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Young Love
Kelsey and Lewis have been best friends for ten years. After her father died suddenly, it was Lewis—then a sweet, scruffy-haired schoolboy—who patiently patched Kelsey back together. A shoulder to cry on, a hand to hold, someone to watch Family Guy with when nothing felt funny he became everything she needed him to be to bring her back to life and has been stitched onto her soul ever since. Nine years later, when Lewis finally kissed her for the first time, Kelsey was sure it was the beginning of their love story…
Until he left for a job in New York the next day.
Kelsey has been counting down the days until Lewis comes back to Liverpool, busying herself with a new job, a handful of forgettable dates and awkward, weekly catch-ups with her mum. The days might have turned into a year but that’s fine—Kelsey’s happy where she is and good at staying still. Besides, every bad date she goes on only confirms what she has always known to be Lewis is her soulmate. What’s one year, when Lewis stuck around for the nine when Kelsey was miserable? Don’t all great loves stories start something like this? Kelsey is when he comes back, it’s going to be incredible.
Only Lewis isn’t in New York. He never has been. He’s in a house a few streets away from Kelsey’s home in Manchester, secluded, alone, and living a life that he can no longer let her be a part of. Something happened to Lewis on the night of their first kiss which changed everything and when Kelsey learns the devastating truth, she has to make a choice. Should she keep pushing for her happy ending? Or is their love story about to be thrown in a new direction?
They say that young love comes at a time before the heart has learned to protect itself. Is that why it’s the most unforgettable, defining kind of love?
Until he left for a job in New York the next day.
Kelsey has been counting down the days until Lewis comes back to Liverpool, busying herself with a new job, a handful of forgettable dates and awkward, weekly catch-ups with her mum. The days might have turned into a year but that’s fine—Kelsey’s happy where she is and good at staying still. Besides, every bad date she goes on only confirms what she has always known to be Lewis is her soulmate. What’s one year, when Lewis stuck around for the nine when Kelsey was miserable? Don’t all great loves stories start something like this? Kelsey is when he comes back, it’s going to be incredible.
Only Lewis isn’t in New York. He never has been. He’s in a house a few streets away from Kelsey’s home in Manchester, secluded, alone, and living a life that he can no longer let her be a part of. Something happened to Lewis on the night of their first kiss which changed everything and when Kelsey learns the devastating truth, she has to make a choice. Should she keep pushing for her happy ending? Or is their love story about to be thrown in a new direction?
They say that young love comes at a time before the heart has learned to protect itself. Is that why it’s the most unforgettable, defining kind of love?
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Published April 3, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
February 21, 2025
This was easily one of the best books I've read so far in 2025... if not the best.
A sort of new adult novel (though definitely appropriate for younger readers, too, sort of thirteen or fourteen plus), this book absolutely stunned me. Set in Liverpool, we meet Kelsey, in her mid twenties and holding onto the boy she loved as a teenager... the boy she clung to after her father died when she was still in school, throwing her into space.
And Lewis loves Kelsey, too, more than he's ever loved anybody - but they've never quite found the right time, or place, to be together.
Now, Kelsey is working as a waitress on the docks; Lewis has a swish job in New York, living the dream. While Lewis is out dating, Kelsey is holding out for him to come home... living with her grandparents, working the same job, dropping out of university. Until she learns a dark truth about the night he left... and the lies which inevitably followed.
Ugh. This book was everything I love reading about. Realistic, cosy characters you can relate to and care for; close-knit families and caravan holidays and young love; British settings, ones with such an important sense of place. I loved Kelsey, as a character, but loved Gran and Gramps even more. I felt for her mum, and for Lewis. These characters were written with such sympathy, such humanity.
I urge everybody to read this book, if possible. A total triumph.
A sort of new adult novel (though definitely appropriate for younger readers, too, sort of thirteen or fourteen plus), this book absolutely stunned me. Set in Liverpool, we meet Kelsey, in her mid twenties and holding onto the boy she loved as a teenager... the boy she clung to after her father died when she was still in school, throwing her into space.
