This random pick on Netgalley came as a good surprise. 100 Days of Sunlight by Abbie Emmons is not your typical young adult romance - with a disabled hero and a temporary blind heroine who found hope from his bright sunshine-ness.

I had a lot of fun reading but there were some issues here and there. I think the story could've used more plot, and angst. Or maybe I just wasn't in the right headspace.

Also, I had an issue regarding consent during kissing. That definitely warranted knocking off a star.

This was such a moving book. I enjoyed every moment reading it, even when it was pulling on my heart strings.

I really wanted to like this book. The synopsis held so much promise, but the book failed to deliver as much as I hoped for from it. I enjoyed it well enough, but with a few tweaks it could have been an even more enjoyable read.

I LOVED this book! I got so caught up with Tessa and Weston and all of the pain and fear they both went through, and the strength and determination they both had. This is definitely one of my favorite reads so far this year.

The story is told alternating between Tessa and Weston’s POVs. Tessa’s story takes place in the present as she comes to terms with the blindness caused by an injury received in a car accident. She’s told the blindness is temporary, but she’s angry at life and determined to be miserable until she learns there’s more to life than the ability to see.

Weston’s story takes place both in the present with Tessa, and in the past when he suffered his own injuries that ultimately led to the loss of his legs. He faces every battle with optimism and strength, determined to not let his disability prevent him from doing anything, or so it seems. Hiding behind Weston’s strength is a huge dose of fear of being pitied or rejected.

The relationship that develops between Tessa and Weston is beautiful. He goes into it just wanting to help Tessa come to terms with her blindness and to show her that life is not over. But it ends up being so much more.

The peripheral characters are all incredible and supportive- Weston’s parents and brothers, and his best friend Rudy were there for him during the illness and recovery, never giving up on him and allowing him to prove himself again. Tessa’s grandparents are sweet and welcome Weston with open arms, agreeing to keep his disability a secret from Tessa at his request.

I cried with their pain and laughed with their successes. My heart broke over and over throughout this story, but was mended beautifully in the end.

Disclaimer: I received an eARC of this book through Net Galley on behalf of the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

When blogger Abbie Emmons revealed she was indie-publishing her debut novel this year, my internal squeals began. And when I read the book’s synopsis, my heart sped up and my squeals became audible.

Frantically I applied to be an advance reader, my thoughts screaming, Please let me get accepted!!! Please, please, PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!

And somehow I made it! It was an absolute pleasure to pre-read this novel. In exchange for that privilege, I’m giving you my honest review of Abbie’s 100 Days of Sunlight. Please note that Abbie did not force or influence me into writing a positive review in any way. First, here’s a brief synopsis:

Tessa Dickinson is a sixteen-year-old poetry blogger – and, after a car accident, blind for one hundred days. She is miserable and terrified her sight may never return. Then she meets Weston Ludovico, who’ll be her eyes and help her keep up her blogging. But he has his own struggle: he has no legs, and has sworn Tessa’s grandparents to secrecy.

Although the “obnoxiously optimistic” Weston initially drives her to screams and tears, he guides Tessa on a journey of discovering the world through senses other than sight. And Weston, for the first time, gets treated like a real person instead of something to be pitied, as Tessa is angry, sarcastic, teasing, and finally loving towards him.

But Tessa’s sight returns. And Weston, terrified and conflicted, has to decide. Will he vanish from Tessa’s life, or find the courage to let her see the real Weston?

First off: I love real-life stories about ordinary people that are authentic, and 100 Days of Sunlight definitely was. It felt like reading pages of summer and sunlight (in cold South African weather), but other parts of it were raw, gritty and very honest. I love that, because you can identify so much.

And the characters were lovely! Weston and Tessa were great, and very realistically drawn. Thank goodness they actually spoke like real people 😛 I also loved Weston’s friend Rudy. (“Say it with conviction . . . CONFIDENCE!”) The dual narrative was great fun, and Weston’s point of view was definitely my favourite.

Abbie’s writing style is beautiful and easy to read. She was vivid without being wordy; her sentences were pared down to say no more than what was necessary. Her voice managed to feel cosy and familiar, but also fresh, unique and gut-wrenching in some places.

My only complaint was the language: I felt some of the cussing was totally unnecessary. (And why was it mainly the guys who swore?)

BUT I LOVED THIS BOOK. It was refreshing to read such a clean contemporary young adult novel, one with solid morals at its core. It was bittersweet, heart-warming, authentic, funny and very satisfying.

I’ll never forget the central message running through this book: “When life knocks you down . . . get up.”

It’s as simple as that.

Abbie, if this is your debut, I’m sure it can only get better. You’ve done a beautiful job with this book and I can’t wait to read what you come up with next! 🙂

After following Abbie's YouTube channel for a few months, I was honored to be selected as an ARC reader for her debut novel, 100 Days of Sunlight. Contemporary YA is my favorite genre, so I knew from her videos on writing and storytelling that this was about to be an awesome read. I ended up loving everything about it!

The Reasons for Fangirling Start Below:

The Professionalism
The cover, the formatting, the proofreading... every detail about this book is purely professional, and I could easily see this book sitting among the releases of mainstream YA authors like Sarah Dessen at Barnes and Noble. You can tell that Abbie put her all into this book, and I know her hard work will pay off.

WESTON IS ADORABLE
Flawed. Funny. Adventurous. Romantic. Broken, but still willing to see the positive aspects in life. Weston soon became one of my favorite male leads in contemporary YA. I loved reading both his backstory chapters and his present-day story with Tessa.

Realistic Dialogue
The dialogue is expertly written and makes Tessa and Weston feel like real people. Weston does cuss, but that is a realistic portrayal of a non-Christian teenage boy who attends public school. However, it did kind of bother me that he felt free to cuss in front of his parents and teachers when he was thirteen. I just found that a bit disrespectful.

Tessa is 100% Relatable
An introverted writer/blogger who doesn't like going outside? Hello, my new bestie. XD Although I couldn't relate to Tessa's physical struggles, I could easily relate to why she was feeling and acting the way she was.

Never a Dull Moment
It is extremely rare for me to never find a dull moment in a book, but this book kept me engaged through its entirety. The pacing is absolutely perfect, and I would have read the book all in one sitting if my schedule would have allowed.

Swoon-worthy Romance
Cuteness. Overload. Gah! <3 The romance was pure, perfectly paced, and heartmelting. Just like Tessa's squad, I shipped it from the beginning and was dying for them to finally get together. Their resistance created the perfect amount of tension for the reader and I fangirled like crazy at the ending. <3

Palpable Emotions
Due to the epically written characterization for both of our main characters, their emotions come off as 100% palpable and sent me on an emotional roller coaster. I was not okay, y'all. XD

Abbie has written an incredible debut novel, and I can't wait to see where her author career takes her. I predict she'll become a famously known author like Sarah Dessen or John Green soon enough.

I received a free ebook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the aforementioned thoughts are my own, and a positive review was not required to receive the ebook.

This was a really unique storyline that hooked me in right away. I loved the dual perspectives from the two characters. This was a heartfelt book that really made you consider what’s important. Thank you, NetGalley for the ARC!

What a heartfelt story and concept. It really made me think and empathize with Tessa. This is just a wonderfully well written book, highly recommend.

When 16-year-old poetry blogger Tessa Dickinson is involved in a car accident and loses her eyesight for 100 days, she feels like her whole world has been turned upside-down.

Terrified that her vision might never return, Tessa feels like she has nothing left to be happy about. But when her grandparents place an ad in the local newspaper looking for a typist to help Tessa continue writing and blogging, an unlikely answer knocks at their door: Weston Ludovico, a boy her age with bright eyes, an optimistic smile…and no legs.

I loved this story, a perfect read full of hope and love that fills you with all the happiness.
Written in two timelines of Tessa and Weston you can see how their friendship and relationship grow over time.
With themes of disability and healing that are so wonderful to read about, especially in the way of giving people hope and promoting that there is nothing that people can do.
Sometimes I did feel that it could be a little unrealistic with their ages being 15/16 and I continued to picture early 20s as I was reading it, but it was a perfect first romance story and I urge everyone to read it.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy in exchange for an honest review.

** spoiler alert ** This book was really sweet! I got a review copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review, so here it is!

This is a book that I couldn't put down. I loved the characters and enjoyed watching the main character grow despite her temporary disability. It was so great to see main characters with disabilities being portrayed like anyone else -- that's the #1 thing I loved about this book. Their romance was sweet as well, and I did enjoy following along as their romance progressed. The characters are so sweet together!

The story itself is rich in detail and I felt immersed in their little piece of the world while reading. I also like how the author seemed to place focus on each specific sense in different sections of the book, which was fascinating and very enjoyable to discover throughout the story.

