A review by tristatereader
This Day Changes Everything by Edward Underhill

adventurous funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

I wrote in my review of Always the Almost (which I loved- read it ASAP if you haven’t) that I was so excited for more future books by Edward Underhill. Well folks, he did it again. This was a 5-star read and Edward has officially landed himself on my auto-buy author list. 

This Day Changes Everything is the serendipitous story of two high school marching band members crashing into one another’s lives in NYC. Abby is from a small town in Missouri. She loves reading romance novels and browsing queer Tumblr. When she realizes she has feelings for her best friend Kat, she starts planning the perfect romantic gesture to win her heart. Leo is a trans boy from another small town in North Carolina. He’s struggling with the fact that while he’s out, his parents don’t seem to want his extended family to know. He feels conflicted about hiding his identity for the sake of peace in the family while also wanting to be his true, authentic self. Both Abby and Leo’s marching bands are chosen to perform during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in NYC, both end up staying at the same hotel, both get separated from their respective bands, and both wind up on the wrong train together. Enter 12 hours of spontaneous, uninhibited adventures all over Manhattan.

I absolutely adored this book. I loved the initial grumpy / sunshine dynamic between Leo and Abby that blossomed into pure adoration. I also loved the tone and the pacing in this book. This is the first book I’ve read where the entire story takes place in the span of one day. I was curious to see if I would feel rushed or find myself wanting more, but I felt nothing but a full heart. The author executed Abby and Leo’s story flawlessly. 

I also can’t say enough about the setting of this book. I’m a Jersey girl, and watching Abby and Leo run around to some of my favorite spots in Manhattan was absolutely magical. I was so invested and captivated by their spontaneous adventures together. There was a scene in the Strand where I actually felt giddy; like full on giggling and kicking my feet while reading. 

Read this book if you want A+ representation, genuine chemistry, self-acceptance journeys, and two people finding someone who makes them both feel unapologetically free. 

Thank you so much to Wednesday Books and NetGalley for this ARC