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No Going Back #1
Getting a Life, Even If You're Dead (No Going Back) by Beth Watson
If you died, could you live with your regrets?When Kendra’s mother drags her to a creepy Paris cemetery for work, the last person Kendra expects to see is Amber, her best friend who moved away three years earlier. Amber helped Kendra through a dark time, and Amber’s departure was just one more loss for Kendra. Amber was Kendra’s confidante but it turns out Amber failed to share her biggest she was dead. Amber never planned to disclose her true identity to Kendra, but a boy’s life is at stake. Amber is suddenly unable to connect with troubled kids and she needs Kendra to console Pierrot, a despondent boy who holds the answers to the suspicious death of his brother, Loic. Although Loic needs closure to cross over, the truth about his death might impact everyone’s future, including Kendra’s, since she has fallen for Pierrot, the mysterious boy and murder suspect.But dead or alive, there is no going back…
Paperback
First published October 28, 2013
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About the author
Beth Watson
7 books29 followersWhen I'm not traveling for my job as an event planner, or tracing my ancestry roots through Ireland, I'm at home working on my next novel. I enjoy bouncing ideas off my husband Mark, and my cats Quigley, Frankie, and Sammy.
You can learn more about me and my books at www.facebook.com/BethWatsonWriter.
You can learn more about me and my books at www.facebook.com/BethWatsonWriter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
July 12, 2015
*I received a copy of this book for free via a Goodreads giveaway*
I have to admit- I did not like this book in the beginning. I disliked the main character and found her immature for her age and I could not relate to her at all. However, she grew a lot by the end of the book and I found myself liking her a little more. The plot became pretty interesting as well. I just think this book floundered a bit in the beginning- but I'm glad I stuck with it. I would recommend it for younger teens. Even though the subject matter is a little deep, it seemed written for a more juvenile audience than I was anticipating. But like I said- taking those things into consideration- I did end up enjoying it. :)
I have to admit- I did not like this book in the beginning. I disliked the main character and found her immature for her age and I could not relate to her at all. However, she grew a lot by the end of the book and I found myself liking her a little more. The plot became pretty interesting as well. I just think this book floundered a bit in the beginning- but I'm glad I stuck with it. I would recommend it for younger teens. Even though the subject matter is a little deep, it seemed written for a more juvenile audience than I was anticipating. But like I said- taking those things into consideration- I did end up enjoying it. :)
January 6, 2014
The setting, a French cemetery. Kendra is a reluctant tourist having been dragged away for the summer by her mother because her father was going on his honeymoon to Disney World. Kendra’s mother is a photographer and she is on assignment in Paris to capture the images of the cemeteries. Feeling resentful because she had a plan to snag the perfect guy over the summer, Kendra finds herself in what she considers to be a creepy locale for the next three weeks.
Her relationship with her mother is practically non-existent as her mother is always jetting off somewhere in the world for her job and has dedicated little time to her daughter. Even in Paris, one of the most beautiful cities in the world, her mother can find no time for her. Although she has promised to take Kendra to some of the sights of the city, the promises are empty and go unfulfilled. Instead, Kendra is forced to accompany her mother to the cemetery daily and is ordered not to leave the grounds. Some vacation.
Things are looking pretty bleak until Kendra encounters an old friend she hadn’t seen for three years. Her friend, Amber directs her attention to a funeral taking place. Standing over the casket is a family of four and watching them brings back memories of Kendra’s grandmother’s funeral. The passing of her grandmother was a devastating event that rocked Kendra to the core. She fell into a fit of depression and it was only with Kendra’s help that she could move on with her life.
While Kendra is watching, the family moves away from the gravesite leaving a younger boy behind. Amber tells her the boy died three days before and it was his funeral she was watching. Amber asks her to help the boy, Loic. His older brother, Pierrot, is falling into despair feeling guilty over Loic’s death and Amber is asking Kendra to help Pierrot so he doesn’t follow on the path to suicide.
The stage is set, but the story is not as simple as that. The story is told in mostly alternating viewpoints between Kendra and Amber.
We do come to find out that Amber is also dead and has been for as long as Kendra has known her. Amber apparently had a very miserable life and ended up committing suicide. Now, to atone for her sin, she helps souls who are in despair. Her job is to save those lives that are heading down the path towards suicide. Amber starts to question purpose. Since she only stays in a place long enough to save a person’s life, she has no permanency. She is constantly moving around and feels no connection to anyone. She realizes that she is lonely and if she is going to be spending eternity saving souls, she’d at least like some company to do it. That is when she realizes she is starting to fall for Loic and starts devising ways she can delay his moving on.
At first Kendra is a bit freaked out that she can see ghosts, but she agrees to try to help Pierrot, however, she must do so behind her mother’s back. Since she can’t really do much by staying in the cemetery, she must leave while her mother is occupied.
Pierrot seems tortured about his brother’s death. He is mostly seen with Loic’s dog in tow and it seems he knows something of Loic’s death. Kendra takes to following him and finally is presented with an opportunity to make contact while listening to him busk at a restaurant. Pierrot performs playing his guitar. Kendra strikes up a friendship with him, but soon realizes she might be starting to have feelings for him. Everything seems to be going well until Pierrot’s ex-girlfriend shows up trying to talk to him about Loic, but he won’t listen to her and turns away, becoming once more full of guilt and despair.
Loic is also in need of help. He believes he was murdered and he demands assistance in helping discover who murdered him. His prime suspect is his brother, but Loic can’t remember anything that happened that day. With the aid of Amber and Kendra, he tries to discover the truth. He can’t cross over until he knows how he died and who was responsible for his death.
