The Boy Across the Water

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The Boy Across the Water

romance

Beth Taylor hated Noah Hale, the boy who lived on the other side of the lake. At least, she did when they were nine. But as the years passed and fate kept pulling them together, animosity gave way to a friendship that ran deeper than either of them could have imagined.
At seventeen, Beth saw through the town’s lies and gossip to the truth: Noah wasn’t just the brooding boy with a chip on his shoulder. He was a boy surviving hell in a place that was supposed to be his home. That summer, they fell hard for each other. It was supposed to last forever.
Until one morning, Noah was gone. No goodbye. No note. No explanation.
Years later, he returns to Stillwater, Minnesota. Only now, Noah Hale is one of the most famous movie stars in the world, a man marked by past scars and battles with addiction. And Beth must decide if the boy she once loved still exists inside the man standing before her.
In the quiet, snow-dusted streets of their hometown, Beth and Noah are forced to confront old wounds, buried truths, and the undeniable pull of a love that has never let go. But when a life-altering event threatens to shatter everything they’ve rebuilt, they will face their greatest test yet.
Tender, sweeping, and deeply human, The Boy Across the Water is a story of second chances, the power of forgiveness, and a love strong enough to weather even the coldest winter.
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What Readers Are Saying

Reader Reviews

”This was an emotional rollercoaster right from the start and I couldn't put it down. Beth and Noah become neighbors at a young age, but they don't start to get really close until highschool. Then one day he just leaves. He comes back years later to her town as a big time actor for a movie, they rekindle their relationship but he is different and has an alcohol addiction. Then he leaves again for 6 years and she has a huge surprise for him after he comes back. I cried so much at the end of this story and this was just an amazing story from start to finish. It really did tear me apart at times and it has some heavy topics, so it would be best to read the trigger warnings.”

Stephanie

on The Boy Across the Water

”The characters felt like home. They were so relatable. I loved that I hated some of the characters. I had so many emotions through this story. I laughed and cried and was heartbroken and happy. 10/10 must read Beth (main character) and the boy across the lake (Noah) were fun to get to know.

Tiffany

on The Boy Across the Water

”Well, I’m not going to lie the author told me this would be a tearjerker and I can now happily and tearfully confirm, she wasn’t lying.
I don’t really have many words apart from this was heartbreakingly beautiful. I laughed, I got angry, I cried (sobbed). I felt every single emotion whilst reading this book and I am so happy that I did feel them.
It’s not often you come across books that can make you feel everything all at the same time, yet this book did.
I will make a note that while this book is a reasonably longish book it reads so fast. And the time goes fast in these books like you’re always looking into the future with them.
So if you like characters that bring on the emotions and books that bring you to literal snot filled tears. This is for you.”

Tracey

on The Boy Across the Water

”⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Boy Across the Water absolutely broke me—in the best way possible. Make sure you have the tissues ready because this story will take you on an emotional roller coaster from beginning to end.
I couldn't put this book down. I completely fell in love with the characters, the storyline, and the beautiful way their journey unfolded. Every chapter pulled me in deeper and deeper.
This is a heartfelt story about soulmates, love, loss, hope, and the kind of connection that stays with you forever. If I could give it more than 5 stars, I absolutely would. One of those rare books that leaves a lasting mark on your heart.”

Kiley

on The Boy Across the Water

”The Drama. The Angst. The Raw!!
Noah and Beth are a dream. This story is so we'll written and the flownis beautiful. I ignored too many house hold responsibilities because i couldn't stop reading The Drama. The Angst. The Raw!!
Noah and Beth are a dream. This story is so we'll written and the flownis beautiful. I ignored too many house hold responsibilities because i couldn't stop reading”

Jessica

on The Boy Across the Water

”The Boy Across the Water by J.D. Hughes is one of those books that will gut you from the beginning to the end. When I received this book for review I was thinking, okay catchy title but does it have enough to hook me. In one word YES!! Here is the thing about the BOY ACROSS THE WATER it has so much in it from beginning to the little kids to the end seeing Noah who he becomes will just tear you apart. I was not prepared for the bond that Beth and Noah had from little kids, teenagers to well the adults hey have become is just WOW. This is the first I have ready by J.D. Hughes and have to say the way she created Noah with so much hate, dislike and yet we see the little boy inside who just wants to be loved is truly well written with so much emotion. The pain and heartache he goes through is just so heartbreaking and oh my god Beth is just so perfect for him. Seeing this little girl, become the strong woman and best friend Noah needs is just so touching. Beth has gone through so much from Noah leaving her and then later on what she goes through is truly a wonder. The strength she has in her is something that Noah has never seen and boy this is what he needs to see that no matter what happens he needs to remember his Beth. I truly fell in love with Beth and the magnitude of love she has in her, giving her strength she needs not only for Noah but for her own family. JD. Hughes totally rocked and definitely recommend this book for it shows romance, love, friendship but also the greatest thing and that is the power of healing. Loved it.
“I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own.””

Melinda

on The Boy Across the Water

”Wow! What can I say? I purposefully didnt read up on what this book was about so I had no expectations. Within the first 2 chapters I was hooked and knew this book was going to be a 5⭐️ read for me. The character development and detailed life story had me routing for Beth and Noah from beginning to end and had me feeling every emotion from giggling at Beth's quick wit to sobbing at the desperation of their love story. Loved this book so much, I just wish I had a physical copy to keep on my bookshelf!
Thankyou for allowing me to be one of your ARC readers x”

Sarah

on The Boy Across the Water

”Received copy from author for honest review
First off, HAVE TISSUES READY!
This book tore me up in the best way, I was not expecting to cry softly for two characters that had been through so much.
We first met Beth, the FMC of the book, when she is 9 and finds her neighbor dead sitting on his porch, peacefully. Then came Noah, a little boy who moved into the house, across the water from her (in the same house her neighbor died). She went over to meet him and is met with a wall of a nasty man (his dad) and then Noah was rude to Beth where she refused to talk to him until 8 years later.
Noah then becomes her savior in school, and from there, they are thick as thieves. They go through many trials in their relationship, but finally come back to each other in the end. . . too late. Beth has a good surprise for Noah, but he doesn't find out until 6 years later. Then, Beth becomes sick and they get married months before she passes. That part broke me. I love how he dedicated his home to her and the community to give back. I think this helped Noah finally heal from his abusive childhood and losing Beth.
I loved the ending where they met in the field for the last time.”

Danielle

on The Boy Across the Water

About the Author

J.D. Hughes

J.D. Hughes

Uk

J.D. Hughes is a contemporary romance author based in Worcestershire, where she lives with her husband and three children. Her debut novel, You Have My Heart, was published in 2016, and she has since written a few more heartfelt and engaging books that explore love, life, and everything in between.

In addition to writing, Jo is currently training to become a Social Worker, a role that reflects her deep interest in people and their stories. When she’s not writing or studying, she’s usually prancing about on the stage in a musical or pantomime, or juggling a variety of half-finished projects.

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