3.5 ⭐️ ~ This was a good follow up book to If He Had Been With Me. It took me a little bit longer to get through because I felt like some parts were slower than book one (it also had longer chapters that added to that.

To start off, Jack’s pov was my fav in this book. It was so sad but also refreshing to read from a new character’s perspective. I liked seeing his love for Finn as it was very different from Autumn’s because he loved him like a brother and best friend. His chapters were also the most sad since I hadn’t read his reactions beforehand. I’m really happy he decided to be there for Autumn and Sylvie though and I hope they all stay in touch forever.

Next, I did like Autumn’s perspective. I felt like she matured a lot in the book and it gave me a lot of closure on her story knowing that she will be okay. Her perspectives on becoming a mother was also very interesting as I usually don’t read books with pregnancy tropes or like single parent tropes but this one really worked and made sense for me. Reading about her maturity and new found friendships was really beautiful as well as reading about her overcoming her grief and emotions.

The perspective I was most disappointed with was surprisingly Finn’s. I really expected and was hoping for more moments from high school when he was yearning for her or felt protective of her or moments when he was maybe close to telling her how he felt. Instead it was really only a few flashbacks and the two days before his death. It was good to get some clarity on the accident and everything that happened. But it honestly made me a little more mad reading his death from his perspective because it was so so preventable. Also going back to the first book, I feel like he should’ve maybe died in a different way? Idk him not realizing the water and fallen electric pole was very out of character for him as he was usually cautious and very smart. But I suppose it does make sense when you look at it as the perspective of him being a in shock at what had just occurred. But overall, I’m very happy the author allowed us his perspective and to see how much he truly loved Autumn. Although I also did expect his death to be more upsetting from his pov but it was very brief and not very descriptive.

Finally, I gave this book 3.5 stars because I didn’t enjoy it as much as the first one. It provided good context and closure for the original book however that’s really all it was. On top of that the writing (although better) was still not that great. I’m also very upset that the baby is girl. I rlly wanted it to be a boy and for them to name it after Finny. But no it’s a girl and then Autumn didn’t even tell us a name. I think the author needs to write a third book. Also one part of this book was very unrealistic and that was the fact that Sylvie only got a concussion from the car crash. Like how do u fly through a windshield and only walk out with a concussion? And if the water that electrocuted Finny was right by her head then how did she not get electrocuted? The whole plot of the accident is a little messy.

Overall, is this the best series I’ve ever read? No. But it still has a special place in my heart, as do the characters. Every part of each book was emotional and tragic but also beautiful. I’m very happy I read this and I do believe it gave me the closure I needed. I’m satisfied to know that despite the heartbreaking events that these characters will be okay.

Also I 100% think the author should write a third and fourth book. 1. To be years into the future with Autumn and Finn’s baby in high school or something. 2. And alternate universe or fate novel where if one tiny event at some point in their lives had been different then maybe they would have gotten a happy ending and then that can even go into the future with their college, wedding, etc. idec if it’s a novella. I may have closure but I want that alternate ending.

That’s all for now. I do recommend this series if you are looking for something emotional and sad. But don’t expect the writing to be all that great.