A WALK BETWEEN RAINDROPS

I received this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Minor spoilers included.

Elise and Wylla are sisters who no longer speak, following an off-page betrayal. We join the girls as they attempt to win places on a trip across the country to visit theme parks and then, when they’re successful, we travel across the states with them and their fellow winners.

Elise tries to use the trip to work out her complicated feelings toward Wylla and their history and the story flips between past recollections and the present.

The copy has some minor editing issues that will hopefully get picked up before release. Those aside, I flew through this. Jahn straddles the line of teen angst and very real, adult feelings of loss and isolation perfectly and while at times it feels like Elise maybe needs to have a quiet word with herself about her insecurities, this perfectly fits those quintessential adolescent feelings of never feeling like you’re enough.

The reveal stopped me in my tracks. I did not see it coming, I hadn’t guessed it. Maybe it was complacency on my part, maybe I was just really enjoying the ride (pun intended), but I didn’t see it coming and when it hit me.. Wow. The signs were laid throughout and like Elise, I was blissfully ignorant.

A minor suspension of belief is required to buy into the whole thing, but I think this book has the potential to be a huge hit.

A Walk Between Raindrops is a heartfelt book I was unable to put down, so it became one of the rare books I dropped everything in my life to read in one sitting. Set against a backdrop of thrilling roller coaster rides with an adventurous group of teens, Elise has two weeks and a road trip to ten amusement parks to make things right with her sister. They haven’t spoken in months, but now they’re together constantly, so it’s the perfect excuse to reconnect.

The author handles family dynamics and mental health with grace and heart. The story is well written and flows so well you feel like you’re a part of it. Highly recommended for teens, adults, and anyone who loves feeling something when they read.

Seventeen year old Elise and her fourteen year old sister Wylla, have not spoken in over six months. But Elise believes there might be a solution. How about an all expensive paid trip on the US's top ten amusement parks!'

Nine strangers get in the back of a van, for two weeks. Gives the sister's an opportunity to heal their relationship.
The girl's struggle to reconnect with each other, as they 'haven't willingly hung out together since middle school'. Elise claims that her sister is 'better than me at everythinng'.

Picked as a 'lucky pass holders 'in the running to win an all expenses paid trip around the US to ride some of the fastest, tallest coasters the country has to offer'.

'Wylla never crys' but she finally reaches out to her big sister. There is 'a lot I don't know my sister anymore. 'A bunch of amusement parks will make her few better' her sister proclaims going on to state how her sister has 'always been lucky in love. He'll she's always been lucky in everything'. Wants to get out of town 'but mom says I have to have supervision'.

Elise job is less than glamorous but collage is not going to pay for itself 'and besides,  I'm not sure how thrilled my manager would be about me leaving for two weeks' works at flo-yo shop. On the other hand  her sister loves teaching swimming. But she but 'needs to get away for a bit'
Still 'some deeper, darker reason for wanting to get away'. Might be the 'last chance to fix everything that's gone wrong between us'.

Elise has PTSD from accident a car crash, and is ment to take medication for it, as she has panic attacks.
Logan BFF lives next door is more her type but she has had a falling out with him as well, but we're not told why, at first.

Ernie is their chauffeur for two weeks. 'Glance at my traversing copanions: Chloe the only other girl, Mikal, Dustin, Travis,  Ernie and Seamus'. They are all great individuals characters that add to they story.

While on the bumper car's in an amusement park Elise PTSD is triggerd, she is thrown back to the day of her car crash its overwhelming her.

The ending of this book takes a really unexpected turn. That I would never have guessed. But it is very carefully done. It makes you stop and makes think back over the whole novel, it's really clever. It makes me want to read it again!
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Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for giving me a complementary digital copy of this ebook in exchange for a full, frank and honest review. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

Absolutely outstanding book from start to finish! It should be on everyone’s to read list! Truly amazing

This was a fabulous story. From start to finish. I had such a wonderful time reading this one. Highly recommend.

