3.5/ 5 stars.

I really enjoyed reading this but It wasn't everything I wanted it to be. I definitely Empathized with the main character Brooke, I found it very difficult to not feel for her. Even though she didn't commit the crime her and her family felt the punishment from society that came with it. Honestly this book kept me captivated and made my heart hurt in so many ways. I liked it more than disliked it, definitely recommend reading this.

I enjoyed this heart-warming spin on the Romeo/Juliet tragedy, but this story focuses on how the death of a loved one affects the family members who are left behind. Brooke's brother Jason is in jail for killing Heath's brother Cal. Brooke's and Heath's families are still struggling to come to terms with the terrible tragedy that has changed all of their lives. When Brooke and Heath become unlikely friends - finding an outlet for their grief by talking about their current difficulties in adjusting to their new reality, and learning together how to cope with the aftermath of Jason's actions. Their friendship slowly grows into love - a love that is not acceptable to either Brooke's or Heath's families. So much of their lives went on hold when Jason killed Cal, but both Brooke and Heath are trying to find a way forward. This is a very well-written story, full of humor as well as sadness. Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this story in exchange for an honest review.

Even If I Fall, written by Abigail Johnson, is written well for a YA story, but had some flow concerns. Starting out with an odd scene with the main character and a friend driving a new car, which looking back was relevant, but oddly placed within the book. The author didn’t reveal names for the characters for a while and it was difficult to be drawn in to the book as a result. The scenes were choppy for the first 25% of the book, but did start to make sense after that. It took away from the story, in my opinion.

The story was about a family member who committed murder, which may be relevant for many teens. This book addresses the bullying and survivor guilt. The characters were moderately well developed, but most were unlikeable.

The story within the book, Even If I Fall, is heartbreakingly beautiful and compelling. Overall I didn't love the book but I did like it. I don’t often read YA books, but on occasion, I enjoy them. This was one that I did enjoy and would recommend to young people.

Thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher for a free e copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book was okay for a contemporary but had a few flaws. 'A bead of sweat forms and trickles down my temple, and i feel his gaze trace it." A bit dramatic much? The main character is absurdly dramatic and comes off as helpless. The book jumps in to the main character confronting the brother of the boy her brother killed. Honestly if I hadn't read the description I would have been absolutely lost. Also, you dont find out the main characters name until you're like 6% in the book.

Even If I Fall was such a heart-wrenching and riveting read, I could hardly put it down and there was barely a minute when I was reading it and not feeling the pain Brooke must have been going through. It's written very well to convey Brooke's thoughts, feelings, and point of view perfectly so that even if you haven't been anywhere close in your own life, you do understand her and you can sympathize with her. This story also made me think a lot about the families of convicted felons who often do get a lot of hatred sent their way, that they might not actually deserve. Seeing this family, all broken up and having to go through this was very painful.

**I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.**

Cute, fluffy ya books are one of my many weaknesses so as I'm sure you can guess I was pretty excited to pick this book up. I've never read one of Abigail Johnson's books before but the description sounded interesting enough. When I first picked this book up I was expecting a quick and fluffy read with some emotional problems thrown in, instead I got a lot of emotional problems with some romance thrown in periodically.

One of the few things I did like was the writing. Abigail Johnson's writing works well for this type of story and the only thing I really had an issue with was that while reading the time didn't flow very well. We would be in one scene and then a few pages later we would be a couple days later, which don't get me wrong that type of thing is fine if it's written right but in this case it wasn't. While reading I was very aware of the fact of how time was moving which isn't really something you want to be aware of as it takes away from the rest of the story. Besides from that one thing though I did really like her writing.

I also liked what she was trying to say with her story but because I didn't really care for any of the characters and a few I even hated like Brook's parents. None of the characters really clicked for me which is odd as I usually can find at least one character that I like even if I didn't like the book. Had there been at least one character I liked I think I would have liked this book a lot more.

Lastly I found the ending to be a bit of a disappointment. Throughout the book it was repeatedly teased that there was some big secret about Calvin's murder but it turned out to be a small thing that didn't really change anything.

Overall I didn't really love the book but I didn't hate it either. I do think that this would be a great book to read in the summer but don't go into it thinking it's going to be the best romance book you'll ever read.

So sad. My whole heart is just broken. I was so sad to but in the end it was so worth it to see how everyone came out in the end. A murder of a best friend a brother in jail. forbidden friendship. Emotions are everywhere in this book...

Even If I Fall is certainly part mystery, but could it be a possible love story as Brooke and Heath find a way to overcome their loss together.

One year after a tragedy rocks a small town to its core two families struggle to find some semblance of their former lives. Brooke is reeling from her brother Jason's confession of murdering his best friend, Cal. She can't fathom her image of her brother with that of a heartless criminal. She is convinced there has to be something more behind his motive, but Jason is not talking.

Brooke is heading to town when she comes across Heath, the brother of Cal, walking in a rain storm. She braces herself against his steely gaze, but can't help return and offer him a ride. In a town where she is ostracized Brooke finds herself drawn to the unlikely company of Heath. They soon find comfort in each other's company. How long can this friendship go on before their families find out?

For a YA this book packs a mighty punch. about forgiveness and moving on. My heart was simultaneously broke while compassion was rebuilding it. Definitely not a story to be missed!

Thank you to Harlequin Teen, NetGalley, and Abigail Johnson for an ARC of this book.

Amazing! Hooked from page one! Thank you netgalley for the free arc in exchange for an honest review!

I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.

In "Even If I Fall" by Abigail Johnson, Brooke's life is destroyed when her beloved brother confesses to killing his best friend, Calvin. Beginning about a year after the confession, the story focuses on Brooke, her family, and the struggles they have while trying continue with their lives.Brooke can not talk to her family so, because of a rainy day and a broken drown truck, she finds the one person she can talk to and who will understand, Calvin's brother.

I work in the criminal justice system and have seen how families are affected by one person's crime. They often can not talk to other family members because they are hurting just as much. One case sticks out among all of the others I have seen. At the beginning of the trial, two grandmothers, the defendant's and the victim's, sat as far away as possible from each other. By the end of the trial, when the verdict was read, they held each other up for support and said, "No one wins. Two young men's lives are ruined". The grandmothers left the courtroom still holding each other.

I have added both of Johnson's other book to my want to read list.

I DEVOURED this book! This book was so much more than a normal YA story! It was so real and compelling that it will pulling every single emotion from you. The characters and writing are so good that you feel as like you are one of the character in the story!

Overall: 4.5/5 stars

Writing: 4.5/5 stars
Characters: 5/5 stars
Plot: 5/5 stars
Originality: 4.5/5 stars
Pacing: 4/5 stars
Cover: 3/5 stars
Ending: 4.5/5 stars
Enjoyment: 5/5 stars

This is more then just a YA contemporary, it's a story about love, grief, friendship, family and forgiveness. I had no expectation for Even if I fall, but wow was it good.

This is a one sitting, stay up late kind of book. ICYMI Abigail Johnson is my absolute favorite writer of families and Even If I Fall just completely cements it.

How do you take two completely at-odds families and find a way to bridge them? I DON’T KNOW BUT ABIGAIL MAKES IT HAPPEN.

Brooke: ice skater, daughter, best friend, sister to a brother who killed his best friend

Heath: strong, quiet, brother to a boy who’s been killed by his best friend

You know this book is going to have a certain level of angst. Brooke and her family are the town outcasts but there’s no one who shuns her more than the family of the boy her brother killed. I thought this story was going to explore the murder more but I am glad it didn’t. Abigail did not go overboard trying to make Brooke’s brother sympathetic, though you can’t leave the story without wanting to changing everyone’s decisions.

If you’re a fan of complex family situations, small town/rural dynamics, friendships, and swoon, Even If I Fall is the perfect read for you this winter!

Wow, just wow. I was blown away by this book. Astounded doesn't even begin to cover it.

Brooke's family falls apart after her brother confesses to murder. I mean, that line right there should be enough for you to pick up this book. The inner turmoil of her family and Brooke is enough to break your heart.

If I had to break it down, I would tell you this: This book is part heartbreak and part mystery. Throw in some romance and well-written characters, and you have the perfect book. Brooke was great as a protagonist in this story. She tries her best to keep it together that she sometimes forgets to take care of herself. She is not the sum of her mistakes or the mistakes of her own family.

Overall, this was a great story. I highly recommend.

4.5 stars. Stunning! This was terrific. I loved the characters and the raw, emotionally complicated story. All of the emotions and angst, the families' coping strategies - all of it felt believable. The story is wrapped up in a satisfying way, but without any cheesy happily-ever-after. The ending was true to the complexity of the story and the characters and the tone of the story. Highly recommend!

Even if I fall by Abigail Johnson

5⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin TEEN for a review copy in exchange for a honest review.

Heartbreaking, love, family, strength, forgiveness. A contemporary book so compelling you won’t want to put it down.

Brooke, a 17 year old girl is struggling to keep her family together after a devastating event that could severe the family entirely. Her older brother Jason has been convicted of murdering his best friend Cal. Brooke has giving up her dream of becoming a professional ice skater because she can’t fathom leaving her family to deal with this event by themselves.

The only person Brooke has in her life that she can count on is her best friend Maggie, Maggie Is new to town. She hasn’t heard about the family tragedy that keeps to whole town from disliking them and Brooke tries to keep it that way.

One day she encounters Health, the younger brother of the boy her brother murdered. They start to talk and slowly start to fall for each other even though they know they should truly despise one another. They learn they can’t keep living in the past and the hate towards one another can’t keep coming up because it’s not their fault but Brooke’s brothers fault.

While trying to heal the brokenness within themselves and there families, love, strength and forgiveness is such a huge part of the story. I recommend this to anyone who needs a book to break your heart but heal it all the same.

Barnes And Noble: review posted January 15, 2019 at 10:49 A.M.

I think this was a really cute book. I say cute since it is classified as a YA novel. That being said, I do think it dragged on a little bit but if I was a teenager, I think it would be great. I guess I am saying the ending drug out a bit. Other than that, I really liked it.

It has it all...…….……… relationships with parents, siblings, best friends, and friends who have turned their back on you. It shows how communication can help heal hurt relationships.

Thank you #netgalley for allowing me to read an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. I think the Ms. Abigail is going to do great in her writing career.

Brooke pressured Jason “tell me who else was there that night Jase?” he slammed his hands against the table to push himself away, and he got up and told the guard “I’m ready to go back”.

Talk about suspense, mystery and a who, how and why plot. Oh my goodness this book has got it for sure. I could not read the pages fast enough. I had to find out what was going to happen next. It also has pain, heartbreak, resentment, hatred, and a slow journey to healing.

Would I recommend this book? Yes, with out a doubt. I have never read anything by Abigail Johnson before, but you can bet I will now.

Thank you to Harlequin TEEN & NetGalley for the opportunity to read this fantastic book. I received an eARC from them for my honest opinion.

I really enjoyed this one. There were so many layers, different relationships and reasons why for people to behave the way they did. Brooke was dealing with a lot, way more than most teens, and dealt with things in the best way she could. Heath was mature and sweet. I'd love to read more by Abigail Johnson.

Amazing read! The author wrote a story that was interesting and moved at a pace that kept me engaged. The characters were easy to invest in.