Neighbors Nova and Sam meet when they are young and quickly become best friends. Sam's home life is abusive and unpredictable, so their time spent together playing in Nova's backyard is a comforting escape for him. When Sam is eventually sent to live with his aunt and uncle, the two children promise to find each other again one day when they are older.

Now seventeen, Nova is starting over at yet another new school. She has spent most of her life traveling from place to place for her mother's job, never staying in one town for more than a few months. She desperately wants more stability and time to figure out who she is. To her surprise, she sees Sam on her first day at school. Sam is a senior and, from the outside, is living the perfect life. He has supportive parents, is the school's star football player, and has a close group of friends. On the inside, however, he is trying so hard to constantly please those around him that he is losing parts of himself. As Nova and Sam reunite and spend more time together, they must figure out how they fit into each other's lives now and what their friendship looks like for their future.

This one had me hooked from the very first chapter. Ashley Schumacher has a way of writing books that burrow into your heart and make you feel every emotion. The dual points of view in this story gave a more profound understanding of how much they both struggled with the pain of the past and their current situations. It had me rooting for both of them to get what they wanted out of life and their relationship with one another. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an emotional story of second chances and self-discovery.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Wednesday Books, NetGalley, and author Ashley Schumacher for an eARC of In the Orbit of You in exchange for my honest review.

In the Orbit of You was another delightful read by Ashley Schumacher. Her stories are based on the high school years and they always read like a bit of nostalgia for me and I love that. They bring back fond memories.

This one was part love story and part finding yourself, something I think many young people would connect with easily. I quickly found myself pulling for Nova to stand up for herself, to discover herself, and be true to herself. I was once a teenager girl feeling the same way. I like how she grew over the course of this novel and I wish I knew more about how things ended up for her as an adult. The same goes for Sam! I enjoyed his charm and the flawed way he reacted to his world. It was believable and it made me cringe at times, but it gave him an incredible opportunity for growth. I definitely did not agree with several of his decisions in how he treated both Nova and Abigail. I spent several chapters furious with him and that did turn me off from the story quite a lot. Overall though, I enjoyed the plot and getting to know the characters. Fox and Leanne were a hoot! The parent side of the story was a nice touch, but I won't ruin anything by saying more about that.

The ending wrapped up nicely with a heart-warming surprise. Maybe it didn't answer all my questions, but sometimes I enjoy a book leaving things open to a reader's imagination.

If you enjoyed Schumacher's other books, you'll probably enjoy this one too. Just know there are several trigger warnings, mainly for child abuse and neglect. It reads like a young adult novel for sure, so if you're looking for something with more adult diction and vocabulary or a spicy romance, this isn't it. It was a pretty easy read, but there's nothing wrong with that if it's what you're looking for in a story.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for so kindly reaching out and providing me with the opportunity to experience this wonderful book in exchange for my thoughts.

Ninety-nine percent guaranteed, you're going to find yourself utterly captivated by the enduring and intricately woven love story of Sam and Nova. Their journey through life, marked by decisions that define their individual paths, is a testament to the power of destiny and choice.

Their enchanting friendship took root in the innocent days of childhood when they were nothing more than young neighbors. Together, they crafted a vibrant world of their own invention: Snailopolis, a realm adorned with dirt and inhabited by snails. Amidst the earthy landscape, their bond flourished, representing the epitome of youthful camaraderie. Nova, with her perceptive eyes, noticed the telltale signs of pain on young Sam's body, etched in the form of burns and bruises. In a touching gesture, she kissed his palm, a gentle healing that mirrored the depth of her unwavering support. Sam found solace in her presence, a safe haven from the monsters that lurked in his world. Yet, Nova wasn't alone in recognizing the shadows that haunted Sam; they both understood the reality of his struggle against abuse.

Their world changed one day when Sam revealed his intention to move in with his uncle, a decision that would physically separate them. However, he didn't bid farewell without a promise — a promise to find Nova once he turned eighteen. With a heavy heart, he departed, leaving Nova behind.

Years rolled by, and fate's hand orchestrated their reunion in the bustling expanse of the same city, within the hallowed halls of a shared high school. Even a comprehensive personality test couldn't deny the uncanny compatibility between Sam and Nova, scoring them at an astounding 99%. However, fate's irony was unrelenting; Sam was tethered to a girlfriend he couldn't disentangle himself from. The trajectory of his life was firmly fixed on a future football career that would earn him the pride of his parents. Meanwhile, Nova's journey had seen her traverse multiple cities and schools, a transient existence that had become the norm. Her resentment towards her mother grew, a product of never being granted the luxury of a stable home, a place to put down roots and cultivate lasting friendships. Focusing on her own uncertain future, Nova found herself unable to acknowledge the romantic currents that stirred for Sam Jordan, let alone contemplate a friendship. The intricate web of emotions was further complicated by the presence of other stakeholders, including Sam's girlfriend, Abigail. But when Sam, the harbinger of nostalgia, resorted to a time-tested method of communication by throwing stones at her window, Nova's heartstrings resounded in response. She couldn't turn him away. And so, their rekindled friendship grew anew, an avenue through which they both learned and rediscovered facets of themselves previously unexplored.

Could this be their chance for redemption? With each passing day, their orbits seemed to tighten, the magnetic pull intensifying, impossible to resist. Their journey, marked by a profound coming-of-age transformation, was a testament to the resilience of love and the power of self-discovery.

This poignant tale, seamlessly blending romance and personal growth, holds a mirror to the intricate tapestry of life's choices and the evolution of the human heart. The characters, beautifully rendered and multilayered, evolve organically, drawing readers into their world with raw authenticity. As the story culminates with a conclusion that serves as a new beginning, a sense of satisfaction washes over, leaving an indelible smile on the reader's heart.

My deepest gratitude extends to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for generously providing me with the opportunity to engage with this soul-stirring book, through a digital reviewer copy, in exchange for my candid reflections.

Reviewed for NetGalley:

I have loved every single bittersweet and enchanting word Ashley Schumacher has ever written, and I stand by that statement. So very grateful to have been given the opportunity to read In the Orbit of You ahead of time.

Nova and Sammy, childhood friends that sadly said goodbye in early elementary school. Spending their childhood afternoons building Snailopolis, Nova was always Sammy's bright spot, as he seamlessly tried to hide away his abusive home life. Their friendship seems to end, when Sammy is taken away from his best friend next door.

A lifetime later, they end up in the same town, the same school, and same lunch table, but with only Nova remembering their childhood.

Such a magnificently beautiful story. (As I still am wiping bittersweet and happy tears away).

Schumacher just has a talented, elegant way of writing that truly captures the reader until they can come up for air after reading her last words.

Always eager to read another one of her novels, and cannot wait for the next.

Prepare to be swept away on an emotionally captivating journey through the pages of "In the Orbit of You" by Ashley Schumacher. This novel beautifully weaves together themes of friendship, self-discovery, and resilience, leaving readers with a heartwarming and thought-provoking experience.

Schumacher's storytelling prowess shines in her ability to create characters that feel both genuine and relatable. Nova Evans and Sam Jordan's lives are painted with a depth that draws readers in, allowing them to empathize with their struggles, dreams, and past traumas. As Nova and Sam's paths cross once again, the delicate dance of their rekindled connection becomes a central pillar of the story, evoking nostalgia and a powerful sense of hope.

The plot unfolds gracefully, peppered with moments of humor, tenderness, and emotional depth. The unique twist of the school-wide personality test adds a layer of intrigue, as Nova and Sam's 99% match ignites both fond memories and new challenges. Schumacher masterfully navigates the complexities of their relationship, skillfully exploring the push and pull between their past and present selves. The tension is palpable, the chemistry electric and readers will find themselves cheering for these characters every step of the way.

At its core, "In the Orbit of You" delves into the resilient nature of friendship, demonstrating how time and distance can test even the strongest bonds. But it's not just about friendship – it's also a tale of self-discovery and healing after trauma. Nova and Sam's journey toward finding their voices, embracing their true selves, and overcoming their pasts is heartwarming and inspiring.

Schumacher's prose is a joy to read, seamlessly transitioning between moments of introspection and heart-soaring connection. Her vivid descriptions bring the settings to life, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the world of the characters.

"In the Orbit of You" is a testament to the power of second chances, the beauty of vulnerability, and the triumph of the human spirit. Ashley Schumacher has crafted a mesmerizing novel that lingers in the heart long after the final page is turned. If you're searching for a touching and enchanting tale that explores the complexities of friendship, self-discovery, and the enduring impact of the past, look no further than this remarkable book.

I will always read anything Ashley Schumacher writes and this did not disappoint. Plot and romance was really touching .The prose is well done, as is the dialogue. I enjoyed both characters' POVs equally. Also pacing of the entire novel was well done, until the end. I recommend checking it out!!

A special thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press & Wednesday Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I previously have read Ashley Schumacher's other books, so I was excited to read her latest novel. Based off her other books, i knew I had to proceed with a box of tissues.

Nova and Sam were childhood friends who weren't ever able to locate each other and reconnect after Sam moved in with his aunt and uncle. Soon after that, Nova and her mother moved as well and kept moving every few months for her mother's job. Nova never stopped thinking about Sam and instantly recognizes him in her new Texas town where Sam happens to be her neighbor. This Sam is a popular football player with a cheerleader gf and promises of college scholarships on the horizon. He doesn't immediately recognize Nova since she is from the part of his life he doesn't like to think about.

Thanks to a school wide match making test that's put together by Abigail, Sam's girlfriend, the two truly reunite when it tells them they are 99% compatible. The problem is Sam has Abigail and his plans for life after high school involve her. While I liked Nova and Sam, they really did Abigail dirty. My girl deserved sooo much better.

Would definitely recommend if you're a fan of the friends to lovers trope/childhood friends reconnected. TW: child abuse but it's not graphic.