And Lewis loves Kelsey, too, more than he's ever loved anybody - but they've never quite found the right time, or place, to be together.
Now, Kelsey is working as a waitress on the docks; Lewis has a swish job in New York, living the dream. While Lewis is out dating, Kelsey is holding out for him to come home... living with her grandparents, working the same job, dropping out of university. Until she learns a dark truth about the night he left... and the lies which inevitably followed.
Ugh. This book was everything I love reading about. Realistic, cosy characters you can relate to and care for; close-knit families and caravan holidays and young love; British settings, ones with such an important sense of place. I loved Kelsey, as a character, but loved Gran and Gramps even more. I felt for her mum, and for Lewis. These characters were written with such sympathy, such humanity.
I urge everybody to read this book, if possible. A total triumph.
September 26, 2025
The main character in this story really irritated me... its probably because I am lucky enough that the man I fell in love with loves me back.. but for me all I could think was jeez why do you keep thinking about him with every decision you are making...
I can't do that... what about Lewis... blah blah blah... it got to be a little boring and really annoying... she loves him o understand that but she made him her whole personality... by the end I felt like she had just moved on to doing the same thing with another guy... like she doesn't know how to just be herself...
Overall the storyline was ok... I didn't quite get it, I feel like I've missed something huge in the storyline like it wasn't actually about loving someone who didn't love you back it was about dealing with grief or something but I just missed the mark...
I can't do that... what about Lewis... blah blah blah... it got to be a little boring and really annoying... she loves him o understand that but she made him her whole personality... by the end I felt like she had just moved on to doing the same thing with another guy... like she doesn't know how to just be herself...
Overall the storyline was ok... I didn't quite get it, I feel like I've missed something huge in the storyline like it wasn't actually about loving someone who didn't love you back it was about dealing with grief or something but I just missed the mark...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2025
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
thankyou to netgalley to an early e-arc of this book, which has been published now!
young love reminded me so much of “normal people”, “talking at night” & “one day”. two friends, kelsey and lewis, who have known each other for so long, essentially watch themselves grow and fall for each other. it’s a story of “will they, won’t they?” and that’s what pulls you in to their characters, they were both written so well. when lewis has an accident which changes his life completely, kelsey running to be by his side the minute she finds out was so so real and raw. some questionable moments of course, and some moments that made me think “wow how is kelsey putting up with this?” but then i realised of course i know why. love.
it was so lovely to read about their own individual personal growth, i was proud of them so so much at the end. an enjoyable read <3
*kelsey is so so so much better than me for sitting my lewis’ letterbox, even in the rain!!!, to talk to him
thankyou to netgalley to an early e-arc of this book, which has been published now!
young love reminded me so much of “normal people”, “talking at night” & “one day”. two friends, kelsey and lewis, who have known each other for so long, essentially watch themselves grow and fall for each other. it’s a story of “will they, won’t they?” and that’s what pulls you in to their characters, they were both written so well. when lewis has an accident which changes his life completely, kelsey running to be by his side the minute she finds out was so so real and raw. some questionable moments of course, and some moments that made me think “wow how is kelsey putting up with this?” but then i realised of course i know why. love.
it was so lovely to read about their own individual personal growth, i was proud of them so so much at the end. an enjoyable read <3
*kelsey is so so so much better than me for sitting my lewis’ letterbox, even in the rain!!!, to talk to him
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 15, 2024
- Rating: 4.5*
- Read via Netgalley before release
I read Young Love in a single day! This is an emotional, bittersweet, and beautifully written story about love, friendship, and the challenges that come with trying to make things work when life doesn’t go to plan.
Kelsey and Lewis have been best friends for years, but after their first kiss, Lewis leaves for a job in New York. Months turn into a year, and Kelsey is left wondering if their love story will ever get the happy ending she dreamed of. When she learns the truth about what happened to Lewis after that kiss, Kelsey must decide whether to fight for their future or let go.
It’s the kind of book that makes you feel everything, and I was completely hooked from start to finish. Fans of slow burn romance will love this one.
