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.

Jennifer Hartman has done it again! I was so excited to receive this arc, I literally read it in one day. The plot was so good and I loved the characters. This is a coming of age, second chance, friends to lovers, childhood friends to lovers, emotional roller coaster of a book. I laughed out loud and sobbed. The emotions Jennifer’s writing provokes never ceases to amaze me. Five star read all day.

Where do I even begin…..

Catch The Sun by Jennifer Hartmann was my favorite read so far this year.

It’s a small town young adult romance with grief, heartache, love and self discovery.

The two main characters are Ella and Max. They first met when they were 7 years old.. young and inseparable until Ella moved away due to her parents divorce…. 10 years later Ella moves back into town and right across the street from her childhood friend Max.

Both Max and Ella quickly realize that neither one of them are the same person from years past. Both have endured loss, tragedy and heartache.

I can’t even begin to describe how much I enjoyed this book. I loved all of the characters including the side characters. Each character had an integral part in the story. There were so many emotions and plot twists that I could never predict what was going to happen next…

Just when you think everything is going to be ok… you will be thrown off course and left with a broken heart…then pieced back together just to be torn apart again.

It’s a rollercoaster of emotions but in the best possible way.

To Catch The Sun is a beautifully written exploration of love even in the face of tragedy…. But sometimes.. You win 💜

Jennifer has done it again, brought us another heart breakingly beautiful story ❤️ the story of Ella and Max this book made me sob more than once, thing I love about Jennifers books is it shares the stories of people you wouldn't think about, and how they are dealing with the tragedy and the heartache of things that have happened, for example Ella's brother is arrested for murder (this is the first chapter) but it doesn't follow what happens to him it follows how Ella deals and copes and finds love and heartache my heart broke for max soo many times in this book this whole store is so beautifully it's a heartbreaking story ❤️

At 7 years old, Ella and max are best friends. They know each other so well and are always together. Then Ella‘s father moves her away and they lose touch. Ella‘s family falls apart… Her mother is broke and her brother is on death row for murder. Then Ella‘s father moves her back across the street from Maxx. She’s in the senior year of high school and she just wants to be invisible and get through her Life. When The kids at school tease her Maxx is there to stick up for her. They rekindle their friendship, but Maxx wants more. He wants to get to know this new. And then tragedy strikes again… Can their relationship survive another Disaster? I love the act of service and the friends to lovers trope. It’s a little bit spicy for young adult but a very good read. Thank you NetGalley for the digital copy. 4.5 stars rounded up.

Emotionally gripping! I love how Hartman’s romance always dives deep into the characters' emotional landscapes, delivering a poignant tale of love and heartache. The characters feel incredibly real and the writing is beautifully expressive, capturing the raw intensity of their journey with authenticity. It's a book you won't forget, filled with passion and genuine emotion that stays with you.

Wow. A rollercoaster from beginning to end. I was intrigued from the first line to the last line. I fell in love with Ella and Max straight from the playground. Their love was astonishing.

from the moment i read the blurb i was instantly intrigued and for good reason. this is a well told story of grieving and loving someone despite the evil they may have done. and it's very clear by the fmc's conflicting feelings about her brother on death row. while she's dealing with the turmoil, she finds a friend in her old childhood friend who has since changed as well.

and while i think this story is told really well, i just honestly could not stand the writing style. the characters were just overtly the stereotypical "awkward moody teenager who just wants to be left alone" and don't get me wrong i understand why but i think this book missed the mark by like 10 years.

i just don't think the writing style was enjoyable at all for me, i couldn't take it serious when i wanted to. and this honestly saddens me because i think the plot was so so good, it's just the writing /:

all in all i enjoyed the story not the writing which in the end ruined it for me, I think it you're able to look past it then this book can be enjoyable, i see why people have loved it but i am not of them.
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for an honest review

wow wow wow. obsessed. this book is so good and will
absolutely destroy you. absolute roller coaster of emotions you will go through.

