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The Boy Across the Water
Beth Taylor hated Noah Hale, the boy who lived on the other side of the lake. At least, she did when they were nine. But as the years passed and fate kept pulling them together, animosity gave way to a friendship that ran deeper than either of them could have imagined.
At seventeen, Beth saw through the town’s lies and gossip to the Noah wasn’t just the brooding boy with a chip on his shoulder. He was a boy surviving hell in a place that was supposed to be his home. That summer, they fell hard for each other. It was supposed to last forever.
Until one morning, Noah was gone. No goodbye. No note. No explanation.
Years later, he returns to Stillwater, Minnesota. Only now, Noah Hale is one of the most famous movie stars in the world, a man marked by past scars and battles with addiction. And Beth must decide if the boy she once loved still exists inside the man standing before her.
In the quiet, snow-dusted streets of their hometown, Beth and Noah are forced to confront old wounds, buried truths, and the undeniable pull of a love that has never let go. But when a life-altering event threatens to shatter everything they’ve rebuilt, they will face their greatest test yet.
Tender, sweeping, and deeply human, The Boy Across the Water is a story of second chances, the power of forgiveness, and a love strong enough to weather even the coldest winter.
At seventeen, Beth saw through the town’s lies and gossip to the Noah wasn’t just the brooding boy with a chip on his shoulder. He was a boy surviving hell in a place that was supposed to be his home. That summer, they fell hard for each other. It was supposed to last forever.
Until one morning, Noah was gone. No goodbye. No note. No explanation.
Years later, he returns to Stillwater, Minnesota. Only now, Noah Hale is one of the most famous movie stars in the world, a man marked by past scars and battles with addiction. And Beth must decide if the boy she once loved still exists inside the man standing before her.
In the quiet, snow-dusted streets of their hometown, Beth and Noah are forced to confront old wounds, buried truths, and the undeniable pull of a love that has never let go. But when a life-altering event threatens to shatter everything they’ve rebuilt, they will face their greatest test yet.
Tender, sweeping, and deeply human, The Boy Across the Water is a story of second chances, the power of forgiveness, and a love strong enough to weather even the coldest winter.
335 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2026
About the author
J.D. Hughes
17 books100 followersEx writer/director of promos and commercials, loving writing for the writing and not the pay - which is fortunate since I rarely get any!
I enjoy reading and writing the impossible made possible and in my writing use the vitality of cross-genre and magic realism to explore as many major themes as I can cram in, without slowing the storyline or plot development. It's what makes me happy and keeps me relatively sane. My son, when only five, asked me 'How can I be happy'? My answer was 'If what you are doing isn't working, stop doing it and do something else.' Not very clever perhaps, but anything else is madness.
***FREE Chapters of my supernatural thriller AND SOON THE SONG here: http://wp.me/p24Exb-av or if you want to prevent me from starving you could buy it from Amazon here: UK: http://tiny.cc/80h9bx
USA: http://tiny.cc/d7h9bx
***Goodreaders can read FREE chapters of my cross-genre novel, NORTHMAN, here: http://wp.me/s24Exb-northman or buy the full fat book here: UK: http://tiny.cc/77bfow US:http://tiny.cc/dfcfow
FREE Audiobook of my 'darkly comic' short story ISSUE 49, narrated by the author (me), here: http://wp.me/p24Exb-ah
******
Currently working on a third cross-genre novel which should be published within the year. Many thanks to Goodreaders who have downloaded my stories and extra thanks to those who have reviewed them - it's much appreciated.
******
Personal details: I have a fondness for the 'Lumberjack' song by Monty Python; enjoy the Kaiser Chiefs, Nickelback and Gustav Holst. I drink single malt Islay whiskey, like intelligent dogs, 'Casablanca', courageous people, classic cars, hot cross buns, F1, Malta, Derbyshire, the Okenfenokee swamp of Georgia, Orson Welles, reading, mediaeval history, 'Blade Runner'(Director's cut), ghost stories, Haiku, Vikings and climbing small hills whilst pretending they are mountains.
There's other stuff...
I enjoy reading and writing the impossible made possible and in my writing use the vitality of cross-genre and magic realism to explore as many major themes as I can cram in, without slowing the storyline or plot development. It's what makes me happy and keeps me relatively sane. My son, when only five, asked me 'How can I be happy'? My answer was 'If what you are doing isn't working, stop doing it and do something else.' Not very clever perhaps, but anything else is madness.
