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Just Eloise
Broken-hearted and a thousand miles away from her best friend, Eloise Bloom is alone-something she's never been very good at. Eloise seizes the moment as an opportunity, striving to only show her Best Self. With the help of this alter-ego, she learns to let people in and talk about the Important Things -- like her fear of the future and her father who passed away when she was young. Then she meets Trevor, a senior who likes her just the way she is... or at least the way she's trying to be.
Between navigating new friendships and falling in love for the first time, Eloise struggles to figure out if her New and Improved Self is really herself at all. When a shocking revelation rocks her world and leaves her alone once again, she's got no other choice but to answer her own question: who is Just Eloise?
Between navigating new friendships and falling in love for the first time, Eloise struggles to figure out if her New and Improved Self is really herself at all. When a shocking revelation rocks her world and leaves her alone once again, she's got no other choice but to answer her own question: who is Just Eloise?
534 pages, Paperback
Published January 31, 2025
3 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 15, 2024
Oh my goodness. This book was impossible to put down. I felt Eloise in my soul and each experience she had was so authentic. Need more!!!
January 1, 2025
*ARC Review*
This book is like a big cozy hug mixed with all the feels! 💕 Follow a girl who’s trying to figure out who she really is while juggling new friends, first love, and some major life curveballs. 🌟 The romance? Swoon-worthy. 🥰 The friendships? Totally heartwarming. 🫶 And her journey? A beautiful reminder that being yourself is always the best choice. 💖 If you love stories full of love, laughter, and a touch of tears, this one’s for you! 📚✨
This book is like a big cozy hug mixed with all the feels! 💕 Follow a girl who’s trying to figure out who she really is while juggling new friends, first love, and some major life curveballs. 🌟 The romance? Swoon-worthy. 🥰 The friendships? Totally heartwarming. 🫶 And her journey? A beautiful reminder that being yourself is always the best choice. 💖 If you love stories full of love, laughter, and a touch of tears, this one’s for you! 📚✨
December 29, 2024
YA- Romance/Family Drama:
This was such a great story! I could not put it down! Eloise character is funny and witty. The love Interest had me so giddy making me feel like I was sixteen again. I absolutely loved the big brother love.
Eloise is a sixteen year kid who’s bestie moves away and the other one “drifts apart” ( you’ll just have to read to know the deets), and she trying to find herself without them. Along the way she meets someone that helps her grow, well they help each other grow.
You will laugh and possibly cry. Highly recommend this book.
This was such a great story! I could not put it down! Eloise character is funny and witty. The love Interest had me so giddy making me feel like I was sixteen again. I absolutely loved the big brother love.
Eloise is a sixteen year kid who’s bestie moves away and the other one “drifts apart” ( you’ll just have to read to know the deets), and she trying to find herself without them. Along the way she meets someone that helps her grow, well they help each other grow.
You will laugh and possibly cry. Highly recommend this book.
March 24, 2025
My teenage self would have swooned over this book. This book brought so many memories back from my teenage years, some of them fun, some of them so embarrassing. All in all a great book. Super honest. Very lovely.
January 29, 2025
I loved this coming of age, raw, emotional, hilarious book!
When Eloise's best friend moves across country, she has a falling out with her other best friend, and she has to start preparing for her brother to go off to college, she has to find out who she is as JUST Eloise without everyone else. Then she meets someone new on top of all of that. But do they like her or do they like Just Eloise her?
While I do not like miscommunication, this book uses it in a great way to express the feelings of a young teen who isn't really sure who she is. She hates confrontation and discussing the future. Her non-communication and avoidance causes so many struggles for herself and everyone around her.
This story is full of so many raw emotions, it made me laugh, tear up, feel frustrated, and really reminded me of my teen years.
The ending wasn't a pretty bow ending, but it was good and emotional with so many possibilities, just like life.
When Eloise's best friend moves across country, she has a falling out with her other best friend, and she has to start preparing for her brother to go off to college, she has to find out who she is as JUST Eloise without everyone else. Then she meets someone new on top of all of that. But do they like her or do they like Just Eloise her?
