Even the Moon Has Scars

by Steph Campbell

Two strangers. Two broken hearts. One night to set each other free. Almost dying from an undiagnosed heart condition means every second of your life is a precious gift to be guarded. Lena Pettitt was born a miracle. And her parents never let her forget it. Even if that daily reminder kept her from experiencing the one thing they were trying to protect most--her life. Gabriel Martinez’s heart has been ripped out. His pride has been stomped on. Oh, and he now has an arrest record that’s caused an even bigger rift between him and his DA mother. All for a love that wasn’t really true. Now he’s exiled to his grandmother’s, working on his late grandpa’s old Corvair, when a shivering girl knocks on the garage door. Lena, left alone for the first time ever, has locked herself out of her house. Gabe knows he could help this girl get back inside her house--but that may mean missing the next train to Boston to pick up the part he’s spent eight weeks tracking down. She can wait for him at his grandmother’s or… A few hours, an aluminum valve cover, and some strong coffee later, neither Gabe nor Lena can feign disappointment when they race to the station and arrive just as the last train home from Boston is pulling out. As jaded as he is, Gabe can’t deny the fact that he’s excited to spend the night exploring a city he knows nearly every corner of, with a girl who sees magic in the simplest things. Lena has been waiting for her tiny world to crack open her entire life. Now that it’s finally happened, she finds the only thing she can focus on is the unexpected tour guide who opens her eyes to possibilities she never imagined. All they have is this one night, together, under the bright moon in a city full of hidden beauty. It’s one night that will change how they see the world and the paths their hearts will take forever.

Genres: Young Adult, Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, New Adult, Fiction, Young Adult Contemporary

260 pages, Paperback

First published October 17, 2014

About the author

Mom.
Wife.
YA Author.
So Cal Native.
Bayou Transplant.
Reluctant Texan.
I hate shows with laugh tracks.

Reviews

[Jennifer Kyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ~ 4 Stars

”For once I want to do something stupid. For once I want to live a little. And I want to do it with you.”



This is a quick sweet story about a girl who is considered a miracle to her family due to a heart condition. Her condition leads her parents to be extremely over protective and a guy whose mother has sent him to stay with his grandmother because of the trouble he is constantly finding himself in which is always centered around his toxic ex-girlfriend.

Lena’s parents go away for the weekend and she is supposed to be being watched by her sister even though she is ready to graduate high school. Her sister is extremely resentful towards Lena and so when she finds herself locked out of her house within minutes of her sister’s departure, she ventures to a neighbor’s house for help.

Gabe has to run into the city of Boston to pick up a part for his father and grandfather’s abandoned car project and so he asks her to come along and when they return he will help her get in her house. Lena hasn’t experienced much in life and so she jumps at the chance for a train ride and some adventure with the cute neighbor.

”Thank you for showing me all of that – all of your favorite places. I’ll never forget them.”

This story is very young adult but overall I found it to be well written and enjoyable. Gabe and Lena make some decisions about their lives and their future plans. I wish it was a bit longer but it does wraps up as sweet as one of Babci's hard strawberry candies.

”This – entire night- it just feels like it was a dream.”

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

*ARC Given to Blog for Honest Review*

4 “scars” “hairline fractures” Kisses

Twenty-four hours + two fabulous characters + countless emotions = happy book nerd! :-) Seriously…I can’t even get over what Steph Campbell just did. The concept, Lena, Gabe, the angst and feelings it brought out in me…it’s flippin awesome what I just experienced. Even the Moon has Scars was unique…original…captivating…beautifully written and insanely memorable.

Gabriel Bryk Martinez…Gabe…oh my rebel with a big heart. This boy…*sigh*…I dunno what to do with Gabe because…he really just wants someone to love and to be loved back. It’s really that simple. Gabe’s capacity to love blew me away…past his rebel exterior, he doesn’t have a mean bone in him. He’s a protector…he’s smarter than I think people give him credit for…I think he’s a bit of an old soul, which I’ll blame his grandpa for. He's not perfect...he's done a few things I think he regrets but he has so much potential, just begging to be set free. I honestly fee that Gabe’s really a great guy, he was just unfortunate enough to get stuck with two parents who didn’t know how to love each other…and he’s the causality of that. His mother has better things to do than be a mother and his father…well, I think his father is still trying to figure himself out. That leaves poor Gabe…has everything he needs provided for him, except for the one thing he wants. I really wasn’t expecting to adore Gabe as much as I do…I feel like I got to know him better…because he’s kind of the ring leader of the nights activities…so I guess that helps, but he surprised me with every new thing I learned about him.