I loved the characters and the way Suzanne Ewart explored themes like grief, resilience, and the messiness of relationships. The Liverpool setting was a refreshing change, too (it’s nice to read a story like this not set in London). My only tiny critique is that a few parts felt slightly drawn out, but overall, this was a heartfelt read.
I’ll definitely be looking out for more from Suzanne Ewart, and it’ll be a crime if this isn’t adapted to a tv series/film.
- Read via Netgalley before release
I read Young Love in a single day! This is an emotional, bittersweet, and beautifully written story about love, friendship, and the challenges that come with trying to make things work when life doesn’t go to plan.
Kelsey and Lewis have been best friends for years, but after their first kiss, Lewis leaves for a job in New York. Months turn into a year, and Kelsey is left wondering if their love story will ever get the happy ending she dreamed of. When she learns the truth about what happened to Lewis after that kiss, Kelsey must decide whether to fight for their future or let go.
It’s the kind of book that makes you feel everything, and I was completely hooked from start to finish. Fans of slow burn romance will love this one.
I loved the characters and the way Suzanne Ewart explored themes like grief, resilience, and the messiness of relationships. The Liverpool setting was a refreshing change, too (it’s nice to read a story like this not set in London). My only tiny critique is that a few parts felt slightly drawn out, but overall, this was a heartfelt read.
I’ll definitely be looking out for more from Suzanne Ewart, and it’ll be a crime if this isn’t adapted to a tv series/film.
August 17, 2025
Kelsey and Lewis have been best friends for 10 years but their feelings for each other are more complex than a purely platonic relationship. One day he kisses her but then disappears off to New York unexpectedly the next day. A year later and Kelsey is still awaiting his return with baited breath, despite her family and friends trying to dissuade her. And then she learns the devastating truth about what really happened on the night of the kiss and her world turns upside down.
The story is told from both Kelsey and Lewis’s point of view, Kelsey being responsible for the present day whilst Lewis’s provides the background information. This works well as it is a convenient gadget for letting the reader know both party’s feelings about the relationship and this is critical in understanding what ensues. It is a very quick, easy read. I read it in three days which is something of a miracle as I am a very slow reader, one of those unusual people who reads every word. There is a lot of tension and suspense built into the beginning of the book, possibly too much as it almost seems contrived rather than natural. The storyline is good and provides a platform for the author to closely scrutinize the dynamics of a relationship between two young people and how their perceptions of where the relationship is going may differ and may change and/or develop over time. This is done particularly well and there are a lot of discerning observations on the traumas that can arise from “young love”. The characters who are centre stage were quite well developed, and there were enough likeable characters to keep me interested in the outcome of their lives (the grandparents being top of the list). And I loved the ending – for me it worked perfectly. And yes, I cried!
But for me, the book certainly had its flaws. Although it was a suspense filled start and a weepy ending, the middle part of the book was, in large parts, irritating, dull and repetitive. It’s quite difficult to write an honest review without giving away crucial parts of the storyline but I think it’s safe to allude to Kelsey’s obsession with Lewis. Although her behaviour is quite plausible (obsessive but plausible) given the circumstances, that doesn’t mean that it’s not irritating. In fact almost all the characters in the book are either irritated by it or concerned by it, including her Mum, her grandparents and her friends from work. As a reader I was initially gripped by the narrative as it unfolded and on the edge of my seat for the first part of the book until the circumstances were revealed. After that, once the tension had eased, I became exasperated and even a little bored as everything was very drawn out, slow and repetitive. By the end of the book though, most was forgiven.
Whilst Kelsey’s emotions and behaviour fell within the bounds of plausibility, the “doorstep” situation (you’ll know what I mean when you reach that part of the book) was stretching reality to breaking point, especially when you take into account that this was all happening on what appears to be a quite upmarket housing estate. Even less likely seems the fact that this whole situation could actually arise at all given the impact of social media these days. Anyway, it’s fiction so I guess plausibility can legitimately be stretched!
I would recommend this book as it is an easy, and for the most part, enjoyable read. My only reservations are the middle section which is a bit long-winded.
The story is told from both Kelsey and Lewis’s point of view, Kelsey being responsible for the present day whilst Lewis’s provides the background information. This works well as it is a convenient gadget for letting the reader know both party’s feelings about the relationship and this is critical in understanding what ensues. It is a very quick, easy read. I read it in three days which is something of a miracle as I am a very slow reader, one of those unusual people who reads every word. There is a lot of tension and suspense built into the beginning of the book, possibly too much as it almost seems contrived rather than natural. The storyline is good and provides a platform for the author to closely scrutinize the dynamics of a relationship between two young people and how their perceptions of where the relationship is going may differ and may change and/or develop over time. This is done particularly well and there are a lot of discerning observations on the traumas that can arise from “young love”. The characters who are centre stage were quite well developed, and there were enough likeable characters to keep me interested in the outcome of their lives (the grandparents being top of the list). And I loved the ending – for me it worked perfectly. And yes, I cried!
But for me, the book certainly had its flaws. Although it was a suspense filled start and a weepy ending, the middle part of the book was, in large parts, irritating, dull and repetitive. It’s quite difficult to write an honest review without giving away crucial parts of the storyline but I think it’s safe to allude to Kelsey’s obsession with Lewis. Although her behaviour is quite plausible (obsessive but plausible) given the circumstances, that doesn’t mean that it’s not irritating. In fact almost all the characters in the book are either irritated by it or concerned by it, including her Mum, her grandparents and her friends from work. As a reader I was initially gripped by the narrative as it unfolded and on the edge of my seat for the first part of the book until the circumstances were revealed. After that, once the tension had eased, I became exasperated and even a little bored as everything was very drawn out, slow and repetitive. By the end of the book though, most was forgiven.
Whilst Kelsey’s emotions and behaviour fell within the bounds of plausibility, the “doorstep” situation (you’ll know what I mean when you reach that part of the book) was stretching reality to breaking point, especially when you take into account that this was all happening on what appears to be a quite upmarket housing estate. Even less likely seems the fact that this whole situation could actually arise at all given the impact of social media these days. Anyway, it’s fiction so I guess plausibility can legitimately be stretched!
I would recommend this book as it is an easy, and for the most part, enjoyable read. My only reservations are the middle section which is a bit long-winded.
April 23, 2025
You’ve been besties with a guy for ten years. He knows your coffee order, your cringe exes, and probably your preferred side of the bed. Then—finally—he kisses you. The music swells, the universe aligns, you’re ready to pick out wedding napkin colours… and boom. He hops on a plane to New York the next day.
Kelsey is an FMC you immediately want to drag into a group chat and send memes to while feeding her chips and emotional support wine. As she fills her time with a new job, terrible dates, and those soul-denting mum catch-ups that make you rethink life choices, her heart stays parked in Lewis Land.
But here’s the thing: he’s not texting back the way a recently-love-declaring best friend should. We’ve all been there. That slow-burn descent into “Is he just busy… or busy moving on?” territory. Spoiler: It’s always worse than you think.
When the Big Secret drops—something that happened right after their first kiss—it hits with the emotional force of a missed train and a shattered heart. No spoilers here, but let’s just say it’s not “he met someone else” or “he dropped his phone in the Hudson.” It’s heavier. And it recontextualizes everything.
Suzanne Ewart doesn’t just drop emotional anvils—she hides them in soft blankets until you sit down and BAM. Feelings.
🎧 Vibes & Verdict
* Tone: If Bridget Jones and Taylor Swift co-wrote a BBC drama.
* Emotionally speaking: It starts as a rom-com but deepens into something meatier—a meditation on timing, trauma, and what we’re owed in love.
Whether you believe in soulmates or just love a good cry-with-laughs type of read, this book will have you clutching your e-reader like it’s texting you back.
Kelsey is an FMC you immediately want to drag into a group chat and send memes to while feeding her chips and emotional support wine. As she fills her time with a new job, terrible dates, and those soul-denting mum catch-ups that make you rethink life choices, her heart stays parked in Lewis Land.
