in this case, we meet an unconventional, dysfunctional family that has become all too well acquainted with grief. The YA genre is off to a strong start in 2023, with Tess Sharpe dropping a heartfelt and adorable love story for the ages. I received an ARC from Little Brown Books for Young Readers and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. there is also a really significant focus on mental health (in this case PTSD, anxiety and OCD) and managing it, through both therapy and medication, that i really appreciated.

I think it’s all handled really well, but I’m just baffled at why the publishing company chose such a bright and happy looking cover for this book. I also don't love big sections of text messages in novels unless they feel like they NEED to be included, and the side plot felt like a bit of unnecessary filler at times. That’s not to say there aren’t good aspects to this book — it’s a Tess Sharpe book and I always at least enjoy her works. Lesbian not-quite-enemies to lovers romance with plenty of pining, angst and complicated mother-daughter relationships. They were written in such a way that you still felt for Penny’s mother, despite how she had failed her daughter.I really wish I could share some quotes on this review because there are a ton of really thought-provoking ones. When Lottie offers Anna part of her liver to help, the girls are thrust together even more, as the families will be moving in together to facilitate everything. Suddenly, the girls are forced closer together as they bear the brunt of the responsibility in their mothers’ preparation and recovery process. Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Though they make a truce to be completely unproblematic, responsible daughters, they can’t ignore the blossoming romance between them as they grow closer while grappling with their shared history. My ONLY qualm, is that I would have liked a bit more of both the moms and a tiiiiiny bit more resolution, there.

The underlying message is that, regardless of life’s complications, love is inescapable and no one is ever unlovable. The message is clear: If a mere child can step up and be an adult when their family needs it, there is no excuse, even grief, that gives a parent a right to check out on their duties. The Girls I've Been is a powerful gut-punch of a book that will leave you reeling long after its final pages.