What do you think?
Rate this book
Emi Lost & Found #2
Time Stands Still
Emi Lost & Found series - Winner of the Best Happily Ever After of 2013 - HEA Bookshelf “Intense doesn't begin to cover it. I cried. I sobbed. I bawled. A lot. Constantly. Take my word when I say that you and Emi will become one. I felt every emotion as if I was in the story. I could have been Emi.” - Kelli, Alphas, Authors and Books Oh My Emi Hennigan could never have predicted her life would be like this. After wasting more than ten years being “just a friend” to her true love, Nate Wilson, Emi feels more than a little regret. Her future was set, though. Nate loved her as much as she loved him, and they were moving forward with a romance that took them both by surprise. They already knew their bad habits, quirks and the subtle nuances of expressions, but the love was all-encompassing and new to them both. No man could compete, Emi thought, until one night – one evening, one party, one journey, one second alters her course completely. That night, her brother’s confident best friend, Jack Holland, comes back into her life with a to spend more time with Emi to prove he is the right man for her. A romance with him is the furthest thing from Emi’s mind, though, staying loyal and steadfast to a trusted man that she will always love. In a year’s time, though, Emi must learn to make changes she’d never before considered after being impacted by unexpected events. While her fragile spirit takes time to heal, Jack slowly finds a comfortable place in her life. Only time will tell if it’s right for Emi – and enough for him. Photography and cover design by Christi Allen Curtis, assisted by Katrina Boone
386 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 8, 2010
68 people are currently reading
2504 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 281 reviews
August 25, 2016
4.5 STARS
Time Stands Still is not a standalone. You must read at least Lost and Found first.
In all my years of reading books, whether it be for enjoyment or out of necessity, this book was the hardest and toughest for me to get through. There were many times I considered throwing in the towel and just move on from the series.
But how do you move on from something that pretty much obliterated your world? The last word in book 1 blew a hole through my chest and with book 2 my emotions completely overwhelmed me. There wasn’t a single page that passed by where I wasn’t crying (of course it didn’t help that I had sad music playing in the background).
I’ll be honest; THIS book is the reason why I shelved the entire series away so long. I knew I wouldn’t be able to face the reality of what happened at the end of book 1 in here, and yep I didn’t. Even after finishing this second book, I’m still struggling to cope and come to terms with where Emi is now.
I can’t review this book without giving out spoilers so the next section is for those that need more details but just know that with all the heartache and unimaginable pain there is hope. A light at the end of the tunnel. Experiencing the sorrow makes the healing process more precious. Read this book. Read this series. You will emerge as a better and changed person. I know I have.
**This next section contains spoilers and is only for those that need more details. Obviously, this will also have spoilers for book 1 too so proceed at your own risk.**
Time Stands Still is not a standalone. You must read at least Lost and Found first.
In all my years of reading books, whether it be for enjoyment or out of necessity, this book was the hardest and toughest for me to get through. There were many times I considered throwing in the towel and just move on from the series.
But how do you move on from something that pretty much obliterated your world? The last word in book 1 blew a hole through my chest and with book 2 my emotions completely overwhelmed me. There wasn’t a single page that passed by where I wasn’t crying (of course it didn’t help that I had sad music playing in the background).
I’ll be honest; THIS book is the reason why I shelved the entire series away so long. I knew I wouldn’t be able to face the reality of what happened at the end of book 1 in here, and yep I didn’t. Even after finishing this second book, I’m still struggling to cope and come to terms with where Emi is now.
I can’t review this book without giving out spoilers so the next section is for those that need more details but just know that with all the heartache and unimaginable pain there is hope. A light at the end of the tunnel. Experiencing the sorrow makes the healing process more precious. Read this book. Read this series. You will emerge as a better and changed person. I know I have.
**This next section contains spoilers and is only for those that need more details. Obviously, this will also have spoilers for book 1 too so proceed at your own risk.**
August 5, 2016
Love ya, Em. Hold me.
Love ya, Nate. <3
---
Ok, so... How do I start this review? Ok, yeah. Saying this book is an emotional roller coaster is an understatement. So, I'll give you a piece of advice, you should buddy read this. Don't do it alone, because you'll need the support. Trust me. I actually read this with a friend of mine, and even so, I was still a mess. Oh, and get a whole box of tissues (or maybe ten).
This is the second book of the Emi Lost & Found series, and I have to say, it was a little hard for me to read.. Not because the book was hard to understand, or the characters were unbelievable (well, Emi was sometimes, but for different reasons), or bad or anything like that. No, in fact, it was the entire opposite.
Time Stands Still is from Emi's POV, you get to know her a little better, how she deals with every situation she has to face. You get to know her, like her, dislike her, be mad at her and mourn with her. In my case, I was pretty upset with her a great part of the book. Wanna know why? Well, sometimes I just felt she wasn't appreciating her relationship with Nate enough, like she was second-guessing it and just leaving him behind. And come on, Nate's her soulmate. I know it, you know it, everyone knows it. How could she think she was wrong about that? Oh yeah, because of Jack, but I'll talk about him later. So, in my frustrated moment, I asked for some guidance, right? Because I couldn't believe how Emi was acting. So this great and wise woman (thank you Lori L. Otto) told me I had to give Emi a try, be patient with her. And that's what helped me get through this whole situation. I decided Emi has the right to question everything and, eventually, move on. And I know, deep in my heart, she won't forget him. As in ever. And that gives me peace of mind.
So, back to Jack. This guy is...wow! He made me feel guilty the whole time, just like Emi felt at the beginning of it all. He was always showing up and doing the sweetest things for Emi. And I liked him (here comes the guilt haha), and that's a whole new thing for me, since (like I've said in other reviews) I don't usually like "the other guy" of the story, but I know this situation is different, so I've allowed myself to actually like him and give him a chance. And why wouldn't I? He's considerate, sweet, patient, adorable and he cares for Emi deeply, you can see it.
But still, I love and miss Nate. I don't think I'll put this whole thing behind me any time soon. Every time I remember what happened I start to cry and cry and cry. Like I said, I'm a mess when it comes to my emotions and this book haha.
So, overall.. I loved this book. It may sound weird, since I was crying the entire thing, but really, this story is heartbreaking and beautiful at the same time.
Thank you Lori, for giving me the chance to meet this beautiful characters and their story <3
May 4, 2016
One of the most heartbreaking books I've ever read. EVER.
I started this book last March and I put it down because the first few chapters just broke my heart in pieces.
I am emotionally drained. The feelings are just too raw and it's so tough to get into it. I've read lots of books that will make you cry, but THIS BOOK just made it to my list of the Best "Ugly Crying" Books of All Time. My God. It hurts and I'm still a mess right now from crying.
I don't know if I will give you a little sneak peek of this book because it will be a HUGE spoiler. But I'll try my best not to spoil.
Maybe I'll just give you a clue.. (maybe a little spoiler)
In every love story, we think there's always a happy ending. Years of friendship grew into something more and finally got the person you've always wanted in your entire life. Together, you're both excited to conquer the future. At some point in our lives, some things come unexpectedly.
Imagine this, you're experiencing the best moments in your life. One event happens and everything you love has been taken away from you all of a sudden? After all years of waiting, it's gone.
Is it possible to recover from it?
How long does it takes for someone to move on from such misery?
I started this book last March and I put it down because the first few chapters just broke my heart in pieces.
I am emotionally drained. The feelings are just too raw and it's so tough to get into it. I've read lots of books that will make you cry, but THIS BOOK just made it to my list of the Best "Ugly Crying" Books of All Time. My God. It hurts and I'm still a mess right now from crying.
I don't know if I will give you a little sneak peek of this book because it will be a HUGE spoiler. But I'll try my best not to spoil.
Maybe I'll just give you a clue.. (maybe a little spoiler)
In every love story, we think there's always a happy ending. Years of friendship grew into something more and finally got the person you've always wanted in your entire life. Together, you're both excited to conquer the future. At some point in our lives, some things come unexpectedly.
Imagine this, you're experiencing the best moments in your life. One event happens and everything you love has been taken away from you all of a sudden? After all years of waiting, it's gone.
Is it possible to recover from it?
How long does it takes for someone to move on from such misery?
February 28, 2019
This review is spoiler free and for the entire series.
Emi Lost & Found is an experience, a journey. This beautifully written series is full of heartbreak, healing, and love. You will cry an ocean of tears, but feel so happy and fulfilled when it’s all over. This is the type of book that will stay with you for a long time, maybe forever. It will consume you. You will feel like you are a part of these characters lives, living their experiences with them.
“I will cherish all the moments I have to share with other people. I will never let another day pass me by. I will live in the present, not mourn for the past or dread the future. I will trust my instincts, and I will act on them, not ignore them out of fear.”
It’s so refreshing to find a new author that writes a beautiful story that’s free from tropes and formulas. Just an authentic story with real emotions, real pain, real healing, real characters, and real love.
This author is able to deliver an unforgettable love story WITHOUT insta-love, alpha males, overused dirty talk, gratuitous sex scenes, contrived conflict, OW drama, etc, etc. All these cliches and tropes are so played out and just plain exhausting.
This series definitely delivers an HEA. But the journey to get there wasn’t easy. But it was really worth it. Worth the pain and worth the tears.
Emi Lost & Found is an experience, a journey. This beautifully written series is full of heartbreak, healing, and love. You will cry an ocean of tears, but feel so happy and fulfilled when it’s all over. This is the type of book that will stay with you for a long time, maybe forever. It will consume you. You will feel like you are a part of these characters lives, living their experiences with them.
“I will cherish all the moments I have to share with other people. I will never let another day pass me by. I will live in the present, not mourn for the past or dread the future. I will trust my instincts, and I will act on them, not ignore them out of fear.”
It’s so refreshing to find a new author that writes a beautiful story that’s free from tropes and formulas. Just an authentic story with real emotions, real pain, real healing, real characters, and real love.
This author is able to deliver an unforgettable love story WITHOUT insta-love, alpha males, overused dirty talk, gratuitous sex scenes, contrived conflict, OW drama, etc, etc. All these cliches and tropes are so played out and just plain exhausting.
This series definitely delivers an HEA. But the journey to get there wasn’t easy. But it was really worth it. Worth the pain and worth the tears.
July 2, 2013
I really, really have to stop making assumptions about books before I read them. I try to never read the synopsis of a subsequent book because I HATE having books spoiled for me. So, I finish book 1, read the blurb for book 2, and start getting pissed because I didn't want to see them caught in a love triangle after all they had been through.
Yeah, if only I could be so freaking lucky to have it be a love triangle.
A few pages in and I am crying. Like with snot running and covering my mouth so I don't sob out loud and make my family think that I have lost my ever-lovin' mind. I would have finished this book in a day if I didn't have to keep stopping so I could jump into a "safe" paranormal or dystopian book (my go-to type of book when I need to recover from a book that traumatizes me like this!). I just finished a book the other day that had my eyes running so much that I had to stop at one point, but then I got over it with the help of a wonderfully strong drink and finished the book without feeling depressed.
Alright, I know I've been crying a lot lately while reading. I'm going to blame it on f*cking PMS. Or PMDD. What the f*ck ever.
Anyways, with similar books that make mecry like a pathetic nerd girl emotional, I usually run the gauntlet of emotions with the main character, heal with them and then move on. At least, that is what a really good book will do to me. With this one? For the love of all that is holy, I seriously felt like I had lost a Nate in my life. Lori Otto writes in a way that made Emi's pain seriously palpable. I was an emotional wreck throughout the entire book. Even on the last page I was still ready to sob as much as I did at the beginning. This was my inner conflict at the end:
Head: It's just a damn book.
Heart: *sniffles* But it feels so real *sniff snort*
Head: Cry me a river, build a bridge and get the f*ck over it.
Heart: You don't understand *sniffles* It *sob* just *sob* hurts!
Head: You really are pathetic.
Heart: F*ck you. *sob* I'm starting the next book! *snotty sniffle* *choke*
Seriously, I am such a nerd girl that it is beyond being funny.
I started with Not Today, But Someday so I really grew attached to Nate before I even started Lost and Found. Somehow Ms. Otto was able to make me fall for Jack while still hanging on to Nate right along with Emi. Here are just a couple of the times where I had to stop:
"Goodbye, Nate," I tell him, now beginning to sob. Goodbye Emi and Nate. Goodbye to the time we shared, the love we exchanged. He is gone, and I am forever changed, different. Never the same Emi.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Nate...do you ever miss me? Do you feel sadness where you are? Come comfort me, please. I need you...so badly. I can't do this without you. I want you back. I want a family. I would do anything, Nate...
Fuuuuuuuuuuck.
I've seen where other people have said they couldn't finish it but might try later. Let me tell you, I totally sympathize with them. It is raw and painful to read while still having an underlying sense of hope for what could be. But to me, that is what makes Ms. Otto's book so beautiful. It is so worth the gamut of emotions you will be forced through. I really need to start Never Look Back so I can hopefully start to get rid of this aching that keeps following me around. It can only get better from here, right? ;)
Yeah, if only I could be so freaking lucky to have it be a love triangle.
A few pages in and I am crying. Like with snot running and covering my mouth so I don't sob out loud and make my family think that I have lost my ever-lovin' mind. I would have finished this book in a day if I didn't have to keep stopping so I could jump into a "safe" paranormal or dystopian book (my go-to type of book when I need to recover from a book that traumatizes me like this!). I just finished a book the other day that had my eyes running so much that I had to stop at one point, but then I got over it with the help of a wonderfully strong drink and finished the book without feeling depressed.
Alright, I know I've been crying a lot lately while reading. I'm going to blame it on f*cking PMS. Or PMDD. What the f*ck ever.
Anyways, with similar books that make me
Head: It's just a damn book.
Heart: *sniffles* But it feels so real *sniff snort*
Head: Cry me a river, build a bridge and get the f*ck over it.
Heart: You don't understand *sniffles* It *sob* just *sob* hurts!
Head: You really are pathetic.
Heart: F*ck you. *sob* I'm starting the next book! *snotty sniffle* *choke*
Seriously, I am such a nerd girl that it is beyond being funny.
I started with Not Today, But Someday so I really grew attached to Nate before I even started Lost and Found. Somehow Ms. Otto was able to make me fall for Jack while still hanging on to Nate right along with Emi. Here are just a couple of the times where I had to stop:
"Goodbye, Nate," I tell him, now beginning to sob. Goodbye Emi and Nate. Goodbye to the time we shared, the love we exchanged. He is gone, and I am forever changed, different. Never the same Emi.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Nate...do you ever miss me? Do you feel sadness where you are? Come comfort me, please. I need you...so badly. I can't do this without you. I want you back. I want a family. I would do anything, Nate...
Fuuuuuuuuuuck.
I've seen where other people have said they couldn't finish it but might try later. Let me tell you, I totally sympathize with them. It is raw and painful to read while still having an underlying sense of hope for what could be. But to me, that is what makes Ms. Otto's book so beautiful. It is so worth the gamut of emotions you will be forced through. I really need to start Never Look Back so I can hopefully start to get rid of this aching that keeps following me around. It can only get better from here, right? ;)
May 3, 2013
Wow!
My eyes were raw. Completely raw. I felt every emotion Emi had. I was completely blown away by the way the author made me feel.
In this book we meet Jack. I loved Jack!!!!!!!!! I am no longer Team Emi. I am now and will forever be Team Jack.
Jackson Holland is best friends with Emi’s brother, Chris. Chris and Jack went to college together. He is a successful business man and does well for himself. He knows what he wants and isn’t willing to settle for anything less. Jack is selfless, patient, and perfect. He is exactly who Emi has been looking for all these years. After their magical moment at a frat party in college, they are finally reunited. The timing couldn’t be worse. Emi is depressed and falling apart. Jack is determined to help her pick up the pieces even if that means falling apart himself.
My casting for Jack:
Did I mention how much I loved Jack?
This book was amazing. I loved all of it. This time we got Emi's POV. Jack was exactly what she needed. There was no insta-love. I felt it was timed just right and nothing was rushed. Just when I thought I was done crying, Emi introduced Jack to Nate. Then I was a mess all over again.
“Nate, this is Jack.”
My eyes were raw. Completely raw. I felt every emotion Emi had. I was completely blown away by the way the author made me feel.
In this book we meet Jack. I loved Jack!!!!!!!!! I am no longer Team Emi. I am now and will forever be Team Jack.
Jackson Holland is best friends with Emi’s brother, Chris. Chris and Jack went to college together. He is a successful business man and does well for himself. He knows what he wants and isn’t willing to settle for anything less. Jack is selfless, patient, and perfect. He is exactly who Emi has been looking for all these years. After their magical moment at a frat party in college, they are finally reunited. The timing couldn’t be worse. Emi is depressed and falling apart. Jack is determined to help her pick up the pieces even if that means falling apart himself.
My casting for Jack:
Did I mention how much I loved Jack?
This book was amazing. I loved all of it. This time we got Emi's POV. Jack was exactly what she needed. There was no insta-love. I felt it was timed just right and nothing was rushed. Just when I thought I was done crying, Emi introduced Jack to Nate. Then I was a mess all over again.
“Nate, this is Jack.”
September 13, 2016
Here I was wanting a nice light little story to help me get over the heartbreak caused by "Forbidden" (book I read before starting this series). But NOOOOO! Tears kept flowing non stop for the first Half of the book. Now almost every time Nate was mentioned I choked up a little. I'm really trying to like jack, but I was so invested in Nate. All this time and effort! he FINALLY got everything he wanted and BAM! The whole thing was really not fair!!
November 12, 2011
So after the ending of Book I, I immediately started on this book. Before I go on, I became interested in this series because I thought it would eventually turn into a love triangle type of story. I love reading about love, jealousy and something emotionally charged. Nope. No love triangle involved. Love, yes. Emotionally charged, most definitely. As I started to read Book II, I found myself crying and getting even more emotional. This book is the reason why I now have a shelf entitled Refrigerator Books. Have you ever seen the TV show Friends? Whenever Joey reads a book and finds it too difficult to read, whether its getting too scary or too emotional, he would hide his book in the refrigerator. Well that's what this book has done to me. I can't continue with it. I found myself tearing up and like Emi,
I just don't know if I'll ever be strong enough to read the rest of this series. I know if I can just get through the first few chapters, I know it'll be a wonderful read, but I just can't. I just can't, at least not now. Ugh! So frustrating!! How could you Ms. Otto? How could you? :::sniff sniff:::
I just don't know if I'll ever be strong enough to read the rest of this series. I know if I can just get through the first few chapters, I know it'll be a wonderful read, but I just can't. I just can't, at least not now. Ugh! So frustrating!! How could you Ms. Otto? How could you? :::sniff sniff:::
March 8, 2015
It's nearly impossible to write a review for this book without spoilers, so I'm going to write two reviews: A non-spoiler review and a spoiler review.
My non-spoiler review:
I'm going to come right out and say it. Book one gutted me, but I loved that it did. My own personal type of book crack are books that make me have insanely strong emotions and almost give me an anxiety attack. Twisted, I know. I think it's amazing that twenty-six letters jumbled into words, then formed into sentences can make me so happy, sad, and so incredibly angry in a span of a few hundred pages.
