by Louise Gornall
Genres: Mental Illness, Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Norah has agoraphobia and OCD. When groceries are left on the porch, she can’t step out to get them. Struggling to snag the bags with a stick, she meets Luke. He’s sweet and funny, and he just caught her fishing for groceries. Because of course he did.
Norah can’t leave the house, but can she let someone in? As their friendship grows deeper, Norah realizes Luke deserves a normal girl. One who can lie on the front lawn and look up at the stars. One who isn’t so screwed up.
If you follow Caffeinated you know, I am picky about young adult reads and rarely do I ever read a contemporary romance. Under Rose-Tainted Skies by Lousie Gornall spoke to me from the synopsis to the cover and well here I am.
This story will touch you. Young, old, middle schooler, age doesn’t matter. If you have ever been afraid of something, hate crowds, have OCD tendencies, or get awkward around a cute boy/girl, you will understand Norah. I think she lives in each of us.
Norah is seventeen and has severe agoraphobia and OCD. I suffer from mild cases of both and truth be told without my family and friends I would be perfectly content to never leave my property. While the story that unfolds focuses on Norah’s mental issues and offers tremendous insight into these sometimes disabling illnesses, it also gives readers a light, first-time romance for a young girl with all the butterflies, awkwardness, and excitement that comes with it. Realistic and relatable, it is very apparent that Gornall has first-hand knowledge of Agoraphobia and Obsessive Compulsive. Disorder. I would like to see this title added to the school curriculum.
Five reasons to buy, own, give Under Rose-Tainted Skies
- You want a story that will grab you from page one and hold you spellbound until the very last page.
- Give me all the emotional feels and skip the drama. The tale is realistic, and Norah despite her illness is a fighter with spunk. The drama is minimal and not drawn out.
- You love the first begins of romance..the butterflies, blushes, and awkwardness.
- Perfect gift for your teen, the local youth center or for someone who can relate to Norah.
- You’re curious about the illnesses of Agoraphobia and OCD. You want a non-text book understanding of what a person goes through when dealing with this issue.
Under Rose-Tainted Skies was a touching tale and Norah was a brave, quirky, lovable protagonist. This is the type of story whose character stays with you. You might find yourself asking, “What would Norah do?”
Under Rose-Tainted Skies By Louise Gornall shares a quirky first romance and living w/ mental illness Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Debbie Haupt
Oh wow a broken heroine for a change. Sounds good Kim
Kay
I can’t wait for this book to come out! I should go ahead and put in on hold at the library if it is on order already. It should be since it comes out soon. I am so glad you liked it! Maybe I will even just buy it if I get a Barnes & Noble gift card for Christmas.
Sophia Rose
This looks like a must-read. Didn’t know about it. Nice review, Kimberly.
Cyn
This sounds like a great read and does a good job of discussing mental health issues! I’ll definitely need to add that to me TBR! It’s great that there’s books like this to help break stigma. Great review, Kim!
Bookworm Brandee
This sounds sooo good, Kimberly. I love that the story is told so compellingly and minus the typical drama. I need a few more gifts for my oldest…I think I’m headed to the bookstore later. 🙂
Michelle
I’m definitely curious about this one! The cover looks kind of cute too.
Braine
The first time I heard of agoraphobia was when I watched this feature about Paula Deen pre-scandal. I didn’t realize it can get so bad, I hope you don’t get bad episodes. And I can relate to OCD, I have a “mild” case of one too although some of my family/friends will argue the “mildness” of it. LOL
Happy holidays to you and yours!
Angela Adams
Definitely an “after-Christmas” read. Thanks for the post!
Kristin
I forgot that you READ this!!! I almost posted my review of this today and I’m so glad I fell asleep writing it 🙂 I love your review!!! I loved the realism she brought to the disease (having to depend on other people when her mom went out of town) and the character’s snark towards herself. The snark helped you connect to her as a person.
I’m so glad you liked this!! I did too!!
Lorna
Well of course I want to read this now! Sounds really good. Have you read Puddle Jumping? It’s YA and about a teen that has a type of high functioning autism. It’s so good! Wonderful romance as well. Anyway that’s where my mind went. Great review!
Melissa
I think it’s great that more and more topics like this are seeing the light of day in novels. I’m definitely an introvert who prefers the quiet of my home but I can’t even imagine what it must be like to suffer from agoraphobia. That’s why books like this that can shed light in a realistic way are so great.
kindlemom1
I love that you connected with this story so much Kim, I love when an author can do that.
Megan
I read this back in June when it was released in the UK and really enjoyed it. It was beautifully written.
Rowena
Another great review, Kim. I’ve read a few other reviews for this book and some liked it while others didn’t so I’m glad to get your bullet points on why I should get it because I want all of that. I’m in. Thanks!
Mary Kirkland
I have agoraphobia and at one time I hadn’t left my apartment in 5 years. I get out a bit more now to walk the dog but it’s still hard so I’m really glad to see subject matter like these brought up in a book like this.
Laurel-Rain Snow
I have been eyeing this one since I first noticed it here. Definitely sounds like on I’d enjoy. Thanks for sharing!
blodeuedd
Poor girl :/
Trish
I always appreciate when a young adult contemporary book tackles an issue and does it in an authentic way. I already had this on my to-read list Kim so I’m glad that you found it so touching.
Bronwen
This sounds like such an interesting read! I’m always trying to find more books featuring mental health so will definitely have to check this out in the new year. x
Maureen Beatrice
This sounds like a great book Kimberly. And I totally get what you’re saying.. Without my work and boyfriend I probably wouldn’t mind staying inside all the time. Living in my own little world!!
Agoraphobia and OCD is definitey something I would like to know more about so I’ll add this book to my very long TBR!! 😀
Great review!