‘HELLO, GOODBYE AND EVERYTHING IN-BETWEEN,’ BY JENNIFER E. SMITH
Admiring Jennifer’s books on my own shelf (I own three, I believe) didn’t seem convincing enough that I’d enjoy her books. The cover art is modern and fun and sweet usually depicting an image of a silhouetted couple, obviously in love. When I received a copy of Jennifer’s September novel in the mail, I was beyond delighted. I had requested the book, but wasn’t confident it would be something I’d receive.
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Basically, the story sets up a one-night romance as Clare and Aidan plan to leave for college the following day. The choice before them? Decide whether or not to stay together over the four years they’ll be apart, not to mention accomplishing this while on separate Coasts. A series of events take place over the one night as the pair take a walk down memory lane, remembering all of their “firsts” – first kiss, first date and when they met.
Hello, Goodbye and Everything In-Between, by Jennifer E. Smith | Book Review
As if this didn’t already pique my interest – come on, you gotta’ admit, this one sounds cuuute – I had two really good blogging friends (shout-out to Amber and Kara) telling me, reading a book by this author was a must. Though I would have eventually gotten around to reading them, I’m glad a review copy did arrive on my doorstep, “forcing” me to sit down, and become lost in its charms. Saying this probably isn’t fair since this is the only of Jennifer’s I’ve read, but this book, somehow seemed… different.
‘HELLO, GOODBYE AND EVERYTHING IN-BETWEEN,’ BY JENNIFER E. SMITH #bookarchives Share on X“Love wasn’t something you could take back. It was like a magic spell: Once you said the words, they were simply out there, shifting and changing everything that had once been true.” ― Jennifer E. Smith, Hello, Goodbye, and Everything in Between
The characters are on the edge of putting this in the “new adult” camp and the style was mature. There’s a lighthearted vibe to nearly everything that goes down during Clare and Aiden’s night, but something seemed to have shifted in the story stylistically. Perhaps this is the unique voice in which the author tells all of her stories, but whatever the case, I can honestly and without reservation say, I adored this book. The start gets off to a slow pace, and briefly my opinion was one of disappointment (stress the “briefly”). It isn’t long before the entertainment value kicks things up and an interesting night of self-reflection, memories and memory making, and the beautiful dilemma of figuring out the answer to, “what’s next?”
Clare and Aiden are amazing characters. I love how “unpolished” they were. I never once question their love or relationship, which flows naturally and reads authentic in every situation. Their whirlwind night draws you in, even as it flip-flops over what the endgame will be. (I may or may not have read ahead, but I’ll never tell). The interesting side stories and memories the characters inspire is charm personified. Basically, when I turn the last page, I’m left to wonder why I’d not read one of Jennifer’s books. This might have been my prologue to her works, but it won’t be the epilogue.
Lighthearted when it counts, poignant when it should be, and appropriately emotional, Hello, Goodbye and Everything In-Between should be on your “must” list for this fall. In short, you’ll despise having to say “goodbye” to this charmer.
About the Book:
Author: Jennifer E. Smith
Publisher: Poppy (Little Brown)
Source: Publisher (thanks, Hallie!)
Publication Date: 2015
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Genre: Fiction; Young Adult (New Adult) Contemporary
Rating: 5 out of 5
Content: I honestly don’t remember much of issue in this novel. There are a few minor profanities and perhaps a sexual reference or two, and a “fade to black” type sex scene.
With thanks to the publisher (Hallie) for providing a complimentary copy of this book for reviewing purposes.
Ooooo sounds amazing. I need to read this. But FIRST I need to finish my next book so roll on October 16 when I will be free again!
I cannot WAIT to read YOUR lovelies, Kara. I'm guessing they'll be amazing. Best of luck with the writing, and of course, happy reading when you are again free! :)
This one sounds really cute! I've only read one of her books so far, This Is What Happy Looks Like, and I enjoyed it…it was fluffy and sweet. :)
That's what I loved about this one, Kristin. Everyone kept telling me Jennifer's books were amazing, and I'm glad I *finally* read this, because they are! One of her books is being made into a feature film ('Statistical,' I believe), so that has me excited. Especially since Hailee Steinfield is slated to play the female lead; she's really quite a talented actress. :)