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How I Fall #2
How I Fly
Book two in the How I Fly series, by bestselling, young adult author, Anne Eliot
*WHAT IF IT'S TIME TO MOVE ON...?*
Over six months after an accident that broke her legs as well as removed her boyfriend from her life—because Cam Campbell left town and dumped her—high school senior, Ellen Foster, wants to move past her broken heart. She’s off to attend a summer photography workshop at a real university along with her best friends. Ellen’s determined to find a new love—or at least a summer boyfriend. In the dorm, she meets Harrison Shaw. He’s a handsome photography student, a charmer who likes her, and a perfect way to forget her past.
*WHAT IF IT ALL GOES PERFECTLY...?*
Ellen thinks she has everything she wants. Her summer program couldn’t be better. She’s half in love with Harrison Shaw, and she’s going after her next scholarship. But when she kisses Harrison, she can only remember how Cam Campbell used kiss her better, sweeter, and how he used to make her feel like she could fly…
*WHAT IF SOMETHING IS NOT RIGHT...?*
When Cam shows up at the university it’s a shock, especially to Ellen’s new boyfriend. Cam’s distant, different and very afraid to hurt Ellen again. He asks Ellen if they could be friends despite the past and how they’ve both changed and Ellen agrees. But after all they’ve been through, can Cam and Ellen ever be just friends?
*WHAT IF...?*
Editorial Description:
How I Fly, is the SECOND book in the two-book, bestselling, high school romance series that begins with, How I Fly. Though they can be read as stand-alone stories, it is recommended that readers read this book second. The series is about friendship, boyfriends, taking risks and first love. There’s a photographer heroine who has left-sided cerebral palsy (hemiparesis) that makes her weak on one side and she falls often; all while she’s falling deeply in love with football jock, Cam Campbell. He’s a guy who also dreams to be a photographer like Ellen Foster. But his football life and his parents are out of control. Above all, are they meant to be?
*WHAT IF IT'S TIME TO MOVE ON...?*
Over six months after an accident that broke her legs as well as removed her boyfriend from her life—because Cam Campbell left town and dumped her—high school senior, Ellen Foster, wants to move past her broken heart. She’s off to attend a summer photography workshop at a real university along with her best friends. Ellen’s determined to find a new love—or at least a summer boyfriend. In the dorm, she meets Harrison Shaw. He’s a handsome photography student, a charmer who likes her, and a perfect way to forget her past.
*WHAT IF IT ALL GOES PERFECTLY...?*
Ellen thinks she has everything she wants. Her summer program couldn’t be better. She’s half in love with Harrison Shaw, and she’s going after her next scholarship. But when she kisses Harrison, she can only remember how Cam Campbell used kiss her better, sweeter, and how he used to make her feel like she could fly…
*WHAT IF SOMETHING IS NOT RIGHT...?*
When Cam shows up at the university it’s a shock, especially to Ellen’s new boyfriend. Cam’s distant, different and very afraid to hurt Ellen again. He asks Ellen if they could be friends despite the past and how they’ve both changed and Ellen agrees. But after all they’ve been through, can Cam and Ellen ever be just friends?
*WHAT IF...?*
Editorial Description:
How I Fly, is the SECOND book in the two-book, bestselling, high school romance series that begins with, How I Fly. Though they can be read as stand-alone stories, it is recommended that readers read this book second. The series is about friendship, boyfriends, taking risks and first love. There’s a photographer heroine who has left-sided cerebral palsy (hemiparesis) that makes her weak on one side and she falls often; all while she’s falling deeply in love with football jock, Cam Campbell. He’s a guy who also dreams to be a photographer like Ellen Foster. But his football life and his parents are out of control. Above all, are they meant to be?
357 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 2, 2015
11 people are currently reading
563 people want to read
About the author
Anne Eliot
14 books980 followersAnne Eliot lives in the high mountains of Colorado and loves to shovel snow.
While growing up, Anne hid her own anxieties by hiding and reading book after book. She developed an addiction libraries, to first love, first kisses and her favorite: the happy-ever-after story. This is what she writes today. Now she's a mom of two, and happily married to her own first love.
Anne Eliot’s first YA book, Almost, became a top 100 best selling Kindle book, and was a Readers Choice, Top 12 of 2012 book for Amazon.com at #11, and her other books, Unmaking Hunter Kennedy, How I Fall/How I Fly, and now the Runaway Rockstar Series have all been teen, top 100 bestselling books. She loves to hear from readers. Please look for her on Facebook or tweet her @yaromance.
Representation: Anne Eliot’s foreign translations are represented by Jane Dystel of Dystel, Goderich & Bourret Literary management, NYC.
While growing up, Anne hid her own anxieties by hiding and reading book after book. She developed an addiction libraries, to first love, first kisses and her favorite: the happy-ever-after story. This is what she writes today. Now she's a mom of two, and happily married to her own first love.
Anne Eliot’s first YA book, Almost, became a top 100 best selling Kindle book, and was a Readers Choice, Top 12 of 2012 book for Amazon.com at #11, and her other books, Unmaking Hunter Kennedy, How I Fall/How I Fly, and now the Runaway Rockstar Series have all been teen, top 100 bestselling books. She loves to hear from readers. Please look for her on Facebook or tweet her @yaromance.
Representation: Anne Eliot’s foreign translations are represented by Jane Dystel of Dystel, Goderich & Bourret Literary management, NYC.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
January 2, 2016
I think I may have established a few times... okay, A LOT of times, how much I love How I Fall and Anne Eliot in general. I've honestly been waiting for this novel to come out. Luckily, all the built-up anticipation were worth it.
I think that Anne Eliot really works her magic when it comes to light, fluffy and not overly-dramatic contemporary romance novels. She's definitely got the right formula for it and might have more tricks up her sleeves.
How I Fly picks up several months after the events of How I Fall. A lot of things have changed for Cam and Ellen, but I know exactly one thing that hasn't changed between them. Even though how hard they try to deny it, it's very obvious how much head over heels in love they still are for each other. Yup, I could easily pick it up off the pages (in my case, phone screen) and I really found it super adorable!
The writing was simple but very spot on. The chemistry between Ellen and Cam felt like it never lost it's charisma, which was a really good thing. I love they way they make me feel what they feel towards each other. It's just so adorable! I was totally smiling like a proper idiot all throughout the book because of them. Another thing I loved about them was they really grew more mature in this one.
Patrick and Laura were funny and charming, as always, especially Laura. Irish Power!! I love her character so much. Both of them didn't seem like side-characters. Both had justice, and were given enough exposure in order to be reached and understood by the reader.
Harrison Shaw's character was very surprising! I actually didn't expect his character to turn out the way he did. I felt so deceived. *shakes head because how could I be so naive?* Props to Anne for her effective writing.
I like how the plot was simple and direct to the point. It was really interesting and enjoyable to read. I've had a great time reading this. Really looking forward to more of her works in the future! I'd definitely recommend this one if you need something to read to cheer you up!
I think that Anne Eliot really works her magic when it comes to light, fluffy and not overly-dramatic contemporary romance novels. She's definitely got the right formula for it and might have more tricks up her sleeves.
How I Fly picks up several months after the events of How I Fall. A lot of things have changed for Cam and Ellen, but I know exactly one thing that hasn't changed between them. Even though how hard they try to deny it, it's very obvious how much head over heels in love they still are for each other. Yup, I could easily pick it up off the pages (in my case, phone screen) and I really found it super adorable!
The writing was simple but very spot on. The chemistry between Ellen and Cam felt like it never lost it's charisma, which was a really good thing. I love they way they make me feel what they feel towards each other. It's just so adorable! I was totally smiling like a proper idiot all throughout the book because of them. Another thing I loved about them was they really grew more mature in this one.
Patrick and Laura were funny and charming, as always, especially Laura. Irish Power!! I love her character so much. Both of them didn't seem like side-characters. Both had justice, and were given enough exposure in order to be reached and understood by the reader.
Harrison Shaw's character was very surprising! I actually didn't expect his character to turn out the way he did. I felt so deceived. *shakes head because how could I be so naive?* Props to Anne for her effective writing.
I like how the plot was simple and direct to the point. It was really interesting and enjoyable to read. I've had a great time reading this. Really looking forward to more of her works in the future! I'd definitely recommend this one if you need something to read to cheer you up!