I did dock a star because of the amount of curse words. I understand that it lent a hand to developing the male lead's personality, but that just wasn't my cup of tea. I've DNF'd books for less amounts of language and did consider doing the same with this one, but I ended up reading it anyway because I *needed* to see the ending. So if you do mind swear words, especially those that lean towards the heavy side of PG-13 or R movie ratings, you'll want to take this into consideration.

Did not finish. I appreciate the opportunity to read this book and hope to work with the publisher on another occasion.

I feel my heart exploding.
I feel the space between our faces dissipear.
We kiss.
And it taste like sunlight

Rep: Temporary blindness, amputee, depression and christian representation.
TW: Car crash, harassment

This book, you guys.
It felt like a warm hug, sunlight across your heart. I hugged my kindle far so many times.
it was so beautiful, i laughed, i cried, i got frustrated ... i wanted to give them both a big hug, it was just so warm...I want more. I do not want it to end, but that being said it did end on a perfect note.

When 16-year-old poetry blogger Tessa Dickinson is involved in a car accident and loses her eyesight for 100 days, she feels like her whole world has been turned upside-down.

Terrified that her vision might never return, Tessa feels like she has nothing left to be happy about. But when her grandparents place an ad in the local newspaper looking for a typist to help Tessa continue writing and blogging, an unlikely answer knocks at their door: Weston Ludovico, a boy her age with bright eyes, an optimistic smile…and no legs.

Knowing how angry and afraid Tessa is feeling, Weston thinks he can help her. But he has one condition — no one can tell Tessa about his disability. And because she can’t see him, she treats him with contempt: screaming at him to get out of her house and never come back. But for Weston, it’s the most amazing feeling: to be treated like a normal person, not just a sob story. So, he comes back. Again, and again and again.

I really enjoyed this book! The book switches between Tessa and Weston's POV. Tessa did get on my nerves a little bit with how she acted in front of Weston and how optimistic Weston was. I loved reading about his backstory but at the same time I kept asking myself is this realistic. Overall it was a quick read that I enjoyed.

This book has the perfect title because it is like a dose of sunlight. It's heartwarming and optimistic (and very different from most of the other super dark books I read!).

Tessa is a 16-year-old poet who temporarily loses her sight in a car accident. She meets Weston, a boy her age who is hired by her grandparents to help her dictate her poems until her vision returns. Weston has his own disability, but one that Tessa isn't aware of because she can't see it (and Weston doesn't fill her in about because he likes being treated like a 'normal' person). They form a close relationship while Weston helps Tessa rediscover the world, even while missing one of her senses. But when Tessa's sight returns (the doctors estimate it will be after 100 days), will her bond with Weston remain?

The story is 1,000 percent predictable (which is what kept this from a 5-star review in my mind), but Emmons has a compelling way of writing her characters to make them relatable (even when they're making extremely dumb decisions). I think this fits better into the YA genre than contemporary fiction, but anyone who just wants to read a sweet story will enjoy this one.

this was so uplifting and wholesome. i think it could easily be adapted to a movie.
the message was hopeful and sweet. i found the entire thing charming. highly recommend.

100 Days of Sunlight is the story of blogger Tessa who at sixteen years old is involved in a car accident. If that is not enough she also loses her eyesight for one hundred days.

What an amazing read! Can't wait to read more by this author in the future.

Well...there's a lot. I liked this book a lot!
ALSO, SPOILER AHEAD FOR THOSE WHO ARE NEWLY READING THIS BOOK!:)
(I have done my last edit of this review. Scroll down to see it. )
So, a 4.2 star from me.
Let's first talk about the positive side of this book.
(Sweet always comes first then spicy. Okay, that was cringy haha...)

I love both characters, Tessa and Weston. I can tell that the author has spent a lot of time and thought on building these two unique characters. Tessa struggling with her (temporary) blindness and Weston accepted his fate and helping Tessa onto her journey to accept herself and the biggest fear for her, going outside and riding in the car.
Tessa's character wasn't too irritating neither too bland which was relatable for a typical 16-year-old girl. I like Tessa's part in the story where she would communicate with her internet friends through messaging and, basically describing an introverts' activity which is very relatable to me.

But, Weston... If Weston was in real life, I think I would love to be his friend because of how realistic this character is. I really, really enjoyed his stubborn, silly flashbacks which were a bit disheartening due to an unfortunate incident. (I mean the strong friendship between Rudy and Weston is so strong. When I was reading Weston's flashback about his friendship with Rudy and constant fights, I did get a bit annoyed and think "why do they always fight?". But later, I realized that fighting was their kind of building their friendship deeper. Normal fights are okay between boys but, fist-fighting to basically be flat on the ground. And, always disobeying their teacher's advice of not be involved in fights, made me appreciate their friendship so much.) I also like Weston behaving like an older brother to his little siblings. It's a really heartwarming moment!

Another point I want to mention is that how Tessa and Weston's characters are so polar opposite. Weston having more younger siblings and being an extrovert gave him the advantage to handle his emotional outburst after his terrible accident due to neglecting his own physical pain. His realization and acceptance of his reality made it easier (but also a lot harder) for him to adjust to life because the accident was permanent for his body. And, I also appreciate much, much the fact how his family, siblings, and his friend, Rudy helped him on his journey.
On the contrary, Tessa is an introvert having only a few online friends and less connected to the outside world, making it difficult for her to cope with her temporary blindness. I can relate to her so much because I thought of putting myself on her shoe. Even though the blindness is temporary, every day would feel suffocating and have low self-esteem. (Basically, it would be scary for me especially during bedtime. *nervous laugh*)

Now for some growth (I have a few of them).
-I think the author could've put some imagery into this story. More onto how the character feels contrary to reality, [her surroundings vs. her mind] (especially for Tessa). In the book, I often stumbled upon that Tessa kept blaming herself, basically stabbing herself with her lies that she would be left alone, useless due to being blind, and often, kept saying that she only sees darkness. I think the author could've described what darkness truly meant to her. Was it endless darkness where there can be no spark of light? Was Tessa lost and confused in the darkness? What is darkness to her comparing to blindness? Was it the guilt, the regret that she knows what are colors and she cannot see them compared to the blind people who have never seen colors?
-Another one for Tessa is that maybe, the author could've put a little bit more depth onto Tessa and her mother's relationship. (It's just my opinion) But, I also thought maybe Tessa and her mother really didn't have long conversations to evolve/create memories with her daughter. Maybe, the author could have created a flashback of Tessa as 10 year-year and her mother, having an awkward conversation and rarely speaking to each other, and describe the atmosphere and facial reaction through imagery. I think that would really describe it that Tessa doesn't feel connected as much with her grandparents. But, it is just in my opinion.
- One more point for this whole story is that it kind of made me think that being temporarily blind for 100 days is terrible (not really knowing and be sure if the temporary blindness would be exactly 100 days or 1 year and then, the person can see again). However, falling in love in 100 days, in 3 months and a week was a bit strange for me. Maybe for some people falling in love is faster but, for others takes time and stays in "crush mode" for a long time. Only a bit strange for me. Maybe, if the character falls in love after 5 or 6 months but before that, they stayed as friends would have been okay. Again, it's my opinion.

However, I don't really have anything for Weston in my mind.
Everything was very well-organized and well-crafted on both of these characters.
And, I think my favorite part in this book is the phone call part between them. It was so sweet.
I also really liked the ending but, the Touch chapter was intense. For me. *laughing*

Anyway, this book was great and a great start for me during the summer season. I was never really interested in YA novels but, this book made me interested in reading this type of genre.

100 Days of Sunlight by Abbie Emmons is a heart-touching, contemporary romance. It’s a story about grief, faith, healing, struggles, and life altogether.

16-year-old Tessa Dickinson loses her eyesight for 100 days in an accident and with that hope for a good normal life too. Her life changes completely overnight. No matter how optimistic you are as a person, something like this just makes you feel angry, frustrated, and helpless.

Tessa was the main character but Weston was my favorite character without a doubt. I am not going to write anything about his character and storyline anymore because I don’t want to spoil anything 🙈

I knew nothing about this book when I first started, didn't even read the blurb but I saw this book on Instagram everywhere and I just felt like reading it for some reason even though I am not into this genre.

And I remember reading this book in just 2 days. It caught me completely off-guard, made me feel soooo many things. I was feeling happy but then I teared up at something. I mean, it's such a wholesome, heartwarming, and heart-wrenching book at the same time that I can't help but recommend it to everyone. A 5 star read for me.

Happy Reading!!

The first thing I have to say is the cover is absolutely stunning! I am in awe of such an eye-catching and bright design. Now the important stuff, on the inside, really tugged at my heartstrings. I really enjoyed these characters and felt their happiness, pain, and frustration. This is something I always look for in a contemporary/romance because I want to feel what the author wants the characters to feel. There were definitely times that I got pulled out of the story because the writing style wasn't the best thing ever (to be expected from a young debut author). I am certain that if readers give this one a chance, they will fall in love too.

5/5 stars. I cannot believe it took me this long to pick up this novel. It was heartbreaking and warming at the same time. I loved it.