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The Things We Can't Change #3
The Healing
Devastated by the loss of her father, Evie is floundering, drowning, and reaching out desperately for a lifeline – and finding absolutely nothing to cling to.Still unable to come to terms with the death of his sister, Zeke is going on mindlessly, with no thought of tomorrow, only living in the now and trying furiously to bury and deny his emotions.Two people who have both lost and suffered so much can only ignore each other’s pain for so long before seeing the similarities in what they are feeling. As Evie clings to Zeke as the one thing that makes her feel safe and grounded, Zeke can’t deny that she’s the one person who makes him feel – and feel emotions that he’s not sure he wants to push away. Against both their better judgment and wishes, Evie and Zeke begin sharing their problems and grief, and they discover things that startle both of them; understanding. Empathy. Affinity. Compassion. And maybe, if they are willing to dig deep enough and try hard enough and trust enough, the most important thing of all.Healing.
- GenresRomance
262 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 24, 2013
1 person is currently reading
323 people want to read
About the author
Kassandra Kush
16 books182 followersWelcome :]
Third person feels.... impersonal, so lezz just keep it real ;]
My name is Kassandra, one of the few rare gems who spell the name with a K. I like to read, write, and lay in the sun. Since I live in sunny Florida, I'm usually doing all three at once. I dream of returning to my hometown, Columbus, Ohio, but in the meantime I make do with placing most of my stories there. I come from a huge family dominated with girls and have a dopey, mostly-Black-Lab dog named Phineas. I tend to like fictional men better than real ones, and sometimes it's quite the hassle trying to keep up with all my book-relationships ;] Someday, though, I'm sure true love will strike me down, but until then, I'll share all my book boyfriends with you.
They can be found in all my novels, and I hope I speak the truth when I say I have a little something for everyone; mystery, romance, paranormal, real-life, drama and epicness. You can find information about my past, present, and forthcoming books in both my blog and Facebook links. I absolutely love to hear from readers, so be sure to drop me a line so I can thank you personally.
I'll leave you to read now, but welcome to my world; a place where true love exists, everyone gets a happy ending, magic is real, God is love, and it's perfectly acceptable to skip sleep, food, and company in order to finish that last chapter.
Oh, and the men are extremely good looking ;]
Third person feels.... impersonal, so lezz just keep it real ;]
My name is Kassandra, one of the few rare gems who spell the name with a K. I like to read, write, and lay in the sun. Since I live in sunny Florida, I'm usually doing all three at once. I dream of returning to my hometown, Columbus, Ohio, but in the meantime I make do with placing most of my stories there. I come from a huge family dominated with girls and have a dopey, mostly-Black-Lab dog named Phineas. I tend to like fictional men better than real ones, and sometimes it's quite the hassle trying to keep up with all my book-relationships ;] Someday, though, I'm sure true love will strike me down, but until then, I'll share all my book boyfriends with you.
They can be found in all my novels, and I hope I speak the truth when I say I have a little something for everyone; mystery, romance, paranormal, real-life, drama and epicness. You can find information about my past, present, and forthcoming books in both my blog and Facebook links. I absolutely love to hear from readers, so be sure to drop me a line so I can thank you personally.
I'll leave you to read now, but welcome to my world; a place where true love exists, everyone gets a happy ending, magic is real, God is love, and it's perfectly acceptable to skip sleep, food, and company in order to finish that last chapter.
Oh, and the men are extremely good looking ;]
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 14, 2016
And just when I was wondering if Evie will ever get the help she so badly need and if Zeke will finally come to terms with his sister's death, then comes this book "Healing".
I had, at first, serious doubts how they would be able to help each other, but Ms. Kush made it possible in this book, beautifully writing each intricate mindsets and emotions of both Zeke and Evie.
I know this would just be their first huge step and I'm guessing they would still have a long way to go, but what a relief that it's getting somewhere. I love that on this sequel, it concentrated more on the friendship built... and my favourite part, going through "the things they can't change" and help each other change "the things they CAN change".
Finally, since I've started reading this series, I see a light.... It no longer made me sad, or anxious at the end. Though, I am looking forward for a better Evie and Zeke. I keep forgetting how young these two are, since both are forced to mature fast! But when I am though, reminded of their young age, specially in Evie's case, I seriously don't know if Zeke's help would be enough. But... who knows! As long as Evie wants to heal badly, nothing is impossible.
How about that ending! I know it's bound to happen, just never expected Evie to be the first to initiate the move. ;)
I had, at first, serious doubts how they would be able to help each other, but Ms. Kush made it possible in this book, beautifully writing each intricate mindsets and emotions of both Zeke and Evie.
I know this would just be their first huge step and I'm guessing they would still have a long way to go, but what a relief that it's getting somewhere. I love that on this sequel, it concentrated more on the friendship built... and my favourite part, going through "the things they can't change" and help each other change "the things they CAN change".
Finally, since I've started reading this series, I see a light.... It no longer made me sad, or anxious at the end. Though, I am looking forward for a better Evie and Zeke. I keep forgetting how young these two are, since both are forced to mature fast! But when I am though, reminded of their young age, specially in Evie's case, I seriously don't know if Zeke's help would be enough. But... who knows! As long as Evie wants to heal badly, nothing is impossible.
How about that ending! I know it's bound to happen, just never expected Evie to be the first to initiate the move. ;)
September 26, 2013
And she does it again!
I love how the book is devided into several parts and revealed bit by bit, just like Zeke and Evie moving on step by step.
Part three is about them dealing with their past and learning to accept the fact that there ARE these things that we simply just can't change.
They finally come around to learning that for some reason, they need each other and without even realising at first - they create a bond, they at first tried to avoid, but which ends up saving them at the end.
This is yet another part of the story, which I'll keep close to my heart.
Amazing.
I love how the book is devided into several parts and revealed bit by bit, just like Zeke and Evie moving on step by step.
Part three is about them dealing with their past and learning to accept the fact that there ARE these things that we simply just can't change.
They finally come around to learning that for some reason, they need each other and without even realising at first - they create a bond, they at first tried to avoid, but which ends up saving them at the end.
This is yet another part of the story, which I'll keep close to my heart.
Amazing.
December 6, 2017
It would have been 4 stars, but the author chose to use "pussy" as an insult at least three times, so it's hurting me to even give it 3 stars.
November 12, 2013
Into the Night Reviews
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for great book reviews, new release updates, giveaways and more!!
I am in love with this series. There is something about the characters that grab me and take me straight back into the detail of the story every time I read. I haven't decided who is my favorite: Evie is fragile, vulnerable, almost to the point of being needy, but there is something about her that intrigues me, engages me and leaves me wanting more for her. Zeke is similar, yet different, he is reserved, strong and yet suffers with the same insecurities that Evie does although they manifest in him differently. The chemistry between the two is wonderful and I feel a huge level of investment in them and their story.
This 'episode' deals with Evie and Zeke's healing. Having experienced such loss they are both grappling with how to exist.
While their experiences were separate they were also intimately connected and while they are from two very different worlds they are constantly thrown together and discover a strong connection. Despite wanting to isolate themselves they are drawn to each other and recognise some of their own insecurities.
I loved that they were both prepared to call 'bullshit' on each other - their similarities meant that they truly did understand what the other was going through and they were ideally placed to support and help each other heal.
I loved the pace at which the story moved and found myself totally immersed in Evie and Zeke's lives. As they each stepped outside their comfort zone, shared and took risks the other was there to support, counsel or just to be so they weren't alone. The process they facilitated for each other was absolutely one of healing and it was a delight to watch it unfold. The undertone to their relationship is so much more than friendship but the very fact that they are helping each other heal means that they are reluctant to risk losing what they have.
The ending left me feeling satisfied, hopeful and yet wanting more for the characters I have grown to love as I’ve read this series. I cannot wait for the next instalment in this wonderful story.
Web: http://intothenightbookreviews.blogsp...
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/IntoTheNightR...
for great book reviews, new release updates, giveaways and more!!
I am in love with this series. There is something about the characters that grab me and take me straight back into the detail of the story every time I read. I haven't decided who is my favorite: Evie is fragile, vulnerable, almost to the point of being needy, but there is something about her that intrigues me, engages me and leaves me wanting more for her. Zeke is similar, yet different, he is reserved, strong and yet suffers with the same insecurities that Evie does although they manifest in him differently. The chemistry between the two is wonderful and I feel a huge level of investment in them and their story.
This 'episode' deals with Evie and Zeke's healing. Having experienced such loss they are both grappling with how to exist.
"If this was a fairy tale, Cindy would come back to life. But as I go on living without her, I'm realizing that her death is something I can't ever change. And it's tearing me apart."
- Zeke Quain
"But I know as I reach for the knife, needing to release the pressure of the dirtiness inside me, that I can't be fixed so easily. Nothing can be. Maybe it's time I accept that I just can't ever be fixed, and I will always be broken, and that's something I can't change.
- Evie Parker
While their experiences were separate they were also intimately connected and while they are from two very different worlds they are constantly thrown together and discover a strong connection. Despite wanting to isolate themselves they are drawn to each other and recognise some of their own insecurities.
I loved that they were both prepared to call 'bullshit' on each other - their similarities meant that they truly did understand what the other was going through and they were ideally placed to support and help each other heal.
"For the first time it occurs to me that Evie is right; I really don't understand this. Not any of it.
But damned if I'm not going to, or die trying."
- Zeke Quain
I loved the pace at which the story moved and found myself totally immersed in Evie and Zeke's lives. As they each stepped outside their comfort zone, shared and took risks the other was there to support, counsel or just to be so they weren't alone. The process they facilitated for each other was absolutely one of healing and it was a delight to watch it unfold. The undertone to their relationship is so much more than friendship but the very fact that they are helping each other heal means that they are reluctant to risk losing what they have.
