A review by me_alley
Out of the Woods by Hannah Bonam-Young

adventurous challenging emotional funny inspiring reflective relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Out of The Woods is sure to be one of the best contemporary romances of 2025.  This book is completely perfect, I laughed and I cried.  Going in, I wondered how you could possibly write a book in the genre about a long term married couple? How could that plot line stay interesting? Sarah and Caleb were high school sweethearts married at 19.  Sarah’s single mother, Marcie, lost a battle to ALS just 3 months after Sarah and Caleb’s wedding.   Sarah wonders who she is without the relationships in her life, going from daughter to caretaker to wife.  What better way to reset their marriage than a long camping hike away from all connection to the rest of the world. 

This heartwarming book has themes of love, grief, and connection.  I love the friendship between Sarah and her best friend Win. Although I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, I’ve already preordered a hard copy as I will read this again and again. 

The dialogue is just wonderful, there are at least 10 sentences in this book that made me shiver in their authenticity.  Hannah Bonam Young is a very gifted writer, not only in her stunning characterizations, but in everyday observations.  This is not one to miss!

Book to be published January 28, 2025.