This book just ticked off all of my boxes and contained so many things that scratch the good part of my brain. I grew up reading spiritual predecessors to this book, like the apt comp title Dash & Lily, but as a late-ish in life queer woman there has always been a bit of a hole in this space for me (even though Levithan’s work does include several gay boys!!).

This day changes everything was such a perfect balance of fun, adventure, and thoughtful exploration of identity. It featured the romanticized exploration of New York while still being grounded (things cost money! and it was acknowledged). The love story was sweet, and it had the requisite beats of a romcom without ever getting too frustrating or dark.

I really loved the time spent in both PoVs as well. Abby and Leo were a classic sunshine grump pairing with some really thoughtful depth. I appreciated the nuanced representation of queerness, especially around labels (and the fact that sometimes we can put too much weight into them!). It was fun to read a story with a transmasc read since there is still not much representation for trans people in romance, especially in YA.

A fun book! Would recommend for sure!

Thanks to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for the early read. Can’t wait for others to get to check this out!

(posted on storygraph - https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/ca266e8b-1790-4a36-b5e2-1e8ab2c2514d)

Okay, this was super cute and I honestly can’t wait to get my hands on a physical copy early next year!

If you are looking for a cute whirlwind young romance with lgbtqia representation that has an inadvertent day of playing hooky with a newfound friend in NYC days before the Thanksgiving parade, look no further! If you want a story about transversing the complicated world of finding out who you are, who you love and how to set healthy boundaries, this book is for you. Overall it’s just a cute love story from a perspective that needs to be heard from more voices.

This novel includes great discussions about being queer. The author encapsulates relationships of all kinds with the inclusiveness of being queer. All in all? it is a good coming of age and is a wholesome YA novel.

It sucks believing in the Universe, but someone has to.
But what does it mean to believe in the Universe? I like to think that whatever you look like, whatever you think about yourself, whatever you feel about yourself, if you want, out there, a person is waiting for you.

In other words, we're also called hopeless romantics, and this story, which directly came out from a winter rom-com, is the perfect example of how delusional we are.
But please, don't judge us; there are days we also have difficulties in believing in the biggest scheme of our lives, and those days are tough.

Before explaining the many reasons why you should read this book right now, I clarify it’s a fall story. It’s set during Thanksgiving and there's already a Christmas vibe, so don't ruin the atmosphere before even starting and read it during the right season.
It's important to point that out because this story is also, among many other things, a love letter to New York from the eyes of who can truly appreciate its details: someone who's never been there.

First things first, there's “Queer” written all over it: on the cover, on the spine, on every page; characters have the word “Queer” written on their foreheads.
And those characters feel so real: they talk about gender and labels and topics that aren't usually discussed out loud for unknown reasons, they’re starting to know each other and are confused about themselves. But what truly makes you see them as real people is that even after a big apology from his mom, Leo doesn't just forgive her.
Would you forgive someone for whatever reason the moment they apologize? I wouldn't, but I usually don't forgive at all. But in movies and books is common sense to do so, otherwise, the story can’t end with its happily ever after.
Well, it's bullshit and “This Day Changes Everything” shows how you can accept someone's apologies because they fucked up, but that doesn't mean you are healed on the spot. It can take time, it can take nothing, the only right answer is the one that makes you feel good about it.

Thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley, who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.

This Day Changes Everything by Sarah Underhill is a charming and heartwarming coming-of-age story about two teens who find themselves lost in New York City on Thanksgiving Day.

Abby is a hopeless romantic who believes that today is the day her life will change forever. Leo is a trans teen who is just trying to survive the day without having a meltdown. When they accidentally meet up on the wrong train, they are forced to rely on each other to find their way back home.

Along the way, Abby and Leo learn a lot about themselves and each other. They face their fears, challenge their assumptions, and discover the true meaning of friendship and love.

I really enjoyed the characters in This Day Changes Everything. Abby and Leo are both complex and relatable teenagers. Abby is full of life and optimism, while Leo is more cautious and guarded. But they both have big hearts and a lot to learn about the world.

I also appreciated the diversity of the cast. Abby and Leo are both queer, and there are other LGBTQ+ characters in the story. I also liked that Leo's trans identity is handled in a respectful and authentic way.

The romance between Abby and Leo is sweet and believable. They have great chemistry, and I was rooting for them from the start. I also liked the way the story explored the idea of first love and the challenges of young relationships.

Overall, This Day Changes Everything is a charming and heartwarming coming-of-age story. It's a perfect read for anyone who loves stories about friendship, love, and self-discovery.

I am so sad this book isn’t coming out sooner!! The mood/setting/atmosphere was so well done that after reading this book (all in one sitting!) it took me a few minutes to remember it wasn’t ACTUALLY the holiday season, and I can’t believe I’m not going to get to recommend this to everyone who is already asking for holiday recs!

But that’s okay, because even outside the holiday season this is such a good, warm book. I binged it all in one sitting, going to bed waaay later than I should considering I had work in the morning. Totally worth it for the extreme warm-fuzzies this gave me. I’m not really sure how they got THAT lost in the numbered grid of NYC with working phones and google maps, but I like to think it was some of the Universe Magic.

Please pick up this book as soon as it’s out for the love, acceptance, community, and high value on friendships (not just romantic relationships) as well as the very lovable characters and fun read.

I was immediately intrigued by this cover. The description also made me believe this was going to be a funny story. And I was not disappointed. I was super engaged with this story. I laughed out loud. I loved the characters and cheered them on. Loved it!

I first read Edward's debut novel when it came out, and I was obsessed. Edward is an incredible writer and he writes his characters, settings, and circumstances so uniquely. This book was no exception. I found myself feeling all the emotions while also getting to reminisce on trips I've taken to New York.

I really enjoyed the diversity and stories of each individual character, and the dual POV made it really interesting, too! Now I want to see the characters of this book meet his characters from the last book he wrote. I cannot wait to see what Edward comes up with next!

What I loved most about this story is the being lost-getting lost parallel. Leo feels lost. So many people don’t see him as the boy he is. His extended family doesn’t even know he’s trans, so his parents want to call him a tomboy. Again. Other people misgender him all the time. Abby is lost in her favorite romance book and almost frantically believes in fate and true love. But she’s, um, gay?, and nobody knows. Not even her best friend Kat, who she’s in love with. But everything changes when Leo and Abby get lost on the New York subway.

I loved this book! I enjoyed going on the adventure with them and the stories they came up with! I would definitely recommend this book!

This was such a cutesy and funny Romcom full of laughs and great moments. If you want something to make you laugh and smile this is definitely your book. While it will make you mad at times all in all

Let me tell you, this was such a cutie lil book!!!!! In this queer, coming of age novel, Abby and Leo are our main characters. We follow them around NYC for 24hrs leading up to their marching band’s special appearance in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. This dual POV goes back and forth between grumpy Leo and sunshine Abby - Abby is more of a half glass full girl and Leo is the opposite. Abby’s still figuring out her queer identity and her ultimate plan for NYC is to profess her love to her long time best friend, Kat. Instead, she has stumbled into the wrong place at the wrong time with Leo and they get stuck together. Doesn’t that just draw you in immediately?!

I genuinely overall enjoyed this book!! But I would have appreciated it much more from a younger perspective. I wish I could go back in time and put this book in high school Lauren’s lap, she would have loved it! Something I don’t normally enjoy in books is the “24hr falling in love” trope BUT it was so well done in this. I think it helped that they were young and it wasn’t an “insta love” trope. The pacing of this story was pretty fast which is also something I always look for in books. There were so many quotes I simply adored and can definitely see myself picking this one back up again with a physical copy when it comes out in February of 2024!!!

This book is more than just a romance and has had SO MUCH depth and dynamic which leaves you with a completely unforgettable story! Amazing, it was utterly amazing!

Abby Akerman believes in true love, big romantic gestures and the power of the universe. See, she has a plan. When her marching band gets selected to play in the Macy’s day parade, she knows this is the sign of the universe to give her big gesture to her best friend, Kat, who she is in love with. Leo Brewer is known by his Face—he feels like the world is crashing down on him, from the interview that will out him to his family as transgender, to the noisy and crowded Macy’s day parade his marching band is going to participate in, he’s not sure he believes in anything.

The universe decides to knock these two together—literally—on a mistaken NYC subway, where Abby loses her romantic gesture for Abby. To make up for it, Leo comes up with another, surprisingly romantic gesture—find souvenirs from places that are mentioned in a book both Abby and Kat love. Set over a course of a day, Leo and Abby realize that maybe, just maybe, the universe is what you make it.

What can’t I say about this book? I legitimately read this in one sitting. This book showcases the power and joy that comes from making friendships with other queer teens—how it showed both Abby and Leo that they are not alone. I saw another reviewer had a problem with how often both Abby’s and Leo’s orientation and gender status was mentioned, and how hard it is, but I think that’s accurate to not only teens, but to people in the LGBTQ community as well. This is a book for teenagers, and I think this struggle with touch on feelings that the reader might be feeling as well. I cried when Abby and Leo met other LGBTQ teenagers at the Strand bookstore.

This book could be a lifesaver for LGBTQ teenagers in Southern states (or anywhere) that feel like they are possibly the only one in their small area. Absolutely recommend not only for Abby and Leo (who are so wonderful and mesh with one another so well,) but for the side characters, the setting (Underhill either really loves New York, because I felt right there on the New York streets, or did a lot of research,) and the ending. I’m not usually one for quick romances, but I completely believe the ending here.

This was a fun and light read that also addressed some heavy issues. Abby and Leo are from different marching bands that are both in New York for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. The universe brings them together for a day of adventure, fun, and self discovery.

This book is so cute. Abby is very sweet and focused on confessing to her best friend that she likes her. Leo is hurting and understandably grumpy, but has such a kind heart. They go through a very serendipitous adventure through NYC.

This book gave me heavy 90s rom com and Serendipity vibes. There are just so many adorable moments. I especially loved that they just "happened upon" a queer book club who were exactly two people short for their adorable bookish competition. I didn't care how unlikely it was that they would find that book club. It was just absolutely adorable.

Tropes:
Female/Transgender Romance
Sweet no spice ya romance
LGBTQ+ Representation
Misunderstanding (resolves fairly quickly)
Rom Com
NYC adventure
Marching band musicians
Grumpy x Sunshine
Thanksgiving Parade

Content Warning: Rainbow of curse words

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this advanced reader copy. This review is voluntarily written, and the thoughts and opinions it contains are my own.

This book is so cute. Abby is very sweet and focused on confessing to her best friend that she likes her. Leo is hurting and understandably grumpy, but has such a kind heart. They go through a very serendipitous adventure through NYC.

This book gave me heavy 90s rom com and Serendipity vibes. There are just so many adorable moments. I especially loved that they just "happened upon" a queer book club who were exactly two people short for their adorable bookish competition. I didn't care how unlikely it was that they would find that book club. It was just absolutely adorable.

Tropes:
Female/Transgender Romance
Sweet no spice ya romance
LGBTQ+ Representation
Misunderstanding (resolves fairly quickly)
Rom Com
NYC adventure
Marching band musicians
Grumpy x Sunshine
Thanksgiving Parade

Content Warning: Rainbow of curse words

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this advanced reader copy. This review is voluntarily written, and the thoughts and opinions it contains are my own.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

I have been reading a lot of fantasy recently, and getting into a romance book really brought me back and reminded me why I love them. This was really good! I was pulled in from the very beginning. I couldn't put this down. I love the development of the story and characters. Edward has such a unique voice in his writing and every time I read (or re-read) his books, I find new, cute things that make my heart swell even more. He just does such a great job with pulling you into the story, and Never wanting to let it go. They're emotional, heartfelt, and so important. Everyone should read his books. If you enjoy YA contemporary or romance, definitely grab this one!

So, I loved the premise of this book. All of my friends are in marching band and they literally just went on a trip to NYC to be in the Macy Day parade. So it was such a cute premise but it honestly took me forever to get through.

The whole book for me was an anxiety trip. I wanted to enjoy Abby and Leo's love story, but the anxiety of what would've happened got to me too much. I think it is because my friends just had that experience, and our band director is like scary, so it was a bit too real for me.

Other than that, the writing was amazing, I loved the characters and just the premise was so good.

I finished this one a while ago and i just simply forgot to give feedback on Netgalley, as I've been a little hiatus recently.

I found this title very interesting and fun! I can't remember how I felt about it in a deep way but I do remember loving it! Thank you for the ARC!

I loved the queer representation, and as Ferris Buellers Day Off is one of my favs, this was too!