The Conditions of Will

by Jessa Hastings

From the author of the Magnolia Parks universe and the Never series comes a fresh family drama with a heavy dose of romance and a twist of mystery.
“I can’t remember the last time I couldn’t get a handle on myself and my emotions, but the lid is slipping.
Something about the slipping lid feels like it’s Sam Penny’s fault. Like he broke the seal and he’s slowly opening me up.”
London-based Georgia Carter, professional lie detector and body-language savant, has long been estranged from her infuriating, close-minded, wealthy South Carolina family. After a falling-out years ago, the chasm runs deep between the black sheep—Georgia and her gay, alcoholic brother—and their parents and elder siblings. But when their father dies suddenly, Georgia returns to the States for the funeral…where she comes face-to-face with Sam Penny, her brother’s AA sponsor.
Amid the tensions, dramas and revelations of the family reunion, Georgia and Sam are instantly drawn to each other. However, Georgia's brother also harbors feelings for Sam, and the last thing Georgia wants to do is hurt the only family she’s ever really had.
When their father’s will reveals a surprising bequest to a mysterious stranger, Georgia’s ability to read people becomes crucial in unraveling her father’s hidden past. The delicate balance within the family teeters, and secrets—both old and new—threaten to push them beyond the breaking point.
There are only so many cracks a damaged family can take before it shatters.

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Contemporary, Book Club, Contemporary Romance, Audiobook, Fantasy

Audible Audio

First published April 1, 2025

Reviews

[Marianna Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

jessa hastings has rendered me speechless and ripped my heart out yet again. I’m overwhelmed with so many emotions. I need a Sam. I want to be friends with Georgia.

Yes there was a small magnolia parks universe crossover that made absolutely lose my mind and there was a mention of someone that equal parts made me cry my eyes out instantly and filled my entire being with anxiety. I not so secretly want to pass away and not wake up until we get Daisy Haites 3. But that’s besides the point…. Onto this book.

First, jessa Hastings writing. It hits my soul so deeply and resonates with every fiber of my being. It’s so beautiful and poetic and alone brings tears to my eyes.

This book was unlike anything I’ve read before and unlike anything I’d ever expect to absolutely love. It dives deep into Georgia, our FMCs, experience growing up in the Deep South and her journey navigating grief, stereotypes, religion, toxic familial relationships, parental neglect, trauma, and so much more heavy and uncomfortable topics that I think Jessa Hastings did such an amazing job bringing to life. Will this be a book for everyone? No I don’t think so by any means. But if when it hits the right people, I know it will target you as deeply as it did me.

Georgia. Oh. My. God. I just adored her. The way Jessa writes such unique and flawed FMCs who are unapologetically themselves is one of my favorite things about her books. Georgia can read people, she studies behavioral science and psychology and can tell how a person is feeling just by their body language alone. It was so fascinating to be in her head especially as she was surrounded by so many different personalities. God I loved her and felt so much for her. This is her story at the end of the day so much more than it is a romance. And I honestly wish I could read more books about her!

Sam….. JESSA HASTINGS MEN>>>>>>> don’t even get me started. I’m on my knees for him. Christian hemmes don’t worry you will always be my favorite, but Sam Penny does not disappoint. He was such a refreshing MMC, emotionally intelligent, mature, self aware, honest, communicative, stable, knows what he wants, confident, and stood by Georgia every step of the way. No I can’t get over how much I love him.

Yes this was insta love. If you don’t like that don’t read this. And as someone who usually hates insta love… I loved this so take with that what you will. The chemistry between Sam and Georgia was so strong from page 1 and I was obsessed with their entire relationship and how it unfolded it made my heart want to explode.

This was so messy and so many characters made me want to scream and bang my head against a wall in frustration and rage, but in true jessa hastings fashion I devoured every moment.

“Being near him hurts me all over my body. I think it’s because he’s what all the songs are singing about.“

“Wondering and questioning why things are the way they are, not accepting the present and permanent—they’re all really solid ways to slow down progress.”

“Silence with him is silence. Silence with him is five fifteen in the morning before the sun’s up and it’s still dark but the birds are singing. He’s the heavy quilt you pull over your head when it’s too cold and too early to wake up. He’s the song no parent ever loved me enough to sing. He’s the way water runs and bubbles over stones in a stream. He’s a quiet mind.”

[Sara Carrolli · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

Jessa’s run on sentences with wonderful metaphors genuinely scratches an itch in my brain that nothing and no one else can 🫠

Topics of trauma, grief, addiction, family + so much more were tied into this story along with a very messy romance plot (with lots of chemistry and also secrets)

I was super invested from page 1 & it held my attention every time I picked up the book - the family dynamic was so engrossing, and Georgia’s character was so interesting! Seeing how her skill of reading people played into the plot was sooo good and in comparison to many of MPU’s characters, she’s gone through a LOT and has maybe not made the best choices, but all of it makes her feel very human. I did find myself more invested in the family plot than the romance which surprised me, but I ended up really liking Sam Penny & Georgia together

“With everyone else, I like their silence because it talks to me. I trust people’s silences more than their words. I can read the world in silence. But Sam is different. Silence with him is silence. Silence with him is five fifteen in the morning before the sun's up and it's still dark but the birds are singing. He's the heavy quilt you pull over your head when it’s too cold and too early to wake up. He's the song no parent ever loved me enough to sing. He's the way water runs and bubbles over stones a stream. He's a quiet mind.”

[Brady Lockerby · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow wow wow wowwww was not expecting to love this book so much!!! the way these characters are written is perfection. frustratingly addictive!! (this book is not related to magnolia parks)

i’ve been a magnolia parks hater forever and for no reason other than thinking i just wouldn’t like them, might have to start it next 👀

[Destiny Sidwell]

questioning if i finished this book or it finished me

[Yana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow. Jessa just doesn’t know how to disappoint. Easily one of the best book I’ve ever read, I would read 800 more pages of Georgia and Sam

[♥︎ Heather ⚔ (New House-Hiatus)]

This cover isn’t hitting for me though. 🥴

[Bailee Latham · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Just as I suspected, Jessa Hastings puts crack in her books that makes them impossible to put down. She's back with the run on sentences that feel like she's speaking straight into my brain, with the lyrical writing that makes you take a second and really think about what she's said, and of course back with the DRAMA.

Georgia's father dies a sudden death, and she has to go back home to see her family for the first time in years. They're southern, they're wealthy, and they allllll have secrets that will start coming to light in the coming days. Only this time when she's back home, she's not the same girl they once knew and belittled, she's a psychologist now and studies human expression for a living. No one can keep secrets from her for long.

