I want to start out by saying this book hooked me from the first page. I can relate so much with the fmc and her worry about her life and where her marriage fits in. Throughout the first 50% of the book, I was extremely engrossed. However, somewhere around the 60% mark I started to lose interest. It started to feel less like a second chance romance, and more like then just getting over one big fight. I never felt as though divorce was a real possibility and the lack of angst at this point made me lose internet even more. I really really wanted to love this book. But it just didn’t deliver for me, as much as I wish it had.

WOW...just wow. Hannah has this way of writing these characters that make them feel so REAL, like they're people you know. Sarah and Calebs story is so full of love and acceptance and healing, its beautiful. As someone who also got married young, seeing conversations Sarah had and knowing ive had those exact same conversations and feelings really made this book hit home on another level for me. Also getting to see more Bo and Win was such a good little bonus. This was such a beautiful, romantic story. Thank you so much to Netgalley and Random House for the amazing opportunity to read this story.

out of the woods

after reading out on a limb, i was so excited to receive this arc!

i’ll start by saying that this trope (couple saves dying marriage? idk what to call it) has never really interested me before, and i’d still probably place it low on my preferred plot list. that being said, i feel like hannah bonam-young couldn’t have done a better job writing this story.

the first half of this book dragged just a little for me. it didn’t keep my attention as much as i would have liked, but i’ll note that i read most of this while fighting the flu, so that might’ve played a big part. aside from being in a fever-induced haze for the majority of this book, i think the lack of setting and character changes also made it feel a bit slow. you spend pretty much the entire story in one location with the same characters, so if that’s something that bothers you, keep it in mind. even though this kept me from loving the book, it definitely didn’t stop me from really liking it.

this story was so realistic, and i know sarah’s character will resonate with so many people, myself included. the reality of both characters and their relationship made this a super tender story that surprisingly had me choked up multiple times. on a similar note, i thought the scenes about sarah’s mom’s health were really well done. even though i can’t relate to their story exactly, i still found myself connecting to it in a lot of ways.

overall, i just feel like hannah bonam-young writes relationships extremely well, has some genuinely witty and funny dialogue, and creates unique stories that i’ll always be excited to read.

thank you netgalley and penguin random house for this early digital copy!

ps: the dedication was NOT lying, this book really was for the amy march girls.

3.75 stars

I really enjoyed this book! At first I thought I wasn’t going to like Caleb and Sarah’s characters, but both of them grew on me by the end. I think sometimes it is important to step away from your day to day life and just pause. People can get stuck in their routines and not realize how unhappy they are. Sarah knew that something needed to change in her life, but also knew that she didn’t want Caleb to change. Caleb just wanted to love Sarah and take care of her. Overall I thought the storyline was good and Caleb was my favorite character.

🌲Out of the Woods ARC Review🌲

“It doesn’t feel like I’m healing... I kind of feel like I’m
b r e a k i n g o p e n more than ever.”

“Often, we can find ourselves playing what-if instead of recognizing what we can do now to build the life we want. The truth is the past is one of the only things as stubborn as us humans.”

I screamed when @netgalley @randomhouse and @dellromance approved me for the Out of the Woods ARC a few months ahead of its release, and I devoured it immediately. I became an instant @authorhannahby stan the minute I finished Out on a Limb, the preceding novel, to Out of the Woods. I loved getting the opportunity to learn more about the seemingly stable, happy couple, Sarah and Caleb, and their relationship beyond the small glimpses we see in OOAL. I appreciated how Bonam-Young poignantly wrote about the challenges of young love and the growing pains of a relationship. This book hit incredibly close to home as I met my husband at 19 years old, and we have also had our share of obstacles and need for couples therapy to buoy our relationship when life seemed destined to rip us apart due to unforeseen circumstances. For Sarah and Caleb, it’s grief, the untimely loss of Sarah’s mother due to ALS, and the need to forge their own identities outside of each other. What struck me the most about this book was how astutely Bonam-Young captured the experience of how love is constantly evolving and that sometimes we need just a little help to see our partners clearly again. Caleb and Sarah unpack their grievances and try to find their way back to each other at a nature retreat that helps couples rekindle their relationship, all while not being the outdoorsy type of people, making it even more entertaining and beautiful as they put themselves outside their comfort zones in more ways than one. I cried a lot reading this book — primarily because of how tender and affirming it was — and I was filled with joy getting to see Bo, Win, and Gus again.

Highlights:
🌲Found family
🏕️High school sweethearts
🌲Marriage in crisis
🏕️ Grief and healing
🌲 Personal growth

CW: death of a parent, grief, terminal illness, medical trauma, head injury

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing for this arc in exchange for an honest review 💕

I absolutely loved Out on a Limb and was thrilled to hear about the second book! The witty humor and adorable romance in the first story made me eager to dive into the spin-off.

However, this follow-up wasn’t quite what I expected…

Sarah and Caleb, the main couple, have a few marriage issues and decide it’s best to attend a “marriage retreat” called Reignite.

I understand that this is a book about growth and learning to take accountability for your actions, and I appreciate that focus, but the romance part was lacking for me. I couldn’t feel the connection between Sarah and Caleb, which made their journey harder to invest in.

The story itself felt a bit choppy and just wasn’t hitting the mark for me. The FMC came across as a bit frustrating, often feeling super ungrateful, and the romance felt a little cringe at times, taking away some of the charm I loved in the original.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc!
I really enjoyed this beautiful story. It was emotional but not overdone and these characters and their experiences just felt so real and vulnerable to me. Bravo!

SO MANY EMOTIONS. Hannah Bonam-Young never misses. This is such a breathtaking, raw, beautifully vulnerable marriage in trouble. The characterizations are so deeply relatable and well-written. My heart ached for Sarah, crumbled for Caleb, and then healed itself with their unwavering love for each other. There are truly very few words to describe what a gem this story is. Infinite stars.

I loved this story. I cried and then laughed so hard I had an actual snot bubble at the most ironic moment.

Caleb and Sarah’s story was so real and raw. To fully grow up together and continue to love each version of each other, while figuring out who they were as individuals was really exposing. The raw honestly and vulnerability they showed through their journey made it feel like I was really there with them.

The fish-out-of-water idea to put two very indoorsy people and have them do couples counselling while hiking for a week was an inspired choice. Neither of them got to lead or be an expert, and they were able to fail or succeed, together.

The paper airplanes got me in the feels every time. The song “Grow as we go” by Ben Platt kept coming up for me as I was reading. “You can change right next to me”.

I highly recommend this book 📢

I had never screamed out loud over an ARC until this one! 😱

After Out on a Limb, I officially became a Hannah Bonam-Young superfan. Seriously, I was already hooked, and just the thought of getting more Bo and Win? YES PLEASE. But the real kicker? We got to dive deeper into Caleb and Sarah’s world. SOLD. 💖

This book is a whirlwind of rediscovery—of self, of love, and all the messy, beautiful in-betweens. I laughed so hard with Sarah I nearly cried (okay, I did cry), and when Caleb struggled, my heart was struggling right alongside him. The emotional rollercoaster this book took me on? Pure. Magic. 💫

The only downside? It ended too soon! 😩 I need more. I’m still not over it. More of these characters, more of their lives—can I get an epilogue that goes on forever, please? 📚

Loved the honor of reading this ARC!!!

Hannah Bonham-Young’s Out of the Woods is a heartwarming exploration of love, resilience, and the bonds that hold us together through life’s most challenging moments. At its core, the novel is a celebration of relationships—romantic, platonic, and familial—that shape who we are and help us endure even the darkest times.

The story of Sarah and Caleb’s marriage is the beating heart of this novel, and it’s nothing short of wholesome and inspiring. From the outset, it’s clear their connection is built on a deep foundation of mutual respect, understanding, and unwavering love. Bonham-Young masterfully depicts their dynamic through the trials life throws at them—health struggles, career upheavals, and personal insecurities. Despite the obstacles, Sarah and Caleb find strength in each other, and their ability to communicate and grow together makes their relationship feel beautifully authentic. Their quiet, everyday moments of tenderness are just as powerful as the dramatic declarations of love.

The novel also shines in its portrayal of friendship, particularly Sarah and Win’s bond. Win is the kind of friend everyone dreams of having: loyal, funny, and fiercely protective. Their friendship provides Sarah with a safe space to process her struggles and feel truly seen. Bonham-Young gives their relationship just as much care and attention as the central romance, highlighting the transformative power of platonic love.

Caleb’s friendship with Bo is equally compelling. The two men share a camaraderie that is refreshingly open and supportive, challenging the stereotype of emotionally distant male friendships. Bo’s role in Caleb’s life adds layers to the story, showing how male vulnerability can be a source of strength rather than weakness.

