Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This meant I didn't read or venture onto netgalley for years as not only did it remind me of that person as they shared my passion for reading, but I also struggled to maintain interest in anything due to overwhelming depression. I was therefore unable to download this title in time and so I couldn't give a review as it wasn't successfully acquired before it was archived. The second issue that has happened with some of my other books is that I had them downloaded to one particular device and said device is now defunct, so I have no access to those books anymore, sadly.

This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead. I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings. Anything requested and approved will be read and a review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience.

I’m a big fan of Finding Violet Park and I was hoping for a similar experience with this book, but I really didn’t get on with it. The writing in the first few chapters is beautiful, but ultimately this felt like an overwrought and underwhelming mix of Wings of Desire and Twilight.

I really wanted to like this book but I just personally couldn't get over the 'insta-love' element of the main relationship. I also found Novo's character to be creepy, superior and unlikeable and just couldn't get over this despite enjoying the actual prose style very much. I think that my Yr 8 + readers will really enjoy what is otherwise a lyrically written novel though and I will be interested to see whether they relate to the love story in a different way than I do given that I am not the target audience!

A lyrical poetry story about letting go. About love and loss. About living for the moment, but knowing when to think ahead.
Jude’s Mum has left yet another boyfriend and uprooted herself and Jude to a faraway town near the sea. On the very first day, whilst supposed to be unpacking, Jude sees a vision and follows her heart. She knows Novo is unlike all other boys, yet is happy to be led by her heart not her head. In the short time she is with Novo, Jude experiences life for probably the first time. But when it comes to a choice and knowing what is ‘Forever’, Jude knows what she has to do.
In this book the impossible happens and is impossible to describe as it’s the writing that makes it such an immersive page turner.