***FREE Chapters of my supernatural thriller AND SOON THE SONG here: http://wp.me/p24Exb-av or if you want to prevent me from starving you could buy it from Amazon here: UK: http://tiny.cc/80h9bx
USA: http://tiny.cc/d7h9bx
***Goodreaders can read FREE chapters of my cross-genre novel, NORTHMAN, here: http://wp.me/s24Exb-northman or buy the full fat book here: UK: http://tiny.cc/77bfow US:http://tiny.cc/dfcfow
FREE Audiobook of my 'darkly comic' short story ISSUE 49, narrated by the author (me), here: http://wp.me/p24Exb-ah
******
Currently working on a third cross-genre novel which should be published within the year. Many thanks to Goodreaders who have downloaded my stories and extra thanks to those who have reviewed them - it's much appreciated.
******
Personal details: I have a fondness for the 'Lumberjack' song by Monty Python; enjoy the Kaiser Chiefs, Nickelback and Gustav Holst. I drink single malt Islay whiskey, like intelligent dogs, 'Casablanca', courageous people, classic cars, hot cross buns, F1, Malta, Derbyshire, the Okenfenokee swamp of Georgia, Orson Welles, reading, mediaeval history, 'Blade Runner'(Director's cut), ghost stories, Haiku, Vikings and climbing small hills whilst pretending they are mountains.
There's other stuff...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
June 1, 2026
Beth and Noah captured my heart from the moment they were introduced as young children. Watching them grow up throughout the story made me become so emotionally invested in their journey. What started as childhood dislike slowly turned into an unbreakable friendship and connection that no one else truly understood.
My heart shattered when Noah suddenly disappeared, so when he returned years later, I felt the same excitement and overwhelming emotions Beth did. But Noah wasn’t the same boy she remembered. He was carrying so much pain, battling addiction and other struggles that changed him deeply. What stood out most was Beth’s strength and determination to never give up on him, no matter how difficult things became.
Together they faced old wounds, heartbreak, and countless obstacles, all while hoping their love would be strong enough to survive it all. Just when things seemed impossible, another challenge would appear, testing whether their relationship could truly endure.
This story was deeply emotional and incredibly intense, but it was also filled with love, hope, and resilience. Despite everything they went through, Beth and Noah continued to hold on to each other and fight for their future. I was completely captivated from beginning to end and could not put this book down. I absolutely loved Beth and Noah, and this was such an unforgettable and amazing read.
My heart shattered when Noah suddenly disappeared, so when he returned years later, I felt the same excitement and overwhelming emotions Beth did. But Noah wasn’t the same boy she remembered. He was carrying so much pain, battling addiction and other struggles that changed him deeply. What stood out most was Beth’s strength and determination to never give up on him, no matter how difficult things became.
Together they faced old wounds, heartbreak, and countless obstacles, all while hoping their love would be strong enough to survive it all. Just when things seemed impossible, another challenge would appear, testing whether their relationship could truly endure.
This story was deeply emotional and incredibly intense, but it was also filled with love, hope, and resilience. Despite everything they went through, Beth and Noah continued to hold on to each other and fight for their future. I was completely captivated from beginning to end and could not put this book down. I absolutely loved Beth and Noah, and this was such an unforgettable and amazing read.
June 2, 2026
Book Title: The Boy Across The Water
Author: JD Hughes
Genre: Romance
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Synopsis
This story is a dual POV and follows Beth and Noah from their early years meeting as teenage neighbours. Included themes of childhood sweethearts, surprise pregnancy and struggles with addiction all throughout
What I Loved
• I absolutely fell in love with MMC fairly early on if I'm honest. He was written in the most real way I think I've ever read. He has his struggles but that just made him more likeable to me
• This was a different style of book for me i usually opt for more spice than this had but the story that was surround the 2 main charactets honestly didnt need it at all and thats what really kept me going, just needing to know how they developed and grew
• Aswell as the relationship of the 2 main characters I also loved the side characters of Leo, Dorothea and Darlene and how strong they came across
• If you love a book that will really get you then this is the one!!! It cane as a shock so I was not prepared by my goodness did I sob throughout possibly the last third of this story. It was heartbreaking but made me feel so much all at the same time and honestly that's why it didn't need the spice I usually want in a book
Overall this was an lovable very emotional read that fans of JD Hughes will definately enjoy. I can't wait to see what the future holds for this author
Author: JD Hughes
Genre: Romance
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Synopsis
This story is a dual POV and follows Beth and Noah from their early years meeting as teenage neighbours. Included themes of childhood sweethearts, surprise pregnancy and struggles with addiction all throughout
What I Loved
• I absolutely fell in love with MMC fairly early on if I'm honest. He was written in the most real way I think I've ever read. He has his struggles but that just made him more likeable to me
• This was a different style of book for me i usually opt for more spice than this had but the story that was surround the 2 main charactets honestly didnt need it at all and thats what really kept me going, just needing to know how they developed and grew
• Aswell as the relationship of the 2 main characters I also loved the side characters of Leo, Dorothea and Darlene and how strong they came across
• If you love a book that will really get you then this is the one!!! It cane as a shock so I was not prepared by my goodness did I sob throughout possibly the last third of this story. It was heartbreaking but made me feel so much all at the same time and honestly that's why it didn't need the spice I usually want in a book
Overall this was an lovable very emotional read that fans of JD Hughes will definately enjoy. I can't wait to see what the future holds for this author
Review of advance copy received from Author
~~top 10 recommended~~
The Boy Across the Water by J.D. Hughes is one of those books that will gut you from the beginning to the end. When I received this book for review I was thinking, okay catchy title but does it have enough to hook me. In one word YES!! Here is the thing about the BOY ACROSS THE WATER it has so much in it from beginning to the little kids to the end seeing Noah who he becomes will just tear you apart. I was not prepared for the bond that Beth and Noah had from little kids, teenagers to well the adults hey have become is just WOW. This is the first I have ready by J.D. Hughes and have to say the way she created Noah with so much hate, dislike and yet we see the little boy inside who just wants to be loved is truly well written with so much emotion. The pain and heartache he goes through is just so heartbreaking and oh my god Beth is just so perfect for him. Seeing this little girl, become the strong woman and best friend Noah needs is just so touching. Beth has gone through so much from Noah leaving her and then later on what she goes through is truly a wonder. The strength she has in her is something that Noah has never seen and boy this is what he needs to see that no matter what happens he needs to remember his Beth. I truly fell in love with Beth and the magnitude of love she has in her, giving her strength she needs not only for Noah but for her own family. JD. Hughes totally rocked and definitely recommend this book for it shows romance, love, friendship but also the greatest thing and that is the power of healing. Loved it.
"I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own."
The Boy Across the Water by J.D. Hughes is one of those books that will gut you from the beginning to the end. When I received this book for review I was thinking, okay catchy title but does it have enough to hook me. In one word YES!! Here is the thing about the BOY ACROSS THE WATER it has so much in it from beginning to the little kids to the end seeing Noah who he becomes will just tear you apart. I was not prepared for the bond that Beth and Noah had from little kids, teenagers to well the adults hey have become is just WOW. This is the first I have ready by J.D. Hughes and have to say the way she created Noah with so much hate, dislike and yet we see the little boy inside who just wants to be loved is truly well written with so much emotion. The pain and heartache he goes through is just so heartbreaking and oh my god Beth is just so perfect for him. Seeing this little girl, become the strong woman and best friend Noah needs is just so touching. Beth has gone through so much from Noah leaving her and then later on what she goes through is truly a wonder. The strength she has in her is something that Noah has never seen and boy this is what he needs to see that no matter what happens he needs to remember his Beth. I truly fell in love with Beth and the magnitude of love she has in her, giving her strength she needs not only for Noah but for her own family. JD. Hughes totally rocked and definitely recommend this book for it shows romance, love, friendship but also the greatest thing and that is the power of healing. Loved it.
"I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own."
June 1, 2026
This ARC was given to me by the author: all opinions are my own
🏫 Childhood sweethearts
🤰🏻Surprise pregnancy
😭 Tear jerker
🥃 Addiction rep
Ok, I thought for a long time about how to review this book: I loved it and I hated it at the same time...
I will rated it a 3⭐️ (I liked it).
The start of the story with them as teenager was perfect. It was beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time. The tears weren't far from shedding. The characters were strong willed and I loved the grumpy x sunshine relationship. Seeing Noah open up to the world was beautiful.
As the story evolved, I started getting frustrated with them. They became uncourageous and started struggling with communication. They (both) really needed to stop making life changing decision based on opinions of others: One time was understandable. Two times was okay. Three times and I was done. At that point, I had lost all attachement to the characters and lost interest in the story. I'm not a fan of the surprise which didn't help.
I must say that the tragic overbidding at the end pull me in a bit more. This part was so sad and I gain back attachement to Beth (and later on Noah). Beware, this is a tragic story and you WILL need some tissues on hand 🤧
🏫 Childhood sweethearts
🤰🏻Surprise pregnancy
😭 Tear jerker
🥃 Addiction rep
Ok, I thought for a long time about how to review this book: I loved it and I hated it at the same time...
I will rated it a 3⭐️ (I liked it).
The start of the story with them as teenager was perfect. It was beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time. The tears weren't far from shedding. The characters were strong willed and I loved the grumpy x sunshine relationship. Seeing Noah open up to the world was beautiful.
As the story evolved, I started getting frustrated with them. They became uncourageous and started struggling with communication. They (both) really needed to stop making life changing decision based on opinions of others: One time was understandable. Two times was okay. Three times and I was done. At that point, I had lost all attachement to the characters and lost interest in the story. I'm not a fan of the surprise which didn't help.
I must say that the tragic overbidding at the end pull me in a bit more. This part was so sad and I gain back attachement to Beth (and later on Noah). Beware, this is a tragic story and you WILL need some tissues on hand 🤧
June 2, 2026
I cannot remember the last time I cried so much reading a book but I did with this one. My crying was full on sobs which I did not expect from this book. But please don't let that put you off, you will be missing the most captivating book ever.
This book captured my heart from the first to the last word. It pulled me into the story, I felt the emotions, love, friendship, the pain and the joy. This was my first read by JD Hughes and it is definitely not my last.
This book is about Noah and Beth who live across the water from each other. They become friends at high school and then one day Noah leaves without saying goodbye. Beth is devastated but life continued on until one day Noah comes back to town.
All of those feelings from when they were teenagers come flooding back when they meet each other again. Some events occur that are not in their control and they try do the best to work through them. I cannot give you any spoilers as this book deserves to be read by everyone.
The book is written so beautifully and from the heart. Joanna, you are an amazing author who wrote the most beautiful book about love, friendship and hope. Thank you for this fantastic book, it is in my top 3 books of all time and will be staying there for a very very long time.
A must read ❤️
This book captured my heart from the first to the last word. It pulled me into the story, I felt the emotions, love, friendship, the pain and the joy. This was my first read by JD Hughes and it is definitely not my last.
This book is about Noah and Beth who live across the water from each other. They become friends at high school and then one day Noah leaves without saying goodbye. Beth is devastated but life continued on until one day Noah comes back to town.
All of those feelings from when they were teenagers come flooding back when they meet each other again. Some events occur that are not in their control and they try do the best to work through them. I cannot give you any spoilers as this book deserves to be read by everyone.
The book is written so beautifully and from the heart. Joanna, you are an amazing author who wrote the most beautiful book about love, friendship and hope. Thank you for this fantastic book, it is in my top 3 books of all time and will be staying there for a very very long time.
A must read ❤️
Review of advance copy received from Author
Received copy from author for honest review
First off, HAVE TISSUES READY!
This book tore me up in the best way, I was not expecting to cry softly for two characters that had been through so much.
We first met Beth, the FMC of the book, when she is 9 and finds her neighbor dead sitting on his porch, peacefully. Then came Noah, a little boy who moved into the house, across the water from her (in the same house her neighbor died). She went over to meet him and is met with a wall of a nasty man (his dad) and then Noah was rude to Beth where she refused to talk to him until 8 years later.
Noah then becomes her savior in school, and from there, they are thick as thieves. They go through many trials in their relationship, but finally come back to each other in the end. . . too late. Beth has a good surprise for Noah, but he doesn't find out until 6 years later. Then, Beth becomes sick and they get married months before she passes. That part broke me. I love how he dedicated his home to her and the community to give back. I think this helped Noah finally heal from his abusive childhood and losing Beth.
I loved the ending where they met in the field for the last time.
First off, HAVE TISSUES READY!
This book tore me up in the best way, I was not expecting to cry softly for two characters that had been through so much.
We first met Beth, the FMC of the book, when she is 9 and finds her neighbor dead sitting on his porch, peacefully. Then came Noah, a little boy who moved into the house, across the water from her (in the same house her neighbor died). She went over to meet him and is met with a wall of a nasty man (his dad) and then Noah was rude to Beth where she refused to talk to him until 8 years later.
Noah then becomes her savior in school, and from there, they are thick as thieves. They go through many trials in their relationship, but finally come back to each other in the end. . . too late. Beth has a good surprise for Noah, but he doesn't find out until 6 years later. Then, Beth becomes sick and they get married months before she passes. That part broke me. I love how he dedicated his home to her and the community to give back. I think this helped Noah finally heal from his abusive childhood and losing Beth.
I loved the ending where they met in the field for the last time.
June 2, 2026
I've received ARC of this book from the author (thank you again Joanna) and I have to say, it was a work of art in my eyes. It is so beautifully written, full of high highs and low lows, I was emotional the whole time I was reading it. The story really touched me, I literally felt it in my bones. That is what I call an amazing storytelling.
