680 Miles Away

by Tara J. Stone

What would you do if you discovered the existence of a long-lost sister?
 
Running away is Evie's coping mechanism, but she can't escape the truth forever.
 
Set against the backdrop of a quiet Colorado suburb at the height of the COVID pandemic, 680 Miles Away is a heartwrenching and emotional story about Evie, a talented violinist who struggles to find her place in the world. Despite her musical talents, Evie has a troubled past and a history of running away from her problems. But when the pandemic hits, Evie's life takes an unexpected turn.
 
At a party thrown by her friend Finn, Evie discovers that her feelings for him may run deeper than friendship. But as she grapples with her newfound emotions, she's also forced to confront the past she's been running from when a strange encounter reveals the existence of a sister she never knew about. Conflicted between her longing for love and her fear of rejection, Evie's carefully constructed walls are starting to crumble.
 
Will she run once more? Or will she learn to face her fears and pursue the possibilities?
 
With its beautiful prose, vivid descriptions, and root-worthy characters, 680 Miles Away  will captivate you until the very end. Fans of Sarah Dessen and Jodi Picoult won't want to miss this gripping tale of family, self-discovery, love, and redemption!

Genres: Ebooks, Romance, Contemporary

348 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 1, 2024

About the author

Tara started writing fiction when she was in first grade, but she did not discover the thrill of screenwriting until she studied Communications Media at John Paul the Great Catholic University. Screenplays are her favorite way to tell stories, but novels are quickly gaining. She hopes her writing will contribute to a revival of Catholic fiction.

After successfully self-publishing two screenplays as paperbacks and ebooks, she partnered with two of her former film professors to create Story Masters Film Academy, which offers online courses in screenwriting and directing.

Tara resides in Colorado, and in 2016, she became a Consecrated Virgin Living in the World in the Diocese of Colorado Springs. In addition to making things up and writing them down, Tara enjoys praying, hiking (definitely not running), going to the symphony (especially movies at the symphony), discovering new craft brews, and spending time with family and friends.

Reviews

[Tonya · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's time to check in with Sam and Tobias again! Except this time, instead of twitterpated early teens, they are brushing up against the confounding doorway of legal adulthood. I really enjoyed how we not only get a fleshing out of Sam's family of origin story, but we also get a new twist; she has a sister! Placed for adoption before Sam was born, her sister Evie is struggling with her own growing pains. Evie is coming to terms with her adoption that she only learned about on the cusp of graduating high school and the trust issues that she has a result. Sam and Evie tussle over what may be the next best step for their separate lives, all the while coming to terms with new-found family when they thought all hope of that was lost. This is a sweet little story of growing up, and how sometimes your family of choice is just as important the family you are given.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

The characters in this book come to life and draw you into their story. I loved the way the author wove the story of Evie and Finn in with that of Sam and Tobias from her previous book, 6 Blocks Home, while also allowing the book to stand on its own, giving just enough background without too much repetition for those who had read the other book. I also enjoyed the flashback memories throughout the book. In the author's note she wrote that she had originally set Evie's story during the character's experience on the Camino de Santiago, yet that setting did not work well. However, pulling scenes and stories in flashback form from that experience into 680 Miles Away gave depth and a past to Evie without drowning the reader in too much detail. Mostly, though, I enjoyed the focus on music. As a musician and lover of most music, I agree with the character Sam, that the music someone enjoys can tell you a lot about that person, so that aspect of the story also provides depth to the characters without needing a lot of descriptions.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

680 Miles Away very quickly and easily lured me into the worlds of Evie and Sam and their challenges finding their places in the world. Music has an important place in the book, and I enjoyed seeing it threaded through a variety of relationships and experiences. (Also grateful the author created an accompanying Spotify playlist.)

It's refreshing to read about burgeoning romances in which the characters are committed to their Christian morality yet realistic about the temptations life and love bring. The romances were hopeful, genuine, and God-centered.

There was a minor suspense thread that had me waiting for the other shoe to drop, but that never happened. Also, the pandemic setting left me curious. I thought it would somehow be consequential to the plot, but it ended up just being a detail that popped up occasionally in the context of face masks. Other challenges created by the pandemic, like business closings, stay-at-home orders, mandated vaccinations, and the illness itself were strangely ignored.

Those quibbles aside, this was enjoyable Catholic fiction with the seamless inclusion of lived Catholic faith from a new-to-me author.

[Paul Leverell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not my usual genre but…

… I really enjoyed it. The ebook’s innovative integration of music through links to an official Spotify playlist and character-specific playlists enriches the reader's experience, allowing them to immerse themselves in the story's emotional landscape. Overall, this thus book is a well crafted story that resonates with authenticity and emotion. Through Evie's journey, readers are reminded that even in the face of heartache and uncertainty, there is strength to be found and new possibilities to embrace.

[Lorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Lesson For Us All!

For us who are careful with what we read I believe I have found a author who know how to present a carefully written story to show morals, ethics and God's hand in every day life.

The characters are active and alive facing everyday problems. Floundering at times but always holding on to their beliefs and listen to God for direction. You will fall in love with them all.

Thank You Tara!
Lorraine

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

[I received an advanced reader copy]

Typically, it is hard for me to get invested in a sequel. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I thoroughly enjoyed reading 680 Miles Away. Especially for anyone who has played music and/or appreciates music, there are so many great song references sprinkled throughout the story. So, if you're looking for an easy read with a well-crafted story, great characters that show the importance of Faith, family, and friendship, 680 Miles Away is for you. I can't wait to see where the Evie's & Sam's stories may go next!

[Reader Views · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite her troubled past and tendency to flee when things get complicated, twenty-three-year-old musical prodigy Evie has persevered and has found happiness in Scrub Oak, Colorado in “680 Miles Away,” a clean romance by Tara J. Stone. Evie’s settled into a simple life of working and teaching at a music store with her best friend, Finn. But this new chapter isn’t without challenges; the pandemic is in full force, causing all sorts of restrictions, and an ex-love interest from her past has returned, threatening the new feelings she’s developed for Finn. Plus, a closely guarded family secret has been unearthed.

With all these changes, Evie’s emotions are all over the place. Her head is spinning with questions about the future. How will things pan out? Will she be left heartbroken? Gripped by uncertainty and fear, the young woman’s urge to run is overwhelming.

“680 Miles Away” by Tara J. Stone is a follow-up to her book “6 Blocks Home” but can be read as a standalone. It is one of those stories that reels you in with its emotionally driven prose and yanks on your heartstrings. Themes of love, family, and identity are flawlessly woven into the coming-of-age gem, providing an all-encompassing reading experience.

I must praise the author for the expertly developed characters. Evie was a root-worthy protagonist—flawed but relatable, broken but resilient—and I adored her evolution from beginning to end. Because of her turbulent past, Evie clung dearly to unhealthy coping mechanisms to protect herself. This was highlighted by her tendency to run away when things got uncomfortable in personal relationships. A solid internal dialogue provided a glimpse into Evie’s psyche. Her recollections, deepest fears, and unwavering faith in God translated well off the pages. After reading the book, I felt deeply connected to her and marveled at her journey from self-deprecating to self-actualized.

Moreover, I enjoyed the way classical music and composition were infused into the storyline. As an enthusiast of many genres, I can attest to the power of song—its ability to bring people together and its therapeutic qualities. When Evie and Finn performed together, they shared a soulful connection. It was a beautiful moment that deftly illustrated the magic of music.

For readers searching for a wholesome coming-of-age novel brimming with emotion, look no further. Evie’s quest for self-discovery, love, and confronting past hurts will resonate with readers. Moreover, sweet romance and the impenetrable bond of sisterhood add more dimension to the literary delight of Tara J. Stone’s “680 Miles Away.”

[Progress Wings · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is a rich tapestry of love and life’s unpredictable journeys

This novel presents and focuses on the characters Evie and Finn, the story deftly portrays their journey from friendship to deep romantic connection, underscored by their personal struggles and growth.

The author “Tara Stone” skillfully uses family and music as central themes to deepen the narrative, allowing characters to navigate their pasts and futures in ways that are both realistic and emotionally resonant.

Evie’s reconciliation with the complexities of family love beyond blood relations.

While primarily a romance, the book doesn’t shy away from exploring the complexities involved in melding lives

This novel is a rich tapestry of love and life’s unpredictable journeys, recommended for people like me who enjoy romantic stories with substantial character development and a strong emotional core.

[Karen Malley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well-written, unpredictable story with relatable, deep characters. I read a lot of Christian fiction, but this one was written from a Catholic perspective, and I learned a few things from that. I enjoyed the story and the characters, but I knocked off a star because the author kept inserting what sounded like her own personal issues with people who chose to mask during the pandemic. There was no reason to include that in the story and it took away from my enjoyment. If you can get past that, you'll find a Christ-centered story where you'll root for the characters to find happiness.

[Virginia · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

680 Miles Away by Tara J. Stone is an emotional, introspective journey about identity, love, and the families we're born into—and the ones we choose. Set during the quiet chaos of the COVID pandemic, this novel tenderly explores the complexities of grief, connection, and what happens when life confronts us with secrets we never saw coming. Evie’s vulnerability and resilience make this a story that lingers long after the last page.

[Sarah Latham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so good! I had trouble putting it down once I started reading. Anyone eagerly waiting for a sequel to 6 Blocks Home will not be disappointed! The characters are lovable, and their individual journeys are perfectly woven together to create a beautiful story that leaves the reader satisfied. Tara J. Stone delivers a wonderful book that celebrates family, love, and God in a beautiful way that will make you laugh, cry, and dance with joy. Definitely worth the read!

[Linda Jerome · Rating 5 out of 5]

680 Miles Away

This was Avery moving story. I especially enjoy the religious mentions after each section of the story to relate the part with the scripture. This was very different from what I usually read but I really loved it.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

680 miles away

I was really surprised with this book. I almost deleted it but decided to see what it was about and I didn’t put it down until I finished reading it. I hope you give it a try and like it as much as I did.

[Lisa Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This coming-of-age story is beautifully written and engaging. It was wonderful to catch up with Sam and Tobias, but Evie captures your heart just as quickly!

[Roberta F. · Rating 5 out of 5]

From start to finish this book was a joy to read!!!
I loved the characters!