heartbreaking at times, but the end left me so happy and hopeful.
Max and Ella met when they were children and they became best friends. They were separated when Ella moved away and didn’t see each other again until their teens. Ella’s life is a mess and Max’s isn’t easy either.
I don’t want to go too far into the plot because I liked not knowing what had happened or what was happening. It kept me on the edge of my seat and intrigued all the way through. I have some thoughts and theories (specifically about Ella’s brother).
This book was emotional, intriguing, and romantic. The love story was so beautiful. I love a devoted hero so much, and Max was perfection. Catching the Sun is a mature YA novel that you don’t want to miss out on!
”Romanticize your life. Don't live every day like it's your last. Live every day like it's your first. Lasts are tragic. Firsts are exciting and full of celebration.”
September 4, 2025
This is a deeply emotional and tragic story. There’s so much happening and many layers to the plot. I enjoyed the MMC/FMC interactions, and the plot kept me engaged. The mysterious elements definitely drew me in enough to binge the entire book in one day. However, I must admit I’m a bit disappointed with this one. I think I could have skimmed through half of it without missing anything important. There are many layers, and I appreciate the full-circle storyline, but honestly, it was quite dragged out. I’d love to take a red pen to cut out about a quarter of the unnecessary filler. Also, at first, I found the Winnie the Pooh references cute, but by the epilogue, they just felt creepy and weird. 🤡
Anyway, I like this author and I don’t mind a tragic story that rips my heart out. The ability to evoke genuine emotions is powerful. The love and disdain you feel for the characters seem real and pure, despite the fact that this is FICTION. For the genre, this is a good book, but compared to all the books I’ve read in my life, it’s more average. So, I’m rounding down for now. I do, however, forever love Max. 🥹 He’s a great character for sure!
3.5 stars ✨ Not my favorite book by Hartmann, but a good book overall.
Anyway, I like this author and I don’t mind a tragic story that rips my heart out. The ability to evoke genuine emotions is powerful. The love and disdain you feel for the characters seem real and pure, despite the fact that this is FICTION. For the genre, this is a good book, but compared to all the books I’ve read in my life, it’s more average. So, I’m rounding down for now. I do, however, forever love Max. 🥹 He’s a great character for sure!
3.5 stars ✨ Not my favorite book by Hartmann, but a good book overall.
July 31, 2024
I know everyone loves this one, but it just did not do it for me. I couldn't get interested in the story or the characters, and I got beyond annoyed of hearing about Dr. Pepper, orange, and winnie the pooh.
June 30, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ As kids, Ella Sunbury and Max Manning were self declared soul mates. When life pulls them apart, it will be years later until they are reunited - as broody high school students each dealing with their own struggles. As their relationship begins to blossom, tragedy threatens to pull them apart once again.
“You can’t catch the sun, but there’s no shame in chasing its light.”
I fell in love with Jennifer Hartmann’s writing earlier this year when I read Older and have been more and more impressed with each book I devour. While most of her books are steeped in heavier themes of trauma and grief, I think Catch the Sun, as a YA novel, strikes a balance of the heavier with the lighter (trauma juxtaposed with the hope of young love).
As always, her characters are richly layered and multi-faceted, complete with relatable flaws. Her characters are strong, and while faced with hardships, never lose their sense of self and I think this more than anything keeps me coming back to stories I know are going to break my heart. Sunny and Max are no exception.
🎧 Audio update: this book is equally fantastic on audio narrated by Raven Wildwood and Dane Anderson who do an exceptional job portraying the extra emotional nature of this story. Their narration was impeccable start to finish.
Read if you like:
• emotional reads
• mature YA books
• friends to lovers
• coming of age
• healing from grief and trauma
• complex family dynamics
Thank you Bloom Books and Tantor Audio for the gifted copies.
“You can’t catch the sun, but there’s no shame in chasing its light.”
