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The Walker Boys #1
As You Turn Away
She yearns to take a leap back into his arms—but only if he can convince her they'll make it to forever this time.
With a life as a ballerina in New York City—and the freedom she craved while growing up in a small Southern town—Quinn Reynolds seems to have everything she's ever wanted. But it's all built on a painful past she can't outrun. Desperate to make peace with her ghosts, she goes home for a visit.
Back in the town she once loved, Quinn tries to rebuilt the relationship she destroyed when she fled, which may be harder than she realized. And her life gets more complicated when Jonah Walker returns, reminding her of the love she's never been able to forget.
Or experience with anyone else since him.
Jonah Walker became someone he didn't recognize when he left his hometown to escape his anguish over losing Quinn. He kept his family at arm's length and became a shell of his former self. But if he hopes to find redemption, he has to own his mistakes—especially if he wants another chance with Quinn.
Together, they struggle to forgive and create a new future. But Quinn could lose Jonah forever if they can't overcome their past and the obstacles ahead of them.
With a life as a ballerina in New York City—and the freedom she craved while growing up in a small Southern town—Quinn Reynolds seems to have everything she's ever wanted. But it's all built on a painful past she can't outrun. Desperate to make peace with her ghosts, she goes home for a visit.
Back in the town she once loved, Quinn tries to rebuilt the relationship she destroyed when she fled, which may be harder than she realized. And her life gets more complicated when Jonah Walker returns, reminding her of the love she's never been able to forget.
Or experience with anyone else since him.
Jonah Walker became someone he didn't recognize when he left his hometown to escape his anguish over losing Quinn. He kept his family at arm's length and became a shell of his former self. But if he hopes to find redemption, he has to own his mistakes—especially if he wants another chance with Quinn.
Together, they struggle to forgive and create a new future. But Quinn could lose Jonah forever if they can't overcome their past and the obstacles ahead of them.
ebook
First published February 26, 2014
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About the author
Molli Moran
7 books228 followersMolli Moran was born and raised in the South, and brings a love of all things small-town to her romances. She grew up with her nose in a book and her head in the clouds, and not much has changed since then. Molli found her own happily-ever-after on the West Coast. Give her Kay and coffee, and you’ve never seen a happier person. Other things she loves include road trips, the ocean, and Captain America.
You can find Molli on Twitter, where she spends way too much time (@MissMolliWrites). She’s not throwing away her shot.
*Stay in touch with Molli by signing up for her newsletter.*
You can find Molli on Twitter, where she spends way too much time (@MissMolliWrites). She’s not throwing away her shot.
*Stay in touch with Molli by signing up for her newsletter.*
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February 7, 2017No rating from me because I would be hopelessly biased....but this book saved me. It HEALED me. I fell in love with the characters and the friendships and romances. I think I learned more about love while writing AS YOU TURN AWAY. There's friendship and kissing and swoons and humor but mostly, HEART. I hope AS YOU TURN AWAY touches at least one reader the way it did me while I wrote it.
November 26, 2015
Actual Rating: 4.5 stars
"Happiness isn't in being strong or alone or angry. Happiness isn't in the past. Happiness is found as you turn away from the past and toward the future you make"
As You Turn Away was an intense, emotional read for me. This book follows the story of Quinn and Jonah. Quinn left home at the age of 18 after years of trying ,but failing to be the perfection her mother demanded. She was suffocating, lost and couldn't stay home a moment longer. Her decision to leave home was anything but easy. Quinn's now in New York, living her own life and living her dream. Years have passed, and Quinn finally returns home for a visit. She knows that the visit is not going to go well, but had no idea her visit would play out the way that it did. Quinn is left trying to cope with the tragedy that has struck her and to put the pieces of her life back together. The last thing she expected, was for Jonah to suddenly reappear....... When Jonah left home with his heartbroken, he cut ties with everyone. He became someone he didn't even recognize anymore. But, the time has come for him to come home and make things right. It's time to repair the damage with his family and be the man that he knows he can be......Meanwhile, Fate has plans of her own. Try as they might, Quinn and Jonah can't seem to stay away from one another. They still feel that pull, that connection to one another that refuses to be denied. Their lives have been forever changed. But will they be able to put the past behind them? Will Quinn and Jonah finally have a future together??
As You Turn Away took me on one heck of a roller-coaster ride. I felt that it was well written and pulled me in from the very first page. It was a great story of first love, heartbreak and that second chance at love:
“What we have...is something most folks wait a lifetime for, and only touch for a heartbeat. They let go too quickly, or they're too scared to hold on, or they never see what's right in front of them. But we're going to hold on as tight as we can."
"Quinn, the Walker boys were raised right-to love, serve, and respect women. To treat us as equals. They're a rare breed, and once you've loved one of them, you're ruined for anyone else"
This story also handled some tough subject matter with loss and grief. I think the author did an amazing job of dealing with the loss and the struggle to get help. As well as the struggle to admit that things are not okay and the path that you have to take to fix yourself.
"This summer had been about finding herself, and learning to accept love in its various forms -- and to give love."
I really enjoyed the characters in this story as well. I felt that they were all very easy to connect with and the Walker boys were very entertaining. And I hope that they will get their own stories in the future!
Jonah....What can I say about Jonah. I felt so bad for him. Quinn broke his heart. Completely destroyed him. But Quinn wasn't the only one who said or did something hurtful. Jonah played his part and had to live with the regret of his decisions. He tried to deny that he still had feelings for Quinn, but as they saying goes "true love never dies" and once he realizes that his feelings aren't going anywhere, he starts focusing on how to repair what was lost.
"He hadn't believed it was possible when his brother's told him the past could be the past, but now the seconds between them stretched full of infinite possibilities. Infinite moments full of laughter and hope and love. Infinite days, strung together into a future that was their own. He had to be the man he'd spent so long waiting to be."
And that was one of things that I admired so much about Jonah, was that he never gave up. Even when things looked terrible and all hope was lost, he refused to give up on his love.
I found this book to be a very enjoyable read. I was captivated and got lost in Quinn and Jonah's story. As You Turn Away is going to be one those books that stays with me for a long time. It's beautiful, heartbreaking and full of hope all at the same time. I can't wait for the next book and see what happens next!
* I was given an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
You can also see my review here at: http://www.onceuponabookblog.com/blog...
"Happiness isn't in being strong or alone or angry. Happiness isn't in the past. Happiness is found as you turn away from the past and toward the future you make"
As You Turn Away was an intense, emotional read for me. This book follows the story of Quinn and Jonah. Quinn left home at the age of 18 after years of trying ,but failing to be the perfection her mother demanded. She was suffocating, lost and couldn't stay home a moment longer. Her decision to leave home was anything but easy. Quinn's now in New York, living her own life and living her dream. Years have passed, and Quinn finally returns home for a visit. She knows that the visit is not going to go well, but had no idea her visit would play out the way that it did. Quinn is left trying to cope with the tragedy that has struck her and to put the pieces of her life back together. The last thing she expected, was for Jonah to suddenly reappear....... When Jonah left home with his heartbroken, he cut ties with everyone. He became someone he didn't even recognize anymore. But, the time has come for him to come home and make things right. It's time to repair the damage with his family and be the man that he knows he can be......Meanwhile, Fate has plans of her own. Try as they might, Quinn and Jonah can't seem to stay away from one another. They still feel that pull, that connection to one another that refuses to be denied. Their lives have been forever changed. But will they be able to put the past behind them? Will Quinn and Jonah finally have a future together??