We meet Beth and Noah when they were kids and we see their relationship progress from dislike to friendship and finally, to love. We get to know them through the years, through heartbreak and pain, through woderful times and falling to rock bottom. They both been through so much, they are very complex characters and they feel very real and honest. They struggled with communicating with each other sometimes, they valued opinions of others more than their own sometimes and they both made many mistakes, which in my opinion, only made them seem more human.
If you love emotional stories based on deep love and connection, this one is definitely for you. You will cry and laugh and you will fall in love with unpredictability of life through Joanna's writing.
We meet Beth and Noah when they were kids and we see their relationship progress from dislike to friendship and finally, to love. We get to know them through the years, through heartbreak and pain, through woderful times and falling to rock bottom. They both been through so much, they are very complex characters and they feel very real and honest. They struggled with communicating with each other sometimes, they valued opinions of others more than their own sometimes and they both made many mistakes, which in my opinion, only made them seem more human.
If you love emotional stories based on deep love and connection, this one is definitely for you. You will cry and laugh and you will fall in love with unpredictability of life through Joanna's writing.
Review of advance copy received from Author
🥹 Beth and Noah stole my heart from their very young and tender age. Feeling like I got to watch them grow up really had me in love with these two. Going from hating one another as young children, to developing a friendship, a bond, that no one understood. My heart broke when one day Noah was just gone. So when he came back all those years later, I felt the excitement, the love that Beth felt.Noah wasn’t the guy she remembered though. He was dealing with so much. Addiction and much more. But the strength Beth found to not give up on him was everything. They went through a lot. Old wounds, and more. Hoping that their love would prevail. Just to have a wrench thrown into things. This bright about the ultimate test is they could survive it.
This story was so emotional, so intense. But filled with love and determination. Even being put through those trials, they held on and persevered. I was so captivated and and intrigued with this. I couldn’t put it down. I loved Noah and Beth so much. This was an absolutely amazing read.
This story was so emotional, so intense. But filled with love and determination. Even being put through those trials, they held on and persevered. I was so captivated and and intrigued with this. I couldn’t put it down. I loved Noah and Beth so much. This was an absolutely amazing read.
June 6, 2026
This book completely stole my heart and honestly deserves ALL the stars 👀🖤✨
Childhood enemies to friends to lovers? A boy from the wrong side of the lake? A second chance romance years in the making??
Yeah… I was hooked IMMEDIATELY.
Beth and Noah's story is emotional, heartbreaking, and beautifully written from beginning to end.
What starts as childhood animosity slowly grows into a friendship and love that feels incredibly real and impossible not to root for.
Then Noah disappears.
No goodbye. No explanation.
And honestly?? My heart shattered.
Years later, Noah returns to Stillwater as a famous movie star carrying scars, addiction struggles, and a past neither of them has truly escaped.
The chemistry between Beth and Noah never faded, but what made this story so special was the emotional depth. Their journey through forgiveness, healing, grief, and second chances felt authentic and powerful.
And WOW... I could not put this book down.
I laughed, cried, hoped, and completely fell in love with these characters.
✨ If you love: • second chance romance • childhood friends to lovers • small-town romance • emotional love stories • healing and redemption arcs
This one is tender, unforgettable, and absolutely deserves every one of its stars 🖤✨
Childhood enemies to friends to lovers? A boy from the wrong side of the lake? A second chance romance years in the making??
Yeah… I was hooked IMMEDIATELY.
Beth and Noah's story is emotional, heartbreaking, and beautifully written from beginning to end.
What starts as childhood animosity slowly grows into a friendship and love that feels incredibly real and impossible not to root for.
Then Noah disappears.
No goodbye. No explanation.
And honestly?? My heart shattered.
Years later, Noah returns to Stillwater as a famous movie star carrying scars, addiction struggles, and a past neither of them has truly escaped.
The chemistry between Beth and Noah never faded, but what made this story so special was the emotional depth. Their journey through forgiveness, healing, grief, and second chances felt authentic and powerful.
And WOW... I could not put this book down.
I laughed, cried, hoped, and completely fell in love with these characters.
✨ If you love: • second chance romance • childhood friends to lovers • small-town romance • emotional love stories • healing and redemption arcs
This one is tender, unforgettable, and absolutely deserves every one of its stars 🖤✨
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This book broke my heart. Noah is a deeply damaged, abused boy carrying demons of his own, while Beth’s kindness and capacity for love slowly pull them together. We follow them through school as friendship turns into something deeper—only for Noah to leave and shatter Beth’s heart in the process.
I didn’t expect this story to make me cry, but it did. There’s such genuine love and longing between these characters. Even when life keeps tearing them apart, they continue to find their way back to each other again and again. Their connection feels emotional, messy, and painfully real.
