BOOK REVIEW: “Anything” by Kristina Welch

After a rough senior year of high school, Kitt is trying something new! She ends up at a college out of state, where friends are more like family. Then she meets Levi, who she has ZERO interest in. He’s just like the arrogant, entitled preppy guy she just left back in her hometown. Or is he? Can Kitt get over her trauma from the past year? Can she give Levi a chance once she figures out he’s actually a really great guy? Kitt will have to rely on her relationship with God to get her through this. When she fully gives Him control, only then can she think about moving forward.

There was SO MUCH I loved about this book! I love Kitt’s strong faith in Jesus and her healthy family dynamic. The book was a clean fiction romance, meaning there’s plenty of swoony moments, but nothing inappropriate. Kitt and Levi both have a lot to work through, though they’re on completely different wavelengths with their growth. Eventually, they both have to lean on God to figure out how to make this relationship work.

Dislikes: I only had minor dislikes with this book. Although I loved the message and plot, it was a very, very slow burn. Some people may really love that aspect but at times it felt like Kitt was continually taking steps backward. I would have liked it to be a slightly faster pace.

Trigger warning: throughout the book there is mention of sexual abuse to Kitt, though it never goes into detail.

All in all, I really enjoyed this one! It’s aimed at teenage girls, which I think is the perfect demographic. I rate this book as 4 stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Anything by Kristina Welch is the perfect combination of heartfelt storytelling and emotional depth, whether you’re reading it or listening to it. This book truly shines in both formats, making it an ideal choice for anyone who enjoys experiencing a story in multiple ways.

The writing is beautifully crafted, pulling you into a world full of emotion, growth, and the kind of real, raw moments that stick with you long after the last page (or the final track) ends. The characters are wonderfully relatable, and their journey feels both personal and universal—something anyone can connect with.

What makes this even better is how well the audiobook complements the book itself. The narration is excellent, with the narrator’s voice capturing the emotional nuances of the characters and adding depth to the story. If you love to read and listen to books, Anything is a perfect choice, as it seamlessly works in both formats, enhancing the experience in each.

If you’re looking for a heartfelt, beautifully told story that you can enjoy in any format, Anything is definitely worth checking out. It’s a story that will stay with you long after you’ve finished.

4.5 stars

Kit is starting college after a traumatic end to high school. Dating anyone is the last thing on her mind. She feels she is too broken. She never expected to meet Levi, who keeps defying the stereotypical good looking athlete she pegged him as. Kit finds it hard to open up - the slightest noise, the slightest touch sets her off. But Levi is determined to get to know her, and slowly and patiently breaks down the walls between them.
Both characters were well rounded and life-like, and had sizzling chemistry. And they couldn't even touch! Levi was such a cinnamon roll hero. Not only was he rich and good looking, but kind and sweet with a strong faith. Both character's had a strong faith which I appreciated.

Kit had a supportive friend group, which I loved, and a supportive family which was nice to read about. There were lots of culture references, and my favourite band got a mention!
I think Welch handled Kit's PTSD well.
The ending was perfect!

Anything was a well-written, clean, Christian, contemporary romance that I highly recommend. In the eBook there is a sneak peak of book 2 and when I read it I was so excited because it is the two characters I was hoping it was going to be. I can't wait for it to be released.

This story hit me with such a wave of nostalgia—it brought me right back to my days at a small Christian college in Florida. Though it’s geared toward young adults, I was fully invested and thoroughly enjoyed every moment. The pop culture references, from Taylor Swift to Forrest Frank, and all the little nods to music and movies from my college years made it feel so familiar and fun.

The characters were all wonderfully written, and while the supporting cast added great depth, Levi completely stole my heart. Kit’s journey—marked by the weight of past trauma and her struggle to let others in—was raw and real. I don’t even remember my own level of maturity at that age, but her growth, especially alongside Levi, was beautiful to witness.

What truly set this story apart for me, though, was how it wove in the characters’ relationships with God. Those moments of seeking, praying, and hearing from Him were powerful. I laughed, I cried, and honestly, I felt closer to God by the end. It even reignited something in my own walk with Him.

This is one I’ll be recommending to anyone who will listen. Huge thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this gem!

DNF @ pg 39 because of the writing. The fmc inner voice is too flippant and hard to follow at points. Lots of pop culture references that didn’t connect for me. The writing was very telling me what was going on instead of showing me if that makes sense.

<i>Thank you NetGalley and Publisher for an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.</i>

This was one of the sweetest romance books I've ever read in my life.

There wasn't one thing I would change about this book. The romance was perfectly developed, Kit's trauma wasn't quickly healed just to develop her relationship with Levi, and it felt real.

The references were so fun to read! I usually don't get the references in books, but this time it was different—maybe because they were all modern references. The scene where Sophie was singing an adapted version of 'Gorgeous' for Kit was so funny.

Their relationship with Jesus was amazing to read, and Kit's thoughts aligned with Bible verses were incredible. I felt connected with her character, and it also made me want to pick up my Bible and talk to Jesus more, which was awesome. Seeing her struggling to understand God"s plan but slowly trusting Him to guide her was so beautiful to read. I think we all can relate to it and we can use her story to help us do the same with ours.

Levi is the sweetest boy ever, and now I want someone like him in my life. He was so understanding towards her, even before he knew her past.

I loved every chapter and every character. I'll definitely check out the second book in the series when Kristina releases it.

It's worth reading, and I will recommend it for sure.

Christian romance books are the best.

Anything is a unique Christian YA contemporary romance. An intriguing story with lovable characters, I would recommend Anything to older teens and young adults who enjoy slow-burn sweet romance. There are tons of pop culture references that most young adults would likely find amusing.

The main character Kit has been traumatized by an abusive situation involving her last boyfriend. Her trauma shows up as PTSD flashbacks. After she arrives at college, Kit doesn’t want anyone to know about her trauma, so she tries her best to hide her panic attacks and the embarrassment of her mental anguish. Then she meets Levi, who reminds her in some ways of her ex-boyfriend. And yet, she realizes she’s also attracted to him. Since she’s set up her own firm boundaries, intending to do what she can to keep herself safe, Kit refuses to allow anything more than a casual no-touching allowed friendship. Levi has had his own past relationship struggles, but finds Kit’s friends-only attitude toward him refreshing.

How will Kit and Levi learn to trust God and each other?

I enjoyed reading both Kit and Levi’s POVs. Although, primarily written from Kit’s perspective, we’re given enough of Levi’s thoughts to understand him too. We see that both characters are Christians who are learning to trust God daily. Both characters pray, read their Bibles, attend church, and live out their faith. As part of the same (largish) friends group at college, Kit and Levi have a few friends whose roles include helping them each sort out their personal struggles. I love how this realistically shows the reader how Christian friends can help and also rely on each other.

I did not finish this book - as someone who was SA'd and openly speaks about it, I would have appreciated a trigger warning prior to requesting. The description stated "traumatic event" but that could literally be anything.
I got about 75% of the way done and it the book was well written, I just struggled to sympathize for Kit because I know that therapy and talking about what happened to me was a big part of my healing process. Yes, I prayed a lot about it and healing is not the same for everyone, but I started to get frustrated at it.

I had high hopes and expectations for this book, and it certainly did not disappoint! Kit is everything I aspire to be, in constant communication with our Creator. Levi, at first seeming standoffish and arrogant, we later come to know as the sweetest guy ever. I read it on the app, and my phone tracks the time I spend on each app. I read this book in 2 hours and 51 minutes, in one day. I literally had to force myself to put it down multiple times, it's THAT good! I hope Kristina writes more books soon! Would give this book 10 stars if I could. I will be re-reading this sometime soon. =D

This book intrigued me. A young woman who suffers from PTSD and a young man who carries his own heavy burdens. Their paths cross at college.. it's so much more. It's about yielding to God. Investing time in His Word, communicating with Him, worshipping Him. As these young people try to break down their walls, they grow closer to God and ultimately to each other.

Yes, it is a little heavy (Kit was almost assaulted, but there are no descriptions of it). She does, however, have a wonderful support system. Levi is super patient as his feelings are hurt time after time. It's encouraging that Kit gets counseling and takes steps towards healing. My absolute favorite part is the epilogue and the list of scriptures at the end!

I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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 and NetGalley for this beautiful story ❤️ #Anything #NetGalley

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 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 was a beautiful story where both main characters grow in Faith, find hope and love at the end. Cutesy slow burn.

This was a very enjoyable read. The writing in this book was very well done and the plot was really great. I would highly recommend!

I wasn’t able to finish this book. I understand that everyone processes trauma differently, and as someone who experienced sexual assault in high school, I personally found comfort in opening up to someone at my own pace. However, I found myself frustrated with Kit’s reluctance to seek support from a counselor or her mother sooner. Her repeated pleas for divine intervention to “fix” her became difficult for me to connect with. I think I would have enjoyed and finished the book if she and Levi had communicated more openly and worked through her struggles together. I made it to 81% before ultimately deciding to stop.

Anything is a great debut novel by Kristina Welch. I look forward to reading some more books. I was swept in from the start and could not put this book down.

The character development was fantastic. In a season that can be very hard to navigate Kit is trying to figure out college life while also dealing with PTSD from sexual trauma. While Levi brings some great development trying to navigate this relationship while also working on his own faith.

The setting and storyline were good. I enjoyed going back to college and experiencing the college life and figuring out new relationships. It was a fun element. It also gave me an insight into PTSD. It was really well written.

The romance element was a little bit much for me. It definitely contained a lot of swooning. Which can make for some awkward scenes. Though nothing more than kissing, Kit’s mother does a great job of pointing out what could happen if they don’t reign that in. Which I appreciated the balance.

Kristina Welch did a great job intertwining faith throughout out the book. Watching people struggle through hard issues and fining their faith in the hard times. It was really well done.

*I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

This book was a refreshing change for me, as it explored themes I don’t typically gravitate toward. As a Christian, I often find myself frustrated with how young Christians—especially teens and young adults—are portrayed as naive or backward in many stories. But this book was different. It offered a realistic and empathetic portrayal of the struggles faced by young Christian couples navigating their faith in a complex world. The characters felt authentic, and their challenges were relatable, making the story a meaningful read that didn’t oversimplify or demean their beliefs.
Thank you NetGalley and Publisher for an arc for this book in exchange for an honest review.

I was interested in. this book as a Christian and romance reader. I loved how the voice of God was laced throughout the book, as well as a fearless reliance on Jesus. There was repentance, forgiveness, hurt, etc etc. Truly everything I wanted and needed to hear. However, the writing felt more amateur, like this was an early draft. Maybe I long for more flowery language and a pacing that flows better. Regardless, it made me happy to read a Christ-centered romance

I still need to read it. Made a mistake. Will update in a couple of days………………………………………………….,,,,…………,,…,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,