WHEN THE STARS LED TO YOU is quite the emotional YA contemporary. While on the surface it seems like a romance, the book is really about mental illness and related struggles. Although it may not be clear when picking this book up, I think it's important to have warnings for depression and suicidal ideation as this can be a trigger for some people.

The book is told in the first person perspective of Devon, who had fallen in love with Ashton one summer. He ghosted her, and she was devastated. She is shocked to see him at her school a year later for their senior year. As they begin to get to know each other again, they face many challenges, big and small. Devon is biracial and black, and she faces many microaggressions and racism because of it. They are also an interracial couple with a wealth disparity that adds some complexity in terms of familial acceptance.

This was a really poignant and intense read, not to be started lightly. The content is quite heavy, but very important. The journey is worth it. The depiction of depression was really well done, and I loved that resources were shown as well. For that reason, this book is a great one for young people who might be dealing with this or who know people who are to pick up. Adding on top of that the lesser themes, and this is a powerful read. I will also say that the ending is a little open for people who like closure to be forewarned.

Poignant, engrossing, and addressing important issues, WHEN THE STARS LEAD TO YOU is a beautifully written YA contemporary read. Recommend for older YA and adult audiences (some sexual content).