Press Kit

2026 Junior Library Guild Selection

“Reminiscent of the Netflix television series Outer Banks, this is a mystery shrouded in history, wrapped up with a love story.”
–School Library Journal (Starred Review)

“[O]ffers both summertime romance and a historical mystery in this sensorial grumpy-sunshine love story set on Nantucket.”
– Publisher’s Weekly

“Lili’s and Wren’s alternating first-person perspectives grapple thoughtfully with grief and romantic dilemmas…Sweet and insightful.”
– Kirkus Reviews

“This light, tame summer romance is a fun read for those who want a strong plot to go along with the smooching.”
– Booklist

“A perfect summer romance! A mystery, a grumpy but loveable hero, and some falling in love? What more could you want? As with everything Johnson writes, I adored this one.” – Kasie West, author of Better Than Revenge

“Part mystery, part love story, all heart—Abigail Johnson has mined an absolute gem of a book. If You Were Here reminded me why I fell in love with YA romance in the first place.” – Emiko Jean, New York Times bestselling author of Tokyo Ever After

“A summer vacation, a history lesson and above all an absolutely charming romance, If You Were Here had us savoring every page and never wanting to leave Lili and Wren’s Nantucket. With a warm, inimitable voice, Johnson weaves a little mystery and an abundance of heart into an original, perfectly joyful summer love story.” – Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka, authors of Heiress Takes All

“Summertime fun meets idyllic Nantucket meets a centuries-old mystery in If You Were Here. Abigail Johnson skillfully crafts a fun, romantic story that gets at the tough and tender questions of life: how to honor our past, how to let go, how to apologize, and when to open your heart to love again.” – Claire Forrest, award-winning author of Where You See Yourself

“Emotionally rich and thought-provoking. Johnson’s skilled storytelling drops readers directly into Ethan and Rebecca’s experiences, both the painful and the beautiful, and I, for one, was changed by the journey.”
—Lynn Painter, New York Times bestselling author of Better Than the Movies

“A perfect blend of heartache, healing, and hope. Every Time You Go Away tackles tricky topics with candor and care while bringing to life characters that work their way into your heart and never let go.”
—Erin Stewart, author of The Words We Keep and Scars Like Wings

“A heartfelt story of two well-developed characters who are much more than their challenging circumstances.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Paints a nuanced and wonderfully human portrait of two teens wrestling with grief and family trauma… Don’t sleep on this one, friends! It’s a winner.” —Forever Young Adult

2023 Missouri Gateway Book Award Winner
2021 YALSA Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers Nominee

“Fast and intense, this is a galloping thriller with something extra for romantics.”
—Kirkus Reviews

“A tense, fast read . . . Abigail has created a twisting, complex path through a room full of mousetraps and every time I thought maybe Katelyn was finally going to get through it, another one went SNAP!”
—Aprilynne Pike, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Wings series

“Heart racing for all the right reasons—mystery, suspense, and romance. Loved!”
—Danielle Paige, New York Times bestselling author of the Dorothy Must Die series and STEALING SNOW

“This impossible to put down YA thriller had me on the edge of my seat from the first chapter.”
—Laurie Forest, Best-Selling author of The Black Witch Chronicles

“A fast-paced, heart-pounding page-turner that will keep you up at night wondering if we ever really know those we love.”
—Kelly DeVos, author of FAT GIRL ON A PLANE and DAY ZERO

“Brimming with Johnson’s trademark emotional depth, this fast-paced thriller grabs you from the first page and doesn’t let go until the very last. I couldn’t stop reading!”
—Joanna Ruth Meyer, author of ECHO NORTH and BEYOND THE SHADOWED EARTH

“A throat-clutching jaunt that sets the pace for any YA thriller daring to follow.”
—Tom Leveen, Bram Stoker Award Finalist

