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If He Had Been With Me (If He Had Been with Me, #1) cover
Young Adults · Ages 15+

If He Had Been With Me (If He Had Been with Me, #1)

by Laura Nowlin

Age rating: Ages 15+ · Young Adults

Age rating and Christian content guidance for parents.

First published 2013

Autumn and Finny have been inseparable since birth, but a high school rift leaves them navigating separate lives until a tragic accident changes everything.

Concern Level

59/ 100

Heavy

Virtue Level

21/ 100

Present

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Things to consider

Sexual Content45

The story includes detailed descriptions of making out and a significant off-page sexual encounter.

Violence / Gore20

The story centers on a fatal car accident, though the physical impact is not graphic.

Profanity / Language60

Frequent use of strong language including the F-word and other common profanities throughout.

Blasphemy30

Characters occasionally use the Lord's name as an exclamation or in casual frustration.

Substance Use40

High school characters engage in underage drinking and recreational marijuana use at parties.

Suicide & Self-Harm55

Autumn struggles with significant depression and there are references to self-harm and suicidal ideation.

Scary / Disturbing10

The emotional weight of the ending is heavy, but there is no horror content.

Occult & Witchcraft0

There are no occult or supernatural elements in this realistic fiction novel.

Sexuality & Gender Themes15

A secondary character is mentioned as being gay, but it is not a primary focus.

Worldview & Spirituality60

The story prioritizes emotional fulfillment and 'what if' regrets over objective moral frameworks.

Anti-God or Christian Portrayal10

Christianity is largely absent and ignored rather than being actively mocked or attacked.

Virtues to celebrate

Courage & Sacrifice20

Autumn shows some emotional resilience while navigating the social pressures of high school life.

Faith & Hope5

There is no mention of Christian faith or reliance on God during trials.

Love & Friendship50

The book explores deep emotional bonds and the complexities of long-term friendship and family.

Forgiveness & Redemption30

Characters attempt to reconcile past misunderstandings, though true repentance is not a central theme.

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