Cosand’s debut novel is a quirky and endearing story revolving around two friends whose friendship grows into a beautiful relationship throughout the years. The story begins with Cole Evans when he is five years old and exploring the outdoors in his small town, where he literally stumbles into Bonnie, a girl with an unusual condition of being invisible. Amazed at his new friend’s state, Cole establishes an instant camaraderie with her that continues for years on end, even as his parents believe she’s imaginary. Cole and Bonnie navigate the trials of childhood and high school together—and then grow apart and reunite when they realize their friendship has matured into love and affection.

Bonnie’s character drives this feel-good story. From her invisible roots to a shocking revelation in high school, followed by years of popularity, as she matures Bonnie becomes something of an “It” girl admired by everyone, particularly Cole himself. Cole is no inactive protagonist, though: while he may not have known her face during their childhood, the duo forms a deep bond that only intensifies when (for reasons readers will have to discover) the invisible Bonnie finally makes her appearance. The mystery surrounding Bonnie invites readers to ponder age-old but still pressing questions: Is attraction only skin-deep? And what does it mean to love someone you’ve known nearly your entire life?

Inviting and warm, and offering a few surprise twists, Sights Unseen is marked throughout by a feeling of ease, partly due to the quirky and quaint small-town characters and Cosand’s playful handling of invisibility. (“Bonnie’s hair,” Cole insists, is only invisible “when she has it on her head. When it falls off you can see it.”) Even the high school drama quickly becomes a thing of the past as the leads grow up. Readers who favor gentle romances touched with a hint of the uncanny will remember Cole and Bonnie’s unusual connection long after they’ve turned the final page.

Takeaway: This quirky literary romance will warm readers' hearts as its main players grow up out of place in a small town.

Great for fans of: Kelley McNeil’s A Day Like This, Catherine Ryan Hyde’s Say Goodbye For Now.

Production grades
Cover: B
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: B