Matters are complicated further when Kendra’s mother finds out she’s been lying and sneaking around Paris with a strange boy. All this puts further strain on her relationship with her mother. Add to that the pressure from Loic and Amber to help solve Loic’s murder and to help Pierrot, what’s a girl to do?
Her relationship with her mother is practically non-existent as her mother is always jetting off somewhere in the world for her job and has dedicated little time to her daughter. Even in Paris, one of the most beautiful cities in the world, her mother can find no time for her. Although she has promised to take Kendra to some of the sights of the city, the promises are empty and go unfulfilled. Instead, Kendra is forced to accompany her mother to the cemetery daily and is ordered not to leave the grounds. Some vacation.
Things are looking pretty bleak until Kendra encounters an old friend she hadn’t seen for three years. Her friend, Amber directs her attention to a funeral taking place. Standing over the casket is a family of four and watching them brings back memories of Kendra’s grandmother’s funeral. The passing of her grandmother was a devastating event that rocked Kendra to the core. She fell into a fit of depression and it was only with Kendra’s help that she could move on with her life.
While Kendra is watching, the family moves away from the gravesite leaving a younger boy behind. Amber tells her the boy died three days before and it was his funeral she was watching. Amber asks her to help the boy, Loic. His older brother, Pierrot, is falling into despair feeling guilty over Loic’s death and Amber is asking Kendra to help Pierrot so he doesn’t follow on the path to suicide.
The stage is set, but the story is not as simple as that. The story is told in mostly alternating viewpoints between Kendra and Amber.
We do come to find out that Amber is also dead and has been for as long as Kendra has known her. Amber apparently had a very miserable life and ended up committing suicide. Now, to atone for her sin, she helps souls who are in despair. Her job is to save those lives that are heading down the path towards suicide. Amber starts to question purpose. Since she only stays in a place long enough to save a person’s life, she has no permanency. She is constantly moving around and feels no connection to anyone. She realizes that she is lonely and if she is going to be spending eternity saving souls, she’d at least like some company to do it. That is when she realizes she is starting to fall for Loic and starts devising ways she can delay his moving on.
At first Kendra is a bit freaked out that she can see ghosts, but she agrees to try to help Pierrot, however, she must do so behind her mother’s back. Since she can’t really do much by staying in the cemetery, she must leave while her mother is occupied.
Pierrot seems tortured about his brother’s death. He is mostly seen with Loic’s dog in tow and it seems he knows something of Loic’s death. Kendra takes to following him and finally is presented with an opportunity to make contact while listening to him busk at a restaurant. Pierrot performs playing his guitar. Kendra strikes up a friendship with him, but soon realizes she might be starting to have feelings for him. Everything seems to be going well until Pierrot’s ex-girlfriend shows up trying to talk to him about Loic, but he won’t listen to her and turns away, becoming once more full of guilt and despair.
Loic is also in need of help. He believes he was murdered and he demands assistance in helping discover who murdered him. His prime suspect is his brother, but Loic can’t remember anything that happened that day. With the aid of Amber and Kendra, he tries to discover the truth. He can’t cross over until he knows how he died and who was responsible for his death.
Matters are complicated further when Kendra’s mother finds out she’s been lying and sneaking around Paris with a strange boy. All this puts further strain on her relationship with her mother. Add to that the pressure from Loic and Amber to help solve Loic’s murder and to help Pierrot, what’s a girl to do?
January 25, 2014
Note: I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Okay, so this was an interesting read for me. The basic plot was great. I do have to wonder what seventeen-year-old girl would be so wholeheartedly against going to Paris, though. Also, the constant Facebook references and unnecesary involvement eventually got kind of irritating. Although that could be because I’m a Twitter girl. The romance element seemed really rushed to me. I mean, both Loic and Amber and Pierrot and Kendra knew each other for a matter of days before they decided that they were in love and that death itself couldn’t keep them apart. But, come to think of it, Romeo & Juliet is much the same way, so I suppose I shouldn’t judge in that respect. Other than what I’ve mentioned, I thought the story was great. The characters really did seem to develop before my eyes. The strained family relationships worked for me. As both Amber and Kendra narrated the story in first person, it was really essential that their voices each be definitive and clearly different, which I’m glad to say that was pulled off. Overall, I thought that the book was quite good but with room for just a few improvements. Thanks again! I will be sure to look for a sequel...
Okay, so this was an interesting read for me. The basic plot was great. I do have to wonder what seventeen-year-old girl would be so wholeheartedly against going to Paris, though. Also, the constant Facebook references and unnecesary involvement eventually got kind of irritating. Although that could be because I’m a Twitter girl. The romance element seemed really rushed to me. I mean, both Loic and Amber and Pierrot and Kendra knew each other for a matter of days before they decided that they were in love and that death itself couldn’t keep them apart. But, come to think of it, Romeo & Juliet is much the same way, so I suppose I shouldn’t judge in that respect. Other than what I’ve mentioned, I thought the story was great. The characters really did seem to develop before my eyes. The strained family relationships worked for me. As both Amber and Kendra narrated the story in first person, it was really essential that their voices each be definitive and clearly different, which I’m glad to say that was pulled off. Overall, I thought that the book was quite good but with room for just a few improvements. Thanks again! I will be sure to look for a sequel...
March 7, 2014
Kendra, a seventeen-year-old girl is none too happy about having to spend her summer in Paris while her mother takes photographs of French cemeteries. Yet, when she encounters her former best friend, things get better...right? Well, not quite, because as it turns out, her good friend, Amber, is dead. She committed suicide and is now devoted to preventing other teenagers from meeting the same grim fate. She introduces Kendra to Loic, a teen-aged boy who has just past away. He believes that he has been murdered and seeks Kendra's assistance in finding his murderer. Now Kendra's summer in Paris is everything but boring as she joins the dearly departed in a quest to solve the mystery of Loic's death. Along the way, she finds love, understanding and meaning in life as she learns valuable lessons about herself and those she loves.
This was a wonderful book. I greatly enjoyed Amber and Kendra's story and look forward to their continuing saga.
This was a wonderful book. I greatly enjoyed Amber and Kendra's story and look forward to their continuing saga.
December 13, 2014
A big thank you to Beth Watson for the autographed copy of her book! ^_^
This is a very cute story that reminded me of the Riley Bloom series by Alyson Noel. The two main characters are Kendra and Amber. Amber is a ghost who committed suicide and now it is her job to help depressed kids/teens from committing suicide. Kendra is one of the kids that Amber saved and Amber now needs her help to save someone who cannot see her. Amber and Kendra both have mommy issues. There is of course romance in the book, which is super cute. And even better the story takes place in Paris! A lot of the famous buildings, museums, opera house, and cemeteries are mentioned/visited in the book. Also, the book ended where there has to be a sequel. I recommend reading it.
This is a very cute story that reminded me of the Riley Bloom series by Alyson Noel. The two main characters are Kendra and Amber. Amber is a ghost who committed suicide and now it is her job to help depressed kids/teens from committing suicide. Kendra is one of the kids that Amber saved and Amber now needs her help to save someone who cannot see her. Amber and Kendra both have mommy issues. There is of course romance in the book, which is super cute. And even better the story takes place in Paris! A lot of the famous buildings, museums, opera house, and cemeteries are mentioned/visited in the book. Also, the book ended where there has to be a sequel. I recommend reading it.
August 4, 2016
Insomma, faccio metà recensione in un inglese temo improponibile e l’altra metà in italiano, okay? Okay.
Il libro è autopubblicato, quindi è assai improbabile che arrivi qui in Italia, ma magari a qualcuno va di dargli un’occhiata (o è solo curioso di sapere il mio parere su questo libro. LOL). X)
(Er: this is my first review in english. Ever. And I’m Italian, so–if my english doesn’t make sense, you know why. I can understand it perfectly, but when it comes to write in english I have my head filled with doubts and nonsense stuff. Ugh.)
I received a copy of this book for free via a Goodreads giveaway.
I wanted to give this book 3 ½ stars, but of course I couldn’t (thanks, Goodreads). So I spent an hour, I think, asking myself: “What should I do? 3 or 4?”. Gotta be honest: I felt like 4 stars were almost too much–but 3 weren’t enough.
At the end, I went with the 4 stars. The book is the first in a series, so I’m sure that the plot will get better, in the second one (and hopefully the plot holes will be filled); plus, the characters were all nice. Maybe not so characterized, but for a first book, it was good enough.
I liked Kendra. I didn’t agree with her “let’s call Cassie ‘bitch’ ‘cause she’s flirting with a guy who’s not my boyfriend and I don’t even like that much but I want to date ‘cause he is cool and hot”, but she is a normal teenager–and teenagers do call names one another for stuff like that. Sadly but true. Maybe she felt in love too soon with , but I can get why–they shared a lot of things in very few days/hours. Some couple don’t share so much in years.
I liked Amber too, even if slightly less than Kendra. Maybe ‘cause it seemed to me that she had too many changes of heart, and I felt they were too rushed. Or maybe I just felt that her background story was too predictable (for me, at least), period. I’m sure that Amber in the second book will have plenty of space to teach me how to like her more.
Pierrot and Loic were my favourite. X) Well, I liked Pierrot the most, but Loice was sweet too.
The book was a very quick read: I finished it in an afternoon (not sure about how many hours it took me, but not so many). At first it didn’t get me that much: I was curious, but not hooked. Anyway, at one point I started to be interested, and I felt the urge to finish the book as soon as possible.
About the end of the book:
So… The book has few issues, but it’s a good first book. It’s easy to follow and it keeps you company. Not a masterpiece, but if you’re searching something that won’t take too long to be read and will make you smile, this is the perfect book.
Ora, due parole in italiano. X) Prima di tutto: è un libro parecchio veloce da leggere. Lo stile è leggerissimo e il lessico assai semplice, non c’è niente di particolarmente complicato. La trama in sé ricade in parecchi cliché o comunque sa di già visto (cosa che disturba solo in parte, perché “Getting a Life, Even If You’re Dead” è uno di quei libri che va considerato per quel che è: qualcosa da leggere per riempire dei buchi di tempo e rilassarsi. Non si tratta di un romanzo complesso che richiede attenzione, ma di una piccola storia che ruota attorno a un numero limitato di personaggi e a una trama parecchio lineare. Tiene compagnia e basta – ogni tanto un romanzo così ci vuole, no?).
Le prime pagine sono quelle che mi hanno convinta meno, perché a un tratto .
I personaggi sono abbastanza piacevoli, anche se ancora un po’ macchiette: a fine lettura l’unica che posso dire di aver capito meglio è Kendra; Amber mi è parsa troppo incline a cambiare idea per esigenze di trama. Ma posso sempre provare a dare la colpa al suo essere un fantasma. XD
Pierrot è un lettore, e a me i protagonisti maschili così piacciono. <3 Purtroppo non si è avuto modo di conoscerlo benissimo, visto che il libro si svolge in pochi giorni e . Ma è un buon personaggio, con ottime potenzialità per migliorare.
Stesso vale per il fratello, Loic.
In definitiva, io al libro avrei voluto dare tre stelle e mezzo, ma visto che Goodreads non me lo consente arrotondo a quattro (un po’ titubante perché è troppo, sono sincera. Ma a conti fatti il libro è senza pretese e come tale l’ho valutato).
