A beautiful sequel to Saving Francesca, this book delves into the life of a supporting character and flushes him out into a dynamic and round character whose history is as riveting as it is tragic. I loved seeing more of Thomas Mackee - Tom now - and getting to know his family.

Unlike the first in the series, this book plays with alternating perspectives between Georgie and Thomas, and it's done phenomenally. I particularly love it because while they're involved in each others' stories and share one plot line, they also have their separate plots.

Tom's is realistic and frustrating and redeeming and thoughtfully composed. Spoiler That said, the issue of him fighting with Ned and why Stani was comforting him/what set him off felt unresolved

Georgie's is less so. Spoiler The relationship between her and Sam seemed to just spontaneously fix itself. Also there was a lot of foreshadowing that the baby would be a girl, but then it was a boy. Her relationship with Lucia was underdeveloped. 

For a book that could easily become sappy, Marchetta avoided it, and she delved into the mind and emotions of a grieving family and people who are easily angered. 

The only reason I didn’t give it 5 stars was because for all of its merit and nuances and goodness, it was just missing that small little wow factor that pushed me over the edge to be in love with the book in its entirety and enjoy reading it from start to finish. It wasn’t a can’t put down book, but I still highly recommend it.