The Last Great Almost

by Quintana McConnell

Phases fade. Eras echo.
You don't always know you're in one,
until it's gone.

Nora Lowe never meant to return-not to the boy who once knew her better than she knew herself. But fifteen summers later, her car is back in the driveway across the street. Coming home means facing the ache they never named, the silences that shaped them, and the versions of herself she thought she'd left behind.

Elliott Ashby hasn't really slept since Nora left. Her absence rewrote him-into someone who measures mornings by shadows and rehearses reunions that never come. Now that she's here, everything he buried begins to surface.

Told in dual POV across layered timelines, The Last Great Almost is a slow-burning meditation on emotional imprinting, chosen family, and the quiet ways we carry each other-long after the moment has passed.

Genres: Friends To Lovers, Romance

536 pages, Paperback

Published March 17, 2026

Reviews

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so thankful to author Quintana McConnell for offering me an early copy of The Last Great Almost on Threads! I rooted so hard for Nora and Elliott as they worked through their misinformation about each other and hurts from when they were childhood and teenage best friends and how they reconciled who they became and who they hoped to be individually and together. I also loved that Elliott was so down bad for Nora and could vocalize that the way Nora perceived and believed in him had fully impacted him and his life choices. I also loved how Nora makes Elliott’s home a warm and loving place for them and their found family. There are some trigger warnings you should be aware of so make sure to read those but I think those topics were handled with care and sensitivity.

[Carley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll be honest I was very hesitant going into this book because my two least favorite tropes are second chance romance and friends to lovers. There was no way to dislike how these tropes were done with Nora and Elliott. These characters were so well developed and felt so human there was no way not to care. Definitely should be making it's way into your mental tbr. I also need to mention that you need to read the trigger warnings before going to into this book because some quite heavy topics are discussed. Also know there are a lot of pop culture references( which I enjoyed but I know some people aren't a fan of ). Overall, amazing job to the author and a great book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ashleyschaptersbookclub · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was such an emotional, sweet second-chance romance done right. Both characters were carrying their own heavy life hardships, one more deeply than the other but watching them find their way back to love felt so earned. Their connection was gentle, healing, and honestly just beautiful. Proof that sometimes the best second chance is finding your way to the right person at the right time.

[Lauren (lololovesthings) · Rating 3 out of 5]

"The Last Great Almost" by Quintana McConnell was a mixed bag for me. It is a childhood friends-to-lovers second-chance romance between two characters who lost touch and reconnect after many, many years. Now, I have to get this out of the way first. I would call myself a vaguely casual-even-less-than-casual Taylor Swift "fan," and even *I* was like "daaaaaang, that's A LOT of Taylor Swift references, like waaaay too many." There are a lot of pop culture references in general, to the point of distraction. I sadly didn't love everything about this book. I enjoyed the frank discussions about mental health. I liked some of the interactions between the main characters, Elliott and Nora, but I never got fully invested in the reconnection or their love story. They do manage to help one another heal from the wounds of their childhood, which I very much appreciate, and provide some tender moments between the two of them. The found family aspects worked for me, too. Still, the negatives sadly outweigh the positives. I honestly didn't think Nora's reason for leaving their small town when she was younger was all that big of a deal?? Just talk about it and move on like adults?? I feel like Nora and Elliott have a communication problem throughout this entire book, even when they were younger. As a whole, this book felt like it was much longer than it was, and it's not that long to begin with...the pacing is *that* slow. There were also a couple of plot holes that left me scratching my head. There is no spice here, so if that sort of thing matters to you, know that going in. I am sorry I didn't love this one.

Thank you to Quintana McConnell and Love Notes PR for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.

[Lauryn Munro · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC Review

I am incredibly thrilled to have read another book with mental health representation!

I think the story was very touching but I would’ve liked to see more of their relationship. They were childhood friends to not speaking for 15 years and then back to friends to then kiss once after being back in touch for a few months. I just wish the romance part of the friends to lovers was more fleshed out.

Overall, a quick and cute read!

[Heather Greer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was a sweet, second chance, dual POV, friends to lovers story. It was kinda like living my youth all over again with all the feels, miscommunications and up and downs of how relationship can go. Elliott and Nora are wonderful characters that makes you really care about them and their feelings.

[Paola Prado · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a such lovely story. The growth both characters experienced was written in such a relatable way, really made you feel seen. Though I wish the ending would’ve been a bit longer, it felt well-deserved!
This book was like a warm hug and I enjoyed every moment of it. Definitely will recommend to my friends!

[Chrissytina Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a heartfelt, second-chance romance. The FMC’s backstory hit home a little closer than I expected, so I definitely felt a lot of connection to her character. I enjoy the way this author writes “grumpy” characters. They’re not angry. They’re more aloof, reserved, and dealing with depression or anxiety. It makes the character more realistic and relatable. I also got a kick out of all the millennial pop culture references and Taylor Swift nods.

[Johanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was really sweet and a fun read. I enjoyed the dual perspective and the flow. It came together nicely without a lot of miscommunication between the characters once Nora came back. Elliot is love, care, strength and understanding wrapped together in a wonderful package.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Caitlyn Lemberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dual POV, second chance romance, AND childhood friends to lovers? Amazing.
Also towards the end it was heavy events on football and I LOVE the NFL.
This was a long read, but such a cute one and I feel like the ending was predictable but I truly ate it up. I loved how it was every other chapter for the character.
Also PLEASE be mindful of the TW’s (parent death, grief, mental health).

[Chloe Hunter · Rating 2 out of 5]

A love story pieced together with nods to Taylor Swift. The attention to detail with certain lyrics and moments that Quintana McConnell includes is good, even down to a less-than-30-second breakup voicemail. I’m looking at you, Joe Jonas 👌🏼

But even as a Swiftie, it eventually felt like too much. There were so many lyrics written into the characters’ thoughts that it started to feel forced, like they were squeezed in whether they fit the scene or not.

It was predictable, which isn’t unusual for contemporary romance haha, but the inner thoughts felt repetitive. The relationship also jumped from long-time strangers to instant best friends without much in-between. After not speaking for 15+ years, I expected more awkwardness, more hurt, more pushback. Instead they were pretty happy-go-lucky. They would “talk,” but never actually talk about the real issue. The book acted like they resolved the hard stuff, but the details of what happened in the past were never fully said, just danced around.

I also struggled with the FMC. She didn’t feel like she had much depth or direction. Deciding not to go back to her apartment across the country didn’t really change anything in her life. She stayed secluded and didn’t seem to work on herself much beyond standing up to her parents. And even then, instead of actually growing or improving the relationship, she mostly stonewalled and walked out of conversations. It was framed as progress, but it didn’t feel like real maturity.

Overall, it felt less like a meaningful or exciting story and more like a collection of poetic inner monologues and lyrics about being in love. I also couldn’t tell you what her job was before she left New York, or even what her life looked like there. She disappeared for a year, never went back for her things, and somehow faced zero consequences. And at the end she randomly starts writing a screenplay. Since when was she a writer? It felt unrealistic and disconnected.

🫧🌶️ Spice-free, kisses only
⚠️ TW: suicide

Thanks to NetGalley and Gilded Horizon Books for this eARC.

[Jade · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Friendship, I'd said. Like I'd never wanted more.
As if what could've been-and what might still be-wasn't quietly devouring every thought.
As if it's not the only thing I'm thinking about right now."

Nora and Elliott. Best friends since they were three. Inseparable through school. Now in their thirties, they've become strangers to each other. No contact since Elliott watched her drive away after high school graduation. What could have been a great love story, over before it even began.

Now Nora is back, and Elliott wants to make things right. But how can he make her see that she belongs there, with him?

This was such a heartfelt, memorable story of friendship, belonging, first love, and second chances. I think most of us have experience with the one who got away. Well here's how it might look if you ever had a chance to change that.

There's some heavy themes to work through, including grief and depression. I would strongly suggesting reading the author's trigger warnings before deciding if this book is for you.

Though this is a love story, there is no spice whatsoever. I do love a bit of spice, however I appreciate this story just as it is.
Nora and Elliott are both on a journey and I feel the author really captured it in all it's uncertain and messy glory.

You should read this book if you love:
- Shifting timelines
- No spice
- Second chances
- Friends to lovers
- Small-town romance
- Found family
- Dual POV

The Last Great Almost is available now. And she gave us a playlist. This makes me very happy.

Thank you to Quintana McConnell and Love Notes PR for the complimentary copy of this book. The views and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Patty · Rating 2 out of 5]

Honestly, to me, this is 2.5 stars, but I just cannot honest to goodness round it up.

Story about life long best friends, Elliott and Nora, all signs pointing to they should be together but Nora can't put it out of her mind that her leaving is the best thing for Elliott. And off they went past 16 yrs. Now in their 30s, Nora was dumped by the asshole of a boyfriend, hoping to seek refuge at her parents, except they totally gaslight her and create more emotional damage than for her to heal. Luckily, even from across the street, Elliott saw the cry for help and had Nora stay.

This is a second chance, friends to lovers, slow burn. But friends, this is slooooooowest of burns. There's alot to unpack and I'm wondering why there's no TW for the book in the blurb. There's parents death, grief, depression, body shaming, and just overall mental health coverage.

I'm ok with all of those elements if it adds to a book, but I struggle to connect with Elliott & Nora, and definitely struggle for Elliott & Nora's connection. We know, as the book builds it, that they are meant for each other. Elliott was heartbroken the first round when Nora left, and Nora actually liked Elliott as more than a friend. Elliott now tries to keep Nora and let her the space to do the healing she needs, but good lord the pace is at snail speed. I don't need them to go fast, there's something to be said about them coming together but it's so slow for me that I got disconnected. To me, as a reader, that's a bummer, because I do want to root for Elliott and Nora, just couldn't get there.

Thank you NetGalley & Gilded Horizon Books for the ARC.

[Fernanda Montealegre · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5 estrella
ARC Review

No les miento, yo vivo y muero por el friends to lover y más si hay un second chance. Así que creanme que siempre SIEMPRE serán mis favoritos.

Creo que leer el romance entre Nora y Elliot te hace volver a creer en el amor, se conocen desde pequeños y han estado en las buenas y en las malas del otro. Pero la vida es dificil y el amor no siempre lo puede todo, así que deciden separandose y perdiendo el rastro del otro por muchos años.
El reencuentro es todo lo que te remueve el corazón, la autora se esmeró tanto en hacernos sufrir con sus vidas porque diosito dejalos en paz por un momento, así que su enminente reencuentro se ve interrumpido por muchos motivos. Por otro lado, solo puedo decir... que personajes tan humanos, son de aquellos que te remueven con su fragilidad, con sus pensamiento y sus anhelos.
Son personajes que facilmente amarás y e lo juro que se quedarán en tu corazón por un largo tiempo.

Si hay algo que no me gusta mucho en los libros contemporáneos, y por mas redundante que suene, es los conceptos de la realidad en la narración, pero la verdad es que, en esta ocasión, disfruté bastante las referencias pop que se mencionan y en la manera en que se relacionan en la historia

La autora se esmera y respeta bastante la representación de la salud mental en este libro y se nota en cada pequeño detalle, y siento que es lo que mas me tocó del libro.

Para ser mi primer acercamiento a la autora debo decir que me agradó bastante y me dejó demasiado feliz que este sea mi primer libro <3

[Dimitra · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Last Great Almost🍂
Firstly,I want to thank LoveNotes PR & Quintana McConnell for trusting me with this ARC!🤎
Nora was not supposed to be here,and first of all was not supposed to fall in love with him.Again.
Elliot's life is shining again.Because Nora is back.

The Last Great Almost is a second chance romance that is deeply connected with emotions.Meaning that even if we have a second chance romance our soon to be couple is already in love THE MOMENT they met for the second time.My thoughts when reading it is that the author should give us A GOOD reason why Nora left and I can say she left me pretty okay.
However,apart from that I could not really connect with anyone.Nora was okay-ish and most of the story was on her shoulders.On the other side,Elliot was our classic boy that saves the day and only him understands the main girl.
Personally,I would love to see more moments in the present and just feel them a little bit more.Since we had mostly a flat pace and the insta love it was like the whole romance was already being told to us really in the book.The I MISSED YOU,I LOVED YOU I ABSOLUTELY YEARN FOR YOU was missing for me to be exact💚
However, I would definitely give it a try if I wanted something without a lot of emotional roller coaster moments
Out On Mar,17th🪐
2⭐

[Ashlie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The emotional depth in The Last Great Almost is written in such an intimate way that it almost feels like someone opened me up and translated my insides directly onto the page. There’s a heavy sense of nostalgia wrapped in that strange feeling of wondering how we somehow became the adults in the room, all while still navigating our own mental health and personal struggles.

The book describes the masks many of us wear with striking accuracy. It explores the tension between what is, what could be, and the sometimes desperate attempts we make to start over and save ourselves. But one of the most powerful questions the story asks is: what are we really trying to save ourselves from? Pain and discomfort are often necessary parts of growth and change, and this book doesn’t shy away from that truth.

At its core, the story focuses on mental health, learning to love yourself, and allowing others in to help you heal. There is also a strong undertone of found family, confronting generational trauma, and attempting to move forward.

Many modern romances lean heavily on spice and intensity, sometimes to the point where they feel unrealistic. The Last Great Almost stands apart by offering something more relatable and grounded. Instead of a perfect fairy-tale ending, it delivers a conclusion that feels much closer to real life — and sometimes that’s exactly the kind of story we need.

[Misty Boozer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a amazing read. She not only brought emotion into it. It was almost like she could read what I needed. It is a young adult romance. It is very emotional and it's very heavy hitting. It talks about the love that you can find if you let yourself in. But it also gives you the clarity of a 16-year-old friendship that they had lost and why they had lost it and the importance of communication and letting people in that you cannot go through trauma and expect to be the same person you were the day after it. It was almost like she was reading my mind. Elliot and Nora are an amazing cup. I do wish that we got to see more of them and what happened where they finally became a couple. But she does an amazing job writing this book. It was almost as if she was attempting to like know half of my trauma and put it into a book that she does. Amazing. It was almost like you could feel the truth resonating through the book and I don't know if it was her trauma specifically talked about in the book, but I feel like it might have been a little bit like it felt realistic like she wasn't. Speaking of somebody else all the time but almost as if she was speaking of her own trauma and healing journey and she might not have been. She might have talked to a lot of people but it was almost like you were carrying her own story hearing her own trauma.

[Kortney Liston · Rating 4 out of 5]

🏈 📸 ☕️

Quintana thank you so much for letting me read this ARC! It hit close to home in more ways than one! If you grew up in the 90’s and you miss that life, read this book. It brings back the nostalgia that we’re all missing right now!

If you have struggled or still struggle with mental health, this book also will help give you hope! I know it helped me know that everything will be ok no matter what and that you always have support, you just have to allow it and let it in. And it reminds you that you’re not broken. Which is a reminder I need almost on a daily.

I personally prefer the more intimate romance books with a whole lotta 🌶️ but this book didn’t have any of that. And it still affected me the same way if not more than the others because I could actually relate to parts of the book.

Elliot and Nora deserved their happiness. They deserved their friendship. They deserved each other’s support. They deserved each other. And I’m so happy that the author wrote their stories and their emotions so well.

This was a heartwarming quick read that brings out all the emotions! It’s definitely worth the read. I give this one four ⭐️‘s!

#bookstagram #booksbooksbooks #bookworm #bookish #

[bri &#x1f380; · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dear swifties, drop everything now & add this book to your tbr!! 😍

✨My review:
This story follows Nora and Elliott, almost high school sweethearts, when they reconnect fifteen summers later. Nora never dreamt of coming out of exile to return home to painful memories and the boy who got away. But when Elliott knocks on her door for the first time in years, she’s enchanted all over again. Elliott, who has been plagued by memories of Nora, remembers all too well. He remembers all the little things and versions of themselves so they can begin again. All Nora had to do was stay. Besides, nothing good ever happens in a getaway car.

Love, love, love this book so much!! I could not put this book down. It’s so millennial coded and the best Taylor Swift vibes!! And how fitting to have read it the day before the Life of a Showgirl 🧡

✨Tropes: slow burn romance, second chance, childhood friends reunion, chosen family, emotional scars, small town, nostalgia, black cat x golden retriever

Thank you so much to the author for this arc!!

[Sunny Shelly Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Childhood best friends Nora and Elliott haven't spoken in a decade; not since everything changed between them and she left town and never looked back. Now, following a breakup, Nora returns home to lick her wounds, and she and Elliott are thrust back into one another's lives… and the opportunity presents itself to heal some of the old heartbreak.

