A fine balance of romance, emotional struggle and unfolding secrets. I hope the author writes mote young adult fiction like this. ( )

I was interested in this book from the first page and it did not disappoint. Both Trevor and Everly were equally thought out and rendered characters which is rare in so much YA novels I think. Loved the story it was a great read. ( )

I've read some of Ms Stone's adult romances and really enjoyed them. So when I saw she had a YA one, I wanted to read it. I was not disappointed.

Two broken teens just might be able to help each other heal, if they are willing to look out for one another and quit focusing on themselves. All Trevor can think about is how his life has changed and not for the better, due to an accident. Everly has been keeping a secret about her family, the perfect pastor's family, for over a year and it's about to break her.

I so wanted to put this on the Gateway list, but Ms Stone lives in Canada. Bummer. ( )

4.5 stars.

Some Kind of Normal by Juliana Stone is a poignant yet very sweet young adult romance. It is a riveting story about two teenagers who are trying to come to terms with serious, life altering situations before they leave their small home town for college. Although this beautifully written novel deals with realistic problems, there is very little angst or unnecessary drama but this does not lessen the emotional impact of the overall story.

The past year has been difficult for both Trevor Lewis and Everly Jenkins. Trevor is still trying to deal with the long term effects from the traumatic brain injury (TBI) he sustained in a car accident. Everly is working up the courage to confront her father about information that could destroy her family. The two form an unlikely friendship that slowly turns to romance but will their relationship survive the burdens both are carrying?

Trevor's recovery from the car accident has been long but he has overcome the worst of his injuries. He is just now coming to the realization that he will never be the same person he was before the accident but he is still having trouble accepting this newfound knowledge. Just as he begins to adjust to his new "normal", unexpected complications arise and this setback means another possible alteration to his goals and dreams.

Everly has had a pretty charmed life. Her father is the pastor of a small church and she has never really had her faith tested. But the secret she has been keeping makes her doubt everything she knows about her life, her parents and her beliefs. Everly has been unable to confront her father about a conversation she overheard, but things are rapidly deteriorating at home. A crisis is building but Everly still cannot find the courage to get answers to the questions that are haunting her.

The romance between Everly and Trevor slowly grows over the course of the novel. At first reluctantly forced to spend time together as Everly tutors Trevor, they quickly realize they have misjudged each other. As trust builds between them, they support one another as problems crop up and their concern gives way to deeper emotions. Trevor is extremely patient with Everly as their relationship evolves from friendship to love, but will their fledgling romance survive when real life complications arise?

Written in first person from alternating points of view, Some Kind of Normal is a well-written novel with multi-faceted, likable characters. Juliana Stone deftly handles difficult topics with a great deal of sensitivity and she does not downplay the repercussions that occur during the resolution of the various story arcs. The novel ends with a realistic conclusion that is immensely satisfying. It is a marvelous young adult romance that I heartily recommend to readers of all ages. ( )

This was an average read. Both Everly and Trevor were okay characters, although a bit too self-centred for my liking, especially Everly. However, my favourite character was Trevor's dad. He was tough and scary on the outside, but inside he was just a big teddy bear, and a loving father who was always there for his children. ( )