
Member Reviews

This book broke me and then put me back together in the best way.
Iโve only read one other book by Jennifer Hartmann, and it did the same thing. There is something amazing about her writing that takes you on a journey you didnโt think would happen through a book.
This book was heavy at times. But it was also lighthearted and carefree in the way young love is.
It took me on a rollercoaster of a ride.
Ella and Max met when they were young, but were separated for about a decade. When they are reunited later on, we get to see their story blossom through the good times and the bad. I loved these characters and how strong they were separate, but I also loved how they made each other strong too.
This book is one that I think will stick with me for a while.
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC.

๐ผ ๐๐๐๐ ๐พ๐๐๐ '๐๐ถ๐๐ธ๐ฝ ๐ฏ๐ฝ๐ ๐ฎ๐๐' ๐ท๐ ๐ฅ๐๐๐๐พ๐ป๐๐ ๐ป๐ถ๐๐๐๐ถ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐พ๐๐ ๐๐ฝ๐ถ๐ ๐พ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐น ๐๐พ๐๐๐๐ ๐ท๐ ๐ถ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐พ๐๐๐ถ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ธ๐๐ถ๐๐๐๐, ๐ป๐พ๐๐๐๐น ๐๐พ๐๐ฝ ๐๐๐ถ๐๐, ๐ฝ๐๐ถ๐๐๐ท๐๐๐ถ๐, ๐ถ๐๐น ๐ถ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ถ๐น๐๐๐๐ - ๐ถ๐๐น ๐ป๐ถ๐๐๐๐ถ๐๐ ๐น๐พ๐น ๐๐๐ ๐น๐พ๐๐ถ๐ ๐ ๐๐พ๐๐. ๐ฏ๐ฝ๐ ๐ธ๐ฝ๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ธ๐๐๐๐ ๐ฝ๐ถ๐๐ ๐ท๐๐๐ ๐๐ฝ๐๐๐๐๐ฝ ๐๐ ๐๐๐ธ๐ฝ ๐ถ๐ ๐๐๐ธ๐ฝ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ถ๐๐, ๐ท๐๐ ๐๐ฝ๐ ๐ธ๐ฝ๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ธ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ฝ ๐๐ถ๐ ๐ ๐๐๐ป๐๐๐๐นโ ๐๐๐ถ๐ธ๐ฝ๐พ๐๐ ๐๐ถ๐๐๐ถ๐ท๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ถ๐ท๐๐๐ ๐๐ฝ๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ป ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐, ๐๐ถ๐ธ๐๐พ๐ป๐พ๐ธ๐, ๐ถ๐๐น ๐๐ฝ๐ ๐ท๐๐ถ๐๐๐ ๐๐ป ๐ป๐พ๐๐ฝ๐๐พ๐๐ ๐ป๐๐ ๐๐ฝ๐ถ๐ ๐๐ถ๐๐๐๐๐. ๐ฏ๐ฝ๐๐พ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ฝ๐๐๐ ๐ฝ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ป๐๐๐๐ ๐ถ๐๐น ๐๐ฝ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐ธ๐ถ๐ ๐ท๐, ๐ถ๐๐น ๐ฝ๐๐ ๐๐ ๐ธ๐ถ๐ ๐ธ๐ฝ๐๐๐พ๐๐ฝ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ถ๐๐น ๐๐๐๐๐๐พ๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐พ๐น๐ ๐๐ ๐๐ฝ๐๐๐๐๐ฝ ๐ฝ๐ถ๐๐น ๐๐พ๐๐๐, ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ฝ๐๐ ๐ถ๐ ๐ถ๐๐. ๐ฒ๐ฝ๐พ๐๐ ๐๐โ๐๐ ๐๐๐ถ๐๐๐พ๐๐ ๐๐ ๐ธ๐ถ๐๐ธ๐ฝ ๐๐ฝ๐ ๐๐๐โฆ ๐พ๐โ๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ถ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ฝ๐พ๐๐ ๐ถ๐๐น ๐ท๐๐๐๐๐๐ป๐๐พ๐๐, ๐๐๐๐๐๐พ๐๐๐ ๐๐ฝ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ถ๐๐ ๐ท๐๐๐๐ถ๐ ๐ถ๐๐น ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ถ๐๐ ๐ฝ๐๐ ๐๐๐ป๐ถ๐พ๐ ๐๐พ๐ป๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐พ๐๐๐ ๐พ๐ ๐ถ๐๐น ๐ฝ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐พ๐ท๐๐ ๐ถ๐๐น ๐๐๐ป๐๐๐๐พ๐๐พ๐๐ ๐พ๐ ๐ธ๐ถ๐ ๐ท๐. ๐ผโ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ป๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ธ๐ฝ ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ป๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐พ๐๐๐ ๐๐ป ๐๐๐๐ ๐ถ๐๐น ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ถ๐ ๐ผ ๐น๐พ๐น ๐๐ฝ๐พ๐๐ ๐๐๐ถ๐น๐พ๐๐ ๐๐ฝ๐พ๐ ๐ท๐๐๐. ๐ผ๐'๐ ๐ถ ๐ท๐๐ถ๐๐๐พ๐ป๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ถ๐น ๐ถ๐๐น ๐๐๐ถ๐๐พ๐ธ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ฝ๐ถ๐ ๐๐๐๐ถ๐๐๐ ๐พ๐๐ ๐ถ๐ธ๐๐๐น ๐๐. ๐ผ ๐๐๐๐๐น ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐พ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ป ๐พ๐, ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ฝ๐ ๐น๐พ๐ป๐ป๐พ๐ธ๐๐๐ ๐ ๐ถ๐๐๐. ๐ฏ๐ฝ๐ถ๐๐๐ป๐๐๐๐, ๐พ๐ ๐๐๐น๐๐น ๐๐พ๐๐ฝ ๐ถ ๐๐ถ๐๐พ๐๐ป๐๐พ๐๐ ๐ป๐ธ๐- ๐ง ๐๐๐ถ๐๐!

Oh my effing heart! This book DESTROYED me.
Ella and Maxโs story is definitely one that is going to stick with me for a long long time. I will never be able to look at the color orange or think of winnie the pooh without thinking of this heartbreakingly beautiful story. I loved everything about this story, the characters, the angst, the plot twists, the heartbreak, the grief, the resilience, ugh just everything.
If youโre like me and love a deeply emotional read, pick this one up ASAP.
*There are some heavy subjects portrayed in this book so be sure to check the content warnings.
Also for anyone wondering, yes this is YA, but there is open door spice.

Catch the Sun is perfection!
I really enjoyed getting to know Ella and Max and loved the feelings of nostalgia I experienced as they navigated their relationship early on. There are fun and lighthearted moments that had me kicking my feet, but also devastatingly tragic events that are heavy and had my heart continuously braking. I was rooting so hard for these characters who endured unimaginable trauma that would completely shatter anyone! Tears were shed and life lessons were learned. I recommend this book, it was fantastic.
There is a content warning list in the beginning of the book. Your mental health matters.
Thank you to NetGalley, SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books, and Jennifer Hartmann for an advanced e-copy of Catch the Sun, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

4.5 out of 5 stars
This book is a heartbreakingly beautiful story that I couldn't put down, especially the last 50% of the book. Reading this book felt like I was on an emotional roller coaster. I smiled, cried, had butterflies, loudly gasped... you name it and I probably felt it. There were so many layers to this story, so much depth, and it was so detailed. I could picture everything in my mind because it was so detailed, which also helped me feel so connected with the story since it felt so real.
Jennifer Hartmann is a master at writing amazing characters that have so much depth and development. Ella and Max both have trauma and are working through the healing process. Even though I may not be able to relate to their trauma, Ella and Max were relatable and I could feel their emotions through the pages. I feel like I always take away a message from her books and they stick with me long after reading. This book is no different.
This book is a must read, but please check trigger warnings. Don't let the YA genre detour you from reading this book. This book will live rent free in my head for awhile.
Read this book if you enjoy:
* he falls first
* trauma bonding
* friends to lovers
* second chance romance
* found family
* childhood friends

When I tell you I dropped EVERYTHING to read this eARC as soon as it hit my kindle, Iโm not exaggerating. Yall know my love for JH books.
Max and Ellaโs story was so sweet and full of heartbreak. Their love was so pure and just surrounded by tragedy. My heart hurt and smiled for them, and in true JH fashion there was a major healing focus. This could almost be considered YA due to the characters ages (mostly 17/18 then ending at 21) but Iโd put it more at NA for content.
Thanks @author.jenniferhartmann @read_bloom @netgalley for the eARC opportunity!

