At first glance, this book appears to be a romance, but once reading, I realized that it is about a damaged relationship between a father and a son. The romance is the reason for the meeting between Jake and Riley, but not a main focus of the plot.

One of my favorite characters is Saul. He has a great personality and is very fun to read about.

The writing style is a bit different compared to Joanne Bischof's other books, so it was interesting to read. Also, there were a few predictable parts in the book. Despite this, I really enjoyed reading this novella. ( )

Oh my goodness . . . What did I just read?!?!?

This was so good. Like really good.

The characters are so unique and vibrant, I would love this book even if the plot stank (which it didn't). Riley is fabulous. Sweet, got baggage, unique. Such an amazing flawed character! Becca was also so sweet, and while she didn't play a huge part in the story, you couldn't help but love her. Riley's dad was also amazing . . . such a unique (I know, I keep saying that . . . ) and multifaceted character. But Saul . . . he was without a doubt the best character. He *was* a character. He had me cracking up and also almost in tears a few times. He was just . . . I loved him.

The story and character arcs were so amazing. I don't even know what to say. I just loved it. It kept me glued to my seat for most of the book, and there was never a part I got bored. Riley's emotional struggles were so relatable and real-feeling, even if I've never experienced the messy relationships he went through.

My favorite parts were the ones with the audiobook. *dies laughing* So good!
Saul: "Listen kid, just pick one, or I will. And you know it's going to be Black Beauty if I do." *giggles* You just have to read it.

My *one* complaint would be the stereotypical homeschool family. I really don't like when homeschoolers are stereotyped, so it drove me nuts a little bit. Not *all* homeschoolers are like that (not that they are bad or anything . . . ). Just me though.

All in all, I was blown away by this book! I definitely need to buy myself a copy! (Thanks to the amazing friend who loaned it to me!
CONTENT NOTE: There are bits of romance and physical attraction that are kept mild. Probably PG. But Riley's past is a bit messy, and there are mentions of him having "not pure" relationships. Not at all detailed, but mentioned. He strives to honor Becca's parents' guidelines for a pure relationship though, which I loved. ( )

Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Joanne Bischof ~ To Get to You, © 2015
The Wild Air Series, Book One

live in the sunshine.
swim the sea.
drink the wild air.
– Emerson

But she wasn’t looking at his beanie. Or his hair. She was looking at his eyes...
--To Get to You

I can tell you my favorite parts, for a start.

Riley and Becca: My very favorite part is the beginning and the visuals I got as the balsam fir was loaded on the sled and the walk in the starlight sky glancing off the snow. Their conversations budding; walking up to the Airstream and the siblings bursting forth. What love they had for each other. Hot cider and baked sugar cookies, lovingly carved and decorated by hand.

Jake: I applaud the Dad for the decision he made ~ to reunite beyond rekindling another award from the public view.

Riley: The struggle leaving the Jeep ~ the prized treasure that was all his. To make that call. How hard. Conflict of emotion. The buffer their friend Saul was. Feet on the dash ~ not mattering after a while as the connection was more important.

The struggle to stay the course. A long trip with past memories ~ vacant and haunting, longing for what couldn't be returned, pushing back time.

I want the reader to experience what I did and not have snippets put before them, robbing them of self-discovery.

These are tidbits of To Get to You I gleaned. So important to read with the heart, filling in longing gaps, moving forward.

***Thank you to author Joanne Bischof for inviting me to review To Get to You. This review was written in my own words. No other compensation was received.*** ( )