A million years ago, back in May 2017, I received a copy of this book for review via NetGalley. And because I am me, I completely forgot about it. Eventually, by the time that I did remember it, the book had expired and I could no longer get to it. Still, I felt I had an obligation to read and review this novel. So, when it came into my local library I went and I got it and now, here we are. Let's get to this review and I'll try to keep it short.

I don't know what I expected from this book but it certainly wasn't what I got. In a way, this book was far better than I ever imagined it would be. This book is about a young girl, Krista, whose mom died and who now had to live with her father and his new girlfriend. The only way Krista has of dealing with her depressive thoughts is by focusing on the mysterious house 758.

For a good part of the book, we are drawn into the mystery of the house and who lives there, as well as why it is that Krista is so obsessed with it. This was interesting to read about at first but after a while, I felt it kind of dragged a bit. For having been such a short novel (250 pages)  I felt that a bit long near the middle and this is why I am not rating it higher.

The characters in this book were interesting and compelling enough to keep me interested although at times I did get a little fed up with Krista. I also wasn't a huge fan of the romance that develops between Krista and her Jake. Don't get me wrong, the romance is a not the main focus of the story, nor does it distract from the plot.

What I enjoyed most about this book is that it focuses a lot on family and I really liked Krista's interactions with her grandfather. Young adult novels have the tendency to focus on just the main character and their problems instead of looking at the those around them and how they are dealing with the situations. This book though is a coming of age story that focuses on family dynamics and coming together.

Overall, I'm really glad I got to pick this up regret not having read it earlier. I would recommend this to someone who likes reading YA coming of age stories.

**I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.**

I appreciated that the book was realistic in it's 'life is not a happy story' way, however I felt that some of the story came across as repetitive and not very convincing. I couldn't relate to Krista and so I found the story difficult to really sink into. The plot however wasn't bad and I did enjoy the journey that Krista went through. I think the grief genre was a little out of my ball park as I tend to stick to the same soppy chick lit's so it was a refreshing read, but maybe not entirely what I expected. I would however recommend this as I felt it was good to read once, I don't think it is one I would read again in the near future though.

This book beautifully copes with grief, loss, and moving on, whilst at the same time exploring Kristas coming of age. A lovely novel from a new (to me at least) YA writer

A strong portrayal if dealing with teenage issues such as first relationships, loss, and a feeling of distance from the world. A great debut from a new talent in the Young Adult genre. Well worth reading and gifting to teenage relatives. One to watch!

In this book, a variety of themes are addressed. There’s Krista’s depression and her struggles to move forward; there’s her growth and the new relationships she establish with Jake, her grandfather and other characters near her. And there’s the story of his grandfather, who experienced the Holocaust.

This mixture of themes is the strongest point of this novel. Unfortunately, it’s also its biggest flaw. In fact, I feel like no theme has been adressed with completeness. For this reason, at the end of the novel you might feel a bit empty, like nothing has really been solved. Krista’s growth starts in this book, but it doesn’t stop here: when we reach the ending, it’s like we’re only at the very beginning.

I’m not saying that as a bad thing; I think it’s awesome that it makes you feel that Krista has still room to grow, that the story doesn’t end there with a happily ever after. I’m not the biggest fan of open endings, but I think it’s the perfect one for this bitter sweet story.

The narration is what I liked the most. It managed to stay simple but at the same time to convey so many different feelings. Moreover, the mystery surrounding the house at 758 is well built and capable to surprise you even at the very end. Although I hoped it would have been the main focus of the novel, something that solves it all. But as I’ve already said before, this novel is the result of a mix of things just like in real life.

The fact that this novel is so realatable and near the reality makes it so enjoyable. The author doesn’t try to explain you how the different pieces come together. Simply, stuff happens and you have to take it and react to it at your best. As a reader, you’re discovering what Krista experiences and it’s up to you to draw the conclusions.

The only thing I wished it was better intertwined with the other things going on was the story of Krista’s grandfather and the development of their relationship. I feel like they strengthen their bond almost out of the blue; in this case, I think that some deepening was necessary. Also, as much as I appreciate the presence of the Holocaust theme, its relationship with the main points of the plot isn’t well explained. I mean, there’s a noticeable connection, but it’s not highlighted and doesn’t find its right place in Krista’s growth.

In conclusion, I’d totally recommend this book for the variety of feelings it conveys. I found it realistic, bitter sweet and peaceful, although the themes it deals with aren’t the easiest.

“The House at 758” is a coming-of-age story centered around grief and the unhealthy ways people deal with it. I found Krista and those around her intriguing and I genuinely worried about her mental health and safety. It’s an odd story in the way it reads and that adds to the appeal. The storytelling fits the plot perfectly and almost becomes a character unto itself. Recommended!

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of "The House at 758."

Summary: Sixteen year old Krista is struggling to overcome her mother's unexpected death at the same time that her father seems to be moving on with his life. She pushes EVERYONE away, including a boy who takes an interest in her and the children of her father's new girlfriend. However, everything changes once her grandfather comes for a visit.

Mrs. Theander's opinion: This book felt TOO fast. Not that I'm looking for a drawn-out story but things just felt too quick. Like, Jake suddenly has this huge, giant crush on her? I know that he says he liked her back in elementary school but still, come on.

Grandpa's history about surviving the Holocaust? The coincidence with what happens in the story seems too forced. I don't think it fits the overall theme... which is what? You have to learn to move on and not let the past hold you back? Could Grandpa have experienced something else--maybe in Venezuela--that could have showed us this?

Speaking of Grandpa, he's tired and pale and has to get a biopsy and yet his official disease isn't mentioned in the epilogue? Is it lupus? Is it cancer? Please tell me!

And why doesn't Krista ever mention Lucy? I just didn't understand this part one bit. Is it because this is what she feels the most guilty about? Is it because she can't bear to talk about her? Why oh why oh why?

See what I mean? More unanswered questions than answered and characters changing much too quickly for my liking.

How did the conversation go with the Aziz family? It just never ends! I don't want to work this hard to infer about ALL these questions.

If you like sorta-feel good and sorta-feel stories that are quick reads, pick this one up.

3.5 stars. A coming of age story in which Krista is reeling from the death of her mother and the fast remarriage of her father, which manifests itself into an unhealthy fascination with the House at 758. The writing is fast and the characters are developed enough that I felt for almost every single one of them as they dealt with their struggles with whatever they were facing. I'm not usually a fan of YA books, but I did like that this one didn't feel as angst-y as they usually seem to, Krista had real issues and it focused on her whole family, not just her as a character alone.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I'm a sucker for books that deal with grief (well) and this was such a wonderful and therapuetic book to pick up! If you're going through a hard time in your life you HAVE to read this book!

The House at 758 tells the story of Krista. Krista is in High School, has exactly one friend and has suffered a terrible loss some time before. We learn more and more about that loss and how it happened as the book goes on.

I felt for Krista but she was still such a brat. I often wanted to shake her, she drove me insane at times.
I couldn’t relate with her.
The plot, however, wasn’t too bad, I mostly enjoyed the journey she went through and her growth...

A great read for everyone. Would recommend to anyone who loves coming of age stories.

the story line moved very very slow which I wasn't fond of it that much. And I didnt get the feel for the lovers, idk. I might be on my reading slump while reading it. :) I apologize for that. :(

5 out of 5 stars.

This book was so insightful and hardhitting but also sweet at the same time. Krista is navigating through life after losing her mother. When her Hungarian grandfather visits from Venezuela she thinks about things in such a different way. I don't want to give too much away just go read it. This is one I will be reading again and again.

I enjoyed this coming-of-age story, but what stopped me from rating higher was that the pacing of the story seemed off.The story felt a bit too slow and then towards the end, it felt rushed. I am grateful that I can't relate to the pain Krista was going through, but I felt with her. This was emotional, mysterious, and all that was advertised.

Thank you to NetGalley for my ARC.

This book felt so dearly lovable. I adored all the characters and the way they acted in the circumstances they were put in.
This book was short yet just what it was needed.
I love the main lead and her relationship with people.

The best part was her relationship with her grandfather. Because personally, I'm very close to my grandfather - so I absolutely adore there relationship and understanding.

I highly recommend this book - short and sweet but too deep.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

•Pro: Yes, it's another grief book, and the pain in this one was intense. We know Krista is still dealing with her mother's death two years later, but we don't have the full story, and I knew there was more to it, because Berla dropped these little breadcrumbs along the way. My heart cracked in half when I got the whole story.

•Pro: Krista was so wounded and consumed by her sadness. She felt alone, but also felt like people handled her with kid gloves, because of what had happened. I really wanted her to find an outlet for her pain, because it was eating her alive.

•Pro: Jake! This boy was special. Any guy, who can see past that "meet cute" is a keeper, but he proved himself as worthy of Krista's friendship over and over again. I really enjoyed the scenes they shared together, and was keeping my fingers crossed that Krista would be able to escape her fog of grief long enough to enjoy Jake's company.

•Pro: I loved my grandparents so much, and am thrilled when they are featured in stories. Krista's maternal grandfather comes for medical treatment, and he really helps Krista with her healing process. We also get to learn about her grandfather's childhood, which caused some tears. I loved the way his story was used to help Krista too.

•Pro: It was awesome to see Krista's social circle grow as she started to heal. With each new friend, we saw Krista becoming more whole.

•Pro: I was really impressed with how much story Berla gave us in so few pages. This is a short book, but it's very complete. I felt like the characters and storyline were well developed.

•Pro: Berla didn't got the miraculous healing angle. Krista suffered a great loss, and avoided dealing with it for two years, so her journey was not over, but she is moving in the right direction, and I thought that was realistic.

•Pro: That was an interesting choice Berla made at the end, and the very end. Well, let's just say I re-read it, and I am crying a little right now. It was very sweet.

•Overall: A beautiful and moving story of love, loss, grief, loneliness, family, and healing. I loved every minute of this book, and adored the way Berla had the story unfold.

As if being 16 weren’t bad enough, Krista is still dealing with the death of her mother. Her father has moved his new girlfriend in and wants Krista to start acting normal again and find something to do. Her best friend is going to Maine for the summer. And Krista feels like she has no one to talk to about her pain.

So, she spends her time in a tent on top of the house, shoplifting, and watching a mysterious house. She’s not ready to act normal again. Then she meets Jake, who works at the store she shoplifts, and her dad tells her that her grandfather, a Hungarian Holocaust survivor, is coming to visit. Krista starts to feel better, but if she never deals with the past, will she ever feel normal again?

The House at 758 took me by surprise. First, I feel like Krista is my spirit animal. Living in a tent on top of the house because you don’t want to be around people? Sign me up for that! Krista is hurting desperately, but she doesn’t want to ask for help. She’d rather brood and act like everything is okay, because shouldn’t people know what she’s going through? Dealing with dark emotions like grief, anger, and guilt isn’t easy, and Krista fights against it for a long time, until she starts to realize that there is more than one side to every story. This was an engrossing read that drew me into Krista’s head and kept me rooting for her to make a breakthrough and start to see light again.

(Galley provided by Amberjack Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.)

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Also linked on Twitter and Instagram, and an Amazon review.

A beautiful coming of age story. I think this book tackles love, loss coming of age in a easy to understand way that is emotional and believable. I enjoyed the characters and their interactions. I was pleasantly surprised by this book.

This book has it all, coming of age, mystery, loss of a loved one, and everything that leads a lost 16year old to try to move on with her life after the loss of her mother. Great writing/plotting.

I received an early copy of this book in return for my independent honest review. This well written and well translated book got me thinking about all perspectives of grief from those of a young adult coming to terms with the loss of a parent, the widowed spouse trying to move on with life and also the older generations in our lives who have seen so much and felt grief in all its dimensions. In my opinion this book tackles love, loss coming of age in a easy to understand way that is emotional and believable. I enjoyed the characters and their interactions.
Great book for its target audience, but also as a parent it helped me understand how loss affects our children in different ways to us.