Okay, hold on to your hats, because this book *is the hug your heart needed* wrapped up in a slow-burn romance that’ll make you believe in *true love* and maybe even start praying for a Levi of your own (seriously, where do I sign up?). If you love swoon-worthy moments, gentle care, and a dash of faith, this one’s for you.

Let’s talk about Levi for a second. He’s the perfect blend of *patient* and *strong* (like, "I will walk you home from the movies while holding your hand and also protect your heart like it’s the last cookie on earth" strong). *Is it just me or is he the man of God we all deserve?* Because wow, he’s making us all think we could use a little more of that "God’s plan" energy in our lives.

And then there's Kit—she’s relatable, real, and totally worth rooting for. The chemistry between her and Levi? Off the charts. We’re talking *electric slow burn* where the tension is so sweet you’re almost too nervous to turn the page in case they accidentally bump into each other too hard and it turns into the kiss of the century. But seriously, this isn’t just a romance; it’s a journey of trust, healing, and some of the most heartwarming moments you’ll ever read.

What makes this extra special is the little bits of humor and life scattered throughout. I mean, there are pop culture references galore (I’ve never felt so seen), a bestie squad that’s essentially your own personal cheer team, and enough *"Oh my gosh, they’re so cute!"* moments that you’ll need a box of tissues on standby. Plus, there’s a dance studio, secret pasts, and *the most swoon-worthy proposal you’ve ever read*.

Also, can we talk about the *cookies vs. brownies* debate? I mean, is it even a debate? (No spoilers, but if you’re Team Brownie, we need to talk.) But honestly, this book has it all—humor, sweet moments, faith, and a love story that makes you believe in fairytales… just with more praying and fewer glass slippers.

And the *climax*? Tears, tears, and more tears. When Kit finally opens up and Levi shows just how much he cares—*heartbreaking in the best way*.

I had the *absolute pleasure* of reading this as an ARC, and let me just say, it was a *privilege* to witness the magic of this story unfold. The pacing, the character growth, the chemistry—everything about it felt *just right*. I’m already looking forward to re-reading it because this one’s going to stick with me for a long time.

I’ll just say this: I need the movie, and I need it *yesterday*. This book is pure magic and 5 stars is an understatement. If you want a love story that’ll make you want to hug your favorite people and believe that God’s plan really is the best one? This is your read. (Seriously, I need more. Now.)

*Also, I'm definitely making a playlist for this.*

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the story. I was worried the Christian aspect would feel too cheesy or forced but I actually loved that aspect and I think it was well-written. I loved Levi’s pursuit of Kit, that he didn’t give up on her, that was patient and built her trust. He was very charming while also changing her assumptions of him. Trigger warning:
Assault trauma is heavily represented in this novel. I can see how it could be uncomfortable for those who can relate to Kit’s story.

This book was original. I often shy away from books with religious undertones because too often they lack depth. I appreciate the author’s perspective of helping the MFC walk through a traumatic experience with God and allow God to use the MMC to help but not be her everything. The narrator did a great job bringing the story to life and even being willing to sing.

This audiobook was a lot of fun to listen to - I truly appreciated reading a romance novel with a Christian background that was accurately represented!

Absolutely loved this heartwarming read. It is very heavy and does come with a trigger warning, so read at your own risk. However, the author lends such authenticity and compassion to the situation that overall you’re left feeling so hopeful instead of devastated. The use of scripture and the constant references to God were blended seamlessly throughout. Highly recommend for a Christian romance.

Kit and Levi attend the same Christian college when their very different worlds collide, emotional baggage in tow. Both are, in their own way, escaping what they left behind with their graduations. With their pressures coming from different places, they are shocked to discover how similar they really are.

I enjoyed this book for many reasons. The faith content was exemplary. Kit was heavily dependent on God throughout the entire story. As Kit goes through the process of surrendering her brokenness to God, He responds by redeeming her and her self worth for use to glorify Him.

Our other main character Levi, has unmatched patience for Kit. He fights through the "friend zone" and blindly attempts to help Kit with her panic attacks and emotional instability that increases just by being around him. She won't open up to him which further confuses him as he receives mixed signals on their friend/relationship.

While the lack of communication drove me bonkers, I understand from the story perspective that if it was clear, we would struggle with a storyline. I also can respect that working through trauma isn't linear and so often there are battles both internally and externally. On the opposite side of that spectrum, seeing her have to choose to surrender something to God repeatedly is so very relatable.

