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Beyond the Rising Tide
Kai met Avery only once--in the moment he died saving her life. Now when he's not using his new healing powers to help people, he watches helplessly as Avery's life is unraveled by his death. To help her, he risks everything by breaking the rules, dangerously blurring the barriers between life and death.
304 pages, Paperback
Published June 14, 2016
8 people are currently reading
1258 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Beard
5 books144 followersSarah Beard is the author of YA novels PORCELAIN KEYS and BEYOND THE RISING TIDE. She earned a degree in communication from the University of Utah and an MFA in creative writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts. You can follow Sarah at instagram.com/authorsarahbeard. Her website is www.authorsarahbeard.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
January 1, 2018
Lovely!!! What a great, unexpected good read!!! Wonderful love story, this book kind of reminded me of the movie “City Of Angels” but ever more endearing and with teenagers. Lol
June 15, 2016
This is a great teenage love story with a lot of angst. There are many moments overflowing with emotion and some great, thought-provoking quotes. I honestly can't even imagine going through what Avery and Kai do--not only does it blow my mind, but it breaks my heart.
The only time Avery and Kai met is when he jumps into the ocean to save her--and gives is life for her. She can't get over the fact that someone, a stranger, died for her, and when he has the chance to help her, he takes it, even though it means stealing. Their growing love for each other is obviously doomed before it begins, but I stop hoping for them to find a way to figure it out.
Although there is a darker, sad undertone, I still felt many different emotions throughout these pages and didn't find it overly depressing. The imagery of the setting (a beach in California), as well as the vivid descriptions of the characters, anchored this story deep into my heart. I love the growth and obstacles these two have to overcome. I seriously can't stop thinking about this book! Ms. Beard is a fantastic writer, one who really plays on a reader's emotions. Well done!
Content: mild romance (kissing); mild violence (mostly vague talk of abuse/neglect/suicide attempts/death). Clean.
*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*
The only time Avery and Kai met is when he jumps into the ocean to save her--and gives is life for her. She can't get over the fact that someone, a stranger, died for her, and when he has the chance to help her, he takes it, even though it means stealing. Their growing love for each other is obviously doomed before it begins, but I stop hoping for them to find a way to figure it out.
Although there is a darker, sad undertone, I still felt many different emotions throughout these pages and didn't find it overly depressing. The imagery of the setting (a beach in California), as well as the vivid descriptions of the characters, anchored this story deep into my heart. I love the growth and obstacles these two have to overcome. I seriously can't stop thinking about this book! Ms. Beard is a fantastic writer, one who really plays on a reader's emotions. Well done!
Content: mild romance (kissing); mild violence (mostly vague talk of abuse/neglect/suicide attempts/death). Clean.
*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*
February 7, 2017
Wow. Just, wow. Beyond the Rising Tide has everything I love in a YA novel- strong emotions, vulnerable characters, and a creative setting. The paranormal aspects of Kai's existence outside of mortality are fascinating and well-depicted. They don't dominate the story but provide support for an imaginative plot. Avery's grief and depression are easy to relate to, and her struggles are compounded by a thoughtless ex-boyfriend and bipolar mother. I appreciated the levels of complexity in the dynamics of Avery's relationships with her family. As more was revealed I was drawn deeper into the story and really felt for everyone involved. Kai's determination to help Avery, even without much of a game plan, made me admire his faith that he can make a difference. Even though the timeline of their relationship is brief, the development of their friendship and focus on being there for each other gives their stronger feelings a foundation of trust and support. While Avery's healing process is beautiful, it was the moments where Kai's recognition of his new feelings of peace and being loved pierced his heart that I was brought to tears. There is an overall sense of desperation as there doesn't seem to be any way for them to be together, but of course I always hold out hope for a happy ending ;) I loved this amazing journey and highly recommend it!
(Thank you to the author and Cedar Fort Publishing for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)
(Thank you to the author and Cedar Fort Publishing for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)
February 25, 2016
I am so pleased to be the first to read and review this novel. And not only because it’s super fun to be first, but because I love, love, loved this story.
Expertly written with vivid imagery, Sarah Beard’s writing elicits a range of emotions that took me from goose bumps to laughter to tears. The love story between Avery and Kai had that wonderfully forbidden, Twilight-esque, no-way-can-this-end-well brand of romantic tension. Only in this story the heroine isn’t annoyingly whiny and flakey and all “I can’t even decide who I love.” And the hero isn’t a blood-sucking member of the undead. Instead, Avery is independent and decisive and knows her own mind. And though he is dead, Kai is a survivor who doesn’t allow his troubled past to define who he is, or was, as the case may be, and uses his immortality to save rather than kill.
I also love the way Beard shows the push and pull between light and darkness, condemnation and redemption, and how it’s never too late to make the right choice, to change the path we’re treading. In addition, I appreciate the seamless way she weaves this life with the next, and her description of where the soul goes after death brought a whole knew meaning to my perception of an eternal existence.
This novel is perfect for readers who love a modern story with literary value. One that is brimming with true love, and the perfect mix of well-executed plot sprinkled with subtle meaning that will have them re-reading passages simply because they are too beautifully written to experience just once.
Expertly written with vivid imagery, Sarah Beard’s writing elicits a range of emotions that took me from goose bumps to laughter to tears. The love story between Avery and Kai had that wonderfully forbidden, Twilight-esque, no-way-can-this-end-well brand of romantic tension. Only in this story the heroine isn’t annoyingly whiny and flakey and all “I can’t even decide who I love.” And the hero isn’t a blood-sucking member of the undead. Instead, Avery is independent and decisive and knows her own mind. And though he is dead, Kai is a survivor who doesn’t allow his troubled past to define who he is, or was, as the case may be, and uses his immortality to save rather than kill.
I also love the way Beard shows the push and pull between light and darkness, condemnation and redemption, and how it’s never too late to make the right choice, to change the path we’re treading. In addition, I appreciate the seamless way she weaves this life with the next, and her description of where the soul goes after death brought a whole knew meaning to my perception of an eternal existence.
This novel is perfect for readers who love a modern story with literary value. One that is brimming with true love, and the perfect mix of well-executed plot sprinkled with subtle meaning that will have them re-reading passages simply because they are too beautifully written to experience just once.
June 20, 2016
It's hard to try to describe the emotions of this book in a review. It is beautifully written and follows the story of two teenagers who are hurting. The book is fictional, but the issues that the two are dealing with are real. The circumstances of their introduction to each other was tragic and leads to this story that is full of healing and selflessness.
Kai died six months earlier when he saved Avery's life. He has watched her and the struggle that she has to live her life. More than anything he wants to heal her and give her a reason to live a happy life. Avery has felt guilt and pain. She has stopped doing the activities that she loves and feels that she has no reason to be happy when a boy died to save her.
