Always Isn't Forever by J.C. Cervantes - HIGH

Always Isn't Forever by J.C. Cervantes, 384 pages. Razorbill. 2023. $19 

Language: R (152 swears 6 'f'); Mature Content: PG-13 (passionate kissing) Violence: PG (drowning; non-bloody fighting) 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Hart and Ruby, both 17yo and Latinx, are a couple of teens living in El Celio, California who are deeply and truly in love and they see a wonderful future ahead of them. Ruby wants to travel the world and Hart is a natural musician. Ruby has this ominous feeling that something terrible is going to happen. When tragedy strikes, everything changes and unusual complications arise. An Angel allows Hart’s spirit to occupy another teenager’s body but with the conditions that he can’t tell people who he is and that his memories of his past will fade a bit each day until they’re completely gone. This is pure torture to Hart, especially when he sees how sad Ruby is. Will Ruby be able to move on? 

The intensity of suspense about what’s going to happen to the characters kept me riveted. I love the cute relationship between Hart and Ruby. I like how the author keeps the reader hoping throughout the story. 

LynnDell Watson, Delta High School Librarian