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The Breaks Between You and Me
17-year-old Harper Cassidy has a home. Really, she does! And so does her sister, Lil. But since all they've ever done is skip across the Pacific Northwest from town to town, following her mom's every desire from Montana to California, it's been getting harder and harder to feel rooted anywhere.
Until tragedy strikes. And, before she knows it, Harper is... free. Free to go home to Montana and return to a stability she never had. Only, there are several problems standing in her way.
First, she has to create a stable life for her and her seven-year-old sister. Second, she has to do it alone. And third, worst of all, she has to keep her mother's absence a secret from the people she grew up her grandfather, her aunt, and him, the boy .
Andy Madden is Harper's best friend, and the answer to her aching loneliness, but he is also the threat to containing the secret that her life depends on. A secret that seems just a little too heavy for any one person to keep.
Until tragedy strikes. And, before she knows it, Harper is... free. Free to go home to Montana and return to a stability she never had. Only, there are several problems standing in her way.
First, she has to create a stable life for her and her seven-year-old sister. Second, she has to do it alone. And third, worst of all, she has to keep her mother's absence a secret from the people she grew up her grandfather, her aunt, and him, the boy .
Andy Madden is Harper's best friend, and the answer to her aching loneliness, but he is also the threat to containing the secret that her life depends on. A secret that seems just a little too heavy for any one person to keep.
- GenresYoung AdultFiction
231 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2023
About the author
Taiya Collier
2 books40 followersAt just eighteen years old, Taiya Collier is already making a name for herself as an author. The Austin-native has set her sights on creating age inclusivity within young adult fiction and shattering the notion that writing about teen life can only be done by middle-aged writers who lack true understanding of the experience. She's published four books so far, each filled with riveting storylines sure to enthrall readers from start to finish! By inspiring other teens towards authorship, she hopes to build up a new generation of YA novelists capable of capturing accurate accounts of today’s youth culture. Taiya is currently attending college full time while continuing to write as often as she can. Her recent works explore themes of identity, strength, growth, and resilience in young adulthood—all of which are important aspects of her journey as a writer. In addition to writing her own stories, Taiya is also involved in various literary events and speaking engagements throughout the year. As an advocate for literary inclusion, she uses these opportunities to spread awareness about the importance of diverse representation on all platforms.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 9, 2023
This was a lot to unpack. A truly emotional and heartbreaking coming of age story of a seventeen year old girl returning home with her young sister.
Told in the format resembling a letter to a friend, Harper navigates returning to her hometown in search for her mother’s spirit and some semblance of happiness. At times I felt the jumps of past and present got lost but overall I could feel the hurt and grief of Harper navigating this devastating loss. While she truly does want what is best for her and her sister, life is messy and while still a child herself, that struggle of accepting help and giving into actual adults looking out was a battle.
Told in the format resembling a letter to a friend, Harper navigates returning to her hometown in search for her mother’s spirit and some semblance of happiness. At times I felt the jumps of past and present got lost but overall I could feel the hurt and grief of Harper navigating this devastating loss. While she truly does want what is best for her and her sister, life is messy and while still a child herself, that struggle of accepting help and giving into actual adults looking out was a battle.
February 3, 2023
I did not finish this book. The premise is great but I can't get over the glaring plot holes in it and I would LOVE to sit down with the author and give some notes.
I know I'm probably not the target demographic for this book - however, I still think my thoughts are valid enough to share (take them as the constructive advice as that is the spirit in which I give them)
*************************** spoilers *******************************
1. We don't learn the main characters name for a very long time, not sure if this was a style choice to keep us separated from them but it seemed odd - felt distanced from her (wasn't sure she was a her to begin with)
2. While driving from California to Montana, she and her 6 year old sister are stopped by a police officer in Montana and he asks for her drivers license - which she doesn't have. The cop issues her a ticket for $400 and tells her to get home safe. First of all, you can't ticket someone without a licence. They don't just write down your name on the ticket, even in Montana (I spent a large amount of my childhood in Whitefish, Montana) Also, she doesn't have a licence and the cop tells an illegal driver to just get home safe? Again -this is an issue with reality. That cop is making a phone call and those children are passed into protective custody as minors without any guardianship.
