anything | book review + giveaway

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about the book

Two guarded hearts.

He’s breaking down walls and she’s building them higher.

A match made in Heaven, or a blueprint for disaster?

After the fiery downward spiral of senior year, Kit Talbot crash-lands on a quirky college campus where traditions rule and dorm floors act more like family. It’s just weird enough to keep her mind off the wreckage she’s leaving behind.

Enter Levi Whitaker, known as the swooniest guy on campus. Magnetic, confident, and far too much like the ex who sent her life into that PTSD-tainted nosedive. Levi seems to be everywhere, focused on her like she’s the only girl in the world—even indulging her sugar addiction with delivered treats. But Kit’s self-preservation instincts are sharper than ever, and she deflects him like Wonder Woman blocking bullets.

That is, until Levi’s quiet faith and humble apology start to break down Kit’s defenses. He loves Jesus in the dreamiest way, looks like wow, and … somehow triggers the flashbacks she fights so hard to avoid. Every minute with him is a risk she isn’t sure she should take. Should she protect them both from the chaos of her life or learn a bravery that feels irresponsible?

As Kit fights to keep her life safe and manageable, she leans into her faith, clinging to the Bible verses God whispers to her heart. Clearly, he’s up to something, but the healing she prays for isn’t happening the way she wants.

Why is God silent on the prayer she needs most?

publisher: independently published

release date: february 1, 2025

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review

anything may look like just another cute young-adult contemporary romance, but it also doesn't shy away from some tougher topics, like the lingering effects of attempted assault, changing friends and finding people to trust, and weaving faith into day-to-day living.

kit talbot heads off to mayberry university, ready for a fresh start. of course, it doesn't take her long to encounter levi whitaker, who presents quite the challenge... she's built metaphorical walls to protect herself after the experiences of her past, yet levi seems like a guy that just might be worth tearing them down. 

levi pursues kit gently, but persistently, even with his own reservation. it's no easy task, requiring plenty of sweet treats, patience, prayer, and some cheesy dialogue, and i enjoyed seeing both of the characters grow, while depending on God, throughout their time together. at times, i was annoyed, as the reader, knowing that kit just needed to open up and talk to someone—but that's always easier said than done, so i don't hold that against the character.

overall, anything represents the struggles and experiences of these characters with heart, grace, and value. it's a sweet, uplifting, wholesome romance, and i look forward to (hopefully) spending more time at mayberry university in future books.

i received a complimentary copy from the author. i was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions i have expressed are my own.
 
 
considerations: 
—language: none
—spice: kisses only
—faith: characters rely on relationships with Jesus throughout the story
—content: mental effects of past trauma, but no on-page detail of the attempted assault

about the author

When Kristina Welch isn’t adventuring around the world with her husband and three little blondies, she’s home near Denver, Colorado. She thrives on date nights, forest hikes, and peanut butter cookies. Her days include half-homeschooling her kids, thrifting for treasures, regretting DIY home projects, and babbling to Jesus wherever she is.

Connect with Kristina by visiting kristinawelchauthor.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

giveaway

(1) winner will receive a Book Hugger’s Bundle of leather bookmarks, Christian stickers, book tabs, reading light, signed copy of Anything, and a $25 B&N gift card!

(1) winner will receive a College Life Bundle of a notebook, pens, sticky notes, popcorn, mug, signed copy of Anything, and a $20 Starbucks gift card!

(1) winner will receive a Devo Time Bundle of a Bible, highlighters, book tabs, tea lights, signed copy of Anything, and a $25 Etsy gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight February 24, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 3, 2025. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

tour schedule

justread publicity tours