Catch The Sun by Jennifer Hartmann is a YA standalone survivor romance and this is Ella and Max‘s story.
 
Jennifer Hartmann‘s books are always emotional and captivating and this one was no different. Ella and Max are childhood friends who grew apart over time and years later Ella is back, and she moves across the street from him. But Ella isn’t the girl he used to know, and she is in the shadows of her brother who is on death row and his case sparked national interest. This part of the story was absolutely crazy and uncovering what happened kept me on the edge of my seat. Ella is trying to continue living and finding her happiness again and I loved following her.
 
Max is struggling as well caring for a disabled father and keeping a relationship with his distant brother. He is such a sweetheart and he‘s still intrigued by Ella and wants to help her. Through that the two got closer again and it was beautiful to see, and I could feel a few butterflies. But there are a few plot twists and tragedies and these two don’t have it easy. Yet through all of that their relationship can still bloom as they try to catch the sun and I loved this metaphor and what it meant to the story and that is perfectly reflected in the title.
This story is just gripping, intense and all-encompassing and it takes you on an emotional journey making you feel everything, and I adored it.
 
Overall, Catch The Sun is another amazing story from Jennifer Hartmann and I highly recommend it. 4,5 stars.
 
(ARC kindly provided in exchange for a review.)

jennifer hartmann you will always be famous. this was my first book by her but it certainly wont be my last. as ive only seen her adult romances, entering this with a YA novel was intriguing and she has written a love story so beautifully and without giving too much away, i highly recommend for people who have enjoyed her other books!

#Review: *Catch the Sun* - ARC - Jennifer Hartmann [18+]
5+/5✨
2.5/5🌶️

If it's a book written by Jennifer Hartmann, then I'm definitely going to read it and love it!😊 Thank you Jennifer and Valentine Pr from the bottom of my heart for this e-copy!

Max and Ella have first met when they were little kids. Ever since then they had an unique connection but they had to part ways when Ella moved away. Years have passed and Ella returned back, when her brother had some legal issues. They both changed throughout this period, each experiencing some traumatic events which marked them badly🥺. But that connection between is still strong, even though is burried deep in their sorrow.

This story was brilliantly built, with amazing characters and beautiful friendships. The story had many heartbreaking and tensioned moments which requested a lot of tissues🥺. I just adore these kind of books which just drag you in the story and make you live the same feelings as the characters🥺.

It happened so many things during this book that I felt like my heart will explode of pain. I felt so powerless and I just wanted to hug them tight to make them feel a bit better. There are many triggers included in this story and I advise to check them out before starting it.

For me, this book was the example of a perfect one! It had the perfect ingredients to fall in love with every single detail of it and I recommended it from the bottom of my heart.

Tropes:
☀️#FriendsToLovers;
🌻#FirstLove;
🖍️#ReturningToHometown;
☀️#Neighbors;
🌻#SecondChance;
🖍️#Bully;
☀️#Highschool;
🌻#Protector;
🖍️#VirginHero/Heroine;
☀️#Soulmates.

This book had me sobbing and hysterically laughing all through out! I love Ella so much, she was such a funny relatable character! And the ending was just perfection

♾️⭐️ 3🌶️

Jennifer Hartmann gives me the best book hangovers❤️‍🩹

Her books always leave me speechless and needing a day to gather my thoughts & sometimes I still can’t. She writes so beautifully & effortlessly that you can’t put the book down.

All the quotes through out this book was so thought provoking and I couldn’t get enough🧡

The pop culture references makes the characters so relatable. I love that the small details she puts into her books always mean so much more in the end because she continuously adds to it through out the book. There is nothing like it!!

I will forever be in debt to Jennifer Hartmann from all the pre-orders I’ll be doing 😂

The Winnie the Pooh references were everything to me! I think everyone has a touch of Eeyore in them 🌧️

I loved Ella & Max and their tragic yet beautiful story to finding love. I loved that you could see Ella’s character development so clearly. She was Eeyore but with Max she was Piglet & she just completely SHINED around him☀️

Also, the healing she went through with Max by her side brought so much emotion & growth to the book❤️‍🩹

Piglet & Pooh’s (using these names so I don’t give anything away) relationship was a complicated one but their last conversation devastated me with Pooh’s quote 😭😭 I was hoping for a better ending for them, but I understand why Piglet chose what she did after all the trauma she’s been through.