โLive every day like itโs your first. Lasts are tragic. Firsts are exciting and full of celebration.โ
This book hit me right in the heart. Iโm not sure Iโve ever highlighted so many times in a book. Iโm excited to get my paperback on release day so I can tab them all.
Jennifer Hartman is a beautiful writer and I think that her talent truly shines in Catch The Sun. Such a beautiful, tragic, and hopeful story. Have your tissues ready but also prepare your heart because this story latches onto it.
โWords are never innocent. Theyโre either weapons or remedies. Like seeds, they grow and expand, becoming skyscraping trees or invasive weeds.โ
Thereโs just something so beautiful about books written about that soul deep young love and not many can do it justice but this book makes you feel everything that Max and Ella do, which is a lot. Catch the Sun captivated my attention from the start. Both Max and Ella were so well written and so easy to connect with.
โLove is war. You fight until you win, or you fight until you lose.โ
This story is about tragedy, love, healing, friendship, hope, and perseverance in the face of darkness you canโt quite see your way out of but you keep pushing through to the light in the end where the sun is shining so beautifully. I 100% recommend this book if you love any of the below. It is one of those reads that will stick with me.
โ๏ธ Reasons to read:
- Childhood friends to lovers
- Small Town
- Beautiful writing
- First love
- A captivating, beautiful story that grips your heart from page one. โฅ๏ธ
**ARC received in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the publisher Bloom Books and NetGalley for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

How can I put into words how deeply I fell for this story. Jennifer Hartmannโs writing gripped my heart and refused to let go. No words can truly express the depth of my emotions or convey the masterpiece she has written. Reading this felt like chasing a fleeting ray of sunlight, trying to catch the sun.
Jennifer, the journey you took us on, with its heart-wrenching moments and all-consuming love, left me utterly speechless. Iโm at a loss for words. Iโll cry myself to sleep tonight, overwhelmed by the all emotions from falling in love with Max & Ella!

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for an advanced e-copy of Catch the Sun, in exchange for an honest review.
Jennifer Hartmann's 'Catch the Sun' delivers a heart wrenching YA romance that explores the complexities of life, love, and overcoming adversity. The story follows Max and Ella, childhood friends reunited after a decade of separation.
The novel's strength lies in its exploration of heavy themes. Ella's brother's incarceration and the resulting social stigma she faces add depth and poignancy to her character. Max's responsibilities as a caretaker for his disabled father and his desire to provide a normal life for his brother McKay create a compelling narrative.
While the YA aspects may not appeal to all readers, the darker moments are executed with brilliance. The novel would have benefited from a slightly shorter length, allowing for a more focused and impactful storyline.
Despite these minor criticisms, 'Catch the Sun' remains a highly enjoyable read. The characters are relatable and well-developed, and the plot offers a rollercoaster of emotions. This was a solid 4.75 stars for its compelling themes, emotional depth, and overall engagement.

OMG!!! Jennifer Hartmann knows how to make your heart stop. I think mine stopped at least three times in this book. This was such a heartbreaking but heartfelt book. I went through every emotion imaginable . Thankfully I'm not the type of person that cries but it you are make sure you have the tissues around. This one will put you though the wringer. The characters and story were so well written that I felt like I was living in the moment with them. I felt everything they felt. There were so many plot twists in this nook that I couldn't put it down. Jennifer had me hooked from the beginning until the end. This is a YA book and you will definitely want to check trigger warnings. This book deals with a lot of different situations that could be hard for some people. I would HIGHLY recommend this book. Jennifer Hartmann never disappoints so I would also recommend any of her other books as well. Grab a blanket, get cozy and enjoy this emotional but beautiful book!
Thank you NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books | Bloom Books for allowing me to read this ARC for my honest opinion.

An emotional angsty young love story that was devastatingly beautifully written. A couple chapters in I thought to myself, oh itโs not as sad and traumatizing as the previous books Iโve read from JH. Just wait, as you go into the story more the emotions will rise and as soon as you think all is calm everything explodes. A great read.

Where to begin?! I'm not at all exaggerating when I say Jennifer Hartmann is one of my favorite authors and is an auto-buy/auto-read whenever she comes out with a new book. Most of her books have garnered 5 stars from me (easily). This book was different. Now gimme a second to explain before you crucify me. As her first YA novel, I was intrigued because let's all admit, most of JH's writing does not qualify as YA. She's not afraid to get graphic - not that I mind! Immediately starting this book, I thought - OK the characters might still be in high school, but this is absolutely NOT a YA novel. I'll explain more below.
It's not uncommon for her novels to have some length to them, which is ok since they're typically so hard to put down that you breeze right through them. For the first half of this book, the pace was extremely slow burn. I struggled to trudge through. That could be the younger character element. I understand the necessity for the backstory but it did feel overly drawn out and for the first half, I really thought 'wow - is this book barely going to qualify as a 3 star?' That pained me... seriously.
The second half - holy guacamole! Action-packed doesn't begin to describe it. Finally!!! Here's the Jennifer Hartmann we've all come to know and love! I laughed - I cried - I whipped through the pages at an alarming speed. Does the incredible second half of the book make up for the almost painfully slow first half? That's the question you'll have to ask yourself. My answer is YES.
Now to get into the issue of what genre this book truly falls into - I'd say 'New Adult'. While yes, there are parts of the book where the characters are kids - specifically an extended period of time where they're 17/18, when you see YA - you expect no foul language, no sexual content, etc. That's not the case with this book, which is why it really should be categorized as New Adult Romance.
Thank you to NetGalley, SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books, and Jennifer Hartmann for the opportunity to read this digital ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.

First, I want to thank Jennifer Hartmann for an ARC of "Catch the Sun" in exchange for an honest review.
Every single book by Jennifer rips my heart open. This wasn't any different. The prologue sucks you in immediately - I could not put this down once I started.
Ella and Max stole my heart. Grief is hard, and it's messy - Jennifer portrays it perfectly.
Now excuse me while I cry. ๐ซถ

Oh. My. Goodness. This book broke my soul, then healed it, then broke it again.
Childhood friends Ella Sunbury and and Max Manning reunite in high school ten years after life sent them separate ways. Ella returns to the small town of Juniper Falls, TN as a lonely 17-year-old reeling from the highly publicized trial of her brother, who is a convicted felon on death row. Though she is shunned and bullied by her peers for her association with her brother, she and Max rekindle their friendship and lean on one another for support.
I'm not a big reader of YA books, but this one caught my eye, and honestly, the only thing "YA" about this book is the age of the charactes for most of the story. This story tackles TOUGH issues and is not an "easy" read, but it is BEAUTIFUL. The writing is superb, full of life and color and feeling. I loved how the author weaved so many sweet little details into the narrative, making you fall hard for the characters. There were times I wanted to rip my hair out at some of the characters' decisions, but the challenges they face and how they heal was very compelling. I think Max has become my all-time favorite MMC!
Thank you NetGalley and Bloom Books for the opportunity to read this wonderful story and provide my honest review!

I tiptoed around this book for a few days now. Reading Catch the Sun by J. Hartmann, published by Sourcebooks Bloom Books - I just knew it would tear me apart. And I was right. It did - in best way imaginable.
Ella and Max are friends since age 7. But Ella had to leave. Now, 10 years later she's back and moved in just across the road from Max. But she changed. She's just a shadow of her old self. She just wants to be invisible, following the huge scandal her brother is responsible for.
A raw and gritty ya contemporary romance full of twists that had me guessing til the very last page.
A masterfully crafted, epic, outstanding novel, one of my very few fav in 24, I recommend the book.

