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Hold My Hand
Bethany is heartbroken when her girlfriend, Savannah, dumps her with no explanation. Slowly, she rebuilds her life, meets Amber and begins to heal.
A year later they meet again and their feelings are as strong as ever. So why did Savannah leave her?
Bethany is devastated by the answer and realises she will lose Savannah again – to cancer.
In a world where time is fleeting but love lasts forever, Savannah and Bethany can only hold onto each other and live every dream they ever shared.
Words: 66,000
Themes: bittersweet romance · cancer · lesbian · love story
A year later they meet again and their feelings are as strong as ever. So why did Savannah leave her?
Bethany is devastated by the answer and realises she will lose Savannah again – to cancer.
In a world where time is fleeting but love lasts forever, Savannah and Bethany can only hold onto each other and live every dream they ever shared.
Words: 66,000
Themes: bittersweet romance · cancer · lesbian · love story
- GenresLesbianLGBTContemporary
187 pages, Paperback
Published March 1, 2017
1 person is currently reading
96 people want to read
About the author
A.C. Oswald
1 book3 followersAC Oswald grew up in a small town in Germany and has always loved creating her own fantasy worlds. Now she is in her mid-twenties but still a total child at heart.
She makes a living as a German and English teacher who also happens to work as an editor in a small publishing house. When she’s not teaching or editing, she watches Netflix with her girlfriend or writes her own stories.
Since she’s a big Disney nerd, her favorite place on earth is Disneyland Paris. If she could, she’d grab her family, her laptop, and her pug and move there permanently.
She makes a living as a German and English teacher who also happens to work as an editor in a small publishing house. When she’s not teaching or editing, she watches Netflix with her girlfriend or writes her own stories.
Since she’s a big Disney nerd, her favorite place on earth is Disneyland Paris. If she could, she’d grab her family, her laptop, and her pug and move there permanently.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
March 11, 2017
I have an issue with book blurbs. I find they can be too spoil-ish sometimes, so I skim them. I really wished I had realized what this story was about before I got it. We all have triggers that are hard to read about in books, and cancer is one of mine. It is such a horrible disease that touches everyone, and for whatever reason cancer has decimated my family. So, I would have passed on this, had I read the blurb.
I did get through the book, but it was tough. This book is so f*cking sad. I'm talking a pile of tissues, eyes didn't stop tearing for the last 2/3 of the book. I just did not personally enjoy this read. But I'm trying to look past that, to give a decent review. The book is well written. I'm sure Oswald wants readers to feel something, and feel I did. While cancer is a big part of it, this is a love story. And a story about doing everything you can for the person you love. There is no happy ending in this book, but it's not really dark, because it is about true love.
I'm still trying to keep it together, even writing this. This book definitely affected me. It's not going to be everyone's cup of tea. If you feel up to a very emotional, cry you eyes out, love story, than this is the book for you.
An ARC was given to me by YLVA, for a honest review.
I did get through the book, but it was tough. This book is so f*cking sad. I'm talking a pile of tissues, eyes didn't stop tearing for the last 2/3 of the book. I just did not personally enjoy this read. But I'm trying to look past that, to give a decent review. The book is well written. I'm sure Oswald wants readers to feel something, and feel I did. While cancer is a big part of it, this is a love story. And a story about doing everything you can for the person you love. There is no happy ending in this book, but it's not really dark, because it is about true love.
I'm still trying to keep it together, even writing this. This book definitely affected me. It's not going to be everyone's cup of tea. If you feel up to a very emotional, cry you eyes out, love story, than this is the book for you.
An ARC was given to me by YLVA, for a honest review.
July 24, 2019
Oh my! I don’t know how I completed reading this book... This was a really difficult read for me. It’s just so sad, so full of emotion, so full of love, sacrifices for both Bethany and Savannah, BFF turn lovers.... Reading through the last 2/3 of the book took a lot from me and I just had to stop a couple of times and take a breather! Don’t even mention the amount of tissues that had to be sacrificed. Just like a broken faucet...the tears just keep on pouring and can’t seem to stop it.... Ending was sad and I was rooting for a miracle but alas that didn’t happen. Thanks A.C. Oswald for this wonderfully emotional book but I don’t think I’ll read it again. My heart just couldn’t take the ride.
September 5, 2021
Cancer.
I read this book a long time ago and it broke me completely. I decided to rewrite a review as I got reminded of it while listening to Lise Gold's Blue. The central theme of both books is about dying, and dying is a much harder topic for me to deal with than death itself.
Bethany has moved into a new relationship when she discovers the real reason for her ex breaking up with her a year ago - Suvannah has cancer. And now Bethany is determined to stay by Suvannah's side through her illness, fulfilling bucket lists and creating memories.This book is extremely heartbreaking and it is written specifically to evoke that level of emotion, and it took a lot of determination not to DNF it. When I did manage to finish it, I swore never to re-read this and I never did. This book affected me in ways no other lesfic books ever have and I cried for days. Okay, I'm a sensitive soul, but I can't imagine anyone reading this and not shedding at least a tear or two.
I read this book a long time ago and it broke me completely. I decided to rewrite a review as I got reminded of it while listening to Lise Gold's Blue. The central theme of both books is about dying, and dying is a much harder topic for me to deal with than death itself.
Bethany has moved into a new relationship when she discovers the real reason for her ex breaking up with her a year ago - Suvannah has cancer. And now Bethany is determined to stay by Suvannah's side through her illness, fulfilling bucket lists and creating memories.This book is extremely heartbreaking and it is written specifically to evoke that level of emotion, and it took a lot of determination not to DNF it. When I did manage to finish it, I swore never to re-read this and I never did. This book affected me in ways no other lesfic books ever have and I cried for days. Okay, I'm a sensitive soul, but I can't imagine anyone reading this and not shedding at least a tear or two.
January 16, 2023
This book was recommended to me by pip with the warning to only read it when emotionally ready. I thought I was ready today, and I was, but it still ended up wrecking me a little.
Bethany is in a new relationship after Savannah broke up with her (“cheated on her”). When a chance meeting brings them back together a year later Savannah reveals the true reason for the breakup: cancer. She’s dying and didn’t want to burden Beth with it. What follows is a ride to complete a bucket list and that is where I have some issues. How can someone as sick as Savannah do als this? How can they afford all this? It’s a bit too unrealistic and too much. I’ve sadly had to experience loved one battling this diseases and for one they were not allowed to see a lot of people, second pretty strict diet, third when the final stage arrives it’s about all they can do to keep breathing… Cancer is a bitch and I think the author did an ok job of conveying that, but parts of it just too unrealistic for me. I guess it’s fine when you haven’t experienced it as closely as I did and you can just believe that a person is able to do all this and get some enjoyment still. It’s a comforting thought, but very untrue.
I got a little confused about the passing of time. It’s still a great story, heartbreaking and the ending will still wreck you, but I just took some issue with some of the things.
I’ll go eat my feelings now, I deserve it after reading this.
Bethany is in a new relationship after Savannah broke up with her (“cheated on her”). When a chance meeting brings them back together a year later Savannah reveals the true reason for the breakup: cancer. She’s dying and didn’t want to burden Beth with it. What follows is a ride to complete a bucket list and that is where I have some issues. How can someone as sick as Savannah do als this? How can they afford all this? It’s a bit too unrealistic and too much. I’ve sadly had to experience loved one battling this diseases and for one they were not allowed to see a lot of people, second pretty strict diet, third when the final stage arrives it’s about all they can do to keep breathing… Cancer is a bitch and I think the author did an ok job of conveying that, but parts of it just too unrealistic for me. I guess it’s fine when you haven’t experienced it as closely as I did and you can just believe that a person is able to do all this and get some enjoyment still. It’s a comforting thought, but very untrue.
I got a little confused about the passing of time. It’s still a great story, heartbreaking and the ending will still wreck you, but I just took some issue with some of the things.
I’ll go eat my feelings now, I deserve it after reading this.
December 2, 2017
Full of emotions
This is a wonderful story about love, friendship and loss. Especially about the power of Love. It's the story of Bethany and Savannah, two woman who were meant for each other. I loved both of them and I also liked the second character Joan.
This isn't the classical romance with the happy end we all are wishing. It's about life. And we all know life isn't allways easy, somtimes it's hard to bear. And it's about the undying love of two women, who also are BFF.
AC Oswald has written a story full of emotions, happy ones and sad, painful ones. To read it, was like an emotional rollercoaster ride with laughing and weeping. Very well written with so much love and passion for the women in there, with good and bad feelings, with charme and wit, a believable plot and great characters. A beautiful lovestory with an untypical end. My rating 5 stars.
I'm looking forward to another story of AC Oswald.
Thanks to Ylva for receiving an ARC for an honest review.
Sorry for my bad English, my native language is Swiss German.
This is a wonderful story about love, friendship and loss. Especially about the power of Love. It's the story of Bethany and Savannah, two woman who were meant for each other. I loved both of them and I also liked the second character Joan.
This isn't the classical romance with the happy end we all are wishing. It's about life. And we all know life isn't allways easy, somtimes it's hard to bear. And it's about the undying love of two women, who also are BFF.
AC Oswald has written a story full of emotions, happy ones and sad, painful ones. To read it, was like an emotional rollercoaster ride with laughing and weeping. Very well written with so much love and passion for the women in there, with good and bad feelings, with charme and wit, a believable plot and great characters. A beautiful lovestory with an untypical end. My rating 5 stars.
I'm looking forward to another story of AC Oswald.
Thanks to Ylva for receiving an ARC for an honest review.
Sorry for my bad English, my native language is Swiss German.
March 24, 2017
Only looking at the last 70% of the book - this is an emotionally gripping story and a tear-jerker. This is not a story about miracles or happy endings, but a wonderfully touching story about two soulmates making the most of whatever time they have. Though the ending is sad, I loved that the book still carried a positive message - even in sickness we can still make choices how we live.
The part that bugs me though is how Beth had been totally oblivious about Savannah's condition and still didn't see any signs of red flag when Sav broke up with her. A couple that close who knew each other for their entire lives.... I'm not finding it convincing Beth can't sense anything.
I would look forward to other works from the author.
The part that bugs me though is how Beth had been totally oblivious about Savannah's condition and still didn't see any signs of red flag when Sav broke up with her. A couple that close who knew each other for their entire lives.... I'm not finding it convincing Beth can't sense anything.
I would look forward to other works from the author.
March 28, 2017
One of the best books I've read in a while. So much feels! I mean seriously. I had to take this in doses after about halfway. Jeesh. People around me wondering why I'm constantly drying my eyes. Seriously just read it. Ugh. So good.
March 15, 2017
This book it's kinda hard to review for me.
The starting point of this book is the break up between Savannah and Bethany. Nothing new there, but what you don't expect (or maybe you already know if you read the blurb carefully) is to discover that Savannah broke with Bethany because she had cancer and didn't want Bethany to suffer through it.
I didn't like the fact that Savannah didn't tell Bethany about her cancer and choose to break up with her instead. Besides that, this book was really sad. In the sense of you better have in hand a box of klinex because you're gonna cry. A lot.
They're love story is sweet. You can read behind the lines how the went from being best friend in school to lovers, dealing with everythig in between like family and friends. Also the book it's really well written and have good taste dealing with this topic.
But, it's you don't like book that makes you cry, better not pick up this one.
*An ARC was given to me from YLVA for a honest review.
The starting point of this book is the break up between Savannah and Bethany. Nothing new there, but what you don't expect (or maybe you already know if you read the blurb carefully) is to discover that Savannah broke with Bethany because she had cancer and didn't want Bethany to suffer through it.
I didn't like the fact that Savannah didn't tell Bethany about her cancer and choose to break up with her instead. Besides that, this book was really sad. In the sense of you better have in hand a box of klinex because you're gonna cry. A lot.
They're love story is sweet. You can read behind the lines how the went from being best friend in school to lovers, dealing with everythig in between like family and friends. Also the book it's really well written and have good taste dealing with this topic.
But, it's you don't like book that makes you cry, better not pick up this one.
*An ARC was given to me from YLVA for a honest review.
April 2, 2017
This one didn't do much for me.
In terms of plot, it's... inconsistent. And in terms of characters it's just underwhelming.
The saving grace of this entire story for was Bethany. I thought she was a sweet character willing to move heaven and earth to make the best she could of a truly tragic situation. I was particularly moved by her extremely creative and heartfelt solutions to comply with the 'bucket list' itens.
While Savannah... well, Savannah has cancer, so I suppose one copes with that as best as one can. And sometimes that just ends up being not well at all...
And even if this is well-written story when it comes to the basic aspects of a novel, I felt my immersion on the story fading as I progressed reading and started feeling like the plot was a bit loose. Things like reading about a character that appears out of thin air and is portrayed as a very important person to the main characters, yet, the writer spent absolutely zero time building up that relationship, meaning that when she does show up, I just couldn't get invested in whatever emotional reaction the author expected to create with that character... I couldn't buy their 'friendship' nor the meaning of their reunion.
There is also this other secondary character that seems to be very important to the plot, until, well, she isn't. And then she's just completely dumped out of the book by the author without any further explanation as to why she was there to begin with or why she's not there anymore... In my opinion, secondary characters need to have an identifiable (and above all, interesting) purpose in a plot. Always. Otherwise you're just wasting opportunities while also risking to seriously annoy and/or confuse your readers.
Plus, there are the 'little things'. things like one of the main characters, who daily job is described as a hairdresser, but yet, somehow, she ends up spending money in a way that is more befitting of a oil heiress. Wishes are made. Money magically appears. The explanation given here is basically just wish fulfillment...
Small things like that just end up working together to 'disconnect' me from what should have been a story that seemed to be aiming straight at my empathy.
Also, this book is sappy. Really sappy. Or maybe I'm just a heartless cynic. But I truly felt like the author was blatantly cueing me on which parts she expected to create a strong emotional response on the reader. And I'm more of a 'show, don't tell' type of person. There is little subtly in this plot. And for me, subtly is the key for a true emotional response.
In terms of plot, it's... inconsistent. And in terms of characters it's just underwhelming.
The saving grace of this entire story for was Bethany. I thought she was a sweet character willing to move heaven and earth to make the best she could of a truly tragic situation. I was particularly moved by her extremely creative and heartfelt solutions to comply with the 'bucket list' itens.
While Savannah... well, Savannah has cancer, so I suppose one copes with that as best as one can. And sometimes that just ends up being not well at all...
And even if this is well-written story when it comes to the basic aspects of a novel, I felt my immersion on the story fading as I progressed reading and started feeling like the plot was a bit loose. Things like reading about a character that appears out of thin air and is portrayed as a very important person to the main characters, yet, the writer spent absolutely zero time building up that relationship, meaning that when she does show up, I just couldn't get invested in whatever emotional reaction the author expected to create with that character... I couldn't buy their 'friendship' nor the meaning of their reunion.
There is also this other secondary character that seems to be very important to the plot, until, well, she isn't. And then she's just completely dumped out of the book by the author without any further explanation as to why she was there to begin with or why she's not there anymore... In my opinion, secondary characters need to have an identifiable (and above all, interesting) purpose in a plot. Always. Otherwise you're just wasting opportunities while also risking to seriously annoy and/or confuse your readers.
Plus, there are the 'little things'. things like one of the main characters, who daily job is described as a hairdresser, but yet, somehow, she ends up spending money in a way that is more befitting of a oil heiress. Wishes are made. Money magically appears. The explanation given here is basically just wish fulfillment...
Small things like that just end up working together to 'disconnect' me from what should have been a story that seemed to be aiming straight at my empathy.
Also, this book is sappy. Really sappy. Or maybe I'm just a heartless cynic. But I truly felt like the author was blatantly cueing me on which parts she expected to create a strong emotional response on the reader. And I'm more of a 'show, don't tell' type of person. There is little subtly in this plot. And for me, subtly is the key for a true emotional response.
March 11, 2017
The story focuses with living with cancer and its impact. I admit I do have a personal bias with this storyline and because of that I did have some issues with it. From personal experience and similar to the story, my partner of 5 years at the time discovered she had cancer and the prognosis was not looking good with no guarantee on survival chances. She did not want to burden me, but did give me the option to make my own decisions and choices. (Luckily, decades on she is still around to nag me!) That's where I have an issue with the story, as this couple have known each other from school days and it is suggested they are a tight couple. I can understand wanting to protect your partner from hurt, but to tell an extreme lie to dump them did not feel realistic. I also felt for Amber and felt she got a bit of a raw deal.
Setting that aside, the story is well written. Its a sad subject matter, which is handled well. Certainly gives food for thought and reminded me not to take things for granted to make sure you live your life and appreciate it.
I liked that it was an ever day type of story, and not sensationalised like some romances can be.
Received arc for an honest review.
Setting that aside, the story is well written. Its a sad subject matter, which is handled well. Certainly gives food for thought and reminded me not to take things for granted to make sure you live your life and appreciate it.
I liked that it was an ever day type of story, and not sensationalised like some romances can be.
Received arc for an honest review.
November 22, 2023
A beautiful, tender and heartbreaking story.
March 12, 2017
I'll admit right off, this book made me cry. And wow what a hard subject. The book itself is really well written. The author has a very direct writing style. She allows you to get to know the two main characters, there are several other minor characters and I did feel sorry for Amber.... that was kindof brutal. The author handles a very delicate subject with compassion and sensitivity. There isn't much I can really say about the book except that it's sad and very well written. The list completion was genius. Read, make your own mind up. You won't beable to put it down because you always want to know what happens left. Enjoy.
May 26, 2020
I loved this book so much!!! I'm still not okay
Non-spoiler RTC
*This review was originally posted on my blog at blueeyeddemon.weebly.com*
https://t.co/BbH1quYMe3
Today I will be doing a book review on the beautiful novel, Hold My Hand by A.C. Oswald. I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I had never heard of this book until I was browsing Netgalley and the cover intrigued me and when I read the description about it I knew I had to request it and I am so glad I did.
This is an own voices novel and it surrounds two girls, Savannah and Bethany. When Savannah breaks up with Bethany out of the blue with no explanation as to why, Beth is heartbroken. There is nothing left for Bethany to do other than be strong and try to move on.
When Savannah and Bethany meet one year later, it is undeniable that the connection is still very much alive which makes the break up, that much more confusing for Bethany. As the two girls start to let each other back into their lives and rebuild their friendship, Bethany learns why. Savannah has been dealing with Cancer alone for the past year.
This book is exactly as it sounds like, heart wrenching and emotional in the best possible way. One major positive of this is book was the humour. It had me hysterically crying at one moment but it would have me sobbing at the next.
The two main character, Bethany and Savannah were both very lovable characters and we got to see them going on an epic adventure together and we could see just how much they cared about eachother. They went through such big character development and they were very fleshed out characters. I really cared for the situation these characters were in and I deeply cared for how it turned out in the end and I was on the edge of my seat as it was coming to the last 20% with nerves.
I am very grateful that I have never been in this particular situation so I cannot be the one to say if it was a good representation or not but I believe she portrayed the story in a brilliant manner. I believe this is her debut novel and I will definitely be picking this up in paperback to have it to my collection and I will be looking out for this author in the future.
Non-spoiler RTC
*This review was originally posted on my blog at blueeyeddemon.weebly.com*
https://t.co/BbH1quYMe3
Today I will be doing a book review on the beautiful novel, Hold My Hand by A.C. Oswald. I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I had never heard of this book until I was browsing Netgalley and the cover intrigued me and when I read the description about it I knew I had to request it and I am so glad I did.
This is an own voices novel and it surrounds two girls, Savannah and Bethany. When Savannah breaks up with Bethany out of the blue with no explanation as to why, Beth is heartbroken. There is nothing left for Bethany to do other than be strong and try to move on.
When Savannah and Bethany meet one year later, it is undeniable that the connection is still very much alive which makes the break up, that much more confusing for Bethany. As the two girls start to let each other back into their lives and rebuild their friendship, Bethany learns why. Savannah has been dealing with Cancer alone for the past year.
This book is exactly as it sounds like, heart wrenching and emotional in the best possible way. One major positive of this is book was the humour. It had me hysterically crying at one moment but it would have me sobbing at the next.
The two main character, Bethany and Savannah were both very lovable characters and we got to see them going on an epic adventure together and we could see just how much they cared about eachother. They went through such big character development and they were very fleshed out characters. I really cared for the situation these characters were in and I deeply cared for how it turned out in the end and I was on the edge of my seat as it was coming to the last 20% with nerves.
I am very grateful that I have never been in this particular situation so I cannot be the one to say if it was a good representation or not but I believe she portrayed the story in a brilliant manner. I believe this is her debut novel and I will definitely be picking this up in paperback to have it to my collection and I will be looking out for this author in the future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 19, 2017
I recieved this as an Advanced Reading Copy from Ylva in exchange for my honest review.
A.C. Oswald's debut is a heartstring puller, which is both a good and a bad thing. Savannah and Beth break up a year before the main plot of the book, and Beth spends much of the first quarter of the book equally pining for and being angry at Savannah. When they meet again, and Savannah is comfortable enough to admit she has cancer, it floors Bethany. Bethany must work through her feelings for Savannah, which never faded, while Savannah deals with the ups and downs of cancer treatment.
I'm ambivalent about this book, as I appreciated that the author did not go the route of emotionally manipulating me into my tears. No, I was equally sad and elated along with Beth's and Savannah's process of working through such a trying experience. I enjoyed some of the set pieces that went along with Savannah's bucket list.
Bethany was a difficult character to sympathize with, given that she dated Amber while still thinking about Sannavah. I really thought Beth's treatment of Amber, especially after meeting Savannah again, was grossly unfair. Savannah's a little more sympathetic, yet I felt frustrated with her, too. I can understand why Savannah reacted to the news she recieved, but I can't wrap my head around her allowing Beth to believe some of the misconceptions of their relationship.
Overall, this a good book about an extremely tough issue that people must face. There were some misses in regards to the plot, but mostly great emotional hits.
A.C. Oswald's debut is a heartstring puller, which is both a good and a bad thing. Savannah and Beth break up a year before the main plot of the book, and Beth spends much of the first quarter of the book equally pining for and being angry at Savannah. When they meet again, and Savannah is comfortable enough to admit she has cancer, it floors Bethany. Bethany must work through her feelings for Savannah, which never faded, while Savannah deals with the ups and downs of cancer treatment.
I'm ambivalent about this book, as I appreciated that the author did not go the route of emotionally manipulating me into my tears. No, I was equally sad and elated along with Beth's and Savannah's process of working through such a trying experience. I enjoyed some of the set pieces that went along with Savannah's bucket list.
Bethany was a difficult character to sympathize with, given that she dated Amber while still thinking about Sannavah. I really thought Beth's treatment of Amber, especially after meeting Savannah again, was grossly unfair. Savannah's a little more sympathetic, yet I felt frustrated with her, too. I can understand why Savannah reacted to the news she recieved, but I can't wrap my head around her allowing Beth to believe some of the misconceptions of their relationship.
Overall, this a good book about an extremely tough issue that people must face. There were some misses in regards to the plot, but mostly great emotional hits.
February 7, 2020
I cant, i just cant. A.C. Oswald did something more than incredible here. Hold My Hand deserves more. If I could rate this 10 stars +1 and my heart I would. I know it's a very late review. But I usually refrain reading stories as sad as this one. God, I don't know. I'm still shaking while typing this because of the last "check"
If you're up to some 2-boxes-of-kleenex-challenge, read this book. Savy and Beth's story will make you happy, sad, and super sad. I wish it was longer but I get it. The ending was the best ending I've read so far. Love you A.C. Oswald!
If you're up to some 2-boxes-of-kleenex-challenge, read this book. Savy and Beth's story will make you happy, sad, and super sad. I wish it was longer but I get it. The ending was the best ending I've read so far. Love you A.C. Oswald!
April 8, 2017
I had a amazing time reading this book, it had everything it was sad but so brilliant. Its about to persons who belong together and making after a rought part the best out of the time they have left. This story is so close to life its not everything happy end and turns out the way we wish it would. This is the real life and it was very refreshing after all the lovestorys i read the last time. I was crying i was smiling i hated the book and i loved it!
Bethany was such a sweet person willing to move heaven and earth to make the best she could of a tragic situation. She was very creative and was with her whole heart into finding a solutions to comply with the bucket list.
Savannah on the other side is her love and suffers of cancer,she tries to make the best out of it.
The only part i didnt like to much is that there is another seconday character that was important at the beginning but just thown over without futher notice.
Bethany was such a sweet person willing to move heaven and earth to make the best she could of a tragic situation. She was very creative and was with her whole heart into finding a solutions to comply with the bucket list.
Savannah on the other side is her love and suffers of cancer,she tries to make the best out of it.
The only part i didnt like to much is that there is another seconday character that was important at the beginning but just thown over without futher notice.
October 31, 2020
The ending is rather a surprise since i don't really think that all of the bucket lists will be accomplished. Love how the author make Bethany fulfilled all Savannah's bucket lists till the end. It was really a beautiful and heartbreaking story.
P.s. I can't help but think the characters are based on Brittany and Santana from Glee. Even the names are similar I think. I love the show and definitely love this story although it makes me cry.
P.s. I can't help but think the characters are based on Brittany and Santana from Glee. Even the names are similar I think. I love the show and definitely love this story although it makes me cry.
own-need-to-read
March 8, 2018I made it to 41% and think I need to put this away for now. It's not the writing, but the subject matter. I'm just not in the emotional head-space to read about cancer and death right now. Therefore, I'm moving it to a to-read in the future instead of a DNF.
March 8, 2018
Great book, well written, but too sad and so predictable....
March 1, 2025
A real tear jerker, beautifully written, every cliche used to ratchet it up the tension. A cleansing of the soul, or something!
April 2, 2017
I received an ARC in exchange for a review.
WOW!!!
That really says it all but I will tell you a little more. This is a beautiful story of love and friendship. Bethany and Savannah are soul mates and have been from a young age, but then Savannah ends the relationship with no explanation and Bethany is left to re-build her life. A year later they re-connect and what Bethany learns is devastating but their feeling for each other are as strong as they ever were and from here their love story continues. This book made me laugh and cry so many times. I would rank it up there with one of the most touching books I have ever read. It is well written and full of emotion, with everything from laugh out loud fun and heart-breaking tears.
WOW!!!
That really says it all but I will tell you a little more. This is a beautiful story of love and friendship. Bethany and Savannah are soul mates and have been from a young age, but then Savannah ends the relationship with no explanation and Bethany is left to re-build her life. A year later they re-connect and what Bethany learns is devastating but their feeling for each other are as strong as they ever were and from here their love story continues. This book made me laugh and cry so many times. I would rank it up there with one of the most touching books I have ever read. It is well written and full of emotion, with everything from laugh out loud fun and heart-breaking tears.
March 29, 2017
AC Oswald has created a moving and loving tribute to everlasting love. Beth and Savannah's characters are truly unforgettable. Their struggles have touched so many of our lives. As I read this novel wonderful and not so wonderful personal memories were awakened. This is not a novel for a casual read. Be prepared to be moved to momentous highs and lows. A story well worth your consideration. Beautifully written.
March 28, 2017
One of the best publications to have emerged from Ylva in 2017, thus far. While a deeply moving and satisfying tale about the journey of two individuals together, it was also a very accomplished introspection into the damage wrought by a critical illness as well as the loss that can follow a struggle with the biological that cannot be surmounted. Grateful for the reading experience.
Arc received by this grateful reader from the author and publisher.
Arc received by this grateful reader from the author and publisher.
March 20, 2017
This book takes you on an emotional rollercoaster ride.
I cannot remember ever reading a book which touched me so deep
It is also the most tender love story...I read it in one sitting.
This story will not leave you long after you finished reading.
Highly recommended !!
I cannot remember ever reading a book which touched me so deep
It is also the most tender love story...I read it in one sitting.
This story will not leave you long after you finished reading.
Highly recommended !!
March 19, 2017
Love story to remember.
When I g of this one I wasn't sure if I was going like it. But from page one it held my attention. What Savannah and Bethany went through was truly inspiring. Even though I knew what was coming I loved how they spent their time together. I did cry at the end. And I would definitely recommend this book.
When I g of this one I wasn't sure if I was going like it. But from page one it held my attention. What Savannah and Bethany went through was truly inspiring. Even though I knew what was coming I loved how they spent their time together. I did cry at the end. And I would definitely recommend this book.
March 14, 2017
This book left me crying on the couch....
It is such a hard topic to really capture and AC Oswald did a great job with this book. I can see that it would be hard to read for some people if they lost a partner to cancer or fighting cancer right now - but it shows the emotions of the patient and the partner very well and what both go through. The story had the right speed in development and I feel like it wasn't rushed or too slow and the timeframe in what everything happened was perfect.
Usually the ending is never my favorite but in this book the last sentence was strong and powerful and just perfect for the story!
https://andreazupanc.wordpress.com
It is such a hard topic to really capture and AC Oswald did a great job with this book. I can see that it would be hard to read for some people if they lost a partner to cancer or fighting cancer right now - but it shows the emotions of the patient and the partner very well and what both go through. The story had the right speed in development and I feel like it wasn't rushed or too slow and the timeframe in what everything happened was perfect.
Usually the ending is never my favorite but in this book the last sentence was strong and powerful and just perfect for the story!
https://andreazupanc.wordpress.com
August 20, 2017
I am a lover of sad stories, ones that make you sob because you feel for the characters. This book will make you feel every single emotion. I was upset by some of the characters' actions, like Savannah breaking up with Bethany because of her illness. I felt happiness when they reunited. And of course I felt sadness over the whole situation. You go into this book knowing that the happy ending most likely will not be there. But despite that, I enjoyed this story for the love story that it was.
*I received an arc from Ylva in exchange for an honest review.*
*I received an arc from Ylva in exchange for an honest review.*
March 13, 2017
Hold My Hand is such a well written novel. It was a really hard read for me because it was so sad. I cried my way through the entire novel. However, I did not want to put the book down without finishing it.
This novel is about the journey the two main characters take due to cancer. It is sad because you know there isn't a happy ever after. However, it is uplifting because you see their love throughout the journey and know that they made the most of their time together.
This novel is about the journey the two main characters take due to cancer. It is sad because you know there isn't a happy ever after. However, it is uplifting because you see their love throughout the journey and know that they made the most of their time together.
March 9, 2017
Wow, wow, wow. Fantastic love story. Very well written, very moving, very warm love story. You love all the characters and everything they do. Do not shy away from this book because it sounds dark, it is not. It is the strongest, warmest love story I have read in a very long time. I will be looking for more books written by this author.
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