The ending to their love story was beautiful & Max’s surprise for Ella was everything. These two will forever hold a place in my heart🐎🧡☀️

A special thank you to NetGalley, Valentine PR & Jennifer Hartmann for this ARC. I literally wanted nothing more than to read this as soon as I could. I already pre-ordered my copy🫶🏻

This story flows beautifully. The words enthralled immediately me on the page. Hartmann effortlessly crafted powerful characters and a solid story. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

4⭐️

“Today I fell in love with a boy who finally caught the sun and he never let her go”

First of all, thank you to NetGallery, Author and Publisher for this eARC.

Having only recently discovered Jennifer Hartmann’s writing, I can safely say it’s become a firm favourite. The emotions that her books put you through…it had me sobbing.

This book is considered a YA romance but the only part I would say is YA is the fact our main characters are young adults. This book is filled with tragedy and heartbreak, it has twists and turns, it breaks your heart but puts you back together again.

Ella and Max are such pure, kind souls. I was rooting for them the whole way. Honestly this book was just tragically beautiful. I don’t really know what else to say.

All the stars for this one!!! Jennifer CRUSHED it with this story. I love Max and Ella’s journey to HEA. These two go on one heck of a heartbreaking, gut wrenching, beautiful, emotional journey that will keep you at the edge of your seat. Pretty much plan on reading in one sitting. Bring tissues, snacks and drinks to your reading spot! You will cry. You will laugh. You will swoon. You will fall in love with Max and Ella and I promise, you will be cheering for them to make it! The character development is phenomenal, the story is amazing and the writing is incredible.

While the characters start off as teens I will say I do not agree that this is YA and for 16 years old and up. This book deals with heavy topics and is open door so please be aware of that and check the TW. I would definitely say this is NA romance not YA.

I don't even know where to start other than to say that this book destroyed me. I was seriously bowling my eyes out at various parts, but especially in the epilogue. No joke, I had to stop like 3 times to take a deep breath and keep going.

"I've come to realize that some people have a way of making you feel as if living is more than just being alive."

Jennifer Hartman has such a beautiful and delicate way of dealing with pain, and I'm not saying this to romanticize anyone's pain. Quite the opposite, she portrays it raw and guides us through the path of healing and survival.

If you've read any of her books before, you know her romances aren't for the faint-hearted. And even though Lotus is my favorite and I suffered more with Still Beating, I think Catch the Sun shattered me the most.

But don't worry, she also manages to sew the pieces of our hearts back together and delivers a happy ending for hopeless romantics like us.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

I did not expect this to be a YA genre and that is probably the reason why I will give the book four stars and not five. I simply could not connect with the characters even though the story is tragic and beautiful at the same time. Half of the book was quite slow and later it was much better. Max is a wonderful male character who showed at such a young age how to love, forgive and sacrifice for the family, how to respect the true values ​​of life. I also like Ela because she only got the best out of herself even though her life is full of tragedies and temptations. Basically, the book is a typical Jennifer Hartman style, a story that is a roller coaster of emotions.

Thank you NetGalley , publisher and Jennifer Hartman for this opportunity , I enjoyed .

4.5 ✨
🌶️.5

I always know when I pick up a Jennifer Hartmann book I'm going to have all the feels and read it so fast. This book was no different.

The childhood sweetheart element was honestly so sweet but in my opinion this book is definitely not YA. It was a beautiful story but with heavy themes of trauma and some spice too. So if you've heard it's YA and that's put you off ignore that.🥲

Max and Ella were really just kindred spirits, soul mates, made to be together and it made for a beautiful story.

Also had some exciting plotlines and twists that made it suspenseful in parts (I was screaming at my kindle)

I'm so greatful to have received this as an ARC, thank you to Jennifer for sharing this story with us 💛✨

Thank you to Bloom books for the ARC of this book. I don't usually read YA but the description of this one sounded like something I would like. It took me on quite and emotional rollercoaster and honestly crushed me at times, but I could not put this book down. It was incredibly well written and goodness, I was just rooting for Ella and Max's love so hard! The amount of tragedy that both main characters both separately and together was staggering and yet their love for each other just shines through the entire time. I'll be looking forward to reading more books by this author. I think you'd enjoy this book if you like authors like Colleen Hoover and Mia Sheridan. 5 stars and I highly recommend it!

This books hooks you from the prologue! I could not put it down after that and was honestly mad sleep was even a thing. Here is what to expect!

Rating: ♾️🌟
Spice: 2🌶

✨Tropes
-childhood friends to lovers
-second chance
-first love
-coming of age
-small town
-bookworm x popular boy
-neighbors
-trauma, healing, & all the emotions!

Check TW!!
Release Date: July 16th

This story follows Ella & Max who were best friends when they were kids until Ella suddenly moves away. Years later, Ella’s brother is convicted of a crime and goes to jail. In order to get away from the scrutiny, Ella moves back to town. Ella is the outcast at her new high school and her childhood crush happens to still be there! And Max just so happens to have troubles of his own. You go on a journey of love, friendship, trauma, and healing. This one will absolutely crush you before it puts you back together for a happy ending.

The main characters in this book were absolute perfection. I adored them so much! Ella was so quirky in the best way. She has this witty humor (almost self deprecating at times) that i really relate to. I found myself giggling reading a lot of her lines! & Max, my angel!!!! He is an absolute cinnamon roll. His adoration and commitment to Ella was beautiful. We love a he falls first & HARD moment. They are both so strong and have been through so much at a young age. It was heartbreaking, beautiful and so bittersweet to read about their journey to peace and happiness.

Lastly, let me just say how much I love Jennifer Hartmann. If you know me, you know that is absolutely no secret because I am obsessed with her. Jennifer’s writing is so unique, poetic, and beautiful. She is a true storyteller who depicts her story and characters in the most honest and raw way. You will NEVER be disappointed by a Jennifer Hartmann book! You will laugh, cry, and feel so many emotions every single time. And Catch the Sun was no different!

Thank you Jennifer Hartmann & team for an ARC of Catch the Sun 🧡

I’m coming back to write my full review once all my emotions settle, but this should get infinity stars!

Updated Review:
I said on my IG and TT that this is the perfect book to take with you to the pool when it comes out next week on the 16th, because you will cry. At the pool, though, you can disguise it as pool water or splashes, maybe...idk, but definitely don't read it on a work break like I did. Hahaha...silly me, I should've known better with Jennifer's books!

This is the heartbreakingly beautiful story of Ella and Max, and childhood love lost, then rekindled in the face of so many tragedies. Catching the sun is a difficult thing to do, impossible many would say, but Ella and Max have a way of finding each other no matter the hurdles in their way or how many times they run from each other.

I have been living in Fantasy books; I haven't reached for a YA in a while, but with Jennifer's name on it, I knew it would be too good not to read, and boy was I rewarded for that choice! This book is a literal gift. Just read it. Do it. There are so many stunningly passionate and gorgeous quotes I highlighted from this that hit right smack dab in the heart.

This is art in book form, and I will definitely be at the midnight showing when this becomes a movie. There is no way it won't!

The characters were penned down in such a wonderful way that they charmed off my heart , right from the starting till the very end chapter of the book. The plotline is well paced and written in a very easy narration which definitely make my reading experience more wonderful.
I had a great time reading this book.

I will eat up anything JH writes in 24 hours or less, and while I loved Catch the Sun, I’m starting to find her plot lines a tiny bit repetitive which is a slightly, slightly disappointing. While each plot is unique, the timeline has been the same as far as what happens in the story (which I find interesting) because she’s such a phenomenal writer. With that being said, this book definitely had darker themes and more intense plot twists which have been different from her other books and I found myself eager to keep turning the pages and find out what was going to happen. I’ll always be in awe of Jennifer’s emotional writing. Her stories are always beautiful and stay with me long after I’ve finished them.

