Holding On and Letting Go is a great debut novel; actually for me it is the debut surprise of the year. Told from dual POV’s this is a story about different kinds of relationships; ones between friends turned boyfriend girlfriend, ones between friends, ones between enemies turn friends, and those between siblings and family relationships. The story is not surprising just because it is well written or because it is a highly emotional read, but because it was able to completely take me in different directions and surprised me by doing the unexpected. At the very beginning I thought that this will be yet another story full of characters that can be found in almost every teenage movie (jock, shy/ different/ misfit girl, evil cheerleader ex-girlfriend, funny best friend), but I was wrong. As the story develops these characters step out of those stereotypical roles and turn into great three dimensional teenagers full of personality. The greatest surprise is the leading female character, Emerson. She turns from an angry and egoistic girl into a proactive, strong and compassionate young lady. The reason being that she decided to get better. Unfortunately, the story has a weak link and that is a romantic relationship between two main characters (Emerson and Matt). The writer did not convince me enough to believe that Matt completely embraced the new and stronger Emerson. Since there is a second installment of the series I will have the opportunity to see how their relationship will progress. So I highly recommend this story. I cannot wait for the second book in the series that will tell Matt’s ex-girlfriend’s story. My questions is, will also feature all the characters from this one too? ~ Tammie King, Night Owl Reviews : http://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Reviews/Dunya-reviews-Holding-On-And-Letting-Go-by-K-A-Coleman

To be quite honest, this review is difficult for me to write. Not because this was a book I didn't like, but because it's a book that's left me completely speechless, and touched me in a way I wasn't expecting. This contemporary realistic fiction novel is, by far, one of the best books I have ever read. I can't remember a story that's made me cry as much as this one has, and I loved every minute of it. The situations and events in this story are so real, and so deep, it's impossible not to be moved. The main character, Emerson (Emmy), is a young woman I can relate to very well. Many of the things she went through in this story hit close to home, and I loved connecting to her throughout this book. I think she would be a very relatable character to anyone who's lost a loved one, especially a sibling. All her friends are characters with personalities I think anyone can relate to as well, and associate with someone in their own life. The depth of the realism these characters have, and that this story has created, is truly breathtaking. Every single character grows, and overcomes obstacles in their lives, which fills this story with inspiring triumphs and achievements. This is truly one of the best books I have ever read, it both in story, and simply in the writing. It flowed smoothly, and while there were editing mistakes, they were no match for the powerful story Ms. Coleman created. Overall, this is a book I plan on keeping for a long time to come, and plan on reading many more times. I'd recommend this story to anyone who enjoys young-adult realistic fiction with innocent contemporary romance. ~ Desert Rose Reviews

To be quite honest, this review is difficult for me to write. Not because this was a book I didn't like, but because it's a book that's left me completely speechless, and touched me in a way I wasn't expecting. This contemporary realistic fiction novel is, by far, one of the best books I have ever read. I can't remember a story that's made me cry as much as this one has, and I loved every minute of it. The situations and events in this story are so real, and so deep, it's impossible not to be moved. ~ Desert Rose Reviews