The story is a sweet, clean, second-chance romance, told in dual POV and in past and present chapters. There was a lot of miscommunication between these characters, and I was kind of surprised at how not-that-big-of-a-deal Nora's reason for leaving town was. I feel like it could have been settled much sooner had these two actually talked about it. But I did appreciate the always-been-you microtrope, and how Elliott never really moved past Nora's leaving.

The Last Great Almost is the first book I've read by Quintana McConnell. Overall, I liked it; I didn't *love* it. Will I come back to re-read it? Maybe.

I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.

[Mizu · Rating 4 out of 5]

💠 The Last Great Almost 💠
This book is a wonderful and beautiful story that I really enjoyed. I really love that they got a chance to be together even though they lost connection in the past and the miscommunication, but at least they got a chance to speak it out. I'm so proud how Nora come so far and how Elliott will also be there for her. So check this book out 💗

Thank you, Author Quintana McConnell and Love Note Pr for sending me an ARC copy of this book and making me part of your ARC team. I can't wait to read or hear your new books to come.

⭐Qoutes⭐
“You’re exactly where I want you,” I say, the words heavier than I intend. “And… where is that?” she whispers. “At the edge of everything you’ve been avoiding,” I answer. “And finally close enough to touch it.”

🔹️Trope 🔹️
🥰 Childhood friends to strangers to lovers
💞Second Chance
🏡Small Town
🧡Found Family
🎗Mental health rep
🕰Second Coming of Age
🐈‍⬛Black Cat x Golden Retriever

Spicy: None
Star Rate: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

(March 16, 2026- March 24, 2026)

[☆Laura☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cuando Nora regresa a Moonridge después de años fuera, lo hace con la sensación de haber perdido más de lo que ganó. Su vida en Portland se ha venido abajo y la casa de su infancia parece el único lugar donde puede sostenerse. Sin embargo, volver significa enfrentar aquello que siempre evitó. Al otro lado de la calle vive Elliott, su amigo de toda la vida y también la persona cuya ausencia marcó el rumbo que tomó su historia.

El reencuentro despierta emociones que creían enterradas. Nora lidia con la presión de sus padres, el eco de decisiones mal tomadas y el temor de revivir lo que la lastimó. Elliott ha construido una rutina rígida para no enfrentar su propia culpa y ahora debe reconocer que nunca logró dejarla atrás.


___


Esperaba que al final Nora rompiera todo contacto con sus padres.


Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was sweet, heartfelt and like a warm hug of a romance novel. There were some really profound moments and the whole book is very emotionally charged which I really enjoyed. I also loved the characters, Nora and Elliot are the sweetest and I’m so happy they got their happily ever after!

There isn’t a lot of dialogue in this one, it’s more reflective and full of quiet moments looking back and wishing. It gets pretty heavy at times and both Nora and Elliot go through some pretty tough stuff. But I absolutely loved the way everything came together in the end, this book really defines the phrase, “to be known is to be loved.”

The only thing i think could have made this better is if it were dual timeline. I would have loved to live through high school with our MC’s in stead of just hearing about it or flashing back to moments in their minds. I fell like that would have created a lot more tension and made me love these characters even more. But otherwise I had a great time with this story and would definitely recommend if you’re a fan of more emotional romance stories.

Thank you to BookSprout and the author for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review!

[Nathalie DeSousa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read books by Quintana McConnell before and this one is probably one of my favorites so far.

Be aware of your triggers before you start reading this book as there are heavy themes dealt with detail.

This is such a great and heartfelt book about a girl who left her home to discover herself, but life was not gentle, and she is back to face what she left behind, and the boy who has almost her love, but has pined for her through time and her evolution. And oh my, is it ever a great story. Nora and Elliot were neighbors, confidants, the best of friends, but before he can confess his feelings, she leaves. What comes next is an exploration of time and love and the struggles that life brings. The author doesn't shy from bringing stories to life and showcasing them and seeing how they are shaping the characters until the time they get a second chance.

A great book !.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cait's Reading Nook · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Last Great Almost is a story that spans over a decade between Nora and Elliott. Nora returns home after 15 years. She reunites with Elliott. We see through their reunion feelings emerging again after being dormant for many years.