As You Turn Away took me on one heck of a roller-coaster ride. I felt that it was well written and pulled me in from the very first page. It was a great story of first love, heartbreak and that second chance at love:
“What we have...is something most folks wait a lifetime for, and only touch for a heartbeat. They let go too quickly, or they're too scared to hold on, or they never see what's right in front of them. But we're going to hold on as tight as we can."
"Quinn, the Walker boys were raised right-to love, serve, and respect women. To treat us as equals. They're a rare breed, and once you've loved one of them, you're ruined for anyone else"
This story also handled some tough subject matter with loss and grief. I think the author did an amazing job of dealing with the loss and the struggle to get help. As well as the struggle to admit that things are not okay and the path that you have to take to fix yourself.
"This summer had been about finding herself, and learning to accept love in its various forms -- and to give love."
I really enjoyed the characters in this story as well. I felt that they were all very easy to connect with and the Walker boys were very entertaining. And I hope that they will get their own stories in the future!
Jonah....What can I say about Jonah. I felt so bad for him. Quinn broke his heart. Completely destroyed him. But Quinn wasn't the only one who said or did something hurtful. Jonah played his part and had to live with the regret of his decisions. He tried to deny that he still had feelings for Quinn, but as they saying goes "true love never dies" and once he realizes that his feelings aren't going anywhere, he starts focusing on how to repair what was lost.
"He hadn't believed it was possible when his brother's told him the past could be the past, but now the seconds between them stretched full of infinite possibilities. Infinite moments full of laughter and hope and love. Infinite days, strung together into a future that was their own. He had to be the man he'd spent so long waiting to be."
And that was one of things that I admired so much about Jonah, was that he never gave up. Even when things looked terrible and all hope was lost, he refused to give up on his love.
I found this book to be a very enjoyable read. I was captivated and got lost in Quinn and Jonah's story. As You Turn Away is going to be one those books that stays with me for a long time. It's beautiful, heartbreaking and full of hope all at the same time. I can't wait for the next book and see what happens next!
* I was given an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
You can also see my review here at: http://www.onceuponabookblog.com/blog...
November 28, 2014
4 Stars!
This book was super adorable and sweet!
A second chance at love
Quinn is off living in NYC and pursuing her dream as a ballerina when she comes home for her first awkward family gathering. Her parents are far from the loving folks she remembers before her dad made it big as an attorney. Now her family life revolves around stuffy social events and her mother trying to set her up with "Mr. Right". To bad she met "Mr. Right" back in High School in the form of Jonah Walker. The middle child of three brothers, Jonah is the perfect mix between good and bad, but with his families' average income Quinn's mother is less than approving.
When tragedy strikes and rocks Quinn's life she's going to need everyone, including Jonah, to help her heal.
-----
I thought this book was super sweet. Boy from the wrong side of the social ladder and all. Plus Jonah and his three brothers were super funny and adorable! I loved the dynamic and closeness between everyone. I really enjoyed how they grew over the course of the book as well and truly found themselves.
I wasn't keen on the fact that it was 30% into the book before Quinn and Jonah actually started to talk, there was a lot of filler information between the beginning punch and them actually starting to repair their relationship. For me it felt a little dragged, I think other relationships could've been repaired while Jonah and Quinns were being repaired instead of every character making amends before their story could really start. It t made their relationship seem really rushed.
I loved the cute little flashbacks before each chapter to when they were together in High School, I felt like those somewhat helped to make Jonah's and Quinn's relationship more believable.
The writing was pretty good also! I think this is a really great quick read!
This book was super adorable and sweet!
A second chance at love
Quinn is off living in NYC and pursuing her dream as a ballerina when she comes home for her first awkward family gathering. Her parents are far from the loving folks she remembers before her dad made it big as an attorney. Now her family life revolves around stuffy social events and her mother trying to set her up with "Mr. Right". To bad she met "Mr. Right" back in High School in the form of Jonah Walker. The middle child of three brothers, Jonah is the perfect mix between good and bad, but with his families' average income Quinn's mother is less than approving.
When tragedy strikes and rocks Quinn's life she's going to need everyone, including Jonah, to help her heal.
-----
I thought this book was super sweet. Boy from the wrong side of the social ladder and all. Plus Jonah and his three brothers were super funny and adorable! I loved the dynamic and closeness between everyone. I really enjoyed how they grew over the course of the book as well and truly found themselves.
I wasn't keen on the fact that it was 30% into the book before Quinn and Jonah actually started to talk, there was a lot of filler information between the beginning punch and them actually starting to repair their relationship. For me it felt a little dragged, I think other relationships could've been repaired while Jonah and Quinns were being repaired instead of every character making amends before their story could really start. It t made their relationship seem really rushed.
I loved the cute little flashbacks before each chapter to when they were together in High School, I felt like those somewhat helped to make Jonah's and Quinn's relationship more believable.
The writing was pretty good also! I think this is a really great quick read!
February 2, 2019
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Thank you Netgalley for a digital copy of this book.
"I'm always here. For the good days, the bad, and the in-between. You are my forever, and I'm here for every part of it."
What can I say about As you Turn Away that hasn't already been said? It is a perfect love story, a story of Jonah and Quinn and the story that took my idea for love to a whole new level. I guess I have these romance novels to blame for my increasing standards of boys that I can never, ever find in the boys around me. (Not that I intend to search for the one right at this moment. Haha!)
In any case, the first book in the Walker Boys series was a nice read that I'm glad for having read. I won't say that it took my heart away or that I'm so into this series now to read the next few parts as well, because frankly I'm not but it was a nice book and I enjoyed it. However, at times, it was just too much for me. This is because of the following reasons:
A. Quinn was a mess. Believe me, I have no issues against people who face issues like anxiety and depression (me having been someone struck with anxiety myself) but Quinn was still a mess. She knew there were things she should tell Jonah. She knew it. Lanie reminded her this. But what did she do? She still waited for an entire month to bring out the idea. I mean, come on, you are probably changing your and his entire lives because of that one choice and you are only telling him a few days prior to it? Are you f***ng kidding me? If you are someone who is struck with anxiety, then you need to talk to the one person who matters to you the most about such choices.
Honestly, I completely got it when she didn't bring her fears out. I am an anxiety struck person myself and I know how hard that is. I never have the guts to that myself. But that was a freaking choice that would change your and his, specifically his, lives forever. Or do you just like ruining others' lives and then blaming it on anxiety? Because it seems like you do and I hate you for downgrading the people who are stuck with anxiety this way.
B. Quinn was also an irritating protagonist. She was stupid, self-centered and did not care much about the people around her just the way her mother said. I know her mother was a freakish character and I could totally relate to Quinn that way. My parents are like that, too but the thing about Quinn was that she was proving her mother at every instance after her death. I mean, even after her father was out of coma, she barely spent any time with him. She spent more of it with Jonah than with him and she didn't spend much time with Jonah, to begin with. So you get what I'm saying, right?
C. Jonah wasn't a saint either. Not only was he badly developed but he was also pretty delusional and stupid. So basically, there is a girl who ruined your life, who ruined your relationship with your family and the one time you return to make amends, she is back, too. And then what do you do? You call her your girl behind her back and you don't listen to your brother when he asks you to remember what happened the last time. I'll be completely honest here. If I ever was with a boy in the past and if I broke up with him, and then I find out that he is calling me "his girl" behind my back, I'll keep my distance even if I really like him. I'm already struck with anxiety, I don't really need a delusional person in my life.
And this was just three of the many. Other than that, the book, with its writing style was rather good. The plot was pretty decent, too. I guess my only irritation was with the characters. Or actually, the protagonists, who were not only stupid but also very miserable, in a way. (I hope this review doesn't hurt you if you are a die hard fan.)
Thank you Netgalley for a digital copy of this book.
"I'm always here. For the good days, the bad, and the in-between. You are my forever, and I'm here for every part of it."
What can I say about As you Turn Away that hasn't already been said? It is a perfect love story, a story of Jonah and Quinn and the story that took my idea for love to a whole new level. I guess I have these romance novels to blame for my increasing standards of boys that I can never, ever find in the boys around me. (Not that I intend to search for the one right at this moment. Haha!)
In any case, the first book in the Walker Boys series was a nice read that I'm glad for having read. I won't say that it took my heart away or that I'm so into this series now to read the next few parts as well, because frankly I'm not but it was a nice book and I enjoyed it. However, at times, it was just too much for me. This is because of the following reasons:
A. Quinn was a mess. Believe me, I have no issues against people who face issues like anxiety and depression (me having been someone struck with anxiety myself) but Quinn was still a mess. She knew there were things she should tell Jonah. She knew it. Lanie reminded her this. But what did she do? She still waited for an entire month to bring out the idea. I mean, come on, you are probably changing your and his entire lives because of that one choice and you are only telling him a few days prior to it? Are you f***ng kidding me? If you are someone who is struck with anxiety, then you need to talk to the one person who matters to you the most about such choices.
Honestly, I completely got it when she didn't bring her fears out. I am an anxiety struck person myself and I know how hard that is. I never have the guts to that myself. But that was a freaking choice that would change your and his, specifically his, lives forever. Or do you just like ruining others' lives and then blaming it on anxiety? Because it seems like you do and I hate you for downgrading the people who are stuck with anxiety this way.
B. Quinn was also an irritating protagonist. She was stupid, self-centered and did not care much about the people around her just the way her mother said. I know her mother was a freakish character and I could totally relate to Quinn that way. My parents are like that, too but the thing about Quinn was that she was proving her mother at every instance after her death. I mean, even after her father was out of coma, she barely spent any time with him. She spent more of it with Jonah than with him and she didn't spend much time with Jonah, to begin with. So you get what I'm saying, right?
C. Jonah wasn't a saint either. Not only was he badly developed but he was also pretty delusional and stupid. So basically, there is a girl who ruined your life, who ruined your relationship with your family and the one time you return to make amends, she is back, too. And then what do you do? You call her your girl behind her back and you don't listen to your brother when he asks you to remember what happened the last time. I'll be completely honest here. If I ever was with a boy in the past and if I broke up with him, and then I find out that he is calling me "his girl" behind my back, I'll keep my distance even if I really like him. I'm already struck with anxiety, I don't really need a delusional person in my life.
And this was just three of the many. Other than that, the book, with its writing style was rather good. The plot was pretty decent, too. I guess my only irritation was with the characters. Or actually, the protagonists, who were not only stupid but also very miserable, in a way. (I hope this review doesn't hurt you if you are a die hard fan.)
September 21, 2019
I really liked this amazing heartfelt story of first love and what tore them apart and how they came back together. The relationships throughout this book really hit close to home for me, especially Quinn's relationship with Jonah's family. I just found it really coincidental how they both happened to be back in town at the same time at the start of the book. They both only returned for a short time and they run into each other. And why is it that all MCs come from small towns? Just so reunions like this can happen?
I loved the relationship Reece and Han had, how they were mature enough to realise that they weren't in love anymore, but that they were still best friends and wanted to stay partners. It tore me up when Reece was grieving for her :(
It's just lucky that Jonah actually understood Quinn, as Quinn never actually told him she had anxiety and depression.
I'm one of those people that always wishes MCs would do what Quinn did: not do the audition to stay with their loves. And I'm glad that she hasn't regretted it or anything. I really like her and Jonah, and the Southern manners and formalities are so charming <3
Everyone needs a best friend like Lanie, and all of the relationships in this book were perfect. I love Quinn's relationship with Jamie, with her dad (thank gosh he made it out of the coma!), with Jonah's brothers. I think that's the most heartfelt part, the way that she loves all of them, not just Jonah. They were all a part of her life. And the way she fit into his family growing up. So important.
I loved the relationship Reece and Han had, how they were mature enough to realise that they weren't in love anymore, but that they were still best friends and wanted to stay partners. It tore me up when Reece was grieving for her :(
It's just lucky that Jonah actually understood Quinn, as Quinn never actually told him she had anxiety and depression.
I'm one of those people that always wishes MCs would do what Quinn did: not do the audition to stay with their loves. And I'm glad that she hasn't regretted it or anything. I really like her and Jonah, and the Southern manners and formalities are so charming <3
Everyone needs a best friend like Lanie, and all of the relationships in this book were perfect. I love Quinn's relationship with Jamie, with her dad (thank gosh he made it out of the coma!), with Jonah's brothers. I think that's the most heartfelt part, the way that she loves all of them, not just Jonah. They were all a part of her life. And the way she fit into his family growing up. So important.
March 1, 2014
Originally posted at City of Books
Happiness isn’t in being strong or alone or angry. Happiness isn’t in the past. Happiness is found as you turn away from the past and toward the future you make.
As You Turn Away is Molli's debut novel, and I think she's done such an amazing job with it. It's definitely one of the most emotional books I've read - I don't tend to read many books like this. But I loved the simplicity in the setting, and the characters' interactions.
I loved that Quinn and Jonah's past and present are narrated to us alternately between chapters. We get to see what they're like now, and how they used to be. We also get both points of view, which I always love in romances like this. It was awesome being in both Quinn and Jonah's heads because both have their own demons within them and both are hurting in their own way. We get to see exactly what each of them felt about the huge fight that broke them up all those years ago, and I think that was necessary for an unbiased opinion of their characters.
Quinn and Jonah are both back in Georgia after four years apart, and things start to go wrong almost immediately. Quinn's having a lot to deal with when she gets back, trying desperately to rekindle her relationship with her family - which isn't going so well. Meanwhile, Jonah is back too, but his family dynamics are in clear contrast. They're glad to see him back, though he has to work on his relationship with them too. When Quinn and Jonah run into each other again, things are tense. But no matter how much they try to deny it, they're still meant for each other. And if they can work through their differences, they know they can have an amazing life together.
Initially it was hard for me to connect with Quinn, but over the course of the novel I found myself identifying with her in a way. I get how lost she feels at times, how she thinks she's not good enough. And my heart really broke for her through her grief. There's a lot of loss in this book, even death. Quinn has a lot to get past, especially regarding her family. I just wish she'd confided in Jonah from the start, because she hurt him by not doing so, and in turn that hurt her too.
Jonah definitely stole my heart. He's not broken like Quinn, but he has an abandonment issue regarding her, from the first time she left him. Jonah didn't deserve how Quinn treated him when their relationship was crumbling apart, and she should've let him in. But Jonah's kind of at fault too, for letting her get away like that. I adored him regardless, though. I haven't read much about Southern characters and the countryside, but I found myself really drawn to Jonah. His life in Georgia basically shows you don't need materialism to be happy. I loved seeing his relationship with his family, especially his brothers, Reece and Ethan. I'm not much of a family person, but I loved reading about his.
I think the characters are what makes this book so great. Quinn, Jonah, Reece, Ethan, Darren, Jamie... Jamie is Reece's four-year-old son, by the way. And the most adorable kid ever. It was really sweet seeing Jonah bond with his nephew, especially when there's more grief to come. The characters are all flawed - nobody's perfect. But that made them all the more real to me.
This novel has so much sweetness and hope in it. There's positivity despite everything that goes wrong. Everyone seriously needs to read this one, especially if you feel you can connect to the characters. There was this one song that was stuck in my head while reading this - For the First Time by The Script. There are parts of the song that really relate to this book. Anyway, I really enjoyed reading this one. And needless to say, I'm very excited for the next Walker boy's story!
*Thank you to Molli Moran for providing me with an eARC for review*
Happiness isn’t in being strong or alone or angry. Happiness isn’t in the past. Happiness is found as you turn away from the past and toward the future you make.
As You Turn Away is Molli's debut novel, and I think she's done such an amazing job with it. It's definitely one of the most emotional books I've read - I don't tend to read many books like this. But I loved the simplicity in the setting, and the characters' interactions.
I loved that Quinn and Jonah's past and present are narrated to us alternately between chapters. We get to see what they're like now, and how they used to be. We also get both points of view, which I always love in romances like this. It was awesome being in both Quinn and Jonah's heads because both have their own demons within them and both are hurting in their own way. We get to see exactly what each of them felt about the huge fight that broke them up all those years ago, and I think that was necessary for an unbiased opinion of their characters.
Quinn and Jonah are both back in Georgia after four years apart, and things start to go wrong almost immediately. Quinn's having a lot to deal with when she gets back, trying desperately to rekindle her relationship with her family - which isn't going so well. Meanwhile, Jonah is back too, but his family dynamics are in clear contrast. They're glad to see him back, though he has to work on his relationship with them too. When Quinn and Jonah run into each other again, things are tense. But no matter how much they try to deny it, they're still meant for each other. And if they can work through their differences, they know they can have an amazing life together.
Initially it was hard for me to connect with Quinn, but over the course of the novel I found myself identifying with her in a way. I get how lost she feels at times, how she thinks she's not good enough. And my heart really broke for her through her grief. There's a lot of loss in this book, even death. Quinn has a lot to get past, especially regarding her family. I just wish she'd confided in Jonah from the start, because she hurt him by not doing so, and in turn that hurt her too.
Jonah definitely stole my heart. He's not broken like Quinn, but he has an abandonment issue regarding her, from the first time she left him. Jonah didn't deserve how Quinn treated him when their relationship was crumbling apart, and she should've let him in. But Jonah's kind of at fault too, for letting her get away like that. I adored him regardless, though. I haven't read much about Southern characters and the countryside, but I found myself really drawn to Jonah. His life in Georgia basically shows you don't need materialism to be happy. I loved seeing his relationship with his family, especially his brothers, Reece and Ethan. I'm not much of a family person, but I loved reading about his.
I think the characters are what makes this book so great. Quinn, Jonah, Reece, Ethan, Darren, Jamie... Jamie is Reece's four-year-old son, by the way. And the most adorable kid ever. It was really sweet seeing Jonah bond with his nephew, especially when there's more grief to come. The characters are all flawed - nobody's perfect. But that made them all the more real to me.
This novel has so much sweetness and hope in it. There's positivity despite everything that goes wrong. Everyone seriously needs to read this one, especially if you feel you can connect to the characters. There was this one song that was stuck in my head while reading this - For the First Time by The Script. There are parts of the song that really relate to this book. Anyway, I really enjoyed reading this one. And needless to say, I'm very excited for the next Walker boy's story!
*Thank you to Molli Moran for providing me with an eARC for review*
March 11, 2014
I have to start off this review by saying how proud I am of the author for writing this beautiful novel. I saw bits and pieces of this come together through her social media status updates, and I was lucky enough to be given a beta copy (although my life fell apart shortly after and I was unable to come through for her, which saddens me, but I'm okay with this, and you'll see why). Molli is an amazing spirit, and I'm blessed to call her a friend. With that said, here's my totally honest review.
This book read like art to me in a way. I love the way she combined the words on the page to create this story. As an editor, certain things about words stick out in my brain while reading, but I didn't find those issues in this book. Her words felt purposefully chosen and artfully so. The story of Quinn and Jonah is not one to be forgotten.
Intricate, delicate, tough, emotional, brave--these words can all be used to describe the story and its cast of characters. The ride from beginning to end is told in such a way that mirrors itself, from heartbreak and love to love and heartbreak, and comes full circle. It's a story of family, friendship, trust, trauma, and selflessness. And it's honest and touching. And oh, the ending. Perfection. <3
I read this mostly when I couldn't sleep at night due to a lot of anxiety and stress in my own life. This novel kept me company in the dark hours when things in my own head weren't right, but it also helped me understand some things about myself. I can very much relate to Quinn and her struggles with working through things in the past. She's given me some courage back.
Thank you. <3
This book read like art to me in a way. I love the way she combined the words on the page to create this story. As an editor, certain things about words stick out in my brain while reading, but I didn't find those issues in this book. Her words felt purposefully chosen and artfully so. The story of Quinn and Jonah is not one to be forgotten.
