I loved this one so much! I love soulmate stories and this one was so sweet! Schumacher can do no wrong in my eyes.

Thank you Netgalley, Wednesday Books, and St Martin's Press for inviting me to read and review this book! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

In the Orbit of You is one of my most anticipated releases of 2024, and while I adored Ashley Schumacher's previous works, this one is a miss for me.

There will be spoilers ahead!

Nova and Sam are childhood friends who meet again after twelve years of separation. Nova doesn't plan on sticking around for longer than two months this year but things change when she sees Sam at lunch with a beautiful girlfriend. It's an instant connection when Sam figures out who the new girl at school is after taking an online match-up quiz, and he and Nova are a ninety-nine percent match. As they rekindle their friendship, they decide it would be best to keep it 'private' from Sam's girlfriend Abigail, as the magnetic pull between them becomes harder to resist.

With Nova always moving around because of her mother's business, she doesn't know how to make roots and she is going through an identity crisis figuring out who she is and what she wants to do with her life. Sam, who has been through a horrible trauma as a child, doesn't know how to let go of the safety net made by his family and friends, and he doesn't want to disappoint them by making the wrong choices.

Before I go into a rant, I did like the pacing of the book. I was hooked from the first word and invested in Nova and Sam's friendship. I liked the 'beginning', 'middle', and 'end' chapters. I thought they were a cute and clever idea. I liked the way Schumacher executed Sam's past and how connected their families are. Fox and Leanne should get a stand-alone book, or at least a short story. I liked reading about them and their friendship with Sam.

Now it's time for me to vent...

I am kind of annoyed with this story. Abigail did not deserve what happened to her. She wasn't a jealous, mad woman insecure by Nova's closeness to Sam and vice versa. I'm glad she chewed out Sam at the end. I'm also glad Abigail pointed out he shouldn't use his childhood trauma as an excuse to cheat. When Sam and Nova decide to keep it secret from Abigail because Nova was going to be leaving in two months, I call that BS. I don't care how old you are, I don't care how much you want someone, or how long they're going to be in town, you don't cheat and treat the girlfriend/boyfriend like they're nothing. Why lead a person on like that? I don't understand why they needed to be so secretive about their friendship. It didn't make sense. Abigail was accepting of Nova and she wanted to become closer to her to get to know who she is and help her fit in. You can be friends with different genders. If you're girlfriend or boyfriend is having issues with that then you can rethink your relationship more because they should be okay with whoever your friends are even if the friends annoy them to death. For Sam and Nova to hide that they are childhood friends, or just friends in general, felt stupid and made for pointless drama.

I couldn't truly enjoy reading this book because I was annoyed with Nova and Sam's decisions, and their repetitive point of views for most of it. They both went in circles with every chapter. Nova would constantly bring up being lost and Sam was obsessively thinking about Nova to the point of feeling like a stalker, and a huge red flag. Also, the constant reminder of Snailopolis. I wish we were able to read more childhood moments instead of just a couple. It didn't feel like they were friends long enough to warrant the obsessive thoughts.

I dislike the fact that I'm hating on this book so much because uggghhh I love Schumacher's other books. I really, really wanted to fall in love with Sam and Nova, and their friends-to-something more relationship. I just couldn't. I'm disappointed and the story as a whole kind of rubbed me the wrong way.

2.5 stars

** Thank you to St. Martins' Press for a free eARC in exchange for an honest review **

rating: 4.5/5 stars

I really, really liked this book. In the midst of my busy life, I found this book to be a body of relaxation for me, even with the angst and heartache in this book. The approach to abuse was not overwhelming and it added a tender, aching edge to this book that worked well with the YA contemporary tag.

The characters interactions and growth were beautiful and I really wish I could witness this book again. With most YA books, there were a few story lulls, but none of them were overbearing and ruined the flow of the story.

Sorry for a short review, life has been crazy hectic! Overall, I really recommend this book and seriously look forward to it coming out in 2024. I'd love to put this on my shelf and display that beautiful cover, too!

As always, happy reading!

Extremely disappointed in the advocacy of cheating & emotional manipulation that this book supports.

This is not a wholesome story of enduring love, like the synopsis states, this is hardly a story of love at all. Nor is it a heartfelt contemporary romance that will make you feel good inside.
This is a story of a cheater, who blames his serial mistreatment of friends and people who love him on a bad childhood. A guy who gets called out on this, but still thinks what he does is right, and gives him the happy ending.

A story of enduring love, of reconnecting from your childhood, of finding each other again, has everything going for it in terms of a heartfelt plot. Yet for some reason the author decided that what this story needed was an incredibly hard to read and upsetting story of cheating that left me sick to my stomach. The author had every opportunity to make a statement against Sam's actions, but fails to do so.

Poorly organized structure and constant filler that has no purpose to the plot didn't make the process of reading In the Orbit of You any easier. Its best feature is that it was a quick read.

Even though they made a promise, promise that they would find each other again at eighteen, Nova, the Queen of Snailopolis, was not expecting to find the King of Snailopolis at her latest high school. Nova’s mother’s job required relocating often, so Nova might spend a few months to maybe a year or two in one place before moving again. Nova, seventeen, was starting her junior year at a new school, but knew they would be moving again in two months. As a result of the frequent relocations, she was constantly reinventing herself, trying on new personas. But she was not really sure who she was, what she liked, and what she wanted to do in the future, which was not ideal with college looming on the horizon.

Sam grew up in an abusive household and being taken away to live with his aunt and uncle, whom he now considers mom and dad, was one of the best things that happened to him. However, while his life is infinitely better, he hates conflict, and so he does what he thinks family and friends want him to do, such as playing football (where he excels and has a legitimate chance of winning a college scholarship) and staying with Abigail, his wonderful girlfriend whom he really cares about (but not as much as he should for the relationship to be long lasting) and does not want to hurt.

Sam and Nova have an understanding of each other and a comfort with each other that no one else can match. However, this also creates a lot of tension, because their unexpected reunion throws off both of their plans. Can they pick up their friendship where it left off so many years ago or has too much changed? How do they explain their history and connection without unearthing memories Sam has worked hard to suppress? How to avoid hurting themselves and others (especially, Abigail), as Nova knows her time in Texas will be short, and as they each have their own issues to resolve?

"In the Orbit of You" is such a beautiful book. It does deal with some tough themes at times, but also shows the power of love and acceptance in helping one deal with and move past traumatic experiences (you cannot forget, and it will always impact you, but you can move forward in life without letting it define you or undermine you). The dynamic between Nova and Sam is great, both as little children and as teenagers. There is a great supporting cast in Sam's friends, aunt and uncle (mom and dad), and Nova's mom. The two families share much more significant ties than either Sam or Nova realize, which will be a crucial aspect of the story.

I’ve read a handful of Ashley’s books and they are always 1) romantic and 2) ANGSTY. I cry, every single time, and this book was no exception.

The character arc for Sam was SO moving. I loved the way Nova loved him, from childhood, and how he in turn accepted her just as she was. I think I wanted more evidence on the page for their romance—like, the link was this shared past, but I wish there was more talk and connection in their present. And more kissing! The angst was the best part. I love semi-sad kissing books.


Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for an eARC of this delightful novel. Opinions are my own.

I picked up this book after falling in love with Ashley’s previous YA contemporary Amelia Unabridged. While I didn’t feel this one quite lived up to Amelia Unabridged, it was still a wonderful story full of heart, painful truths, and lots of angsty romantic tension. I do wish the ending had been a bit more thorough and detailed especially after SO MUCH ANGST!!! I wanted to see Nova and Sam have that much deserved happily ever after.

Oh my goodness. She’s done it again! I am in love with this story and these characters and I just can’t even begin to express how much! She is such a talented author and this book hit all of the right notes of sweet, sad, illuminating, inspiring, devastating, and hopeful. It’s a friendship tale with romance, coming-of-age, suspense, and drama all mixed together in just the right amounts! I don’t think that I could possibly adore the characters more; they seriously sucked me right into their lives and the ending was pure perfection. Can’t wait for more from her, that was a beautiful ride and I didn’t want to put it down!

3.5

i had some issues that i think are possibly issues i’ve kind of developed with the genre as a whole. the fact that nova had to decide who she was essentially so she could pick a school/major kind of irked me, but also i know i felt similarly when i was in high school. same goes for sam—his whole deviating-from-the-plan conflict frustrated me a bit. i just wanted to shake sammy and say SHARE YOUR FEELINGS! TALK TO YOUR FRIENDS & FAMILY! that said, i know why he felt the way he did about keeping his internal struggle a secret.

i would’ve preferred if sammy had been single when nova showed up OR if he’d broken up with abigail before spending all his time running around with nova. i felt bad for abigail even though i did lean towards nova.

regardless, i didn’t mind how things turned out. some bits here and there made me roll my eyes; tbh by the time i made it about 75% of the way through i was pretty much done with the story. the writing was good, though… i just kind of lost interest. i really liked some of the side characters (fox & leanne!).

#netgalley

I really, really enjoyed this book.
Sams backstory was handled delicately and with care. We get just enough information about his tumultuous childhood from flashbacks and references in the present to make sense of his character and his actions, but not so much that it overwhelmed the story. I enjoyed Nova, she felt familiar in the sense that we all went through a period of feeling lost and like strangers in our own bodies. Together, their chemistry was undeniable. They wouldn’t be able to stay away from each other if they tried, which they did. Think “Invisible String” by Taylor Swift type vibes. The plot kept me so captivated that I accidentally stayed up until 1:30am on a work night to finish it. No regrets lol. The ending was a bit of a rollercoaster but it was satisfying.

Very excited for this book to officially publish so that I can recommend it to my friends!!
Thank you to Ashley Schumacher, NetGalley, and the publishers for allowing me to read the ARC in exchange for my honest review! ◡̈

Well, damn, Ashely Schumacher knows how to RIP OUT MY HEART. And I LOVE IT.

Amelia Unabridged is one of my favorite books ever and I just love Ashley as a writer. I've read all of her books since then, and all were great of course, but this is the first one that rocked my world again. And wow does In the Orbit of You just make me want to weep and smile all at once. I am almost speechless except to say I loved it??? and I want more??? and Ashely never stop writing?? Give me all the teen angst thank you.

Also it must be said, I love how she handled Abigail. Abigail comes out on top, even though Sam didn't always do right by her, and I just really love how beautifully Ashley was able to handle a "competition" between two girls, but one in which neither girl comes across as toxic.

5 stars again and again.

Thanks to Netgalley, the author and Wednesday for the eARC in exchange for my review.

I received an e-arc from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.

WOW. I didn't really know what to expect, except that it would probably be really sad (as the blurb mentioned recovery from abuse, etc). But no.

Can I just say, cheating is not okay. Just, nope.

Nova and Sam were friends when they were FIVE and SIX. Then, Sam left suddenly, and they haven't seen each other since. Flash forward twelve years and they randomly meet in high school, and they're suddenly infatuated with each other. *cue eyeroll* But Sam has a girlfriend, who's literally the sweetest person ever. Of course, Sam's dealing with a lot (his biological parents were terrible and abusive), but for some reason he refuses to break up with his girlfriend, instead choosing to hang out with Nova privately (not secretly, as they keep reminding each other! they're just not telling his girlfriend, because that's okay.).

I don't know, maybe I'm getting too old for this type of YA. I was so annoyed with Nova and Sam the entire book, as they keep justifying why it's okay for them to hang out together (um, they specifically go to a diner an hour out of town, just so his girlfriend wouldn't stumble across them). And if I have to read the word "Snailopolis" one more time...

And, is it even possible to have a crush when you're FIVE or SIX years old? Because I think not.

Also the ending. -_-

Neighbors Nova and Sam meet when they are young and quickly become best friends. Sam's home life is abusive and unpredictable, so their time spent together playing in Nova's backyard is a comforting escape for him. When Sam is eventually sent to live with his aunt and uncle, the two children promise to find each other again one day when they are older.

Now seventeen, Nova is starting over at yet another new school. She has spent most of her life traveling from place to place for her mother's job, never staying in one town for more than a few months. She desperately wants more stability and time to figure out who she is. To her surprise, she sees Sam on her first day at school. Sam is a senior and, from the outside, is living the perfect life. He has supportive parents, is the school's star football player, and has a close group of friends. On the inside, however, he is trying so hard to constantly please those around him that he is losing parts of himself. As Nova and Sam reunite and spend more time together, they must figure out how they fit into each other's lives now and what their friendship looks like for their future.

This one had me hooked from the very first chapter. Ashley Schumacher has a way of writing books that burrow into your heart and make you feel every emotion. The dual points of view in this story gave a more profound understanding of how much they both struggled with the pain of the past and their current situations. It had me rooting for both of them to get what they wanted out of life and their relationship with one another. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an emotional story of second chances and self-discovery.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Wednesday Books, NetGalley, and author Ashley Schumacher for an eARC of In the Orbit of You in exchange for my honest review.