When I tell you I couldn't put this book down, I TRULY mean it. I was tabbing and highlighting to my hearts desire. I gasped quite a few times, raged, I was heartbroken, laughed, and my heart was healed a little bit within these pages.

Jessa did it again, guys.

[chloé ✿ · Rating 2 out of 5]

this pains me to say…

everything that contributed to my adoration for the Magnolia Parks universe fell flat for me in The Conditions of Will.

i’ll make it simple, as i tend to do:

╔════what to expect════╗

➻ family drama — religious differences, favoritism, siblings who really dislike each other, death of a parent, secrets, addiction and substance abuse, sexuality disagreements, lying, narcissism, etc. (very messy, in typical Jessa Hastings fashion)
➻ single pov (our FMC Georgia)
➻ FMC specializes in reading facial expressions & body language (which was a very unique perspective)
➻ insta-love between our main characters. INSTA.
➻ death of a parent & dealing with the aftermath as everyone experiences different levels of grief (or none at all)
➻ religious hurt & distrust
➻ South Carolina setting (mostly)

╔════what i enjoyed════╗

➻ Jessa’s writing is unmatched. unmatched!!! (although it admittedly is not for everyone)
➻ short chapters
➻ decent banter
➻ some very lovely quotes that i’d like to permanently burn into my brain

╭━━━━━∙⋆quotes ⋆∙━━━━━╮

❥ “silence with him is five fifteen in the morning before the sun’s up and it’s still dark but the birds are singing.”

❥ “he’s the heavy quilt you pull over your head when it’s too cold and too early to wake up.”

❥ “and i think to myself, wouldn’t it be so lovely if we viewed ourselves through the same lens as the people who love us?”

╔════what i didn’t love════╗

➻ the insta-love didn’t work for me. the banter was great, but i did not feel chemistry.☹️
➻ physical copy has deckled edges (this does not affect my rating, but ew)
➻ couldn’t relate to Georgia, our fmc
➻ multiple typos and grammatical errors that absolutely should’ve been caught in the editing phases
➻ overuse of ‘contempt’ and ‘are you okay?’
➻ the body language and facial reading was unique but overdone and repetitive
➻ i know people may disagree with this (which is fine), but i wasn’t on board with everything said, and implied, about Christianity. it really rubbed me the wrong way.
➻ family drama is ADDICTING but the childishness of some characters became exhausting

╔════side notes════╗

➻ Daisy Haites was mentioned in one single sentence of this book and that crumb has me staving for the third DH book. JESSA PLEASE!!!

➻ available on kindle unlimited

i am fully aware i will very much be an outlier on this one. i’ve accepted my role as an oddity while i cheer the rest of you on from the sidelines. 👏🏻

Magnolia Parks changed me as a person and holds a special place in my heart forever, but The Conditions of Will simply wasn’t my favorite.

[Kail Lowry · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I had the time, I would have finished this in 1-2 sittings. I cannot believe how emotional this book made me. I really to several characters on different levels and absolutely ate this one up. I will absolutely be picking up some of Jessa’s other books!

[Alyssa Nieves · Rating 5 out of 5]

6 STARS!!! ⭐️

This destroyed me but also healed me?? Jessa Hastings has such a way with words, and I’m convinced she just can’t write a bad book!

Sharing some of my favorite quotes! <3

"Isn't it the most beautiful thing you've ever seen?" I stare up at the big arch, which is my favorite part, I think. "Even though it's broken?" "Yep," he says quietly, and he's looking just at me."

"Silence with him is silence. Silence with him is five fifteen in the morning before the sun's up and it's still dark but the birds are singing. He's the heavy quilt you pull over your head when it's too cold and too early to wake up. He's the song no parent ever loved me enough to sing."

"He looks up, and the way his whole face lifts when he sees me makes me want to cry on the spot, because how many people just light up because you walk into the room? One in a lifetime, two maybe?"

"Sam doesn't do anything, doesn't say anything-it's not his fight, he doesn't need to-but the light casts his shadow on me and I know he’s there and I'm not by myself, which is a very powerful thing to feel when you've felt by yourself most of your life."

"Our eyes catch, and there's that strange new warmth again that's so unfamiliar and so welcome, all at once. It's to not feel alone in the world, I think— the world can feel so lonely sometimes. Most of the time, I suppose."

[manas (NEW YEAR) · Rating 1 out of 5]

➳ i need to stop doing this to myself ☆

“i can’t remember the last time i couldn’t get a handle on myself and my emotions, but the lid is slipping. something about the slipping lid feels like it’s sam penny’s fault. like he broke the seal and he’s slowly opening me up.”

“silence with him is silence. silence with him is five fifteen in the morning before the sun’s up and it’s still dark but the birds are singing. he’s the heavy quilt you pull over your head when it’s too cold and too early to wake up. he’s the song no parent ever loved me enough to sing. he’s the way water runs and bubbles over stones in a stream. he’s a quiet mind.”

“he looks up, and the way his whole face lifts when he sees me makes me want to cry on the spot, because how many people just light up because you walk into the room? one in a lifetime, two maybe?”

immersive books can be akin to a berceuse—mellow, subtle, ever-present. finding that perfect book which encompasses that feeling is the best thing a reader can wish for. that was my hope with this book, with these characters, with this world. i wanted to be present in the moment, obsessing over them, over their actions, their personalities—spiraling with theories and gushing about this with my friends for days to come. i instead felt aimless, utter boredom, and a sense of uninterest. somewhere in the heart of this story, i felt lost—i was extremely lost—and that passion i love to read about was bereft. for all the metaphors and the nouns, for all the over descriptive verbiage and flowery prose—the need to feel, feel something more, something deeper and something long lasting—the story and the plot suffers.

people say jessa hastings is a unique author, with the way she writes, with the way she is invoking emotions and feelings—deep feelings that are realistic and stay with us, branded to us. i am unable to feel that feeling. i don't have those thoughts, that emotion, that passion, that obsession. the conditions of will suffers a lot similar to her series magnolia parks. there is this perfect plan, this perfect idea, this perfect direction that jessa hastings wants to dive into, and this ultimately feels like a bouquet of flowers gifted in a last-ditch effort to make a cordial acquiesce. i don't feel that connection, that love, that gripping intensity, because the book does not allow me to—that is not the way it's written. reading about georgia and the cast of characters, the familial relationships, the friendships, the romantic relationships, the parental relationships gave me an empty feeling. reading about their lives felt like receiving a box of luxury chocolates upon meeting a stranger for the first time. the narrative felt like it was trying too hard to impress the audience, not express the deeper connotation.