One thing that impressed me about this story is that Sarah Beard didn't sugar coat the issues the teens were facing or their emotional reaction to them. The underlying message of this book is one of hope. It also is a book about service. Doing things for others can help a person to heal. Sometimes life may seem bleak, but it can get better. This is a lesson learned by some of the adults in the story too.
The book has some delicate issues. Physical abuse, drug abuse, and suicide are included in this book. I would feel comfortable letting my kids read this story.
Kai died six months earlier when he saved Avery's life. He has watched her and the struggle that she has to live her life. More than anything he wants to heal her and give her a reason to live a happy life. Avery has felt guilt and pain. She has stopped doing the activities that she loves and feels that she has no reason to be happy when a boy died to save her.
One thing that impressed me about this story is that Sarah Beard didn't sugar coat the issues the teens were facing or their emotional reaction to them. The underlying message of this book is one of hope. It also is a book about service. Doing things for others can help a person to heal. Sometimes life may seem bleak, but it can get better. This is a lesson learned by some of the adults in the story too.
The book has some delicate issues. Physical abuse, drug abuse, and suicide are included in this book. I would feel comfortable letting my kids read this story.
June 14, 2016
Sarah Beard has written a beautiful and intriguing story that readers are not going to want to miss. The expression of emotions from Sarah’s characters are brought life in this expressive and captivating story. The love story is a bit complicated in that, Kai died the day he saved Avery. Now he works from the other side working on missions to save people has been assigned to. But Kai is intrigued with Avery and her struggles after her near death experience in the waves and wants to help her. Avery has always been a fighter, and although she struggles, she also fights. This story brings to life raw emotions of pain, guilt, sorrow, and feeling lost and the power to overcome the struggles. The story and characters will capture the heart of readers. I would recommend this story for readers that enjoy contemporary young adult books, as well as novels written from various viewpoints.
Genre: contemporary, young adult
Publisher: Sweetwater Books
Publication date: June 14, 2016
Number of pages: 304
Category: Junior High+
Content Rating: PG, brief violence
Book Rating: 5 stars
A review copy of this novel was provided by Cedar Fort.
Genre: contemporary, young adult
Publisher: Sweetwater Books
Publication date: June 14, 2016
Number of pages: 304
Category: Junior High+
Content Rating: PG, brief violence
Book Rating: 5 stars
A review copy of this novel was provided by Cedar Fort.
July 14, 2016
WOW! This book is amazing! I loved the author's first book, Porcelain Keys, so I was excited to get my hands on this one and it did not disappoint!
Avery's life has drastically changed since the night she almost drowned and was saved by a boy who wound up drowning himself. Her boyfriend can't handle what she's going through so he's giving her space. Although she's not sure how cozy he's actually becoming with some of the students he's teaching how to surf.
Kai is the boy who drowned saving Avery. He's moved on to the other side and is able to help others. He wants to help Avery move on in life and is able to find a way to do that. He breaks the rules to do it, but that's the kind of guy he is. He meets Avery and wants to help her find her way back to her old life and boyfriend, but as their friendship deepens, he doesn't want to leave. I absolutely fell in love with Kai! He comes from a rough background and his family situation is sad. He made some poor choices and his life was tough. I really wished life had turned out differently for him. I loved him and Avery together but their relationship was doomed from the beginning. I couldn't figure out how this story would end.
This book deals with some serious issues, but never feels heavy. It alternates between Avery's and Kai's points of view so we get to know each of them better and there is definite growth as the story progresses. I couldn't read it fast enough but never wanted it to end. I'm already looking forward to this author's next story!
I received a copy from the publisher for an honest review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Mel's Shelves
Avery's life has drastically changed since the night she almost drowned and was saved by a boy who wound up drowning himself. Her boyfriend can't handle what she's going through so he's giving her space. Although she's not sure how cozy he's actually becoming with some of the students he's teaching how to surf.
Kai is the boy who drowned saving Avery. He's moved on to the other side and is able to help others. He wants to help Avery move on in life and is able to find a way to do that. He breaks the rules to do it, but that's the kind of guy he is. He meets Avery and wants to help her find her way back to her old life and boyfriend, but as their friendship deepens, he doesn't want to leave. I absolutely fell in love with Kai! He comes from a rough background and his family situation is sad. He made some poor choices and his life was tough. I really wished life had turned out differently for him. I loved him and Avery together but their relationship was doomed from the beginning. I couldn't figure out how this story would end.
This book deals with some serious issues, but never feels heavy. It alternates between Avery's and Kai's points of view so we get to know each of them better and there is definite growth as the story progresses. I couldn't read it fast enough but never wanted it to end. I'm already looking forward to this author's next story!
I received a copy from the publisher for an honest review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Mel's Shelves
June 24, 2016
I am in love with this book. Could I tell you anything better than that? I doubt it, but here's my attempt to explain why I love it.
This is not what I would classify as your typical YA romance. The story felt meaty- full of depth and emotion that I could just sink my soul into. There was nothing light or surface to this book. I really loved that. As the book went on and more of the story unfolded, I felt like I was really getting to know the characters. They became real to me. I was invested completely and I had a hard time putting the book down.
I wasn't sure how this story would resolve. I thought I knew, then I didn't. Then I did, then I didn't. :) It was awesome. There were moments of brilliant writing and imagery. They made my reader heart happy.
Here is one of my favorite quotes from the book:
"Avery haunts me. I smell her scent even when she's not beside me. I hear her voice echoing inside my head long after she's gone. And when I'm not looking, she moves things around inside the chambers of my still heart."
This is a book I'm sure my teenage daughters will love. I can easily pass this book off to them with no hesitation. This book is clean (no swearing, profanity or sexual situations).
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
This is not what I would classify as your typical YA romance. The story felt meaty- full of depth and emotion that I could just sink my soul into. There was nothing light or surface to this book. I really loved that. As the book went on and more of the story unfolded, I felt like I was really getting to know the characters. They became real to me. I was invested completely and I had a hard time putting the book down.
I wasn't sure how this story would resolve. I thought I knew, then I didn't. Then I did, then I didn't. :) It was awesome. There were moments of brilliant writing and imagery. They made my reader heart happy.
Here is one of my favorite quotes from the book:
"Avery haunts me. I smell her scent even when she's not beside me. I hear her voice echoing inside my head long after she's gone. And when I'm not looking, she moves things around inside the chambers of my still heart."
This is a book I'm sure my teenage daughters will love. I can easily pass this book off to them with no hesitation. This book is clean (no swearing, profanity or sexual situations).
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
March 5, 2016
In an uncertain world where choices between light and dark aren’t as clear as they seem, Kai risks everything to save the girl who he already died to save once. Beyond the Rising Tide is a beautifully written story of love, hope, and redemption.
