Do you know when you see a book cover and think, “That will be cute on my bookshelf!” That is what I felt when I saw EVEN IF IT BREAKS YOUR HEART by Erin Hahn. Then I read the book blurb and realized she was trying to distract me with the cute cover, so I didn’t pay attention to the title because Erin Hahn was truly trying to break my heart. Spoiler alert regarding me: she did; I cried a lot. 

Erin Hahn’s talent for character development shines in the book. I was quickly drawn to Case and Winnie, rooting for them individually throughout the book and, eventually, as a couple. Their distinct personalities made it easy for me to imagine them as my friends. The side characters, too, added depth to the story, making it more meaningful. 

This book is an excellent, EX-CELL-ENT representation of different types of grief and how people cope. Hahn also writes a beautiful representation of the sick-kid friendship and how important it is to both sides, but also tolling. I am the sick-kid, so Walker’s reactions felt real to me. I have a couple of friends like Case who mean more to me than they know. 

I didn’t expect EVEN IF IT BREAKS YOUR HEART to be such an emotional ride. I thought it would be a cute, fun cowboy romance. I mean, look at the cover!?! While there were lots of laughs and cute moments, it’s a heavy book (hence the title…), and it’s definitely one I will read again. I loved every emotional moment, laughter, and tears the characters pulled from me.

Thanks, Wednesday Books, for the book!