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courtsbooknook's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
This is my second book of Haleigh's and it definitely pulls at the emotional heartstrings. I think Haleigh always creates characters with lots of depth and growth and it was evident with Claire and Foster. This book was a bit on the heavier side and dealt with grief as well as homelessness and food insecurity. That being said I do think it was balanced and had enough lightness to even everything out. I loved the sand sculpting competition and how it brought Foster and Claire together. I also really enjoyed all the reflecting and learning how to pivot after the death of a loved one. Foster definitely had some teenage angst about him, understandably so, but I think he was rounded out by the end of the story. I also really liked Claire. I think she was strong and wanted the best for herself and those around her. I liked that she was kind of the one doing the saving and I wish Foster had realized that sooner. I thought this was cute and definitely a good vibe for a summer read.
goodeyreads's review
4.0
A CUTE BEACH READ WITH DEEPER CONTEXT.
BLOG || INSTA
I saw a friend talking about this book and when she mentioned it was free on Kindle that day, I thought, WHY NOT? Why not indeed. This was a hidden gem from a debut author (and it’s only $2.99 on Kindle now so hey! That’s cheap too).
I loved the way the relationship between Claire and Foster developed. They had a nice meet cute and then things slowly built with actual conversation and interactions with each other. Even as a summer romance nothing ever felt insta-love and I was totally wrapped up in how things were going with them. The only thing that bothered me at times was watching Claire keep trying and seeking out Foster and when he should have done the same…he didn’t. Foster eventually did take matters into his own hands, but it took him a very long time to actually do something for their relationship.
Claire had a summer of growth and learning about herself. After the loss of her grandfather she coped with it while also having to look forward to decisions about art school and what type of medium she was interested in. I felt she really came into herself and her increased confidence and decision making by the end made her a heroine to remember.
The only character that truly upset me was Claire’s sister, Livvy. I still don’t think she actually redeemed herself from the crappy choices she made out of spite. Livvy acted very immature and completely irrational more than half the time. It felt like she was only there to add some more drama, but I could have done without her.
I loved the beach setting and it made me wish I could have read this during the summer because it is the epitome of a beach read. Lots of sun, sand, love and road trips. What more could you ask for?
Overall audience notes:
- Young adult contemporary + romance
- Language: none
- Romance: a few kisses
- Violence: physical
- Trigger warnings: child abuse, homelessness
BLOG || INSTA
I saw a friend talking about this book and when she mentioned it was free on Kindle that day, I thought, WHY NOT? Why not indeed. This was a hidden gem from a debut author (and it’s only $2.99 on Kindle now so hey! That’s cheap too).
I loved the way the relationship between Claire and Foster developed. They had a nice meet cute and then things slowly built with actual conversation and interactions with each other. Even as a summer romance nothing ever felt insta-love and I was totally wrapped up in how things were going with them. The only thing that bothered me at times was watching Claire keep trying and seeking out Foster and when he should have done the same…he didn’t. Foster eventually did take matters into his own hands, but it took him a very long time to actually do something for their relationship.
Claire had a summer of growth and learning about herself. After the loss of her grandfather she coped with it while also having to look forward to decisions about art school and what type of medium she was interested in. I felt she really came into herself and her increased confidence and decision making by the end made her a heroine to remember.
The only character that truly upset me was Claire’s sister, Livvy. I still don’t think she actually redeemed herself from the crappy choices she made out of spite. Livvy acted very immature and completely irrational more than half the time. It felt like she was only there to add some more drama, but I could have done without her.
I loved the beach setting and it made me wish I could have read this during the summer because it is the epitome of a beach read. Lots of sun, sand, love and road trips. What more could you ask for?
Overall audience notes:
- Young adult contemporary + romance
- Language: none
- Romance: a few kisses
- Violence: physical
- Trigger warnings: child abuse, homelessness
thereadingchemist's review
4.0
The Art of Falling in Love is a beautiful coming of age story that deals with life and new love after the loss of a loved one. I absolutely loved Claire and Foster’s story.
Following the death of her Opa (grandpa), Claire no longer has the inspiration that she needs to find her media and passion amongst the arts. The summer was meant to be a bucket list of art museums, but instead, Claire is lost and feels her creativity slipping.
Claire meets Foster who creates art out of the most unexpected materials. Foster takes it upon himself to help Claire find her inspiration. Watching these two fall in love was effortless. Their chemistry was obvious but not forced. And like most couples, they face unforeseen complications as a couple that they must overcome.
Overall, if you love a good coming of age story that features a great romance story then be prepared to be wrapped up in Claire and Foster’s story.
Thank you to Literary Crush Publishing for providing an eARC. This did not influence my review. All opinions are my own.
Following the death of her Opa (grandpa), Claire no longer has the inspiration that she needs to find her media and passion amongst the arts. The summer was meant to be a bucket list of art museums, but instead, Claire is lost and feels her creativity slipping.
Claire meets Foster who creates art out of the most unexpected materials. Foster takes it upon himself to help Claire find her inspiration. Watching these two fall in love was effortless. Their chemistry was obvious but not forced. And like most couples, they face unforeseen complications as a couple that they must overcome.
Overall, if you love a good coming of age story that features a great romance story then be prepared to be wrapped up in Claire and Foster’s story.
Thank you to Literary Crush Publishing for providing an eARC. This did not influence my review. All opinions are my own.
candacerobinsonauthor's review
5.0
Loved this one! It was cute with characters that felt real, and the writing sucked me in right away! I need more contemporary books by this author!
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