While I do not like miscommunication, this book uses it in a great way to express the feelings of a young teen who isn't really sure who she is. She hates confrontation and discussing the future. Her non-communication and avoidance causes so many struggles for herself and everyone around her.
This story is full of so many raw emotions, it made me laugh, tear up, feel frustrated, and really reminded me of my teen years.
The ending wasn't a pretty bow ending, but it was good and emotional with so many possibilities, just like life.
January 3, 2025
Definitely brought me back to the drama and hardships that came with high school! It was a little *spicy* (for lack of better words) for the age range to me personally, but may not bother others, especially those of high school age. I love the representation and overall loved reading about Eloise figuring herself out and overcoming her fears of growing up and what comes with it.
August 21, 2025
🪷⭐⭐⭐.5
🪷Genre: Romance
🪷Spice: 🌶️🌶️
🪷Method: The author sent me this ebook.
🪷Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. This is a very raw and real exploration of teenage relationships and intimacy. I enjoyed the writing style and would like to read more books from this author.
🪷10 Point Break Down:
🪷Plot: +0.75 The plot is fun. I appreciate that the 3rd act conflict is believable. I wish there was less intimacy where the characters are in high school, but I appreciate how the author handled the spice.
🪷Characters: +1 The characters have a lot of depth and are well developed.
🪷Setting: +0.5 I didn’t feel super immersed in the setting, but a lot of that is probably from my reading slump.
🪷Writing Style: +1 I enjoyed the authors writing style. She wrote about the difficult topics in this book really well.
🪷Pacing: +0.5 I am knee deep in a reading slump while I’m reading this, so keep that in mind. This book felt a little too long to me and took me a while to get into.
🪷Themes: +1
🪷Originality: +0.5 This is a trope and story that gets told a ton, but the author added a lot of insight that is valuable.
🪷Emotional Impact: +0.5 I didn’t feel super connected to the characters, but the story did tug at my heartstrings.
🪷Overall Enjoyment: +0.25 I struggled a little reading about them being intimate where they are still in high school. There isn’t anything wrong with reading a book about juniors and seniors being intimate if you’re okay with that, I just didn’t feel very comfortable.
🪷Ending: +1 It ended realistically and I really appreciate that in a ya coming of age romance.
🪷Genre: Romance
🪷Spice: 🌶️🌶️
🪷Method: The author sent me this ebook.
🪷Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. This is a very raw and real exploration of teenage relationships and intimacy. I enjoyed the writing style and would like to read more books from this author.
🪷10 Point Break Down:
🪷Plot: +0.75 The plot is fun. I appreciate that the 3rd act conflict is believable. I wish there was less intimacy where the characters are in high school, but I appreciate how the author handled the spice.
🪷Characters: +1 The characters have a lot of depth and are well developed.
🪷Setting: +0.5 I didn’t feel super immersed in the setting, but a lot of that is probably from my reading slump.
🪷Writing Style: +1 I enjoyed the authors writing style. She wrote about the difficult topics in this book really well.
🪷Pacing: +0.5 I am knee deep in a reading slump while I’m reading this, so keep that in mind. This book felt a little too long to me and took me a while to get into.
🪷Themes: +1
🪷Originality: +0.5 This is a trope and story that gets told a ton, but the author added a lot of insight that is valuable.
🪷Emotional Impact: +0.5 I didn’t feel super connected to the characters, but the story did tug at my heartstrings.
🪷Overall Enjoyment: +0.25 I struggled a little reading about them being intimate where they are still in high school. There isn’t anything wrong with reading a book about juniors and seniors being intimate if you’re okay with that, I just didn’t feel very comfortable.
🪷Ending: +1 It ended realistically and I really appreciate that in a ya coming of age romance.
February 1, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.5/5)
Y’all, "𝐽𝑢𝑠𝑡 𝐸𝑙𝑜𝑖𝑠𝑒" is the kind of book that sneaks up on you and hits you right in the feels. If you’ve ever struggled with friendships drifting apart, figuring out who you are without the people who’ve always been your anchors, or falling (hard) for someone who might not be good for your heart—this book gets it.
Eloise is just trying to survive a summer that feels like one big question mark. Her best friend Kenzie has moved away, her almost-something with Cyan is complicated (to say the least), and then there’s Trevor—the new guy with dimples that could wreck your life in the best way possible. But at its core, "𝐽𝑢𝑠𝑡 𝐸𝑙𝑜𝑖𝑠𝑒" isn’t just about romance. It’s about identity, growing up, and realizing that sometimes, being "just" yourself is the biggest journey of all.
Sophie Bernbaum absolutely nails the teen voice. Eloise is funny, awkward, and painfully relatable. The dialogue is chef’s kiss—realistic and snappy, but never forced. The relationships, from sibling dynamics to friendships to romance, all feel so authentic. And Trevor? Yeah, he’s 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 book boyfriend.
The only reason I’m docking half a star is that some of the introspective moments slowed things down a bit, but honestly? This book made me feel things. It’s giving Sarah Dessen meets Kasie West, but with that fresh, modern YA vibe that fans of Jenn Bennett and Lynn Painter will eat up. If you love coming-of-age stories packed with heart, humor, and just the right amount of swoon, Just Eloise needs to be on your radar.
Y’all, "𝐽𝑢𝑠𝑡 𝐸𝑙𝑜𝑖𝑠𝑒" is the kind of book that sneaks up on you and hits you right in the feels. If you’ve ever struggled with friendships drifting apart, figuring out who you are without the people who’ve always been your anchors, or falling (hard) for someone who might not be good for your heart—this book gets it.
Eloise is just trying to survive a summer that feels like one big question mark. Her best friend Kenzie has moved away, her almost-something with Cyan is complicated (to say the least), and then there’s Trevor—the new guy with dimples that could wreck your life in the best way possible. But at its core, "𝐽𝑢𝑠𝑡 𝐸𝑙𝑜𝑖𝑠𝑒" isn’t just about romance. It’s about identity, growing up, and realizing that sometimes, being "just" yourself is the biggest journey of all.
Sophie Bernbaum absolutely nails the teen voice. Eloise is funny, awkward, and painfully relatable. The dialogue is chef’s kiss—realistic and snappy, but never forced. The relationships, from sibling dynamics to friendships to romance, all feel so authentic. And Trevor? Yeah, he’s 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 book boyfriend.
The only reason I’m docking half a star is that some of the introspective moments slowed things down a bit, but honestly? This book made me feel things. It’s giving Sarah Dessen meets Kasie West, but with that fresh, modern YA vibe that fans of Jenn Bennett and Lynn Painter will eat up. If you love coming-of-age stories packed with heart, humor, and just the right amount of swoon, Just Eloise needs to be on your radar.
July 27, 2025
I had the privilege of watching this novel come to fruition in real time, so I type this review with a touch of sentimentality and a great deal of love.
Just Eloise, though its own unique story about a very specific point in one’s life, is an extremely relatable story. Although I am now several years removed from high school, the way friendship, romantic relationships, sibling dynamics, and how one’s worldview can snap in an instant at such an age are things that, in my opinion, can be related to no matter one’s age or where you are in life. I felt at times as if personal diary entries of mine had been publicly leaked with how relatable Eloise’s occasional strife with her brother was and the panic that settles in once you realize that a friend you once considered to be a sister might not be as everlasting as once thought.
It should also be noted that because Eloise is written so humanly—cute quirks and eye twitching flaws and all—I felt as though, I, the reader, began to develop an emotional relationship with the fictitious girl. I would clench my fist when she made the very realistic (dare I say cannon?) mistakes that every high school girl in love might make, crying when her and her brother spoke about family and their father, and laughing with the interactions between Eloise and the basketball team. This debut novel was an emotional gut punch as much as it was a basket of warmth, and so I cannot wait to see what else Sophie will have in store. 🤍
Just Eloise, though its own unique story about a very specific point in one’s life, is an extremely relatable story. Although I am now several years removed from high school, the way friendship, romantic relationships, sibling dynamics, and how one’s worldview can snap in an instant at such an age are things that, in my opinion, can be related to no matter one’s age or where you are in life. I felt at times as if personal diary entries of mine had been publicly leaked with how relatable Eloise’s occasional strife with her brother was and the panic that settles in once you realize that a friend you once considered to be a sister might not be as everlasting as once thought.