‘There hasn’t been a lot more than small talk since we left Gloucester, but I get the feeling this girl is more than just the cute exterior. There’s something clawing at her beneath the surface. Something that wants out. She just hasn’t shown the true Lena tonight.
I know because I’m pretty damn good at hiding, too. I wonder when the last time she did let her out was.’

Lena Claire Pettitt…doesn’t that just sound like the name of a good, sweet, innocent girl? Well…she really is, through and through. Lena has lived a very sheltered life…it’s not a bad life, she has loving parents, an older sister that tolerates her, a passion for painting…she’s smart, funny, pretty…but the most important thing about Lena is that she has that life at all. She is a miracle…a real bonafied medical miracle…the combination of two heart defects that coulda/shoulda/woulda killed her...but didn’t. The problem with that…her parents treat her like a miracle. To a certain extent…I get it, and they’re protecting her with the best intentions…she’s not like every other child…but the negative impact of never being able to be free and do what she wants is starting to take its toll…mentally and emotionally. I really liked Lena…I may not be able to relate to her completely, but she is a very enjoyable character. While she’s not experienced…she’s not naïve and I loved watching her blossom throughout the course of the book. And all because she took a chance on a boy…

‘Everything about his life is confusing to me.
He has all of this money and freedom, but it’s like it only gets in his way. It’s like having all of those things prevents him from being the person he really is. Like maybe he doesn’t even know who that person is at all.
And maybe he thinks no one cares if he’s a whole person or not.’

I can’t even tell you how hard it is to wrap my brain around the fact that this book revolves around basically a 24-hour period of time. Actually a few hours less than that, but let’s not get too particular here. The bravery it took for both of them to take a chance on a perfect stranger is…kinda awesome if you ask me. They both had to put at least a little bit of faith in the fact that the other wasn’t completely psycho…but even from the beginning…there was just something about the two of them that just clicked. I thoroughly and completely enjoyed getting to know Lena and Gabe…that was all part of this fantastic journey. Coming to understand two completely different and distinctive individuals who still had so much in common. There pull and connection was there…constantly, consistently, so of course that’s what hooked me but watching their bond grow, understanding them both more and more…it’s indescribable…it was all part of the magic and mystery that made me fall in love with them.

‘I link my fingers through hers and with her soft touch, there is a lightness in my chest. A wall has come down. Lena and I aren’t the same people we were a couple of hours ago, sitting across from each other at the diner.
Right now, with her hand in mine, I’d give her whatever she wanted. I’d answer whatever she asks. It’s different being here in this place with Lena. Everything looks exactly the same, but it feels different.
I don’t know if it’s the place or it it’s me.’

It’s funny because when I sit back and think about all that happened…all that they did…it’s nothing extraordinary. I mean…it kind of is for Lena because, well, anything other than staying at home or doing the few list of parental approved activities…that night is the most exciting thing she has ever done. But everything they do is spontaneous and it’s like going on a rollercoaster with a blindfold on. You never know what’s going to happen or what kind of emotions it will bring out in you…but it’s still exciting. I truly wasn’t expecting the kind of angst that I experienced either…gah I was rooting for Gabe and Lena with every word I read. That was the thing…even through the rough times, the awkward times, the times when both of them were forced to face things they didn’t want to…it was still amazing to read. Watching Lena open up to a perfect stranger…admit things she never had…face her scars, I was inexplicably proud of her. And Gabe…he deserves so much better…so much better…and I think that might be one of the many reasons why he was drawn to Lena…because he knew she was better for him.

‘“Tired? I ask. She lays her head on my shoulder and closes her eyes.
“I guess,” she says. “This— this entire night— it just feels like it was a dream.”
I know what she means, but it’s not. Because I can feel the sliver of warm skin on the small of her back where the sweater she borrowed last night has ridden up. I can feel her breath on my neck, and her hair draped over my chest. I can see the thumping of her pulse in her thin-skinned wrist on the hand that she has laying in my lap.
And I’ve never felt anything more real than what I feel right now.
With Lena in my arms.’

I could go on for days about these two characters…days I tell you. They bewitched me. And…now it’s confession time…don’t stone me…but this is my first Steph Campbell book. I know…I know…I’m kicking myself. The flow and pacing was perfection…the transition from Lena and Gabe’s POV was fantastic…I loved the angst…the emotion was spot on…it all mixed together to form a story that entranced me. I still cannot get over that this was only one night…the beginning…the tip of the iceberg for these two. Do I want more? Umm…of course I do, have you met me? I’m the captain of the Clinger Club…and while the epilogue helped, a little, my imagination is running wild with what if’s and all the possibilities that are contained within these two amazingly gorgeous creatures. If the first day they spend together can be that epic…how could I not want more??? But for the record….Oh-My-Goodness…the epilogue. Seriously. Seriously? I’m pretty sure my smile could have been seen from space. That epilogue made me way too ridiculously happy…and considering I wasn’t ready for Gabe and Lena to be over…that’s saying something.

[Melissa Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even the Moon Has Scars is one of the most poignant and well crafted YA novels I have ever read with two equally lovable and realistic main characters. I felt like I knew Gabe and Lena personally, and I was sad when my time with them came to an end. Steph Campbell, you continue to dazzle me with your skills and unique voice. I hope you never stop writing!

[Kath (kath_reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two strangers.
Two broken hearts.
One night to set each other free.

I have to admit that I bought this book because of its lovely cover, plus the title caught my attention. I didn't know what to expect because I hadn't read the summary and this was my first Steph Campbell read. I'm so glad that I enjoyed it.

Lena is a walking miracle. She was born with multiple heart defects and had a surgery when she was still a baby. She's now seventeen years old but her parents are still keeping a very close eye on her. They never leave her alone even she's just at home until an unexpected incident happened.

Gabriel (Gabe) is the opposite of Lena. He can do whatever and go wherever he wants but there are still things missing in his life. His mother is more concerned with her public image than her family. His father left after his grandfather died. He only have his grandmother but she is also starting to forget him. After an incident involving his ex-girlfriend, Gabe ended up in jail and has been "exiled" by his mother to his grandmother's house.

One winter day, while Gabe is working on his grandfather's car, he heard a knock on the garage door. He opened it and found a girl freezing in cold wearing only a sweater, pair of pants and boots.

I love that this book is written in both Lena and Gabe's POV because we get to see their thoughts and how they feel about each other. The characters felt real to me including their struggles and pain. I love that they're both brave and adventurous. I felt the excitement of Lena and the happiness of Gabe. They're just so perfect.

"...the thing that you do-- the only thing you really can do-- is you fill those cracks with something else... I think sometimes time helps. Sometimes you have to let someone else help you fill those cracks. You fill them with laughter. With adventure. And hey, maybe even Boston Cream Pie... You fill them with love, Gabe."

The entire book takes place within 24 hours but it's full of adventures. I really love how Gabe made their night unforgettable especially to Lena. I'm not sure if I can call it an insta-love but it didn't matter because I loved how their feelings towards each other developed even in a short period of time. The author did a great job of not making me feel like Lena and Gabe were trying hard to like each other.

Campbell's writing style is beautiful and I highlighted quite a lot of phrases. Also, the epilogue was one of my favorites. My only problem was the typos and simple grammatical errors. I thought maybe I have the ARC but no because I bought this book on Amazon.

Overall, it's a heartwarming story with real characters, unforgettable scenes and beautiful message. Highly recommended.

"The stars. They all burn out eventually. But that big guy up here. Even he's got scars, and he's still keeping on, right? It'll be okay, Lena. We're both going to be okay."

[Autumn Doughton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book surprised me. I started it thinking I would read for a bit, put it down and come back to the story when I had time. I ended up canceling my plans and devouring it in one sitting. It was that good.

