My Making Faces Book Review - No Spoilers
Plot Summary
Making Faces by Amy Harmon is a contemporary romance that explores profound themes of love, loss, and self-acceptance in a small town setting. The story follows Fern Taylor, a quiet and thoughtful girl who’s spent her life feeling overlooked—especially by Ambrose Young, the local wrestling star celebrated for both his looks and his talent. Fern’s closest friendship is with her cousin Bailey, who faces life with muscular dystrophy and relentless humor. Everything changes after 9/11, when Ambrose convinces his four best friends to enlist with him; he alone returns from war, scarred inside and out. As Ambrose hides from his old life, Fern’s gentle determination—and Bailey’s stubborn support—help him step out of the darkness. The novel draws on “Beauty and the Beast” elements, but goes far beyond romance, threading in themes of heroism, grief, identity, and what it means to truly love and forgive, both yourself and others. Told through flashbacks and present-day scenes, the book is deeply character-driven and emotionally powerful.
Why I Love This Book
I love how Making Faces balances heartbreak and hope. The writing is quietly powerful and full of thoughtfulness. Fern’s character resonates with me—she’s gentle and kind without being passive, and her compassion never feels forced. I was deeply moved by Bailey’s bravery and humor; he brings real light and honesty to every moment he’s on the page. Watching Ambrose struggle with his grief, guilt, and the idea that he’s broken beyond repair made me ache, but Fern and Bailey’s loyalty give him (and me) a reason to believe in second chances. The themes of beauty, heroism, grief, and forgiveness aren’t just talked about—they’re lived through tough, honest moments. My heart broke for these characters, but I also cheered for their courage, their friendship, and the small ways they care for each other. I finished the book feeling changed. For me, it’s more than a romance—it’s about seeing past surfaces and loving people as they are, scars and all.
Who Will Like This Book
If you want an emotional, deeply character-driven romance that touches on serious themes, this book is for you. Fans of “Beauty and the Beast” tropes, unlikely second chances, and stories focused on healing will be drawn in. If you like books that bring you to tears but offer hope—not just angst—you’ll connect with this journey. The novel does not shy away from trauma, grief, or loss (including death of friends, physical and emotional scars, and living with disability), so it isn’t a light read. There’s open discussion of faith, but it’s gentle, never preachy.
⚠️ Trigger warning: This book deals with war trauma, grief, death of friends, disability, terminal illness, disfigurement, bullying, and discussions of faith and loss. There are heavy moments and emotional triggers—check content warnings if you’re sensitive to these topics.
Tagged As
contemporary romance, small town, wounded hero, beauty and the beast, trauma healing, found family, friendship, grief, disability rep, slow burn, emotional, open-door romance, character-driven, inspirational, self-acceptance, forgiveness, heroism, military romance, heartbreak, hope, tearjerker, indie novel, faith, standalone
Steam Level
The romance is sweet, tender, and open-hearted, but all physical affection is limited and non-explicit—no graphic scenes. Most of the focus stays on emotional intimacy and small gestures. If heartfelt connection is what you crave over steam, this book is a safe and rewarding choice.