It should also be noted that because Eloise is written so humanly—cute quirks and eye twitching flaws and all—I felt as though, I, the reader, began to develop an emotional relationship with the fictitious girl. I would clench my fist when she made the very realistic (dare I say cannon?) mistakes that every high school girl in love might make, crying when her and her brother spoke about family and their father, and laughing with the interactions between Eloise and the basketball team. This debut novel was an emotional gut punch as much as it was a basket of warmth, and so I cannot wait to see what else Sophie will have in store. 🤍
January 23, 2025
I want to preface my review with acknowledging that I am NOT the target audience of this book, but my children and their friends are getting to be that age, and that's why I was interested and volunteered to read and review an ARC of it. After reading it, I'd say it's more appropriate for the 16+ crowd in general, but I would be perfectly okay with my 13-year-old reading it.
I like Eloise, she's a normal 16-year-old girl. She's recently lost her best friends - one moved away and she grew apart from the other - and she's trying to find herself again. She's got a crush on her older brother's new friend, Trevor, and he's got one on her, too. Their relationship is sweet.
I liked the book up until about the 75% mark. Then everything starts to implode around Eloise and it was tough for me to have sympathy for her. Her older brother is right, she needs to open up to someone because she's hurting herself by not. It got better again at the 90% mark.
I like Eloise, she's a normal 16-year-old girl. She's recently lost her best friends - one moved away and she grew apart from the other - and she's trying to find herself again. She's got a crush on her older brother's new friend, Trevor, and he's got one on her, too. Their relationship is sweet.
I liked the book up until about the 75% mark. Then everything starts to implode around Eloise and it was tough for me to have sympathy for her. Her older brother is right, she needs to open up to someone because she's hurting herself by not. It got better again at the 90% mark.
January 27, 2025
Thank you Sophie Bernbaum for sending me an ARC copy of Just Eloise! I couldn’t put it down! From the very beginning, you are drawn into Eloise’s story as she navigates life as a teenager. I loved all the different relationships that changed and grew throughout the course of the book. Friends, family, love interests, they all helped to shape Eloise and to help her find herself. Even when I wanted to scream at her for being so frustrating, I had to appreciate the authenticity of the character because that’s exactly how a teenager would have dealt with the situations she was in. I do think it may be a little on the older side of YA with language and scenes that were not quite fade to black, but I thoroughly enjoyed the book. Beautifully written with a fast paced storyline and well developed characters, Just Eloise does not disappoint!
January 26, 2025
Just Eloise is the story of 16 yr old Eloise who is trying to navigate the awkward waters of teenager-dom while trying to figure out her identity when it's just her. Her brother is leaving for college, her best friends have betrayed her, and she falls in love with a senior who is also heading to college.
While the story was pretty good...I wish there had been parents in this story. The average 16 yr old reading this story is not going to have the freedoms these characters did. Which I feel like hinders the relatablility that a lot of teens reading this would need.
I also felt that nothing really happened . There wasn't really any character development, and we ended the story with the same circumstances we began it. There was no resolution.
While the story was pretty good...I wish there had been parents in this story. The average 16 yr old reading this story is not going to have the freedoms these characters did. Which I feel like hinders the relatablility that a lot of teens reading this would need.
I also felt that nothing really happened . There wasn't really any character development, and we ended the story with the same circumstances we began it. There was no resolution.
March 19, 2025
For her debut novel she really knocked it out of the park with Just Eloise. Speaking of Just Eloise I love the title, and the premise for it. The characters are well developed. The book is fun and easy to read. As a 40 year old mother of 3, my eldest, being a 13 year old girl it’s perfect for. I think the book effectively teaches young girls they don’t need to be afraid of their bodies and desires. My ultimate favorite park of the book is how nostalgic it made me feel with little references to the early 2000s. I was really able to get in the headspace of my 16 year old self and the struggles I faced with my high school sweetheart going off to college. Nothing is better than a book that you connect with on such a deep level. Kudos to Just Eloise
April 26, 2025
This book gave me the summer I turned pretty vibes and all the boys I’ve loved before
We meet sixteen year old Eloise Bloom who’s a bit awkward for her age and things no one likes her her best friend Kenzie was miles away and her other best friend Ryan was doing his own thing leaving Eloise alone but when she meets Trevor her brother Jackson’s best friend everything for her changes and life turns into different things and worlds she has to take into her own hands
For a debut I never heard of before until I found it on the whim from Amazon and I loved it I found Eloise herself to be quite cute and hilarious the only person at times that annoyed me was her brother Jackson but in the end things for me calmed down around him I can’t wait to see what Sophie would write next!
We meet sixteen year old Eloise Bloom who’s a bit awkward for her age and things no one likes her her best friend Kenzie was miles away and her other best friend Ryan was doing his own thing leaving Eloise alone but when she meets Trevor her brother Jackson’s best friend everything for her changes and life turns into different things and worlds she has to take into her own hands
For a debut I never heard of before until I found it on the whim from Amazon and I loved it I found Eloise herself to be quite cute and hilarious the only person at times that annoyed me was her brother Jackson but in the end things for me calmed down around him I can’t wait to see what Sophie would write next!
February 16, 2025
This was an awesome coming of age story. Eloise is a 16 year-old dealing with multiple dilemmas that are slowly revealed throughout the story. The pacing helps the reader appreciate just what Eloise is feeling and thinking. Her confusion, anguish, and insecurities mirror that of most teens dealing with complicated emotions. This is a well-written book that could help teens realize that there is always someone to support you in times of need; if only they are willing to let them in. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 27, 2025
It's a great young adult romance novel. Eloise is a sweet character who is trying to find herself after some struggles. She lost two friends for different reasons. Her brother is going off to college, and she fell for a senior. It definitely brought me back to the drama/ heartache and love of high school.
January 10, 2025
Loved this coming to age teen romance novel! Eloise is a perfect 16 year old coking to terms with who she is and where she fits in her world. I enjoyed her journey and Trevor’s! Great reading and fabulous writing!
January 19, 2025
A good book about young love. It captures what it is like to be in high school, falling in love, and dealing with a lot of big emotions. We find out how Eloise deals with all of this. We hope that she can just overcome some of her fears. The future may be scary, but it doesn't have to be.
January 30, 2025
such a cute teen romance novel!! i breezed through it but felt super nostalgic reading it- remembering my teenage years. you quickly fall in love with eloise and are rooting for her.
highly recommend!! great book!!
highly recommend!! great book!!
February 20, 2025
I couldn’t put this down! The teenage struggles with friendships and big decisions were very relatable to kids that age. I knew before I even finished reading that I was going to want another book to follow the characters further and see how their choices play out.
July 28, 2025
Such a cute read!!! Had me laughing and crying! Hard to put down!! Once I started I was addicted!!! Eloise best friend moves far away and she is on outs with the other. Her brother brings a new teammate over and they fall for each other. Ekkkk this book is soooo good! Highly recommend!!!
January 28, 2025
Had a hard time putting it down this book had me on my feels I can’t wait to read another book by her
February 3, 2025
Spoilers Ahead ⚠️
This book had no business making me as emotional as it did. I loved the main character Eloise. As someone who lost a parent at a young age, I really resonated with her and her struggles with grief and emotions. Trevor, just wanting to feel love, also hit me in a way I didn’t expect. I cried happy tears, sad tears, and even ugly tears. It was emotional in all the right reasons. I am so happy to have been able to read this book at a time in my life when I didn’t even know I needed it. 🤍
This book had no business making me as emotional as it did. I loved the main character Eloise. As someone who lost a parent at a young age, I really resonated with her and her struggles with grief and emotions. Trevor, just wanting to feel love, also hit me in a way I didn’t expect. I cried happy tears, sad tears, and even ugly tears. It was emotional in all the right reasons. I am so happy to have been able to read this book at a time in my life when I didn’t even know I needed it. 🤍
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews