DNF @20%. The biggest problem I had with this book was the angsty writing. It's totally understandable that Ella would feel moody, angsty, etc. with everything that was going on in her life; however, her tone read unnaturally. The writing just didn't feel authentic. It read like a middle-aged woman was writing the voice of a teenager. The moody clever one-liners felt forced. I thought it was weird how much Ella was pushing away Max. I didn't like how hot and cold she was with him. Since I stopped at 20%, that may have changed further into the story. I did like the premise of the story with Ella's brother. I thought that was an interesting topic to read about. Thank you to NetGalley and Bloom Books for the ARC.

The way I will never recover from this book. A five out of five star from me! Jennifer does it again.
I was immediately sucked into Max and Ella’s story and I don’t ever want to let them go.
My heart was broken, but in true JH fashion, she mends it back together perfectly.
Don’t let the YA/NA definition of this book steer you away. It’s absolutely worth the read just make sure your tissues are nearby.
Max and Ella deserved to be protected at all costs.

This book was amazing. I already knew I was going to love this book since I love Jeniffer her writing, but this was amazing. So beautifully written, so many emotions and so many beautiful quotes. Highly recommend this book, you could feel the love and the connection off the pages and the emotional growth the characters went thought was so special to read about.

Synopsis: At seven years old, Ella Sunbury and Max Manning were inseparable—until life scattered them in different directions, forcing Ella to abruptly leave town. A decade later, she returns for their senior year of high school, moving in across the street from her childhood best friend.

But she's not the same girl Max once knew.

She now lives in the shadow of her brother: a notorious felon on death row, convicted of a crime that shook the nation. Reeling from the fallout and shunned by her peers, all Ella wants is to fade into the background.

Max has little room for distractions, juggling responsibilities for a disabled father and a distant twin brother. But Ella's return reignites something within him. He wants to be close to her again, to understand her…and to turn their friendship into more.

But as their relationship blossoms, new tragedy strikes, and darkness threatens to tip their delicate balance. In order to find the light, they'll have to navigate the shadows.

And to catch the sun…they must first endure the flames.

Review: Man, oh man. Do you ever finish a book and know that you'll be thinking about it for the rest of your life? This is one of those books. This book put me through the ringer. It was heartfelt and heartbreaking. I laughed, I smiled, I cried. I sobbed and gasped for air. I laughed while I sobbed. And only the best books can do that to you. This book, at its core, is about love. Love the endures. Endures time and events. I can't review more than that without giving spoilers because this book is so fresh in my mind and on my heart. The main thing to take away from this: read this book. Read all of Jennifer Hartmann's books. But read this one ASAP.

I'm still trying to gather my thoughts, as my heart, broken and then healed but forever changed, is still reeling from the impact of this amazing story. "Catch the Sun" filled a void in me I didn't know existed.

The love story between Max and Ella is absolutely heartwarming. Meeting at seven years old and then reconnecting ten years later, their bond remains pure and innocent. This enduring connection, surviving despite the passage of time and their individual traumas, is beautifully written and deeply moving.

Both Ella and Max are incredibly well-developed characters. Their depth and authenticity make them feel real and relatable. Watching their love story unfold is nothing short of epic, providing a sense of connection that is deep, raw and completely satisfying.

I'm not going to lie thought, the plot twists are intense and hit <b>very</b> hard, making me want to cry, throw up, and applaud all at the same time. The author's ability to evoke such strong emotions is incredible. Reading this book felt like living another life, with my heart experiencing every moment, leaving me in the worst book hangover of my life the next morning.

"Catch the Sun" is a storytelling gem. Jennifer Hartmann's writing is not only engaging but also deeply satisfying, taking readers on a journey that feels like a complete experience. The author expertly handles trauma, treating her characters' struggles with care and giving them the time they need to grow and heal.

Thank you, Jennifer Hartmann, for such a beautiful book. This one goes straight into my top 10 favorites.

