Clarion Books, 2017.

Norah doesn’t get out much. In fact, since her debilitating agoraphobia hit three years ago, the only times she gets out at all are trips to the therapist and even then, half the time the therapist has to come down and talk with her in the car. But when a new delivery man leaves Norah’s groceries on the porch instead of bringing them to the door, Norah is stuck accepting the help of the new boy next door to get them inside. That unusual interaction opens the door to a new relationship in Norah’s life, but will Luke and Norah have the strength to tackle the obstacles that stand in the way of their relationship?

Under Rose-Tainted Skies had me rooting for Norah and Luke and her mom and even her therapist. Norah’s obstacles in facing her OCD and agoraphobia feel so real and insurmountable. She’s so aware of the burden she places on her mother and the difficulties a relationship with her might pose for Luke. He’s charming and dedicated. I’d have liked a bit more information of why he’s so drawn to Norah, but disbelief in his interest was never a problem as I read. Norah’s mom became cheerleader or task master as required and I ached for her when Norah bent beneath the burden of her illness.

Under Rose-Tainted Skies is a book about a difficult subjects and a hard, hard illness, and yet Louise Gornall handles it with humor and intelligence and gives us a main character who readers can identify with and root for, lifting the veil off this very isolating form of mental illness and showing readers how like them Norah truly is.

I received a digital copy of this book courtesy of Clarion Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.