So, the beginning of this book goes very slowly. I think this is mainly because I don’t really like retellings when it’s the same story just from a different character’s point of view. That’s basically the first third of the book as you read Finn’s perspective on his one night with Autumn and the day of his death. After he dies, that’s when you get new content. 

This story is mainly about Jack and Autumn as they navigate life without Finn. There’s a lot of grief. There’s a lot of learning. What I love most is the character development you get to see from them both. I especially like the descriptions of Autumn’s feelings as her body changes during pregnancy. It felt very true to the real experience (at least in my opinion). 

While this book really isn’t necessary after Nowlin’s first novel with these characters, If Only I Had Told Her gives the reader a lot of great perspectives when it comes to healing and I really appreciated that. Don’t expect too much new content, though, and you really don’t get anything new from Finn (which is what I was expecting from the title; like some ghost form of Finn watching over Autumn). 

Overall, this was a great read when it comes to grief and healing. I personally didn’t find it all that exciting, but I thought it was raw and good considering that you’re really just following these characters along as they move on. If you’re a hardcore Finn fan, I hate to disappoint you, but you don’t see him much in this novel, so don’t go into it expecting that or you’ll be disappointed!

Source: Personal Copy

(P.S. You can read this book for free by signing up for a free trial of Audible, which gives you two free audiobooks of your choice!)