I fell in love with Jennifer Hartmann’s writing earlier this year when I read Older and have been more and more impressed with each book I devour. While most of her books are steeped in heavier themes of trauma and grief, I think Catch the Sun, as a YA novel, strikes a balance of the heavier with the lighter (trauma juxtaposed with the hope of young love).
As always, her characters are richly layered and multi-faceted, complete with relatable flaws. Her characters are strong, and while faced with hardships, never lose their sense of self and I think this more than anything keeps me coming back to stories I know are going to break my heart. Sunny and Max are no exception.
🎧 Audio update: this book is equally fantastic on audio narrated by Raven Wildwood and Dane Anderson who do an exceptional job portraying the extra emotional nature of this story. Their narration was impeccable start to finish.
Read if you like:
• emotional reads
• mature YA books
• friends to lovers
• coming of age
• healing from grief and trauma
• complex family dynamics
Thank you Bloom Books and Tantor Audio for the gifted copies.
July 13, 2024
Ella and Max are childhood friends who are next door neighbors until Ella moves away suddenly. 10 years later, Ella moves back to town right across the street from Max, but a lot has changed in both of their lives making them completely different people. Ella is having a hard time coming to terms with her brother's recent sentence to death after he murdered two people. Max is battling his feelings of his mother's abandonment and his father's alcoholism. When Ella returns to high school in the small town, she is met by ruthless bullying and embarrassment by her peers for her brother's actions. Her saving grace is a new friend Brynn and her once best friend, Max. But, tragedy seems to follow Ella wherever she goes and so does Max.
Review:
4.5 stars.
Catch the Sun is a beautiful love story of childhood friends to lover (one of my favorite tropes!). I absolutely adored Max and Ella. Their resilience upon never ending tragedy is something to be admired. The quotes in this books were superior! So beautifully done and you can't help but fall in love with these characters. This is a character driven story, so it is more of a slow burn especially at the beginning. I think that it could have been shortened a little and I would still have felt that same connection with the characters. But, once it picks up in the second half, it does not slow down! The tragedy in this book is intense and I did not see it coming, but it was very well done! I teared up a couple of times, but didn't cry like I thought that I would. Regardless, this a beautiful love story filled with overcoming LOTS of obstacles within themselves and their families. And in my opinion, Jennifer Hartmann never misses!
Catch the Sun publishes on 7/16, and I highly recommend picking up your copy! I already preordered this masterpiece for a trophy on my bookshelf!
Thank you to NetGalley, Jennifer Hartmann, and Bloom Books for this ARC of Catch the Sun in exchange for an honest review!
Review:
4.5 stars.
Catch the Sun is a beautiful love story of childhood friends to lover (one of my favorite tropes!). I absolutely adored Max and Ella. Their resilience upon never ending tragedy is something to be admired. The quotes in this books were superior! So beautifully done and you can't help but fall in love with these characters. This is a character driven story, so it is more of a slow burn especially at the beginning. I think that it could have been shortened a little and I would still have felt that same connection with the characters. But, once it picks up in the second half, it does not slow down! The tragedy in this book is intense and I did not see it coming, but it was very well done! I teared up a couple of times, but didn't cry like I thought that I would. Regardless, this a beautiful love story filled with overcoming LOTS of obstacles within themselves and their families. And in my opinion, Jennifer Hartmann never misses!
Catch the Sun publishes on 7/16, and I highly recommend picking up your copy! I already preordered this masterpiece for a trophy on my bookshelf!
Thank you to NetGalley, Jennifer Hartmann, and Bloom Books for this ARC of Catch the Sun in exchange for an honest review!
July 25, 2024
♾️/5 ⭐️
My face is covered in snot + tears.
This is my new favorite Jennifer Hartmann book!
My face is covered in snot + tears.
This is my new favorite Jennifer Hartmann book!
July 17, 2024
Catch the Sun by Jennifer Hartmann
5/5 stars
My lord Jennifer Hartmann, what did you do to me??? You completely destroyed me and healed me at the same time. And the power you gave to the word 'stay' will stay with me for the rest of my life. You wrote an absolute beast of a masterpiece. I haven't read a book this good in awhile! You definitely made me an addict and I am gonna read your entire backlog of books!!
