Damn...this was amazing! I loved this so much! It was really good! Loved it so much! I will for sure check out more of her books because I cannot believe that I have not read any of her books, but I plan on fixing that soon! She writes such amazing characters and this really was dark, and intense, and so full of a beautiful romance, At least to me. But yes! I am so happy to have read this book!

I DNF this book at 25%. I felt it was long and drawn out, and was quickly losing interest. I thought it was primarily a YA romance, but later learned that was not the case. The beginning of the book felt like it was entirely different from the rest as I went on.

I love everything that Jamie McGuire writes. All the Little Lights is much darker than what Jamie usually writes but I enjoyed it. This book is dark,gritty and suspenseful.

Elliott has a tough home life and spends summers with his aunt and uncle. The minute he sees the girl next door he falls in love. There is something about Catherine that captures his heart. Catherine's family has quite a reputation in town which forces her to keep to herself. When her and Elliott finally meet they form a tight friendship right away. Tragedy strikes Catherine's family and when she needs Elliott more than ever he is ripped away from her without a word. A few years go by and Elliott returns to his aunt's house. He is willing to do whatever it takes to get Catherine back but she wants nothing to do with him. These two go through alot for teenagers but as long as they stick together they can get through anything.

I loved the deep connection between Elliott and Catherine. The secondary characters added lots of depth to the storyline. I loved all the twists and turns this story took. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. I can't wait to see what Jamie is working on next!

It's been a bit since I've read Jaime. This book brought out all the feels. It's so well written and so heartfelt.

The book is Elliot and Catherine's story throughout the years. Elliot spends his summers in his aunt and uncle's house. They live in a very small town in Oklahoma. And there he meets Catherine.
They become friends but he is forced to leave when she needs him the most.
Two years after, he comes back. For her. Both their families are less than perfect. In fact, their parents are not good ones. That's probably why they share a deep connection. They understand each other.
Most of the time the reader doesn't know what it's going on inside Catherine's house. It's a bed and breakfast. And it is visited by very creepy people.
Although I suspected something was wrong, I would have never imagined the truth. The last part of the book is really surprising.

All the Little Lights has a bit of thrillerish vibe going on throughout the book for me. I wasn’t sure how I’d like this from her previous reads, but I must say I did like it, it isn’t anything like her precious books though.

Elliot & Catherine have that once in a lifetime love that carries with them through separation. My heart ached and healed during this read. There are many twists and turns and surprises that will keep you guessing 😁

Although I struggled with the middle of this story, I enjoyed the ending.

All The Little Lights
By
Jamie McGuire


What it's all about...

Catherine and Elliot meet when they are young...Catherine lives in a small Oklahoma town while Elliot spends summers there with his Aunt Leigh. Both have family issues while growing up. Catherine has secrets...major secrets. Elliot has vowed to be her protector. Catherine is a tortured soul...Elliot is the high school football star that everyone loves until something horrible happens and Elliot is blamed.

Why I wanted to read it...

This book was the story of Catherine and Elliot but it was also much more. It was about prejudice and mental illness and learning that sometimes secrets are more harmful than what they hide.

What made me truly enjoy this book...

This was a page turner of a book. The story was tragic yet beautiful. The writing was lovely. The high school scenes were real. Catherine was a lost soul fiercely trying to save her home and her mother. Elliot was her savior but when he was out of control he was frightening.

Why you should read it, too...

Readers who love this kind reality in an incredibly put together story will love this book.

I received an advance reader’s copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley and Amazon. It was my choice to read it and review it.

It’s been so so so long since I read my last McGuire. If I remember correctly it was Beautiful Oblivion almost 4 years ago. And I hadn’t even realized that that much time had passed where I haven’t read recently anything of hers until a month ago when I stumbled upon this book on NetGalley. And let me tell you, that the minute I read the blurb, I requested it in ONE-CLICK and, after, I jumped up-and-down when I got the confirmation email that I got it.

Plus, expect going without a McGuire, I was going without a YA also for quite some time. And All The Little Lights surely proved to be the perfect and most loud coming back in that genre.

My mind is super blown away. Except getting caught off guard with how unique and how beautiful the story of Catherine & Elliot was, I was also stupefied and certainly terrified & chilled to the bone with that freaking plot twist towards the end when the secret that was looming over the whole book was finally revealed. I had to read that part twice until I actually got my mind wrapped around what I had just actually read. An almighty curveball ALRIGHT! *POOF*

Then, it’s the super awesome mystery & “darkness” that surrounded both the town, but most importantly Catherine’s life. Page after page, I was trying to figure out what she was hiding but I’d hardly scratch the surface of what actually was hidden. One of the coolest things that I experienced while reading this AMAZING book was that every word and every scene was forming in front of my eyes like an actual movie; like I was watching the book’s adaptation on the big screen instead of just reading it. And if there is a story that it deserves to become a movie, this is it!

Catherine & Elliot. How can I describe the avalanche of emotions these two created in me? What words should I choose so I can describe the beauty, the sweetness, and the innocence of their friendship-turned-to-love story? It’s near impossible. McGuire undoubtedly nailed it with these characters. She wrote them so damn well and gave them such deep, complicated and captivating personalities that it made complete sense for their story and journey to be also like that, now that I am thinking about it. Catherine, from the one side, being the retracted, to-her-self girl who wanted to get the hell out of Oak Creek and find her way, and Elliot, form the other side, being the outgoing, proud for his roots, artistic, strong-willed boy who was soaring through his teenage life doing what was expressing him while having to deal with his parents’ fights and was loving Catherine fiercely.

There are some facts about the book that they aren’t obvious but if you sit and watch the book from all respectives, you will see them.

1. The book may be a continuous story through its all 440 pages, but in reality, it’s divided into three parts.
It’s more than a love story. In reality, the love that Catherine & Elliot’s friendship blossoms into, it’s just a subplot which adds more intensity to the actual plot and makes its ending’s importance and impact heavier and with more dimensions.

2. The social “taboo” subjects of Mental Illness, Family Abuse aka “Domestic Violence” and Racism take center stage. What makes the huge difference, though, is that McGuire isn’t just raising these important subjects, but she is choosing to project them through the eyes of two 18-year-olds which only elevates the book’s importance and takes it in a whole new level.

3. McGuire doesn’t stay only in Racism. She also adds a subject that we see more often that we should and that is the Law Enforcement Abuse of Power, which more and more nowadays is connected with racist behavior. How many times do we see police officers using the power that the government has laid upon them to protect the citizens for their own gain or just “because they can”, ending in shameful actions?

4. It’s not by chance that the story is unfolded in a small town. Usually, in the big cities, people have the “choice” to overlook the important stuff and go on with their life as the modern lifestyle asks. But, when the same stuff happens in a small town, people don’t have the luxury to overlook; they are forced to take notice.

5. The story, also, negotiates with subjects as the importance of friendship, courage, standing up for yourself, being brave, following your dreams, the sacrifices we do for the people we love etc.

There are no limitations to all the things you can extract from the simple and, at the same time, complex story of Catherine and Elliot. But, that’s the beauty of a great book, right? Though, I have to admit that I wasn’t used to this new, rawer, more real and challenging kind of writing style that Jamie adopted for this book. Sure, her Beautiful series (Travis & Abby) was full on rawness and emotional overload and in levels that you thought your heart wouldn’t be able to take it till the end. This time though, all that took a whole new meaning which resulted in me being mind-blowing surprised. And honestly, I think this is the style that fits her better. I can’t wait to read her new From Here To You which comes out on August 21st.

I think its time for me to give up to give up on Jamie McGuires books- we just dont seem to get along.

This was was no exception for me- I couldn't connect to the characters- and to be perfectly honest she didn't handle the mental illness situation well- in fact it was pretty appalling to read.

I can’t believe how long it’s been since I’ve picked up a Jamie Mcguire book. Thank you to Netgalley for approving my request to read this title.
Let me start by saying that this book had me on a guessing game. My mind was blown when the twist was revealed. It did take a long while for the plot to be revealed but when it was all released all I could say was”DAMN!!!!!!!!”.
The story was interesting and a mysterious read. There was so much going on in the story that all I wanted was for the main characters to get a break from their hard lives.
The only downside is that I was not feeling with the relationship between Katherine and Elliott. For me it seemed more like friendship and one sided on his part.
But overall, I liked the story and appreciated the journey.

The twists and turns in the book really keeps you tied to the book. Page by page you will unravel not only a story of two teenagers that fall in love, but the creepy house that Catherine lives in. She has a secret there, one that know one can ever know. When she finally escapes the house her secret becomes out of control.
I was captivated with this story and it didn't disappoint.