The ending of Out of the Woods is both dramatic and deeply satisfying, tying the story’s themes together in a way that feels earned. Without giving too much away, Sarah and Caleb face a defining moment that tests everything they’ve built together. The resolution is not just a testament to their love but also to the network of friends and family who surround them. It’s an ending that will leave readers with tears in their eyes and warmth in their hearts. Relationship goals all the way!

In Out of the Woods, Bonham-Young crafts a poignant, character-driven story that celebrates the enduring power of love and friendship. Sarah and Caleb’s marriage, as well as their relationships with Win and Bo, are a reminder that life’s trials are easier to face when you have people who truly care about you by your side. This is a book that stays with you, offering hope and comfort long after the final page.

as a fellow writer with anxiety and a gluten intolerance married to her high school sweetheart, I think this book was written personally for me.

truly have never read a romance that so perfectly captured the experience of growing alongside someone else, and I already know I'm going to reread this one someday. I can always count on HBY to write the most realistic yet charming romances, and this one did not disappoint (also the subtle Swiftie title is *chefs kiss*). thank you, Hannah!! 🥹

This book was a spectacular forage into loss and life and what happens when you feel like you’ve lost yourself along the way. There is honestly something really special about the way Hannah writes and delves into stories that makes you feel like you’re living it too.

This story was such a special read, and honestly something I needed to read. I feel a lot like Sarah (minus the husband) and her reconnecting with herself felt so reflective.

I’m so thankful to Netgalley and Random House for the opportunity to read this arc. And thank you Hannah for putting this story out there.

Thank you to Dell / Penguin Random House for a chance to read an arc this book! 🖤

5⭐️ Almost cried at work! |
tropes: marriage in trouble, childhood sweethearts, grief | medium steam | digital

Overall Thoughts
I liked Out on a Limb so I was excited to read this book and loved it even more! I loved Sarah and Caleb and the journey both of their characters go through in this book. "Marriage in trouble" books are great because the the love is already there and it focuses on the characters and how what they've gone through separately and together affects not only themselves but their relationship. Through out the retreat we got to see flashbacks of different times in their relationship which I liked a lot. I also liked that them loving each other was never in question but did need real work in order to make it last. It felt real and when they began to open up and be vulnerable it made me want to cry! Agh!!! I loved this book so much! I can't wait to hrt a physical copy once it releases because it's perfect for a reread!

Hannah has done it again. I devoured this book in two days. Caleb and Sarah have my whole heart. Hannah's ability to make me cry, swoon, and laugh all within a few minutes from each other is unmatched. Do yourselves a favour and read this book. I feel like my heart was broken and put back together in the most healing way.

4.5 stars

"If you give me the space to grow, I'll plant myself next to you. Always."

It truly amazes me how Hannah Bonam-Young continues to write the most beautiful stories. Her writing is clever, witty, and poignant. She brought so much heart to this book, so much emotion, humor, and, as usua, the best spice. She is truly a master at her craft and I absolutely loved this book.

Marriage in crisis books are always tricky, but when they're done well, they are fantastic and this one was done sooo well. It started off with some gut punches that had my heart hurting. It's so clear from the beginning that Caleb and Sarah not only truly love each other, but they know each other. So, it makes it that much harder to witness this disconnect between them. I admired how willing they were to do something big to work on their marriage.

I loved the whole couples retreat/therapy storyline. It was such a fun way for Sarah and Caleb to reconnect and the growth that they made during that time was so moving. The revelations they made, the way they reconnected, and their plans for the future were just so heartfelt. I cried many times reading about them reconnecting - their love is one of a kind. They way they just know each other is unmatched. I love them so, so much.

The dual timeline with flashbacks to the past that both highlighted the early stages of their relationship, but also the last few years that Sarah got with her mom had me in shambles. I loved getting to read about their young love, but man, the moments with Sarah and her mom were just heartbreakingly beautiful. They had me so emotional and obviously brought me to tears lmao.

I liked that the third act conflict was not a break-up and instead dealt with more external factors. It was also very emotional but I thought it worked perfectly for the story. The epilogue was perfect as well.

All in all, I loved this and I can't wait for this to be out in the world for everyone to read.

Thanks NetGalley + Random House Publishing/Ballantine/Dell for the ARC!

