November 9: A Novel

November 9 was my most anticipated read of 2015, partially because of all of the hype, but mainly because it’s another release by Colleen Hoover, my favorite author. While following her on social media outlets, I noticed that she has even stated multiple times that she has never been more excited about one of her books as much as this one in particular. So here we go… I actually went into the book with a chip on my shoulder for the main male character, thinking that there was just no way that he could top Will Cooper. Impossible! Well, ladies (and maybe a few gentleman, I guess), Benton James Kessler comes as close as possible and may even be sitting directly next to Will Cooper in a dead heat tie on the first place tier of best male fictional character ever. The female character, Fallon O’neal has had a rough go at life, having undergone a traumatic event that left her physically scarred and emotionally ruined. Benton Kessler has also had some interesting and sad things happen in his life that have him at a standstill. Fate put these two people in the right place at the right time and they crash into each other. Their chemistry and witty banter is instant but the timing of their introduction is horrible as Fallon is moving across the country the very next day, inhibiting them from exploring each other further. They agree to meet once a year, in that very same spot on that very same day, November 9th, without any contact what so ever in between, and the story in between is so much fun. Being a sucker for artists, Benton had me from the first scene. He’s creative, smart, hilarious, so relatable, and drop dead gorgeous. His sense of humor alone had me falling in love with him. Fallon is feisty and trying to come into her own but struggling to really spread her wings when her heart is elsewhere. “You'll never be able to find yourself if you're lost in someone else.” I can’t imagine falling for someone one day at a time and then not being able to speak to them for an entire year. So much can happen in a year. But these two are meant for each other. “You can’t leave yet. I’m not finished falling in love with you.” As with any Hoover novel, you find yourself unable to stop turning page after page as the story unfolds itself, often ignoring meals, the need to use the restroom, necessary sleep, and so on. Her words are so beautiful and you are so invested in the characters that time just slips away…and then you get slapped in the face. Cold water dumped onto you like the ice bucket challenge. The crazy PLOT TWIST! The turn that this story takes is brilliant and original, impeccably revealed gently, layer by layer, and then all at once. My heart broke for the both of them and I was devastated. All of my hopes and dreams for this couple shattered. “Why didn't you tell me that the foundation you taught me to stand on is made from quicksand?” I loved the beginnings of each chapter, the prose of Benton setting the scene before you dove in. I chuckled at Hoover’s mockery of romance authors and stereotypical alpha male heroes. And Benton’s letter… the excerpts from the book. Gahhh! The anxiety, the tears, the white-knuckled anger, and the beauty of it all. The words sinking into your soul making it all okay. The narcotic feel of her storytelling blanketing your fears. I don’t want to say too much because this book is something you need to experience without anything being spoiled. Please, trust me. Colleen Hoover does not disappoint. She has yet again, surpassed my expectations and November 9 is my new favorite of her works. The writing is fantastic, the storytelling genius, and the characters addictive. It is simply perfection. Just get it, people. Buy it, now. Set aside some time and commit. Devote yourself to this experience and you’ll come out of it all a slightly better person, as per usual of this author. THE QUEEN! ***Disclaimers*** You will find yourself incapable of not bursting into out loud boastful laughter at the sight of seeing any man wearing trousers with tiny embroidered whales on them. You will forever look for the faces of celebrities like Gary Busey in blood stains. You will (or at least should) view suicide a little differently. You will be addicted to X-Ambassadors. You won’t be so quick to avoid looking at someone with facial scars or deformities. They want eye contact. They deserve eye contact. Thank you, Colleen for once again sharing your gift with us. I will treasure this story and share with as many as I can possibly reach.

“I want you to read it for yourself. Because when you love someone, you owe it to them to help them be the best version of themselves that they can be. And as much as it crushes me to admit this, the best version of you doesn't include me.” Stunning. Consuming. Poetic. Raw. Heartrendingly Beautiful. These are a few words that comes to mind when describing this magnificent and captivating masterpiece called November 9 by Colleen Hoover. CoHo is one of those rare authors who DELIVERS every single time. If her mission was to grip her readers hearts and leave a stain on our soul with her written words then I will happily say mission accomplished. She delivered. Well, she more than DELIVERED as readers like myself happily handed my heart to her as she took me on one of the most unforgettable reads that I have read. One date. November 9. One day out of 365 days in the year. That one specific date that CoHo has ingrained in her readers. The date that readers like myself will fall in love with the story of Benton James Kessler and Fallon O'Neill. November 9. “ I'm in love with her. Like really in love with her. Crippling, debilitating, paralyzing love.” In life, there are so many momentousness occasions and life-altering dates that occurs in one's life whether it be a birthday, a milestone, a graduation, a wedding, a death anniversary, or the day that will forever alter and change your life. For Fallon O'Neill, November 9 marked the day that changed her. It is the day that left her insecure and ridden with physical scars. But on that specific day, November 9 also marked the date that she met Benton James Kessler. On November 9, Benton James Kessler walked into Fallon O' Neill's life and instantly knew his life would be forever altered by this girl. He didn't see a young woman with physical scars but instead saw a witty, smart, funny and beautiful girl. A girl who just needed that extra push of encouragement to be bold and confident. He saw that her inner beauty radiated from within and that her scars were just as beautiful. It told him that this girl he just met was a fighter and survivor. “Maybe I don't know the first thing about falling in love, because I've been telling myself I'm not falling for him yet. That it's too soon. But it's not. What's happening inside my heart right now is way too consequential to deny. I think I've been misjudging the whole concept of insta-love. Now if I can just figure out how we can finish these next few years with a happy ending.” They say ever scar tells a story. And for Fallon, her scars tells of a story that will emotionally gut you. Her scars were a reminder of a terrible accident gone wrong and a resentment she holds. These scares were put on display of what could have been a thriving career as a young actress in Hollywood. But all that changes, when Ben made her see that she doesn't have to hide her scars. Ben knocked down her walls of insecurities and stripped her bare, allowing her to see that Fallon O'Neill is one of the most beautiful woman that walked into his life. And on that day, November 9 marked the day when a boy fell in love with a girl. The day that gave birth to an epic love story. “No combination of written words could ever do this moment justice.” I really don't want to say anymore because November 9 is a book that must be read, experienced and savored. I will just say this Colleen Hoover reminded me once again why I love reading her books. She has a way of stripping you down, laying you bare and exposed in order to FEEL for her characters. Passion, strength, humor, hope, absolution, and love were so beautifully entangled and woven into this book that I was left breathless as I absorb every written word and emotion. Did Colleen Hoover leave me a blubbering mess? Yes, of course she did. She is Colleen Hoover, a master in pulling those emotional heartstrings. With that being said, I will just say CoHo will shatter your hearts as she weaves one of the most emotional plot twist that will have you grabbing for the tissues. But don't worry and fret too long, CoHo will heal and mend our broken hearts with her magical and book-worthy unforgettable lines. Just be prepared to fall in love Benton James Kessler as he writes and tells us why his love for Fallon O'Neill is book-worthy. “I don't want to be your first, Fallon. I want to be your last.” Colleen Hoover is one those gifted and rare writers who can capture your hearts with her gorgeous prose and raw characters. Like any masterpiece, Colleen Hoover paints a beautiful literary creation that will leave a lasting impression that can stain your soul. Her words are not only felt but absorbed. It is often said to let the work speak for itself and as such Colleen Hoover will hold you hostage as you are immersed with beauty, loss, friendship, heartache, and a new found sense of hope, absolution, finding oneself, and an epic book-worthy love. November 9 was a book that consumed you, stripped you naked and left you feeling raw, exposed and vulnerable and it was worth every laughter, tears, and swoon-worthy moments. As an avid reader, I love to read book to escape. To fall in love with the words, the characters, and everything in between. Just a few pages in, you can already tell if a book is going to be amazing or not. And let me just say, November Nine is 100% BOOK WORTHY!!!!! So thank you, Colleen Hoover, for gifting your readers on another unforgettable book worthy romance!!!! ~Michelle of Four Chicks Flipping Pages

First, let me say that prior to reading November 9, I was in a HUGE reading slump that I cannot willing admit for how long. Books, not all, just haven't been doing anything for me. I read until about 20%, giving it a chance, but, that seems to be where it ends...for me at least. Second, I am going to be completely honest. I am a super cheap stay-at-home mom of three...we're on a tight budget that doesn't include much, if any, of a reading allowance. I missed reading, though. I missed reading! I missed getting swept into a novel where I had no clue of what was going on around me. I missed sitting on the couch with my Kindle gripped so tightly that I had no clue how much time was passing while I read. I missed being consumed. I missed my heart being pulled into so many directions that I'd ask myself, "why I was willingly putting myself through this!" I missed the feels... I missed REAL reading. A couple of nights ago, I said, "I NEED a good book!" My sanity needed to escape and find peace in a beautiful, well written love story. I started skimming through my book library on my kindle, scrolling through the not even attempted, the started but not finished, but nothing grabbed me. So then I did something I hadn't done in so long, I went to the STORE on my Kindle. I was perusing Amazon, reading synopsis', checking the ratings, the price... for book after book. Dry. Nothing. I was beginning to lose hope. And then I paused when I came to November 9. I've always been a Colleen Hoover fan. Slammed was read in my first week of when I discovered my reading addiction. Point of Retreat soon followed, and before I knew it, I'd become a CoHo addict. I read the synopsis; though, I already knew what November 9 was about...anyone on the planet that called themselves a reader knew when a CoHo book was being released and had an idea of the storyline whether they wanted to or not. I wasn't dumb to the fact... I knew exactly what it was about and I knew exactly how much I was going to love it. This was it. This was my get out of jail reading slump card. But then there was that looming $7.99 price tag and the reminder that Christmas is coming and $7.99 could surely check a stocking stuffer for one of the kids off my list. I stared. I contemplated, and then without a second thought, I pressed purchase. Kids were too spoiled these days anyway! I started reading right then. Although it was already nine at night and I had to be up in the morning to play mom, I didn't even hesitate when I started on line one. As expected, I was very quickly being pulled into every word Colleen so cleverly wrote. My surroundings disappeared, and the time vanished from any concern I may of had of it previously. My bed would have to wait, because Benton and Fallon were now my only reason for living at the moment. So many times, being a previous writer, I said to myself, "Lord, I love her brain!"- Colleen's, that is. I clung. For the next 24 hours, I did everything I could to make November 9 my top priority. I played mom, wife, and soccer mom as I was expected (which I wouldn't change for the world), but every second I could, I read. It was happening. Every thing about reading I missed, I was getting back. My heart was throbbing, my smile a permanent fixture on my face, and I sighed more times than I ever thought I would, reading again. That $7.99 price tag was worth every penny. Colleen Hoover was worth every penny! With all that said (sorry I like to talk), here's my honest review: I'm pretty sure I made it clear above that this was a very good book. It had all the feels that I'd expect to get from a CoHo book. I laughed, I swooned, I may have teared up a few times. Fallon and Benton were real, and I couldn't get enough of them and their story. But here's where the missing star happened. I'm estimating,somewhere about 80%, the story turned into a story (you'll understand when you get there), which needed to happen, and I wanted it to happen. There were a lot of unanswered questions that I needed to know the answer to, but I began to feel unconnected a little throughout this point. I'm not really sure why- I don't believe it was lacking anything, and I don't think there was anything Colleen could have done differently with telling this part. I honestly think it was more about my anticipation to know how things turned out and my eagerness to find out right then; I was kind of like, "okay, okay...what happens to them!!!" And unfortunately, that was where the 5th star fell off for me. BUT, LISTEN TO ME WHEN I SAY, this is without a doubt, a book that no one should pass by. It is worth every.single.cent it is being sold for. And, I'm confident in saying, you should never worry about Colleen Hoover not delivering, because she always has and I can predict, she always will!!! Read this book!! You will get the feels...I PROMISE! Great job, Colleen :)

November 9 is currently my favorite Colleen Hoover novel! It’s the sweetest romantic storyline with just a little bit of SMUT that’s not over the top or raunchy, but it’s actually more beautiful and not over sexualized. Colleen Hoover developed these characters really well and focused on every detail of the plot to leave the reader’s , or at least me, begging for more each chapter! The storyline between Ben and Fallon took unpredictable turns that kept the book in my hands. In fact, I read it in one day because I couldn’t put it down and I’m not really an avid reader! Ben and Fallon drove me crazy throughout most of the book, but it’s an epic love story for the ages. It’s not a perfect love story, but so very relatable because life didn’t leave anyone unbruised or unscathed. It’s a story of learning to live, love, and forgive! Perfect for a beach read with only 307 pages! I’d also let my older teen read this novel (most of Colleen’s I wouldn’t due to some of the extreme SMUT, but the storyline is what makes Nov 9 so beautiful and there was really no need for SMUT because the plot is so good).

