Breathe, Annie, Breathe (Hundred Oaks #5)
by Miranda Kenneally
Published by Sourcebooks
on July 15, 2014
Source: bought
Annie's going through a lot -- she's about to leave for college, she's training for a marathon ... and her boyfriend died. I loved the way that Annie's struggles had both a physical and an emotional component. She's using the marathon training as a test, as a tribute, as a distraction. Then she meets a guy -- the absolute wrong guy at the wrong time. What could be worse? What could be better?
I've seen some people comment on the fact that Annie's alone on this cover, when the rest of the Hundred Oaks books have couples on them. Now that I've read the book, I think that fits. Yes, there's romance in the book, but it's really Annie's story, and I loved that.
Jeremiah. If there was a fictional character more opposite to me, more puzzling to me, I can't imagine one. And yet, a talented writer can make me understand a character like that, even though we have zero in common.
I love companion novels with cameos! I didn't make a list, but it feels like just about every Hundred Oaks character makes an appearance in this book. And I loved the way that the characters weren't just suspended in time, but they'd aged. Still, if you've never read a Miranda Kenneally book, Breathe, Annie, Breathe works as a standalone.
by Miranda Kenneally
Published by Sourcebooks
on July 15, 2014
Source: bought
Synopsis from Goodreads: Annie hates running. No matter how far she jogs, she can’t escape the guilt that if she hadn’t broken up with Kyle, he might still be alive. So to honor his memory, she starts preparing for the marathon he intended to race. But the training is even more grueling than Annie could have imagined. Despite her coaching, she’s at war with her body, her mind—and her heart. With every mile that athletic Jeremiah cheers her on, she grows more conflicted. She wants to run into his arms…and sprint in the opposite direction. For Annie, opening up to love again may be even more of a challenge than crossing the finish line.My take: It's always a happy day when there's a new Miranda Kenneally book to read. I love the way that all her books have a main character who is trying to find herself in some way or another, but that every book feels completely different. Breathe, Annie, Breathe borders on New Adult, as Annie has graduated from college, and Jeremiah's in college, so if you enjoy YA books with a bit more maturity, give this one a try.
Annie's going through a lot -- she's about to leave for college, she's training for a marathon ... and her boyfriend died. I loved the way that Annie's struggles had both a physical and an emotional component. She's using the marathon training as a test, as a tribute, as a distraction. Then she meets a guy -- the absolute wrong guy at the wrong time. What could be worse? What could be better?
I've seen some people comment on the fact that Annie's alone on this cover, when the rest of the Hundred Oaks books have couples on them. Now that I've read the book, I think that fits. Yes, there's romance in the book, but it's really Annie's story, and I loved that.
Jeremiah. If there was a fictional character more opposite to me, more puzzling to me, I can't imagine one. And yet, a talented writer can make me understand a character like that, even though we have zero in common.
I love companion novels with cameos! I didn't make a list, but it feels like just about every Hundred Oaks character makes an appearance in this book. And I loved the way that the characters weren't just suspended in time, but they'd aged. Still, if you've never read a Miranda Kenneally book, Breathe, Annie, Breathe works as a standalone.
I haven't read the others in the series, but requested this one... I need to get caught up
ReplyDeleteYou don't have to have read the other books - the story stands on its own -- and if you're curious about the cameo characters, you can check out the other books!
DeleteI've skipped around this series but I always find the romance to be the weakest part of her stories.
ReplyDeleteI don't think of that as a problem though because I love her emphasis on the girls friendships, family and growth.
Karen @ For What It's Worth
I found Annie the most relatable (to me personally) of all her heroines. This wasn't my very favorite romance (that was Catching Jordan) but I still really loved Annie's story.
DeleteAnd I think this is my second favorite of all her books, after Jordan...
Glad to see this one can be read as a standalone because I've heard some pretty great things about it, and I haven't read the others in the series. I like that the story is a lot about Annie because I'm not always into romance, but this one sounds nice!
ReplyDelete-P.E. @ The Sirenic Codex
Definitely try this! And then you can go back and meet some of the other characters and find out their backstories...
DeleteI read two of the Hundred Oaks books and liked them. This one has been getting very positive reviews so I think I'll give it a try! Thanks for the review :)
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed it!
DeleteThis one sounds good, I've never picked up one of her books and it looks interesting.
ReplyDeleteHappy Reading
Patrick @ The Bookshelves
Try one -- Catching Jordan is my favorite still :)
DeleteThis series is one of those I always put aside with comment "This is not for me", but seeing all amazing reviews for this one these days well I'm having second thoughts. Maybe I'll read just this one. I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Great review, Jen :)
ReplyDeleteWell, it depends. If non-fluffy contemporary romance is not your thing at all, then maybe this isn't for you. But there's only one way to know.... try :)
DeleteI haven't had much luck with her books lately, but I'm keeping my hopes alive that this one will do the trick. Annie sounds exhausted!
ReplyDeleteShe is! And I'd definitely try this one...
DeleteThis sounds like a lovely book that deals with a difficult topic.
ReplyDeleteI really liked it!
DeleteI just read this last week and loved it. Miranda Kenneally never fails!
ReplyDeleteI've yet to read a Hundred Oaks novel, but this one just catches my attention more than the rest have. I love the cover of this one, and the title, so maybe that's it, but this might be my first foray into Miranda Kenneally!
ReplyDeleteYou know, I never would have known this was a part of the Hundred Oaks series because of the cover. I've always known the Hundred Oaks to have these consistent covers and such! This is the second review I've read so far that have been positive for this book, so, obviously, I'm getting it ^_^
ReplyDeleteFaye at The Social Potato
I don't normally read books out of order, even in a series like this, but I'm going to test out the "this can be read as a stand-alone" thing. I just borrowed a copy from my library thanks to your review, so if I like it, I'll finally go back and read the rest of the series, since I already own two of the books, I think.
ReplyDeleteI'm totally excited to read this book! I love to run and I love this author. Perfect combo!
ReplyDeleteI didn't even notice the cover thing, but that makes me love it even MORE! I loved this book so much!
ReplyDeleteKate @ Ex Libris
I've been hearing really great things about this! I love this cover more than the others too. :) I am a few books behind in the series but I look forward to reading this!
ReplyDeleteI have Ten Tiny Breaths on my to read list but still haven't bought it because I wasn't too certain about it, I know lots of people love it but I'm not sure about it! I have been reading about Breathe Annie Breathe and from the synopsis and reviews I would love to read this one but am still debating over it! What should I do because it sounds really interesting? Maybe I will give it a try but I don't want to be disappointed, will this be read as a part of the series? Or is it a standalone? Thanks Jen loved review!
ReplyDeleteAh -- the "Breathe" theme! TTB wasn't really my kind of book, but I could see why other people liked it. This book is a companion book -- set in the same fictional town and with some crossover characters. Kind of like Sarah Dessen books if you've read hers. You don't have to have read the other books.
DeleteI really loved this one and how she fit everything together. Loved the characters and the humor. Didn't love the mature content and innuendo, but I did love her beginning right before graduation and then continuing through her freshman year of college. I also love that each of the books in this series can be read on their own. Great review!
ReplyDeleteI just have read Stealing Parker and I loved it! Though, I still haven't read the others, I think I'll read this as an standalone.
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed it, Jen!
Lis @ The reader lines