the conditions of will is nothing short of a drama. there were lots of themes presented in this book that scratched the surface, so close, yet so far away. the topics of grief, love, hatred, trauma, abuse, and want; are all met with foggy over the top poetic dispassion. i never felt like i was connected with this world, with these characters and their lives—what they desired and what they wanted and didn't want. reading this felt being in a snowstorm, the perfect weather to pick up a book—the perfect book to be engrossed with, only to find out that book is unavailable. everything was presented with this perfect bow, the perfect guy, the perfect meet cute, the perfect feeling—emotion and vehemence. however, this felt like a facade, like a style of dance that you are choreographed to meant to execute with optimum precision. the emotions and feelings felt unnatural, not lived in, not experienced, but rather like we are reading it from a detached state. this felt like walking into a brawl, a fight, a heavy disagreement and then seeing the mess, the aftermath—and the chaos that occurred, but having no details of what occurred.

georgia, our main character is the main voice, the main point of view that we follow throughout the duration of the novel, and her importance and presence is highlighted several times, yet i don't feel connected, i never felt welcome in this world; in her world. i felt her character was an observation, an observation you view from afar, from a distance that you forget about seconds after looking away. georgia felt like a despondent shadow, just an outline, with no depth or realism giving her that authentic viewpoint. sam penny—our golden boy love interest—felt hollow, almost like the bubble of someone else, something else; an illusion of the “tailored man.”

sam penny and georgia's relationship moves on the surface of a beach, on top of the clouds, in a cabin far away from society...here to serve a purpose and nothing more, nothing less. everything that we are told about this world, these characters and their actions are through georgia's lens, her eyes, her reactions, and her biases. sam penny feels like jessa hasting's redemption at BJ ballentine, her do over to make her version of BJ ballentine more likeable, with better communication skills and not abusive. i’m his number one hater, yet i can’t get him out of my mind, he’s just stuck and won’t—can’t leave. there are fragments of magnolia parks that is blaring in this world, that lives in these characters, through these characters. unlike magnolia parks, there are no fireworks, no igniting feeling, just simmered flickers. with BJparks, i felt—i felt a lot, everything that a person can feel. i felt their love, their disgust, their obsession, their toxicity, their passion, and their growth. i still hate them with every fibre of my being, though. samgeorgia is a puzzle, a puzzle i don’t want to solve—one i don’t care to see the end result of. i don't love their love. i don't even understand it.

this book ultimately disappointed me a lot, leaving me so confused. after seeing the raving reviews, i wanted to write the same, feel the same, yet it just did not land for me. i didn't want more drama, more toxicity, more twists, or reveals, but rather just more. i can't even place my hand on what that more is, because i honestly don't know what it is. this novel chose to be pretty over being real, over delivering a story, over giving me honesty. i am very happy people found appreciation in these pages, in these characters, and these themes, but it felt hollow, empty. this book is the textbooks definition of telling and not showing.

NOW, if you read all the way this far and thought, manas; what the actual fuck are you on about...imagine how tired we are—i am. this is exactly how jessa hastings writes—except more jarring in nature with ten thousand “fuck ups” following her prose. i obviously, DO NOT write like this, ever. there is simply no need to in order to convey a story, a message. i find that the most powerful words, the most powerful themes, and the most powerful meaning comes from our interpretation, our own elucidation on the subject at hand. using ornate and lavish phrasing is not my forte, and i actively try to avoid authors who use this style of writing, as they often use this an excuse to deliver mediocre plots. i never found the footing of this book, but i don't think the book found its footing either. the way this is structured and written, makes me believe this was a cash grab at a big picture, as this reads like a reality tv show—a movie script—not a novel.

as some of you may have noticed, i did not speak on the religious contents of the novel. as someone who is not christian, i don't feel equipped to speak on this topic, whether it's in a positive or negative light. similarly, not as important to the actual plot; i was not impressed with the audiobook. neither narrator seems trained in vocal acting or has a solid grasp of tone, infliction, or pacing. the actual production felt cheap and incongruous, which made the overall vibe feel rushed, uneven, messy, and blurred. open call casting for audiobooks is not always the way to move. sometimes, professionals ARE better and provide the correct credentials for a proper experience. please don’t even start with the “clinical psychology” bullshit. news flash, it doesn’t make any damn sense and in fact, made me laugh very hard.

last but not least though, a huge shout out to my favorite friend, veerali. i love you. i have loved reading everything with you thus far, and the prospect of reading everything with you in the future. you might be my human diary, my twin flame, my sister from another mother, but in reality—we are soulmates, tethered for life. forever grateful for your crazy ass.

[bruna]

new jessa hastings book and it’s not daisy haites 3? oh okay... that’s not what i wanted 🤚🏻 but whatever—i’ll be reading this one either way 🫡 can’t wait!

[Shawnaci Schroeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5
- Wow! This book has so much depth and heart. It dives into so many themes of family, trauma, and complicated relationships. This book has literally left me speechless and I wanted to read it again before the book was even finished.
- The complexities and pain within this book will literally leave you gasping. Sobbing. Heartbroken. Furious. Destroyed. Then slowly Jessa begins to piece your heart back together again.
- I wish this author would write a new book every single month because her lyrical and unique writing style pulls me in every single time. So so good!!!

[veerali · Rating 1 out of 5]

i'm not sure whether to laugh hysterically or throw the book across the room. let's just say, this book left me feeling less "will" and more "ill." in fact, i think i’ve witnessed more compelling storylines and nuanced characters in indian soap operas, and that's saying something.

first, let's talk about georgia carter, our "feisty" female main character. feisty? more like insufferable. from the moment she graces the page, she's radiating "i'm not like other girls" energy so strongly. the constant, subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) implications that she's somehow superior to everyone around her were grating. it's one thing to have confidence, but gorgie sailed straight past confidence and landed squarely in the territory of self-absorbed condescension. i spent a good portion of the book actively rooting against her, which, you know, probably isn't the author's intention.

then there's sam penny, our cocky, supposedly irresistible male lead. oh, sam. where do i even begin? he's about as bland as unseasoned tofu. the insta-lust that supposedly ignites between him and gorgie felt utterly contrived and unearned. one minute they're exchanging awkward glances, the next they're practically ripping each other's clothes off. it felt like the author skipped straight to the "sexy times" without bothering to develop any real connection between the characters.

