Review: We Were Never Here by Jennifer Gilmore

We Were Never Here by Jennifer Gilmore

In this exquisitely written, emotionally charged young adult debut, Jennifer Gilmore explores the bond that is formed between a hospitalized girl and the secretly troubled boy she falls in love with.
Did you know your entire life can change in an instant?
For sixteen-year-old Lizzie Stoller that moment is when she collapses, out of the blue. The next thing she knows she’s in a hospital with an illness she’s never heard of.
But that isn’t the only life-changing moment for Lizzie. The other is when Connor and his dog, Verlaine, walk into her hospital room. Lizzie has never connected with anyone the way she does with the handsome, teenage volunteer. However, the more time she spends with him, and the deeper in love she falls, the more she realizes that Connor has secrets and a deep pain of his own . . . and that while being with him has the power to make Lizzie forget about her illness, being with her might tear Connor apart.

Publishes in US: June 14th 2016 by Harper Teen
Genre:ya contemp
Source: earc from Harperteen via Edelweiss
Disclaimer: I received this book as an ARC (advanced review copy). I am not paid for this review, and my opinions in this review are mine, and are not effected by the book being free.
Series? no

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    I want to read this one because I'm always drawn towards books with about teens with illnesses so when I saw this one available to request it was automatic for me.

   I like the main character will meet her while she's at Camp so we get to know more before the illness but it soon hits her and she's having problems with her stomach and pain and stuff coming out of both ends it was not so pleasant for her but then she ends up in the hospital.

    There was family involvement. her mom was almost constantly by her side. They had their moments where they didn't get along but it was nice to see how dedicated her mom was. She wanted what was best for her, and championed for her health.

    Connor is a volunteer at the hospital and he brings his dog Verlaine visits the hospital. Their interactions at first are awkward but Lizzie has her own dog and Verlaine being so well behaved and gentle won over her heart. I liked how things developed between them for a while but they faced a lot of challenges once she was out of the hospital. He dealt with some difficult things and Lizzie doesn't get the full story with him. They definitely didn't follow a certain formula for their romance and relationship, but I did like what it showed Lizzie about herself.

   I also liked the theme of friendship with Stella. They fit well, and I liked that they could be honest with each other, and they shared big things to start with and it made them closer.

   The ending was bittersweet for sure. The story overall was emotional and showed the tough side of being a patient and having a lasting medical condition, and its impact. I got through it quickly, but just wasn't what I expected with an ending.

Bottom Line: Raw and unexpected.

My question to you, my lovely readers:
Are you a dog or cat person?