What do you think?
Rate this book
All the Little Lights
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Best Young Adult Fiction (2018)From #1 New York Times bestselling author Jamie McGuire comes a riveting tale of first love that starts young but runs deep.
The first time Elliott Youngblood spots Catherine Calhoun, he’s just a boy with a camera, and he’s never seen a sadder and more beautiful sight. Both Elliott and Catherine feel like outcasts, yet they find an easy friendship with each other. But when Catherine needs him most, Elliott is forced to leave town.
Elliott finally returns, but he and Catherine are now different people. He’s a star high school athlete, and she spends all her free time working at her mother’s mysterious bed-and-breakfast. Catherine hasn’t forgiven Elliott for abandoning her, but he’s determined to win back her friendship…and her heart.
Just when Catherine is ready to fully trust Elliott, he becomes the prime suspect in a local tragedy. Despite the town’s growing suspicions, Catherine clings to her love for Elliott. But a devastating secret that Catherine has buried could destroy whatever chance of happiness they have left.
The first time Elliott Youngblood spots Catherine Calhoun, he’s just a boy with a camera, and he’s never seen a sadder and more beautiful sight. Both Elliott and Catherine feel like outcasts, yet they find an easy friendship with each other. But when Catherine needs him most, Elliott is forced to leave town.
Elliott finally returns, but he and Catherine are now different people. He’s a star high school athlete, and she spends all her free time working at her mother’s mysterious bed-and-breakfast. Catherine hasn’t forgiven Elliott for abandoning her, but he’s determined to win back her friendship…and her heart.
Just when Catherine is ready to fully trust Elliott, he becomes the prime suspect in a local tragedy. Despite the town’s growing suspicions, Catherine clings to her love for Elliott. But a devastating secret that Catherine has buried could destroy whatever chance of happiness they have left.
440 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 29, 2018
About the author
Jamie McGuire
45 books42.6k followersJamie McGuire was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She attended Northern Oklahoma College, the University of Central Oklahoma, and Autry Technology Center where she graduated with a degree in Radiography.
Jamie paved the way for the New Adult genre with the international bestseller Beautiful Disaster. Her follow-up novel, Walking Disaster, debuted at #1 on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestseller lists in all four categories. Beautiful Oblivion, book one of the Maddox Brothers series, also topped the New York Times bestseller list, debuting at #1. In 2015, books two and three of the Maddox Brothers series, Beautiful Redemption and Beautiful Sacrifice, respectively, also topped the New York Times, as well as a Beautiful series novella, Something Beautiful. In 2016, Beautiful Burn made an appearance on the New York Times and USA Today, and was also named iBooks' Romance Book of the Year. The same year, A Beautiful Funeral also topped the New York Times bestseller list.
Novels also written by Jamie McGuire include: apocalyptic thriller and 2014 UtopYA Best Dystopian Book of the Year, Red Hill; the Providence series, a young adult paranormal romance trilogy; Apolonia, a dark sci-fi romance; and several novellas, including A Beautiful Wedding, Among Monsters, Happenstance: A Novella Series, and Sins of the Innocent.
Jamie is the first indie author in history to strike a print deal with retail giant Wal-Mart. Her self-published novel, Beautiful Redemption hit Wal-Mart shelves in September, 2015.
Jamie lives in Steamboat Springs, Colorado with her husband, Jeff, and their three children.
Find Jamie at www.jamiemcguire.com or on Facebook, Twitter, Google +, and Instagram.
Jamie paved the way for the New Adult genre with the international bestseller Beautiful Disaster. Her follow-up novel, Walking Disaster, debuted at #1 on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestseller lists in all four categories. Beautiful Oblivion, book one of the Maddox Brothers series, also topped the New York Times bestseller list, debuting at #1. In 2015, books two and three of the Maddox Brothers series, Beautiful Redemption and Beautiful Sacrifice, respectively, also topped the New York Times, as well as a Beautiful series novella, Something Beautiful. In 2016, Beautiful Burn made an appearance on the New York Times and USA Today, and was also named iBooks' Romance Book of the Year. The same year, A Beautiful Funeral also topped the New York Times bestseller list.
Novels also written by Jamie McGuire include: apocalyptic thriller and 2014 UtopYA Best Dystopian Book of the Year, Red Hill; the Providence series, a young adult paranormal romance trilogy; Apolonia, a dark sci-fi romance; and several novellas, including A Beautiful Wedding, Among Monsters, Happenstance: A Novella Series, and Sins of the Innocent.
Jamie is the first indie author in history to strike a print deal with retail giant Wal-Mart. Her self-published novel, Beautiful Redemption hit Wal-Mart shelves in September, 2015.
Jamie lives in Steamboat Springs, Colorado with her husband, Jeff, and their three children.
Find Jamie at www.jamiemcguire.com or on Facebook, Twitter, Google +, and Instagram.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,420 reviews
June 17, 2018
What is it about Jamie Mcguire’s books that I love so much? It’s that they captivate me! I simply can’t put them down until I finish and that’s exactly how I felt when reading All the Little Lights.
When Catherine and Elliot met they seemed to click right away. As young teens, both were dealing with their own problems, yet they became very close and started–what seemed like–an unbreakable friendship. When Elliot is forced to leave town, Catherine is left to fend for herself and as time moves on, she has to find a way to heal. When Elliot returns for senior year a few years later, he’ll do whatever it takes to win Catherine back, but everything is different. They’ve both grown and changed so much. He’s now the high school football team’s star quarterback and seems to have no problems making friends and being popular, while Catherine struggles to make ends meet with feeling like an outcast at school, and maintaining her family-owned bed and breakfast. As if their relationship wasn’t complicated enough, Catherine has a secret she struggles to hide and Elliot gets caught up in drama involving a missing student.
I thought this book had a very interesting and complex plot. The story alternates with Elliot’s and Catherine’s point of view. It seems simple, but there are other elements and a lot going on in the background to where you’re left to guess until the end what’s really happening. I didn’t feel like it was too predictable and I was surprised with the outcome. There were a few themes that did remind me of some of my other favorite romance books like The Notebook for an example, but I won’t spoil anything with details. This book deals with many teen struggles including divorce, bullying, racism, neglect, family/peer pressure, mental health, and others.
I thought the characters were unforgettable and I was totally invested! Elliot was everything I wanted him to be including persistent, loyal, courageous, and totally supportive to Catherine. He would do anything for Catherine and puts up with a great deal from her. Both of them want what’s best for each other, but deal with drama and pressure from students and both sides of their families. With that said, I did find Catherine a little annoying sometimes, but I needed to remind myself that with all she’d been through, how she acted was understandable as she was quite confused and dealing with a lot. I liked her strength and appreciated that she stood up for herself and for what was right regarding certain events, especially with the other students in her school. By the end of the book, everything tied together nicely.
Overall, I loved this book. Even though it was different from other Jamie McGuire books I’ve read in the past, I was very pleased and it didn’t disappoint. This is easily a book that can be finished within one sitting, even with its length. I could barely put it down. I do highly recommend this one!
I’d like to thank NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for sharing a copy of this book with me in exchange for my honest review.
5*****
This review can also be seen @ https://readrantrockandroll.com/2018/...
When Catherine and Elliot met they seemed to click right away. As young teens, both were dealing with their own problems, yet they became very close and started–what seemed like–an unbreakable friendship. When Elliot is forced to leave town, Catherine is left to fend for herself and as time moves on, she has to find a way to heal. When Elliot returns for senior year a few years later, he’ll do whatever it takes to win Catherine back, but everything is different. They’ve both grown and changed so much. He’s now the high school football team’s star quarterback and seems to have no problems making friends and being popular, while Catherine struggles to make ends meet with feeling like an outcast at school, and maintaining her family-owned bed and breakfast. As if their relationship wasn’t complicated enough, Catherine has a secret she struggles to hide and Elliot gets caught up in drama involving a missing student.
I thought this book had a very interesting and complex plot. The story alternates with Elliot’s and Catherine’s point of view. It seems simple, but there are other elements and a lot going on in the background to where you’re left to guess until the end what’s really happening. I didn’t feel like it was too predictable and I was surprised with the outcome. There were a few themes that did remind me of some of my other favorite romance books like The Notebook for an example, but I won’t spoil anything with details. This book deals with many teen struggles including divorce, bullying, racism, neglect, family/peer pressure, mental health, and others.
I thought the characters were unforgettable and I was totally invested! Elliot was everything I wanted him to be including persistent, loyal, courageous, and totally supportive to Catherine. He would do anything for Catherine and puts up with a great deal from her. Both of them want what’s best for each other, but deal with drama and pressure from students and both sides of their families. With that said, I did find Catherine a little annoying sometimes, but I needed to remind myself that with all she’d been through, how she acted was understandable as she was quite confused and dealing with a lot. I liked her strength and appreciated that she stood up for herself and for what was right regarding certain events, especially with the other students in her school. By the end of the book, everything tied together nicely.
Overall, I loved this book. Even though it was different from other Jamie McGuire books I’ve read in the past, I was very pleased and it didn’t disappoint. This is easily a book that can be finished within one sitting, even with its length. I could barely put it down. I do highly recommend this one!