and let's not forget about sam's past as an alcoholic. while i appreciate the attempt to add depth to his character, it felt like a plot point that was thrown in for dramatic effect rather than explored with any real sensitivity or nuance. i was supposed to be invested in his journey of recovery, but honestly, i just wasn't. maybe it was because his internal struggles were overshadowed by the over-the-top family drama. speaking of which...

the dysfunctional family dynamics in this book were so cartoonishly exaggerated, they bordered on parody. gorgie's mother and elder sister, in particular, were absolutely infuriating. from the moment they appeared on the page, i wanted to reach through the book and slap them both into next week. their constant negativity, their petty jealousies, and their relentless attempts to sabotage gorgie's happiness were exhausting to read. they were less like complex characters and more like caricatures of evil stepmothers from a disney movie.

and then there's oliver. he flitted in and out of the narrative like a moth attracted to a flickering lightbulb, never really contributing anything of substance. his presence felt entirely unnecessary and, frankly, a little bizarre.

but the biggest crime of all, the cardinal sin that truly cemented my disappointment, was the writing itself. the plot was clunky, meandering along with no real sense of direction. the pacing was all over the place, rushing through potentially interesting moments while dwelling endlessly on tedious details. i honestly considered setting this book on fire after finishing it, just to prevent anyone else from suffering through this literary travesty.

adding insult to injury, i even attempted to better the experience by switching to the audiobook. big mistake. the narrators delivered such a lifeless, wooden performance that it only amplified the book's shortcomings. the dialogue, already stilted and unnatural on the page, sounded even worse when spoken aloud. and the constant repetition of phrases and descriptions within the same paragraphs was enough to drive me completely insane. i swear, if i had to hear the word "smirk" one more time, i was going to lose it.

and last but definitely not least, a massive shoutout to manas for being the best reading buddy a person could ask for. thank you so much for tackling this… interesting… book with me. you have this amazing way of making even the craziest stories so much more enjoyable, and i always look forward to hearing your thoughts. i’m so happy that we connected and that you were willing to dive into this literary adventure with me. just wanted to say, i appreciate your friendship more than words can express. i value our connection, and our crazy reading adventures together. you’re the best, and i’m sending you all my love, CATCH!!

[Khalilah D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a 3.75 for awhile but it might be a 4 star because although the characters where insufferable at times and I won’t say any names (MARYANNE) but some people really needed to be in prison, the book was unbelievably insightful. Jessa was extremely informative on complex topics like grief, human connection, religion and love. Definitely worth the read if you want to face your own biases, look at topics in a different light or just want to feel seen.

[Kennedy Larson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessa’s writing scratches an itch in my brain unlike any other author! The way she writes her characters’ streams of consciousness is like she’s lived in my brain.

As with all of her other books, she writes messy drama so incredibly well. I was invested from page one! It felt like I was a fly on the wall watching every interaction play out.

I absolutely loved the addition of micro expressions - it was unique and refreshing.

Sam Penny…. Ugh 🥰

IF JESSA WRITES IT, IM READING IT

More of my thoughts are the pod episode 🫶🏻

[aeryn rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️

I just have to say...Charlotte? THANK YOU. For making me read this. This has been BY FAR one of my favorite reads of this year and even ever. This was my first Jessa Hastings book and when I tell you that I loved this with every fiber of my being...I have so much to talk about in this review so just hear me out.

The characters...where do I even begin. Georgia has been hands down one of my favorite FMC's I have ever had the pleasure of reading about. The backbone on this girl is so admirable and to come out being the person she was through this book was nothing short of beautiful. This book was a journey and she was at the forefront of it. Her personality is pure spitfire and deserves the absolute world.

Sam. Could this man be any more perfect? That's a rhetorical question because NO HE CANNOT! Sam was the epitome of what a lover and partner should be. I loved reading of his and Georgia's journey and their blossoming love story right from the jump. The chemistry was off the charts and Jessa did such a good job writing them so that they mold and fit so well. The love and care he showed Georgia all throughout this book was so heartwarming. Even the way he took care and looked after Oliver...

SPEAKING OF OLIVER, I have never read more of a selfish, ungrateful brother than him and I mean that with my entire being. The things that Georgia would do for him; the way she loved him unconditionally and for what? For him to throw it back in her face? I'm sorry, but no one can convince me that he's not a selfish prick. The way I see it is everyone's feelings are valid but the way they react on those feelings are not. I could not grow to like him at any point throughout this book, and the last 150 pages made it even worse. Nowhere near being redeemable no matter how you look at it.

I am not going to spend a lengthy time talking about Maryanne for one sole reason: she can eat shit and die. I don't care. I will die on that hill for my entire existence and with my entire being.🤷‍♀️

While this book was very character driven (as you can tell), it was really heartbreaking yet so brilliant the way this story was told. This book dives into such heavy topics and it hurts to know that the way these family dynamics were is actually some people's reality. Grief, homophobia, religious intolerances, rape, all such hard topics to read about. Do I think some parts could have been handled and written better? Yes. That being said though, I couldn't help not loving this book. The writing was so beautiful and so easy to read and get into. Jessa's way with words never ceased to amaze me.

Overall, this book will be stuck in my brain forever. Bury me with this book please. 400+ pages still doesn't seem like enough when you just want more and more. After this, I will definitely be picking up the Magnolia Parks series. This book handles very serious topics that go in depth so please be cautious reading this if you're sensitive to the topics I mentioned above.

Forever grateful that Charlotte suggested I read this book and let me yap to her about every single update. Love you pookie <3 Thank you for joining me on one hell of a ride.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This one's for you, Char!!
Pooks said this is a must read and I am itching to see what the hype is about 👀🙂‍↕️🩷

[Reggie Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oops forgot to rate this one but HOLY WOW JESSA DOES IT AGAIN!

There’s something about her writing that is so brilliant. I feel like I’m fully inside the main characters brain. It’s beautiful & refreshing.

I loved so much about this book. The drama? The sibling relationships? The insta love? (Yeah I loved that actually cuz it reminded me of me & my husband hehe) The body language reading? The run on sentences & metaphors? Give me all of it.

Everything Jessa writes is poetry to my ears & there’s something special about it. I’ll sing her praises for forever.