Avery is a strong young woman who fights to overcome the tragedy that saved her life, but took the life of a stranger. Kai is a courageous young man who hasn’t let a heartrending life change the core of who he is, in spite of a few stumbles along the way. Choosing between right and wrong has never been so unclear, with a price so high.
Beard creates a marvelous story of two people who come together in an explosion of fate. Once again, Beard’s superb writing and fantastically descriptive imagery pull the reader along on a wave of emotion and satisfaction. I couldn’t help but feel that I was right by their sides as Kai and Avery rise and fall with the tide of life. These two beautifully drawn characters will captivate your heart.
Avery is a strong young woman who fights to overcome the tragedy that saved her life, but took the life of a stranger. Kai is a courageous young man who hasn’t let a heartrending life change the core of who he is, in spite of a few stumbles along the way. Choosing between right and wrong has never been so unclear, with a price so high.
Beard creates a marvelous story of two people who come together in an explosion of fate. Once again, Beard’s superb writing and fantastically descriptive imagery pull the reader along on a wave of emotion and satisfaction. I couldn’t help but feel that I was right by their sides as Kai and Avery rise and fall with the tide of life. These two beautifully drawn characters will captivate your heart.
December 27, 2017
Beyond the Rising Tide was amazing. It perfectly captured more emotions than I knew existed, and made me feel every single one of them. It's the kind of book that I want to pick up and read again because I'm not ready for it to be over.
I love how honest the book is. I love how it captures the feeling of being hurt, guilty, vulnerable, lost, and scared without being melodramatic. I love how real everything feels, like it all actually happened and this is a true story.
Beyond the Rising Tide is beautiful and heartbreaking and heart mending and everything in between. It is everything a YA book should be and wants to be. I definitely recommend this book to everyone looking for a read that leaves you feeling all warm and fuzzy on the inside.
I love how honest the book is. I love how it captures the feeling of being hurt, guilty, vulnerable, lost, and scared without being melodramatic. I love how real everything feels, like it all actually happened and this is a true story.
Beyond the Rising Tide is beautiful and heartbreaking and heart mending and everything in between. It is everything a YA book should be and wants to be. I definitely recommend this book to everyone looking for a read that leaves you feeling all warm and fuzzy on the inside.
May 27, 2016
This was a phenomenal book. The concept was well crafted and created a plausible world within the realm of the real and the beyond. Rules were created and used and played with as the characters struggled to be together. Kai was a strong character with a painful past and an impossible situation. Avery was dealing with her own pain and difficult situations. Their story plays together well with the violent emotions only teenagers can have, and yet you get pulled in to hoping they can find some way to possibly be together. Pain and love, peace and confusion work together to create a strong story and suck you into the very page. The romance was wonderful and the characters had great chemistry. Overall a well crafted story and one I would highly recommend.
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January 1, 2018
I loved this book! It was sweet, cute, fun, creative and touching. Made me feel like I was at the beach, wind in my hair, sand in my toes. Heard the guitar and tasted the chocolate. It's one of those you experience while reading. Great book!
May 20, 2017
Full disclosure: I received this novel through a First Reads Goodreads giveaway, but that in no way affected this review.
4.5 stars...this YA romance is not a run-of-the-mill romance, but it is one that is full of angst and spirituality. Told from the alternative perspectives of the two main characters, Avery and Kai, the story tells of their first meeting when Kai saves Avery from drowning with his death as a result.
Now, a healer in Demoror, he observes Avery's continuing difficulty with his death, and he wants to help her to rediscover her sense of self and vivacious life. Always a rebellious soul, Kai breaks the rule and finds a way to have a body and they meet for real and form a deep relationship.
Avery and Kai have a few days together, but will it be enough? Can Kai save Avery without losing her forever? Will they ever be together again? Is it possible to be dangerously happy?
It's a refreshingly clean teenage romance with deeper issues at its core, and a surprise ending.
A few mild WTT trends...hair tucking, green eyes (okay blue-green eyes). Well edited, too, with few typos...except for the use of repel for the word rappel.
4.5 stars...this YA romance is not a run-of-the-mill romance, but it is one that is full of angst and spirituality. Told from the alternative perspectives of the two main characters, Avery and Kai, the story tells of their first meeting when Kai saves Avery from drowning with his death as a result.
Now, a healer in Demoror, he observes Avery's continuing difficulty with his death, and he wants to help her to rediscover her sense of self and vivacious life. Always a rebellious soul, Kai breaks the rule and finds a way to have a body and they meet for real and form a deep relationship.
Avery and Kai have a few days together, but will it be enough? Can Kai save Avery without losing her forever? Will they ever be together again? Is it possible to be dangerously happy?
It's a refreshingly clean teenage romance with deeper issues at its core, and a surprise ending.
A few mild WTT trends...hair tucking, green eyes (okay blue-green eyes). Well edited, too, with few typos...except for the use of repel for the word rappel.
February 28, 2019
This took me DAYS to finish. It was sooooo slow.
June 14, 2016
Beth's Review
There truly is nothing better than when you pick up a book and absolutely fall in love with it when you least expect it. Well Beyond the Rising Tide did just exactly that. This book was definitely not my normal read, one with it being YA but second with it have the “afterlife” twist to it. This book really took me out of my comfortable reading bubble but it truly WOW’d me. It was absolutely a phenomenal read that sucked me in from the moment I started and took me on such an amazing emotional roller coaster with so many twists and turns I didn’t expect.
Avery Ambrose was always an adventurous person, but that all changed one fateful night when a stranger saved her. But in him saving her, he ended up losing his own in doing so. Avery is now only a shell of the person she once was and doesn’t know how to get back to who she used to be. She cannot get past the guilt that her rescuer died. But not only that, no one knows who he was and she is determined to find out by spending the past few months going through missing person’s reports. Kia doesn’t regret for one minute giving up his live to save Avery but is torn up watching her from afar and seeing that she is not dealing with what happened and that she cannot get past the guilt. He decides he needs to do something; he needs to save her once again and help her fix the broken person she has become. But in order to do so he must break the rules of the afterlife he is now part of.
I truly cannot say enough about this story and the characters. This book definitely took outside of my normal reading zone but it took me to a place that I didn’t want to leave. I truly struggled with trying to devour this book, there was so many times I was on the edge of my seat needing to know how this was going to play out but at the same time I was trying to take my time as I didn’t want it to end. This story was so beautifully written, pulling in from the moment I picked it up and making me fall completely in love with the characters and their devastating story. I am normally not the type of person that enjoys these types of stories but something about the synopsis pulled me in and told me this was a must read, and it truly was. The author created a world that even I found myself believing in and at times forgetting that Kai was no longer a real live person. Fate brought these two together for a reason but at the same time fate has not been fair to that all at the same time so I must say I was totally enthralled in this story and how it would all play out.
Avery was such an amazingly strong character. She has had a good life, but due to her mother’s mental health issues her parents decided to separate having an effect on her. Now she finds herself struggling to be the person she once was but not being able to. But at the very same time, she is the strength for her mom when she is needed, even though her life is in shambles and she is broken. I truly loved watching her emerge from her shell she found herself in after the tragic event. I loved that Kai was the one to help her become whole and healed again but he also shows her she only needed to be herself at a time when those around her were trying to make her be the Avery she once was.
Kai, what can I say to truly do this character justice. I was completely in love with his character. He was such an amazing selfless person. He gave up his life for her and even though he missed being alive and all that came with his life, he would have done again and again. I loved that even after his death, he was still determined to save her, this time from herself, even if it mean consequences to his own fate.
The amount of emotion and connection between these two characters was just astounding. At times it was hard not to be affected by what these characters were feeling and experiencing, and it was so hard to not be completely sucked into this story and feel the emotions they were feeling. There were so many moments I was left with a smile on my face, goosebumps on my arm or tears in my eyes, and when a book pulls those types of reactions out of me, it’s a well written book for sure.
Overall this was a phenomenal read that I absolutely loved. The writing was so beautifully done, the story creative and the characters were so well developed. I have to say after I finished reading it and went to check out the author’s other work, I was completely surprised to find out this was only her second book. And after checking out the synopsis on her first, I will be definitely picking that one up in the near future.
June 30, 2016
Avery has been struggling after she nearly drowned in the ocean. She lived and the boy who saved her life had to give up his own. Avery can't remember his face and his body has never been found. She is consumed with guilt because of his family, who have no idea what happened to him. Avery's going through all online databases looking for boys who have been reported missing and maybe just maybe she will find him there.
Avery has always been a carefree, thrill-seeking girl. She is good at so many sportive things like rock climbing, jumping of cliffs and surfing. There is no place where she feels more at peace than in or near the ocean. Ever since the accident she hasn't been able to go into the water, she's barely been able to make it onto the beach. Her boyfriend broke up with her because he finds it too much of a burden to deal with her sadness. Her best friend keeps trying to get her out of the house, because she wants Avery to feel alive again.
Kai gave his life to save Avery's and he would do it again in a heartbeat. Since his death he is a ghost with a special job. He can heal the mortally injured, so they can live, but only the ones he is assigned to save. He has been with Avery for months now. Even though Avery can't see him he can't stay away from her. It pains him to watch her struggle and to witness her guilt. When an opportunity presents itself to, just for a little while, walk the land of the living again he can't resist. Kai needs to make sure that Avery knows that it is all right to start living again.
Avery is such a sweetheart. She helps her mom who is mentally unstable and she also works many hours in her father's chocolate shop. Avery is loyal and loving towards her family and I really liked that about her. I felt so sorry for her because of the guilt she feels and the difficulties she has to get past what happened to her.
Kai hasn't had an easy childhood. When his mother died and his father went to prison his two younger sisters were taken in by his aunt and uncle. They didn't take him in, so he went into foster care instead. Kai is a responsible young teenager with a beautiful voice and a real talent for music. He touched my heart with the help he's giving to his family and Avery.
After reading the first few lines of Beyond the Rising Tide I was hooked:
'I don't know how it's decided, who lives and who dies. Why some are granted more time among the living, and others are snatched away into the land of the dead. All I know is that tonight, a decision has been made. And of the two critically injured people sprawled on the highway, I've been assigned to save only one.'
The second page had me in tears and I was captivated by every single line of this beautiful heart wrenching story. Sarah Beard has told her story in a truthful and accurate way. Her writing is so vivid that I felt like I was sitting on the beach and I could almost smell the salty air of the ocean. The characters all get the attention they need for the reader to connect to them and I could easily understand where they were coming from. Beyond the Rising Tide moved me from the beginning. It's a story that touched my heart and will stay with me for a very long time.
Avery has always been a carefree, thrill-seeking girl. She is good at so many sportive things like rock climbing, jumping of cliffs and surfing. There is no place where she feels more at peace than in or near the ocean. Ever since the accident she hasn't been able to go into the water, she's barely been able to make it onto the beach. Her boyfriend broke up with her because he finds it too much of a burden to deal with her sadness. Her best friend keeps trying to get her out of the house, because she wants Avery to feel alive again.
Kai gave his life to save Avery's and he would do it again in a heartbeat. Since his death he is a ghost with a special job. He can heal the mortally injured, so they can live, but only the ones he is assigned to save. He has been with Avery for months now. Even though Avery can't see him he can't stay away from her. It pains him to watch her struggle and to witness her guilt. When an opportunity presents itself to, just for a little while, walk the land of the living again he can't resist. Kai needs to make sure that Avery knows that it is all right to start living again.
Avery is such a sweetheart. She helps her mom who is mentally unstable and she also works many hours in her father's chocolate shop. Avery is loyal and loving towards her family and I really liked that about her. I felt so sorry for her because of the guilt she feels and the difficulties she has to get past what happened to her.
Kai hasn't had an easy childhood. When his mother died and his father went to prison his two younger sisters were taken in by his aunt and uncle. They didn't take him in, so he went into foster care instead. Kai is a responsible young teenager with a beautiful voice and a real talent for music. He touched my heart with the help he's giving to his family and Avery.
After reading the first few lines of Beyond the Rising Tide I was hooked:
'I don't know how it's decided, who lives and who dies. Why some are granted more time among the living, and others are snatched away into the land of the dead. All I know is that tonight, a decision has been made. And of the two critically injured people sprawled on the highway, I've been assigned to save only one.'
The second page had me in tears and I was captivated by every single line of this beautiful heart wrenching story. Sarah Beard has told her story in a truthful and accurate way. Her writing is so vivid that I felt like I was sitting on the beach and I could almost smell the salty air of the ocean. The characters all get the attention they need for the reader to connect to them and I could easily understand where they were coming from. Beyond the Rising Tide moved me from the beginning. It's a story that touched my heart and will stay with me for a very long time.
June 26, 2016
WOW! Just Wow!! I didn’t want to read this. I mean when a person is dead they’re dead! How can a romance survive that? But I really liked Sarah’s first book, so I wanted to see what she would do with it! Let me tell you, she put some major twists and turns so that whenever I thought, “I see where this is going”; she would take you on a detour!
Then the emotional rollercoaster I felt was overwhelming at times. I think there were instances when sacrifices were made and were done so selflessly that it would overcome me and I would sob. Yes, I ugly cried! There was a lot of sadness too and it was emotionally draining! Don’t get me wrong, I loved it! There were happy moments too, to be sure. Then her description of what happens after we die is very sweet and you see people still struggle with choices and feelings of worth. But I just felt a lot of emotions! I mean I read books all the time that give me emotions but something about Ms. Beard’s writing that opens my heart. Sarah Beard has some mad writing skills!!