I’d like to thank NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for sharing a copy of this book with me in exchange for my honest review.
5*****
This review can also be seen @ https://readrantrockandroll.com/2018/...
July 12, 2018
i love books about love. there, i said it. especially when its about a boy falling for the girl next door. ughhh. why did my parents insist on raising me in the middle of nowhere?! i would have loved to have my own cute boy next door to pine over. lol.
its a good thing this book made up for the tragic absence of my own teenage love because this was soooo cute. so if youve seen other reviews for this, youre well aware the first 3/4 or so is literally just about catharine and elliot fawning over each other. once tragically separated, but now reunited, their love can finally blossom. gosh. i love this trope. its the last 1/4 that totally threw me for a loop. its dramatic, and thrillery, and very shocking. total surprise ending, but a dang good one, nonetheless.
i dont want to say too much because this story is something that should be experienced individually, but wow. what a great book. i swooned, i cheered, i laughed, i gasped, i breathed a heavy sigh of relief. what a journey!
P.S. disclaimer for future readers: this was labelled as adult fiction in my library, but it is 100% YA. its actually on the younger side of YA, if im honest. ive read other books by jamie mcguire and i was shocked at how tame and innocent this was. not that thats a bad thing, but i feel like it would have been even better if the maturity level had been kicked up a notch. ;)
↠ 5 stars
its a good thing this book made up for the tragic absence of my own teenage love because this was soooo cute. so if youve seen other reviews for this, youre well aware the first 3/4 or so is literally just about catharine and elliot fawning over each other. once tragically separated, but now reunited, their love can finally blossom. gosh. i love this trope. its the last 1/4 that totally threw me for a loop. its dramatic, and thrillery, and very shocking. total surprise ending, but a dang good one, nonetheless.
i dont want to say too much because this story is something that should be experienced individually, but wow. what a great book. i swooned, i cheered, i laughed, i gasped, i breathed a heavy sigh of relief. what a journey!
P.S. disclaimer for future readers: this was labelled as adult fiction in my library, but it is 100% YA. its actually on the younger side of YA, if im honest. ive read other books by jamie mcguire and i was shocked at how tame and innocent this was. not that thats a bad thing, but i feel like it would have been even better if the maturity level had been kicked up a notch. ;)
↠ 5 stars
February 15, 2023
***3 STARS***
I want to start with 2 issues I have the All The Little Lights by Jamie McGuire.
Issue #1 – It was long AF for no damn reason.
Issue #2 – It was advertised as adult romance but it is not. I don’t mind that it leaned more towards the YA side, just don’t try to trick me as a reader.
Look, I don’t like being lied to. This year, 2018, seems to be the year of miscategorizing books. If a book is advertised an adult romance or contemporary romance read but it is not I get a little salty. It reads more like a YA book. I have been trying to read more YA so I would have read it at some point but I was in the mood for a romance novel.
I didn’t enjoy this book much. It was okay. I didn’t hate it but I damn sure didn’t love it either. By the end of this week I most likely won’t remember the details either.
I can normally read a 300 – 350 page book in a day or so but a 400 – 500 page book takes 2 days – max. It took 4 days to finish this book because I was bored. I kept putting it down because I would get distracted with more interesting thoughts in my head. Even though I got side tracked a million and one times, it wasn’t a horrible or overly difficult read.
I quite enjoyed Catherine and Elliott’s relationship. It was pure, deep, and at time visceral. Their feelings poured from the pages and I believed every single emotional they expressed. Their relationship kept me interested and swooning from time to time. I found myself wondering where boys like Elliott were when I was in high school. I loved everything about him.
Catherine’s life difficult to say the least and Elliott’s wasn’t much better. The main difference was that Elliott had a support of family and friends while Catherine had no one. Elliott had a desire to be Catherine’s rock and strength whether she wanted him to or not.
He wanted to protect her and love her.
Yet, there was a darkness to the story that I wasn’t expecting. It was a slow, slow, slow, slow burn story. I think they could have shaved off a good 100 pages and still kept the same story. I will admit I had to skim a few pages as they were repetitive.
There is an interesting plot twist put it doesn’t occur until 85% or 90% of the book and I wish it would have been revealed a lot sooner.
My overall impression of All The Little Lights by Jamie McGuire was not a bad one. The book touches on a lot of social issues that are going on in high school such as bullying. The relationship between Catherine and Elliott was organic and sweet. I don’t feel like I wasted my time by any means and I can see why others might enjoy it more than I did.
Now here are the most important questions.
Do I recommend this book? Yes and no. If you are looking for a YA book with a sweet teenage love than yes. If you are a die hard Jamie McGuire fan (like me) than yes. If you were looking for a books that fits into the type of stories Jamie McGuire normal writes, no.
Will I read another book by this author?Yes. If Jamie McGuire writes it you can guarantee I’m reading it.
Remember to follow all things messy. . .
I want to start with 2 issues I have the All The Little Lights by Jamie McGuire.
Issue #1 – It was long AF for no damn reason.
Issue #2 – It was advertised as adult romance but it is not. I don’t mind that it leaned more towards the YA side, just don’t try to trick me as a reader.
Look, I don’t like being lied to. This year, 2018, seems to be the year of miscategorizing books. If a book is advertised an adult romance or contemporary romance read but it is not I get a little salty. It reads more like a YA book. I have been trying to read more YA so I would have read it at some point but I was in the mood for a romance novel.
I didn’t enjoy this book much. It was okay. I didn’t hate it but I damn sure didn’t love it either. By the end of this week I most likely won’t remember the details either.
I can normally read a 300 – 350 page book in a day or so but a 400 – 500 page book takes 2 days – max. It took 4 days to finish this book because I was bored. I kept putting it down because I would get distracted with more interesting thoughts in my head. Even though I got side tracked a million and one times, it wasn’t a horrible or overly difficult read.
I quite enjoyed Catherine and Elliott’s relationship. It was pure, deep, and at time visceral. Their feelings poured from the pages and I believed every single emotional they expressed. Their relationship kept me interested and swooning from time to time. I found myself wondering where boys like Elliott were when I was in high school. I loved everything about him.
Catherine’s life difficult to say the least and Elliott’s wasn’t much better. The main difference was that Elliott had a support of family and friends while Catherine had no one. Elliott had a desire to be Catherine’s rock and strength whether she wanted him to or not.
“Don’t look at them. Look at me.” – Elliott
He wanted to protect her and love her.
“She said you weren’t her boyfriend.”
“. . . not yet. I’m having a good night, though. I think I just might talk her into it.”
Yet, there was a darkness to the story that I wasn’t expecting. It was a slow, slow, slow, slow burn story. I think they could have shaved off a good 100 pages and still kept the same story. I will admit I had to skim a few pages as they were repetitive.
There is an interesting plot twist put it doesn’t occur until 85% or 90% of the book and I wish it would have been revealed a lot sooner.
My overall impression of All The Little Lights by Jamie McGuire was not a bad one. The book touches on a lot of social issues that are going on in high school such as bullying. The relationship between Catherine and Elliott was organic and sweet. I don’t feel like I wasted my time by any means and I can see why others might enjoy it more than I did.
Now here are the most important questions.
Do I recommend this book? Yes and no. If you are looking for a YA book with a sweet teenage love than yes. If you are a die hard Jamie McGuire fan (like me) than yes. If you were looking for a books that fits into the type of stories Jamie McGuire normal writes, no.
Will I read another book by this author?Yes. If Jamie McGuire writes it you can guarantee I’m reading it.
Remember to follow all things messy. . .
Subcribe/Listen to my podcast
June 3, 2018
As everyone who has come before me in reviewing this title, I'm having trouble finding the proper words (and the spoiler free topics) to discuss just how this book made me feel. While it was unforgettable, multi-faceted, and tender, it was also dark and mysterious, mostly in the second half. I was pleasantly surprised with the change of pace and tone in the latter portion of the story, and almost wish that had been a focal point for the entirety of the novel. It was a bit lengthy for the type of book that this is, so I felt about 75 pages could have been cut without changing any major vibes or story anchors. I was, like most others have stated, surprised and shocked by the twist in the ending. It was moving, but felt slightly disjointed from the overall feel of the novel. As a whole, I enjoyed reading this, and as my first Jamie McGuire title I'm eager to continue on with her books.
*My review copy was provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
*My review copy was provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
June 13, 2018
All the Little Lights has a bit of thrillerish vibe going on throughout the book for me. I wasn’t sure how I’d like this from her previous reads, but I must say I did like it, it isn’t anything like her precious books though.
Elliot & Catherine have that once in a lifetime love that carries with them through separation. My heart ached and healed during this read. There are many twists and turns and surprises that will keep you guessing 😁
Although I struggled with the middle of this story, I enjoyed the ending.
Elliot & Catherine have that once in a lifetime love that carries with them through separation. My heart ached and healed during this read. There are many twists and turns and surprises that will keep you guessing 😁
Although I struggled with the middle of this story, I enjoyed the ending.
