No Day But Today. This is one of those books that touches on so much that it can at times appear a bit schizoid... and yet it all works. So very well. It has the pop culture references - including the one I used as the title of this review, but also very heavily Star Wars. It has the romance. It has the life-altering diagnosis and its aftermath. It has the immediacy of a school shooting. It has the dual-timeline nature of someone reflecting on the last year of her life during a particularly traumatic moment. Arguably the singular real flaw here is the predictability of the more dual-timeline nature than the more sporadic nature the description seems to imply. But perhaps that was an editorial decision to play it a bit safer in a debut, as a more sporadic approach can be at least as treacherous when not done well - and it is far easier to do horribly than a straight dual-timeline approach. The specific time tags on the present day timeline serve to give a great sense of immediacy and urgency, though at times the shift to the previous timeline is a bit abrupt and jarring. Still, ultimately an excellent debut novel, one that makes this reader look forward to the author's next work. Very much recommended.

A wonderful story set in South Dakota about a young woman dealing with a life altering disease, a new love affair and a school shooting. Ms. Dickey’s debut novel concerns family, friendship, and inner strength. Unputdownable!

This book swept me off my feet! There are so many elements to love in Elissa Grossell Dickey's bittersweet and atmospheric debut: Simone's sweet romance with Conner, her struggle with MS, and the school shooting that changes her life in a matter of moments. I particularly loved the female friendships throughout this book. Nikki, Claudia,Hayley, and Arielle felt like characters with their own agency and purpose beyond propping up Simone's story. Connor was exactly the sort of sweet hero a reader like me loves to fall for.

This book felt like listening to a storm from the safety of a blanket. The perfect mixture of light and dark. I can't wait to read Grossell Dickey's next book!

Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union for the ARC!

The Speed of Light was a wonderful, layered story that was equal parts gripping and heartfelt. I was completely riveted, and invested in the events of an unfolding tense tragedy as well as the MC's burgeoning romance while coping with the life altering multiple sclerosis diagnosis. As a chronic illness sufferer, the MC's internal struggle to process her diagnosis, really resonated with me. I found it nuanced and authentic, as well as very moving. The characters were well drawn and interesting and I enjoyed spending time with them. I loved the female relationships in this book and found the different family dynamics interesting and relatable. The love story was sweet and had a warmth to it that made you want to root for this couple. I was completely entertained and swept away. I read the book in a single sitting and enjoyed every word. Overall, it was a fantastic read!

"We are all living on the edge of a cliff without even knowing it, and one fragile movement can push us over the edge or pull us to safety."

This is a novel for everyone, but most especially for anyone who is in doubt of the next day or perhaps the next year.
How do you live with a new diagnosis?
Will you be able put one foot in front of the other each day?
Simone is trying to find her way as she is diagnosed with MS and wonders what the days will hold for her.
How will her life transition? How will her friendships and loves adjust as limitations may happen?
A horrid tragedy occurs.that may be the life lesson Simone and we all need!

This is a wonderful , debut novel and I certainly look forward to more from Elissa Grossell Dickey!