But here’s the thing: he’s not texting back the way a recently-love-declaring best friend should. We’ve all been there. That slow-burn descent into “Is he just busy… or busy moving on?” territory. Spoiler: It’s always worse than you think.
When the Big Secret drops—something that happened right after their first kiss—it hits with the emotional force of a missed train and a shattered heart. No spoilers here, but let’s just say it’s not “he met someone else” or “he dropped his phone in the Hudson.” It’s heavier. And it recontextualizes everything.
Suzanne Ewart doesn’t just drop emotional anvils—she hides them in soft blankets until you sit down and BAM. Feelings.
🎧 Vibes & Verdict
* Tone: If Bridget Jones and Taylor Swift co-wrote a BBC drama.
* Emotionally speaking: It starts as a rom-com but deepens into something meatier—a meditation on timing, trauma, and what we’re owed in love.
Whether you believe in soulmates or just love a good cry-with-laughs type of read, this book will have you clutching your e-reader like it’s texting you back.
June 26, 2025
This is an engaging little tale, a nicely written young romance.
It’s the story of young Kelsey falling in love and pining for someone unattainable, it would seem.
The plot is good however there are some things that don’t add up. Without giving anything away, the main incident seems to have happened yet nobody knows about it. Seems a bit unrealistic in this social media age. Also, main character Lewis is somewhat unbelievable; however, this is fiction so I guess it’s plausible.
Some of the characters seem to appear but don’t go anywhere. For example, Henry could have been fleshed out a bit more, adding perhaps another story layer
One standout criticism I have is that young female Kelsey doesn’t do anything - she doesn’t go to uni, she simply waits tables. Everyone around her, however, is being successful in life. She just dribbles aimlessly along. I would have liked to see her excel at something rather than simply be a follower.
The first third of the book is suspenseful, the middle third drags a little and the ending skips along.
This is an easy read and I quite enjoyed it. It’s a bit thin on believability but I found myself engaged in the story, wanting to find out ‘who-dunnit.’
It’s the story of young Kelsey falling in love and pining for someone unattainable, it would seem.
The plot is good however there are some things that don’t add up. Without giving anything away, the main incident seems to have happened yet nobody knows about it. Seems a bit unrealistic in this social media age. Also, main character Lewis is somewhat unbelievable; however, this is fiction so I guess it’s plausible.
Some of the characters seem to appear but don’t go anywhere. For example, Henry could have been fleshed out a bit more, adding perhaps another story layer
One standout criticism I have is that young female Kelsey doesn’t do anything - she doesn’t go to uni, she simply waits tables. Everyone around her, however, is being successful in life. She just dribbles aimlessly along. I would have liked to see her excel at something rather than simply be a follower.
The first third of the book is suspenseful, the middle third drags a little and the ending skips along.
This is an easy read and I quite enjoyed it. It’s a bit thin on believability but I found myself engaged in the story, wanting to find out ‘who-dunnit.’
March 14, 2025
This it told from two POV and goes back and forth in time.
It is a love story but also a story of friendship and resilience. There are both happy bits and also heart-breaking bits.
We follow the story of Kelsey and Lewis and also the people in their lives their enduring friendship and love for each other even when something traumatic happens and the ties of friendship are tested.
You can't help but root for the characters and hope there is a happy ending somewhere. You wanted a happy ending for both of them whether they ended up together or not both had their own issues and dealt with them as best they could.
Sometimes things aren't what they seem and sometimes you may just end up as friends who can tell but maybe the journey is worth it anyway.
Thanks Netgalley and the publisher.
It is a love story but also a story of friendship and resilience. There are both happy bits and also heart-breaking bits.
We follow the story of Kelsey and Lewis and also the people in their lives their enduring friendship and love for each other even when something traumatic happens and the ties of friendship are tested.
You can't help but root for the characters and hope there is a happy ending somewhere. You wanted a happy ending for both of them whether they ended up together or not both had their own issues and dealt with them as best they could.
