Book Review: How to Love by Katie Cotugno

 

**I received this book from Around the World ARC Tours for review**

Synopsis (from Goodreads):  Before: Reena Montero has loved Sawyer LeGrande for as long as she can remember: as natural as breathing, as endless as time. But he’s never seemed to notice that Reena even exists…until one day, impossibly, he does. Reena and Sawyer fall in messy, complicated love. But then Sawyer disappears from their humid Florida town without a word, leaving a devastated—and pregnant—Reena behind.

After: Almost three years have passed, and there’s a new love in Reena’s life: her daughter, Hannah. Reena’s gotten used to being without Sawyer, and she’s finally getting the hang of this strange, unexpected life. But just as swiftly and suddenly as he disappeared, Sawyer turns up again. Reena doesn’t want anything to do with him, though she’d be lying if she said Sawyer’s being back wasn’t stirring something in her. After everything that’s happened, can Reena really let herself love Sawyer LeGrande again?

In this breathtaking debut, Katie Cotugno weaves together the story of one couple falling in love—twice.

My Thoughts:  I did not finish this book but it wasn't because I didn't like it.  In fact, I absolutely LOVED this book (as far as I got anyways) and wanted so badly to finish it but I am right in the middle of a move and had to send it on so I will review the first half of the book for you!

Reena is in love with her childhood friend Sawyer.  Her best friend, Allie, and her have dreamed about what it would be like to date Sawyer.  Then one summer, Allie ends up dating Sawyer and the friendship between Reena and Allie becomes strained.  Now suddenly, Reena just wants to focus on school and graduate a year early so she can go to college and travel.  

Then one night changes everything.  After a devastating tragedy, Sawyer and Reena become closer.  Sawyer is a little more rebellious than Reena thought but she is drawn into his world.  When he suddenly up and disappears and she finds out she's pregnant, she knows her dreams of leaving town have dried up.  

After almost three years have gone by, Reena has moved on with her life.  She has a beautiful little girl, Hannah, a job at the restaurant her family owns with Sawyer's family and a boyfriend.  She is going to a community college and she's happy for the most part.  Then Sawyer shows back up and she now has to deal with her life being turned upside down yet again.  

Reena was an amazing character!  I connected with her immediately and loved how strong and determined she was.  She seemed to be a good mom and had her priorities in check.  She was a very likeable character and so very easy to relate too!

Sawyer was the boy you wanted to hate but really can't.  I didn't get to read far enough to find out what his deal was with his disappearing act but he seemed to be interested in his daughter.  

I loved how the story alternated between "before" and "after".  It was easy to follow but kept it interesting.  I really wish I could have finished this book as I was so involved in Reena's life and wanting to know what made Sawyer leave and how it ended.  I will definitely be buying this book as soon as it is released to find out!