✵ Waves Crashing Just Like Me by Kelsey Gallant

☐ Two points-of-view
☐ Summer read
☐ Beach setting
☐ Christian author
☐ Clean romance
☐ Love triangle
☐ Depression and autism awareness
☐ Hidden gem
☐ Highly recommended for fans of Sara Ella’s Coral

About the Book

Fifteen-year-old Mariana Kaywood is ecstatic about spending the summer on the beach. She’ll get to spend all day catching rays, waves, and cute guys. And she’s determined not to let Elyse’s cloudy mood ruin her vacation.

Mariana begins taking steps toward a romantic relationship with a cute, kind, fun-loving guy named Ryan. Convinced that Ryan won’t want to be with her if he finds out certain truths about her life, Mariana vows to keep everything secret—from her turbulent previous relationship to the fact that Elyse exists. It should be easy, given that Elyse rarely ever leaves the house. But Elyse’s frame of mind has been improving, through the help of her eight-year-old autistic neighbor with whom she has developed a close bond.

When Elyse finally meets Ryan, she can’t deny the strange feelings of attraction she has for him. She knows it’s foolish to keep in touch with him, especially given the unintentional role she played in dismantling Mariana’s last relationship, but she can’t help being flattered by the fact that Ryan actually seems to enjoy spending time with her.

As the summer progresses, both Mariana and Elyse need to decide what’s important… and how much they’re willing to risk to obtain it.

Rating

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Book Review

This is the perfect summer read! It has a beach setting, themes on mental health, some adorably sweet romance, and a great plot twist. It’s also quick to read! The characters are each vibrant and realistic in their own ways. I could feel Mariana’s insecurities beneath her chatter and extroverted exterior. I could also feel Elyse’s deep desire for connection and understanding beneath her withdrawn demeanor. And Ryan has got to be one of the best male characters I’ve come across in literature this year.

Even though Elyse struggles with major depression, the book isn’t triggering. It mentions her feeling down and lonely and not wanting to socialize. Beyond that, there is one scene where a character begins to hit another character in a fit of anger. That’s the worst it gets.

I’m all praise for this story! The only critique I have for it are a few very minor typos / issues with grammar.

***major spoilers in the next paragraph!***

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AH! You guys! Mariana/Elyse was so well done! I suspected the plot twist because of Sara Ella’s Coral, but that didn’t take away from the story. I wanted to add “bipolar” to the checklist at the top of my review, but then that might’ve spoiled it for people who know how bipolar disorder works.

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So! Have you ever read any books with mental health themes? Do you struggle with your mental health or know someone who does? (Remember that the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is open 24/7, and their number is 1-800-273-TALK (8255).) Have you ever done any research on depression or autism? And do you think you’ll read Waves Crashing Just Like Me? I’d love to hear from you!

I also think it’s worth mentioning that the paperback is only $3.31 on Amazon right now! 😉😍

Amazon

Goodreads

Kelsey’s Website

Please note that I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are completely my own, and I was not required to leave a positive review.

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