January 13, 2015
How I Fly is the next book after How I Fall, It is the best continuation to where How I Fall left off and WOW! what an adventure that Ellen and the gang embark on. In this book Ellen shows remarkable strength of character as she is continuing on with her life and learning how to be strong on her own. Cam also is maturing stronger than ever and continuing on with his dreams. The Big question is-- Do Ellen and Cam ever reconnect and can they overcome the pass for a new future? Will they be sweethearts or just good friends? This is the perfect teen romance filled with love and friendships, kisses and first loves.
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For more indie book reviews: Myindieauthorfix.com
January 14, 2015
As the editorial description says, yes, HOW I FLY can be read as a standalone. However, it is my own personal opinion that you read HOW I FALL for one reason and one reason only: it is such an amazing read.
Now on to my review of this book, HOW I FLY. I was in just as much love with this book as I was with the first. Maybe more. I don't know. They were both excellent and both had their "Awww" moments. Both were full of romance and sweet times. Both were beautifully written. So I better go with better safe than sorry route and say they were equally great.
The plot was an interesting one that had me hanging on until the very end. I saw some things with a certain character that made me fishy of him from the start. But I had no idea the extent to which he would go throughout the book to earn "most hated book character that I have read in quite a while". He definitely isn't one of my faves. Not by a long shot.
Know who are some of my faves? All those characters that we fell in love with in the first book. Laura is crazy and wacky as ever. Patrick is still just as loyal and protective over Ellen...and just as much in love with Laura as he was in HOW I FALL. Ellen has gone through so much with healing and trying to get over Cam, it has been hard on her. Cam is back but he has also changed. All that they have been through in the last 6mths will do that to a person. Do they still have feelings for one another? Only time will tell.
A fabulous and wonderful read that any and all lovers of YA will be falling in love over. Eliot has once again wrote some teen swoon, that I as a 36yr old even loves. YA romance at its best right here, folks! 5 Smitten as a Kitten Stars!
Now on to my review of this book, HOW I FLY. I was in just as much love with this book as I was with the first. Maybe more. I don't know. They were both excellent and both had their "Awww" moments. Both were full of romance and sweet times. Both were beautifully written. So I better go with better safe than sorry route and say they were equally great.
The plot was an interesting one that had me hanging on until the very end. I saw some things with a certain character that made me fishy of him from the start. But I had no idea the extent to which he would go throughout the book to earn "most hated book character that I have read in quite a while". He definitely isn't one of my faves. Not by a long shot.
Know who are some of my faves? All those characters that we fell in love with in the first book. Laura is crazy and wacky as ever. Patrick is still just as loyal and protective over Ellen...and just as much in love with Laura as he was in HOW I FALL. Ellen has gone through so much with healing and trying to get over Cam, it has been hard on her. Cam is back but he has also changed. All that they have been through in the last 6mths will do that to a person. Do they still have feelings for one another? Only time will tell.
A fabulous and wonderful read that any and all lovers of YA will be falling in love over. Eliot has once again wrote some teen swoon, that I as a 36yr old even loves. YA romance at its best right here, folks! 5 Smitten as a Kitten Stars!
February 25, 2015
This review originally appeared at Such a Novel Idea.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion in any way.
**Spoilers may be included to How I Fall**
There were SO many things trying to keep Cam and Ellen apart in the first book, and of course it seems as if they have succeeded. Of course my heart was a little broken, but Elliot did a good job of showing how the two are continuing to grow stronger as individuals. Ellen is trying to move on with her life and becoming independent in herself more and more each day. Of course, she finds a new boy to love, but she can’t forget Cam. I can’t say I blame her, especially since the two clicked so well.
We also get more of Patrick and Laura, which are two people I LOVED reading more about. All the characters were really growing into themselves, while keeping the qualities that made me love them in the first place. Adorkable is definitely a great adjective to use to describe all these characters.
This book definitely focuses more on the romance, rather than Ellen dealing with the daily struggles of CP. The romance is sweet (and clean!) and will have you swooning. The ‘villain’ of the story was a bit obvious, but I didn’t mind so much because it added tension and layers to the story. Even though it didn’t feel natural at times, I was able to overlook it, because there were some great things happening elsewhere in the story.
I think Ellen’s growth was my favorite part of the book. She matured and was able to make the right decision for herself. Overall, these books instilled my love for Anne Elliot’s writing and cemented her as an auto-buy author.
March 3, 2015
As I said in my review of How I Fall, I did a combined review of both books a while back but decided to do one for each book separately.
How I Fly was a great follow-up to How I Fall and I really liked it. Honestly, the only thing I didn't like was that it was the last I get to see of Cam, Laura, Patrick, and Ellen. All of these characters and their relationships with one another were well developed and amazing to see play out on the page.
This book wasn't just a continuation of the first, but it also showed how time, unavoidable circumstances, and fate can bring people where they're meant to be. The book delicately described first love, betrayal, and it kept showing the cruelty people could have toward others with disabilities.
Overall, I thought How I fly was a good follow-up to How I Fall.
How I Fly was a great follow-up to How I Fall and I really liked it. Honestly, the only thing I didn't like was that it was the last I get to see of Cam, Laura, Patrick, and Ellen. All of these characters and their relationships with one another were well developed and amazing to see play out on the page.
This book wasn't just a continuation of the first, but it also showed how time, unavoidable circumstances, and fate can bring people where they're meant to be. The book delicately described first love, betrayal, and it kept showing the cruelty people could have toward others with disabilities.
Overall, I thought How I fly was a good follow-up to How I Fall.
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August 14, 2019This review and many others can be found on my blog - Feed Your Fiction Addiction
How I Fly is the sequel to Eliot’s How I Fall, which I absolutely loved. I have to confess that this book didn’t thrill me quite as much, which made me a little sad because I’m a huge fan of Eliot. Don’t get me wrong. There’s nothing wrong with the book at all and I enjoyed it. It just didn’t blow me away like her other books have. This book is cute and sweet – and really perfect for the younger YA crowd, which is who it seems to be aimed at.
What I enjoyed:
Cam’s story.
The best part of this book, for me, was Cam’s story. I really felt for him – how he was trying his best to do the right things in a very bad situation and then he was stuck with the consequences. He comes back to Ellen to find that she’s moved on, and he truly wants the best for her – he wants her to be happy – so he steps aside. Cam struggles to get over Ellen, though, and he certainly doesn’t want her out of his life completely, so he watches her from the sidelines, wishing things were different and yet hoping that this is all for the best. Cam’s family issues and what happens because of them felt a tiny bit unrealistic to me in certain parts, but I was able to mostly look past that and appreciate his story. I definitely enjoyed the parts of the book that were in Cam’s point of view most.
Growing pains.
This story is really about Ellen growing up a bit and learning how to make her way on her own. She makes some mistakes, but that’s all part of her story. I think that this will probably resonate really well with younger YA readers, who will especially appreciate Ellen’s struggles to figure out what she wants, who she really is, and how to accomplish her goals in life.
Laura and Patrick.
Fans of the first book will love that Laura and Patrick are still front and center in this book. Laura is every bit the Irish spitfire that she was in How I Fall, and Patrick still adores her. These two are cute and fun, and I was really rooting for them, hoping that Laura would finally figure out what she’d been missing!
The negatives:
Felt a little too juvenile for me.
I think the main reason that this book didn’t work as well as Eliot’s others for me is just because it read just a little bit younger than her other books. I honestly think the book would probably sit well with the younger YA crowd, but I sometimes felt like I couldn’t connect with some of the characters as well this time around because they somehow felt a little younger to me. I found myself rolling my eyes a bit at the love triangle. (I had figured out really early on what was going on with one of the love interests and I was just waiting for Ellen to catch up.) In fact, I didn’t quite understand why Ellen was even trying with the one guy when she and everyone else knew she was hung up on the other. And then, once we hit the climax of the book, it got a little melodramatic and silly for me, with one of the characters turning into kind of a two-dimensional villain. I think I preferred the first book, where the focus was really on Ellen’s disability and how she manages it – how she feels about her CP and the way the world responds to her. This book had a little bit of that, but the focus was much more on the love triangle.
So, overall, this book was a cute, fun read, but it didn’t quite live up to Eliot’s other books, at least for me. I give it 3/5 stars.
***Disclosure: I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
How I Fly is the sequel to Eliot’s How I Fall, which I absolutely loved. I have to confess that this book didn’t thrill me quite as much, which made me a little sad because I’m a huge fan of Eliot. Don’t get me wrong. There’s nothing wrong with the book at all and I enjoyed it. It just didn’t blow me away like her other books have. This book is cute and sweet – and really perfect for the younger YA crowd, which is who it seems to be aimed at.
What I enjoyed:
Cam’s story.
The best part of this book, for me, was Cam’s story. I really felt for him – how he was trying his best to do the right things in a very bad situation and then he was stuck with the consequences. He comes back to Ellen to find that she’s moved on, and he truly wants the best for her – he wants her to be happy – so he steps aside. Cam struggles to get over Ellen, though, and he certainly doesn’t want her out of his life completely, so he watches her from the sidelines, wishing things were different and yet hoping that this is all for the best. Cam’s family issues and what happens because of them felt a tiny bit unrealistic to me in certain parts, but I was able to mostly look past that and appreciate his story. I definitely enjoyed the parts of the book that were in Cam’s point of view most.
Growing pains.
This story is really about Ellen growing up a bit and learning how to make her way on her own. She makes some mistakes, but that’s all part of her story. I think that this will probably resonate really well with younger YA readers, who will especially appreciate Ellen’s struggles to figure out what she wants, who she really is, and how to accomplish her goals in life.
Laura and Patrick.
Fans of the first book will love that Laura and Patrick are still front and center in this book. Laura is every bit the Irish spitfire that she was in How I Fall, and Patrick still adores her. These two are cute and fun, and I was really rooting for them, hoping that Laura would finally figure out what she’d been missing!
The negatives:
Felt a little too juvenile for me.
I think the main reason that this book didn’t work as well as Eliot’s others for me is just because it read just a little bit younger than her other books. I honestly think the book would probably sit well with the younger YA crowd, but I sometimes felt like I couldn’t connect with some of the characters as well this time around because they somehow felt a little younger to me. I found myself rolling my eyes a bit at the love triangle. (I had figured out really early on what was going on with one of the love interests and I was just waiting for Ellen to catch up.) In fact, I didn’t quite understand why Ellen was even trying with the one guy when she and everyone else knew she was hung up on the other. And then, once we hit the climax of the book, it got a little melodramatic and silly for me, with one of the characters turning into kind of a two-dimensional villain. I think I preferred the first book, where the focus was really on Ellen’s disability and how she manages it – how she feels about her CP and the way the world responds to her. This book had a little bit of that, but the focus was much more on the love triangle.
So, overall, this book was a cute, fun read, but it didn’t quite live up to Eliot’s other books, at least for me. I give it 3/5 stars.
***Disclosure: I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
February 16, 2016
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3 stars -- I'm unsure how I feel after finishing the story. After rereading the first book, I could already tell I was in a different mood than the first time I read it, and so I'm sure that affected my enjoyment of finally finishing the series...but in the end, I guess I was a bit disappointed. I think I just had lower tolerance for the drama found in these books, and they just felt really unrealistic so much of the time that it took away from my enjoyment.
I knew from the ending of the first book that things were not going to go all smoothly for our star-crossed lovers. But I guess I didn't expect them to spend so much of this book apart. And since I love me a romance, I was disappointed in the lack of that in this book.
Honestly, I think most of my disappointed feelings can be summed up in Harrison Shaw. (And here's where the review could get a bit spoilery, so please skip the rest if you haven't read the book). I was leery of Mr. Shaw right from the first moment of meeting, and actually pretty much called his role in this book from close to the beginning. So watching it all unfold wasn't that fun for me. I mean, I really liked Ellen and Cam, so to watch them (mostly Ellen) succumb to yet another super villain just wasn't what I was looking for. I guess I would have preferred more real life adversity instead if that makes any sense. But I suppose that wouldn't have made for quite as much of a book. It just felt very overdramatic and unrealistic to me and so I didn't enjoy any of the climax at all.
And quite honestly, I KNOW that Ellen was trying to get over Cam, but I just couldn't understand how she could be so naive about Harrison. And knowing how important her photography was to her, I guess I was just surprised that she was so easily sucked into Harrison's machinations. I try to remind myself that she is just a teenager, only *just barely* a senior in high school, and so I should give her a little slack. But I just wanted her to figure it out on her own or something I guess.
In the end the part I found most interesting in this book was finding out what had happened to Cam in the 6 months between the first book and this one. But that was really only a small part of the story. And in general I enjoyed Cam's POV more in this book than Ellen's POV.
So yeah. Disappointed with this conclusion. Would have also liked a bit more on the epilogue and resolution with Ellen and Cam, and especially with Laura and Patrick. Laura's crazy antics actually annoyed me a bit more this time around too, so maybe I really am just in a mood. :( I hate it when I'm in a mood, I prefer to just blindly like things. ;)
3 stars -- I'm unsure how I feel after finishing the story. After rereading the first book, I could already tell I was in a different mood than the first time I read it, and so I'm sure that affected my enjoyment of finally finishing the series...but in the end, I guess I was a bit disappointed. I think I just had lower tolerance for the drama found in these books, and they just felt really unrealistic so much of the time that it took away from my enjoyment.
I knew from the ending of the first book that things were not going to go all smoothly for our star-crossed lovers. But I guess I didn't expect them to spend so much of this book apart. And since I love me a romance, I was disappointed in the lack of that in this book.
Honestly, I think most of my disappointed feelings can be summed up in Harrison Shaw. (And here's where the review could get a bit spoilery, so please skip the rest if you haven't read the book). I was leery of Mr. Shaw right from the first moment of meeting, and actually pretty much called his role in this book from close to the beginning. So watching it all unfold wasn't that fun for me. I mean, I really liked Ellen and Cam, so to watch them (mostly Ellen) succumb to yet another super villain just wasn't what I was looking for. I guess I would have preferred more real life adversity instead if that makes any sense. But I suppose that wouldn't have made for quite as much of a book. It just felt very overdramatic and unrealistic to me and so I didn't enjoy any of the climax at all.
And quite honestly, I KNOW that Ellen was trying to get over Cam, but I just couldn't understand how she could be so naive about Harrison. And knowing how important her photography was to her, I guess I was just surprised that she was so easily sucked into Harrison's machinations. I try to remind myself that she is just a teenager, only *just barely* a senior in high school, and so I should give her a little slack. But I just wanted her to figure it out on her own or something I guess.
In the end the part I found most interesting in this book was finding out what had happened to Cam in the 6 months between the first book and this one. But that was really only a small part of the story. And in general I enjoyed Cam's POV more in this book than Ellen's POV.
So yeah. Disappointed with this conclusion. Would have also liked a bit more on the epilogue and resolution with Ellen and Cam, and especially with Laura and Patrick. Laura's crazy antics actually annoyed me a bit more this time around too, so maybe I really am just in a mood. :( I hate it when I'm in a mood, I prefer to just blindly like things. ;)
February 9, 2015
3.5 stars
For this review, I read both How I Fall and How I Fly. This is a two part book series and you really cannot read the second without reading the first. You would be hopelessly lost and missing out on way too much.
These are YA book. The characters are juniors in high school. For the most part, they act and talk like teenagers. The teenage high school drama is all there, in full force. But there were moments when the characters acted and spoke much older than the 16-17 year olds that they are. Especially in the second book.
I couldn't help but be drawn in by these characters. They were all so well defined. By the end of the books, I really felt like I knew them. They were familiar to me and I was attached to them.
There is a lot of internal dialogue going on in these book. We "hear" both Ellen's and Cam's thoughts. Ellen has a lot of very amusing thoughts and they made me smile. But sometimes I felt like it was a little much. Every single thought was spelled out for me, leaving nothing to my own imagination. I always knew exactly what Ellen and Cam were both thinking. Sometimes I liked it, sometimes I didn't.
I love the circle of friendship the four main characters build. They look out for each other and they help each other. Each in their own way. It was good to see.
I love the photography aspect to these books. This was a fun way for not only the characters to connect to each other, but for me to connect with them. It played a huge part in the plot of these books. I also feel like I learned a little something about Cerebral Palsy that will hopefully make me more empathetic and kind.
My biggest complaint about these books would be the swearing (there is quite a bit of it), followed by the sexual innuendo which increased substantially in the second book. For those reasons, I will not be handing these books off to my teenage daughter which is unfortunate because aside from those things, I really did enjoy these books. They are engaging and emotional. The first love, second chance at first love was so, so sweet.
For this review, I read both How I Fall and How I Fly. This is a two part book series and you really cannot read the second without reading the first. You would be hopelessly lost and missing out on way too much.
These are YA book. The characters are juniors in high school. For the most part, they act and talk like teenagers. The teenage high school drama is all there, in full force. But there were moments when the characters acted and spoke much older than the 16-17 year olds that they are. Especially in the second book.
I couldn't help but be drawn in by these characters. They were all so well defined. By the end of the books, I really felt like I knew them. They were familiar to me and I was attached to them.
There is a lot of internal dialogue going on in these book. We "hear" both Ellen's and Cam's thoughts. Ellen has a lot of very amusing thoughts and they made me smile. But sometimes I felt like it was a little much. Every single thought was spelled out for me, leaving nothing to my own imagination. I always knew exactly what Ellen and Cam were both thinking. Sometimes I liked it, sometimes I didn't.
I love the circle of friendship the four main characters build. They look out for each other and they help each other. Each in their own way. It was good to see.
I love the photography aspect to these books. This was a fun way for not only the characters to connect to each other, but for me to connect with them. It played a huge part in the plot of these books. I also feel like I learned a little something about Cerebral Palsy that will hopefully make me more empathetic and kind.
My biggest complaint about these books would be the swearing (there is quite a bit of it), followed by the sexual innuendo which increased substantially in the second book. For those reasons, I will not be handing these books off to my teenage daughter which is unfortunate because aside from those things, I really did enjoy these books. They are engaging and emotional. The first love, second chance at first love was so, so sweet.
February 17, 2015
This book starts a few months after the first book ends. Cam is gone and Ellen is leaving for a summer program to learn more about photography and try for a scholarship. Patrick and Laura are going with her. She misses Cam but everyone is telling her to move on. When she gets to Western Ontario Arts School, she meets a cute guy, Harrison Shaw, and decides to give him a chance.
It's not long before we learn what happened to Cam and what he's been going through since he left Ellen. His life has changed drastically. He feels terrible about what happened when he last saw Ellen and asks her if they can be friends.
Ellen has to sort through her feelings as she still has feelings for Cam but feels the need to give Harrison a chance. Her choice felt obvious to me but it was good that she gave herself some time to work through her feelings. I enjoyed Ellen's character throughout both books. She learned a lot about herself and her limitations and overcame some major obstacles.
I absolutely loved Cam in this book! He had grown a lot since we last saw him and had made some positive changes in his life. The dynamics between the four friends had changed so it had a different feel than the first book but was still enjoyable.
There's plenty of drama in this book, especially towards the end. Like the first book, there were parts that I felt dragged on a little too long and quite a bit of language. And, once again, I enjoyed it overall and was mostly satisfied with how it ended. There's one storyline which could have used more closure so I had to come up with my own (happy) ending. This was a fun series to read!
I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Mel's Shelves
It's not long before we learn what happened to Cam and what he's been going through since he left Ellen. His life has changed drastically. He feels terrible about what happened when he last saw Ellen and asks her if they can be friends.
Ellen has to sort through her feelings as she still has feelings for Cam but feels the need to give Harrison a chance. Her choice felt obvious to me but it was good that she gave herself some time to work through her feelings. I enjoyed Ellen's character throughout both books. She learned a lot about herself and her limitations and overcame some major obstacles.
I absolutely loved Cam in this book! He had grown a lot since we last saw him and had made some positive changes in his life. The dynamics between the four friends had changed so it had a different feel than the first book but was still enjoyable.
There's plenty of drama in this book, especially towards the end. Like the first book, there were parts that I felt dragged on a little too long and quite a bit of language. And, once again, I enjoyed it overall and was mostly satisfied with how it ended. There's one storyline which could have used more closure so I had to come up with my own (happy) ending. This was a fun series to read!
I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Mel's Shelves
February 13, 2015
What I liked: I like seeing what’s happened to Ellen and how she’s trying to move on from what happened at the end of the first book and so for a while I rooted for her when she met a new guy and started to really like him. And then Cam’s side was interesting to read at times to see what was happening with him. I also loved the fact Patrick and Laura were shown again in this story, because I really enjoyed those two in the first book so I was happy to see them!
What I didn’t like: This book was way more focused on the romance than it was on Ellen and her struggle to cope with her life with CP, which was what made me really root for her in the first book. I loved that part about the first book. Plus, the “villain” of the story was not only obvious, but when the reveal came for the “villain” is was cheesy in the sense that the “villain” felt flat and generic and they felt…stereotypical villain. That’s the best way I can describe that.
Overall Review: I liked seeing how Ellen is growing from the incident at the end of the first book and how Cam was doing. Even though for a while I wasn’t sure about where I sat on their romance I was never really invested in Ellen’s relationship with Harrison, but it was sweet for a while. This also is a little more mature in some of the dialogue between the characters than the first book but it isn’t anything that would put me off recommending it to someone a couple years older than my twelve year-old niece.
Recommend?: I really enjoyed this book, and while some parts made me role my eyes it was nice to see how everything happened after the way How I Fall ended.
What I didn’t like: This book was way more focused on the romance than it was on Ellen and her struggle to cope with her life with CP, which was what made me really root for her in the first book. I loved that part about the first book. Plus, the “villain” of the story was not only obvious, but when the reveal came for the “villain” is was cheesy in the sense that the “villain” felt flat and generic and they felt…stereotypical villain. That’s the best way I can describe that.
Overall Review: I liked seeing how Ellen is growing from the incident at the end of the first book and how Cam was doing. Even though for a while I wasn’t sure about where I sat on their romance I was never really invested in Ellen’s relationship with Harrison, but it was sweet for a while. This also is a little more mature in some of the dialogue between the characters than the first book but it isn’t anything that would put me off recommending it to someone a couple years older than my twelve year-old niece.
Recommend?: I really enjoyed this book, and while some parts made me role my eyes it was nice to see how everything happened after the way How I Fall ended.
January 6, 2015
#thisauthortho
An excellent sequel to How I Fall and just another testament to the YA writing greatness of Ms. Eliot.
Book 1’s cliffhanger had my heart aching for Ellen and Cam. There were so many forces trying to keep them apart when all they wanted to do was love each other. So, obviously, I’ve been waiting most impatiently for this book to release. (There may or may not have been messages to the author for her to hurry up with it already.) And now, my heart can be at ease because I finally got to see how things played out for the photography-loving bunch of teens in this series. I don’t want to give too much away, but let me just say, I don’t care how handsome Harrison Shaw is, I will always be #TeamCam. Sweet, sweet Cam Campbell stole my heart in How I Fall, and I just love him. Sorry, Harrison.
This series is a must-read for teens and YA-loving adults. Anne Eliot is the queen sweet, clean, YA romances, and she did not disappoint with this book. We get to see Ellen’s continued struggles and triumphs in regards to her disability (cerebral palsy) and her life and love experiences. I loved this group of kids so much in Book 1, and that didn’t change in Book 2. Ellen and Cam are two great kids fighting the odds, and Laura and Patrick are the fiercest friends on the planet.
Another job well done, Ms. Eliot! I highly recommend this book, and I look forward to whatever it is this author may write next.
An excellent sequel to How I Fall and just another testament to the YA writing greatness of Ms. Eliot.
Book 1’s cliffhanger had my heart aching for Ellen and Cam. There were so many forces trying to keep them apart when all they wanted to do was love each other. So, obviously, I’ve been waiting most impatiently for this book to release. (There may or may not have been messages to the author for her to hurry up with it already.) And now, my heart can be at ease because I finally got to see how things played out for the photography-loving bunch of teens in this series. I don’t want to give too much away, but let me just say, I don’t care how handsome Harrison Shaw is, I will always be #TeamCam. Sweet, sweet Cam Campbell stole my heart in How I Fall, and I just love him. Sorry, Harrison.
This series is a must-read for teens and YA-loving adults. Anne Eliot is the queen sweet, clean, YA romances, and she did not disappoint with this book. We get to see Ellen’s continued struggles and triumphs in regards to her disability (cerebral palsy) and her life and love experiences. I loved this group of kids so much in Book 1, and that didn’t change in Book 2. Ellen and Cam are two great kids fighting the odds, and Laura and Patrick are the fiercest friends on the planet.
Another job well done, Ms. Eliot! I highly recommend this book, and I look forward to whatever it is this author may write next.
January 9, 2015
I had mixed feelings about this book. I liked the story. It was cute and sweet. Things that bothered me though...the villain was pretty obvious early on and I figured out his angle right away and I like things to be a little more surprising than that. Then once we find out he's the villain he becomes SUCH a villain that it's almost cartoonish. I kept thinking of the villain in Frozen. Speaking of Frozen...I hate when books use too many pop references. It may make them seem timely now but a year from now it's going to come across as dated.
Something else that bothered me is the Irish character's penchant for saying Wee every other sentence. It was annoying. Do Irish people really say wee that much? If the author couldn't come up with a more convincing dialect for an Irish girl why didn't she have her be from the other side of the country instead of the other side of the ocean?
Mistakes...this book is in serious need of some editing. The mistakes were all spelling and typos and I don't usually nitpick on mistakes but when you find one every couple of pages it takes you out of the story.
It may sound like I didn't like the book but I really did enjoy the actual story enough to give it three stars. I especially liked Cam's story in this one. Ellen may have had the physical issues to deal with but I think Cam suffered more and I preferred the sections that were told in his viewpoint.
Something else that bothered me is the Irish character's penchant for saying Wee every other sentence. It was annoying. Do Irish people really say wee that much? If the author couldn't come up with a more convincing dialect for an Irish girl why didn't she have her be from the other side of the country instead of the other side of the ocean?
Mistakes...this book is in serious need of some editing. The mistakes were all spelling and typos and I don't usually nitpick on mistakes but when you find one every couple of pages it takes you out of the story.
It may sound like I didn't like the book but I really did enjoy the actual story enough to give it three stars. I especially liked Cam's story in this one. Ellen may have had the physical issues to deal with but I think Cam suffered more and I preferred the sections that were told in his viewpoint.
August 20, 2015
Perfect Young Adult Book
How I Fly is the next book after How I Fall, It is the best continuation to where How I Fall left off and in this book Ellen and the gang embark on new adventures with some surprises. Ellen shows remarkable strength of character as she is continuing on with her life and learning how to be strong on her own. Cam also is maturing stronger than ever and continuing on with his dreams. The Big question is-- Do Ellen and Cam ever reconnect and can they overcome the pass for a new future? Will they be sweethearts or just good friends? This is the perfect teen romance filled with love and friendships, kisses and first loves.
For more indie book reviews: Myindieauthorfix.com
How I Fly is the next book after How I Fall, It is the best continuation to where How I Fall left off and in this book Ellen and the gang embark on new adventures with some surprises. Ellen shows remarkable strength of character as she is continuing on with her life and learning how to be strong on her own. Cam also is maturing stronger than ever and continuing on with his dreams. The Big question is-- Do Ellen and Cam ever reconnect and can they overcome the pass for a new future? Will they be sweethearts or just good friends? This is the perfect teen romance filled with love and friendships, kisses and first loves.
For more indie book reviews: Myindieauthorfix.com
March 4, 2023
“But I’ve also learned that scars—the inside ones and the visible ones—are not crippling. They’re simply something you’ve got to work around and deal with so you can move forward, just like everything else in life.”
Re-read: 3/3/23
Anne Eliot is a great storyteller and this duet I will always hold close to my heart. While I would have liked more focus on Cam & Ellen together (Harrison got too much page time), and Patrick & Laura (who I adore), it was still a sweet story about growing up and fate leading you back to where it all began. 4 Stars!
Re-read: 3/3/23
Anne Eliot is a great storyteller and this duet I will always hold close to my heart. While I would have liked more focus on Cam & Ellen together (Harrison got too much page time), and Patrick & Laura (who I adore), it was still a sweet story about growing up and fate leading you back to where it all began. 4 Stars!
Read
January 6, 2015good finish
I enjoyed the continuing love story of Ellen and Cam. I'm glad the planets realigned and their love could continue. It is a sweet story of young love. The author really draws you in on the emotions. I'm a sucker for a good YA love story!
My only complaint would be a few minor typos.
I enjoyed the continuing love story of Ellen and Cam. I'm glad the planets realigned and their love could continue. It is a sweet story of young love. The author really draws you in on the emotions. I'm a sucker for a good YA love story!
My only complaint would be a few minor typos.
January 15, 2015
I could have given it 4 stars but the cheesiness was too much at some point. And the ending of both books was clearly unrealistic. I felt like I was watching a teen movie rather than reading a book. Too bad because it could have been a sweet love story !
January 28, 2015
How do you describe a book like this? I wanted to go through the pages and slap a few of the characters. Oi! Teenagers! These books reminded me of what it was like to be one. I am not sure if that's good or not yet. ;)
February 13, 2015
Ellen and Cam meet again, finally!!! There story is nice but I didn't love it like the first one. The ending left with some unanswered question's I had
October 13, 2015
It was the perfect conclusion to a heart-tugging series. Every character's transition from the first book to this was just right. Even the romance wasn't too cheesy and was written beautifully. Everything suited my taste, even the a**hole villain.
January 2, 2015
Review to come soon!
April 14, 2015
I am officially a sap. I love love loved this book.
June 18, 2016
So how do I start… well I want to explain why I’ve put off reading this until now, hmmm, the only reason I can think of is because I’ve already finished all of Anne’s books and I would just simply be lost without any more of her books, luckily that is now resolved because I heard that she’s writing a new book (*The fandom screams OMYGOOOOOOSH*), also I made up this new challenge for myself where I would re-read and review all the amazing books I’ve read before that I have not reviewed yet. I’ve decided that it’s only appropriate to start with Anne’s books since she’s kind of the reason why I started reviewing books, you see, her book ‘Almost’ was too good, for me to not leave at least a comment or some appreciation and some love. (PS I’m really nervous because based on my track record, I haven’t made a single decent review of any of Anne’s book because her stories were too good, and I’m usually left awestruck and giddy after reading them :( I fear that my reviews would not do justice to her very amazing books) Oh wow that’s a long explanation. Anyway, here goes the review:
I would like to say that this is a very satisfying (because of all the times it made me smile like crazy), a very inspiring, a very funny, and a too-damn-relatable book to read, and I guess this would be easier for me if I do it by character:
Ellen
Ellen is basically me and maybe you, and all of us readers, except that I guess she has CP and… Cam (I want Cam so bad).
I guess all I want to say is that I do relate with her a lot, I relate with her since the start of the book when she really wanted to move on but at the same time she doesn’t. Isn’t that just how first love and the inevitable first heartbreak feels like to most of us.
I believe that there are some people that you would meet, and immediately connect to, and you know deep in your heart that you can never “un-connect” with them. And somehow even though you’re miles apart, even if you don’t see that person for too long or even if you haven’t talk to him in forever, when you see that person again, it will seem like everything is back to the place where you left it, everything will seem happier, and it’s like nothing matters anymore and you’re back to your old rhythm. You know deep down that he’s forever going to be in your life, no matter what form, and nothing’s ever going to change that. So, after my over-analysis of the dialogue after CAM AND ELLEN saw each other again, and from my own personal experience, I diagnose that this is the kind of relationship that Cam and Ellen has, the romance and the chemistry between them never went away, even in the instances that they they’re just saying good, (yes I laughed with them huhuhu that was just too adorable for me). I guess they’re soul mates really. I would also like to tell you that if you ask me if Ellen and Cam could have stayed just friends forever, my answer would be a BIG HELL NO. THEY ARE MEANT TO BE TOGETHER FOREVER. (Reality Flash: Although I said earlier that you would always want this person in your life no matter what form; I’m not sure if friendship can work if you have this really intense connection, IDK I’m still figuring it out)
I never saw her Cerabral Palsy as anything to be ashamed of, in fact, it is something to be proud of, because I believe this built up her character. Because like Ellen, in a way, we’re all just struggling to be the most normal we can be, and inspite all of the things that we carry, all the baggage, and just all the things we struggle to surpass, at the end of the day it’s up to us to pray for the best, and to hope that it’s all going to turn out fine in the end.
