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Never Forgotten #1
Never Forgotten
Meara Quinn is about to find out there are worse things than moving to a tiny oceanside town before her senior year. Like discovering there's a secret being kept from her and knowing it's a life-changer.
After experiencing vivid visions of her absentee father, Meara decides she deserves answers. With the help of her new friend Evan, a guy she happens to be falling for, she embarks on a journey in the hopes of unlocking family history and finding her true self. But when she meets a handsome stranger at a local club who knows far more about her than he should, her world is again shaken. In him, Meara may have uncovered the key to the very secret that will reveal not only who she is... but what she is.
After experiencing vivid visions of her absentee father, Meara decides she deserves answers. With the help of her new friend Evan, a guy she happens to be falling for, she embarks on a journey in the hopes of unlocking family history and finding her true self. But when she meets a handsome stranger at a local club who knows far more about her than he should, her world is again shaken. In him, Meara may have uncovered the key to the very secret that will reveal not only who she is... but what she is.
380 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2014
About the author
Kelly Risser
35 books276 followersI love books. I love reading books. I love collecting books. I love reading books aloud to my kids. It's been a lifelong dream to write a book, and now, I've done it! It's so much fun creating a world, and my characters have become family to me. I hope that you'll love them, too.
Feel free to contact me. I'd love to hear from you!
Feel free to contact me. I'd love to hear from you!
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February 25, 2022
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All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter another. - Anatole France
How can one day go so very wrong? One minute Meara Quinn is making plans for how she will spend the Summer before her senior year and the next she's finding out that her mother's cancer has returned and they are moving away from the only home she's ever known.
Now she is in a new country, taking care of her mother, living with grandparents she never met, meeting new friends at school and a guy she really likes and having weird visions of a father who was absent her entire life. There is a secret of who Meara is, and everyone seems to know this except her.
Meara is determined to find out the secrets that will change her life forever.
Review:
The beginning of this book in unbelievably good! Amazing intro and perfect character development. I loved how you could feel with Meara all the time, and go through with her while she leans about her mum's sickness and the movement to another country. It is very realistically described, and we manage to see this all through the eyes of a troubled teenager. And the descriptions of the scenes? Ahhh, just see for yourselves:
The room was a deep purple and accented with an eclectic blend of antiques and comfortable furnishings. It was the kind of room that made a person long to grab a book and cozy into the oversized couch for a several hours.
Thought, sometimes, there would be things that didn't make sense to me:
The guy who delivered the pizza forgot plates and napkins. So, we just opened the box and dug in.
Which delivery place on Earth, for God's sake, delivers plates and napkins? Is this an American thing? If I order pizza, I expect to dig into it with all my fingers, get really messy, and then lick them in the end. Just saying…
There were many twists and turns, mostly little ones in this first book, but the middle of the book gets really slow paced. For a moment, I thought this might be an unpleasant read, but it turned out to just be a calm before the storm, where the biggest twist happens right before the end, and it leaves us wanting more - therefore, the second book. Nicely done, Kelly Risser, nicely done!
Meara is an amazing girl, and we follow her story. She finds out her mum's cancer is back again, and they have to move from USA to Canada. For a teenage girl, that is a huge change. I loved the way she coped with it, even though, at the beginning she made me quite agitated - her mum is dying, and her thought are - life is unfair, why do I have to move to another country, and change schools and lose my friends? It made me incredibly angry, but as much as I don't want to admit it, those are the exact thoughts a teen would have in such moments. We don’t really tend to think about how our parents feel until we get older and wiser, do we?
I liked Meara, apart her irritating personality at times. She is a typical teenage girl, and many girls, me included, can relate to her so well! She is a good person, and she cares about the people around her.
I loved Evan - he is just the sweetest person / boyfriend a girl can have. I honestly wish I had a boyfriend like him when I was 13-years-old. He made sandwiches, and they watched a movie in the car because it was raining, and he would come to Meara's house with flowers, and offer to help out with the chores? He is the cutest person ever.
He was about six foot tall with wavy, black hair that curled over his ears. Tanned skin, lean muscles, and strong hands that ended in long, graceful fingers.
But then, there is Kieran… I know he is the bad boy, but I might be able to ship him and Meara together - maybe? We'll see… It's an unpopular opinion, but I actually want to see them together. Even though Evan is just the sweetest thing, and it would be horrible if Meara broke his heart.
I really enjoyed this book - maybe I enjoyed it the most from all the other Young-Adult paranormal books I've read. It was a great first beginning to a series, and I can't wait to dig in the rest of the series.
As a finale - I had to also include this quote from the book:
Humans are spiteful creatures. They destroy more than they create. That is why I do not associate with them.
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All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter another. - Anatole France
How can one day go so very wrong? One minute Meara Quinn is making plans for how she will spend the Summer before her senior year and the next she's finding out that her mother's cancer has returned and they are moving away from the only home she's ever known.
Now she is in a new country, taking care of her mother, living with grandparents she never met, meeting new friends at school and a guy she really likes and having weird visions of a father who was absent her entire life. There is a secret of who Meara is, and everyone seems to know this except her.
Meara is determined to find out the secrets that will change her life forever.
Review:
The beginning of this book in unbelievably good! Amazing intro and perfect character development. I loved how you could feel with Meara all the time, and go through with her while she leans about her mum's sickness and the movement to another country. It is very realistically described, and we manage to see this all through the eyes of a troubled teenager. And the descriptions of the scenes? Ahhh, just see for yourselves:
The room was a deep purple and accented with an eclectic blend of antiques and comfortable furnishings. It was the kind of room that made a person long to grab a book and cozy into the oversized couch for a several hours.
Thought, sometimes, there would be things that didn't make sense to me:
The guy who delivered the pizza forgot plates and napkins. So, we just opened the box and dug in.
Which delivery place on Earth, for God's sake, delivers plates and napkins? Is this an American thing? If I order pizza, I expect to dig into it with all my fingers, get really messy, and then lick them in the end. Just saying…
There were many twists and turns, mostly little ones in this first book, but the middle of the book gets really slow paced. For a moment, I thought this might be an unpleasant read, but it turned out to just be a calm before the storm, where the biggest twist happens right before the end, and it leaves us wanting more - therefore, the second book. Nicely done, Kelly Risser, nicely done!
Meara is an amazing girl, and we follow her story. She finds out her mum's cancer is back again, and they have to move from USA to Canada. For a teenage girl, that is a huge change. I loved the way she coped with it, even though, at the beginning she made me quite agitated - her mum is dying, and her thought are - life is unfair, why do I have to move to another country, and change schools and lose my friends? It made me incredibly angry, but as much as I don't want to admit it, those are the exact thoughts a teen would have in such moments. We don’t really tend to think about how our parents feel until we get older and wiser, do we?
