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Reflection #1
Reflection
Bright, spunky Heather Robbins has escaped her small hometown and is anxiously beginning her freshman year of college. Rising above her rocky childhood, she’s found a place where good things are finally starting to her own private apartment, refreshing college classes, and an intense attachment to a mysterious and rugged classmate, Nick Richards.
But when her dreamy college life turns out to be nothing more than a wonderful dream while resting in a coma, questions threaten.
Now, Heather must press forward to unlock the real past, and find the answers buried deep in her mind. What she unlocks instead is a roller coaster ride through flashbacks, embellished memories, and a whirlwind romance.
And when it’s all over and she comes face to face with the truth, will she lose everything she’s fallen in love with?
But when her dreamy college life turns out to be nothing more than a wonderful dream while resting in a coma, questions threaten.
Now, Heather must press forward to unlock the real past, and find the answers buried deep in her mind. What she unlocks instead is a roller coaster ride through flashbacks, embellished memories, and a whirlwind romance.
And when it’s all over and she comes face to face with the truth, will she lose everything she’s fallen in love with?
289 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2012
12 people are currently reading
2084 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Roberts
4 books239 followersJESSICA ROBERTS grew up in the San Francisco, California Bay Area where she spent most of her time playing sports alongside her six siblings. She was crowned Miss Teen California her senior year of high school, and went on to Brigham Young University where she graduated in Human Development. She currently resides in Utah with her husband and three children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
May 10, 2012
I cried. ...I DO NOT cry when I read. But...I cried. I loved the summary of the book and I let myself get sucked into it. The idea of falling in love with someone while in a coma and coming out trying to figure out if the person is real or not...*sigh. Just... Read it.
Disclaimers and such: I received this book from the group on Goodreads called: “Shut Up & Read” in their Read It & Reap section. So although, I received this book for free in exchange for a review, all thoughts are my own.
Like I mentioned above. I cried at a section of this book. The situation, the feelings, the whirlwind, the delicate dance of real and fiction was amazing. I felt like I was so drawn into the characters, especially since I haven't read a book like this before. It was really well written...from my humble opinion.
Heather in the beginning is leaving home. Home consisting of an alcoholic step-father since her mother passed away from cancer. The only real family Heather feels like she has is Creed. Creed is the good guy friend that is always there for her and keeps her safe while she's home. He's obviously got feelings for her, but Heather's too worried about getting out of town and fending for herself to see it. He's the good guy...the one that she obviously doesn't deserve, but at the same time you want him to "man up" and tell her!
After Heather leaves home and starts college, an accident occurs. She's knocked/ran over by a car while out running and she ends up in the hospital...in a coma. As she wakes up, she starts remembering the dreams she had while she was "sleeping." Her brain had her re-live through memories but instead of keeping them the same, the memories are either enhanced, altered, or all together not real.
The main focus of her dreams was a boy...Nick.
Nick...he's damaged goods. Doesn't seem like he wants a girlfriend, but seems to fall for Heather. Before she knows it, she's breaking her rules she set...mainly to not let anyone in or know her past. He's making her lose her guard and for some reason she almost wants to.
The main concern is...who is Nick? Why can she only remember him through her dreams? Is he real or did her mind make him up to help her body stay alive through the coma trauma?
I loved the characters. I felt Nick was a bit too stand offish in the beginning, but once he lets her in to see his life/his dad/his brother's death...it makes a little bit of sense. The hope, the feelings, the want, and the frustration of trying to determine what is real or made up...it's a torrent of emotions. I have a feeling this will be a book, I'll re-read to grab the details I missed the first time.
Disclaimers and such: I received this book from the group on Goodreads called: “Shut Up & Read” in their Read It & Reap section. So although, I received this book for free in exchange for a review, all thoughts are my own.
Like I mentioned above. I cried at a section of this book. The situation, the feelings, the whirlwind, the delicate dance of real and fiction was amazing. I felt like I was so drawn into the characters, especially since I haven't read a book like this before. It was really well written...from my humble opinion.
Heather in the beginning is leaving home. Home consisting of an alcoholic step-father since her mother passed away from cancer. The only real family Heather feels like she has is Creed. Creed is the good guy friend that is always there for her and keeps her safe while she's home. He's obviously got feelings for her, but Heather's too worried about getting out of town and fending for herself to see it. He's the good guy...the one that she obviously doesn't deserve, but at the same time you want him to "man up" and tell her!
After Heather leaves home and starts college, an accident occurs. She's knocked/ran over by a car while out running and she ends up in the hospital...in a coma. As she wakes up, she starts remembering the dreams she had while she was "sleeping." Her brain had her re-live through memories but instead of keeping them the same, the memories are either enhanced, altered, or all together not real.
The main focus of her dreams was a boy...Nick.
Nick...he's damaged goods. Doesn't seem like he wants a girlfriend, but seems to fall for Heather. Before she knows it, she's breaking her rules she set...mainly to not let anyone in or know her past. He's making her lose her guard and for some reason she almost wants to.
The main concern is...who is Nick? Why can she only remember him through her dreams? Is he real or did her mind make him up to help her body stay alive through the coma trauma?
I loved the characters. I felt Nick was a bit too stand offish in the beginning, but once he lets her in to see his life/his dad/his brother's death...it makes a little bit of sense. The hope, the feelings, the want, and the frustration of trying to determine what is real or made up...it's a torrent of emotions. I have a feeling this will be a book, I'll re-read to grab the details I missed the first time.
August 10, 2012
What an emotional ride! This book will take you on the emotional ride of your life so make sure you have plenty of tissues at the ready when you pick it up.
Heather finally able to leave her small town not so happy life behind her moves away from home to start college. Leaving behind her best friend is the hardest thing she has ever done, but she knows she has to escape her life if she wants to become something to be proud of. A few months after she arrives she has an accident that leaves her in a coma and with only patches of her memory. What we get to experience next is her not so perfect life in college and how she meets the greatest love of her life.
I have to give the author major credit for her thorough research because she totally nailed it with all the medical stuff. I totally bought into everything and I have no idea if it is all fact or not but it felt real to me so I went with it. It was neat to see those theories play out while Heather tried to recount her life. Like she would remember her alarm clock going off, but really it was the heart monitor in her room. Little things like that were very interesting to me and I am glad they were in the story.
I will say that I kept waiting for the big climax of the story to come. And while it did it wasn't the one I was expecting. I guess I have been reading too many sinister books lately because my brain automatically went to the "whodunit" scenario and really this book is just about a girl trying to put her life back together. I did enjoy this but there were a couple of things that bothered me. For one I didn't understand why Heather never came clean with Nick about who Creed really was. After a month or so after they started really hanging out I just wanted her to tell him the truth about everything. I didn't like that she lied to him even after he showed he cared about her so much. I also really wanted her to give Nick as much as she got from him. He opened up to her about a lot of stuff and she seemed to just pull away for no good reason. Yes I know she had a bad childhood, but from the information we are given I didn't see that it was something she couldn't tell Nick about. I guess I just expected more from her. Plus maybe it is just me but if you have read this please tell me, did you think there was more to Creed than what was showed?? Again it could be my brain turning to the dark side but I really felt something weird about him. This brings me to the ending and oh what an ending it was. A huge bomb is dropped and I don't know how I feel about it. I never thought the story would go in that direction so I am a little lost as to how I feel. I am hurt on so many levels as a reader and I am scared to pick up the sequel. I did read the first chapter in the sequel and it didn't get any better. This will be one of those books where I will have to read the ending before I start it. I have to know the outcome because I am already so emotionally involved with these characters that if it doesn't turn out the way I hope I will be crushed.
So I will say that I did enjoy this one. The writing is really amazing and I really enjoyed Heathers story. My 3 snowflake rating is only because I was not happy with the way things ended and I wanted Heather to own up to a lot more than she did. Nick deserve better in my opinion. I usually tend to shy away from books that have this much emotional pull, but I have to say after reading this I might pick up a few more emotional ones throughout the year.
*A copy was provided for by the author, thank you so much for letting us read Heathers story*
This review and more can be found here...
Heather finally able to leave her small town not so happy life behind her moves away from home to start college. Leaving behind her best friend is the hardest thing she has ever done, but she knows she has to escape her life if she wants to become something to be proud of. A few months after she arrives she has an accident that leaves her in a coma and with only patches of her memory. What we get to experience next is her not so perfect life in college and how she meets the greatest love of her life.
I have to give the author major credit for her thorough research because she totally nailed it with all the medical stuff. I totally bought into everything and I have no idea if it is all fact or not but it felt real to me so I went with it. It was neat to see those theories play out while Heather tried to recount her life. Like she would remember her alarm clock going off, but really it was the heart monitor in her room. Little things like that were very interesting to me and I am glad they were in the story.
I will say that I kept waiting for the big climax of the story to come. And while it did it wasn't the one I was expecting. I guess I have been reading too many sinister books lately because my brain automatically went to the "whodunit" scenario and really this book is just about a girl trying to put her life back together. I did enjoy this but there were a couple of things that bothered me. For one I didn't understand why Heather never came clean with Nick about who Creed really was. After a month or so after they started really hanging out I just wanted her to tell him the truth about everything. I didn't like that she lied to him even after he showed he cared about her so much. I also really wanted her to give Nick as much as she got from him. He opened up to her about a lot of stuff and she seemed to just pull away for no good reason. Yes I know she had a bad childhood, but from the information we are given I didn't see that it was something she couldn't tell Nick about. I guess I just expected more from her. Plus maybe it is just me but if you have read this please tell me, did you think there was more to Creed than what was showed?? Again it could be my brain turning to the dark side but I really felt something weird about him. This brings me to the ending and oh what an ending it was. A huge bomb is dropped and I don't know how I feel about it. I never thought the story would go in that direction so I am a little lost as to how I feel. I am hurt on so many levels as a reader and I am scared to pick up the sequel. I did read the first chapter in the sequel and it didn't get any better. This will be one of those books where I will have to read the ending before I start it. I have to know the outcome because I am already so emotionally involved with these characters that if it doesn't turn out the way I hope I will be crushed.
So I will say that I did enjoy this one. The writing is really amazing and I really enjoyed Heathers story. My 3 snowflake rating is only because I was not happy with the way things ended and I wanted Heather to own up to a lot more than she did. Nick deserve better in my opinion. I usually tend to shy away from books that have this much emotional pull, but I have to say after reading this I might pick up a few more emotional ones throughout the year.