I don't usually go for marriage in trouble types of romances, but I loved Out on a Limb and wanted to give this follow-up a try. And I'm so glad I did, even though I felt like this was slowly destroying me in parts. Hannah Bonam-Young has an amazing talent for balancing an incredible amount of emotional depth with humor. Our main character's are Sarah (Win's best friend/de facto sister from Out on a Limb) and Caleb, her husband of more than a decade. The novel opens with Sarah being incredibly disappointed that a fundraiser she organized in memory of her mother to raise money for ALS research (the disease from which her mother died around the same time she married Caleb) was unsuccessful in meeting its target. Caleb, who has both generational wealth and also wealth from owning his own company, swoops in to save the day with a big donation to get them over the goal. Sarah gets incredibly upset with Caleb for coming to her rescue when she didn't ask or want him to. This incident leads to the two of them having the biggest conflict of their entire marriage, which connects pretty significantly to Sarah realizing that she basically has nothing that she thinks of as her own. She has known Caleb since they were 14, and they married very young so that Sarah's mom could see her only kid get married before losing her battle with ALS, so she hasn't really ever known herself without him. Win tells her about a wilderness retreat for couples, and Sarah is able to convince Caleb to go with her, though there are both very much indoor people, and through some really intense soul searching and deeply difficult communication with one another, they start to get back on track. I loved both Sarah and Caleb, and while I would personally never sign up for something that required me to hike, use the bathroom in the woods, and be unable to shower for seven days, I thought this setup was really perfect for dealing with the issues at hand. There's a lot of grief in this, mostly for Sarah but for Caleb too, and it was emotionally intense but also very satisfying to see them work through it. Content warnings for death of a parent (in the past but on page in flashbacks) and an injury that gets described in some detail.

Thank you Net galley and Random House for the ARC!

Hannah Bonam-Young, I will read anything and everything you write!

I had expectations as high as the moon for this book and oh boy did it DELIVER! Despite my love of second-chance romances, I tend to stay away from books where couples are already married. I just hate seeing couples hurting themselves and each other. But this book was an exception for a reason. Despite the conflict in their relationship, Sarah and Caleb’s love and care for each other was so evident throughout. Never once did I doubt that they were soul-mates!

This book is about love, but it is also about grief. It was so beautiful to watch them deal with their grief, both grief of loved ones and grief of their relationship as they accepted it had to change and evolve.

And Hannah is a master of creating side characters that feel real, important, and absolutely hilarious. (Libby was truly the star of the show at times)

I spent the whole book going back and forth between giggling, crying, kicking my feet, swooning, and blushing: precisely how I like a romance to make me feel.

I’d also be remiss if I ended this review without mentioning how the cameos of Win, Bo, and Gus breathed life back into me! I missed them!

Hannah Bonam-Young obviously derives strength from our tears.

Out on a Limb was one of the absolute best things to happen in 2023, and it is hard to imagine anything or anyone matching Bo and Win. However, Sarah and Caleb match that love story. While Out on a Limb is still a slight favorite, Out of the Woods is an unequivocal 5-star read.

We're introduced to both in Out on a Limb as Bo and Win's best friends. High school sweethearts who seem to be living a charmed and perfect life in that book. However, as this one opens, we learn that Sarah feels unfulfilled in her life, always playing the role of helped to Caleb's helper. When Win mentions a seven-day outdoor excursion designed to reignite relationships, Sarah urges Caleb to go. There they have to confront whether or not they've grown together as a couple or if they are stuck in patterns that help neither of them.

The tension in this book isn't artificial, it is the real tension of being with the same person for years, especially when you meet young. It's about being stuck in grief at the age where that grief happened. There's never a real question, at least in my mind, that Sarah and Caleb will make it out together, but the question is whether or not they're willing to be honest with each other about the challenges of their relationship. Bonam-Young writes this conflict with such love and respect for the characters and plenty of dashes of humor, as well.

I'm so excited for everyone to get to read this book in the New Year. And for fans of Out on a Limb, we get to see plenty of Bo and Win and young Gus.

* Thank you to Dell and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review! *

I was so excited to get an ARC for this! Since its announcement I was so anxious to read about Caleb and Sarah. I loved getting to catch up with Win and Bo and to learn more about Sarah and Caleb’s relationship! I loved how Hannah handled their conflict and that it never felt like they didn’t want to be with each other they just were unsure of how to communicate changes in personal goals. I really enjoyed their communication and realistic planning for their future!

So emotional getting to see more of Marcie and Sarah’s relationship and how that impacted Sarah!

I had a good cry in parts and a good laugh in others imagining
non-outdoorsy people (like me) having to be in the woods!

Just love Hannah’s writing and this was no exception! Loved this!