I enjoyed the audiobook narration of this and a few quotes really stood out to me.
"Marriage exists to make us better, not to make us happy. And a relationship that becomes an idol can't make us better."

"There are no asterisks with trusting God, just an outlandish declaration and that terrifying free fall."

Overall, this was a very enjoyable book for me. I would recommend it to others and will continue with the series as they are released.

Thank you NetGalley and the author and publisher for an advanced copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. These thoughts and opinions are my own.

Anything by Kristina Welch follows the journey of Kit, a college student healing from a traumatic event. I had the privilege of listening to the audiobook, narrated by the author herself. This YA novel touches on themes such as faith, friendship, and romance, creating a sweet and uplifting story. I enjoyed accompanying Kit as she deepens her relationship with God and learns to trust Levi, her love interest.

The novel also incorporates elements of pop culture, which added a fun touch. However, at times, I found Kit's behavior a bit frustrating, as she seemed to get in her own way. Additionally, many of the conversations between Kit and Levi felt repetitive. The narration was fine overall, but there were a few issues. The chapters alternate between Kit and Levi's perspectives, but with only one narrator, it was occasionally difficult to distinguish who was speaking. At times, I also had trouble telling when Kit was talking, praying, or thinking. While the author’s voice suited Kit’s character, it didn’t quite work as well for Levi.

Despite these narration concerns, the timing of listening to this novel felt perfect for me. Like Kit, I’ve been working on my relationship with God and navigating personal struggles. The novel will likely resonate with anyone who enjoys Christian YA, though I’m typically not drawn to YA books, and I still found this one enjoyable.

Thank you to the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) for providing this audiobook for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This book explores identity and relationships. The characters are relatable and the writing pulls you in. It’s moderately paced and flows well.

This was a refreshing look at what college life can be. This book is perfect for young college or college bound kids. I love the faith and pop-culture references. They were a great example of how a young person can relate to something without idolizing it.
Kit is off to college in Texas but can she leave the trauma she experienced behind her? This story leads you through Kit and Levi’s journey through healing, growing in their faith and possibly finding love.
I will be recommending this book to my teenage daughter as it shows her it’s ok to cling to your faith, have expectations in relationships all why staying true to yourself.
My only complaint was I listened to the audiobook and found it hard to separate the characters during parts of the story. I would recommend getting a hard copy of this book. I will be adding it to my collection. I love supporting clean, Christian YA authors.
I was given an audio ARC copy of this book for my honest review. Thank you to NetGalley, Kristina Welch and publisher for sharing this book.

3.75/5
First, I would like to thank NetGalley, Kristina Welch, and the publisher for allowing me to listen to this audiobook in exchange for my honest feedback.

Kit, a freshman, arrives to her Christian college in Texas and learns how to navigate the new life God has given her. She struggles with PTSD from an incident that happened on the day of her senior prom. Because of this incident, she has a fear and distrust of men.
Levi, a Christian young man at Kit's college, is immediately interested in Kit. However, Kit seems to be sending mixed singles; she is interested, but also seems to run away.
This book does an amazing job at showing how one can use God's Word as his or her comfort and strength in any situation. Both characters constantly seek God's wisdom and peace which encouraged me to strive to do the same thing in my own life.
Another positive of this book is the lovable characters. Kit and her constant movie and tv show references were so cheesy and funny. When the author mentioned Psych, I was hooked. Also, Levi is incredibly supportive and encouraging and is a great friend to Kit. He is the exact person Kit needed.
Highly recommend if you like unashamed Christian romances with no spice and if you love movie references.

I read this book as an audiobook and for the most part - I am an avid audiobook reader and can easily follow along any book. This is a read that I think, is either best read in book format or by not having the author read her own works. This pains me to say that, she read this really well, if doing a reading but when the story flips back and forth from different points of views (characters), not changing her voice in anyway, made it difficult to keep track of who was speaking and kept getting lost in the overall story line.

Kit is going to college in Texas, so she can finally move away from her hometown. Everything in her hometown reminds her constantly of her past trauma.
At college she meets Levi and she starts to see him everywhere. Levi likes Kit and even brings her snacks and asks her out on dates.
Kit doesn’t want anything to do with Levi and holds him at a distance. She is not ready for a relationship and she doesn’t think she can handle it. Everytime Kit is alone with Levi there are flashbacks that come up from her past trauma. Kit hopes that God can hear her prayers for healing from this trauma but she feels like God doesn’t hear her.

This is a sweet christian romance novel, but also goes into more serious themes and trauma. I read this book and I listened to this book at the same time. The narration was done by the author, who has a very nice voice. I liked the writing style, it was very easy to follow and understand. I liked the christian themes; faith, growth and prayer.
There also were a lot of modern references that were really funny.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This book was a cute Christian college romance. But beneath the surface the main characters show us their struggles. Kit shows up to her freshman year struggling with the aftermath of being sexually assaulted less than a year ago. Levi is a returning student who is insecure about other accepting him as himself instead of pursing him for his money or connections. Together they both grow and open up to each other as they build on the foundation of their faith.
The audiobook was read by the author, so it was nice to be able to hear they way she meant her words to be heard.

Modern Christian Romance, not really something I enjoy reading.

This book is not afraid to talk about their faith. Characters try to always find the positive even when the FMC went through something traumatic. The MMC seems kind and truly wanting to get to know and understand the FMC.

I received an audiobook, the narration leaves a lot to be desired. Very monotone and when it could be funny it falls flat.

Thank to NetGalley for the ARC audiobook

I love this book! 💛 4.5⭐️
Christian themes, past trauma & a swoony love story.
Anything was so inspiring to me, and it has most definitely encouraged me to pray throughout the day and say little thanks to the Lord as I live my daily life. Reading about Kit and Levi was so sweet and seeing them navigate their struggles with faith was so inspiring! I honestly love when books make me want to make changes in my real life even though this is a fictional story it was still so impactful and I highly recommend it! 💛🎀

Thank you @_kristinawelch for sending me your sweet book! I loved it so much! 💛 and I’ll definitely be reading anything you write in the future! 💛🥹

This book had many cute moments. The Taylor Swift and Disney references were a plus because I’m a big fan, it also had many other “pop culture-ish” references that made the book feel familiar and fresh.

The FMC felt lighthearted and fun, but also a little lost when it came to flirting and putting herself out there, which made her so easy to relate to.
The MMC’s sweet notes and foodie gifts were a small but meaningful way of showing love, and the book’s message about faith, trust and surrendering was a great reminder that prayer doesn’t have to be complicated or fit into a perfect schedule.

That being said, I struggled to stay fully immersed. The dual POV was great in theory, but the transitions weren’t always clear on the audiobook, and I found myself getting lost if I wasn’t reading along with the book. The slow burn romance had its sweet moments but I think I would have connected more with the story if there had been a deeper emotional journey for the two MCs.

Even though it wasn’t perfect, it still had a cute and satisfying ending that left me with a smile.

⭐️⭐️✨☆☆ (2.5/5)

Special thanks to NetGalley for the eARC & audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

This book took me completely out of my comfort zone in a very good way. I have always struggled with my faith and loved the inner dialogs of both Kit and Levi. I actually noted some of the verses that were used for my own use. The way Kit leaned into her faith and prayed constantly over everything was eye opening. Watching her struggle through the PTSD as she tried to heal, while trying to navigate her feelings with Levi. It was amazing growth for her and monumental patience from him as this slow burn romance developed. The story included great friends, witty comments, a ton of pop culture references, while tackling some pretty big topics was so well written. I would HIGHLY recommend this book and look forward to more in this series.

This book was a fun read! About a young girl going away to college for the first time- finding a new girl friend group who I loved and figuring out how to navigate a romantic love interest when she is still reeling from a traumatic experience with a guy she had been dating in high school. At times the main character came off annoying because of her triggers and panic attacks- but honestly, that’s so real. Triggers and panic attacks are annoying but a real part of people’s lives. I loved the audiobook narrator. She fit the part so well, even singing parts of the book when a character was singing. Very cool. I also loved the central theme- leaning on God through life, the hard parts and just in your daily walk.

God will help us all in whatever we face physically, spiritually, emotionally, etc.

Hmmm, hmmm, hmmm. I pray God heals us all. 🙏


Thank you, Kristen Welch

Thank you netgalley for this opportunity to read.

There are some heavier, harder themes in this book that I don’t read often in the books I choose to read but I felt the author tackled them well. I appreciated the Kit’s journey and how she was able to overcome.

The audio was a little hard at times but I appreciate the listen now option to give it a try!