Review: The Night We Said Yes by Lauren Gibaldi

Before Matt, Ella had a plan. Get over a no-good ex-boyfriend. Graduate from high school without any more distractions. Move away from Orlando, Florida, where she’s lived her entire life.

But Matt—the cute, shy, bespectacled bass player who just moved to town—was never part of that plan.

And neither was attending a party that was crashed by the cops just minutes after they arrived. Or spending an entire night saying “yes” to every crazy, fun thing they could think of.

Then Matt abruptly left town, and he broke not only Ella’s heart but those of their best friends, too. So when he shows up a year later with a plan of his own—to relive the night that brought them together—Ella isn’t sure whether Matt’s worth a second chance. Or if re-creating the past can help them create a different future.

In alternating then and now chapters, debut author Lauren Gibaldi crafts a charming, romantic story of first loves, lifelong friendships, uncovered secrets, and, ultimately, finding out how to be brave.

Hardcover, 304 pages

Expected publication: June 16th 2015 by Harper Teen

Terri's Thoughts

**I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher Harper Teen via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.  The expected publication date is June 16th 2015**

Hands down the best part about this story was the format in which it was written.  I simply loved how the story alternated between "then" and "now".  Anyone who has followed my reviews knows that regardless of the genre of the book I am reading that this is my favorite way for a story to unfold.  I find that there is more depth to the story this way and you get to feel more of the emotions.

This story is definitely aimed for the YA audience, although I am not of that age and still appreciated it.  Both a story of first love and lost love, forgiveness and moving on, I think it will resonate with the YA female population.  Much of what took place throughout the book could have been scenes from my high school days.....well except maybe the pool but that is only because my school didn't have one.  Oh, and not the high five for friendship part, I had a good laugh over this one

Overall a good story about youth and love and doing things outside of your comfort zone.  I would recommend this to the YA audience.

About the Author

Public librarian and author of THE NIGHT WE SAID YES (HarperCollins / HarperTeen, June 16, 2015) and MATT'S STORY (a The Night We Said Yes Novella, out August 2015). Fan of dinosaurs and cheesy jokes. And you.

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