June 3, 2018
*Thanks again to Montlake Romance for sending me an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
“All the Little Lights” is a book about Catherine and Elliot who meet during one hot summer in a small town in the United States. They fall in love but when Catherine needs him most, Elliot has to leave town. A few years later though, he comes back to her and he’s determined to win back her heart. But just when Catherine is ready to fully trust Elliot again, he becomes the prime suspect in a local tragedy and a dark secret Catherine is keeping, could destroy whatever chance of happiness they have left.
I really liked the premise of this book and overall really enjoyed Jamie McGuire’s “Beautiful” series back when I read it, so I was super excited when I received an ARC for “All the Little Lights”. Unfortunately though, my expectations for this novel weren’t met and I ultimately was disappointed by it.
The first 80% of the book were incredibly boring and it was basically just about the relationship of the two main characters which made me lose interest in the novel quite quickly. Furthermore, Catherine and Elliot were pretty unoriginal characters and even at the end of the book, I still couldn’t have cared less about either of them. She was the quiet girl with some personal problems while he was the guy who for some reason felt the need to save her. I also thought their love story was kind of weird because in chapter one you find out that he’d already been pretty obsessed with her prior to them getting to know each other. Catherine apparently thought it was cute, I personally thought it was kind of creepy.
The last 20% of “All the Little Lights” were a little more interesting and partly made up for the other 80% of the novel. The book stopped being too much about their relationship and instead started dealing with a local tragedy which put a strain on Catherine and Elliot’s relationship. But even though that part of the book was definitely more interesting, the big plot twist at the end didn’t surprise me at all because as soon as tragedy had struck the town, I had already been guessing the book would end just as it did.
So overall, I unfortunately have to say that I just didn’t enjoy “All the little Lights” and can’t give it more than two out of five stars. Furthermore, this was the first and probably also the last one of Jamie McGuire’s YA books I’ve read but that doesn’t mean I’ll just give up on her books. I still really like her writing style and like I said, I did enjoy her other books I’ve read. So if you want to check out any of her books, I highly recommend you read one of her NA novels.
“All the Little Lights” is a book about Catherine and Elliot who meet during one hot summer in a small town in the United States. They fall in love but when Catherine needs him most, Elliot has to leave town. A few years later though, he comes back to her and he’s determined to win back her heart. But just when Catherine is ready to fully trust Elliot again, he becomes the prime suspect in a local tragedy and a dark secret Catherine is keeping, could destroy whatever chance of happiness they have left.
I really liked the premise of this book and overall really enjoyed Jamie McGuire’s “Beautiful” series back when I read it, so I was super excited when I received an ARC for “All the Little Lights”. Unfortunately though, my expectations for this novel weren’t met and I ultimately was disappointed by it.
The first 80% of the book were incredibly boring and it was basically just about the relationship of the two main characters which made me lose interest in the novel quite quickly. Furthermore, Catherine and Elliot were pretty unoriginal characters and even at the end of the book, I still couldn’t have cared less about either of them. She was the quiet girl with some personal problems while he was the guy who for some reason felt the need to save her. I also thought their love story was kind of weird because in chapter one you find out that he’d already been pretty obsessed with her prior to them getting to know each other. Catherine apparently thought it was cute, I personally thought it was kind of creepy.
The last 20% of “All the Little Lights” were a little more interesting and partly made up for the other 80% of the novel. The book stopped being too much about their relationship and instead started dealing with a local tragedy which put a strain on Catherine and Elliot’s relationship. But even though that part of the book was definitely more interesting, the big plot twist at the end didn’t surprise me at all because as soon as tragedy had struck the town, I had already been guessing the book would end just as it did.
So overall, I unfortunately have to say that I just didn’t enjoy “All the little Lights” and can’t give it more than two out of five stars. Furthermore, this was the first and probably also the last one of Jamie McGuire’s YA books I’ve read but that doesn’t mean I’ll just give up on her books. I still really like her writing style and like I said, I did enjoy her other books I’ve read. So if you want to check out any of her books, I highly recommend you read one of her NA novels.
July 23, 2018
Please could someone else read this because I need someone to talk to about this book??
The plot was incredible
That ending has me shook and I don't know how to react or feel because it was so unexpected- I swear, the author did such a phenomenal job of creating a story that was so shocking and stunning all at the same time
The plot was incredible
That ending has me shook and I don't know how to react or feel because it was so unexpected- I swear, the author did such a phenomenal job of creating a story that was so shocking and stunning all at the same time
June 27, 2018
RATING: 3.75/5
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Okay...I am not sure how to feel about this book.
The first 70% felt flat for me. Nothing really happened except two characters falling in love (in a very unrealistic way, if you ask me), then a tragedy and then a time jump into the future.
The characters are nothing special really. Catherine is the type of girl who thinks of herself as plain and boring and Elliot is the type of guy who needs to save their significant other no matter the cost. Both of those tropey-character-traits annoy the hell out of me. Also, they both seemed really fake (I know they’re fictional but come on) and all of their conversations were the exact same. It was always Catherine being insecure and Elliot telling her she was beautiful.
Now, about the plot: It is clear from the beginning that the home lives of both Catherine and Elliot are really crappy. I can’t say much without spoiling, just that Catherine’s been keeping a secret from everyone and it’s scary.
And the ending: It is really smart and, even though I guessed it, I still applaud the author’s intelligence. My rating jumped from 2.75 to 3.75 because of that.
In conclusion, I don’t know if I should recommend this or not. It wasn’t terrible, it was just meh. 70% of the book is nonsense. But if the premise interests you then go for it.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Okay...I am not sure how to feel about this book.
The first 70% felt flat for me. Nothing really happened except two characters falling in love (in a very unrealistic way, if you ask me), then a tragedy and then a time jump into the future.
The characters are nothing special really. Catherine is the type of girl who thinks of herself as plain and boring and Elliot is the type of guy who needs to save their significant other no matter the cost. Both of those tropey-character-traits annoy the hell out of me. Also, they both seemed really fake (I know they’re fictional but come on) and all of their conversations were the exact same. It was always Catherine being insecure and Elliot telling her she was beautiful.
Now, about the plot: It is clear from the beginning that the home lives of both Catherine and Elliot are really crappy. I can’t say much without spoiling, just that Catherine’s been keeping a secret from everyone and it’s scary.
And the ending: It is really smart and, even though I guessed it, I still applaud the author’s intelligence. My rating jumped from 2.75 to 3.75 because of that.
In conclusion, I don’t know if I should recommend this or not. It wasn’t terrible, it was just meh. 70% of the book is nonsense. But if the premise interests you then go for it.
April 28, 2018
I’ve been given an advanced reading copy of this book by Montlake Romance via Netgalley but it had no influence on my willing and always honest review.
5 “I've been tricked” stars!
When I learned that Jamie McGuire would publish a new book I requested this one immediately and …crossed my fingers. I was really overjoyed when I learned I could read it because:
The cover is so pretty :-D ;
I had a good feeling and so far my intuition never misled me.
Now that it’s all read and done I can honestly say that it was totally different from what I expected and from what I had read from Jamie so far.
First of all there is one major ingredient in this book: the atmosphere.
I got a gothic vibe from the story and it was a constant companion. Always present, weighting on my thoughts. Surprisingly right from a book happening in Oklahoma and not in a Scottish castle! The reason for this feeling is an additional unanimated character: Catherine’s big, old and spooky house. This house is filled with whispers and creaking noises. The Juniper is looming ominously throughout the book filling the pages with a constant tension. What secrets are hidden within these walls?
Second important element: the secret.
When I was reading Catherine and Elliott’s story I found it sweet, cute and somewhat angsty but I was headed toward 4 stars. The “I liked it very very much but I did not get my wow factor”. Then I learned Catherine’s secret and I was BLOWN AWAY! I nearly feel off my chair!
I had been tricked all along. Blinded. Totally and utterly blinded!!!
So now I want to bow to Jamie McGuire because she wrote a really unique and grave story.
But the worst is …. I CAN’T TELL YOU!
Of course if I explain the secret all your fun will go away and that’s a big no no!
So let’s get back to a mini plot summary (think Mini Moy summary) and develop the main characters.
Catherine’s family has been wealthy decades ago but their business had poisoned the town and now she and her mom are considered like pariah. They are responsible for every illness striking the town’s people.
Catherine will be constantly bullied and lonely.
Elliott Youngblood is part native American and met Catherine while he was young, up in a tree to catch great pictures. He saw her at a very sad time when little Catherine had to bury her dog in her backyard.
From that first glimpse Elliott fell for Catherine. He really fell hard for her but she didn’t saw him before years as he visited his aunt and uncle every summer, needing a breath from the constant fighting between his parents.
When they properly met Elliott had braces, glasses and was all gangly.
They soon became friends. Catherine was not alone anymore. They spent a wonderful summer together that ended dramatically.
When Catherine lived the worst day of her young live Elliott had to leave suddenly without saying goodbye.
Can you imagine what Catherine felt?
Betrayed and lonely. Rejected once more. These were her feelings.
When Elliott came back years later ….let’s just say that he had much groveling to do.
This story about loyalty and love.
Elliott’s loyalty to Catherine. His utter devotion to her. He was protective. He would have given his life before letting her be hurt.
