Wow, this book. It was so relatable. I was pretty much Emily for the whole thing! So good, and AHH, THE ENDING WAS PERFECTION.

I thought this was going to be a three star book for probably two thirds of it, but the ending pushed it up to four. Emily is a pretty delightful heroine and I do relate to her a lot. I loved the glimpses of people we already knew (especially Cab!) and Jed is an awesome new addition.

8-23-08: I bumped the stars from 4 to 5. I loved Emily, I loved Cab and Alice and Betsy, I loved Jed. It still feels odd to me that they knew each other so briefly before the engagement, but he was exactly who and what she needed. (Although at times, it did feel like she was a little too dependent on him, but I don't see that lasting. Emily was a very strong lady.) Who was Emily based on, and Jed? I'd have liked to see her more - why devote an entire book to someone that Betsy really never interacted with?

I did like the glimpse of Betsy we saw, though, and her brief discussion of her "lost year." This is definitely in my top three of the series. Possibly even over Carney.

DUE DECEMBER 12. FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THAT IS HOLY, DON'T FORGET THAT THIS TIME.

Shall we say 4.5 stars? I did, after all, read this in one sitting that lasted until 1:30am.

A lot of people call this their favorite MHL book, but I can't go there. I love Carney too much. Carney is enough like me and enough not like me that I can appreciate her. Emily is too much like me.

I loved the story. I've been there, feeling left out and left behind and having to cobble a new life together. It sucks. I liked seeing how Emily did it - she was such a great girl and great character. I also loved seeing her interact with Betsy's friends, and those adorable Syrian boys. (And Sam and Carney's ring!)

Jed jumped into the story a bit late for my tastes, though. I liked the mentions of him before we met him, but to have them meet in the..spring? February? and be engaged by June...wow, is that fast. LOL

I'm glad she got over Don, though. I totally understand the attraction, but she deserved so much more. I hope Annette dumps him next year.

Emily is a real person. I mean, she is actually based on a real person, but this character is such a real, specific person, and her story rings true to anyone who's ever felt lonely.
And Don. Man live, Don is the worst. In this world of conflict, let's at least agree on that. Emily's growth through this book is like Emily herself, quiet and steady and unstoppable. The interaction with the Syrian community is particularly interesting, and Emily and Jeb's views on the community amazingly contemporary considering when this was written.
And that ending. Oh, that ending. A real shot to the heart every time.