Emmy & Oliver by Robin Benway

Emmy’s best friend, Oliver, reappears after being kidnapped by his father ten years ago. Emmy hopes to pick up their relationship right where it left off. Are they destined to be together? Or has fate irreparably driven them apart?

Emmy just wants to be in charge of her own life.

She wants to stay out late, surf her favorite beach—go anywhere without her parents’ relentless worrying. But Emmy’s parents can’t seem to let her grow up—not since the day Oliver disappeared.

Oliver needs a moment to figure out his heart.

He’d thought, all these years, that his dad was the good guy. He never knew that it was his father who kidnapped him and kept him on the run. Discovering it, and finding himself returned to his old hometown, all at once, has his heart racing and his thoughts swirling.

Emmy and Oliver were going to be best friends forever, or maybe even more, before their futures were ripped apart. In Emmy’s soul, despite the space and time between them, their connection has never been severed. But is their story still written in the stars? Or are their hearts like the pieces of two different puzzles—impossible to fit together?

Readers who love Sarah Dessen will tear through these pages with hearts in throats as Emmy and Oliver struggle to face the messy, confusing consequences of Oliver’s father’s crime. Full of romance, coming-of-age emotion, and heartache, these two equally compelling characters create an unforgettable story.

Goodreads Summary

I can't imagine what it would be like to figure out that one of my parents kidnapped me and kept me from the other.  Benway tackles this sensitive topic with ease.  Emmy used to be Oliver's best friend prior to his kidnapping.  It would be simple to pick up a relationship where it ended...especially one that never officially had an end...but things are rarely that easy.  Emmy and Oliver struggle a bit with how they will eventually define their new relationship.  The novel isn't just about Emmy and Oliver though.  The reader will get glimpses into Emmy's friendships and relationships with her family.  Oliver's tenuous and complicated relationship with his parents made it difficult to put the book down.  I truly didn't have a strong leaning in this book as to what I thought Oliver should do or choose.  

I really loved how the author developed her characters.  Emmy was very expressive.  I love it when a character is open and easy to read.  Oliver was a little more mysterious.  He had a difficult adjustment period due to his kidnapping and a lot was on his plate for his age.  Emmy's best friends and parents each had an impact and important part to play in the novel.  Overall, this story is best for teens and young adults.

4 Stars


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