The Space Between Our Hearts

by Hannah Stone

When your entire life is stuffed in your backpack, is there even room for love?

After eighteen years in the foster system, Rindy is ready to put down roots and ditch her backpack for good. But when she gets off the bus in Tinlee Bay, California she’s crushed to find that her bad-luck-life traveled with her. Only this time it’s worse, because now she’s homeless.
Enter Nolan, a young man with eyes bluer than the sky who loves forests as much as she does. But he’s leaving at the end of the summer. Which shouldn't be a problem, since nobody has ever wanted Rindy in the first place, so why start now? And yet, every day she spends with Nolan feels like home.
When Rindy finally achieves the security she’s always craved, Nolan asks her to leave with him. Now she’ll have to choose—the life she carved out for herself, or the boy who chose her?

The Space Between Our Hearts is a heartfelt, YA contemporary romance about a girl with nothing and a boy with everything, finding home together. Perfect for fans of Kristin Dwyer’s The Atlas of Us, and Sarah Dessen's Along for the Ride.

Genres: Romance, Young Adult, Audiobook

204 pages, Paperback

First published June 24, 2025

About the author

Hannah Stone is a poet and award-winning author who enjoys telling stories that will wrap around your heart. When she is not busy homeschooling she is likely to be found taking photographs of the sky, or writing her next novel. She lives in southeastern Washington with her husband and their three children.

Reviews

[Dario Pacheco · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is out June 24th. Go check out this beautifully written YA Contemporary Romance that transcends the boundaries of Genres speaking to the heart of each and everyone us and the sense of wanting to find the place we can call home.☺️
I honestly loved this book so much and was pleasantly surprised when I had tears burning in my eyes. I’m not a crier mind you but this book tugged at my heart strings in the best way possible. Following Rindy and her journey of finding the place she can call home was heart wrenching, joyful and just left me just relating to Rindy on a level that is hard to describe.
I give this star 5 stars cause I love those books that you can relate to the characters and stories that pull at your emotions. 😭
I hope you give this book a chance to enter your heart and support this author that has this amazing ability to make you feel and create stories that leave long lasting impressions. ☺️

[Hannah Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't even know where to start other than telling you that discovering Rindy's story was a beautiful experience for me. I love how hard Rindy wants to make it on her own and how fiercely she protects her heart. I love that Nolan sees Rindy for who she is and all she has to offer. I love that Lacie is loud and vibrant and welcoming. And I love how intuitive and ridiculous Wick is. This story has so much heart and I hope when you read it you love it as much as I do. 

[E.P. Stavs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely inhaled this book! Rindy had my heart from page one, and I wanted so much for things to work out for her. I loved all of the sweet, heartfelt moments between her and Nolan, and the friends were pretty great too. Mina was by far a standout—I believe I liked her most of all. I wasn’t feeling great today, but this delightful story served as the perfect distraction. Highly recommend if you like sweet, contemporary romance. Bonus: great foster care representation.

[Madison · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I finally discovered that home is the hand I hold - not a fixed structure.”

Thank you to NetGalley and Whimsical Publishing for providing me with an advanced reader's copy.

The Space Between Our Hearts follows the story of Rindy, a girl fighting for worth and security in a world that has deemed her worthless and forgettable. Within the first few chapters, she proves that even the best-laid plans don’t always go as expected—and that you have to adapt to survive. And a survivor, Rindy has certainly proven herself to be.

Nolan, on the other hand, has never had to worry about survival the way Rindy has, especially since she has been passed around in the foster system. But there’s more to Nolan than first impressions suggest. Is he really the free spirit he initially appears to be, or is he hiding some crushing expectations of his own?

I didn’t think a story could be so heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time, but those are always the most rewarding to read. This book will have your heart aching for Rindy while also filling you with joy as she begins to find her place in a new home with a new family she finds herself. Even the supporting characters will steal your heart just like they did Rindy’s.

Hannah Stone has truly hit it out of the park with her debut novel, and I can’t wait to see what she writes next.

Booksta || Fable

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

We need more of these. This takes us on a journey through the eyes of a foster child. Rindy is dealing with issues caused by being in foster care. (And honestly who wouldn't.) I wanted to scoop her out of the story and give her what she wanted. We watch her preserve through many trials. She has to make some hard choices to get what she always wanted in life. I loved this story. I think we forget what life in foster care can be like.

