Day’s YA: EVEN IF IT BREAKS YOUR HEART

EVEN IF IT BREAKS YOUR HEART by Erin Hahn
9781250761279
2/6/23
Wednesday Books
Ages 13-18

E-galley available on Edelweiss and NetGalley

Erin Hahn’s delightful new opposites-attract romance introduces two teens as they find their way to fulfilling their dreams through their relationship with each other. Case has just lost his best friend, Walker, to cancer, and he’s not sure how to move forward with his life. But Walker left him a list of things he wants Case to do in his absence. One of the items on that list instructs Case to befriend Winnie, one of his former classmates and an employee on his dad’s ranch. Winnie has her own worries to deal with, though, and doesn’t have time for the shenanigans of the son of her wealthy employer. Outside of work and school, she tirelessly cares for her younger siblings in the midst of her absentee mother and checked-out father leaving their family in a lurch. She desperately tries to find solace in the few spare moments she has with riding horses. 

But Case won’t give up, and soon he and Winnie are spending more and more time together. When Case sees Winnie’s natural horseback riding abilities, he convinces her to compete for the ranch in riding competitions–something she never imagined would be possible for her. Winnie has dreams of becoming a champion barrel racer, and Case aspires to be a professional bull rider. They’ve each put their dreams on hold, but begin to inspire each other to continue chasing what’s most meaningful to them. Even though they’ve lost a dear friend, they’re able to discover hope and happiness again through their newfound relationship.

You’ll love the complex romance between these two big-hearted, big-dreaming teens who not only care for each other, but also find themselves again after loss and tragedy. Hahn explores difficult family and class dynamics, experiencing grief at a young age, and the struggle of balancing others’ needs with your own. Case and Winnie are wise beyond their years and go through such amazing transformations in a short span of time. With the same energy as the inspirational anthem of the Eli Young Band song of the same name, EVEN IF IT BREAKS YOUR HEART is simultaneously heartwrenching, hopeful, and swoony. If you enjoy Amanda Quain, Mazey Eddings, or Ashley Schumacher, then you should pick this one up next!

Happy reading!
<3 Michelle

YA Resources:
Books for Teens 2024
Day’s YA Archives
Adult Books for Teens 2024