Bon, la chiudo qui, non so più neanche io che sto dicendo. XD
Il libro è autopubblicato, quindi è assai improbabile che arrivi qui in Italia, ma magari a qualcuno va di dargli un’occhiata (o è solo curioso di sapere il mio parere su questo libro. LOL). X)
(Er: this is my first review in english. Ever. And I’m Italian, so–if my english doesn’t make sense, you know why. I can understand it perfectly, but when it comes to write in english I have my head filled with doubts and nonsense stuff. Ugh.)
I received a copy of this book for free via a Goodreads giveaway.
I wanted to give this book 3 ½ stars, but of course I couldn’t (thanks, Goodreads). So I spent an hour, I think, asking myself: “What should I do? 3 or 4?”. Gotta be honest: I felt like 4 stars were almost too much–but 3 weren’t enough.
At the end, I went with the 4 stars. The book is the first in a series, so I’m sure that the plot will get better, in the second one (and hopefully the plot holes will be filled); plus, the characters were all nice. Maybe not so characterized, but for a first book, it was good enough.
I liked Kendra. I didn’t agree with her “let’s call Cassie ‘bitch’ ‘cause she’s flirting with a guy who’s not my boyfriend and I don’t even like that much but I want to date ‘cause he is cool and hot”, but she is a normal teenager–and teenagers do call names one another for stuff like that. Sadly but true. Maybe she felt in love too soon with , but I can get why–they shared a lot of things in very few days/hours. Some couple don’t share so much in years.
I liked Amber too, even if slightly less than Kendra. Maybe ‘cause it seemed to me that she had too many changes of heart, and I felt they were too rushed. Or maybe I just felt that her background story was too predictable (for me, at least), period. I’m sure that Amber in the second book will have plenty of space to teach me how to like her more.
Pierrot and Loic were my favourite. X) Well, I liked Pierrot the most, but Loice was sweet too.
The book was a very quick read: I finished it in an afternoon (not sure about how many hours it took me, but not so many). At first it didn’t get me that much: I was curious, but not hooked. Anyway, at one point I started to be interested, and I felt the urge to finish the book as soon as possible.
About the end of the book:
So… The book has few issues, but it’s a good first book. It’s easy to follow and it keeps you company. Not a masterpiece, but if you’re searching something that won’t take too long to be read and will make you smile, this is the perfect book.
Ora, due parole in italiano. X) Prima di tutto: è un libro parecchio veloce da leggere. Lo stile è leggerissimo e il lessico assai semplice, non c’è niente di particolarmente complicato. La trama in sé ricade in parecchi cliché o comunque sa di già visto (cosa che disturba solo in parte, perché “Getting a Life, Even If You’re Dead” è uno di quei libri che va considerato per quel che è: qualcosa da leggere per riempire dei buchi di tempo e rilassarsi. Non si tratta di un romanzo complesso che richiede attenzione, ma di una piccola storia che ruota attorno a un numero limitato di personaggi e a una trama parecchio lineare. Tiene compagnia e basta – ogni tanto un romanzo così ci vuole, no?).
Le prime pagine sono quelle che mi hanno convinta meno, perché a un tratto .
I personaggi sono abbastanza piacevoli, anche se ancora un po’ macchiette: a fine lettura l’unica che posso dire di aver capito meglio è Kendra; Amber mi è parsa troppo incline a cambiare idea per esigenze di trama. Ma posso sempre provare a dare la colpa al suo essere un fantasma. XD
Pierrot è un lettore, e a me i protagonisti maschili così piacciono. <3 Purtroppo non si è avuto modo di conoscerlo benissimo, visto che il libro si svolge in pochi giorni e . Ma è un buon personaggio, con ottime potenzialità per migliorare.
Stesso vale per il fratello, Loic.
In definitiva, io al libro avrei voluto dare tre stelle e mezzo, ma visto che Goodreads non me lo consente arrotondo a quattro (un po’ titubante perché è troppo, sono sincera. Ma a conti fatti il libro è senza pretese e come tale l’ho valutato).
Bon, la chiudo qui, non so più neanche io che sto dicendo. XD
November 12, 2013
Kendra is your typical teenager with fairly typical family dysfunctions. She is seventeen, hoping to catch the attention of the boy she's crushing on. She is also still carrying guilt over the last (angry) conversation she and her grandma had just before her grandma passed away three years ago. And Kendra and her mother don't get along very well and haven't had an open, truthful conversation in many years. And that's just the beginning of her issues.
Kendra gets dragged along to Paris with her mother on a three week photo shoot of Paris cemeteries. Partly because her mother wants to attempt 'together time' and partly because Kendra didn't want to go on her fathers Disney honeymoon vacation with the new wife.
On the first day in Paris, Kendra and her mom head over to one of Paris' most famous cemeteries and Kendra wanders off to look around. She soon finds herself talking to a girl from her past, Amber, who was her best friend three years ago and a teenage French boy, Loic - and Kendra has just discovered she has the ability to see and talk to dead people.
This is just the beginning of her 'new' problems though as Loic and Amber press Kendra to help figure out who murdered Loic.
His brother, Pierrot, who is not only showing all the same suicidal symptoms that Kendra had after her grandma died, he's also on the top of their suspect list.
While Kendra tries to unravel Loic's murder mystery and get to the bottom of things, she can't help but fall hard for troubled, talented, French hottie Pierrot. But she finds an ex-girlfriend and a dark secret are standing in her way.
Young romance and teenage angst is definitely prevalent in this book .. however, there are deeper messages about life choices and of regret and redemption that I think many kids will benefit from by reading it.
If you have ever considered suicide, or know someone who has, or is, this book may help you realize the things you take for granted, the life you wish to change and the things you regret now could easily be what you'd regret for eternity.
