Jennifer Hartmann does it again🥹. YA is usually hit or miss for me. But I knew this would be fantastic because she wrote it! Jennifer is one author who can make you feel the whole range of emotions in one book! Catch the sun was another one of her books to do this.
Ella and Max have both gone through so much trauma, but neither of them give up on each other.
I loved their relationship so much so much🥹. He was so intent on making sure Ella was happy and taken care of, and she really did the same for him. They were the perfect balance through everything🧡.

🧡Second Chance
🧡Small town
🧡Childhood friends to Lovers
🧡Trauma Healing
🧡Angsty and Emotional

Wow! Where do I begin?? Let's start by saying, I thought this was 6 star read! 5 isn't enough! This book had everything in it! Dry humor, angst, depth, heartbreak, healing, love. It's honestly a phenomenal read and one of my top books ever! I will be thinking of this book for a really long time and recommending it to everyone.

And true to Hartmann's style, this deals with heavy topics. Just know that going in!

Edited to add: This story is no way YA. Yes it deals with young adults, but you need to be 17+ to read this.

Yet again, Jennifer Hartmann has tugged at my heartstrings, splintered my soul, broken me and put me back together.

This is such a poignant and beautifully written story that my words will do it no justice.

Each story that Jennifer releases has tidbits inside that will always remind me of the book and this one is no different. No longer will I think of Winnie the Pooh without thinking of Ella. And Max.

The colour orange, heck even the sun, will forever be associated to the love and loss Ella and Max experienced at such a young age and pivotal time in their adolescent lives.

Another fabulous story from Jennifer etched into my soul and one I won’t forget. I wholeheartedly recommend it.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to ARC read Catch the sun!

Jennifer Hartmann is my queen and I will devour every single thing that she publishes! This one had me ugly sobbing since the characters had to deal with a lot of serious events that tested the strength of their bond. I love childhood friends to lovers as well as reunited friends so it was no surprise that this was an enjoyable read even if it made me cry while swooning

Oh Jennifer you really know how to pull on the heart strings. This story was so sad but so good. It really hit me with all the feels. Loved how the story panned out. It made me smile and cry but was worth the tears. A great story with a great conclusion.

This book made me feel so much. It was such a rollercoaster of emotions. All the trauma and healing both characters had to go through, they both deserved so much better! This is my first book by the author but it definitely won’t be my last!

I truly don’t know how this book can be considered YA. It was so dark, emotional, and heartbreaking. It was beautiful too but… you have to check the trigger warnings first. Yes, it ends as a happily ever after but the journey to that ending was anything but that. Ella and Max are two broken souls who just so happen to stitch each other back together. They bring each other back to life in a beautiful way. I couldn’t put this one down. I had to know how their story continued to unfold. Also… who knew YA could be so spicy?

Talk about yanking at your heart strings. The emotional rollercoaster I went through with this book. Wow. Even though some may consider this YA, it in fact deals and talks about some very heavy topics. I don't know what I would qualify this as YA I defintiely would put this more towards new adult but that is just me.

The first half was a bit slower for my taste. Defintiely slow burn type but once that second half hit, it kept leaving me on the edge of my seat. I wanted more and more with every page I turned. I cried, laughed, gasped, literally felt every emotion there was. Max and Ella's relationship was so beautiful yet heartbreaking at the same time, if you read it, it will make sense. Their story had so many layers and I loved watching them all unfold chapter after chapter. You felt their pain on the pages come to life and you also felt how they processed each emotions and found their way to each other giving us a HEA ending. Defintiely worth the read.

Thank you Netgalley for the eARC. All opinions expressed are my own.

Prepare yourselves! If you want a book that will break your heart & still manage to heal it, this is for you.

I’ve never known an author be able to create such a spectrum of emotions through their writing like Jennifer does. It truly is a gift.

These characters are brought to life through their flaws, trauma & when life throws them curveballs they face them with maturity. The relationship between Ella & Max is so heartwarming and their character growth is incredible, I loved their ups & down, humour & compassion. I was beyond drawn into their story.

“Souls don’t see, Sunny. Souls feel. They feel, and they yearn, and they know.”

There were parts of this book that devastated me.
Honestly, I feel like this book will stay with me for some time.

(ALL THE STARS, SUN and EVERYTHING IN THE SOLAR SYSTEM)

How do I feel after reading Catch The Sun?!

I feel lost. I feel like a kid again. I feel uplifted. I feel heartbroken. I feel like dancing in the rain. I feel connected. I feel like sun rays beating down on my face. I feel faded. I feel humbled. I feel so so saddened. I feel like it's meant to be. I feel like the first time you hear a favorite song. I feel loss. I feel like wind blowing through your hair. I feel alive. I feel...I JUST FEEL.

And I know some would say it's just a book, but Hartmann always brings so much to the table (including the brisket) and she just has a way to connect you to her characters, you will feel exactly like you have morphed and became one with them. Feeling every tug of the heart, every new experience, every sensation, every first, every regret, every what if, every ounce of happiness, every piece of their heart breaking. You feel every bit of their experience from beginning to end.

Including grief. Not only grief for the losses these characters endure but also grief for yourself, grief after the turn of the last page when you realize that you will never be able to experience this story for the first time ever again. And it is one that you will immediately want to experience again as soon as you reach the end, just because you WILL want more time with these characters I have no doubt. But there is just something about experiencing something for the first time. If you know what I mean.

And I am so thankful to @author.jenniferhartmann @read_bloom and @netgalley for allowing me to experience all of Max and Ella's firsts. My heart was truly touched by this one and it has quickly made its way to the top of my favorites list 🖤

Emma and Max are childhood best friends until Emma's father suddenly moves them out of town. When she returns a decade later, she isn't the same girl that Max remembers. As they rekindle their friendship, Emma and Max each deal with family struggles that threaten to halt their blossoming relationship.

This book was amazing!! I loved the character development with both Ella and Max. They had such great chemistry throughout the story. This book was beautifully written with all kinds of emotions. Ella and Max were inseparable in their childhood. Both underwent some very hard traumatic times and yet found each other again. I highly recommend this book.

Thank you NetGalley and SourceBooks Bloom Books for this ARC.

Teenage romance is the best romance. Where did my youth go? Hartmann did a brilliant job in describing teenage emotions, and all the turmoil that our heart gets into. Its not an easy period to navigate. This book gave me courage that the rainbow will shine at the end of the storm. All we have to do is to keep fighting for what to believe is right.

This is third book I've read by this author and I loved it! It's not as dark as Still Beating and Lotus... but the angst is just as good. The relationship development between Ella and Max, stole my heart. They are so cute. The epilogue was adorable.

I really enjoy Jennifer Hartmann as a writer. I think her stories are well thought out and keep my attention.

This one however was not it for me. I could not connect or build a relationship with the main characters and spent most of the book ready for it to end.

OMG, this book. Sooooo well written, emotionally GAHHH, such a refreshing take from thrillers I usually read but I am unwell. Loved it all.

• 𝗦𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗙𝗠𝗖
• 𝗕𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗱𝘆 𝗠𝗠𝗖
• 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀
• 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝘂𝗺𝗮/𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴
• 𝗘𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹
• 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝗮𝗴𝗲
• 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲
• 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴
• 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗰𝗲𝗻𝗲!!!!

Another 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 book by @author.jenniferhartmann ! I would love to say I've flown through her books. But it always takes me far too long to get to the next. I have to give my heart time to heal. Even though she always does an impeccable job of healing it by the end of the book! I'm so glad I'm finally getting to this book!

Ella and Max's story was 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴. But I did enjoy the ride that Jennifer put me through! Ella's character stole my heart right away with her witty and take-no-BS personality! And Max, oh sweet sweet Max, this boy's patience was insane. His love for Ella was beautiful! Right from the start. Even as children this boy adored her. And knew that she was it for him. And even as a broody teenager, he saw Ella just like he always had as kids. Even the sides she hid from the world.

These two couldn't have found their way back to each other at a better time. I loved watching Max win over the very cynical Ella. And watching both of them find a safe place in each other.

This book is told over a few timelines. And each one flowed so well. Jennifer did such a good job of having you connect with the characters. Even the side characters. I feel like that's one of my favorite parts about the books she writes. She always does such an incredible job of making you see the character. Fall for them. And never wanna let them go!

Thank you Jennifer for another 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 story! You always blow me away! And this book was no different!!!

This audiobook was so good! I'm so glad I listened to it. Raven Wildewood was the 𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗙𝗘𝗖𝗧 Ella. With her playful voice she delivered Ella's sarcastic comebacks so flawlessly! I thought so many times while listening to this book, that I couldn't have imagined a better Ella. Dane Anderson did such an incredible job giving us 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗻 Max. He brought so much life to Max's character. Especially during the emotional scenes. They were delivered so well. Max and Ella needed this pair. And I couldn't have been more happy with their performances!

@vancityandersonvo
@mybookishbungalow

Jennifer has a way with words! I wouldn’t categorize this as a YA. The topics were semi heavy and hard. But I was consumed with the story. My heart was in it. My heart was destroyed and I enjoy books that destroy me.

UNWELL. Jennifer Hartmann, you utterly destroyed me and put me back together with this one 😭

Once again, she slays the game. Jennifer’s writing is always on point, she creates the most beautifully faceted characters, and gives us so much depth!!

Ella and Max met at children and were literally soulmates from the start. Her family uproots and moves away for quite some time and she lost contact with Max. Eventually she returns. I LOVED Ella so much!! She has so much trauma but continues to have a positive outlook on life. She is so witty and sarcastic with a touch of teenage angst. She had so many layers and I just adored meeting her. Max is just as incredible. I could not get enough of his sweet disposition and his heart for his family regardless of the trauma he has surrounding it.

These two are put through the wringer. Their love story is something so incredible, even though the universe kept throwing a wrench in it all. This story is FULL of heartache, love, forgiveness, breaking generational trauma, and so much more. Max and Ella are two young people with dark backgrounds and damaged souls who find light and sunshine in each other, until the unimaginable happens.

For a YA novel, it is heavy and explores lots of emotions. Jennifer has an amazing way to bring it all together!! The grand gesture at the end had me sobbing and swooning at the same time so prepared for an emotional rollercoaster. It is such a captivating story and I will never stop recommending it to everyone!!
Be sure to check trigger warnings too 🤍

Thanks NetGalley and Bloom Books for this arc 🫶🏻

Thank you Netgalley and Sourcebooks Bloom Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Jennifer Hartmann’s “Catch the Sun” is a heart-wrenching, emotionally charged story about two childhood friends, Ella Sunbury and Max Manning, who reconnect after years of separation. The book beautifully explores themes of trauma, grief, and healing while offering a tender coming-of-age romance that will leave you both shattered and uplifted. I highly recommend looking at content warnings before reading this book, especially if you are sensitive to themes of grief and loss. “Catch the Sun” is not a lighthearted romance—it’s a story of survival, of finding love in the midst of tragedy. Even though I was mentally prepared going into this book, I still needed a box of tissues when I got to the ending. This is a book that will stay with you long after you finish it, but it will also give you a feeling of hope and contentment.

The story begins with Ella and Max as inseparable childhood friends, making promises of forever. But life tears them apart when Ella’s father abruptly moves her away. Ten years later, she returns to Juniper Falls, where her past is marked by tragedy—her brother has been sentenced to death for murder. Ella’s return is met with hostility, as the small town mercilessly bullies her for her brother's crime. Meanwhile, Max is grappling with his own demons, from his mother’s abandonment to his father’s descent into alcoholism.

Hartmann’s strength lies in her character development. Max is the embodiment of patience and kindness, a quiet force of love who remains steadfast even as Ella tries to push him away. Their slow-burn romance is built on trust and respect, with Max allowing Ella the space to heal while gently supporting her. The emotional depth between them is palpable, and their relationship, filled with heartache and resilience, is as tender as it is raw. I absolutely loved Max’s character and how he has his own flaws while being a fully developed character.

While “Catch the Sun” is marketed as a YA novel, it tackles heavy topics with a maturity that sets it apart from typical young adult romances. The book delves deep into trauma and grief, giving the story a weight that lingers. The friendship between Ella and her new friend, Brynn, adds a layer of warmth to the story, balancing out the darker themes. There were also touches of humor and relatability that I enjoyed even when the plot was hurtling forward.

The pacing of the book starts off slow, reflecting the internal struggles of the characters. But once the second half picks up, the emotional intensity skyrockets, pulling you through unexpected twists and gut-wrenching moments. Hartmann’s writing is poetic and so beautiful, making this reading experience even more memorable.

Overall, “Catch the Sun” is a stunning exploration of love, loss, and the journey of healing. Hartmann has created a masterful blend of emotional depth, character-driven storytelling, and heartbreaking beauty. I can’t wait to experience even more beautiful and heart-wrenching writing from Hartmann.