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If only I had told her


Today, we will be reviewing If Only I Had Told Her by Laura Nowlin. This YA contemporary romance explores themes of grief, the challenge of overcoming the loss of a loved one, and the hope for a brighter tomorrow.


Laura Nowlin is an American author and a TikTok sensation, best known for her book If He Had Been With Me. Her masterful writing captures the significance of quiet, everyday moments that may seem insignificant at the time but later become cherished memories.




If Only I Had Told Her unfolds through the voices of Finn, Jack, and Autumn, drawing readers into a poignant exploration of love, loss, and healing. The story starts with Finn’s perspective, but as it shifts to Jack and Autumn, it delves deep into the emotional aftermath of Finn’s absence. With each page, the characters wrestle with grief, struggle with acceptance, and search for hope amidst their heartache. This powerful, heartfelt journey will leave you reflecting on the quiet moments in life that shape us, making it a must-read for anyone who’s ever wondered about the things left unsaid.



“It matters which people you spend time with, and it matters how you spend your time, because you don’t know how much you have,” is a quote from the book that is a powerful reminder that emphasizes how unpredictable life is—we never know when our last moment will arrive. It urges us to make every second count, to cherish the people we’re with, and to savor the moments that, once gone, can never be reclaimed. In a world where time slips away too quickly, this message resonates deeply, urging us to live fully and without regret.



“There’re always things that we could have done differently. What matters is what we do now.” This quote from If Only I Had Told Her cuts straight to the heart of a universal truth: while we may long to rewrite the past, it’s impossible to turn back time. What truly holds power is the present moment—the choices we make now. It’s a call to stop dwelling on past mistakes and instead focus on shaping our future with the decisions we have the chance to make today. After all, the future is built on the actions we take in the here and now.



“Everyone always says they’re fine. Everyone can’t be fine all the time. We all just pretend it’s true.” This quote from If Only I Had Told Her speaks to the masks we wear in everyday life. It highlights the truth that, beneath the surface, we’re all struggling in some way, even though we often claim everything is okay. It’s a raw reminder that we’re all fighting silent battles and that sometimes, it's okay not to be fine. The facade we put up doesn't make the pain go away—it just hides it from the world.



If Only I Had Told Her is for you if you like YA, particularly if you are someone that enjoys contemporary romance with emotional depth. The book will resonate with those who have experienced loss, grief, or the complexity of relationships. 

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