I liked Meara, apart her irritating personality at times. She is a typical teenage girl, and many girls, me included, can relate to her so well! She is a good person, and she cares about the people around her.
I loved Evan - he is just the sweetest person / boyfriend a girl can have. I honestly wish I had a boyfriend like him when I was 13-years-old. He made sandwiches, and they watched a movie in the car because it was raining, and he would come to Meara's house with flowers, and offer to help out with the chores? He is the cutest person ever.
He was about six foot tall with wavy, black hair that curled over his ears. Tanned skin, lean muscles, and strong hands that ended in long, graceful fingers.
But then, there is Kieran… I know he is the bad boy, but I might be able to ship him and Meara together - maybe? We'll see… It's an unpopular opinion, but I actually want to see them together. Even though Evan is just the sweetest thing, and it would be horrible if Meara broke his heart.
I really enjoyed this book - maybe I enjoyed it the most from all the other Young-Adult paranormal books I've read. It was a great first beginning to a series, and I can't wait to dig in the rest of the series.
As a finale - I had to also include this quote from the book:
Humans are spiteful creatures. They destroy more than they create. That is why I do not associate with them.
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April 9, 2016
SERIOUSLY!
THAT ENDING!
I need to go to Scotland with this character!
omg her dad
omg her boyf
omg omg omg
LITERALLY DYING..
IM DEAD
CALL HELP
OMG
READ
THIS
THAT ENDING!
I need to go to Scotland with this character!
omg her dad
omg her boyf
omg omg omg
LITERALLY DYING..
IM DEAD
CALL HELP
OMG
READ
THIS
January 19, 2020
When Meara's mother gets ill, they return to Canada and the family she never knew existed.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Meara has been living an ordinary life, with ordinary plans. When her mother's cancer comes back with a terminal prognosis, all that normality is uprooted.
Wanting Meara to have some family after she's gone, her mum takes her back to her estranged grandparents. Meara quickly settles in, with her new family, new friends, and handsome new boyfriend. But there are also questions whirling round, of why her mother left in the first place, when it's clear her grandparents never kicked her out, as Meara assumed. And how and why she is dreaming of her father.
This was a very slow burner. It follows Meara's life, going to a new school, and making new friends. All the little things that let her connect with her grandparents, and falling in love with Evan.
Peggy's Cove isn't an exciting place to live, and for the most part, it's not very exciting to read about either.
There is the mystery about who Meara's father is, and in turn, what Meara is. I liked the idea of the selkies, and all the mythology that was shared in this book.
My only problem was how repetitive and annoying the 'we can't tell you yet' line was. Meara's parents are both happy to give hints, before insisting their daughter isn't ready to know the truth, giving knowing looks all the while. That's fine a couple of times, but it felt like it was happening once or twice a chapter.
The big winner for this book, was the relationship between Meara and her mother, and how her mother's cancer had taken over their lives, casting a shadow over everything.
It is poignant and realistic, and it utterly surprised me how invested I was towards the end of their story.
Overall, this was a 3.5 out of 5 for me.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Meara has been living an ordinary life, with ordinary plans. When her mother's cancer comes back with a terminal prognosis, all that normality is uprooted.
Wanting Meara to have some family after she's gone, her mum takes her back to her estranged grandparents. Meara quickly settles in, with her new family, new friends, and handsome new boyfriend. But there are also questions whirling round, of why her mother left in the first place, when it's clear her grandparents never kicked her out, as Meara assumed. And how and why she is dreaming of her father.
This was a very slow burner. It follows Meara's life, going to a new school, and making new friends. All the little things that let her connect with her grandparents, and falling in love with Evan.
Peggy's Cove isn't an exciting place to live, and for the most part, it's not very exciting to read about either.
There is the mystery about who Meara's father is, and in turn, what Meara is. I liked the idea of the selkies, and all the mythology that was shared in this book.
My only problem was how repetitive and annoying the 'we can't tell you yet' line was. Meara's parents are both happy to give hints, before insisting their daughter isn't ready to know the truth, giving knowing looks all the while. That's fine a couple of times, but it felt like it was happening once or twice a chapter.
The big winner for this book, was the relationship between Meara and her mother, and how her mother's cancer had taken over their lives, casting a shadow over everything.
It is poignant and realistic, and it utterly surprised me how invested I was towards the end of their story.
Overall, this was a 3.5 out of 5 for me.
June 11, 2015
All in all this book was very weird, because in some parts was good and interesting, and in others it felt dragged and really boring. Sometimes or almost everytime I felt that the characters a lot younger than their actual age, because they were acting so childish and the dialogue was so flat. Also, I don't even remember clearly how they look and who is who, because there's a plethora of characters and I have no idea why.
The first chapters were interesting and I was really asking myself what is going to be about. Somehow I was right, but otherwise I was so wrong! Because in my head the book was getting better and not worse. From 30-50% I felt like reading a page for eternity, the plot wasn't moving, nothing was happening, the characters acted like God knows what logic. I feel like the author tried to play with a lot of things and it didn't work. Or this is my opinion.
As I said the first part was interesting but when I find out the 'secret' I got bored. Things stopped making sense, characters started acting even more weird, each plot twist was like dropped on its head...
I won't continue this series, because this book was in the end kinda meh and if at first I didn't take in account the plain characters, the I'll-make-you-sleep writing style, the SO cliche and predictable plot and others things, in the end I couldn't take it anymore. Plus those characters don't act at all for their age.
So, I won't recommend this to anyone or maybe if you're bored or too young to see all the stuff that bothered me. Or if you're both then try this. Or maybe I'm the only one disliking it and the only one that wasn't blown away by the secret and what was Meira.
The first chapters were interesting and I was really asking myself what is going to be about. Somehow I was right, but otherwise I was so wrong! Because in my head the book was getting better and not worse. From 30-50% I felt like reading a page for eternity, the plot wasn't moving, nothing was happening, the characters acted like God knows what logic. I feel like the author tried to play with a lot of things and it didn't work. Or this is my opinion.
As I said the first part was interesting but when I find out the 'secret' I got bored. Things stopped making sense, characters started acting even more weird, each plot twist was like dropped on its head...
I won't continue this series, because this book was in the end kinda meh and if at first I didn't take in account the plain characters, the I'll-make-you-sleep writing style, the SO cliche and predictable plot and others things, in the end I couldn't take it anymore. Plus those characters don't act at all for their age.
