Wow what beauty this book is and heart wrenching. I knew this was going to pull at my heartstrings, but I didn't know how deeply attached I was going to feel about these characters. What Beauty There Is follows Jack who has had such a horrible life and now he is looking after his little brother Matty. Their mother is dead and their father is in prison. He decides to use the stolen money his father had to help keep him and Matty alive. Our other main character Ava happens to be the daughter of a killer who is out for the money Jack has. Ava and Jack befriend each other, but how far is Jack willing to go to keep him and his little brother safe? How far is Ava willing to go to betray her father and keep her new friends alive and well?

This was a deeply emotional, and heartbreaking book. I cried for Jack and for Ava. I felt myself becoming so sad that I had to stop reading at points because this book was very dark. Even though this didn't have a lot of light and was mainly a horribly sad book it did have love. The love Jack had for his brother and the love Ava had for them. I really loved this and I didn't realize this was the start to a series, so I am excited to see where it goes!

With this novel, Cory Anderson became one of my favorite authors. Wow. Just wow.

What Beauty There Is beckons the reader throughout the story, painting vivid scenes and multifaceted character development. It is a painfully beautiful story of love, desperation, and hope, exquisitely breaking your heart while simultaneously warming your soul.

This YA contemporary is a brutal, heart wrenching, fault POV examination of the realities of poverty, the lengths we’ll go to protect the ones we love, and how childhood trauma shapes the adults we becomes.

Anderson’s debut features Jack, a tenacious and determined older brother who is determined to protect his younger brother Maddy at all costs. When the novel opens, Jack finds his mother’s body after she committed suicide. Immediately, Jack begins to think about his and Matty’s options. Where their mother dead and their father in prison, Jack takes it upon himself to keep them out of foster care and survive.

The second POV is from Ava as she meets Jack and becomes entangled in the web that Jack and Maddy find themselves caught in. She has been raised to care only about herself. Then she meets Jack and she is forced to make some hard decisions.

The driving force of this novel, and the facet that made the story absolutely breathtaking, is the internal monologues of both Ava and Jack. Their thought processes and motivations were simultaneously compelling and harrowing as they grappled with complicated issues that no child should ever have to wrestle with.

What Beauty There Is was also incredibly atmospheric. Set in northern Idaho in the dead of winter you could feel the cold as the characters worked to stay warm. I also had a fever while reading part of the book and reading about Jack’s own physical struggles, especially as he developed a fever, was a profoundly surreal experience.

One part survival story, one part heist novel, and one part gritty coming of age tale; I gave What Beauty There Is 5 gorgeously, heartbreaking 🌟. It will probably be one of my favorite reads of the year. I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves authors like Mindy McGinnis and Tiffany B. Jackson.

This book made me feel cold.

Set in the cold, cold winter of Idaho, this follows two brothers having to save themselves and each other.

But what's the mystery? It involves money, secrets, and the warmth of friendship.

I enjoyed this, but this didn't blow me away.

Thank you for the arc!

This book was SO WELL WRITTEN. Anderson has a great debut here. The characters were so real and the premise so thrilling. Make sure this is on your list.

This is truly one of the most stunning, mesmerizing, and heart-wrenching books I have ever read!! The writing is lyrical and profound, the plot is intense and moving, and the characters have incredible depth. As implied by the title, the author has managed to create a book that shines with an astonishing light despite the horrifying events contained within. The atmospheric sense of dread makes for a compulsive read but it’s the characters of Jack and Ava that really left me entranced. There is no way to accurately capture the immense beauty contained in this book without spoiling it. All I can say is prepare for an emotional journey that will leave you breathless. Thank you to MacMillan
Children’s Publishing Group and NetGalley for providing me with an e-galley in exchange for an honest review. This lovely book has earned a prominent place on my bookshelf and I cannot wait until the sequel is released!

DNF’d @ 20%

I can already tell this story is going to break my heart because it already started doing so in the first chapter. And as much I love having my heart broken by a beautiful story, I’m just not in the right mind set at this moment so the sake of the story and myself, I’m setting it aside for now. The writing is beautiful and I’m intrigued by the dual POV’s, the initial seeds of mystery/intrigue, and the way the chapters are formatted, but I can’t justify continuing and potentially ruining it for myself when I’m not in the mindset for it, because that’s not fair to a story I can already tell is going to be amazing.

The author is a great storyteller, capable of pulling so many emotions from me in such a short amount of time, so if you’re thinking of picking this up, try a sample to see if it will suit your mood at the time.

I’m giving this 3 stars for now because I feel like the author really has something great going here despite me not being able to finish it right now. When I do finish it I’ll update my review and rating at that time.

Overall, I enjoyed What Beauty There Is by Cory Anderson. The writing style was interesting, and the storyline itself kept my attention. The story's themes were dark, so be prepared for that.

The ending of the book was a bit confusing, and even though there was a big loose end left untied, I'm not really sure how this is going to turn into a series. Also, I'm 50/50 on whether I'd want to read a sequel.

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

Oh the feels. Death, suicide, child abuse, hunger, so much hardship and yet it was beautiful. Jack a teen, is stronger than most adults, when his mother commits suicide he is alone, his father in prison. He struggles to keep his brother with him, hiding their mothers death from authorities. Desperation drives him to his father who stole money and stashed it somewhere near just to feed his brother. His father is not a nice man, and Jack doesn’t get the help he wants. What he gets is even more hardships.
These kids are put through some seriously hard times. This book is very visually written, I could see and feel it all. I cringed, cried, and cheered, such a great read.
I received a copy of this book from the publishers for an honest review.

Thoughts and Themes: This book did take me a while to get into as it does start off slow, I’m glad that I stuck with it though because less than halfway through I didn’t want to put it down. Make sure to look into trigger warnings for this book before you start reading it, there is on page suicide, violence, murder, and abuse in this book.

I really liked how this book introduces you to the Jack and Matty’s story and walks you through moments of their past to explain the present. There are so many moments in this story that I just want to protect these two kids whose circumstances happen due to their parents. This book takes you on a roller coaster ride of emotions as you hope for the best possible ending for these characters you can’t help but love.

There’s a point in this book that I just wanted to toss my kindle across the room but I can’t talk about that scene without ruining the whole story. Just know that your heart will be breaking multiple times for the boys.

If any of you read this please message me, that ending has me so confused and I need to discuss it. I don’t know what happened and I know its probably up to the reader but I need to know what others thought. Should I be happy crying or sad crying about that ending?

Characters: In this story you get introduced to a range of characters but our main characters are Jack, Ava, and Matty. I really liked that each of these characters read the age they were. Even though Ava and were going through things that teenagers shouldn’t have to deal with, they still responded to those things in a teenage manner. They handled themselves well and they managed the things happening well but it was done in a way that remained true to their age and experiences.

I enjoyed reading the relationship that develops between Ava and Jack , especially the trust that they establish between themselves. I liked seeing how their past affects the way they respond to others and how they put that aside for each other.

Something else that I enjoyed through this book was the relationship that each character had with Matty. This is one of the characters that you instantly adore because he’s an innocent child and much like everyone else you want to protect him. I liked that he read as a young kid but there were moments that he pointed out to others that he was aware of the things happening around him.

Writing Style: This story is told in third person through a narrator that seems to be watching as the story unfolds. I liked to think of the narrator as the boy’s mother watching them from above and hoping for someone to save her sons. I also liked to think of the narrator as Ava at some times, like was Ava ever real. This book made me question what was real at times because of the italic portions that are included as well as the epilogue.

WHAT BEAUTY THERE IS is a consuming and compelling YA thriller. The book is told from several points-of-view, but primarily the beginning of each chapter from Ava's perspective and within mostly from Jack's. The two teens are captured in something bigger and more dangerous than is easily handled. Jack's father is in prison for a theft from which the money was never recovered. Many parties are watching to see where it could be hidden, and they believe Jack could be key.

After his mother dies, Jack is determined to keep his brother safe. A task that is impossible without money. It starts with a visit and snowballs from there, with Jack and his brother in danger at every turn. Ava gets pulled in to their lives, and with her help, their slim chances improve marginally. With the whole world seemingly against them, the race is on.

What I loved: The writing is absolutely gripping and poetic in a way that makes the real world seem blurry. This book completely captivated me from start to finish - it was impossible to put down. All the characters came to life off the page, and I appreciated the other perspectives sprinkled throughout, in addition to Ava and Jack. The story is dark and full of danger, and this definitely made my heart pound (and breakdown in tears at a couple scenes).

Despite the darkness and danger, one of the major themes was the beauty and power in caring about the people you let into your heart. While there was not really a romance per se, there was a deep caring between the characters that had its own power and beauty, and I loved watching them interact. As they became beloved to each other, so they do to the reader. This was a book with real, three-dimensional characters that leapt off the page.

I would add warnings for suicide, murder, animal cruelty, abuse, homelessness, and (on a lighter note) a somewhat open ending.

Final verdict: Consuming, captivating, and compelling, WHAT BEAUTY THERE IS is a stunning and dark YA thriller that will leave readers reeling. Highly recommend for fans of SADIE, RULES FOR VANISHING, and TRULY DEVIOUS.

Please note that I received an ARC from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Seventeen-year-old Jack Morton has a truly difficult life. His father is in jail, a participant in a drug deal that has gone horribly wrong. There was a briefcase full of money that exchanged hands in the deal, but no one is really sure where it is, and people are looking. Jack’s mother is spiraling further away from reality, in the clutches of opiate addiction. Jack is the only real adult, father and mother to his little brother, Matty. Their mother commits suicide while in the throes of addiction and Jack must either put his brother in foster care or find the money. Ava Bardem, a new girl at school is essentially imprisoned by her father, Victor, who is also after the drug money. She’s never chosen before but now finds that she can make a choice, the choice to help the boys survive.

This is a poetic, beautifully written book that captures the barrenness of deep winter in Idaho. When the bank forecloses on their house, the boys must survive with a few small possessions and little cash. Thankfully Ava can offer some help. New facts about the money come to light and Victor, a twisted murderer, will do anything to get it.

The book is clearly part of a planned series, but it would have been beautiful and hope-filled as a single volume. The characters are well developed, and the relationship between Jack and Matty is both unbearably sad and poignant. Readers will want them to have a happily ever after. Victor Bardem is absolutely horrifying as a sadistic killer. The things he does to get the drug money are beyond belief.

As a librarian, I have some observations that I would like to add. This book straddles the line between YA and adult fiction. It IS very good, but may not be appropriate for many students. Although I am not usually a proponent of trigger warnings, this book has numerous violent incidents, child abuse/ neglect, suicide, and drug use. The sad reality is that this book may reflect many teens’ lives, so it might need to be carefully presented to your oldest students/ patrons. If there is ever a book for adult patrons to go out of their way to read, this might be the one.

I felt a heaviness in my chest reading this. Loneliness, desperation, and love interwine in a beautiful yet heartwrenching story. One that explored the sins of the father and what one would do for those you love.

This is an outstanding and unforgettable novel; the surprising fact that it is also a debut novel makes it all the more remarkable!

With stunning skill, Anderson paints her characters and scenes with a bracing realism and words that have the power to stop you in your tracks. You are not just reading about young Jack, Matty, and Ava as they fight both the bitter cold and calculating evil for their survival - you are WITH them: feeling the cold, feeling their pain, feeling their fast-beating fear-filled hearts, feeling their resolve. It is easy to love this trio, who have never had the chance to be children, and may not live long enough to be adults.

Jack has been the man of the house for years. His father, a drug dealer, is in prison for robbery and murder. His mother, a drug addict, has been unable to care for Jack and his younger brother, Matty, and so Jack does. He loves his family, and would give his life for Matty, but he's not going to care about anyone else - it hurts too much. After his mother takes herself out of the picture, Jack is left to care for Matty with only $13 in his pocket and a house that has been foreclosed on and will be sold in two days. The only way he can possibly take care of the two of them is to find the ill-gotten gains from his father's robbery. No one has been able to find the stollen money yet, and Jack knows that his father's partner in the crime is looking for it too, but it's the only choice he has.

Ava has also learned the bitter lesson that if you can't trust and count on your parents, you'd better know how to take care of yourself. She has walled herself off from people in her attempt to keep disappointment and pain at bay. But Jack has been kind to her in school, and when she finds he and Matty in danger she wants to help them as Jack helped her. She knows the evil they are running from better than anyone.

Filled with danger and suspense, the pages whip by like the cold wind that batters the children. I was so captivated by this well-written story that I read it in one day. Put this book on your TBR pile; you won't want to miss it!! And add this new author on your list of authors to watch - she has earned her spot most gloriously!

My sincere thanks to NetGalley and Roaring Brook Press for allowing me to read an ARC of this book which is scheduled to be published on April 6, 2021. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this book.

Its is a beautiful and haunting story about survival and trauma. It reminds me a lot of winter’s bone mixed with fargo. The writing was gorgeous and the characters were very interesting. I do feel like it could be potentially triggering, i had a very hard time with it and almost put it down many times. But I think that is more me not being the right reader for the story then the actual book itself.

What a beautifully dark, raw, and painful story.

What Beauty There Is was incredibly difficult for me to put down once each character was introduced. It's a potent storyline, that really captured my attention! The way Jack is so determined to care for Matty and how Ava slowly gets swept up in their lives...it was fluid and all came crashing together in the end. I will say, the ending was a bit of a downer (only because I was rooting for something different), BUT it definitely left me interested to read the next book and that's fairly typical of series openers.

There's a narrative at the beginning of each chapter and for me, some of it felt unnecessary and left me a bit confused. Though, other parts added to the ambiance of the story nicely...so it'll be up to each reader to decide if that's something they enjoy as I'm kind of indifferent to that part of the writing.

Overall, I definitely recommend checking this one out if you're looking for a heart-wrenching, thrilling read.


Huge thank you to Roaring Brooks Press via NetGalley for the e-arc and via BookishFirst for the advanced finished copy to read and review honestly.

4.5/5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan for an advanced copy of this to review! Honestly, the first thing I noticed about this book was the cover. Look how gorgeous it is! The writing within reflects the beautiful title, you can trust me on that.

First of all, this is a pretty dark, heavy book. It deals with a lot of heavy issues, like suicide, drug addiction, and abusive relationships. However, Anderson does it in such a way that your heart hurts for the characters. Jack and Matty find themselves in a more and more dangerous situation throughout, living through hardships that no one should have to endure.

While the character development is definitely well done, the plot is where this book shines. The book starts out running and doesn't let up until the very end. Seriously, I was on the edge of my seat almost the whole time reading this. The characters and the plot work together to create a story that pulls you in and doesn't let go. Plus, the ending sets up the sequel, which I'm sure will be just as compelling.

This book is dark, but there's still an element of hoping running through it. It's all that keeps Jack, Matty, and Ava moving forward. The hope that eventually, they'll get to the finish line. The hope that their lives could possibly be normal, someday.

Despite the emotional devastation this book might put you through, it's one of those books that will keep you thinking long after you finish it. These characters won't leave your mind easily, and all the more reason to wait anxiously for the next book.

5/5 Stars
To be released April 2021.

What Beauty There Is is a suspenseful, page turning story. The novel follows Jack, whose left alone to fend for himself and keep his brother safe. His father is in prison after drug deal gone bad and is rumored to have stashed a briefcase of money somewhere. Jack becomes pulled into this world as he searches for the money so that he can provide for himself and his younger brother, Matty.

I did not want to put this book down. It's a tale of survival and love and will have you on the edge of your seat to find out what happens. Cory Anderson creates real and terrifying characters and places them in situations that will pull at your heart strings.

WOW! I have no words to describe the experience of reading this raw, unforgettable book. You can tell that Anderson put every thought and detail into each page and did a wonderful job in doing so. This book felt like a classic from the very beginning and i was deeply invested in all of the characters.
Jack age 17 is dealing with far more than a teenager should ever have to deal with, an addicted mother, a father in prison, and a little brother relying on him for food, heat, and shelter. Jack and Matty's mother has been addicted to opiates for quite some time and decides to hang herself to take away the pain and numbness she felt. Unfortunately Jack finds her body and decides to bury her. Jack is left with no good choices when it comes to survival, he has barely any food or money, but he is willing to do whatever it takes to protect Matty as he is under the threat of being taken away by social services.
Ava Bardem, the daughter of a ruthless killer known as Victor Bardem, is alone and knows better than to let anyone into her heart including her father. Jack tries to help Ava at school but she tells him to stay away from her. With no other options Jack decides to visit his incarcerated father to find the money he stole from the pawnshop that was never recovered. This involves him with some the worst type of people including people that deal drugs, are after the same money, kill members of his family, and end up hunting him and Matty to get what they think they deserve.
For those who need trigger warnings this book is dark and there are instances of violence, suicide, drugs and child neglect.

A poignant, heartbreaking, heart-pounding thriller. I loved this book, although it left me confused at times.

I hope Anderson has the opportunity to write more stories.