A DATE FOR HANNAH

A teenager thinks love is out of reach until a chance encounter changes her outlook on life and romance in this debut YA novel.

High school student Hannah Giacomina feels awkward and ill at ease as she enters I Tri Merli Cellars and Vineyard. She is there to attend her sister Bree’s wedding, and while she is happy for her, she is self-conscious about her weight and how she looks in her dress. Before the ceremony begins, she meets another wedding guest named Liam Callahan. They share an instant rapport, and over the course of the evening, they discuss their aspirations and insecurities. Liam got into trouble after his parents’ divorce and repeated a year of school. Swimming provides a sense of purpose. Hannah’s parents had a tumultuous relationship and as a result she believes that “love will hurt you.” He is attracted to her, but she does not see herself as someone a guy would be interested in, much less a gorgeous swimmer like Liam. Gradually, he wins her over and she finds herself falling in love. The next day, she receives news that causes her to question his motivations. Liam wants to regain her trust, but has he lost Hannah forever? This first installment of Henry’s series is a sensitively observed tale of love and acceptance. The author excels at creating appealing and relatable protagonists and a well-paced love story. Hannah is a bright and sensitive student whose feelings about romance are shaped by her parents’ marriage and her insecurity about her weight. She is surprised by Liam’s attraction to her. Henry effectively captures that astonishment in subtle details, like Hannah’s reaction to Liam telling her he is a fan of Shakespeare. Liam is a talented swimmer who believes in second chances in both life and love. The narrative is fast-paced and most of the action unfolds on the day of the wedding. The author develops her characters through witty and poignant dialogue in which they discuss their pasts and hopes for their futures. 

A charming and thoughtful tale of love and the power of second chances.