Title: Catch The Sun
โจAuthor: Jennifer Hartmann
Genre: Romance
โจRating: โ
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Wow, wow, wowโฆโฆ one hour after finishing this and Iโm still crying!!!!!! What a story!
At seven years old, Ella Sunbury and Max Manning were inseparable best friends. Life scattered them in different directions when Ella abruptly left town. Now, a decade later, sheโs back for their senior year of high school, moving in right across the street from Max.
But Ellaโs not the same girl Max once knew. She now carries the weight of her brother's notorious crime, which shook the nation and left her living in his shadow. Shunned by her peers and desperate to blend into the background, all Ella wants is to survive her last year of high school in peace.
Max, on the other hand, has his hands full with a disabled father and a distant twin brother. Despite his many responsibilities, Ella's return rekindles old feelings. Heโs determined to be close to her again, to understand her struggles, and maybe even turn their friendship into something more.
As their relationship blossoms, new tragedies threaten to disrupt their lives once more. Together, they must navigate the darkness to find the light and rediscover the bond that once made them inseparable.
"Kissing you feels like catching the sunโฆ" is a heartfelt story about rekindled friendships, overcoming past shadows, and finding love in the most unexpected places.
From the very first page, Catch the Sun by Jennifer Hartmann had me hooked. This beautifully written novel took me on such an emotional rollercoaster ride, with all the feels from heartache to hope, and everything in between.
What I loved about this book is the depth of the characters. Max's unwavering support for Ella, despite his own burdens, is touching. Ella's struggle to reclaim her identity amidst her brother's shadow is realistic, heartbreaking and relatable. Their journey from childhood friends to something more is filled with tender moments and heart-wrenching challenges.
The romance blossoms naturally, with Hartmann masterfully building tension and connection between Ella and Max. Just when you think they've found their footing, new tragedies strike, testing their bond and their resilience. The emotional stakes are high, and the author doesnโt shy away from exploring the dark moments, which makes the eventual light feel all the more rewarding.
I cried so much throughout this book... and I'm still tearing up just thinking about it. The raw, emotional honesty of Catch the Sun makes it a standout read. It's a five-star journey of love, loss, and the enduring power of friendship. If youโre looking for a story that will stay with you long after you turn the last page, this is it.
Thank you to Blooms Books, The Author Jennifer Hartmann & Netgalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.

I knew Jennifer Hartmann was gonna take me on this journey of whole earth shattering heartbreak and I still sign up because I love her writing so much!!!! I absolutely binge read this book and loved every minute of it !!! The development of characters and plot was done beautifully

Make sure you are prepared for some deep trauma and love that is truly tested with this story. Our FMC, Ella, is mourning her brother. He didnโt die, at least not yet, but he is sitting on death row. And our MMC, Max, is dealing with a difficult home life as he cares for his father and brother. Neither is interested in love, but once upon a time they had been best friends and that friendship doesnโt seem to want to let them go. This story was complicated and extremely compelling. Max and Ella were continuously drawn to each other as the only bright spots in their otherwise dark lives. Such a great read!
Catch the Sun by @author.jenniferhartmann comes out July 16, 2024. Thank you @valentine_pr_ and @netgalley for sending me an eARC of this book!

Please read trigger warnings prior to beginning this book.
Max and Ella were inseparable as kids, but her parents' divorce forced Ella to leave town abruptly, without a chance to say goodbye. Now, ten years later, Ella returns and moves in across the street from Max. However, time has changed them both. Ella is stigmatized due to her brother Jonah, who is now a notorious felon on death row. She faces ostracism not just from her peers, but also from her teachers. Meanwhile, Max is preoccupied with caring for his disabled father and trying to ensure his twin brother McKay enjoys a normal teenage life. Despite these challenges, Max yearns to rekindle his friendship with Ella. Yet, lifeโs complexities mean he must put in considerable effort to make things work between them.
This YA romance is quite the emotional rollercoaster! It features numerous ups and downs, with some frustrating and heartbreaking moments, along with some overly sweet and cheesy ones, and a few very dark scenes. The darker elements were truly brilliant. However, be sure to check content warnings before diving into this one.
I will admit that the second half was far more compelling than the first. I found the first 30% a struggle to get through. This was my first book by Jennifer Hartman even though I have been seeing her books all over Bookstagram. I am so glad I received a chance to read this early as I thoroughly enjoyed the book! I am 100% going to be reading her other releases ASAP!

โGrudges are a burden on the heart, so I turned my heart to stoneโ
As always, this book ripped my heart out. The characters in this book are seniors in high school. It is themed around young adults, but this book is FULL of heart ache, some dark themes, and some on page spice. I would say good new adult aged and up book because of this.
Ella and Max meet in grade school age and are separated for awhile due to life changes. When Ella has to move back to where Max is they re connect.
Ella is a black cat, and has a very tragic past and I loved seeing max peel around her outer layers to help her open up. Max also has plenty of heart ache and well above his age in terms of responsibilities.
This book has lots of suspense and twists that were literally jaw dropping to me, and was written phenomenally not that Iโm at all surprised by that!
This is my favorite Jennifer Hartmann yet.
โForgiveness without love is one thing. But love without forgiveness? Thatโs like a tree without roots; it canโt stand for long. It can never truly live.โ