All we lost was everything by Sloan Harlow

all we lost was everything is the second novel by Sloan Harlow whose debut novel Everything we never said was a New York Times bestseller. all we lost was everything is narrated across alternate chapters from the first person point of view of River Santos and then of Logan Evans. Bi-racial River Santos has lost everything in a house fire. Her father died in the fire and her mother is missing. A couple of million dollars has been donated anonymously to a Gofundme campaign but she has not spent the money, choosing to live in a small apartment with Tita Anna, who seems to be one of the few stable and grounded characters in her life. River has just had her heart broken by her first boyfriend Noah and she subsequently meets Logan - a very "hot" boy who has just turned up at her workplace. Important to her is Tawny Mc Gill who has arrived recently at her school..."My best friend in the whole world..."

The setting of all we lost was everything adds flavour to the story. River lives in Scottsdale Arizona - a desert city east of Phoenix. The desertscape of hills, rockfaces and cacti provide an escape for River's mother where she can hike the trails. River's family are from the poor side of town. Life has been a struggle financially. The physical environment is barren and bleak; the house is broken down and beset with scorpions but there is "the unfurling tapestry" of the Sonoran Desert and  the Saguaras... "towering cacti, their arms thrown to the sky, some bowing, some bending, all magnificent."  The setting moves from the cemetery, to Gertie's diner and to interiors of homes and a short trip to Canyon Rock City (possibly Black Canyon City)

River has definite ideas about her parents but all is not as it seems and most of her beliefs are shattered. The novel moves from a bleak time in her life through more shocks and disappointments as she takes an active role in finding out the truth about her family. Sorting out who to trust, growing and giving oneself space to make wise decisions are further themes that are addressed as River matures.

all we lost was everything tackles the themes of identity, of grief, of romance and trust, of resilence and fresh starts. It is a quick read and presents a variety of intense emotions in succession. Sex is implied not graphic. It is recommended that only older teens read this book. The main characters, Logan and River are very likeable, relatable and multidimensional, displaying a wide range of emotions and motivations and personal growth across the book. The twist at the end is quite shocking.  Older teens and fans of BookTok 's Laura Nowlin, If he had been with me etc. and Kathleen Glasgow, Girl in pieces etc...would enjoy this book.

Trigger: Young adult (steamy romance elements)

Themes: YA romance, Thriller, Trust, Secrets, Revenge, Resilience.

Wendy Jeffrey