Words simply cannot express how much I love Hannah Bonam-Young's books. Her characters, the themes she so carefully and compassionately explores, are absolute perfection. All of her books are so special to me for different reasons, and Out of the Woods easily joins their ranks as an exceptional marriage-in-crisis romance. It's also a deeply personal meditation on finding yourself and your passions – it's a midlife coming of age story, and it's beautiful to watch it unfold. (Plus, I knew Caleb and Sarah were going to have more chemistry than the periodic table, and boy was I right.) All told, I tore through this in less than 24 hours. I wanted to slow down, to savor it like a fine wine or a fancy cheese plate or something, but these two kept me hooked. Can't recommend it enough!

I actually was so worried that I wouldn’t be able to form any coherent thoughts about this book so soon after reading it. I also just don’t have the vocabulary necessary to talk about such an amazing book the way it deserves.

I never thought that Out on a Limb could be topped, and I’m still not quite sure which book I love more. It’ll take a couple of rereads for me to decide. The good thing is, Bo, Win, and Gus are in this book enough to satisfy my extreme need to see them again.

I was trying to decide for myself what theme I pulled from this book. There are some obvious ones like grief, love, and family. But I think the one I’m pulling from it the most is growth. A big part of this book was Sarah and Caleb rediscovering themselves and each other again after having been through some pretty traumatic things so young. They were what was safe for each other, and they continued to be safe throughout the whole book. They just had to learn new ways to keep each other safe.

I really love how Hannah writes relationships. She writes these characters who are already whole and who find someone else to love so deeply and completely. They communicate like adults, which is a big deal for me. I despise miscommunication, especially when they are grown adults who should be able to talk.

Sarah and Caleb were never going to not be together. Even through the worst of it, they were always going to stay together. I wouldn’t call this a second chance romance, and I also wouldn’t call it a marriage in trouble. They were never not going to be together. I would call it a marriage in crisis, as they were both in crisis mode trying to save each other and themselves. Throughout this book, Sarah and Caleb are redefining and relearning themselves and each other both within their marriage and outside of it. It’s a really beautiful thing, especially after finishing it and knowing that they were always going to be together. I think I would’ve never survived if they were not together at any point.

The theme of family within this book was so strong and steady. Throughout the whole book, I could feel the love and care they had for each other. It truly is a found family, from Win and Bo to Sarah and Caleb, and even Win and Sarah’s mothers. They were each other’s family, and I love watching them care and love each other so deeply and completely. I also really enjoyed the group dynamic of those on the retreat with Sarah and Caleb. It was such a short amount of time to create and meet a whole ensemble of characters, but they didn’t feel underused or underdeveloped.

THE PAPER PLANES GOD THE PAPER PLANES!!!! I was really wondering how those would come into play in this book after seeing them all over the promotional material. AND BOY WAS I NOT READY!! Sobbed!! Multiple times!!

The support and connection between Sarah and Caleb was so evident even from such a young age. Some people may say that they were too young or that the situation was what pulled them together, but I strongly disagree. It’s so clear even from the beginning that they were inevitable. I love that the feeling of inevitability never went away. Even as they were growing and changing, they were never not each other’s soul partner. They knew each other so deeply and completely. I was constantly marking times where they were unconsciously touching or searching or leaning on each other for support or just because they loved each other.

The whole story surrounding Marcie and her life was probably the most emotional part of this book for me. I have older parents, and I spend so much of my time struggling with anticipatory grief. It’s a really difficult thing to handle, and they’re both healthy!! Seeing how young Sarah was when her mom died and how it affected her even when she thought it wasn’t, was a very hard thing to read. It’s a reality for a lot of people, and it changes you forever. Sarah’s bond with her mother was beautiful. I really loved how raw and very real that part of this book was.

I love that they chose not to have kids and stood by that choice. I love that Hannah wasn’t afraid to write that decision into this book. So often, the epilogues end with a marriage and children (which is a valid choice, and it what is right for some characters!!), but I love seeing different endings. I love when fictional stories reflect real life and the choices that real people make every day.

The spice 🥵!! Hannah knows how to write spice LET ME JUST SAY!! I’m still thinking about, “Be a good boy and spit on it” and “Baby, all I do is miss this p*ssy” THREE DAYS LATER (and probably for the rest of my life, if I’m being honest)!!! I love that their sex life never really died, just had some hiccups when they were in a conflict. They truly loved every part of each other, and THEY WERE SO HOT, YOUR HONOR!!

The love was so deep between all of these characters, and I’m gonna miss them so much. Out on a Limb genuinely changed my life and my brain chemistry. Out of the Woods touched my soul and embedded itself into my heart. I will never get enough of Hannah’s writing or these characters. I am forever grateful they exist, and I will hold tight to them forever.


(Cry count while reading this book: 7 times! Cry count while writing this review: 3 times!)

Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin Random House, and the author for this ARC!

Once again Hannah does it!

This story follows Caleb and Sarah from Out on a Limb; high school sweethearts who are facing a rut individually and as a couple. You don’t have to read the first book to enjoy this one but it is recommended. Hannah has such a way of writing that really connects you with the characters straight from the beginning; it’s a beautiful story about loss and finding yourself.

This story does discuss topics of grief, parental death, questioning religion, and references to alcohol and marijuana.

4 star
Adorable and unique. Stamped with Hannah’s signature brand of cute, quirky, hot, and emotional.

I binged this book in 3 hours. I refused to go to bed until I had completed it. HBYs books are phenomenal.

I connected to sarah so much. I'm in mu early thirties and feel like I have accomplished nothing. I feel lost. So reading about sarah and her feelings really got me.

