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The Trouble with Paper Planes

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I’ve always believed in what I can see, what I can hear and what I can touch. Surfing was my religion and destiny was just a fairy-tale. But one summer, over ten days during the hottest February on record, all that changed. I found hope – the kind of hope that sustains you, even when you don’t want to be sustained.

The night Emily disappeared, I was branded. She became the girl on the ‘missing’ posters, and I became the one trying to keep everyone from falling apart. I thought that somehow it would keep me from being devoured by the emptiness inside me. Five years later, I was beginning to appreciate how deluded I really was.

Then Maia showed up. New in town, with a past as mysterious as she was, she reminded me so much of Emily that I couldn’t stand to be anywhere near her. What I didn’t realise was that there were forces at play that neither of us could possibly understand.

It takes a determined soul to alter destiny. There is a loophole, a back door, and the events that unfolded during those ten days showed me how that loophole can change everything.

Do you believe in fate? If so, let me tell you my story. If not, what happened to me might change your mind.

252 pages, ebook

First published July 14, 2015

4 people are currently reading
396 people want to read

About the author

Amanda Dick

8 books168 followers
Amanda Dick is a night-owl, coffee addict, movie buff and music lover. She loves to do DIY, believes in love at first sight, in women's intuition and in following your heart. She is rather partial to dark chocolate and believes in the power of a good vanilla latte.

What lights her fire is writing stories about real people in trying situations. She is insanely curious about how we, as human beings, react when pushed to the edge. Most of all, she enjoys writing about human behaviour - love, loss, joy, grief, friendship and the complexity of relationships in general.

After living in Scotland for five years, she has now settled back home in New Zealand, where she lives with her husband and two children.

Website: www.amandadick.com
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/amandadickauthor
Facebook Readers Group: www.facebook.com/groups/amandadickbooks


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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
Profile Image for Jennifer Kyle.
2,604 reviews5,393 followers
July 20, 2015
3.5 Stars

description

I was looking forward to getting an out of this world experience with this book. Sadly the story was on the boring side and the wow of it all was just blah and weirdly I found it pretty predictable.

Description: A missing girl may or may not have found her way back home to her boy friend and family. Is it Emily or not?

I liked the writing but I didn’t love the fade to the black love scenes nor the ending. I guess it was decent read if the wow actually wowed me.

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Profile Image for Jenny - TotallybookedBlog.
1,907 reviews2,053 followers
July 16, 2015
description

41/2 'tugs the heartstrings' Stars

‘They say falling in love takes time, but I call bullshit on that. It takes guts. It can happen in a moment – a single heartbeat, even – but to hand someone the key to your happiness is the most courageous move you’ll every make.'

We had no idea what to expect from this story and we’re so glad we went in with no preconceived expectations because we were taken completely by surprise. What a searing, beautiful and thought provoking story this turned out to be. The synopsis pulled us in and the authors enthusiasm for her story made us want to dive in immediately. This is our first book by Amanda Dick and after experiencing her meaningful, heartfelt and powerful prose you can bet we’ll be picking up more of her work to devour!

The Trouble With Paper Planes was a slow building yet completely intriguing story. We were kept guessing as to the outcome and nothing could have prepared us for what eventuated or how deeply our emotions would be hit. We sobbed buckets as Heath’s character resonated deeply with us and this story struck a chord on so many levels.

‘My heart was a balloon, filled with all the love I had for her, the hope I had for us, and it was lifting my feet off the ground.’

The Trouble With Paper Planes is told primarily in Heath’s pov and it is through his words and his heart we gain a first-hand insight into the grief, loneliness and conflicted feelings Heath has experienced over the past five years following the disappearance of Emily, the love of his life. Heath lives with the constant fear that one day he may have to face the realisation that Emily may never return, but until the day he receives irrefutable proof to the contrary, Heath refuses to give up hope that Emily is alive and will one day return to him.

‘I was a black hole, a star frozen at the point of collapse. I couldn’t go back, yet I couldn’t seem to move on, either.’

Heath is knocked for six when a girl named Maia turns up at Emily’s Mum’s Café in search of work. Maia bears an uncanny physical resemblance to Emily in some ways yet is quite different to Emily in others. Heath is unnerved by her but can’t deny the intense and instant connection he feels towards Maia.

“We make sense, somehow. I don’t know how, but we do.”

As we said, we had no idea of the direction this story was headed and constantly flipped between believing and disbelieving but the one thing we never wavered on were the intense feelings we felt towards Heath. This man was so beautiful inside and out. Our hearts desperately needed Heath to move on and experience soul deep love once more.

There were a couple of times we felt the story did drag a little however when we came to the end and began discussing the events, we started to reflect on moments that at the time may have felt inconsequential yet became so poignant, moving, beautiful and meaningful to us both once we finished the story. And that aha moment in regards to the title? Well, that left us us breathless.

This did have an otherworldly feel to it so if you go into The Trouble With Paper Planes with an open mind and an open heart you’ll be rewarded with a beautifully written, deeply moving and unforgettable story that will seize your heart. We can’t stop thinking about this one and find ourselves constantly reliving the significant moments that will stay with us for a long time to come. Word of advice though: have some man-size tissues on hand because you’ll need them!

**Reviewed from an ARC copy provided by the author, with thanks**

♥ ♥ ♥

description


✦✦✦ TB Blog :TotallybookedBlog
✦✦✦ Come say Hi : TB on Facebook
✦✦✦Follow us: TB on Twitter
✦✦✦Check out: TB on Pinterest
✦✦✦ We're on TSU: TB on TSU
July 31, 2015
**ARC, kindly provided by the author, in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so very much, Amanda.**

description.....

Even after having time to think about how to review this book, I still don't fully know what to say without spoiling any of it for anyone. All I can say is that I really appreciate it when a book surprises me, especially when I may have already worked out where the stories going to go beforehand, but it was how the writer wrote her words and portrayed her characters that kept me interested. Amanda kept her situations real and I really felt them whilst reading. Another incredible journey this wonderful writer has given me, I truly love reading her books. Can't wait for the next.
Profile Image for Gitte TotallyBookedBlog.
2,094 reviews940 followers
July 15, 2015
description

✯✯✯✯ 1/2 Stars

‘They say falling in love takes time, but I call bullshit on that. It takes guts. It can happen in a moment – a single heartbeat, even – but to hand someone the key to your happiness is the most courageous move you’ll every make.'


We had no idea what to expect from this story and we’re so glad we went in with no preconceived expectations because we were taken completely by surprise. What a searing, beautiful and thought provoking story this turned out to be. The synopsis pulled us in and the authors enthusiasm for her story made us want to dive in immediately. This is our first book by Amanda Dick and after experiencing her meaningful, heartfelt and powerful prose you can bet we’ll be picking up more of her work to devour!

The Trouble With Paper Planes was a slow building yet completely intriguing story. We were kept guessing as to the outcome and nothing could have prepared us for what eventuated or how deeply our emotions would be hit. We sobbed buckets as Heath’s character resonated deeply with us and this story struck a chord on so many levels.

‘My heart was a balloon, filled with all the love I had for her, the hope I had for us, and it was lifting my feet off the ground.’

The Trouble With Paper Planes is told primarily in Heath’s pov and it is through his words and his heart we gain a first-hand insight into the grief, loneliness and conflicted feelings Heath has experienced over the past five years following the disappearance of Emily, the love of his life. Heath lives with the constant fear that one day he may have to face the realisation that Emily may never return, but until the day he receives irrefutable proof to the contrary, Heath refuses to give up hope that Emily is alive and will one day return to him.

‘I was a black hole, a star frozen at the point of collapse. I couldn’t go back, yet I couldn’t seem to move on, either.’

Heath is knocked for six when a girl named Maia turns up at Emily’s Mum’s Café in search of work. Maia bears an uncanny physical resemblance to Emily in some ways yet is quite different to Emily in others. Heath is unnerved by her but can’t deny the intense and instant connection he feels towards Maia.

“We make sense, somehow. I don’t know how, but we do.”

As we said, we had no idea of the direction this story was headed and constantly flipped between believing and disbelieving but the one thing we never wavered on were the intense feelings we felt towards Heath. This man was so beautiful inside and out. Our hearts desperately needed Heath to move on and experience soul deep love once more.

There were a couple of times we felt the story did drag a little however when we came to the end and began discussing the events, we started to reflect on moments that at the time may have felt inconsequential yet became so poignant, moving, beautiful and meaningful to us both once we finished the story. And that aha moment in regards to the title? Well, that left us us breathless.

This did have an otherworldly feel to it so if you go into The Trouble With Paper Planes with an open mind and an open heart you’ll be rewarded with a beautifully written, deeply moving and unforgettable story that will seize your heart. We can’t stop thinking about this one and find ourselves constantly reliving the significant moments that will stay with us for a long time to come. Word of advice though: have some man-size tissues on hand because you’ll need them!

**Reviewed from an ARC copy provided by the author, with thanks**

♥ ♥ ♥

description


✦✦✦ TB Blog :TotallybookedBlog
✦✦✦ Come say Hi : TB on Facebook
✦✦✦Follow us: TB on Twitter
✦✦✦Check out: TB on Pinterest
✦✦✦ We're on TSU: TB on TSU
Profile Image for KathyAnne.
570 reviews97 followers
January 18, 2016
One thing I'd like to point out about this book straight out of the gate is that it offers a very unconventional ending that some will find beautiful but others may find frustrating. It all depends on what kind of reader you are and whether you like stories that fall outside the norm. I also think this book will appeal strongest to those who believe strongly in soul mates, fate and destiny. This is not your standard run of the mill romance that follows the same 'ole formula of so many books. This is a slow moving yet heart-wrenching story, beautifully written and offers a very unique and life pondering ending.
Heath is stuck in limbo because the love of his life simply disappeared years ago. A girl named Maia pops into town one day and she looks mysteriously similar to his missing love. He tries to stay away from her but feels a strong connection to her that is hard to explain. Maia doesn't remember who she is... is she Emily?? You'll have to read to find out. :)
Earlier this year I read another book by this author called Absolution and I was floored by her talent for tapping into my emotions and also challenging them. One thing I like about her is that she is not afraid to challenge herself as a writer or my emotions, whether I want them challenged or not! :) The ending of this book is tough to swallow... but, it is a powerful one that will have you reaching for your hanky! Does it have an HEA?? Well, that all depends on how you look at life I suppose. Some will say yes and others will be beating their fists against the table screaming Why? Why? Why? But, that's real life isn't it? We don't always get the cookie cutter HEA ending. Sometimes it has to hurt a little.

I loved it... and will always go into a book by this author expecting something I've never read before.

ARC was provided in exchange for my honest feedback


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Profile Image for Maria.
343 reviews
September 4, 2015
This is probably the hardest book to rate that I have ever read.

Literally Loved 95% of the book. I HATE the last 5%. Where was the information that this would be fantasy or paranormal or whatever you want to call it?

My true feelings after finishing are frustration, rage and anger. Really! I invested in this book and then puff!

I might be a minority here, but I hated how it ended. I think there was a disconnect with the entire book. It was like reading a book and then the last 5% I read a completely different book. There was no indication at all throughout the book that this was a possibility. Maybe I missed the message the entire book, but I don't think so.