The ending was bittersweet, but I understood why it had to happen.
Still, nice work Ms Hughes.
This book broke my heart. Noah is a deeply damaged, abused boy carrying demons of his own, while Beth’s kindness and capacity for love slowly pull them together. We follow them through school as friendship turns into something deeper—only for Noah to leave and shatter Beth’s heart in the process.
I didn’t expect this story to make me cry, but it did. There’s such genuine love and longing between these characters. Even when life keeps tearing them apart, they continue to find their way back to each other again and again. Their connection feels emotional, messy, and painfully real.
The ending was bittersweet, but I understood why it had to happen.
Still, nice work Ms Hughes.
Review of advance copy
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Boy Across the Water absolutely broke me—in the best way possible. Make sure you have the tissues ready because this story will take you on an emotional roller coaster from beginning to end.
I couldn't put this book down. I completely fell in love with the characters, the storyline, and the beautiful way their journey unfolded. Every chapter pulled me in deeper and deeper.
This is a heartfelt story about soulmates, love, loss, hope, and the kind of connection that stays with you forever. If I could give it more than 5 stars, I absolutely would. One of those rare books that leaves a lasting mark on your heart.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book and voluntarily am leaving a review!
The Boy Across the Water absolutely broke me—in the best way possible. Make sure you have the tissues ready because this story will take you on an emotional roller coaster from beginning to end.
I couldn't put this book down. I completely fell in love with the characters, the storyline, and the beautiful way their journey unfolded. Every chapter pulled me in deeper and deeper.
This is a heartfelt story about soulmates, love, loss, hope, and the kind of connection that stays with you forever. If I could give it more than 5 stars, I absolutely would. One of those rare books that leaves a lasting mark on your heart.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book and voluntarily am leaving a review!
June 1, 2026
Well, I’m not going to lie the author told me this would be a tearjerker and I can now happily and tearfully confirm, she wasn’t lying.
I don’t really have many words apart from this was heartbreakingly beautiful. I laughed, I got angry, I cried (sobbed). I felt every single emotion whilst reading this book and I am so happy that I did feel them.
It’s not often you come across books that can make you feel everything all at the same time, yet this book did.
I will make a note that while this book is a reasonably longish book it reads so fast. And the time goes fast in these books like you’re always looking into the future with them.
So if you like characters that bring on the emotions and books that bring you to literal snot filled tears. This is for you.
I don’t really have many words apart from this was heartbreakingly beautiful. I laughed, I got angry, I cried (sobbed). I felt every single emotion whilst reading this book and I am so happy that I did feel them.
It’s not often you come across books that can make you feel everything all at the same time, yet this book did.
I will make a note that while this book is a reasonably longish book it reads so fast. And the time goes fast in these books like you’re always looking into the future with them.
So if you like characters that bring on the emotions and books that bring you to literal snot filled tears. This is for you.
June 2, 2026
GET THE TISSUES READY!!!
This was an emotional rollercoaster right from the start and I couldn't put it down. Beth and Noah become neighbors at a young age, but they don't start to get really close until highschool. Then one day he just leaves. He comes back years later to her town as a big time actor for a movie, they rekindle their relationship but he is different and has an alcohol addiction. Then he leaves again for 6 years and she has a huge surprise for him after he comes back. I cried so much at the end of this story and this was just an amazing story from start to finish. It really did tear me apart at times and it has some heavy topics, so it would be best to read the trigger warnings.
This was an emotional rollercoaster right from the start and I couldn't put it down. Beth and Noah become neighbors at a young age, but they don't start to get really close until highschool. Then one day he just leaves. He comes back years later to her town as a big time actor for a movie, they rekindle their relationship but he is different and has an alcohol addiction. Then he leaves again for 6 years and she has a huge surprise for him after he comes back. I cried so much at the end of this story and this was just an amazing story from start to finish. It really did tear me apart at times and it has some heavy topics, so it would be best to read the trigger warnings.
June 1, 2026
Happy release day! ❤️
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC copy of The Boy Across The Water. I finished it last week and while I will keep it spoiler free, there were tears. LOTS of tears.
Initially the pacing of the book threw me off, but having finished it now, it makes sense and it really did do the story justice. By the ended I was fully invested in the two main character and their lives.
Overall, this was a heartfelt, emotional romance about love, loss, family, and finding your way back to the people who matter most. If you’re someone who enjoys books that will make you feel all the emotions.
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC copy of The Boy Across The Water. I finished it last week and while I will keep it spoiler free, there were tears. LOTS of tears.
Initially the pacing of the book threw me off, but having finished it now, it makes sense and it really did do the story justice. By the ended I was fully invested in the two main character and their lives.