Oh, this book really touched my heart. I'm not a big fan trope "from friends to lovers", but this story really hit home.
They met when they were young and became close, but had to take a break for a while. After 10 years, they're back together. Initially, Max stayed away from Ella, but after some time, they began to communicate again and become friends.
They remembered the shared memories from their childhood, and it was nice. I understand that both of them went through difficult times, but when they realized they were each other's light, they became closer.
Even though Ella kept her distance at first, she eventually gave up on her fears of falling in love with Max because he was just the best person for her.
The ending of the book was heartbreaking. Max deserved better, and I'm happy he was able to move on. It was important for both of them to find happiness separately.

Jennifer Hartmann has once again utterly WRECKED me with her words and now I have no idea how to move on with my life.

<b><i>”Today I fell in love with a boy who finally caught the sun. And he never let her go.”</i></b>

This destroyed me in the best way. It was sweet and heartbreaking and sent me on a rollercoaster of emotions. My heart hurt for Ella and Max from the very start. Their relationship started when they were children before circumstances ripped them away from each other. Thankfully this was a bond meant to survive because they found their way to each other again as late teens. I loved the relationship they had with each other. It was almost slow-building yet you could see the strength in their bond from the start.

I spent the whole book on the edge of my seat waiting for the other shoe to drop and was distraught when it finally did. What happened broke my heart for everyone involved.

While the initial 3/4 of the book was quite slow to read, the last 1/4 really made up for it. I was so on edge the whole time and kept having to stop myself from speed reading to see how our couple would resolve their issues. I’m still not sure how I feel about some of the reactions the characters made but I can’t imagine being in their shoes or how I would react in the moment.

I’m so glad there was a HEA because I was really worried we weren’t going to get one. While this wasn’t anywhere near as dark as a usual Jennifer Hartmann book, it was incredibly emotional and it felt like she was ready to stomp on our hearts. The way it came together was beautiful and precious and I really enjoyed the way it was wrapped up. It had such a beautiful conclusion.

I’m really not sure where I’ll go from here. I sobbed for almost 30 minutes wrapping this story up and I’m definitely going to need a sweet easy read to recover but for now I’ll soak up these precious feelings and appreciate what an incredible story this was.

Jennifer Hartmann has delivered another emotional story where tissues will be needed!

Max & Ella journey was not an easy one. Both were dealing with traumatic family situations at such a young age that my heart broke for them.

This childhood friends to lover’s romance will pull at your heartstrings as you flip the pages hoping that they will get their well-deserved HEA! At times I could not put the book down, and THAT plot twist took me totally by surprise!

The highs were so high, and the lows were so low! I love the way the author always manages to evoke such emotions in her stories.
I highly recommend this rollercoaster of Catching the Sun!

Another emotional, angst filled booked by the amazing Jennifer Hartmann. I’ll honestly forever think of this book every time I see the colour orange, a sunset, or an orange coloured crayon. Its significance might seem so minuscule, yet in this book, it’s so meaningful and beautiful.

This book was angst filled, had so many twists and turns and had a plot that was so unique, that I’ll be thinking about this for a long time to come. Like most of her books, JH never fails at throwing you for a loop, and this book was no exception. It had me reading and tearing up until 2am because I just had to know how this was going to end!

I’m so happy Sunny and Max finally got their HEA, because there was nobody more deserving than these two.

🧡“Kissing you feels like catching the sun.”

🧡 “ I’d feel you in any lifetime, in any version of any reality. And I’d know, without a doubt, without a shred of hesitation…that your soul was meant for mine.”

🧡 “I felt it deep inside my soul- she was, and always would be, my sun.”

Thank you Net Galley, Valentine PR & Jennifer Hartmann for this eArc in exchange for an honest review.

Okay, I do not read a lot of YA, but this was truly amazing! I'm not a fan of sex scenes with teenagers so those parts I skimmed but this childhood friends to lovers romance was brilliant. It was heartwarming yet so heartbreaking at the same time! If you young ladies are looking for what a young man should be, look at the character Max!!

