Two teens struggle with hurts, church hypocrisy, and expectations in this true to life story. As they accept their humanness, others are not so quick to do so.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was my first foray into alternative Christian fiction, and as a Jew, it felt daring and thought-provoking as it covered sensitive topics like sexual awakening, homophobia, chuch, religion, and personal beliefs. I was surprised at how realistically things were handled, but I was also raised as a Reform Jew, so I grew up wearing tank tops and shorts, but I had an understanding of the importance of modesty. Meg & Micah as a couple were charming. It was a nice change of pace to read about people having great chemistry, and not of the sexual variety.
I did not know this was a spin-off of "More Than Maybe", but I'm definitely adding that to the list since I didn't get enough Luke & Vada. Or Duke. I HOPE DUKE GETS HIS OWN BOOK. HE *DESERVES* ONE.
The message of "God is love so the Church should be too" was beautiful and so important. It breaks my heart that so many people believe themselves to be judge and jury in his name, resulting in such horrible feelings.
***Warning: this book is very critical [in reasonable ways] of the evangelical church, especially in regards to the purity movement, sex ed, shady leadership, and treatment of LGBTQIA people.***

**Disclaimer: I received a free early access copy of Never Saw You Coming by Erin Hahn through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this opportunity.

Never Saw You Coming by Erin Hahn is an upper YA contemporary novel about a girl named Meg and a boy named Micah.  They both have complicated relationships with the church and with faith.  However, they come together in a wonderful way.  The story is set to be published on September 7th, 2021.  I rated it 5 stars on Goodreads.


Here's the summary from Goodreads:

Raised by conservative parents, 18-year-old Meg Hennessey just found out her entire childhood was a lie. Instead of taking a gap year before college to find herself, she ends up traveling north to meet what’s left of the family she never knew existed.
While there, she meets Micah Allen, a former pastor’s kid whose dad ended up in prison, leaving Micah with his own complicated relationship about the church. The clock is ticking on Pastor Allen’s probation hearing and Micah, now 19, feels the pressure to forgive - even when he can’t possibly forget.
As Meg and Micah grow closer, they are confronted with the heavy flutterings of first love and all the complications it brings. Together, they must navigate the sometimes-painful process of cutting ties with childhood beliefs as they build toward something truer and straight from the heart.
In Erin Hahn’s Never Saw You Coming, sometimes it takes a leap of faith to find yourself. 

Erin Hahn has become an autobuy author for me, and I have loved every single book she has come out with.  I have reviews of her debut and sophomore novels up on the blog.  She writes realistic teenagers and deep conflicts that feel real and plausible.  Her stories are wonderfully real.  Never Saw You Coming was no exception to that point.

I have to admit that I'm not a religious person, so I didn't personally relate to that aspects of the story.  However, I did feel that it was handled in a mature and respectful way.   She addressed real issues in the church and it was nice to see them addressed in the way that they were.  Additionally, I appreciated the way that she talked about how it's totally fine to have different kinds of faith.  You can still have your beliefs about God, but that doesn't mean that you have to go to church and celebrate/revere Him in one specific way. There are different ways to be spiritual, and I think that's important to acknowledge.

Another thing that I really liked was the dynamic between Meg and Micah.  I wouldn't say that either was what one might expect in a partner for the other one at a first glance, but I genuinely feel like they were very well suited for each other.  They brought out the best in each other, which I really loved.  They were good at communicating and they helped each other out.  I also appreciated how this book didn't necessarily fall into that typical romance plot of having lots of relationship drama that's completely unnecessary.  There's nothing wrong with books that do of course, and I have enjoyed books that have that as a part of their plot, but I loved that they were together and a functioning couple (with a few little snags) for much of the book.  Most of the conflict came from other areas, which felt different and nice.

I also like how this novel was a bit of a companion to her second novel, More Than Maybe.  Meg is Vada's, the protagonist of More Than Maybe, best friend and so it was nice to see her blossom more and get her own storyline.  I also liked that we got an update on Vada and Luke and got to see them both a couple of times.  I just always like when authors make the worlds of their novels interconnected (partially because Tamora Pierce is one of my all time favourite authors).  

I really enjoyed how much the characters grew of the course of the novel.  They really grew as people and came to understand a greater perspective outside of their own, but also I felt that they came to understand themselves even better.

Overall, the story was beautifully well written and I could talk about it all day.  I just genuinely loved this book and highly recommend that you check it out when it publishes in September.

I wasn't really sure about this going into it. I'm pretty much agnostic, so I didn't think this story would really be for me, but it absolutely did not hinder my enjoyment in any way. I DO think this would resonate even more with somebody who is Christian or struggles with their Christian upbringing though, I thought this was quite simply put a fantastic YA coming-of-age/romance novel. The characters were vivid and realistic, and even if I couldn't fully relate to their struggles, I felt so defensive of both of our main characters throughout. Meg and Micah were both such loveable characters and I cheered hard for them to make it through every adversity they faced from Micah's relationship with his father to Meg's struggle with identifying her body with sin. The side characters were also fantastic and beautifully developed, and I hope we'll get a spin-off with Duke who I absolutely adored. I didn't realize going into it that this was a spin-off from her previous book More Than Maybe, but I definitely will check that one out as well!

Erin Hahn's writing is compulsively readable, I haven't read an over 300 page book that quickly in quite awhile, I just had to know how it would end and if everything would turn out ok. In her author's note, Erin Hahn mentions that she wanted to write "alternative Christian fiction," and I think this really hits that note perfectly, and could definitely be enjoyed by a wide variety of people, including myself. Definitely a perfect Summer read with all of the feels (I smiled and cried and my heart melted in equal measures).

I wasn't sure what to expect with this one, with it starting out with it's strong Christian presence. But I do think this book will be really helpful for people who were raised in the church. I did like this one and I liked the characters but I wasn't sure how I felt about their view of sin and the things they did. Still ruminating on this one.
I do think teens will be able to relate to it. A good discussion book, everyone has different opinions of the topics addressed.

Thanks NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

I loved Erin Hahn's More Than Maybe, so when this book was announced I knew I had to get my hands on it. I'm not usually drawn to stories exploring religion, as I don't practice on myself, but I trusted Erin Hahn and I'm so glad I did. I read this book in like less than five hours, and stayed up way too late to do so, simply because I couldn't put it down. I was so enthralled by the complicated relationships between the characters and the adorable romance. I loved Meg when she was first introduced in More Than Maybe, so seeing her grow into her own was wonderful. Also I just loved getting to read about characters closer to my own age. I would totally recommend this book. Erin Hahn handles these very deep issues within religious communities, and the effects they have on young people, in such a thoughtful way. You can tell it comes from a place of deep love.

This was such a different but sweet story. Both of the characters have complicated relationships with their parents and have also had life changing circumstances revolving around church. There is strong Christian presence throughout the book. It was a good read!

I was a little nervous to read this as I am in the middle of my own religious soul searching, but I am so glad I did. I saw so much of myself in the main character, Meg. Her journey in denouncing toxic church culture while still seeking God and a genuine relationship with Him, is what we all need to know is possible as Christians. It didn’t hurt that the relationship between Meg and Micah is adorrrrrrable. Loved this book and will be recommending to all the church kids.

I think this book will be really helpful for people who were raised in the church - I wasn't, but I still really enjoyed reading it. Organized religion can make me a bit uncomfortable but this worked for me since it was pointing out all of the issues and what needs to change - the only thing that still didn't work for me was that the characters still believed in the idea of "sin" - they saw it as "we're all sinners but we're loved anyway," while I see "sin" as something else created by the church to control people.

But overall! A very good read and I have much respect for the author for putting out a book that's likely to get a lot of pushback and inspire a lot of conflicting opinions.

This book is special.

We all feel so much when we're growing up and having someone there with you is so important. There's so many lovely things about this book. The characters, the story, the writing. You can tell, easily, that the author put their heart and soul into this book and I deeply love seeing that. I recently saw the author sharing the acknowledgements page from this book on their Instagram feed and I remember thinking wow. This is beautiful. It got me more excited to read this and witness it.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the earc in return for an honest review.

Wow, this will probably be one of the hardest reviews I’ve ever had to write.

In true Erin Hahn style, she’s created these two beautiful characters that I couldn’t wait to get back to. They are real and raw and full of grief....but somehow fit so well together. The chemistry between Micah and Meg is real and sweet and I really rooted for them as they grew together. I loved how Meg grew and became bold in who she wanted to be while still remaining true to herself and her love of God.

This book will make you question your Christianity but I think in some really positive ways. I really loved all the themes of God being the one to look up to and not finding your faith within an imperfect church led by men. I also loved the thought that despite what you have done and who you are associated with, God loves you unconditionally and His grace covers you in this way too. There is a thin line to ride between judgement and concern and I think as someone who’s experienced a little bit within my own church it was easy to relate to.

Micah and Meg are both reeling from life changing circumstances involving their church so when they collide they bring out the best in one another and learn that they are worthy and loved just the way they are. We could do with a lot less judging and a lot more loving. I can totally get behind this as someone who feels like people should be allowed to live in their own agency.

And while I don’t 100% agree with how everything is handled or said within the book, I think the heart of it very good and pure. Christianity is a personal experience and no two people develop the same relationship with God which can lead to such different experiences within their own sects.

Again. Really thought provoking, heavier read having to do with affairs, faith crisis, corrupt leadership, and attempted suicide.

4 out of 5 stars
Spoiler free review

I started this thinking it would be a typical “Christianity is perfect and the church makes no mistakes” type of novel and found myself pleasantly surprised!
This turned out to be a heartfelt, well-written novel with a great discussion on religious trauma as the MCs work through difficult times. As someone who grew up in the church and has also struggled with the same questions that the MCs ask, I really loved how the author handled their reflections and attitude towards the church. I also loved the exploration of a relationship as the two fall in love and as they navigate individual growth with each other at their sides. Though this lacked the normal drama of a YA novel, the discussion on Christianity was done very well and made this book worth my time.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for sharing a digital copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Never Saw You Coming tackles some hard and sensitive topics surrounding females and the standards that are held for them in such a beautiful, relatable and healing way. I thoroughly enjoyed this heartwarming read and appreciated the delicacy in which Hahn handled some heavy coming of age subjects (religion, homophobia, family betrayals, self discovery) never shying away from the real feelings of confusion and frustration that can accompany them. The story is thought provoking, important and bold. The two main characters were well developed and quite endearing as they each navigated questioning their faiths, mentors and upbringings. I enjoyed the alternating POV's of both Meg and Micah and found them earnest, honest, and endearing.

I thoroughly enjoyed this heartwarming read. As a white female who was also raised in a conservative, Christian home, it resonated with me on many levels. I appreciated the delicacy in which Hahn handled some heavy coming of age subjects (religion, homophobia, family betrayals, self discovery) but didn't shy away from the real feelings of confusion and frustration that can accompany them. The story was thought provoking, important, and bold. The two main characters were well developed and quite endearing as they each navigated questioning their faiths, mentors, and upbringings. I enjoyed the alternating POV's of both Meg and Micah and found them earnest, honest, and endearing. I will definitely be looking up Hahn's other titles now!

There are not words enough for how much I love @erinhahn_author & her beautiful way with words ✨ Never Saw You Coming tackles some hard & sensitive topics surrounding females & the standards that are held for them in the church in such a beautiful, relatable & healing way that my younger self felt so seen 💛 I was lucky enough to snag an ARC copy from @netgalley & devoured it in a day! Also, Micah is totally 100% swoon-worthy!

Add this one to your list - it comes out 9/7 and I can not recommend it enough!

Meg's life goes off the rails when she learns that her God-fearing mother has been keeping a secret her whole life. Taking a gap year in the UP, Meg reflects on what it really means to be a believer as she falls in love for the first time. Hahn has created engaging characters, gorgeous prose, and thoughtful discourse about sin and appearances and double-standards and being a female member of the church. This should be required reading for all teens! This 'church girl' wishes there had been a book like this when I was growing up. Thank goodness today's girls have Erin Hahn in their corner.

This was absolutely amazing! Honestly, I put off reading this book for the same reason you save your favorite chocolate in the box for last. Sometimes you're just so excited you want to prolong that feeling.

I read Erin Hahn's novel More Than Maybe, which I fell in love with (I'm a sucker for a YA heroine with red hair). When I originally picked up Never Saw You Coming, I didn't realize we were finally getting a story about Meg!

This book was easily 5 stars for me... I might even say it, I might even like this story more than her first book (GASP). I say this because of how unexpected this novel was.

This book gave me vague Serpent King vibes (a phenomenal book written by Jeff Zetner if you love a YA that explores religion in an honest manner.

This review is rather all over the place, but Never Saw You Coming had so many beautiful facets, I want to touch upon all of them. I loved that this book wasn't afraid to explore the harsh reality that often comes with religion, and growing pains. I like that this book explore Meg being a fierce advocate in her relationship with God, but also wavering in her faith to the church (which is perfectly okay). I liked that she was never preachy and taught young girls that sex is nothing to be ashamed of! I like that throughout the book she remains true to herself no matter what, in all ways. I like that this book highlights the uglier sides that can with being apart of church life. Guys, there was just SO MUCH THAT I LIKED.

Now let me talk about Micah. When I mentioned Serpent King earlier it was his character that made me really think about that story. It was harrowing and refreshing that this author tackled such a conversational subject in a YA novel, and I. AM. HERE. FOR IT. I love that Micah was also struggling with his faith, but was supportive, patience, and sweet with Meg. He loved and supported her in everything she did. Yes, he had the look of the burly grouchy guy, but he was a sweet teddy bear underneath it.

Ugh guys seriously, This book is perfect. If you're looking for something sweet, but refreshing in subject matter, give this book a shot!

Thank you Netgalley for an ARC copy of this book!

Heat Level:🔥

Unfortunately, I did not enjoy this book. When I read the synopsis I was so excited to read it as I am a pastors kid myself. However, this book just missed the mark for me. The characters were flat and I was unable to connect with them. The plot was slow and had I not received and ARC in exchange for my review, I probably would have not finished. It does look like based on the reviews that many people did enjoy this story, so if it sounds of interest to you, I’d suggest reading it and deciding for yourself.

Thank you to Wednesday Books & NetGalley for the ARC.

Having read a few of Erin Hahn's other books, I had no idea she had the background to write this story. It was so very relatable and as a mother of two girls and a woman of similar age growing up in the "Bible Belt," I knew exactly where she was coming from. This POV laid out in a fictional story has so much potential for being an effective way to open doors of communication with teens about the positive aspects of our bodies, sexuality, responsibility, and consent. There is so much shame surrounding sexuality and it really messes up girls going into marriage and committed relationships. Thank you Erin, for stepping up to shed light on this issue!
I loved MIcah & Meg. I could read about their adventures for another three books. Their hearts are amazing. They have such a healthy relationship. I love how thoughtful and mature they are for their age.
I cannot wait to get this book for our library and for my teen girls.
Thank you so much for the preview/ARC!!!

Revelation of a family secret rocks Meg’s world, causing her to question both her parents’ authenticity and certain dogmas of her conservative church. She heads to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where she is welcomed by relatives she never knew existed, enjoys independence and space to sort through her beliefs, and finds love with Micah, a young man managing his own crises of faith and family.

The potentially damaging effects of conservative Christian purity teachings, particularly how they target and shame girls, is a story that needed telling. Hahn has created a sweet love story and engaging teen characters; Micah, particularly, is well-developed and feels real. But not everything rings true--like the way Meg so easily sheds her inhibitions. I’ve seen the struggles un-nuanced purity teachings produce; getting over them takes more than a few weeks. Micah’s search and rescue stint about 70% in (I’m trying to avoid spoilers) is, for me, contrived and melodramatic. Still, a little melodrama and contrivance don’t seem to bother most teens I know.

This novel does more to explore the lives and thoughts of teens of faith than most YA I’ve read recently, Lamar Giles’s Not So Pure and Simple and S. K. Ali’s Love from A to Z being notable exceptions. Overall, this is a thoughtful novel that I’ll recommend for high school library purchase.

My rating: 3.75