Review Detail

Reviewed for YA Books Central

A super cute and sweet story.

The story:
A year ago, a car accident stole 11 weeks of Ella's memories as if they didn't happen at all. She's not sure she'll ever get them back until paper hearts with clues to what she lost mysteriously start appearing. With the help of a boy she meets, she tracks down each clue, trying to piece together everything she's missing while dealing with underlying tension with her friends she doesn't understand.

What I loved:
The clues themselves. Following paper hearts to places she should know is unique and inventive. It gave a real spin to a memory loss book. Ella is a fantastic character, and the reader can feel how lost she is, how much it hurts to be missing so much time. She's likable as she learns to start standing up to her friends. All of her actions are completely believable and understandable, especially in the end.
I also loved that the ex who loves her still isn't vilified. He doesn't turn on her no matter how much he hurts. He just wants her to be happy.

What left me wanting more:
Certain other characters reasons for their actions and for keeping things from Ella seemed a bit selfish and not okay. From her sister to her best friend to others, it seemed to be a case of how things could have gone smoother if people just talked to each other. But the book is really about Ella, and in that, it excels.

Final Verdict:
A heartbreaking story of being lost and found again with beautiful writing, a strong female lead, and a unique plot to keep you turning pages.