“The start is the only scary part. We just have to be brave for a few minutes, then it’ll be okay.”

God, I love Gary Lonesborough books. I always feel so safe and comforted in his novels, and if *I* feel like that, then I really hope his books find the readers who need them most 💖

Jonah is an Aboriginal boy who moves with his dad and brothers to a small country town called Patience after the death of his mother. He has to deal with being the new kid - a painful and relatable time.

Jonah is written with a voice so honest and authentic, he feels incredibly real, and it’s hard to not feel connected to him as a character. I love that Gary didn’t censor some of Jonah’s thoughts, feelings, and actions. His journey with his grief was really touching and tugs on the heartstrings (trust me, have tissues on hand towards the end.) Jonah is also a writer (I love this trait in Gary’s characters) and uses his writing to process his feelings, which is so important. I thought it was interesting that Jonah knew what he wanted but still wasn’t always ready. It added a touch of realism but was also important for him and for young readers, too ✨

The town of Patience is going to be extremely familiar to many who live/haved lived in Australian country towns. There’s still some homophobia and small-minded thoughts, but those bullies don’t get away with their actions by the end.

I also enjoyed seeing not just Jonah navigate life and friendships, but his dad too. The whole novel was a really wonderful read and I’m already anticipating what Gary does next 🥰

Thank you @allenandunwin for the early copy on NetGalley 🤩

This is a coming-of-age queer romance in the very best way. Gary Lonesborough brings to life a delightful cast of characters in small-town Australia and makes you care deeply for them. You will cheer Jonah on as he arrives in a new town, tries to fit in, and falls in love

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What could be better than being able to head our 'Heartstopper' devotees toward a gorgeous queer teen romance that is not only set in their own backyard but has two delightful protagonists, all set to a Kylie Minogue soundtrack!

It's always 5stars from us when it's a Gary Lonesborough book