All Things New

I loved this book from the first chapter. Jessa's voice is honest, raw, and despite being riddled with pain, it's filled with an inner strength. It's the sort of strength girls can and need to connect with. Marshall is so much fun and just what Jessa needs to draw her out of her shy shell. Jessa's friendship with both Marshall and his twin sister Hannah is spot-on, and when Hannah's life spirals out of control due to the audition, my heart bled for her. As a parent and educator, I worry about how much pressure we put on children to succeed, but it's even worse when they apply that pressure themselves in order to stand out in some way. Thank you for allowing me to read this book. I work with teens, and one of my students is going through a similar experience with scars on her face. This book will be one I'll recommend to her once it's published.

Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant. This book was amazing, the amount of quotes I highlighted throughout the book was ridiculous because they all spoke to me so much. So this post is going to be very long because of all the quotes I've included.

Favourite Quote:

"This is how you deal with it ... You cry. Sometimes you scream. You let out whatever it is you're feeling, and you keep letting it out until you can breathe again"

I can imagine many people will criticize this book as it is based around a mental disorder, and no one every agrees about the symptoms, improvement rates or anything else related to it. I believe this is because everyone who has experienced this or knows someone who has, experiences it differently. So saying that, I completely related to Megan. Not in the sense of having a car accident and such but the panic and anxiety are something that are very familiar to me. I think Lauren did a great job at putting Megan's feelings and thoughts into words when even I struggle to explain how I feel to people at times. I do personally criticize the fact that it is never explained exactly where Megan's hallucinations come from as this is normally a trait of psychosis and associated with for example, schizophrenia. But for the sake of the book I assumed and went along with the idea of it being a coping mechanism and/or PTSD and/or result of brain damage.

Megan is a very deep and interesting character. With it being written from her point of view, we get an insight into her mental process, her emotions and her fears. After the accident her fears are realistic, they feel real to me, I can imagine I would feel like that. And even though it is a book, I kept wishing for her to get through it and feel better. When Marshall came into the story I knew this was going to happen. A lot of people will say, oh love can't heal mental disorders, but I believe it partially can. I believe it can make the person feel more safe and secure and feel better than they did previously. It might not be something that can completely heal, but it can get better. (Yes, I'm talking from experience), and this is what Marshall did.

Megan doesn't just heal because of Marshall though. She goes to a group therapy where she opens up, she has a man in a white coat help her and she has friends she can rely on. Her father is a lot more helpful than her mother was. I think all of these aspects helped Megan. We never see her fully heal either, we see her massively improve.

That is exactly what there is. Hope. ... Where the light is visible but we're still in the dark, and the best we can do is believe that eventually we'll get there and hold each other's hands until we do. There may not be calm or certainty or confidence, but there is hope. That tears aren't forever. That one day all things will be new.
Marshall is such a great character, he is funny, blunt but also open to hearing Megan's story. He compliments her and makes her feel good about herself. Their friendship is cute, their relationship is even cuter.

Hannah's character, I think, will get some mixed reviews. She was b*tch for some parts, I do have to admit that, but then, I find that realistic. That is what stress will do to you, and considering she was on pills, I'm guessing those will do that too (wouldn't know that about these pills). But we see a good side of her as well, being a friend to someone who really needs a friend. We see her struggle with her own problems later on in the book and find she also needed Megan just as much as Megan needed her.

This book has a lot of deeper issues than just love, friendship and anxiety. With Megan 'hallucinating' bruises, burns and scars on people's faces we come to understand that these are based on the people's feelings. Megan, in the end, believes she can see their soul. It reminds us that even when people put on a happy face, a lot could be wrong with them, that they could have underlying issues and be hurting inside.

That's the thing about the invisible world, I guess. Where souls get battered and minds get muddles and hearts get broken again and again. It's a war zone, a disaster area, but no one wants to talk about how messed up things are, so we let each other pretend. We play along, we act like we're all okay. But we're not okay, and all the junk we're hiding is right there, right in front of us, right within us. The brokenness, and the desolation and despairs. We tell ourselves it'll get better if we just ignore it. But wounds don't work that way. Leave them open, and you'll bleed out.

I didn't really connect with the whole angel aspect as I'm not religious and don't really believe in these things. I do however believe that everyone has a person that is looking out for them and trying to help them. I never really looked at this character as an actually angel, but just another person who helped someone else through something.

