Prepare yourselves! If you want a book that will break your heart & still manage to heal it, this is for you.

I’ve never known an author be able to create such a spectrum of emotions through their writing like Jennifer does. It truly is a gift.

These characters are brought to life through their flaws, trauma & when life throws them curveballs they face them with maturity. The relationship between Ella & Max is so heartwarming and their character growth is incredible, I loved their ups & down, humour & compassion. I was beyond drawn into their story.

“Souls don’t see, Sunny. Souls feel. They feel, and they yearn, and they know.”

There were parts of this book that devastated me.
Honestly, I feel like this book will stay with me for some time.

(ALL THE STARS, SUN and EVERYTHING IN THE SOLAR SYSTEM)

How do I feel after reading Catch The Sun?!

I feel lost. I feel like a kid again. I feel uplifted. I feel heartbroken. I feel like dancing in the rain. I feel connected. I feel like sun rays beating down on my face. I feel faded. I feel humbled. I feel so so saddened. I feel like it's meant to be. I feel like the first time you hear a favorite song. I feel loss. I feel like wind blowing through your hair. I feel alive. I feel...I JUST FEEL.

And I know some would say it's just a book, but Hartmann always brings so much to the table (including the brisket) and she just has a way to connect you to her characters, you will feel exactly like you have morphed and became one with them. Feeling every tug of the heart, every new experience, every sensation, every first, every regret, every what if, every ounce of happiness, every piece of their heart breaking. You feel every bit of their experience from beginning to end.

Including grief. Not only grief for the losses these characters endure but also grief for yourself, grief after the turn of the last page when you realize that you will never be able to experience this story for the first time ever again. And it is one that you will immediately want to experience again as soon as you reach the end, just because you WILL want more time with these characters I have no doubt. But there is just something about experiencing something for the first time. If you know what I mean.

And I am so thankful to @author.jenniferhartmann @read_bloom and @netgalley for allowing me to experience all of Max and Ella's firsts. My heart was truly touched by this one and it has quickly made its way to the top of my favorites list 🖤

Emma and Max are childhood best friends until Emma's father suddenly moves them out of town. When she returns a decade later, she isn't the same girl that Max remembers. As they rekindle their friendship, Emma and Max each deal with family struggles that threaten to halt their blossoming relationship.

This book was amazing!! I loved the character development with both Ella and Max. They had such great chemistry throughout the story. This book was beautifully written with all kinds of emotions. Ella and Max were inseparable in their childhood. Both underwent some very hard traumatic times and yet found each other again. I highly recommend this book.

Thank you NetGalley and SourceBooks Bloom Books for this ARC.

Teenage romance is the best romance. Where did my youth go? Hartmann did a brilliant job in describing teenage emotions, and all the turmoil that our heart gets into. Its not an easy period to navigate. This book gave me courage that the rainbow will shine at the end of the storm. All we have to do is to keep fighting for what to believe is right.

This is third book I've read by this author and I loved it! It's not as dark as Still Beating and Lotus... but the angst is just as good. The relationship development between Ella and Max, stole my heart. They are so cute. The epilogue was adorable.

I really enjoy Jennifer Hartmann as a writer. I think her stories are well thought out and keep my attention.

This one however was not it for me. I could not connect or build a relationship with the main characters and spent most of the book ready for it to end.

OMG, this book. Sooooo well written, emotionally GAHHH, such a refreshing take from thrillers I usually read but I am unwell. Loved it all.

• 𝗦𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗙𝗠𝗖
• 𝗕𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗱𝘆 𝗠𝗠𝗖
• 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀
• 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝘂𝗺𝗮/𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴
• 𝗘𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹
• 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝗮𝗴𝗲
• 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲
• 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴
• 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗰𝗲𝗻𝗲!!!!

Another 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 book by @author.jenniferhartmann ! I would love to say I've flown through her books. But it always takes me far too long to get to the next. I have to give my heart time to heal. Even though she always does an impeccable job of healing it by the end of the book! I'm so glad I'm finally getting to this book!

Ella and Max's story was 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴. But I did enjoy the ride that Jennifer put me through! Ella's character stole my heart right away with her witty and take-no-BS personality! And Max, oh sweet sweet Max, this boy's patience was insane. His love for Ella was beautiful! Right from the start. Even as children this boy adored her. And knew that she was it for him. And even as a broody teenager, he saw Ella just like he always had as kids. Even the sides she hid from the world.

These two couldn't have found their way back to each other at a better time. I loved watching Max win over the very cynical Ella. And watching both of them find a safe place in each other.

This book is told over a few timelines. And each one flowed so well. Jennifer did such a good job of having you connect with the characters. Even the side characters. I feel like that's one of my favorite parts about the books she writes. She always does such an incredible job of making you see the character. Fall for them. And never wanna let them go!

