I enjoyed this book because it was a challenging read that offered a satisfying ending. Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to review this book. Libby Brown is not a character I could relate to at the beginning of the story, but by the end, I think she's someone I wouldn't mind meeting and spending some time with. Her transformation is drastic, yet she's still the same person, just a more mature and well-rounded person. Aside from the obvious tragedy Libby has to deal with and overcome, the biggest struggle for her is culture shock. Her reality shifts from being one of the beautiful and privileged of the world, who only has to worry about making her personal dreams come true, to becoming like everyone else- the other, the not so privileged, the marginalized, etc... It's easy to get caught up in how much this character whines about her situation but if the reader is honest with themselves, they will recognize that they too would act the same way if their reality all of a sudden shifted. Whether that be learning how to live with paralysis, or learning how not to live with a lot of money, or learning how to live in a place where you don't speak the language, or learning how to live in a place where the ruling class has a skin color different than yours, etc... it's a challenge to navigate culture/reality shock and find a way to thrive. My main issue with this story was the best friend. She's my favorite character but has a major flaw. To me, she wasn't very realistic. I think if she had shown just one moment of vulnerability, it would have made her so much stronger. I love the fact that she was optimistic and inspirational, but she could have as least said something like, "I wasn't always this way..." If this was in the book, it wasn't significant enough for me to remember. The mystery was a great secondary plot to keep the reader interested when wanting a break from Libby. The ending still has me reeling. I understand that it was for the best, but that's a story I'd like to get more into. The aftermath of that choice would be an interesting book. I can't imagine what it would be like to destroy a family but that's all I'll say. Don't want to give too many spoilers.

Fascinating story about a young woman whose life is changed by one incident. An Olympic level skier who is made into a paraplegic. The story has twists and turns and compelling characters. I couldn't read anything else until I finished. Highly recommended.

C. Lee McKenzie has written a wonderfully inspiring novel about love and resilience. Even if your challenges aren’t as daunting as those faced by the protagonist, you’ll find her story compelling. Five stars--I thoroughly recommend it!

Libby Brown's hopes for Olympic Gold are crushed when her spine is crushed on an incident on the mountain. She must gather all her strength and dig deeper for more to pull her life back together. Yet depression and despair threaten to pull Libby down into a darkness she cannot escape. This was an incredibly powerful and emotional YA contemporary read. There was a little bit of romance and a mystery twisting the plot, but they weren't the focus. It's about a very real and heart moving journey a young woman must make living her new life as a paraplegic. Libby comes into the story as a highly independent and focused person, and while her determination is put to the test in learning how to deal with everything that is going on, she learns some more important lessons of family, forgiveness, and finding strength through others. I think anyone of any age would be moved by this tale, not just young readers.