I would recommend this book for teenagers, definitely, and I think adults will also find it relate-able. I loved and appreciated the message in this book and feel Amber will continue to help kids in this respect.
My favorite quote from this book:
Sometimes people didn't regret the last words they said but, rather, the last words they didn't say.
How very beautiful and profound ... and personally accurate for myself. I'm sure others will be able to relate to this quote as well and likely with the book too.
Since there is a lot of discussion about dying or losing someone you care about, be sure to have tissues nearby, especially toward the end which is quite emotional - though very satisfying. Well, until the last part that makes me wonder how long until the sequel is available. ;-)
**I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. Thank you Beth for the opportunity to read this very intriguing story.
***I would also suggest heading over to the author's Facebook page and looking at the photos there of the Paris cemeteries. She describes the statues and monuments so beautifully in the book and it was really nice to have the images from her photos fresh in my mind while I was reading. https://www.facebook.com/BethWatsonWr...
Kendra gets dragged along to Paris with her mother on a three week photo shoot of Paris cemeteries. Partly because her mother wants to attempt 'together time' and partly because Kendra didn't want to go on her fathers Disney honeymoon vacation with the new wife.
On the first day in Paris, Kendra and her mom head over to one of Paris' most famous cemeteries and Kendra wanders off to look around. She soon finds herself talking to a girl from her past, Amber, who was her best friend three years ago and a teenage French boy, Loic - and Kendra has just discovered she has the ability to see and talk to dead people.
This is just the beginning of her 'new' problems though as Loic and Amber press Kendra to help figure out who murdered Loic.
His brother, Pierrot, who is not only showing all the same suicidal symptoms that Kendra had after her grandma died, he's also on the top of their suspect list.
While Kendra tries to unravel Loic's murder mystery and get to the bottom of things, she can't help but fall hard for troubled, talented, French hottie Pierrot. But she finds an ex-girlfriend and a dark secret are standing in her way.
Young romance and teenage angst is definitely prevalent in this book .. however, there are deeper messages about life choices and of regret and redemption that I think many kids will benefit from by reading it.
If you have ever considered suicide, or know someone who has, or is, this book may help you realize the things you take for granted, the life you wish to change and the things you regret now could easily be what you'd regret for eternity.
I would recommend this book for teenagers, definitely, and I think adults will also find it relate-able. I loved and appreciated the message in this book and feel Amber will continue to help kids in this respect.
My favorite quote from this book:
Sometimes people didn't regret the last words they said but, rather, the last words they didn't say.
How very beautiful and profound ... and personally accurate for myself. I'm sure others will be able to relate to this quote as well and likely with the book too.
Since there is a lot of discussion about dying or losing someone you care about, be sure to have tissues nearby, especially toward the end which is quite emotional - though very satisfying. Well, until the last part that makes me wonder how long until the sequel is available. ;-)
**I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. Thank you Beth for the opportunity to read this very intriguing story.
***I would also suggest heading over to the author's Facebook page and looking at the photos there of the Paris cemeteries. She describes the statues and monuments so beautifully in the book and it was really nice to have the images from her photos fresh in my mind while I was reading. https://www.facebook.com/BethWatsonWr...
July 29, 2014
***I received the eBook free as a review copy from the author in exchange for an honest review***
Who could not be intrigued by the title of this book? You know from the get go that it has an interesting concept, and this runs true through the book. I did find that it took a little for the book to hit its stride and the beginning was touch and go, this might be because at the start Kendra seems a quite immature and therefore an un-relatable character. However this quickly changes with the novel and meant you could see her character develop into someone who isn’t so self-absorbed but understanding and appreciative of everything she has.
This book was also written in dual POV, both Kendra and Amber, so while Kendra was being a bit touchy it was nice reading about Amber who even though has less pages in her POV the book is essentially about her. She has a really interesting background and it was nice trying to pick up all the hints, until the end where you still don’t know all the gritty details.
The end seemed to conclude everything nicely, and then keep one thing wide open for the next book and I haven’t seen this done many times before because authors tend to either go for the major cliff-hanger, or having everything tied up in a big happy bow (I’m generalizing obviously). It was great that Beth Watson strayed from this, and I actually hope more authors do in the future.
Getting a Life, Even if You’re Dead is a great paranormal/coming of age story, where even the dead have their chance to grow and find meaning in a life they can’t help but resent. It was surprisingly fun even with the subtle threads of teen suicide running through, which wasn’t shoved in your face with the author’s opinion and was instead done artfully letting the characters run the story. This is why it had the lighter feel to some parts; the characters while still in their upper teens tended to seem quite juvenile, in an enjoyable way.
I would very much recommend this to the YA fan base, because even if you don’t see the deeper messages about love and death it doesn’t detract from the book. I think this is why people will take this book differently, and appreciate it differently, but still appreciate it’s a good book.
Posted on: http://enchantedbyya.blogspot.co.uk/
Who could not be intrigued by the title of this book? You know from the get go that it has an interesting concept, and this runs true through the book. I did find that it took a little for the book to hit its stride and the beginning was touch and go, this might be because at the start Kendra seems a quite immature and therefore an un-relatable character. However this quickly changes with the novel and meant you could see her character develop into someone who isn’t so self-absorbed but understanding and appreciative of everything she has.
This book was also written in dual POV, both Kendra and Amber, so while Kendra was being a bit touchy it was nice reading about Amber who even though has less pages in her POV the book is essentially about her. She has a really interesting background and it was nice trying to pick up all the hints, until the end where you still don’t know all the gritty details.
The end seemed to conclude everything nicely, and then keep one thing wide open for the next book and I haven’t seen this done many times before because authors tend to either go for the major cliff-hanger, or having everything tied up in a big happy bow (I’m generalizing obviously). It was great that Beth Watson strayed from this, and I actually hope more authors do in the future.
