4.5 stars rounded up!

My first Jennifer Baker and definitely not my last.

"Forgive Me Not" is an engrossing and emotional journey that beautifully explores human emotions and the power of forgiveness. The characters are flawlessly flawed and relatable.

The strength lies in its exploration of self and interpersonal forgiveness, intricately woven into the narrative, leaving a lasting impression. The setting adds depth and authenticity to this intense (but necessary) story. While its emotional depth may not suit everyone, it's this unapologetic honesty that gives the narrative its powerful impact.

In essence, "Forgive Me Not" offers a deeply moving and thought-provoking exploration of human nature and forgiveness, promising to captivate readers long after its end.

I can't wait for this novel to be shared with the world.

This was a extremely unique book that featured three dimensional characters and a interesting plot that kept me hooked till the very end. The book really makes readers think about crime, forgiveness, rehabilitation, and the prison system as it currently is. If you read the first few chapters and the book seems even the slightest appealing to you, then you’ll definitely wanna pick up Forgive Me Not.

This story was unique and very interesting. It felt dystopian but was realistic at the same time. I love Divergent and Hunger Games, and the reading about the Trials of Forgive Me Not gave me similar feels.

The author did a very good job of keeping the pace of the story consistent and engaging. There was strong character development, and the world building was executed quite well. You can sense the feelings and hardships of the family, and the writing style evokes sympathy. I felt the urge to punch Pascale, hug Callie, and help Vincent. I felt utterly horrible for the parents.

I usually struggle with changes in point of view, but Vincent's side of the story was necessary to see what Violetta's family was going through - and giving us his view was a stroke of genius as it lent valuable information to the plot.

The chapters ended at the appropriate times, the transitions of point of views were fluid, and I could continuously read without being distracted by page number or the time. Some of the flashbacks were a bit choppy, and it could have used more action. I think the cover could have been more appealing and eye catching, but the title fits the book perfectly. I had not heard of this author before but she is most definitely one to watch. Forgive Me Not earned a solid 4 stars from me.

Thank you to NetGalley for offering this title in their catalogue. All the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

While yes this is a story of forgiveness and how to move on from a terrible tragedy its also a story on the justice system.
The system is biased against POC both in real life and in this book. It's set up more for punishment than reform and that's something that needs to change in both places. It's kind of a tough read but definitely worth it and everyone should.
My only issue here is pacing. It's kind of a slow start and the time jump at the end makes me feel like we missed big chunks of the forgiveness aspect.

This was such a great stream. I love the main character in it, and I love that I was able to connect with her on a couple of different levels. It felt really real.

A story of a young girl who makes the biggest mistake of her life, her struggle to forgive herself, and the system of juvenile punishment where the victims choose the punishment of the offenders.

BIPOC and LGBTQ+ representation, social inequities, imbalance of power, forgiveness, social pressures... All of these are topics this story touches on in a beautiful way. The focus of the Chen-Samuels family dynamic before and after the crash really depicts how a family can be ravaged by one event and how difficult it may be to put the pieces back together.

I loved the dual POV we receive from both Vincent and Violetta and the discussion of how incarceration affects juveniles through their own eyes. The system of "rehabilitation" presented here was also very unique and brought up a multitude of questions for me. We see the victim's families choosing whether the offender is forgiven (and if so when), if they are sent to a penitentiary to fulfill a sentence, or if they are sent to 'The Trials' chosen by them based on what they believe the offender needs to learn in order to be rehabilitated.

All in all, I gave this book a 3.5. I would definitely recommend it. It was a very thought-provoking read.

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to be an ARC Reader for this book.

Author Jennifer Baker introduces a new form of juvenile justice in Forgive Me Not. One bad decision changes the course of 15-year-old Violetta's life. Underage drinking led Violetta to drunk driving and causing an accident that kills her little sister. Instead of the traditional route of incarceration, she is faced with two options—remain in juvie detention for an uncertain sentence or participate in Trials to regain her freedom and family's forgiveness.

All I could think while reading was, "What if the victim or victim's family were to decide the fate of the accused rather than a judge or jury? How effective could this forgiveness program be in real life?" If the author's intent was to raise awareness on second chances and the juvenile justice system, then well done!

Forgive Me Not is especially recommended for young adults and teen book clubs. The writing is concise, relatable and thought-provoking. Told in alternate points of view, the narration helps readers experience what Violetta and her family is feeling. Bookhearts, after reading Forgive Me Not, you will walk away with a different outlook on forgiveness, consequences and most of all, family.

Happy Early Pub Day, Jennifer Baker! Forgive Me Not will be available Tuesday, August 15.

Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins. ~LiteraryMarie

A book about family and forgiveness. When the ultimate tragedy wrecks a family, Violetta finds herself the cause and must learn to take accountability through a system of Trials designed to reform kids, mainly kids of color.

This is such a different contemporary book since half of it takes place in a detention center focused on reforming teens and the other half taken outside with her brothers POV. It’s interesting to see both sides of the situation and how your actions affect all those around you.

The book has a slow middle with the trials not even really starting until halfway through and even then they aren’t as high stakes as the first half would have u believe.

Another issue i had was the ending which I found to be a little unsatisfying as we never really get closer for vin in the end either as the other main POV. But we are able to find and end for Violetta that was wonderful and poetic.

I really hope Violetta and Vince’s story and strength help someone who’s experienced any similar situation or have been affected by one.

Forgive me not was a tough story to read but it was a story that needed to be told. This story was so hard hitting and sometimes I wanted to put it away but I'm glad I didn't.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you NetGalley.

This was the first I've heard of this book or author, so I went into this completely unbiased and hopeful.

Let me just start with this - This author is talented.
We meet our FMC Violetta whom is currently incarcerated due to a tragedy that had occurrred when she made the decision to underage drink and drive.
The story is told through alternating POVS between Violetta and her brother Vince. And the moral and concept of this story are based around forgiveness. Violetta's future banks on that very thing.

Such a great book...

Jennifer Baker has given us a thought provoking, intense novel on juvenile justice based on actions and their impact.

Violetta is incarcerated after one bad decision where her younger sister dies as a result of Violetta’s drunk underage driving. In this contemporary but parallel world, punishment hinges on forgiveness. Incarceration, trials - intended to teach the offender the harm they have caused or freedom.

The narrative switches between Violetta and her older brother Vince, their parents and extended families' response to both of them.

Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group for the ARC.

This was a solid book overall. It tackled how our justice system is honestly broken and mistreats black and brown folk very well. This isn't a complaint, but I was a bit surprised to see her brother's perspective as well as the main characters.

Overall, pretty enjoyable.

First, what an amazing cover! The prison fence changing into birds of flight is amazing! This young adult book really hooks you in with a somewhat dystopian version of the future of the juvenile prison system. In this reality, children under 18 that are charged of a crime have the ability to be ‘forgiven’ by their ‘victims’ in exchange for a clean record. The work/punishments that the accused must complete vary based on their charge and bring emotional and physical tolls in hopes that the accused are reformed. For Violetta this idea of ‘forgiveness’ becomes a reality when she makes a horrible mistake one night that results in the death of her younger sister. This book really has an impact on deciding what forgiveness really means and where should it comes from. It also brings a light to the already broken system that still discriminates based on wealth, class and race. The forgiveness trials are quite a unique basis for the story. We also see a lot from Vincent’s POV, he is Violetta’s not so perfect brother. I feel like his addition to the story almost overshadows Violetta and goes much more in depth as far as storyline and feelings. It makes me even more upset for Violetta with the way her family treats Vincent. Overall a very impactful story with a great opportunity for discussion. I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.

This one really gives you something to think about and how we treat young offenders in terms of trying to “rehabilitate” them. It also shows insight into how people of color are treated differently compared to those that are white and have money. There is so much diverse character representation as well. There are lessons about peer pressure, parent oversight, communication, drinking, drug use and so much more. I can’t wait to get a physical copy of this one

Jennifer Baker's Forgive Me Not is a powerful story that tackles the impacts of the actions we commit not only on ourselves but others around us.

Although I did like many things about this book, I did not like a few things, leaving me with a rating of 3.5 stars.

I did like the connections Violetta developed with the other girls in her same position. I also enjoyed the trials aspect of the story, even though at some points they could be cruel, especially because it helped Violetta and the other girls come to terms with what they had done.

*Spoilers Incoming*
One of my biggest issues was the fact that Violetta's family did not come to visit her until she wrote to them, but as soon as Vincent made his mistake, they flocked to him. In my personal opinion, that further develops her point of view on feeling like she was overlooked in comparison to her brother and sister.

Also, although I did enjoy Vincent's point of view, I feel as though it was not 100% necessary to the story. I did like that it showed the anger and sadness that came as a result of Violetta's actions, but I believe I would have enjoyed the story a bit more if the novel only focused on Violetta, her mistakes, and the process it took for her to accept and forgive herself for these wrongdoings.

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group for allowing me access to this E-Arc in exchange for an honest review!

I adored the story, the world building was amazing. I love meeting the different characters. I felt completely immersed in the story and couldn't stop reading it. The writing was also really nice. I couldn't put the book down and I can't wait for others to read and enjoy this story as well.