Catch the Sun is the powerful love and devastating story of Ella and Max. Both are wear a world of grief on their shoulders and they try to navigate their lives as best they can.
Ella and Max met when they were seven years old. Ella and her father moved to Juniper Falls after her parents divorce. Her older brother stayed with their mother and Ella lived with her father for a year. In that year seven year old's Max and Ella formed a deep friendship and bond. Declaring they would marry each other someday. But they get ripped apart when Ella's father brings her back to her mother after a year. Thinking a relationship is more important than the life with his daughter.
Ten years pass and something terrible has happened to Ella's brother. He is on death row for killing his girlfriend and her apparent lover. Her mother put all their money in his defense and trying to prove his innocence. They lost their home, everything. Ella struggles with loving him and hating him for what he did at the same time. She also believes he actually did commit the murders. The evidence was crystal clear.
They move back to Juniper Falls. But things aren't any easier over there. She lives close to Max, his twin brother McKay and their father. And the entire school taunts her and bullies her. Max also keeps his distance.
Only Brynn isn't fazed by her off putting behaviour. And shows her true friendship and keeps inviting her to social outings. Brynn is also dating McKay, Max's twin brother. So Ella and Max see each other regularly and man. My heart. Oh my heart kept pounding for the second they met.
Even though Max is dealing with the fact that his mother left them five years ago, and dealing with his father who became a severe drunk right after, he still has this pure and amazing heart. Max is love personified on earth. He is an angel, pure and utter kindness. Ella doesn't want to have anything to do with him. But Max isn't easily deterred. He is patient. Kind. He paces himself to her pace. Even when she seems to want more. He knows she isn't ready and he protects her boundaries for her. And seeing them trusting each other, becoming friends, falling for each other. It was such a joy to read. They have my entire heart!
"Nice reflexes," he says, his eyes appearing two shades darker when the sun sneaks behind the clouds. "I'm impressed."
"Shit." I sigh. "I took it too far. Now you're in love."
A beat.
A breath.
And then his lips curl up, revealing a pair of deep-set dimples I haven't seen in ten years.
Oh my God - he's actually smiling and it feels contagious.
I really did take it too far.
She tells him she likes lists. And Max instantly catches on how important that is to her. And throughout the book he writes her lists to help her navigate her feelings and different situations. And every list had such an important meaning. I love how much that added to their friendship.
Why We Should Be Friends
1. I want to be.
2. I have a hunch you secretly want that, too.
- Max.
But their story isn't easy. Max's father deteriorates quickly. And things happen. He and McKay seem to clash more often. Both brothers carry the pain of the last five years with them.
Ella is stuck in time. She just cannot open up her heart. Her mother is there, but not really there as well. Then something huge happens that sets in motion a series of devastating events.
Pain erupts on page after page. Progress that has been made gets kicked back a thousand steps. Out of love secrets are kept. And it all tumbles forward, fast, hard and without any sign of stopping.
My lord, my heart ached! But I also love how it ended. I love how strong both Max and Ella are. And their character development is out of this world. The growth they go through is insane.
I am just in awe of this gorgeous book. Truly one of the best Young Adult/Contemporary Romance ever written! I will treasure this story in my heart forever.
A million, billion stars from me for this stunning book!
5/5 stars
My lord Jennifer Hartmann, what did you do to me??? You completely destroyed me and healed me at the same time. And the power you gave to the word 'stay' will stay with me for the rest of my life. You wrote an absolute beast of a masterpiece. I haven't read a book this good in awhile! You definitely made me an addict and I am gonna read your entire backlog of books!!
Catch the Sun is the powerful love and devastating story of Ella and Max. Both are wear a world of grief on their shoulders and they try to navigate their lives as best they can.
Ella and Max met when they were seven years old. Ella and her father moved to Juniper Falls after her parents divorce. Her older brother stayed with their mother and Ella lived with her father for a year. In that year seven year old's Max and Ella formed a deep friendship and bond. Declaring they would marry each other someday. But they get ripped apart when Ella's father brings her back to her mother after a year. Thinking a relationship is more important than the life with his daughter.
Ten years pass and something terrible has happened to Ella's brother. He is on death row for killing his girlfriend and her apparent lover. Her mother put all their money in his defense and trying to prove his innocence. They lost their home, everything. Ella struggles with loving him and hating him for what he did at the same time. She also believes he actually did commit the murders. The evidence was crystal clear.
They move back to Juniper Falls. But things aren't any easier over there. She lives close to Max, his twin brother McKay and their father. And the entire school taunts her and bullies her. Max also keeps his distance.
Only Brynn isn't fazed by her off putting behaviour. And shows her true friendship and keeps inviting her to social outings. Brynn is also dating McKay, Max's twin brother. So Ella and Max see each other regularly and man. My heart. Oh my heart kept pounding for the second they met.
Even though Max is dealing with the fact that his mother left them five years ago, and dealing with his father who became a severe drunk right after, he still has this pure and amazing heart. Max is love personified on earth. He is an angel, pure and utter kindness. Ella doesn't want to have anything to do with him. But Max isn't easily deterred. He is patient. Kind. He paces himself to her pace. Even when she seems to want more. He knows she isn't ready and he protects her boundaries for her. And seeing them trusting each other, becoming friends, falling for each other. It was such a joy to read. They have my entire heart!
"Nice reflexes," he says, his eyes appearing two shades darker when the sun sneaks behind the clouds. "I'm impressed."
"Shit." I sigh. "I took it too far. Now you're in love."
A beat.
A breath.
And then his lips curl up, revealing a pair of deep-set dimples I haven't seen in ten years.
Oh my God - he's actually smiling and it feels contagious.
I really did take it too far.
She tells him she likes lists. And Max instantly catches on how important that is to her. And throughout the book he writes her lists to help her navigate her feelings and different situations. And every list had such an important meaning. I love how much that added to their friendship.
Why We Should Be Friends
1. I want to be.
2. I have a hunch you secretly want that, too.
- Max.
But their story isn't easy. Max's father deteriorates quickly. And things happen. He and McKay seem to clash more often. Both brothers carry the pain of the last five years with them.
Ella is stuck in time. She just cannot open up her heart. Her mother is there, but not really there as well. Then something huge happens that sets in motion a series of devastating events.
Pain erupts on page after page. Progress that has been made gets kicked back a thousand steps. Out of love secrets are kept. And it all tumbles forward, fast, hard and without any sign of stopping.
My lord, my heart ached! But I also love how it ended. I love how strong both Max and Ella are. And their character development is out of this world. The growth they go through is insane.
I am just in awe of this gorgeous book. Truly one of the best Young Adult/Contemporary Romance ever written! I will treasure this story in my heart forever.
A million, billion stars from me for this stunning book!
August 30, 2024
I unfortunately didn’t cry, RTC
~
I’ve heard this is heartbreaking, what can I say I’m a glutton for punishment 💔 ~Buddy Read With Besties Noi & Lindsey💘~
~
I’ve heard this is heartbreaking, what can I say I’m a glutton for punishment 💔 ~Buddy Read With Besties Noi & Lindsey💘~
January 3, 2025
This read like a plot based around trying to fit in a combination of tumblr posts and inspirational quotes.
This SHOULD NOT be YA.
Max and Ella are childhood friends who are torn apart when Ella’s father takes her away to live with him. Years later, Ella returns to their small town, now as a "social outcast" because the brother she idolised is on death row for murdering his girlfriend and the boy she was with.
Obviously, Max doesn’t care about this and they rekindle their bond, seeking solace in her company whilst also taking care of his twin and his depressed alcoholic father.
This was supposed to gut me emotionally, yet I never felt attached to the characters or their plights. They didn’t feel mature, yet weirdly they simultaneously did not feel young enough at times.
This was just very boring and I felt like nothing happened. I am so sorry, but this is my second book by Hartman and I don’t think she is for me.
I rarely give one star - I think I’ve done it once. However, I just feel so strongly against this being marketed as YA.⭐️
Slight spoilers but this is why it just made me feel really icky:
This is marketed as young adult but there are explicit sex scenes, attempted murder on page and attempted rape/sexual assault on page.
This is worse than many adult books I have read….
The one perk was the Winnie the Pooh references - I found that cute. Although, I notice many other reviewers did not!
I know this is many people’s favourite and I know this will make me public enemy no.1 with some. I’m sorry🫣
Bookstagram
This SHOULD NOT be YA.
Max and Ella are childhood friends who are torn apart when Ella’s father takes her away to live with him. Years later, Ella returns to their small town, now as a "social outcast" because the brother she idolised is on death row for murdering his girlfriend and the boy she was with.
Obviously, Max doesn’t care about this and they rekindle their bond, seeking solace in her company whilst also taking care of his twin and his depressed alcoholic father.
This was supposed to gut me emotionally, yet I never felt attached to the characters or their plights. They didn’t feel mature, yet weirdly they simultaneously did not feel young enough at times.
This was just very boring and I felt like nothing happened. I am so sorry, but this is my second book by Hartman and I don’t think she is for me.
I rarely give one star - I think I’ve done it once. However, I just feel so strongly against this being marketed as YA.⭐️
Slight spoilers but this is why it just made me feel really icky:
This is marketed as young adult but there are explicit sex scenes, attempted murder on page and attempted rape/sexual assault on page.
This is worse than many adult books I have read….
The one perk was the Winnie the Pooh references - I found that cute. Although, I notice many other reviewers did not!
I know this is many people’s favourite and I know this will make me public enemy no.1 with some. I’m sorry🫣
Bookstagram
October 10, 2024
Arghh, so frustrating.
I think this is the first time I haven't felt mind-numbing sadness or heartbreak, followed by some degree of happiness after reading a Jennifer Hartmann book. I only feel mad.
And I can't find it in me to rant about why this book didn't work for me. I'm just, done.
Oh, and leave Winnie the Pooh alone!🧸
2.75/3⭐
Because it's still JH. And I love her.♡
I think this is the first time I haven't felt mind-numbing sadness or heartbreak, followed by some degree of happiness after reading a Jennifer Hartmann book. I only feel mad.
And I can't find it in me to rant about why this book didn't work for me. I'm just, done.
Oh, and leave Winnie the Pooh alone!🧸
2.75/3⭐
Because it's still JH. And I love her.♡
March 15, 2025
Review to come.
This book took me on such an emotional rollercoaster. It made me feel all of the emotions. It was so sad, heartbreaking, beautiful and romantic at once. This was my first book by Jennifer Hartmann (though I've had Still beating on my tbr for like 2 years) and I will be reading more by her. I do have to say that the cover was completely misleading because this was not a happy book at all.
The plot
Catch the sun follows Ella and Max who met and became best friends when they were 7 years old before she left town with her father during her parent's divorce.
10 years later Ella has returned to town after her older brother was convicted of murdering two people. She is bullied because of what has happened but Max never bullies her and he wants to be his friend again. Ella is hesitant about this because she has her guard up because of the trauma she has been through but she eventually agrees. Meanwhile Max has been raising himself and looking after his disabled father since he was 12. His twin brother McKay does not help with this at all. During this time he and Ella start to develop feelings for each other but then tragedy strikes.
Will they be able to find their way back to each other or will this end their relationship once and for all?
My thoughts
I really enjoyed this book even though the plot twists felt out of place with the rest of the story.
Spoiler section
I'm still shocked by Ella's brother murdering McKay after he came back because he found out that Max's twin brother tried to rape Ella and left her for dead. I felt like I was reading Say you swear because the plot twists came out of nowhere like in that book.
Non spoiler section
The romance between Max and Ella was really cute though I didn't really connect to them as a couple but I really liked them individually.
There was so much that they had to overcome that I wasn't sure if they would have a happy ending (they did eventually).
This book took me on such an emotional rollercoaster. It made me feel all of the emotions. It was so sad, heartbreaking, beautiful and romantic at once. This was my first book by Jennifer Hartmann (though I've had Still beating on my tbr for like 2 years) and I will be reading more by her. I do have to say that the cover was completely misleading because this was not a happy book at all.
The plot
Catch the sun follows Ella and Max who met and became best friends when they were 7 years old before she left town with her father during her parent's divorce.
10 years later Ella has returned to town after her older brother was convicted of murdering two people. She is bullied because of what has happened but Max never bullies her and he wants to be his friend again. Ella is hesitant about this because she has her guard up because of the trauma she has been through but she eventually agrees. Meanwhile Max has been raising himself and looking after his disabled father since he was 12. His twin brother McKay does not help with this at all. During this time he and Ella start to develop feelings for each other but then tragedy strikes.
Will they be able to find their way back to each other or will this end their relationship once and for all?
My thoughts
I really enjoyed this book even though the plot twists felt out of place with the rest of the story.
Spoiler section
I'm still shocked by Ella's brother murdering McKay after he came back because he found out that Max's twin brother tried to rape Ella and left her for dead. I felt like I was reading Say you swear because the plot twists came out of nowhere like in that book.
Non spoiler section
The romance between Max and Ella was really cute though I didn't really connect to them as a couple but I really liked them individually.
There was so much that they had to overcome that I wasn't sure if they would have a happy ending (they did eventually).
January 10, 2025
This book throws the two main characters into a punching bag and has at them. It’s like fate pinned their lives onto a dartboard, and hit them with every tragedy dart they had. Let’s see the young lovers survive this, mwah ha ha.
I want to caveat my review by saying I’m not a big romance reader. But if you are, you will probably love it. I chose this atypical read because one of the Goodreads genre tags said “science fiction fantasy” which I interpreted to mean this book contains magical realism. Not sure how I report this to the Goodreads librarians, but there is not one shred of magical realism, Sci Fi or fantasy.
I started on audiobook and switched to ebook. The female narrator is excellent and convincingly portrayed a teenager in tragic circumstances. However, my ears balked at the deep mature voice of the male. He sounded like he was 40. I couldn’t picture his voice coming out of of a high school senior. That’s not to say he’s not talented as a narrator, he just seems miscast for a YA protagonist.
I both loved and hated some of the quotes from this book. Loved because they were insightful and perspective changing.
”Don’t live every day like it’s your last. Live every day like it’s your first. Firsts are exciting and full of celebration. If you make every day a celebration, you’ll never get bored in your own story.”
Hated because they are so well wordsmithed that I didn’t find it convincing that an 18-year-old boy would make off-the-cuff declarations like:
“You’re right because there is no love and war. Love is war. You fight until you win, or you fight until you lose. Imagine the victory after all that pain and struggle, after all those battle wounds. War was never meant for peacemakers. There is no place for white flags and soft hearts. It’s loud, feral, and violent. Love is a killer, but not everyone dies bloody. Some stand tall in the end. Let me be that for you, Ella. Let that be us.”
Maybe he’d write it in a letter or think it in reflection. But when I read dialogue like that, I thought, Wow the author really put a lot of time into crafting that, it’s too good to be said on the fly.
It feels weird to be knocking a book for being written too well, but it felt like a case of the author being in love with the phrasing rather than staying true to the characters and the story.
For YA romance fans, my quibbles are small. For non-romance readers drawn to this book due to the high ratings, though, you might question whether investing in this 500+ page book is worth it.
I want to caveat my review by saying I’m not a big romance reader. But if you are, you will probably love it. I chose this atypical read because one of the Goodreads genre tags said “science fiction fantasy” which I interpreted to mean this book contains magical realism. Not sure how I report this to the Goodreads librarians, but there is not one shred of magical realism, Sci Fi or fantasy.
I started on audiobook and switched to ebook. The female narrator is excellent and convincingly portrayed a teenager in tragic circumstances. However, my ears balked at the deep mature voice of the male. He sounded like he was 40. I couldn’t picture his voice coming out of of a high school senior. That’s not to say he’s not talented as a narrator, he just seems miscast for a YA protagonist.
I both loved and hated some of the quotes from this book. Loved because they were insightful and perspective changing.
”Don’t live every day like it’s your last. Live every day like it’s your first. Firsts are exciting and full of celebration. If you make every day a celebration, you’ll never get bored in your own story.”
Hated because they are so well wordsmithed that I didn’t find it convincing that an 18-year-old boy would make off-the-cuff declarations like:
“You’re right because there is no love and war. Love is war. You fight until you win, or you fight until you lose. Imagine the victory after all that pain and struggle, after all those battle wounds. War was never meant for peacemakers. There is no place for white flags and soft hearts. It’s loud, feral, and violent. Love is a killer, but not everyone dies bloody. Some stand tall in the end. Let me be that for you, Ella. Let that be us.”
Maybe he’d write it in a letter or think it in reflection. But when I read dialogue like that, I thought, Wow the author really put a lot of time into crafting that, it’s too good to be said on the fly.
It feels weird to be knocking a book for being written too well, but it felt like a case of the author being in love with the phrasing rather than staying true to the characters and the story.
For YA romance fans, my quibbles are small. For non-romance readers drawn to this book due to the high ratings, though, you might question whether investing in this 500+ page book is worth it.
October 12, 2024
The mmc deserved better.
This was messy but I enjoyed it.
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This has so many TW listed... am scared.
Good thing I have my gorgeous girls Lindsey and Bella with me on this ride for support <3
This was messy but I enjoyed it.
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This has so many TW listed... am scared.
Good thing I have my gorgeous girls Lindsey and Bella with me on this ride for support <3
June 19, 2025
Ella and Max’s love story was so heartbreakingly beautiful. So much tragedy and so much to overcome come. Jennifer Hartmann sure does know how to break your heart and then put it back together ♥️
June 28, 2024
4.5/5⭐️
This book broke me. An emotional roller coaster of emotions. Jennifer Hartmann knows how to tear you apart only to put you back together at the very end. In no way was I expecting this book to be the way it was. I went into it thinking it was a young adult romance book but it was not at all. The only young adult romance was the fact the characters were young and in love but the storyline is so so heavy. I feel like I was put through the wringer reading this, as if it was unreal and a dream. Jennifer has such a special writing style. I absolutely sobbed to many many scenes but I also found such a deep connection to the characters and what they went through. I felt heartbroken for all they had to endure. I never expected it to take the turn that it did but it made this book super interesting and kept me hooked. The romance is beautiful and heartbreaking. I highly recommend but check the trigger warnings before starting and take them seriously (unlike me).
This book broke me. An emotional roller coaster of emotions. Jennifer Hartmann knows how to tear you apart only to put you back together at the very end. In no way was I expecting this book to be the way it was. I went into it thinking it was a young adult romance book but it was not at all. The only young adult romance was the fact the characters were young and in love but the storyline is so so heavy. I feel like I was put through the wringer reading this, as if it was unreal and a dream. Jennifer has such a special writing style. I absolutely sobbed to many many scenes but I also found such a deep connection to the characters and what they went through. I felt heartbroken for all they had to endure. I never expected it to take the turn that it did but it made this book super interesting and kept me hooked. The romance is beautiful and heartbreaking. I highly recommend but check the trigger warnings before starting and take them seriously (unlike me).
August 5, 2024
Felt like it was written with too many plots in mind and no real direction. Slow, so slow. Author writes beautifully, but this was a no for me.
