One of my all time favorite books is Amelia Unabridged. So it's no small thing that I was HIGHLY anticipating this book. Although if I knew how thoroughly it would wreck me maybe I wouldn't have held off......psych. never. I love Ashley's books and they can get me in my feels anytime BUT....please Ashley be nicer next time ok? You will cry big crocodile tears...I expect nothing less after reading this book.

Ashley totally captures what it feels like to be a teenager...all caught up in a strange awkward hierarchy with its invisible rules and prejudices. And how vast and scary the future might seem and how we are all desperately looking for somewhere to belong and maybe someONE to belong to. This book is about being weird and owning it, knowing its what makes us really special.

Full Flight is about outcasts, two in particular, who find in one another something simply magical and beyond explanation...an echo of souls. They find belonging, love, and connection with tangible chemistry.

This book tackles loss in such a magnetic way that I was there with Anna crying into a leather jacket...feeling her utter devastation. It is about how loss changes us....when life seems to stop but everything else keeps moving by. When the ending hits its not quite what you hoped/wanted but I don't believe it makes the story any less important or meaningful.

This book truly encompasses the phrase, "it is better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all".

It hurt me, but gosh dang it i'm still giving it 5 weeping puffy eyed stars. But Amelia Unbridged remains the favorite because i'm a bit salty about being hurt like this.

Warning: Have tissues nearby.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this ARC publication for an honest review.
Full Flight
Ashley Schumacher Release date: February 22, 2022

I absolutely loved Ashley Schumacher’s debut book “Amelia Unabridged” and immediately put her on my author to watch list. Her upcoming book “Full Flight” proves that she is not a one and done author—her talent is the real deal!

The book is so aptly named because you will definitely go through a full flight of emotions while reading it. Be prepared to see shadows of loneliness, judgment, self-doubt, and absolute heartbreak as well as a beacon of light at the discovery of young love, the journey of finding yourself…and realizing same sky…

I smiled so hard—I cried even harder.
Full Flight is an absolute must read! I can hardly wait to see what else Ashley Schumacher has for us.

I was super excited to read this book - a little nervous because I knew it was going to be heartbreaking, but it sounded really good, and overall, I did still like it, but I think it fell a little short of my expectations.

I highly do not recommend reading the synopsis for this book, which seems really weird to me, but it does mention something big that doesn't happen until almost the end of the book, and I think that's a big reason why this book fell short of my expectations. I was waiting for it too long, and so when it finally happened, it didn't hit me as hard as it should, and there was also basically no description of it, so it felt like it was in there more for shock value than anything else.

I did really enjoy Schumacher's writing, and I liked the characters, and most of the plot (even if it did get a little repetitive at times with all the marching band stuff), although the relationship between Anna and Weston could have been better developed because it felt a little too much like insta-love for my tastes.

Overall, I do think many people will enjoy this book, and I did like it overall - there are just some things I wish were a little different, especially with the summary and the description of that one scene mentioned in the description, which made me not be able to rate this higher.

Actual Rating: 3.5 stars

This was similar enough to Amelia, Unabridged that it honestly could've been a companion novel. And I love when authors do this.

Anna James is mainly dedicated to two things: her schoolwork and marching band, and she's generally well-liked.

Weston Ryan has only recently returned to their small town and joined marching band with Anna, while most of Enfield only sees him as a troublemaker wearing a signature leather jacket.

When Anna gets assigned to play a duet with Weston in an upcoming performance, the two start secretly spending more time together, until they get closer than either of them could've imagined. Anna knows that her parents would never approve of their relationship, so she keeps it a secret until she realizes she can't go any longer without telling them.
After Anna's parents find out, they tell her she can't see him anymore. But this isn't enough to break them up. Their relationship continues to deepen, and eventually Anna's parents are able to see him for more than just their generalized view.
But just as Weston is accepted by Anna's family, he dies in an accident, and now Anna, with only his leather jacket left, has to figure out how to move forward on her own.

Weston doesn't die until maybe 50 pages from the end, so we get to see their entire relationship story and not just a book about grief. My favorite scene was when he came along with Anna's family on their vacation, for sure.
Very few books actually make me cry, but this one definitely made the list. It reminded me of Finn's death storyline on Glee (especially when Anna kept Weston's jacket), the only difference being that Finn was loved by everyone and Weston was constantly judged and only widely respected after he died.
My favorite scene in the entire book was the one with Anna and Ratio (Winston's best friend) playing the song he wrote. I would've loved to see more of Anna and Ratio, whether they ended up together like Sam and Rachel on Glee or even just became friends, but I like that that's left open to the audience what they became. And there is an epilogue, which I need in books like this.

I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review a few months ago, and I apologize for taking so long to review this book, it's just way harder to write about it than it is my usual books.

Full Flight is a story of first love, of the importance to love exceedingly, no matter how much it might hurt in the end.

Anna is a spirited student, determined to succeed in her musical pursuits. While her careful high school plan steadily continues, Anna is met with her newest challenge; breaking down the icy exterior of fellow bandmate Weston. While Weston is viewed as an outsider in their town, Anna sees him for more than that, guaranteeing the intertwining of their fates. While life tied together isn't easy, both are willing to sacrifice anything for the brief taste of love.

Complex and full of inner contemplation, Anna and Weston reflect the qualities so often seen in teenagers. Craving rebellion, little pieces of freedom in a pressing family dynamic, Anna is drawn to Westons edgy, supposedly "bad" exterior. Both of these characters are much more than the stereotypes that their environment places on them, showing the intricacy of genuine relationships. By having emotionally complex main characters, Full Flight felt entirely real in its depiction of ever-changing relationships made in the messiest times of life.

In her typical fashion, Ashley Schumacher delivered an emotionally driven story that tugs on the hearts of readers. With her easy-to-read dialogue that's full of descriptive details and curiously creative aspects, Schumacher keeps her story captivating the entire way through. The frequency of intense emotional turmoil helped this story to feel alive. Tackling issues that are widely dealt with, Full Flight made its way into my brain and had me invested in every choice the characters made. Overall it was a memorable, emotional reading experience that I highly recommend.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with an e-ARC of Full Flight in exchange for my honest review.

I didn't go into FULL FLIGHT with very high expectations—just because romance isn't really my thing—but overall, it was an okay read.

The one thing I really enjoyed about it was how unique of a character Anna was—she definitely went against the shy, introverted teenage YA protagonist stereotypes that are often so common in this genre. I loved that she was outgoing and how the author pulled off her platonic relationships with the other characters, something that the YA genre in general needs more of, in my opinion.

Personally, the romance felt slightly overdone, though I did like the focus on band and school and how that helped the setting feel more realistic. And the themes of grief were really well done and just beautifully sad, but I loved it—especially all the references to the birds.

However, I really disliked the immense amount of cursing. It didn't feel necessary or make Weston any more likeable to me. And the romance ... not my favorite, but romance is rarely my favorite XD

Overall, a solid second novel from Schumacher!

Ashley Schumacher is quickly becoming a favorite! Her books are so emotional and beautiful. She makes you fall in love and connect with the characters.

I shouldn't have been surprised, because I knew there was tragedy coming, but off. Ashley Schumacher once again has written a heart-wrenching look at complicated teen relationships, grief and loss, first love, and passionate teens who find themselves in standing out. Lyrical and sweet.

"I think the world hurts us in a lot of different ways," he says, his words a breath along my ear. "But I also think the antidotes can be enough to make you forget there was poison in the first place."

In July of 2021, I picked up Amelia Unabridged with little-to-no knowledge of the synopsis. I hadn't read reviews and I was completely unaware that it would quickly become one of my favorite books of all time. The writing, the story, the literal vibe - for lack of a better word - was just brilliant.

It was so exciting when I found out that Ashley was releasing another book in 2022. I immediately hopped onto NetGalley and requested an ARC. Laugh all you want, but I literally shrieked with delight when I saw that I was approved. And planned monthly TBR be damned, I started the book that night.

From the get-go, I knew I would enjoy it. It had the same kind of whimsical writing as her last book and this time it was heavier on the romance. The dual perspectives gave a really well-rounded story that allowed me to understand everything that was going on, which I appreciated. It wasn't filled with monstrous miscommunications, thank goodness! There was a pretty heavy dose of insta-love and I'll admit that Weston's POV was a little cheesy at times because really, what teenage boy actually thinks like that (most of the time)? But it gave me Augustus Waters flashbacks, which I absolutely loved.

Anna wasn't my favorite character at the beginning. I wasn't sure if I would even like her at all, but as the story went on, her development was super strong. I especially loved her towards the very end. I was incredibly emotional as she walked through hardships and fought to get to a better place. The way she didn't give up but instead turned to her friends and family brought so much light to the final chapters.

When I finished this book, I sat and had a good cry. Truthfully, I was crying throughout the last quarter of the book, but it felt good to just let it all out and feel my feelings - which there were plenty of. It took a hug from my husband, letting the tears run until there were no more, and then reading the last couple of chapters a few more times to finally cope with it all. Now, this might sound negative, but I mean it in a good way. When a book can make me cry that hard, I know it did something right. And truthfully, the whole book was done right.

Thank you, Ashley, for bringing such bittersweet beauty into my life. I honestly can't wait to read this book again and again as the years go by.

[Content Warnings: (major) death, (moderate) bullying, grief]

Full Flight is a heartbreak wrapped up in the disguise of a fun and flighty teenage rom com. If your looking for some emotional turmoil, than Ashley Schumacher is the one for you. If you've ever asked yourself what happens when young love goes wrong? Full Flight might be something you cane bear to pick up and read. However, I warn you now ton keep Kleenex on hand.

DNF 20%

Calling this a case of "it's not you, it's me."

I've been trying to pick this one up, forcing myself to daily, and it's just not resonating. Which is strange, because I love marching bands. I was in one all through high school and totally understand the dynamic and the stress and competitiveness. I lived it.

Weston and his leather jacket...well, I guess him wearing one all the time isn't that weird either and everyone else seemed to think it was. So there was that disconnect for me as well.

If I had to point to something, I think it's the inner monologues. They didn't seem to progress the story at a pace that I needed as a reader. However, I truly think this style would work well for many others.

Thank you, Netgalley, for the advance copy.

I really enjoyed this book! It was a super cute contemporary romance novel, and just what I needed right now. I really loved the characters, and the whole plot of the book.

The plot was a little stereotypical but I am a sucker for stereotypes anyway, and I enjoyed every second of this book. I think the characters added so much to the story, and I really loved how easily it was to connect with them. Strong characters can make a story so much better.

I think this book is such a great lighthearted read, and everyone should definitely try it out if they’re a fan of cute rom coms.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for this e-arc.

I was so excited for this book.
I loved Amelia Unabridged, in my review for that book I said

“ I looked up this author and I see this is her first novel. (I'm shocked) I also saw that her next book is about competitive marching band (?) Which sounds like the most random book of nonsense... but I bet its amazing. And I can't wait to read it.”

Unfortunately this book did not do it for me. I got so tired of the dialogue
“The truth, remember” and “same sky” had me cringing, and about half way through I knew exactly how it was going to end.

I hate to say this, but I really didn’t like it.
Having said that. If this author writes more books (which I’m sure / hope she will) I will always read them because I know how good her stories can be.

I cried, like a lot.

Full Flight gave me the worst book hangover, but I can't be too mad. Schumacher is a master, giving us such a beautifully written story filled love, angst, and tragedy, and truly unforgettable characters.

I think I still need a moment to process this

I LOVED Amelia Unabridged. I was fully engulfed in that world and never once did I want it to stop. It was whimsical, fun and realistic be really hit home with emotions.
🕊
I feel this book was so close to hitting all those things. I was in marching band and the nostalgia was 👌🏼👌🏼 Anna James has wanted to be a musician her whole life after seeing friends take up instruments. Now she finally can and she has to really work to earn the melody.
🕊
On the other hand, Weston Ryan is musically gifted but stunted socially. He’s been shunned from the small town after his parent’s divorce. I couldn’t fully get behind his loneliness- I understand it’s taken place in a small town in Texas which is likely Christian but why would they judge him from wearing a leather jacket…and there was a rumor following him that I don’t know if I quite understood or had forgotten.
🕊
I was sucked into this book from all the band-ness at the beginning but I think it may be too much if you don’t love band? The rest of the story that followed, I wasn’t sure what was going to happen and once I got to 85% I knew I wanted it to go somewhere else.
🕊
It reminded me of “A Walk To Remember”, “Dear Evan Hansen”.
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I did look up the bird mentioned a lot, the kauai o o and it’s song.
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Content: some language, closed door, grief
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This book releases next year- Feb 2022. Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for the e-arc copy. These are my thoughts and opinions.

Ashley Schumacher is very quickly becoming a new favorite author of mine. She’s not afraid to tackle insanely hard topics, like loneliness, depression, and grief, and she writes them so effortlessly and beautifully it makes me ugly-cry. Her writing style is lyrical and poetic, but most importantly, it makes me feel. To say that this story shattered my heart would be an understatement. I knew what was coming, but I could never be fully prepared for how Schumacher tore my insides to shreds.

I’m not sure I’ve ever related to a character as much as I related to Anna. When she talked about never feeling like she fit in, how she wore Christmas socks to keep that feeling of belonging year-round, and how she felt alone even when surrounded by people, it’s like my soul found a home in her. She described what I’ve always felt but have never been able to so eloquently put into words.

I also loved learning about marching band. I was never a part of it, so it was refreshing to discover a hobby that isn’t talked about in books very often. It was refreshing to read about two imperfect and struggling teens who find a home in each other, a safe and soft place to land and to belong, because, at the end of the day, that’s what we’re all searching for, isn’t it?

Thank you to Wednesday Books for gifting me with a free ebook in exchange for my honest review! I truly can’t recommend this book and this author enough.

Full Flight is a book that starts slow and builds to a crescendo, then brings you along for a heartbreaking coda. I appreciated how both Anna and Weston struggle to see themselves, how they both feel stifled by their small community. I was so glad they found each other and built up with a slowish burn. The writing style is very lyrical. I liked how the POV went back and forth, seeing the interactions from both sides.

I will admit I read the summary and didn't take it to heart or read it carefully enough so the big reveal caught me off guard, more than it should have, I suppose. The last few chapters had me in tears, especially the last one. I honestly think I preferred finding out the way I did, rather than knowing from the reveal: it gave me the opportunity to truly be invested in the story, to hope, to have the joy of this building relationship, the tentative connections that strengthens as the book evolves. I don't think I would have let myself care so much and be excited for Anna and Weston getting together if I had taken the words of the summary to heart and read with that building level of dread for what was coming. I'd rather not know and be hurt, than let myself hold back and not invest in the story. Maybe it wouldn't have made a difference. I can't know.

I feel Anna was a bit more well=rounded character, and I say this as someone who loved Weston dearly as I was reading. My heart went out to him, I could understand his lows, his self-doubt, his awkwardness, his feeling like a puzzle piece that doesn't quite fit. But I didn't quite get why he had this reputation in town--simply for. being quirky and wearing a leather jacket at all times, almost like a suit of armor/protection? For being unfortunate enough to have his parents do the unusual thing and get divorced? For being a bit awkward and out of sync with his schoolmates? I wanted more back story if he was going to have that reputation or to have more understanding as to why people saddled him with that reputation. It seemed unwarranted. He's a sensitive, quiet, self-deprecating boy with a soft, tender heart and a mind full of music. I didn't see him as a bad boy at all.

I liked the setting of a marching band. It's an unusual choice and I loved it for that very reason--it centers around the musicians, the kids who choose the arts, brings the camaraderie and hard work that goes into being a marching band in focus. I really liked that, having been a marching band kid and being the mom of.a marching band kid.

I think this is a powerful book, some of the gentle cheesiness aside. Weston's POV was very meaningful and I missed him when he wasn't there to tell us his thoughts.

I think I would have liked more interactions of his friend Ratio with him and with Anna before the ending==I think it would have made the friendship that grows between Anna and Ratio more organic although I understand it growing because of their shared pain as well.

This is a very poignant account of first love and first grief, of loss and love, connection and companionship. I loved all the metaphors about music. The call and answer. The duet in music becoming a duet in life.

I definitely cried and I think you will too.

Recommended. Four stars.

My thanks to NetGalley and Wednesday books for this digital ARC.

Full Flight is a gorgeous book. I bawled the last 20% of the way through, so WARNING: have tissues present when reading this one! There is definitely a level of cheesiness throughout, but it did not detract from the story for me.

What I loved: Anna's character (how she struggles with how she sees herself), the high school band, Anna & Weston's honesty

Schumacher very clearly put so much care into this story. I am so impressed at how she captured just how big teenage feelings feel - how scary & unsure they are.

I didn’t love this. Anna James is sweet but thats it. I didn’t feel attached to her at all. Weston is an “outcast” because his parents are divorced and he wears a leather jacket. Their relationship was lackluster to read about. It was very insta-love and over dramatic even for me. Something this story needed was to show more than tell. I feel like we’re TOLD so much i.e their whole relationship & Westons “bad boy” reputation which is why it falls flat and unconvincing. I don’t know what other word I can use to describe the story other than corny……..However I will say that I did enjoy the lyrical writing style in this.
**This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange of an honest review**

UTTER DEVASTATION. Ashley Schumacher was right when she said that this book was more sad than Amelia Unabridged. Like let's be real - the most depressing instrument is a mellophone anyways. Don't be deceived -this is *not* a happy book.

So now that you've got your tissues ready, let's talk about the majesty that is Full Flight. We have the sunshine-y Anna with the monotone Weston, both dealing with their own families and trauma when they're assigned a duet together. And together they just blossom. I adored the cast of characters, the cutthroat atmosphere of marching band, and the small town vibes. I would subject myself to this devastation any day.

*Thank you to Wednesday Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review*