BOOK REVIEW: Echoes Between Us by Katie McGarry

Echoes Between Us by Katie McGarry
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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, thanks to the blinding migraines that consume her whole life and keep Veronica on the fringes. But the haunting afterimages make her wonder if there is something more going on….

Golden boy Sawyer is handsome and popular, a state champion swimmer, but this All-American is hiding an adrenaline addiction that could kill him. Drawn to each other after a chance meeting, can they help each other battle the demons that haunt their every step or will they push their luck too far and risk losing it
all…including their lives?

At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

Review:

Echoes Between Us was a breathtaking story that touched my heart.  I laughed, fell in love and when it all came together, the tears wouldn’t stop.  But with whispers of paranormal moments within the pages, this book also gave me the chills.  So if you’re looking for a book that will pull at your heart and also fill it with warmth, then definitely add this one to your tbr!

“There’s no such things as ghosts.”
Veronica offers me a slow daring grin like she knows secrets I don’t . “You’ll change your mind after living there a few weeks.”

I didn’t realize that this story had characters from Only a Breath Apart.  And when I made the connection that Veronica was V, oh my gosh, I was so excited!  We got to see Jesse, Glory, Leo, Nazareth and Scarlett!  But if you haven’t read that story, don’t worry, Echoes Between Us can easily be read as a standlone.

Sometimes silence hurts more than words. – Sawyer

We alternated between Veronica and Sawyer. And while we started out a little bit in the dark, we got to know all of their secrets.  Veronica saw and talked with the ghost of her mother.   And Sawyer broke his arm doing something that we don’t learn about right away.  They were both broken and drowning in a sea of hurt.  And while they tried to be strong for others, it all became too much at times for them to handle.

He knows my secret, and I’m not okay with that.

I had already fallen for Veronica in Only a Breath Apart.  I loved how she was kind, gutsy and had a take no crap attitude.  And here I got to see how brutally honest she was and I loved that she stood up for herself.  Others called her weird and she tried her best to let it bounce off her.  But she was only human, and words hurt.  Yes Veronica was quirky and celebrated holidays at different times of the year.  But as we learned more about her past, her horrific migraines and the brain tumor she had, all the pieces of who Veronica was started to fall into place.

Most of the time, my life makes me feel as if I’m trapped inside a nailed-shut coffin that’s already been buried six feet deep, and I’m running out of air. – Sawyer

Sawyer broke my heart as I fell in love with him.  He seemed like the golden boy to the world, but inside he was suffering.  And to make the pain stop, he had an escape that was beyond dangerous. But Sawyer was so much more than he thought he was.  He was strong, the best older brother ever, and stood up for those he loved.  So while Sawyer had a few close friends, he didn’t do relationships.  He was jaded and saw them as toxic.  But when Sawyer, his mom and little sister ended up renting the first floor of the huge Victorian house that Veronica’s father owned, things started to change.

Then she does something unexpected. Veronica leans forward and places her hand over mine. Soft fingers, a delicate touch and my entire body sparks to life. As if I had been in darkness— the world was black and white —and then the flip was switched into color.

Fate pushed Sawyer and Veronica together and I hoped they would give each other a chance.  But it wasn’t an easy path and there was so much in their way.  Hurtful words, secrets, friends, family.  And while there was some bite in their interactions, moments here and there gave me butterflies.  Yet some of their times together, it felt like there was something more there.  And I’m not just talking about friendship or love.  But a presence that gave me the chills.  There were scenes that made my hair stand up and not want to read this story in the dark.  And I wasn’t sure how it was all going to play out.

She’s strong, she’s courageous , and for some reason, she’s trusting me.

Echoes Between Us was a beautifully haunting story.  It truly had it all.  Love, friendships, family and facing who you are.  And when some twists shined light on stuff, oh my heart, this book made me cry.  But it ended at a beautiful spot and my heart was so happy where Veronica and Sawyer ended up. So if you’re looking for a story that will touch your heart, definitely grab Echoes Betwen Us!  In case you can’t tell, I’ve fallen for another Katie McGarry book!

Her throat moves as she swallows, then she whispers, “I saw a ghost.” – Lucy talking to Veronica

PS I love Sawyer’s little sister, Lucy!  She was one of my favorites in this book!

PPS  Two books later and Nazareth is still such a huge mystery to me. I’m hoping he gets his own story someday!  Fingers crossed!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

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