I found this one super cute. I liked the marching band theme as I was in the marching band back in the day but it was a little slow for me. I really liked the main characters and since I wanted them together so bad I kept reading. Deff recommend this to a young adult

DNF'D after about 3 chapters. I hated the audiobook. I am still interested in reading the book, just in a different format.

I missed my chance to download and listen to this audiobook. It has a very quick date before it disappeared. I would have liked to listen to it.

I absolutely adored Amelia Unabridged, so I was extremely excited to see Ashley’s new book show up on NetGalley. I didn’t listen right away, because I knew I’d need a box of tissues and that I should listen to it in the privacy of my apartment, if it was going to be anything like her previous book.

Unfortunately, I waited too long and the book was accidentally spoiled for me, so I knew exactly what happened and when. It definitely took away a lot of the shock value that seemed to make this book what it was for other readers.

The story was enjoyable overall, but I think it would have had a bigger impact had it not been spoiled.

I wasn’t expecting this book to get quite so religious. Purity talk is something that needs to show up in content warnings. While talking to a friend, I compared Full Flight to Never Saw You Coming. They both had the same amount of religious/purity talk, but in Never Saw You Coming the MC was able to address how purity culture had damaged her and she was able to overcome it. In Full Flight, the religious trauma was mentioned and then kind of brushed under the rug. I don’t think the religious angle added anything to the story. If Anna had addressed it and had some character growth about realizing that sex is normal and healthy, it probably wouldn’t have stood out so much to me.

I wouldn’t recommend this to any teen with religious trauma or raised in purity culture. The messages are likely to harm more than help.

Anna has a contentious relationship with her little sister. My favorite scene of the whole book was when her sister helped initiate a conversation between Weston and Anna’s disapproving parents, so that they could see that Weston wasn’t like the rumors. I would have loved to see more between Anna and her sister–especially for them to repair their relationship and get closer.

My last thought is spoiler-related, so if you’ve read Full Flight and want to read this paragraph, head to the blog.

I’m glad I had an audio copy, since I was able to bump it up to 3x and fly through. Thank you to the narrators for clear diction! I enjoyed the audio production and would give it five stars.

This feels like a lot of criticism compared to my normal reviews. I love Ashley’s style of writing, so I will definitely be back for more from her.

Ashley Schumacher has solidified herself as an auto-read author for me. Her writing is lyrical as she navigates teen angst, romance, and grief while simultaneously creating characters who feel wise beyond their years.

The story follows Anna and Weston, members of the high school marching band, as they get to know one another while working on a duet. Weston is the town outcast and quirky Anna is the only person who gives him a chance. Their emotional connection quickly draws you in and I love their commitment to telling each other the truth, even if it's hard to admit. Even as high schoolers, they are relatable as they struggle to navigate loneliness and family drama in the midst of their demanding high school extracurriculars.

I recommend going in fairly blind to best enjoy the story. It's an unforgettable story that is full of love and will tug at your heartstrings.

Full Flight by Ashley Schumacher does it again. I loved her debut book, and this sophomore release is even better. I fell in love with Anna and Weston in this double point of view YA novel. Ashley writes raw emotions into her novels, so be prepared to contemplate real-life issues. This book is beautiful, but you have been warned this will leave you with a heavy heart - this is not a happy book.

I highly recommend reading both of her books because Ashley has a gift of words. Thank you for sharing them with us, Ashley.

When Anna James is given a duet in the marching band with Weston Ryan, the quiet boy no one in town gives a chance to, Anna looks at it as a chance to get to know Weston. She breaks down his barriers, and neither can deny their attraction. Still, her mother has forbidden Anna to date Weston, and judgment from the town is just the start of the obstacles their love will face.

Pros: Anna is definitely portrayed as a realistic teenager, with the mood swings and irrational actions that go along with it. The puppy love between Anna and Weston was sweet. The book was well written.

Cons: The blurb of this book gave too much away – the big plot twist that can easily be deduced from it occurs 86% of the way through the book. I also didn’t get why Weston was such an outcast in his town – his parents are divorced and he wears a leather jacket? If there weren’t mentions of things like cell phones in the book, I would assume it took place in the 1950s.

Overall, this was a good book but not great. I definitely would read more books by this author, though!

Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me an audio ARC of this book.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me an advanced audio copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.

This book was super cute. It's a slow romance between Anna and Weston. Anna is new to the band scene and is eager to prove her mettle. She's got a solo in their competition song, but is going to need serious help to be able to keep it. Thank goodness for weirdo Weston who is the mellophone player extraordinaire. When Anna asks him for help, he can't help but to agree. As they continue practicing together and getting to know one another, they start to fall for one other.

It was so sweet and I genuinely loved both of our characters. They were flawed and real and written very true to how a teenager would think and act.

My main issues with this book are these:
1. Anna's parents decide they don't want her spending time with Weston because... they don't know him? And his parents are divorced. Bro..... just invite him over for dinner or something. Then you'll "know" him. And it's not his fault that his parents got divorced!
2. The big spoilery thing at the end. It's mentioned in the book summary, so it's not *really* spoilery, but I won't say exactly what happens. This happened so close to the end that I feel like it wasn't handled as well as it could have been. If it's gonna be listed in the summary.... surely it shouldn't happen in the last 15% of the book, right?

This title has two narrators-- one for Anna and one for Weston. Both were great, but Anna's narrator was just *chef's kiss*

I would definitely recommend this as a slow romance with discussions of grief.

“You are the finest, loveliest, tenderest, and most beautiful person I have ever known—and even that is an understatement.” ― F. Scott Fitzgerald

**First off, that cover! I don't think you can really appreciate it unless you hit the enlarge button.

Fall = Football Season. For those living in Enfield, Texas this is especially true, except if you are in the marching band - then it's contest season. This may bring back memories for those readers who were in the marching band.

Anna James has joined the marching band as a new saxophonist. She has magical musical dreams of being a musician. She is not the only one, Weston Ryan a mellophone player. When Anna and Weston are assigned a duet and....

He is looked down upon by the town, her parents forbid her to see him, so she does what teenagers do, and finds a way to see him even if it means a lie or two. Ahh, first love. It's intense, powerful and all consuming! The insta-love that teens fall into. She captures what it was like to be in the middle, no longer a child but not yet and adult and all the raging hormones, insecurities, and emotions that go with it. It's also about not fitting in, being cool while not being one of the cool kids, about friendship, and about finding your own community.

This book really took me by surprise, in the best possible way. I enjoyed the narration of the audiobook! This book put a smile on my face, then took it away. It's sweet, it's tender, it's beautiful, it's heartbreaking.

Whew! Ashley Schumacher should be on your radar if she is not already. She won me over with Amelia Unabridged and stole my heart with Full Flight.

Grab some tissues and enjoy the journey this book takes you one.

Thank you to Tantor Audio and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

For the forty-three members of the Fighting Enfield Marching Band, fall means contest season. With a band teacher who is highly competitive, new saxophonist Anna James has to prove herself worthy of a duet during the competition performance. Paired with mellophone player Weston Ryan, the boy who has a reputation for trouble, Anna is apprehensive, but also excited to get started. As the two teenagers get to know each other, will both of their eyes open to the possibilities?

This book reminded me of an updated version of the movie Grease. The elements of the story: the boy with the leather jacket who is prejudged because of how he looks; the innocent-in-many-ways girl who is seaching for more. Full of teenage angst, anxiety, and rebellion, Full Flight is not so different from other books in the genre. The audio version of the book is narrated with a dual perspective, with Tina Wolstencroft becoming Anna and Cody Roberts becoming Weston. Both do a good job of bringing their respective characters to life. That being said, the story lacks the uniqueness it needs to stand out. I would recommend the audio version over the printed book because of the strength of the narration.

Disclaimer: I was given an Advanced Audio Copy of Full Flight by NetGalley and the publisher. The decision to listen to and review this book was entirely my own.

If you were ever a "band kid" you need to read this book. Anna and Weston, the two love interests in this story, meet when they are assigned a duet for their marching band performance. Working on this duet is what brings them together and well... their relationship takes off from there. Full Flight is an exceptional YA novel that will pull at your heartstrings and make you reflect on young love.

This book has left me speechless! However, NetGalley gave me the opportunity to listen to this audiobook in exchange for a review. Thus, I must do my best to find the right words to say.

Can I just start with the writing style? It was beautiful. The words all followed so well, almost like a song. The metaphors and similes moved together, intertwining to create this beautiful piece. On multiple occasions, I had to pause the book, or rewind, to let the words get the attention they deserve. I definitely spent most of my drives to work, sitting in awe with my mouth hanging open.

Now the story. The. Story. I didn’t know what to expect, as I’ve been slowly inching away from books about high schoolers. When it came to this book though, I didn’t care. In fact, I really enjoyed the high school aspect. Full Flight is told in alternating perspectives of Anna and Weston, which I’m a huge sucker for. Anna was the perfect protagonist. Equal parts whimsical and real. She had me aching for Christmas and my journal. And Weston, don’t even get me started on this beautiful, broken boy. After Anna claimed Weston was helping her prepare for their band concert duet, the two spent long hours growing close and exploring new things. They brought music to life and gave each other the words they needed to share what was on their mind. I could not have asked for a better love story.

Getting mildly “spoily” here. As much as this book brought me butterflies, it also brought me tears. The grief held in some of the pages legitimately tore me apart. Left me crying in the parking lot of a tire shop and on the way to work. This book perfectly captured the reality of love, music, life, and grief.

Finally, the audio book portion. The narrators were so good! I really appreciated the fact that there was a narrator or each point of view. It made it easy to differentiate, and to jump back into the story. The never took me out of the story with the way the narrated. I was immersed the whole time.

ARC audiobook provided in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this authors style of writing and that they had two different narrators for the main characters. The story was a very quick and easy read and seemingly predictable up until the last few chapters! I wasn’t the biggest fan of the male narrator since his voice sounded way older than a 17/18 year old boy to me, but still felt like he gave a solid performance. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a YA love story that doesn’t necessarily end happily ever after.

A YA romance that’s wasn’t like any I’ve ever read. It’s centered around two people who meet again at the beginning of their band practice and the story explodes into something really magical. I simply couldn’t get enough of Weston and Anna. They had very different families and still find a way. A great romance between these too!
I love the way Ashely Schumacher writes and loved Amelia Unabridged so I was elated when I got this. AS writes beautiful complex stories and was great and sad at times. But I’m so glad I experienced it! I highly recommend it.
Thanks Wednesday Books and Tantor Audio via NetGalley.
I chose to listen to this book on audio and loved the narrators Tina Wolstencroft and Cody Roberts. They were amazing. This was 9 hours and 35 minutes.

First things first. Ashley Schumacher is an amazing story teller. So much description and so many emotions fill her words. It all flows just so seamlessly. YA is a bit of a branch off the norm for me, but I am love a good story no matter what genre. & this is a good story! I live in Texas and love the whole Friday night lights experience as most Texans do. I was expecting a bit more of that vibe going in. The marching band element is very heavy throughout the book. I was never in band, nor am I musically inclined. I feel like those who are in band or have been at some point in the past would really connect with this book. Anna and Wesley are both relatable, likable, and seem ordinary in the most unordinary of ways. As a mom of three teenagers I connected with the story and the characters. Real life struggles that in hindsight may seem small but in the moment make you their entire existence. Emotional and heartbreaking. I really enjoyed the narrators. Thank you to Tantor Audio and NetGalley for an advanced audiobook in exchange for my honest review. I'll definitely recommend this to the YA readers in my life and even more so the self proclaimed band geeks I know and love. Four stars.

This one deserves all the stars. I want to start with I loved this book so much. It broke me though. I have not sobbed that hard at a book in a while. I knew the book was going to be sad but I did not expect it to just rip my heart out. I could definitely relate to Anna a good bit when I was in high school. I remember feeling like I needed to be perfect no matter what even though I had no idea what I wanted in life. I just wanted to hug Weston. Them together was so sweet. They really fit so well. I would definitely recommend this book. Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press and Tantor Audio for giving me the audio ARC of this in exchange for my honest review.

This was really really cute but I was not ready for the emotional and devastating ending. Overall I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend! I loved the writing style, the details about marching band that were spot on, and the character development of Anna and Weston was absolutely glorious. 5/5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the audio ARC! This story was equal parts heartwarming and heartbreaking. It's everything you want from a high school romance and the marching band elements made my band kid heart so happy. There's friendship, romance and figuring out who you are, told from two POVs. It's difficult to say more without giving anything away but if you love high school love stories, or were in marching band yourself, I'd pick this one up!

Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press and Tantor Audio for the ARC of this - I switched back and forth between the ebook and audio while reading this.

4.5 glow-in-the-dark stars for this crying book. I knew going in from the synopsis that I was in for a crying book, but it still somehow took me by surprise when I was crying, trying to continue reading through the tears. Anna and Weston were sweet and I had a lot of feelings about Anna’s relationship with her parents as someone who grew up with religious parents who would’ve also been mad about the small “rebellion” of trying to live my life and learn who I was. I really liked the friend groups and I wish there had even been a little more of that dynamic, as well as Anna’s with her sister.

The audio was well done, though I felt the speed of the narrators was a bit different - I didn’t really find one speed that made both comfortable for me to listen to, but it didn’t take too much away from the experience.

Full Disclosure: I knew I probably shouldn’t be reading Full Flight. I avoid sad books like the plague because I don’t have the emotional cycles to be fictionally devastated. However, I loved @ashwritesbooks ’s writing so much in Amelia Unabridged, I read it anyway. And mostly I’m glad I did.

The writing in Full Flight is just as beautiful. I’m not sure I can think of another YA author who can weave the details of a teenage love story in a way that breaks my heart so thoroughly and makes me remember exactly what it was like to fall in love for the first time. Anna James lives in a small town in Texas where football is king. She has friends, a nice family, gets good grades, and plays saxophone in the school’s marching band but she started playing later than her bandmates. Sometimes she feels like she’s playing a role, like she has no room to fail. When she’s assigned a duet with Weston Ryan, she asks the sort-of loner, possible musical prodigy, and town bad boy (I didn’t get the sense that he was a James Dean type, more cerebral and sad, but with a leather jacket) to help. Weston agrees, but thinks he shouldn’t have. He’s reeling from his parents’ divorce and rumors about him that swirl around town. Still, the two are drawn to each other in a way that’s almost electric.

Things I loved: The writing (OMG, I loved the writing). The characters. The focus on fine arts. The music throughout the book. The depiction of first love and how safe it can feel when it’s the right person.
But the book takes a turn that’s in all the synopses I’ve read at about the 70% mark. It was what I was expecting, but not at all what I wanted.

Thank goodness I had an advanced listening copy of this one or I might have drowned my Kindle. Both narrators were great and gave beautiful performances for both of these characters I loved.
If you like a book that requires Kleenex, definitely pick this one up when it comes out next Tuesday, February 22. If you don’t, I’d still recommend reading it for the beautiful writing and love story, but DM me if you want a suggested stopping point.

Thank you to @wednesdaybooks, @tantoraudio, and @netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest opinion.