Sometimes things aren't what they seem and sometimes you may just end up as friends who can tell but maybe the journey is worth it anyway.
Thanks Netgalley and the publisher.
July 17, 2025
ARC Received through Coundon Library Book Club Coventry.
Young Love is a heartfelt and emotional story about friendship, loss, and the power of first love. Suzanne Ewart does a great job of showing how love can grow and change over time—and how sometimes, letting go is just as important as holding on.
The main character, Kelsey, is easy to relate to. Her journey through grief and hope is touching, and her connection with Lewis feels real and genuine. The writing is warm, honest, and full of feeling.
This is a great read for anyone who enjoys emotional stories about love, growing up, and finding yourself.
Young Love is a heartfelt and emotional story about friendship, loss, and the power of first love. Suzanne Ewart does a great job of showing how love can grow and change over time—and how sometimes, letting go is just as important as holding on.
The main character, Kelsey, is easy to relate to. Her journey through grief and hope is touching, and her connection with Lewis feels real and genuine. The writing is warm, honest, and full of feeling.
This is a great read for anyone who enjoys emotional stories about love, growing up, and finding yourself.
May 5, 2025
3.75✨ - wow this was SUCH an interesting and powerful read. I went into this completely blind and I didn’t expect the direction it went in, but I really enjoyed it. This was such a good look into friendship, love and the challenges life throws at you.
This didn’t end at all how I’d expected, I was really shocked by Chapter 31 which set the book on an entire different trajectory, but I did enjoy the ending for Kelsey and Lewis
This didn’t end at all how I’d expected, I was really shocked by Chapter 31 which set the book on an entire different trajectory, but I did enjoy the ending for Kelsey and Lewis
September 27, 2025
This was such a puzzling story! @suzanneewart_author managed to convey every single bit of the angst and confusion between the two main characters, Kelsey and Lewis. I was constantly switching between confusion, anger, and pity for both. There is so much happening in their lives - it all makes sense, but also I want to shake them and say just spill the tea man!! The ending was bittersweet and a good end to both stories!
July 1, 2025
“I would like to thank the publishers for the advance copies of this book sent to our book club to read and review.”
Classic young adult love story. Chatty descriptive writing made it an easy read. Whilst I found all the teenage angst irritating, I understand that I am probably not the target audience. I think the book will appeal to readers similar in age to the main characters.
Classic young adult love story. Chatty descriptive writing made it an easy read. Whilst I found all the teenage angst irritating, I understand that I am probably not the target audience. I think the book will appeal to readers similar in age to the main characters.
July 2, 2025
First of all, thank you to the author for sending an ARC to Coundon Library Book Club. This is not something I would have picked up, however I am very glad I did. It was an excellent, easy read. I would definitely recommend reading this.
August 11, 2025
It was giving strong Talking at Night vibes in the blurb but I didn’t enjoy this nearly as much!
August 29, 2025
I was fortunate to be given this ARC from Coundon Library Book Club, loved it from the start.
Easy reading. Loved the characters and created visual images of them all through the story.
would definitely recommend.
Easy reading. Loved the characters and created visual images of them all through the story.
would definitely recommend.
July 18, 2025
A lovely summer read! A heartwarming story. I couldn’t put this book down.
Read as an ARC copy for Coundon Library Book Club
Read as an ARC copy for Coundon Library Book Club
April 16, 2025
This is an emotional, bittersweet and captivating story about love, friendship and the struggles that come with trying to make things work when life doesn't go how you planned it to.
Thanks to the publisher for sending me a copy to read and review
Thanks to the publisher for sending me a copy to read and review
April 20, 2025
I finished this book weeks ago and still thinking about it. I enjoyed the storyline and the twists, whilst also reflecting on the emotions this book sends. Reminiscing on teenage crushes/lust/love, the lies but all the while understanding the purpose of them, the grief but most importantly, the love and passion within these pages for family and friends. This is more than a love story - this is more of a contemporary 'finding myself' book and I feel that it has something for everyone. Everyone should add this to their reading lists!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews