Rewind To Us By Molly Morris Book Review

I finished Rewind to Us by Molly Morris in one sitting, and I don’t regret it. This book brings a fast, fun YA romance with just enough magic to keep things interesting. Dixie and Sawyer’s story pulled me in with real emotion. If you want a heartfelt, breezy read, this one hits the spot.

Key Takeaways

Rewind to Us is a quick and touching YA romance.
It has a special magical part that looks at second chances and regrets.
The story has characters you can relate to.
They change by having real talks about love, family, and being brave.
This book is great for summer reading. It has strong feelings, an easy way of writing, and a setting that feels cozy and real.

Book Overview

Premise & Genre

I picked up Rewind to Us by Molly Morris expecting a cute YA romance, but I got more than I bargained for. The story follows Dixie and Sawyer, two teens who share a love for film and a complicated past.

What sets this book apart is the magical twist—time doesn’t always move in a straight line here. The plot plays with regrets and second chances, which kept me guessing.

The book fits right into the YA romance with a magical twist genre.
If you’ve read stories like All the Stars Align or Where Shadows Meet, you’ll notice the same blend of heartfelt romance and a touch of the supernatural.
I love how Rewind to Us by Molly Morris uses magic to explore real emotions, not just as a gimmick.

This mix of romance and magic feels fresh but familiar, perfect for readers who want more than just a typical love story.

Main Themes

Rewind to Us by Molly Morris digs deep into some big feelings. Here’s what stood out to me:

Love and loss shape every chapter. Dixie and Sawyer’s connection feels real, and their struggles hit hard.
Courage pops up in unexpected ways. Both characters face tough choices and learn to speak their truth.
Family matters a lot. The story doesn’t shy away from messy relationships or honest conversations.
Honesty and communication drive the plot. Secrets have consequences, and the book doesn’t let anyone off easy.

I found myself thinking about my own friendships and regrets. The themes here stick with you, long after you finish the last page.

Plot Overview

Central Story

I’ll be honest, I started this book late at night, thinking I’d read just a few chapters. Next thing I knew, I was halfway through, totally hooked by Dixie and Sawyer’s story. The plot centers on these two teens who share a complicated friendship and a deep love for movies.

Their bond feels real, not just because of their shared interests, but because of the way they challenge each other to face the past.

Dixie wants to fix what went wrong between her and Sawyer.
Sawyer struggles with his own regrets and what he can’t say out loud.
The story uses a magical twist—time doesn’t always move forward. This lets the characters revisit moments they wish they could change.

The way film connects Dixie and Sawyer made me think about my own favorite movies and how they shape memories. Their conversations about movies felt honest, sometimes awkward, and always full of heart.

Setting

The book takes place in a small town that feels both cozy and a little stifling. I could almost smell the popcorn from their movie nights and feel the summer heat pressing in. The setting isn’t flashy, but it works. It gives Dixie and Sawyer space to figure things out, away from big city distractions.

Most scenes happen in familiar spots: bedrooms, backyards, and the local movie theater.
The town’s quietness makes every emotional moment stand out.

Characters

Dixie & Sawyer

I have to admit, I got way too invested in Dixie and Sawyer. I started reading, thinking I’d just check out a few chapters, but their story pulled me in fast. Dixie feels like someone I could have known in high school—awkward, stubborn, and hiding more than she lets on.

Sawyer, on the other hand, has this quiet charm. He’s not the loudest guy in the room, but his loyalty stands out.

Dixie: She’s not your typical YA heroine. She messes up, says the wrong thing, and sometimes pushes people away. That made her feel real to me.
Sawyer: He’s patient, but he’s also hurting. I could see his struggle in every scene, especially when he tried to keep his feelings hidden.

Their friendship felt honest. I loved how they used movies as a way to talk about things they couldn’t say out loud. It reminded me of late-night talks with friends, where you say everything and nothing at the same time.

Development

Watching Dixie and Sawyer grow hit me harder than I expected. Both start out stuck in their own regrets, but the story pushes them to face the truth. Dixie’s big reveal—no spoilers, but wow—changed how I saw her. It added a layer of sadness and hope that made her journey more powerful.

I found myself rooting for them, even when they made mistakes. Their growth felt earned, not forced. By the end, I wanted to hug both of them.

Themes

Love & Loss

I have to admit, this book hit me right in the feels. Love and loss shape every page. Dixie and Sawyer’s story made me remember my own heartbreaks and those moments when I wished I could rewind time. The way they care for each other feels raw and honest. Sometimes, I found myself holding my breath, waiting to see if they would finally say what needed to be said.