So, I won't recommend this to anyone or maybe if you're bored or too young to see all the stuff that bothered me. Or if you're both then try this. Or maybe I'm the only one disliking it and the only one that wasn't blown away by the secret and what was Meira.
June 3, 2015
Review originally posted on my blog.
A short time ago I felt the urge to read a book in English, so I opened my pc kindle and I saw I have more than one hundred titles ready to be devoured. Problem is, many of these titles are the first book in a series, and, because I don't like to start something and not finish it, I hesitated for a while. Finally, I chose Never Forgotten by Kelly Risser, thanks to its cover. After reading the book, I can say it is really illustrative. Though I had no big expectations, I knew that somehow this book was going to be different.
Never Forgotten is narrated in the first person through Meara (gorgeous name, by the way), an average 17 years old (nearly 18) teenage girl, living with her mother in Wisconsin, USA. At this point I started to imagine a lot of scenarios in which a new guy and, possible, with some kind of supernatural mojo enters in Meara's life and she suddenly falls in love with him, and so on. You know, same old and full of cliché story. But I was wrong. Karen (Meara's mom) receives some bad news: the cancer, she thought she had beaten years ago, is back with fresh forces. I am really pleased that the author had chosen to bring in this subject because it helps a lot with Meara's characterization and, of course, the mother-daughter relation characterization. Knowing that her chances of survival are minimal, Karen decides to move back to her parent's in Peggy's Cove, Canada. For Meara, both pieces of news are horrible, considering her mom was the only person in her life and considering her past, her memories, her best friend (Kim) were all in Wisconsin. But she accepts.
I realized that Never Forgotten truly is something different from what I have read so far when the two women arrived in Peggy's Cove, a small, quiet place, located near the Ocean. Meeting with the grandparents she has never seen before is a special moment for the protagonist, but, soon, they will become really good friends. She also gets acquainted with Evan (there has to be always some romance, too) and Katie, Lydia's children, and Lydia is a good, childhood friend of Karen. I didn't really enjoy how quickly Meara and Evan got together, neither Meara's reaction when she first saw him: Wow. Hot. I patted my ponytail nervously and again regretted not taking a few more minutes to get ready. How perfunctory sounds that? Oh, and later comes this line: Opening the door, I found Katie and Evan. What was I wearing? Oh yeah, jean shorts and a tank top. Did I put on makeup this morning? Yep. Relax. Really, girl?! I am pretty disappointed Kelly wrote these words. I may be a bit too harsh, but my kind of heroine would have never said that. Anyway, skipping this fact, I must admit, the relations, initially forced, start to evolve smooth and pleasant, and this is available for Meara-Evan too.
From the first night spent in her new bedroom, Meara dreams about a strange man, a few years elder than she, speaking to her, near the Ocean. Soon, she finds out the identity of this interesting and mysterious apparition - none other than her father, David, who was absent her whole life. But with these dreams, more secrets start to arise and put a lot of pressure on Meara. She, actually, becomes really rasping, being sick of all this hugger-mugger, and I totally understand her. But I think the author didn't really succeeded in explaining the secrecy. Everyone loves a bit of enigma, but, at some point, there have to be explanations, reasons, strong ones, and Kelly, unfortunately, didn't entirely satisfied my demand (let me just say the "You're not ready to find out yet." became really annoying).
Overall, Never Forgotten is an easy and enjoyable book I don't regret reading. As I mentioned above, I had a few problems with Meara and the too-much-hiding thing, but Kelly Risser introduced me in a beautiful world and to a topic I haven't read about before. I look forward to reading the next book.
A short time ago I felt the urge to read a book in English, so I opened my pc kindle and I saw I have more than one hundred titles ready to be devoured. Problem is, many of these titles are the first book in a series, and, because I don't like to start something and not finish it, I hesitated for a while. Finally, I chose Never Forgotten by Kelly Risser, thanks to its cover. After reading the book, I can say it is really illustrative. Though I had no big expectations, I knew that somehow this book was going to be different.
Never Forgotten is narrated in the first person through Meara (gorgeous name, by the way), an average 17 years old (nearly 18) teenage girl, living with her mother in Wisconsin, USA. At this point I started to imagine a lot of scenarios in which a new guy and, possible, with some kind of supernatural mojo enters in Meara's life and she suddenly falls in love with him, and so on. You know, same old and full of cliché story. But I was wrong. Karen (Meara's mom) receives some bad news: the cancer, she thought she had beaten years ago, is back with fresh forces. I am really pleased that the author had chosen to bring in this subject because it helps a lot with Meara's characterization and, of course, the mother-daughter relation characterization. Knowing that her chances of survival are minimal, Karen decides to move back to her parent's in Peggy's Cove, Canada. For Meara, both pieces of news are horrible, considering her mom was the only person in her life and considering her past, her memories, her best friend (Kim) were all in Wisconsin. But she accepts.
I realized that Never Forgotten truly is something different from what I have read so far when the two women arrived in Peggy's Cove, a small, quiet place, located near the Ocean. Meeting with the grandparents she has never seen before is a special moment for the protagonist, but, soon, they will become really good friends. She also gets acquainted with Evan (there has to be always some romance, too) and Katie, Lydia's children, and Lydia is a good, childhood friend of Karen. I didn't really enjoy how quickly Meara and Evan got together, neither Meara's reaction when she first saw him: Wow. Hot. I patted my ponytail nervously and again regretted not taking a few more minutes to get ready. How perfunctory sounds that? Oh, and later comes this line: Opening the door, I found Katie and Evan. What was I wearing? Oh yeah, jean shorts and a tank top. Did I put on makeup this morning? Yep. Relax. Really, girl?! I am pretty disappointed Kelly wrote these words. I may be a bit too harsh, but my kind of heroine would have never said that. Anyway, skipping this fact, I must admit, the relations, initially forced, start to evolve smooth and pleasant, and this is available for Meara-Evan too.
From the first night spent in her new bedroom, Meara dreams about a strange man, a few years elder than she, speaking to her, near the Ocean. Soon, she finds out the identity of this interesting and mysterious apparition - none other than her father, David, who was absent her whole life. But with these dreams, more secrets start to arise and put a lot of pressure on Meara. She, actually, becomes really rasping, being sick of all this hugger-mugger, and I totally understand her. But I think the author didn't really succeeded in explaining the secrecy. Everyone loves a bit of enigma, but, at some point, there have to be explanations, reasons, strong ones, and Kelly, unfortunately, didn't entirely satisfied my demand (let me just say the "You're not ready to find out yet." became really annoying).
Overall, Never Forgotten is an easy and enjoyable book I don't regret reading. As I mentioned above, I had a few problems with Meara and the too-much-hiding thing, but Kelly Risser introduced me in a beautiful world and to a topic I haven't read about before. I look forward to reading the next book.
June 23, 2015
This was a poignant story of a young girl who has to come to terms with an awful lot in her life.
The opening pages get to the heart of the matter right away, I love a book like that, I just know instantly then that I will grasp the writing throughout 9 time out of 10.
Her Father has left, the marriage is over, her Mother assures her its not to do with her, her Father still loves her.
One day, in walks Meara, she calls for her Mother, no reply, she looks for something to eat, grabs a carrot stick, whilst looking in the cupboards and fridge for other sustenance. Hm where is her Mother?
The she notices her Mother stood there at the sink. She NEVER day dreams, she is always so practical. Something is wrong, she can feel it.
Her Mother takes her hand and explains that the cancer is back.
The story flows from this and its not all doom and gloom. The subject matter is handled delicately and although its has moments of sadness, it also has moments of hope.
There is a touch of paranormal in this [which I wasn't aware of] but it was great, I really enjoyed this piece of work.
What an excellent journey I have been on.
I am so looking forward to book 2.
Thank you to Clean Teen Publishing via Net galley for my copy
August 21, 2014
As an author and mother of six kids, I’m extremely picky about what I spend my limited time reading. Most books I pick up, I put down after the first few pages. Unless it’s a compelling beginning, I don’t waste my time reading the rest. The day I picked this book up, I’d already started and gave up on five other books. But Never Forgotten…I don’t even remember making the decision to give it a full read. I was simply swept up in the story. Meara is such a relatable, sympathetic main character and my heart went out to her and her terminally ill mother. Evan was the perfect male protagonist—equal parts understanding, sympathetic, and hot. The setting was unforgettable, and described so well that I almost felt as if I were there. In fact, I swear I could literally feel the biting chill coming off the Atlantic Ocean. And I read this in August!
This book is paranormal, but light on the fantasy and heavy on the character relationships. I thought it was a perfect balance for this story. I will definitely be picking up the next book in the series. I’m seriously anxious to find out where the author will take us next. Great job, Kelly! You’ve written a beautiful story!
This book is paranormal, but light on the fantasy and heavy on the character relationships. I thought it was a perfect balance for this story. I will definitely be picking up the next book in the series. I’m seriously anxious to find out where the author will take us next. Great job, Kelly! You’ve written a beautiful story!
September 19, 2017
So it has been established that I love mermaids. Well, the next on my list of awesome, underwater creatures is Selkies. From Irish and Scottish folklore, they are a type of seals that can shed their skin to become human. Many of the legends feature women selkies whose seal skins are stolen from them by fishermen, preventing them from returning to the sea. So they marry the fishermen and stay with them until they find where the men have hidden the skins.
Never Forgotten, I was delighted to discover, features selkies! If I had known, I might have read it immediately after buying it instead of letting it sit on the shelf for a couple of years.
I enjoyed the book. The romance was a bit of "love at first sight," but as the characters got to know each other better, I could tell that there was genuine affection and care between them. It was sweet, and I have high hopes for them, provided a certain someone doesn't get in the way in book two. Never Forgotten was a little bit slow. It focuses more on the main character getting used to the new location, finding new friends and a boyfriend, dealing with her mother's cancer, and meeting her father for the first time. There was much less of a focus on the mystery she's trying to uncover about why her father left her so many years ago. But that mystery is the main plot line! So the slowness was a little irritating, as were some of the main character's reactions to the major events around her. Her reactions were a little immature, though I can't say I wouldn't have reacted the same way in her shoes. I liked this series, couldn't put it down, and am starting right into book two!
Never Forgotten, I was delighted to discover, features selkies! If I had known, I might have read it immediately after buying it instead of letting it sit on the shelf for a couple of years.
I enjoyed the book. The romance was a bit of "love at first sight," but as the characters got to know each other better, I could tell that there was genuine affection and care between them. It was sweet, and I have high hopes for them, provided a certain someone doesn't get in the way in book two. Never Forgotten was a little bit slow. It focuses more on the main character getting used to the new location, finding new friends and a boyfriend, dealing with her mother's cancer, and meeting her father for the first time. There was much less of a focus on the mystery she's trying to uncover about why her father left her so many years ago. But that mystery is the main plot line! So the slowness was a little irritating, as were some of the main character's reactions to the major events around her. Her reactions were a little immature, though I can't say I wouldn't have reacted the same way in her shoes. I liked this series, couldn't put it down, and am starting right into book two!
August 12, 2020
A YA Light paranormal read that will leaving you breathless and cannot wait to pick up the next book in the series! I got this book for free and love mermaid, sire, fae stories.
May 17, 2019
Enjoyable
What a story! I enjoyed the way this story played out. The way the characters grew throughout was really good to.
What a story! I enjoyed the way this story played out. The way the characters grew throughout was really good to.
September 6, 2016
My REVIEW for Never Forgotten by Kelly Risser is based on the ARC and not completed book.
Never Forgotten by Kelly Risser tells us the story of Meara who is ending her junior year of High School. Sharon, Meara’s mother, informs Meara that her cancer has returned and they will be moving to live with her estranged Grandparents in Canada.
Meara and her mom arrive at Peggy’s Cove and get settled in. Meara went to bed and fell asleep right away but, she had a dream about her dad. (Meara keeps having these “dreams” and she feels confused and has mixed feelings about them.)
Shortly after arriving, Meara is introduced to Evan and Katie (who are brother and sister and kids of her mother’s best friend at Peggy’s Cove). It turns out that Meara is in the same grade as Katie but a year behind Evan. As the summer progresses, Meara and Evan become closer, even though he is heading off to college.
Meara goes to watch one of Evan’s hockey games and then goes to a subsequent party. Meara can’t believe how well Evan can play hockey. After the party, Meara goes back to Evan and Katie’s house.
Everyone except Meara is settled or passed out asleep but Meara is having a hard time sleeping. She hears a noise which ends up being her father. Meara can’t believe he’s there, in the room. Meara starts to ask him questions, one of which is if he human. He answers some of her questions, others he doesn’t. Meara’s father does advise her to be careful with Evan, to take care of her mom and he then vanishes into thin air.
A little bit later David comes back into Meara and her Sharon’s life. David and Sharon get married and Meara doesn’t know how to feel about it. Later she discovers that David is helping her mother by lending his power to her to ease her pain and keep her comfortable. Meara realizes how much David loves her mother.
