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A review by drewbmorgan
Forever Never Always by Hanna Holt
4.0
*I received an ARC for this book in exchange for an honest review
Forever. Never. Always. tells the second-chance-romance of Ash Forester and April Wallis, who dated for two years before he ended their relationship very suddenly by email. Seven years later, April moves to her best friend’s hometown to escape her failing marriage and mother’s judgement. There, her path again crosses Ash’s, and she finds there is more to his story, and their breakup, than she ever knew - including the eight younger half-siblings he’d hid from her, and is now raising.
The story weaves seamlessly between the two perspectives. Ash’s story, and the chaos of his clan, provide the engine behind the plot. Each of the Forester siblings is named for kind of tree, which struck me as quirky, but the nature/tree theme provides a unifying thread for many elements of the story. I imagine his half of the book would be relatable for anyone from a large family, where the decisions of the individual have far-reaching consequences for the many and the ties that bind them.
April’s side provides a brilliant contrast. While her choices are her own, none of her options are very ideal. Her internal monologue, though as unhappy as Ash’s, is a less stressful read but equally entertaining. She’s a strong woman who knows how to stick up for herself, but it’s clear this is a skill she’s had to learn with time. It’s natural to want to root for her.
Hanna makes it easy to get lost in the chaotic everyday of the Forester clan. Both April and Ash are coy with the the information they give, to each other and to the audience. While far from a mystery and not relying on plot twists, Hanna peppers in just enough about their pasts to keep you curious through the end.
Content considerations:
Though this book wrestles with challenging topics, including addiction, death, infertility, and teen pregnancy, they’re seldom described in detail and inform rather than drive the plot. There is one sex scene depicted, but it’s far from the most graphic thing you’ll find on the romance shelves. I’d call this book suitable for mid-to-older teens, but it will probably resonate best with 20- or 30-somethings.
Forever. Never. Always. tells the second-chance-romance of Ash Forester and April Wallis, who dated for two years before he ended their relationship very suddenly by email. Seven years later, April moves to her best friend’s hometown to escape her failing marriage and mother’s judgement. There, her path again crosses Ash’s, and she finds there is more to his story, and their breakup, than she ever knew - including the eight younger half-siblings he’d hid from her, and is now raising.
The story weaves seamlessly between the two perspectives. Ash’s story, and the chaos of his clan, provide the engine behind the plot. Each of the Forester siblings is named for kind of tree, which struck me as quirky, but the nature/tree theme provides a unifying thread for many elements of the story. I imagine his half of the book would be relatable for anyone from a large family, where the decisions of the individual have far-reaching consequences for the many and the ties that bind them.
April’s side provides a brilliant contrast. While her choices are her own, none of her options are very ideal. Her internal monologue, though as unhappy as Ash’s, is a less stressful read but equally entertaining. She’s a strong woman who knows how to stick up for herself, but it’s clear this is a skill she’s had to learn with time. It’s natural to want to root for her.
Hanna makes it easy to get lost in the chaotic everyday of the Forester clan. Both April and Ash are coy with the the information they give, to each other and to the audience. While far from a mystery and not relying on plot twists, Hanna peppers in just enough about their pasts to keep you curious through the end.
Content considerations:
Though this book wrestles with challenging topics, including addiction, death, infertility, and teen pregnancy, they’re seldom described in detail and inform rather than drive the plot. There is one sex scene depicted, but it’s far from the most graphic thing you’ll find on the romance shelves. I’d call this book suitable for mid-to-older teens, but it will probably resonate best with 20- or 30-somethings.