I cried tears of frustration, because I read this book in 1 day, I couldn't put it down, the suspense of finding out what happened to her was what kept me going, the writing was phenomenal, I was obsessed, just needed to know. And then the author ruined it for me. Of all the ways to tell what had happened, this is way way out of my mind. So if she wanted to shock, she sure did.

But the biggest feeling I have about this end is that I feel robbed. Yes, robbed of the story that should of been told instead of this crazy crap that happened in the end. I'm sorry! I don't like to write bad reviews, and this is not a bad review per say, like I said 95% of the book was amazing. It's just the end to me was completely off. In my opinion she did not deliver. It didn't make any sense to me. I turned the page to part 2 and walked in into crazy land.

Overall this book was 4 star for 95% of it or during part 1. Part 2 and 3 are 0 stars for me. I was reading a book that I did not want to read. So I'm giving it 2 stars. And I'm making my own end in my head, because this end was crazy! Feel my frustration? Ya ...

Am I reading more books by this author? I truly don't know. All I know is that I don't trust this author.
Profile Image for ReadAlongWithSue recovering from a stroke★⋆. ࿐࿔.
2,876 reviews420 followers
December 5, 2015


The first part of this book is written in Heaths POV which is quite a way into the book. You learn of his love, his lost love, and his tragedies, hes not had the best of times but hes a good guy, hes a nice guy.

Then the secound part is written in Maia’s POV the girl who is familiar, who looks a lot like his love. But she is, or isn't she?

If she isn't, can Maia’s fix his broken heart and they move forward.

This is a lovely story, full of emotion and the ending is not at all conventional, which again makes this a very good 'romance'.
I say that word "romance" lightly because although it technically it is, its not soppy, and its not predictable.


My thanks to the author for this book, I enjoyed it very much.
Profile Image for Melyssa Winchester.
Author 28 books240 followers
July 13, 2015
description

Title: The Trouble With Paper Planes
Author: Amanda Dick
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance, Suspense, Women’s Fiction
Series or Standalone: Standalone

Rating

description

Review

description



A few months ago, in conjunction with another blog, I had the pleasure of reading Absolution by Amanda Dick. At the time of reading, she was an unknown author to me even though she had penned more than the one book. Reading that book, experiencing it’s magic, changed reading as I knew it and made me a believer in Amanda and her ability to craft a beautifully moving love story.

Fast forward to now, and her newest release (July 14th…mark your calendars) The Trouble With Paper Planes. The book that when I was lucky enough to receive an ARC for it, I deemed my birthday book due to the closeness of its release date and my actual birthday.

And what a birthday book it was.

I was in no way prepared for the story that would unfold once I started, or the emotional rollercoaster that it would bring me on by the time I turned the last page.

I was prepared for her enchanting writing style, the near perfect pacing (everything building in due time instead of being sped up), and the love I would have for both the main characters and their family and friends, but not at all for what I was about to get myself into.

The blurb doesn’t do this book justice. It sets you up for the basics of the story and the characters that experience it, but it in no way captures the true magic that is contained in its pages.

So this is where I sit and try to explain it without giving too much away.

It’s told in dual point of views, both from Heath and Maia (though Maia’s does not come into play until much later) and picks up five years after Heath lost the love of his life.

What I found so beautiful about Heath, especially in the beginning was that despite the passage of time that happened after Emily went missing, he was still as in love and devoted to her as he had been when they were together. There was no plethora of women that cycled through his life as he tried to bury the loss. It was the complete opposite. He was still consumed by the grief and pain that comes from losing a loved one, and not even the support and love of his family and friends could seem to break through it.

This made me love him almost instantly. That’s not to say I was a fan of what he went through, but I felt for him. His thoughts, actions, and the way he seemed to force himself to go through the motions, as tragic as it was to watch, was also equally as beautiful because it was real.

The urge to want to pull a character from a book in order to hug him has never been as powerful for me as it was with him.

But on the flip side, Heath wasn’t the only one that captured my heart and my attention. Maia did it too.

New to town and looking a whole lot like a vision of the past that Heath just couldn’t escape, she swept in and left behind one hell of an impression. On him, his family, her family and most of all this reader.

She was beautifully written. She wasn’t weak willed or in any way typical of other heroines that are quite often present in romance novels. She was uniquely herself. Supportive, sweet, loving and fun. And as it turns out, exactly what Heath needed, even though he tried to distance himself from that fact very early on.

I figured out the way things were going go here very early (or at the time I hoped I had), but just when I thought I had it all figured out, we’re taken down a road that I never saw coming, one that managed to make my heart soar and break at the same exact moment. But one that was written so beautifully it was hard not to walk away deeply affected once everything was said and done.

As much as this was a romance though, it was also about a whole lot more. Family. Love. Acceptance, Strength. You name it, it was present within the pages of this wonderful story. From Emily’s mother, to her grandfather (and the truly heartbreaking yet equally moving moment that takes place with him), to her troubled brother—a man haunted by the loss of his sister and dealing with it in the only way he can— and Heath’s family, you’re taken on this rollercoaster ride of feeling that never lets up.

I want to say so much about this story that I haven’t, but a lot of things I can say would give away crucial parts of the story that I do believe that in order to get the full effect of, you must experience yourself.

But I will say this. If I had thought Absolution was moving, life altering and heavy in terms of emotion, it pales in comparison to this one. It’s not a coincidence that Maia believes in magic, believes their situation and their inevitable love to be magical.

It’s because it really is. Start to finish. A magical journey of life, one filled with loss, changes (good and bad), growth, humor and happiness (a lot of it in the form of Heath’s brother Vinnie lol), but none of these more so than love and acceptance.

Whether you’re a romance fan, like me and you enjoy emotionally driven stories, or are just a fan of reading in general, I highly recommend this story. And it’s my hope that by the time you finish, that you’ve enjoyed it and taken away as much or more than I did from my time with it.

Just be sure when you do, you bring tissues ;)

Amanda, you have outdone yourself again. Thank you so much for the opportunity to read and review Heath and Maia's story. It was a true honor and pleasure.
Profile Image for Julie.
108 reviews7 followers
July 19, 2015
Wow! Just WOW........I don't give 5 stars away very often,but I feel this book deserves them.This was so not what I was expecting at all!!!!

I was in a serious book funk,so I picked this one up after reading a recommendation on-line and I was sucked right into the story.I didn't want to put it down.I should say that I was sucked into what I thought the story was.......a mystery for me to solve.I was a book PI,I was searching for clues,looking for them in every sentence....why were the other characters in the book,not seeing what I was seeing.........HELLO,wasn't it obvious what was going on people.......Nope,it wasn't obvious.Amanda Dick had hoodwinked me.

I loved the characters.....Loved Heath,his family,his friends

I loved Emily even though we didn't get to spend much time together.......or did we?Or did I love Maia?

I was so intrigued right from the prologue of this book because I was so sure that I was making my way into a dark tale of deception that I had to figure out,then I found myself just sitting back watching someone's day to day life,and how they dealt with loss.

By the end of the book,I was happy and excited for the characters future whether Maia was Emily or not.......I didn't even need to know.

Then clickety click lights were flashing and things were happening that I didn't see coming and still an not quite sure what did happen.Did I miss something?Whatever it was......I LOVED IT.

The ending pulled at my heart strings,and alas I had my light bulb moment where I found out where the book got its title.

Go......give this book a read.You won't be disappointed.You may even be able to shed some light on the ending for me a bit.

Profile Image for Philomena Callan Cheekypee.
3,976 reviews427 followers
July 14, 2015
This author has yet again overwhelmed me with her brilliant storytelling skills. I thought Absolution was her best but this book just blew me away.

I'm not gonna go into the storyline. I recommend you just jump right in and read. I will say you need to set aside enough time to read this in one sitting as its a gripping read.

I thought the author did a great job with this story. The characters came across as real and relatable. I found this to be an emotional well written story that gave me goosebumps while reading it.
Absolutely loved it.
Profile Image for Tara Horak.
15 reviews2 followers
November 23, 2015
“The Trouble With Paper Planes” was a book that once I started reading I honestly couldn’t put down.

I’ll confess that I am actually not that big a fan of the 1st person point of view when reading a book. So it surprised me that the fact it didn’t bother me with this book. It was written with such intensity with that small touch of well-placed humour that made me smile that I soon forgot about any reading preferences that I have.

I was captivated by being in Heath’s head, smiling at his thoughts and the situations he found himself and my heart aching (there might have even been a tear or two) for him time and time again. But the story wasn’t just rich with the main character. Through Heath I fell in love with the many different personalities. His family and chosen family. Each character, even the antagonizing ones had such stand out personalities without being overdone. It is something I have found Amanda excels at. She has once again manage to bring a range of characters to life, main and secondary characters. I cared about these people. Even Alex.

This book was perfectly pace and the raw emotion, the realness, the message … god … it was pure perfection. Absolute perfection. I highly recommend people get their hands on this book right now.
Profile Image for Jennie  Coull.
184 reviews14 followers
July 14, 2015
Wow, this book was just wow, a story about true love and loss that rivals all others. I was captivated from the first page of this, it starts off slow and builds into a wonderfully intense read.

While I am not a huge fan of insta love in books, this one was a little different, it wasn’t cheesy and cliché. it was raw and real and packed full of emotion, This is what I love about Amanda Dicks writing style she has such a feel of realness to her work that you can’t help but be sucked onto the world into witch she has woven.

This was a beautifully written, charterer driven, love story about a love that will transcend time and space, and enter the paranormal.


Side note: bring tissues, lots and lots of tssues
Profile Image for Bianca.
529 reviews62 followers
July 14, 2015
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Hours later as I write this review, I am still thinking about this story and it’s characters. HOURS later. It’s been awhile since I’ve truly felt a book like this. It consumed me. I was lost inside the pages and never left until the very last word. The Trouble With Paper Planes absolutely moved me.

“Perhaps the shared wonder at what we had stumbled across was part of the magic.”

It’s been five years since Emily has been missing. Heath has never been the same. His other half gone. Missing. His life? Empty. Every day is a struggle. He knows he should accept she isn’t coming back and move on, but a flicker of hope continues to live within him. When Maia shows up in town, she has an uncanny resemblance to Emily. But she isn’t Emily. The similarities cause him so much pain, but he is drawn to her.

You will question destiny. You will question fate. The underlying connection between Maia and Heath is deep. Maia is emotionally lost. And Heath makes her want to be found. Heath finds it easier to breathe with Maia in his life. And it goes further than the resemblance to Emily. Maia reminds him that there’s a difference between living and simply existing. The Trouble With Paper Planes is for the reader to experience and get lost in. Discussing the plot any further would do a disservice to the reader. You will LIVE this book.

“...but to hand someone the key to your happiness is the most courageous move you’ll ever make.”

I am not sure if words can truly describe Maia and Heath. Their feelings are on a level that some of us that have ever been in love would be even half lucky to experience.They are unlike any other couple you will ever meet. You feel their pain, their sense of loss, and the spark they ignite within each other. But their love? Their love transcends.

Can we talk about the WORDS? This story truly attests to the talent of the author and not only her writing style but her words. Her words are powerful. Inspiring. I was emotionally overwhelmed in the best way possible. The prologue grabbed me. The story mesmerized me. And the epilogue? I cried my heart out. Not because it was sad. Just the beauty in the ending. It reminded me just how connected I became to these characters and their heartbreaking yet beautiful story.

“I ached for her. My body, my heart, my soul- every part of me.”

If I could give The Trouble With Paper Planes a million stars, I would. This brilliant, thought provoking story is not predictable. You cannot go into it thinking you know exactly what is going to happen. This is not that kind of book. It easily shatters the mold. The author does not conform to the typical romance genre. She takes chances. Risks. And I commend her for doing so. Isn’t that what reading is about? Pushing us to think differently? This author does that and more. This story? It gave me LIFE.

“If forever lasts a hundred years, it’s not gonna be nearly enough.”

The Trouble With Paper Planes will challenge all your thoughts on love, destiny, and fate. This poignant story will leave an imprint on your heart. It will stay with me for a long time to come. So as I end this review, remember that love wins. Always. For love overcomes all things. Bears all things. And sometimes. Just sometimes. Love is magic.
Profile Image for Preet.
3,377 reviews232 followers
December 7, 2015
4.75 stars!

Amanda Dick truly has a way with words. The Trouble with Paper Planes is a fascinating story of true love, second chances, and the power of love. I really had no idea what I was getting into when I started reading this book. At first I thought it was about Heath moving on from the unresolved devastating loss he'd experienced, however I soon learned it was about so much more.

I don't really know how to describe this book. It's a story set in modern times so it's contemporary. It had elements of mystery because of Emily's unsolved disappearance, but it also has elements of romance with the introduction of Maia into Health's life. There are also other elements that are difficult to describe, which don't really come into play until the very end of the book. My initial reaction to reading the end of the book was confusion and disbelief, but I continued reading and soon it all made sense, especially when I read the epilogue and took some time to let what I'd read soak in.

Here's what I can tell you about the book. It's gripping and engaging. I know it sounds cliche to say I couldn't put it down, but it's the truth. I can't believe how quickly I read the book. I just had to know what was happening to Heath, Maia, Bridget, Henry, and the others. I wanted to find out what they all did..."What happened to Emily?". I really liked Heath. I understood why he wasn't really living but stagnating. I also understood why he was afraid to move on and do the things he'd promised Emily he'd do with her. I think I'd do the same if I was in his shoes. Even when statistics and numbers paint a bleak picture, there's always hope to bolster and remind you that there is still a chance the unlikely can happen.

I'm not a fan of insta-love, something Heath and Maia seemed to have. However, those two had such an intense reaction to each other, it was easy to see that there was something out of the ordinary between them. Even Heath and Maia commented at how at quickly they felt at ease with one another and how fast they'd seemed to fall in love. I loved seeing Heath with Bridget and Henry, who were Emily's mother and grandfather, and Vinnie and Jas, Heath's brother and sister-in-law. I also found Heath's interactions with Alex, Emily's brother to be very interesting. I loved how the book focused on relationships, especially those between family.

To tell you the truth, this book blew my mind in such a way, I'm really having difficulty finding the words to describe it. This is a romance, but it's not a true romance. It is however a true reflection of life and the twists it can take. It's also an accurate representation of how romance and love aren't a straight line and really beautifully described soul mates. Honestly, I would go into this book totally blind in order to have the best reading experience. And I strongly urge you read this book and experience Amanda Dick's brilliant story telling.
Profile Image for Beauté De Livres  (Vivian Freeman).
226 reviews23 followers
November 29, 2015
It has been at least twelve hours since I finished The Trouble with Paper Planes and the feelings conjured up by the book are still lingering. I thought I would let my feelings settle overnight and then maybe I would be able to write a review that covers the all consuming emotions brought about by this unique story.
I’ve found it to be extremely difficult to put into coherent sentences, a book that takes you on a journey so profound that the characters and story line infiltrate your every thought.

The Trouble with Paper Planes is not for everyone. It pushes boundaries, expectations and breathes air into the belief of soul mates and the depth and impact of your one true love. But if you can stretch your mind and immerse yourself into the unknown and the heartache of love and loss, this book is for you.

Heath Danes is traumatized and broken. Trudging through life after the disappearance of his girlfriend, he is certain he is destined to be alone and empty. It’s been five years and Heath is still so consumed by the love of his life.

‘I was a black hole, a star frozen at the point of collapse. I couldn’t go back, yet I couldn’t seem to move on, either.’

Then comes Maia. Breezing into town like a breath of fresh air. With no past and swirling in mystery, she shows Heath that their lives, actions, decisions and future are so much bigger then just she and he.

With a heavy presence, of themes such as fate and destiny, Amanda Dick writes a heartbreakingly powerful piece. Using her amazing ability to keep readers hooked; her writing, her words and the flow of this story is a true testament to the remarkable author Amanda Dick is.

The connection between Heath and Maia is so potent and through Amanda Dick’s descriptions and effective dialogue their relationship is played out with such precision and delicacy. Heath and Maia are extremely influential as main characters, their presence in is significant to every secondary character and the minor sub stories that emerge. Which in turn solidifies the importance of every character in the unfolding events of this hauntingly beautiful love story.