This is my favorite kind of book: the overall plot is fairly simple but the voices... ah, the voices are special. Gabe and Lena are two fantastically developed YA characters that will wiggle their way into your heart and stay there for a long time. I laughed with them. I was angry with them. I felt guilt and sadness with them. Quite simply, I fell in love with them.

Cheers and thanks to Steph Campbell for creating such a beautiful story to share with the world.

[Michael Burhans · Rating 5 out of 5]

EVEN THE MOON HAS SCARS is quite simply an example of a master at the top of her game. Steph Campbell has written several of my favorite books. Some YA and some NA, all very good works. I think, however, that she is particularly gifted at YA. Her characters are all a little quirky and somewhat left of normal, but all believable so, and none of them far enough out where you can't think of people you know just like them.

In this book the two main protagonists are both damaged somewhat by things that have happened to them, mostly things out of their control, and how they deal with them, and with each other is a beautiful, moving, and enjoyable journey to share with them. I'm limited on what I can say about specific plot points due to my rule that I never post spoilers. I will say that there is a feel, a texture, a depth of field in her works that very few authors can approach much less equal. Lena, like Ms Campbell's Quinn has become a real person to me, one I feel true love for despite knowing in my brain they are fictional, in my heart they are as real as the girls I grew up with, and THAT is the greatest part of her magic. The situations they face, troubles the fight, and locations they exist in are all real, and wonderful too, but Ms Campbell makes real people dance off the pages of her books that become a part of your soul for the rest of your life.

This book further proves something I have known for a while, when people talk of the true greats of Young Adult literature , her name belongs in that discussion with John Green, Sara Zarr, J.K. Rowling and Sara Ockler. If you have not read her works, start with this one and go through the catalog, you will be glad you did.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a beautiful story! Gabe has been sent away to stay with his grandma after he got into some trouble. Lena is kind of a miracle, she survived having a rare heart condition and open heart surgery but her family treats her like she is fragile and they are very overprotective. When Lena, while being left home alone for the first time, locks herself out of her house and knocks on her neighbors garage it sets off a night she will never forget. Gabe and Lena are well thought out characters, there is great character development. This story is really unique as is the way it is written - this entire book basically takes place within 24 hours. This is the kind of book that really makes you think about life. I really loved this one and highly recommend it!

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of Even The Moon Has Scars in exchange for an honest review. When I first started reading I was a little hesitant that it was going to be the typical boy meets girl. Girl falls for boy. They live happily ever after type situation. Although after reading I was pleasantly surprised it wasn't exactly like that. Lol. I mean yes it was, but there was just so much more. If that makes any sense at all.

Lena is a young woman who has lived a pretty sheltered life. Feeling tons of guilt for making her family miss out on things. Mainly her older sister. Lena was born with a birth defect and since her parents almost lost her, they have been treating her as though she is a fragile china doll they can't let out of their site. It's a bit suffocating. So when her parents asked her sister to watch her so they could have a weekend together. It was her chance to well live. Her sister of course was going through some boy drama, so the last thing she wanted to do was be her sisters watch dog. Lena's sister ends up leaving her alone. Ha, not even 5 minutes later something happens. Hilarious as it seems, it is totally possible. It's also a moment that would change her life forever.

Gabe is a young man that has put his heart and trust in people that he just shouldn't. When you feel as though you love someone you will do just about anything for them. So when Jemma would tell him to jump he'd ask how high. It got him locked up. So of course his uptight mother sent him away to his grandma's house. Which turned out to be a great thing for him. He ended up finding courage and strength.

Lena and Gabe had a night of adventure. A night that tested them. I was happy to see they ended up doing what they always dreamed of, however I WANTED MORE!!!!

So with all of that being said, I would recommend you read their story. ;)

I rate Even The Moon Has Scars 5 stars.

[Dalene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gabe and Lena <3
Even the Moon Has Scars is my first novel that I have read by Steph Campbell, but it will not be my last.

First off, look at that cover. The cover is the reason that the book captured me in the first place. But then you read the description and you have to buy it.

Lena is a girl who is homeschooled, the baby of the family, and the girl who has her parents watching her every move. Why? Lena has a heart condition. She had surgery on her heart as a baby but her parents like to keep a close eye on her because if she gets sick it is worse then when other people get sick. Makes sense right? Well Lena has 1 friend and she never leaves home without her mom, dad, or sister.

Gabe is the complete opposite. Gabe has all the freedom in the world and yet he abuses it like crazy. He had a girlfriend who managed to get Gabe into a lot of trouble which eventually caused him to live with his grandmother. And cue Lena...

Gabe and Lena meet one morning after Lena locks herself out of her house. She has this new found freedom and decides to take a trip in the city with Gabe. They encounter tons of obstacles that include the city and themselves. They learn more about each other as the night, and morning, progresses.

All around an amazing novel! I loved Gabe and Lena! I felt like Campbell wrote a story that anyone can relate to since these characters are very relatable.

Some of my favorite quotes:
1) "Right, I meant I could maybe meet your parents?"
"Wow--okay--"
"That's weird, right? I'm sorry-".

2) It was the adventure of seeing myself-the person I could be."

3) And when your heart is broken, it feels like it'll never heal. But it's the heart. It proves to you over and over again that it will.

See what I told you? Amazing right?

[Alhanouf · Rating 4 out of 5]

that was simply heart warming, it was bigger than the simple boy meets a girl type of book for me; its what you get from it.

[Marlene · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75

[Preet · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I had to summarize this book with only a single word, it'd be: Beautiful. Thankfully I can use more than one word, because beautiful is not enough to encompass this amazing story. Everything about it is beautiful, from the cover, to the characters, to the journey they take. I thought I was in for a story that was going to leave curled up and sobbing. Instead, I found a story that certainly filled my eyes with tears, but none fell. Instead I finished this book with this sense of wonder and amazement.

Lena and Gabe are two of the most unlikely people to ever become a couple, but somehow fate manages to introduce them to each other. I think Gabe and Lena are, were, perfect for each other. Lena is looking to break free from the confines of her parents and Gabe is looking for the love he used to have while trying to deal with the disappointments of his mother and ex-girlfriend, all while he tries to figure out who he is and wants to be. I love that this book was told through both their view points. It made the reading experience so much richer.

I've never been to Boston, but I feel like I got to a little part of it through this book. I loved reading about the places Gabe took Lena and even the people, well most of them. I loved reading and experiencing Lena's sense of wonder and Gabe's too at being with Lena. I absolutely love Lena had this grand adventure and on one was aware of it.

Not all moments in this book were light and happy. There were moments of sadness and moments when I was furious. I do wish Gabe's mother would realize what she was doing to her son and to herself by being selfish. My heart trembled when Gabe spoke of missing his father and grandfather, but broke when his Babci spoke to him, but didn't know what was going on. I loved they way he cared for his grandmother and his grandfather's car.

If there ever was a story that made me appreciate my family and the love others have for me, this is it. We always seem to want more, not realizing how much we have. Steph Campbell has written a book that will stay with me for a long time. I loved reading this book and sincerely hope Steph will continue with Lena and Gabe's story. I'd also like to thank her for writing about something that's so personal to her and sharing it with us all.

[Tina]

2.5-3 Stars!

I hesitate to actually give this book a goodreads rating just because I think my own personal bias will affect too much of the rating this book deserves so for now I'll just leave the rating on this review.

Honestly, I don't think there's anything wrong with the book. It's just that it didn't personally appeal to me. I really liked it enough that I was caught up in it from the beginning to middle, but from middle to end I found myself wanting to rush to the end. I don't know if it's because I'm in a funk right now due to college midterm stress, because there's something about this book, or just because it's a personal preference, but I couldn't find myself enjoying it in the end. My feelings fall somewhere between "it was okay" to "i liked it."

For now, I'll just say that if you're looking for a YA novel about romance development in a day, consider checking out this book. You have a sweet relationship in the making and personal discovery with all sorts of drama thrown in the mix. If you find yourself attracted to those kind of YA books, you may enjoy this one.

[Steph Campbell]

http://stephcampbell.blogspot.com/201...

[Heather Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lena Pettitt was born with a heart defect and after many surgeries and fears that she would not survive, she beat the odds and had grown up to be a fairly healthy teenager…her parents miracle. Her parents have sheltered her from most of the things a normal teenager does- she is homeschooled, she has never been out with a boy and the only friend she seems to have is her sister her looks at her more as burden. What is the point of being given a second chance at life if you don’t have the opportunity to actually live?
Gabriel Matinez has made one bad decision after another. He has a crazy girlfriend and in trying to protect her, he gets thrown in jail which can tarnish his District Attorney mother’s image. Instead of showing support to Gabe, she ships him off to his Grandmother’s house and basically banishes him from the city. Little did Gabe know, that his mother was giving him the greatest thing in his life.
When Lena convinces her sister to leave her home alone when her their parents are away, the first time she has ever been left home alone, Lena gets locked out in snow in shorts and no shoes. She walks through her neighborhood and finds an open garage. A chance encounter with Gabe, turns into one life changing night.
Finally out of her bubble, Lena and Gabe go on a trip to the city- their journey quickly turns into more than just picking up a car part. They embark on an adventure filled with mean moms, lots of coffee with creamer and even some pie. Gabe gives Lena the chance to do something she has neve done- live. They experience Lena’s firsts together and they experience a last for Gabe. How much a person’s life can chance from one night is amazing.
Steph Campbell did a wonderful job portraying these two somewhat broken yet strong characters. Their hopes, their fears, their feelings about their families and then of each other.
This was not a book about the possibility of a girl dying-this is a book about living. About how the most insignificant thing like putting surgar in your coffee or hopping on a train can be taken for granted. This is a book about hope and coming in your own.
I really just LOVED this story so much. The characters and their adventure was so heartwarming and so real. I really felt like I was with them experiencing everything that they were.
One of the things I loved so much about the book was the epilogue. It was the best epilogue I have ever read- short and sweet and so perfect for these two character.
I highly recommend this book for those who want the fuzzy feeling that only young love can give you! I give this 5 heart squeezing stars.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was born with half of a working heart, and as a consequence, I will only live half of a life.

This quote is so poignant and so relevant to the story, its scary seeing how over protective Lena's family is, and she is basically half a person.
When I first hear about Even the Moon Has Scars I knew it was one I had to read so when I filled in the form to be part of the tour I had no expectations whatsoever that I would be accepted, so when I got the email with my review copy I was beyond excited and could not wait to jump into the pages.

Gabriel is one of the first characters we meet, and under not so great circumstances too. His plan to rescue his ex end up with him sitting inside a jail cell, until his Mum gets him and immediately sends him packing to live with grandmother. Lena is next to be introduced, she was born with heart defect and has forever been wrapped in cotton wool, unable to even stay alone without a babysitter as her parents fear she will be sick. She is almost seventeen and hasn't had the chance to experience a normal life. I felt so sorry for her having to deal with this, but I could also see where her parents were coming from in trying to keep her that extra bit safe.

 Even the Moon Has Scars was a quick read and only took a few hours to read. It tracks a series of events that mostly occur in the space of 24 hours between Lena and Gabriel as they explore Boston. I really enjoyed getting to sight-see with these characters, visit the hidden gems of Boston, and enjoy several firsts with Lena. Seeing these strangers start to open up to each other and really trust the other person was enlightening, especially considering they both have completely different backgrounds and home lives. They both have their own secrets and their own issues that they are trying to run from, but they don't judge the other, they just take it all on board.

Even the Moon Has Scars is a book that really makes you feel, seeing how the characters live or are treated and really getting that glimpse into how it affects their personalities, themselves. This is another great book from the author, but from Stephanie Campbell what do you expect. The only issue I had with Even the Moon Has Scars was it ended too soon, I want MORE!!!!!!

[Jamie · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway over a year ago, but due to an error of communications / technical difficulties I never received the book. Luckily I was able to contact the author and she hooked me up ASAP once she realized the issue. Props to her for being super helpful and hella understanding!