One of the best things about series books is seeing how the characters change throughout each book. I didn't know how I was going to move on after book one. I had no idea how the characters were going to move on from what happened. But they did. They moved on and it was beautiful to see the character development and evolution play out on the page. I was amazed at Emi's strength throughout this book. Emi's stages of emotion from the beginning to end was very well done. Bravo, Lori Otto. I felt every emotion Emi went through, it was raw, realistic and extremely touching.
I heard that several readers quit the series after reading the first book, but I would urge you to move on. Read the rest of the series. Read the prologue. Experience these characters and this story. This series deserves your time. I am so glad I took the plunge. Reading this series has been a highlight in my reading this year.
My Spoiler-ridden review: STOP READING IF YOU HAVEN'T READ THE SERIES!
After reading the last sentence of book one I thought, I was too busy trying to sort out exactly what I was feeling. I was so sad I couldn't even cry. And yes, I was so very, very angry.
I loved every second of it.
Remember how I said I liked emotional book? This was exactly what I loved and craved. Otto turned the characters' world upside down and ripped it to shreds and in the process of doing so, she broke my heart.
Time Stands Still opens with the biggest GOTCHA ever. I had the biggest smile on my face. I was even tweeting about my elation. Open the champagne, people. Let's celebrate! HOORAY!
And then Otto pulled the rug out from under me and took away my rainbows. It was all a dream. There was no celebration. Go home everyone and give me all the booze. I need to drink myself into a coma.
Emi wakes up to find herself in a hospital room. Emi family has to break the news to her about Nate, her fiance and best friend. What follows is one of the most realistic portrayals of grief and despair I have ever read. Otto did a brilliant job at portraying the emotions of a woman in complete shock and denial. Despite being told repeatedly, Emi continues to believe that Nate is still alive. Her mind hasn't caught up with reality. I was so heartbroken for both of Emi's losses.
Emi and Nate's family and friends band together to help her cope. I was so touched to see the outpouring of love for her. I could feel how much everyone cared for her and Nate. After she is released from the hospital, she moves in with her brother, Chris. He tries to make the environment comforting for her but all Emi feels is numb.
Emi's mother brought things from her apartment to make Chris's apartment seem more like home, but what was most noticeably missing were reminders of Nate.
For some reason, this really got to me. The love of her life and best friend had just died. She didn't get to get to go to the funeral because she was hurt and she has nothing around her to hold on to. Anna, Chris's fiancee, saves the day and brings Nate's tie to Emi. This is where the water works began for me. I could picture this whole scene in my head. Listening to Anna empathize with Emi and tell her that if the tables were turned she would want something around that reminded her of Chris made me SOB!
Let's talk about Jack. We met Jack in book one technically at the college party from Emi's college days, but most notably he was at Chris and Anna's engagement party. His little eyebrow raise towards Nate made me not like him. Whatever animosity I felt towards him melted away in Time Stands Still. He was Emi's savior and rescuer. He was her foundation. I fell in love fast with Jack.
Jack's selflessness and thoughtfulness shone so bright in this book. He was persistent without being pushy. Loving without being intrusive or insensitive. He was Emi's friend during a time when she needed him the most, which then turned into something more. Jack wanted to take things slow with Emi, so they agreed to just hang out together with no expectations and no romance.
For me, the reader, coming to terms with Nate's death was very difficult. Having read the Not Today, But Someday first, I got almost two novels of Nate's point-of-view and seeing Emi and Nate together. It was jarring to me to have him ripped from me so suddenly. But I think that only added to the emotional impact.
_________________________
Find more of my reviews and other bookish things here:
✥ My blog Reading Books Like a Boss
✥ Like on Facebook
✥ Follow on Twitter
My non-spoiler review:
I'm going to come right out and say it. Book one gutted me, but I loved that it did. My own personal type of book crack are books that make me have insanely strong emotions and almost give me an anxiety attack. Twisted, I know. I think it's amazing that twenty-six letters jumbled into words, then formed into sentences can make me so happy, sad, and so incredibly angry in a span of a few hundred pages.
One of the best things about series books is seeing how the characters change throughout each book. I didn't know how I was going to move on after book one. I had no idea how the characters were going to move on from what happened. But they did. They moved on and it was beautiful to see the character development and evolution play out on the page. I was amazed at Emi's strength throughout this book. Emi's stages of emotion from the beginning to end was very well done. Bravo, Lori Otto. I felt every emotion Emi went through, it was raw, realistic and extremely touching.
I heard that several readers quit the series after reading the first book, but I would urge you to move on. Read the rest of the series. Read the prologue. Experience these characters and this story. This series deserves your time. I am so glad I took the plunge. Reading this series has been a highlight in my reading this year.
My Spoiler-ridden review: STOP READING IF YOU HAVEN'T READ THE SERIES!
After reading the last sentence of book one I thought, I was too busy trying to sort out exactly what I was feeling. I was so sad I couldn't even cry. And yes, I was so very, very angry.
I loved every second of it.
Remember how I said I liked emotional book? This was exactly what I loved and craved. Otto turned the characters' world upside down and ripped it to shreds and in the process of doing so, she broke my heart.
Time Stands Still opens with the biggest GOTCHA ever. I had the biggest smile on my face. I was even tweeting about my elation. Open the champagne, people. Let's celebrate! HOORAY!
And then Otto pulled the rug out from under me and took away my rainbows. It was all a dream. There was no celebration. Go home everyone and give me all the booze. I need to drink myself into a coma.
Emi wakes up to find herself in a hospital room. Emi family has to break the news to her about Nate, her fiance and best friend. What follows is one of the most realistic portrayals of grief and despair I have ever read. Otto did a brilliant job at portraying the emotions of a woman in complete shock and denial. Despite being told repeatedly, Emi continues to believe that Nate is still alive. Her mind hasn't caught up with reality. I was so heartbroken for both of Emi's losses.
Emi and Nate's family and friends band together to help her cope. I was so touched to see the outpouring of love for her. I could feel how much everyone cared for her and Nate. After she is released from the hospital, she moves in with her brother, Chris. He tries to make the environment comforting for her but all Emi feels is numb.
"If I could get up and walk away, I certainly would. I would walk away from it all. Run from the reality of life. Find Nate and the child we would never have in this life...where they are, that is where I want to be."
Emi's mother brought things from her apartment to make Chris's apartment seem more like home, but what was most noticeably missing were reminders of Nate.
"...none of the paintings Nate had given me over the years are here. As much as I don't know whether or not I'm ready to see them, their absence is undeniable and deliberate."
For some reason, this really got to me. The love of her life and best friend had just died. She didn't get to get to go to the funeral because she was hurt and she has nothing around her to hold on to. Anna, Chris's fiancee, saves the day and brings Nate's tie to Emi. This is where the water works began for me. I could picture this whole scene in my head. Listening to Anna empathize with Emi and tell her that if the tables were turned she would want something around that reminded her of Chris made me SOB!
Let's talk about Jack. We met Jack in book one technically at the college party from Emi's college days, but most notably he was at Chris and Anna's engagement party. His little eyebrow raise towards Nate made me not like him. Whatever animosity I felt towards him melted away in Time Stands Still. He was Emi's savior and rescuer. He was her foundation. I fell in love fast with Jack.
Jack's selflessness and thoughtfulness shone so bright in this book. He was persistent without being pushy. Loving without being intrusive or insensitive. He was Emi's friend during a time when she needed him the most, which then turned into something more. Jack wanted to take things slow with Emi, so they agreed to just hang out together with no expectations and no romance.
For me, the reader, coming to terms with Nate's death was very difficult. Having read the Not Today, But Someday first, I got almost two novels of Nate's point-of-view and seeing Emi and Nate together. It was jarring to me to have him ripped from me so suddenly. But I think that only added to the emotional impact.
_________________________
Find more of my reviews and other bookish things here:
✥ My blog Reading Books Like a Boss
✥ Like on Facebook
✥ Follow on Twitter
July 14, 2012
I loved the first book so much I read this book only a couple of pages to find out what happened to Nate no one can dispute this author is talented she really makes you care but I couldn't complete the book it feels like I was cheating Nate.This book is just sad,I loved Nate,I loved Emi they were a brilliant couple to me it will always be Nate and Emi for me.Reading some reviews Jack seems like a great guy but my heart was invested in Nate.I guess this book hurt me,It made me cry and I cant seem to let go of Nate,maybe one day I will complete this book but for now I want to have fond memories of Nate and Emi.You are very talented Lori Otto hope to read more of your books but for now I will stick to Lost and Found where I imagine Nate and Emi they live happily ever after with their baby.Emi may have moved on but I can't
April 5, 2021
Is this the first book out of the series that I'm actually writing a review for? Yikes.
No wait, I actually looked it up and I wrote a review for the prequel. Go me!
So, I won't lie.. it has been a while since I've read the first two books. I will also admit that I had no desire to dive back into them. For some odd reason, I didn't think I was going to be confused when diving into book 2 because I was young and naïve.
Young AND naïve people.
It's safe to say that I don't trust myself after this. Since it has been a while, I couldn't remember how the first book ended. Or the prequel - just saying. I know that I read and liked the books but that's about it. My goldfish memory remembers nothing else. So to say that I was surprised by what happened in this book. Well, that would be a complete understatement because I was DEVASTATED.
This book was cruel to me. Trying to make me cry and coming pretty close. Almost got me to cry my own tears - cruel ass book! Emi and Nate were my everything and I just don't know how to feel okay again. Emi is still an okay character. Not really my favorite but there's potential somewhere inside of her to eventually become one.
Nate was my everything and totally taken advantage of. I do not accept what happened - please uno reverse this decision. Thanks!
No wait, I actually looked it up and I wrote a review for the prequel. Go me!
