Book Review: Beyond the Break by Heather Buchta
I picked up Beyond the Break by Heather Buchta, and I can’t help but feel that this book was almost written for my younger self. The story tugged at my heartstrings and took me back to those formative teenage years when love felt monumental and faith felt like a compass in an ever-changing sea. As a debut, Buchta’s narrative balances humor and poignant moments, making it all the more captivating.
At its core, Beyond the Break follows Lovette, a girl keen on keeping her life uncomplicated—she has two hard rules: no surfing, thanks to a painful family incident, and no dating. However, that all shifts when the boy from her past, Jake Evans, resurfaces. With his charm and good looks, Jake becomes a catalyst for Lovette’s personal growth, challenging her beliefs and her commitment to both her family and her faith. I found myself rooting for Lovette as she navigated the labyrinth of teenage emotions, questioning what it means to be faithful—both to herself and to the love she’s finding.
Buchta’s writing is refreshingly relatable, and her portrayal of Lovette’s inner monologue provided a genuine, heartwarming glimpse into a young girl’s struggles. The pacing felt just right; it allowed me to savor moments of humor interspersed with deeper reflections about faith and love. I particularly appreciated Lovette’s conversations with God, which were depicted with honesty and humor—reminding me of my own teenage prayers, sometimes earnest, sometimes rambling.
One of my favorite scenes involved Lovette grappling with her desire to surf again, symbolizing her journey toward healing and acceptance. It’s a powerful metaphor for overcoming personal barriers. Fellow readers echoed similar sentiments, with one reviewer remarking how the book captures the essence of youth group culture while addressing genuine teenage dilemmas that many of us can relate to.
However, it’s worth mentioning that the book isn’t without criticism. Some readers found the romance a bit disappointing or felt the ending left them wanting more. Yet, I find that discussions like these are part of what makes reading such a vibrant experience. This book encourages conversations about faith in a modern context, something I feel is often necessary in today’s youth literature.
Beyond the Break would appeal greatly to young teens and anyone looking to reconnect with the awkward yet exhilarating days of high school romance and friendship. It holds space for those wrestling with faith while also exploring the complex world of first loves. For me, it was a nostalgic dive into a time when everything felt intense and new. Heather Buchta has certainly set a high bar for her upcoming works, and I can’t wait to see where she takes us next.
If you’re searching for a book that is warm, relatable, and filled with heartfelt characters, I wholeheartedly recommend diving into Lovette’s world. It might just remind you of your own teenage years too!