Intricate, delicate, tough, emotional, brave--these words can all be used to describe the story and its cast of characters. The ride from beginning to end is told in such a way that mirrors itself, from heartbreak and love to love and heartbreak, and comes full circle. It's a story of family, friendship, trust, trauma, and selflessness. And it's honest and touching. And oh, the ending. Perfection. <3
I read this mostly when I couldn't sleep at night due to a lot of anxiety and stress in my own life. This novel kept me company in the dark hours when things in my own head weren't right, but it also helped me understand some things about myself. I can very much relate to Quinn and her struggles with working through things in the past. She's given me some courage back.
Thank you. <3
August 12, 2014
Well this for me was a very sweet read , it was quite sad as well but i really enjoyed the history that Quinn and Jonah shared . And although they went through some heartache together they still cared for each other greatly .i loved how Jonah was with Quinn i mean he was a bit stubborn at times but so was Quinn .
But they cope with each others problems and they learn that sometimes the imperfections in things are the things that make things so perfect
So i give it 4 amazing stars
But they cope with each others problems and they learn that sometimes the imperfections in things are the things that make things so perfect
So i give it 4 amazing stars
March 1, 2014
It’s a bittersweet story of good girl meets baddish boy and they fall in love and break each other’s hearts. Our story picks up after not seeing each other for four years, finding themselves back in their small town in Georgia. Tragedy brings them together once more, and I like the slow build of their relationship.
There’s a down home genuine southern feeling to this story. I felt as though I was coming home along with the two main characters. It’s a great read, a wonderful story and I like that the ending is happy and positive without throwing a massive bow on the end of it.
See the full review here, on my blog
There’s a down home genuine southern feeling to this story. I felt as though I was coming home along with the two main characters. It’s a great read, a wonderful story and I like that the ending is happy and positive without throwing a massive bow on the end of it.
See the full review here, on my blog
November 9, 2014
3.5 stars. This was a really good second chance romance about coming home and facing your past. This book was really emotional and shows the strength of forgiveness. Quinn wasn't my favorite heroine but I really enjoyed this book. I really loved the ending - it was perfect for this book. Looking forward to reading more about the Walker brothers in this series.
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
May 29, 2019
I made it through five chapters of allusions to some crazy blow up between the mc's without the story. Five chapters of not understanding their motivations or reactions. It didn't help that the writing style was way too much tell and that the overall effect was new adulty in the worst way. In the end I wasn't interested enough to keep trying to get in tune with these characters or care about their story. Dnf
Want to read
October 29, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (10/29/2019)! 🎁
August 31, 2019
As You Turn Away
A sweet second chance romance full of love, forgiveness and courage. I enjoyed the story and the characters as they worked on rebuilding their relationship together.
A sweet second chance romance full of love, forgiveness and courage. I enjoyed the story and the characters as they worked on rebuilding their relationship together.
January 9, 2016
4.5 Stars!
I have to say that I knew as soon as I saw that gorgeous cover that I was going to be hooked on this book. Then I read the blurb, and I knew I had to read it. Plus, it's set in the south, so this northern girl was sold.
For her debut novel, Molli absolutely blew me away. I was honestly losing faith in my beloved NA Romance genre (it's like the same story over and over and OVER again), but As You Turn Away is fresh, lovable, intense, emotional, and so so real.
Basically, it was like a perfect autumn day or like sitting around a campfire under the stars with you're favorite people and you're favorite whiskey.
I instantly loved Quinn. She is a bright, intelligent, caring person who actually thinks and talks like an actual human woman would. I loved how much depth and understanding there was to her. Despite her cold upbringing and accompanying issues, she is still warm, hopeful, and accessible (well, to the reader anyways). I appreciated how, during the 4 years she and Jonah have been apart, she hasn't been celibate. That makes her that much more real to me. Because, hello? Who is going to go 4 years without sex when you're trying to move on from the love of your life?
Her character grew so much throughout the book, and in such a beautiful, believable way. Everything she did/said/thought felt genuine to her personality and situation. (I especially loved the ups and downs of the development of her and Jonah's relationship.) I totally understood her reasons for leaving Georgia in the first place. I thought she was very brave, modest, hardworking, and driven. And I cannot say enough about how perfectly the name Quinn fit the character.
It didn't take much of stretch to realize exactly why Jonah Walker was so madly in love with her.
Alexis Bledel as Quinn
Jonah, oh Jonah.
He is so darn cute, I can't even! He is one of my favorite male characters of all time. He is charming, sensitive, cares so much about his family and friends, but still has that damaged, bad boy side to him that is so endearing. Yes that's the word, he's endearing like a Matt Saracen or Tim Riggins from FNL.
Young Jackson Rathbone as Jonah
The chemistry between Quinn and Jonah is ahh ... it's just so freaking right! Everything about those two made me swoon. I instantly understood their love for each other. (Whereas, in some books I'm scratching my head like, why do they even like each other?)
What I loved most about Molli's writing was that she took full advantage of those small turning point moments. Those moments that you as a reader want to be compelling and dynamic and dramatic, Molli does not miss. Absolute perfection!
The only bone I have to pick with this book is that sometimes the dialogue was a little too much, too spot on. There were a few instances throughout the book that less would've been more and the message that much more potent. Although, I really did appreciate how mature Jonah was and how much he was trying to work through his baggage, right his wrongs, and be open and honest with his loved ones.
If you're a fan of country music,Supernatural, Gilmore Girls, The Lord of the Rings, or a personal favorite of mine ...
You'll love the little hints Molli drops throughout the book.
I LOVED the Walker family and, needless to say, Molli better be writing the other Walker Boys stories. Their interactions were so natural and organic, so easy. And they use the right amount of humor to lighten the serious scenes.
What I'm getting at is ... READ THIS BOOK.
Perfect summer read.
I have to say that I knew as soon as I saw that gorgeous cover that I was going to be hooked on this book. Then I read the blurb, and I knew I had to read it. Plus, it's set in the south, so this northern girl was sold.
For her debut novel, Molli absolutely blew me away. I was honestly losing faith in my beloved NA Romance genre (it's like the same story over and over and OVER again), but As You Turn Away is fresh, lovable, intense, emotional, and so so real.
Basically, it was like a perfect autumn day or like sitting around a campfire under the stars with you're favorite people and you're favorite whiskey.
I instantly loved Quinn. She is a bright, intelligent, caring person who actually thinks and talks like an actual human woman would. I loved how much depth and understanding there was to her. Despite her cold upbringing and accompanying issues, she is still warm, hopeful, and accessible (well, to the reader anyways). I appreciated how, during the 4 years she and Jonah have been apart, she hasn't been celibate. That makes her that much more real to me. Because, hello? Who is going to go 4 years without sex when you're trying to move on from the love of your life?