So, I won't lie.. it has been a while since I've read the first two books. I will also admit that I had no desire to dive back into them. For some odd reason, I didn't think I was going to be confused when diving into book 2 because I was young and naïve.
Young AND naïve people.
It's safe to say that I don't trust myself after this. Since it has been a while, I couldn't remember how the first book ended. Or the prequel - just saying. I know that I read and liked the books but that's about it. My goldfish memory remembers nothing else. So to say that I was surprised by what happened in this book. Well, that would be a complete understatement because I was DEVASTATED.
This book was cruel to me. Trying to make me cry and coming pretty close. Almost got me to cry my own tears - cruel ass book! Emi and Nate were my everything and I just don't know how to feel okay again. Emi is still an okay character. Not really my favorite but there's potential somewhere inside of her to eventually become one.
Nate was my everything and totally taken advantage of. I do not accept what happened - please uno reverse this decision. Thanks!
August 12, 2013
I wasn’t going to review each book individually. I thought my review of the complete series would be satisfying, but it’s not. These characters and this story WILL NOT LET ME GO. I’m going to apologize for the rambling and possible incoherence in advance. It probably won’t be in any sort of order – just my thoughts and feelings as I think them. There also may be some spoilers in the mix, so beware!
And now for the book that gutted me and made me question my sanity.
After my self-imposed break at the end of book one, I decided to jump back in. Because let’s face it. You HAVE to know. You’re fearing the worst. Your stomach is in knots. Your heart is somewhere near the vicinity of your throat. Your gag reflex is about to kick in… and then? Everything is fine. OMG!! Cheering, laughing, and smiling I sent a message to my friend. It basically said, “HE’S ALIVE!!!!” with a HUGE smiley emoticon. My organs all returned back to their correct places and I was ready to keep truckin’ with an almost sad story. And then I turned a page or two and BAM! It was a lie!! I was teased! My shock turned to anger and then full-blown grief. This could NOT be happening! She couldn’t do this to us (me and Emi)! I closed my iPad case and sobbed. I, too, started out in denial. I wanted that fake reality. But this wasn’t a fairy tale so I cried. I cried harder than I have in any book ever. The sobs were uncontrollable and racked my body. It felt like I cried for hours. Maybe it was fifteen minutes? Thirty? I still don’t know. I do know that after that development, I couldn’t read for a few days. I wanted to… really, I did. And I remember Lori tweeting that Emi needed me. And maybe she did. But all I could think was that we needed Nate. By this point, I felt as if I was Emi. We were one in this journey of loss and devastation. It was incomprehensible to me. How could he be gone? The hits kept coming. She missed his funeral. She lost the baby. That nearly killed me. I sobbed again because the baby was my hope that she’d at least have a piece of Nate forever. I took break after break after break during my consumption of this book. I just looked it up on Goodreads and it apparently took me six days to finish. SIX DAYS?!?!?!?! I swear It felt like the year it was in the story. The difference? I’m not fully healed. Still.
Emi’s pain is nearly unbearable to witness. By witness, I mean FEEL – because you will. It will feel as though he was yours and YOU lost him. We don’t get to experience the full grieving process though. We don’t have a Jack to help get us through. The title “Time Stands Still” is perfectly accurate. How can you move on when your heart has been crushed into dust? The answer is simple. It takes time, and though it moves slowly, eventually it works. Will she ever fully let go of Nate? No way. He was a part of her for so long that seems impossible. But time will make the gut-wrenching pain fade and leave her with her memories.
Time Stands Still is the toughest of these three books to get through. At times it feels like it will be impossible to finish. The mere mention of Nate’s name would send me into bouts of grief and sobbing. Not to mention saying goodbye… ugh. I was glad Emi was getting support from Jack, but it also felt like a betrayal. At times I was rooting for him and others I’d be angry at her for trying to move on. Crazy, I know. I couldn’t help it though! I blame Nate or Lori for making me love him so much. The ending once again had me in tears. Would it ever end?? Can I be happy with Jack, too? And now you see why I need therapy. It truly felt as if I was a part of this book. It hit me as if I lost my best friend and soul mate. Chalk it up to fabulous writing and storytelling, folks. You’ll feel it too.
And now for the book that gutted me and made me question my sanity.
After my self-imposed break at the end of book one, I decided to jump back in. Because let’s face it. You HAVE to know. You’re fearing the worst. Your stomach is in knots. Your heart is somewhere near the vicinity of your throat. Your gag reflex is about to kick in… and then? Everything is fine. OMG!! Cheering, laughing, and smiling I sent a message to my friend. It basically said, “HE’S ALIVE!!!!” with a HUGE smiley emoticon. My organs all returned back to their correct places and I was ready to keep truckin’ with an almost sad story. And then I turned a page or two and BAM! It was a lie!! I was teased! My shock turned to anger and then full-blown grief. This could NOT be happening! She couldn’t do this to us (me and Emi)! I closed my iPad case and sobbed. I, too, started out in denial. I wanted that fake reality. But this wasn’t a fairy tale so I cried. I cried harder than I have in any book ever. The sobs were uncontrollable and racked my body. It felt like I cried for hours. Maybe it was fifteen minutes? Thirty? I still don’t know. I do know that after that development, I couldn’t read for a few days. I wanted to… really, I did. And I remember Lori tweeting that Emi needed me. And maybe she did. But all I could think was that we needed Nate. By this point, I felt as if I was Emi. We were one in this journey of loss and devastation. It was incomprehensible to me. How could he be gone? The hits kept coming. She missed his funeral. She lost the baby. That nearly killed me. I sobbed again because the baby was my hope that she’d at least have a piece of Nate forever. I took break after break after break during my consumption of this book. I just looked it up on Goodreads and it apparently took me six days to finish. SIX DAYS?!?!?!?! I swear It felt like the year it was in the story. The difference? I’m not fully healed. Still.
Emi’s pain is nearly unbearable to witness. By witness, I mean FEEL – because you will. It will feel as though he was yours and YOU lost him. We don’t get to experience the full grieving process though. We don’t have a Jack to help get us through. The title “Time Stands Still” is perfectly accurate. How can you move on when your heart has been crushed into dust? The answer is simple. It takes time, and though it moves slowly, eventually it works. Will she ever fully let go of Nate? No way. He was a part of her for so long that seems impossible. But time will make the gut-wrenching pain fade and leave her with her memories.
Time Stands Still is the toughest of these three books to get through. At times it feels like it will be impossible to finish. The mere mention of Nate’s name would send me into bouts of grief and sobbing. Not to mention saying goodbye… ugh. I was glad Emi was getting support from Jack, but it also felt like a betrayal. At times I was rooting for him and others I’d be angry at her for trying to move on. Crazy, I know. I couldn’t help it though! I blame Nate or Lori for making me love him so much. The ending once again had me in tears. Would it ever end?? Can I be happy with Jack, too? And now you see why I need therapy. It truly felt as if I was a part of this book. It hit me as if I lost my best friend and soul mate. Chalk it up to fabulous writing and storytelling, folks. You’ll feel it too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 15, 2013
5 stars. I found Time Stands Still to undeniably be the strongest of the three novels in the Emi Lost & Found series. Time Stands Still is written from the point of view of Emi Hennigan and is her story of immense grief and heartbreak. Time Stands Still is also her story of letting go, healing, new beginnings and trust. Emi experiences an incredibly long and difficult road leading to closure with Jack Holland at her side, giving her strength and comfort. I have read many, many novels, but have never experienced the level of sadness that I did when reading this novel. It is a testament to how invested I was in Nate and Emi as a couple, and it is the reason why I returned to my review of the first novel in the series and gave it a higher rating. It is important for readers to read the novels of this series in order. I absolutely loved Time Stands Still.
February 23, 2012
UPDATE: Second time around, and I love it just as much as the first time I read it. It's hard to watch friends suffer and it's great to see them experience real joy. The characters of these stories become your friends, and you feel everything with them. I will certainly keep revisiting these friends.
------------------------------
This is the third book I've read in my entire life that made me cry. In fact I was sobbing through a good few chapters. Lori Otto makes you feel as if you are feeling the emotions she is describing. Its so real and you can relate so easily to the characters that any loss, happiness, excitement or despair the characters are going though, you go through yourself. Its a roller coaster experience but a worthwhile one. Loved this book.
------------------------------
This is the third book I've read in my entire life that made me cry. In fact I was sobbing through a good few chapters. Lori Otto makes you feel as if you are feeling the emotions she is describing. Its so real and you can relate so easily to the characters that any loss, happiness, excitement or despair the characters are going though, you go through yourself. Its a roller coaster experience but a worthwhile one. Loved this book.
December 15, 2012
Emi wakes up in her fiancee Nate's luxurious 5th Avenue penthouse, the sunlight streaming through the window. Something has happened, but she's okay, and Nate has only minor injuries. He talks about how much he loves Emi, and how they'll always be together, they and their baby girl.
The reality is that Nate died at the scene of the New Year's Eve car wreck that ended book one, and Emi has been in a coma for three days. She refuses to believe that Nate is dead--she just saw him, and he was fine!
"Time Stands Still" is the second installment of Lori L. Otto's "Emi Lost & Found" series. Book one, "Lost and Found" traced--through Nate's voice--the circuitous route that best friends Nate and Emi finally risked their friendship to gamble on romance, and it worked out wonderfully. Emi was happy with their relationship; Nate had just completed a huge, high-profile design project, and they were both looking forward to becoming parents.
Then, book one's gut-punch ending happens, and we're left wondering.
Nate really died at the scene.
Where "Time Stands Still" begins Emi is spiritually and emotionally crushed. Not only did she lose her absolute best friend, she also lost the man she'd been sure was her soulmate. In another dream/vision, Nate brings the couple's unborn daughter to meet her mother. She's a happy baby with Nate on the Other Side. The whole "dead lover appearing every night in a dream" motif would have grown old very quickly, and Lori Otto uses it wonderfully and sparingly.
