This story captivated me! A story about childhood friends that seem to be destined to be together, possibly soulmates but fate seems to keep them apart. I loved the character development we get of Ella and Max. I enjoyed that we got dual point of views of this story to get an idea of what each was feeling and thinking.

The brisket scene— tell me why did I picture the scene in dirty dancing where she shows up and says I carried a watermelon. She shows up at his house and is like I brought the brisket!

Such a heartbreaking and heartwarming story. I loved it from the first chapter to the last page. I cried, cried some more, laughed, and felt all the feelings.

I laughed, I cried, and I wish I could read it for the first time again.

Jennifer Hartmann is one of my favorite authors, and this book was everything I expected from her and more. A coming of age childhood friends to lovers, thus story weaves a beautiful tale filled with friendship, romance, trauma and the path to healing.

There comes a time you come across a book that moves you in a way you don’t think is possible. For me this book is it. It follows Ella & Max. Best friends who were separated but reunite when Ella moves back ten years later. But Ella is not the same. Dealing with family tragedy she didn’t expect. Max is also dealing with family issues. They become friends and when their friendship moves to something more, tragedy strikes.
I have never read a YA that brought out so many emotions for me. The character development was superb. Seeing Ella and what she is going through and having Max by her side. Showing her what friendship is, what love is. How they found their light in their darkest times. But in Jennifer’s brilliant writing she gives you some twist and turns that you don’t see coming. I find myself crying wondering how can she do this? But she does and takes you on a journey that’s both heartbreakingly painful but also so emotionally beautiful. Jennifer once again gave me a book and characters that I will be thinking about forever.
Thank you NetGalley for give me this arc.

"Catch the Sun" by Jennifer Hartmann is a truly remarkable book that left a lasting impression on me. Any book that can make me cry is an instant five stars, and this one did just that. This was my very first Hartmann book, and while I had heard good things, now I’ve seen amazing things.

Hartmann's writing is phenomenal. She really brings out each character's unique voice, ensuring that no character seems dull or boring. Each one feels alive and vibrant, contributing significantly to the depth and richness of the story.

I devoured this book. The romantic moments had me kicking my feet in delight, while the sad moments brought me to tears. I was truly moved by the storyline, which is both heartfelt and deeply engaging. Hartmann's ability to evoke such strong emotions is a testament to her skill as a writer.

In conclusion, "Catch the Sun" is an incredible read that I would highly recommend. It's a book that will make you feel deeply, from joy to sorrow, and everything in between. Jennifer Hartmann has a new fan in me, and I can't wait to read more of her work.

Star: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice: 🌶️
☀️ Small Town
☀️ Bookworm x Popular Guy
☀️ Childhood Friends to Lovers
☀️ Neighbors
☀️ First Love (& first kiss)
☀️ Trauma Healing

"Catch the Sun" by Jennifer Hartmann is a poignant and emotionally charged novel that delves into themes of love, loss, and the enduring power of hope. The story follows the lives of two deeply scarred individuals who find solace and redemption in each other’s arms, navigating through their past traumas to find a future worth living for.

Ella, a young woman burdened by a tragic past, struggles to reclaim her sense of self and purpose. Her journey is beautifully rendered, capturing the reader's heart with its raw authenticity and emotional depth. Jennifer Hartmann's portrayal of her inner turmoil and resilience is both heart-wrenching and inspiring, making her a character that readers can deeply empathize with.

Max, equally haunted by his own demons, complements her journey with his strength and vulnerability. Their chemistry is palpable, and their interactions are filled with a mix of tenderness, passion, and heartache. As their relationship evolves, it becomes a beacon of hope, illustrating the healing power of love and the possibility of new beginnings.

Jennifer Hartmann's writing is evocative and lyrical, painting vivid scenes and deep emotional landscapes. Her ability to convey complex emotions and the intricacies of human relationships is masterful, making "Catch the Sun" a deeply immersive reading experience. The novel's pacing is well-balanced, with moments of quiet introspection interspersed with intense emotional climaxes.

"Catch the Sun" is more than just a romance; it is a story of personal growth, forgiveness, and the strength to move forward despite life's challenges. Hartmann's skillful storytelling and richly developed characters make this novel a compelling and unforgettable read.

Overall, "Catch the Sun" is a beautifully crafted tale of love and resilience. It is a must-read for anyone seeking a story that will tug at their heartstrings and leave them with a sense of hope and renewal. Jennifer Hartmann has created a powerful narrative that will resonate with readers long after the last page is turned.

I’m a huge fan of this author but sadly this one was not it. Everyone has been giving it glowing reviews so maybe it’s me? I will say it reads like a Colleen Hoover book…is that a good thing….not in my books but maybe in yours

I just love this author so much! Catch the Sun deals with some very heavy and dark topics. That is something that always intrigues me about this authors books. Ella + Max share an unbreakable bond that will be tested in many ways. This was so good!!!!

Thank you NetGalley and Bloom Books for the arc of this book.

Get ready to have your mind blown! "Catch the Sun" is a book that will live rent-free in my mind forever. This novel tore me to pieces and then put me back together in the most incredible way. Hands down, it's one of the top reads of the year!

This was my first time diving into Jennifer Hartmann's work, and now I can't wait to get my hands on everything she's ever written. I went into "Catch the Sun" without any expectations, and what a wild, emotional rollercoaster it turned out to be! I won't spoil any part of this epic journey, but trust me when I say it's packed with all the feels.

Get ready for a serious book hangover because this story will stay with you long after you've turned the last page. Jennifer Hartmann's storytelling is off the charts, and her characters are so real and relatable. "Catch the Sun" is an unforgettable ride that will leave you breathless and craving more from this amazing author.

This book CONSUMED me😭💔

Jennifer Hartmann does it again and I think this one may just be my favourite🥹

The writing just flowed effortlessly and all the quotes and references were just beautiful! Not only will this story stick with me but so will they. There is always just so much more to the writing with JH and I love that.Just amazing!🙌🏻

Going into this I thought it was going to be innocent due to seeing it being classed as a YA. I should’ve known with the author that that wasn’t going to be the case at all! This book will tear out your heart, stomp on it, fix it and then put it back multiple times. I couldn’t physically cry at this book, I had tears in my eyes yes but when I tell you my heart was hurting and I felt physically sick to my stomach, that’s how much it consumed me!

As I was reading it I thought I was going to be able to predict what was going to happen but that was not the case at all. I did have funny feelings about multiple characters but even when certain things happened I was so shocked!

I don’t think I’ll ever forget about Max and Ella! They didn’t deserve anything that happened to them but their story was everything as much as it was heartbreaking. I fell in love with them from the start and all the way throughout I was completely invested.

Something In The Orange-Zach Bryan is one of my favourite songs and it is definitely this book but as a song for me! I’ll be thinking of Catch The Sun every time I hear it now🥹

Don’t let the fact that it’ll be an emotional rollercoaster put you off reading it. Pick it up when it’s released on the 16th of July,you honestly won’t regret it! Please do check TW before however.

I’ll 100% be recommending this to everyone! Such an amazing book 😍

Thank you to Jennifer Hartmann and Valentine PR for giving me the chance to read this as an ARC. Im so so grateful. Although this is an ARC all of my opinions are 100% honest🤍

Catch The Sun by Jennifer Hartmann is a YA standalone survivor romance and this is Ella and Max‘s story.
 
Jennifer Hartmann‘s books are always emotional and captivating and this one was no different. Ella and Max are childhood friends who grew apart over time and years later Ella is back, and she moves across the street from him. But Ella isn’t the girl he used to know, and she is in the shadows of her brother who is on death row and his case sparked national interest. This part of the story was absolutely crazy and uncovering what happened kept me on the edge of my seat. Ella is trying to continue living and finding her happiness again and I loved following her.
 
Max is struggling as well caring for a disabled father and keeping a relationship with his distant brother. He is such a sweetheart and he‘s still intrigued by Ella and wants to help her. Through that the two got closer again and it was beautiful to see, and I could feel a few butterflies. But there are a few plot twists and tragedies and these two don’t have it easy. Yet through all of that their relationship can still bloom as they try to catch the sun and I loved this metaphor and what it meant to the story and that is perfectly reflected in the title.
This story is just gripping, intense and all-encompassing and it takes you on an emotional journey making you feel everything, and I adored it.
 
Overall, Catch The Sun is another amazing story from Jennifer Hartmann and I highly recommend it. 4,5 stars.
 
(ARC kindly provided in exchange for a review.)

#Review: *Catch the Sun* - ARC - Jennifer Hartmann [18+]
5+/5✨
2.5/5🌶️

If it's a book written by Jennifer Hartmann, then I'm definitely going to read it and love it!😊 Thank you Jennifer and Valentine Pr from the bottom of my heart for this e-copy!

Max and Ella have first met when they were little kids. Ever since then they had an unique connection but they had to part ways when Ella moved away. Years have passed and Ella returned back, when her brother had some legal issues. They both changed throughout this period, each experiencing some traumatic events which marked them badly🥺. But that connection between is still strong, even though is burried deep in their sorrow.

This story was brilliantly built, with amazing characters and beautiful friendships. The story had many heartbreaking and tensioned moments which requested a lot of tissues🥺. I just adore these kind of books which just drag you in the story and make you live the same feelings as the characters🥺.

It happened so many things during this book that I felt like my heart will explode of pain. I felt so powerless and I just wanted to hug them tight to make them feel a bit better. There are many triggers included in this story and I advise to check them out before starting it.

For me, this book was the example of a perfect one! It had the perfect ingredients to fall in love with every single detail of it and I recommended it from the bottom of my heart.

Tropes:
☀️#FriendsToLovers;
🌻#FirstLove;
🖍️#ReturningToHometown;
☀️#Neighbors;
🌻#SecondChance;
🖍️#Bully;
☀️#Highschool;
🌻#Protector;
🖍️#VirginHero/Heroine;
☀️#Soulmates.

This book had me sobbing and hysterically laughing all through out! I love Ella so much, she was such a funny relatable character! And the ending was just perfection

♾️⭐️ 3🌶️

Jennifer Hartmann gives me the best book hangovers❤️‍🩹

Her books always leave me speechless and needing a day to gather my thoughts & sometimes I still can’t. She writes so beautifully & effortlessly that you can’t put the book down.

All the quotes through out this book was so thought provoking and I couldn’t get enough🧡

The pop culture references makes the characters so relatable. I love that the small details she puts into her books always mean so much more in the end because she continuously adds to it through out the book. There is nothing like it!!

I will forever be in debt to Jennifer Hartmann from all the pre-orders I’ll be doing 😂

The Winnie the Pooh references were everything to me! I think everyone has a touch of Eeyore in them 🌧️

I loved Ella & Max and their tragic yet beautiful story to finding love. I loved that you could see Ella’s character development so clearly. She was Eeyore but with Max she was Piglet & she just completely SHINED around him☀️

Also, the healing she went through with Max by her side brought so much emotion & growth to the book❤️‍🩹

Piglet & Pooh’s (using these names so I don’t give anything away) relationship was a complicated one but their last conversation devastated me with Pooh’s quote 😭😭 I was hoping for a better ending for them, but I understand why Piglet chose what she did after all the trauma she’s been through.

The ending to their love story was beautiful & Max’s surprise for Ella was everything. These two will forever hold a place in my heart🐎🧡☀️

A special thank you to NetGalley, Valentine PR & Jennifer Hartmann for this ARC. I literally wanted nothing more than to read this as soon as I could. I already pre-ordered my copy🫶🏻

This story flows beautifully. The words enthralled immediately me on the page. Hartmann effortlessly crafted powerful characters and a solid story. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

4⭐️

“Today I fell in love with a boy who finally caught the sun and he never let her go”

First of all, thank you to NetGallery, Author and Publisher for this eARC.