One thing I did find a shame in this book as that psychologists and psychiatrists are portrayed very negatively which could influence people who read this and are struggling themselves, not to go to one. I have to admit I haven't had the best experiences with them, but I had one counselor who was wonderful and helped me loads.

This book was a very quick read for me, it kept me hooked and I really connected with it. I definitely suggest reading it. It will be released on the 1st of August 2017.

All Things New for me has become one of my favourite YA books. The biggest takeaway for me after reading the book is about acceptance and believing in oneself. Especially when it comes to dealing with the things we are scared of; that we don’t have to be ashamed of ourselves, of having what other people might think of as a weakness.

This was the first book of Lauren Miller that I read and you bet, I will read her other books because she definitely has ways with words. While reading, I found myself tearing up after reading certain lines in the book because of how true they are and no book I’ve read so far has been able to capture those feelings in words. The depiction of anxiety in this book felt so real. Maybe it’s because of how detailed Jessa’s inner thoughts are being written in the book. The words spoken by the others felt genuine and almost felt like they are talking to me instead of the characters in the book (that’s what made me cry reading them).

So, thank you, Lauren Miller, for writing such a beautiful and uplifting book!

This book is such a great read. It is the story of Jessa who suffers from extreme anxiety. She is in a car accident and her face becomes covered in scars. She feels like her outside finally matches her inside, she feels they are both broken. Jessa moves from LA to Colorado to live with her dad and starts. New school. She meets twins Hannah and Marshall who are dealing with their own issues. This book was such a good read that I finished it in one sitting. The way that Jessa described her anxiety really hit home for me because I have some similar issues. This book is a wonderful book.

Interesting and engaging look into the mind of a girl riddled with anxiety. Very relevant for teen girls. Also very hopeful. Enjoyed this one a lot!

ALL THINGS NEW is, yet, another excellent novel by Lauren Miller. The engaging story flows and once you latch onto the characters, a tsunami of "feels" arrive, mainly in Hanna's and Marshall's storylines.

My mind raced with the potential resolutions to the different threads and mysteries, which I cannot say much here 'cuz *spoliers*. But, trust me, they're quite the ride.

As any story, this one isn't for everyone. Actually, there's no such thing as a perfect story 'cuz audiences, yeah? For me, this kind of book is indeed my cup or tea or my enchilada plate. So, for that and this and the like and the great writing, I'll give the story 5 shining stars.

ublication Date:
August 01, 2017

My thoughts:
The power of Miller's prose is her ability to create characters that we care about. 17-year-old Jessa Gray should have everything, and to those on the outside, she looks like she has everything, but she is just very good at hiding what is is broken inside of her. It takes an accident to force her to literally reveal what is broken inside of her as she now has to carry her scars on the outside. The accident also allows her to see the scars that others around her carry as a way to seek answers for herself and be able to reach out to others who need her help and empathy. It doesn't hurt that she falls for indefatigable Marshall who uses his own brokenness as a rally cry to embrace life and love fully.

Miller takes these realistic issues and infuses it with very tangible chemistry between characters as well as humor and even some divine intervention. This is a devour-worthy read and puts Miller on the radar for YA authors that write movie worthy hits.

An advanced copy provided in return for an honest review by Net Galley.

Jessa Gray's panic attacks leaver her feeling broken, but she's gotten very good at hiding from the world. When a car accident leaves her with scars as visible as the brokenness she feels inside, Jessa can no longer hide. She moves to Colorado with her father to start over, but has trouble healing when she realizes she sees bruises and burns on the faces of the people around her that others don't see.
A book about healing and forgiveness, All Things New does an excellent job of showing the struggle of panic attacks and anxiety.

All Things New by Lauren Miller is a book that will pull at your heart strings leaving you crying one minute and laughing the next. Lauren Miller is an incredible writer and does an amazing job creating the characters, plot setting and over all tone of this book. I am very impressed with the way Miller created a story that everyone can relate to at some point in their life. I will admit that this book at times is really sad but next thing you know something will happen that will make you laugh out loud. The book follows Jessa Gray who is a teenager that battles with anxiety while trying to keep it a secret from everyone. Jessa at the beginning has an argument with her boyfriend, Wren, causing them to break up. She leaves his house upset and in the middle on a panic attack. Then the unexpected happens and next thing she knows she is waking up to a voice telling her that everything will be ok. The wreck cause her to suffer from brain damage. While it is not noticeable, she cannot reply or imagine an image in her mind. When she looks at people she sees “bruises” or damage/injuries making her think she is going crazy. Lucky for Jessa her dad is also at the hospital and suggests that she leave Los Angeles and going back to Colorado with him, She quickly takes him up on the offer trying to get away from her mom and the many arguments they have had over the past few months. When Jess and her dad (Eric) get to Colorado, she manages to start high school and make two new friends. She also meets a doctor/therapists at her new school whose voice sound very fimilar but she can’t figure out why. Has the story goes through many ups and downs, Jessa knows she can count on Hannah and Marshall. After learning that Marshall has a disability himself, they soon become more then friends. Towards the end of the book Jessa’s relationship with her mom and dad make a complete turn around. She also learns after meeting the real school therapist, that the man she was talking to while thinking he is the doctor is actually an angel.

We all have baggage. Some of us are just better at hiding it than others.

In many ways, that is the underlying theme of this title.

Jessa has felt broken for years. Years filled with panic attacks and isolation (except for a boyfriend.)
It is at a party that she hears herself referred to as a Barbie with mental issues. And, it is at this party that she learns her boyfriend has been seeing another girl for months. He just hadn't broken things off because of concern that she'd take it badly.
Without even being able to confront him about it, she leaves in tears and drives towards home. Only, she never makes it home as another driver runs a red light and plows into her.

Jessa recovers but finds that 'her mind's eye' is off. She can't visualize things in her head. Plus, she seems to be hallucinating as she begins to see scars and other injuries on people.

Instead of returning to her high school, she moves from California to Colorado to live with her dad. The dad whose leaving the family years earlier brought on the panic attacks.

On her first day of school in her new location, she learns that it is an alternative school for arts and people 'with issues.' The girl showing her around is an artist. Jessa is considered one of the kids with an issue. Yet, the girls find a common ground and soon become good friends.

Slowly, Jessa learns to come out of her shell. I won't go into details...but let's just say there's a guy she is attracted to and another guy who might really be an angel. In the end, Jessa heals not only from her physical wounds but emotionally as well. And, she comes to realize that we are ALL broken in some way.

As for is this book good? Well, let's just say I couldn't put it down and read it in one sitting. Yep, it was that good!

First line: "<i>It catches my eye as it goes dark, lights blinking out all at once, upstairs, downstairs, front porch, <b>snap</b>, like someone hit a master switch.</i>

The mind is really quite an intricate and complex thing. It is beauty, intelligence, tragedy, and ultimately, it is it's own being. Anxiety disorder and/or panic disorder are somewhat common in today's society, but just like many other mental health issues - it is still quite stigmatized. This book is really an eye-opener and rings true to those who have experienced a panic attack...but also gives you somewhat of a vague idea of what it feels like to have one. Everyone is different, of course, but this novel may just help others get a slight grasp on how challenging anxiety and panic disorders are to deal with on a daily basis.

<i>"...there were so many other things I couldn't see. The beauty in brokenness. The power of honesty. The way hope lights up the dark."</i>

Jessa is a phenomenal character. At the beginning of the novel, I felt that she was definitely not a character to write home about - she was so broken and lost. However, you see her grow and transition into a beautiful girl with increasing confidence in herself, despite all she has been through and has yet to go through. And at the end of it all, I felt that she was the heroine; the heroine of her own story...which is really what life is all about.

I felt so many emotions while reading this book; heartbreak, despair, happiness...and somewhere under all of that I felt hope. Hope for what was to come and hope that Jessa could overcome her "dragon".

<i>"That's the thing about the invisible world ... Where souls get battered and minds get muddled and heart get broken again and again. It's a war zone, a disaster area, but no one wants to talk about how messed up things are, so we let each other pretend."</i>

I really enjoyed that Lauren Miller let Jessa's thoughts and feelings be known throughout the entire novel (which I suppose is required in this type of novel, but Jessa was so concrete to me and so believable that these inner thoughts and feelings really added another layer of connection), no matter what was going on you were right there with her. Often, it was sarcastic comments or thoughts that before even reading them I had thought in my head. I felt like I was so close to Jessa.

This novel really affected me in a way that I did not expect. I am quite thankful for the opportunity I got in reading this e-arc from Netgalley. It was a gem that I will not soon forget.

I'm not usually one to quote sections of novels in reviews or in other places, but there were a few that really stuck with me - so I thought I would share, which I have done throughout this review. Here's one last one...
<i>"None of us knows what'll happen next ... on one level [that's] terrifying, because it means there will be lots of moments like this, moments when it feels like darkness is all there is. But just because we can't see the light doesn't mean it isn't there, that it isn't right around the corner. And just because we feel alone doesn't mean we are."</i>

I love this author as she has the ability to dress up challenging concepts and parade them in front of your eyes via intriguing story arc. Parallel is one of my favourite young adult sci-fi books, so I was pumped to read All Things New by Lauren Miller.
First Line of All Things New by Lauren Miller


“It catches my eye as it goes dark, lights blinking out all at once, upstairs, downstairs, front porch, snap, like someone hit a master switch.”

My Thoughts on All Things New by Lauren Miller

Ultimately, I did enjoy this book, a lot. However I thought it lagged at the beginning, and then picked up majorly in the second half. It is a very character driven book, so luckily I liked Jessa from page one. She has an accident at the beginning of the book, which leaves her badly scarred. Jessa also has an anxiety disorder, and the knock-on consequences of the accident sends it in to overdrive for her.

I’ve never had to cope with an anxiety disorder, but I feel that I learnt a lot from reading the book. I now understand just how huge it is, and how it impacts on everything. Her thoughts are dark and deep, but there is also a very hopeful outlook which really helped me to process everything.

So thumbs up for what felt like a very authentic depiction. My flat-out favourite thing though was the ideas and thoughts that are hashed out during the book. Like a surreal discussion about Dorian Gray, or stimulating thoughts on philosophy. It was mind-boggling and very cool.

Overall a very original and thought-provoking book. My only complaint is that the start was slow but once I got stuck in, I was hooked. There is a little bit of a religious theme which I normally hate, but it wasn’t forced down your throat and I was fine with it. Also there is a romance, it wasn’t the centre focus of the book, but it was sweet and very nicely done.

Who should read All Things New by Lauren Miller?

I’d recommend this to you if you want to read an encouraging and realistic-feeling book about a teenager with anxiety. I’d also recommend it to fans of issue focused ya contemporary books, especially if you enjoy authors such as Kasie West or Jessi Kirby.

Thanks to NetGalley and Three Saints Press for giving me a copy of this book for review consideration. As always, not matter what the source of the book, you get my honest, unbiased opinion.

All Things New begins in the middle of one of Jessa's panic attacks: chaos abounds through short sentences and fragmented thoughts. I was overwhelmed and confused, but this is exactly how an anxiety attack feels. Lauren Miller wasted no time getting to the point with her strong opening scene.

Jessa is a relatable high school girl, especially to someone like me who also suffers from anxiety and panic attacks. Her internal thoughts have often been my exact thoughts before. I understand why she gets anxiety about certain situations, even when it may seem illogical and irrational to others. I've been in her shoes.

After she gets into a car accident that leaves her scarred in more ways than one, Jessa begins seeing scars, burns, bruises, and cuts on others' faces. After realizing she is the only person who can see these marks, Jessa begins to wonder if there's a purpose behind their existence and if she's getting better or worse in the months post-accident.

This novel does a really good job at communicating the idea that everyone experiences pain, whether physical or emotional or mental, and that everyone has a "dragon" to fight. Just because one cannot see the hurt does not mean that it doesn't exist. Most pain we bury away anyway, putting on a facade of being happy and okay, but what if others could see what we are actually struggling with on the inside?

All Things New's diversity in mental health conditions brings awareness to the many diseases that exist. This book features characters with an array of afflictions: autism, Aspergers, panic attacks, OCD, anxiety, addiction, and anorexia, among others. Although some conditions may have been portrayed stereotypically at times, none of it was in a negative light.

This is a beautiful story of acceptance, both of yourself and of others, and the differences and trials that make us human. It is witty and heartfelt, emotional and encouraging. But most of all it is about the hope of overcoming your "dragons" and how that can revive your soul.

"I've been letting fear win. . . . Generalized anxiety disorder is no small dragon. But I'm the one who gave that dragon the throne. Not because I didn't know how to fight it, even though that's what I would've said. But because I was afraid of what fighting it would cost me."

Heart-felt. Humorous. Hopeful. And Marshall was my favorite! This was my first Lauren Miller book, but it won't be my last.

J’ai été complètement embarquée dans ce roman; j’en ai adoré chaque rebondissement si bien que la fin est venue trop vite à mon goût. J’aurais voulu que All things new n’ait pas de fin!

J’ai été particulièrement touchée par le personnage du père de Jessa. Sa maladresse et sa timidité m’ont fait sourire. Idem pour Ayo même si on ne le voit pas beaucoup.

J'ai été séduite par le twist de l’histoire. Chacun y verra ou y donnera le sens qu’il veut. Pour moi, ça restera avant tout une quête, un apprentissage universel.

Thanks to Net Galley and Three Saints Press for an ARC of this title, in exchange for an honest review. My 16 yo is dyslexic, so often we read YA books together, and I was happy to receive this one, thinking it mainly dealt with anxiety (from which I suffer.) As I was reading...I kept saying, "I think she has aphantasia!" Sure enough...it was diagnosed a bit through the book. I just found out I have this condition of "no mind's eye," last year, and this is the FIRST time I've seen anyone take it on. It makes me wonder if the author has the condition as well, because she did a great job of capturing a difficult subject. I loved how this book delved into the scars we all have, which might not be seen by others. I really really enjoyed this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Three Saints Press for providing me with an e-copy to read and review. All Things New by Lauren Miller is set to be released August 1, 2017.

Beautiful, poignant, and honestly portrayed, All Things New is an enchanting story that gives hope for a brighter today and an even brighter tomorrow.

I underestimated how good All Things New would be - it was unbelievably fantastic!

The part before Jessa's accident was annoying and I'm glad the author left that behind and didn't physically drag it into the rest of the story. Jessa's accident was heart-stopping and gave me pause. Afterwards, the story picks up and from then on its really difficult to stop reading (but why would you? it's a great book).

What Jessa is going through is unfortunately more common than not. How she thinks, feels, behaves, and perceives things is exactly what someone with panic attacks and anxiety experiences. It's an honest and raw portrayal of teenage mental health issues and mental health in general. She is a relatable character even if you haven't fully experienced all that she has.

I love Marshall - he is the bright spot in Jessa's darkness, a bright spot we sometimes forget we have or feel we don't have in our lives. Usually, someone with such a sunny disposition is a little off-putting for me in stories. But not Marshall. I think his heart condition, once he began to understand what it really meant, made him have a different, more positive outlook on life - sort of like Chris from the television show Parks and Recreation. Marshall is a great character. Silly, funny, kind. I'm glad that - although this is a love story - the focus wasn't squarely on him - that he would be the end-all-fix-all - but on Jessa. And yet, I wish there was more development between Marshall and Jessa.

I am so thankful Lauren Miller wrote this story and that it will be shared with the world as it shares an important message. The story and writing is beautiful. The characters are raw and real. You will feel all the feels. 2017 has been a great year for new books so far and All Things New just made it better!

I loved this book because I can relate to the character! Panic attacks and Anxiety are real in this day and age more than it was when I was younger! Anyone who suffers from this should read this book, they will enjoy every bit of it

I really enjoyed this book and loved the depth of the characters. As someone who struggles with anxiety personally it was great to be able to related to Jessa and found her portrayal of anxiety very accurate. I also loved the character of Marshall and found he added a layer of excitement to the book. It was great to be able to compare Jessa's thought processes to those around her and see how the anxiety affected her in day to day living.
I loved how it incorporated so many different themes into the book but none felt half covered.
My only complaint is that I want to know what happens to Hannah so if you could write a book from her perspective next and about moving forward that would be amazing!
It was a great page turner and I didn't want it to end, well done for writing an amazing book based around anxiety :)

This book was refreshing. The author dealt with tough subjects very real to teens and young adults in a hopeful manner. A young adult book not bogged down with a lot of bad language and mature sex scenes is unfortunately rare, but the lack of these distracting elements allows a journey of three young people to unfold purposefully.

I will recommend this book to any teen that comes into my store.

Jessa has managed to cover-up her panic and anxiety disorder with her beauty, fake smiles, and a handsome, popular boyfriend. When that all comes crashing down around her, changing Jessa's life for the worse and for the better. When a nearly-fatal car accident leaves Jessa's face scarred and her brain damaged her anxiety and panic become impossible to hide. Relocated to Colorado with her dad, Jessa finds that though she cannot stand the idea of seeing her face, others welcome her with open arms. There she discovers that no one's life is as easy or as good as they claim it is, that sometimes the outside isn't always reflective of the truth people hold inside.

"'I told you,' Wren says. 'It's complicated.'
'I know, I know. Barbie's unstable.'
The fire creeps down my neck, explodes inside my stomach, a furnace of humiliation that will swallow me whole."

Initially I was attracted to the cover of All Things New, because who doesn't love a good cover? Inside the book though, is a true-to-life novel with challenging situations and tough concepts that main character, Jessa, learns to embrace, accept, and face head on. I cannot tell you how many times I looked up from the pages to exclaim out loud, "this book is so good!" or how often I had to stop to grab tissue as tears streamed down my face. Lauren Miller's writing is excellent, it's emotive and descriptive, and made me so empathetic to Jessa's plight.

"Watching him I'm swept up in sadness. Why do we rip ourselves apart? My throat tightens, and again I feel myself disengaging from this moment, from its sharpness, its sting."

I loved the character development in this novel; Jessa is such a typical teen, but her experience and her natural aging made this novel really stand out for me. Her anger is believable and the way Lauren Miller writes about the anxiety, the scars, and the Aphantasia made me feel like I was experiencing it too. Additionally, there are some really stunning secondary characters in All Things New, with the award for most interesting and complex going to twins, Hannah and Marshall. Though their stories are secondary, their experiences with health issues help the progression of Jessa's story. Plus, both are interesting and bring a level of humanity to this story that wouldn't have been there had Jessa stayed the simple, "Barbie" girlfriend that she had been previously.

"I stare at the space and it seems to materialize. A wall, made of brick and mortar and fear. A wall I'm not ready to get rid of yet."

As far a young adult novels go, All Things New is going to be a love-it or hate-it type of book for readers. It is a character driven novel, but readers only read from the perspective of Jessa, a teen with an anxiety and panic disorder, which is very apparent in her thoughts and interactions. She's like many teens; she's angry at her family, she's angry about her situation, and on top of that she's dealing with a disorder that she's embarrassed of. I felt that the entire novel was very accurate, Lauren Miller makes you feel everything Jessa feels, but also includes true facts that allow us to understand her situation even more. Some readers will find that Jessa's thoughts regarding mental illnesses, modern medicine, angels, and God are something that should've been left out, but I think that many will also connect to those thoughts and the book shouldn't be rated negatively if one does not agree with her beliefs.

"But what if we could see them? How might a soul look if we could stare it in the face?"

All Things New is an original novel with thought-provoking writing, a hint of philosophy, and a very authentic story line. Young adult readers of any age will connect with Jessa, regardless of their own personal experiences with anxiety, because of Lauren Miller's story telling abilities. The novel is focused on Jessa's growth, with family, friendship, religion, and romance helping her to face her struggles, but not ruling the story. Jessa's healing makes for an addicting read that readers will find complex and realistic. It's humorous, but hopeful, with a strong message about acceptance.

"We play along, we act like we're all okay. But we're not okay. All the junk we're hiding is right there, right in front of us, right within us."

Many thanks to Three Saints Press and NetGalley who kindly provided an advance copy of “All Things New” in exchange for an honest review.

I couldn’t put this one down until I was through. I think, by the end I had fallen in love with Jessa and Marshall.

It’s a quite a difficult read from the beginning, the protagonist Jessa suffers badly from anxiety and panic attacks since her dad left home and moved away. Lonely and abandoned by her friends, ‘replaced’ by her younger twins and her mums ‘new family’ she really struggles. Honestly; it’s physically exhausting reading this and going through it with her. It’s so endless….. none stop round and round bad thoughts. God, I can only imagine how difficult it must be to live like that, to feel like that, all of the time.

“Not loud exactly, just discordant, out of tune with the pitch in my brain.”

I think as a result of that and how honest Jessa is with you the reader that you really want things to get better for her. Then it gets worse and her life is shattered by her boyfriend cheating on her and the subsequent car crash in which she should really of died. You wonder how can she cope and will it break her?

I think the characters in the book we are all really strong. So well written that their personalities are really well developed, defined and distinguished from one another. I was definitely impressed with how real they felt. It did perplex me that people say ‘obvi’ a lot in this novel. I’ve ‘obvs’ a lot and that’s how it reads but I can’t imagine and have never heard anyone say ‘obvi.’

It is truly inspiring that Jessa finds the strength to carry on and make the move to a new place to live with her father. Jessa becomes ‘friends’ with a girl tasked as her guide but really it’s her twin brother in which she finds her own strength. Marshall is truly brilliant and my favourite thing about this novel. His pops into being perfectly formed and his personality sparkles. I loved him and the blossoming romance and the support and patience he offers Jessa is beautiful.

When they go on their first date at this point the romance so completely fizzing…. your hearts singing with happens that ‘yey, Jessa might, just might be happy.’ It’s around this time that I started thinking ‘OMG, OMG, OMG, he’s going to go and die isn’t he?’ I don’t think I could’ve dealt with that!!

The description of Jessa’s symptoms and suffering is hard to read but anxiety is something far too many people suffer with in silence. I think a lot of people could benefit from reading this and I hope it helps them to realise that it’s OK to not be OK and to get help when needed.


If I had one criticism, I didn’t like the end of the book too much and thus the 4 not 5 star rating. It just felt overly laboured. Almost like great story now here’s the moral of the story/what we learnt. Not quite, but almost patronising….

I would definitely recommend this book. It’s mentally exhausting but in a good way! Yet also full of hope and inspiration with great characterisation. I would absolutely read other books by Lauren Miller.

Thanks again to Three Saints Press and NetGalley.

All Things New by Lauren Miller is one of those books that you want to go on forever. I hadn’t heard of Lauren Miller before reading this book and once again I am pleased to have found an author whose books I will keep an eye out for in the future.
This book has been described as perfect for fans of The Fault In Our Stars and I can understand why. This a perfect read for fans of that book. All New Things has a spiritual side to it that adds another dimension to it.
All Things New begins with Jessa getting in an argument with her boyfriend Wren at a party. Within seconds of being introduced to Wren I was confident he was a character I would hate.
“I want more,” he tells me now. I need more. Connection. Depth.”
After their fight Jessa thinks about going home but knows her mum won’t be pleased to see her. Jessa feels increasingly unwanted at home as her mum is constantly occupied with the twins she had with Jessa’s stepfather.
Jessa muses over her relationship with Wren.
“Two nights ago, everything was ok. We were us, we were Jessa and Wren.
Its not like our relationship is perfect or anything. The eye contact thing really bugs him. And he gets annoyed that I don’t make more of an effort when we hang out with his friends. But when we’re alone its awesome. “
Jessa, the protagonist, is instantly likeable and I think that went a long way towards my enjoyment of the book.
Jessa debates leaving the party after her fight with Wren but changes her mind and goes to find him instead. She instantly regrets it though when she overhears him talking with another girl in a bedroom and the girls says it is about time they told Jessa about their relationship already. Wren says it is complicated and the girl makes an insensitive comment about ‘Barbie’ being unstable.
Jessa flees shortly after and is driving home when a car ploughs into her.
On waking up Jessa is distressed to realise that she not only has extensive facial scaring but also the accident has cause her some brain trauma.
Jessa’s dad is there when she wakes up and asks her if she wants to come and live with him in Colorado. She decides to go with him.
Initially, Jessa’s problems follow her and she struggles to cope with her injuries, her relationship breakdown and her anxiety. Jessa isn’t used to opening up to anyone so struggles to talk to her dad about what is going on especially as she isn’t used to being around him.
At school Jessa meets twins Hannah and Marshall, each of whom have difficulties of their own. Before long, Jessa realises that she isn’t the only one struggling.
All Things New was a pleasure to read and will certainly be a book I will read again.

This was a phenomenal book! I really identified with Jessa as I myself suffer from panic disorder. I thought this was a great book for young adults and if the students that I taught were older I would definitely suggest this book.

All Things New is a riveting story about a girl named Jessa who after a car accident faces anxiety and depression. I couldn't put the book down. Lauren Miller reveals the journey that Jenna takes painstakingly through her struggles to accept her flaws both physical and mental and finally emerge a stronger person. The story is told by Jenna. The reader follows her through each painful step toward self-acceptance and trust in others. I did not want to stop reading. I would highly recommend it to anyone. I now am anxiously waiting to read more novels by Lauren Miller.