Emi suffered some serious injuries. She spends the first month living with her brother, Chris, who is engaged to his longtime girlfriend, Anna.She and Chris are very close, and Anna is like the older sister Emi never had. (note: She DOES have an older sister, Jen, but she's kind of an idiot) With her brother's love, care, prayer, and support, Emi slowly regains her strength. Chris loves watching sports, and his best friend from college, Jack, comes over a lot to enjoy the games as well. For the first of these sports nights, Emi agrees to shower, brush her teeth, and put on clean clothes, if only she can have a few glasses of wine. Emi and Jack had a long, enjoyable conversation the night of the accident, and they immediately resumed their easy camaraderie.
It becomes clear that Jack likes Emi, but he respects her space, and that she's not ready for a relationship beyond friendship. Jack also has this ability to cheer Emi when she's mourning, depressed, angry. He's fine just seeing her at group events or at Chris & Anna's apartment.
Just as "Lost & Found" traced Nate & Emi's friendship and verrrry slow-blooming romance through Nate's voice, "Time Stands Still" puts us right inside Emi's head, and Emi's head is a rollercoaster ride.
Not only is Emi trying to grieve for Nate, she also mourns their unborn daughter, who died a few days later. Emi has mountains of rage to loose on the driver who ran the redlight and killed Nate--the driver was a teenaged kid who'd been drinking; it doesn't matter. The kid died. No target.
If you've lost someone close to you, you can probably relate to Emi as she cries for Nate; then curses God for taking Nate from her, then tearfully asks why she wasn't taken too, so she wouldn't feel so lonely.
Eventually, Emi starts to notice that her big brother's best-friend Jack shows up in random places where she happens to be. Jack is far from creepy, though. Indeed, he is the perfect gentleman, understanding and loyal friend, who happens to live near Emi's Manhattan loft. He's a wealthy and outgoing business consultant, who knows everyone, and whom everybody loves. So, along with her Nate grief and guilt, Emi now has a burgeoning romance on her hands. Her biggest opponent regarding Jack's acceptability as a boyfriend--he has great scores: money, great looks, "transcendent" kisser--boils down to this: can Emi ever love another man as fully as she did Nate. In Emi's mind, we see that it's not so much that she was soulmates with Nate, but that if she commits to a lover, that lover could be snuffed out in an instant.
There are moments of brightness and laughter in "Time Stands Still," especially with Emi's force-of-nature five-year-old neice, Clara, and Emy's sister, Jen. Also, the events leading up to Chris and Anna's wedding have moments of hilarity.
There are also black days that turn into weeks, which become months. I've been there. Severe depression is a bastard of an illness, and you can't explain it to people. People will insist on asking, "What's wrong? How can I help?" and there is nothing anyone can really do.
Emi gets this unwelcome treatment, with friends and family hovering constantly, trying to get her to "open up," to "leave it behind," to "get on with the rest of your life." These are easy steps, perhaps, for anyone OTHER than the patient.
With Jack's help, Emi finds that she can laugh again. Can Jack be the great love of her life, based on a misremembered 14 years-ago drunken kiss??
If you liked "Lost and Found," you will love "Time Stands Still." The first-person narrative in book one kind of made me think Nate was a dick early on, so it took awhile for him to win me over. In "Time Stands Still," we're already acquaintances of Emi's, so we can judge just how heavy is her heart, and we are privy to her wild thought tangents regarding a potential new romance with Jack, as well as her sometimes overbearing--but well-meaning--family.
This series is just not what I normally read. Two weeks ago, if you'd given me a one sentence summation, I'd probably have passed on it. Author Lori L. Otto has written a huge, sweeping trilogy (plus a delightful prequel). But the sweeping nature of these books all occurs within one person's mind per book. That's a lot of information to filter through one person's eyes, and Ms Otto does it with seamless aplomb. Well done. Sure, two weeks ago, I would have passed. Two weeks later, I've finished the first two books (plus the awesome, relatively short prequel), and book three is go for launch on the Kindle.
Highly recommended (especially if you have two X chromosomes).
The reality is that Nate died at the scene of the New Year's Eve car wreck that ended book one, and Emi has been in a coma for three days. She refuses to believe that Nate is dead--she just saw him, and he was fine!
"Time Stands Still" is the second installment of Lori L. Otto's "Emi Lost & Found" series. Book one, "Lost and Found" traced--through Nate's voice--the circuitous route that best friends Nate and Emi finally risked their friendship to gamble on romance, and it worked out wonderfully. Emi was happy with their relationship; Nate had just completed a huge, high-profile design project, and they were both looking forward to becoming parents.
Then, book one's gut-punch ending happens, and we're left wondering.
Nate really died at the scene.
Where "Time Stands Still" begins Emi is spiritually and emotionally crushed. Not only did she lose her absolute best friend, she also lost the man she'd been sure was her soulmate. In another dream/vision, Nate brings the couple's unborn daughter to meet her mother. She's a happy baby with Nate on the Other Side. The whole "dead lover appearing every night in a dream" motif would have grown old very quickly, and Lori Otto uses it wonderfully and sparingly.
Emi suffered some serious injuries. She spends the first month living with her brother, Chris, who is engaged to his longtime girlfriend, Anna.She and Chris are very close, and Anna is like the older sister Emi never had. (note: She DOES have an older sister, Jen, but she's kind of an idiot) With her brother's love, care, prayer, and support, Emi slowly regains her strength. Chris loves watching sports, and his best friend from college, Jack, comes over a lot to enjoy the games as well. For the first of these sports nights, Emi agrees to shower, brush her teeth, and put on clean clothes, if only she can have a few glasses of wine. Emi and Jack had a long, enjoyable conversation the night of the accident, and they immediately resumed their easy camaraderie.
It becomes clear that Jack likes Emi, but he respects her space, and that she's not ready for a relationship beyond friendship. Jack also has this ability to cheer Emi when she's mourning, depressed, angry. He's fine just seeing her at group events or at Chris & Anna's apartment.
Just as "Lost & Found" traced Nate & Emi's friendship and verrrry slow-blooming romance through Nate's voice, "Time Stands Still" puts us right inside Emi's head, and Emi's head is a rollercoaster ride.
Not only is Emi trying to grieve for Nate, she also mourns their unborn daughter, who died a few days later. Emi has mountains of rage to loose on the driver who ran the redlight and killed Nate--the driver was a teenaged kid who'd been drinking; it doesn't matter. The kid died. No target.
If you've lost someone close to you, you can probably relate to Emi as she cries for Nate; then curses God for taking Nate from her, then tearfully asks why she wasn't taken too, so she wouldn't feel so lonely.
Eventually, Emi starts to notice that her big brother's best-friend Jack shows up in random places where she happens to be. Jack is far from creepy, though. Indeed, he is the perfect gentleman, understanding and loyal friend, who happens to live near Emi's Manhattan loft. He's a wealthy and outgoing business consultant, who knows everyone, and whom everybody loves. So, along with her Nate grief and guilt, Emi now has a burgeoning romance on her hands. Her biggest opponent regarding Jack's acceptability as a boyfriend--he has great scores: money, great looks, "transcendent" kisser--boils down to this: can Emi ever love another man as fully as she did Nate. In Emi's mind, we see that it's not so much that she was soulmates with Nate, but that if she commits to a lover, that lover could be snuffed out in an instant.
There are moments of brightness and laughter in "Time Stands Still," especially with Emi's force-of-nature five-year-old neice, Clara, and Emy's sister, Jen. Also, the events leading up to Chris and Anna's wedding have moments of hilarity.
There are also black days that turn into weeks, which become months. I've been there. Severe depression is a bastard of an illness, and you can't explain it to people. People will insist on asking, "What's wrong? How can I help?" and there is nothing anyone can really do.
Emi gets this unwelcome treatment, with friends and family hovering constantly, trying to get her to "open up," to "leave it behind," to "get on with the rest of your life." These are easy steps, perhaps, for anyone OTHER than the patient.
With Jack's help, Emi finds that she can laugh again. Can Jack be the great love of her life, based on a misremembered 14 years-ago drunken kiss??
If you liked "Lost and Found," you will love "Time Stands Still." The first-person narrative in book one kind of made me think Nate was a dick early on, so it took awhile for him to win me over. In "Time Stands Still," we're already acquaintances of Emi's, so we can judge just how heavy is her heart, and we are privy to her wild thought tangents regarding a potential new romance with Jack, as well as her sometimes overbearing--but well-meaning--family.
This series is just not what I normally read. Two weeks ago, if you'd given me a one sentence summation, I'd probably have passed on it. Author Lori L. Otto has written a huge, sweeping trilogy (plus a delightful prequel). But the sweeping nature of these books all occurs within one person's mind per book. That's a lot of information to filter through one person's eyes, and Ms Otto does it with seamless aplomb. Well done. Sure, two weeks ago, I would have passed. Two weeks later, I've finished the first two books (plus the awesome, relatively short prequel), and book three is go for launch on the Kindle.
Highly recommended (especially if you have two X chromosomes).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 13, 2013
**This Review originally appeared on www.turnthepagebookblog.blogspot.com a book review blog focusing on Indie/self-published authors!!**
My Review: 4.5 out of 5 Stars.
So as I was saying at the end of my review for book #1, I was devastated and confused. While I was grateful I had this second book, I was so emotional during the first few chapters I had to read some other reviews, which I never do, while I am reading. I hate the idea of stumbling onto a spoiler... but there was a part of my that was conflicted with the emotions I was experiencing, especially since I had first hand-personal experience with both of the tragedies Emi was facing. I read several other reviews online and was actually frustrated that people would stop reading this series as a result. I was thankful, as I read through, I hadn't read these reviews before finishing book #1, because they spoiled most of it's ending... and that would have annoyed me to no end. I then started wondering why I was even reading these reviews. What did I hope to find? I suppose I wanted to be reassured that all these emotions would be worth it... and they totally were.
While the events at the end of book #1 certainly caught me off guard, It still made me want to read more to understand why... why had the author chosen this path for her characters, why was this necessary, and how would this all turn out. I suppose that is what separates us as readers. The ability to appreciate a writers artistic creativity and the bravery that comes from making such bold moves. Unlike all those readers who got mad and said they refused to read on, I disagreed with them. I wondered if they had ever felt this kind of pain before - that raw pain that leaves you broken. Books that make you feel these kinds of emotions are the rare ones, the good ones.
Had this mind boggling, devastating event never occurred, well the series wouldn't have had a whole lot further to go. It could have been wrapped up all pretty with a sparkly bow and everyone lived happily ever after, but life isn't about being wrapped in a pretty bow where we all live happily ever after. It's about real pain and devastating events that we don't always understand how we learn from those events - how we pick ourselves up and move forward!
After I read through those first 100 pages of Time Stands Still, I took a moment to reflect on the emotions I had been feeling and still felt. And then, I applauded the author for her bravery in showing us this heartache. So many of us have at some point, I am sure, have felt this pain and know it all too well. I believe the author captured the emotions well, and I found myself crying A LOT throughout this book. And even through the heartache there is some good that begins to shine through... and we are reminded that life does go, even if we aren't willing to move forward with it. Jack helped with this... he refused to let time stand still for Emi, he refused to let her accept her life for what she believed fate had handed her... he forced her to move forward.
Can I just say for the record, I am in love with Jack!! oh yeah, love love love him. What a patient, kind, honest, and loyal man. He reminded me a lot of my husband (wink), which helped make him more realistic. He was such a beautiful character who was fantastically written and developed. I also loved the development of Chris and Anna, and I loved the relationship that both healed and blossomed between Emi and her sister. In the prequel they truly struggle and this slow appreciation for one another is so wonderful.
Again, this book felt too long as well... but I still really really enjoyed it. I loved all of the ways that Jack helps Emi overcome all of the loss she experiences and I especially loved what he brought out in her. I can't say much more without giving important details away... so with that I will move onto the review for the third and final book, stating simply that I really enjoyed Book #2 and I willingly and with childlike impatience and enthusiasm, turned the page toward book #3 so hopeful for how this story would end....
My Review: 4.5 out of 5 Stars.
So as I was saying at the end of my review for book #1, I was devastated and confused. While I was grateful I had this second book, I was so emotional during the first few chapters I had to read some other reviews, which I never do, while I am reading. I hate the idea of stumbling onto a spoiler... but there was a part of my that was conflicted with the emotions I was experiencing, especially since I had first hand-personal experience with both of the tragedies Emi was facing. I read several other reviews online and was actually frustrated that people would stop reading this series as a result. I was thankful, as I read through, I hadn't read these reviews before finishing book #1, because they spoiled most of it's ending... and that would have annoyed me to no end. I then started wondering why I was even reading these reviews. What did I hope to find? I suppose I wanted to be reassured that all these emotions would be worth it... and they totally were.
While the events at the end of book #1 certainly caught me off guard, It still made me want to read more to understand why... why had the author chosen this path for her characters, why was this necessary, and how would this all turn out. I suppose that is what separates us as readers. The ability to appreciate a writers artistic creativity and the bravery that comes from making such bold moves. Unlike all those readers who got mad and said they refused to read on, I disagreed with them. I wondered if they had ever felt this kind of pain before - that raw pain that leaves you broken. Books that make you feel these kinds of emotions are the rare ones, the good ones.
Had this mind boggling, devastating event never occurred, well the series wouldn't have had a whole lot further to go. It could have been wrapped up all pretty with a sparkly bow and everyone lived happily ever after, but life isn't about being wrapped in a pretty bow where we all live happily ever after. It's about real pain and devastating events that we don't always understand how we learn from those events - how we pick ourselves up and move forward!
After I read through those first 100 pages of Time Stands Still, I took a moment to reflect on the emotions I had been feeling and still felt. And then, I applauded the author for her bravery in showing us this heartache. So many of us have at some point, I am sure, have felt this pain and know it all too well. I believe the author captured the emotions well, and I found myself crying A LOT throughout this book. And even through the heartache there is some good that begins to shine through... and we are reminded that life does go, even if we aren't willing to move forward with it. Jack helped with this... he refused to let time stand still for Emi, he refused to let her accept her life for what she believed fate had handed her... he forced her to move forward.
Can I just say for the record, I am in love with Jack!! oh yeah, love love love him. What a patient, kind, honest, and loyal man. He reminded me a lot of my husband (wink), which helped make him more realistic. He was such a beautiful character who was fantastically written and developed. I also loved the development of Chris and Anna, and I loved the relationship that both healed and blossomed between Emi and her sister. In the prequel they truly struggle and this slow appreciation for one another is so wonderful.
Again, this book felt too long as well... but I still really really enjoyed it. I loved all of the ways that Jack helps Emi overcome all of the loss she experiences and I especially loved what he brought out in her. I can't say much more without giving important details away... so with that I will move onto the review for the third and final book, stating simply that I really enjoyed Book #2 and I willingly and with childlike impatience and enthusiasm, turned the page toward book #3 so hopeful for how this story would end....
August 15, 2013
It is really hard to express how affected I was by this book. I feel like I literally had my heart crushed over and over and over. I grieved. I cried more than I have ever cried reading a book. Don't get me wrong, lots of books have touched me and brought me to tears. This book was brutal... Most books will break your heart and quickly put it back together. This is not that book. Emi's reaction is SO real.. Her loss so great and her pain all consuming, gut-wrenching,... just heartbreaking.
"...love ya, Em. Hold me."
HOLY SHIT! Grab the tissue and buckle up for a LOOOOONG cry.
The first few pages of Time Stands Still broke my heart... and the first chapter crushed it... I felt like I was living my worst nightmare.. truly experiencing it with Emi.
He had changed me for the better. He showed me love, like I never knew it... only to have it stolen from me way too soon. We didn't have enough time.
How do you pick up the pieces of your life, when you have lost your reason to live?
"Are you hurt?"
"Yes."
Where?" he asks, his hands lightly touching my shoulders.
"My heart," I exhale in a sob."
SOB SOB SOB SOB... I cried literally for HOURS.. just when it seemed like things would settle down.. WHAM! Exactly how I imagine this type of loss would be. You don't get over it quickly.. its not something that will ever truly heal.
"...I know I'll never stop loving you. I can't imagine not missing you, every minute, every hour, every day. I don't know if it will get any easier. I hope it does... but I hope you know that if I cry fewer tears, that doesn't mean I love you any less..."
This book is beautifully written... I don't think anyone has ever captured grief so honestly. The pain and suffering, the anger and sadness, and the guilt of trying to move on. Emi suffers so much with what she "should" feel.
I don't remember being concerned at all for our baby. I don't know why. And I feel guilty.
"...there is no timeline for grief, no one-size-fits-all plan for healing. Everyone has different needs..."
"...love ya, Em. Hold me."
HOLY SHIT! Grab the tissue and buckle up for a LOOOOONG cry.
The first few pages of Time Stands Still broke my heart... and the first chapter crushed it... I felt like I was living my worst nightmare.. truly experiencing it with Emi.
He had changed me for the better. He showed me love, like I never knew it... only to have it stolen from me way too soon. We didn't have enough time.
How do you pick up the pieces of your life, when you have lost your reason to live?
"Are you hurt?"
"Yes."
Where?" he asks, his hands lightly touching my shoulders.
"My heart," I exhale in a sob."
SOB SOB SOB SOB... I cried literally for HOURS.. just when it seemed like things would settle down.. WHAM! Exactly how I imagine this type of loss would be. You don't get over it quickly.. its not something that will ever truly heal.
"...I know I'll never stop loving you. I can't imagine not missing you, every minute, every hour, every day. I don't know if it will get any easier. I hope it does... but I hope you know that if I cry fewer tears, that doesn't mean I love you any less..."
This book is beautifully written... I don't think anyone has ever captured grief so honestly. The pain and suffering, the anger and sadness, and the guilt of trying to move on. Emi suffers so much with what she "should" feel.
I don't remember being concerned at all for our baby. I don't know why. And I feel guilty.
"...there is no timeline for grief, no one-size-fits-all plan for healing. Everyone has different needs..."
December 31, 2014
When my friend told me that I would cry ugly British tears when reading this book, I said bring it on. It's very rare that I cry in books and when I do, it's the very odd tear here and there. How wrong could I be. I literally sat here sobbing and not just once! Continuously for about four chapters and then on frequent occasions after this. I have never read a book that could make me feel like this! The worse thing is, I can't tell you anything about it, nothing at all! I hate spoilers and if I was to mention just one thing, it would be ruined for you, but I have to say that I have never been so emotionally invested in any characters from a book, the way I was in this book.
The only vague things I can say are that this follows straight on from the first book and the other thing I'd like to say is that this could possibly be one of the best book series I have ever read and the reason is not gorgeous book boyfriends or hot sex scenes (although there is some of that too) but it's mainly due to the authors writing. It's just amazing! She is detailed without it being boring and she has an amazing knack of making you imagine each scene in your head as if your playing a movie. I just can't understand why this series is not more popular because is so well written and so beautiful. It should be shouted from the rooftops that this story, is a hidden gem.
One thing that I didn't like about the book was a really stupid thing but I feel it's worth mentioning. The cover. The look is outdated, boring and does not reflect the content well. My friend gifted me this book because she knew how fantastic it was and wanted me to read them. If I had looked at them before this, I don't think I would even bothered reading the blurb. They say you shouldn't judge a book by its cover and never has a saying been more true than this case. I wonder if the author would consider changing them. I'm sure they would attract more attention with the right look. It would be a shame if this story was being missed because of this reason.
All of that aside, get the tissues out for this one....and plenty of them!
The only vague things I can say are that this follows straight on from the first book and the other thing I'd like to say is that this could possibly be one of the best book series I have ever read and the reason is not gorgeous book boyfriends or hot sex scenes (although there is some of that too) but it's mainly due to the authors writing. It's just amazing! She is detailed without it being boring and she has an amazing knack of making you imagine each scene in your head as if your playing a movie. I just can't understand why this series is not more popular because is so well written and so beautiful. It should be shouted from the rooftops that this story, is a hidden gem.
One thing that I didn't like about the book was a really stupid thing but I feel it's worth mentioning. The cover. The look is outdated, boring and does not reflect the content well. My friend gifted me this book because she knew how fantastic it was and wanted me to read them. If I had looked at them before this, I don't think I would even bothered reading the blurb. They say you shouldn't judge a book by its cover and never has a saying been more true than this case. I wonder if the author would consider changing them. I'm sure they would attract more attention with the right look. It would be a shame if this story was being missed because of this reason.
All of that aside, get the tissues out for this one....and plenty of them!
September 25, 2012
So, I know that many reviewers stopped reading this book after the fate of Nate was revealed and I have to admit that I didn't know if I could get through it.
The first third of the book was pretty rough to get through and I cried almost the entire time. I think part of that was because the first book was from Nate's perspective and it made it that much harder because I fell in love with Nate's character and then he was just gone. But then it does start to get better and I almost felt like Emi and Nate just broke up instead of what really happened, since the second book was from Emi's perspective.
I really did like Jack and I absolutely loved how patient he was with her and I think that he was really good for her. I think Emi did a good job of dealing with all of her pain.
This book was very well written just like the first one and I'm looking forward to reading the last of the series.
The first third of the book was pretty rough to get through and I cried almost the entire time. I think part of that was because the first book was from Nate's perspective and it made it that much harder because I fell in love with Nate's character and then he was just gone. But then it does start to get better and I almost felt like Emi and Nate just broke up instead of what really happened, since the second book was from Emi's perspective.
I really did like Jack and I absolutely loved how patient he was with her and I think that he was really good for her. I think Emi did a good job of dealing with all of her pain.
This book was very well written just like the first one and I'm looking forward to reading the last of the series.
March 19, 2013
Wow I didnt think a book could make me cry as much as this one did. What an emotionally filled book! At one point I didnt think I could continue reading, I am glad I did!!!
This second book takes you on an amazing journey of heartbreak, strength, amongst much more!! I can not wait to read the 3rd book in this series to see how this story finally ends!
So glad I picked this series up and I am so glad I didnt stop reading this 5++++ Star book!
Want a good read, read this series!!!! But be prepared for tears of joy, heartbreak, and happiness!!!!!
This second book takes you on an amazing journey of heartbreak, strength, amongst much more!! I can not wait to read the 3rd book in this series to see how this story finally ends!
So glad I picked this series up and I am so glad I didnt stop reading this 5++++ Star book!
Want a good read, read this series!!!! But be prepared for tears of joy, heartbreak, and happiness!!!!!
August 18, 2016
I'm not sure how I can express all of my feelings for this book. I've cursed Lori many times. Wasn't sure if I could even read past the first chapter because I wasn't sure if I could handle all of the emotions. I have never read such a heartbreaking book. Everything felt so real. All of Emi's emotions felt like mine, and it was rough. I couldn't read it as fast because I needed to be alone while reading it. Tears were guaranteed for almost every chapter, and didn't need my husband to see me cry over a book. He'll never understand. :)
Absolutely loved it.
Absolutely loved it.
July 29, 2013
what ever you do, DO NOT read any reviews...I hate when people ruin a great book/story with damn spoilers, they should be outlawed!!!!!!
Simply beautiful, moving, heart breaking, I wanted to give up many times, my heart hurt, but I pushed and pushed, and I am thankful I did...
HI LITTLE ONE. THIRTEEN YEARS. ONE NIGHT. NINE MONTHS. ONE SMALL BABY WILL DELIVER TRUE LOVE. I CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU.
Simply beautiful, moving, heart breaking, I wanted to give up many times, my heart hurt, but I pushed and pushed, and I am thankful I did...
HI LITTLE ONE. THIRTEEN YEARS. ONE NIGHT. NINE MONTHS. ONE SMALL BABY WILL DELIVER TRUE LOVE. I CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU.
December 2, 2013
Never, in the history of books, has it been this hard to read a book (that I actually wanted to read).
I can't really review this adequately without spoiling anything. Yes, I was THAT emotionally wrapped around this book. I was so heartbroken! And it took a loooooong time for it to heal (well I don't think it's completely healed, still)
My first part of advice: READ THIS BOOK! It is brilliant!
Second part: Keep reading! Fortunately, I had a buddy to read with....I needed one
I can't really review this adequately without spoiling anything. Yes, I was THAT emotionally wrapped around this book. I was so heartbroken! And it took a loooooong time for it to heal (well I don't think it's completely healed, still)
My first part of advice: READ THIS BOOK! It is brilliant!
Second part: Keep reading! Fortunately, I had a buddy to read with....I needed one
August 17, 2013
Never in a million years did I see it coming. It's the most pain I've EVER left from a book, and I've read a lot of dad books. Still I would not, not read it. Keep reading...
August 23, 2013
Review by Heather
This is the masterpiece of this trilogy. There are not enough stars, or in our case smooches, to rate this book.
It is really hard to express how affected I was by this book. I feel like I literally had my heart crushed over and over and over. I grieved. I cried more than I have ever cried reading a book. Don't get me wrong, lots of books have touched me and brought me to tears. This book was brutal... Most books will break your heart and quickly put it back together. This is not that book. Emi's reaction is SO real.. Her loss so great and her pain all consuming, gut-wrenching,... just heartbreaking.
"...love ya, Em. Hold me."
HOLY SHIT! Grab the tissue and buckle up for a LOOOOONG cry.
The first few pages of Time Stands Still broke my heart... and by the end of the first chapter it was CRUSHED. I felt like I was living my worst nightmare... truly experiencing it with Emi.
He had changed me for the better. He showed me love, like I never knew it... only to have it stolen from me way too soon. We didn't have enough time.
How do you pick up the pieces of your life, when you have lost your reason to live?
"Are you hurt?"
"Yes."
Where?" he asks, his hands lightly touching my shoulders.
"My heart," I exhale in a sob."
SOB SOB SOB SOB... I cried literally for HOURS. Just when it seemed like things would settle down. WHAM! It is exactly how I imagine this type of loss would be. You don't get over it quickly.. its not something that will ever truly heal.
"...I know I'll never stop loving you. I can't imagine not missing you, every minute, every hour, every day. I don't know if it will get any easier. I hope it does... but I hope you know that if I cry fewer tears, that doesn't mean I love you any less..."
This book is beautifully written... I don't think anyone has ever captured grief so honestly. The pain and suffering, the anger and sadness, and the guilt of trying to move on. Emi suffers so much with what she "should" feel.
I don't remember being concerned at all for our baby. I don't know why. And I feel guilty.
"...there is no timeline for grief, no one-size-fits-all plan for healing. Everyone has different needs..."
This is the masterpiece of this trilogy. There are not enough stars, or in our case smooches, to rate this book.
It is really hard to express how affected I was by this book. I feel like I literally had my heart crushed over and over and over. I grieved. I cried more than I have ever cried reading a book. Don't get me wrong, lots of books have touched me and brought me to tears. This book was brutal... Most books will break your heart and quickly put it back together. This is not that book. Emi's reaction is SO real.. Her loss so great and her pain all consuming, gut-wrenching,... just heartbreaking.
"...love ya, Em. Hold me."
HOLY SHIT! Grab the tissue and buckle up for a LOOOOONG cry.
The first few pages of Time Stands Still broke my heart... and by the end of the first chapter it was CRUSHED. I felt like I was living my worst nightmare... truly experiencing it with Emi.
He had changed me for the better. He showed me love, like I never knew it... only to have it stolen from me way too soon. We didn't have enough time.
How do you pick up the pieces of your life, when you have lost your reason to live?
"Are you hurt?"
"Yes."
Where?" he asks, his hands lightly touching my shoulders.
"My heart," I exhale in a sob."
SOB SOB SOB SOB... I cried literally for HOURS. Just when it seemed like things would settle down. WHAM! It is exactly how I imagine this type of loss would be. You don't get over it quickly.. its not something that will ever truly heal.
"...I know I'll never stop loving you. I can't imagine not missing you, every minute, every hour, every day. I don't know if it will get any easier. I hope it does... but I hope you know that if I cry fewer tears, that doesn't mean I love you any less..."
This book is beautifully written... I don't think anyone has ever captured grief so honestly. The pain and suffering, the anger and sadness, and the guilt of trying to move on. Emi suffers so much with what she "should" feel.
I don't remember being concerned at all for our baby. I don't know why. And I feel guilty.
"...there is no timeline for grief, no one-size-fits-all plan for healing. Everyone has different needs..."