Even the Moon has Scars was pretty decent. It was a nice coming-of-age type story that kept me entertained and provided a nice break from my super stressful college-related activities, and, believe me, I am always thankful for such relief. It was a relatively fun, easy read. Unfortunately, there were some things that I simply could not overlook because the English Studies major and reading enthusiast in me cringed at them.

-There are obvious typos and issues with grammar in general that disrupt the flow of reading. Plus, the format got to be really weird. There were a few pages that were absolutely blank and even one page that only had one word on it.
-The characters are two-dimensional. They had true potential and I genuinely grew to like their romance, but as a reader, I don't always like to have everything explained to me point-blank. It removes the deeper, emotional context because I don't have to do any work to figure out the motivations and the personality of the characters. I want to be fascinated with understanding how a character thinks and what motivates their actions. With this story, what you read on the page is exactly what you get, nothing else.
-There are also some contiguity and plotting errors that were weird. Sometimes the descriptions of what the characters were doing didn't seem to match from page to page, or even from paragraph to paragraph.
-The language, my god, the language. I should have counted how many times people "literally" did something or "literally" thought/said something. Frustrating.

But, then again, I did receive this book for free and it did entertain me and offer a reprieve from the stress of life. So, all-in-all, I'm happy.

[Colleen Oppenheim · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 STARS

*This book was given to me for a fair and honest review*

I needed this book. I needed it to remind me why I love YA romance fiction. I was disillusioned for a long time and avoided it because I felt like it was riding the coattails of a “popular” YA writer and hence providing readers with mediocre, cookie cutter stories. Then, Even the Moon Has Scars showed up in my inbox and I found my love again.

A beautifully written story of a girl breaking her boundaries and discovering love outside the confines of her sheltered life, Steph Campbell has reignited everything good for me in the YA genre. She does not try to take the story somewhere it is not supposed to logically go; she follows the ebb and flow of the characters so that they have the experiences they were meant to encounter. Nothing is forced, it is real. I felt as if I was with the characters on their journey, learning their lessons on life and love right along with them.

Even the Moon Has Scars is a must read for everyone, not just lovers of the YA genre. It is a standalone; there is no cliffhanger. I will be purchasing this book for my daughter for Christmas. She needs to experience it for herself.

*Side note* I adore that Gabe’s grandmom is a Babci. I grew up with one and now my children have a Babci of their own. <3

[Jillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once in a while (and more than I’d like), I find myself with anxiety so awful that I cannot do anything. I can’t sleep, focus on my homework, or even look at my phone. To deal with my anxiety, I try to feel safe. I’ll go sit in my closet, doors closed, and read a book on my Kindle. The most recent of those books was Even the Moon Has Scars.

God, this book was just what I needed that night. I needed to escape my brain for a while, and this story did that. I was so invested in Lena and Gabriel ‘s relationship. The premise has a very Before Sunrise vibe, which could veer cheesy with teenagers, but instead it gives the plot a nice sense of pacing. I wanted to follow Lena and Gabriel around Boston forever. In the limited time, they both felt developed as characters. What better kind of love story is there than this?

My only complaint is that I wish the novel was longer. I want to spend more time with Gabriel and Lena. I want to know the stuff that happened between him dropping her off and the email he sends her a year later. Can Steph Campbell please write a sequel? Maybe a short story?

Overall, Even the Moon Has Scars is a seriously underrated romance novel that is worth your time. It is lovely and well-developed. Also, if you have Kindle Unlimited, it’s free. Definitely recommended!

[AmyNoncsi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am really not sure how i feel about this book. The rating is between 3 and 4 stars somewhere. I dont feel like its quite a 4 star but its near.
In all honestly I did enjoy reading this book when I had the time to read it, however, i i missed the pulling feeling the wanting to go back in the story when I was not reading it. I kept reading it just for the sake of reading it.
I enjoyed the storyline I think it was a really sweet "quick read", however, I feel like it kind of put me in a reading slumps.
I love the cover of the book, the writing style is really well done, easy to read and the book feeds itself :)
I loved Lena and Gabe, however, the book felt a bit unfinished for me. It it were to end before the e-mail I think that would have been better, as for me with the e-mail at the end feels quite unfinished and just does not feel good with me... :/
I had few issues with the book as the story line progressed, however, altogether it was a good enjoyable read.
P.S.: I do ship Lena and Gabe ;)