The story doesn’t shy away from pain. It shows how love can hurt, but also how it helps us heal.
Regret plays a big part. Dixie and Sawyer both want a second chance, and that hope kept me turning the pages.
I saw real courage in how they faced their feelings, even when it scared them.

Family & Honesty

Family gets messy in this book, and I loved that. Honesty isn’t easy for Dixie or Sawyer, especially with the people closest to them. The story shows how secrets can build walls, but also how telling the truth can set you free.

Dixie’s family isn’t perfect, but their love feels real. They fight, they mess up, but they keep trying.
Honest conversations matter. The book proves that saying what you mean, even when it’s hard, can change everything.
I saw myself in these moments—wanting to hide, but knowing I had to speak up.

This book left me thinking about my own family and friendships. It reminded me that courage isn’t just about big actions. Sometimes, it’s about having one honest talk.

Writing & Pacing

Style

I have to admit, I started reading with the idea I’d just skim a few chapters before bed. That plan failed fast. Molly Morris writes with a style that feels easy and real. The dialogue sounds like actual teens talking, not adults pretending.

I could hear Dixie’s voice in my head—awkward, funny, and sometimes sharp. The descriptions never slow things down. I saw the popcorn, the movie posters, and the way summer heat sticks to your skin.

Readability: Super smooth. I never had to reread a sentence to figure out what was happening.
Voice: Each character sounds unique. Dixie’s sarcasm and Sawyer’s quiet honesty both shine.
Emotion: The writing packs a punch without getting sappy. I felt every awkward pause and every hopeful glance.

Flow

The pacing in Rewind to Us moves fast—sometimes a little too fast. I flew through the first half, barely stopping to breathe. The story jumps right into the action, which I loved. No long setup, no dragging scenes. But I did notice a few subplots that felt rushed or left hanging. Some side characters pop in and out without much explanation.

Quick chapters keep things moving. I kept telling myself, “Just one more,” until it was 2 a.m.
Some scenes could have used more time to settle. I wanted a bit more from certain relationships.
Overall flow: Breezy and fun, but not always deep.

Pros & Cons

Strengths

I have to give props to Molly Morris for making this book feel like a summer night—quick, warm, and full of heart. Here’s what stood out for me:

Creative storytelling: The time twist kept me guessing. I never felt bored, not even for a second.
Emotional depth: Dixie and Sawyer’s feelings hit hard. Some scenes left me blinking back tears.
Relatable characters: I saw pieces of myself in both Dixie and Sawyer. Their mistakes and hopes felt real.
Summer read appeal: The pacing and setting made me want to grab a cold drink and read outside.
Honest conversations: The book doesn’t sugarcoat tough talks. I loved the raw, awkward moments.

Weaknesses

To be fair, not everything worked for me. I noticed a few bumps along the way:

Pacing issues: Some chapters flew by so fast, I barely had time to catch my breath. I wanted more time with certain moments.
Underdeveloped subplots: A few side characters popped in and out without much explanation. Their stories felt unfinished.
Abrupt transitions: Sometimes the story jumped from one scene to another too quickly. I lost track of what happened in between.
Predictable beats: I guessed a few twists before they happened. The magic didn’t always surprise me.

Who Should Read

Ideal Readers

I have to admit, I read Rewind to Us with my phone flashlight under the covers. I just couldn’t put it down. If you love YA romance with a little magic, this book will probably grab you too. I think it’s perfect for:

Anyone who likes stories about second chances and fixing old mistakes
Readers who want a fast-paced, emotional ride (I found myself tearing up more than once)
Fans of friendship-turned-romance stories
People who enjoy a bit of magical realism but don’t want a full-on fantasy
Teens and adults who want a book that feels like a summer night—quick, warm, and a little bittersweet

If you ever wished you could rewind time and say what you really meant, you’ll see yourself in Dixie and Sawyer.

Similar Books

I always look for books that give me the same feeling as my favorites. If you liked Again, But Better by Christine Riccio, you’ll notice the same mix of awkward humor, regret, and hope. Maybe in Another Life by Taylor Jenkins Reid also comes to mind. Both books play with the idea of choices and “what ifs,” just like Rewind to Us.

Again, But Better: For readers who want a coming-of-age story with a twist
Maybe in Another Life: For those who love exploring how one decision can change everything

If you’re searching for a book that’s heartfelt, a little magical, and easy to binge, this one fits right in.