Not even a few pages in, and already my emotional butt was tearing up. I didn’t think I’d cry, but already within the first two chapters it was already hitting me right in my feelings, my heart, and proceeded to get a box of tissues to have on hand for the next round of tears. Fair warning this story had me bawling my eyes out, sobbing, and when I say I cried I mean I was ugly crying all the way to the very end. With that being said, prepare to be hit with all the emotions and sadness this story has. 

This was a story I had always heard about, and among the many descriptions, words I kept hearing were sad, heartbreaking, and emotional. I can truly say that just from what I read in the beginning that it’s true. On a lighter note, I loved the introduction in the beginning of seeing how Rune and Poppy met. The way they met was adorable, and set the stage for the sweetest moments to come ( as well as heartbreaking emotional). Fast forward to Rune and Poppy from age eight to age fifteen, and finally seventeen, we got to see them at different stages in their lives. Each age highlighted a significant moment in their lives, their relationship. I loved learning about the thousand boy kisses jar that Poppy’s mamaw gave her. The jar was Poppy’s newest adventure bestowed on her by her mamaw. The sentiment behind the thousand boy kisses jar was endearing, and you guessed it I was crying when mamaw gave it to Poppy.

Right away there were so many beautiful moments between Poppy and Rune. I loved seeing how in love Poppy and Rune were with one another, but it wasn’t just love, it was that they were each other’s best friend, they knew everything about one another, and their bond was truly unique and special. I also loved their little saying of “Forever always”. Aside from crying my eyes out, I was also smiling with joy from the sheer beauty emanating from the pages.

When Poppy abruptly broke off contact with Rune, and she disappeared for two years, I was instantly wondering, “WHAT JUST HAPPENED?!” Fast forward to both Rune and Poppy moving back to Georgia and it seemed Poppy had a secret to why she left. Rune was a completely different person compared to the sweet, Poppy obsessed boy we knew. I had my suspicions as to what was Poppy’s true reasoning for leaving and breaking off contact from Rune, and once my theory was confirmed… I hated myself a little for guessing it right. Poor Rune was devastated and all I wanted to do was hug and comfort him. I could understand Poppy’s decision but my heart broke for her with having to deal with such a heavy burden she had. 

This book absolutely destroyed me, and I mean in the way that this story was so beautifully written, and legitimately had me sobbing to the very end. Poppy and Rune’s love was endearing and unlike any love I have read before. The connection they had was lovely and amazing. This not only hit me right in my heart, but as a fan of romance, this one took the top spot from Rune and Poppy’s adventures to the meaningful moments they shared. As I’m writing this, I’m still sobbing and trying to compose myself, but I can’t find it in me to stop crying. Just when I thought I’d stopped crying… the epilogue. The epilogue absolutely wrecked me but I was overjoyed with emotion in seeing Poppy and Rune’s story come to a happy ending for them. This book surpassed my expectations and I can’t get over how much I love this book, without a doubt I highly recommend and Poppy and Rune have stolen my heart.