3. The little sister - she's 6. There are multiple pages of her not be accounted for. Is she home alone? Is she with a friend? They are supposed to be keeping it secret that they aren't with their mom so a 6 year old is home alone all day long? I know that Harper is 16 and probably not the most responsible person in the world, but it read more of a forgotten side character that only appears to push the story and is just left out the rest of the time. (which would be fine, if she wasn't 6 and could fend for herself)
4. The entire book (up to what I read) is addressed to "you". But not you the reader, you is a boy who Harper, "loves"? I don't actually know. It made me feel like I was reading someone else's mail. It could be a cool style choice but something about how she then spoke to the boy (Andy) made it feel weird and detached.
I think that this book has great potential, but this is the exact reason why I went into editing/beta reading - to help authors to see the issues that they in their head know the answer to, and remind them that they need to let the rest of us in on the scheme. Sometimes you can't see the forest for the trees.
I know I'm probably not the target demographic for this book - however, I still think my thoughts are valid enough to share (take them as the constructive advice as that is the spirit in which I give them)
*************************** spoilers *******************************
1. We don't learn the main characters name for a very long time, not sure if this was a style choice to keep us separated from them but it seemed odd - felt distanced from her (wasn't sure she was a her to begin with)
2. While driving from California to Montana, she and her 6 year old sister are stopped by a police officer in Montana and he asks for her drivers license - which she doesn't have. The cop issues her a ticket for $400 and tells her to get home safe. First of all, you can't ticket someone without a licence. They don't just write down your name on the ticket, even in Montana (I spent a large amount of my childhood in Whitefish, Montana) Also, she doesn't have a licence and the cop tells an illegal driver to just get home safe? Again -this is an issue with reality. That cop is making a phone call and those children are passed into protective custody as minors without any guardianship.
3. The little sister - she's 6. There are multiple pages of her not be accounted for. Is she home alone? Is she with a friend? They are supposed to be keeping it secret that they aren't with their mom so a 6 year old is home alone all day long? I know that Harper is 16 and probably not the most responsible person in the world, but it read more of a forgotten side character that only appears to push the story and is just left out the rest of the time. (which would be fine, if she wasn't 6 and could fend for herself)
4. The entire book (up to what I read) is addressed to "you". But not you the reader, you is a boy who Harper, "loves"? I don't actually know. It made me feel like I was reading someone else's mail. It could be a cool style choice but something about how she then spoke to the boy (Andy) made it feel weird and detached.
I think that this book has great potential, but this is the exact reason why I went into editing/beta reading - to help authors to see the issues that they in their head know the answer to, and remind them that they need to let the rest of us in on the scheme. Sometimes you can't see the forest for the trees.
February 28, 2023
First I want to thank Taiya and Katieandbreypa for the e-copy of this book!
I'd also like to say this was more of a 3.5 for me, but GR doesn't do half stars. (boo). Here's the blurb:
Harper and Lil Cassidy have floated around from place to place ever since Harper can remember. Their mom was a free-spirit, wild, unpredictable, and totally untamable, bringing Harper and Lil with her on wherever her heart decided to take them. Unfortunately for Harper, her mom decides to take them to California. California, where the sun is too hot, there's too much sand, and the ocean is freezing and unrelenting.
Now Harper is 17 and she's free. Free to return to Montana, and their sleepy little town, with her best friend in the whole wide world, Andy. She can't wait to teach Lil all about their hometown. The only issue is that every one back in Montana seems to be concerned where her mother is and whether Harper is okay.
Her mother is gone, but Harper is fine. And that's all she's willing to share about that.