For all those dedicated to true love, soul mates and the true existence of your other half, The Trouble with Paper Planes will encouragement that love will prevail – ALWAYS.
Profile Image for Abby O’Shea.
263 reviews59 followers
July 14, 2015
5 AMAZING STARS

Anything I say about this book will be inadequate. The writing is superb. Amanda Dick's writing style is like watching the story unfold in front of you, in bright, living color. Her characters have always suffered something tragic, which often makes you able to connect with them on a much deeper level. Their pain is tangible. I could FEEL EVERYTHING throughout this entire book. I felt pain, despair, grief, heartache, happiness, hope, peace, and everything in between. It took a while after I finished, for my heart to slow down, until I was able to collect my thoughts. And I'm still not entirely there. Essentially, this book is beautiful. It's unconventional. It's a powerful love story. And it's comforting. I don't want to say ANYTHING about the plot, because you must experience it ALL. But, I highly recommend this book! And once you read it, message me so we can talk about it :)
www.facebook.com/NYMRomance
Profile Image for Elizabeth Cash.
Author 25 books95 followers
June 24, 2016
I am SPEECHLESS!! And that says a lot because I am a total blabber mouth who doesn't shut up. This book was absolutely beautiful. It left me sitting there with an ache in my heart and a smile in my face. Amanda Dick did an exceptional job describing how love can leave you heartbroken and whole. I love love loved this book. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go find a tissue box!!
Profile Image for Sue Ann.
475 reviews39 followers
October 2, 2016
Five stars

Beautiful, emotional, and moving The Trouble with Paper Planes was another great read from Amanda Dick. I recently discovered this author and have fallen in love with her writing style. This book was unique and beautifully written with an ending that left me speechless and deeply moved.
Profile Image for Stacia.
1,223 reviews
July 22, 2015
2.5 Stars

I really had high hopes for this book. The story started out mysterious and the prologue grabbed me right away. But, then it was really slow at parts and the last 10% was just SO out of left field. I honestly don't even know what to say about it.
Profile Image for Judy Nickless.
222 reviews1 follower
October 23, 2016
I have held onto this book to read while I was away as I know I will love any of Amanda's books.
This one certainly didn't disappoint as I raced through to find out the ending.
The characters were easy to slip into their lives and everyone needs a Henry !!
Great work yet again Amanda and look forward to your next release !
PS. Hurry up as I want to go away soon ...haha xx
Profile Image for Janell Wheeler.
954 reviews11 followers
November 28, 2017
Trying to rate this book was a little difficult for me. As was trying to determine what shelves to put this on. I enjoyed this book, but one chapter at the very end threw me for a loop and I'm still not quite sure how I feel about it. Overall I absolutely loved the book, it was a very enjoyable book. It read really easily, I was constantly captured by the characters and the events as they were unfolding. I felt myself growing very attached to the characters and I really like the way this book was going. That one chapter, it is not a bad chapter it just surprised me. The epilogue in this book was fantastic. I really liked where it went, and what it explained, and to me it was a wonderful ending to this book. Don't get me wrong, I really did like this book. To me it was a wonderful Second Chance novel and I felt like I got the closure I needed to make this a really good book. Go into this book with an open mind, and you will find a fantastic story with wonderful characters that was well written. I liked it I hope you enjoy it too.
Profile Image for Brittany's Book Blog.
58 reviews2 followers
July 19, 2015
This is the second book of Amanda Dick’s that I have had the privilege of reviewing. It is unlike anything I have ever read before and I am still now trying to process this amazing book.

The Trouble With Paper Planes focuses on the issues of loss, love, family and brokenness – how the loss of a loved one can affect you in so many different ways without you even realizing it. How loss can in effect pause your life and even though you are breathing and moving through the day, you are not truly living.
This book tells the story of Heath Danes – he is the epitome of the surfer boy. He has always been the shy and quiet one, but when he meets the love of his life things change. They complement one another and bring out the best and happiest in each other. However, one fateful night everything changes – for the worse. The result of this tragedy has altered the course of Heath’s life in the most gut wrenching way.
Until he meets a stranger named Maia – her sudden arrival in the quaint seaside town turns his life upside down, but in the best possible way. Heath starts living again, rebuilding himself and reconnecting with life in ways that he never dreamed possible.
This book floored me in the best possible way – as I began reading it, I felt that I had it absolutely figured out and I had predicted the end, but of course Amanda Dick, would never make anything quite that simple and she completely turned my theory on its head.
This book is completely unexpected and filled with so much heartache that it almost feels as if it is your heart that is breaking as you turn the pages. I became completely submersed in this book and these characters began to feel like people that I know. That is one of the magical things about Amanda’s writing, she creates a reality in the fantasy. She writes about real things in the most sublime way.
I loved that this book was told mostly from Heath’s point of view – and I grew to absolutely love him. He is definitely a tortured soul filled with guilt and grief, and I loved to read about the inner workings of his turmoil. His pain and heart break is so palpable, that you almost wish you could climb through your Kindle and hug him. I love that we get to experience every facet of his grief and loss – it really is as though you are the one experiencing the most painful thing in life imaginable.
I also loved the relationship that Heath and Vinnie share, I love how Vinnie loves his brother and is the goof ball of the family – always trying to lighten the mood and get his baby brother to feel again. It is definitely one of the most beautiful aspects of the book – Amanda Dick is a magician of words and I promise you that the relationship she creates between these two brothers is beyond anything you have read before.
I was initially confused and intrigued by the character of Maia, she is so much like Emily – but yet so different. This character was definitely created to keep us guessing and she did just that. I can’t say too much because I don’t want to give too much of the story away, but I loved that this character was there to keep us guessing and making us wonder where we were being led throughout this book.

The characters within this book are all so intertwined and so brilliantly written – I honestly feel like I have lived inside this book – and am coming out on the other side with new friends. I loved the closeness they all shared and I loved that they were all one big and somewhat dysfunctional – as with every family.
Amanda Dick has outdone herself with The Trouble With Paper Planes – this is a book that will make you giggle while you have tears coursing down your face. It is completely unexpected, fresh and I loved every last word. This amazing book gets 5 brilliant stars from me. I am an Amanda Dick addict, this book yet again proves exactly why she is such a beloved author.
Profile Image for Celine.
74 reviews1 follower
July 13, 2020
2.5 stars..Everything was fine until the remaining 10%.

Why was there suddenly a blue light? What happened to Maia? Why was Emily’s body found somewhere? Was Maia just a figment of imagination?

Would greatly appreciate if someone could enlighten me😅 Coz I’m definitely lost right now...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
315 reviews
July 23, 2015
*Review copy received from the author for an honest review*

4.5 “I’m not going anywhere” Stars!

To start, I am going to say that I did what I usually don’t do. I actually read a few reviews before starting this story. I know!!! I never read reviews….even though I write them. LOL!! And thank goodness those reviews didn’t ruin the story for me. Although, this story was nothing like I expected. I expected crying….I expected anxiety…and I expected happiness. But, I always expect happiness at the end of a story, right?!? Don’t you?!? And don’t get me wrong, there is happiness, just not how I expected.

“You can’t spend the rest of your life in limbo, dude. You need to let her go.”

So, do I have you intrigued?!? I hope so, this is a very good read. Heath and Emily’s story is one of a kind. Or at least not something I have read recently. As I said before, I was expecting to have to break out the tissues for this one, but I didn’t. Not even a hint of a tear. Is there something wrong with me?? Because the love between these two is true love and I felt like a weirdo for not getting all emotional over them and all the other awesome characters. I enjoyed every single character in this story!! And the kicker for me, is this story is mostly told from the male POV!! Oh, how I love the male POV of any book!! But to be in Heath’s head was a plus plus. Heath is an old soul with a great heart, and that made this story even more special for me :)

“You need to live your best life now, before it’s too late. You don’t get a second chance at this.”

This is not my first book by this author and I appreciated her writing just as much this time as I did the first. The story flows smoothly and with how smooth it flowed, it made me feel like it ended before I was ready. To tell you the truth, I had to go back and read the ending a second time. I honestly had a WTF just happened moment!! I think I was too caught up in the story to understand every detail. Or maybe I was tired ;) But I read it again to make sure I truly understood it, and didn’t miss anything.

“I was a black hole, a star frozen at the point of collapse. I couldn’t go back, yet I couldn’t seem to move on, either.”

Sometimes stories and their characters just grab me and hang on to me, and this one did. I want to know so much more about all the characters of this story, and I have thought about how to write this review for the last 24 hours. Sometimes I feel like my reviews don’t always do the stories justice, but at least you all can see that I was surprised by and also enjoyed this story enough to recommend you all give it a go :)Happy Reading!!
Profile Image for Hayley Thinnesen ✩.
72 reviews
November 29, 2015
The Trouble with Paper Planes
My review.

Wow. Just wow. I absolutely adored this book. I'm just saddened I have only just found out about it now!! This is also my first novel from this author, but after reading this book I have #1Clicked her other works too. It's that good!!

Ok so what's it all about?? True love of course and it was an absolute pleasure to read.

It was the title of the book which initially caught my interest. I had seen or read something earlier in the day that also referred to paper planes, so I felt it was fate that this book should come to my attention.
I was also drawn in by the synopsis. A missing girl, a mysterious girl, determined souls, destiny and loopholes, my interest was certainly piqued.

So the main character is Heath and he was such a sweetheart. Sigh! Along with all of the other characters, who were woven into the story effortlessly. The people, places and events that unfold were very believable and I found I just couldn't put this book down. The writing flowed well and I found I was submerged into a wonderful time and place. As its set in New Zealand, the language used is very similar to my own (being from the UK) so it was totally refreshing to be reading phrases I would say myself. Also some of the scenery described reminded me of Cornwall, a coastal town in the uk that I have visited, so I felt I could really connect to it this way too.

It's a beautiful read chock full of true love, loss, mystery, romance, heartache, soul mates and destiny.

So the ending!!!! It was totally not what I was expecting. At. All!! And at one point I was thinking up all kinds of ending scenarios. The ending pushed the boundaries of convention and I loved this book all the more for it. I admit I sobbed through the final 10% so you may want tissues at the ready. The ending is both desperately and devastatingly sad, but also comforting in its revelations. I also believe it to be a beautiful happy ever after too.

In conclusion, if you love and believe in true love, fate, destiny and happy ever afters, then this book is for you.

So yeah, it's an epic 5+ stars from me.

I received an arc for my honest review.
Hayley @ReadLoveRepeat
Profile Image for Klaire.
472 reviews4 followers
December 7, 2015
Complimentary copy given in exchange for an honest review for Klaire’s Kollection

“It should never be underestimated, the power of love.”

This was sitting at a solid 4 star read for me right up until about the last 20%. I don’t know how to rate this now to be honest. The ending kind of put me in a tail spin if I’m being honest. It’s true what other reviewers are saying – you’ll either like it or not. Me personally? I still don’t know. Breaking it down in terms of a plot line I don’t think it quite fit despite how beautiful it was. I think that’s where my confusion lies.

Putting that ending aside for now, Amanda Dick delivered a pretty profoundly beautiful piece of work. Perfectly placed injections of humour to keep the reading drowning in despair, these were gratefully received as this book is angsty and overwhelming at times. It’s a true heart tugger. I felt a lot of emotion throughout this book, which in itself is a marvel as I struggle to connect with many books. You give me a tear or two and you’re there!

I think the story was beautifully developed, along with some truly wonderful characters that really just sucked me in. I really loved the dual pov here, it gave a real insight into how these two characters, Heath and Mia were struggling to hold their heads above water. Sometimes they just about managed it. What they find in each other is that ability to move on. I felt a little bit confused as to why Heath felt he was always the awkward one and could have done with a better explanation of this. A myriad of fantastic characters contribute to the story in a really great way.

Back to that ending, because honestly I’m still struggling to fit it into the rest of the book. It felt so off the mark. I think based on how much I did enjoy this book that I have to keep my rating at the 4. I loved the style of writing presented, how detailed it was and I had wanted to read this for quite a while now. I’m glad I did despite the ending. Will definitely be reading more of this author.
Profile Image for Christi.
263 reviews1 follower
November 29, 2015
Heath and Emily were soulmates and one night five years ago she disappeared without a trace. The Trouble with Paper Planes starts off five years later right before Emily’s birthday. Heath has not been able to move on. Grief still grips him. He feels guilt and hope that she may one day show up.

