06/25/2025

After the major cliffhanger in The Way I Used to Be by Amber Smith, I was eager to find out what happened next. I ran to the bookstore as soon as I could and got my hands on the sequel, The Way I Am Now. Although I’m usually not a fan of sequels, I really enjoyed reading this book as it was written so beautifully and with so much empathy that I felt like I was in both Eden and Josh’s shoes. Yes, you heard me Josh Miller has finally made a return.

The story begins in Eden’s final year of high school, as she seeks forgiveness from her friends and family and starts to repair her relationships and lifestyle. She heads off to college with Josh, feeling more confident in herself despite the trauma she endured in the previous book—which is obviously shown by the title of this book. But,  Eden continues to struggle with the trauma and anxiety of her sexual assault, including a deep fear of saying no, especially since the trial may end up going both ways.

Meanwhile, we also get to see Josh’s point of view, as  he expresses his unwavering love for Eden, even through their conflicts, while also exploring his own personal growth and family issues and making amends to his relationship with his dad, and reflecting on how alcoholism can really change someone. By the end of the novel, we first handedly see that no matter what life throws at them, Eden and Josh continue to find their way back to each other, and find themselves. Through heartbreak, sadness, anger, healing, and self-discovery, they both learn that they always will find their way back. Happy Reading!