Thank you NetGalley, BooksGoSocial, and Amalie Jahn for sending me an arc of this book. All opinions here are mine.

This book is incredible, very well written, the story goes by in the blink of an eye, the narrative conquers us quickly. Wylla and Elise are very well built characters, they manage to convey a lot of feeling to the reader, that's incredible. I really like books with this premise, it's interesting to see the teen dramas, how all this affects their personality and how the family relationship can be troubled. I like traveling a lot too, I think that's why I liked their trip and everything they experienced with adventures in the parks they went to.

It is a simple book, with depth, the author managed to convey to the readers all the dilemmas and fears of the two main characters, which is difficult. Also, I really liked the cover and title of the book!

What a sweet book! I loved the mental health representation and the way the author really developed these characters and their relationships! It was such a delight

#netgalletarc This was such a great read. I didn’t see the twist coming but it was written and handled so well. I’m loving all these books that handle different aspects and types of mental health issues and do it in such an eloquent way.

This book was incredibly written. It really showcases how much of a loving bond some siblings may have, regardless if they have talked to each other in a while or not, or were frustrated with each other. I loved the dynamic between Elise and Wylla until the very end. Glad to see that Elise, even though it may not have been an entirely happy ending, still had those around her who loved and appreciated her for who she was. A great read!

A Walk Between Raindrops is a story about two estranged sisters, told through the perspective of a seventeen-year-old Elise, who decides to join her younger sister Wylla on a two-week scavenger-hunt competition across some of the top amusement parks in the country, in hopes that they’ll be able to rekindle their relationship.

“When I look into her eyes, I see every fight we’ve ever had. Every misunderstanding. Every difference between us – magnified by a hundred – wedging us apart.”

Elise knows she needs to tell the truth about what happened between her and Logan last fall if she wants to make things right with her sister. That’s easier said than done, as Elise is still coping with anxiety, panic attacks, and PTSD due to a recent car accident. Then again, there’s Seamus – the only person who seems to be able to take all of Elise’s troubles away.

“We stand together for a few more seconds soaking each other in. There’s something grounding about being physically tethered to another person when everything going on around you is out of control.”

This is a touching story about grief, friendship, and forgiveness. It’s well-written and addresses sensitive topics such as mental health and grief with grace and empathy. I especially liked how the gentle romance between Elise and Seamus perfectly complements the main themes, without ever overshadowing the primary focus of the story, which is Elise and Wylla's relationship.

“We’ve wandered outside into a courtyard. The brittle corpses of spring blossoms need deadheading – the harsh summer sun and near drought conditions exacerbating their shriveled remains. Weeds and thistles have taken over the once flourishing flower beds, and instead of a place of serenity, the garden is now a depressing reminder of what used to be.”

The ending of the story took me completely by surprise. Then again, looking back, there were many subtle clues leading to it. It’s a clever twist and it made me want to read it again, this time from a completely different perspective, with the ending in mind.

I think that more attention to world-building could have further enriched this already beautiful story, which is my only criticism.

Thank you, NetGalley, the publisher Bermlord, and author Amalie Jahn for the ARC copy in exchange for an honest review! My review is based on an uncorrected text. A Walk Between Raindrops by Amalie Jahn is due to be released on July 27, 2023.

I really liked this. I love YA novels still as an adult. They make me feel nostalgic for my teenager years, and reading this took me right back. I am also a huge coaster fan, so the setting was so fun. It was touching, yet not too heavy. I don't know if it will stick with me, but it was definitely worth the read.

This book is going to be a hit. Elise and Wylla are sisters that are no longer on speaking terms. This books follows them through a trip that last 2 weeks, and Elise hopes that it can heal their fractured relationship. Amalie Jahn wrote an amazing novel. This is a perfect combination of what it is like to be a teenager and experience trauma. Elise and Wylla both have some very large emotions, and are learning to work through them and process them together. It was beautifully written.

Another positive for this book is the mental health rep. I was glad to see the de-stigmatization of mental health in adults as well as teens throughout. It was tastefully written, and not talked down upon by the other characters in the book. The writing style was fluid, and had wonderful pacing.

The ending tool me by complete surprise. I was not expecting it at all, yet, I was not in total belief. I read this book in about a day, and the ending stopped me in my tracks. I had to re read the page a few times, and that means it was well written. I will definitely be reading this book again.

Thank you to Netgalley and Amalie Jahn for the opportunity to read this ARC. This was a honest and thoughtful review, and I thank you. All opinions expressed are my own.

Up until the last leg of the book, this was a solid 4 star read for me. I love the reconciliation between Elise and Wylla, delving deep into their relationship and why it's so strained. My heart was going out for Elise, for the most part, but hearing Wylla's side of things revealed how much in her own head Elise was.

The rest of the cast were also pretty good. Mikal and Travis, especially, have a nice side plot where they form a bond in the background of the story and it's really sweet. I also loved how subtle the romance was. At first, Seamus was just some guy to Elise; she even picked through his looks a bit. But it's only after they start spending time together through the scavenger hunt do feelings begin to bloom. It was really cute and, more importantly, it didn't impede on the main conflict between Elise and Wylla. I would dare say it is essential, because it forced Elise to really open her eyes.

Okay, I can't avoid it any longer. I have to talk about the twist because, despite my proudness of my ability to predict pretty accurately, I did not see it coming.

So, it turns out Wylla was dead the whole time. She died in the car accident that happened a couple months before the story, which also gave Elise intense PTSD that caused her to block out her sister's death. Whether Wylla is only a figment/manifestation of Elise's trauma coping or an actual ghost is left ambiguous (I personally it was a bit of both, depending on the scene); either way, the final scene between the sisters after Elise finally confronted with the truth is so beautiful. When the twist was first revealed, I was bewildered because 1), as I said, I didn't see it coming and 2) my previous experiences with the "they were dead the whole time" trope lead me to dislike it a lot. But it was only after I reread some proportions of the book did I realize how fantastic of a writer Jahn is. Despite Elise purposely making note of Wylla in scene, no one in the group directly talks to Wylla. Elise sees Wylla tag alongside people, her talking to them, her responding in group settings, but there are no dialogue exchanged from anyone with Wylla except Elise when it's only them one-on-one. I cannot emphasize how clever this was on Jahn's part and made the twist all the better, because you can go back and pick up on these clues leading to the twist yourself and that's so cool! That alone is worth the 5-stars this book ripped straight out of my heart.

Anyway, this was such a great surprise of a read and I'm so glad I picked the ARC up on a whim.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Elyse and Wylla haven't spoken for months but when they win a paid trip across to visit theme parks Elyse finds the perfect excuse to reconnect with her sister.
This was a remarkable story, I couldn't put the book down while reading it. The author did a good job at portraying family dinamics, teenage experience while also tackling mental health. I loved to see how the group grew together while Elyse was also trying to get her sister back. The ending truly surprised me.

I loved this book!

As a mom to four girls you hope they are never in situation to be apart like this at this age but if it happens they try to find their way back to each other.

Go on this emotional journey as told from the point of view of older sister Elise. There is trauma. There is feeling. And the ending!!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a chance to read and review.

I LOVED this book!

This is hands down one of my all-time favorite YA reads. A Walk Between Raindrops is such a beautiful journey, with complex issues, believable characters, and so much heart that I could not stop reading, or talking about this book once I finished.

The way that Amalie Jahn handles mental illness in this book was so refreshing. There is compassion and acceptance instead of judgment.

Do yourself a favor and buy this book! You will not be disappointed.

I love, love, love books set in amusement parks and this one featured several of them. The author definitely did her research on the various parks as I felt like I was there with the characters, especially Kennywood and Dollywood, which I've visited.

