Book Review: Saving June by Hannah Harrington

Title: Saving June
Author: Hannah Harrington
Links: Website | Live Journal | Twitter
Publisher: Harlequin
Publication Date: November 22nd 2011
Source: Harlequin Teen Panel
Format: Paperback
Pages: 322
Add it: Goodreads | Shelfari
Buy it: Barnes & Noble | Amazon
Summary from Goodreads:

‘If she’d waited less than two weeks, she’d be June who died in June. But I guess my sister didn’t consider that.’
Harper Scott’s older sister has always been the perfect one so when June takes her own life a week before her high school graduation, sixteen-year-old Harper is devastated. Everyone’s sorry, but no one can explain why.
When her divorcing parents decide to split her sister’s ashes into his-and-her urns, Harper takes matters into her own hands. She’ll steal the ashes and drive cross-country with her best friend, Laney, to the one place June always dreamed of going, California.
Enter Jake Tolan. He’s a boy with a bad attitude, a classic-rock obsession and nothing in common with Harper’s sister. But Jake had a connection with June, and when he insists on joining them, Harper’s just desperate enough to let him. With his alternately charming and infuriating demeanour and his belief that music can see you through anything, he might be exactly what she needs.
Except June wasn’t the only one hiding something. Jake’s keeping a secret that has the power to turn Harper’s life upside down again.
Rating:
4.5/5.0

Thoughts:
After finishing and completely adoring Jill Hathaway's Slide, I decided to continue on my mystery sort of novel kick and oh my goodness gracious, am I glad I picked Saving June up! This novel is heartbreaking, brilliant, and heartwarming all at the same time. The cover is simple but the colors and simplicity are what make it so eye catching and gorgeous. The emotions and dialogue during the character's road trip were so realistic yet entertaining. There's humor where you least expect it. Hannah's writing will have you smiling one moment and feeling sad along with the characters the next.
Characters:
The characters in this novel were truly all realistic. From the cranky and horrid aunt, to the heartbroken mom, to the love interest, & to the main character herself, the characters all have a realistic feel to them. I think that single fact is what has made tons of readers connect to the characters in a deeper level, because we can relate to them and because they're plain brilliant! Harper is a 17 year old girl who's sister just died yet she's a really strong character. She has to deal with family issues, boy and friend issues and to top it off, her sister died. Harper's best friend was such a fun character to read about. She had a good sense of humor and had me laughing at some of her jokes and actions. Overall, I adored all of the characters!
Romance:
I think the romance was one of the many things readers can really enjoy from Saving June because you can follow the development from beginning to end. From the moment Harper and her love interest meet, you can see and feel their connections. I just adored the romance. 
Ending:
The ending was, yet again, realistic. I loved how the events that happened between Harper and her love interest actually seemed realistic. Not every girl has to go back to the guy, right? Don't worry though, it's a happy ending, in a way. There's a twist in the end I would like to say I expected, but honestly, I was taken by surprise. 
Recommendation:
I recommend this to anyone looking for a book to read. Simple as that. It's hilarious, heartbreaking, and so many more emotions! I think most people would enjoy it.
First Sentence:

"According to the puppy-of-the-month calender hanging next to the phone in the kitchen, my sister June died on a Thursday, exactly nine days before her high school graduation."

 Other Cover:

Uk Cover: