"A countdown to finishing the list before a class trip keeps the pacing solid, and an entertaining unraveling of connections to her parents' pasts adds nice depth. Told in Emily's first-person narration, the breezy tale explores the theme of learning to live life without holding back, as Emily both questions her sexuality and learns to heal from her grief....A truly charming summer romp."--Kirkus Reviews "May 1, 2021"
"Solid pacing, paired with Emily's accessible first-person perspective, keeps the pages turning. In her solo debut, Lippincott presents nuanced characterization and pays particular respect to the grief process, offering an affecting core to this sweet contemporary summer romance."--Publisher's Weekly "May 2021"
"An enchanting novel that combines summer romance with deeper themes of coming to terms with the life you have and choosing the life you want to live."--The Amazon Book Review "June 2021"
"The first-person narrative subtly explores the interplay of Emily's grief, social pressures, and self-discovery in a quietly meaningful tone...Reminiscent of Maureen Johnson's 13 Little Blue Envelopes and Jason Reynolds's The Boy in the Black Suit, this is a gentle and moving exploration of grief and what it can mean to move forward without a loved one, perfect for fans of romance and realistic fiction."--School Library Journal "June 2021"
"An involving novel of challenges, change, and growing self-awareness."--Booklist online "July 2021"