In the Orbit of You was another delightful read by Ashley Schumacher. Her stories are based on the high school years and they always read like a bit of nostalgia for me and I love that. They bring back fond memories.

This one was part love story and part finding yourself, something I think many young people would connect with easily. I quickly found myself pulling for Nova to stand up for herself, to discover herself, and be true to herself. I was once a teenager girl feeling the same way. I like how she grew over the course of this novel and I wish I knew more about how things ended up for her as an adult. The same goes for Sam! I enjoyed his charm and the flawed way he reacted to his world. It was believable and it made me cringe at times, but it gave him an incredible opportunity for growth. I definitely did not agree with several of his decisions in how he treated both Nova and Abigail. I spent several chapters furious with him and that did turn me off from the story quite a lot. Overall though, I enjoyed the plot and getting to know the characters. Fox and Leanne were a hoot! The parent side of the story was a nice touch, but I won't ruin anything by saying more about that.

The ending wrapped up nicely with a heart-warming surprise. Maybe it didn't answer all my questions, but sometimes I enjoy a book leaving things open to a reader's imagination.

If you enjoyed Schumacher's other books, you'll probably enjoy this one too. Just know there are several trigger warnings, mainly for child abuse and neglect. It reads like a young adult novel for sure, so if you're looking for something with more adult diction and vocabulary or a spicy romance, this isn't it. It was a pretty easy read, but there's nothing wrong with that if it's what you're looking for in a story.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for so kindly reaching out and providing me with the opportunity to experience this wonderful book in exchange for my thoughts.

Ninety-nine percent guaranteed, you're going to find yourself utterly captivated by the enduring and intricately woven love story of Sam and Nova. Their journey through life, marked by decisions that define their individual paths, is a testament to the power of destiny and choice.

Their enchanting friendship took root in the innocent days of childhood when they were nothing more than young neighbors. Together, they crafted a vibrant world of their own invention: Snailopolis, a realm adorned with dirt and inhabited by snails. Amidst the earthy landscape, their bond flourished, representing the epitome of youthful camaraderie. Nova, with her perceptive eyes, noticed the telltale signs of pain on young Sam's body, etched in the form of burns and bruises. In a touching gesture, she kissed his palm, a gentle healing that mirrored the depth of her unwavering support. Sam found solace in her presence, a safe haven from the monsters that lurked in his world. Yet, Nova wasn't alone in recognizing the shadows that haunted Sam; they both understood the reality of his struggle against abuse.

Their world changed one day when Sam revealed his intention to move in with his uncle, a decision that would physically separate them. However, he didn't bid farewell without a promise — a promise to find Nova once he turned eighteen. With a heavy heart, he departed, leaving Nova behind.

Years rolled by, and fate's hand orchestrated their reunion in the bustling expanse of the same city, within the hallowed halls of a shared high school. Even a comprehensive personality test couldn't deny the uncanny compatibility between Sam and Nova, scoring them at an astounding 99%. However, fate's irony was unrelenting; Sam was tethered to a girlfriend he couldn't disentangle himself from. The trajectory of his life was firmly fixed on a future football career that would earn him the pride of his parents. Meanwhile, Nova's journey had seen her traverse multiple cities and schools, a transient existence that had become the norm. Her resentment towards her mother grew, a product of never being granted the luxury of a stable home, a place to put down roots and cultivate lasting friendships. Focusing on her own uncertain future, Nova found herself unable to acknowledge the romantic currents that stirred for Sam Jordan, let alone contemplate a friendship. The intricate web of emotions was further complicated by the presence of other stakeholders, including Sam's girlfriend, Abigail. But when Sam, the harbinger of nostalgia, resorted to a time-tested method of communication by throwing stones at her window, Nova's heartstrings resounded in response. She couldn't turn him away. And so, their rekindled friendship grew anew, an avenue through which they both learned and rediscovered facets of themselves previously unexplored.

Could this be their chance for redemption? With each passing day, their orbits seemed to tighten, the magnetic pull intensifying, impossible to resist. Their journey, marked by a profound coming-of-age transformation, was a testament to the resilience of love and the power of self-discovery.

This poignant tale, seamlessly blending romance and personal growth, holds a mirror to the intricate tapestry of life's choices and the evolution of the human heart. The characters, beautifully rendered and multilayered, evolve organically, drawing readers into their world with raw authenticity. As the story culminates with a conclusion that serves as a new beginning, a sense of satisfaction washes over, leaving an indelible smile on the reader's heart.