Catherine’s loyalty to her mom. I have never read about a more dedicated daughter to her mother. Her mother was fragile and Catherine had to protect and care for her constantly. She had no happy childhood or carefree teenage years.
Catherine’s mom loyalty to the family house. She could not bear to be parted with this family inheritance even if it was in dire need of repairs and they had no money to care for it. This huge and menacing house dragged them down.
This was a story about abuse, be it from bullies, from neglect by parents or by physical blows.
This was a story about saving you and helping others.
You can’t help others if you are trapped. You can’t get someone out of quicksand if you’re stuck in it, too,”
This is a story about difference and racial issues.
In this small town many people would treat Elliott badly because he was part First Nation or native kid. Elliott had to grow a thick skin and to let it go. But of course once he became the football star all was forgiven and people did not see his skin color anymore! I’m always angry when I read such hypocrisy! I consider someone’s worth not based on his skin color, religion or gender but I will rank him based on his actions. There are good and bad people in every culture. The same you have smart and idiots in every religion. To say witnessing such hypocrisy made my blood boil is an understatement!
And on that topic I so loved that quote!
I loved both main characters but Catherine was harder to really connect to. As he holds her secret close she held the reader at arm’s length. Hard to connect with someone who wants to be left alone for fear of having her secret unraveled! Yet I had so much compassion for that poor girl who shouldered so many responsibilities alone! When I discovered the truth I was horrified!
Elliott Youngblood on the other hand was very easy to fall for. He was a handsome giant who preferred hitting trees when he was angry than risk hurting someone.
Elliott is dedicated, protective, smart, artsy, handsome, courageous and loyal. The perfect her for this young adult novel.
To conclude I would say that Jamie tackled very difficult topics with an absolute mastery in the storytelling. When you’ll reach the end of the book you’ll realize that Jamie spoke about a very sensitive and not so well-known topic in a realistic and skilled fashion.
Recommend it? Without a doubt and please go on with the book, don’t DNF because you’ll miss the whole purpose of the story.
Another favorite quote because it happened when Presley bullied Catherine constantly and Elliott defended her (it was sooo good)
Once again a huge thank you to Montlake Romance for its trust.
Let's chat: do you love surprises in books? Have you read Jamie McGuire's books before?
Sophie
5 “I've been tricked” stars!
When I learned that Jamie McGuire would publish a new book I requested this one immediately and …crossed my fingers. I was really overjoyed when I learned I could read it because:
The cover is so pretty :-D ;
I had a good feeling and so far my intuition never misled me.
Now that it’s all read and done I can honestly say that it was totally different from what I expected and from what I had read from Jamie so far.
First of all there is one major ingredient in this book: the atmosphere.
I got a gothic vibe from the story and it was a constant companion. Always present, weighting on my thoughts. Surprisingly right from a book happening in Oklahoma and not in a Scottish castle! The reason for this feeling is an additional unanimated character: Catherine’s big, old and spooky house. This house is filled with whispers and creaking noises. The Juniper is looming ominously throughout the book filling the pages with a constant tension. What secrets are hidden within these walls?
Second important element: the secret.
When I was reading Catherine and Elliott’s story I found it sweet, cute and somewhat angsty but I was headed toward 4 stars. The “I liked it very very much but I did not get my wow factor”. Then I learned Catherine’s secret and I was BLOWN AWAY! I nearly feel off my chair!
I had been tricked all along. Blinded. Totally and utterly blinded!!!
So now I want to bow to Jamie McGuire because she wrote a really unique and grave story.
But the worst is …. I CAN’T TELL YOU!
Of course if I explain the secret all your fun will go away and that’s a big no no!
So let’s get back to a mini plot summary (think Mini Moy summary) and develop the main characters.
Catherine’s family has been wealthy decades ago but their business had poisoned the town and now she and her mom are considered like pariah. They are responsible for every illness striking the town’s people.
Catherine will be constantly bullied and lonely.
Elliott Youngblood is part native American and met Catherine while he was young, up in a tree to catch great pictures. He saw her at a very sad time when little Catherine had to bury her dog in her backyard.
From that first glimpse Elliott fell for Catherine. He really fell hard for her but she didn’t saw him before years as he visited his aunt and uncle every summer, needing a breath from the constant fighting between his parents.
When they properly met Elliott had braces, glasses and was all gangly.
“ “I know. I’m Elliott. Want to walk down to Braum’s with me for an ice-cream cone?” He was half a head taller than me, but by the looks of it, we weighed the same. His arms and legs were too long and skinny, and he hadn’t quite grown into his ears. His high cheekbones protruded enough to make his cheeks appear sunken, and his long, stringy hair didn’t help the appearance of his oval face.”
They soon became friends. Catherine was not alone anymore. They spent a wonderful summer together that ended dramatically.
When Catherine lived the worst day of her young live Elliott had to leave suddenly without saying goodbye.
Can you imagine what Catherine felt?
Betrayed and lonely. Rejected once more. These were her feelings.
When Elliott came back years later ….let’s just say that he had much groveling to do.
This story about loyalty and love.
Elliott’s loyalty to Catherine. His utter devotion to her. He was protective. He would have given his life before letting her be hurt.
Catherine’s loyalty to her mom. I have never read about a more dedicated daughter to her mother. Her mother was fragile and Catherine had to protect and care for her constantly. She had no happy childhood or carefree teenage years.
Catherine’s mom loyalty to the family house. She could not bear to be parted with this family inheritance even if it was in dire need of repairs and they had no money to care for it. This huge and menacing house dragged them down.
This was a story about abuse, be it from bullies, from neglect by parents or by physical blows.
This was a story about saving you and helping others.
You can’t help others if you are trapped. You can’t get someone out of quicksand if you’re stuck in it, too,”
This is a story about difference and racial issues.
In this small town many people would treat Elliott badly because he was part First Nation or native kid. Elliott had to grow a thick skin and to let it go. But of course once he became the football star all was forgiven and people did not see his skin color anymore! I’m always angry when I read such hypocrisy! I consider someone’s worth not based on his skin color, religion or gender but I will rank him based on his actions. There are good and bad people in every culture. The same you have smart and idiots in every religion. To say witnessing such hypocrisy made my blood boil is an understatement!
And on that topic I so loved that quote!
“My uncle John says people can only make us angry if we let them, and if we let them, we give them power.” “That you either get good at rising above and meeting ignorance with education, or you get really good at being bitter.”
I loved both main characters but Catherine was harder to really connect to. As he holds her secret close she held the reader at arm’s length. Hard to connect with someone who wants to be left alone for fear of having her secret unraveled! Yet I had so much compassion for that poor girl who shouldered so many responsibilities alone! When I discovered the truth I was horrified!
Elliott Youngblood on the other hand was very easy to fall for. He was a handsome giant who preferred hitting trees when he was angry than risk hurting someone.
Elliott is dedicated, protective, smart, artsy, handsome, courageous and loyal. The perfect her for this young adult novel.
To conclude I would say that Jamie tackled very difficult topics with an absolute mastery in the storytelling. When you’ll reach the end of the book you’ll realize that Jamie spoke about a very sensitive and not so well-known topic in a realistic and skilled fashion.
Recommend it? Without a doubt and please go on with the book, don’t DNF because you’ll miss the whole purpose of the story.
*******************************
Another favorite quote because it happened when Presley bullied Catherine constantly and Elliott defended her (it was sooo good)
“You know why you’ll never outgrow the need to make others feel like shit so you can feel better, Presley?” She narrowed her eyes at him, watching him like a snake ready to strike. Elliott continued, “Because it’s a temporary high. It never lasts, and you’ll never stop because it’s the only happiness you’ll ever have in your sad, pathetic life that revolves around manicures and highlighting your hair. Your friends? They don’t like you. No one ever will because you don’t like yourself. So every time you give Catherine a hard time, she’ll know. She’ll know why you’re doing it, just like your friends will know. Just like you’ll know that you’re overcompensating. Every time you throw insults Catherine’s way, it’s that much less of a secret.” He made eye contact with each clone and then Presley. “Have the day you deserve.”
Once again a huge thank you to Montlake Romance for its trust.
Let's chat: do you love surprises in books? Have you read Jamie McGuire's books before?
Thanks for reading!
Sophie
April 29, 2018
3,5- 4 stars
I haven't read a book from Jamie McGuire in years so I didn't know what to expect from this.This was definitely an interesting and unique story!I find myself captivate in the story!I was hooked from the first pages.
Catherine and Elliot are both unique characters.Their relationship was sweet.I don't want to give anything away from the story.I think it's better to go in this one blind, it will make it more enjoyable!I enjoyed the premise of the book.It has great suspense and I was curious to see what will happen next.There is a mystery around the characters and I loved it.The only reason this wasn't a 5 stars was the fact that it was a little bit slow in some parts and also some things was strange.
Overall, it was an interesting story and I'm glad I had the chance to read it!
I haven't read a book from Jamie McGuire in years so I didn't know what to expect from this.This was definitely an interesting and unique story!I find myself captivate in the story!I was hooked from the first pages.
Catherine and Elliot are both unique characters.Their relationship was sweet.I don't want to give anything away from the story.I think it's better to go in this one blind, it will make it more enjoyable!I enjoyed the premise of the book.It has great suspense and I was curious to see what will happen next.There is a mystery around the characters and I loved it.The only reason this wasn't a 5 stars was the fact that it was a little bit slow in some parts and also some things was strange.
Overall, it was an interesting story and I'm glad I had the chance to read it!
March 17, 2024
The twist in the end was brilliant; you will not see it coming, it is the best I’ve seen yet. It was traumatizing for me but brilliant nonetheless.
Jamie McGuire is a great artist. Every scene had moving parts, he made it impossible to turn your attention away from the characters he chose as the main focus of each scene; it was like watching a movie.
I was sucked into the world of Elliot and Catherine, theirs was a beautiful love story. They both had issues at home, and their community was not the most welcoming. In spite of this, they found each other, fell in love, weathered the storm, and eventually found happiness with each other.
This is one of those books you go into not expecting much but turns out to be a five star worthy page turner. I had a fantastic time with this book!
Jamie McGuire is a great artist. Every scene had moving parts, he made it impossible to turn your attention away from the characters he chose as the main focus of each scene; it was like watching a movie.
I was sucked into the world of Elliot and Catherine, theirs was a beautiful love story. They both had issues at home, and their community was not the most welcoming. In spite of this, they found each other, fell in love, weathered the storm, and eventually found happiness with each other.
This is one of those books you go into not expecting much but turns out to be a five star worthy page turner. I had a fantastic time with this book!
August 21, 2019
Translation widget on The blog!!!
Un roman absolut surprinzător! Cu o poveste captivantă, ce pare simplă la început dar, care-ți oferă acel moment deosebit care transformă o carte bună într-una specială! Două personaje care dau dovadă de o putere nebănuită. O poveste de dragoste emoționantă!
Recenzia mea completă o găsiți aici:
https://justreadingmybooks.wordpress....
Un roman absolut surprinzător! Cu o poveste captivantă, ce pare simplă la început dar, care-ți oferă acel moment deosebit care transformă o carte bună într-una specială! Două personaje care dau dovadă de o putere nebănuită. O poveste de dragoste emoționantă!
Recenzia mea completă o găsiți aici:
https://justreadingmybooks.wordpress....
June 5, 2018
***3 ...mysterious... stars***
Hmm... I'm trying to find the right words, but after two days, i still don't know how to say what I want to say about this book...
The truth is that my expectations were very high about this story, but unfortunately the author haven't met them...
I had to read a book by Mrs. McGuire since the "Beautiful" series which I loved, so while I was reading this book, I was wondering "What the Hell"???
No, the story wasn't crappy and it could be quite interesting, if it wasn't for the first 70% of the book... The truth is that in this 70%, i was so bored!!! I was struggling to finish it and this was something unlike me...
I might be the minority here, but i just have to be honest...
Most of the book was flat and it could be described with less words...
Yep, there was some intriguing phases with the "guests" of the Juniper, but there weren't too many...
But i have to be honest that i didn't realize what the "secret" was... My mind was making other kind of assumptions!!!
But let me tell you some things about the plot...
“Falling is easy. The hard part is getting back up.”
Elliott and Catherine met each other when they were still kids and they became friends...
They both had family issues and they found comfort to each other...
But then, tragedy struck Catherine and Elliott was forced to leave because of his mother...
Two years later, Elliott is coming back and at the beginning Catherine is very hesistant to let him in again... And mostly, because she has a big secret that noone should know...
So, what will happen with those two when everything around them will fall apart???
"He left and didn't say goodbye. And he broke a promise."
"What promise?"
"To come back."
"My baby... He did come back... Sounds to me like when he did, he came straight home."
Well, Catherine was very isolated and it was such a pity...
I was feeling sorry for her so many times... She didn't deserve that kind of life...
Elliott from the other hand, had his own issues, but he was such a lovely person...
He was so caring and protective of Catherine... And so damn insistent...
But i wasn't feeling the connection between them...
"You can't save everyone."
"I just want to save her."
Well, the storyline wasn't bad, but i think that it could be avoided to be soooo... flat and slow paced!!!
There were intiguing characters in there, but something felt off for me and I'm so sorry about that!!!
***Arc generously provided for the exchange of an honest review***
Hmm... I'm trying to find the right words, but after two days, i still don't know how to say what I want to say about this book...
The truth is that my expectations were very high about this story, but unfortunately the author haven't met them...
I had to read a book by Mrs. McGuire since the "Beautiful" series which I loved, so while I was reading this book, I was wondering "What the Hell"???
No, the story wasn't crappy and it could be quite interesting, if it wasn't for the first 70% of the book... The truth is that in this 70%, i was so bored!!! I was struggling to finish it and this was something unlike me...
I might be the minority here, but i just have to be honest...
Most of the book was flat and it could be described with less words...
Yep, there was some intriguing phases with the "guests" of the Juniper, but there weren't too many...
But i have to be honest that i didn't realize what the "secret" was... My mind was making other kind of assumptions!!!
But let me tell you some things about the plot...
“Falling is easy. The hard part is getting back up.”
Elliott and Catherine met each other when they were still kids and they became friends...
They both had family issues and they found comfort to each other...
But then, tragedy struck Catherine and Elliott was forced to leave because of his mother...
Two years later, Elliott is coming back and at the beginning Catherine is very hesistant to let him in again... And mostly, because she has a big secret that noone should know...
So, what will happen with those two when everything around them will fall apart???
"He left and didn't say goodbye. And he broke a promise."
"What promise?"
"To come back."
"My baby... He did come back... Sounds to me like when he did, he came straight home."
Well, Catherine was very isolated and it was such a pity...
I was feeling sorry for her so many times... She didn't deserve that kind of life...
Elliott from the other hand, had his own issues, but he was such a lovely person...
He was so caring and protective of Catherine... And so damn insistent...
But i wasn't feeling the connection between them...
"You can't save everyone."
"I just want to save her."
Well, the storyline wasn't bad, but i think that it could be avoided to be soooo... flat and slow paced!!!
There were intiguing characters in there, but something felt off for me and I'm so sorry about that!!!
***Arc generously provided for the exchange of an honest review***
June 17, 2018
3 ★'s
Okay, first things first. I went into this book thinking it was a YA romance...and it was in the beginning. Then, things took a really creepy, sinister turn that was both intriguing and freaky as hell.
I wish I would have known going in that it wasn't just a romance because I'm not sure I would have read it. Have you seen that awful movie The Visit? Well, this gave me the creeps like that one even though it's not exactly the same...just a lot of creepy things going on at night.
To be fair, the romance of Elliott and Catherine is really sweet. They had seen each other for a few years when he would come visit his Aunt and Uncle during the summers but they finally get to know each other the summer after ninth grade - and what a summer it was.
Unfortunately, it ends on a pretty heartbreaking note and they don't talk for two more years. I have to hand it to Elliott, he's pretty persistent and I melted at how he always knew what to do for Catherine.
There's some typical drama...mean high school girls, problems with parents and unknowns about the future...and that would have been fine before things took a left turn down crazyville.
So, "crazyville" - yes, there are some really weird things going on at Catherine's house but she keeps her secret very close. It takes a l-o-n-g time to find out what's going on even though there are hints along the way. Looking back, it creeps me out even more.
But the worse...is what her Mom told her at the end because there was that "time"...Ugh! It just ruined things for me.
So, just be aware. this is a YA romance with a thriller involved and if you're good with that, enjoy!
Okay, first things first. I went into this book thinking it was a YA romance...and it was in the beginning. Then, things took a really creepy, sinister turn that was both intriguing and freaky as hell.
I wish I would have known going in that it wasn't just a romance because I'm not sure I would have read it. Have you seen that awful movie The Visit? Well, this gave me the creeps like that one even though it's not exactly the same...just a lot of creepy things going on at night.
To be fair, the romance of Elliott and Catherine is really sweet. They had seen each other for a few years when he would come visit his Aunt and Uncle during the summers but they finally get to know each other the summer after ninth grade - and what a summer it was.
Unfortunately, it ends on a pretty heartbreaking note and they don't talk for two more years. I have to hand it to Elliott, he's pretty persistent and I melted at how he always knew what to do for Catherine.
There's some typical drama...mean high school girls, problems with parents and unknowns about the future...and that would have been fine before things took a left turn down crazyville.
So, "crazyville" - yes, there are some really weird things going on at Catherine's house but she keeps her secret very close. It takes a l-o-n-g time to find out what's going on even though there are hints along the way. Looking back, it creeps me out even more.
But the worse...is what her Mom told her at the end because there was that "time"...Ugh! It just ruined things for me.
So, just be aware. this is a YA romance with a thriller involved and if you're good with that, enjoy!
May 29, 2018
Elliott & Catherine.
The book starts with 10 year old Elliott spending the summer at his aunt's house because his parents are constantly fighting.
While playing around with his new camera he sees Catherine for the first time behind the huge house she lives in with her parents. But it isn't until he's back the summer when they're both 15 that they talk for the first time.
His parents are still fighting all the time and her parents.... It's difficult.
Elliott and Catherine become the bestest of friends that summer. He helps her stand up to the bitchy mean girls. They're having a great time walking all over town to take pictures, they talk, they just spend time outside of the house. Until Elliott has to leave again - at the most traumatic moment in Catherine's life. And she's very mad at him for that.
But it wasn't his fault - and when he finally comes back to her - to go to school in town and be the school's star quarterback - she's still mad at him and things at her house are even weirder!
But of course Elliott didn't wait two years to see her again, to give up that easily!
══════════════════════
Oy! That was ... adorable and heartbreaking and sweet and innocent and exciting and mysterious!
An amazing book. I didn't really expect such a huge story.
It was so full of ... things!
First love. First losses. Depression. Racism. Hate. Bullying. Excitement. Fear. Lonliness. Anger. Mystery. Love. Hope.
We hope all through the book that those two will end up happily ever after at a college somewhere far away... but of course it's not that easy. They still have a long while to go before we can even think about a happy end.
And everything is so mysterious too!!! What the heck is happening at Catherine's house? What's that all about?!
And we're pretty sure some people or events will make even more problems for our darlings along the way!
Ugh - I just wanted to fast forward to the end to find out if everything would turn out amazing for Catherine & Elliott!
Amazing Young Adult romance! A very mature young adult story with lots of problems from so many different points - a really complex book! But there's also lots of hope and love - so much love. Elliott is just the most adorable young man - the way he loves that girl!
I just loved the book! I loved both Catherine and Elliott so much and I wouldn't mind seeing this as a Netflix show one day!
♡
♡
♡
May 24, 2018
This was different and I liked it! I have not read the popular series by this author but even I know this was nothing like her other series.
I wasn't sure what to expect but I was completely engrossed. The author did a good job of keeping me guessing about what the heck was going on behind closed doors.
It starts out with a sweet boy crushes on girl story and as the story developed, the more I wondered if there was more going on in the background. It was subtle and brilliantly done. This has a great love story with a bit of dark side to it and I'll leave it at that so as not to ruin anything.
This is actually one of those stories that I wish I had read with a buddy so I could discuss a few things. Great story. Great writing. ARC provided by NetGalley.
I wasn't sure what to expect but I was completely engrossed. The author did a good job of keeping me guessing about what the heck was going on behind closed doors.
It starts out with a sweet boy crushes on girl story and as the story developed, the more I wondered if there was more going on in the background. It was subtle and brilliantly done. This has a great love story with a bit of dark side to it and I'll leave it at that so as not to ruin anything.
This is actually one of those stories that I wish I had read with a buddy so I could discuss a few things. Great story. Great writing. ARC provided by NetGalley.
May 6, 2018
DNF 92%
The one word I would use to describe All the Little Lights is irresponsible.
It’s going to be hard to communicate my overwhelmingly negative thoughts and feelings towards this novel without spoiling anything, so bear with me as I navigate the spoiler minefield.
Jamie McGuire introduced me to the romance/new adult genre with Beautiful Disaster and I’ve been a fan ever since. So, when I seen her latest release on NetGalley I requested it immediately. Unfortunately, not only is it an overly long and boring romance, it is also mislabeled in terms of genre. On NetGalley, it’s labeled as general giction (gdult) and on Goodreads it’s labeled as romance, rontemporary, then young adult. All the Little Lights is most definitely a contemporary young adult novel, not an adult novel. This isn’t necessarily a criticism, however young adult romances do not interest me. A combined page long description from both perspectives about holding hands does not appeal to me.
All The Little Lights follows Elliot and Catherine as they fall in love, but are torn apart only be reunited years later. Now, Elliot and Catherine are seniors looking toward the future, but Catherine’s mother and her mysterious bed and breakfast are holding Catherine back.
All the Little Lights is about 200 pages too long. It’s incredibly slow paced with nothing happening other than typical, juvenile high school drama. McGuire employs the mean girl trope with the unpopular main character cliché. These coupled with the star quarterback falling in love with the unpopular main character who then becomes popular herself made All the Little Lights one big eye roll.
The mystery of the bed and breakfast is incredibly frustrating. McGuire hints at the mystery throughout the entire novel, but doesn’t do anything with it until the last 10% of the novel. There is obviously something nefarious happening at the bed and breakfast, but none of the other characters push Catherine to divulge the information leaving the reader frustrated and in the dark until the final moments of the novel. In hindsight, the climax of the novel should have been obvious, but I couldn’t believe McGuire used [insert spoiler here] as a plot device.
That’s about all I can say about this novel without spoiling anything, so see below for more of my spoilery thoughts. I will not spoil anything directly; however the general terms I’ll be speaking in may make the climax of the novel obvious.
***I received an ARC via Netgalley for an honest review.
The one word I would use to describe All the Little Lights is irresponsible.
It’s going to be hard to communicate my overwhelmingly negative thoughts and feelings towards this novel without spoiling anything, so bear with me as I navigate the spoiler minefield.
Jamie McGuire introduced me to the romance/new adult genre with Beautiful Disaster and I’ve been a fan ever since. So, when I seen her latest release on NetGalley I requested it immediately. Unfortunately, not only is it an overly long and boring romance, it is also mislabeled in terms of genre. On NetGalley, it’s labeled as general giction (gdult) and on Goodreads it’s labeled as romance, rontemporary, then young adult. All the Little Lights is most definitely a contemporary young adult novel, not an adult novel. This isn’t necessarily a criticism, however young adult romances do not interest me. A combined page long description from both perspectives about holding hands does not appeal to me.
All The Little Lights follows Elliot and Catherine as they fall in love, but are torn apart only be reunited years later. Now, Elliot and Catherine are seniors looking toward the future, but Catherine’s mother and her mysterious bed and breakfast are holding Catherine back.
All the Little Lights is about 200 pages too long. It’s incredibly slow paced with nothing happening other than typical, juvenile high school drama. McGuire employs the mean girl trope with the unpopular main character cliché. These coupled with the star quarterback falling in love with the unpopular main character who then becomes popular herself made All the Little Lights one big eye roll.
The mystery of the bed and breakfast is incredibly frustrating. McGuire hints at the mystery throughout the entire novel, but doesn’t do anything with it until the last 10% of the novel. There is obviously something nefarious happening at the bed and breakfast, but none of the other characters push Catherine to divulge the information leaving the reader frustrated and in the dark until the final moments of the novel. In hindsight, the climax of the novel should have been obvious, but I couldn’t believe McGuire used [insert spoiler here] as a plot device.
That’s about all I can say about this novel without spoiling anything, so see below for more of my spoilery thoughts. I will not spoil anything directly; however the general terms I’ll be speaking in may make the climax of the novel obvious.
***I received an ARC via Netgalley for an honest review.
July 26, 2018
I have loved every novel I have read by Jamie McGuire. Her stories are unbelievably heartfelt and "All The Little Lights" is one I won't be forgetting any time soon.
"All The Little Lights" is Catherine Calhoun and Elliot Youngblood's story. Not only a love story but a coming of age story. I loved getting to know both strong characters through their own eyes and how they view each other. Elliot's steadfast loyalty and Catherine's inner flexibility had me rooting for them through the many obstacles and anguish they faced.
There is also a mystery surrounding the Calhoun household that Catherine is determined to keep secret. I can honestly say I have never experienced such a jaw dropping moment as when the secret is revealed at the end of the story.
Bravo Ms. McGuire!
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake Romance for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
"All The Little Lights" is Catherine Calhoun and Elliot Youngblood's story. Not only a love story but a coming of age story. I loved getting to know both strong characters through their own eyes and how they view each other. Elliot's steadfast loyalty and Catherine's inner flexibility had me rooting for them through the many obstacles and anguish they faced.
There is also a mystery surrounding the Calhoun household that Catherine is determined to keep secret. I can honestly say I have never experienced such a jaw dropping moment as when the secret is revealed at the end of the story.
Bravo Ms. McGuire!
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake Romance for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
October 22, 2018
Sólo puedo darle 3 estrellas, a pesar de que me ha gustado, pero me ha faltado la trama romántica que esperaba, ya que no me esperaba ese toque de intriga que tiene toda la historia y al final ese tema me ha parecido más predominante que la historia de amor entre ellos. (no digo mas)
December 1, 2018
So, this wasn't what i expected but i'm not dissapointed. The last part of the book left me shock, and that made me like the book more, but i'll give this 3/5 stars because there are a few things that left me confuse and i have question that weren't ansewered in the book.
April 26, 2018
Title: All the Little Lights
Author: Jamie McGuire
Genre: Contemporary, YA
Publication Date: May 29, 2018
The first time I read Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire... I was enchanted. I knew it in my heart that for as long as I live, I would love this author's work. That was 7 years ago. I screamed for joy when I received this ARC..
All the Little Lights is bloody good!
I am going to write this review a little backward by saying that THAT ending? Oh Lord! That was not what I was expecting. I like to keep my reviews spoiler free but at the same time, give a little glimpse, a little anticipation to the readers. So, I will say this... I was trying to be all smart and Sherlock Holmes like, trying to figure out the mystery... Nope. I wasn't even close to being a "Sha" much less the Sherlock. All the Little Lights is mysterious and absolutely brilliant!