When almost the spitting image of Em shows up Heath could barely function around her. There were so many similarities between Maia and Emily, but there were differences too. The hair and eyes were different as was the confident woman that Emily was. She was so familiar that it was hard for him to be around her but the more time Heath spent with her he changed from the grief-stricken boyfriend. Heath was finding happiness again and the ache that had lived within his chest for the last five years was slowly receding.

Heath opened up to her about things he’d never talked to with anyone else, but Maia was quick to shy away from giving any answers on her past. It didn’t take long for Heath to earn her trust only to learn that Maia couldn’t answer the questions that he’d been burning to ask her. She’d been in an accident and woke to no memory.

Throughout the whole book, I was hoping that Maia was Emily. My hopes would be soaring and then Heath would find something that could prove that she might not be Emily. I was kept wondering until almost the very end. I’m still trying to wrap my head around the ending and what happened. It definitely wasn’t what I expected.

I love when an author can surprise me and Amanda Dick did a great job. This is my first book by this author and I enjoyed her writing style. I had not idea what to expect from this book after reading the synopsis. This is definitely a book that you need to keep your mind open to possibilities and believe in love, fate, destiny and soulmates.

** I was provided an arc for a fair and honest review. *
Profile Image for Vickie.
328 reviews14 followers
July 16, 2017
The Trouble with Paper Planes is a beautifully written, deeply moving and unforgettable story that literally pulled at my heartstrings, even now weeks after I have read it I can't stop thinking about it. It's taken me quite a while to think of the words needed to convey the emotional connection to the story I felt without divulging the plot as this is one of those stories that I feel you really need to go in to blind with no preconceived ideas to fully experience the journey the author takes you on.

I felt instantly connected to the characters especially Heath as the book is primarily told through his POV. It focuses on the day to day struggles he faces and the conflicting feelings he feels since the disappearance of Emily, the love of his life 5 years ago. He struggles with grief and loneliness and that someday he may have to face up to the realisation that Emily may never return, but until that day happens he refuses to give up hope that she is alive and will return to him one day.

"I was a black hole,a star frozen at the point of collapse. I couldn't go back, yet I couldn't seem to move on, either."

When a girl named Maia turns up looking for work at Emily's Mum's cafe, Heath is stunned and shocked at the uncanny resemblance to Emily Maia has, but at the same time can't help feeling an instant, intense connection to her.

"We make sense, somehow. I don't know how, but we do"

The book consumed me from start to finish, I was so deeply moved by it that I can't recommend it enough. Warning though you most definitely will need some tissues handy.

This was the first book I have read by Amanda Dick and I can't wait to read her other books because if this book is anything to go by then I'm in for a treat.

** Arc received in exchange for an honest review courtesy of Words Turn Me On Book Blog **

115 reviews10 followers
December 2, 2015
Right off, I'm going to tell you that I read this book in one day. I could not put it down, even when my family was feeling unloved and near starving. They just had to wait until I got to a stopping place.

Heath's story of love and loss was so poignant and understandable. He'd lost the love of his life, literally. His Em simply disappeared without a trace. Going through the motions was what Heath did best, and he was somewhat comfortable with how those motions worked. He was never going to love again, until he did. He wasn't prepared for the way Maia threw his motions out of sync with her alarming physical similarities to Emily. He certainly wasn't prepared for the feelings that Maia stirred in him. Did he feel this way because Maia was Maia, or because she looked exactly like Emily?

As I read this book, one thought kept running through my mind. How do you move on without closure? When Emily disappeared, no body was found. How do you mourn the loss of someone you love when there is still the chance that they are out there, somewhere? Do you find yourself holding back so that the other isn't left behind? This thought has stayed with me for days now.

Amanda Dick writes a great story with completely relatable characters that stir compassion, frustration, grief and hope in the reader. My investment in the story was total. I knew how I wanted the story to end. I needed it to end the way I wanted it to. Then, I was thrown a HUGE curveball that left me surprised, confused and dissatisfied. That wasn't supposed to happen!!!! Despite all of that, I can respect and admire the author for going there and giving us another way to have closure.

ARC provided by author for honest review.
Profile Image for Erin McFarland.
380 reviews29 followers
December 9, 2015
When you read this book, please do so with an open mind. Don't go in with any preconceived notions about what you THINK it should be about, or how it should unfold, just go with it. Trust me.

This is a story about love, loss and moving on. When Heath lost the love of his life, he didn't think he could ever move on. He searched endlessly for her, taking the anger from her brother. Leaning on her mother. Just existing for himself. Then Maia showed up and blew him away. She could have been Emily's twin. Heath thought he could have a shot at happiness again. The pull to Maia was something so strong, he could not ignore it. I couldn't believe that the story took place in only ten days. That just goes to show you that love doesn't have to take it's time.

The overwhelming feelings I had throughout this book were overwhelming loss and tentative hope. And not just Heath's loss. Emily's disappearance affected everyone. I adored her mother. She was such a strong selfless woman. I felt for her brother, even when he was at his lowest. Grief can change a person. His struggle to cope with the loss of his sister and the guilt he was feeling was almost too much to bear. Amanda Dick did a wonderful job at making the reader feel exactly what the characters were feeling. You feel Heath's pain, his hope of finding love again, Alex's despair over losing his sister and even Heath's brother, who made it his job to make sure Heath kept on living.

This book will make you believe. It will give you hope. It will bring you to tears. Especially the ending. It was beautiful.
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