** I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**

I got this book from Netgally and Montlake Romance in exchange of an honest review. Thank you!! 

When I first started reading this book, my first thought was "It's not an Adult Romance fiction, than why its labeled (in netgalley) as one??" When I am done with the book my last thought was ,"Its definitely not an Adult Romance!" Its more of an YA mystery romance, which is my most preferred genre <3 

The writer seems to be very fluent with her writing and she is definitely an amazing storyteller. I loved how she bought our focus to the fact that “how hard it is on the kids having mentally unstable parents, or simply an always quarrellings one.”

Also this book had me thought, is really Bullying is that much vicious in 1st world countries?? These racism?? If so, why is that?? I mean.. Don't get me wrong. I came from a 3rd world country (Bangladesh). We might have a ton of problems in our country, but never in once on my life I have seen any students of our school to bully someone else! It was really a small school with around 2000 students? We never bothered with whose parents are rich, who lives in where... all we cared about is she is my classmate, and if we don't finish our homework in time, we both are going to be punished -_- Which is the way IT should be!! SCHOOL of all places is not a place for showing off or making someone feeling low!! What will you do when you are older??? 

Anyways.. back to the point, I really loved Elliot and Catherine. They seemed like a breath of fresh air, both with their own set of problems.. But never complaining.. Always looking on the bright side.. Always picking each other up..

"Catherine isn't a name for a princess.

Sounds like a warrior to me."

The story seemed a little dragged in the middle. I know it was a bit necessary for building up the plot twist, but it would have been better if was not dragged that much! And the plot twist had my heart broken in a million pieces!

This story is about first love, young and fresh.. about friendship.. about finding each other against all the odds...  

~ He inhaled and then breath out a laugh. "I was sure this whole time I was going to lose you."

A ghost of a smile touched my lips. "But you fought for me anyway."~

I just have two questions. I couldn't get answer of my own...

No. 1) Whats the deal with Tess?
No. 2) What it is about the suitcases of the basement?

Despite of being a little slow in the middle (and some loose threads) the story was indeed beautiful! 
so
4 out 5 stars!! <3

Who would have thought that the popular hit Titanium would sound so amazing in music box version? I surely didn’t. But now I am completely in love with the tune. And I have to agree that the Spotify list for All the Little Lights that I found on Jamie McGuire’s website is spot on! Listening to it as I am writing this review, brings back all the feelings.

When Elliott and Catherine first met, barely 15 years old, both awkward and gawky in their relationship towards each other, and both in the need of a friend, their families had their own set of problems that Elliott and Catherine had to deal with, first as kids and then as teenagers.

Elliott’s mother moved from this little town when she was young, running away from bullying, from unpleasantries and from her high school experience. Now, in an on & off relationship with Elliott’s father, suffering both mental and physical abuse, her mother often tried to sent Elliott away for the summer to her sister’s family. That is how Elliott got to spend every summer in the small town taking photographs of his favorite things.

Catherine, on the other hand, came from the famous, or should I say infamous, Calhoun family, but the only thing left from her disreputable ancestors is this big old house, where Catherine lives with her parents. Catherine’s father lost his job and her mother used to suffer from depression. There is a constant tension in the family, that forms her in the person she eventually becomes - insecure, secretive and emotionally cautious.

Families and life experiences made Catherine scared of opening up, and Elliott - protective of someone he loves. Their relationship couldn’t be any more complicated, or that is what you might be thinking right now. However, Jamie McGuire wasn’t satisfied with emotional tension of young love, adding even darker twists, shuddersome moments and emotional interactions.

Good twist makes any book so much more entertaining. And even though I “guessed” the twist from the middle of the story, I needed to see it confirmed!
This was my first book by Jamie McGuire, and it surely won’t be the last.

Jaime McGuire is an excellent storyteller and with this new book, she did not disappoint. All the Little Lights tells of two teens, Elliot and Catherine, in alternative voices, who are best friends and fall in love immediately. But, families and secrets keep them apart until Elliot returns to find Catherine's life is strange and unsafe. Catherine lives with her mother in a mansion inherited from her family. After her father dies, their lives change and no one in town knows of the secrets that hide behind the door of the Juniper bed and breakfast. Elliot does what he can to protect Catherine even as the town accuses them of hurting another teen. Are they guilty of the crime or are they innocent?

I could not put this book down because I needed to know what was truly going on in Catherine's house. The love story between Elliot and Catherine is authentic and relatable. In fact, my 16 year old self wouldn’t mind having a boyfriend like Elliot. I will say this story had me guessing to the end.

Thank you for allowing me to read this advanced copy Netgalley.

First off, this book was more of a horror story than a romance, and I am really not a horror fan.

Secondly, it drags and drags. The first 70% of this book was a struggle but I read on because I liked Elliott and wanted to know how the romance would play out. I did not like Catherine much. Not at the beginning. Not in the middle. And not at the end.

I don’t mean my review to be scathing. I did like McGuire’s clean prose and the creativity of the plot, but this isn’t Beautiful Disaster.

I know Jamie's work thanks to the Beautiful series which is really different from this book. The Beautiful series was fast and dark and dangerous, all of which All the little lights is not. And it was honestly kind of a disappointment because the story is way too blah. And it is so so slow paced you won't believe it. It took me a week to read half of the book (when I would usually need three days to read an entire book of this length) and two days to read the other half, because, guess what, the fast half of the book is that part where nothing happens. 

To top it all, I didn't feel like their relationship was the most important thing of the book. Catherine's life was which was also boring as heck.

Generally I have to say that I liked this book. It was an easy read in the sense that the flow was good, it made me want to keep reading and the fact that it was written with alternate POVs between Catherine and Elliot really helped keep my interest!

Our main characters are just lovely. There is no other word I can use to describe them apart from lovely and good. Now that may seem strange, what do you mean they were good? While reading it's very clear to see how good people they both are, their integrity and loyalty, not only between them, but towards their families too. It's very refreshing seeing tow young people with such good hearts and they definitely act as positive role models to anyone reading the book. Also, what's more admirable is that the remained good despite their personal family dramas, because both got their fair share of those, but instead of becoming cruel, they kept their character as intact as possible.

What surprised me most about the book is that I was expecting to read a typical love story, but after a point the story became creepy too! It's an element I loved because it really gave a twist to a traditional love story. Catherine's home situation was downright creepy and I was a bit afraid to finally find out the secret, because I couldn't for the life of me guess what was going on! I'm not going to say anything more so as not to spoil it, but let me tell you, the twist in the end is so good!

Slowly while reading, it's revealed that Elliot is a native American and that surprised me pleasantly, because I've never read a contemporary book about native Americans before! Since I haven't read a similar book before I cannot say whether the representation was 100% accurate or not, but I think the author channelled the majority of the essence of what is like being a native American living the US. Another aspect I loved about the book, because it added diversity to it!

Closing, I really liked "All the Little Lights"! It's a book I am going to definitely read again and would recommend it to everyone, not only for the love story, but also for the mystery elements it has!

I don't even know where to begin on this review. Jamie McGuire absolutely blew my mind in the best way possible. All the Little Lights is a YA stand alone by one of my favorite authors, Jamie McGuire. I have been a fan since I first picked up Beautiful Disaster and was excited to get an opportunity to read and review this book.

So I'm going to start this review going straight to the ending of this book because Oh my God! I did not see that coming! I literally read this and yelled "What?!" out loud. This, ladies and germs, this is exactly how you get a person into a book and throw such a curve ball that the reader is left blinking in shock and needing to reread the book again to see the clues. This is the joy of a great writer who you know was probably writing this going "Hehe. You don't know it, but you are in for a huge surprise." That clever mind threw me for a loop. Wow. It elevated a really good book to a great book.

This is not to say I didn't already love the book. Elliot is fighting for the girl who he knows is his, Catherine is fighting to push him away and keep secrets from him, and both are dealing with racism and bullies. This book has everything and really, is everything that I could want in a YA. I didn't want to put it down. Her writing is engaging and flows beautifully from chapter to chapter. Each one being told in a different POV of either Catherine and Elliot so we get both sides of their love story that is so much more than just a story about love. It's about friendship, it's about overcoming the odds, it's about secrets that aren't yours to say. I adored it.

WHAT.A.BOOK!! All The Little Lights left me a ball of emotional goo! Jamie McGuire had me attached to my kindle until the wee hours! And when I finished the last sentence I was like nooooo I want more! Talk about book hangerover!
All the Little Lights is Jamie McGuire at her very best..... go one click this amazing book now!

i liked this book. Jamie has always been good at telling a story. The character development was well done. The story was unique and interesting and kept me guessing. Overall a good read.