ashleylardybookparty 's review for:

Everything We Never Knew by Ellen Goodlett, Julianne Hough

4.0

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When I received an email about a local event featuring the author of this book, THE Julianne Hough, from Sourcebooks - I was so excited! Unfortunately, I was unable to attend the event, but due to the always gracious @sourcebooks I was sent a physical copy of the book ☺️ 

 

The MC, Lexi, is completely caught off guard when she suddenly is able to feel other people’s emotions, and even times has glimpses into their most personal memories. Exploring the realm of her own spirituality, after being known as an expert in denial, she is forced to confront the changes that are going on within and around her. 

 

I went into this book completely blind, other than knowing of the author from her other professional endeavors, so when I tell you I didn’t know what to expect with this book, I mean it! I was quickly hooked with the fast paced start to the book and the way in which it had me guessing as to what exactly was going on with Lexi. As the book continued on, it explored concepts in spirituality - specifically related to energy, auras and healing powers. For a bit I struggled with this and couldn’t necessarily figure out why - until today it hit me, it’s because these types of spirituality concepts are things that are very foreign to me. I know of them in the sense that I know what the word means, but other than that, I’m pretty green to the concepts that this book portrayed. I’m not one to shy away from reading something that I may not fully understand or concepts I don’t fully grasp, as that’s all part of learning & growing, and I’m glad I didn’t let my confusion be the exception to this rule for me! 

 

Beyond the spirituality concepts, this book has a great message of trusting your gut, facing challenges head on, confronting your past and feeling your emotions. I did enjoy this book and was even more intrigued when I found out that this was very personal for the author. Specifically noting that as Julianne Hough’s dive into the world of writing this book it is an overall poignant & personal journey for her, written through the lens of fiction - one that I did enjoy reading! 

 

PS - I was also able to alternate between the physical book and the audiobook, thanks to @RBmedia & Julianne narrates the book herself! She has such a soothing, precise and beautiful voice, making the narration & audiobook version of this book extra enjoyable!