About
“I live in the in between. Between yesterday and forever. The way forward haunts me. The gap I must cover daunts me. And hope beckons, ‘Run to me,’ but I just learned to walk.”
After a lifetime of abuse, the Vanderbilt siblings flee their home, finally free to pursue new dreams while running from yesterday’s nightmares.
Once bed-ridden Jesse navigates the Chicago streets, concealing his identity and planning revenge. A chance encounter in the rain
introduces a girl who offers Jesse a glimpse of a sunnier future, but how will he weather the growing storm inside himself?
Separated from her Post-it note prince, Talia hides at a safe house for survivors of domestic violence while her father turns the city upside-down to find her. Surrounded by women fighting their own demons, Talia faces her past at every turn.
Review
If you read the first book that left you with that cliffhanger ending, than naturally you had to pick up this one to find out what happened with Jesse. Jesse is probably the main voice in this book, though Talia gets her share as well.
Here’s What I Liked:
Jesse’s voice. He is uniquely him and though he may make some frustrating choices, he makes choices that make sense for him.
Talia. I think Ms. Paulus does a wonderful job of showing the lingering effects of abuse in not just Talia, but with others. Talia doesn’t become magically whole. It’s a process.
Lagan. He hasn’t changed. He’s still wonderful for Talia and Jesse, and though I could have wished to see more of his personality, this book is not focused on Lagan and Talia like the last one. So I was very happy and satisfied when he showed up on the pages.
Spiritually, though its a bit vague, I liked watching Talia walk out her faith more and to see Jesse realize that revenge just isn’t going to solve anything.
What I didn’t like:
The dad is such a huge presence in this book, but we don’t actually see him as much. I think I kind of wanted to see his downfall be a bit more…widespread.
Jesse and Summer seemed a bit rushed. Talia and Lagan got way more time develop.
I wanted it to be longer! It was over too soon (I mean this in a good way)!
Romantic Scale: 7.5
Overall, a very good followup. You won’t want to put it down and the pages will just fly by!
remaininhislove 