This was a lovely YA novel. At first I was worried that it might be another sappy teenage love story, but I was wrong. When Jessa finds her boyfriend has been cheating, she leaves the party distraught and is badly injured in a car accident that leaves her with a brain injury and facial scars that do nothing to improve her already-fragile state dealing with low self-esteem and panic attacks. Believing others around her all whisper "Barbie's unstable," she cannot cope and eventually moves in with her father and transitions to an "alternative" school. There she is befriended by Hannah and her twin, Marshall; here's where the story really begins as she navigates new territory and attempts to heal with the help of others. Realistic and gritty, the language sounds like that of teenagers and the book never evolves to the level of self-pity; instead it is a poignant look at mental disorders and the perception of others. At its heart it is also a love story of broken promises, faith, friendship, redemption, and survival. Truly a must-read!

Jessa struggles to deal with her anxiety and panic, trying to keep it hidden and to appear "normal". Overwhelmed after finding her boyfriend with another girl, Jessa flees in her mother's car only to be hit by someone running a red light. She decides it is a good time to start over so she moves in with her father who lives in Colorado. Hannah, her tour guide for her new school becomes a good friend. Hannah is a driven music student who is in the midst of preparing for an important audition. Marshall, Hannah's brother is Jessa's social opposite-out-going and goofy. The more Jessa learns about Marshall, the more she wants him to know the real her, not the one she usually lets people to see. Marshall has a congenital heart problem and when he must have surgery, Jessa learns to face her fears, to learn about her true self, and that she's not the only one with secrets. Jessa learns that hope is the answer to fear, and that acceptance means looking forward, not settling for less.
This is an emotional story that drives readers to finish. The complex issues of teenagers trying to succeed and trying to find their place in the world wind through the story of a girl who was broken inside and out, but who finds a strength she had all along. YA readers will enjoy this introspective drama.

I was lucky enough to receive this ARC through Netgalley. I honestly absolutely loved this book. I read it all in one sitting. I just could not put the book down. It was a book that talked about serious matters but was also fast paced and an incredible read. I related to our main character Jessa a lot. Jessa is a high school girl who struggles with anxiety and I very much understand the struggling with anxiety. In a way she thinks she is coping with her anxiety by covering it up and pretending it is not there. Then Jessa has a traumatic experience, a stressor which causes the anxiety to “resurface”. After the anxiety resurfaces Jessa decides to change a lot in her life. Us the readers are able to go through the journey together of her slowly helping herself and learning to deal with the anxiety as well as accept herself. I read this book at the right time in my life as I am going through similar things as the main character Jessa. All Things New helps me see that there may be a light at the end of the tunnel. I would reccommend this book to anyone in a heartbeat, It is an important book and Lauren Miller portrays an accurate view of anxiety in my opinion.

I really loved this book and it's empathetic and educated take on mental health and it's relatable, nuanced characters.

I almost wish the description for the book was less explicit. As it's being pitched right now, you go into the story almost expecting the "seeing emotional scars" thing to be a supernatural element in the narrative. When, the reality, is there is solid scientific evidence presented in the book for why Jessa may be seeing weird things (with a touch of the spiritual thrown in to make it more compelling.) In other words, the book is so good, it doesn't NEED to rely so heavily on the metaphor at its heart. Sure the metaphor make it an easier book to sell (otherwise it's a more standard "Fault in Our Stars" kind of story), but I think it could turn off readers too (who might think that sounds too hokey) and that would be a shame.

I do have one HUGE issue with the book that I want to point out. I was really bothered by the "anti-meds" stance that this book takes. ESPECIALLY SINCE IT WILL BE READ BY KIDS WITH MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES. The idea that Jessa tried meds and rejected them because they made her feel foggy is a valid point, but it also tells kids that (group) therapy is the best way to solve their problems or that using "mind of matter" skills and having the right, supportive friends and family members will be their best hope. For some kids this simply will not be the case. For many it will be a combo of meds AND therapy that will help them get better. For some, who have very complex mental health issues, meds may be crucial. So to have Jessa dis meds as unhelpful/unnecessary to her recovery and then to ALSO throw in the subplot of a school psychiatrist who is handing out meds willy nilly to kids who can abuse them seemed to be irresponsible and potentially dangerous. There is already a lot of resistance to these medications among teens and adults, why add to that stigma?

I loved this book! Through the whole book your not just posed with the main characters problems , but the peoples around her too! This book will be sure leave you thinking even after you've read it.

I loved this book! The lead character's struggle with mental health issues is realistic and important for teen readers. The story is strong and her work to overcome her mental health issues is powerful. I Will be highly recommending this book to team readers.