THE STORY: Becca : After each CoHo novel that I read, I have a moment of reflection immediately after finishing. I need the time to think about the story from start to finish, every moment that broke my heart and every moment that put it back together. It is no surprise that November 9 gave me all the feels of each CoHo book before it. Even a week after finishing it I still am reeling from all of the emotions! emotions Fallon (love that name!) has big plans to move from LA across the country to NYC, on the day she is scheduled to move she meets Ben and the two form an instant connection. They spend her last day in LA together and she learns that Ben is in college and wants to be a writer. After meeting Fallon, Ben finally has something to write about. After their one amazing day together, they go on to lead separate lives, but meet up every year on the same day (yup you guessed - November 9th :) in the same place. Until Fallon learns some things about Ben and begins to question what is real and what is Fiction. “You’ll never be able to find yourself if you’re lost in someone else.” Lisa : Just like Becca, I'm a HUGE CoHo fan. And though her books aren't necessary "perfect" and without issue, they always bring out the feels. ALL the feels! Her emotional stories combined with her deep and complex characters never disappoint. Fallon suffered a traumatic event that left her scarred both inside and out. Her lack of family support in LA is helping to encourage her move to NYC where she is hoping to tackle her dream of being a movie star. She didn't expect to meet Ben, and she definitely didn't expect to feel what she felt for him after only spending those few hours together. But their connection was undeniable, which brought about their November 9 pact. I'm such a sucker for romantic-comedies, so the thought of this left me all kinds of giggly inside. giddy THE CHARACTERS: Lisa : Fallon and Ben's story was impossible not to love. Their relationship from the start was filled with witty banter, emotions, and the realness we all hope for in romance stories. Neither character was perfect, both holding back on sharing their secrets with the other. And trust me... they had secrets! But the chemistry and bond between the two was undeniable! Even after a year without seeing each other, the November 9 meetups were so powerful and filled with emotion, humor and, of course, love. “When you find love, you take it. You grab it with both hands and you do everything in your power not to let it go. You can’t just walk away from it and expect it to linger until you’re ready for it.” Fallon was such a strong person, yet after suffering such a horrific event she was left stuck inside her shell, unable to truly be herself any longer. She also didn't have the support system she so needed while going through this time in her life. Thank goodness for her BFF, who helped her get through each day. Ben was a bit of an enigma for most of the story. He was definitely hiding things, but not knowing what they were kept me at arm's length. I loved how powerful he felt about Fallon, and how he wasn't afraid to show his interest in her from the start. I also liked how headstrong, determined and forgiving he was. Overall, an extremely swoon-worthy guy in my opinion! Becca : I felt the same as Lisa about Ben, I liked him a lot but could definitely tell that he was holding something back. I really kept wondering what he was hiding, especially when we meet his family and they know all about this past that the reader doesn't. Despite that, I still loved Ben! He was so positive and he seemed to help Fallon in ways that no one else could. He was so encouraging and praising of her, it really was beautiful. I think that everyone of us would love someone to tell us all of the amazing things abut ourselves that we don't see :) “A body is simply a package for the true gifts inside. And you are full of gifts. Selflessness, kindness, compassion. All the things that matter. Youth and beauty fade. Human decency doesn't.” I really liked Fallon, in the moments when she let her guard down you could see what a positive and energetic person she was. It was sad that after the tragic event from her past. she hid that person away. I loved how much she grew throughout the novel, getting stronger and more confident. I think that Ben played a part in that, but she did most of it herself! The secondary characters really helped me to understand both Ben and Fallon. Ben's older brothers and Fallon's Mother, Father and Bestie really helped build this story for me more. Also, Ben's Mother was the one who really helped me to understand him. Each of these played such an important role in this story. OVERALL: Becca : Was this book perfect? No not exactly, I had a couple of issues here and there, and it's hard to reveal them without spoiling the story. As a matter of fact, it is very hard to discuss this entire book and not spoil anything. I will say that you definitely have to experience this for yourself and try to go in as blind a possible. “I need you to know that it was always you who had my heart. And I would have never let anyone else borrow it if I knew there was a chance in hell you’d ever want it back." Throughout the first half of the book, I was just grinning and smiling and loving the banter and connection between Fallon and Ben. Then all of a sudden BAM!! CoHo does what CoHo does best and throws you a curve ball that you did not see coming! I LOVED it! I cried... and cried... and cried some more. I kept texting Lisa... OMG did you get to ___%?! And she would be like "almost there!" Then she would get there and we would both be like "OMG! OMG! OMG!" It was intense and I felt like I was on a roller coaster! As a matter of fact here is one of my status updates on Good Reads: "OMG! WTF! Holy friggin $hit!!" glas case I will always be a huge fan of Colleen Hoover, she is absolutely amazing and can make me think and feel in ways that I never have before. Each of her characters finds a place in my heart and when I think of my favorite books and characters, hers often top my list. She builds characters that are flawed but lovable and forever memorable. I was so excited to get an advanced ARC of this, but I also pre-ordered a physical copy too because I knew this was one I needed on my shelf! If you are fan of CoHo, or even if you are not read this! You will probably cry, but it is worth it and you will definitely be smiling at the end... or maybe even silly giggling ;) Lisa : There was one little thing that kept me from giving this a full five stars, but I honestly can't discuss that without it being a huge spoiler. So let's just say there was something that I kind of wish was done differently, but it didn't really take away from the story too much for me. Colleen Hoover has this way of sucking you in and holding your heart in the palm of her hands for the entirety of the story. There's a reason she is so loved in the book world... she's a pure writing mastermind and can capture us all in the matter of mere pages. (Thanks to Atria Books for the review copy!)

“You’ll never be able to find yourself if you’re lost in someone else.” Colleen Hoover is an incredible writer. I've read nearly all of her books at this point, and yet she still surprises me. I picked this book up this morning and I knew I wouldn't be able to stop reading until I had it finished. Ben, a writer, meets Fallon who has experienced life changing trauma when she was in a fire two years ago. I loved the very first scene in this book where Ben and Fallon first meet. It was so entertaining and adorable. I really love the concept of this story, how they decide to meet every November 9th for the next 5 years and they have no contact in between each November 9th. They don't even exchange emails or phone numbers or anything, they just decide to meet at the same place, same time, every November 9th. It was so fascinating and it was all done so well. Colleen Hoover has a way of writing these extremely lovable characters who experience this tragedy, and the first half of the book is full of happiness and it's a beautiful love story, and then the second half all the drama and pain unravels and all the secrets get revealed. I love her writing style. I love that her books are so much more than just a love story, but they are also stories about loss and family and friendship. “It’s easy to fall in love, Ben. The hard part comes when you want out.” I love the fact that Ben makes a promise to write about their lives and their experience with this November 9 experiment. I love that Ben is a writer and he really has a way with words. I love that Ben gives Fallon so much confidence, especially when she needs it. She's always doubting herself because she hates her scars and they make her insecure but Ben just knows the right things to say at the right time. I love how their relationship seemed to be five years long even though they only saw each other one day out of the year. It was so interesting. Also, I was so freaking excited when Miles and Tate from Ugly Love made an appearance in this book! Ugly Love is still my all time favorite Colleen Hoover book and probably always will be, so it's safe to say I was ecstatic to see them once again in this book! I absolutely love when authors do that! bringing in old characters from their previous stories and intertwining their lives with the new characters in this book. It's so awesome, and as a reader I truly appreciate it. I love all the little things in Colleen Hoover's books that make particular characters stand out. In this book it was Fallon's obsession with reading romance novels, and her encouraging Ben to read more romance novels. I also love that she loved acting and it quickly became her passion, even with her scars on her face, Ben wouldn't let her give up on her dreams. The ending was so beautiful to see the truth come out and some of it made me tear up a little. I just love the way Colleen Hoover can tell a story. You would think with how many books I've read from her by now that I would know her plot twists and see them coming but I was still surprised, which I love. I love a good love story that has a little bit of tragedy and suspense, which is why Colleen Hoover is still one of my favorite authors of all time. The only reason I knocked off half a star in this rating is because Fallon's constant self loathing and humiliation with her scars kind of got repetitive at time. I didn't see why she needed a guy to tell her she's beautiful to believe it herself. She should be able to be confident without the help of a guy, but that's just my opinion. And that small annoyance didn't change my overall opinion on the story. As far as ranking this book with her other books, I think Ugly Love is still my favorite book from her, and then Maybe Someday. November 9 ties with Confess for third. I can't decide which one I like more. Then after that follows Hopeless and Slammed and Never Never.

“Go easy on me, Fallon. My heart is fragile.” I’m right there with you Ben, my heart is fragile too and Colleen Hoover (in true CoHo fashion) did a number on it in this book! I had butterflies, I laughed, I got angry, I got teary-eyed, you name it and it probably happened to me in this book. It’s always a treat to read a Colleen Hoover book, it’s like Christmas when she releases something new! And what a gift this book was, from the unique concept to the engaging characters and the rock-solid writing it was such fun to read (even when she was stomping all over my heart) from start to finish! This is definitely in my top 5 books I’ve read this year. The concept of this book was so awesome and so unique! Ben and Fallon meet one November 9th when they are both 18, and let me tell you, their first meeting was so cute and will make you instantly fall in love with Ben’s character. They hit it off immediately and end up spending the rest of the day together, it seems like the start of a wonderful relationship. One minor hitch though, Fallon happens to be moving across country that night to try to start over (I won’t spoil anything but due to some unfortunate circumstances her young acting career was cut short). And upon the sage advice from her mother she is determined to not fall in love until she’s found herself first (which according to her mom can’t happen until she’s 23). So while she is appreciative of Ben and all he did for her in the short time they’ve known each other, she is set to part ways from him and start her new life. Desperate to think of some way to see her again, Ben (who happens to be a writer) proposes an ingenious idea: “What if we meet up again next year on the same day? And the year after that? We’ll do it for five years. Same date, same time, same place. We’ll pick up where we left off tonight, but only for the day. I’ll make sure you’re following through with your auditions and I can write a book about the days we’re together.” Fallon agrees and they both depart with their ‘homework’ for the year to come. From there we basically we follow Ben and Fallon over the years as they meet up again each November 9th. Part of their agreement is that they are to have no contact with each other aside from that one day and they are encouraged to go out and live their lives during that time. This idea totally fascinated me and I thought it was a brilliant concept. It kept me on the edge of my seat as each new November 9th came around because as a reader we also have no contact with Ben or Fallon during this time. Everything we learn about what happened in the prior year we learn on November 9th along with them. Considering there was a 1-year time jump every few chapters, I didn’t feel like I missed anything, much like them I lived for the ‘next’ November 9th to see what was going to happen (only lucky for us, all we had to do was turn the page to get to the next year, rather than waiting a full year like Ben and Fallon did!). I was always wondering if this was going to be the time where everything fell apart. And as the years go by, you see their connection continue to evolve and how hard it is to part ways again, as a reader it was also hard to say ‘goodbye’ for another ‘year’ when their time was up! And in certain years your heart is going to break and in others it will rejoice. There’s no shortage of feels in this book, that’s for sure! “For one day each year, I wanted to be this guy who was falling for this girl, because everything about you captivated me.” As with all of Colleen Hoover’s books, you’re going to fall hard for her characters, both separately and for them as a couple. She just has this amazing ability to make her characters seem so real and full of life, they jump off the page and are people that you totally want to be friends with. This was definitely the case here, as I said earlier I fell in love with Ben right from the start and