So for me, It’s no wonder that everybody adored her, I imagine her to be this well, this unending well, full of perseverance, and hope, and love, and passion, and this new brand of optimism and kindness that will really capture your heart. (I sound like I’m in love with her or something Ha ha)
Also, I want to mention that like her I tried my best to get into this dream school, and I found out that I was accepted recently, it makes me so happy! (Fun Fact: I was actually reading this when I found out about the scholarship. SEE YOU SOON, NYC! :)
Cam
He is the most perfect book boyfriend in the world of YA. I loved him in How I Fall, but I loved him infinitely more in How I Fly. Yes my heart broke for him many times when he was telling us what happened to him those past few months. But what made me love him more was that these experiences didn’t ruin him, in fact it made him stronger and more mature, it made him reconnect with his mother. (cries) Also, I will always admire his love for Ellen, his love is so beautiful, it was unconditional, it was unwavering, and it was true. He would sacrifice everything to keep Ellen safe and happy. AND YES HIS PHOTOGRAPHS WILL BE FOREVER EMBEDDED IN MY MIND (Kudos to Anne for the detailed and wonderful description of Cam’s photos) He probably ruined me for all the real boys out there.
Patrick
I want to have a best friend like Patrick who sends me adorable cat memes and Frozen images. :3
I also like the fact that he was very over-protective; it just shows how much he loves Ellen. I love how he’s just brooding and observing, and basically looking out for Ellen, and Laura, and even Cam.
I love that he would follow Laura anywhere, even to the ends of the earth, just to be with her. Why does Ellen have the best boys? Hahahaha, and I’m thinking if it would be possible for Anne to make a spin-off of How I Fall/Fly starring Laura and Patrick, I think that would be just perfect!
Laura
I love Ireland! I love her glitters, and quirkiness, and her loyalty to her friends. Somehow she’s like the glue and the buffer in their friendship, lightening up the mood whenever necessary. I also saw how she stands firmly with her convictions, with Patrick amongst other things, well until the very end when she kissed him. (I wonder what would happen with Laura and Patrick’s love story :D)
Harrison
I liked him, to be honest,
PS. I’m curious if Harrison’s look is somehow inspired from Harry from One Direction, hahahaha his description kind of fits him.
To Anne
She is really an amazing writer and I am just so happy that she chose this profession because I’m sure she makes so many people happy with HER writings. I hope she’ll continue giving us this kind of books because it just brings us so much inspiration and happiness. I'm very obsessed. :( PS. I enjoyed all the references you used in the book haahahhaha you are the best at references. (e,g. Harry Potter, Frozen, Percy Jackson, book boyfriends, HUNTER KENNEDY and so much more)
Also, did Nash and Ellen’s mother get married?
I would like to say that this is a very satisfying (because of all the times it made me smile like crazy), a very inspiring, a very funny, and a too-damn-relatable book to read, and I guess this would be easier for me if I do it by character:
Ellen
Ellen is basically me and maybe you, and all of us readers, except that I guess she has CP and… Cam (I want Cam so bad).
I guess all I want to say is that I do relate with her a lot, I relate with her since the start of the book when she really wanted to move on but at the same time she doesn’t. Isn’t that just how first love and the inevitable first heartbreak feels like to most of us.
I believe that there are some people that you would meet, and immediately connect to, and you know deep in your heart that you can never “un-connect” with them. And somehow even though you’re miles apart, even if you don’t see that person for too long or even if you haven’t talk to him in forever, when you see that person again, it will seem like everything is back to the place where you left it, everything will seem happier, and it’s like nothing matters anymore and you’re back to your old rhythm. You know deep down that he’s forever going to be in your life, no matter what form, and nothing’s ever going to change that. So, after my over-analysis of the dialogue after CAM AND ELLEN saw each other again, and from my own personal experience, I diagnose that this is the kind of relationship that Cam and Ellen has, the romance and the chemistry between them never went away, even in the instances that they they’re just saying good, (yes I laughed with them huhuhu that was just too adorable for me). I guess they’re soul mates really. I would also like to tell you that if you ask me if Ellen and Cam could have stayed just friends forever, my answer would be a BIG HELL NO. THEY ARE MEANT TO BE TOGETHER FOREVER. (Reality Flash: Although I said earlier that you would always want this person in your life no matter what form; I’m not sure if friendship can work if you have this really intense connection, IDK I’m still figuring it out)
I never saw her Cerabral Palsy as anything to be ashamed of, in fact, it is something to be proud of, because I believe this built up her character. Because like Ellen, in a way, we’re all just struggling to be the most normal we can be, and inspite all of the things that we carry, all the baggage, and just all the things we struggle to surpass, at the end of the day it’s up to us to pray for the best, and to hope that it’s all going to turn out fine in the end.
So for me, It’s no wonder that everybody adored her, I imagine her to be this well, this unending well, full of perseverance, and hope, and love, and passion, and this new brand of optimism and kindness that will really capture your heart. (I sound like I’m in love with her or something Ha ha)
Also, I want to mention that like her I tried my best to get into this dream school, and I found out that I was accepted recently, it makes me so happy! (Fun Fact: I was actually reading this when I found out about the scholarship. SEE YOU SOON, NYC! :)
Cam
He is the most perfect book boyfriend in the world of YA. I loved him in How I Fall, but I loved him infinitely more in How I Fly. Yes my heart broke for him many times when he was telling us what happened to him those past few months. But what made me love him more was that these experiences didn’t ruin him, in fact it made him stronger and more mature, it made him reconnect with his mother. (cries) Also, I will always admire his love for Ellen, his love is so beautiful, it was unconditional, it was unwavering, and it was true. He would sacrifice everything to keep Ellen safe and happy. AND YES HIS PHOTOGRAPHS WILL BE FOREVER EMBEDDED IN MY MIND (Kudos to Anne for the detailed and wonderful description of Cam’s photos) He probably ruined me for all the real boys out there.
Patrick
I want to have a best friend like Patrick who sends me adorable cat memes and Frozen images. :3
I also like the fact that he was very over-protective; it just shows how much he loves Ellen. I love how he’s just brooding and observing, and basically looking out for Ellen, and Laura, and even Cam.
I love that he would follow Laura anywhere, even to the ends of the earth, just to be with her. Why does Ellen have the best boys? Hahahaha, and I’m thinking if it would be possible for Anne to make a spin-off of How I Fall/Fly starring Laura and Patrick, I think that would be just perfect!
Laura
I love Ireland! I love her glitters, and quirkiness, and her loyalty to her friends. Somehow she’s like the glue and the buffer in their friendship, lightening up the mood whenever necessary. I also saw how she stands firmly with her convictions, with Patrick amongst other things, well until the very end when she kissed him. (I wonder what would happen with Laura and Patrick’s love story :D)
Harrison
I liked him, to be honest,
PS. I’m curious if Harrison’s look is somehow inspired from Harry from One Direction, hahahaha his description kind of fits him.
To Anne
She is really an amazing writer and I am just so happy that she chose this profession because I’m sure she makes so many people happy with HER writings. I hope she’ll continue giving us this kind of books because it just brings us so much inspiration and happiness. I'm very obsessed. :( PS. I enjoyed all the references you used in the book haahahhaha you are the best at references. (e,g. Harry Potter, Frozen, Percy Jackson, book boyfriends, HUNTER KENNEDY and so much more)
Also, did Nash and Ellen’s mother get married?
November 5, 2016
What a beautiful ending to such a beautiful story! Before I started reading this book, I didn't understand why the author chose to make this story into two different books. I felt it could have been combined into one book. Then, I started this book and it made absolute sense to me. There's a time gap between both of the books. I'm generally not the type to get super mushy over fictional characters and couples. They have to really stand out for me to do so. The characters in this book did that for me though. I would kind of like to see a story for Laura and Patrick though. I feel they deserve it! All the characters in the book were amazing. I'm definitely glad I got to read this book! I fully recommend it!
June 23, 2017
OH MY GOSH WHAT A ROLLER COASTER OF EMOTIONS IN THESE TWO BOOKS! I LOVED IT!
March 29, 2019
Can’t seem to believe I’m done with this series! Anyone else looking for Laura and Patrick’s own book?
September 29, 2019
Love this series
Such a great two book series. I loved reading about the two main characters vows to be together no matter what the obstacle. Was refreshing
Such a great two book series. I loved reading about the two main characters vows to be together no matter what the obstacle. Was refreshing
January 12, 2015
After the first book in the this two-part series left us at a huge cliff I spent a lot of time going over the book in my mind and waiting impatiently for this second part to be released. And I have to say that I'm not disappointed now that it's here and I've finished it. Once again Anne Eliot has given us a book that I find absolutely delightful!