Catherine and Elliot are strong characters and I loved reading about them.
All the Little Lights encapsulates the story about the coming of age between two young adults, the struggle of living in a society where people treat you differently because of the your caste, colour and heritage, the innocence of friendship, the beauty of a blossoming relationship, the protectiveness of a loved one and the struggle and beauty of loyalty.
There is no denying that this book is gripping from the get go. There were moments where the pace was a little slow but the end result... the end result, my friends, is worth it.
I really hope you give this book a chance because Jamie McGuire can truly do no wrong. All the Little Lights is mysterious, sweet, heart breaking yet hopeful.
For more ...
www.jemimajamir.com
March 11, 2018
I love McGuire's stories. They are always so entertaining as well as heartfelt, with characters that are unbelievably hard to forget. Which is why when I saw her latest release I picked it up without hesitation.
And while I did enjoy this and it will definitely be one that I won't be forgetting anytime soon I'm finding it very hard to review.
It was good, I liked it but it was also very..strange. The story dragged a bit at times and while the big "secret" was quite the shocker, it was also very..strange. It is so hard to say more without giving anything away but this one left me a bit unsettled and with mixed emotions.
It was definitely unique and a bit twisted with the ending but still an engaging story that I am sure fans will like.
*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
And while I did enjoy this and it will definitely be one that I won't be forgetting anytime soon I'm finding it very hard to review.
It was good, I liked it but it was also very..strange. The story dragged a bit at times and while the big "secret" was quite the shocker, it was also very..strange. It is so hard to say more without giving anything away but this one left me a bit unsettled and with mixed emotions.
It was definitely unique and a bit twisted with the ending but still an engaging story that I am sure fans will like.
*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
May 29, 2018
”It’s good, you know, for things not to come easy. You appreciate them more.”
WOW! Jamie McGuire took my emotions on a romance roller coaster of thrills, twists, and turns that made my pulse pound and my heart soar! All the Little Lights was MY ADDICTION, and I was glued to every word of this thrilling, twisty and tender tale. The PARALYZING INTENSITY pulled me in—dark spun with light—piercing me everywhere. I equally swooned and sat in a sea of shock. All the Little Lights is a STUNNING STOTY of suspense, salvation, and soul that’s UNIQUE and UNFORGETTABLE.
”You can’t save everyone.”
“I just want to save her.”
I dove into this book blindly and wasn’t sure of my feelings for All the Little Lights at first. In fact, it was four stars for the first half of the story and then it soon became five. In a small-town Oklahoma setting lives an extremely unusual family and friends, a group of eccentric, extremely complex, and emotionally-challenged members. Told through the perspective of a teenage hero and heroine, All the Little Lights takes a deep dive into family dynamics and darkness, uncovering secrets and setting the truth free. It is young love at its best and all of the challenges that come with two teenagers growing together as one. Catherine and Elliotts’ journey unfolded, complex and captivating layer by layer, its words wrapping around me tightly like me a bear hug, I became BESOTTED. This hero and heroines’ tale of young love—fierce, foreboding, and full of complications—stole my heart and became a part of me that I couldn’t and didn’t want to let go.
”You make me feel beautiful when you’re the beautiful one.”
Through her powerful and poignant words, Jamie McGuire courageously uncovers social topics and serious issues like depression and racism. She brings light to darkness, tackling tough matters rather than brushing them under the rug. I can't help but admire writers like Jamie McGuire for slaying serious subjects through their writing—meeting them head on—and making them their muses.
”Pain is beautiful?”
“Pain . . . Love. Can’t really have one without the other.”
The best suspense stories are like All the Little Lights—those that crawl so deeply into your head—where you're not merely reading a book but living it too. With its keen level of detail, dark premonitions, and elements of danger, All the Little Lights leapt to life so vividly, as if I was watching a movie in my head. All the Little Lights appeals to the thrill seeker, the mystery solver, and those who love excitement with their romance. This adventure left me ACHING FOR MORE.
”I probably don’t deserve you, but I know I will love you more than anyone else will.”
All the Little Lights is a family and friends saga threaded with a coming-of-age love story, one I LIVED ... FELT ... LOVED. I felt every emotion that the hero and heroine felt; their devastatingly beautiful love story was MINE. All the Little Lights is a MASTERFULLY TOLD mystery meets thriller threaded with romance, a tale that TOUCHED MY HEART and SPARKED MY SOUL. I am not ready to let All the Little Lights go. All the BIG LOVE for All the Little Lights!
”We could save each other.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 tender and twisted stars
➡️ https://amzn.to/2KYonda
Website: http://www.bookaliciousbabes.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bookaliciousb...
Readers Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/BBBBoo...
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/bookaliciousbb
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/bookaliciousbb
November 4, 2022
Great story
I did not expect that ending. I always like an unpredictable turn of events in a book or movie since so many are predictable. There was a lot of teen angst in this book and you just had to feel for Catherine and Elliot because neither of them can catch a break. It is like one bad thing on top of another for them. The story kept me interested throughout. I read it in one day.
Blog|Goodreads|Facebook|Instagram|Twitter|BookBub
I did not expect that ending. I always like an unpredictable turn of events in a book or movie since so many are predictable. There was a lot of teen angst in this book and you just had to feel for Catherine and Elliot because neither of them can catch a break. It is like one bad thing on top of another for them. The story kept me interested throughout. I read it in one day.
Blog|Goodreads|Facebook|Instagram|Twitter|BookBub
March 27, 2019
Ho cominciato a leggere questo libro e non mi sono più fermata finchè non sono arrivata ai ringraziamenti e come mia abitudine ho letto anche quelli prima di mettere la parola fine a questa magnifica storia. Elliot e Catherine si conoscono appena quindicenni, la loro storia è toccante perchè nonostante abbiano alle spalle entrambi una situazione familiare deprecabile in loro resta la purezza, l'innocenza la stessa con cui vivono giorno per giorno il loro amore che sboccerà, loro malgrado, solo un paio di anni più tardi quando finalmente Elliot potrà trasferirsi nella cittadina dove vive Catherine. La loro maturità e la loro semplicità nel convivere quotidianamente coi problemi che hanno in famiglia mi ha stupita quindi assolutamente non pensate di avere a che fare con due ragazzini viziati in lotta con crisi e ormoni adolescenziali no perchè questi due ragazzi hanno ben altro da affrontare compreso il bullismo e il razzismo a cui sono sottoposti a scuola da alcuni dei loro compagni. Ma veniamo alla parte geniale, la parte suspense di questa storia che si amalgama nella trama in un crescendo di situazioni coinvolgendoti nella lettura sempre di più la parte che vede maggiormente protagonista Catherine e lo Juniper ossia la sua casa trasformata dalla madre, negli ultimi 2 anni, in un bed and breakfast dove si muovono inquietanti alcuni ospiti fissi che tornano a soggiornarvi regolarmente. Lo Juniper è buio, oscuro nasconde un segreto impressionante che quando alla fine sarà svelato vi lasciarà senza fiato, come senza fiato vi lascerà ciò che vi accade dentro, la rivelazione è inaspettata soprattutto perchè da questa autrice non immagineresti mai un risvolto simile. Vi dico solo una cosa fate attenzione agli ospiti....
January 2, 2020
Antes que todo no diré el argumento principal del libro ya que sería dar spoiler, pero si diré que es la historia de dos adolescentes Chaterine y Elliot que se conocen a los 15 años luego él se va y regresa a los dos años para conquistarla y ella oculta un secreto.
Catherine me pareció muy pasiva y que actuaba como una adulta, él tenía algo que no me gusta y también actuaba como adulto. No tuve clic con ninguno.
El libro es extenso y lento cuando digo lento, es cierto. No pasa gran cosa durante casi todo el libro, es luego del 80% que se ve la luz al final del túnel y sin embargo quedan muchas preguntas. No se iba predispuesta al ser una historia de adolescentes, o si el momento en que lo leí no era adecuado pero no funciono para mi. Lo extenso y lento opaco todo para mí. parte me costo tantísimo terminarlo, no veía la hora de que se acabara.
Y no negaré que el misterio está bien oculto, la intriga mantiene y es muy sorpresivo el final aun cuando se sospechan ciertas cosas por la interacción entre los personajes bastante original diria yo. Pero repito para mi no funciono sobre todo por el tipo de narrador. Y podria darle mas estrellitas pero de momento se queda así.
Catherine me pareció muy pasiva y que actuaba como una adulta, él tenía algo que no me gusta y también actuaba como adulto. No tuve clic con ninguno.
El libro es extenso y lento cuando digo lento, es cierto. No pasa gran cosa durante casi todo el libro, es luego del 80% que se ve la luz al final del túnel y sin embargo quedan muchas preguntas. No se iba predispuesta al ser una historia de adolescentes, o si el momento en que lo leí no era adecuado pero no funciono para mi. Lo extenso y lento opaco todo para mí. parte me costo tantísimo terminarlo, no veía la hora de que se acabara.
Y no negaré que el misterio está bien oculto, la intriga mantiene y es muy sorpresivo el final aun cuando se sospechan ciertas cosas por la interacción entre los personajes bastante original diria yo. Pero repito para mi no funciono sobre todo por el tipo de narrador. Y podria darle mas estrellitas pero de momento se queda así.
June 9, 2018
2.5 maybe 3 stars.
I’m not really sure how I feel about this to be honest. Nothing seemed to be happening for the majority of the book and what did happen was boring and repetitive. The main characters were bland and frustrating, I didn’t connect with either of them. Then around 60% the plot took a turn for the better and things started to get a little interesting. The buildup was slow slow slow but once we got there I felt validated. I won’t lie, things were getting creepy and the twist ending really got me! This is one of those stories that’s better once you know what the hell is going on. I can’t say that I wasted my time with this book because I felt that the ending was super smart and worth the long wait. I just wish things had picked up sooner because this book was way too lengthy for it’s own good. I love Jamie McGuire as an author and I’ll definitly keep reading her work.
I’m not really sure how I feel about this to be honest. Nothing seemed to be happening for the majority of the book and what did happen was boring and repetitive. The main characters were bland and frustrating, I didn’t connect with either of them. Then around 60% the plot took a turn for the better and things started to get a little interesting. The buildup was slow slow slow but once we got there I felt validated. I won’t lie, things were getting creepy and the twist ending really got me! This is one of those stories that’s better once you know what the hell is going on. I can’t say that I wasted my time with this book because I felt that the ending was super smart and worth the long wait. I just wish things had picked up sooner because this book was way too lengthy for it’s own good. I love Jamie McGuire as an author and I’ll definitly keep reading her work.
June 7, 2018
****Review to follow shortly****
June 1, 2018
4.5/5 stars
Initial thoughts: This book was absolutely nothing like I was expecting. Elliott and Catherine are the two main characters/narrators (1st person POVs).
Elliott is Cherokee/native. This was so interesting. And it played such an important part in the story.
Both Elliott and Catherine had troubling family lives. This was a key part of the book.
But the biggest surprise to me was that this book is part romance and part mystery. The mystery aspect added so much to this story. And the end!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
**********************************************
All The Little Lights is a Young Adult contemporary romance/mystery. The story is told in alternating POVs. The narrators are Catherine and Elliott. We get to see their lives at a few different points in time. But the main time period is when they are 17 going on 18.
Elliott loves to take pictures and he is an athlete. He sometimes stays with his aunt and uncle because his parents fight a lot. Catherine is a bit of an outcast at her school. She is bullied. She has to deal with so much at home. Because of this she spends a lot of time alone or working.
The book features a mystery, but it only takes place in the second half of the book. IMO it was such a great idea to have a mystery aspect in the story.
The things that I liked about this book: 1) I loved Elliott's Aunt Leigh and Uncle John. I just loved this couple. They were so supportive and wonderful. And they added so much to this story.
2)I loved Mrs. Mason. Mrs. Mason works at the local high school as a guidance counselor. It was so nice to see someone in a position of authority that listened and tried to help the students.
3)Photography. Elliott was obsessed with taking pictures. This was such a meaningful and important part of this book.
4)Catherine's house. Her house was creepy and played such a big part of this story.
5)I loved the mystery. I had absolutely no idea that there was a mystery or that it would be such a big part of the story. I actually wish that the mystery was not only in the second half of the book. But this part of the story made the book so much better IMO.
6)I loved that Elliott, his mom and uncle were Cherokee. I can't recall ever reading about a main character that was Cherokee. The racism and things that Elliott had to deal with made this story so much more interesting.
7)The romance. Catherine and Elliott were very different. But they also had things in common. I really enjoyed seeing their friendship and romance develop.
8)The end was everything! The ending of a book is super important to me. It is the last thing that a reader has to take away from a book. For me this ending was wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Overall, this was a really enjoyable YA contemporary romance that was part mystery. This book dealt with so many interesting and relevant topics including racism, bullying, friendship, troubled families and more. This book was so different from the Maddox brother books. But it was definitely a very compelling read.
Thanks to netgalley and Montlake Romance for allowing me to read this book.
Initial thoughts: This book was absolutely nothing like I was expecting. Elliott and Catherine are the two main characters/narrators (1st person POVs).
Elliott is Cherokee/native. This was so interesting. And it played such an important part in the story.
Both Elliott and Catherine had troubling family lives. This was a key part of the book.
But the biggest surprise to me was that this book is part romance and part mystery. The mystery aspect added so much to this story. And the end!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
**********************************************
All The Little Lights is a Young Adult contemporary romance/mystery. The story is told in alternating POVs. The narrators are Catherine and Elliott. We get to see their lives at a few different points in time. But the main time period is when they are 17 going on 18.
Elliott loves to take pictures and he is an athlete. He sometimes stays with his aunt and uncle because his parents fight a lot. Catherine is a bit of an outcast at her school. She is bullied. She has to deal with so much at home. Because of this she spends a lot of time alone or working.
The book features a mystery, but it only takes place in the second half of the book. IMO it was such a great idea to have a mystery aspect in the story.
The things that I liked about this book: 1) I loved Elliott's Aunt Leigh and Uncle John. I just loved this couple. They were so supportive and wonderful. And they added so much to this story.
2)I loved Mrs. Mason. Mrs. Mason works at the local high school as a guidance counselor. It was so nice to see someone in a position of authority that listened and tried to help the students.
3)Photography. Elliott was obsessed with taking pictures. This was such a meaningful and important part of this book.
4)Catherine's house. Her house was creepy and played such a big part of this story.
5)I loved the mystery. I had absolutely no idea that there was a mystery or that it would be such a big part of the story. I actually wish that the mystery was not only in the second half of the book. But this part of the story made the book so much better IMO.
6)I loved that Elliott, his mom and uncle were Cherokee. I can't recall ever reading about a main character that was Cherokee. The racism and things that Elliott had to deal with made this story so much more interesting.
7)The romance. Catherine and Elliott were very different. But they also had things in common. I really enjoyed seeing their friendship and romance develop.
8)The end was everything! The ending of a book is super important to me. It is the last thing that a reader has to take away from a book. For me this ending was wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Overall, this was a really enjoyable YA contemporary romance that was part mystery. This book dealt with so many interesting and relevant topics including racism, bullying, friendship, troubled families and more. This book was so different from the Maddox brother books. But it was definitely a very compelling read.
Thanks to netgalley and Montlake Romance for allowing me to read this book.
August 1, 2019
***Thank you to NetGalley for providing me a complimentary copy of ALL THE LITTLE LIGHTS by Jamie McGuire in exchange for my honest review.***
3.5 STARS
Elliott and Catherine fall in love the summer before their sophomore year. Circumstances tear them apart, but when Elliott returns, Catherine is a shell of her former self, secretive and closed off. She has secrets that could change everything he knows about her and what goes on behind closed doors at the B&B she runs with her mother.
Both Catherine and Elliott were well rounded, complex characters from dysfunctional families. Elliot’s father abused his mother and she’s selfish and puts Elliot last. Catherine’s mother is neglectful, depressed and clingy. If not for some of the guests at the B&B and Elliott, she’s truly be alone.
ALL THE LITTLE LIGHTS, my first Jamie McGuire book. Told in alternating first person points of view, mostly Catherine’s, having both perspectives created balance and insight into each main character. I haven’t read many stories with Native American characters and was glad for the diversity. Their classmates were stereotypical tropes, which didn’t distract from the story.
ALL THE LITTLE LIGHTS kept me interested and curious throughout the book, even when the story lagged during the middle. I did not guess the ending, but it made a lot of sense. I wish McGuire had done a better (or some) research on school counselors, mandated reporting and emergency foster care.
ALL THE LITTLE LIGHTS should attract readers of who enjoy a variety of genres including romance, mental illness, abuse, dysfunctional families, high school, racism.
3.5 STARS
Elliott and Catherine fall in love the summer before their sophomore year. Circumstances tear them apart, but when Elliott returns, Catherine is a shell of her former self, secretive and closed off. She has secrets that could change everything he knows about her and what goes on behind closed doors at the B&B she runs with her mother.
Both Catherine and Elliott were well rounded, complex characters from dysfunctional families. Elliot’s father abused his mother and she’s selfish and puts Elliot last. Catherine’s mother is neglectful, depressed and clingy. If not for some of the guests at the B&B and Elliott, she’s truly be alone.
ALL THE LITTLE LIGHTS, my first Jamie McGuire book. Told in alternating first person points of view, mostly Catherine’s, having both perspectives created balance and insight into each main character. I haven’t read many stories with Native American characters and was glad for the diversity. Their classmates were stereotypical tropes, which didn’t distract from the story.
ALL THE LITTLE LIGHTS kept me interested and curious throughout the book, even when the story lagged during the middle. I did not guess the ending, but it made a lot of sense. I wish McGuire had done a better (or some) research on school counselors, mandated reporting and emergency foster care.
ALL THE LITTLE LIGHTS should attract readers of who enjoy a variety of genres including romance, mental illness, abuse, dysfunctional families, high school, racism.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,420 reviews