Sunday, January 12, 2020

Book Review: Echoes Between Us by Katie McGarry

Echoes Between Us
By: Katie McGarry
Release Date: January 14, 2020
Publisher: Tor Teen
Add to Goodreads
Source: eARC from the publisher in exchange for a honest review
Book Synopsis:

Echoes Between Us is bestselling author Katie McGarry’s breakout teen contemporary novel about a girl with everything to lose and the boy who will do anything to save her. 

Veronica sees ghosts. More specifically, her mother's ghost. The afterimages of blinding migraines caused by the brain tumor that keeps her on the fringes and consumes her whole life haunt her, even as she wonders if it's something more... 

Golden boy Sawyer is handsome and popular, a state champion swimmer, but his adrenaline addiction draws him to Veronica. 

A girl with nothing to live for and a boy with everything to lose--can they conquer their demons together?

 


My Thoughts:

Echoes Between Us is a raw, riveting, and beautiful story.  It broke my heart and put it back together again by offering bright rays of hope. I went through a lot of tissues, as Veronica and Sawyer's journey felt authentic, was relatable, and extremely moving. Even as Katie McGarry is one of my favorite authors, this story exceeded my expectations.  

It was multilayered, and had so many elements that I enjoy in a favorite read.  Echoes Between Us had such a rich and colorful cast of characters, serious topics that kept me engaged, a plot that held my attention and kept me guessing how everything would end, and a story so rich in friendship and unconditional love.

Veronica was a character with a lot of heart.  She marched to the beat of her own drum, and was courageous when it came to being true to herself, even though it made her an outcast among her peers.  

She had a wonderful tribe of friends, and I loved how dedicated, loyal, and caring they were towards one another.  Even though this story is a standalone, I was excited to recognize beloved characters Jesse, Scarlett, and Glory from Only a Breath Apart.  I hope Nazareth gets his own story next, because he was one of my favorite characters.

From outside appearances Sawyer had an easy life.  He was popular, and an accomplished swimmer.  Both Veronica and Sawyer were hurting and going through their own private struggles.  We get the dual perspectives of Veronica and Sawyer, as well as snippets of a diary from a girl that had Tuberculosis in the 1900's; which tied in to an important life lesson. 

There were paranormal elements in the story that touched on ghosts and hauntings, which I loved.  There was an air of mystery throughout the story as I tried to figure out certain things, and I loved how the story kept me guessing.

The ending of the story was spectacular and really touched my heart.  In less you can't tell, I loved this story and highly recommend it.  If you are looking for a multi-layered story that is unique, has an amazing cast of characters, and will both break your heart, and mend it, check out Echoes Between Us!





About the Author:

KATIE MCGARRY was a teenager during the age of grunge and boy bands and remembers those years as the best and worst of her life. She is a lover of music, happy endings, and reality television, and is a secret University of Kentucky basketball fan. 

Katie would love to hear from her readers. Contact her via her website, katielmcgarry.com, follow her on Twitter @KatieMcGarry, or become a fan on Facebook and Goodreads.





28 comments:

  1. You are obviously very passionate about how you feel about the book Lindy, so much so that even me, a person who doesn't like YA is putting it on her wish list. :) Great review thanks for sharing and she's a new to me author.

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  2. I just finished this one as well and really liked it. I loved the paranormal element to it!

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  3. I really need to try this author!

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  4. I'm glad to see you enjoyed this one, Lindy. I love a book that wrecks me!

    Great review. :)

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    1. Thanks Angie! These types of books are my absolute favorite :)

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  5. This sounds stellar Lindy! Honestly I was turned off by the cover. I didn’t expect the story to be so raw and heartfelt. Covers set the tone for me in a major way. Thanks for changing my mind about this one. ♥️

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    1. I'm glad that I did! I hope you check it out and give it a chance Dani :)

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  6. I was definitely a fan of the friendship element in this book. McGarry also does a great job examining each issue from multiple perspectives, and it makes me really think about the things these characters are experiencing. I really enjoyed this book too

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    1. Yes to everything you said!!!! Great opinions Sam :)

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  7. I rarely read Y/A stories, but this sounds like a story I would enjoy.

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  8. i never used to be so character driven, but nowadays they can make or break a story for me
    sherry @ fundinmental

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  9. I love Katie McGarry's books; can't wait to read this one. :)

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    1. I'm a huge fan of hers too Cali! You're going to love this story :)

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    1. Yes, it had my attention the whole way through :)

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  11. Sounds like one that could touch your heart.

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  12. I've never read a book by this author, but I've always heard really good things. I'm glad you enjoyed this one so much. I love that it has both of the MC's point of view!

    lauren
    www.shootingstarsmag.net

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    1. I hope you get the chance to read one of her books Lauren :)

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  13. I don't usually read anything with a paranormal element but this one sounds interesting.

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