*A copy was provided for by the author, thank you so much for letting us read Heathers story*
This review and more can be found here...
May 3, 2012
Wow, I did not expect this at all. I was looking for a quick, enjoyable read. But, it was definitely something more. By the end of the story, I had tears in my eyes. So excited for the next book! Wow. This is a contemporary, clean romance story. Perfect for all ages, and I believe it's more well suited towards YA's. Nevertheless, amazing!
I mean, I couldn't stop reading. I was drawn from the first chapter.
I can't even wrap my mind around this concept right now. Ah, the idea is just so riveting! The love between Nick and Heather is definitely there. Heather wakes up from a coma, and we hear her dreams that she experienced during the coma. Heather is retelling her story to her doctor, and I love the little interruptions from the Doc. The interruptions are somewhat necessary to remind the reader that she is retelling the story, and it's sort of a dream. But was it really only a dream? Does Nick actually exist? Oh, you'll definitely have to get your hands on this book!
I don't want to give too much away, but I was so focused on finding out what actually happened, that the author doesn't really tell you and leaves you in suspense till the last 30 to 40 pages or so.
Haha, it's actually interesting that Heather tells her story in like 200 pages, and then the Doc is like - thank you for retelling your story in those hours. It felt like days, even months. That's because the writing is amazing, and I felt as if I was Heather. And some scenes between Heather and Nick are just so adorable, awe.
I'm already so excited to read the next one!!! I loved the ending, yet I hate that it's a somewhat cliffhanger. Really intrigued to find out what happens next!
I mean, I couldn't stop reading. I was drawn from the first chapter.
I can't even wrap my mind around this concept right now. Ah, the idea is just so riveting! The love between Nick and Heather is definitely there. Heather wakes up from a coma, and we hear her dreams that she experienced during the coma. Heather is retelling her story to her doctor, and I love the little interruptions from the Doc. The interruptions are somewhat necessary to remind the reader that she is retelling the story, and it's sort of a dream. But was it really only a dream? Does Nick actually exist? Oh, you'll definitely have to get your hands on this book!
I don't want to give too much away, but I was so focused on finding out what actually happened, that the author doesn't really tell you and leaves you in suspense till the last 30 to 40 pages or so.
Haha, it's actually interesting that Heather tells her story in like 200 pages, and then the Doc is like - thank you for retelling your story in those hours. It felt like days, even months. That's because the writing is amazing, and I felt as if I was Heather. And some scenes between Heather and Nick are just so adorable, awe.
I'm already so excited to read the next one!!! I loved the ending, yet I hate that it's a somewhat cliffhanger. Really intrigued to find out what happens next!
May 24, 2012
THIS IS PRETTY AWESOMEEEEE!!!
But at first it started so slow, so its kind of boring but then it starts to unfold the mystery between what really happened before the accident. I just read it in one sitting 'coz I was really hooked to it!
I was just not into Heather's personality, its full of insecurities while Nick is so like the coolest guy who can handle anything. At first I thought that Nick was really a jerk but then as the story goes, I started to love this guy, how he really loved Heather was timeless. I got of kinda bit emotional when I read this book, its just sad that Heather lost
But what I really like about this book is that its so realistic that you will feel what the character felt. I like the way the story evolved between the characters and how it was develop.
This is definitely one of my favorites! I JUST CAN'T WAIT TO HAVE THE NEXT BOOK!!! Its intriguing who will end up with who!
But at first it started so slow, so its kind of boring but then it starts to unfold the mystery between what really happened before the accident. I just read it in one sitting 'coz I was really hooked to it!
I was just not into Heather's personality, its full of insecurities while Nick is so like the coolest guy who can handle anything. At first I thought that Nick was really a jerk but then as the story goes, I started to love this guy, how he really loved Heather was timeless. I got of kinda bit emotional when I read this book, its just sad that Heather lost
But what I really like about this book is that its so realistic that you will feel what the character felt. I like the way the story evolved between the characters and how it was develop.
This is definitely one of my favorites! I JUST CAN'T WAIT TO HAVE THE NEXT BOOK!!! Its intriguing who will end up with who!
June 18, 2012
Reading the synopsis I was interested in reading this. I started the book and was at first frustrated because I wanted to know exactly what was going on, or at least a clue. I wanted to know why Heather is so insecure and why she is afraid of making close relationships with others. Soon though, I was immersed in Heather's world and her feelings for Nick. As I got further enmeshed in Nick and Heather's exchange I was almost fearing the end. I had several thoughts of what was going to happen. And while the ending was bittersweet for me, I can't wait for the next book and see where things go from where it left off. So many questions spinning through my head as to what happens next. Hope and fear. As you can tell, I really got sucked into this book and I am so glad I signed up for it. Many thanks to the author for letting me read this! Now I just hope to be in the know for when the next book Reaction comes out in the fall of this year. I just have to know what is to come for Heather. Over all I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone. It was just that damn good! Not to mention the sneak peek didn't help at all...
*Note to self (that's me) mark the calendar to keep an eye out for Reaction later this year...
*Note to self (that's me) mark the calendar to keep an eye out for Reaction later this year...
May 16, 2012
I received a copy of this book from the Read it and Reap program in the Shut Up & Read group, in exchange for an honest review.
I bawled. I bawled my eyes out. I very rarely cry in books or movies or whatever else. But in Reflection I bawled. I read the description for this book and thought it would be a cheesy, very predictable book. What I got was the complete opposite. This book was SUPERFRIGGINAWESOMELYAMAZINGLYAWESOMELYFULLOFAMAZINGNESSANDAWESOMENESS! Ahem, *thumps chest* sorry I loved it so much I can't form proper sentences. What I meant to say was Reflection is an AMAZINGLYAWESOMEGORGEOUSBEAUTIFULBRILLIANTAMAZINGLYAWESOMEBOOK! Crap, sorry it happened again. *deep breaths* Review Paige, review! Ok, ok, I'll try to be normal now. ;)
Ok, here goes nothing!
Heather Robbins wants to escape. From her small hometown where she has spent her entire rocky, insecure life. Away from her abusive alcoholic step-father. Now, eighteen years old and a recent high school graduate, Heather leaves her past behind, and sets off to college. With a private apartment and an intense attraction to the gorgeous and mysterious Nick Richards, college almost seems too good to be true. Unfortunately for Heather, it is. Upon waking from a coma, she discovers that it was probably never real, but just a wonderful dream. In order to find out what was real and what wasn't, Heather must unlock her past. And what she unlocks is a whirlwind of flashbacks, memories and... well, and Nick. When the truth surfaces, will she lose all shes fallen in love with?
The first thing I really loved about this book was Heather. She is just such an adorable character! I loved how she didn't care what people thought of her; she just spoke whatever was on her mind and came across as this really light and airy person. I can't think of a better way to describe her. She marvels at her surroundings. She feels terrible when she stands up to the college bitch who has been harassing her for months. She expresses her emotions through poetry. The list could go on for a long time. Heather is just such an amazing lead character. She's compassionate, sympathetic, care-free and - I'm sure Nick agrees with me on this one! - you can't help but fall in love with her. Don't get me wrong, the other characters are also fabulous. But she stood out among the crowd.
Another thing I loved was watching the progression of the romance. I was SO glad that Heather and Nick weren't thrown together early on, otherwise we would've missed all those hilarious and heartbreaking scenes. One thing I actually really liked from the novel - even though I was crying hysterically - was what happened to them in the end. When Nick told her that things had changed. I won't say anymore, I promise!
The only negative I have is that now I have to wait for book two, Reaction. *frustrated cry scream* There is so much I want to know. Scratch that, I NEED to know! Liike, how has the accident affected her life and the people around her? She obviously gets to spend some more time with Creed (which means we get to find out more about him hehe! *rubs hands together*) It's obvious that she and Nick are going to end up together and I am so interested to find out how this happens. Yes, I've read the first chapter from the next book and that is where my interest lies. How the hell is she gonna change his mind?! TELL ME. TELL ME NOW.
This was just such a fantastically interesting concept for a book; I have never read a novel where not just the people, but her whole world, may not even be real. Waking from a coma only to try and figure out if the person you are so helplessly in love with is real or not. Just fantastic. *sigh* And it was so beautifully executed.
So if you hadn't guessed already, I love this book, and I can guarantee that I will re-read it multiple times and recommend it to my fellow people. And then read it again. Multiple times.
I bawled. I bawled my eyes out. I very rarely cry in books or movies or whatever else. But in Reflection I bawled. I read the description for this book and thought it would be a cheesy, very predictable book. What I got was the complete opposite. This book was SUPERFRIGGINAWESOMELYAMAZINGLYAWESOMELYFULLOFAMAZINGNESSANDAWESOMENESS! Ahem, *thumps chest* sorry I loved it so much I can't form proper sentences. What I meant to say was Reflection is an AMAZINGLYAWESOMEGORGEOUSBEAUTIFULBRILLIANTAMAZINGLYAWESOMEBOOK! Crap, sorry it happened again. *deep breaths* Review Paige, review! Ok, ok, I'll try to be normal now. ;)
Ok, here goes nothing!
Heather Robbins wants to escape. From her small hometown where she has spent her entire rocky, insecure life. Away from her abusive alcoholic step-father. Now, eighteen years old and a recent high school graduate, Heather leaves her past behind, and sets off to college. With a private apartment and an intense attraction to the gorgeous and mysterious Nick Richards, college almost seems too good to be true. Unfortunately for Heather, it is. Upon waking from a coma, she discovers that it was probably never real, but just a wonderful dream. In order to find out what was real and what wasn't, Heather must unlock her past. And what she unlocks is a whirlwind of flashbacks, memories and... well, and Nick. When the truth surfaces, will she lose all shes fallen in love with?
The first thing I really loved about this book was Heather. She is just such an adorable character! I loved how she didn't care what people thought of her; she just spoke whatever was on her mind and came across as this really light and airy person. I can't think of a better way to describe her. She marvels at her surroundings. She feels terrible when she stands up to the college bitch who has been harassing her for months. She expresses her emotions through poetry. The list could go on for a long time. Heather is just such an amazing lead character. She's compassionate, sympathetic, care-free and - I'm sure Nick agrees with me on this one! - you can't help but fall in love with her. Don't get me wrong, the other characters are also fabulous. But she stood out among the crowd.
