pretty cute ( )

I think my expectations got a bit too lofty for this one, but this had really strong smart undertones that really made it a powerful book. And there were some immensely adorable scenes. ( )

CW: sexual assault, victim blaming

Well if my face was an emoji it would be this one ( )

Cute but formulaic. ( )

‘Dear Emmie Blue’ completely blew me away with it's captivating writing style that pulled and tugged at my heartstrings, vibrant and real characters readers are able to relate and sympathize with and an engaging drama that makes you want to root for the heroine and her happily ever after. It was an unforgettable story that left me an emotional wreck. It’s been a long time since a book hit close to home, driving me to ugly cry so hard you would’ve thought someone died.

It’s not to say this book was perfect. There were a few questionable scenes and actions that made me want to wring the neck out of Emmie, Lucas and Eliot. Moreso, when reaching the conclusion of the story and how a particular life changing incident from Emmie's past came to light, I was more than frustrated with the heroine's reaction to this character's deed and how easily it was pushed aside and not really addressed. Despite the long history between them, forgiveness came too easily and I wished their actions would have had repercussions. Vague, I know. But going further into would only spoil what transpires.

In the face of those underlying issues that I was able to push aside because it made the characters far more real and raw, ‘Dear Emmie Blue’ kept me spellbound and I was so compelled to read this, I finished it in one sitting with frequent breaks to wipe my tears and to reflect on the magic of the story. It’s evident that I'll be thinking about 'Dear Emmie Blue' for a long time to come.

( )