[Nilu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once in your life you'll find her
Someone who turns your heart around
And next thing you know
You're cruising around the town

Don't be afraid he's with you
Even though you should be heading home
You're wonderin' to yourself
Hey what've I found

When you get caught between the moon and Boston City
I know it's crazy , but it's true
If you get caught between the moon and Boston City
The best that you can do
The best that you can do
is fall in love

(With apologies to Christopher Cross, Burt Bacharach,Carole Bayer Sager and Peter Allen)

A boy meets girl tale that spans 24 hours of their lives and calls to your whimsical side.
Great characters, great story telling.
Very well recommended Y/A.

[Mrs Darcy reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I forgot how much I love to read YA until I read this book. The story starts off really seeing the story behind two broken characters . Lena is girl with a family who showers her with tremendous love. Maybe a little too much. Because of her heart defect they fear losing her but in doing so they are preventing her from really living.
Gabe has it all. The prestigious life and a town that's his. But really the only thing really lacking is real honest love. When they meet and have a full day together they learn about each other but they also learn a lot about themselves.

I loved this book because of the depth of the story, and it's message , and the sweetness of the romance because falling in love is gradual and more about actions and words that show it and not just lust. Read it because it's a a book with real feelings.

[Lori Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet, wonderful story. I loved Gabe and Lena separately. I loved Gabe and Lena together. I know some will argue that the book was too short, they wanted more Gabe and Lena. I think it was just right. Yes, I could always read more about Gabe and Lena, but sometimes the author just knows when it's time to save good-bye. Their time together was fun and it served its purpose. They both learned so much during their one night together. About each other and about themselves. The story is clean and, like I said, sweet. Not angsty, not bad boy-good girl. Just right. Perfect, gorgeous cover, very fitting title. Thank you, Steph Campbell. I think your decision to write their story was the right one! I look forward to reading more of your work.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even The Moon Has Scars was a quick, sweet YA read. It was a refreshing change to read something that was realistic but also relatively drama free in comparison to a lot of books out there.

Gabe is struggling with the issue of distant parents and Lena is struggling with parents who suffocate her. This is the story of them spending one night in each others company, opening up to each other and learning about life along the way.

Highly recommended for Steph Campbell fans, and just anyone who wants to step away from the heavily recycled alpha male, tortured past storylines.

[Amal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh. My. God.

I loved it! It is the perfect book when you're recovering from a book hang-over or a Reading slump. To me it's a paradox because it's light but also incredibly dark. I love both main characters: Gabe and Lena. Mostly Gabe. I love the guy.

The reason it doesn't have five stars is because I'd like to know more about Lena's best friend Lily and I wanted to read more about her parents.

And just one more thing: THE COVER. I HAVE NEVER SEEN SUCH A BEAUTIFUL COVER WHICH ALSO RELATES PERFECTLY TO THE BOOK. GAAHHH ❤️❤️❤️

[Trisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Some risks just aren't worth it. Sometimes, you just have to do anything you can to protect what matters."

aww, this was adorable. I loved it! Which surprised me. The story line is pretty simple but it's the characters that sold me. I loved their instant curiosity in each other and their wonder to push the night and to have fun - to try new things.

I remember meeting my husband and our first few dates. It was exactly the same - that instant curiosity and wanting to know more about each other. What a treasure of a little story.

[mith · Rating 2 out of 5]

I remember seeing this labelled under new adult? I don't know why exactly because literally nothing of that sort happened??
Anyway, when I give two stars, it is because I found the book terrible but it had some enjoyable aspect. Surprisingly, this wasn't the case with this book. I actually did like it. A little bit, not a whole lot. But I certainly was not impressed. So, for right now, it's being categorised under the GR version of two stars: it was okay.
Review to maybe come?

[Jacky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a cute contemporary! Sometimes a little bit overly cheesy but hey, I really liked it. I can definitely recommend this book!

(I think it's my personal mission to shout out great self published books as much as I can!)

[Holli Buck · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Kyra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is just beautiful. Thank you, Steph Campbell, for reminding me why I love YA.