Overall, this was a heartfelt, emotional romance about love, loss, family, and finding your way back to the people who matter most. If you’re someone who enjoys books that will make you feel all the emotions.
June 1, 2026
A Heartfelt Page-Turner You Won’t Want to Put Down!
I absolutely could not put this book down! J.D. Hughes did an amazing job bringing the characters to life in The Boy Across the Water. The story is a total emotional rollercoaster, taking you everywhere from deep heartbreak to beautiful love, with just the right amount of spiciness mixed in. What I loved most was how relatable Beth and Noah are. They deal with everyday life in a way that makes you feel everything right alongside them. Hughes has a talent for describing their journey vividly without getting bogged down in unnecessary detail. If you're looking for a page-turner that hits all the feels, this is definitely it!
I absolutely could not put this book down! J.D. Hughes did an amazing job bringing the characters to life in The Boy Across the Water. The story is a total emotional rollercoaster, taking you everywhere from deep heartbreak to beautiful love, with just the right amount of spiciness mixed in. What I loved most was how relatable Beth and Noah are. They deal with everyday life in a way that makes you feel everything right alongside them. Hughes has a talent for describing their journey vividly without getting bogged down in unnecessary detail. If you're looking for a page-turner that hits all the feels, this is definitely it!
July 2, 2026
I wasn't prepared for this book. It made me cry and moved me deeply.
There are several time jumps, which I'm not a big fan of, and a few times I wished the scenes had been longer and more detailed. However, this doesn't affect the story itself and I understand that the time jumps were necessary to properly convey the important moments in their story.
This book is touching, and I enjoyed every step in Beth and Noah's lives, the good and the bad. I literally read the last chapters with tears in my eyes. It's well-written and truly a beautiful story.
Definitely a must-read if you're looking to be wrecked.
There are several time jumps, which I'm not a big fan of, and a few times I wished the scenes had been longer and more detailed. However, this doesn't affect the story itself and I understand that the time jumps were necessary to properly convey the important moments in their story.
This book is touching, and I enjoyed every step in Beth and Noah's lives, the good and the bad. I literally read the last chapters with tears in my eyes. It's well-written and truly a beautiful story.
Definitely a must-read if you're looking to be wrecked.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you so much to J.D. Hughes for the ARC of The Boy Across the Water.
This book made me want a love like Noah and Beth! I couldn’t put it down! We go on a roller coaster with the two of them.
This book gave me every emotion I could think of, but more importantly made me cry so many times… and I mean sobbing!!
The ending was beautifully written.
I read this in less than 24 hours… it was that amazing!
Triggers: alcohol abuse, child abuse, cancer, and grief.
Please read this. It is absolutely amazing!
This book made me want a love like Noah and Beth! I couldn’t put it down! We go on a roller coaster with the two of them.
This book gave me every emotion I could think of, but more importantly made me cry so many times… and I mean sobbing!!
The ending was beautifully written.
I read this in less than 24 hours… it was that amazing!
Triggers: alcohol abuse, child abuse, cancer, and grief.
Please read this. It is absolutely amazing!
June 19, 2026
I can't remember the last time I cried while reading a book. This was just so good. I stayed up until 2am because I just had to finish.
I fell in love with Noah and Beth from the beginning and rode that ship all the way to the end, bawling my eyes out. A true love story.
Beautifully written, and I enjoyed that it was a dual POV. Just an amazing story from start to finish! I won't forget this one for a while.
I received this book as an advanced copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I fell in love with Noah and Beth from the beginning and rode that ship all the way to the end, bawling my eyes out. A true love story.
Beautifully written, and I enjoyed that it was a dual POV. Just an amazing story from start to finish! I won't forget this one for a while.
I received this book as an advanced copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely loved this book. It is a heart churning story of broken hearts that's keeping finding each other. This book didn't pull any punchs though it walked you through the worsts and bests of their lives. It was definitely a tear jerker for me several times. If you up for a book that is raw and real, then this book is for you. I received an advanced reader’s copy and am voluntarily leaving this review.
June 2, 2026
5 star book!!! Incredible journey of love, happiness, saddnes, disbelief, forgiveness, grief and happy endings. This has every emotion there is in this book. This book is very special. The characters were incredible and very loveable. This book has so many layers to it makes it 5 stars!!! This is a very memorable, touching read!!!
Thank you so much to the author for letting me read and review for her
Thank you so much to the author for letting me read and review for her
June 7, 2026
Oh my word. I honestly do know what to say about this and in a good way. Have tissues ready for this one. Seriously. Oh my heart. It had everything. It was purely amazing. It went off the normal HEA I guess you could say (thats where the tissues are needed). But the HEA was still fabulous. The only thing I guess I would have loved, would have been a Leo POV. That would have been the icing on the cake. I loved these two. Amazing read.
