"If He Had Been with Me" delves into the complex dynamics between Autumn and Finn, former inseparable friends who now try to ignore each other. Autumn has her boyfriend and close-knit friends, while Finn becomes popular at school. Despite their efforts, Autumn cannot shake the feeling that things could have been different if they stayed together.

As August approaches, Autumn must confront the possibility of a different life if they had not drifted apart. The novel explores the themes of friendship, longing, and the what-ifs of relationships, which is a reminder of the paths not taken.

The Author

Laura Nowlin, a Missouri State University graduate, majored in English, focusing on Creative Writing. An ambitious writer and avid reader, Nowlin finds inspiration for her novels while working at the public library in St. Louis.

Nowlin, residing with her musician husband, neurotic dog, and psychotic cat, believes books enable her to experience multiple lives in one lifetime. Her dedication to storytelling is reflected in her works, influenced by her diverse experiences and observations.

Complex Relationships and Heart-Wrenching Loss

An article by The Classic Critic said the novel begins with a gripping prologue revealing the death of Finn, Autumn's childhood friend and presumed love interest. The story explores their complex relationship before and after the tragedy, with Autumn navigating guilt and societal expectations. The reviewer said that while the initial hook captivated them, the plot's execution felt lackluster due to repetitive writing and irrelevant characters.

Despite this, the touching scenes between Autumn and Finn remained, bringing a heart-rending ending. The reviewer stated that the book's unusual depiction of the friends-to-lovers plot might attract some readers. Still, its flaws cancel out its absorbed effect, rendering it a book you read just once.

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Evocative Narration and Compelling Characters

According to Featz Reviews, the reviewer initially struggled to articulate their feelings about the book but eventually conveyed its impact. Narrated by Autumn, the story delves into her high school life, navigating relationships with her boyfriend, Jamie, and ex-best friend, Finn. While the reviewer initially questioned the relevance of the backstory, the depth it added to Autumn's character later became evident. The reviewer's emotional attachment to Autumn grew, making her their favorite character. Conversely, Jamie's manipulative behavior elicited the reviewer's disdain.

The anticipation of a sequel from Finn's perspective heightened the reviewer's excitement. Despite a challenging year of reading, the reviewer awarded the book a rare five-star rating, recommending it for its emotionally intense narrative.

Assessing the Writing, Characters, and Plot

A book review by Heidi Dischler delved into the writing, characters, and plot of "If He Had Been With Me" by Nowlin. While Dischler praised the writing for connecting the readers to the main character, Autumn, some aspects fell flat and forced, such as the lack of contractions. She lauded characters for their uniqueness and depth, with Finn standing out as a favorite.

However, Dischler criticized the plot's structure, particularly the early revelation of a tragic event. She expressed frustration with the trope of kind characters meeting tragic ends, highlighting disappointment in the predictable pregnancy subplot. Despite these criticisms, Dischler ultimately rated the book 4.5 stars for its emotional impact and engaging storyline and recommended it for readers who enjoy melancholic narratives.

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