Another thing I loved was watching the progression of the romance. I was SO glad that Heather and Nick weren't thrown together early on, otherwise we would've missed all those hilarious and heartbreaking scenes. One thing I actually really liked from the novel - even though I was crying hysterically - was what happened to them in the end. When Nick told her that things had changed. I won't say anymore, I promise!
The only negative I have is that now I have to wait for book two, Reaction. *frustrated cry scream* There is so much I want to know. Scratch that, I NEED to know! Liike, how has the accident affected her life and the people around her? She obviously gets to spend some more time with Creed (which means we get to find out more about him hehe! *rubs hands together*) It's obvious that she and Nick are going to end up together and I am so interested to find out how this happens. Yes, I've read the first chapter from the next book and that is where my interest lies. How the hell is she gonna change his mind?! TELL ME. TELL ME NOW.
This was just such a fantastically interesting concept for a book; I have never read a novel where not just the people, but her whole world, may not even be real. Waking from a coma only to try and figure out if the person you are so helplessly in love with is real or not. Just fantastic. *sigh* And it was so beautifully executed.
So if you hadn't guessed already, I love this book, and I can guarantee that I will re-read it multiple times and recommend it to my fellow people. And then read it again. Multiple times.
June 9, 2012
This review will be more like a gush - because honestly, I think Reflection is worth gushing about.
Jessica Roberts has a talent of making you bond with the characters, multiplying the angst you feel for them (especially Heather) after the tragedy is revealed. I connected with almost all the characters (with the exception of Stacey) - Heather was similar to me - from a small town, shy, nerdy, not really in the in-clique, hoping to start anew, while Nick is the classic mysterious (gorgeous!) guy - that of course, Heather later pines for. The supporting characters also added so much more - Damian, Meat (he's funny :D), Liz, Creed, and even Emily! - because they show the ups and deep friendships you make in college, or life in general, and how they affect you so.
I especially loved how Heather and Nick's relationship developed - no insta-love (thank goodness!) Their jokes, encounters (scaling an apartment! Haha c:), and friendship eventually developed into something more - which although a little cliche, was written well. Heather's emotions and feelings were especially portrayed realistically - of course she didn't jump into Nick's arms immediately - she had to think, for her own and Creed's sake.
And the ending - .
Now to sulk because Reaction doesn't come out until the Fall of 2012...
Jessica Roberts has a talent of making you bond with the characters, multiplying the angst you feel for them (especially Heather) after the tragedy is revealed. I connected with almost all the characters (with the exception of Stacey) - Heather was similar to me - from a small town, shy, nerdy, not really in the in-clique, hoping to start anew, while Nick is the classic mysterious (gorgeous!) guy - that of course, Heather later pines for. The supporting characters also added so much more - Damian, Meat (he's funny :D), Liz, Creed, and even Emily! - because they show the ups and deep friendships you make in college, or life in general, and how they affect you so.
I especially loved how Heather and Nick's relationship developed - no insta-love (thank goodness!) Their jokes, encounters (scaling an apartment! Haha c:), and friendship eventually developed into something more - which although a little cliche, was written well. Heather's emotions and feelings were especially portrayed realistically - of course she didn't jump into Nick's arms immediately - she had to think, for her own and Creed's sake.
And the ending - .
Now to sulk because Reaction doesn't come out until the Fall of 2012...
May 25, 2012
Wow this book was something else.
It was slow to start but when it started damm i did not want to put it down, Reflection is a book about Heather who was in an accident that left her i a coma for 2 years and 7months and when she suddenly wakes up she starts retelling what happened before the accident to her doctor but then when he leaves she starts remembering much more and as she is remembering she starts to relise that people have moved on with there lives. It is beautifully told the author really knows how to capture you and bring you into the book, she makes you feel what Heather is feeling. also loved the fact that you knew she was in a coma early on because if you didnt it would have been very confusing..
I also loved the love story involving Nick, i like the fact that it took a while to develop but at the end of the day its not your dypical love story.
The ending was heartbreaking as now we have to wait to see what happens next with the sequal. I would recommend this to anyone..
It was slow to start but when it started damm i did not want to put it down, Reflection is a book about Heather who was in an accident that left her i a coma for 2 years and 7months and when she suddenly wakes up she starts retelling what happened before the accident to her doctor but then when he leaves she starts remembering much more and as she is remembering she starts to relise that people have moved on with there lives. It is beautifully told the author really knows how to capture you and bring you into the book, she makes you feel what Heather is feeling. also loved the fact that you knew she was in a coma early on because if you didnt it would have been very confusing..
I also loved the love story involving Nick, i like the fact that it took a while to develop but at the end of the day its not your dypical love story.
The ending was heartbreaking as now we have to wait to see what happens next with the sequal. I would recommend this to anyone..
September 10, 2012
***Copy provided by author for review***
Before I say anything else, I just want to say this and get it out of the way: wow! I can honestly say that Reflection is unlike ANY other book I have ever read before.
Heather has lived in a small town all her life and after she graduates high school, she is desperate to leave the town behind. She lost her mother a couple of years ago and her stepfather is an alcoholic who doesn't care about her. The only problem with starting over is that she is leaving behind her best friend Creed. Creed obviously has feelings for Heather but respects her wishes to get away This is how the story starts, the night Heather says goodbye to Creed. It is a bittersweet moment for Heather but she goes through with it anyway. Next thing we know, Heather wakes up in a hospital. She is confused and has no idea what is going on. She only remembers certain bits and pieces of her past. Her doctor explains to Heather that she has been in a coma and together they try to piece together the pieces of Heather's past and fill in the gaps.
The rest of the story is told through a series of flashbacks. Heather is telling her doctor what she remembers about her life. Her earliest clear memory is her first day of college. Heather is extremely shy and incredibly awkward. On her first day, she meets Nick. She is attracted to him but he is very distant towards her. Just when she thinks he might like her, he ignores her the next time he sees her. But he isn't a jerk and they keep spending time together. Slowly, oh so slowly, she and Nick get closer and closer and start falling in love. As she is telling her doctor this, he informs her that not everything that she remembers might actually really happened. Some or all of it might have only happened in her dreams while she was in a come. Now it is up to Heather to decide what is real and what was a dream. Is Nick real? Was he really her boyfriend? Was she even friends with him or did her subconscious make it all up in her dreams?
Crazy right? The whole book I had absolutely no idea what would happen. Like Heather, I didn't know what was reality and what wasn't. Another fact that drove me crazy was that it is not revealed how long Heather was in a copy until the almost very end of the book, which was actually a huge shocker for me. I admit that the beginning of the book was a little bit too slow for me and I was confused at first when the story kept switching to Heather's flashbacks to her present conversations with her doctor. But I quickly got the hang of it. One thing that bothered me was that the blurb describes Heather as spunky when I don't think I would use that word to describe her at all. She is very closed off and is afraid of letting people get too close to her, which is why her relationship with Nick is slow. I did like their relationship though, although it was a little bit too slow for me at times, it was nice to see them become friends first and see them open up to each other.
We finally get answers towards the end which was not at all what I was expecting. Not in a bad way either, but I just can't believe the author actually ended the story THAT way! Cruel move Jessica, but genius because I am dying to get my hands on the sequel, Reaction, to see what happens next with Heather, Nick and Creed. Reflection is a unique, intriguing, emotional and incredibly thought-provoking story that will stay with you long after you are finished reading it.
Cover Love: can I just say that I am so in love with this cover! I love everything about it, the colors, the background, the way you don't really know if the girl is sleeping or dead. It's absolutely beautiful and goes perfectly with the story.
4 out of 5 sparkly stars!
Some of my favorite non-spoiler quotes from Reflection:
-Rules my memory told me I’d set up previously, some time ago. Rules that I once vowed to keep. Just two: Don’t get close to anyone and don’t talk about your past. Though I wanted to laugh at the second rule since I couldn’t remember much about my past, concern wouldn’t allow it.
-“It’s not polite to stare at people,” I hissed under my breath.
But this only seemed to provoke him since he leaned in and whispered, “The thing is, I never said I was polite.”
-I let out a large exhale and then stared into the dashboard, telling myself that dreams are just dreams. Reality is what’s real. And Nick and I are real. Nothing could change that.
-She couldn’t help but wonder if her colorful imagination had gone too far in Nick. He was real, of that she was certain. But were her memories of him real? Or were they only friends? Perhaps the better question, were they even friends?
-“Enough of this. I’m sick of all the pep talks! Wake up!”
I tried to nod. “I don’t care what it takes. Think of him if you have to. Whatever it takes. I’ll do this with you. It’s time.”
He was right. It was time.
***
Read more of my reviews and author interviews at:
www.MostlyYABookObsessed.com
http://www.mostlyyabookobsessed.com/2...
September 7, 2012
My original review can be found here on The Book Hookup.
Actual rating of 4.5 stars because of a few tiny hangups, but I think it's a personal thing and not anything to do with the quality of the story.
I was immediately caught up in the emotional journey of this captivating, original story and ended up reading this book in one sitting. Reflection begins with Heather Robbins saying goodbye to her lifelong friend, Creed, in search of a brighter world full of hopeful adventures while attending college in St. Louis, leaving behind her past and darker memories of the childhood in her hometown of Nevada City, Missouri. She’s looking for a clean slate in life, the thought of avoiding pitying stares and the gossip of the townsfolk freeing as her plans to live a life of anonymity take flight. The only thing holding her back is the thought of leaving Creed, her safety net in a world full of uncertainty. However, with a gentle nudge from him, Heather sets out for a new life with a carefully crafted plan to keep people in the dark about her former life and to never let them get too close so that she never has to get hurt.