[mackenzie (hiatus) · Rating 5 out of 5]

og review: jessa hastings can do no wrong!!!!

update: well this review did not age well lol!!!! i’ve been going through my read books to take ratings off problematic authors but wanted to make a note on this one to say that as much as i love jessa’s books, she is simply not a good person. she's admitted to using ai for research, defended that author that used ai/plagiarism, and has posted ai character art. GENAI = BAD!!!! the fact that people have told her this and all she does is get all defensive and say she's blocking people for messaging her to educate her just proves she is so dense. she's constantly getting into arguments or being all snarky and rude to people who SUPPORT HER, it's so obvious she doesn't actually care about them and just wants their money and promo for her books. not to mention the fact that she is just soooo uneducated and ignorant in general. she takes a (somewhat) pro-life stance and says that "my body my choice" is "quite callous and unconsidered"??? at least she acknowledges sometimes that she's privileged but she doesn't use her brain half the time and i just can't in good conscience continue to scream about my love for her books. girlie needs a better pr team and a better attitude.

[Iqra]

Another messy love triangle by Jessa?!

. . . whose surprised?

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

this shit simultaneously broke my heart and then put it all the way back together and i will never not adore jessa’s writing and/or stories. UGH.

I would sell my whole ass chest cavity for a Sam Penny of my own and I will 1000% dream about beating the piss out of Maryanne tonight <3 xoxo

[LiL (catching up) · Rating 5 out of 5]

➶-͙˚ ༘✶ 𝕀 𝕔𝕒𝕟’𝕥 𝕦𝕟𝕜𝕟𝕠𝕨 𝕙𝕚𝕞.┊͙✧˖*°࿐

-ˏˋ4.75 ☆ˊˎ-

I was so excited and afraid to read this but I should’ve known Jessa wouldn’t disappoint!! I didn’t really know what I was getting myself into but it surprised me in such a good way, because I wasn’t expecting it to be what it was! Yes it has the drama and the messiness but it’s so much more than that, it approaches very real issues in a very raw way! It was refreshing reading something different from Jessa’s other work yet similar in a way especially because of her unique writing. If you didn’t like Magnolia Parks give this book a chance please! And if you loved it, what are you doing if you haven’t picked this up??

You know how there’s a good kind of hurting? Like rubbing out a cramp? Or great sex, sometimes? Being near him hurts me all over my body. I think it’s because he’s what all the songs are singing about. Every single fucking one of them, they’re singing about him.

⋆｡‧˚ʚ 𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲 ɞ˚‧｡⋆

╰┈➤ I don’t want to give much of a description because I don’t want to give too much away, but you follow Georgia Carter who’s been living in London for the past eleven years when she receives a sudden call from the sister she despises saying her dad passed away and she has to go back to South Carolina for the funeral. And you follow her throughout this weird trip with her complicated family drama and meeting her brother’s sponsor, Sam. Trust me when I say there’s so much more to this!

He feels like the kind of memories I wish I had but don’t. He’s like déjà vu.

⋆｡‧˚ʚ 𝐦𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 ɞ˚‧｡⋆

I think it’s a disservice to the book calling it a romance. Yes there’s romance in it but the way this is so so much more. It’s about Georgia’s experience having grown in the deep stereotypical South of America and navigating through grief, parental neglect, trauma, alcoholism, religion and much more dark and heavy topics. The way Jessa brought these topics to light and the way she approached them and made you feel so much like you were the one living through it.

All I know is I wanted to be wanted and I wasn’t and now he’s dead, so I’ll never be.

It was so painful and emotional at times. And it’s relatable as hell which is something I absolutely love in Jessa’s books! Because it’s not butterflies all the time and she brings out the messiness of real families and humans and relationships, whether they be romantic or familial. I also adored the slowest moments in the book where nothing was happening and you could just take a breather and get to know the characters deeper and spend time with them making the most mundane thing without making it boring. Jessa’s writing just elevates these mundane moments to another level. She can make the simplest task like eating bread poetic.

It’s a funny part of growing up, actually… Accepting that things that are better for you, healthier—they can still be painful. That the worst, most shameful day of my life to date would in turn become the most defining.

⋆｡‧˚ʚ 𝐠𝐞𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐚 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫 ɞ˚‧｡⋆

My queen!! How I love you! She’s my new favourite FMC and I’ll eat someone’s head off if they even look at her the wrong way! You’ve been warned! Georgia was so fun and interesting to read about and be in her head (except when I was an emotional mess). She studies behavioral science and clinical psychology, so basically she can study a person’s facial expressions and behaviour and tell if they’re lying or not, or a “lying wizard” like Sam put it. I found it so interesting the way she thinks and would explain the process of spotting the lie by giving all the technical terms and then explain which muscles were twitching and so on. I loved it and how that affected everything in the plot. But she’s not just clever, no. She’s so kind and selfless, (I mean, yes she was a betch to Maryanne but she deserved that and more!), but the way she loved her brother Oliver was everything! She always supported him and went against everyone and their homophobia towards Oli, to the very end! Even when he was being the biggest asshole in the world! She deserved so much more, especially from him! She’s so strong, sarcastic, with a bold and confident personality and unapologetically herself. But she’s also human. That’s her best trait!

Like my whole life has been a corset done up too tightly, and slowly he’s unlacing me.

I loved exploring and uncovering the messiness that is her life. In the beginning you think you have her all figured out with labels society put on her and I loved how Jessa turned it around. We really don’t know what goes on in someone’s life unless the person wants us to know. It was so heartbreaking discovering the truth and seeing and feeling what Georgia went through. I wanted to close my eyes sometimes so that I stopped myself from reading and feeling that pain. It felt like I was the one living and experiencing it. Getting run over by a hundred trucks would hurt less! I know I’m being vague but I don’t want to give spoilers away.

I can tell he’s entirely unaware of how beautiful he is—which is endearing, because it might be the only thing he isn’t aware of. And I do mean beautiful, like, pricks-you-in-the-heart, painfully beautiful.

⋆｡‧˚ʚ 𝐬𝐚𝐦 𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐲 ɞ˚‧｡⋆

My husband! The love of my life! I can’t put into words how much this man made me feel! He’s so hot and I’m not just talking about his looks but everything he did and said! Also, don’t ask me how but his voice is so hot! Granted it’s in my head but he’s Australian and I’m weak for that accent, I just wish ya’ll could hear it for yourselves! But imagine like a Chris Hemsworth. Boiling hot! Also, I need to be kissed by this man, (for science, you know?) because wholly mother of god this is how Georgia describes it!!

This is it.
This is what music exists for. This is why the birds sing. This is why the tide pulls and water falls. It’s why the sun rises and it’s why the moon hangs there all ghosty white.