This story is emotive and heartfelt and paces the passage of time as well as the dual perspectives of Nora and Elliott’s story. I liked how character-driven the story is, and readers get an in depth perspective of both of their journeys. I thought it was powerful to show their feelings almost like a journal, processing their feelings for each other and the impact of those feelings over the years. I contributes to the build of their sharing their feelings and their relationship.

This story shows the power of quiet moments - people speaking to each other without words. It’s the power of their feelings for each and their connection.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Busychapterbelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Last Great Almost takes you back to high school with a gentle, nostalgic touch. It’s a small-town, coming-of-age story about first crushes, mistakes, and the slow work of becoming yourself. There are moments of heartache, but what lingers is resilience—the way young people stumble, learn, and keep going. If you love novels that feel like a warm afternoon and leave you with a soft ache for the past, this one fits that spot.
Nora starts as the quiet, people-pleasing child of demanding parents and gradually finds her voice; watching her shed that shell is quietly satisfying. Elliot is the charming next-door guy who’s stuck in old grief until a found family helps him notice what he’s been missing. Together they show chosen families can heal in unexpected and realistic ways. If you’re into small-town plots, found family themes, or relatable coming-of-age characters, pick up The Last Great Almost.

[•Cici• Theory of A Dreamer Book Blog♥ · Rating 3 out of 5]

The blurb for this book caught my eye. I got right into this story. I liked it!

Nora and Elliott's journey got my attention! These two were best friends until Nora left. After so much time Nora and Elliott are finally reunited. Will they go back to just being friends? Or will they take a chance on their feelings?

I enjoyed the fact that Elliott and Nora were best friends and getting to see them be brought back into each other's lives. I didn't know what all to expect which I really liked. I wanted to see how they'd take on everything from personal stuff and the past to their feelings.

Nora and Elliott had me feeling many things throughout! I loved how their story touched on serious subjects. Elliott and Nora had such realness to them. I just struggled a bit at certain points.

Check out the author's content warning.


*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Love Notes PR / the author*

[Kelly Kenyon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, the publishers and author for an advanced copy of The Last Great Almost by Quintana McConnell.
This is a second chance/childhood best friend read. I’m not sure if it is a YA book but it reads like one. It’s very cute and sweet with some heavier topics sprinkled in. The FMC’s mental health is touched upon but not in depth. The MMC is an absolute sweetheart, patient and kind. He is also healing from trauma that isn’t explored much. I was rooting for them both as a couple, but more importantly, individually.
I loved the nostalgia, esp th music.
I felt like many of the storylines were too vague, I was left with questions. I really never understood the reason the FMC and the MMC lost touch in the first place. Or what exactly happened to her. ALS the ending was cute but again, not many details.
3.25⭐️

[Jordan Schmitz · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Because if home has a name, it’s hers.” 🧡

thank you @quintanamcconnellauthor for the early copy of your book! 📗

read if you like:
+ childhood friends to lovers
+ Taylor swift references
+ small town
+ processing old trauma
+ indie authors

This book is a poetic/lyrical nod to returning home, being brave, rekindling lost love, and building a new life in spite of past hurts. Nora and Elliot were best friends from age 3 until Nora left town for over a decade after high school. Now she’s back, but can she overcome the tough memories of this small town?

little things I loved:
+ 1990/2000s childhood nostalgia
+ rooftop moments
+ years of pining
+ journal entries
+ a 🏈 scene that feels like Cinderella Story
+ found family
+ Elliot’s sturdy, constant love

⚠️ content warnings: suicidal ideation, abuse, toxic family

[Lra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nora siempre ha sabido fingir que está bien. Fingir que su familia es perfecta, que sus decisiones no le duelen, que irse de su pueblo fue un acto de valentía y no que huia. Se fue buscando una mejor versión de sí misma, una vida grande, un amor que no la hiciera dudar. Pero lo único que consiguió fue convertirse en alguien que apenas reconoce en el espejo.

Cuando regresa a Moonridge con el corazón recién roto y la dignidad hecha trizas, se encuentra cara a cara con el único chico que alguna vez la vio completa. Elliott no es solo el vecino de enfrente. Es su infancia, sus secretos, la versión de ella que todavía creía en promesas susurradas bajo las estrellas.


__


No me gusto como se trato el tema de los padres de Nora. Tuvo que romper lazos con ellos y no volver a verlos.



Gracias Love Notes PR por el ARC.