Thank you Jennifer for another 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 story! You always blow me away! And this book was no different!!!

This audiobook was so good! I'm so glad I listened to it. Raven Wildewood was the 𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗙𝗘𝗖𝗧 Ella. With her playful voice she delivered Ella's sarcastic comebacks so flawlessly! I thought so many times while listening to this book, that I couldn't have imagined a better Ella. Dane Anderson did such an incredible job giving us 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗻 Max. He brought so much life to Max's character. Especially during the emotional scenes. They were delivered so well. Max and Ella needed this pair. And I couldn't have been more happy with their performances!

@vancityandersonvo
@mybookishbungalow

Jennifer has a way with words! I wouldn’t categorize this as a YA. The topics were semi heavy and hard. But I was consumed with the story. My heart was in it. My heart was destroyed and I enjoy books that destroy me.

UNWELL. Jennifer Hartmann, you utterly destroyed me and put me back together with this one 😭

Once again, she slays the game. Jennifer’s writing is always on point, she creates the most beautifully faceted characters, and gives us so much depth!!

Ella and Max met at children and were literally soulmates from the start. Her family uproots and moves away for quite some time and she lost contact with Max. Eventually she returns. I LOVED Ella so much!! She has so much trauma but continues to have a positive outlook on life. She is so witty and sarcastic with a touch of teenage angst. She had so many layers and I just adored meeting her. Max is just as incredible. I could not get enough of his sweet disposition and his heart for his family regardless of the trauma he has surrounding it.

These two are put through the wringer. Their love story is something so incredible, even though the universe kept throwing a wrench in it all. This story is FULL of heartache, love, forgiveness, breaking generational trauma, and so much more. Max and Ella are two young people with dark backgrounds and damaged souls who find light and sunshine in each other, until the unimaginable happens.

For a YA novel, it is heavy and explores lots of emotions. Jennifer has an amazing way to bring it all together!! The grand gesture at the end had me sobbing and swooning at the same time so prepared for an emotional rollercoaster. It is such a captivating story and I will never stop recommending it to everyone!!
Be sure to check trigger warnings too 🤍

Thanks NetGalley and Bloom Books for this arc 🫶🏻

Thank you Netgalley and Sourcebooks Bloom Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Jennifer Hartmann’s “Catch the Sun” is a heart-wrenching, emotionally charged story about two childhood friends, Ella Sunbury and Max Manning, who reconnect after years of separation. The book beautifully explores themes of trauma, grief, and healing while offering a tender coming-of-age romance that will leave you both shattered and uplifted. I highly recommend looking at content warnings before reading this book, especially if you are sensitive to themes of grief and loss. “Catch the Sun” is not a lighthearted romance—it’s a story of survival, of finding love in the midst of tragedy. Even though I was mentally prepared going into this book, I still needed a box of tissues when I got to the ending. This is a book that will stay with you long after you finish it, but it will also give you a feeling of hope and contentment.

The story begins with Ella and Max as inseparable childhood friends, making promises of forever. But life tears them apart when Ella’s father abruptly moves her away. Ten years later, she returns to Juniper Falls, where her past is marked by tragedy—her brother has been sentenced to death for murder. Ella’s return is met with hostility, as the small town mercilessly bullies her for her brother's crime. Meanwhile, Max is grappling with his own demons, from his mother’s abandonment to his father’s descent into alcoholism.

Hartmann’s strength lies in her character development. Max is the embodiment of patience and kindness, a quiet force of love who remains steadfast even as Ella tries to push him away. Their slow-burn romance is built on trust and respect, with Max allowing Ella the space to heal while gently supporting her. The emotional depth between them is palpable, and their relationship, filled with heartache and resilience, is as tender as it is raw. I absolutely loved Max’s character and how he has his own flaws while being a fully developed character.

While “Catch the Sun” is marketed as a YA novel, it tackles heavy topics with a maturity that sets it apart from typical young adult romances. The book delves deep into trauma and grief, giving the story a weight that lingers. The friendship between Ella and her new friend, Brynn, adds a layer of warmth to the story, balancing out the darker themes. There were also touches of humor and relatability that I enjoyed even when the plot was hurtling forward.

The pacing of the book starts off slow, reflecting the internal struggles of the characters. But once the second half picks up, the emotional intensity skyrockets, pulling you through unexpected twists and gut-wrenching moments. Hartmann’s writing is poetic and so beautiful, making this reading experience even more memorable.