[Corinne’s Chapter Chatter · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐️
What a heartwarming novella! The moment I saw foster care mentioned in the description, I immediately requested it from NetGalley without even reading further—and I’m so glad I did.

The story shines through both the strong family dynamic and the FMC’s internal dialogue as she works through feelings of being unwanted. While every child’s experience in the system is unique, this book captures so many facets with honesty and care, making it both engaging and quietly educational—whether the reader realizes it or not.

The audiobook narration by Amberly Slack was excellent. Her pacing was spot-on, and her voice fit perfectly for portraying an older teen. I listened easily at 2x speed, which brought the runtime to about 3.5 hours—a perfect quick read.

I was fortunate to receive a complimentary ALC from Whimsical Publishing via NetGalley, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts.

How I Rate
Because I mostly read ARCs, I focus on how I think fellow readers with similar tastes will respond. I sometimes round up or down based on pacing, prose, or overall impact, and I try to keep my personal preferences from weighing too heavily.

⭐️ 1 Star – Finished, but not for me; I never DNF ARCs.
⭐️⭐️ 2 Stars – Struggled due to writing, content, or editing issues.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 Stars – Decent read with untapped potential; recommend with some reservations.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Stars – Really enjoyed it and would recommend for several reasons.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars – Exceptional; lingers in my mind well after reading. A story I’d gladly revisit.

[Kortnee - The Closed Door Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Language 🤐: Clean

Romance❤️‍🔥: Kisses Only

Violence 🏹: None

⚠️ Failed Foster System, Neglect From parents, Affair mentioned not among main characters, Homelessness ⚠️

Tropes/Micro Tropes
• FMC -18-aged out of foster care
• California
• Strangers to Friends To Lovers
• Curvy girl
• Hidden Identity
• Single POV
• Class Differences
• Summertime
• MMC Son of her new boss
• Slight Cinderella going to the ball vibes

Wow! What an absolute beautiful story! I wasn’t sure what to expect going into this story but it made me feel so many things and see things from a perspective I’ve never contemplated. This is truly a wonderful story and so worth the read!

Those were my initial thoughts that one paragraph the above and this is more of my thoughts since having time to sit with this story for a bit. This story is so eye opening or was for me, as we follow Rindy as she is seeking to make a life for herself after living in the Foster Care system and it truly failing here. I was blessed with a loving family and it was so just revelatory to follow Rindy's story to understand from her perspective what life was like and how hard she was fighting to make a life on her own when everyone who should have taken care of her had failed her. Hannah does such a wonderful job of helping to portray this story in a realistic way.

When Rindy runs into Nolan, Wick and Lacie at the beach she wishes she could have friends and a life like theirs. Thought this was a strange first meeting for all of them they bring her into their friend group and she has to learn how to balance secrets with truths as she tries to keep her carefully constructed walls of safety up. Nolan however has different plans and Rindy doesn't know what to do as she slowly starts letting this boy who has shown more interest in her then anyone ever has start breaking down those walls. Will she be able to keep up here secrets or will it all come tumbling down around her?

It was really interesting to see Rindy's perspectives and how her understanding opens up as she learns that life is not as polished as she thinks it is for this new group of friends. I loved every interaction she had with this wonderful group of friends. Lacie is the BFF every girl needs and Wick was an absolute hoot! Wick was definitely a favorite of mine and I'd seriously love a story all about him just because that's how much I loved this sweet character who showed what it is like to be a true friend.

This story is such a great one! I believe you'd love this story if any of the tropes I listed above interest you! I think it's a great read and for me it was eye opening for someone who knows really nothing but general stuff about the foster care system. I feel for and love Rindy and was rooting for her to have things figured out and was so grateful for how the adults around her in this book helped in ways that made sense. I felt like this book was so well written and realistically done!

Thanks so much to Whimsical Publishing and Net Galley for the ARC of this story all opinions are my own!

[Erika Banks · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Space Between Our Hearts is a heartwarmingly charming novel that completely swept me away. From the very first page, I felt an immediate connection to Rindy, the protagonist. Her voice is honest, vulnerable, and deeply relatable. Watching her navigate her insecurities, fears, and longing for belonging made her journey feel deeply personal.
What makes this story stand out is how beautifully it captures the quiet, powerful ways love and connection take shape. Rindy and Nolan’s relationship unfolds with tenderness and the naïve nature of being young while grounded in moments of vulnerability and trust. Their story transcends the boundaries of a traditional love story—at its core, this is a tale about finding a family in unexpected places, and learning to let love in, even when it feels impossible.
The themes of found family, healing, and self-discovery are handled with such grace, making this more than just a romance—it’s a story about coming home to yourself. I was continually surprised by how nuanced and emotionally resonant it was.
I truly loved this story. Rindy and Nolan’s journey will stay with me for a long time, and I recommend this book to anyone who believes in the quiet magic of love that grows in the spaces between.