“Johnson beautifully evokes the tender romance that eventually builds between them [Adam and Jolene] after their first encounters, offering readers access to the two teens’ inner thoughts and fragile psyches. Jolene’s loneliness, especially, will break hearts…  The positive, not overly simplistic resolution to the complicated story will touch readers.”
–Booklist

“Johnson (Even If I Fall, 2019, etc.) has written a complex and emotionally charged character-driven story that explores a variety of painfully human themes, including loss and emotional abuse. Adam’s and Jolene’s struggles will draw readers in, and the slow-burning romance will touch readers’ hearts… Heart-wrenching and hopeful—a reminder that we can change our stories.”
–Kirkus Reviews

“In addition to the tender love story, the book takes on a number of important issues for young adults including divorce, loss, grief, family dynamics, relationship control, and sexual assault. The two main characters are well developed and teen readers will easily empathize with their emotions, their family conflicts, and the events that unfold in their lives… Romance fans will especially enjoy this title, as it delves into many family and relationship issues.”
–School Library Journal

“Heartfelt and soul-probing, this is a book that will leave readers with a heady book hangover- that is so very worth it.”
–YA Books Central

“Every Other Weekend left me teary-eyed and hopeful with its flawless balance of unforgettable characters, tough issues, and a pitch-perfect love story.”
— SUZANNE YOUNG, New York Times Best-Selling author of The Program series

“A poinant, painful, and strirring story about two kids trying to navigate divorce, first love, and finding your dreams.”
— KATHLEEN GLASGLOW, New York Times Best-Selling author of Girl in Pieces

“With remarkable skill, Abigail Johnson has creasted distinct and unforgettable characters in Adam and Jolene. A must read!”
— SAMANTHA YOUNG, New York Times Best-Selling author of The Fragile Ordinary and On Dublin Street

“Heart, humor, and characters you want to know. This book is a winner! “
— C.C. HUNTER, New York Times Best-Selling author of In Another Life

“Every Other Weekend handles sensitive family issues with honesty, amidst the fresh, emotive backdrop of Johnson’s stunning prose. Adam and Jolene spark the page with their wit. And they’ll slide into your heart as they discover each other’s.”
— LAURA TAYLOR NAMEY, author of The Library of Lost Things

Indigo Books Best Books of 2020
Amazon Teacher’s Pick for 2020

“Johnson spins a tale of broken people and stirring complexity… Emotional page-turner.”
–Kirkus Reviews

“Johnson brings to life a family in distress along with a tantalizing mystery…Captivating and emotional, this story creates a beautiful tapestry of secrets and lies and explores how a family goes on when the unthinkable is a coldhearted reality….a real page-turner.”
–Booklist

“An emotional character piece that’s hard to put down.”
–Hypable

“A moving, captivating story about the bonds of family and the restorative power of love.”
— Tamara Ireland Stone, New York Times bestselling author of Little Do We Know

“Abigail Johnson deftly weaves together emotional and romantic turmoil into an unforgettable read about loss, dreams, and redemption.”
— Jeff Zentner, William C. Morris award-winning author of The Serpent King

“Even If I Fall is a twisty tale about the complexity of family, love, and friendship. Told with truth and heart, it’s impossible to put down…or get the characters out of your head.”
— Elizabeth Eulberg, author of Better Off Friends

“A thoughtful novel about loving someone, even in the face of their faults.”
— Mindy McGinnis, author of The Female of the Species

2022 Grand Canyon Reader Award Selection

2021 TAYSHAS Recommended Reading List

2019 Junior Library Guild Selection

“A smart, heartfelt tale that’s more than its nifty high concept.”
– Kirkus Reviews

“Emotions, heartache, and betrayal: Johnson’s sophomore novel has it all.”
– Booklist

“Beautifully told, this heartbreaking story about family betrayals and secrets will have readers easily caught up in this tale… the ending is simply perfect.”
– RT Book Reviews

“Filled with drama, the narrative has notes of comedy, romance… the ending [is] heartwarming and satisfying.”
– School Library Journal