Book: Breathing by Cheryl Renee Herbsman
Rating: 5 Stars
Summary:

Savannah would be happy to spend the summer in her coastal Carolina town working at the library and lying in a hammock reading her beloved romance novels. But then she meets Jackson. Once they lock eyes, she’s convinced he’s the one—her true love, her soul mate, a boy different from all the rest. And at first it looks like Savannah is right. Jackson abides by her mama’s strict rules, and stays by her side during a hospitalization for severe asthma, which Savannah becomes convinced is only improving because Jackson is there. But when he’s called away to help his family—and seems uncertain about returning—Savannah has to learn to breathe on her own, both literally and figuratively.

Overall:

Savannah and Jackson’s story is a new type of love story. Unlike most stories about long distance relationships, this one inspires hope.

As soon as I started reading this book, I fell in love with Savannah’s character. She embodies the typical teenage girl, full of insecurities and hopes. Unlike most girls, though, Savannah has severe asthma.

Savannah was content to be by herself for the summer: working, reading romance novels, and watching out for her little brother. Then she met Jackson Channing.

Jackson isn’t like the other guys around town. He’s 18-years-old and staying with his cousins, the Channings. His father died recently and his mom didn’t want him around because he reminded her too much of his father. Jackson didn’t mind, though, because it gave him time to work on his paintings, his hidden secret. Jackson couldn’t be more perfect: respectful, kind, and caring.

When Savannah collapses after an asthma attack, Jackson stays by her side the whole time she is in the hospital. And when her mom gives them a manifesto of rules they must follow, he doesn’t even blink. He seems like the perfect boyfriend, and he is. That is, until he is called away to help out with his family back home. She knows that if he goes back he is going to be trapped in a life that he doesn’t want, with a job all day and no more free time for his paintings. But it’s not only that that has Savannah worried. Ever since Jackson arrived her breathing seems to be doing better. What happens if he leaves and she can’t breathe without him?

Will Jackson and Savannah’s relationship be able to survive the long distance? Will Savannah help Jackson realize that he should go after his dream, no matter what it takes? Will Savannah finally learn to breathe on her own?

Breathing is the perfect debut novel by Cheryl Renee Herbsman. Not only is it told in witty Southern dialect but it is full of lovable characters that embody the traits of the South.

Breathing will be available on April 16 or you can pre-order it here.