I have mixed feelings about this novel. In many ways it was heartbreaking - Ava was such a brave young woman. Despite knowing that her end was near, she embraced life and lived it to the fullest until she couldn't. The love and support given to her by her parents and two best friends moved me deeply.

However, while I liked James, I found the romance between him and Ava unbelievable. Also, I was expecting to ugly cry at the end but for some reason that never happened. It was predictable and while the epilogue was touching, "Photos of You" lacked the deep emotion I was hoping for. ( )

Life in general has been kind of depressing lately with all of the holiday restrictions to help keep us all from catching COVID so I'm not sure why I picked a book that I knew would make me cry. It did make me cry but it helped put all of my other problem issues in perspective. Yes, there's a lot going on but at least we are alive to complain about it!

On the day that Ava Green celebrated her 28th birthday with her friends and family, she found out that this would be her last birthday. She had breast cancer several years earlier and was in remission when her doctor told her that the cancer had metastasized to her bones and that her prognosis is very poor. Much to the surprise of her supportive parents and two best friends, she decides that she wants to fulfill one of her lifelong dreams and have a wedding before she dies. It won't be a normal wedding because there isn't a groom but it will be a party to celebrate her life with her friends and family. As plans move forward, one of her friends decides to put the plans on Facebook. It goes viral and she is swamped with well wishes and offers of a wedding dress, a venue and anything else it takes for a successful wedding. It gains the attention of a magazine and they want to follow her journey preparing for her wedding. Will she be able to have a successful wedding without a groom or will she find out that it's never too late to find love?

I had a problem identifying with Ava and her friends but I did identify with her parent who were devastated by the news but wanted to make their daughter's dreams come true. This book is a definite tear jerker but there are also a lot of good messages about living our lives to the fullest that we all need to remember. ( )

I love when I come across a book that just blows me away in a great way. This book did just that.

I loved Eva's attitude towards her diagnosis. The way she approached what little bit of life she had left was refreshing. The idea of hosting a wedding as a celebration of life is a wonderful and beautiful idea. Death does not have to be a sad thing. People should remember the good things about that person and be able to smile at the memories.

Luckily, Eva had a great support system with her parents and two best friends, Kate and Amanda. They helped to bring the humor to this story. Also. this story has a Prince Charming in James. He was so kind towards Eva. I like that he did not feel sorry for her.

Photos of You is like the grown up version of A Walk to Remember. This book will make you smile, laugh, and cry.

My favorite line in this book was featured at the beginning and end of the story:

"I am star dust; blow on me too hard and I will disintegrate." ( )

I was sent this book from the publisher/publicity team. My ratings and reviews will be my own personal opinions and are in no way influenced by publishers or authors who may have sent me books to review.

I was really excited for this one and knew it was going to tear at my heart, and I was right. This was sad right from the get go. I knew the rest of the story was going to be gut wrenching based on the beginning. However; for me the story really started and picked up once James came into the picture. I absolutely love their romance! Everything James said and did made me swoon! As their feelings develop, my heart was breaking for them both!

I really love how BLANK wanted to take control of her own life and her life wishes. It was a powerful message, and a beautiful thing to see how the world/community came together to make it happen for her.

Yes, this was predictable. You know what is going to happen from the first few pages. But, this was still an amazing read. If you love emotional reads, you need to pick this one up!

Overall, this story gave me all of the feels and I cannot wait to read more from this author. ( )

4.5 stars. ( )