Title: Never Saw You Coming
Author: Erin Hahn
First published September 7, 2021
320 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781250761248 (ISBN10: 1250761247)
Rating: 3.85
Overview
Growing up, 17-year-old Maxine had always believed she had everything figured out. However, when she discovers a shocking truth about her family, her life takes a turn she never saw coming.
Maxine decides to take a break from her privileged life and embarks on a journey to discover herself. During her travels, she meets Owen, a young man with a complicated past and a strained relationship with his family.
As they get to know each other, Maxine starts to question her beliefs and learns that sometimes the toughest thing to do is to let go of what you thought you knew. Erin Hahn’s Never Saw You Coming is a heartwarming tale of self-discovery, first love and the power of forgiveness.
About the Author
Meet Erin Hahn, a talented author known for her captivating young adult novels including You’d Be Mine, More Than Maybe, and Never Saw You Coming. Her love for romance is evident in her writing, and her grunge playlist serves as the perfect backdrop for her creative process.
As fall is her signature season, you can find her enjoying the crisp air and beautiful colors that come with it. Erin’s own love story began in college with her flannel-clad sweetheart, and they now have two hilarious children who keep her grounded.
She resides outside of Ann Arbor, Michigan, with her furry companions Gus and June, who each have their own unique personalities.
Editoral Review
Erin Hahn’s latest novel, “Never Saw You Coming,” is a poignant and relatable romance that will capture the hearts of YA readers. Hahn, a former journalist, wrote the novel with a fresh and effortless style that is both engaging and emotional.
The book, which was released on September 7, 2021, deals with themes such as self-discovery, identity, love, and loss, and is an excellent example of modern contemporary literature for teenagers. “Never Saw You Coming” tells the story of Meg Hennessey, a recent high school graduate, and John After, an enigmatic twenty-something musician who crashes into her life, literally.
As she falls deeply in love with him, Meg discovers that John has a secret, leukemia. With only months to live and a bucket list to complete, John sets out to help Meg find her own way before his time runs out.
The novel is set in Austin, Texas, and is characterized by its vibrant portrayal of this eclectic city. Hahn’s descriptions of the citys culture, music scene, and local hangouts make her characters’ experiences come alive, adding an essential dimension to the story.
The chemistry between Meg and John is another highlight of the novel. Hahn excels in giving her characters authentic and endearing qualities, making them relatable, and the reader’s rooting interests are easily invested in these two individuals.
While the novel is a romance, it is not a cliched and predictable story. Hahn skillfully manages to keep the reader guessing and on edge, with a few twists and turns that add layers to the story.
The novel also touches on shedding societal expectations, overcoming fears to be true to oneself, and the idea of changing one’s life goals when confronted with tragedy – all vital themes that resonate deeply with today’s readers. The writing in “Never Saw You Coming” is engaging, with vivid imagery and well-crafted dialogue.
Hahn’s ability to capture raw, emotional moments is impressive, without being overly sentimental. However, the pacing of the novel could have been more tightly controlled at several junctures, and the conclusion feels somewhat rushed, detracting somewhat from the overall impact of the book.
Overall, “Never Saw You Coming” is a thought-provoking and emotional contemporary YA romance novel that is sure to leave an impression on the reader. It is recommended for anyone who wants a good romance novel that is grounded in reality and tackles deeply personal issues.
The novel receives an A-minus rating for its excellent storytelling, robust characters, and memorable plot, despite some minor pacing issues.