Thank you NetGalley, author and publisher for the ebook arc.
I'm not really sure how to express how beautiful this story is. I've cried so many times. That's it, that's the review

𝑪𝒂𝒕𝒄𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑺𝒖𝒏 | Jennifer Hartmann

☀️ Young Adult
☀️ Outcast/ Popular Guy
☀️ Small Town
☀️ Childhood friends to Lovers
☀️ Trauma

Another 🧡GEM🧡 from Jennifer Hartmann! I read this entire book in one sitting - I was absolutely addicted to this story! Catch the Sun is a sweet yet tragic and poignant story of young love and finding your way amongst hardship and heart break. You guys, I don’t know how she does it, but Jennifer always delivers on all the feels. She makes you feel like you are living the emotions with the characters as you read.

This is a beautifully written story, with a captivating plot and so many sweet, sad, tender and even funny moments. The best part about all of Jennifer’s book is that you never see it coming - whatever the IT is the book, and there are usually multiple. This book is no different and it takes you on quite a ride with Max and Ella. Max is one enormous green flag and he works so damn hard to break down those stone walls that Ella has built around herself and her heart. His Sunny girl 🧡 This story tears you apart at the seams and then heals your heart.

I couldn’t recommend this book more if I tried. This incredible story releases ✨𝕁𝕦𝕝𝕪 𝟙𝟞✨ and it’s a MUST READ.

5⭐ 3🌶️

Every. Single. Time. Every single time I read a Jennifer Hartmann book I can’t help but feel it might be my favorite yet. I can’t help but feel…everything. From the nearly unbearable angst…to the slowest burn to…the unshed tears over heartache that ensued…to the complete joy and relief felt once it was all resolved, this book took me on a rollercoaster ride and I enjoyed every single second. Darker and spicier than anticipated, Catch the Sun was pure Jennifer Hartmann perfection and while I always feel it may be my favorite after finishing one of her reads, this one was truly special.

Ella and Max came into this one with so many of their own challenges to overcome due to their respective past traumas that I had no idea how they would finally resolve their hang-ups and end up together on the other side. Meanwhile, Jennifer said “hold my wine” and threw in some more heart wrenching shared trauma to really send me over the edge. Yet the true beauty of her writing is always in the overcoming and the healing which was so expertly crafted here that I kicked myself for ever doubting the HEA.

Catch the Sun may very well be my favorite read of 2024 so far and the book hangover I’m currently experiencing suggests it will stay high on my list for the rest of the year. No one writes beautiful, tragic emotions quite like Jennifer Hartmann and I can’t wait to see what comes next. Meanwhile, I’ll be locked away rereading her backlist and enjoying my Sad Girl Summer (and every season).

**While this is YA, I would like to note that there is open door spice (and it’s written SO well) and a lot of heavy topics. If you have any triggers, be sure to check content warnings before picking this one up.

OMG! This book was AMAZING!! It was soooo good! I absolutely loved Max and Ella. Their story was everything 🥹 this story pulled at my heartstrings. It made me so emotional. I literally felt like I was being tossed around in so many directions. They went through so much stuff. I felt like I was right there with them. This is a must read! Jennifer’s writing is top tier! I get lost in her stories so easily to where I don’t want to come back to reality.

“My troubles are all over, and I am at home.” 🌅🧡


Young adult novels are always a hit or miss for me but when I saw that Jennifer Hartmann’s next book was YA, I decided to give it a shot and boy, am I glad I did!

I absolutely adored Max and related to Ella much more than I had anticipated. There were, as per usual in Hartmann’s books, a lot of heart breaking moments but the ending made up for all the emotional damage you get throughout the book.

Like with all her books, I strongly advise you to look up the trigger warnings before diving in.

It's been awhile since I've been so affected by a story. While this is advertised as a YA book it felt anything but.. they're young when they met, but their lives and hardships are intense. If triggers are something you need to look out for, please do so first. But if not, go into this beautiful book blind and have your world forever changed like mine was.

Jennifer has such a beautiful way with words.. it's truly a gift. The way she captives your heart and consumes your emotions. I never thought I would cry over a brisket or Eeyore.. but here we are, tears streaming down my face because of the beauty these moments possess. There were so many little moments in this book, along with so many big ones that impacted me greatly. I felt all of the emotions. Happy tears, sad tears, as though my heart was being pulled from my chest and shattered, only to be put back together again. Because as much as Jennifer likes to destroy us, she always mends us and leaves us thanking her for it.

Max Manning. He is the blueprint. Everything about him was complete and utter perfection. His words and his actions... the epitome of if he wanted to, he would. It doesn't get better.

Ella. If I could have reached through my Kindle and hugged this sweet girl and protected her from the world, I would have. The world was so cruel to her, but she was so resilient and seeing her find her light again made my heart so happy.

Together, their young love was quite literally the love you write books about. I'm in love with their love. And I'm so thankful Jennifer wrote their story. It is absolutely a new favorite, one that I didn't want to end.

I hope everyone reads this book on July 16.
Make sure you have tissues. Because there will be tears.. but I promise you, they're worth it all.

I absolutely loved this book! Another great read from this author. This is a YA romance about tragedy, heartbreak, first love, and healing.

Based in Tellico Plains, TN (a town 1 hour from where I live) made it feel like I was transported into the book by the sights, smells, and places described.

Max and Ella are trying to navigate friendship after both of them have had some tragic things happen. Ella’s brother is in prison for double homicide, and Max’s dad is an alcoholic and unstable. They find solace in each other and a home when they feel like their home is in shambles.

There are so many twists and turns once you get about 50% through that had me gasping and feeling so many emotions. That’s one thing this author will do - make you go through all the feels.

The grand gesture at the end of the book had me swooning for Max and I think everyone should read this book!

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

I absolutely loved this book. I think it might just be my favorite one I’ve read by Jennifer. It was such a wholesome book that left you wanting more. The love in this book was the purest kind. Catch the Sun is a sweet yet tragic and poignant story of young love and finding your way amongst hardship and heart break. I don’t know how she does it but I’ve loved every book she’s written. Max is a major green flag, he works so hard to break down the walls Ella has put around herself & her heart. He’d do anything for his Sunny Girl and it’s shown so so many times. This story tears you apart at the seams and then heals your heart.

4.5 stars

Catch the Sun is a super intense and heart wrenching read about a girl named Ella whose brother is on death row for supposedly murdering two people. When her mom moves her to a small town in Tennessee, she reunites with Max, her best friend from when she was seven.

This is a story about grief, first loves, difficult family situations, and learning how to live again. There are a lot of heavy topics in this book so definitely be aware of that before you start. I really loved Ella and Max and how innocent yet intense their relationship was, and Max was just the absolute sweetest. I really did not expect the story to go in the direction that it did and I actually had anxiety at times waiting to see what would happen. It has a well deserved HEA after taking you through an emotional wringer. I’m looking forward to reading more from Jennifer Hartmann!

Thank you to Bloom for the ARC!

4.5 stars

Jennifer Hartmann’s “Catch The Sun” is one of the most stressful YA novels you’ll ever read - I mean this in the best way possible. Please take the time to read the trigger warnings to ensure you are in a good headspace when you go into this book —

From the get-go this book starts off with a BANG and jumps right into it — and just when you think you’ve been utterly traumatized even more shocking chaos continues to unfold one after another. This book is not a lighthearted romance, although the slow burn romance that unfolds is precious. The love between siblings, parents, friends, romantic partners, and the self is analyzed through the pages of this book… begging you to question does love really conquer all?

Ella will remind you of Wednesday Addams, she’s been through so much and continues to be kicked while she’s down. Max and her were the best of friends at age 7, before she moved away…before her life was turned upside down — he still remembers the bright little girl that he swore he’d marry nearly a decade ago. She’s back now, and she’d rather just hide away from everywhere as she’s processing the fact that her brother is serving a sentence on death row for committing a high profile murder in the name of love. Ella and Max continue to have something in common - they’re both kindred spirits trying to survive and taking it a day at a time.

I am so grateful to NetGalley and Bloom Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. I would highly recommend this book to readers of all ages looking for a tragedy with a happy ending — be sure to grab your copy when this book hits the shelves on July 16, 2024. I look forward to reading more from Jennifer Hartmann.