A story about finding yourself, The Leaving Season by Cat Jordan is filled with romance, heartache, and one young woman’s uplifting discovery of her own inner strength.
Middie Daniels calls it the Leaving Season: the time of year when everyone graduates high school, packs up their brand-new suitcases, and leaves home for the first time.
This year Middie’s boyfriend Nate is the one leaving. Nate, who’s so perfect that she can barely believe it. Nate, who makes her better than she is on her own. Nate, who’s promised to come back once he’s finished his gap year volunteering in Central America. And when he does, it’ll be time for Middie to leave, too. With him.
But when a tragedy strikes, Middie’s whole world is set spinning. No one seems to understand just how lost she is… except for Nate’s slacker best friend Lee. Middie and Lee have never gotten along. But with the ground ripped out from under her, Middie is finding that up is down—and that Lee Ryan might be just what she needs to find her footing once more.
Cat Jordan’s heartbreaking story proves that no matter the season, no matter the obstacles, love can help you find yourself in the most unexpected of places.
The Leaving Season is less about the complicated romance as it is about Middie learning who she really is outside of her relationship with Nate, and figuring out what she really, truly wants out of life. Though some of the plot twists were predictable, the real reward from reading this book wasn’t related to story — it was related to character. It’s Middie’s growth and development that are really the star here, and really what make this book so special.
After all, her real conflict — what she wants out of life, who she wants to be, what she wants to do after high school — this is something everyone can relate to. The drama and romance just give the book a little extra oomf and passion.
And there is certainly passion. As much as this is Middie’s story, Lee is a deeply captivating character — and his romance with Middie is a significant and engaging aspect of this book. In many ways, it’s what kept me reading. But it’s Middie’s ultimate character growth that made me a satisfied reader by the ending.
The Leaving Season is in stores March 1st.
Novel Novice 
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