The ending left me feeling satisfied, hopeful and yet wanting more for the characters I have grown to love as I’ve read this series. I cannot wait for the next instalment in this wonderful story.
June 29, 2014
Wow, this book was great! Definitely a great add to the series! I have enjoyed this series from book one and I am still enjoying it. I am loving this series more and more by every book I read. Not a lot of people have heard about this book but I am glad I found it because I have absolutely loved them.
- Evie
Evie is getting better and better by every book that comes. She is stronger, and much more better. She is still relying on Zeke way too much in my opinion, she has to learn how to take care of herself without the help of anyone.
- Zeke
Ah Zeke, such a great guy. He is so sweet even though he doesn't like to show he is. He should show his feelings more often. I love reading from both sides of point of views, I love seeing how Zeke is feeling and also how Evie is. I don't think this book would be the same if we were just reading from Evie's point of view or Zeke's. They challenge and know each other so well it is just adorable.
Overall, I really liked this book. This was a great add to the series and I am excited to get onto the next book, which I probably will very soon. That ending was so amazing, everything is going to be different now after that ending.
- Evie
Evie is getting better and better by every book that comes. She is stronger, and much more better. She is still relying on Zeke way too much in my opinion, she has to learn how to take care of herself without the help of anyone.
- Zeke
Ah Zeke, such a great guy. He is so sweet even though he doesn't like to show he is. He should show his feelings more often. I love reading from both sides of point of views, I love seeing how Zeke is feeling and also how Evie is. I don't think this book would be the same if we were just reading from Evie's point of view or Zeke's. They challenge and know each other so well it is just adorable.
Overall, I really liked this book. This was a great add to the series and I am excited to get onto the next book, which I probably will very soon. That ending was so amazing, everything is going to be different now after that ending.
April 4, 2015
This Book ... scratch that ... This Series is so INTENSE! Each section of this series has me more in love than the last! I have said this repeatedly & I shall continue ... I believe every teen & woman should read this series! It is a powerful roller coaster of emotions, but it is truly intense & so worth the ride! I can honestly say this has been one of the few series that has brought me to tears & I will still re-read it again & again. While it does deal with very important subjects & may not be appropriate for everyone; it is the way that Kassandra approaches them using her unique skills to express them without taking us to that darkest of dark place that makes me applaud her again & again. She masterfully held my attention through each page of the book knowing there would be begging for more as soon as I hit the last. I love that she gets us to the edge & flawlessly snaps us back making us realize there is always hope & a reason to continue on our path. BRAVO! I can't wait for the next part to this series!
December 29, 2015
Book # 115 for 2014
I actually read this a while back, I couldn't keep reading this all the way through though. Zeke and Evie's story hurts my heart so I have to take really long breaks.
Zeke and Evie finally try to recover from their struggles - they have a shitload of those by the way.
This part in the story was great because they needed to break free from their old ways and teach themselves to forgive other people and their own shortcomings.
Their story's still not finished but the ending of this book was the first ending (in this series) that I didn't cry my eyes out. It had a happy ending - which is very rare, if you already read the other books.
I actually read this a while back, I couldn't keep reading this all the way through though. Zeke and Evie's story hurts my heart so I have to take really long breaks.
Zeke and Evie finally try to recover from their struggles - they have a shitload of those by the way.
This part in the story was great because they needed to break free from their old ways and teach themselves to forgive other people and their own shortcomings.
Their story's still not finished but the ending of this book was the first ending (in this series) that I didn't cry my eyes out. It had a happy ending - which is very rare, if you already read the other books.
December 3, 2013
I really enjoyed this series. I wasn't expecting to like it so much, given the high school age of the characters. But it was very engrossing and real. While I did get frustrated with Evie and Zeke at times, I kept reminding myself their circumstances are, thankfully, something I've never had to live through. As I neared the end of book 3 I was wondering how it would all tie up. And while the ending does put a little ribbon around things, it looks like it won't be tied into a neat bow until book 4.
January 14, 2024
I just hate that this book is chopped up in small sequels. I did enjoy their healing trip. It never is easy to know the faults and problems and fix them. In the end it is never easy to do it by yourself. And you can be okay once you decide you will be. It is a fight and a lengthy one at that. And this part portrays it good, because it usually is not just one relapse until you are good enough to stop.
February 8, 2016
Oh man what is there to say? What I love is how two different people from two different world both struggling to move on and yet be there for one another. This was one of those books I had to put the other books I'm currently reading on hold for a bit to see what happens next. I can't wait to see what else happens next.
August 14, 2014
Loved it
Loved it
after book three I finally feel like we are getting somewhere in their love story! don't get me wrong it's been a great build up with the last two books and I loved all 3 so far. but I feel like the next one will be even better
Loved it
after book three I finally feel like we are getting somewhere in their love story! don't get me wrong it's been a great build up with the last two books and I loved all 3 so far. but I feel like the next one will be even better
October 2, 2013
Still love the story but I had trouble getting through to the end. Not sure where else it can go for a fourth book. Just have to wait and see I guess.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews