Undoing I Do -- Anastasia Royal

Claire meets German Tobin and a whirlwind romance ensues. Within 4 weeks they are engaged, and she is head over heels in love. They share a passion for each other. But after 10 years and 2 children, their marriage ends. And Claire is left to pick up the pieces of her life. She is crushed at the loss. Destroyed by an event she didn't even want. And it takes all of her to survive every day and slog through a 4-year divorce before she can even begin to hope to heal and move forward.

***I may give this a little more than 2 stars, but not much. 2.5 tops. I added it to my to-read list several years ago when working at a library. I think the blurb inside resonated with me at that time in my life -- not so long divorced and still trying to move forward. But, though I could identify with SOME of what the protagonist describes, there were a lot of times I wanted to tell her to get over it and be a mom to her kids. Do I understand first-hand the pain of the death of a marriage? Absolutely. It is one of the greatest pains I've ever known -- and probably will ever know. But some of this character's behavior just seemed completely ridiculous to me in the wake of her divorce. Granted, it's fiction. But having read the author's little bio at the end, it makes me wonder if some of it wasn't based on her own life. In which case... Well, I wasn't impressed. It's another one of those "well, I finally got that one off my list" books.

The Family Romanov: Murder, Rebellion, and the Fall of Imperial Russia -- Candace Fleming

The Romanov family ruled in Russia for 300 years. But in the early 20th Century, their reign ended with the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II, a man ill-suited (and uninterested) in being the Emperor of Russia; but who initially accepted his responsibility as heir to the throne willingly. Living the lavish lifestyle of royalty, the Romanov family was quite detached from the conditions of the people of Russia -- and they didn't even seem to care. And so was set in motion a series of events that would bring down Imperial Russia and result in the murders of the Tsar and his family and creating a mystery that lasted almost a century.


***I didn't know anything about Russian history before reading this. I learned A LOT. Most notably that the cartoon "Anastasia" was very historically inaccurate. (Haha.) I was appalled by a lot of what I learned. Initially, I felt sorry for Nicholas, who was never taught how to rule by his iron-fisted father; and who was ridiculed by that same father for being "too weak." But as I continued reading and learned of how he behaved with future events (particularly with regards to Rasputin, who was a completely distasteful person), my sympathy for him waned. Not that I agree with how things played out: the murders of the entire family. But I could definitely understand why the Russian people revolted as they did and can't help but wonder how different things would have been if Nicholas would have been a wiser ruler. Overall a good read and an opportunity for me to learn more about some world history to which I was quite oblivious.

The Adoration of Jenna Fox --

When 17-year old Jenna Fox awakens from her 18-month coma, her memory is broken. She can't remember so much of her past, and it disturbs her. What she knows is that she no longer lives in Boston, but now resides with her mother, grandmother, and sometimes her father, in California. She knows she doesn't have friends now. She knows she was in an accident, but she cannot speak of it. And with the help of the videos of Jenna's pre-accident life, which her parents encourage her to watch, Jenna comes to know how very adored she was.

And her memories start to return. Memories she shouldn't be able to remember -- like the time she almost drowned as a toddler, or when she was baptized as an infant. As more memories surface, Jenna starts to realize she is a different Jenna than she was before. Different in ways that aren't legal. Different in ways that may even be highly unethical. But she's still Jenna Fox, right?

Burdened with her newly discovered secrets and all the new questions those secrets raise, Jenna tries to figure out who she is now. A monster? A human? A soul? And what will she do if someone finds out her secret?


***This was an interesting read, particularly in light of today's focus on genetically modified foods and what technology can allow us to do medically. Definitely had me thinking about things. I can't say it was a page-turner, but definitely a worthwhile read.

Die Again -- Tess Gerritsen

A renowned taxidermist in Boston is found dead, his body displayed in a macabre and even ironic way, considering his line of work. Leon Gott, the taxidermist who also cherishes the hunt and has a home filled with mounted trophies, had plenty of enemies amongst the animal-loving crowd. But could one of them responsible for his horrific murder?

Six years ago, a group of seven strangers traveled deep into the safari of Botswana for the experience of a lifetime. Surrounded by beasts who could devour them, their only safety comes from the man with the rifle: their bush guide. But the wild animals of Africa aren't the only ones willing to hunt and kill. There is a hunter amongst them. And only one will walk away from that safari alive.

Horrors on two different continents years apart. And yet, as Jane Rizzoli and Maura Isles dig deeper into the investigation of Leon Gott's homicide, the connections start appearing. Could the person responsible for a massacre of seven people in Africa have come to Boston to hunt?


***Tess Gerritsen has done it again! I was sucked in almost immediately and didn't want to put the book down. I really enjoyed the flashback chapters and changing from third-person narrative to first-person. Another skillfully written suspense novel that kept me riveted and leaves me anxiously anticipating her next Rizzoli and Isles thriller!

Saving CeeCee Honeycutt -- Beth Hoffman

At the tender of age of 12, Cecelia Rose Honeycutt has already experienced more life than some adults. She has no friends in her town in Ohio; and, in fact, is either pitied or teased by the majority of the town. This is through no fault of her own. It is because her mother has lost her mind, and the whole town knows it. While her mother parades around town in a variety of ill-fitting pageant and prom dresses mentally living in 1951, Cecelia (better known as Cee Cee) hangs her head in embarrassment and horror. And because Cee Cee's father is never around -- he's a traveling salesman who checked out on the family situation long ago -- it falls to Cee Cee to care for her mother when she has an episode.

Sad, frustrated, and alone, Cee Cee wishes many times her life was different. And then one day, it is. Because one day, in a tragic accident, Cee Cee's mother dies. In swoops Cee Cee's great-aunt Tootie, whom Cee Cee met only once, as an infant. With the permission of Cee Cee's father, Aunt Tootie takes Cee Cee to live with her in Savannah and Cee Cee's life changes forever. In Savannah, Cee Cee meets strong woman of many varieties and backgrounds. She learns and grows; and, perhaps most importantly, she is allowed to be a child. She experiences love and kindness and even a few shockingly hilarious situations. And through this new environment, she is able to work through her struggles with the past and the demons she battles within.


***This was a cute read. There were a few areas I felt were unrealistic, and I am a bit disappointed that nearly every male character who actually played a part in the novel is portrayed in a negative light (with the exception of Aunt Tootie's husband, but he isn't actually in the novel, as he has passed away). I'm not saying women aren't great... But men aren't all jerks, yet that's how they all come across in this novel, at least in my opinion.

The Whistling Season -- Ivan Doig

Paul Milliron is a 13 year old genius in early 20th-Century Montana where his father is striving to homestead and farm in one of the driest areas of the country. He attends school in a one-room school house with his younger brothers Damon and Toby and shares school-day adventures with the other local students of Marias Coulee from 1st to 8th grade. Life is pretty constant for the Milliron family: Father can't cook, so the boys haven't had much of a decent meal since their mother passed away the previous year; Sunday means one good square meal at the neighbors' (and mother's cousin's) house -- which the boys relish, except for Aunt Eunice; Aunt Eunice will always complain that she may not make it another day; and school will be a dirge with Miss Adelaide Trent up front as teacher.

But that's before Rose Llewelyn enters the picture. When Father responds to her house-keeper ad in a paper from Minneapolis, she arrives with her brother Morrie in tow and turn the lives of all the Milliron males upside down! As she whistles while she works their house back into shape, Rose also wiggles her way into the lives of the boys. With her can-do attitude and never-ending work ethic, she changes her life -- and the lives of those she touches -- in one grand whistling season.


***This was a charming book. It took me a bit to get into, but the characters are so real, you feel as though you know them. I loved the language of the book -- the vocabulary and the way Doig writes. I definitely chuckled several times while reading, particularly with situations involving Aunt Eunice. Definitely a happy-ending good read!

The People of Sparks -- Jeanne DuPrau

Once Lina and Doon find a way out of the dying City of Ember, they are able to get a message back to their people, the Emberites. With instructions on how to leave the city and hope in their hearts, the Emberites pack up some food and a few belongings and trek out of their underground city. They meet up with Lina and Doon, and as a group of over 400, travel a road in hopes they will find a safe haven.

What they find is the city called Sparks, a small city of just over 300 which is just barely starting to prosper. Hesitantly, the leaders of Sparks agree to take in the Emberites temporarily. The townspeople are to teach the Emberites how to do a variety of tasks and provide them with food; but in 6 months, the Emberites will be turned out to make their own town, for the people of Sparks fear their humble supplies cannot sustain everyone permanently.

Initially, things go along well enough. But in time, resentments rise and fear grows. And the people living in the City of Sparks -- all of them -- begin repeating history without really realizing it at first. Will they realize it in time to fix it and avoid the tragedies of the past?


***This is a cute series. It's written for young teens, even pre-teens, so a lot of it is "obvious." But I really like the way the author addresses these issues in a way that will make sense to those growing and learning at that age. The issues are important ones: hate, revenge, war, forgiveness, selflessness. I think the story was wonderfully written and it was a good read, even for an adult.

Wild -- Cheryl Strayed

Cheryl Strayed (the last name one she chose for herself after her divorce) is a woman with many troubles. Her past is riddled with violence and instability with one exception: her loving mother. But when Cheryl is 22, cancer takes her mother from her as well, and Cheryl spirals into a self-destructive spin of drugs and immorality.

Finally forced to face who she has become when she realizes she has made a mess of her life, Cheryl can conceive of only one solution to mend herself: hike the Pacific Coast Trail. Alone. With little to no knowledge about long-distance hiking, and even less experience. But Cheryl is determined. And so she sets out on a life-altering journey through California and Oregon to find herself. And who she finds surprises her.


***It is hard for me to rate this book, honestly. I read it for book club and am anxious/nervous to see how discussion goes. Strayed has a gift for words. She weaves her past into the story of the trail so seamlessly, and I constantly wanted to keep reading. At the same time, though, I was appalled by much of it. The language was rough. And I cannot identify with this woman at all. So much so that I have a hard time feeling bad for some of what she went through in life. Not sure I would recommend this to others and don't plan to see the movie.

The Fault in Our Stars -- John Green

Dying of cancer sucks. That's pretty much how Hazel Grace Lancaster feels about it. But she is dying of cancer, and she'd just as soon live out the remainder of her life the way she wants to: at home, reading the same book over and over, and watching TV with her parents. Her mother, though, wants Hazel to "have a life." And so, to appease her ever-hovering and loving mother, Hazel agrees to attend a cancer support group at a local church. And that's where she meets Augustus Waters, a cancer survivor with a charismatic smile and intriguing personality. Hazel never thought she'd be particularly interested in romance, given her own situation. But Augustus Waters changes all that the day he stares at her through support group.

As Hazel and Augustus' relationship develops, even as Hazel tries to prevent it, for she sees herself as a grenade who will explode and destroy the people close to her, they experience moments of a lifetime. They create their own infinity in a finite number of days. And Hazel comes to learn the power of love and to realize we can avoid oblivion.


***I thought this was a powerful and beautiful novel. The author has an amazing way with words and expresses some very deep and beautiful things through the characters in this novel. My only regret is I watched the movie first. One of my favorite quotes: "Love is keeping the promise anyway."

Dear Enemy -- Jean Webster

In this sequel to Daddy-Long-Legs, Sallie McBride, college friend of Jerusha (Judy) Abbot, has been requested to become the new superintendent of the John Grier House, the orphanage in which Judy was raised. Though Sallie initially balks at the idea, she eventually decides to try out the position when her beau laughingly tells her she couldn't handle the position. Sallie is nothing if not up to a challenge!

And so Sallie McBride finds herself the superintendent of the orphanage, with charge over 113 children who range in age from babies to 16 years old. With the assistance of money provided by Judy and her husband Jervis (Daddy-Long-Legs), Sallie undertakes to make many improvements at the orphanage, using the stories Judy once shared as a basis for ways to make the home a happier and healthier place for the children who reside there. Also there to assist is Dr. Robin MacRae, the Scotch doctor who rubs her the wrong way from day one -- but whom Judy and Jervis feel sure she would take an instant liking to.

Sallie's intentions are for the position to be temporary. For she is a young woman with a politician beau in Washington, D.C. who is used to the finer things in life and a life of ease. But little by little she finds purpose in her position and the little children wiggle their ways into her heart, making it hard for her to consider leaving. And then there's the doctor...


***Another witty, cute book by Jean Webster. Loved this! Moments of chuckling, just as in Daddy-Long-Legs. Definitely worth the read and look forward to sharing it with my children in the years ahead!

Crazy in Love -- Dandi Daley Mackall

Mary Jane (aka Plain Jane... aka MJ) is a senior in high school. And she has a massive crush on Jackson House. But Jackson has a girlfriend, even though he HAS been flirting with Mary Jane. And his girlfriend just happens to be in Mary Jane's group of friends. So when rumors start flying about Mary Jane and Jackson... Well, things turn ugly. Her friends can't believe Mary Jane would betray a friend like that. But the truth is: nothing has happened! No matter, rumors fly fast. And soon Mary Jane's reputation is on the line.

As if high school life wasn't complicated enough. Mary Jane is already dealing with her best friend being away at college, her boss at the Twisted Pretzel being a big pain, and her "rents." And let's not even get started on how confused she is about love and everything else in the romance-world. While Mary Jane battles all the outside fiascoes of teenage life, there is a battle going on inside as well: the battle between Plain Jane and MJ, her two alter-egos with totally opposing viewpoints on sex and Jackson House. Because even IF Jackson did like Mary Jane, what would that mean? She'd promised to wait until she was married to have sex. She'd made a pact with her two best friends (both of whom are now away at college). She decides it's all a moot point anyway... Until things DO start changing with Jackson. And now Mary Jane must decide what she wants for her future and who she really is.


***I liked this book for a few reasons. I'd probably give it a little over 3 stars. The story, set in high school, was a little immature seeming most of the time. But that could be that my 34-year old self can't really relate to the high school angst anymore. But there were quite a few messages I appreciated in this book. Like how Mary Jane's best friend Alicia reasoned remaining abstinent until marriage: "Sometimes I feel like there's not so much of me to give, so I better save it for the man I want to marry. Like, I don't want to leave pieces of me all over the place... Plus, who wants to be married to this perfectly great guy but still be thinking about the super sex you had with some loser in high school?" I felt like there was a lot of depth in that. I also like that there wasn't a bunch of bad language in the book. That actually surprised me, and I liked it a lot!

No Unhallowed Hand -- Gerald Lund

It is a dark time in Nauvoo, Illinois, for the Latter-Day Saints: their beloved Prophet, Joseph Smith, and his brother Hyrum have been martyred. Amidst the grief and mourning, there is confusion. Who will lead the Church now? Or are those opposed to the Church correct: will the Church collapse now that their leader is dead? Many step forth, willing to take the reins left by Joseph. But the Lord is at the head of this work, and through a miraculous event, He makes known His will as to who will preside over the Church at this difficult time. Many do not agree and fall away, following others. But the Steed family remains firm in their faith. They witnessed the miracle, and they know who leads the Church. Willingly, they follow Brigham Young, the President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

But still, hard times come. When the Church does not implode, as so many opponents to the faith believed would happen, the mobs begin again to terrorize the saints. They burn the homes and farms of families living in settlements outside of Nauvoo. The Governor of Illinois invites the Mormon people to leave the state; suggesting they will be better off somewhere out West. Rumors of the federal government getting involved -- and not to the benefit of the Saints -- also spark fear. And so, once again in the middle of winter, the Saints leave their homes and all they have worked hard to obtain and create in Nauvoo and begin the trek West.

During these troubled times, the Steed family experiences joy and sorrow; miracles and trials. Their lives will be forever changed. They will be called on to serve in a variety of ways and with a variety of difficulties. But serve they will. And they hold tight to the promise that one day they will be together forever.

***I enjoyed this book. I learned a lot about some of what was faced by these early pioneers, and again, it humbled me. I contemplated what I would do if required to leave almost all I have, and I realized how truly unimportant so many of my material possessions really are. I was sometimes surprised by how the Saints were treated in a country which was supposed to support religious freedom -- and I can't help but wonder if there will be similar days ahead.

I Remember You -- Harriet Evans

Tess Tennant and Adam Smith have been friends forever. They grew up across the street from each other and were inseparable in their youth. Most townsfold in the small English town of Langford figured they would be together forever.

But they went their separate ways after finishing high school. Tess moved on to London and college while Adam, though brilliant and with a promising future, stayed behind in Langford trying to deal with the sudden death of his mother -- the only parent, the only family he ever knew.

Thirteen years later, Tess finds herself back in Langford as her life takes an unexpected turn: she loses her job and her boyfriend dumps her. Back in Langford to teach Roman and Greek history at the local college, Tess is trying to find her niche; all the while getting used to being around Adam all the time again. Tess realizes she is becoming someone she didn't want to be while in Langford, but a school trip to Rome helps her come out of her shell and experience a romance with Peter, the American journalist.

But when one of the students on her school trip falls horribly ill, things change suddenly. Secrets come out and soon the entire town of Langford will never be the same; especially Tess and Adam.

***I am being generous with the 3 stars... I'd probably prefer to give it 2.5 or 2.75. As with the other Harriet Evans book I read, this was slow to get into, but picked up pace and more of my interest by 1/3 of the way in. Maybe I'm just over the British chick-lit phase of my youth, but a lot of the storyline was ho-hum. And some of it was even ridiculous in my opinion. I mean, the story was fine and once I got into it, I was interested to see HOW things would turn out the way I was pretty sure they would. But at the same time, I thought there was a lot that could have been condensed or cut. Definitely not adding any more by this author to my to-read list, though. Don't like them that much. But in my (crazy) desire to always read whatever I've ever put on my to-read list... Well, I read it. And now it's done.

Farmer Boy -- Laura Ingalls Wilder

Almanzo Wilder will one day grow up and marry Laura Ingalls. But for now, he is a farmer's son in New York -- and he loves it! At almost nine years old when the book begins, Almanzo isn't crazy about attending school and would rather be home working on the farm with his father. Throughout the year, he shares the stories of farm life in the 1800s, from hauling wood to growing a milk pumpkin, to planting and harvesting crops to help the family survive through winter. He even shares some of the mischief he gets into when his father is away.


***I enjoyed this book. For me, it was as much informational as a happy little story. It is amazing to me the way life was during this time in history. There is something amazing about the ability to literally live off the land. And while I enjoy my modern conveniences of indoor plumbing and grocery stores with packaged meat (rather than having to cook whole pigs, etc), I always feel inspired by those who went before me and feel they had amazing skills and talents. I also love this book just for the simplicity of the story. I'm looking forward to reading it to my kiddos out loud in the years to come.

John Adams -- David McCullough

The life of America's second President, John Adams. Beginning with his birth and early education (and what he thought he would do at first...) and culminating with his death in the same town in which he was born, this book covers all of the significant contributions Adams made to the start of this new nation, not the least of which was being "The Voice" of the Declaration of Independence (while Jefferson was "The Pen").


*** I really liked this book. I've been interested in John Adams since my childhood days of watching the musical 1776 with my mom. This book has been on my to-read wish list for some time, and I'm glad I finally made it a priority. I learned an immense amount, not just about Adams, but also about that period of history in the world. My eyes were opened to so many things, and I was amazed at how tumultuous a time it really was as our nation struggled to become one. The majority of the book was a very fast read for me, though hitting part III slowed me down a bit. But it picked back up and I was anxious to keep turning pages and soaking in more information. I read several excerpts to my husband, who said that is how he knows I am enjoying a book -- when I want to share it with him! So yes, if you have any interest in John Adams or the era of the Revolutionary War, I would recommend this book!

The Maze Runner -- James Dashner

When Thomas wakes up alone in a lift, almost the only thing he can remember is his own name. Thirty minutes later, when the doors of the lift open, he is surrounded by a large group of boys -- teenagers -- none of whom he recognizes. And he soon learns he is in a place called The Glade: the only safe place in The Maze. The more Thomas learns, the more disturbing his reality is. The Maze seems to have no exit. And it harbors horrifying creatures which are only too happy to kill anyone out in The Maze at night.

But after only one day in his new "home," things start changing. And little by little, Thomas begins to have feelings of familiarity about certain aspects of The Maze. While he cannot remember the details of his past, he senses a deeper connection with The Maze and the only girl there, who has suddenly shown up with the frightening message: that after two years of sameness, things are going to change.

Soon Thomas earns the right to be a Maze Runner. He hopes to help the Gladers find a way to solve the maze and return them all to the life they used to know. But some don't want to go back. Some have had memories of what they left behind in their old lives, and they would rather stay in The Maze. Some even seem to have memories of Thomas; memories that cause distrust.

But time is running out. The Ending has been triggered. And, like it or not, all Gladers will have to make a choice.

This was a good read. I didn't want to stop reading. There were some "eh" parts, and sometimes it felt a little rushed -- as though everything happened too quickly. But the story kept me going and I wanted to know what would happen next.

The Boys in the Boat -- Daniel James Brown

It was a long shot, but Al Ulbrickson, the head rowing coach at the University of Washington, was aiming at the 1936 Olympics.  After years of defeat, he was determined to see his boys win the gold.  And with that goal in mind, it was Ulbrickson's job to find the perfect crew.

For many of the boys who ultimately rowed in Ulbrickson's famous boat, the Olympics were a dream they never dared dream.  These were boys from poor upbringings; boys from small logging towns around Puget Sound.  Times were rough for most Americans during the 1930s, but particularly for young men such as these -- young men whose only choice was to work at hard labor to be able to pay for school. 

But once they started tasting victory, they, too, dreamed as did Ulbrickson.  And so they rowed their hearts out.  Hours upon hours and days upon days in weather so cold icicles clung to their oars, these boys rowed.  Over time, their crew came to rely completely on each other.  They were the boys in the boat.  And together, they could obtain their wildest dreams -- and Ulbrickson's.

***This book was amazing.  It is not one I would have picked up on my own.  But as it was a selection for the Book Club I joined this year, I read it.  And I am so glad I did!  I could not put it down.  Reading about the harsh circumstances of the United States in the 1930s as well as some of the individual stories of the boys in the boat, along with the interweaving of the preparations of Nazi Germany, my eyes were opened and my heart touched.  I learned a great deal.  And the most amazing thing is the endurance of the human spirit -- the determination to continue on.  A wonderful read I would recommend to anyone.

Fatal Voyage -- Kathy Reichs

When a plane crashes in the mountains near North Carolina, Temperance Brennan is called in as part of the DMORT team which is tasked with recovering the bodies, the wreckage, and piecing together the last moments of the flight to determine the cause of the disaster. With body parts strewn over several miles, it does not seem odd when Temperance -- along with the help of some coyotes, finds a severed foot quite a distance from the center of the search.

But that foot throws kinks into many aspects of the investigation and makes someone nervous enough that Temperance is slandered publicly and removed from her involvement with the crash investigation.

Determined to clear her good name, Temperance does not give up. But the more she digs, the more disturbing things start rising to the surface. Some of her associates are even killed; and Temperance is next on the list.


**Once the story got going, it was a decent read. However, it takes so long to get into the story (for me at least) that I become disillusioned with the whole thing and just can't wait to be done with the book, thereby diminishing my enjoyment of the story.

Heaven is Here -- Stephanie Nielson

Stephanie Nielson had her perfect life: a handsome, loving husband; a beautiful home in Arizona; a supportive family; 4 beautiful children; a popular blog...

Then, on August 16, 2008, Stephanie, her husband, and a friend were in a terrible plane crash. Stephanie was burned over 80% of her body. The miracle was that she lived. Even though, at times, she wished she hadn't. No longer able to be the mother she longed to be -- and the mother she was before, Stephanie was crushed by her inability to do anything. Her children were cared for by her sisters while she and her husband Christian healed in hospitals a state away. Devastated by all she had lost, Stephanie felt incredible guilt for what she had done to her family.

Until a peace settled over her late one night. And she realized what a blessing it was to still be alive. Though she knew it would be hard, Stephanie determined then that she would conquer this trial. That she would, once again, be the mother her children deserved. That she would hope and dream and press on. And with her determined efforts, Stephanie does just that. Along the way she realizes that she is not her body, and that life is a gift.


***I'll admit, initially I was pretty sick of all the sugary-sweetness of her "perfect" life. It seemed a little "too perfect." But as I read on and read the experiences and strength and determination of Stephanie Nielson, I couldn't help but imagine how I would respond, had it been me. My heart broke for her when she told of initially seeing her children for the first time after her accident as I imagined how that would feel for me. And so, for me, the book improved vastly and I really enjoyed it and appreciate the strength of a woman whose trials have far outweighed mine. She is an example to me of how we can CHOOSE to be happy and choose to go forward, in spite of hardships. She is an example of great faith.

If I Stay - Gayle Forman

On a snow-dusted morning, Mia and her family pile into the family car and head to visit relatives. But they never arrive there. Instead, Mia sees the horrors of a car accident that left her parents dead and her younger brother Teddy in a hospital. Mia can't believe she wasn't harmed in the accident that killed her parents... Until she finds her own body and realizes she was. And she is seeing everything from outside herself.

While in the hospital, Mia comes to realizes she is still here because she gets to choose if she stays. And so Mia spends the following 24 hours remembering, pondering, and deciding. Does she stay with the friends, boyfriend, and hopes of the future (Julliard, graduation, possibly marriage one day)? Or does she let go and join her family, for before long, she learns she's even lost her little brother.

Only Mia can choose. And the choice is not an easy one.


***So this was a quick read. I just didn't like it. I didn't care for a lot of the behaviors condoned in the novel and felt irritated by a lot of it. I don't plan on reading the sequel.