The End And Then: ARC review

The End And Then: a review

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By: Hannah Bird

Release date February 7, 2023

“I can’t let someone be a part of my life when all they do is hurt me”

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This debut novel is ultimately a story of healing and self redemption with just the right mix of romance blended in. I felt as though I personally knew the two main characters. The mix of emotions and vulnerability of Eden as she wades through her journey is so well written it is tangible. The mix of sweetness is blended so beautifully into this powerful story of trauma: like a perfect lemonade.

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“I’m not even thanking him for telling me he loves me, but for showing me. For stepping into the mess of my panic with me and staying to wash us both clean”

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I have to say: I’ve never read a book where the acknowledgements at the end actually made me cry.  ( I said I wouldn’t say it but I want to be best friends with this author now ) This is one of those books that makes you feel more whole even though you are still working through your own trauma: this story made me feel seen.

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“There is a beautiful grit that only humans seem to exhibit, by picking themselves up after a tragedy and making life wonderful in spite of its shortcomings.”

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I also wanted to say that I appreciate wholeheartedly a book where a character does not wade in alcohol and use it as a coping mechanism. I understand that as a society, alcohol is accepted and is the only drug you have to explain why you don’t use it. But there are too many books that dont even address the abuse of alcohol or even show a character realizing they don’t need it. Never in this book does either Eden nor Chase use alcohol as a numbing agent to escape their hurts and fears of daily life.

message me for trigger warnings