June 7, 2026
I have had a lot of books bring me to tears, make me angry, and just feel all the emotions. But this is the only book I can honestly say that “broke me” in a good way. The story is relatable, the characters relatable. I cried for hours after finishing this book, because the ending is both happy sad and over all emotional all at once. If this book doesn’t affect you something is wrong. Absolutely recommend this book! ❤️❤️❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2026
Simply devastating
Mrs. Hughes has always been an incredible storyteller, but I think this one just blew away all her others.
Beautifully written. Wonderfully descriptive. Emotionally devastating.
I've never cried so much over a book in my life, and I've read a few tearjerkers over the years.
I couldn't put this book down. I was ensnared from the start, and I know the characters and story are going to stay with me for years to come.
Brava.
Mrs. Hughes has always been an incredible storyteller, but I think this one just blew away all her others.
Beautifully written. Wonderfully descriptive. Emotionally devastating.
I've never cried so much over a book in my life, and I've read a few tearjerkers over the years.
I couldn't put this book down. I was ensnared from the start, and I know the characters and story are going to stay with me for years to come.
Brava.
August 11, 2026
4.5⭐️
I loved Beth & Noah from the beginning; their love story full of highs and lows and beautifully written. A wonderful 2nd chance romance that touched my heart.
“He was heartbreak wrapped in golden skin and chiseled lines. A man built like temptation, with eyes that still carried storms.”
“Because loving someone sometimes meant leaving before you destroyed them. And I knew in that moment, I’d rather destroy myself than take her down with me.”
I loved Beth & Noah from the beginning; their love story full of highs and lows and beautifully written. A wonderful 2nd chance romance that touched my heart.
“He was heartbreak wrapped in golden skin and chiseled lines. A man built like temptation, with eyes that still carried storms.”
“Because loving someone sometimes meant leaving before you destroyed them. And I knew in that moment, I’d rather destroy myself than take her down with me.”
June 1, 2026
Received an advanced copy from the author and I must say I’m so lucky! I devoured Beth and Noah’s story, from neighbors who hated each other to lovers who lost contact and reconnected; this story tore me apart emotionally but in the best way!
I highly suggest reading this book with a box of tissues close.
I highly suggest reading this book with a box of tissues close.
June 3, 2026
This book got me in the feels and I was not expecting it at all. Very much heartbreaking and homecoming.
I'm not the biggest fan of a pregnancy trope and then to tie in cancer as well it was just a lot. I feel like if we had better communication none of the issues would have been there. Beth is a strong character either way. Noah just could have been better all around.
Read if you need a cry.
I'm not the biggest fan of a pregnancy trope and then to tie in cancer as well it was just a lot. I feel like if we had better communication none of the issues would have been there. Beth is a strong character either way. Noah just could have been better all around.
Read if you need a cry.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 7, 2026
OMG!!! This book was so good. Following Noah and Beth’s journey from childhood to adulthood and beyond was such a roller coaster. The way they come together as adults and figure life out shows us what soulmates are suppose to do. The way this story crushes you and then crushes you some more, and yet still finds away to put you back together again. Definitely a 5⭐️ read for me.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was devastating but in the best possible way. I'll be thinking about this book for years to come.
At times, I was all out ugly crying, it was such a heartfelt, tragic and utterly beautiful story.
If I could give more than 5 stars, I would!!!
At times, I was all out ugly crying, it was such a heartfelt, tragic and utterly beautiful story.
If I could give more than 5 stars, I would!!!
Review of advance copy
WARNING : What a tearjerker - tissues at the ready. A moving story that will break your heart (it did mine) and some may find it difficult to read. A book you will get lost in with a truly touching story. Well done to J.D.Hughes as this is really well written and I definitely want to read more of this author now. Make sure you strap yourself in for this one as it is an emotional ride that I’m not sure you will be ready for because I really wasn’t and it will get you good. I loved Beth and Noah they are both such strong characters and they stole my heart and captivated me in this journey.
I received this free as an ARC reader and this is an honest review that I am leaving voluntarily.
I received this free as an ARC reader and this is an honest review that I am leaving voluntarily.
June 2, 2026
Wow!!! Absolutely outstanding!! This book will make you go thru every single emotion you have. This is the sweetest most heartbreaking book I think I've ever read. Don't miss this incredible read!!!
Thank you to the author for allowing me to read ,review, akd promote for you
Thank you to the author for allowing me to read ,review, akd promote for you
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