Sam is Oliver’s sponsor and he accompanies him to the funeral and that’s when he meets Georgia. He had his own issues that you’re made aware of while never taking the spotlight off Georgia but still you get to know his struggles and why he is the man he is today! He was so mature, loyal, attentive, emotionally intelligent, communicative, committed and confident!! It was really refreshing reading about a man like this! He knew what he wanted from the beginning and he wasn’t afraid to procure it fearlessly and no obstacle was big enough to get in his way! And the way he was obsessed, protected Georgia and put her first made me feral! But more than that he was always so observant and in tune with her instantly knowing if something was wrong and then sitting down with her and making her face her demons while being her shoulder to cry on if need be. He was there not to fight her battles for her but to cheer and support her while she braved them. I could seriously talk about him all day long.

With everyone else, I like their silence because it talks to me. I trust people’s silences more than their words. I can read the world in silence. But Sam is different. Silence with him is silence. Silence with him is five fifteen in the morning before the sun’s up and it’s still dark but the birds are singing. He’s the heavy quilt you pull over your head when it’s too cold and too early to wake up. He’s the song no parent ever loved me enough to sing. He’s the way water runs and bubbles over stones in a stream. He’s a quiet mind.

⋆｡‧˚ʚ 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 ɞ˚‧｡⋆

Yes, this is insta love. But please don’t skip this book because of it! I usually hate it but trust me when I say if you’re going to love insta love it’s gonna be this one! It’s just the way it’s written is so intense and their chemistry is so real. You see from the beginning how well they read each other and how aware they are of their attraction and are honest about their feelings. They never felt like strangers, it was like they knew each other their whole lives. There were certain times in the book where I stopped and thought “wait they just met” but it never felt rushed, it just felt right.

”Are you up for a bit of a drive?”
“With you?” He blinks a couple of times, then smiles. “Yeah, I’ll take the long road.”

Their first encounter lives rent free in my mind, I mean every moment with them really, but that first encounter eeeeeeeeeeek so cute! It was funny and made me giddy in the best way possible. I’m blushing just remembering! They have the healthiest relationship and I’m here for it! I loved all their interactions big and small and how they entwined with the plot.

And I think to myself, wouldn’t it be so lovely if we viewed ourselves through the same lens as people who love us?”

⋆｡‧˚ʚ 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 ɞ˚‧｡⋆

Oliver is the youngest older brother and I really enjoyed his character, he was layered and so messy. That’s not to say he didn’t grate my nerves by the end with his bullshit attitude. There’s always consequences to our decisions and actions and you need to have accountability for those actions. But I do wish we got to see more of him, the relationship he has with Sam and everything that happens by the end.
Tennyson, the eldest, really surprised me in a positive way and his character growth. I loved seeing the dynamic between him and Georgia and see their relationship flourish.
Maryanne on the other hand can die the most painful death.

I don’t shy away from people because they’ve made mistakes. Mistakes make you human. The worst thing you could ever be to me is a liar.

⋆｡‧˚ʚ 𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐦 ɞ˚‧｡⋆

How is it that we barely had any scenes with him and I fell head over heels? Jessa’s men, I’m telling you aaaaaaaaaa! It was so brief the glimpse we got yet so intense. I need his book right this instant!!!!

Mortality is unbearably confronting, so much so that lots of people spend their whole lives trying to live as though it doesn’t chain them like it does the rest of us.

⋆｡‧˚ʚ 𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 ɞ˚‧｡⋆

If you ever read a Jessa book you know how different her writing style is and of course this one is no different. This is so quintessential to her writing style. I know some people don’t like it but personally it speaks to me on a soul deep level, I can’t explain it. If any of her stories were written by anyone else I would probably hate it but the way she creates stories, puts words together and forms sentences is so unique and poetic. Sometimes it’s just a rambling sentence but it will speak to you because she can build metaphors that are so relatable to our everyday lives and I’m always in awe of how she comes up with so many unique ones. It’s truly a talent. And her writing is so immersive because there’s moments when the main character is talking directly to the reader and it feels like you’re hearing your best friend tell you about their day. I love it I love it I love it and I’d read her grocery list if I ever got my hands on it.

His kisses are commas.

⋆｡‧˚ʚ 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 ɞ˚‧｡⋆

Absolutely love this book to pieces and I just wanted to reread it so I can read this quotes again and feel something. I also think this is the perfect start if you’re intimidated by the Magnolia Parks Universe and its tropes. And if you didn’t like it, don’t skip this one!

⋆｡‧˚ʚ 𝐪𝐮𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬 ɞ˚‧｡⋆
⤷ I tried really hard to not copy and paste the whole book

𓂃⊹ He hasn’t changed much. It’s funny how people freeze in your mind.

𓂃⊹ I look at him a bit longer than I should… drinking him in again because he sort of demands it; he’s that kind of beautiful. He doesn’t look away either, just stares back, chin in his hand.

𓂃⊹ … losses sneak up on you no matter how many blankets and smiles you throw over them.

𓂃⊹ He looks at me, but I mean, really looks at me—like there’s subtext.
“When I like something, I just like it,” he says.
And it’s me. I’m the subtext.

𓂃⊹ He drops his head as he laughs, then looks back up at me and the light from the sun makes his eyes look like little stars—or maybe the light’s just coming from inside of him?

𓂃⊹ ”Have mine,” he tells me, offering me his mug, but I don’t notice what’s in his hands because I’m distracted (always distracted) by his face.
“Your what?”
“I meant my coffee, but…” he smiles. “You can have my—fuck— have whatever you want. Have everything.”

𓂃⊹ ”…there’s no failsafe for loving you. Once you’re in, you’re in, and I’m in.”

⋆｡‧˚ʚ 💌 and thank you so much to my best girl char for buddy reading this with me. I loved gushing about Sam Penny and just overall obsess about this book with you. You made it all ever better, ilysm

∘₊✧────────── ✧₊∘

Sam Penny!!!!!
RTC

·:*¨༺ 𝓹𝓻𝓮-𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓭 ༻¨*:·

─🤍‧₊˚Happy realease day to this beauty!!

This is one of my most anticipated reads of the year, because of course having been written by Jessa! And in the queen we trust!!
And of course this had to be my first buddy read with my twin char!! 🤍

[Lepp · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’m not going to read this book. This cover is so blasphemous towards Catholics and Our Lady of Fatima.

I was debating whether or not to continue with this series and now it’s a definite NO.

[Rosie Piper · Rating 4 out of 5]

!!! Ok maybe I must revisit more of Jessa Hastings because I did really like this book! 4.5 for me only because I found so many of the characters insufferable 😅 which I get is kinda the point they are supposed to be very real but I just couldn't. And Georgia analyzing everyone's expressions was super unique for a book but I found it kinda overdone. But the drama, the story outside of the romance, etc. all great!