There were so many quotes I loved in this book, so here are a few:

"Love conquers all."

"Grief does what it wants when it wants to."

"Every human being has a right to be selfish when it comes to grief."

Thank you to NetGalley, Jennifer Hartmann, and SOURCEBOOKS Bloom books for a copy in exchange for an honest review.

4 🌟🤌🏻

Thank you so much to NetGalley, the author and the publisher! Did I cry? Absolutely! One thing about Jennifer Hartmann is that she will write such heart wrenching stories that you cannot help but love. This was a story about friends who become lovers with some tragedy but it does end happily for them. If you're into that then read this when it comes out on the 16th!

This story captivated me! A story about childhood friends that seem to be destined to be together, possibly soulmates but fate seems to keep them apart. I loved the character development we get of Ella and Max. I enjoyed that we got dual point of views of this story to get an idea of what each was feeling and thinking.

The brisket scene— tell me why did I picture the scene in dirty dancing where she shows up and says I carried a watermelon. She shows up at his house and is like I brought the brisket!

Such a heartbreaking and heartwarming story. I loved it from the first chapter to the last page. I cried, cried some more, laughed, and felt all the feelings.

I laughed, I cried, and I wish I could read it for the first time again.

Jennifer Hartmann is one of my favorite authors, and this book was everything I expected from her and more. A coming of age childhood friends to lovers, thus story weaves a beautiful tale filled with friendship, romance, trauma and the path to healing.

There comes a time you come across a book that moves you in a way you don’t think is possible. For me this book is it. It follows Ella & Max. Best friends who were separated but reunite when Ella moves back ten years later. But Ella is not the same. Dealing with family tragedy she didn’t expect. Max is also dealing with family issues. They become friends and when their friendship moves to something more, tragedy strikes.
I have never read a YA that brought out so many emotions for me. The character development was superb. Seeing Ella and what she is going through and having Max by her side. Showing her what friendship is, what love is. How they found their light in their darkest times. But in Jennifer’s brilliant writing she gives you some twist and turns that you don’t see coming. I find myself crying wondering how can she do this? But she does and takes you on a journey that’s both heartbreakingly painful but also so emotionally beautiful. Jennifer once again gave me a book and characters that I will be thinking about forever.
Thank you NetGalley for give me this arc.

"Catch the Sun" by Jennifer Hartmann is a truly remarkable book that left a lasting impression on me. Any book that can make me cry is an instant five stars, and this one did just that. This was my very first Hartmann book, and while I had heard good things, now I’ve seen amazing things.

Hartmann's writing is phenomenal. She really brings out each character's unique voice, ensuring that no character seems dull or boring. Each one feels alive and vibrant, contributing significantly to the depth and richness of the story.

I devoured this book. The romantic moments had me kicking my feet in delight, while the sad moments brought me to tears. I was truly moved by the storyline, which is both heartfelt and deeply engaging. Hartmann's ability to evoke such strong emotions is a testament to her skill as a writer.

In conclusion, "Catch the Sun" is an incredible read that I would highly recommend. It's a book that will make you feel deeply, from joy to sorrow, and everything in between. Jennifer Hartmann has a new fan in me, and I can't wait to read more of her work.

Star: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice: 🌶️
☀️ Small Town
☀️ Bookworm x Popular Guy
☀️ Childhood Friends to Lovers
☀️ Neighbors
☀️ First Love (& first kiss)
☀️ Trauma Healing

"Catch the Sun" by Jennifer Hartmann is a poignant and emotionally charged novel that delves into themes of love, loss, and the enduring power of hope. The story follows the lives of two deeply scarred individuals who find solace and redemption in each other’s arms, navigating through their past traumas to find a future worth living for.

Ella, a young woman burdened by a tragic past, struggles to reclaim her sense of self and purpose. Her journey is beautifully rendered, capturing the reader's heart with its raw authenticity and emotional depth. Jennifer Hartmann's portrayal of her inner turmoil and resilience is both heart-wrenching and inspiring, making her a character that readers can deeply empathize with.