Yet, devising a plan and actually following through with it is always easier said than done. Her summer classes introduce a whole host of people into her life, and she finds her idea of pushing people away more difficult than had ever thought it would be, especially Hat Guy. With a voice that sets her body on fire and a eyes that pierce her soul and pull at her heart strings, she finds resisting Nick (Hat Guy) the biggest challenge of all. *girly sigh* Nick… At first he’s the biggest jerk on the planet, but the more they’re forced to be together in classes and group projects, the more she finds herself falling for him. It’s understandable, how could she not fall for this guy? He’s so swoony and broody and gentle and tough and patient and funny and and kind and he plays the guitar and sings … AND I kind of fell in love with him as I read about him, too. He’s the perfect paradox, so cold and unrelenting on the outside and around others, but with her, he’s warm and tender and perfectly flawed and perfect. (Yes, I so have a crush on him. *le swoony sigh*)
But the kicker comes when Heather slowly awakes in a hospital room with no recollection of how she got there, and Nick’s presence isn’t the one that she feels, rather her best friend Creed. Through a conversation with Dr. Adams, Heather comes to realize that she has been in a coma for an extended period of time. Through the rest of the book, Heather walks us through a six month period of her start in school, the blossoming relationship with Nick, up until the day of the accident. Or rather I should say, she walks us through what she thinks she remembers. Dr. Adams explains that while her mind and body were trying to heal, her brain could have created this world and people that could have possibly been influenced by her surrounding in the hospital until it was time for her to come out of her coma. So Heather, along with the readers, works out the details, trying to separate actual facts from the embellished dreams that her brain manifested to help her recover.
This was a story that I couldn’t seem to get through fast enough and yet couldn’t read slow enough either. I often forgot that it was self-published work, and noticed very few errors. I was captivated from the start, and with my heart lodged in my throat, tore through the pages and prayed that Heather’s mind hadn’t gone haywire and brought about her ideal guy only to have him not be real. I don’t think I breathed through the entire book. I laughed out loud and I cried a little, too. I even laughed while I cried at some points. I swooned so hard I melted into the floor.
Ms. Roberts has an amazing ability to flesh out her characters. Each and every single one of them– even the marginally talked about secondary characters– is so multi-faceted that you quickly find yourself bound to the story and caring how it all ends. Though annoying at times because of her constant need to lie and push people away, I loved Heather. She was fun, quirky, enthusiastic about the strangest things and felt so real to me. Then to see her struggle to differentiate the truth behind her memories was so heartbreaking, and yet you’re riveted to her side and hoping with her against all hope that Nick is out there and at that their type of love really is timeless and existed.
To keep from spoiling anything, I’ll end the review here by saying that I really loved this book. The ending kind of tears your heart out a little, but there’s still a bit of hope that things will eventually work out in Heather’s favor. I can’t wait to get my hands on the sequel, Reaction, with a release date of Fall 2012. I’ll be holding my breath until then. Please don’t make me hold it too long, Ms. Roberts.
Actual rating of 4.5 stars because of a few tiny hangups, but I think it's a personal thing and not anything to do with the quality of the story.
I was immediately caught up in the emotional journey of this captivating, original story and ended up reading this book in one sitting. Reflection begins with Heather Robbins saying goodbye to her lifelong friend, Creed, in search of a brighter world full of hopeful adventures while attending college in St. Louis, leaving behind her past and darker memories of the childhood in her hometown of Nevada City, Missouri. She’s looking for a clean slate in life, the thought of avoiding pitying stares and the gossip of the townsfolk freeing as her plans to live a life of anonymity take flight. The only thing holding her back is the thought of leaving Creed, her safety net in a world full of uncertainty. However, with a gentle nudge from him, Heather sets out for a new life with a carefully crafted plan to keep people in the dark about her former life and to never let them get too close so that she never has to get hurt.
Yet, devising a plan and actually following through with it is always easier said than done. Her summer classes introduce a whole host of people into her life, and she finds her idea of pushing people away more difficult than had ever thought it would be, especially Hat Guy. With a voice that sets her body on fire and a eyes that pierce her soul and pull at her heart strings, she finds resisting Nick (Hat Guy) the biggest challenge of all. *girly sigh* Nick… At first he’s the biggest jerk on the planet, but the more they’re forced to be together in classes and group projects, the more she finds herself falling for him. It’s understandable, how could she not fall for this guy? He’s so swoony and broody and gentle and tough and patient and funny and and kind and he plays the guitar and sings … AND I kind of fell in love with him as I read about him, too. He’s the perfect paradox, so cold and unrelenting on the outside and around others, but with her, he’s warm and tender and perfectly flawed and perfect. (Yes, I so have a crush on him. *le swoony sigh*)
But the kicker comes when Heather slowly awakes in a hospital room with no recollection of how she got there, and Nick’s presence isn’t the one that she feels, rather her best friend Creed. Through a conversation with Dr. Adams, Heather comes to realize that she has been in a coma for an extended period of time. Through the rest of the book, Heather walks us through a six month period of her start in school, the blossoming relationship with Nick, up until the day of the accident. Or rather I should say, she walks us through what she thinks she remembers. Dr. Adams explains that while her mind and body were trying to heal, her brain could have created this world and people that could have possibly been influenced by her surrounding in the hospital until it was time for her to come out of her coma. So Heather, along with the readers, works out the details, trying to separate actual facts from the embellished dreams that her brain manifested to help her recover.
This was a story that I couldn’t seem to get through fast enough and yet couldn’t read slow enough either. I often forgot that it was self-published work, and noticed very few errors. I was captivated from the start, and with my heart lodged in my throat, tore through the pages and prayed that Heather’s mind hadn’t gone haywire and brought about her ideal guy only to have him not be real. I don’t think I breathed through the entire book. I laughed out loud and I cried a little, too. I even laughed while I cried at some points. I swooned so hard I melted into the floor.
Ms. Roberts has an amazing ability to flesh out her characters. Each and every single one of them– even the marginally talked about secondary characters– is so multi-faceted that you quickly find yourself bound to the story and caring how it all ends. Though annoying at times because of her constant need to lie and push people away, I loved Heather. She was fun, quirky, enthusiastic about the strangest things and felt so real to me. Then to see her struggle to differentiate the truth behind her memories was so heartbreaking, and yet you’re riveted to her side and hoping with her against all hope that Nick is out there and at that their type of love really is timeless and existed.
To keep from spoiling anything, I’ll end the review here by saying that I really loved this book. The ending kind of tears your heart out a little, but there’s still a bit of hope that things will eventually work out in Heather’s favor. I can’t wait to get my hands on the sequel, Reaction, with a release date of Fall 2012. I’ll be holding my breath until then. Please don’t make me hold it too long, Ms. Roberts.
June 6, 2012
Reflection is a YA contemporary romance written by Jessica Roberts. I read this as a R2R with The Nexus! As always, a special thank you to the mods and author for allowing me to participate.
4.5 stars!
THIS BOOK WAS PRETTY DARN AMAZING! After really getting into the story, I was hooked and couldn’t put it down!
The Rundown:
Heather Robbins is trying to escape the small town she lives in where her family history is anything but ideal. Leaving her alcoholic step-father, the memory of her deceased mother and her best friend, Creed, with a promise ring between them, she sets off to St. Louis to attend college. Living on her own in a cute little apartment, she starts the summer semester where she meets new friends, new adventures, makes an enemy or two and meets the incredibly hunky Nick Richards who’s detached composure, easy going monosyllabic nature infuriates but intrigues her … and sets her world on fire. Life is confusing but exciting for the first time. But when she suddenly wakes up to a reality where things have changed and the wonderful life and the new love she made for herself may be a figment of a coma induced imagination, she has to figure out what’s real and learn to accept what she might have lost.
The Review:
This book was completely different than anything I've read before. It was a bit confusing at first, wondering what was real and what wasn't, but once I got into the story and saw the direction it was taking, I really began to enjoy it a great deal! It drew me in from the beginning and captivated me to the very end. I became lost in the pages and my mind raced to figure out what clues lead to dream vs. reality so I could get an accurate picture of what was happening. It was smartly executed and the writing was inspired.
Heather’s character was a delight to read. She was original, she had spunk and she was compassionate at the same time, taking no pride when her broken thought-to-mouth filter got the best of her. Her circumstances made her stand out and I enjoyed her uniqueness.
Nick.. now what can I say about this mysterious hottie! He was fascinating from the first time we met him and Im so glad the romance between he and Heather was drawn out instead of instant. He had tragedy in his past too, which left him scarred and jagged and watching those walls break down was monumental.
I really loved Creed as well. His devotion to Heather was amazing and heartwarming. I really hope when the dust settles, he has a love of his own and not just a broken heart.
The colorful supporting cast was fun to read, even the class mean-girl, who gets slammed by Heather, much to Heather’s shame.
The Wrap Up:
I absolutely cannot wait for the sequel, Reaction, to be released so we can see what happens next! I REALLY hope we get a positive resolution to the ending of book one, Reflection. When I read the final page, I wanted to scream! Poor Heather.. Poor Nick… Poor Creed! Its just a heartbreaking mess! I kept waiting for the author to reveal how long she’d been in a coma, thinking things might not be so bad… Gah!!!
I think I read Reaction comes out later this year (fall of 2012). Is it bad that I WANT. IT. NOW?!? =)
4.5 stars!
THIS BOOK WAS PRETTY DARN AMAZING! After really getting into the story, I was hooked and couldn’t put it down!
The Rundown:
Heather Robbins is trying to escape the small town she lives in where her family history is anything but ideal. Leaving her alcoholic step-father, the memory of her deceased mother and her best friend, Creed, with a promise ring between them, she sets off to St. Louis to attend college. Living on her own in a cute little apartment, she starts the summer semester where she meets new friends, new adventures, makes an enemy or two and meets the incredibly hunky Nick Richards who’s detached composure, easy going monosyllabic nature infuriates but intrigues her … and sets her world on fire. Life is confusing but exciting for the first time. But when she suddenly wakes up to a reality where things have changed and the wonderful life and the new love she made for herself may be a figment of a coma induced imagination, she has to figure out what’s real and learn to accept what she might have lost.
The Review:
This book was completely different than anything I've read before. It was a bit confusing at first, wondering what was real and what wasn't, but once I got into the story and saw the direction it was taking, I really began to enjoy it a great deal! It drew me in from the beginning and captivated me to the very end. I became lost in the pages and my mind raced to figure out what clues lead to dream vs. reality so I could get an accurate picture of what was happening. It was smartly executed and the writing was inspired.
Heather’s character was a delight to read. She was original, she had spunk and she was compassionate at the same time, taking no pride when her broken thought-to-mouth filter got the best of her. Her circumstances made her stand out and I enjoyed her uniqueness.
