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A Beautiful Terrible Thing
When Nathan meets Cara, sparks fly. Her smile lights him up, and he falls for her fast. Being with her is like taking a deep breath, after the terrible thing that happened three months ago.
Cara feels the same. And this joy is a gift - because her life is shattered, too. Nathan feels like a new start.
But they're both hiding a secret. And the secrets intertwine in a way neither of them could imagine.
There's no way Cara and Nathan can be together. But, despite everything, they find it impossible to be apart.
This is a stunningly written, thought-provoking drama about loss, atonement, and love which defines a lifetime.
Cara feels the same. And this joy is a gift - because her life is shattered, too. Nathan feels like a new start.
But they're both hiding a secret. And the secrets intertwine in a way neither of them could imagine.
There's no way Cara and Nathan can be together. But, despite everything, they find it impossible to be apart.
This is a stunningly written, thought-provoking drama about loss, atonement, and love which defines a lifetime.
- GenresYoung Adult
Unknown Binding
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
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November 15, 2025Everyone should have a Shell in their lives
October 30, 2025
It says a lot about grief. It says a lot about love.
But it’s so, so irritating reading about these characters struggling with a ‘moral dilemma’ when to me the answer is clear.
Funny, sad, wonderfully written. And such a frustrating read.
A bit like a car crash, really. You can’t look away.
But it’s so, so irritating reading about these characters struggling with a ‘moral dilemma’ when to me the answer is clear.
Funny, sad, wonderfully written. And such a frustrating read.
A bit like a car crash, really. You can’t look away.
June 22, 2025
I was sent an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to David Fickling Books for thinking of me as I really did love this book!
This is a beautifully written story about grief and mental health that doesn’t shy away from exploring these difficult subjects in a very real and raw way but without feeling exploitative for dramatic purposes.
Whilst reading this book I felt so many emotions and I definitely shed a tear or two but essentially I was left feeling hopeful. I feel that this novel could be an important book helping teenagers navigate complex emotions and situations that aren’t always so black and white! It will also make them think about what it means to have your life change so irrevocably with a split second decision and the consequences of this. It also made me think about forgiveness, could you forgive someone who caused the death of your brother and how would you feel if you found out that this was the person you were actually dating and had fallen in love with! It could certainly prompt some interesting discussions, I would highly recommend this book.
This is a beautifully written story about grief and mental health that doesn’t shy away from exploring these difficult subjects in a very real and raw way but without feeling exploitative for dramatic purposes.
Whilst reading this book I felt so many emotions and I definitely shed a tear or two but essentially I was left feeling hopeful. I feel that this novel could be an important book helping teenagers navigate complex emotions and situations that aren’t always so black and white! It will also make them think about what it means to have your life change so irrevocably with a split second decision and the consequences of this. It also made me think about forgiveness, could you forgive someone who caused the death of your brother and how would you feel if you found out that this was the person you were actually dating and had fallen in love with! It could certainly prompt some interesting discussions, I would highly recommend this book.
November 3, 2025
A harrowing tale of good people coping with awful circumstances. The trajectories of these star-crossed lovers are unpredictable and therefore heartbreakingly real; a depiction of guilt and grief that is indeed terrible, punctuated by moments of hope that are profoundly moving without ever lapsing into sentimentality. 'The wee girl', 'Polaris'... Beautifully crafted. Also contains a pleasingly varied playlist!
June 16, 2025
One of the most gut-wrenching books I've ever read.
September 9, 2025
An exceptional YA novel, deeply emotional and nuanced. I have written a review on my blog: http://vsviewfromthebookshelves.home....
September 22, 2025
Heart breaking read.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews