I enjoyed Edward Underhill’s debut novel, but this one is my favorite of the two. It has so many fun references to New York City, marching band nerdiness, and a celebration of books and fanfiction. I had a lot of fun reading this one.

The story alternates between Abby and Leo’s points of view, so we get to watch them get to know one another and learn to read one another as they experience a wild “lost in New York” kind of adventure. Abby’s relationship with Leo starts out as a bond between people who got on the wrong train, but it becomes so much more. I thought the pacing of the relationship was really nicely done.


Abby loves a romance novel set in New York and wants to celebrate her love for the book on her trip to the city. She thinks about the scenes in the book set in different places and wants to capture the magic of reading the book and falling in love, but things keep unfolding in ways that are at odds with her plans. I liked the way she and Leo navigated the unexpected moments.

Both Leo and Abby are from marching band groups that visit New York City to perform in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. I’ve never read a book with that kind of plot before, and I felt like this one did really capture both the essence of marching band rehearsal and what I imagine the parade is like.

I think the only thing odd about this book is the timing of the release date. It came out in February. Because of the story centering around the Thanksgiving Parade, I would have thought it would come out in the fall or closer to the holidays.


Nevertheless, I enjoyed the book so much. It’s got lots of sweet moments and fun antics. If you love visiting New York City, this is definitely one to put in your reading list!

This review will post live on October 22, 2024

Did not enjoy the beginning of this book. I hate when a ROMANCE book belittles the ROMANCE genre. I don’t think this is the author for me!

I loved this one! The main characters were real and relatable and the plot was a lot of fun. It was a really enjoyable read!

this book is about 2 queer teens finding their place in the world / general teen identity struggles, as a 20yo, i'm now a guest in the YA genre & don't think my personal unenjoyment should mean anything in the space of YA books because they're not for me & aren't supposed to be. i can and do enjoy YA books, but for certain ones, my experience reading them is irrelevant to their existence and purpose. seeing the YA genre becoming increasingly more tailored to adult readers due to the industry's insatiable affluenza, the last thing i want is to further saturate books made for teens with critiques from an adult perspective.
although i still feel so young & so not an adult, i have a sense of self & an assuredness in my beliefs/decisions from life experience teens just do not have yet, & while reading about characters struggling to find themselves in a contemporary world isn't my preference, that doesn't nullify the absolutely vital presence & celebration of their representation/exploration. due to these things, i didn't enjoy the book & decided not to finish it, but also won't be taking up space on any platforms about it because my experience doesn't and can't measure it—i am not the audience it was written for, & that is not a flaw.
adults absolutely can love & enjoy reading YA, but in the times when we don't, it's imperative for the voices our own are overshadowing that we recognize we are guests in YA spaces, & our negative feedback (& even constructive criticism, if it's from an adult perspective not prioritizing the teen audience/reader/experience) does not belong. idk if the date of this review will show, but that's why i'm posting this statement so long after the book's publication (and only here). thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the review copy

Touching book. Really pulled at my heart. The characters were well written and the story well written. Definitely in my top reads for the year

“This Day Changes Everything” by Edward Underhill is a whirlwind of emotions, and I loved every second of it. The story perfectly captures how fate can bring two unlikely people together when everything seems to go wrong—and yet, so right. Abby and Leo’s day-long adventure through New York City is filled with serendipity, charm, and vulnerability. Their relationship unfolds so naturally that by the end, you’re left believing that sometimes all it takes is one extraordinary day for two people to find something truly special.

What really resonated with me was the sweet and heartwarming way Abby and Leo’s connection grows over the course of that single day. I loved seeing how their relationship progresses from strangers to something so much more in a way that feels both spontaneous and inevitable. The story is a testament to how, when two people are perfect for each other, time doesn’t matter—it’s the connection that does. The way they navigate the ups and downs of their day, learning about themselves and each other, adds layers of depth to the story. The little moments of humor, heart, and honesty make it a beautiful experience.

The exploration of Abby and Leo’s queer identities is another aspect I adored. Watching them come to terms with their feelings and experiences while on this unexpected journey felt authentic and moving. Sure, there are some moments where their teenage angst shows through, but that’s what makes it all the more realistic—they’re teenagers, after all! Despite everything, Abby’s belief in the magic of the universe and Leo’s more grounded skepticism balance each other out perfectly. “This Day Changes Everything” is a heartfelt and delightful rom-com that reminds you how much can change in just one day.

Teenage angst and self-discovery, LGBTQIA+ style.

This was a sweet story of two high school kids who met by accident in NYC while traveling with their marching bands as they were preparing for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The novel takes place on that one fateful day that changes their lives in unexpected ways.

Abby believes in magic and signs from the Universe, and thinks this trip will provide her with the chance to share her feelings she has for her best friend Kat in an epic way. Leo on the other hand is the grumpy to her sunshine and is worried about not being accepted as the trans male he is. As fate unfolds, the two share a whirlwind day that does just what the title says, and I enjoyed all of it.

Thank you NetGalley for the arc! I selected this YA rom-dram (didn’t know that was a genre 😂) because it sounded like a Rainbow Rowell type story and the author was new to me. I’ll be checking out his previous novel Always the Almost soon!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

There was like a Ying vs Yang thing going on with both Abby and Leo. Although they are from two different high schools, they meet in the cutest way.

There isnt a whole lot I can say that hasn't been said before. I love the 24 hour romances and adored both Abby and Leo

This book was so good. It was such a sweet, fluffy queer romance that also dealt with more serious queer topics (coming out to family, questioning your identity, etc.). But there were so many goofy shenanigans that keep the story moving, and it was very much a happy story.
I loved the grumpy x sunshine trope in this book. It felt like there was a legitimate reason for the grumpiness (anxiety over being outed) and it didn’t do a random 180 but took its time with melting the frozen heart.
Yes, I cried at the end while snuggled with my stuffed animals.
I liked the ambigious, yet happy, ending.

This was such a sweet YA book with queer and trans rep about finding yourself while being lost in NYC. Major Ferris Bueller’s Day Off vibes with an impromptu scavenger hunt. When Abby loses the book she’s been annotating for her best friend (and crush) she thinks it the of the world, but really it’s the beginning of the most epic day in New York. I loved the found family aspect and how the two main characters open up to each other throughout their time together.

after reviewing edward underhill’s debut last year and absolutely adoring it, i had high hopes for their sophomore novel and he sure did not disappoint. this story of two teens in marching band having shenanigans across new york city on thanksgiving eve was the story i never knew i truly needed. not even discussing the characters yet, the actual plot of two teens separating from their high school groups going on essentially a scavenger hunt across the city, all while coming to terms with their feelings, their identities, it was peak 2000s rom-com energy for me. and if it wasn’t marketed as that, it definitely should be.

getting to follow abby and leo’s live in this 2 day snippet was truly a highlight. it’s always so funny to read about people visiting the city i grew up around for the first time. experiencing the overwhelming energy that is NYC. and underhill depicted their adventures so well. showcasing some iconic and popular landmarks, up to the quintessential experiences like the hole-in-the-wall pizza places. were the native new yorkers a tad too nice to our out of towners… yes. but we let it slide in the name of romcom movie magic! i think overall, it was an honest look at the mayhem of the city, even (and especially really) before a major holiday.

i loved abby and leo so much. seeing them see each other, fully. accepting their queer identities. having this whirlwind romance and adventure. it was truly just so heartwarming. all i want is to read about them in college, anytime after the books ends really. their relationship is just so precious.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. Review previously withheld in solidarity with the St. Martin’s Press reviewer boycott. All opinions are my own. 

I really enjoyed Edward Underhill’s debut last year, and his sophomore effort, This Day Changes Everything, is arguably even better. Writing stories set in a single day (24 hours) can be tough, but I love how Underhill made use of the timeframe and crafted a well-paced, engaging romance.

The two leads are both wonderful, and I love how both of them go on journeys of queer affirmation with help of the other. Abby arguably stood out a little more, and I loved her sentiments about her favorite romance book that she’s read dozens of times, and how it plays a role in how she defines love…but also sets the stage for her to change on her own epic journey that subtly parallels that of the fictional protagonist she reads about. Her journey with her queer identity is also well-fleshed-out, with her not really being sure how to label herself, and coming to terms with sexual fluidity over the course of the story. Her growth in understanding her bond with her friend/crush, Kat, is also really great, highlighting the nuance in unrequited feelings, and with great ace rep on Kat’s part. 

Leo is a great counterpart for Abby, as he’s also coming into his own, albeit as a trans boy. He’s dealing with the fact that not everyone in his family knows or understands about his gender, and as a result, no one really sees him for who he is. 

But despite having just met, these two “get” each other immediately, and while it could easily have felt cliche or silly, it worked, and I rooted for them as they navigated their growing feelings for each other. I loved the little ways they supported and affirmed each other, and while I’m not sure if this will last, it’s sweet in a “teen’s first real love” kind of way. 

This was a super-sweet read, and I’d recommend it if you’re looking for a queer take on some classic romcom archetypes.

This was sooo cute!! I loved the premise of this story and how fast paced it was. Made me feel like I was watching an episode of Glee :-)

DNFd at 8%
The main characters were annoying me.

*Thank you netgalley and Wednesday Books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book helped heal something in me that I didn’t know needed healed. When people figure out they’re trans later in life, it often feels like there’s parts of their childhood that are just missing, because they experienced them as a version of themself that doesn’t feel right. For me, reading trans representation in YA, fills those empty spaces. For me, someone who’s entire middle school and high school years were filled to the brim with band, this book was perfect.

This is the cutest! A grumpy sunshine YA rom com. Two teens stuck together in New York City creating adorable memories and eventually falling in love. I loved this story and the main characters! And also the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade is a huge part of this which makes this even better.

Trekking through New York City on a quest to win her secret love, Abby goes through mishap after mishap while discovering herself, the community, and the life she might want to lead. On this journey, unwillingly at first, is Leo who is facing his own life challenge as a result of the trip to NYC. These two bang heads at first only to realize that they may have more in common than they thought.

I always wondered what it would be like to follow the pages of a book and see whether it would have the same impact. I’m actually trying to think of a book where I would want to visit every place the character went and at the moment I am drawing a blank. This is a common theme in stories and I confess the one that immediately comes to mind is An Affair to Remember (Dir. Leo McCarey, 1957). Scenes from this movie have been duplicated or reminisced on in many entertainment forms.

This Day Changes Everything is a romcom meet cute young adult romp. I enjoyed the journey of Leo and Abby. It was a lot of fun as information was parsed out and the characters bonded. Their issues are discussed in depth as people flow in and out of their path. I really liked the souvenir collection, but not the result of it (chuckle - trying not to give anything away).

The secondary cast is used to provide information or another point of view. Edward Underhill doesn’t shy away from the ignorance within our own rainbow circle and how we deal with it and grow.

Overall, their day is touched by magic just like the movies. The story can lag at times as there are a lot of details and both characters share their thoughts on the same events. Just like a movie there is a big finish so wait for it. This Day Changes Everything will have you smiling at the end.

I don't know what it was with this story it just wasn't something that keep me wanting to read it I was okay with putting it down. I don't know if it the insta love or just all the talk about band and the Macy parade or what it just didn't fully click with me

I absolutely adored Edward Underhill's debut and had pretty high expectations for his sophomore book. Luckily, This Day Changes Everything won me over, too. As a former band kid, I was enamored by this love letter to marching band and nerds everywhere (and New York, really). Plus, the fun (if a little unrealistic) Ferris Bueller's Day Off-style misadventures made for a winding and exciting plot. I loved both Abby's and Leo's characters and voices and their story was an easy one to fall in love with. Plus, for all the light and fluffy romance stuff, there is an equal amount of realness and tough topics that made for a well-rounded read.

The 24-hour romance trope is not one of my favorites, and even though it was fairly well executed, it still was the main reason this wasn't a five-star read for me. Some of the aspects just felt a little rushed or over the top.

Edward Underhill's *This Day Changes Everything* is a poignant and thought-provoking novel that explores the transformative power of pivotal moments in life. Underhill's evocative storytelling and deep character introspection create a compelling narrative that resonates on an emotional level. The book’s blend of heartfelt drama and insightful reflections makes it a memorable read.