while there were a few things I got upset with him about, I loved how Colleen Hoover tied everything together so that by the end you still love him. Fallon was also an awesome heroine, I love how she evolved from the self-conscience girl we first met to the strong, confident woman we know by the end. And I loved, loved, loved Fallon and Ben together. Their chemistry was amazing and their quirky little conversations and inside jokes were just pure gold. It was awesome that Fallon was a fan of romance books, that right there instantly bonded me to her and her and Ben’s book conversations were priceless! Any book lover will get a kick out of those little nuggets. Oh and randomly, there is an easter egg hidden in this book for fans of one of her other books. I won’t say what it is, but I was delighted when I made the connection! It was unexpected but a welcome surprise! Colleen Hoover is the master of plot twists and there are no shortage of jaw dropping twists in this book. There was one that I saw coming and I thought for sure that was going to be the big one but then she drops another bomb on us that made my eyes bulge out of my head! I had certain suspicions but I did not expect that to happen at all! But I love that about her books, you definitely have to expect the unexpected and even then you’ll probably never see it coming. It really is mind boggling how she can so perfectly weave these stories together, I would seriously recommend a Colleen Hoover book to anyone, they are in a league of their own and I know I’ll always be anxiously awaiting her next masterpiece! ‘I laugh, relieved that she’s… that she simply exists. And that we were lucky enough to exist in the same lifetime, in the same area of the world, in the same state. And that, after all these years, I surprisingly wouldn’t change a single thing about what ultimately brought us together.’ Sigh…. (and yes, for those that read the book, I just said ‘sigh’ instead of actually sighing.)

This book left me with a heart full of hope and happiness. BUT it took a long time for it to get there, this is Colleen Hoover we're talking about here. The journey is always full of grief and heartache and a touch of humor to keep you from wanting to pull your heart out. I was enthralled from page one and when I was so tired I kept hitting myself in the head with my kindle, I still didn't want to put it down. Ben and Fallon's love story is unlike anything I've ever read before and I loved every anguish filled moment of their journey. Fallon, what can I say about this girl- I fell hard and fast for her. She is so resilient and strong. Her witty humor, sarcasm and sharp tongue made it easy to root for her. But the best part was her transition from the start of this book to the end. Yes, it takes place over quite a few years but time isn't always kind. I loved watching her confidence grow, seeing her come into her own, facing the world head on, going after what she wanted. Behind it all, there was the one who sparked her back to life, Ben the writer. This guy, what isn't there to like about him. He is fearless, talented and sees Fallon. He sees past her scars. He sees her for who and what she truly is and gets her to see herself through his eyes. But he is no stranger to heartbreak either. He suffered a good deal before he and Fallon ever meet and the hits keep on coming to this charismatic young man. I kept thinking to myself how much more can he suffer...(sorry no spoilers on that one). But one event changes the course of everything for Ben and Fallon. These two somehow manage to keep their outlandish plan working year in and year out. Despite the distance and non-existent communication their bond only grows. This to me is where the CoHo magic shone through. We see them one day a year- and it is like that friend you call and it is like you haven't gone months without talking....that is this book only it is a boy and a girl fighting to bring themselves to who they want to be. And falling in love in the process. Just when I think these two are going to finally, and I mean finally get it together and actually be together, the other shoe drops. WOW!!! It was an unexpected twist that left me with tears streaming down my face, and not the good kind. It was, however, necessary. It forced both Fallon and Ben to analyze their lives and make the decision to either more forward or let it go. The one thing I wanted was more from the ending. It just wrapped up a hair too quickly for me. Though the way everything did eventually come full circle for Ben and Fallon. This book is so much more than a new adult love story, it is a life story. I have to say that the morals of November 9 are this: Follow your heart, chase your dreams no matter what the odds stacked against you are. Love yourself, faults, scars, fears and all. Forgive- there is so much more to life than bitterness, resentment and anger. There is music and poetry and so much love to be had if you embrace it.