Max, equally haunted by his own demons, complements her journey with his strength and vulnerability. Their chemistry is palpable, and their interactions are filled with a mix of tenderness, passion, and heartache. As their relationship evolves, it becomes a beacon of hope, illustrating the healing power of love and the possibility of new beginnings.

Jennifer Hartmann's writing is evocative and lyrical, painting vivid scenes and deep emotional landscapes. Her ability to convey complex emotions and the intricacies of human relationships is masterful, making "Catch the Sun" a deeply immersive reading experience. The novel's pacing is well-balanced, with moments of quiet introspection interspersed with intense emotional climaxes.

"Catch the Sun" is more than just a romance; it is a story of personal growth, forgiveness, and the strength to move forward despite life's challenges. Hartmann's skillful storytelling and richly developed characters make this novel a compelling and unforgettable read.

Overall, "Catch the Sun" is a beautifully crafted tale of love and resilience. It is a must-read for anyone seeking a story that will tug at their heartstrings and leave them with a sense of hope and renewal. Jennifer Hartmann has created a powerful narrative that will resonate with readers long after the last page is turned.

I’m a huge fan of this author but sadly this one was not it. Everyone has been giving it glowing reviews so maybe it’s me? I will say it reads like a Colleen Hoover book…is that a good thing….not in my books but maybe in yours

I just love this author so much! Catch the Sun deals with some very heavy and dark topics. That is something that always intrigues me about this authors books. Ella + Max share an unbreakable bond that will be tested in many ways. This was so good!!!!

Thank you NetGalley and Bloom Books for the arc of this book.

Get ready to have your mind blown! "Catch the Sun" is a book that will live rent-free in my mind forever. This novel tore me to pieces and then put me back together in the most incredible way. Hands down, it's one of the top reads of the year!

This was my first time diving into Jennifer Hartmann's work, and now I can't wait to get my hands on everything she's ever written. I went into "Catch the Sun" without any expectations, and what a wild, emotional rollercoaster it turned out to be! I won't spoil any part of this epic journey, but trust me when I say it's packed with all the feels.

Get ready for a serious book hangover because this story will stay with you long after you've turned the last page. Jennifer Hartmann's storytelling is off the charts, and her characters are so real and relatable. "Catch the Sun" is an unforgettable ride that will leave you breathless and craving more from this amazing author.

This book CONSUMED me😭💔

Jennifer Hartmann does it again and I think this one may just be my favourite🥹

The writing just flowed effortlessly and all the quotes and references were just beautiful! Not only will this story stick with me but so will they. There is always just so much more to the writing with JH and I love that.Just amazing!🙌🏻

Going into this I thought it was going to be innocent due to seeing it being classed as a YA. I should’ve known with the author that that wasn’t going to be the case at all! This book will tear out your heart, stomp on it, fix it and then put it back multiple times. I couldn’t physically cry at this book, I had tears in my eyes yes but when I tell you my heart was hurting and I felt physically sick to my stomach, that’s how much it consumed me!

As I was reading it I thought I was going to be able to predict what was going to happen but that was not the case at all. I did have funny feelings about multiple characters but even when certain things happened I was so shocked!

I don’t think I’ll ever forget about Max and Ella! They didn’t deserve anything that happened to them but their story was everything as much as it was heartbreaking. I fell in love with them from the start and all the way throughout I was completely invested.

Something In The Orange-Zach Bryan is one of my favourite songs and it is definitely this book but as a song for me! I’ll be thinking of Catch The Sun every time I hear it now🥹

Don’t let the fact that it’ll be an emotional rollercoaster put you off reading it. Pick it up when it’s released on the 16th of July,you honestly won’t regret it! Please do check TW before however.

I’ll 100% be recommending this to everyone! Such an amazing book 😍

Thank you to Jennifer Hartmann and Valentine PR for giving me the chance to read this as an ARC. Im so so grateful. Although this is an ARC all of my opinions are 100% honest🤍