[charlotte ✩ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.75 ★

Without a doubt, one of my favorite reads of this year so far. I fell in love with this story and the characters within the first few chapters (which seems to happen with every Jessa book I pick up, so I saw that one coming), and saying goodbye to them has left me feeling empty for days.

The Conditions of Will is the story of Georgia Carter, who, after the sudden passing of her dad, has to go back to her hometown and meet with her estranged family. The same goes for her brother Oliver (also estranged from the family and the only person she’s in touch with), who brings his AA sponsor with him, cue: Sam mf Penny (🧎‍♀️). This results in a few weeks of dealing with grief, a lot of family drama, and developing feelings which we get to read about.

・❥・ Georgia

Georgia’s a Cambridge student of both behavioral science and clinical psychology, which makes her exceptionally aware and attuned to the smallest mannerisms and their meanings (she can spot lies).

She's smart, funny, attentive, and incredibly self aware in a painfully real way, where her being aware of the fact that she is making the wrong choice, or just avoiding dealing with something, doesn't necessarily mean she has it in her to change it.

I loved her so much. Her character was real to a fault, and some of her thoughts felt like they were taken straight out of my brain. Can't remember the last time I saw so much of myself in a character. I'm actually convinced her character was written for me and me only, and you can't change my mind, sorry.

・❥・ Georgia’s Family

the family part might have some minor spoilers

Now, her family was the most toxic bunch of people I've read about in a while. Her relationship with them was either nonexistent or, at the times it did exist, beyond hurtful. Truly, the things they put her and Oliver through are unbelievable and unforgivable. The hatred I felt, especially toward her mother and Maryanne, is something I can't even explain correctly.

Not a single person in this family deserves her love, time, and attention, Oliver included (we’ll circle back to his little whiny self in a minute). The only one who made an actual effort to be there for her and to deserve her forgiveness was Tennyson, who grew so much on me.

I’ve wanted nothing more than for her to get away from them, because I truly don't think this was a family you could form any sort of healthy relationship with.

𝓞𝓵𝓲𝓿𝓮𝓻

I want to keep this quick (probably won't). I have very low levels of patience and compassion for people who do not take responsibility for their actions, and I’m not one to think having gone through trauma equals no accountability for your actions after that.

I am fully aware of how easy it is to fall into unhealthy coping mechanisms, especially after going through everything he did, I really am. And, obviously, I’m all providing him with all the help and support he needs.

However, seeing how ungrateful he was toward Georgia? That was strike one. How petulant, immature, and manipulative he got over something he had no right to feel that way about? How cruel he was, hurting her more than anyone else ever could, and in ways I consider unforgivable? Strike two. Having the gall to show up later on, expecting forgiveness and a pat on the back without uttering a single word of apology? Strike three and no going back for me.

The things he said to her, his actions, and his betrayal hurt me even more than the others because of how important he was to Georgia. In theory, it was always the two of them, but from what I've read? It was always Georgia being there for Oliver, and him being there for no one, not even himself.

𝓜𝓪𝓻𝔂𝓪𝓷𝓷𝓮

Tie her up and throw her into a hole in the ground she won't be able to claw or manipulate her way out of.

𝓗𝓮𝓻 𝓶𝓸𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓻

Same hole as her psychopath of a daughter.

𝓣𝓮𝓷𝓷𝔂𝓼𝓸𝓷

I was so happy with the character development we got to see there. I might've gone crazy if I didn't see at least one of those people taking accountability, stepping up, and actually beating himself up over his past mistakes.

Learning the truth about what happened to Georgia was for sure a breaking point for him, but I think what changed him enough to be able to finally snap out of it was Savannah. She was such a sweetheart, and I genuinely think she is the best thing that could've happened to him. He still was a joke of an older brother for most of Georgia’s life, and nothing can change that, but the Tennyson she started to build her relationship with now? A great person and the brother she deserved to have all her life. Loved him so much.

・❥・ Sam Penny

This man. Me falling in love with the men Jessa Hasting writes is nothing new, but oh my god, this guy. Self aware in a way u can only learn through losing yourself, respectful, charming and every other adjective you’ll find after looking up a perfect man for Georgia. He was exactly what she needed, and what she deserved.

I don't know how to describe how great he was, so I’m gonna throw in a bunch of quotes here instead.

“When he stops kissing me, which he eventually will because he has to because that’s how kisses work, it will tear me in two, because I think I’ve been waiting to know Sam Penny all my life.”

“He looks up, and the way his whole face lifts when he sees me makes me want to cry on the spot, because how many people just light up because you walk into the room? One in a lifetime, two maybe?”

“How he thinks, how he feels, how he processes, how he wonders, how he breathes… He does all those things better than the rest of us, and not because he’s perfect—he’s not, I know he’s not—but that’s just why he is.”

““You love me blindly.” “No.” He shakes his head. “I love you very much with my eyes open.”

・❥・ Their relationship

As I said, he was perfect for her. I'm focusing so much on that, rather than on how good she was for him (which she was), because she’s never in her life had a person put her first, above everyone and everything else. He was the first one not only willing to do that, but also considering it something obvious.

“Oh, so you’re officially taking her side now?” “From here on out?” Sam blinks, unfazed. He nods. “Unequivocally, yes, man.”

Now, was this a little insta lovey? Sure. It didn't feel that way at all, though. I don't know if that's just Jessa taking tropes I think I hate, and showing me it's not the trope but the story that bothers me, but I absolutely adored everything about their relationship. It was developing very quickly, but their connection felt so strong from the very beginning I didn't once feel like they were rushing things. They also never really felt like strangers, if that makes sense.

・❥・ The writing

If you know me, you know that Jessa’s writing is my favorite thing in the world. It was written in a perfect way to tell this story, and I enjoyed every second of it. And again, I know I’m repeating myself, but the way she writes these books that makes me resonate so deeply with the characters, even if I don't understand them, is beyond me. So, obviously, I loved the whole thing.

・❥・The only reason that this wasn't a five star read for me was the last two chapters, where I just felt like something was missing. I can't quite place it, but for me, a five star rating is more of a feeling than a rating itself, and this book missed it by just a chapter.

・❥・ So, as you can tell by the length of this review, I loved this book to pieces. I would and will recommend it to anyone. Also, I’m convinced that this is the perfect book to experience Jessa’s writing, even if you didn't love Magnolia Parks, or are afraid that you wouldn't like it.

𝓜𝔂 𝓯𝓪𝓿𝓸𝓻𝓲𝓽𝓮 𝓺𝓾𝓸𝓽𝓮𝓼:

“He feels like the kind of memories I wish I had but don’t.”

“But avoiding grief is a kind of grief. It’s what we do when we can’t feel what we need to feel to progress.”

“I understand now that I’m older that it takes a true and deep faith in God to feel comfortable enough to ask and be asked such questions, but I don’t think many people like the depths.”

“With everyone else, I like their silence because it talks to me. I trust people’s silences more than their words. I can read the world in silence. But Sam is different. Silence with him is silence. Silence with him is five fifteen in the morning before the sun’s up and it’s still dark but the birds are singing. He’s the heavy quilt you pull over your head when it’s too cold and too early to wake up. He’s the song no parent ever loved me enough to sing. He’s the way water runs and bubbles over stones in a stream. He’s a quiet mind.”

“I feel better having Sam behind me. I don’t know why, and I feel annoyed at myself that I do. I don’t think it’s a guy thing—I think it’s a not-on-my-own thing.”

“Isn’t it the most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen?” I stare up at the big arch, which is my favorite part, I think. “Even though it’s broken?” “Yep,” he says quietly, and he’s looking just at me.

“This is it. This is what music exists for. This is why the birds sing. This why the tide pulls and the water falls. It’s why the sun rises and it’s why the moon hangs there all ghosty white.”

“And I think to myself, wouldn’t it be so lovely if we viewed ourselves through the same lens as the people who love us?”

・❥・And here's a link to my booksta post with some of my other favorite quotes, if u want to check it out <3

pre-review

this was amazing, review coming very soon

pre-read

jessa writes it, i read it

buddy read with my best girl lil 🤍


pre-publishing

oh i’m so sat for this

honestly at this point i’ll read anything this woman gives me

[Kyrah Stewart · Rating 2 out of 5]

- I loved how relatable Jessa’s writing can be! She has a way of weaving everyday thoughts and experiences into her story that I find satisfying when reading her books.
- Sam Penny did indeed carry, I loveddd their interactions (idc about insta love) the way he spoke and his thoughtfulness did have me giggling!
- The first half of the book (excluding the first 10 chapters) was so good as far as pacing but after about 55% I realized the book needed approximately 100pgs shaved off. The repetition of the same argument was killing me.
*spoilers ahead*
- The repetition of Georgia vs Oliver and maryanne was funny at first, but after realizing she was going to milkkkk that storyline it wasn’t funny anymore. Why is a gay man arguing over a straight man and why isn’t the straight man STANDING UP especially after he nearly merked Beckett earlier in the book… like I know you have it in you bestie!!!
- *sigh* the religious aspect of this book left my mind spinning. I wish Jessa would answer questions about this book so we as readers aren’t left in the dark about her intentions but alas, I am only able to work with what I’ve been given. Jessa definitely sets Georgia up to be in the “right” and as a reader you feel the tug to side with her, but when you really think about it Georgia was kind of a trash character and really not as smart as everyone claimed she was. She misuses scripture multiple times and in ways that are very easily disproven. It was giving Church hurt… it was giving someone needs a diary… it was giving someone needs to actually read the Bible. I would have appreciated the religious aspect, but mischaracterizing God is where she lost me. There’s even a part where Georgia is like, “God was hands off in the whole saving of people” and Tenny responds, “you mean besides literally giving up his only son” and Georgia responds, “oh ya…” (I’m paraphrasing here). umm hello are we going to talk about this? She claims her family is misinformed and doesn’t really know God but idk Geige… seems you don’t know Him either. Felt like Jessa is using Georgia as a scapegoat for her own beliefs (which don't align with Biblical Christianity).
- The hypocrisy of this book was glaring at me by the end. We find out that the mom basically knows her husband was gay all along but Georgia is going to keep up with the lie… even though her whole thing was that lying to her is the worst thing you could possibly do. Then she’s lying to Oliver the entire time, and avoidant of meaningful conversations with Sam. Was this on purpose? Is the point of the book that Georgia thinks she’s better than Christians in the south bc she’s progressive but really she’s just as bad but in different ways and omg it’s almost as if the Bible actually addresses this exact issue (1 cor 6:9-11) say it ain’t so… but no instead we’re just going to sweep that under the rug bc Georgia can never be wrong 😀 I loveeee when a character has 0 development
*end of spoilers*
- Overall, the flow of the book was off. The beginning was very religion heavy, but by the end there was hardly a mention of God which was strange considering the cover (which I still don’t understand). The ending felt not complete and there were SO many typos throughout.

[Tay ♡ · Rating 1 out of 5]

I understand that metaphors are her thing, but the fmc using so many of them (which started to feel a bit repetitive) to describe her love for a guy she met only seven days ago really put me off. Sorry, but I just can't believe they were in love when they had, at most, four full conversations

[Laura Shipman · Rating 2 out of 5]

If “gay son or thot daughter?” were a book and your family wanted neither

[Alya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok first off in a nutshell: Jessa Hastings writes 🤝🏻 I read

Thoughts

I loved this so much though it wasn't as painful as I would've liked ( she set my expectations to this default after MP series ) 😂 btw that Daisy crossover was so uncalled for😭💔 anyway we move on.. There's something in the way Jessa writes her characters, it touches you to the core and her writing as a whole makes you feel like you're physically in their world LITERALLY IN THE BOOK ITSELF -- Those who have experienced her books will understand but simply put not all authors can deliver 60 chapter books and have you feeling like every bit of you is invested in the story, there's never a "dragged" feeling with her books.

The FMC: I absolutely loved Georgia, her back story, her development where and how she grew up, everything just came together so beautifully that you really do understand her as a character like could we be friends already please🥹 also I absolutely adored the scenes where she'd be using her body language expertises. Honestly this character has such a place in my heart like "protect her at all costs, she deserves so much" kinda energy

The MMC: Christian will ALWAYS have my heart but Sam's vulnerability, his honesty and self awareness and the fact that he wasn't just a support to Georgia's brother but also her and my God.. GUYS WHO KNOW HOW TO COMMUNICATE ??? YES PLEASE!!!

I was hesitant this book was gonna disappoint cause let's be real NOTHING and I mean NOTHING by this author will top Magnolia Parks for me; the day it does I'll be the first one to say so! But this book was SO BEAUTIFUL in its own way, however I will say if you're not a fan of insta love feels then don't pick this up 🫶🏻

[Emily Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

is anyone even surprised that I gave this 6 stars??