Nick.. now what can I say about this mysterious hottie! He was fascinating from the first time we met him and Im so glad the romance between he and Heather was drawn out instead of instant. He had tragedy in his past too, which left him scarred and jagged and watching those walls break down was monumental.
I really loved Creed as well. His devotion to Heather was amazing and heartwarming. I really hope when the dust settles, he has a love of his own and not just a broken heart.
The colorful supporting cast was fun to read, even the class mean-girl, who gets slammed by Heather, much to Heather’s shame.
The Wrap Up:
I absolutely cannot wait for the sequel, Reaction, to be released so we can see what happens next! I REALLY hope we get a positive resolution to the ending of book one, Reflection. When I read the final page, I wanted to scream! Poor Heather.. Poor Nick… Poor Creed! Its just a heartbreaking mess! I kept waiting for the author to reveal how long she’d been in a coma, thinking things might not be so bad… Gah!!!
I think I read Reaction comes out later this year (fall of 2012). Is it bad that I WANT. IT. NOW?!? =)
September 6, 2012
First, I want to mention that this novel is New Adult, and that it is a genre that I have really grasped this year, and Reflection is just so perfect for this genre!
OMGosh this was soo good!! I was just, I don't know what to say, but this is a MUST read, and if you are just getting to read some works of New Adult, this is one to buy! Heather Robbins is one anxious young freshman girl going to college, that wants to get away from bad memories, some that include the loss of her Mother, and living with her step-father. What is hard is leaving her childhood friend, Creed, behind, but she is determined to make something of herself in a new city and new school; to start out some sort of new beginning. Her summer semester starts out with History, Creative Writing, and Track, but what she does not expect to see, or meet, or really feel anything instantly for is, Nick Richards. They do not have an easy start but something definitely forms, and for once Heather feels so comfortable, but wait...she wakes up. Heather finally wakes up from a Coma that she has been in for a while, and as she is reflecting back towards her dreams/memories, she's trying to figure out what's real/not and Heather might not be happy with the end result.
I really liked the concept, the story. It had a pretty good flow, and was written wonderfully, and I could not stop myself from turning the pages; it was definitely an addictive read! I liked how the POV shifted, but mainly we are in Heather's mind, and I really enjoyed reading her feelings/thoughts; it was just perfect. I also liked the characters as well including, Heather of course. She has a likable personality and she's a 'New Adult' trying to find herself in a new environment, and all of that is relatable, so having this story primarily in a college setting was excellent! Now...Nick. He was a very interesting male lead. I really liked him, but sometimes ok, thought he was a tad bit on the jerk side, but we get a glimpse of his mysterious past that has some traits of tragedy, and then I understood, why he is the way he is. But then the ending was...WOW...not kidding. I really don't want to give too much, but by the end, you will definitely want to read the next book in this series: Reaction. And yes, there's a second book, and just so much needed!! I have read the first chapter, and instantly know this is going to be a tear jerker, but I'm so ready to read this, when it comes out, sometime this Fall! This is a Novel, that I really hope you read, and I so Recommend it!
OMGosh this was soo good!! I was just, I don't know what to say, but this is a MUST read, and if you are just getting to read some works of New Adult, this is one to buy! Heather Robbins is one anxious young freshman girl going to college, that wants to get away from bad memories, some that include the loss of her Mother, and living with her step-father. What is hard is leaving her childhood friend, Creed, behind, but she is determined to make something of herself in a new city and new school; to start out some sort of new beginning. Her summer semester starts out with History, Creative Writing, and Track, but what she does not expect to see, or meet, or really feel anything instantly for is, Nick Richards. They do not have an easy start but something definitely forms, and for once Heather feels so comfortable, but wait...she wakes up. Heather finally wakes up from a Coma that she has been in for a while, and as she is reflecting back towards her dreams/memories, she's trying to figure out what's real/not and Heather might not be happy with the end result.
I really liked the concept, the story. It had a pretty good flow, and was written wonderfully, and I could not stop myself from turning the pages; it was definitely an addictive read! I liked how the POV shifted, but mainly we are in Heather's mind, and I really enjoyed reading her feelings/thoughts; it was just perfect. I also liked the characters as well including, Heather of course. She has a likable personality and she's a 'New Adult' trying to find herself in a new environment, and all of that is relatable, so having this story primarily in a college setting was excellent! Now...Nick. He was a very interesting male lead. I really liked him, but sometimes ok, thought he was a tad bit on the jerk side, but we get a glimpse of his mysterious past that has some traits of tragedy, and then I understood, why he is the way he is. But then the ending was...WOW...not kidding. I really don't want to give too much, but by the end, you will definitely want to read the next book in this series: Reaction. And yes, there's a second book, and just so much needed!! I have read the first chapter, and instantly know this is going to be a tear jerker, but I'm so ready to read this, when it comes out, sometime this Fall! This is a Novel, that I really hope you read, and I so Recommend it!
July 2, 2012
Words elude me. This story is so intense, so real, so affectingly beautiful and heartbreaking. Reflection is full of emotion and by the end, my heart was ready to burst.
We start off Heather, who wakes up after being in a coma for two years and seven months. Then, we get a retelling of her memories six months before the accident. Her start of college, and the amazing moments she has with Nick Richards. The memories of her growing into someone new and the beautiful memories of her falling in love. But, was everything she dreamed real or a lie? And now, two years later, will her life ever be able to be how she wanted it to be?
Once we start getting into Heather's memories, the book completely takes off and captures all of your attention. She was definitely different than most protagonists you read about. Ever since her mother's death, she's created a wall, sworn off getting to close to any one. She's also so curious and inexperienced that it was fun to watch her discover the world around her. By the end, I commend Heather for her strength. She's just come out of a coma, and her world is so altered, so unsure of anything she missed, so heart-breaking. I cannot wait to see how she continues her life in the sequel.
Nick.. Oh Nick. I loved watching him slowly crack open through Heather's memories. He's so brooding, so closed off in the beginning, and watching him taunt and smile and just be his sexy self made me grew to love him. Or maybe it was the fact that he wears sweat pants and a tee to a party, or that I want to play the torture game with him. Or that he draws and plays guitar. Regardless, Nick is so intense and I loved every moment of his and Heather's relationship.
Another thing I love is that this book is considered what we call "New Adult". It's a college setting and I absolutely adored it. It made so, so happy to see such an amazing book in this category! Plus the cover... is stunning!!
I was so silent reading the ending, I actually think I held breath while reading. Then, the preview for the sequel completely jumped on my heart and stomped it to a million pieces. Basically I was like "there goes all my hope..." but alas, that spark is still there and I am rooting for the happily ever after. Reflection was absolutely amazing and by the end emotionally draining. I absolutely am counting down the days until the sequel, Reaction, is released.
We start off Heather, who wakes up after being in a coma for two years and seven months. Then, we get a retelling of her memories six months before the accident. Her start of college, and the amazing moments she has with Nick Richards. The memories of her growing into someone new and the beautiful memories of her falling in love. But, was everything she dreamed real or a lie? And now, two years later, will her life ever be able to be how she wanted it to be?
Once we start getting into Heather's memories, the book completely takes off and captures all of your attention. She was definitely different than most protagonists you read about. Ever since her mother's death, she's created a wall, sworn off getting to close to any one. She's also so curious and inexperienced that it was fun to watch her discover the world around her. By the end, I commend Heather for her strength. She's just come out of a coma, and her world is so altered, so unsure of anything she missed, so heart-breaking. I cannot wait to see how she continues her life in the sequel.
Nick.. Oh Nick. I loved watching him slowly crack open through Heather's memories. He's so brooding, so closed off in the beginning, and watching him taunt and smile and just be his sexy self made me grew to love him. Or maybe it was the fact that he wears sweat pants and a tee to a party, or that I want to play the torture game with him. Or that he draws and plays guitar. Regardless, Nick is so intense and I loved every moment of his and Heather's relationship.
Another thing I love is that this book is considered what we call "New Adult". It's a college setting and I absolutely adored it. It made so, so happy to see such an amazing book in this category! Plus the cover... is stunning!!
I was so silent reading the ending, I actually think I held breath while reading. Then, the preview for the sequel completely jumped on my heart and stomped it to a million pieces. Basically I was like "there goes all my hope..." but alas, that spark is still there and I am rooting for the happily ever after. Reflection was absolutely amazing and by the end emotionally draining. I absolutely am counting down the days until the sequel, Reaction, is released.
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February 7, 2016
This story was told in retrospect, and wandering backwards is always something I enjoy. ;) Of course it gets a little confusing sometimes if you suddenly get interrupted in the story, which I think made sense here but is in general not really nice for the reader, but it helped a lot that the present was written in third person, and the retrospect in first person. It felt just like it was Heather telling this story right there and then, which was the case inside the story, so: perfect.
The framework plot was Heather, just freshly awakened from her coma, first telling what she relieved in her mind during that time to her doctor, and in the end it stayed a bit in the present, revealing just how long she was out of this live, and if everything she deemed memory was true or only made up by her mind. There were two heavy shocks there, but I'm not gonna tell, just that they made me gasp.
The main plot happens in Heather's mind, having her relive the memories from when she started college. Country bumpkin with a rough past that she is, she tries really hard to fit in, but doesn't want to get too close to anyone. However, her plan doesn't quite work out, because Nick aka The Hat captures and holds her attention despite things not running smoothly for her. Heather was... well, a bit too uncertain and kinda repetative in her thought process, but I think that's partly due to her being stuck in a dream/her memories, so she is excused. Nick remains a big mysterium for most of the time, but he struck me as one of the few really deep male characters you find in YA nowadays. There was a real reason he wasn't going after the cheerleader girls although he could've had them one after another, and I think you get quite a glimpse at his personality although you actually never know what exactly he's thinking. The ending was a real shock, though. I'm really curious how this is going to develop in book two, Reaction.
Area Scan: Style: 4/5 -- Plot: 4/5 -- Characters: 5/5 -- Suspense: 3/5 -- Romance: 4.5/5 -- Drama: 4/5 -- Humor: 3.5/5 -- Idea & Details: 5/5
The framework plot was Heather, just freshly awakened from her coma, first telling what she relieved in her mind during that time to her doctor, and in the end it stayed a bit in the present, revealing just how long she was out of this live, and if everything she deemed memory was true or only made up by her mind. There were two heavy shocks there, but I'm not gonna tell, just that they made me gasp.
