Title: A Bittersweet Farewell: My Thoughts on "Anytime" (Dunbridge Academy, #3)
As I turned the final pages of Anytime, the third installment in the Dunbridge Academy series by the talented author, I found myself swept up in an emotional tide, with tears welling in my eyes. It’s not just the characters that made bidding farewell so poignant; it’s the memories I’ve forged alongside them. This series has felt like coming home, and saying goodbye to the enchanting halls of Dunbridge was a challenge I hadn’t anticipated.
From the outset, Anytime greets its readers with familiar warmth, yet there’s an undeniable shift in tone. This installment dips into darker waters than its predecessors, exploring heavier themes that linger long after the last page. Olive and Colin, two compelling protagonists, carry significant burdens—both emotional and psychological—that set a much more somber backdrop for the story. Their contrasting dynamics are a brilliant exploration of how two seemingly different lives can find common ground, and I’ve found their journeys deeply relatable, though perhaps not as immersive as I would have liked.
While Olive grapples with her past and Colin struggles against the complexities of his present, their interactions transform the narrative into an emotional rollercoaster. The moments they challenge each other, pushing beyond their limits, reveal vulnerabilities that are both raw and beautifully layered. I admired how their conflicts often served as catalysts for growth, yet I couldn’t shake the feeling of being a step removed from their emotional battles. It’s as if I was watching two friends navigate their struggles rather than being fully immersed in their experiences.
What truly elevates Anytime is its exploration of relatable themes such as change, family dynamics, and the nature of friendship. The author brilliantly tackles these heavy subjects from fresh perspectives, compelling me to reflect on my own relationships and the inevitabilities of growing up. I found myself pondering my own experiences in ways that lingered after closing the book.
Another standout element is the writing style, which continues to be richly evocative. The pacing, while thoughtful and deliberate, occasionally felt slower during those introspective moments. Yet, I can appreciate that this slow burn allows readers to truly reflect and digest the emotional weight carried by Olive and Colin.
As I reminisced about the beautifully penned moments, one quote in particular resonated: “Sometimes, breaking one’s walls is the bravest act of all.” This encapsulates the essence of Anytime—the courage it takes to be vulnerable and the strength drawn from connection.
While my favorite book in the series remains Anyone, Anytime carves out its own deserving place in my heart. I believe readers who cherish character-driven stories laden with emotional depth will find solace within the pages of this book. It’s perfect for those who enjoy nuanced storytelling, as well as anyone grappling with themes of transition and self-discovery.
In the end, though I felt a bit distant from Olive and Colin’s struggles, Anytime left me with a bittersweet ache. The Dunbridge Academy will forever hold a special place in my mind, a sanctuary of beautiful moments and complex characters. I cherish my time there and look forward to revisiting those hallowed halls in my memories. 🥹💙
Discover more about Anytime (Dunbridge Academy, #3) on GoodReads >>