Meara watches as her mother deteriorate and die. David gives her a letter that was from her mother. The letter tells Meara that she thinks Meara should go with her father to meet the other side of the family and learn what it is like being something other than human.
Meara has a tough time deciding what to do because she doesn’t want to leave Evan. Evan tells her to go, which she eventually does.
Risser’s style of writing seems to flow freely. The story is paced well and there is never a dull moment. The story has a great setting which makes the story all the more enjoyable, Without question, the narrative captivates the reader and you are invested in the story and have the need to find out what type of being Meara could be.
I do wish we knew a little more about Evan and his sister and about David’s brothers and sisters. I think this has the potential to be a great series.
4.0 stars
*I won this book through Goodreads First Reads giveaway. In no way has this influenced my rating or opinion of this book.*
Never Forgotten by Kelly Risser tells us the story of Meara who is ending her junior year of High School. Sharon, Meara’s mother, informs Meara that her cancer has returned and they will be moving to live with her estranged Grandparents in Canada.
Meara and her mom arrive at Peggy’s Cove and get settled in. Meara went to bed and fell asleep right away but, she had a dream about her dad. (Meara keeps having these “dreams” and she feels confused and has mixed feelings about them.)
Shortly after arriving, Meara is introduced to Evan and Katie (who are brother and sister and kids of her mother’s best friend at Peggy’s Cove). It turns out that Meara is in the same grade as Katie but a year behind Evan. As the summer progresses, Meara and Evan become closer, even though he is heading off to college.
Meara goes to watch one of Evan’s hockey games and then goes to a subsequent party. Meara can’t believe how well Evan can play hockey. After the party, Meara goes back to Evan and Katie’s house.
Everyone except Meara is settled or passed out asleep but Meara is having a hard time sleeping. She hears a noise which ends up being her father. Meara can’t believe he’s there, in the room. Meara starts to ask him questions, one of which is if he human. He answers some of her questions, others he doesn’t. Meara’s father does advise her to be careful with Evan, to take care of her mom and he then vanishes into thin air.
A little bit later David comes back into Meara and her Sharon’s life. David and Sharon get married and Meara doesn’t know how to feel about it. Later she discovers that David is helping her mother by lending his power to her to ease her pain and keep her comfortable. Meara realizes how much David loves her mother.
Meara watches as her mother deteriorate and die. David gives her a letter that was from her mother. The letter tells Meara that she thinks Meara should go with her father to meet the other side of the family and learn what it is like being something other than human.
Meara has a tough time deciding what to do because she doesn’t want to leave Evan. Evan tells her to go, which she eventually does.
Risser’s style of writing seems to flow freely. The story is paced well and there is never a dull moment. The story has a great setting which makes the story all the more enjoyable, Without question, the narrative captivates the reader and you are invested in the story and have the need to find out what type of being Meara could be.
I do wish we knew a little more about Evan and his sister and about David’s brothers and sisters. I think this has the potential to be a great series.
4.0 stars
*I won this book through Goodreads First Reads giveaway. In no way has this influenced my rating or opinion of this book.*
June 17, 2015
Slight quibble with the book contents and the publisher name. Publisher is "Clean Teen Publishing" and there is teen underage drinking and sex. The sex happens off-screen, as it were, but you know it still happened. The drinking isn't glorified, but it's in a few scenes.
That quibble aside, this book was pretty darn awesome. The characters felt real to me. There was drama, but it was all realistic. The MC is going through a really hard time, but she has a strong support network and she is strong enough to realize that she needs help and she isn't afraid to reach out for it.
My second quibble, this time with the book itself, I HATE it when those in the know REFUSE to tell the MC information that is important for them to know. The father kept saying, "It's not time, when you're ready," BUT when he DID tell her, the time wasn't special. There was nothing differentiating it from when she was asking for the information prior. That really bugged me, as it did nothing but cause the MC to try to get the info from elsewhere and she wasn't able to protect herself from those who wished her harm. Classic "Harry Potter" syndrome. I don't like it.
Other than that, I really loved the characters. Again, they felt real. Well, except for the amazing, unbelievable love interest. No guy is that perfect. But he wasn't so perfect he was annoying. Just kind of sigh-worthy. Perfect for this book and the YA demographic.
The setting was good, though other than the cold and Canadian Thanksgiving, I kept forgetting it was Canada. I think I need to go visit Canada so I have some basis of comparison!
The characters are what made this book for me. Yes, I know, I said that three times now, but it's true. The grandparents were your typical warm, loving grandparents, with Grandmom being a kitchen Goddess and Grandpop the big teddy bear, gruff but loving manly man. The best friend we didn't get to see a lot of, unfortunately, as she was a little spit-fire. Evan was a dreamboat. Every girl's dream, even though his penchant for hat-tricks was a bit unbelievable. The MC was real and made decisions that also felt real. Heck, they were decisions I would make. You don't get much more real than that!
Stellar book. A solid 4.5 stars. Half a star deducted for the "HP" syndrome and the less than "clean" content. Not horrendous, realistic, but not 100% as advertised. I would not feel badly suggesting this to the YA audience in my store. I would definitely recommend it to YA and above. Stronger middle readers too.
This is the first of a trilogy I believe and I'm buying the next book NOW.
My thanks to NetGalley and Clean Teen Publishing for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
That quibble aside, this book was pretty darn awesome. The characters felt real to me. There was drama, but it was all realistic. The MC is going through a really hard time, but she has a strong support network and she is strong enough to realize that she needs help and she isn't afraid to reach out for it.
My second quibble, this time with the book itself, I HATE it when those in the know REFUSE to tell the MC information that is important for them to know. The father kept saying, "It's not time, when you're ready," BUT when he DID tell her, the time wasn't special. There was nothing differentiating it from when she was asking for the information prior. That really bugged me, as it did nothing but cause the MC to try to get the info from elsewhere and she wasn't able to protect herself from those who wished her harm. Classic "Harry Potter" syndrome. I don't like it.
Other than that, I really loved the characters. Again, they felt real. Well, except for the amazing, unbelievable love interest. No guy is that perfect. But he wasn't so perfect he was annoying. Just kind of sigh-worthy. Perfect for this book and the YA demographic.
The setting was good, though other than the cold and Canadian Thanksgiving, I kept forgetting it was Canada. I think I need to go visit Canada so I have some basis of comparison!
The characters are what made this book for me. Yes, I know, I said that three times now, but it's true. The grandparents were your typical warm, loving grandparents, with Grandmom being a kitchen Goddess and Grandpop the big teddy bear, gruff but loving manly man. The best friend we didn't get to see a lot of, unfortunately, as she was a little spit-fire. Evan was a dreamboat. Every girl's dream, even though his penchant for hat-tricks was a bit unbelievable. The MC was real and made decisions that also felt real. Heck, they were decisions I would make. You don't get much more real than that!
