Its been a minute since I read a Jamie McGuire book, so when I heard she was releasing a new book, I was excited to read it. Then I read the blurb for All the Little Lights and was even more excited. This sounded a bit different than previous books of her I have read and was intrigued.

Elliott Youngblood and Catherine Calhoun clicked as soon as they met. They found a connection with each other that helped them develop a friendship they both valued. But then Elliott leaves and Catherine feels lost and alone. When he returns a few years later, everything is different.

When Elliott comes back, he is now on the school football team and popular, while Catherine is still an outcast and barely surviving. But Elliott is determined to win Catherine back. but when tragedy strikes, and Elliott is the prime suspect. Can Catherine really trust him?

All the Little Lights was very different than other books I have read from Jamie McGuire, however, it was still a story about love, but also touched on issues faced by young adults. The story was a bit darker, had some suspense and I found it engaging.

I have been a Jamie McGuire fan since .. oh for as long as I can remember. When I saw that she was releasing a new book, I couldn't resist requesting on NetGalley. I was ecstatic when they approved my request and can honestly say, this has been a thrill of a read. If you are a long-time fan on Jamie, please know that this is a little different than her traditional story type. The book itself lends to a dark and gothic atmosphere, and the characters are .. gritty. There's no other way to say it; wonderfully, realistically, gritty. I can't rave enough. If you are a Jamie fan -- READ THIS BOOK.

I fell in love with Jamie McGuire’s writing when I read Beautiful Disaster. All the Little Lights is not at all what I was expecting but that is not saying that I didn’t love it.

Elliot was playing with his new camera when he sees Catherine for the first time behind the huge house she lives in with her parents. When he's returns the summer they both are 15 they finally talk for the first time. They instantly have a connection and become best friends walking all over talk taking pictures. They are each other’s support system as they both have unhappy home lives. Elliott is living with his aunt and uncle during the summers.

Early on there is tragedy in Catherine’s life and when she needed Elliot the most his Mom forces him to leave town without even a word to her. Two years later he returns to town to go to school he becomes the school's star quarterback. He tries to talk to Catherine but she is still very mad at him giving him the cold shoulder, but it does not take him long to break thru. In the last two years things at Catherine’s house have gotten even weirder. Elliot worries about her but she says she is fine and keeps her secrets to herself.

This was a love story with a bit of a dark side very suspenseful and the big "secret" was quite the shocker I knew that there was something weird but I never thought that!! This story had more suspense and mystery with lots of twists and turn involving the characters than her other books I’ve read.

I will no spoil this story for you!!

4 <b> Youngblood and that girl </b> stars
This story is about Catherine and Elliot
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This story… is so completely different from what I have read from the author in the past. I must admit… I have been a horrible fan and haven’t read a book by the author in some time only reading her Beautiful series ans well as the 2014 Atria sampler. But is aw she had a TON of books coming out and I jumped at the chance to remember this fine author.

This story is about a lost girl, a lost boy and abuse.
That sounds so terribly morbid. But … alas it is true
Our two main characters are the subject to a ton of verbal and emotional abuse and some how they survive. There is no thoughts of suicide or even running away. What does occur is trust in the only other person in their lives .
This story is also about first love.
This story shows how a boy fell in love with a girl a long time ago when he didn’t really understand what love was. This story is about passion and heartbreak. This story is about broken homes, broken hearts and broken families.
This story is about divorce, bullying, racism, neglect, family/peer pressure, mental health, death, and most of all it is about hope.
..are you tired of me saying this story…
Its because it is one of those books you stew over. It enrages you, it engages you .. in a way it changes you. The plot twist in this book is top notch and I loved the story. There were parts that never really were explained and there were parts where the story felt repetive and slow. I would say this is a good young adult fiction. There is mention of sex and condoms but I don’t rate that as immediately being adult or romance genre.

From the moment I knew Jamie Mcguire was writing a new book I wanted to devour it. This story is unlike anything she has ever written. She has brought so many issues to light in this one book from domestic violence to racisms to mental health to bullying to lost of a love one. This isnt like any young love/ first love story you've read. Your heart will melt for Elliot and Caroline, break for them, and hope for the best that everything will turn out for the best for these two. Thank you Jamie, for blowing my mind with this book.

*Received a ARC from Netgalley and this is my honest to goodness review. *

ARC provided by NetGalley

Title: All the Little Lights
Author: Jamie McGuire
Genre: Contemporary, YA
Publication Date: May 29, 2018

I wasn't sure what to expect but I was completely engrossed. The author did a good job of keeping me guessing about what the heck was going on behind closed doors.
This is also a story about the effects of bullying, being judged by the color of your skin, your culture, and who your friends may be. But, it’s also about loyalty, protectiveness, and the resilience to overcome every adversity. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys YA books.

O.M.G. All the Little Lies was completely unexpected and quite a page turner. In all honesty, I haven't read a Jamie McGuire book in a long time but, I was ready to read a book by her not set in the Beautiful Disaster world and this was PHENONMENAL.
All the Little Lies should be read blind so I won't be putting too much about the plot but rather about the emotions it invoked - which was many. This is much more than a romance novel set in high school. This book covers hard topics like small town racism and family relationships while also delivering a love story. Catherine and Elliot met over one summer and as outsiders they quickly formed a bond. That bond is immediately tested in ways they couldn't imagine.
I devoured the book as I sped along to solve the mystery unfolding between these pages. The small town was rife with characters that made this book so much more chilling but on the flip side showed when things were good, they were really good.
Arrested in this story, I could not imagine the outcome and I am glad I went in blind. I know this is a standalone but I am so ready for more of Catherine and Elliot. Their story is unique and mature beyond their years. If you're a fan of suspense and romance be sure to check this out.

It’s been so so so long since I read my last McGuire. If I remember correctly it was Beautiful Oblivion almost 4 years ago. And I hadn’t even realized that that much time has passed when I haven’t read recently anything of hers until a month ago when I stumbled upon this book on NetGalley. And let me tell you, that the minute I read the blurb, I requested it in ONE-CLICK and, after, I jumped up-and-down when I got the confirmation email that I got it.

Plus, expect going without a McGuire, I was going without a YA also for quite some time. And All The Little Lights surely proved to be the perfect and most loud coming back in that genre.

My mind is super blown away. Except getting caught off guard with how unique and how beautiful the story of Catherine & Elliot was, I was also stupefied with that freaking plot twist towards the end when the secret that was looming over the whole book was finally revealed. I had to read that part twice until I actually got my mind wrapped around what I had just actually read. An almighty curveball ALRIGHT! *POOF*

Then, it’s the super awesome mystery & “darkness” that surrounded both the town, but most importantly Catherine’s life. Page after page, I was trying to figure out what she was hiding but I’d hardly scratch the surface of what actually was hidden. One of the coolest things that I experienced while reading this AMAZING book was that every word and every scene was forming in front of my eyes like an actual movie; like I was watching the book’s adaptation on the big screen instead of just reading it. And if there is a story that it deserves to become a movie, this is it!

Catherine & Elliot. How can I describe the avalanche of emotions these two created in me? What words should I choose so I can describe the beauty, the sweetness, and the innocence of their love story? It’s near impossible. McGuire undoubtedly nailed it with these characters. She wrote them so damn well and gave them such deep, complicated and captivating personalities that it made complete sense for their (love) story to be also like that, now that I am thinking about it. Catherine, from the one side, being the retracted, to-her-self girl who wanted to get the hell out of Oak Creek and find her way, and Elliot, form the other side, being the outgoing, proud for his roots, artistic, strong-willed boy who was soaring through his teenage life doing what was expressing him while having to deal with his parents’ fights and was loving Catherine fiercely.

I’d never loved snyone else the way I loved her, and I never would again. She was more important to me than she knew.

There are some facts about the book that they aren’t obvious but if you sit and watch the book from all respectives, you will see them.

The book may be a continuous story through its all 440 pages, but in reality, it’s divided into three parts.
It’s more than a love story. In reality, the love that Catherine & Elliot’s friendship blossoms into, it’s just a subplot which adds more intensity to the actual plot and makes its ending’s importance and impact heavier and with more dimensions.
The social “taboo” subjects of Mental Illness, Family Abuse aka “Domestic Violence” and Racism take center stage. The difference is that McGuire isn’t just raising these important subjects, but she is choosing to project them through the eyes of two 18-year-olds which elevates the book’s importance and takes it in a whole new level.
McGuire doesn’t stay only in Racism. She also adds a subject that we see more often that we should and that is the Law Enforcement Abuse of Power, which more and more nowadays is connected with racist behavior. How many times do we see police officers using the power that the government has laid upon them to protect the citizens for their own gain or just “because they can”, ending in shameful actions?
It’s not by chance that the story is unfolded in a small town. Usually, in the big cities, people have the “choice” to overlook the important stuff and go on with their life as the modern lifestyle asks. But, when the same stuff happens in a small town, people don’t have the luxury to overlook; they are forced to take notice.
The story is, also, negotiates with subjects as the importance of friendship, courage, standing up for yourself, being brave, following your dreams, the sacrifices we do for the people we love etc.
“Catherine isn’t a namr for a princess. Sounds like a warrior to me.”

There are no limitations to all the things you can extract from the simple and, at the same time, complex story of Catherine and Elliot. But, that’s the beauty of a great book, right? Though, I have to admit that I wasn’t used to this new, rawer, more real and challenging kind of writing style that Jamie adopted for this book. Sure, her Beautiful series (Travis & Abby) was full on rawness and emotional overload and in levels that you thought your heart wouldn’t be able to take it till the end. This time though, all that took a whole new meaning which resulted in me being mind-blowing surprised. And honestly, I think this is the style that fits her better. I can’t wait to read her new From Here To You which comes out on August 21st.

Elliot was holding out his hand, waiting for me to take it. I glanced around, searching for curious eyes. “Don’t look at them. Look at me.”

Wow I was not expecting this! I had no idea it was going to turn out like this. Now I did struggle for the first half trying to get into it. Once we got over the midway jump I could not stop reading. Jamie did a fantastic job on this book. Thanks to Netgalley for early copy for an honest review.

Jamie knows how to freaking write a book with a punch. My lord this book is like no other. It captivates you instantly with all the drama that Elliott and Catherine have to deal with. I freaking love Elliott. From a little boy he instantly knew there was something unique about Catherine. Poor Catherine has so much on her plate but she keeps living. This book has left me in awe I'm so grateful to be chosen to read it ahead of time. This book is YA but damn its GOOD!!!
I don't want to write so much and give the story away. Catherine has been bullied all her life in school. At home her life is worst. Elliott just wants to save her from it all. One of the girls who bully her go missing and Elliott is accused of taking her. Now Elliott is treated like crap in school as well even though he's the star quarterback. They find themselves hitting a rough path with every decision they make. All that saves them through this anguish is the love that they have for each other.
I have already posted this review on goodreads.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book for Montlake Romance title from the NetGalley.
I asked to review this book simply because it was Jamie McGuire and the cover was beautiful. I didn't even read the synopsis so I went in totally blind and I was blown away!
This book is unlike any of the books I have read from her. It will keep you on the edge of your seat the entire book trying to figure out what the BIG secret is.
Elliott and Catherine were friends when they were younger. He left unexpectedly and betrayed her trust. Now years have past and he's back but they two different people and have grown apart. He's star quarter back and she's the weird girl with no friends. Can he help her come out of the shell she has grown comfortable with? Or will he secrets be to much for him?
This was an amazing book and I would definitely recommend this book just have your tissues ready and be prepared to be stunned.

4 stars.
This unique story turned out to be nothing like I was expecting. Definitely different to the style that I am used to from Jamie McGuire, it still grabbed my attention and hooked me from the start. While the story was a little slow in the beginning, it was a fantastic blend of romance and mystery. Definitely recommend this read!

I'll be honest and say that I enjoyed this story, but did not love it. I have read one other book by the other when I first started getting into reading. This book in particular kept me entertained. This book contains a a first love, friendship, mystery, and teenage angst all throughout the book! I liked the plot and how the author constructed this story arch.

Review Scheduled to go live on blog on May 28th @ Naomi’s Reading Palace—http://nomisparanormalpalace.blogspot.com.au

It's been a long time since I've read anything by Jamie McGuire, and when I came across All the Little Lights, it sounded a little different to what I usually read, so I had to snap it up! I wanted to know why Elliott and Catherine felt like outcasts, why they were forced apart and whether or not they would let each other in and get back together.

Watching Catherine struggle with the issues she had at home was difficult, but I was glad that she finally had someone to turn to. Elliott lifted her spirit and made her feel normal. It was sweet seeing them together, and realising that they had a lot in common in regards to dysfunctional families. They really connected but when Catherine needed him most, Elliott was gone...

I loved how Elliott worked hard to gain Catherine's trust again, although she did everything she could to keep him away. I really wanted her to find a way to let him in, because when I realised what was happening at home, I thought that she should never had shouldered that burden alone. It was heartbreaking seeing Catherine alone, but with Elliott back she slowly let people in and learned to trust others again.

All the Little Lights really is a touching story, as both characters deal with situations that are out of their control. There are tough events that they go to together, and as individuals, but I could see that their love and connection never truly died. Jamie McGuire really did a magnificent job at delivering this story. She created broken characters that needed one another to become strong enough to change their lives. She kept me on edge and guessing the twist right up until the very end!

From Beautiful Disaster to All The Little Lights, Jamie McGuire proves she is an author who can write for a wide variety of readers. This thoughtful novel captures the beauty and heartache of first love against the extraordinary trials of life. Both Elliott Youngblood and Catherine Calhoun have unique situations, but the bond they forged at a young age pulls them through the worst of their senior year of high school.

The last time that Catherine saw Elliott her life fell apart in just one moment. When Elliott finally makes his was back to his best friend she's facing the hardest trial of all, yet she won't allow his help or friendship. His loyalty to Catherine, despite her efforts to push him away, is so invigorating and refreshing. I love that the hero of this story is a knight without coming across as sappy or one dimensional. Elliott has issues of his own starting with his dysfunctional parents, but despite his flaws he only wants to protect Catherine. Catherine has someone she wants to protect as well, but secrets she must keep weigh heavily on her.

Throughout the story I wondered what could be so horrible that Catherine would sacrifice a chance at love and a normal high school experience. The truth was astounding and made reading All the Little Lights worth the loss of sleep! I was really excited to read Elliott and Catherine's story, because the blurb had an air of foreboding. I had absolutely no idea where this story would end up, but I must say that I was pleasantly shocked. I was literally scratching my head in confusion during certain scenes not realizing that the words are carefully crafted to keep you guessing and in the dark.

Jamie McGuire is expert in creating well-rounded stories that feature exceptional characters and a setting that readers can easily jump into. All the Little Lights is compelling and emotional from start to finish! It has so much more depth than a typical fluffy teen romance, so you really feel as though you're reading something worthwhile. I highly recommend to readers of Catherine Bybee and Courtney Cole.
*ARC provided in consideration for review*

Young love, mystery, and teenage angst! The feels, man! McGuire knows how to do to angst. These two were kind of having a 2nd chance romance while only in high school. It was a unique twist. Its more than just the will they/won't they angst because there is a deeper mystery going on that I enjoyed more than the teen drama-llama.

All the Little Lights is a story about two young adults that find solace and an escape in each other from the very unfortunate family situations they are in.
They became fast and really good friends one summer, the summer Catherine‘s life implodes and becomes so much worse then before. Elliot is forced away from Oak Creek for a while because of his mother and her dislike of her hometown and Catherine’s mother. Elliot tries and tries to come back to her but two years go by without succeeding and without seeing her.

When Elliot is able to go back, he is set to win back Catherine’s trust, friendship and possibly more than that. Although she tries to keep her distance, she misses him and once she learns the truth about his disappearing act and how much he tried to get to her, she lets herself jump into a relationship with him. He is her safe haven; the only escape from the crazy life at the Juniper and the secret she has to keep.
But Elliot worries about her, she works too much, doesn’t have enough time to herself and to live the life a 17yo should be living. He starts asking questions but she can’t tell anyone or her life will implode. And then the she devil girl who never leaves Catherine alone goes missing and everyone suspects Catherine and Elliot have something to do with it, and they get the whole town’s backlash. But when Elliot’s future is at risk, she is faced with the choice: tell the Juniper’s secret or ruin Elliot’s life. She chooses Elliot but then someone else goes missing, and she figures out where that someone is and the whole truth comes out.

This book was sweet when it comes to the romance of it, it was very suspenseful and I don’t know if I just wasn’t paying enough attention or what but I was shook when the secret came out, shook! The truth never went through my mind and boy it was brilliant, it made so much sense. I’m still in awe of it. Everything came full circle. It was awesome. I really enjoyed reading this, and I definitely recommend it to all young adult and suspense fans; this one is for you.

This was a bit of a surprise. I did like this one, but didn’t love it. The romance between Elliott and Catherine was sweet, but the story was also a little weird. There was a mystery with the characters, that you are trying to piece together, and what a shock it was when it was finally revealed. It was a little slow in areas, but totally worth it in the end. I’d recommend it.
* ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

When I read the synopsis for All the Little Lights, I was intrigued. I had heard of Jamie McGuire, but I had yet to read any of her books.

I expected to dive right in and love this book, but it just didn't happen for me. didn't get hooked in the first few chapters, so the entire book dragged on for me as well. I wasn't connected to either Catherine or Elliot, and the mystery aspect fell flat. Furthermore, while a lot of relevant topics were addressed (and I appreciate that), it was almost too much....too much and too slowly.

That being said, I still plan to give her other books a chance because I've heard good things. This book just wasn't it for me.

***I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.***

I’m a huge fan of Jamie McGuire and Travis Maddox is one of my all time favourite book boyfriends, so when I saw this book and read the synopsis I had to request a copy! Having read the book, I’m not entirely sure what to feel. I think it’s safe to say it wasn’t quite what I expected. Having said that I liked the book and the story.

What did I like:
The characters are likeable, flawed and well written. Elliott is exactly what I would expect from a male protagonist created by Jamie. He is strong, independent, kind and protective. He also loves fiercely and with passion. He isn’t perfect, his temper is definitely a flaw, but I think that makes him even more lovable. Catherine was a strong, female lead but she was frustrating at times. Her inability to open up and trust Elliott with her secret was the main cause of the frustration, however based on the plot twist and the nature of the secret some of that was understandable.

What I didn’t like:
The pace was too slow at times. I felt that the book was much longer than it needed to be.
Although I did work out the plot twist at around the 60% mark, it took too long to be revealed (about 90%).

I enjoyed the book in parts but some of the content was unnecessary and therefore dragged on too long which is way I’ve rated it 3 stars.
I also don’t think it fits as an adult romance and read much more like a young adult or new adult book.

All the Little Lights is released for the Kindle on 29th May 2018 or in paperback on 24th July 2018.

Thank you to the NetGalley and the publisher for providing a copy. All opinions are my own and provided willingly.