I was very happy to be able to read more about Ellen and Cam, as well as about Patric and Laura. I can't deny that I would be rooting for a third book in this series but considering how much stress that would result in I'm not going to push the matter. Or am I? I guess that depends on the abstinence I get in a day or two.
I feel like the characters had developed nicely while still hanging on to their adorable personality traits. Ellen and Cam both kept up the struggle with themselves as well as with the world around them while trying to stop putting bricks on the wall they build around themselves. Patric keeps the good work and the torch burning while becoming more brooding and overprotective. And Laura? What can I say? I just want to bottle her up, or shrink her down so that she'll fit in my pocket. When I read about her I always feel like pouring glitter in my own hair and go looking for a adorkable Irish girl who I'll force to become my best friend while she does a hug-herself-jumping-thing at the good fortune of fate bringing us together.
The language is so easy to flow along in, in which I mean that once you pick the book up the story isn't the only thing that keeps you rooted to the spot while finishing the book. The way their conversations mix with thoughts and actions make it just fast paced enough. I did miss not having a Table of contents page in the beginning of the book, not in a way that it took way some of my love for the book, I just find it handy to have one in e-books. I should mention that I found a function for it on my computer but I read it manly on my iPad and iPhone so that might be more related to the apps than the book itself.
And what about the story itself? Well I think I already used up my quota of words like adorable and lovely but bear with we when I use those words some more. For me this second part of the series took somewhat of a turn. I did like it though! I liked that it surprised me. And that we got to see Ellen make the "right" choice for herself. That she wasn't blocked in her tracks by fear of what others might think. I loved to see the both Patric and Cam be reasonable about not forcing their love and affection on the girls. The "I won't touch without permission" part was great, that they are the kind of guys that get that women are not some kind of love-machine that you can put niceness in to and expect to get what you want out of. Yes I do realize that Patric spends a lot of time even in this book expressing feelings like "why won't she just love me?" but it is written in a way that makes it cute due to the "no green light, no action" part. At least to me it is, but I can only speak for my own reactions and thoughts.
That the photography is such a strong part of this book as well is something I like. That the story has something other than the characters to focus on. And what I wouldn't give to see some of those photographs...
I won't say to much else to keep from spoiling the book for anybody else, and will round this of by saying that I look forward to Anne Eliot's next book. Even if it's about another adorable couple full of puppy love awaiting their first kiss.
I was very happy to be able to read more about Ellen and Cam, as well as about Patric and Laura. I can't deny that I would be rooting for a third book in this series but considering how much stress that would result in I'm not going to push the matter. Or am I? I guess that depends on the abstinence I get in a day or two.
I feel like the characters had developed nicely while still hanging on to their adorable personality traits. Ellen and Cam both kept up the struggle with themselves as well as with the world around them while trying to stop putting bricks on the wall they build around themselves. Patric keeps the good work and the torch burning while becoming more brooding and overprotective. And Laura? What can I say? I just want to bottle her up, or shrink her down so that she'll fit in my pocket. When I read about her I always feel like pouring glitter in my own hair and go looking for a adorkable Irish girl who I'll force to become my best friend while she does a hug-herself-jumping-thing at the good fortune of fate bringing us together.
The language is so easy to flow along in, in which I mean that once you pick the book up the story isn't the only thing that keeps you rooted to the spot while finishing the book. The way their conversations mix with thoughts and actions make it just fast paced enough. I did miss not having a Table of contents page in the beginning of the book, not in a way that it took way some of my love for the book, I just find it handy to have one in e-books. I should mention that I found a function for it on my computer but I read it manly on my iPad and iPhone so that might be more related to the apps than the book itself.
And what about the story itself? Well I think I already used up my quota of words like adorable and lovely but bear with we when I use those words some more. For me this second part of the series took somewhat of a turn. I did like it though! I liked that it surprised me. And that we got to see Ellen make the "right" choice for herself. That she wasn't blocked in her tracks by fear of what others might think. I loved to see the both Patric and Cam be reasonable about not forcing their love and affection on the girls. The "I won't touch without permission" part was great, that they are the kind of guys that get that women are not some kind of love-machine that you can put niceness in to and expect to get what you want out of. Yes I do realize that Patric spends a lot of time even in this book expressing feelings like "why won't she just love me?" but it is written in a way that makes it cute due to the "no green light, no action" part. At least to me it is, but I can only speak for my own reactions and thoughts.
That the photography is such a strong part of this book as well is something I like. That the story has something other than the characters to focus on. And what I wouldn't give to see some of those photographs...
I won't say to much else to keep from spoiling the book for anybody else, and will round this of by saying that I look forward to Anne Eliot's next book. Even if it's about another adorable couple full of puppy love awaiting their first kiss.
April 23, 2015
**Copy provided by author, in return for an honest review.***
How I Fly starts where How I Fall left off. As Ellen tries to move on and live her life the best she knows how, she could never forget about her first love Cam and how things ended. Ellen still holds hope that Cam would come back and everything can go back to normal.
While Ellen tries to move on.. Cam is trying to move forward in life, while his life goes in shambles. But not a day goes by since he's been separated from Ellen that he doesn’t think about her. All he thinks about is how he can apologize for the way he left things with them and he hopes for her forgiveness. His heart aches everyday knowing how much he loves Ellen, but may never ever get a chance to be with her again.
Then the summer time comes and they all get a free ride to the photography summer program after winning from their last school project. Ellen tries to move forward by finding herself a summer boyfriend to put her attention to and that’s when she meets Harrison Shaw. A handsome charmer, who was too sweet to be true. But because of Ellen’s determined to find someone to care for, she’s completely blinded by who and what Harrison really is. Yes with her, he is the sweetest boy and a real charmer, but for some reason, something about Harrisson didn’t sit right with Ellen’s best friends. Especially the day Cam met him, he knew right away Harrison was a douche. But after Cam and Ellen had their very open conversation about past, present and future, he promised himself he would try a little harder to be friendlier with Harrisson for Ellen.
As times pass the more Cam sees the real Harrison, that’s when Patrick and Cam work together to watch over Ellen. As time passes, the sicker Cam got watching his love with someone else. Will Cam and Patrick ever find a way to save Ellen from the heartache that Harrison might cause, before it’s too late? Or will Ellen figure everything out on her own?
Can Ellen and Cam really stay friends? How will Cam make Ellen see how much they belong together?
Read and find out.
After reading the How I Fall, I couldn’t wait to get my claw on this second book and devour it and devour I did. I love this series and Cam and Ellen are very lovable characters who were very much in love, that even time couldn’t keep them apart. Even when Ellen tried to have a relationship with Harrison I couldn’t help but hate the guy, no matter how sweet he was. I knew there had to be something wrong with him, way in the beginning. And there’s no way I was going to accept Ellen ending up with anyone but Cam. Cam and Ellen were a perfect match and they belonged to no one, but each other. So All I wanted was for their happy ending and I couldn’t wait for the end to get it. But as the book ended my sadness started. I love the characters in this book and it’s sad having this series end. I enjoyed every minute of this series. Thx for sharing with me Anne Eliot.
:::REVIEW IS ALSO ON FOUR CHICKS FLIPPING PAGES:::
http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...
How I Fly starts where How I Fall left off. As Ellen tries to move on and live her life the best she knows how, she could never forget about her first love Cam and how things ended. Ellen still holds hope that Cam would come back and everything can go back to normal.
While Ellen tries to move on.. Cam is trying to move forward in life, while his life goes in shambles. But not a day goes by since he's been separated from Ellen that he doesn’t think about her. All he thinks about is how he can apologize for the way he left things with them and he hopes for her forgiveness. His heart aches everyday knowing how much he loves Ellen, but may never ever get a chance to be with her again.
Then the summer time comes and they all get a free ride to the photography summer program after winning from their last school project. Ellen tries to move forward by finding herself a summer boyfriend to put her attention to and that’s when she meets Harrison Shaw. A handsome charmer, who was too sweet to be true. But because of Ellen’s determined to find someone to care for, she’s completely blinded by who and what Harrison really is. Yes with her, he is the sweetest boy and a real charmer, but for some reason, something about Harrisson didn’t sit right with Ellen’s best friends. Especially the day Cam met him, he knew right away Harrison was a douche. But after Cam and Ellen had their very open conversation about past, present and future, he promised himself he would try a little harder to be friendlier with Harrisson for Ellen.