I honestly adored this book so much and cannot wait for it to be out in paperback to add to my collection

I was confident that I would enjoy *Out of the Woods*, given my longstanding admiration for Hannah Bonam-Young’s previous works. Her ability to craft compelling narratives has consistently impressed me, setting high expectations for this latest novel. However, I was not fully prepared for the profound impact this book would have on me. It is truly remarkable when a story aligns so closely with one's own life experiences, allowing for a deeply personal connection with the narrative.

The depth of resonance I found in *Out of the Woods* went beyond mere enjoyment; it struck a chord that was both unexpectedly powerful and humbling. Bonam-Young’s skillful storytelling offers a reflection of my own journey, mirroring aspects of my life and emotions with striking accuracy. This alignment is not just a testament to her writing prowess but also a rare and beautiful experience that allows a reader to see their own reflections in the story’s fabric. The experience of reading this book has been transformative, revealing the ways in which literature can echo our personal truths and connect us to the universal themes of growth, love, and self-discovery.

I knew I’d love Out of the Woods—I’ve adored all the books @authorhannahby has written, after all, so my enthusiasm was a given. What I didn’t fully anticipate, though, was how profoundly this book would resonate with me. Sometimes a story meets you right where you are in your own life, and it is both beautiful and incredibly humbling.

Sarah’s experiences, insecurities, and life timeline mirror my own so closely. How many times have I had to brace myself to explain why I married in my *verrrry* early twenties or why I didn’t attend university due to life’s interruptions? How often have I said “I know we were crazy! But, it made sense for us in that season of life”? Moreover, how many times have I thanked the universe that I found a really good guy, even if it was a bit earlier than I would’ve expected?

Reading about someone with a similar life path to mine, that is struggling to find their own identity while still deeply loving their chosen partner and working to grown-together instead of apart was just so deeply close to my heart.

Out of the Woods is more than just a captivating read; it’s a deeply personal journey that touches on the nuances of life’s unpredictable path. Bonam-Young’s storytelling not only captures the essence of Sarah’s experiences but also resonates with readers on a deeper level. For anyone who has ever felt misunderstood or out of step within their own story, this book is for you.

Oh.
This book.
And my heart.
When we meet Sarah and Caleb in Out on a Limb, they’re the picture perfect couple who don’t have any problems.
But there’s no such thing as perfect.

I just- wow. This book. Hannah never fails to capture the emotional journey it takes to be human. The parts of ourselves we so carefully want to hide. And the people we love who catch us when we unravel. Out of the Woods is no exception to this. Sarah has kept so much to her chest, and as she learns to let it go, to share herself, her people are there to catch her. And to grow with her.
It’s my hope in life that anyone who wants to find love can be loved as much as Caleb Linwood loves his wife. Caleb is the sweetest soul who sees the sunny side in everything and nothing can take that away from him.

The urge I have to just start the whole book over is high. What a beautiful, beautiful story.

Sweet and emotional and funny and steamy and WONDERFUL! Hannah has a talent for writing beautiful love stories filled with raw and messy emotions. Sarah and Caleb are struggling in their marriage, but their love for each other is never in question. Never once while reading was I wondering if these two would make it, it was only a matter of how. I adored Sarah as a main character. I found her deeply relatable and lovable. Caleb was such a sweetheart. I love their dynamic and how they support and tease and love each other. Plus the found family moments featuring Win, Bo, and Gus really had my heart squeezing. I laughed, I cried, I swooned. It was an absolute joy to read.

This story is truly a gem! It is an emotional rollercoaster that beautifully explores the complexities of long-term love and personal growth. Sarah and Caleb Linwood’s journey from a comfortable routine to a challenging wilderness expedition is both heartwarming and deeply relatable. The author captures their struggles with authenticity and humor, showing how their attempt to reconnect leads to profound self-discovery and renewed intimacy. The vivid descriptions of their adventure and the raw, honest portrayal of their relationship make this book a compelling read. It’s a heartfelt reminder of the power of resilience and the importance of rediscovering oneself and one’s partner. I’m eagerly anticipating more from this author.

As a disabled person, I've enjoyed all of Hannah Bonam-Young's books, particularly Out on a Limb, so I was excited to read this companion. Caleb and Sarah were real and emotional and I loved watching their relationship grow stronger and see them support each other. And, of course, the glimpses of Bo and Win were a treat!

In a sea of romance books about falling in love, it’s rare to find one about finding yourself while staying in love. Out of the Woods is a truly unique story in that regard, and I absolutely ate it up. Having been introduced to Sarah and Caleb in Out on a Limb, I loved getting to know them both on a deeper level. Sarah is the badass we knew and loved before, but seeing her softer and more vulnerable side had me tearing up on several occasions. Caleb is the sweetest, most clueless, lovable nerd on the planet, and not to be dramatic, but I would throw myself in front of a moving bus for him.

Hannah Bonam-Young has an exceptional ability to make her books feel so real that you almost forget that they’re fiction. Her characters speak to real life with a whole lot of heart and humor. I have loved all of HBY’s books, and Out of the Woods was no exception.

I took my time with this one; I savored it, because I knew I’d never get the chance to read it for the first time ever again. Every single second was worth it.

5 stars

• dual timeline
• single POV
• slow burn

✨ a friendship duo/square that I adore
✨ a dying parent and how much that changes you in big and tiny ways
✨ feeling lost and alone
✨ PAPER AIRPLANES
✨ I started crying at one point and just? never? stopped? Which since I was reading this at work made the crying weird. (How do I even count the crying on my spreadsheet?!?)