Getting a Life, Even if You’re Dead is a great paranormal/coming of age story, where even the dead have their chance to grow and find meaning in a life they can’t help but resent. It was surprisingly fun even with the subtle threads of teen suicide running through, which wasn’t shoved in your face with the author’s opinion and was instead done artfully letting the characters run the story. This is why it had the lighter feel to some parts; the characters while still in their upper teens tended to seem quite juvenile, in an enjoyable way.
I would very much recommend this to the YA fan base, because even if you don’t see the deeper messages about love and death it doesn’t detract from the book. I think this is why people will take this book differently, and appreciate it differently, but still appreciate it’s a good book.
Posted on: http://enchantedbyya.blogspot.co.uk/
May 2, 2014
Great Read!
Amber has made it her death's mission to save those from the fate she's already suffered. Suicide. If nothing else, others can benefit from her mistake, because there's no coming back after taking a bite of the ever after. Instead of crossing over, she decides to save others. That's how she met Kendra, bringing out of her depression and saving her from Amber's fate.
When Amber is called to Paris, she finds Kendra there and decides she's just the person to lend a hand. Her next mission can't see her, Pierrot. His brother, Loic, has died and Pierrot seems to be bearing all the guilt. But, who is responsible for Loic's death? Could it be Pierrot? His ex-girlfriend, Claire? One of Loic's jealous teammates? Is a mystery he demands Amber to solve as well. But, maybe there's more to Loic? And maybe he's just what Amber needs.
As much as Kendra doesn't wait to spend her summer helping some strange Parisian boy, she also can't deny that he's stumbling down the path she found herself on with her grandmother's death. Can she help Amber save Pierrot? Can she save herself?
Getting a Life, Even If You're Dead is actually a fun read. Yes, teen suicide is addressed, and I feel like it should be addressed more often in more books, when you look at teen suicide rates, it's frightening. Ms. Watson doesn't address suicide in a manner that's frightening, just as something that has happened, needlessly. And her characters work to make sure it doesn't happen again. There's a sweet romance developing between Amber and Loic (after he matures a bit), and though Kendra's sure Paris was a mistake, she begins to see things differently after spending time with Pierrot, helping him recover from his loss. If you like sweet teen romance and all the angst that goes with it (even as a ghost), you're going to love this teen paranormal romance. Well worth turning every page.
Five out of five fairy kisses for this reader.
I was gifted a copy that I couldn't resist reading.
Amber has made it her death's mission to save those from the fate she's already suffered. Suicide. If nothing else, others can benefit from her mistake, because there's no coming back after taking a bite of the ever after. Instead of crossing over, she decides to save others. That's how she met Kendra, bringing out of her depression and saving her from Amber's fate.
When Amber is called to Paris, she finds Kendra there and decides she's just the person to lend a hand. Her next mission can't see her, Pierrot. His brother, Loic, has died and Pierrot seems to be bearing all the guilt. But, who is responsible for Loic's death? Could it be Pierrot? His ex-girlfriend, Claire? One of Loic's jealous teammates? Is a mystery he demands Amber to solve as well. But, maybe there's more to Loic? And maybe he's just what Amber needs.
As much as Kendra doesn't wait to spend her summer helping some strange Parisian boy, she also can't deny that he's stumbling down the path she found herself on with her grandmother's death. Can she help Amber save Pierrot? Can she save herself?
Getting a Life, Even If You're Dead is actually a fun read. Yes, teen suicide is addressed, and I feel like it should be addressed more often in more books, when you look at teen suicide rates, it's frightening. Ms. Watson doesn't address suicide in a manner that's frightening, just as something that has happened, needlessly. And her characters work to make sure it doesn't happen again. There's a sweet romance developing between Amber and Loic (after he matures a bit), and though Kendra's sure Paris was a mistake, she begins to see things differently after spending time with Pierrot, helping him recover from his loss. If you like sweet teen romance and all the angst that goes with it (even as a ghost), you're going to love this teen paranormal romance. Well worth turning every page.
Five out of five fairy kisses for this reader.
I was gifted a copy that I couldn't resist reading.
January 19, 2014
I love the title and cover for Getting A Life, Even if You're Dead and I enjoyed a previous book by one of Beth Watson's alter egos so picking this up on a Kindle free day was a no brainer. Two female leads narrate. Kendra isn't happy about being dragged along on her mother's trip to photograph cemeteries in Paris. How will operation get a boyfriend succeed if she's not at home? Soon, Kendra has bigger problems in the form of her best friend, Amber. Amber (the other narrator) is dead and has been long before meeting Kendra three years ago. Amber implores Kendra to help her with two lost souls, one alive, Pierrot and one dead, Loic. Loic doesn't remember his death, but blames his brother Pierrot. To help Loic pass on to the afterlife, Kendra needs Amber to navigate mysteries in a physical world.
Great concept, but something fell a little flat for me in the execution and I wish I could pinpoint the issue. From a technical standpoint, I have no quibble with the book. The plot buzzed along. The setting made me feel as though I were creeping around a Parisian cemetery and traipsing through the streets. The hook at the end makes me want to read the next book in the series. A number of pity one liners prompted my husband to ask "Why are you smiling?" All the elements are there. I think the hiccup for me was a failure to develop a deep relationship with the characters. I suspect it's because I'm old and not a huge Paris fan.
Great concept, but something fell a little flat for me in the execution and I wish I could pinpoint the issue. From a technical standpoint, I have no quibble with the book. The plot buzzed along. The setting made me feel as though I were creeping around a Parisian cemetery and traipsing through the streets. The hook at the end makes me want to read the next book in the series. A number of pity one liners prompted my husband to ask "Why are you smiling?" All the elements are there. I think the hiccup for me was a failure to develop a deep relationship with the characters. I suspect it's because I'm old and not a huge Paris fan.