I liked Avery. She was mature and both dealing and not dealing with life. Her mother had separated from her father. Her mom has some mental issues and she isn’t always making good choices and Avery deals with the consequences. Avery works at her father’s chocolate shop. Let’s also say she is a workaholic. She is helping her dad but is also hiding behind work so as to not live her life. Six months ago, Avery was saved by a boy who jumped in the water to save her from drowning. In the process, he died. Now, Avery is just a shell of her former self. She doesn’t go out and do the daredevil things she used to. Now she just thinks of the boy who saved her and drowned doing it!
Kai is the boy who died. His mortal life was sad. Kai was a good kid who got dealt a bad hand in life. He has a job in the afterlife healing people on Earth he is assigned to. So he peeks in on Avery a lot. He has been watching her for six months. When an opportunity presents itself to have a mortal body for a time, he takes it without thinking twice of the consequences.
When Kai sees Avery, he can’t tell her who he is. Those are the rules. He wants to see her happy and would do whatever it takes to get her to live life again.
The road to happiness is paved with good intentions. But it’s a bumpy ride.
Kai and Avery go through a lot together. And there are consequences to be paid. So don’t think you know how it ends because there is so much more if you will just read it! Oh and when you do; grab some Kleenex!
Yep, that’s all I’m going to tell you about the book. If you want a read that can grab all your emotions and make you think at the same time than go no further. This is it! I love what she did with Kai and Avery. I love how she fixed my thought of I know where this is going and how we are forever not just until we die!
I’m off to buy a few copies for friends and family! I think I found another author that I will auto buy whatever she writes!
Then the emotional rollercoaster I felt was overwhelming at times. I think there were instances when sacrifices were made and were done so selflessly that it would overcome me and I would sob. Yes, I ugly cried! There was a lot of sadness too and it was emotionally draining! Don’t get me wrong, I loved it! There were happy moments too, to be sure. Then her description of what happens after we die is very sweet and you see people still struggle with choices and feelings of worth. But I just felt a lot of emotions! I mean I read books all the time that give me emotions but something about Ms. Beard’s writing that opens my heart. Sarah Beard has some mad writing skills!!
I liked Avery. She was mature and both dealing and not dealing with life. Her mother had separated from her father. Her mom has some mental issues and she isn’t always making good choices and Avery deals with the consequences. Avery works at her father’s chocolate shop. Let’s also say she is a workaholic. She is helping her dad but is also hiding behind work so as to not live her life. Six months ago, Avery was saved by a boy who jumped in the water to save her from drowning. In the process, he died. Now, Avery is just a shell of her former self. She doesn’t go out and do the daredevil things she used to. Now she just thinks of the boy who saved her and drowned doing it!
Kai is the boy who died. His mortal life was sad. Kai was a good kid who got dealt a bad hand in life. He has a job in the afterlife healing people on Earth he is assigned to. So he peeks in on Avery a lot. He has been watching her for six months. When an opportunity presents itself to have a mortal body for a time, he takes it without thinking twice of the consequences.
When Kai sees Avery, he can’t tell her who he is. Those are the rules. He wants to see her happy and would do whatever it takes to get her to live life again.
The road to happiness is paved with good intentions. But it’s a bumpy ride.
Kai and Avery go through a lot together. And there are consequences to be paid. So don’t think you know how it ends because there is so much more if you will just read it! Oh and when you do; grab some Kleenex!
Yep, that’s all I’m going to tell you about the book. If you want a read that can grab all your emotions and make you think at the same time than go no further. This is it! I love what she did with Kai and Avery. I love how she fixed my thought of I know where this is going and how we are forever not just until we die!
I’m off to buy a few copies for friends and family! I think I found another author that I will auto buy whatever she writes!
June 27, 2016
Beyond The Rising Tide by Sarah Beard is a clean YA fantasy romance novel and I really enjoyed it, in spite of being considerably older than a YA! I found Beyond The Rising Tide a most beautifully written novel. The love contained within its pages, sinks deep into the readers' soul. As the novel ends, the reader feels calm, peaceful and loved.
The novel is about love. A gentle love that permeates all it touches. A sacrificial love motivated by the best interests and love of another. It reminds the reader of Jesus' words "greater love hath no-one than that he lays down his life for a friend." (John 15:13) Love is giving, not taking. This novel lives out 1 Corinthians: 13.
The story in contrast also deals with regret. Seventeen year old Avery is paralysed by her memories and regret. She is unable to move forwards as her heart is stuck in the past. She needs to have "courage to take back the life I discarded." Life is too short to live in the past. "Get up. Life is too short to stay down when we fall." Sometimes one needs help to rejoin the human race and to live our lives once more.
There is an energy throughout the novel. There are many scenes surrounding water and surfing. Energy is needed to surf. The reader senses both the latent energy and the power of the ocean. The ocean can be seen as a motif for our lives. There is so much untapped potential that we need to grab hold of. Life is for living. We need carpe diem... to seize the day and really live.
Sarah Beard tackles some hard hitting topics within the novel - alcohol, drugs, anger, neglect - these are all sensitively dealt with.
Sarah Beard also shows how our life choices have the ability to affect our eternity. We need to make positive, good choices because long after our earthly bodies are gone, our souls will live on.
The novel is written in the first person from the points of view of both Avery and Kai. This enables the reader to get inside both of their heads. The reader feels the pain and hurt of Avery and understands her motivation or lack of it, for life. The reader also feels the great love that motivates Kai. One feels his pain when he stands at the cross roads of decision.
I absolutely loved Beyond The Rising Tide. As a novel, I 'felt' it wrap its arms around me. I did not so much read its pages, as glide through them. It had an ethereal quality that spoke to my heart. I 'felt' the great love radiating from its pages.
Whatever your age, I can highly recommend Beyond The Rising Tide. Settle down and immerse yourself in a great love that knows no boundaries.
I received this book for free in exchange for a fair and honest review. No monetary compensation was received and all views expressed are my own.
The novel is about love. A gentle love that permeates all it touches. A sacrificial love motivated by the best interests and love of another. It reminds the reader of Jesus' words "greater love hath no-one than that he lays down his life for a friend." (John 15:13) Love is giving, not taking. This novel lives out 1 Corinthians: 13.
The story in contrast also deals with regret. Seventeen year old Avery is paralysed by her memories and regret. She is unable to move forwards as her heart is stuck in the past. She needs to have "courage to take back the life I discarded." Life is too short to live in the past. "Get up. Life is too short to stay down when we fall." Sometimes one needs help to rejoin the human race and to live our lives once more.
There is an energy throughout the novel. There are many scenes surrounding water and surfing. Energy is needed to surf. The reader senses both the latent energy and the power of the ocean. The ocean can be seen as a motif for our lives. There is so much untapped potential that we need to grab hold of. Life is for living. We need carpe diem... to seize the day and really live.
Sarah Beard tackles some hard hitting topics within the novel - alcohol, drugs, anger, neglect - these are all sensitively dealt with.
Sarah Beard also shows how our life choices have the ability to affect our eternity. We need to make positive, good choices because long after our earthly bodies are gone, our souls will live on.
The novel is written in the first person from the points of view of both Avery and Kai. This enables the reader to get inside both of their heads. The reader feels the pain and hurt of Avery and understands her motivation or lack of it, for life. The reader also feels the great love that motivates Kai. One feels his pain when he stands at the cross roads of decision.
I absolutely loved Beyond The Rising Tide. As a novel, I 'felt' it wrap its arms around me. I did not so much read its pages, as glide through them. It had an ethereal quality that spoke to my heart. I 'felt' the great love radiating from its pages.
Whatever your age, I can highly recommend Beyond The Rising Tide. Settle down and immerse yourself in a great love that knows no boundaries.
I received this book for free in exchange for a fair and honest review. No monetary compensation was received and all views expressed are my own.
April 25, 2017
I really liked this unique story told from two different perspectives,one from Avery and the other is Kai. Six months earlier Kai saved Avery's life and ended up drowning trying to save her. This threw Avery into a deep depression, so Kai has been watching her and slowly falling in love with the girl. Kai now lives his life in Heaven helping other people down on Earth but the one person he wants to help the most is Avery which he can't. This is when the story takes a wild turn as Kai finds a way to gain a physical body and come back to Earth to see if he can help Avery heal from her grief and pain.
This story is full of raw, powerful emotion. The things that both of the main characters have been through hits you right in the heart. I loved the character of Kai the most. He is such a many-layered character and as you learn more about him, the more you learn to love him. He lived a hard, rough life and didn't always make good choices, but this story shows how he is redeemed through making wise and selfless choices. Avery has also struggled in her life with an eccentric mom dealing with mental health issues. Now Avery is dealing with the guilt about the unknown teenage boy that saved her life but died in that process of heroism.
I struggled as the two became closer because I couldn't see how any of this was going to work out. I could only see them both ending up with broken hearts and sadness from not being able to be together. At one point it was so gut-wrenching I wasn't sure I wanted to finish it. All I can say though is that the ending will make your heart beat faster and your brain work harder as you process what happened. I didn't guess the ending correctly and I'm glad I was wrong.
This story is written in a beautiful style with such realistic events, a gorgeous descriptive setting of beaches and Heaven, a myriad of emotions and colorful characters that you'll want to sit and read this book straight through from beginning to end. This is a wonderful book that I will be sharing with my own teenage daughter, though adults will also be enthralled by what seems to be an ill-fated love story that at moments will leave you breathless. This book deserves its 5-star rating.
This story is full of raw, powerful emotion. The things that both of the main characters have been through hits you right in the heart. I loved the character of Kai the most. He is such a many-layered character and as you learn more about him, the more you learn to love him. He lived a hard, rough life and didn't always make good choices, but this story shows how he is redeemed through making wise and selfless choices. Avery has also struggled in her life with an eccentric mom dealing with mental health issues. Now Avery is dealing with the guilt about the unknown teenage boy that saved her life but died in that process of heroism.
I struggled as the two became closer because I couldn't see how any of this was going to work out. I could only see them both ending up with broken hearts and sadness from not being able to be together. At one point it was so gut-wrenching I wasn't sure I wanted to finish it. All I can say though is that the ending will make your heart beat faster and your brain work harder as you process what happened. I didn't guess the ending correctly and I'm glad I was wrong.
This story is written in a beautiful style with such realistic events, a gorgeous descriptive setting of beaches and Heaven, a myriad of emotions and colorful characters that you'll want to sit and read this book straight through from beginning to end. This is a wonderful book that I will be sharing with my own teenage daughter, though adults will also be enthralled by what seems to be an ill-fated love story that at moments will leave you breathless. This book deserves its 5-star rating.
October 12, 2016
Kai died to save Avery. Since that day, he has been watching her and watching her life unravel because she blames his death on herself. She can't get over the fact that a stranger died to save her. She tried to find him but her memories of that day are hazy. All Kai wants to do now is help her move on but since she can't see him, he can't help. That is until his mentor shows him a ring that can make him corporal. What follows is a story filled with heartache, unconditional love and redemption.
This was such a surprising read! I tend to stay well away from teen romances because I find them either to eye rollingly sappy or they are filled with love triangles or insta love. This one though, was just....... gorgeous! So. Many. Emotions!!!
Kai is such an amazing character. He is just a genuinely nice guy. He saw Avery drowning and didn't think twice about saving her. Even though he died, he still felt compelled to keep track of her and make sure she is OK.
Avery was a daredevil before the accident but since she nearly drowned, she has become more introverted. She can't help but feel responsible for the boys death. and she doesn't even know his name! But when a stranger, who doesn't feel like a stranger, comes into her life, he changes everything. Just who is Kai, and why does he feel so safe and familiar?
This whole book was effortless to read. I think I experienced nearly every emotion while reading and didn't want it to end. It's a sweet romance but also so much more!! It's a gripping, heartbreaking, story dealing with loss, grief, redemption, love but overall, hope. A must read!
I think I loved this so much because, not only was the writing stunning, but the narrators made the story pop. I adored the fact we had both a male and female narrator as it really brought the whole feel of the book alive. Both of them gave their all and absolutely nailed it! Amazing!!!
I received this as part of the blog tour. This in no way affected my thoughts.
This was such a surprising read! I tend to stay well away from teen romances because I find them either to eye rollingly sappy or they are filled with love triangles or insta love. This one though, was just....... gorgeous! So. Many. Emotions!!!
Kai is such an amazing character. He is just a genuinely nice guy. He saw Avery drowning and didn't think twice about saving her. Even though he died, he still felt compelled to keep track of her and make sure she is OK.
Avery was a daredevil before the accident but since she nearly drowned, she has become more introverted. She can't help but feel responsible for the boys death. and she doesn't even know his name! But when a stranger, who doesn't feel like a stranger, comes into her life, he changes everything. Just who is Kai, and why does he feel so safe and familiar?
This whole book was effortless to read. I think I experienced nearly every emotion while reading and didn't want it to end. It's a sweet romance but also so much more!! It's a gripping, heartbreaking, story dealing with loss, grief, redemption, love but overall, hope. A must read!
I think I loved this so much because, not only was the writing stunning, but the narrators made the story pop. I adored the fact we had both a male and female narrator as it really brought the whole feel of the book alive. Both of them gave their all and absolutely nailed it! Amazing!!!
I received this as part of the blog tour. This in no way affected my thoughts.
June 19, 2016
*Review also on Maybe Books Will Be Our Always*
Why don't more people know about this book?!?! This book was seriously amazing! It is a great mix of contemporary and paranormal! I was instantly hooked! I have been contemplating on whether to give this a five or four star rating. After some thinking, I've decided that this is definitely a 5 star book! I love how everything wrapped up at the end of the book and is probably the best ending to a book I have read in awhile. That ending makes me want to squeal from happiness! ;3
This is the story of Avery and Kai and what they became after a terrible accident that left one of them dead. About 6 months later, with the all the guilt and emotions weighing her down, she is no loner the Avery that was Adventurous, and a risk taker. She gives up the one thing she loves most... surfing.
After dying after rescuing a girl who nearly drowned, he spends his time as a ghost who helps the grim, helping heal people, and watching over the one he saved. He eventually falls in love with her and decides that he can no longer continue to watch the girl he loves suffer from the guilt, and grief from his death and the issues her boyfriend keeps laying upon her. So, he borrows a ring that will allow him to pretty much become a human and sets out to attempt to "heal" Avery. He knows that if he gets caught with that ring, he will be punished. Or if he lets slip or Avery finds out that he is the one who saved her that terrible night, it will mean his permanent removal from Earth. That's just the risk he will have to take.
5 out of 5 Stars! Like I said, this was an amazing novel! I totally recommend you all check it out!
Why don't more people know about this book?!?! This book was seriously amazing! It is a great mix of contemporary and paranormal! I was instantly hooked! I have been contemplating on whether to give this a five or four star rating. After some thinking, I've decided that this is definitely a 5 star book! I love how everything wrapped up at the end of the book and is probably the best ending to a book I have read in awhile. That ending makes me want to squeal from happiness! ;3
This is the story of Avery and Kai and what they became after a terrible accident that left one of them dead. About 6 months later, with the all the guilt and emotions weighing her down, she is no loner the Avery that was Adventurous, and a risk taker. She gives up the one thing she loves most... surfing.
After dying after rescuing a girl who nearly drowned, he spends his time as a ghost who helps the grim, helping heal people, and watching over the one he saved. He eventually falls in love with her and decides that he can no longer continue to watch the girl he loves suffer from the guilt, and grief from his death and the issues her boyfriend keeps laying upon her. So, he borrows a ring that will allow him to pretty much become a human and sets out to attempt to "heal" Avery. He knows that if he gets caught with that ring, he will be punished. Or if he lets slip or Avery finds out that he is the one who saved her that terrible night, it will mean his permanent removal from Earth. That's just the risk he will have to take.
5 out of 5 Stars! Like I said, this was an amazing novel! I totally recommend you all check it out!
June 23, 2016
Beyond The Rising Tide, is one of those books, that you know will make a big impact on anyone that reads it. After a tragic accident Avery hasn’t been herself. Blaming herself for death of boy who saved her life. She doesn’t know his name, she can’t remember his face and spends months trying to find anything that could tell her who this boy once was.
Avery doesn’t realize that the boy who saved her life, has been watching her. Has wanted to help her, to make sure she is going to have the life she should have. After a huge decision, that involves theft. Kai, the boy who saved her life, want’s to save her again. But how will he do it?
This really was a beautifully written story. About loss, and how to overcome those obstacles and move on with your life. I really loved Kai, he had a good heart. He didn’t want Avery to blame herself, for something that she couldn’t control. I didn’t like Avery’s “boyfriend” since she wasn’t the same person as she was before. It was like he didn’t want anything to do with her. He was pretty much a total douche canoe.
The story did take a turn, that I didn’t expect. I did enjoy this story. Avery and Kai are two strong souls, that found love in each other. They were willing to fight for each other. And not ever let go.
Overall, I give this book four stars. It was exciting, unique, and really had me on edge. I had to finish....Lissa
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Avery doesn’t realize that the boy who saved her life, has been watching her. Has wanted to help her, to make sure she is going to have the life she should have. After a huge decision, that involves theft. Kai, the boy who saved her life, want’s to save her again. But how will he do it?
This really was a beautifully written story. About loss, and how to overcome those obstacles and move on with your life. I really loved Kai, he had a good heart. He didn’t want Avery to blame herself, for something that she couldn’t control. I didn’t like Avery’s “boyfriend” since she wasn’t the same person as she was before. It was like he didn’t want anything to do with her. He was pretty much a total douche canoe.
The story did take a turn, that I didn’t expect. I did enjoy this story. Avery and Kai are two strong souls, that found love in each other. They were willing to fight for each other. And not ever let go.
Overall, I give this book four stars. It was exciting, unique, and really had me on edge. I had to finish....Lissa
http://www.boundlessbookreviews.com
https://www.facebook.com/BBReviews
June 20, 2016
At first , I thought this was going to be a surfing beach novel but ended up being more of a Paranormal Teen Romance with Heaven, Hell and the In-Betweens. Last summer there was an accident when Avery was out surfing , she managed to survive but the other person - Kai died that day. Ever since then Avery has been going through the motions of what she could have changed and questioning why she survived and he didn't . Also since that day , the Avery everybody else knew has disappeared as she is not the crazy and adventurous , risk taking Avery but a more cautious , indoors Avery. She hasn't been near the water since that accident. Kai has been living in the in-between as a healer for those whose time it isn't yet. His mentor has a ring that can cause him to be seen by humans when he needs to warn them about danger. Kai wants to save Avery from the guilt that has been eating away at her , and wants her to know it's not her fault. One day Kai steals the ring and appears to Avery. She can't quite place him and so begins a friendship and soon sparks fly, but what will happen when it's time for Kai to return the ring ? Can Kai be returned to life from death ? Something that has only ever happened once in a lifetime with the Grim Reaper's powers ? Can Kai save Avery from drowing in herself ?
February 5, 2017
5 star phenomenal YA read
WOW what a really fabulous different. This one is truly not a normal read but was so intrigued by the blurb I had to check it out. I am not sure what exactly I was expecting going into this read as I don't do these type of paranormal reads but it was totally not at all what I was expecting, it was so so much more. The level of emotion between Avery and Kai was amazing. I fell absolutely in love with Kai, he was such an amazing selfless person.
This was definitely an emotional read at times but the level of emotion written into this was so deep it was hard not to feel it nor be affected by it. It was so beautifully written and although it had that paranormal aspect to it with Kai actually having died, it never felt that way nor felt weird. I wasn't sure what to expect in terms of the storyline or where it would to but it kept me engaged and anxious as to how all this would turn out.
So glad I stepped out of my little reading bubble and pick this one up, it's a must read. Full review to come during blog tour. And I will definitely be checking out her other book, Porcelain Keys.
Check out my full review at http://lustfulliterature.com/beyond-t...
WOW what a really fabulous different. This one is truly not a normal read but was so intrigued by the blurb I had to check it out. I am not sure what exactly I was expecting going into this read as I don't do these type of paranormal reads but it was totally not at all what I was expecting, it was so so much more. The level of emotion between Avery and Kai was amazing. I fell absolutely in love with Kai, he was such an amazing selfless person.
This was definitely an emotional read at times but the level of emotion written into this was so deep it was hard not to feel it nor be affected by it. It was so beautifully written and although it had that paranormal aspect to it with Kai actually having died, it never felt that way nor felt weird. I wasn't sure what to expect in terms of the storyline or where it would to but it kept me engaged and anxious as to how all this would turn out.
So glad I stepped out of my little reading bubble and pick this one up, it's a must read. Full review to come during blog tour. And I will definitely be checking out her other book, Porcelain Keys.
Check out my full review at http://lustfulliterature.com/beyond-t...
June 25, 2016
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
I absolutely loved this book! It hooked me from the very beginning page. It was different than I thought it was going to be. Paranormal isn't my favorite genre but this is one of my favorite books of all time. I LOVED all of the characters and had to keep reading to see how it would all come together and in the end I was not disappointed. Kai is the sweetest, most selfless and wonderful person. I loved how even after he died, he still had a pull towards Avery. Avery wants to be better mentally and wants things to go back to the way they were while also trying to help her Mom with her issues. The author did an excellent job of writing and describing the different places in the book and I really appreciated the different areas in the afterlife. The book was so well written, I was really able to "see" things as they played out. I can't say enough good things about this book. It's completely clean with no bad language and no love scenes.
I absolutely loved this book! It hooked me from the very beginning page. It was different than I thought it was going to be. Paranormal isn't my favorite genre but this is one of my favorite books of all time. I LOVED all of the characters and had to keep reading to see how it would all come together and in the end I was not disappointed. Kai is the sweetest, most selfless and wonderful person. I loved how even after he died, he still had a pull towards Avery. Avery wants to be better mentally and wants things to go back to the way they were while also trying to help her Mom with her issues. The author did an excellent job of writing and describing the different places in the book and I really appreciated the different areas in the afterlife. The book was so well written, I was really able to "see" things as they played out. I can't say enough good things about this book. It's completely clean with no bad language and no love scenes.
July 28, 2024
I love the ocean, so this book spoke to me on many levels. I love the cover. I liked that hard things happened to these good people and they chose to rise above it all and become better. Even though it reminded me of a few other books I've read in this same genre, I enjoyed the journey so much that it didn't matter. Some books are predictable. This one is not. I kept wondering how it would ever resolve without a sequel and in a happy way. It just does. This is a clean (some kissing, no language), fun summer read that I had a hard time putting down. It had some inspiring spiritual/religious undertones for me. I would recommend this for teens on up. If you like the Hourglass Door and Seer Series, you'll like this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 30, 2016
Wow! I wasn't sure what to expect when I first started reading this book, but after the first chapter, I was so drawn in.
I love a story where you can really care about the charectors and their lives. The entire book, I was really rooting for them.
I think most of us hope there is life after death and I felt like this book has an interesting and beautiful take on it and it made me think deeper in what I believe.
The writing and descriptions in the book are very beautiful and elegant. I have a craving to sell all my belongings and move to live by the ocean.
I would recommend this book to anyone!
I love a story where you can really care about the charectors and their lives. The entire book, I was really rooting for them.
I think most of us hope there is life after death and I felt like this book has an interesting and beautiful take on it and it made me think deeper in what I believe.
The writing and descriptions in the book are very beautiful and elegant. I have a craving to sell all my belongings and move to live by the ocean.
I would recommend this book to anyone!
Read
May 31, 2016**4 stars** Full Review and Rating will be up at boundless book reviews
July 8, 2017
Kai and Avery, told from their points of view alternating chapters. Kai saved Avery from drowning and then he was drowned. He watches her as a ghost when he is not healing people. She is depressed and feels survivors guilt. Over concern for her and the choices she is making Kai steals a ring that will make him solid and visible and tries to help her find happiness again.
She thinks she needs her boyfriend back but after Kai tries to help her she realizes she needs to live a life for herself and find out who she is.
Kai and Avery fall in love and then if things are not complicated enough Kai has to go 'ghost' again and find his mom in the after world to save her.
I loved this story. I loved the careful way Kai spoke and how kind and selfless he was. The worlds flowed and the story was perfect from the chocolate shop to the mom with the depression and the blind woman who could 'see' Kai. I also loved how Avery found out who she was and what kind of person she wanted to be. The metaphor of the ocean waves, the up and downs of life and letting go of anger and hurt and holding onto love and hope was beautiful.
Violence: drowning, a face punch, possible suicide attempt with sleeping pills, remembering child abuse, drug overdose. Sex: just kissing, feelings not descriptions. No foul language.
She thinks she needs her boyfriend back but after Kai tries to help her she realizes she needs to live a life for herself and find out who she is.
Kai and Avery fall in love and then if things are not complicated enough Kai has to go 'ghost' again and find his mom in the after world to save her.
I loved this story. I loved the careful way Kai spoke and how kind and selfless he was. The worlds flowed and the story was perfect from the chocolate shop to the mom with the depression and the blind woman who could 'see' Kai. I also loved how Avery found out who she was and what kind of person she wanted to be. The metaphor of the ocean waves, the up and downs of life and letting go of anger and hurt and holding onto love and hope was beautiful.
Violence: drowning, a face punch, possible suicide attempt with sleeping pills, remembering child abuse, drug overdose. Sex: just kissing, feelings not descriptions. No foul language.
February 5, 2017
This actually brought tears to my eyes a couple of times. It's a poignant story about loss and sacrifice. I was reminded of the Bible verse, though, "what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul?" This seemed to carry a lot of meaning when you're talking about a guy who's already dead who's doing the sacrificing.
The afterworld was well-thought out and the characters there seemed appropriate. Avery, the love interest, didn't take half the book to figure things out and that was refreshing. I kept wondering how Beard would resolve this story in a happy way - largely because of the obstacles that she kept throwing at the characters. But there is a happy ending. Some might call it trite, but I found it satisfying.
On audio Dana Dae and Zachary Webber are stellar. I was completely immersed in the story.
The afterworld was well-thought out and the characters there seemed appropriate. Avery, the love interest, didn't take half the book to figure things out and that was refreshing. I kept wondering how Beard would resolve this story in a happy way - largely because of the obstacles that she kept throwing at the characters. But there is a happy ending. Some might call it trite, but I found it satisfying.
On audio Dana Dae and Zachary Webber are stellar. I was completely immersed in the story.
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