The main plot happens in Heather's mind, having her relive the memories from when she started college. Country bumpkin with a rough past that she is, she tries really hard to fit in, but doesn't want to get too close to anyone. However, her plan doesn't quite work out, because Nick aka The Hat captures and holds her attention despite things not running smoothly for her. Heather was... well, a bit too uncertain and kinda repetative in her thought process, but I think that's partly due to her being stuck in a dream/her memories, so she is excused. Nick remains a big mysterium for most of the time, but he struck me as one of the few really deep male characters you find in YA nowadays. There was a real reason he wasn't going after the cheerleader girls although he could've had them one after another, and I think you get quite a glimpse at his personality although you actually never know what exactly he's thinking. The ending was a real shock, though. I'm really curious how this is going to develop in book two, Reaction.
Area Scan: Style: 4/5 -- Plot: 4/5 -- Characters: 5/5 -- Suspense: 3/5 -- Romance: 4.5/5 -- Drama: 4/5 -- Humor: 3.5/5 -- Idea & Details: 5/5
September 3, 2012
Review and giveaway at Ja čitam, a ti?
This is one of those books that I'm happy that I haven't read a blurb. I had no idea about whole coma story and I was really surprised when I figured it out. I believe those who know first part of the book could've been boring. But let's start from the beginning.
Heather is a girl living in the small town and after a lot of bad things that have happened to her she wants to escape and start all over. Only person worth remembering is her friend Creed and well her employee Grandma V. She moves to bigger city and starts college. She has her apartment, job, finds new friends and among them is mysterious guy called Nick. As you start enjoying the story you find out that those are actually her memories and that she is in coma. Suddenly you start reading faster than you can just to see what on earth happened. You're confused cause you don't know what is real and what is her imagination.
I've read other reviews and talked to some bloggers and few of them said that they were confused with the point of view. Cause while you're read the book you mostly read about Heather's memories, but from time to time the doctor jumps in with some question (FYI, she is telling the doctor her memories). For me sometimes I was confused as well. Another time I was happy for that switch, cause Heather's story at some point became little bit boring. Too much details and sometimes repeating for my taste.
Then after you're so close to the ending of the book...how to put it you survive one shock, at least I did. When I figured what and how everything happened. For those people who don't like unfinished ends this end could be a problem. Until you find out that there will be a sequel!
Speaking of which I can't wait to read it, cause I really, really, really wanna know what will happen. But really, you know REALLY! Uh, this is killing me!
All in all...solid 4 stars for this book.
This is one of those books that I'm happy that I haven't read a blurb. I had no idea about whole coma story and I was really surprised when I figured it out. I believe those who know first part of the book could've been boring. But let's start from the beginning.
Heather is a girl living in the small town and after a lot of bad things that have happened to her she wants to escape and start all over. Only person worth remembering is her friend Creed and well her employee Grandma V. She moves to bigger city and starts college. She has her apartment, job, finds new friends and among them is mysterious guy called Nick. As you start enjoying the story you find out that those are actually her memories and that she is in coma. Suddenly you start reading faster than you can just to see what on earth happened. You're confused cause you don't know what is real and what is her imagination.
I've read other reviews and talked to some bloggers and few of them said that they were confused with the point of view. Cause while you're read the book you mostly read about Heather's memories, but from time to time the doctor jumps in with some question (FYI, she is telling the doctor her memories). For me sometimes I was confused as well. Another time I was happy for that switch, cause Heather's story at some point became little bit boring. Too much details and sometimes repeating for my taste.
Then after you're so close to the ending of the book...how to put it you survive one shock, at least I did. When I figured what and how everything happened. For those people who don't like unfinished ends this end could be a problem. Until you find out that there will be a sequel!
Speaking of which I can't wait to read it, cause I really, really, really wanna know what will happen. But really, you know REALLY! Uh, this is killing me!
All in all...solid 4 stars for this book.
August 31, 2012
Can you be obsessed with half of a novel and be completely bored by the other half? Apparently, you can. Reflection can be separated into two parts: Before and After.
I don't truly want to give a overall star rating. I divided the book into two parts and I can rate them separately.
2 stars to Before:
Before the accident, Heather has an amazing, heart-pounding, brain-melting romance (to her) during her first year of college. These and other memories are revealed as dreams during her long time in a coma after the accident. This could be described as the contemporary romance portion and the part I mostly skipped over. I read enough to know Heather is smart and witty, and there are other characters like Nick (the boyfriend), Creed (her childhood best friend), and Liz (her college best friend). Also, Nick and Heather have the previously mentioned heart-pounding romance. I read maybe a few scenes to quickly gather the personality of these characters, but other than that, I stuck to the After.
4 stars to After:
After the accident, Heather wakes up in a hospital and after being told she has been in a PRS coma, she tries to piece together what is real and what is not from her dreams. That's the part that pulled me in, that intrigued me no end and was so wonderfully entertaining. Even though I only read the After portions of the novel, I easily fell in love with all the fantastic characters. When Heather realized that not all of her memories may be real, she is forced to face the fact that her whirlwind romance may have just been a coping mechanism for her mind. That possibly, the man she was head over heels in love with might actually just be a fantasy. Can you call a (portion of) book an emotional mystery? 'Cause that's exactly what it was.
Highly unique and highly recommended (well... at least the After parts)
P.S. I googled a PRS coma. Turns out it's not real. Sadface. That sounds like a real and particularly intriguing medical condition.
June 26, 2012
I received this book in exchange for a review after signing up for the ARR (authors requesting reviews) program through the We ♥ YA Books group.
From page one, this book was on fire!! Very quickly after I began reading, I felt a strong emotional tie to the main character, Heather. I cared about what was happening to her, empathized with her situation, and wanted a happy ending for her. In the beginning, Heather is leaving to go to college, and the action takes off from there.
Ms. Roberts told this story with natural and flowing dialogue, well fleshed out characters, excellent descriptions, and a captivating plot. I was completely immersed in trying to figure out the mystery and thought the story was written in an interesting and unique way--it alternated between Heather narrating and the author narrating for Heather. The more I read, the more I became drawn into the story.
This book really spoke to me about life, death, and the inbetween. I haven't been this moved by a story in thinking about life and death in quite a while. I will definitely be recommending this book to everyone I know and will be reading this again and again. I love books that explore the human psyche and musings of life and death and between the two.
I won't give away the ending at all but will say that with the way the book ends, Ms. Roberts has set up for the next book perfectly. I wanted more and don't know how I'm going to wait until the fall when the next book, Reaction, comes out!
From page one, this book was on fire!! Very quickly after I began reading, I felt a strong emotional tie to the main character, Heather. I cared about what was happening to her, empathized with her situation, and wanted a happy ending for her. In the beginning, Heather is leaving to go to college, and the action takes off from there.
Ms. Roberts told this story with natural and flowing dialogue, well fleshed out characters, excellent descriptions, and a captivating plot. I was completely immersed in trying to figure out the mystery and thought the story was written in an interesting and unique way--it alternated between Heather narrating and the author narrating for Heather. The more I read, the more I became drawn into the story.
This book really spoke to me about life, death, and the inbetween. I haven't been this moved by a story in thinking about life and death in quite a while. I will definitely be recommending this book to everyone I know and will be reading this again and again. I love books that explore the human psyche and musings of life and death and between the two.
I won't give away the ending at all but will say that with the way the book ends, Ms. Roberts has set up for the next book perfectly. I wanted more and don't know how I'm going to wait until the fall when the next book, Reaction, comes out!
May 9, 2012
I received this book from Tt and Shut up and Read's Read it and Reap. I did not expect to like Reflection so much! It seems written for slightly younger than YA, but the writing is good and the author has that ability to express emotions that kind of sneak up on you. The story is compelling, centered around a young girl starting college and a new life with some twists which I'd rather let you discover on your on. I will say that at first it is difficult to determine whether the girl, Heather, is a typically self-absorbed, angst-ridden teen, or it is her condition that causes her to be so insecure and intense. I am still not sure on that point, and possibly that was the author's goal. In any case, the questions raised were intriguing enough that I was racing to the end to find out what was "real" and what was part of Heather's active imagination.
There were very few editing/grammar mistakes which is a huge plus for me and despite my disappointment that this book is yet another first in a series (ARRRGH!!) I will look forward to the next installment. I feel like the book should have ended, but I hope the author will surprise me with the rest of the story!
Thanks to the author and Tt!!
There were very few editing/grammar mistakes which is a huge plus for me and despite my disappointment that this book is yet another first in a series (ARRRGH!!) I will look forward to the next installment. I feel like the book should have ended, but I hope the author will surprise me with the rest of the story!
Thanks to the author and Tt!!
September 4, 2012
Unfortunately, I did not make it more than 25% into the book when I just had "enough" of how Nick, aka "Hat Guy", has a voice that Heather describes as "a meteor trenching into the earth's floor, sheathing my ear-way with deep heat, hotter than his touch, scorching my insides."
[insert crickets here]
I've been through a bit of a personal rut these days and a reading rut is not helping. I may return to this one later, as it does have some potential, but the stream-of-consciousness narration combined with the narrator/main character's inability to hear her love interest's voice without comparing it to a meteor is just... too much.
*A copy was provided by the publisher/author in exchange for an honest review.
[insert crickets here]
I've been through a bit of a personal rut these days and a reading rut is not helping. I may return to this one later, as it does have some potential, but the stream-of-consciousness narration combined with the narrator/main character's inability to hear her love interest's voice without comparing it to a meteor is just... too much.
*A copy was provided by the publisher/author in exchange for an honest review.
March 21, 2018
Heather Robbins has a dreamy life. That is, a life that is mixed of dreams and reality. Working through the past, the details that made her life so perfect blur into memories and even more confusion. Simple things like noises in the background work into the alternate life Heather is living while in a coma, making it difficult to separate the two. So much is lost as to what really happened and what Heather believed happened. And once things start becoming clearer, is it really for the better?
Reflection by Jessica Roberts is a emotional tale filled with mystery and love. The start is slow to build up, but then the story starts taking some major twists that demand attention! There is a lot left to discover in Heather's story, and hopefully more to learn with Nick as well. The ending does leave the reader wanting more, but luckily there is a sequel to help with that desire.
Reflection by Jessica Roberts is a emotional tale filled with mystery and love. The start is slow to build up, but then the story starts taking some major twists that demand attention! There is a lot left to discover in Heather's story, and hopefully more to learn with Nick as well. The ending does leave the reader wanting more, but luckily there is a sequel to help with that desire.
March 29, 2018
I loved this book! It's a quick read because once you start, you have to find out what's going on. Heather's feelings toward Nick reminded me of what it was like to fall in love. It contains a ton of swoon-worthy passages. This book has a solid plot, characters, and flow. I also liked that it was clean and I could recommend it to my teenage daughter. She has been loving it too!
September 7, 2012
Christina's original review can be found here on The Book Hookup.
Christina's Review:
Actual rating of 4.5 stars because of a few tiny hangups, but I think it's a personal thing and not anything to do with the quality of the story.
I was immediately caught up in the emotional journey of this captivating, original story and ended up reading this book in one sitting. Reflection begins with Heather Robbins saying goodbye to her lifelong friend, Creed, in search of a brighter world full of hopeful adventures while attending college in St. Louis, leaving behind her past and darker memories of the childhood in her hometown of Nevada City, Missouri. She’s looking for a clean slate in life, the thought of avoiding pitying stares and the gossip of the townsfolk freeing as her plans to live a life of anonymity take flight. The only thing holding her back is the thought of leaving Creed, her safety net in a world full of uncertainty. However, with a gentle nudge from him, Heather sets out for a new life with a carefully crafted plan to keep people in the dark about her former life and to never let them get too close so that she never has to get hurt.
Yet, devising a plan and actually following through with it is always easier said than done. Her summer classes introduce a whole host of people into her life, and she finds her idea of pushing people away more difficult than had ever thought it would be, especially Hat Guy. With a voice that sets her body on fire and a eyes that pierce her soul and pull at her heart strings, she finds resisting Nick (Hat Guy) the biggest challenge of all. *girly sigh* Nick… At first he’s the biggest jerk on the planet, but the more they’re forced to be together in classes and group projects, the more she finds herself falling for him. It’s understandable, how could she not fall for this guy? He’s so swoony and broody and gentle and tough and patient and funny and and kind and he plays the guitar and sings … AND I kind of fell in love with him as I read about him, too. He’s the perfect paradox, so cold and unrelenting on the outside and around others, but with her, he’s warm and tender and perfectly flawed and perfect. (Yes, I so have a crush on him. *le swoony sigh*)
But the kicker comes when Heather slowly awakes in a hospital room with no recollection of how she got there, and Nick’s presence isn’t the one that she feels, rather her best friend Creed. Through a conversation with Dr. Adams, Heather comes to realize that she has been in a coma for an extended period of time. Through the rest of the book, Heather walks us through a six month period of her start in school, the blossoming relationship with Nick, up until the day of the accident. Or rather I should say, she walks us through what she thinks she remembers. Dr. Adams explains that while her mind and body were trying to heal, her brain could have created this world and people that could have possibly been influenced by her surrounding in the hospital until it was time for her to come out of her coma. So Heather, along with the readers, works out the details, trying to separate actual facts from the embellished dreams that her brain manifested to help her recover.
This was a story that I couldn’t seem to get through fast enough and yet couldn’t read slow enough either. I often forgot that it was self-published work, and noticed very few errors. I was captivated from the start, and with my heart lodged in my throat, tore through the pages and prayed that Heather’s mind hadn’t gone haywire and brought about her ideal guy only to have him not be real. I don’t think I breathed through the entire book. I laughed out loud and I cried a little, too. I even laughed while I cried at some points. I swooned so hard I melted into the floor.
Ms. Roberts has an amazing ability to flesh out her characters. Each and every single one of them– even the marginally talked about secondary characters– is so multi-faceted that you quickly find yourself bound to the story and caring how it all ends. Though annoying at times because of her constant need to lie and push people away, I loved Heather. She was fun, quirky, enthusiastic about the strangest things and felt so real to me. Then to see her struggle to differentiate the truth behind her memories was so heartbreaking, and yet you’re riveted to her side and hoping with her against all hope that Nick is out there and at that their type of love really is timeless and existed.
To keep from spoiling anything, I’ll end the review here by saying that I really loved this book. The ending kind of tears your heart out a little, but there’s still a bit of hope that things will eventually work out in Heather’s favor. I can’t wait to get my hands on the sequel, Reaction, with a release date of Fall 2012. I’ll be holding my breath until then. Please don’t make me hold it too long, Ms. Roberts.
Christina's Review:
Actual rating of 4.5 stars because of a few tiny hangups, but I think it's a personal thing and not anything to do with the quality of the story.
I was immediately caught up in the emotional journey of this captivating, original story and ended up reading this book in one sitting. Reflection begins with Heather Robbins saying goodbye to her lifelong friend, Creed, in search of a brighter world full of hopeful adventures while attending college in St. Louis, leaving behind her past and darker memories of the childhood in her hometown of Nevada City, Missouri. She’s looking for a clean slate in life, the thought of avoiding pitying stares and the gossip of the townsfolk freeing as her plans to live a life of anonymity take flight. The only thing holding her back is the thought of leaving Creed, her safety net in a world full of uncertainty. However, with a gentle nudge from him, Heather sets out for a new life with a carefully crafted plan to keep people in the dark about her former life and to never let them get too close so that she never has to get hurt.
Yet, devising a plan and actually following through with it is always easier said than done. Her summer classes introduce a whole host of people into her life, and she finds her idea of pushing people away more difficult than had ever thought it would be, especially Hat Guy. With a voice that sets her body on fire and a eyes that pierce her soul and pull at her heart strings, she finds resisting Nick (Hat Guy) the biggest challenge of all. *girly sigh* Nick… At first he’s the biggest jerk on the planet, but the more they’re forced to be together in classes and group projects, the more she finds herself falling for him. It’s understandable, how could she not fall for this guy? He’s so swoony and broody and gentle and tough and patient and funny and and kind and he plays the guitar and sings … AND I kind of fell in love with him as I read about him, too. He’s the perfect paradox, so cold and unrelenting on the outside and around others, but with her, he’s warm and tender and perfectly flawed and perfect. (Yes, I so have a crush on him. *le swoony sigh*)
But the kicker comes when Heather slowly awakes in a hospital room with no recollection of how she got there, and Nick’s presence isn’t the one that she feels, rather her best friend Creed. Through a conversation with Dr. Adams, Heather comes to realize that she has been in a coma for an extended period of time. Through the rest of the book, Heather walks us through a six month period of her start in school, the blossoming relationship with Nick, up until the day of the accident. Or rather I should say, she walks us through what she thinks she remembers. Dr. Adams explains that while her mind and body were trying to heal, her brain could have created this world and people that could have possibly been influenced by her surrounding in the hospital until it was time for her to come out of her coma. So Heather, along with the readers, works out the details, trying to separate actual facts from the embellished dreams that her brain manifested to help her recover.
This was a story that I couldn’t seem to get through fast enough and yet couldn’t read slow enough either. I often forgot that it was self-published work, and noticed very few errors. I was captivated from the start, and with my heart lodged in my throat, tore through the pages and prayed that Heather’s mind hadn’t gone haywire and brought about her ideal guy only to have him not be real. I don’t think I breathed through the entire book. I laughed out loud and I cried a little, too. I even laughed while I cried at some points. I swooned so hard I melted into the floor.
Ms. Roberts has an amazing ability to flesh out her characters. Each and every single one of them– even the marginally talked about secondary characters– is so multi-faceted that you quickly find yourself bound to the story and caring how it all ends. Though annoying at times because of her constant need to lie and push people away, I loved Heather. She was fun, quirky, enthusiastic about the strangest things and felt so real to me. Then to see her struggle to differentiate the truth behind her memories was so heartbreaking, and yet you’re riveted to her side and hoping with her against all hope that Nick is out there and at that their type of love really is timeless and existed.
To keep from spoiling anything, I’ll end the review here by saying that I really loved this book. The ending kind of tears your heart out a little, but there’s still a bit of hope that things will eventually work out in Heather’s favor. I can’t wait to get my hands on the sequel, Reaction, with a release date of Fall 2012. I’ll be holding my breath until then. Please don’t make me hold it too long, Ms. Roberts.
July 20, 2012
I was given this book to read through The Nexus group for an honest review, thank you.
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May 15, 2018YA Romance fans! Request a review copy here: [closed - other review opportunities found here]
May 7, 2012
As seen on -> http://readingbythebeach.blogspot.com...
Reflection is an incredibly rich story that takes you on a tender adventure of a deep resonating love. An original concept that's purely addictive with characters that stick with you past the last page.
Wrapped in an emotional situation, you are eager yet hesitant to figure out what is real and what is embellished imagination. Heather has become one of my all-time favorite female protagonists. As we travel through her memories right along with her, it's easy to form a connection. It's easy to experience the range of emotions that she experiences. She's just as described as above in the blurb, bright and spunky. She's silly, she's heart-felt, she's cautious, she's many, many things that all roll together to produce an extremely well-developed, jump-out-of-the-page character.
Nick Richards is that mysterious, gorgeous guy that will amaze you with the depth that Jessica Roberts layered within his character. He's not just a pretty face, he's smart and in school for a reason. I was constantly entranced with his character, but more so by Heather and Nick together. After all, this is a love story, but one that could be purely fictitious inside Heather's mind.
Jessica Roberts expertly transports the reader within the pages of Reflection with her seamless prose, captivating, realistic characters, and heart-tugging story. This is a story that you are going to want to get lost in. I was beyond transfixed, easily devouring the savory details.
"Though I enjoyed the energy of morning, the spice of daytime, and the sense of accomplishment that came with evening, there was nothing that pumped me more than the dark blue vigor of nighttime"
Reflection is the type of book, for me, that my mind will always return to. A book that will stay in the forefront of my mind even after I get swept away by another great book. I cannot shake these characters or the story, and quite frankly, I don't want to. They can happily reside in my mind because Reflection is a book that warrants many re-reads just to experience the mind-tickling happiness, heart-stopping sadness and the vibrating eagerness that Reaction(the second book) will be out in Fall of 2012. And believe me, you are going to wish with all your might that the next book was already out.
Highly, highly recommended to all. A book that is soon going to be on A LOT of to-read lists, if it isn't already!
Reflection is an incredibly rich story that takes you on a tender adventure of a deep resonating love. An original concept that's purely addictive with characters that stick with you past the last page.
Wrapped in an emotional situation, you are eager yet hesitant to figure out what is real and what is embellished imagination. Heather has become one of my all-time favorite female protagonists. As we travel through her memories right along with her, it's easy to form a connection. It's easy to experience the range of emotions that she experiences. She's just as described as above in the blurb, bright and spunky. She's silly, she's heart-felt, she's cautious, she's many, many things that all roll together to produce an extremely well-developed, jump-out-of-the-page character.
Nick Richards is that mysterious, gorgeous guy that will amaze you with the depth that Jessica Roberts layered within his character. He's not just a pretty face, he's smart and in school for a reason. I was constantly entranced with his character, but more so by Heather and Nick together. After all, this is a love story, but one that could be purely fictitious inside Heather's mind.
Jessica Roberts expertly transports the reader within the pages of Reflection with her seamless prose, captivating, realistic characters, and heart-tugging story. This is a story that you are going to want to get lost in. I was beyond transfixed, easily devouring the savory details.
"Though I enjoyed the energy of morning, the spice of daytime, and the sense of accomplishment that came with evening, there was nothing that pumped me more than the dark blue vigor of nighttime"
Reflection is the type of book, for me, that my mind will always return to. A book that will stay in the forefront of my mind even after I get swept away by another great book. I cannot shake these characters or the story, and quite frankly, I don't want to. They can happily reside in my mind because Reflection is a book that warrants many re-reads just to experience the mind-tickling happiness, heart-stopping sadness and the vibrating eagerness that Reaction(the second book) will be out in Fall of 2012. And believe me, you are going to wish with all your might that the next book was already out.
Highly, highly recommended to all. A book that is soon going to be on A LOT of to-read lists, if it isn't already!
June 6, 2012
Holy crap! Review to come, I need to catch my breath first before writing this one.
Review-
This story had me completely mesmerized from the very first chapter.
It has such a unique flavor to it. It was so intriguing that I found myself being swept away into the story whether I wanted to be or not. I imagine the little boy Sebastian must have felt the very same way the first time he opened up The Never Ending Story.
After the first few pages he was captured by the story and it refused to let go. He was doomed to finish it and to become a part of it until the very end.
That is how I too found myself after falling into the clutches of this amazingly unique story.
I was completely swept away with the story, the emotions, the mystery, the love, the heartbreak. Goodness I don't even have words for it all.
Truly this was beautifully done. I found my heart pounding with anticipation in some moments and myself gasping in others. I think I had almost every emotion possible while reading this story and I am having a hard time pulling all my thoughts and emotions into words because I don't want to give anything away.
There is so much to say, so much left to think about.
This is a story that is going to stick with me for awhile.
I was completely enthralled with Heather's story and with Nick. Oh Nick.
Can I talk about the ending for a moment? It was a little cruel to leave me hanging like that, I honestly felt like crying that it was over and that I wasn't going to get more and then......well then I saw the sneak peak into the next book and....that was even worse! That ending, that ending was cruel. Very cruel Ms. Roberts.
So without giving anything else away I am just going to leave with these final words, if you want a story that will completely sweep you away and capture your attention and even your heart, one that is beautifully executed and will leave you breathless, this is the story for you.
This is a book that is a must read. If you do nothing else this summer but read this story, then you have had a great summer indeed. This is one you don't want to miss.
I am eagerly awaiting the next book. Well done Ms. Roberts, well done.
I give this one a very deserving 4.5 Stars!!
Review-
This story had me completely mesmerized from the very first chapter.
It has such a unique flavor to it. It was so intriguing that I found myself being swept away into the story whether I wanted to be or not. I imagine the little boy Sebastian must have felt the very same way the first time he opened up The Never Ending Story.
After the first few pages he was captured by the story and it refused to let go. He was doomed to finish it and to become a part of it until the very end.
That is how I too found myself after falling into the clutches of this amazingly unique story.
I was completely swept away with the story, the emotions, the mystery, the love, the heartbreak. Goodness I don't even have words for it all.
Truly this was beautifully done. I found my heart pounding with anticipation in some moments and myself gasping in others. I think I had almost every emotion possible while reading this story and I am having a hard time pulling all my thoughts and emotions into words because I don't want to give anything away.
There is so much to say, so much left to think about.
This is a story that is going to stick with me for awhile.
I was completely enthralled with Heather's story and with Nick. Oh Nick.
Can I talk about the ending for a moment? It was a little cruel to leave me hanging like that, I honestly felt like crying that it was over and that I wasn't going to get more and then......well then I saw the sneak peak into the next book and....that was even worse! That ending, that ending was cruel. Very cruel Ms. Roberts.
So without giving anything else away I am just going to leave with these final words, if you want a story that will completely sweep you away and capture your attention and even your heart, one that is beautifully executed and will leave you breathless, this is the story for you.
This is a book that is a must read. If you do nothing else this summer but read this story, then you have had a great summer indeed. This is one you don't want to miss.
I am eagerly awaiting the next book. Well done Ms. Roberts, well done.
I give this one a very deserving 4.5 Stars!!
January 15, 2013
Well, this was quite the surprising little book. It was ambitious but still good. What I liked most about it the relationship between Heather and Nick and how that developed in a very good way. It could have easily gone wrong but it was intriguing. Let me say, every time I open Just One Day, I find myself instantly pulled back to this. The intrigue was much more in Reflection. It's merely a love story that stood the test of time that could have gone wrong but it didn't.
I liked Heather, she comes to college and completely re-discovers herself and try to be who she forgot to be instead of being the odd-girl out. I liked her spirit and admired her willingness to fly again after suffering her mom's death and the long nights hiding from her drunk miserable stepfather. I truly admire that. I don't think I'd have done that.
What's on the minus side:
- the narration was sooooooo confusing for me. I didn't know exactly when this thing was happening and when that was because it was from Heather's POV and she's in a coma. That could have been done better by at least some headlines or a time settings.
- all the love interests weren't necessary. Damian, Steve, Creed AND Nick were too much .. Creed was enough!
I liked Heather, she comes to college and completely re-discovers herself and try to be who she forgot to be instead of being the odd-girl out. I liked her spirit and admired her willingness to fly again after suffering her mom's death and the long nights hiding from her drunk miserable stepfather. I truly admire that. I don't think I'd have done that.
What's on the minus side:
- the narration was sooooooo confusing for me. I didn't know exactly when this thing was happening and when that was because it was from Heather's POV and she's in a coma. That could have been done better by at least some headlines or a time settings.
- all the love interests weren't necessary. Damian, Steve, Creed AND Nick were too much .. Creed was enough!
November 9, 2013
This book starts out slow and choppy, but once I got into the flow of it, it was pretty awesome.
I loved Nick and Heather's romance. Friendship first with plenty of sexual tension. I loved the intensity. Their personalities, flaws and characteristics are so real to me. It was great to see Heather chip away at Nick's walls and his cold heart. But Heather herself has issues with a locked up heart. She doesn't want to ever love again for fear of being hurt, but she falls in love anyway. She's a lot about self-preservation but I really liked that she didn't let that hold her back from experiencing life.
Heather is chirpy. She says whatever comes to mind, and this leads to some hilarious reactions from Nick. They're such a contrasting pair because Nick is not a friendly or a chirpy guy. He's stony and frowny and I loved seeing Heather make him laugh. Nick's so serious, I adored his character and how beautifully sweet he is to Heather. He's such a calm guy, it brought me great delight to see Heather poke at the bear.
The ending is a cliffy and it actually made me rather angry. Even though it's easy to understand both sides of the relationship. But still, in my world of fictional perfect romances, this sort of thing was hard to stomach.
On to the sequel!
I loved Nick and Heather's romance. Friendship first with plenty of sexual tension. I loved the intensity. Their personalities, flaws and characteristics are so real to me. It was great to see Heather chip away at Nick's walls and his cold heart. But Heather herself has issues with a locked up heart. She doesn't want to ever love again for fear of being hurt, but she falls in love anyway. She's a lot about self-preservation but I really liked that she didn't let that hold her back from experiencing life.
Heather is chirpy. She says whatever comes to mind, and this leads to some hilarious reactions from Nick. They're such a contrasting pair because Nick is not a friendly or a chirpy guy. He's stony and frowny and I loved seeing Heather make him laugh. Nick's so serious, I adored his character and how beautifully sweet he is to Heather. He's such a calm guy, it brought me great delight to see Heather poke at the bear.
The ending is a cliffy and it actually made me rather angry. Even though it's easy to understand both sides of the relationship. But still, in my world of fictional perfect romances, this sort of thing was hard to stomach.
On to the sequel!
June 20, 2012
I have to say that a lot of times when I read a book I think "I wish this will happen to me" or "I wish that was me" but I have to say what happened to Heather I don't wish it not even for my worst enemy.
Heather just moved from her hometown to a new place, new apartment and a new collage trying to get away from her past to start building a new life and always avoiding getting to close to people to not have to loose them later, during her classes she meets a group of people she will be force to work with and starts to get to close to them even after she tried not too, especially The Hat Guy who she tries even harder to avoid but just can't seem to stay away from him, after giving up she starts going out with him and has everything perfect in her life until one day she wakes up and finds out everything has changed. Her whole life is pretty much gone.
Like I said, I don't wish to be her.
I loved the book and I will be reading the next ones too for sure.
Thank you so much for sharing it with me.
Heather just moved from her hometown to a new place, new apartment and a new collage trying to get away from her past to start building a new life and always avoiding getting to close to people to not have to loose them later, during her classes she meets a group of people she will be force to work with and starts to get to close to them even after she tried not too, especially The Hat Guy who she tries even harder to avoid but just can't seem to stay away from him, after giving up she starts going out with him and has everything perfect in her life until one day she wakes up and finds out everything has changed. Her whole life is pretty much gone.
Like I said, I don't wish to be her.
I loved the book and I will be reading the next ones too for sure.
Thank you so much for sharing it with me.
September 17, 2012
I had high hopes for his book and was really looking forward to it...but I was utterly bored for more then half of it and Heathers doozy and sometimes sleep like behaviour was driving me mad..
And when things was finally starting to happen, she was waking up and we was in the now the book
And when things was finally starting to happen, she was waking up and we was in the now the book
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