February 4, 2014
While this is a YA, I wouldn't nessecarily recommend it for upper aged teens. The subject matter is a little serious and at times heavy, but there is an almost juvenile feel to the main characters despite their ages. That's not a bad thing, I just wouldn't place the story into an upper YA category.
Character development was big in Getting A Life, Even If You're Dead. While at times the female leads could seem immature and not very understanding to their situations and circumstances, they eventually started to come around. A lot like teenagers. That was a plus in my opinion.
I enjoyed the plot, from the mystery to the sweet budding romance between both couples. Interestingly enough, I enjoyed the budding romance between the two ghosts more than the characters alive. I'm not sure why that is, I suppose it was just a preference to how I perceived the characters.
I loved the Paris setting. The descriptions were vivid and beautiful in my mind's eye. I really enjoyed the focus on the tombs and cemeteries. Informative but not in an over killing sort of way.
Again, I think this book will definitely appeal to younger teens. It's a clean read. The editing was good. I would have liked a better setup for the ending but it worked.
I won this novel in a raffelcopter giveaway. I stand by my opinion, words, and review.
Character development was big in Getting A Life, Even If You're Dead. While at times the female leads could seem immature and not very understanding to their situations and circumstances, they eventually started to come around. A lot like teenagers. That was a plus in my opinion.
I enjoyed the plot, from the mystery to the sweet budding romance between both couples. Interestingly enough, I enjoyed the budding romance between the two ghosts more than the characters alive. I'm not sure why that is, I suppose it was just a preference to how I perceived the characters.
I loved the Paris setting. The descriptions were vivid and beautiful in my mind's eye. I really enjoyed the focus on the tombs and cemeteries. Informative but not in an over killing sort of way.
Again, I think this book will definitely appeal to younger teens. It's a clean read. The editing was good. I would have liked a better setup for the ending but it worked.
I won this novel in a raffelcopter giveaway. I stand by my opinion, words, and review.
November 25, 2013
I received this book in exchange for an honest review and it was an amazing book!! The characters are instantly likable, the plot is relatable and there is no way to stop reading this book once you have started!! I finished it in two days and if my family didn't bother me it would have been one day, that's how hooked I was!! The relationship between Kendra and Amber is one that will remind anyone of their childhood friendships and you are instantly rooting for them, The relationships that Kendra develops throughout the story and the insight that she gains about her life and the lives of those around her is also one in which you can instantly envision for yourself. All of the relationships that develop throughout the story makes a reader think twice about what is important and how things are not always as they seem. I am looking forward to reading other books by Beth Watson as this was my first but not last book that I will read by her!
November 29, 2013
I am amazed at how well the author is able to present the delicate issue of teenage suicide in this book. As a Licensed Professional Counselor I see firsthand what an important and delicate subject suicide is, both in the mental health field and in the media today. Many individuals in our society choose to avoid the topic of suicide because it is scary and sad. But knowledge and understanding of an issue that frightens us is the best way to cope with our fears. Beth Watson does an excellent job of addressing suicide in a direct and compassionate style. She is also brave enough to take on the often conflictual relationship between mothers and their teenage daughters in a realistic and insightful manner. Plus the book offers interesting characters and an entertaining journey through Parisian cemeteries! Nice job!
November 26, 2013
Where to start?
Well, first off I'd like to thank Beth Watson for giving me the opportunity to read her book. Thank you.
In this book, a girl named Kendra is visiting Paris with her mother. She is visiting cemeteries with her mom, who is a photographer. She meets up with an old friend, Amber, and is told that she needs to help a guy named Loic and his brother, Pierrot. Loic is dead and needs help finding out who murdered him. Throughout the course of the story they discover the truth about Loic's death and discover things about themselves.
This book had me hooked from the start. I didn't want to put it down. I loved all the characters. I hope there is a second book so we can see what happens to all of them and see what other adventures they have.
Well, first off I'd like to thank Beth Watson for giving me the opportunity to read her book. Thank you.
In this book, a girl named Kendra is visiting Paris with her mother. She is visiting cemeteries with her mom, who is a photographer. She meets up with an old friend, Amber, and is told that she needs to help a guy named Loic and his brother, Pierrot. Loic is dead and needs help finding out who murdered him. Throughout the course of the story they discover the truth about Loic's death and discover things about themselves.
This book had me hooked from the start. I didn't want to put it down. I loved all the characters. I hope there is a second book so we can see what happens to all of them and see what other adventures they have.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 11, 2013
I received this book for an honest review.
This book is amazing. When I started reading the book I instantly knew it wasn't going to be a book that I have read story lines that were similar. The story line is awesome, wasn't something I guessed for an ending my initial reaction was What NOoo!.. Now I just can't wait for the next book in the series. Can't wait to find out what happens for Amber and Kendra where will Kendra decide to go to college? and Will Amber ever solve her little mystery and find her way? :) Thanks for sending me the book been trying to find other genres to read. Now I realize I like these kind of books too.
This book is amazing. When I started reading the book I instantly knew it wasn't going to be a book that I have read story lines that were similar. The story line is awesome, wasn't something I guessed for an ending my initial reaction was What NOoo!.. Now I just can't wait for the next book in the series. Can't wait to find out what happens for Amber and Kendra where will Kendra decide to go to college? and Will Amber ever solve her little mystery and find her way? :) Thanks for sending me the book been trying to find other genres to read. Now I realize I like these kind of books too.
November 24, 2013
Very good book that I read in one day. The story follows Kendra as she spends several weeks with her mom while she photographs famous graveyards. Kendra reunites with Amber, a very good friend that helped her through a rough time when she lost her grandmother. Amber now needs Kendra's help and the story unfolds. Kendra learns some interesting things about her friend Amber and about herself.