Stellar book. A solid 4.5 stars. Half a star deducted for the "HP" syndrome and the less than "clean" content. Not horrendous, realistic, but not 100% as advertised. I would not feel badly suggesting this to the YA audience in my store. I would definitely recommend it to YA and above. Stronger middle readers too.
This is the first of a trilogy I believe and I'm buying the next book NOW.
My thanks to NetGalley and Clean Teen Publishing for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
April 22, 2015
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Meara Quinn’s life is suddenly uprooted when she finds herself moving from Wisconsin to Canada due to the return of her mother’s cancer. She’s suddenly living with her grandparents, who she’s never met. Meara attempts to handle the sickness of her mother while simultaneously getting used to living in a new country. On top of that, she begins dreaming of her absent father, whom she has never known. But the dreams appear to only be the start as she discovers that there’s more to who she is than what she thought.
Never Forgotten is a story about family. It had some romance in it, and some friendship, but I liked how the main focus seemed to stay on the family side of things. I enjoyed watching Meara grow as she tried to find her way in a new town, in a new country, while trying to take care of her mother.
To be honest, when this book starting hinting at a big secret and the fact that Meara wasn’t entirely human, my mind automatically jumped to mermaids. I even told someone who asked what I was reading that I thought it was a mermaid book. But no. I discovered the focus was on selkies. I have never read a book centering around selkies before, and it was such a nice change.
The only complaint I have is that the writing fell a bit flat for me. The tone was passive, which made it hard to connect with the characters and feel their emotions along with them. I would have liked to see a little bit more of build-up of Meara’s life before she moved so that the move would have more of an impact on the reader. The writing just seemed very jumpy to me, which took me out of the story.
For the most part, I really enjoyed this book more than I thought I would when I first started it. I recommend it to those who love stories about family. And while it’s about selkies, I think any lover of mermaid books should check this out. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in this series!
I give it 3/5 stars.
Meara Quinn’s life is suddenly uprooted when she finds herself moving from Wisconsin to Canada due to the return of her mother’s cancer. She’s suddenly living with her grandparents, who she’s never met. Meara attempts to handle the sickness of her mother while simultaneously getting used to living in a new country. On top of that, she begins dreaming of her absent father, whom she has never known. But the dreams appear to only be the start as she discovers that there’s more to who she is than what she thought.
Never Forgotten is a story about family. It had some romance in it, and some friendship, but I liked how the main focus seemed to stay on the family side of things. I enjoyed watching Meara grow as she tried to find her way in a new town, in a new country, while trying to take care of her mother.
To be honest, when this book starting hinting at a big secret and the fact that Meara wasn’t entirely human, my mind automatically jumped to mermaids. I even told someone who asked what I was reading that I thought it was a mermaid book. But no. I discovered the focus was on selkies. I have never read a book centering around selkies before, and it was such a nice change.
The only complaint I have is that the writing fell a bit flat for me. The tone was passive, which made it hard to connect with the characters and feel their emotions along with them. I would have liked to see a little bit more of build-up of Meara’s life before she moved so that the move would have more of an impact on the reader. The writing just seemed very jumpy to me, which took me out of the story.
For the most part, I really enjoyed this book more than I thought I would when I first started it. I recommend it to those who love stories about family. And while it’s about selkies, I think any lover of mermaid books should check this out. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in this series!
I give it 3/5 stars.
October 17, 2014
In Scotland we have stories of selkies, kelpies, Nessie & the Blue Men from Minch. I grew up loving the stories of women waiting by the shores for their loved ones to return from fishing only to be lured into sea by selkies or kelpies, never to be seen again.
I struggled to get into this story of Meara who moves to Canada with her mother suffering from terminal cancer. Her mother brought Meara up alone as Meara's father left them when she was born. Meara makes new friends, finds a love interest & bonds with new family members.
I didn't like Meara finding her immature & childish at times. There seemed to be no depth to her character & while her mother was dying she was out with friends rather than spending as much time with her as she could. I found her to be whiny, too forgiving of her prodigal father.
The story itself dragged along quite often, taking forever to put a point across & even though I can be emotional - I wasn't when reading the sad scenes & Meara once again had her priorities all wrong.
There were a few mistakes: missing words, missing quotation marks, spelling "Beetles" instead of "Beatles" when mentioning the band.
Never Forgotten gives Scottish myths & folklore legends a modern setting but unfortunately it didn't enthrall me & I wouldn't read the rest of the series.
I struggled to get into this story of Meara who moves to Canada with her mother suffering from terminal cancer. Her mother brought Meara up alone as Meara's father left them when she was born. Meara makes new friends, finds a love interest & bonds with new family members.
I didn't like Meara finding her immature & childish at times. There seemed to be no depth to her character & while her mother was dying she was out with friends rather than spending as much time with her as she could. I found her to be whiny, too forgiving of her prodigal father.
The story itself dragged along quite often, taking forever to put a point across & even though I can be emotional - I wasn't when reading the sad scenes & Meara once again had her priorities all wrong.
There were a few mistakes: missing words, missing quotation marks, spelling "Beetles" instead of "Beatles" when mentioning the band.
Never Forgotten gives Scottish myths & folklore legends a modern setting but unfortunately it didn't enthrall me & I wouldn't read the rest of the series.
August 23, 2016
***I received a copy of the book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
***The book is free on amazon at time of posting this review.
I'm going to begin this review by being honest. When I started this book I didn't know how to feel. I imagined it would just focus on one thing but that wasn't the case.
In my opinion, the book was a breeze to read despite the subject matter. The author eased me into each chapter in such a way that I didn't find myself shocked or surprised by the outcome.
Regardless, I found myself disappointed when the final page was turned (I wanted to read more!).
Let's talk a bit about the story. From the first chapter Meara had her life turned upside-down and from then on things only got tougher for her. She had to cope with something no Seventeen-year-old should have to deal with and on top of that she also had to question many things about herself. Also this book is a mix between reality and paranormal, something I really liked. You must know that I dived into the book without reading the synopsis (something I do from time to time). What can I say about Evan? Mmmm... I really liked his character, dreamy thoughtful, polite, attentive... Yes, perfect!
I have high hopes for the other books in this series. I'm really looking forward to exploring more and see how it will all evolve.
***The book is free on amazon at time of posting this review.
I'm going to begin this review by being honest. When I started this book I didn't know how to feel. I imagined it would just focus on one thing but that wasn't the case.