Having only recently discovered Jennifer Hartmann’s writing, I can safely say it’s become a firm favourite. The emotions that her books put you through…it had me sobbing.

This book is considered a YA romance but the only part I would say is YA is the fact our main characters are young adults. This book is filled with tragedy and heartbreak, it has twists and turns, it breaks your heart but puts you back together again.

Ella and Max are such pure, kind souls. I was rooting for them the whole way. Honestly this book was just tragically beautiful. I don’t really know what else to say.

All the stars for this one!!! Jennifer CRUSHED it with this story. I love Max and Ella’s journey to HEA. These two go on one heck of a heartbreaking, gut wrenching, beautiful, emotional journey that will keep you at the edge of your seat. Pretty much plan on reading in one sitting. Bring tissues, snacks and drinks to your reading spot! You will cry. You will laugh. You will swoon. You will fall in love with Max and Ella and I promise, you will be cheering for them to make it! The character development is phenomenal, the story is amazing and the writing is incredible.

While the characters start off as teens I will say I do not agree that this is YA and for 16 years old and up. This book deals with heavy topics and is open door so please be aware of that and check the TW. I would definitely say this is NA romance not YA.

I don't even know where to start other than to say that this book destroyed me. I was seriously bowling my eyes out at various parts, but especially in the epilogue. No joke, I had to stop like 3 times to take a deep breath and keep going.

"I've come to realize that some people have a way of making you feel as if living is more than just being alive."

Jennifer Hartman has such a beautiful and delicate way of dealing with pain, and I'm not saying this to romanticize anyone's pain. Quite the opposite, she portrays it raw and guides us through the path of healing and survival.

If you've read any of her books before, you know her romances aren't for the faint-hearted. And even though Lotus is my favorite and I suffered more with Still Beating, I think Catch the Sun shattered me the most.

But don't worry, she also manages to sew the pieces of our hearts back together and delivers a happy ending for hopeless romantics like us.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

I did not expect this to be a YA genre and that is probably the reason why I will give the book four stars and not five. I simply could not connect with the characters even though the story is tragic and beautiful at the same time. Half of the book was quite slow and later it was much better. Max is a wonderful male character who showed at such a young age how to love, forgive and sacrifice for the family, how to respect the true values ​​of life. I also like Ela because she only got the best out of herself even though her life is full of tragedies and temptations. Basically, the book is a typical Jennifer Hartman style, a story that is a roller coaster of emotions.

Thank you NetGalley , publisher and Jennifer Hartman for this opportunity , I enjoyed .

4.5 ✨
🌶️.5

I always know when I pick up a Jennifer Hartmann book I'm going to have all the feels and read it so fast. This book was no different.

The childhood sweetheart element was honestly so sweet but in my opinion this book is definitely not YA. It was a beautiful story but with heavy themes of trauma and some spice too. So if you've heard it's YA and that's put you off ignore that.🥲

Max and Ella were really just kindred spirits, soul mates, made to be together and it made for a beautiful story.

Also had some exciting plotlines and twists that made it suspenseful in parts (I was screaming at my kindle)

I'm so greatful to have received this as an ARC, thank you to Jennifer for sharing this story with us 💛✨

Thank you to Bloom books for the ARC of this book. I don't usually read YA but the description of this one sounded like something I would like. It took me on quite and emotional rollercoaster and honestly crushed me at times, but I could not put this book down. It was incredibly well written and goodness, I was just rooting for Ella and Max's love so hard! The amount of tragedy that both main characters both separately and together was staggering and yet their love for each other just shines through the entire time. I'll be looking forward to reading more books by this author. I think you'd enjoy this book if you like authors like Colleen Hoover and Mia Sheridan. 5 stars and I highly recommend it!