I loved this book! It is so beautifully written. Max is my new Roman Empire, green flag male all the way. I loved these characters. The story is heartbreaking, but healing.

Another absolutely heart shattering book from Jennifer that had me up till 2AM, a sobbing mess. This was a tragically beautiful story of young love and heartbreak. The first half had me giddy and kicking my feet. It was so heartwarming to see these two young people connect after all those years. To see how Max pulled Ella out of her shadows. To watch this young love blossom into something so beautiful.

The second half utterly destroyed me and had me in a constant state of fight or flight. There was just so much tragedy and heartbreak. The number of tragedies these 2 poor souls go through in such a short amount of time is devastating.

While Max and Ella do eventually get their HEA, this book is heavy and traumatic at times. Please check your triggers. Now I need to go back to cry into my pillow some more because I'm still not over this. 😭

So I’m definitely on the fence about this being a YA book. Yes. The first half of the book reads like a typical YA novel. I also found the first half to be very slow. But once you get just past the halfway mark it definitely speeds up and I had a hard time putting it down. The book made me mad, sad, happy, heartbroken everything all wrapped up in one. If you like romance novels this is definitely a book worth reading. A love story that span’s years. One that fights through everything you can think of and still finds its way. It will take a bit of trudging to get thru the first half. But the second half makes up for it for sure so keep going.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy

"Catch the Sun" is a gripping and emotionally charged novel that delves deep into the lives of Ella and Max, childhood friends whose paths diverged only to intersect again under tragic circumstances. The author masterfully explores themes of friendship, resilience, and the scars left by life's harshest trials.

Plot Summary
The story centers on Ella, who is forced to return to her hometown for her senior year after her brother is imprisoned for a double murder. This upheaval places her in the crosshairs of relentless bullying, making her life a living nightmare. Amidst this chaos, she finds an unexpected ally in Max, her childhood friend. As they reconnect and rebuild their friendship, they become each other's solace and strength.

However, their journey is far from smooth. The novel takes readers through a rollercoaster of emotions as tragedy strikes both Ella and Max, pushing them apart once more. The narrative is intense and heart-wrenching, highlighting the fragility and strength of human connections.

Themes and Trigger Warnings
"Catch the Sun" is not just a story of friendship and rekindled bonds; it is also a raw depiction of the darker aspects of life. The book addresses several sensitive issues, including:

Murder: The plot is catalyzed by the double murder that lands Ella's brother in prison.
Attempted Rape: A harrowing moment that adds to the gravity of Ella's experiences.
Alcoholism: A recurring theme that showcases the struggles of several characters.
Absent Parents: Both Ella and Max grapple with the void left by parents who are physically or emotionally unavailable.
Bullying: Ella's torment at school is depicted with stark realism.
Sick Parents: The emotional toll of caring for ill parents is poignantly portrayed.
These elements are integral to the plot, adding layers of complexity to the characters and their interactions. However, readers should approach with caution if they are sensitive to these themes.

Character Development
The strength of "Catch the Sun" lies in its well-drawn characters. Ella is portrayed with a depth that makes her struggles and resilience palpable. Max, too, is a compelling character, whose loyalty and compassion shine through even in the darkest moments. Their relationship is the heart of the novel, evolving naturally and convincingly against a backdrop of adversity.

Writing Style
The author's writing is evocative and immersive, pulling readers into the emotional landscape of the characters. The pacing is well-managed, balancing moments of tension with quieter, introspective scenes. The dialogue is realistic, and the descriptions vividly paint the settings and situations, making the story come alive.

Conclusion
"Catch the Sun" is a powerful and moving novel that tackles difficult subjects with sensitivity and honesty. While the trigger warnings are significant, they are handled with care and contribute to a deeper understanding of the characters' struggles. The book earns its four-star rating for its emotional depth, compelling narrative, and the authenticity with which it portrays the tumultuous journey of its protagonists.

For readers who appreciate stories that explore the complexities of human relationships amidst life's challenges, "Catch the Sun" is a poignant and memorable read.