In my opinion, the book was a breeze to read despite the subject matter. The author eased me into each chapter in such a way that I didn't find myself shocked or surprised by the outcome.
Regardless, I found myself disappointed when the final page was turned (I wanted to read more!).
Let's talk a bit about the story. From the first chapter Meara had her life turned upside-down and from then on things only got tougher for her. She had to cope with something no Seventeen-year-old should have to deal with and on top of that she also had to question many things about herself. Also this book is a mix between reality and paranormal, something I really liked. You must know that I dived into the book without reading the synopsis (something I do from time to time). What can I say about Evan? Mmmm... I really liked his character, dreamy thoughtful, polite, attentive... Yes, perfect!
I have high hopes for the other books in this series. I'm really looking forward to exploring more and see how it will all evolve.
April 8, 2015
This is mostly a teen drama with love, life and sorrow, but there is also a fantastical edge. The characters are reasonably well developed, the writing evocative and reasonably paced, although it did feel a little of a slow simmer rather than a fast boil. I found myself drawn into Meera's world, experiencing her uncertainities, her loss and love and longing. I found it quite a compelling read, despite the fact that not a lot really happened for about 2/3s of the books and some of the more potentially serious matters were more-or-less brushed over (although the most serious - her mother's cancer - offered most of the emotional impact of this novel).
There were some strange obsessions with determining what everyone was eating and/or drinking ("I wanted this, but she felt like that, so we split up and met at a table") - although I can identify with Meera's diet coke addiction.
Advance copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
There were some strange obsessions with determining what everyone was eating and/or drinking ("I wanted this, but she felt like that, so we split up and met at a table") - although I can identify with Meera's diet coke addiction.
Advance copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 8, 2015
**Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publishers for allowing me a copy of the book to read and review**
I enjoyed this book especially the relationship between Evan and Meara. However, I know that this is a fantasy book but I found it unrealistic? If that makes sense? There were also gaps in the story. For example I would be reading one chapter that had a problem but there was no fallout to it but also no solution? They just carry on as if nothing even happened.
I thought the story line had potential and I liked Meara and her friends and also her mums illness was dealt with well. However there was also something off about David? Like how could they just get back together like that after 17 years apart..
Somehow the story just doesn't add up.
I enjoyed this book especially the relationship between Evan and Meara. However, I know that this is a fantasy book but I found it unrealistic? If that makes sense? There were also gaps in the story. For example I would be reading one chapter that had a problem but there was no fallout to it but also no solution? They just carry on as if nothing even happened.
I thought the story line had potential and I liked Meara and her friends and also her mums illness was dealt with well. However there was also something off about David? Like how could they just get back together like that after 17 years apart..
Somehow the story just doesn't add up.
August 27, 2014
I loved the girl on the cover's hair and that's what interested me to get this book.
I didn't read any reviews, any blurbs, nothing, before starting this book.
It has a sort of cool concept and plot but it's not really all that original or super interesting.
The characters are fine. Plain, mildly boring, not really creative.
But the thing that kills, the thing that made me quit this book, is the writing. It's really rough and not quite... right. I not really know how to explain it. It's like the first draft before the rewrites and fine tuning. I bet with more work and editing, the writing could be really good.
I didn't read any reviews, any blurbs, nothing, before starting this book.
It has a sort of cool concept and plot but it's not really all that original or super interesting.
The characters are fine. Plain, mildly boring, not really creative.
But the thing that kills, the thing that made me quit this book, is the writing. It's really rough and not quite... right. I not really know how to explain it. It's like the first draft before the rewrites and fine tuning. I bet with more work and editing, the writing could be really good.
September 9, 2016
I won't say much about the plot because I don't want to give anything away. I enjoyed the book, it was interesting, well written and am glad I read it but didn't give it 5 stars because I like faster paced stories, but thats me. I hope there is going to be a book about Meara's adventures finding her other half. I won this book and would like to thank the author.
April 4, 2015
I got this book because it was free on amazon and the summary sounded interesting. I guessed correctly this book was interesting. The plot had a good pace. The characters were likeable.I felt for the main character what she went through. A great book I was happy that I picked up.
March 2, 2015
Something different
I really enjoyed this book. Looking forward to reading the next in the series. It's fresh and new. A +
I really enjoyed this book. Looking forward to reading the next in the series. It's fresh and new. A +
May 20, 2015
An interesting story that didn't turn out the way I expected, which was a nice change. Full review on the blog: http://mindcrazed.blogspot.se/2015/03...
April 1, 2015
Thank you NetGalley for the chance to review this book.
I wrote a review for this book on my blog
I wrote a review for this book on my blog
January 30, 2020
My ears pounded with the tidal beat, and I began to hear voices speaking in the rhythm—jump in, go now, come to us, we’re waiting. Was I losing my mind? Panicked, I looked at David. He watched me carefully. “You hear them.” He nodded to the sea. “Yes,” I said. Then, “Who are they?” “They are us. We are them. You will meet them in time, but it’s best that you try to ignore them for now.” He reached for my hand. “They will grow more persistent.”
It is Meara's senior year in high school in Wisconsin and she is looking forward to traveling in Europe with her best friend Kim after graduation, but her mother is very sick and moves them to the small town of Peggy's Cove, Canada, to stay with the grandparents Meara has never met.
While living in Canada is different, the ocean strangely makes Meara feel at home. Her dreams of her father, David, become reality and she finds it strange that he has never aged and skirts around her questions about why he abandoned her and her mother seventeen years ago. Can she handle the truth and live with the most difficult decision of her life?
Told in Meara's voice, the topics are momentous and Meara's loving relationship with her mother is very realistic and heartbreaking. The hardships and difficult decisions Meara make are a lot for a young woman of her age to endure, but she tackles them with maturity and grace. The relationships with her grandparents, her father, her best friend, Kim, and Evan, her boyfriend, are such an important part of her life experience and Ms. Risser pens it with depth and finesse.
I highly recommend this young adult paranormal romance which tackles the serious topics of abandonment and cancer as well as single parenting. I look forward to reading the series.
Thank you to Ms. Risser for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
It is Meara's senior year in high school in Wisconsin and she is looking forward to traveling in Europe with her best friend Kim after graduation, but her mother is very sick and moves them to the small town of Peggy's Cove, Canada, to stay with the grandparents Meara has never met.
While living in Canada is different, the ocean strangely makes Meara feel at home. Her dreams of her father, David, become reality and she finds it strange that he has never aged and skirts around her questions about why he abandoned her and her mother seventeen years ago. Can she handle the truth and live with the most difficult decision of her life?
Told in Meara's voice, the topics are momentous and Meara's loving relationship with her mother is very realistic and heartbreaking. The hardships and difficult decisions Meara make are a lot for a young woman of her age to endure, but she tackles them with maturity and grace. The relationships with her grandparents, her father, her best friend, Kim, and Evan, her boyfriend, are such an important part of her life experience and Ms. Risser pens it with depth and finesse.
I highly recommend this young adult paranormal romance which tackles the serious topics of abandonment and cancer as well as single parenting. I look forward to reading the series.
Thank you to Ms. Risser for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
August 15, 2019
I have to say that I really did enjoy this book. I thought that I wouldn’t, given all the vague answers that David gave her and the high school aspect of it. The author did a pretty decent job with the execution of it that I actually found myself enjoying reading that as well.
I’m also very glad that this didn’t turn out to be yet another mermaid book but was something a little different. I’m also very happy that she didn’t have to keep this a secret, that’s starting to get played out and predictable.
The cover is pretty, something that would catch my eye in the store and I would pick up off the shelf. In fact, I kind of did when I saw it on Amazon. Of course, it’s a free book so that helped too but, for a freebie, it’s actually one of the better ones.
The pace is more steady than I would have thought, the story flows pretty well and it leaves me with questions that I want to get answered.
Thank you for reading my review.
-Sam
I’m also very glad that this didn’t turn out to be yet another mermaid book but was something a little different. I’m also very happy that she didn’t have to keep this a secret, that’s starting to get played out and predictable.
The cover is pretty, something that would catch my eye in the store and I would pick up off the shelf. In fact, I kind of did when I saw it on Amazon. Of course, it’s a free book so that helped too but, for a freebie, it’s actually one of the better ones.
The pace is more steady than I would have thought, the story flows pretty well and it leaves me with questions that I want to get answered.
Thank you for reading my review.
-Sam
June 6, 2020
Engaging...and no not about mermaids lol
This book is well written and engaging. The plot is believable and the story flows effortlessly. I must point out that in the very beginning, there was a conversation between Meara and her mother that felt really off to me. However, I was relieved to find that the conversations that followed were all very realistic; and I guess it could easily be rationalized away that that initial conversation was affected by/was a result of shock.
If you're like me and you were expecting mermaids then I'm happy to inform you that you weren't the only one who got it wrong lol Without giving too much away, I'll confirm that yes - she is half 'some type of a mystical water creature' but just not one that's part fish (think more along the lines of shape shifter). This was a fun read and I'd certainly read the next installment and probably even the entire series...just waiting on that discounted box set to come out lol
This book is well written and engaging. The plot is believable and the story flows effortlessly. I must point out that in the very beginning, there was a conversation between Meara and her mother that felt really off to me. However, I was relieved to find that the conversations that followed were all very realistic; and I guess it could easily be rationalized away that that initial conversation was affected by/was a result of shock.
If you're like me and you were expecting mermaids then I'm happy to inform you that you weren't the only one who got it wrong lol Without giving too much away, I'll confirm that yes - she is half 'some type of a mystical water creature' but just not one that's part fish (think more along the lines of shape shifter). This was a fun read and I'd certainly read the next installment and probably even the entire series...just waiting on that discounted box set to come out lol
December 31, 2017
overall I really loved the book I like how the author was able to take real situations and sensatise them such as mom getting cancer she really put a lot of thought into it I love how the author drove home the point of letting fear stop you from enjoying life and having new experiences in one's life could be a good thing I just thought she drugged out the suspension about her father to long and didn't go into enough detail on explaining everything to his daughter her parents really failed her when it came to knowing who he was it was to secretive for my liking I loved the role the grand parents took how loving they were and how easily she made new friends and really grew as a person her life was so much better in Canada than in Wisconsin I would recommend this book to anyone who needs a boost in confidence and fear driven about life great read
July 5, 2021
2.5 stars
Bit disappointing, if I'm honest.
I found it quite boring. There seemed to be a whole lot of nothing-ness for majority of the book. It felt like a good chunk of it was just filler and added nothing to story, I mean I don't even know what happened between 20%-65%... Nothing! I really struggled to finish it because of this.
Meara was boring and bland. I didn't connect with her as a main character or even care. She seemed a bit childish/immature. I didn't think any of the characters were anything special, actually. Evan was sweet, sure, but still boring.
The thing with Kieran was weird. He could have been interesting and maybe made the story more exciting but all we got was 30 seconds. I understand he's going to feature in the next book but I don't care enough to read it.
Unless it's free, I will not be reading the rest of the series.
Bit disappointing, if I'm honest.
I found it quite boring. There seemed to be a whole lot of nothing-ness for majority of the book. It felt like a good chunk of it was just filler and added nothing to story, I mean I don't even know what happened between 20%-65%... Nothing! I really struggled to finish it because of this.
Meara was boring and bland. I didn't connect with her as a main character or even care. She seemed a bit childish/immature. I didn't think any of the characters were anything special, actually. Evan was sweet, sure, but still boring.
The thing with Kieran was weird. He could have been interesting and maybe made the story more exciting but all we got was 30 seconds. I understand he's going to feature in the next book but I don't care enough to read it.
Unless it's free, I will not be reading the rest of the series.
July 7, 2018
I was very disappointed in this book. It started out okay but the writing was poor and some of the characterisation was pretty awful. Meara was such an annoying character that I nearly gave up but I had to see if it would get better.
It was extremely cliche all the way through, things like going to a carnival and him winning her a bear. So you could always see where it was going to go.
Towards the end of the middle section, she obviously ran out of ideas because nothing happened and then she brings in a love triangle and makes Meara cheat on Evan and THEN she makes a sequel despite there being nothing in the first book!
It was extremely cliche all the way through, things like going to a carnival and him winning her a bear. So you could always see where it was going to go.
Towards the end of the middle section, she obviously ran out of ideas because nothing happened and then she brings in a love triangle and makes Meara cheat on Evan and THEN she makes a sequel despite there being nothing in the first book!
September 12, 2018
An easy, enjoyable read with a paranormal aspect, though it didn't really dominate the plot. There were a few typos that jumped out at me and I didn't feel like a whole lot happened, but all in all, it was a decent read. There was one scene in particular, however, that might make sense tied in to future books, but felt out of place and jarring in this one. What I did like, though, was the relationship between mother and daughter and the fact that the narrator wasn't angsty! It was refreshing reading a story where a move to a new place is a positive one and where a mother and daughter have such a close-knit relationship.
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