My deepest gratitude extends to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for generously providing me with the opportunity to engage with this soul-stirring book, through a digital reviewer copy, in exchange for my candid reflections.

Reviewed for NetGalley:

I have loved every single bittersweet and enchanting word Ashley Schumacher has ever written, and I stand by that statement. So very grateful to have been given the opportunity to read In the Orbit of You ahead of time.

Nova and Sammy, childhood friends that sadly said goodbye in early elementary school. Spending their childhood afternoons building Snailopolis, Nova was always Sammy's bright spot, as he seamlessly tried to hide away his abusive home life. Their friendship seems to end, when Sammy is taken away from his best friend next door.

A lifetime later, they end up in the same town, the same school, and same lunch table, but with only Nova remembering their childhood.

Such a magnificently beautiful story. (As I still am wiping bittersweet and happy tears away).

Schumacher just has a talented, elegant way of writing that truly captures the reader until they can come up for air after reading her last words.

Always eager to read another one of her novels, and cannot wait for the next.

Prepare to be swept away on an emotionally captivating journey through the pages of "In the Orbit of You" by Ashley Schumacher. This novel beautifully weaves together themes of friendship, self-discovery, and resilience, leaving readers with a heartwarming and thought-provoking experience.

Schumacher's storytelling prowess shines in her ability to create characters that feel both genuine and relatable. Nova Evans and Sam Jordan's lives are painted with a depth that draws readers in, allowing them to empathize with their struggles, dreams, and past traumas. As Nova and Sam's paths cross once again, the delicate dance of their rekindled connection becomes a central pillar of the story, evoking nostalgia and a powerful sense of hope.

The plot unfolds gracefully, peppered with moments of humor, tenderness, and emotional depth. The unique twist of the school-wide personality test adds a layer of intrigue, as Nova and Sam's 99% match ignites both fond memories and new challenges. Schumacher masterfully navigates the complexities of their relationship, skillfully exploring the push and pull between their past and present selves. The tension is palpable, the chemistry electric and readers will find themselves cheering for these characters every step of the way.

At its core, "In the Orbit of You" delves into the resilient nature of friendship, demonstrating how time and distance can test even the strongest bonds. But it's not just about friendship – it's also a tale of self-discovery and healing after trauma. Nova and Sam's journey toward finding their voices, embracing their true selves, and overcoming their pasts is heartwarming and inspiring.

Schumacher's prose is a joy to read, seamlessly transitioning between moments of introspection and heart-soaring connection. Her vivid descriptions bring the settings to life, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the world of the characters.

"In the Orbit of You" is a testament to the power of second chances, the beauty of vulnerability, and the triumph of the human spirit. Ashley Schumacher has crafted a mesmerizing novel that lingers in the heart long after the final page is turned. If you're searching for a touching and enchanting tale that explores the complexities of friendship, self-discovery, and the enduring impact of the past, look no further than this remarkable book.

I will always read anything Ashley Schumacher writes and this did not disappoint. Plot and romance was really touching .The prose is well done, as is the dialogue. I enjoyed both characters' POVs equally. Also pacing of the entire novel was well done, until the end. I recommend checking it out!!

A special thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press & Wednesday Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I previously have read Ashley Schumacher's other books, so I was excited to read her latest novel. Based off her other books, i knew I had to proceed with a box of tissues.

Nova and Sam were childhood friends who weren't ever able to locate each other and reconnect after Sam moved in with his aunt and uncle. Soon after that, Nova and her mother moved as well and kept moving every few months for her mother's job. Nova never stopped thinking about Sam and instantly recognizes him in her new Texas town where Sam happens to be her neighbor. This Sam is a popular football player with a cheerleader gf and promises of college scholarships on the horizon. He doesn't immediately recognize Nova since she is from the part of his life he doesn't like to think about.

Thanks to a school wide match making test that's put together by Abigail, Sam's girlfriend, the two truly reunite when it tells them they are 99% compatible. The problem is Sam has Abigail and his plans for life after high school involve her. While I liked Nova and Sam, they really did Abigail dirty. My girl deserved sooo much better.

Would definitely recommend if you're a fan of the friends to lovers trope/childhood friends reconnected. TW: child abuse but it's not graphic.