If and Only If: Experience College in Her Running Shoes

by C.S. McKinney

Nestled in the ranges of the Arterra Mountains, Yemington University is a second home to Sarah Mills and her friend Emily Ellis. As they enter their senior year, and final season of cross-country, the pressure builds in their quest for a spot at nationals. As the grasp of autumn takes a tighter grip over the mountains, Sarah finds herself being pulled toward a guy on her team. The closer she gets, however, the more her life begins to change. As her feelings start to alter, will Sarah be able to stay true to herself? If and only if ....

222 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 27, 2020

About the author

Writing stories about the unspoken and sometimes off-putting aspects of dating, romance, and life is my passion. With each book, I envision the stories that feel familiar or connect with the reader on a certain level. By taking on the tough topics, I hope to inspire others to find a life of love and happiness without having to make the same mistakes as the book characters.
When I'm not writing, I enjoy competing in triathlons, playing music, and hiking.
For more information, be sure to visit www.csmckinney.com.

Reviews

[_sassy_39 · Rating 5 out of 5]

"If and Only If: Experience College in Her Running Shoes" penned by the author C.S. McKinney is about the journey of a girl Sarah as she navigates through college life. I liked the way story began with Sarah getting ready for the first day of the semester Senior year. Her roommate Emily Marie
Ellis could run on a full stomach and beat most of the guys.

At college, Sarah has a crush on a guy Paul. This year, there is another guy Nigel who is new but quite a competitor for Paul. Sarah and Emily are leading the girl's team. Paul and Nigel are leading the guys. Last year, the team missed to go to nationals by few points. So, this year, they have to get a spot at nationals.

I enjoyed reading about workout stuffs that author has mentioned within the story. For instance, doing warmup before running, stretching later, etc. Being a fitness enthusiast, I enjoyed every bit of this story and I highly appreciate the valuable knowledge that author has shared as part of this story.

Language of the book is lucid. I enjoyed reading about many situations in Sarah's life. This book is full of different emotions and I loved Sarah's character. This book took me down the memory lane to my college days. I like to recommend it to college students, other adults and especially to women as they would find more similarities with Sarah.

[Kyle Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

C.S. McKinney's debut novel is a look at the fast paced world of a college cross country season. Sarah finds herself as the top runner for her college cross country team all while trying to maintain the high expectations of being a math and science double major. The story shows her life through classroom lectures, training runs, competition runs and through her relationships that are developed in college. As a college athlete myself, I found it to be a great representation of the struggles that come with trying to be a good athlete and good student at the same time while trying to juggle a social life. Sarah is a pure soul that pushes herself in the right direction but finds herself in the mix of troubles and tribulations that will define her and her relationships forever. It is a quick read that tells a pure story through the eyes of a compelling character. Congratulations of C.S. for publication and telling a story that people will be excited to read. I highly recommend this book.

[RoshiReadsBooks (Roshi) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Young adult books are either a hit or miss with me, and this one was right on the bullseye! 🎯📖

To start, the descriptions in this book were delightful for my senses. I could smell the crisp air. I could feel the rain and the mud splash up. I could see each place. I could hear music and the birds chirping. So. Good. 

A story about college athletes, relationships, and choices. The book got better and better as the story progressed and it dived into issues many young adults face as they are coming of age. I loved the characters, especially the main character, Sarah. Loved the bits about running, the academic part of the story, the bits of romance. Just all of it! 🤗

An easy read. A great story. And there's just something so wonderful about the sweetness and innocence of a good young adult novel! I always find the good ones comforting - and this one did that! 

I cannot wait to read the next book in the series!!

Now run (pun intended 😉) and get this book for yourself and all of the young adults in your life!!

[Taylor Rizo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sarah is a college student who have a love for running. Emily is her roommate! Paul and Nigel are the top running boys on the team. The book shows the trials and tribulations of a collegiate athlete among the life of a normal collage student. I was given this book and was so happy to receive a copy. I connected deeply with the main character Sarah. I am also an avid runner to this day and felt her compassion and love for the sport. I loved seeing her character develop throughout the book. I do wish I got a better descriptive take on the setting and characters. I am a very visual person and wish I could have gotten the picture painted in my head. This book also seemed to jump around from scene to scene. This made the book seem scattered and hard to read at points. The language use was a bit confusing and I found myself rereading for these two reasons more than I would have liked in a book.

[Catie Fournier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ugh, where was this book when I was in high school and college?! It’s like the best friend I never knew I needed. While I’m not a YA reader, I was so excited to dive into this copy that I was gifted. I followed Sarah through her college experience, as she grew and found herself. The relationships and moments in her life were SO relatable, and I found myself cheering her on as I skipped through this story!

While Sarah was (obvi) the main character, I loved how McKinney sprinkled in real knowledge to, so not only did I become invested in the character but I learned some new things as well!

I’d highly recommend this as a gift to any graduating high schooler to help them navigate the wild world that is coming of age in college (or really, life in general). I can’t wait to get my hands on the sequel!

[Katie Vance · Rating 5 out of 5]

If and Only If: Experience College in Her Running Shoes was a fast and easy read. As the first in the series, the book sets the stage and develops characters well, all the while keeping the reader engaged with its many twists and turns as the main character navigates her way juggling both college and being a collegiate athlete and all the expectations and stresses that follow. Not only does the book discuss the common situations all college students face including drinking, sex, and managing life and school expectations, but C.S. Mckinney also addresses the unique and often hidden stresses of female collegiate runners and anemia.
I recommend this book for young female book clubs, coaches, and parents of female athletes.

[Christina Shute · Rating 5 out of 5]

If and Only If: Experience College in Her Running Shoes is authors CS McKinney’s first publication and in following his running theme I believe he is on the right track. I loved the way I felt as if I was in his character, Sarah’s, shoes the entire length of the book. I felt her rawness and the emotions of being a college student trying to find her way during difficult situations. It was an easy read, but not at all what I expected. McKinney truly takes his readers on an emotional marathon of worry, sadness, heartbreak and happiness. His next work is coming in the fall and I can not wait to meet him at the starting line. I believe he has a long career in front of him.

[Marissa D'Angelo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never run track and nor did I ever want to. But even so, the author was able to make me relate to the main character, Sarah, through the challenges that life gave her. What I enjoyed most about this book is the turning point in the middle when the big event occurred and I just had to keep reading to find out how everything would end up. Although I didn’t think this book was for me, I am glad to say that I was able to see into the life of a woman on the track team as well as her experiences throughout her first year in college. Loved it! Great job, looking forward to your next.

[Charlotte S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book so much! I read it in a couple days because it kept me wanting more. Great book and excited to read the next one!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

An easy read about a young girl and her journey through college, friendships, and dating. Easy to relate to on many levels; the college life is a common experience but reading it from another’s point of view was refreshing. I enjoyed the fluidity of the characters and events surrounding Sarah. A wonderful young adult novel!