Very interesting story including ghosts, romance and the struggle of depression in teens.
** won a copy through Goodreads **
Very interesting story including ghosts, romance and the struggle of depression in teens.
** won a copy through Goodreads **
September 13, 2016
I love this book! The characters are very likeable, I was able to really connect with them. The story is really interesting. I was hooked from the very start, which hardly ever happens with me. Usually I have to read almost half the book before I start getting hooked. With this book, it drew me into the story from chapter one. My only problem is that I wish it was longer! I can't wait to read the next book and find out what happens!
( I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. )
November 8, 2013
Ok, so this book is a fast-paced page turner. It deals with the concepts in a teenager's life such as depression and of course love. The story of Kendra and Amber is really captivating, I wanted to find everything about both girls. The book also has an important point: Guilt can be the worst punishment. Getting A life, Even If You're Dead, is a combination of investigation(adventure), moral support, and love. Can't wait for the next one!
January 22, 2014
I received this book for honest review. Thank you Beth Watson for giving me the chance to read your amazing book.
I absolutely loved this book from the beginning to the end. It was very well written. Very Interesting story line. I loved all of the characters. This is a fantastic book and I definitely recommend it. I really hope there will be a second book, I can't wait to read what happens next.
I absolutely loved this book from the beginning to the end. It was very well written. Very Interesting story line. I loved all of the characters. This is a fantastic book and I definitely recommend it. I really hope there will be a second book, I can't wait to read what happens next.
November 5, 2013
DISCLAIMER: I won this in a Firstreads Giveaway.
This was an absolutely fabulous story. I absolutely loved it. I couldn't put it down! I was constantly pulled back in by another interesting development in the story. Beth Watson has created a story that people can relate to (okay maybe not the ghosts... but the depression.) I was pulled in from the first few chapters. I didn't want the story to end. I want more!
This was an absolutely fabulous story. I absolutely loved it. I couldn't put it down! I was constantly pulled back in by another interesting development in the story. Beth Watson has created a story that people can relate to (okay maybe not the ghosts... but the depression.) I was pulled in from the first few chapters. I didn't want the story to end. I want more!
December 2, 2013
This was an amazing book! It was a definite page-turner. I never wanted the book to end! The character development is so deep, and the characters are realistic- they have flaws, hopes, loves, thoughts. This book is from the point of view of two girls, Amber and Kendra, and at first when I realized that, I was a little antsy, but Beth Watson really made it great! The storyline is so creative, and I can't wait to see more from Beth Watson!
P.S. Pierrot...swoon!
P.S. Pierrot...swoon!
January 28, 2014
*I received a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway*
I loved this book! Mrs. Watson kept me guessing until the very end. When I found out the book was set in Paris I loved it even more being a world traveler! Maybe one day she'll even write one in my favorite city - Roma, Italy! I cannot wait to find out what happens between Pierrot and Kendra and I hope Amber gets her peace she so deserves! Wonderful book Mrs. Watson, can't wait for the next one!
I loved this book! Mrs. Watson kept me guessing until the very end. When I found out the book was set in Paris I loved it even more being a world traveler! Maybe one day she'll even write one in my favorite city - Roma, Italy! I cannot wait to find out what happens between Pierrot and Kendra and I hope Amber gets her peace she so deserves! Wonderful book Mrs. Watson, can't wait for the next one!
July 20, 2014
I received a copy of this book for free via a Goodreads giveaway.
It was quite good reading. At first i wasn't sure about that Facebook thing and i'm still not sure but... It didn't ruin the book. To be clear, i still enjoyed it. A lot.
I loooooooooove Paris. I really do and i hope that i'm going to be there one day. That was a big plus of the book.
Great characters too!
Well-written, full of good sense of humour and amazing relationships.
Worth reading!
It was quite good reading. At first i wasn't sure about that Facebook thing and i'm still not sure but... It didn't ruin the book. To be clear, i still enjoyed it. A lot.
I loooooooooove Paris. I really do and i hope that i'm going to be there one day. That was a big plus of the book.
Great characters too!
Well-written, full of good sense of humour and amazing relationships.
Worth reading!
September 3, 2014
I received this book for an honest review and I really liked it. I could not put it down the whole time I was reading it, I really wanted to know what was going to happen. The book just really kept my attention well and I would recommend the book.
November 11, 2013
Like a good witty ghost book? Then this is the one for you. Loved the characters, and the relationships that were built. If you expected any spoilers, sorry to disappoint you, but this is a damn good book to ruin.
February 10, 2014
I received this book for an honest review.
A fantastic book! Great characters, an interesting fast-paced plot with just the right amount of twists and turns, and a delightful Paris setting. Couldn't ask for more!
A fantastic book! Great characters, an interesting fast-paced plot with just the right amount of twists and turns, and a delightful Paris setting. Couldn't ask for more!
January 26, 2014
I loved this book. It had a good bit of humor to it that made me just fall in love with the characters. It also in some ways reminded me of the movie 6th Sense in reverse :) I highly suggest this book if you like ghost stories and young adult paranormal.
February 14, 2014
This book combines my favorite themes: ghosts and friendship. This very fast-paced story kept me up late at night, hoping that Amber and Kendra can find closure and figure out what happened to Loic. The story ends with a potential lead-in to what I desperately hope will be a sequel!
November 14, 2013
I got this book from the author and I am very grateful I got a chance to read it. I love paranormal story's. I can not wait to see what Kendra does next.
November 16, 2013
LOVED this book. Great storyline, great characters. I usually love books having to do with elements such as ghosts and this book was no different. Would highly recommend this book.
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