I requested this book to review when the University of Michigan setting caught my eye. Ann Arbor is a special place to me, and local authorSusan Beth Miller captures the energy and diversity of the locale in this “new adult” novel. Many parts of the plot were touching and realistic, although, as with real life, the main character Leslie is a work in progress.

Susan Beth Miller’s By the Way, I Love You is a tender and introspective exploration of love, grief, and the unspoken words that linger in relationships. Through richly drawn characters and poignant storytelling, Miller delves into the complexities of human connections—romantic, familial, and platonic. The narrative beautifully balances emotional depth with a quiet, reflective tone, making it a deeply resonant read. A heartfelt tale that reminds readers of the power of vulnerability and the importance of expressing love.

When a young college student loses her mother to cancer, it throws her life completely out of whack. The challenges of university life can be difficult for students even when they have an entirely stable home life, but that is not the case for Leslie.

Despite having people in her life who care about her, she begins to feel increasingly alienated, finally finding a degree of solace from an unexpected quarter. Still rocked by unanswered questions about her relationship with her mother the last thing Leslie needs is to find that her new interest is also under threat.

This time, Leslie is determined to fight back, even if she realises, dismayed, that she needs help to do so...

Despite the fact that it is set at the University of Michigan, this is in some ways a coming of age story. The issues that Leslie is grappling with will be relatable to many, and the story is told in a moving and genuine fashion. It gets 3.5 stars.

This was a well written coming of age story that had some heart hitting topics. Susan Beth Miller did an amazing job with the characters and plotting the story. I was hooked from the beginning, and I couldn't put it down. There was a depth of complexity in this book that you dig deeper the more you read. I definitely recommend this book to other. I can't wait to see what else this author will publish.

Thank you Net Galley ARC, Boyle & Dalton, and Susan Beth Miller

Thank you Netgalley and the author for this ARC.😲🌃👌🏽

The book didn’t captivate me as much as I’d hoped. The story felt quite casual and lacked the depth I typically enjoy which made it not quite my style. However, I could definitely see some character growth throughout, which was a positive aspect. The side characters played a significant role and stood out for me. While the cover design is intriguing and initially caught my attention, the book as a whole didn’t resonate with me. It might appeal more to readers who prefer, I guess a book around character building.

This book is heavy. Heavy in sadness, loss, negativity and the need to be loved and accepted.
It is an important read, one that makes you work for it. It is hard to read, even though the writing style and language choice make the pages turn quickly.

Thank you # NetGalley and Boyle & Dalton for allowing me to read an advanced copy of By the Way, I Love You by Susan Beth Miller. #BytheWayILoveYou

Miller’s story highlights the importance of the tumultuous changes that can happen in a young teenagers life. The rawness that Leslie faces starting in a new college, coming to terms with her mom’s death is relatable to young readers facing these challenges. The only solace that Leslie gets is when she is in the untouched land of the swamp that grounds her when she’s feeling overwhelmed. Besides the land, Leslie seeks comfort in her nerdy plant obsessed boyfriend. Her life is already a mess, but when she hears that her oasis is going to be filled with new homes it terrifies her. In order to win this battle and her own battles Leslie is faced with making a tough decision.

Such a great book on the complexity of grief. In the beginning Leslie was not super likeable, then as we got to peel back the layers I found myself just wanting her to find her place. The supporting characters stole the show and emphasized the importance of friendship and love.

By the Way, I Love You is a heartfelt and deeply introspective coming-of-age story that follows Leslie through her first year of college—a year marked by profound personal growth, the weight of grief, and the joys and challenges of building relationships. Susan Beth Miller expertly weaves a narrative that feels both intimate and universal, exploring the intricacies of love, friendship, and self-discovery.

Leslie is a complex and initially guarded protagonist, but as her journey unfolds, she becomes someone readers will root for. The relationships she forms—both with her peers and her burgeoning connection to the natural world—are rich with authenticity and warmth. Her growing fascination with botany and her willingness to engage with life's complexities add layers to her character that resonate long after the final page.

Miller’s writing is tender and nuanced, balancing moments of sorrow with glimpses of hope and healing. Her depiction of Leslie’s grief over the loss of her mother is especially poignant, capturing the ache of absence while also celebrating the resilience that grief can foster.

This novel is not only a celebration of personal growth but also a reflection on the beauty of connection—to people, to nature, and to oneself. It’s a story that reminds us that we are all allowed to be complex, evolving individuals.

Final Thoughts:
By the Way, I Love You is a beautifully written exploration of life’s transitions, perfect for young adults and mature audiences alike. Susan Beth Miller crafts a world and characters that feel achingly real, offering a narrative that is both optimistic and grounded. Highly recommended for readers who appreciate thoughtful stories about growth, grief, and the interconnectedness of life.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

In this book, we follow Leslie throughout her first year of college. We see her find friends, struggle with building relationships and go through so much character growth while grappling with the death of her mother.
I adored this book, and found it a surprisingly easy while heartfelt read. Leslie was a tough character to like in the beginning, but I found myself warming to her as the story progressed. Her friends were an absolute highlight for me, as well as her growing interest in botanica. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is looking for a touching story exploring grief, love, friendship, and the complexity of being a good person.
This review is posted on Goodreads

I could relate to the content of the this book as I am going through something similar in my life at the moment. It’s amazing sometimes how books reach you in your time of need. I love that about books they are such a comfort. Especially through challenging times