The Day Before by Lisa Schroeder

Publication Date: 6-28-2011

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Pages: 320

Format: Hardcover

Source: Library

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Goodreads Summary:

Amber’s life is spinning out of control. All she wants is to turn up the volume on her iPod until all of the demands of family and friends fade away. So she sneaks off to the beach to spend a day by herself. Then Amber meets Cade. Their attraction is instant, and Amber can tell he’s also looking for an escape. Together they decide to share a perfect day: no pasts, no fears, no regrets.
The more time that Amber spends with Cade, the more she’s drawn to him. And the more she’s troubled by his darkness. Because Cade’s not just living in the now—he’s living each moment like it’s his last.

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Amber has a lot going on in her life that she isn't able to control.  She has been through so much in the past year or two in her life and those circumstances are now causing her to make changes in her life.  She decides to spend a day on the beach and meets Cade who it seems may have more troubles than her.  Amber and Cade bond with each other in their short time together and learn a lot about themselves as well as each other.  They realize they both have tough decisions to make about their futures, but they can do it because they're two strong individuals.

Schroeder wrote this novel with a lot of heart and emotion.  Amber is a dynamic character with a lot on her mind that she needs to figure out for herself.  Cade is a character that is dealing with more family issues than one person could imagine.  He has medical decisions to make that could destroy his family if he chooses wrong.  We get to follow these two in their last 24 hours before choices must be made.  These two were so lucky to find each other when they needed each other most.  This novel shows the strength one can find when they relate to someone else.  It shows how grateful one can be to meet a stranger when they're having a down day.  Friends and family can be helpful, but sometimes that new perspective from a complete stranger can make you realize how your life isn't that bad.

This is another novel written in verse, which I love.  It's amazing how an author can fit so much emotion into such short lines.  There is so much story that can be told while writing in verse.  I think novels in verse are something readers either seem to like or not like very much.  If you've never read one before, this is a good place to start.  It isn't overloaded with tough situations and there is, of course, the romantic aspect of the book.  Schroeder did a great job telling the stories of these two characters and how their own lives seem to intersect with each other in terms of the emotions they experience and the fear that at times overwhelms them.