January 22, 2013
Definitely 3.5 stars - 4 stars =)
Seriously?!?! No book has ever made me cry...I cried into the night reading the first 1/2 of this book. This series is amazingly well-written with a storyline that kept me going even in the middle of the night. I woke up with puffy eyes but it was all worth it. I loved Nate's character and it messed me up to read this book. It hurt so bad and I couldn't stop crying. I loved the 1st book so much!!! As much as I love this series and even with knowing that Emi's soulmate was Jack...it broke me even more to keep reading. I liked Jack, but I loved Nate!!! I don't know if the 3rd book will make me change my mind. I have to say I completely agree with Chris at one point that Emi and Nate were soulmates and really reading Emi's point of view made me so sad. I felt like she betrayed Nate and I really hated her character for setting him aside and not seeing that he was wonderful until it was too late. I feel like Emi and Jack's fate as soulmates are what caused Nate's death and I may just be irrational right now after finishing this book, but it hurt even more than losing Nate! My heart is even more broken now after the 2nd book. It's tough to lose a character you love, but then to find out the other main character never loved him completely and saw him as her soulmate made me so sad! The aftermath just made me cringe. I wanted Emi to be happy and move on, but actually reading it happen was so much harder. I kept thinking "Noooo..." when her and Jack sealed the deal. She deserves it and Jack is a great guy but I just couldn't find it in me to let him in. I will always love the 1st book the most!!! I guess I knew where the story was going and I needed this closure, but I guess I just wasn't able to move on as fast as Emi did. It upset me that she didn't grieve for him on New Year's day. I understand her reasoning, but it made me feel like she never deserved Nate. After the ending, I am now 100% certain that she wasn't Nate's soulmate as sad as that makes me. This second book was captivating and amazing, but it was so hard to fully digest. Closure is never easy...
Seriously?!?! No book has ever made me cry...I cried into the night reading the first 1/2 of this book. This series is amazingly well-written with a storyline that kept me going even in the middle of the night. I woke up with puffy eyes but it was all worth it. I loved Nate's character and it messed me up to read this book. It hurt so bad and I couldn't stop crying. I loved the 1st book so much!!! As much as I love this series and even with knowing that Emi's soulmate was Jack...it broke me even more to keep reading. I liked Jack, but I loved Nate!!! I don't know if the 3rd book will make me change my mind. I have to say I completely agree with Chris at one point that Emi and Nate were soulmates and really reading Emi's point of view made me so sad. I felt like she betrayed Nate and I really hated her character for setting him aside and not seeing that he was wonderful until it was too late. I feel like Emi and Jack's fate as soulmates are what caused Nate's death and I may just be irrational right now after finishing this book, but it hurt even more than losing Nate! My heart is even more broken now after the 2nd book. It's tough to lose a character you love, but then to find out the other main character never loved him completely and saw him as her soulmate made me so sad! The aftermath just made me cringe. I wanted Emi to be happy and move on, but actually reading it happen was so much harder. I kept thinking "Noooo..." when her and Jack sealed the deal. She deserves it and Jack is a great guy but I just couldn't find it in me to let him in. I will always love the 1st book the most!!! I guess I knew where the story was going and I needed this closure, but I guess I just wasn't able to move on as fast as Emi did. It upset me that she didn't grieve for him on New Year's day. I understand her reasoning, but it made me feel like she never deserved Nate. After the ending, I am now 100% certain that she wasn't Nate's soulmate as sad as that makes me. This second book was captivating and amazing, but it was so hard to fully digest. Closure is never easy...
February 22, 2013
HI LITTLE ONE. THIRTEEN YEARS. ONE NIGHT. NINE MONTHS. ONE SMALL BABY WILL DELIVER TRUE LOVE. I CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU.
WOW! My emotions are a mess. I do not know exactly what I am feeling right now but PAIN and LOSS is definitely on the forefront.
Nate’s story really saddens me. He has loved this girl for thirteen years and kept it hidden for a long time. He foolishly accepted it in his heart that Emi will never return his feelings. Thirteen years that were wasted just because they were so afraid to take that leapt. The first book tackled the journey of Nate, of his pain, joy, sufferings and struggle for his feelings for Emi. It was a bittersweet romance -- a fairy tale, a happy ever after story. Well, until that night that took everything away.
When I read a book I totally put myself on it and not just read it for the sake of reading. I really picture the characters and emotions portrayed in a scene. Reading takes out the depth of your imagination. So when Nate died, I totally lost it. This is the book that brought out the most tears I shed in a book. I am an emotional person, a cry baby so one could never blame me. This might be a bit exaggerated for some but it was what I felt upon reading the chapters after Nate’s death. I really like – no, loved – his character, of his and Emi’s story of friendship and love. Totally heart wrenching. I was not able to control the sobs. It came to a point that I do not want to finish the book because I want Nate to be alive, to end up with Emi.
I hate it when the one I peg for the heroine dies and/or she ends up with another man. But I will still continue to finish the story and see if I will warm up to Jack.
This book is a five for me. Or maybe a ten, or more than that. This brought out strong emotions for the reader that tells us to not be afraid to live in the now; to not be afraid to take that one big leap to happiness; to cherish and love the people you are with right now while they are still alive; that if we just take time to really open our eyes, we will discover that the person/thing that we are looking for has always been there right in front of us all this time.
WOW! My emotions are a mess. I do not know exactly what I am feeling right now but PAIN and LOSS is definitely on the forefront.
Nate’s story really saddens me. He has loved this girl for thirteen years and kept it hidden for a long time. He foolishly accepted it in his heart that Emi will never return his feelings. Thirteen years that were wasted just because they were so afraid to take that leapt. The first book tackled the journey of Nate, of his pain, joy, sufferings and struggle for his feelings for Emi. It was a bittersweet romance -- a fairy tale, a happy ever after story. Well, until that night that took everything away.
When I read a book I totally put myself on it and not just read it for the sake of reading. I really picture the characters and emotions portrayed in a scene. Reading takes out the depth of your imagination. So when Nate died, I totally lost it. This is the book that brought out the most tears I shed in a book. I am an emotional person, a cry baby so one could never blame me. This might be a bit exaggerated for some but it was what I felt upon reading the chapters after Nate’s death. I really like – no, loved – his character, of his and Emi’s story of friendship and love. Totally heart wrenching. I was not able to control the sobs. It came to a point that I do not want to finish the book because I want Nate to be alive, to end up with Emi.
I hate it when the one I peg for the heroine dies and/or she ends up with another man. But I will still continue to finish the story and see if I will warm up to Jack.
This book is a five for me. Or maybe a ten, or more than that. This brought out strong emotions for the reader that tells us to not be afraid to live in the now; to not be afraid to take that one big leap to happiness; to cherish and love the people you are with right now while they are still alive; that if we just take time to really open our eyes, we will discover that the person/thing that we are looking for has always been there right in front of us all this time.
February 12, 2014
Need to get a good cry out? Read this book, it works like a charm! I finished the first book and thought to myself, everything will be okay, right? Nope, it's not, and I was crying within the first few pages. Not just a few tears, but tears running down my face, onto my shirt, grabbing tissues because I was a mess crying. It's hard to review this book without spoilers, but in general, you will cry, you'll be an emotional wreck, but it's so worth it! I loved the first book, and seeing the relationship between Nate & Emi finally coming together. All the years of friendship building into a relationship, it was awesome. My heart was broken in this one, but in comes Jack to save the day. How can you not love Jack? I really liked Nate, but Jack is just everything. he's caring, confident, sexy, yep, love him! Emi is good in this one too. She's emotional, but hello?!? She's got a good reason to be that way. I think she grew, kind of, in this book, but she's got a long ways to go.
If you're debating on continuing this series, please do it. It's heartbreaking, but it's also life. Things aren't always perfect, even if it's in story land, but neither is life. I loved this book, tears, snot, and all!
If you're debating on continuing this series, please do it. It's heartbreaking, but it's also life. Things aren't always perfect, even if it's in story land, but neither is life. I loved this book, tears, snot, and all!
April 26, 2014
I'm just heartbroken, it seems someone ripped my heart. He wasn't suppose to die. He was caring, loving and what makes me sooo angry is how he died. His dad died of a car accident, he was his mother's only child and he died the same way as his dad! That must be devastating for his mom. Losing a husband, now a son the same way. Did Lori want to break our hearts? Life is unfair, I get that. At times it is beyond heartbreaking,I get that but this was devastating. She made us care, we cared. We fell in love with Nate, now we supposed to leave him and fall in love with this new guy. I'm heartbroken and let me heal with this fictional character that touched my heart. From ''I like ya Nate'' to ''I love ya Nate'' to ''Nate!'' in one book is too much.
It never is Anna still got mad love for Lori. An awesome writer
that broke my sensitive heart
It never is Anna still got mad love for Lori. An awesome writer
that broke my sensitive heart
August 15, 2013
Unreal. Only it feels real. Brutally raw, devastating, gut-wrenching... every bit of the heart-break in this book felt REAL to me. And I cried. I'm talking Sally Field Steel Magnolias / Debra Winger saying goodbye to her kids in Terms of Endearment / American History X ugly cry. Gosh, I cried more than I've ever cried over a book. And I've read Hopeless / Losing Hope, Falling into You, Falling for Hadie, and Connected. None of them came remotely close to the connection I made with the characters in the book.
I finished the book yesterday and I woke up and cried this morning just thinking about it. The emotions are THAT real.
Time Stands Still follows one person's journey after a devastating loss. The entire book is about this person's grief, their healing, and moving on (I'm not saying he or she because I don't want to give anything away ... it's so much better when you don't know!).
Such a fantastic book .... Worth. Every. Tear.
I finished the book yesterday and I woke up and cried this morning just thinking about it. The emotions are THAT real.
Time Stands Still follows one person's journey after a devastating loss. The entire book is about this person's grief, their healing, and moving on (I'm not saying he or she because I don't want to give anything away ... it's so much better when you don't know!).
Such a fantastic book .... Worth. Every. Tear.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 281 reviews