[Vicky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book about belonging, secrets, and friends. Rindy has aged out of foster care and is now homeless. She decides to go to California where one night she meets some teens by a bonfire. She leaves and goes to sleep under a canoe. The next day she gets a job she applied for and runs into Nolan, a boy at the bonfire. The two spend time together, but Rindy never tells him she’s homeless. Nolan tells her he wants to leave the area after summer and invites her to come along. Rindy has a job and found a place to live. What will she decide to do?
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Tania · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ I was happy to receive an advanced reading copy because the storyline was unique, while having the right amount of girl-meets-boy charm. Told from the perspective of an orphan who aged out of the foster system and has to start over. Rindy is a strong protagonist, who knows exactly what she wants in life despite her tumultuous upbringing. Unfortunately, she continues getting setbacks while pursuing her dream, but I admire her fiery spirit and will to survive. It was also a relief to have a main character not look like a model and have real curves and insecurities. I enjoyed reading about Rindy’s coming-of-age, learning to trust and to love. How it is possible to not let her past define her future and who she will become.

[Billee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This beautifully written YA sucked me in from the start. Young Rindy is looking for somewhere, anywhere, to call home. She yearns for security, love and family. She meets Nolan and they start a winding journey together of self discovery. The author did a wonderful job with the characters and the back story. I would love to read more about Rindy, Nolan, Wick and Lacie. Thank you Hannah Stone and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️
🚪

RTC

[Ariana Copeland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my third time reading this story, but my first time listening to it in audio form. And it’s still simply perfect. That ending will always leave me in tears, and even more so as I listen to Amberly’s beautiful narration! She truly brings Rindy to life, and it’s even more fun to listen to Wick and his antics through her voice and excitement. The story is so touching and wonderful, and everyone needs to give this little book a try!

*~*

This book is both heartbreaking and heartwarming! It asks you what it means to have a home, a place to call your own, to have people of your own.

Rindy has aged out of the foster system and has set off to make a new life for herself, one where she is enough and can get through with hard work and grit. She’s not expecting to get distracted by the handsome boy on the beach or the inviting friends he comes with. Rindy bears the weight of so many struggles, most of which she stuffs into her yellow backpack, but she soon has to wonder what it means to trust those around her.

Nolan is an outdoorsy dreamboat that Rindy can’t help but be drawn to. Wick and Lacie are rays of sunshiny friends that Rindy desperately needs, and I cheered for all these friendships the whole way through.

I loved watching Rindy grow as a person and face her fears as she discovers what it means to be loved and wanted by those around her.

Thank you for letting me read an advanced reader copy! This is my honest review.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a beautiful coming-of-age story!

We follow Rindy, who was abandoned after she was born and who grew up in the system hopping from one family to the other. When she turned 18, she saved enough money to move to a new place. She got a job interview and an apartement lined up. However when she arrives in Tinlee Bay, CA, the apartment she thought was hers, ended up being a scam. Being totally alone in a place she doesn't know she wanders around and ends up on the beach.

At the beach she finds some people her own age and it's the start of new friendships and opportunities. However she doesn't have a place to sleep and finds an abandoned building with a canoe next to it. She decides to sleep there and hope the job interview goes for the best.

She is hired, and she keeps running into her new found family, however she is too scared to tell anyone the truth about who she is, and that she doesn't have a place to sleep.

Will she be able to open up and accept help from the people in Tinlee Bay? Find a place to sleep? Open up her heart?

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I read the summary of this book, I was automatically drawn to the story. I really wanted to give Rindy a hug from the very first page. She is so strong and resilient, and also afraid to let anyone in. Then she meets Nolan, and all of that changes. I loved this YA co temporary romance. 5/5

[Stephanie P (Because My Mother Read) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher/author for the free e-copy for review.

“Everything I own is inside this backpack.” So begins this heartfelt new young adult story about a girl who has aged out of the foster system and is wanting a place to call her own. A series of unfortunate events leaves her homeless in a new town. When she meets a new group of friends, including a boy she likes, she must decide how much to reveal and how much to keep secret.

It was satisfying and heartwarming to watch someone who has never had a place to call home find connection, friendship, and love across different types of relationships. My heart ached for all the difficulties and inner turmoil she experienced but that made the small, good things all the sweeter. It made me feel even more grateful for all the things and people I have around me as well.

There was one storyline that was left hanging more with less closure than I would prefer but overall a quick and satisfying read that is well suited for the target age group with no explicit content.

Trigger/content notes: homelessness, body shaming, recounting past affair .. Spice level is kissing.

[Hannah completing_my_tbr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing has gone right for Rindy ever since the day she was left in a box outside a gas station. But she’s determined to make that change as she sets out on her own.


I loved this book a lot! Rindy is such a lovable character even if she doesn’t know it. She been hurt over and over again, and is full of self doubt, so it’s amazing to see how all the characters work to help her through that.
Nolan is so sweet and caring and honestly just the perfect book bf. And I love the friendships he has with the other characters.
I also love how it’s not only Nolan that helps Rindy but it’s also Mina, Lacie, and Wick. Rindy needs more than just a boyfriend. She needs friends and parental figures and I’m so glad we get to see some of that.

The Space Between Our Hearts is a super sweet and heartwarming story, with an adorable romance, and characters you’ll love!

[Katherina Kunz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so incredibly special! It handles hard topics with care and empathy, and shows you that finding your people and your way in life looks different for each person and that’s okay.

I loved every single character in this book (except for one but there’s always got to be a bad guy right?) and they all felt so real and raw. This was such a wonderful book to read and it had me laughing (and crying) more than once. This book truly felt like being wrapped in a blanket and being told everything is going to be alright when things definitely don’t feel like they’re going to be okay🩷

Thank you to NetGalley, Whimsical Publishing, and the author for the eARC.

[Tina Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this YA novel and particularly the main character. The writing was fast paced but drew the reader in and gave a good sense of place and time. The reason I didn't rate it a 4 is that it felt underdeveloped to me. It needed a bit more of the hard stuff going on in the head of the main character and it felt too neatly wrapped up for me. Would the decision have been that easy at the end and would the Mom truly have been okay with them going off on a summer trip together?
I'm excited to read more by this author.

[Wendy (rockaromance) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a heartwarming and beautifully told story, it truly had the power to warm your heart. I especially loved how generosity and kindness were woven into so many of the characters, making the entire world of the book feel comforting and hopeful. Rindy and Nolan’s journey was both touching and inspiring, and I found myself wishing the story were longer just so we could spend more time with them and see how their paths continued to unfold.
Thank you NetGalley and Victory Editing for providing me with this ARC.

[Dominique Kruger-Logan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very sweet and touching novel that does cause you to sit and think about a different situation to your own. I think the fact that it is a YA and does discuss these realities is really great. It is a way to get the younger generations to see a different reality and the things that a foster child can experience.

Certain parts of the book did surprise me when I had tears burning in my eyes. I do love a found family and finding people that care for you and make you feel safe without wanting something in return.

Where the book didn't work as strongly for me was in its handling of the darker realities it introduces. While themes of homelessness, neglect, and loneliness are present, they're often softened by fairytale-like resolutions that don't fully reflect the realities many teens face when aging out of the system. This did feel like a more convenient version of a very difficult truth.
The biggest part I didn't enjoy is that Nolan-the love interest-sometimes reads more as a symbol of
"home" than a fully fleshed-out character.

Overall I did really enjoy this book, it is something that opened my eyes and caused me to think about how lucky I am. Give this a read for sure!

[Skirmantė · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!

4.5 stars

This was a very wholesome story with lovely characters. The Space Between Our Hearts was simply feel-good from beginning to end, the kind of book that leaves you smiling long after you finish.

The book centers on Rindy, a teen newly out of the system, as she learns to face her doubts, anxieties, and desire for acceptance. Her reflections are raw, open, and easy to connect with, making her journey all the more compelling. Seeing her wrestle with her feelings while slowly maturing was touching and authentic.

The love arc was sweet, innocent, and genuine, balancing moments that were both heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. It is the kind of young love that feels fragile yet full of hope. And truly, everyone deserves a Mina in their life. Her kindness and support shone brightly throughout the book.

I listened to the audiobook and have to say the narration was great. The narrator’s voice suited the story perfectly.

