Book Review: Catch the Sun by Jennifer Hartmann
If there’s one thing I adore about reading, it’s that blissful moment when a book sweeps you off your feet and makes you question how you ever lived without it. That’s precisely what happened when I picked up Catch the Sun by Jennifer Hartmann. With whispers of emotional depth and angsty romance, I couldn’t resist diving into this chunky read, and it certainly did not disappoint.
At its heart, Catch the Sun tells the poignant story of Max and Ella, childhood friends whose paths diverge in dramatic fashion when Ella’s brother is convicted of murder. As she returns to her small town ten years later, the weight of past trauma looms heavy. Hartmann skillfully navigates Ella’s complex feelings of fear and isolation, making readers acutely aware of her struggles. What struck me most was the authenticity of her character; her reluctance to trust and love again resonated deeply with my own experiences of vulnerability.
Max is the embodiment of patience and kindness—a sweet soul who emerges as Ella’s anchor amidst turmoil. His unwavering support and understanding evoke a nostalgic comfort that mirrors the innocence of first love. Their bond blooms again with a slow-burning intensity, beautifully captured through Hartmann’s engaging prose. As I watched them rediscover their connection, I found myself tearing up more than once, which, let’s be honest, is no small feat!
But Catch the Sun is not merely a romance; it grapples with heavier themes of grief, trauma, and the arduous path to forgiveness. It’s a nuanced narrative that deftly weaves suspense into the plot, leaving readers on their toes as they navigate the darker corners of Ella’s life. Hartmann’s writing is fresh and compelling, leading to the kind of page-turning experience that feels both intimate and expansive.
There are several breathtaking lines in the book that linger long after you’ve read them. For instance, the metaphor of catching the sun in a kiss encapsulates the magic and fleetingness of love itself. The quote—“Souls don’t see, Sunny. Souls feel… I’d feel you in any lifetime…”—is a beautiful testament to the soul-deep connections that can exist between people. The profound exploration of love, including the idea that “love without forgiveness is like a tree without roots,” particularly struck a chord with me; it’s a reminder of how intricately bound together love and healing can be.
However, I should note that while this book is marketed as a young adult novel, I genuinely feel it sits squarely in the new adult category, complete with open-door spice that might surprise unsuspecting YA fans. Given the maturity of the themes and complexities of the characters, I’d recommend it for older teens and adults.
Overall, Catch the Sun is an emotional rollercoaster infused with beautifully written prose, unforgettable characters, and an exploration of themes that many will find relatable. If you’re looking for a book that balances romance with life’s darker realities, or if you enjoy stories of childhood friends rekindling their connection, this title is definitely for you. I’m already planning to fill my TBR with more of Hartmann’s works—this one left an undeniable mark!
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Bloom Books for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review. Happy reading!
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