The story was about sisters and brought me to tears by the end. I loved the balance of sweet and sad. I read this book in a day and was sad to see it end. A beautiful, touching young adult story.

Elise, and six other people including her sister, won a trip to a bunch of amusement parks by staying on a roller coaster the longest. Elise hopes this trip will help mend the relationship between her and her sister that has been on the fritz for some time now. Elise also had a traumatic event happen recently that is causing her some issues. Along with the other 5 people and the drive, Elise and her sister set out on the journey.
Opinion
I personally have been to a lot of the amusement parks they visited (with Carowinds being my current home park.) I can truly appreciate the amount of effort that went into researching each park so that the scenes based there would be realistic.
At times, I was a bit frustrated with Elise. She was really stuck on being envious of her younger sister and could not see any fault in her actions. It was a bit frustrating. However, as I held out and finished the book, I completely understand why Jahn wrote her that way. It made the ending that much sweeter.
As a parent, I would hesitate before putting this book into the hands of a child. It does mention mental health and alludes to sex. I would warn parents about that and let them make their own decisions. That being said, I thought this was a great book and loved how it wrapped up.
Many thanks to Net Galley and to BooksGoSocial for providing me with an ARC of this book.

This one hit me right in the feels. I love Amalie Jahn’s dedication to accurately portray mental health without stigmatizing it, and she does that so beautifully here. I saw a lot of myself in Elise, specifically how her distorted thinking warped her view of the world, and it was a reminder that it’s important to acknowledge your feelings while also accepting that facts do not always equal emotions. My full spoiler-free review is at the link below.

“Sometimes you share blood, like me and Wylla, and sometimes you’re sort of slung together by the whims of the universe…”

It takes some damn good writing to make me gasp, and when I say I gasped at the 88% mark of this book, I. GASPED. Bravo! Still reeling…

Jahn brilliantly wove heartache, humor, and hope throughout this entire story, giving each their rightful time on the page so readers could reflect and empathize with each. Like the loops, dips, and spins of the coasters to which she gave us a front seat, Jahn mirrored those same effects with her character development.

Similarly, I thoroughly enjoyed the budding attraction between Elise and Seamus as much as I did the coasters and adventures in each of the theme parks! Props again to Jahn for writing a romantic relationship built on the importance of honesty, trust, empathy, and acceptance — all of which needs to be more front and center with more YA books. Toxic, misogynistic male love interests are out, y’all!

So here’s to more books like Jahn’s that don’t shy away from topics of PTSD, anxiety, and/or the importance of paying attention to and being mindful of one’s own mental health. I hope this book finds its way into the hands of any reader, teen or otherwise, who feels as though they must have it all figured out.

Just remember Elise’s words of wisdom: “I don’t know if I’ll ever get all my feelings sorted out…but I’ll deal with them on my own terms…”

When I requested this book, I thought it would be a cute story about sisters reconnecting and finding a way to be friends again after a betrayal. The added bonus of a road trip to different amusement parks, including one I grew up going to, was icing on the cake. But this book was so much more. It was a journey into understanding why we feel the way we do and the slow road to recovery, both physical and mental, from a traumatic car accident. The twist at the end caught me by surprise because I wasn’t expecting one. This whole book truly surprised me. Highly recommended!

Elise and her younger sister, Wylla, haven't spoken to each other in months, in a silent stand off Elise is finding increasingly painful. When they both win tickets to go on an all expenses paid road trip of ten theme parks in two weeks, Elise hopes it will be the opportunity to clear the air between them.

I really enjoyed how this story explored the often complicated relationship between sisters and how they fit into their family. Both the pressures of being an older sister (from Elise, the narrator's perspective) and what she learns to be the difficulties faced by her younger sister Wylla, felt very familiar and it felt validating to read about them.

The book was best when the relationship between the sisters was front and centre. At times, Elise is slightly dramatic and self-centred, but not more than you can allow a 17 year old to be. Her earnest need to mend her relationship with her sister, while also feeling frustrated with her and jealous of her, was a great reflection of how your relationship with your siblings can be one of unconditional love and also extremely complicated.

I struggled a bit with the pacing. At times, the plot was drawn out unnecessarily. Also, even thought the theme park back drop is sweet, it sometimes dominated the story a bit too much. I think the pacing would have benefitted a bit from an earlier confrontation between the girls. I also didn't find the romance between Elise and Seamus terribly convincing, although all of the other supporting characters are quite sweet (besides the two trouble makers of the group...).

Overall, while at times slow, it was a lovely story and led me to reflect a lot on my own family relationships.

It’s a journey of sisterhood and friendship, forgiveness and self acceptance, and so, SO much more. I felt so drawn to the characters at the start and so incredibly connected to them by the end, Jahn has a wonderful artistic touch that pulls at your very soul. Beautiful and heart wrenching—with a twist to boot. What more can you ask?

This was an almost five-star read for me. The reason it was almost so was because I found it unexpectedly emotional and very impactful, but on later reflection, I was not sure what to make of how the author used her words to set the scene (I cannot go into more details than that for obvious reasons).
The story revolves around two sisters, one of whom is a fan of roller coasters and participates in a contest, the winners of which will be taken on a roller coaster road trip. Her younger sister and she have had a tumultuous relationship, and despite a lack of fondness for the ride, Elisa sees Willa participate and also win a seat on the road trip. After being talked into it, Elise goes on the trip but is tormented by multiple issues that she feels are unresolved. Each section increases the emotional gravity of the situation.
We get to know more about the past and what weighs on our young protagonist's mind. She struggles with her increasing attraction to another of their team, as well as with the idea of enjoying herself. With the help of good new friends and a better understanding of what she wants in life, we are taken on a journey of growth.
I would recommend this book to those who are on the lookout for something different with an emotional punch.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.

"A Walk Between Raindrops" by Amalie Jahn is an exquisite masterpiece that transcends the boundaries of YA fiction, offering readers a profound and emotionally charged narrative. This poignant story, centered around the complex relationship between two sisters, Elise and Wylla, unfolds against the backdrop of a transformative journey through ten amusement parks. Jahn's writing is a symphony of emotions, leaving an indelible mark on the reader's heart.

The novel masterfully explores the intricacies of sibling relationships, forgiveness, and the healing power of shared experiences. Seventeen-year-old Elise's desire to mend her strained connection with her younger sister, Wylla, sets the stage for an emotional rollercoaster that mirrors the thrilling rides they encounter throughout their journey. The narrative deftly navigates the complexities of family dynamics, trauma, and the quest for redemption.

Amalie Jahn's character development is nothing short of extraordinary. Each character, from the resilient Elise to the enigmatic Wylla, is crafted with depth and authenticity. The supporting cast, including a licorice-eating biker, a sorority president, and an Irish sweetheart, adds layers of richness to the narrative, creating a diverse and dynamic ensemble that captures the essence of shared humanity.

The journey through ten amusement parks becomes a metaphor for the sisters' own rollercoaster of emotions, highs of hope and lows of despair. Jahn's storytelling prowess shines as she weaves a tale that is not only emotionally charged but also beautifully nuanced. The exploration of trauma and secrets adds layers of suspense, keeping the reader captivated until the very last page.

The pacing is expertly crafted, allowing the story to unfold organically, and the vivid descriptions of the amusement parks create a vivid backdrop for the emotional journey. The thematic depth, combined with moments of humor and heart, elevates "A Walk Between Raindrops" to a literary gem that transcends genres.

In conclusion, Amalie Jahn's "A Walk Between Raindrops" is a five-star masterpiece that captures the essence of family, forgiveness, and the transformative power of shared experiences. This novel is a resonant exploration of the human spirit, leaving an enduring impact on anyone fortunate enough to embark on this emotional journey. Highly recommended for readers seeking a transcendent and unforgettable literary experience.