Amelia and Jenna are best friends and making plans to be college roommates, until Fate steps in and Amelia is left grappling with life after Jenna and life after high school. One day, Amelia receives her favorite, absolute favorite, book in the mail. It's a rare edition and signed by the author, who is she slightly obsessed with. It's a mystery who sent it to her or how "they" knew to send it to her favorite bookstore. Her only clue is the name of a bookstore that's taped to the package. On a whim, she decides to travel to the bookstore, which is in Michigan, hoping to find answers about the book, the author, and whether this all part of Jenna's plan.

This is one of those, "you're gonna cry but it's a feel-good cry" type of book. Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down. There were parts that were syrupy bubblegum sweet, but then there are other parts about grief, grieving, and living. I enjoyed the writing style, the flow and pace. If you're looking for a positive, feel-good story to get you through those not-so-positive days, this is it.

Thanks to NetGalley, Ashley Schumacher, and St. Martin's Press for an advanced eBook copy in exchange for my honest review.

This book is magical. I was afraid it might be too sad or depressing, but this was beautifully written, and despite some heartbreaking realness, it was overwhelmingly more about hope, resilience, friendship, and love.

This book captures some of the heartbreak and confusion of being a young adult trying to find one’s way when the world is ripped apart, yet infuses it with the triumph of finding oneself and one’s purpose.

The way this author incorporates the power and wonder of imagination and an almost fairy tale quality within this contemporary young adult story is stunning. I can’t recommend this book enough, I loved it.

Wow....not sure where to start with this one. Although I felt some parts boring, this book was so much...it is for anyone who has ever needed a friend, about how far friendship will go, loss of so much, loss of family, loss of friends and loss of oneself. It is about learning how love after loss and how to truly find who one is. It is about love, love between a girl and a boy, love between friends and love between family and accepting that love for what it is and where it is. This book is for anyone who has ever got lost in the words, the worlds and the characters of a book and for anyone who has ever escaped into a book in order to deal with life. This story is about books that shape us and leave an impact for the rest of our lives.

A story of love, loss, grief, and healing. A story of finding yourself, losing yourself, and the journey of self reflection to find yourself again.

This book truly does an amazing job of capturing the feeling of being 18 — of trying to navigate that awkward, and crucial, in-between. The feeling of being torn in two by the childhood you’re leaving behind, and the adult you’re growing into. Between childishness and maturity, of naivety and adulthood. The struggle of wanting the entire world but having to come to terms with finding your own slice. Navigating the unknown, trying to find yourself and where you fit in the grand scheme of things. These characters are teens, and they’re authentically so, but we get to learn and grow with them and in turn get a peak into much more depth than I’d originally thought.

I thoroughly enjoyed this read, and to be honest it took me by surprise. I didn’t expect to come out liking it as much as I do. However I do feel like this book would’ve been a huge deal for me in my teens, it would’ve sucked me in harder and I would’ve been broken to have to let it go. Even still, I was able to delve right into the story and the characters and the fantasy — filling me with such intense longing and nostalgia, and reopening old wounds I thought had healed long ago.

Every once in a while, there are books where it feels as if your hands are simply not strong enough to hold the immense weight of it on their own. And so your heart steps in and with every beat, every pulse, you begin to feel that pressure. Because it's the kind of weight that stays with you for a long time, a particular kind of density that makes a home inside your chest.

I can feel how my heart now carries the heaviness of this book. And oh, what a privilege that is.

Because this book is a beautiful reminder that sometimes the best story is the story of your own life, the best characters are the people you love, and the best writing are the words that come from your heart. This confirms that not all endings are filled with grief, and sometimes there doesn't have to be an ending at all. This shows how courage often just means turning one page, making it through just one more day. This promises that life is worth more than an abridgement.

This is a book I will recommend until the end of my days with the hope that maybe, just maybe, others can carry this story in their hearts, as well.

3.5 stars

Grief is a topic that is well managed in many YA novels, and this is no exception.

Amelia and Jenna are close friends whose power dynamic centers on Jenna's more stable home life and sense of self. When Jenna dies VERY early on, Amelia is left to manage her feelings, Jenna's parents' feelings, and her own future.

In a creative twist, Amelia feels like Jenna impacts some of those aspects of Amelia's mourning process. I won't say much more about that to avoid spoilers - just that it's creative, and the conversations around grief are nicely developed overall.

I did find Amelia's character to progress dramatically - and in some less-than-believable ways - throughout the novel. There are also some other elements that are convenient, to say the least. That noted, I enjoyed the read overall and would recommend it, especially to a reader interested in this subject.

“I tell myself to go slow, but years of reading have made he a hate, not a tortoise, and my eyes are gulping words while before I can stop them.”

The Orman Chronicles are Amelias favorite book series, and lucky for her, her best friend Jenna’s parents got them tickets to his upcoming signing. Unfortunately author N.E. Ednsley is a no show. Or so Amelia thinks until Jenna tells her on the way home that she met him before he left. Amelia is furious and heartbroken, but little does she know her heart will soon shatter when Jenna is unexpectedly killed in a car accident. Soon after, a rare edition of the first book shows up and nobody can tell her where it came from. Amelia knows she must go on an adventure to find the true meaning of this gift.

Oh man this book. So first of all, besides the whole dying thing, I am Jenna. Do not destroy my books, they should be treated with love and tenderness always! This is why only a few people are allowed to borrow my books! The quote above is one that immediately stood out to me as I am sure it will for most readers! I love that feeling of excitement to read something that you want to savor it, but of course can’t stop yourself from devouring it!

Anyway, This book had me in tears by the end. I adored Jenna’s parents and the love they showed Amelia, even after they lost their daughter. I have a friends parents that treated me the same way my entire life, and it is such a beautiful and heartwarming relationship. The descriptions of Val’s bookstore were beyond amazing, I could just imagine myself exploring the floors and shelves with stars in my eyes. Nolan was so infuriating to me at first but as the book went on and we learned of his trauma, my heart just broke and opened up completely to him, as did Amelias. I didn’t expect to love this one as much as I did, but this book is a warm blanket on a cold and sad day. It just completely stole my heart, and hope it will steal yours too!

*𝘈𝘙𝘊 𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘭𝘺 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘺 𝘱𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘷𝘪𝘢 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸

So as you can tell from this synopsis, this is a very hard-hitting novel.
But it is also a very powerful read, that turns a devastating experience into a journey for Amelia to focus on herself and figure out what she really wants from life.
The grief and guilt depicted in this book is incredibly well done.
Overall, this book just deals with so many different things, the aspects are very nuanced,ending was so perfectly done and I am deeply impressed with how many topics were packed into this debut novel.
It definitely comes with a recommendations from me.

Its funny how I can relate to some of this book as a blogger. I often feel unwelcome in the book community because I haven't achieve the success of other bloggers, and this book reminded me of how painful that feeling can be. I love how define these characters are, and the way the author add so many different emotions to the characters. Such a great but painful read.. Cant wait to see more work from this author and will recommend this book to many friends

I. Love. This. Book! Such a treat for those of us who have books as best friends, have lived our lives in the company of many, many novels. Didn’t read like the usual sloppy romance typical of young adult books. This is smart. Doesn’t dumb down. The feelings of grief and loss and how to continue living after a major loss is well described. Those of us who can relate will truly appreciate that. Such a beautiful plot married to great characters. I’m just sitting here in awe of how much I loved it. We are such complex creatures. And like Nolan says: “ I hate endings. Hate them. If the story is good, it’s never going to be long enough”. Exactly!

This was wonderful. It will likely be one of my favorite books of the year but I’m struggling to put my reasons into words. The story follows Amelia through the grief of losing her best friend. She takes us on a journey to track down a book that appears to be sent from that friend from beyond the grave. Along the way, she meets someone special who sits with her in her grief and helps her find her way through. And there are so many books and a quirky bookstore! And a beloved reclusive author struggling with writer’s block! And lovable, small town charm! It was so well done. It’s much better than my description,

Amelia Unabridged is everything I needed in a book. Amelia learns to live her life with her best friend by her side and need to relearn what living means once Jenna dies in a car accident. Schumacher's portrayal of how to live after a loved one dies is so beautiful. She makes the power of getting lost in a book such a relatable experience. I can't wait to see what else she comes out with.

Amelia Unabridged
by Ashley Schumacher

From the dedication page...
""What will we do?" Emmaline asked, watching as the storm clouds gathered into menacing darkness.
"We'll do the only thing we can," Ainsley answered. "Endure.""

This book stirred up, no, gouged open old emotions. I wish I had been able to read it years ago when I lost my best friend.

Amelia Unabridged left me a literal crying mess yesterday. I finished it all in one sitting. My tea went cold, my fireplace went out-twice. I laughed a little. I cried a lot. I FELT. It has been a very long time since a book truly took me on an emotional journey, but that is exactly what happened yesterday for me. I had to wait until today to attempt this review; I was just too raw and open yesterday afterwards.

This may be the most perfect book I have ever read. The characters are real to me. I can hear their voices. I can empathize with their problems. I love that they are imperfect and flawed. The author's beautiful words became music to my heart that swept me away. As soon as this book is published, it will become one of the few actual physical books I have in my home. It will be re-read, and much highlighted.

I could continue to gush about the perfection of this novel and the many different ways it touched my heart, but I think instead I will take myself for a walk and watch the whales skim my treetops and listen for a clever wind. (You will understand once you read it.)

Five beautiful, emotional, lyrical, healing stars for Amelia Unabridged.

*Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for a digital copy of this book.

I don't really know what to say about this book. I think if I had read it three years ago, I would have loved it. But I'm a different person now, and while I still enjoyed it, I didn't love it like I hoped to. I'd definitely say it's a good book though.

This is a gentle exploration of growing up, losing a best friend, and finding yourself through good books, sweet romance, and a doofy dog.

Did not finish. This novel was not for me. I had a hard time connecting to the story and the characters.

Thank you St. Martin’s Press, Netgalley & Wednesday books for sending me an ARC of Amelia Unabridged by Ashley Schumacher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

What can I say about this book. What can I even say to truly grasp the beauty of this book. My heart is singing and my eyes are tear filled. This is hands down one of the best ARC’s I’ve had the absolute pleasure of reviewing,

Amelia Unabridged follows Amelia Griffin as she copes with her grief, her sense of belonging and the stories within her colliding and that is the best way I can explain the plot as I think any synopsis would never do the beauty justice.

My heart aches for this book and if hadn’t been published yet, I would be shouting from the rooftops and throwing my computer at everyone to read it immediately. All I want to do is wish I had a physical copy so I could clutch it to my heart and dance through an ocean.

Ashley Schumacher is such a beautiful and gifted author. Having lost a loved one myself, seeing her raw emotional approach to this storyline and the harsh truths and coping natures that had to be spoken and maintained to keep it authentic is such a treat and not something often grasped.

This is a book that’s easy to fall right into, I read it all in 3 hours in one sitting and was rooted to my seat the whole time. I think we can all see ourselves in Amelia and those around her, all the wackiness, are the book loving and all the love for cute dogs.

I’m trying so hard to give nothing away because it’s something you have to experience for yourself to just love as much as I do (not that my love for this book has been obvious... I’ve been super casual....)

Overall one of my favourite reads of the year, I absolutely cannot wait for it’s release so I can talk everyone into reading it so they can join the Nolan Endsley simp club.

Not much has gone right in Amelia Griffin’s young life. Amelia’s dad left when she was 14 and her mom fell apart soon after. It is only an unexpected friendship with Jenna that has saved her. Jenna took Amelia under her wing and they became inseparable after bonding over the book series, the Orman Chronicles. For the last four years, the vivacious and future driven Jenna has helped give Amelia’s life direction, support, and love. As a graduation present, Jenna’s parents send the girls to a book conference where they hope to meet the mysterious author of the Orman Chronicles, N.E. Endsley. But the girls steadfast friendship is thrown for a loop when Jenna gets to meet the author and Amelia doesn’t. Before their fight is really resolved Jenna leaves for a trip to Ireland where she is killed in a car accident. Amelia is left untethered in the wake of her friend's death. Jenna was the one with a plan and Amelia begins to feel consumed with the pressure of fulfilling the plans, even though they may not be exactly what she wants. When a rare edition of the Orman Chronicles arrives without a sender, Amelia is certain it is a sign from Jenna and she seizes the opportunity to get out of town and investigate the small bookstore it came from. But the small bookstore in a reclusive Michigan town holds more surprises than Amelia anticipated and the answers she seeks aren’t all straightforward, especially when N.E. Endsley turns up. Will Amelia have the courage to abandon Jenna’s plan and determine her own future?

VERDICT is that this is an engaging read for young adults that deals with many facets of grief. I liked Amelia and thought the way Schumacher described her inner thoughts and creativity was really beautiful at times. I struggled a little getting through this book, at times, I was more invested in the imaginary worlds the characters created (Endsley’s Orman and Amelia’s blue whales) than the characters themselves. There is definitely something here though and I think teen readers who are struggling with the weight of high expectations or dealing with grief may benefit from this read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for a digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Amelia Unabridged by Ashley Schumacher is an incredible debut! It was a heartfelt story about friendship, loss and the power of books. Amelia meets Jenna at a bookstore, and their love for a book series of a mystical world called Orman brings them together. Amelia is from a broken family but Jenna's well-to-do family provides her with several opportunities she wouldn't have otherwise. For Jenna's birthday, the girls take a trip to a book expo with VIP access to the reclusive and young author of the Orman Chronicles, N.E. Endsley. Just before Amelia is to meet Endsley, he abruptly cancels his speaking engagement and leaves, but not before he met Jenna. Jenna leaves the following week to travel to Europe and Amelia is devastated to learn her best friend won't be coming back after being involved in a deadly car accident.

Amelia is dealing with grief and pressure from Jenna's family to follow their shared plan when a mysterious package arrives with a rare, signed copy of N.E. Endsley's new book. Amelia feels it is a sign from Jenna and decides to take a road trip to uncover the mystery. What ensues is a genuine look at grief, anxiety, love and hope from a young adult perspective.

I loved the separate and entangled stories of each of the characters and the meta-fictive aspects of the world of Orman in their lives. Beautiful and complex.

Look for this debut on 2.16.21!

If you are looking for a Young Adult contemporary romance featuring a book lover and an author with an instant hate-to-love relationship, this book is the perfect fit for you.

Amelia is a recent high school graduate who's decided that she is going to follow her best friend Jenna's master plan on what college they'll attend and what they'll study. She thinks she has it all figured out, but upon getting into an argument with Jenna that isn't resolved before Jenna's unexpected death, she starts to wonder if the path she's on is really the one for her.

This book starts out at a book festival, and for some of us, we can only dream of being at an in-person book festival again. Amelia and Jenna are waiting for an event with Amelia's favorite author, N. E. Endsley, to begin so that she can finally meet him and have her book signed. Taking a quick bathroom break, Amelia returns to find out from her best friend and the festival announcer that Endsley's event has been canceled. It isn't until their drive home that Amelia finds out Jenna was the reason behind it.

To start, I love drama between friends in books. Perfect relationships don't exist, and they won't be believable, in my opinion, if there isn't a little bit of trouble between the characters. That said, I unexpectedly didn't like the drama the author created between Amelia and Jenna. It was like reading a badly scripted scene, but I was actually able to hear it in my head and also imagine it. I was a little put off when Amelia got seriously upset with Jenna for consoling someone with obvious mental health problems. She made it seem like, even though Endsley wasn't mentally fit to be at the festival, it didn't matter because she was more important and should've been able to meet him. It made me type "Life isn't all about you, Amelia!" in my notes.

Moving forward, I was very excited when Amelia decided to take an unplanned trip to Michigan to figure out where a mysterious book--that had been shipped to her at her town's bookstore--came from. Upon arriving in Michigan at the bookstore that the package had stated the book was from, no one gives her the answers she's looking for. Amelia finds instead an adorable and inviting bookshop with a snappy (in a good way) owner and her skeptical son, along with a bit overbearing dog named Wally.

I liked this section a lot. I think the "mystery" of the bookshop, the unusual 101st copy of Amelia's favorite book, and the sudden appearance of N. E. Endsley in this small Michigan town. I was really ensnared into the book at this point, and though Amelia did grind my gears at some points, I thought that Schumacher really did a great job in writing this section.

Unfortunately, past this point is when I felt that things started to go downhill again. The pacing began at a decent pace, but then it started to get slower, and slower, and slower. I'm not the biggest fan, personally, of slower-paced books and began to get bored from it. Along with this, Amelia's character became pretty annoying. At multiple points in time, I felt she was just hanging around Endsley because she wanted to know more about his books in general, as well as her 101st copy. Along with this, she called him "troubled" when referring to his mental crisis back at the book festival. As someone who has mental disorders and lives with them every day, I hate that. It makes me feel like nothing more than someone who needs to be watched 24/7, almost like a dog. And with this, Amelia never once felt regret over how she placed the guilt for Endsley's mental health disallowing her from originally meeting him on Jenna before her death.

Surprisingly enough, once I got to the ending of the book, I actually felt that the book got much better. Amelia became less insufferable, the romance aspect of the book didn't feel as forced as it had in the middle of the story, a bit of humor was actually picked up, and the pacing instantly picked up. I was a little disappointed with the epilogue just being a summary of things that happen after their teen years, but overall, it wasn't horrible. For that, I gave this book 3 stars.