July 26, 2024
Wow! Jennifer really knows how to write an emotionally captivating story. I was hooked from the prologue! Max and Ella are childhood besties who end up reconnecting 10 years later.
Both Ella and Max are both struggling with their lives and eventually reconnect. Catch The Sun really shows that life after loss can get better. A true story of right person wrong time. My heart truly hurt for them both. Reading their reconnection and growth was 🤌🏻 There were so many times I found myself tearing up.
A must read!
Thank you NetGalley, bloom books, and Valentine Pr for the gifted copy.
Both Ella and Max are both struggling with their lives and eventually reconnect. Catch The Sun really shows that life after loss can get better. A true story of right person wrong time. My heart truly hurt for them both. Reading their reconnection and growth was 🤌🏻 There were so many times I found myself tearing up.
A must read!
Thank you NetGalley, bloom books, and Valentine Pr for the gifted copy.
January 5, 2025
2024 reads: 341/250
content warnings: murder, alcoholism, sexual assault, bullying
when ella and max were seven, they were best friends up until ella abruptly had to leave town. ten years later, their paths cross again, though neither of them are the same. ella lives in the shadow of her brother on death row, and max does his best to keep his house running despite his distant twin and sick father. as their relationship grows, new tragedy strikes, and their delicate balance is disrupted.
i’ve read a few of jennifer hartmann’s adult novels, so i was interested in seeing how this YA novel would compare. this was still a heavy book, as were the other books i’ve read by her, but i think she did a good job with switching her narration a bit for a YA audience. i really enjoyed the mental illness rep in not only our main characters, but a secondary character as well. i also thought the ending was satisfying and i appreciated how that played out. i can’t wait to read more of jennifer hartmann’s books!
content warnings: murder, alcoholism, sexual assault, bullying
when ella and max were seven, they were best friends up until ella abruptly had to leave town. ten years later, their paths cross again, though neither of them are the same. ella lives in the shadow of her brother on death row, and max does his best to keep his house running despite his distant twin and sick father. as their relationship grows, new tragedy strikes, and their delicate balance is disrupted.
i’ve read a few of jennifer hartmann’s adult novels, so i was interested in seeing how this YA novel would compare. this was still a heavy book, as were the other books i’ve read by her, but i think she did a good job with switching her narration a bit for a YA audience. i really enjoyed the mental illness rep in not only our main characters, but a secondary character as well. i also thought the ending was satisfying and i appreciated how that played out. i can’t wait to read more of jennifer hartmann’s books!
August 19, 2025
“I think that’s the only way to recognize your real home. You need to be lost first. You need to be wandering, forgotten, misplaced. Only then will you truly know where you belong.”
As always, Jennifer Hartmann writes a beautiful, emotionally charged book. I’m obsessed with her writing. If you’re looking for a YA, low spice, happily ever after - This is for you!
I will say, this was a little too YA for me, personally, but the way JH writes a MMC makes up for it. Max is swoon-worthy. He’s perfect! “Kissing you feels like catching the sun.”
This book didn’t have to be as long as it was. It started getting repetitive, which made me annoyed with the FMC, Ella. I hated that. I found myself itching to get to a Max chapter lol but despite that, it’s a page turner.
I liked how JH left the Jonah situation up for your own interpretation. Did he do it or didn’t he?
As always, Jennifer Hartmann writes a beautiful, emotionally charged book. I’m obsessed with her writing. If you’re looking for a YA, low spice, happily ever after - This is for you!
I will say, this was a little too YA for me, personally, but the way JH writes a MMC makes up for it. Max is swoon-worthy. He’s perfect! “Kissing you feels like catching the sun.”
This book didn’t have to be as long as it was. It started getting repetitive, which made me annoyed with the FMC, Ella. I hated that. I found myself itching to get to a Max chapter lol but despite that, it’s a page turner.
I liked how JH left the Jonah situation up for your own interpretation. Did he do it or didn’t he?
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