Overall, “Catch the Sun” is a stunning exploration of love, loss, and the journey of healing. Hartmann has created a masterful blend of emotional depth, character-driven storytelling, and heartbreaking beauty. I can’t wait to experience even more beautiful and heart-wrenching writing from Hartmann.

all in all i enjoyed the story not the writing which in the end ruined it for me, i think if you’re able to look past it then this book can be enjoyable, i see why people have loved it but i am not of them.

Childhood friends to lovers but make it traumatic and tragic! Actually, it has a happy ending but we go through a ton of turmoil to get to it! Hartmann has mastered the survivor romance, coming-of-age angst that make her books such emotional rollercoasters! But this book was exceptionally poignant because of the vividness of the characters and the beauty of the message. As long as Jennifer Hartmann has something to say, I'm gonna sit and listen (well..read)!

Wow this book was AMAZING and hands down 5 stars for me. I absolutely loved this story and I could NOT put it down! I was so invested in these characters, Ella and Max. I felt for them hard the whole way through. Their chemistry together was perfect, I loved everything about their whole relationship. From the happy moments to the sad moments. They both have gone through a lot and it was nice that they could go to each other and be able to take care of one another.
Catch the Sun was such an emotional read but in a great way. You must read this book. I honestly wish I could just re-read this book all over again because it was that good. I have always loved Jennifer's books and this one did not disappoint one bit.
If you enjoy coming of age, second chance, first love stories, this one is definitely the one you need to pick up.

Jennifer Hartmann knows how to pull at your heartstrings. This one is no different! The way my jaw dropped!! Incredible!

5 STARS!

Catch the Sun by Jennifer Hartmann is my favorite book of the year so far. My husband even read it in one day, and it's not a short book!

Maybe it's the coming-of-age love story that made me enjoy this book so much. It could be the well-developed characters or the intense storyline at times. All I know is that I didn't want this book to end. There were so many times that I laughed out loud, and I could tell exactly where my husband was in the story when he did the same. Max and Ella, the main characters, were friends as kids, torn apart by distance, and brought back into each other's lives as teenagers. This is when most of the story takes place. Ella is the brooding teenager, and Max is trying to hold his family together.

I loved the quotes throughout the story, and I found myself looking up and listening to songs that were mentioned throughout the story. The ending was perfect and definitely not disappointing. I would love to see a sequel or movie made about this book. I haven't read other books by Jennifer Hartmann, but I can't wait to read them now.

Although this book is touted as a young adult book, I think it's more of an adult book because of some mature parts of the book.

I gave this book five out of five stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, Bloom Books, and Jennifer Hartmann for my free copy. This is based on my honest review.

More NA than YA... I get the ages (18 by halfway through the book) but still, spice in YA isn't normally this explicit.

So much trauma, grief, and finding the strength to move on. So many things happen in this story - it's honestly a little overwhelming. The writing is beautiful (as always when it comes to Hartmann) and the revolving idea of the sun is so intricately woven through the book it's SO good.

What to expect:
-grief & loss
-trauma
-almost assault (on page)
-murder (on page)
-childhood friends to lovers
-he falls first and WAY harder
-journey of self-discovery

*actual rating is more like 3.75

Rating: 5/5
Spice 2.5/5

Jennifer Hartmann’s books are a must read. The way she writes…it’s like you fall in love, get torn apart and then she so beautifully puts you back together. Every book I’ve read, including this one, has really tough topics and I just cannot find the words to tell you how she heals you along the way while bringing awareness to stuff.

This book follows Ella and Max along an emotional journey. Your heart will be all over the place. Ella and Max know each other while they’re young but life tears them apart. After a tragedy with Ella’s brother, Ella and her mom move back and become neighbors with Max. Ella’s welcome back is a tough one all around but especially when it comes to Max, at first. As the story goes on Ella and Max find their way back to each other and discover who they are and who they want to be. I try to be vague but a little to the point because I hate spoilers.

I laughed, I cried, felt torn and then felt pure joy by the end of this book. You do not want to miss this read. It’s a top read of the year!

Jennifer Hartmann is the queen of roller costar of emotion books!!
My emotions were all over the place. The book starts off with Ella and Max who are childhood friends that get separated due to Ella's parents. So crazy stuff happens which I don't want to spoil but leads to Ella and her mother having to move back to the town 10 years later where Max lives. Both have been through so much trauma they find friendship again. THEN SOME REALLY CRAZY STUFF HAPPENS. Let me just tell you I never knew what was going to happen next.
Catch the Sun kept me on the edge of my seat. I really enjoyed the story of Ella and Max. Seeing the growth of Ella throughout the book really made my heart happy at the end. This is definitely one you do not want to skip.

Highly recommend!!! Beautiful childhood friends to lovers/ Second chance romance book.