Hailey Rogers’ life has returned to hanging out with her boyfriend, Blake, training for cross-country, and slogging through the rest of Junior year. No more family secrets, hidden maps, and discoveries of Nazi looted art. But then summer arrives, and she’s asked to share her great-grandparents’ story. While in Israel, she receives an unexpected note that upends her life. A globe-trotting adventure ensues with Blake and a cast of colorful new characters as she learns more about her mysterious great-grandfather and his gut-wrenching past. A shocking discovery will have all in the group reeling, sending Hailey back to Texas in pieces. Hailey tries to forget the past but realizes sometimes it’s too important to just let it be.

Loved it. Will recommend to others.

Hailey Rogers' life has returned to normal: hanging out with her boyfriend, Blake, training for cross-country, and slogging through the rest of Junior year. No more family secrets, hidden maps, and discoveries of Nazi-looted art. But then summer arrives, and she's asked to share her great-grandparents' story. While in Israel, she receives an unexpected note that upends her life. A globe-trotting adventure ensues with Blake and a cast of colorful new characters as she learns more about her mysterious great-grandfather and his gut-wrenching past. A shocking discovery will have all in the group reeling, sending Hailey back to Texas in pieces. Hailey tries to forget the past but realizes sometimes it's too important to just let it be.

In this richly historical and heartfelt stand-alone follow-up to Hello, Goodbye, Hailey learns that people aren't always what they seem, and that love comes in many surprising forms.

When I requested this book I did not realize it was the second book. But I was still easy able to follow along with the story. Do feel like this book would be a better genre for young adults. Easy to read.


Thank you to Netgalley for letting me get a sneak peak before the book was published

'Don't Let Me Down' is a YA adventure novel with romance, espionage, deep friendships, and history. I was disappointed in how Hailey’s character developed in this sequel. Kate Stollenwerck's writing and complex plot were entertaining, but I probably won’t continue this series.

Special thanks to the Publisher, Iceblink Books, and Net Galley for a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Don't Let me Down is a travel thriller with a couple of fun multi-generational romantic sideplots. It's written with a fun, colorful teenage narrator, reflecting on realistic teen problems, The book was a quick and easy read with a straightforward plot. It explores the Jewish identity, and as a Jewish person, I found the characters relatable and accurately depicting Jewish culture. The historical depth of this book surprised me, pleasently exceeding my expectations. Its a real gem as far as researching the period and cities its set in go! The storybeats were satisfying, and I felt the main character was challenged and thrown for a loop numerous times! The humor was on the tamer side of twee, very middleground and, by my own opinion, could have been improved on. I read this book without reading the previous, and had no trouble.

This was a nice easy read. The story was easy to follow along. Though I didn’t read the first book, this book as a stand alone was good! The characters were easy to hold your interest and easy to fall in love with.

This is the first Kate Stollenwreck book for me but it won’t be my last.

Thank you to NettGalley and Iceblink books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was such a sweet yet impactful read about identity and learning about one's true self. I didn't realize there was a book prior to this one, but not having read it didn't take away from the story or understanding at all. I really loved Hailey and enjoyed following her journey to self discovery - I think a lot of my older middle school readers would love and be able to relate to - it touches on a lot of important and relevant themes that many kids deal with today. Thanks so much for the ARC!

This uses the historical period perfectly and had that charm that I was looking for from Hello, Goodbye. It had characters that I cared about and thought worked well overall. The story was everything that I was looking for and glad I got to read this. Kate Stollenwerck always does a great job and can’t wait for more.

Very cute and quick story. I haven't read the first one yet so I definitely have that on my "to read list" but was able to follow this one easily. I enjoyed the characters as well as the plot. I usually read suspense/thrillers so it was nice to read a light story that was more or less a no brainer. Definitely recommend.