[gee · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Thank you to Hannah Stone, Whimsical Publishing, and NetGalley for providing me with an ALC in exchange for my honest review*
3.5 stars
This is an honest, yet hopeful, contemporary YA exploring what it's like to age out of the foster care system. The characters are well-rounded and lovable, especially our main character Rindy—who, despite her hand in life, endeavours to make something of herself. She is obviously dealing with some attachment issues due to growing up in care, but that makes her determination all the more endearing. The love story was so cute; Nolan is the perfect MMC. He’s not without his flaws, of course, but his love for Rindy and their friends shines through. The whole friendship group was the best part about this. They’re a found family of sorts, and I just loved the scenes where they’re all together.
I also loved the body diversity and positivity message hidden within this book.

[É-A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Whimsical Publishing for providing me with an advanced reader's copy.

Starting out, I was definitely hesitant. I predicted a couple things and thought it would be more of another trivial ya contemporary with tired tropes and characters I've seen time and time again. Soon enough though, this book took me by surprise.

I started entraptured by this book through Rindy and her struggles. This book did a great job at balancing her issues regarding her sense of belonging and her self-image. Both were complex and relatable, as well as evocative to the reader. I was really rooting for her, even by the beginning of the book.

The romance is definitely cute, though it felt a little instalovey starting out. She wasn't showing interest in him, but he seemed enamoured. Going further into the story though, it made more sense especially given their shared interests. They both value and enjoy the same things, which is important in a couple and nice to see in a book. Rindy and Nolan kind of felt like the boy and girl version of each other (the same goes for Wick and Lacie, who were also cute).

The Space Between Our Hearts surprised me with its unexpected emotional depths. It was a fun book, which I definitely enjoyed and recommend. 5★★★★★

[Roberta Godoy · Rating 3 out of 5]

An emotional story, where the protagonist shows that despite having faced many hardships since birth, it's still possible to have hope for a better future.

Not being American, I don't know how foster care works there, but I think the story gives a brief overview.

Our protagonist is 18 years old and exploring the world alone for the first time. She soon discovers that even when things seem like they'll never work out, it's important to maintain hope. The same goes for people; just because she was deceived and mistreated in the past doesn't mean that it will happen again to the people she's meeting now.

The book is narrated by Amberly Slack, who conveys the protagonist's emotions well in her narrative.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Whimsical Publishing for the ARC audiobook.

Loved the narrator! Her voice is perfect for the characters

I love that the FMC is not a twig tiny girl. The representation of multiple body types is really what we are lacking in today's writing!

I appreciated how real this book felt and how it truly could be someone's life story.

I loved this book with all of my heart. Give me found family and and a HEA and I am SOLD.

All of the gold stars for this fantastic book ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Blue · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't mean any disrespect or anything, but this book didn't feel like it was special, or that it stood out in any particular way. That isn't inherently a bad thing, some books just land that way.
~
One thing this book highlighted is how broken the social care system is in America. The way that someone becomes an adult and is immediately dismissed and left on their own.
~
I did like the found family, friendship aspect of the story. While I couldn't understand it in the sense of not knowing your family or where you come from, I understand the importance of good friendships.
•
Thank you to NetGalley for sending me an ARC copy of this book.

[Chantelle-emma Hilton · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, it was sweet and emotional, the narration was well done and I really felt I got into the characters.

There was not a lot going on in this story and so have a low review but this did not mean I didn't enjoy it. It was a good story with likeable characters and the usual try and hide you're homeless plost point.

Definately interested in reading more from this author.

[DarkTwistedReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you netgalley for allowing me access to this ALC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

18yr old Rindy gets off the bus in California wanting to start a new life for herself. Being abandoned as a newborn baby, she spent her life in the foster system never feeling wanted by anyone and never finding where she belongs. Within the small town in Cali is where she chose to carve out a piece of her life she can call her own until one day while walking on the beach, she comes across a group of friends. One of the friends, Nolan, takes a special interest in her but not wanting to tell him the truth about who she is or why she's there, she concocts a web of lies in order to keep herself safe.

The beginning of this made me really sad, the things she feels is just heartbreaking. Feeling like she has no choice but to lie because everyone she's ever told the truth to abandons her or makes her feel like she's not worth it. She doesn't want to be a burden on anyone, but in order to survive she has to be independent which includes getting a job and budgeting what little money she has.
I really liked this and the narrator did a really good job telling Rindy's story.
I'd definitely reread this one.

[Meli reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

captivating

Rindy’s life experiences hit home for me. Captivating. I wanted to know if she finally got all the good she deserves. Nolan is patient and kind towards her. Exactly what she needed to see in her life.