As times pass the more Cam sees the real Harrison, that’s when Patrick and Cam work together to watch over Ellen. As time passes, the sicker Cam got watching his love with someone else. Will Cam and Patrick ever find a way to save Ellen from the heartache that Harrison might cause, before it’s too late? Or will Ellen figure everything out on her own?
Can Ellen and Cam really stay friends? How will Cam make Ellen see how much they belong together?
Read and find out.
After reading the How I Fall, I couldn’t wait to get my claw on this second book and devour it and devour I did. I love this series and Cam and Ellen are very lovable characters who were very much in love, that even time couldn’t keep them apart. Even when Ellen tried to have a relationship with Harrison I couldn’t help but hate the guy, no matter how sweet he was. I knew there had to be something wrong with him, way in the beginning. And there’s no way I was going to accept Ellen ending up with anyone but Cam. Cam and Ellen were a perfect match and they belonged to no one, but each other. So All I wanted was for their happy ending and I couldn’t wait for the end to get it. But as the book ended my sadness started. I love the characters in this book and it’s sad having this series end. I enjoyed every minute of this series. Thx for sharing with me Anne Eliot.
:::REVIEW IS ALSO ON FOUR CHICKS FLIPPING PAGES:::
http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...
February 28, 2015
This was even more beautiful and gut wrenching than the first book. Harrison what a rat. But when you read what Cam went through and how much guilt and sorrow he has wow it will tug at your heart. After everything he went through he is still the kind tender young man you fall in love with in How I fall except now he is free of his father’s rule and he sees his mom for the first time I mean really sees her and how much she loves him. Ellen is still hopeful that Cam will come back but when he doesn’t show up right away at the photography workshop she takes the advice of Patrick and Lauren and gives others a chance. This is when Harrison comes into the picture.
While Patrick is trying to get Lauren to see him, Ellen is opening her heart to Harrison and Cam is trying to get forgiveness and see Ellen happy. Harrison makes Ellen feel that she is beautiful. No one has done that since Cam. Cam who is in his own hell but crawling out of it slowly and finding freedom. Just as her and Harrison are getting closer Cam does come back. To Laurens delight and Ellen’s apprehension. Patrick at first is wary but as he hears what Cam has been through they become friends again. Harrison isn’t so keen on Cam especially since they are now roommates. Cam ever the kind guy sets aside his feelings for Ellen so she can be happy. He truly believes Harrison is making her happy but as he watches them he sees something isn’t right. Patrick does as well. Both are protective of Ellen and set off to find the truth. For Cam this causes him to fall behind in his work but he doesn’t care because he loves Ellen so much and doesn’t want to see her hurt.
Ellen is so taken by Harrison she begins to change. She does more of what he wants, uses his camera more, helps him more with his assignments and falls behind risking all that she ever wanted so Harrison and her can be together. Doubt does start to play on Ellen as her heart begins to want Cam more.
The story is just as heartwrenching and wonderful as How I fall. Here we see Cam in the background just wanting Ellen to be happy and him happy to be free to do as he likes. We see the tenderness in his interactions with Ellen and the emotion as well. Each interaction between him and Ellen is so beautiful and sweet you will smile. Lauren still draws you in with her magnetic personality but it is Cam who keeps you in. His love and kindness is mesmerizing. He just feels so much and only wants the best for everyone that he is willing to sacrifice his own for others to get theirs. You see such a easy and sweet friendship and closeness between Ellen and Cam that you can’t help but be drawn into their story and hope that love will win out. Harrison will just have you creep out over time. He is truly a wolf in sheeps clothing. A sweet beautifully written story on love and happiness, friendship and following your dreams and passion. About finding who you are and who helps make you happy and accepts you no matter what. So beautiful and captivating.
While Patrick is trying to get Lauren to see him, Ellen is opening her heart to Harrison and Cam is trying to get forgiveness and see Ellen happy. Harrison makes Ellen feel that she is beautiful. No one has done that since Cam. Cam who is in his own hell but crawling out of it slowly and finding freedom. Just as her and Harrison are getting closer Cam does come back. To Laurens delight and Ellen’s apprehension. Patrick at first is wary but as he hears what Cam has been through they become friends again. Harrison isn’t so keen on Cam especially since they are now roommates. Cam ever the kind guy sets aside his feelings for Ellen so she can be happy. He truly believes Harrison is making her happy but as he watches them he sees something isn’t right. Patrick does as well. Both are protective of Ellen and set off to find the truth. For Cam this causes him to fall behind in his work but he doesn’t care because he loves Ellen so much and doesn’t want to see her hurt.
Ellen is so taken by Harrison she begins to change. She does more of what he wants, uses his camera more, helps him more with his assignments and falls behind risking all that she ever wanted so Harrison and her can be together. Doubt does start to play on Ellen as her heart begins to want Cam more.
The story is just as heartwrenching and wonderful as How I fall. Here we see Cam in the background just wanting Ellen to be happy and him happy to be free to do as he likes. We see the tenderness in his interactions with Ellen and the emotion as well. Each interaction between him and Ellen is so beautiful and sweet you will smile. Lauren still draws you in with her magnetic personality but it is Cam who keeps you in. His love and kindness is mesmerizing. He just feels so much and only wants the best for everyone that he is willing to sacrifice his own for others to get theirs. You see such a easy and sweet friendship and closeness between Ellen and Cam that you can’t help but be drawn into their story and hope that love will win out. Harrison will just have you creep out over time. He is truly a wolf in sheeps clothing. A sweet beautifully written story on love and happiness, friendship and following your dreams and passion. About finding who you are and who helps make you happy and accepts you no matter what. So beautiful and captivating.
March 6, 2015
How I Fly By Anne Eliot
Review by Becky Harley
5 Stars
The cliffhanger at the end of the last book made the wait for this one unbearable. I was really holding out hope for Cam and Ellen as a couple and could not wait to find out how they would resolve their issues.
This book really highlights the development and growth of each character. Ellen faces a tough recovery and the stress and excitement of a new environment while still dealing with the effects of her surgery and continuing to cope with her CP. Cam has had the hardest time of any of the characters, isolated from everyone he knows and loves. The book is excellent in the way it deals with the emotions of each of the characters as they deal with the events surrounding the last book and the way in which this effects them now.
This book is also great for its twists and turns. While it can be predictable in places, it also offers great plot developments which I did not see coming. The way in which these twists help to both push the characters apart while at the same time pulling them together makes this book exciting to read and keeps the reader interested.
I love the way that these books are written from the perspective of both Ellen and Cam, this really emphasises their individual characters and shows their personal growth throughout the books. This also shows the depth of the emotion and connection between the two main characters.
As always, Patrick and Laura are amazing characters. Fiercely loyal and protective, while at the same time encouraging and supportive of any decision Ellen makes.
Overall this was an amazing sequel to How I Fall and I only hope that Patrick and Laura will get their own book.
Review by Becky Harley
5 Stars
The cliffhanger at the end of the last book made the wait for this one unbearable. I was really holding out hope for Cam and Ellen as a couple and could not wait to find out how they would resolve their issues.
This book really highlights the development and growth of each character. Ellen faces a tough recovery and the stress and excitement of a new environment while still dealing with the effects of her surgery and continuing to cope with her CP. Cam has had the hardest time of any of the characters, isolated from everyone he knows and loves. The book is excellent in the way it deals with the emotions of each of the characters as they deal with the events surrounding the last book and the way in which this effects them now.
This book is also great for its twists and turns. While it can be predictable in places, it also offers great plot developments which I did not see coming. The way in which these twists help to both push the characters apart while at the same time pulling them together makes this book exciting to read and keeps the reader interested.
I love the way that these books are written from the perspective of both Ellen and Cam, this really emphasises their individual characters and shows their personal growth throughout the books. This also shows the depth of the emotion and connection between the two main characters.
As always, Patrick and Laura are amazing characters. Fiercely loyal and protective, while at the same time encouraging and supportive of any decision Ellen makes.
Overall this was an amazing sequel to How I Fall and I only hope that Patrick and Laura will get their own book.
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