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Member Reviews

De los Santos can do no wrong in my world, and her latest is no exception. This story was so rich and beautifully told, it made a perfect escapist read during these crazy times, I can't wait to share it.

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I'd Give Anything by Marisa de los Santos is beautifully written, some sections are almost poetic. She gives an honest view of adult lives impacted by teenage turmoil.

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This is the first of the author's novels that I didn't LOVE. This one wasn't as solid as her others. The story flashing from past to present was nice and gave a beautiful backstory, but it felt disjointed at times. All of the side stories didn't blend together seamlessly as her novels usually do. I felt there were unnecessary threads and side characters that didn't add to the story and left me confused. Particularly in regard to Ginny's husband's story. However as always, this author left me feeling satisfied and hopeful. She's so great at wrapping things up with hope, yet not making it unrealistic. The characters here are well developed and utterly human - another thing she excels at. Ultimately this is a novel about trust, secrets, forgiveness, and love of all kinds - family, romantic, and friendships - and how those relationships are affected by the decisions we make.

And while I didn't enjoy this as well as her other novels, I still liked it a great deal and highly recommend it for her fans, as well as readers of literary fiction and family dramas.

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Marisa de los Santos writes in a way that brings me to tears. This book had me sobbing. I am not going to give away any spoilers and I almost wish that everyone could read this book like I did: just starting without any preconceived information other than knowing you are in good hands with this author! So good

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I was so excited to be able to spend more time in Marisa de los Santos' world. Her characters are great and I love the detailed way she describes the world.

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Part of the fun of Marisa de los Santos's novels is how she spends time describing the setting of her books, so if you're familiar with the area you feel like you're right there. We get to know her characters' quirks in similar detail and both are true for this novel.. Readers who enjoy YA and contemporary fiction will like this story. Seeing things from Avery's perspective and Ginny's perspective gives the story depth. There were elements that reminded me of Katherine Center and Amy Mason Doan novels I have read, so fans of those authors will enjoy this book.

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What if a tragedy occurred during your high school years? And secrets only you knew, tore your 4-some of besties apart? And 20 years later, you are forced to face all those secrets? Are you ready to reopen those wounds? Especially when your 15-year old daughter wants the truth, too?

I’d Give Anything is the first book I’ve read by Marisa de Los Santos, even though many of her books are on my to-be-read list. Her storytelling captured my attention and kept me pulled in. It moved along well, the characters were believable, and I really wanted to meet these guys on the street, in person. My heart broke for Gray and Ginny, both going through their own tragedies, one unbeknownst to the other. This story hits on the importance of truth - to your friends, to your family, and yourself. It’s about being brave enough to search for truth and knowing when you know a person well enough to understand unspoken truths. And it’s about the harmful effects of secrets. I’d Give Anything is one of the best books I’ve read so far this year.

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My only complaint about this book was that it was too short. I really wanted to spend more time with all of the characters. Now it's another long wait for the next book by Marisa de los Santos.

*Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review.

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Definitely one of my favorite de los Santos novels! A great cast of well-developed characters, incredible prose, and a plot that keeps on thickening. Though it is an adult novel, older HS students will also enjoy this.

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I have always been a huge fan of de los Santos, but there was something disappointing about this novel. I think it was hard for me to relate to the part of the story that deals with the protagonist’s teen years and resulting angst.

I felt that it might be relatable for a YA audience. It lacked the heartwarming plot that I found in earlier novels.

Thank you Netgalley.

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