Review: More than We Can Tell

* companion book to Letters to the Lost *

Emma loses herself in the gaming world that she built, but keeps hidden from her parents. She's having a hard time dealing with her parent's constant fighting, her mother's disapproval, and her relationship with her best friend. On top of all that, an online troll threatens her one source of escapism. Luckily for her, she meets a boy unexpectedly and find herself able to open up to him.

Rev's father tortured him as a child. Now that he's turned 18, his father has contacted him. Rev doesn't know how to tell his adoptive parents. He doesn't know how to respond to his father. Rev believes there's a monster inside of him - just like his father. But he doesn't want to let it out. Talking with Emma helps - a great deal. But the two of them will have to confront their demons.

My Thoughts: I adored this book; I had a hard time putting it down. I loved the dual perspectives. I felt heartsick for both characters, but especially for Rev and what he endured during his childhood. I loved seeing Juliet and Declan again! I love how Emma and Rev find each other - and keep noticing each other until they become something significant to each other. I adored Texas. I loved Emma and her game building/coding skills, I like seeing STEAM in books. I enjoyed the moments between Matthew and Rev - even the tense moments and how they worked through them. This book gave me ALL the feels, but most of all it gave me hope. I can't wait to read what Brigid Kemmerer writes next!

Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: ARC sent for review
Library Recommendation: A must have for school and public libraries - along with Letters to the Lost. 

Review: Letters to the Lost

Juliet and her mother exchanged letters while her mother was away photographing the news. Now, even though she died months ago, Juliet can't break the habit. She leaves the letters on her mother's grave. She's angry and curious when someone writes back to her.

Before long, she's started a correspondence with this person. She learns quickly that he lost someone too - and the guilt he feels weighs on him. Another connection, as Juliet feels guilty about her mother's death.

Juliet and Declan share their inner most feelings with each other, realizing that they are the same age. They don't share identities, but unbeknownst to them they do interact in real life. Their interactions with each other couldn't be more opposite than their conversations through letters. When the truth comes out, will their relationship fizzle?

My Thoughts: I couldn't stop reading this book! I loved the duel perspectives, the letters back and forth, and their interactions at school. I love how they both death with death and how they both felt guilty about their roles, but also how they helped each other overcome their grief. I felt terrible for both of them as their stories unfolded. I enjoyed Juliet's father. I loved Rev and his family. And Declan's boss at the graveyard -  I love how their relationship unfolded. I enjoyed Declan giving his classmates something different to see in him when they had already made up their minds about him because of his criminal record. I loved the photography aspect of it. And of course the hopeful ending and that slow burn.

Cover Thoughts: Adorable. I love it - understanding it better after reading the book.
Source: Book sent for review

Library Recommendation: Perfect for school and public libraries!