----
While I really liked the writing style, I had some issues with this book that I need to address:
1. I really did not understand how the characters even succeeded in getting from CA to MT given that they were pulled over by the cops. Without a driver's license, Harper would never have been allowed to continue driving, especially with both her and her sister being a minor.
2. Their mother needed therapy and all of that family failed these children. That really frustrated me because their family lived SO close by. It might have seemed more accurate if maybe the sister lived super far away, but she didn't at all.
3. I was really frustrated that the sister's character seemed like an after thought. She was only 6 and she was left alone constantly without being caught sooner? It was a little strange that Harper, who claims to care so much about Lil in an almost anxious-attachment style, left her house so often and also left Lil alone there. That was just weird and didn't fit with the character then.
I don't want to take away at all from the author's time and effort that was put into this story so these are just my opinions! Overall, this was a great first book for a first promo and hope they they continue to receive the feedback and use that to fuel their next story!
I'd also like to say this was more of a 3.5 for me, but GR doesn't do half stars. (boo). Here's the blurb:
Harper and Lil Cassidy have floated around from place to place ever since Harper can remember. Their mom was a free-spirit, wild, unpredictable, and totally untamable, bringing Harper and Lil with her on wherever her heart decided to take them. Unfortunately for Harper, her mom decides to take them to California. California, where the sun is too hot, there's too much sand, and the ocean is freezing and unrelenting.
Now Harper is 17 and she's free. Free to return to Montana, and their sleepy little town, with her best friend in the whole wide world, Andy. She can't wait to teach Lil all about their hometown. The only issue is that every one back in Montana seems to be concerned where her mother is and whether Harper is okay.
Her mother is gone, but Harper is fine. And that's all she's willing to share about that.
----
While I really liked the writing style, I had some issues with this book that I need to address:
1. I really did not understand how the characters even succeeded in getting from CA to MT given that they were pulled over by the cops. Without a driver's license, Harper would never have been allowed to continue driving, especially with both her and her sister being a minor.
2. Their mother needed therapy and all of that family failed these children. That really frustrated me because their family lived SO close by. It might have seemed more accurate if maybe the sister lived super far away, but she didn't at all.
3. I was really frustrated that the sister's character seemed like an after thought. She was only 6 and she was left alone constantly without being caught sooner? It was a little strange that Harper, who claims to care so much about Lil in an almost anxious-attachment style, left her house so often and also left Lil alone there. That was just weird and didn't fit with the character then.
I don't want to take away at all from the author's time and effort that was put into this story so these are just my opinions! Overall, this was a great first book for a first promo and hope they they continue to receive the feedback and use that to fuel their next story!
February 14, 2023
The Breaks Between You and Me is available now in Paperback and eBook
⭐️⭐️⭐⭐️ Book Review
“It doesn’t matter where you are or what your background is! Just never blend into it!”
The Breaks Between You and Me written by Taiya Collier is a coming of age novel that packs a great punch! Harper Cassidy has been through a lot in her short 16 years. Harper and her 6 year old sister, Lil, are traveling back home to Montana from California following some tragic events, leaving many memories behind. Harper is faced with the task of raising her sister with the bare minimums while hiding the absence of her mother.
Taiya writes this book as if it is a letter addressed to “you”. It took me some time to get used to this style of writing which never truly grew on me. Once I realized “you” was not the reader, but instead “the boy” (Andy), it began to make much more sense. There were a few points in the novel where the details just didn’t add up, making the story hard to believe.
Although I was not fond of the writing style, the plot to this novel stole my heart. The emotional roller coaster I went on with Harper, Lil, Andy, and grandpa just broke me to pieces. For such a young girl to take on so much responsibility was hard to fathom. I couldn’t imagine how hard it was for Harper to tell grandpa the truth and leave Andy behind in fear he would tell all of her secrets. Harper had to make so many decisions and take on responsibilities that no 16 year old should ever have to consider. Her love for her sister Lil was so magical. Overall, I give this book four stars and would not hesitate to recommend this novel to a friend.
⭐️⭐️⭐⭐️ Book Review
“It doesn’t matter where you are or what your background is! Just never blend into it!”
The Breaks Between You and Me written by Taiya Collier is a coming of age novel that packs a great punch! Harper Cassidy has been through a lot in her short 16 years. Harper and her 6 year old sister, Lil, are traveling back home to Montana from California following some tragic events, leaving many memories behind. Harper is faced with the task of raising her sister with the bare minimums while hiding the absence of her mother.
Taiya writes this book as if it is a letter addressed to “you”. It took me some time to get used to this style of writing which never truly grew on me. Once I realized “you” was not the reader, but instead “the boy” (Andy), it began to make much more sense. There were a few points in the novel where the details just didn’t add up, making the story hard to believe.
Although I was not fond of the writing style, the plot to this novel stole my heart. The emotional roller coaster I went on with Harper, Lil, Andy, and grandpa just broke me to pieces. For such a young girl to take on so much responsibility was hard to fathom. I couldn’t imagine how hard it was for Harper to tell grandpa the truth and leave Andy behind in fear he would tell all of her secrets. Harper had to make so many decisions and take on responsibilities that no 16 year old should ever have to consider. Her love for her sister Lil was so magical. Overall, I give this book four stars and would not hesitate to recommend this novel to a friend.
February 10, 2023
This book is one emotional rollercoaster from start to finish.
I almost felt like the adult version of her reading this back to you (Andy) It was a totally different concept to what im used to reading and initially i wasnt so sure as it was vastly different but the more i read and became immersed in the story and the ups and downs of their lives it was a non issue.
Both Harper and Lil need huge hugs and lots of love and stability and a place they call home.. But where even is that when its been so many places?
Harper and Lils relationship is so relatable as an older sister and the need to always be there for them and thats without all the drama and secrets surrounding their life and the emotional baggage that comes with Mom.
The interactions between Harper and Andy are so cute and teen like i love how innocent they have been kept even with the situations surrounding each of their personal lives.
I look forward to seeing where this story goes next.. and more from Taiya too!
I almost felt like the adult version of her reading this back to you (Andy) It was a totally different concept to what im used to reading and initially i wasnt so sure as it was vastly different but the more i read and became immersed in the story and the ups and downs of their lives it was a non issue.
Both Harper and Lil need huge hugs and lots of love and stability and a place they call home.. But where even is that when its been so many places?
Harper and Lils relationship is so relatable as an older sister and the need to always be there for them and thats without all the drama and secrets surrounding their life and the emotional baggage that comes with Mom.
The interactions between Harper and Andy are so cute and teen like i love how innocent they have been kept even with the situations surrounding each of their personal lives.
I look forward to seeing where this story goes next.. and more from Taiya too!
March 7, 2023
"And maybe the minute that I’ll put myself back in my hometown and amongst all the people I’ve known my entire life, it will be easier to fill the gaps Mom left behind."
Blurb: Somewhere out in the hills of Montana, 17-year-old Harper Cassidy has a home. Really, she does! And so does her sister, Lil. But since all they’ve ever done is skip across the Pacific Northwest from town to town, following her mom’s every desire from Montana to California, it’s been getting harder and harder to feel rooted anywhere. Until tragedy strikes. And, before she knows it, Harper is... free. Free to go home to Montana and return to a stability she never had. Only, there are several problems standing in her way. First, she has to create a stable life for her and her seven-year-old sister. Second, she has to do it alone. And third, worst of all, she has to keep her mother’s absence a secret from the people she grew up with: her grandfather, her aunt, and him, the boy. Andy Madden is Harper’s best friend, and the answer to her aching loneliness, but he is also the threat to containing the secret that her life depends on. A secret that seems just a little too heavy for any one person to keep.
My thoughts: This book is written in letter format to her friend, I'm not sure, but it was a fun way to read this book so I'll take it! Harper is doing everything she can to get her and her sister back home unscathed in this heartbreaking book, the emotions and storyline send you on a whirlwind and though I was confused at times on where we were in the story this book is a good coming of age story with good characters! It's a short read on Kindle unlimited! Check it out!
Blurb: Somewhere out in the hills of Montana, 17-year-old Harper Cassidy has a home. Really, she does! And so does her sister, Lil. But since all they’ve ever done is skip across the Pacific Northwest from town to town, following her mom’s every desire from Montana to California, it’s been getting harder and harder to feel rooted anywhere. Until tragedy strikes. And, before she knows it, Harper is... free. Free to go home to Montana and return to a stability she never had. Only, there are several problems standing in her way. First, she has to create a stable life for her and her seven-year-old sister. Second, she has to do it alone. And third, worst of all, she has to keep her mother’s absence a secret from the people she grew up with: her grandfather, her aunt, and him, the boy. Andy Madden is Harper’s best friend, and the answer to her aching loneliness, but he is also the threat to containing the secret that her life depends on. A secret that seems just a little too heavy for any one person to keep.
My thoughts: This book is written in letter format to her friend, I'm not sure, but it was a fun way to read this book so I'll take it! Harper is doing everything she can to get her and her sister back home unscathed in this heartbreaking book, the emotions and storyline send you on a whirlwind and though I was confused at times on where we were in the story this book is a good coming of age story with good characters! It's a short read on Kindle unlimited! Check it out!
February 13, 2023
This was a good and easy read. In this story we get to see Harper’s journey of grief and trying to piece this new life. Even though all she really wants to do is feel at home again. Grief can be such a crazy thing especially when it’s someone who your whole world revolved around. -In this case her mother.- Sometimes know matter how much we convince ourselves we’re ok, we eventually realize we aren’t. Harper unfortunately had to hold it all together so she could take care of her little sister Lil, who wants to go home to California where she can feel her mother.
Now imagine trying to figure all that out while also trying to figure out a relationship with a boy, Andy. Their love story was cute to see grow from being best friends, who are there for each other. To finally admitting their deeper connection.
Now imagine trying to figure all that out while also trying to figure out a relationship with a boy, Andy. Their love story was cute to see grow from being best friends, who are there for each other. To finally admitting their deeper connection.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2023
I thank Author Taiya Collier and @Katieandbreypa for this ARC and I am voluntarily leaving a review. After a tragic loss Harper returns to her hometown with her little sister in tow. Montana holds many memories for Harper and many of them include her best friend Andy. She is happy to see him again as well as others from her past. The biggest hurdle is that no one must find out her secret. When Andy finds out,will he tell or keep his silence? I really felt bad for Harper and the unplanned situation that she was put in to. Although young,she handled things as best as she could. This was tragic and sweet all at the same time. There were a few things that seemed unrealistic to me but I still enjoyed reading this book.
April 1, 2023
Overall I liked this book. I liked Harper and Andy and their relationship. Whether near or far, their friendship was important to both of them.
I must say that this book is a tough read. There’s an overall sense of sadness that permeates the book. Harper had a non-traditional childhood and her Mom dragged her along for the ride.
When life throws her a major curve, Harper tries to be a Mom to her sister Lil. But Harper is only 16 and ill equipped. Her struggle is helped some by Andy but it’s just too much.
I think the story is supposed to be ultimately hopeful. But I didn’t see it that way. I think because after reading 200 pages, I expected there to be a satisfying ending. I found the ending to be unfinished…but maybe that’s the point.
I received a free copy of this book from Book Sirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I must say that this book is a tough read. There’s an overall sense of sadness that permeates the book. Harper had a non-traditional childhood and her Mom dragged her along for the ride.
When life throws her a major curve, Harper tries to be a Mom to her sister Lil. But Harper is only 16 and ill equipped. Her struggle is helped some by Andy but it’s just too much.
I think the story is supposed to be ultimately hopeful. But I didn’t see it that way. I think because after reading 200 pages, I expected there to be a satisfying ending. I found the ending to be unfinished…but maybe that’s the point.
I received a free copy of this book from Book Sirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 24, 2023
To start this review I would say that I really loved the writing style!
It was different like the novel Identical (Ellen Hopkins)
The story building in this novel is really progressive, and I loved that.
The plot to this story was everything! An emotional roller coaster with all the characters involved. I had similar feels of “When the crawdads song”
Harper had to go through the pain of leaving Andy behind with secrets, with the possibility that he may or may not spill.
I’m not going to spoil this for you all more than this. The bond and the love the protagonist has for her sister is phenomenal.
Would definitely recommend!
#taiyacollier #books #trending #bookrecommendations
It was different like the novel Identical (Ellen Hopkins)
The story building in this novel is really progressive, and I loved that.
The plot to this story was everything! An emotional roller coaster with all the characters involved. I had similar feels of “When the crawdads song”
Harper had to go through the pain of leaving Andy behind with secrets, with the possibility that he may or may not spill.
I’m not going to spoil this for you all more than this. The bond and the love the protagonist has for her sister is phenomenal.
Would definitely recommend!
#taiyacollier #books #trending #bookrecommendations
February 2, 2023
I absolutely adored this book . I enjoyed Harper's relationship with her little sister Lil and was blown away by how much she cared for her. It can't be easy for a 17 year old to be solely responsible for a 7 year old. I absolutely loved Lil's sassy attitude and that Harper allowed her to develop and grow. The characters in this have deep secrets which makes it a very intriguing read. A well thought out storyline with likeable characters and I found it to be surprisingly deeper than I expected. I would definitely recommend and read more by this talented author.
February 4, 2023
This is a sweet shorter coming of age story. I thought the characters were lovable and there is a little heartbreak thrown in there as well. I really enjoyed it and how most of the characters have some deep secrets that they have been keeping hidden. I will definitely read more by Taiya Collier in the future!
February 17, 2023
I had a hard time with this book. The style of writing wasn't my favorite, and that played a big factor for me and my thoughts on this book. I also thought that there were a lot of plot holes and not enough excitement or memorable events happening to keep me intrigued. I did like the relationship that Harper and her sister shared, and I do think this story has potential. Unfortunately, it just didn't deliver for me.
February 24, 2023
The story speaks of a 17 year old whose mom decided on escaping from the small town she was raised to find life elsewhere taking Harper and her other daughter with her.
Tao years later Harper returned and the boy she's always know as her best friend and the town she knew all changed.
It was an interesting read. Would recommend to anyone who likes YA books.
Tao years later Harper returned and the boy she's always know as her best friend and the town she knew all changed.
It was an interesting read. Would recommend to anyone who likes YA books.
March 3, 2023
This was a lot to unpack. A truly emotional and heartbreaking coming of age story of a seventeen year old girl returning home with her young sister.
I was suprised by the writing style. It's a bit different, because it's written like a letter to the childhood best friend in the story, but I really liked that as I never read it before, the story is overall is super cute it was a quick read with loveable characters.
I was suprised by the writing style. It's a bit different, because it's written like a letter to the childhood best friend in the story, but I really liked that as I never read it before, the story is overall is super cute it was a quick read with loveable characters.
February 2, 2023
This is a good, coming-of-age story. A quick read with loveable characters as well as some heartache. Harper is a teenage girl trying to give her little sister a stable life. But sometimes going back to the life you knew doesn't always fix your problems.
February 15, 2023
I struggled a lot to keep on reading. DNF at 62%. I tried to enjoy this book but the writing style made it difficult for me to keep up with the story. This book isn't for me.
February 17, 2023
This is a YA novel, deep and touching. However, I've struggled with trying to keep up/follow the story. If you like stories that gives a sympathetic mood you can give this a chance. Gave this a rating of four stars as to consider the time & effort an author puts into his/her work.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews