Review: Little Do We Know by Tamara Ireland Stone

Summary from Goodreads:


Next-door neighbors and ex-best friends Hannah and Emory haven’t spoken in months. Not since the fight—the one where they said things they couldn’t take back.

Now, Emory is fine-tuning her UCLA performing arts application and trying to make the most of the months she has left with her boyfriend, Luke, before they head off to separate colleges. Meanwhile, Hannah’s strong faith is shaken when her family’s financial problems come to light, and she finds herself turning to unexpected places—and people—for answers to the difficult questions she’s suddenly facing.

No matter how much Hannah and Emory desperately want to bridge the thirty-six steps between their bedroom windows, they can’t. Not anymore.

Until their paths cross unexpectedly when, one night, Hannah finds Luke doubled over in his car outside her house. In the aftermath of the accident, all three struggle to understand what happened in their own ways. But when a devastating secret about Hannah and Emory’s argument ultimately comes to light, they must all reexamine the things they hold true.


In alternating chapters, a skeptic and a believer piece together the story of their complex relationship and the boy caught somewhere in the middle. New York Times best-selling author Tamara Ireland Stone deftly crafts a moving portrait of faith, love, and friendship.

My Review:


What I Liked:

Characters. The novel follows Hannah and Emory, switching between the two points of view. The strength of this novel was in its characters. I started to care for the two girls and I was nearly in tears as I read what they went through. I cannot pick a favorite character in this one, just know that Stone does great character development. Also, a big thing that I loved was the side characters and how Stone made sure to include and develop them as well. 

Plot. The main plot kept me hooked but I loved how Stone focused more on the characters than the main plot. I was so engrossed in the daily lives and struggled of the main characters that I would sometimes forget that there was a plot. 

Writing. This is my first experience reading a novel by Tamara Ireland Stones and I will be picking up more from her! I loved her characters and writing style. It has been a while since I've been so completely hooked by a YA contemporary novel. 

Romance. I believe what made me love this book was the romance, and with me that is usually the thing I disliked in a novel. Stone did an amazing job writing realistic relationships. The relationship between Luke and Emory was so raw and real. And I loved how the other relationship within the novel played out in the same realistic way. 

Main Message. The novel talks a lot about faith but in a way that even nonbelievers can connect with it. I loved how the novel tackles issues like people judging others, the struggle with finding out what you believe, and the focus on being good friend who listens. Stone did a great job of weaving in important topics without taking away from the story. 

What I Disliked:

Part of the Ending. I won't spoil the ending but I did not feel satisfied by one of the main conclusions. There was a relationship where I felt like the person who did something wrong did not really get consequences for their actions. 

I recommend checking out young adult contemporary, it is full of interesting characters and important messages. 

My Rating:

4.5 Stars Out of 5 Stars