Her character grew so much throughout the book, and in such a beautiful, believable way. Everything she did/said/thought felt genuine to her personality and situation. (I especially loved the ups and downs of the development of her and Jonah's relationship.) I totally understood her reasons for leaving Georgia in the first place. I thought she was very brave, modest, hardworking, and driven. And I cannot say enough about how perfectly the name Quinn fit the character.
It didn't take much of stretch to realize exactly why Jonah Walker was so madly in love with her.
Alexis Bledel as Quinn
Jonah, oh Jonah.
Laughter bubbled to his lips, strong, and real. This wasn't forced, or polite, like most of his in recent years. This was the sort you couldn't control or soften; it came out loud, ungainly, and genuine.
He is so darn cute, I can't even! He is one of my favorite male characters of all time. He is charming, sensitive, cares so much about his family and friends, but still has that damaged, bad boy side to him that is so endearing. Yes that's the word, he's endearing like a Matt Saracen or Tim Riggins from FNL.
Young Jackson Rathbone as Jonah
The chemistry between Quinn and Jonah is ahh ... it's just so freaking right! Everything about those two made me swoon. I instantly understood their love for each other. (Whereas, in some books I'm scratching my head like, why do they even like each other?)
About how when she was his, she felt like flames. Warm and alive, jumping and dancing and breathing.
What I loved most about Molli's writing was that she took full advantage of those small turning point moments. Those moments that you as a reader want to be compelling and dynamic and dramatic, Molli does not miss. Absolute perfection!
The only bone I have to pick with this book is that sometimes the dialogue was a little too much, too spot on. There were a few instances throughout the book that less would've been more and the message that much more potent. Although, I really did appreciate how mature Jonah was and how much he was trying to work through his baggage, right his wrongs, and be open and honest with his loved ones.
If you're a fan of country music,Supernatural, Gilmore Girls, The Lord of the Rings, or a personal favorite of mine ...
You'll love the little hints Molli drops throughout the book.
I LOVED the Walker family and, needless to say, Molli better be writing the other Walker Boys stories. Their interactions were so natural and organic, so easy. And they use the right amount of humor to lighten the serious scenes.
What I'm getting at is ... READ THIS BOOK.
Perfect summer read.
August 21, 2014
As You Turn Away by Molli Moran was a story about coming home and facing the difficult reasons that led to leaving in the first place. Molli Moran writes of loves lost & later found, of the ties that bind a family together, and reasons that tear it apart causing the members to fight their way back in the fold again. This story was heartwarming and emotionally moving and I was unable to put it down until I reached the very last page. I would rate this book 4 stars and encourage others to read As You Turn Away because I know that you will love it as much as I did!
"All I could think was that something was wrong with me, and I had to get away from everyone I cared about before I hurt someone like she hurt me."
Jonah Walker returns home to his family farm after four years away at college in Atlanta. His homecoming was everything that he had hoped it could be but didn't think that he deserved after spending so much time away with little contact with his two brothers and parents that he had been extremely close to before he left, or more accurately ran away to escape the heartbreak that he was facing. His family welcomed him with open arms and he immediately saw that the bond they had once had, was still there and was able to be restored, especially after he apologized and showed them that no matter what happened in his life he wouldn't run and shut out his family again.
Quinnlan Reynolds was living her dream of being a ballerina in New York City or was she? She returns home to Georgia to visit with her parents in the hopes of restoring the relationship they once had, before her mother became a materialtic socialite that put her down and ridiculed her at every opportunity and her father became distant and quiet when the unthinkable happened. A tragic car accident, that injured her leg, killed her mother and had left her father in a coma, had Quinn questioning everything that she thought she wanted in her life, and she questioned it even more when Jonah reappeared to hopefully rekindle the relationship that they had so many years before.
Quinn struggles to deal with the loss of her mother, especially due to the distance in their relationship over the last several years, and also because the last words that the spoke to each other harsh, unloving ones, due to Quinn's supposed behavior during a dinner out with her parents. She tries to be strong while still hoping that once her father comes out of the coma, that they can get back to the loving relationship that they once had. With her best friend Laney and her cousin Darren standing by her side, she wavers on whether or not she should return to New York to dance, or stay in Georgia.
Jonah and Quinn begin seeing each other again, trying to put the hurt of the past behind them and move forward with a future together. Each of them have reservations about the relationship which is causing them to hold back from really being together. Jonah is worried that Quinn willl walk away again without a word like she did after high-school and Quinn is unable to let Jonah all the way in and tell him the real reason that she left. Although Jonah tells Quinn everyday that he loves her and that she is it for him, Quinn is unable to return the feelings that she knows she has deep down because she feels almost damaged from what she endured as a child, and teenager with her parents. As Quinn repairs her relationship with her father, she withdraws more from Jonah each day until he finally confronts her telling her the he feels he is in the relationship alone. Hurt & angry and unsure of how to deal with everything in her head and her heart she hurls hurtful words at Jonah and once again pushes him away. But with the love and advice of his brothers Reece & Ethan, Jonah makes one final attempt before returning to Atlanta for graduate school, to let Quinn know just how deep his feelings run. The letter that he writes her is so heartfelt and moving that the reader can feel the emotion pouring off of each page and my heart broke, wondering if Quinn would finally accept the love that Jonah was offering and work on truly being strong. It is in the last pages of the book that the reader finds out just how strong Quinn becomes, when she focuses on the present and future and stops looking at the past to define who she is.
This book was extremely well written and drew the reader into the story with each page. I enjoyed the flashbacks to the time when Jonah and Quinn were dating in high-school, as it gave the backround needed to understand the turn that the relationship took at the very end and what led them to be the people that they are today.
"All I could think was that something was wrong with me, and I had to get away from everyone I cared about before I hurt someone like she hurt me."
Jonah Walker returns home to his family farm after four years away at college in Atlanta. His homecoming was everything that he had hoped it could be but didn't think that he deserved after spending so much time away with little contact with his two brothers and parents that he had been extremely close to before he left, or more accurately ran away to escape the heartbreak that he was facing. His family welcomed him with open arms and he immediately saw that the bond they had once had, was still there and was able to be restored, especially after he apologized and showed them that no matter what happened in his life he wouldn't run and shut out his family again.
Quinnlan Reynolds was living her dream of being a ballerina in New York City or was she? She returns home to Georgia to visit with her parents in the hopes of restoring the relationship they once had, before her mother became a materialtic socialite that put her down and ridiculed her at every opportunity and her father became distant and quiet when the unthinkable happened. A tragic car accident, that injured her leg, killed her mother and had left her father in a coma, had Quinn questioning everything that she thought she wanted in her life, and she questioned it even more when Jonah reappeared to hopefully rekindle the relationship that they had so many years before.
Quinn struggles to deal with the loss of her mother, especially due to the distance in their relationship over the last several years, and also because the last words that the spoke to each other harsh, unloving ones, due to Quinn's supposed behavior during a dinner out with her parents. She tries to be strong while still hoping that once her father comes out of the coma, that they can get back to the loving relationship that they once had. With her best friend Laney and her cousin Darren standing by her side, she wavers on whether or not she should return to New York to dance, or stay in Georgia.
Jonah and Quinn begin seeing each other again, trying to put the hurt of the past behind them and move forward with a future together. Each of them have reservations about the relationship which is causing them to hold back from really being together. Jonah is worried that Quinn willl walk away again without a word like she did after high-school and Quinn is unable to let Jonah all the way in and tell him the real reason that she left. Although Jonah tells Quinn everyday that he loves her and that she is it for him, Quinn is unable to return the feelings that she knows she has deep down because she feels almost damaged from what she endured as a child, and teenager with her parents. As Quinn repairs her relationship with her father, she withdraws more from Jonah each day until he finally confronts her telling her the he feels he is in the relationship alone. Hurt & angry and unsure of how to deal with everything in her head and her heart she hurls hurtful words at Jonah and once again pushes him away. But with the love and advice of his brothers Reece & Ethan, Jonah makes one final attempt before returning to Atlanta for graduate school, to let Quinn know just how deep his feelings run. The letter that he writes her is so heartfelt and moving that the reader can feel the emotion pouring off of each page and my heart broke, wondering if Quinn would finally accept the love that Jonah was offering and work on truly being strong. It is in the last pages of the book that the reader finds out just how strong Quinn becomes, when she focuses on the present and future and stops looking at the past to define who she is.
This book was extremely well written and drew the reader into the story with each page. I enjoyed the flashbacks to the time when Jonah and Quinn were dating in high-school, as it gave the backround needed to understand the turn that the relationship took at the very end and what led them to be the people that they are today.
August 2, 2014
I was given this book for an honest review
This was a book about second chances and that is exactly what Jonah and Quinn got. I loved this book from beginning to end and although this was a love story it wasn't to sappy and it had points in it where all you could say was dog why did that have to happen. I loved the fact that both main characters had major issues and I also loved the supporting characters. I can't wait to read more from this series and see what all happens
This was a book about second chances and that is exactly what Jonah and Quinn got. I loved this book from beginning to end and although this was a love story it wasn't to sappy and it had points in it where all you could say was dog why did that have to happen. I loved the fact that both main characters had major issues and I also loved the supporting characters. I can't wait to read more from this series and see what all happens
September 11, 2016
This book gives me hope for the New Adult genre. There was a great emphasis on having a healthy relationship and not depending solely on another person, which is sometimes overlooked with this kind of love story. The book was really well balanced. It was funny and poignant, but the author kept things from becoming overly dramatic. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
April 1, 2016
3.5 stars! A really emotional and full of friendships and family struggles and family support, with a lovely romance!
September 29, 2019
This was a cute new adult contemporary that was easy to read. Although enjoyable, I didn’t find it gripping and found there were some aspects I didn’t enjoy. I loved the walker family and how they were with each other. I didn’t like Quinn’s mum, but thought that that plot line could have gone further rather than ending the way it did. I found the relationship a bit repetitive with their complications and therefore predictable. I will continue the series, as I did like the story, but just didn’t find it original.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2014
"Beautifully written and full of emotion, As You Turn Away, will leave you breathless. Charmingly sweet and romantic, you'll find yourself getting wrapped up in such a gorgeous love story brimming with self-discovery, courage, and bravery."
See full review below, as posted to Amazon.
If you haven't read As You Turn Away yet, then I urge you all to pick a copy of this gorgeous novel. I promise you will not be disappointed by this inspiring and captivating story full of love, hope, and forgiveness. There is so much compassion stitched within these pages, so filled with wonder, amazement, self-discovery, and healing. Author Molli Moran, has truly out done herself, with her debut New Adult novel. This is contemporary romance written in its best form.
As You Turn Away, will remind you of a time when you are just starting to come into your own and really begin to learn what it's like to experience life on the cusp of adulthood. It is a time in reader's lives when things are both exhilarating and terrifying, but also full of so many changes and challenges. Emotionally stunning and so full of hope and life, As You Turn Away, will move you in ways unimaginable and shake your soul to the core. Exploring the bond of true friendship, healing precious family bonds, and learning to be a better version of yourself are strong elements that are gorgeously woven into the fabric of this beautiful novel.
I believe in hope and faith, putting my heart into a better place, and becoming the best version of myself that I can be just as Quinn and Jonah do so well in this story. I couldn't have done any of these things without the hope and love and encouragement that I have received from some special people in my life. Those special people who come in the form of memorable characters such as Quinn and Jonah.
So, if you're looking for a novel that will move you, inspire in amazing ways, tell you it's ok to let go, that it's ok to be different, that you are good enough being who you are, delivers a message of hope and forgiveness, shows heart and compassion, then As You Turn Away by the lovely and brilliantly talented Molli Moran is that book you will want to read time and time again, over and over.
Note: I purchased an eCopy of this book from Amazon. This review reflects my own honest views and thoughts on this lovely book.
July 26, 2014
* Thanks to the author who gave me a free e-copy of this story in exchange for an honest review. *
After feeling as though she's been suffocated by her family and everything around her in her hometown of Georgia, Quinnlan Reynolds escapes this oppression to the lively busy state of New York in order to start over and live her dreams. After being heartbroken by Quinn, Jonah Walker left everything behind in Georgia in search of something that would suppress all of his pain. After a few years, both return trying to fix what they couldn't before, including their relationship with one another. One tragic event however leads one of them to become buried in their demons it becomes more difficult as that one person becomes haunted by those of the past and present.
A testament of true love and will , this book. I really did find myself loving this book. Quinn and Jonah are both such tortured souls and it's heartbreaking to see them suffering. I mean yes they do have their issues, but it is clear as day that they both still want one another to everyone who is around them. Throughout the book, there are snippets of the events in the past that led to the both of them leaving town. These snippets are really interesting and do help you to understand everything that goes on in the book. Out of all of the characters, I really do feel for Quinn and I understand her feelings completely. It really is hard to let people in after some tramatizing events. I'm glad though that she eventually found it in herself to tell everyone she loves. Jonah is such a sweetheart of a guy, although there were parts in the book I didn't particularly enjoy reading about him, he was such a charmer and so sweet to Quinn. He would've done anything for her, anything. I also loved his brothers, Quinn's cousin and also her dad. Jonah's brothers had such different personalities and I wish there were interactions between them and Quinn. Also, I loved Quinn's cousin since he was so protective of her and loved her with every bit of his soul. Her father; I was glad that were able to come to an agreement of trying to move on with their lives and try to rebuild it together.
Second chances are sometimes necessary The whole time I was reading this book, I was thinking that both Jonah, Quinn, Quinn's father, and others were all getting second chances to fix what was already broken and sometimes in life, second chances are needed in order to move on and create something new.
In order to show the real you, you need to at times break down your walls and let people in otherwise, you wouldn't truly be living At times, it is hard and it does hurt, but in order to help you create a life there are times when you need certain people in your life to help you and at the end of the day, you will find who those people are who will forge ahead with you.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and liked the messages that were ingrained in it.
After feeling as though she's been suffocated by her family and everything around her in her hometown of Georgia, Quinnlan Reynolds escapes this oppression to the lively busy state of New York in order to start over and live her dreams. After being heartbroken by Quinn, Jonah Walker left everything behind in Georgia in search of something that would suppress all of his pain. After a few years, both return trying to fix what they couldn't before, including their relationship with one another. One tragic event however leads one of them to become buried in their demons it becomes more difficult as that one person becomes haunted by those of the past and present.
A testament of true love and will , this book. I really did find myself loving this book. Quinn and Jonah are both such tortured souls and it's heartbreaking to see them suffering. I mean yes they do have their issues, but it is clear as day that they both still want one another to everyone who is around them. Throughout the book, there are snippets of the events in the past that led to the both of them leaving town. These snippets are really interesting and do help you to understand everything that goes on in the book. Out of all of the characters, I really do feel for Quinn and I understand her feelings completely. It really is hard to let people in after some tramatizing events. I'm glad though that she eventually found it in herself to tell everyone she loves. Jonah is such a sweetheart of a guy, although there were parts in the book I didn't particularly enjoy reading about him, he was such a charmer and so sweet to Quinn. He would've done anything for her, anything. I also loved his brothers, Quinn's cousin and also her dad. Jonah's brothers had such different personalities and I wish there were interactions between them and Quinn. Also, I loved Quinn's cousin since he was so protective of her and loved her with every bit of his soul. Her father; I was glad that were able to come to an agreement of trying to move on with their lives and try to rebuild it together.
Second chances are sometimes necessary The whole time I was reading this book, I was thinking that both Jonah, Quinn, Quinn's father, and others were all getting second chances to fix what was already broken and sometimes in life, second chances are needed in order to move on and create something new.
In order to show the real you, you need to at times break down your walls and let people in otherwise, you wouldn't truly be living At times, it is hard and it does hurt, but in order to help you create a life there are times when you need certain people in your life to help you and at the end of the day, you will find who those people are who will forge ahead with you.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and liked the messages that were ingrained in it.
September 28, 2014
PSYCHOCAT READS REVIEW OF AS YOU TURN AWAY BY MOLLI MORAN
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
I will admit, I have a serious soft spot for country boys with their unique sensibilities and charm. There is also a certain appeal of a guy that gets his muscles from working a farm instead of working out in a gym that is hard to beat. That being said, AS YOU TURN AWAY caught my attention pretty quick.
The Characters: Sitting down to write this review, I realized something. The Walker boys remind me of the Streck boys (my husband and his brothers). That may explain some of why I just absolutely fell in love with all three of them in this book. Similiarities aside, both Jonah and Quinn are well written characters. They are beyond the point of teenage immaturity, and struggling to find themselves in the aftermath of the last several years. Honestly, Molli created a host of chacters that I just loved. Every one of them came across as remarkably human and real.
The Relationships: Had the book just been about Quinn and Jonah struggling with their relationship, it would have been cute. Instead, Molli pulled together a collection of relationships in various states of disarray that became a masterpiece of human emotion. Seriously, I laughed, I cried, I related, and I sympathized with the fight each character had to build healthy, lasting relationships with those around them.
Too Perfect or Perfectly Flawed: It seems like this category is a no-brainer given the commentary on the prior two. But in case you missed it, AS YOU TURN AWAY gets a perfectly flawed rating here. The drama and heartache is intense, but most importantly it feels real. I just wanted to round up the whole lot of them and give each one a big hug.
The Book as Part of a Series: The book clearly states "Walker Boys #1) which implies there will be more. There are three bothers, so I am hoping there will be at least three books. For contemporary romances in particular, I love the series that don't just keep messing with the couple from the first book, but instead leverage secondary characters from prior books as the primary in future books. Since Molli already said book two is Reece's story, I'm patiently waiting (read as: Is it spring 2015 yet? Give me the book. I want the book. Fork it over NOW!!!!!). Seriously though, AS YOU TURN AWAY is a great first book. The full story was told, and I formed enough of an attachment to Reece and Ethan to want to read books with them as the leading men.
Jen's Final Rating: 5 STARS! A wonderfully sweet romance, but also so much more than that. AS YOU TURN AWAY is a story full of redemption, family, and the strength of love.
Psychocat's Final Rating: She is fully prepared to go curl up on a Walker boy's lap and stay there. I don't blame her. If she's going to play that nicely, I may have to consider sending her for a permanent vacation with them. Might save me a few scratches.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
I will admit, I have a serious soft spot for country boys with their unique sensibilities and charm. There is also a certain appeal of a guy that gets his muscles from working a farm instead of working out in a gym that is hard to beat. That being said, AS YOU TURN AWAY caught my attention pretty quick.
The Characters: Sitting down to write this review, I realized something. The Walker boys remind me of the Streck boys (my husband and his brothers). That may explain some of why I just absolutely fell in love with all three of them in this book. Similiarities aside, both Jonah and Quinn are well written characters. They are beyond the point of teenage immaturity, and struggling to find themselves in the aftermath of the last several years. Honestly, Molli created a host of chacters that I just loved. Every one of them came across as remarkably human and real.
The Relationships: Had the book just been about Quinn and Jonah struggling with their relationship, it would have been cute. Instead, Molli pulled together a collection of relationships in various states of disarray that became a masterpiece of human emotion. Seriously, I laughed, I cried, I related, and I sympathized with the fight each character had to build healthy, lasting relationships with those around them.
Too Perfect or Perfectly Flawed: It seems like this category is a no-brainer given the commentary on the prior two. But in case you missed it, AS YOU TURN AWAY gets a perfectly flawed rating here. The drama and heartache is intense, but most importantly it feels real. I just wanted to round up the whole lot of them and give each one a big hug.
The Book as Part of a Series: The book clearly states "Walker Boys #1) which implies there will be more. There are three bothers, so I am hoping there will be at least three books. For contemporary romances in particular, I love the series that don't just keep messing with the couple from the first book, but instead leverage secondary characters from prior books as the primary in future books. Since Molli already said book two is Reece's story, I'm patiently waiting (read as: Is it spring 2015 yet? Give me the book. I want the book. Fork it over NOW!!!!!). Seriously though, AS YOU TURN AWAY is a great first book. The full story was told, and I formed enough of an attachment to Reece and Ethan to want to read books with them as the leading men.
Jen's Final Rating: 5 STARS! A wonderfully sweet romance, but also so much more than that. AS YOU TURN AWAY is a story full of redemption, family, and the strength of love.
Psychocat's Final Rating: She is fully prepared to go curl up on a Walker boy's lap and stay there. I don't blame her. If she's going to play that nicely, I may have to consider sending her for a permanent vacation with them. Might save me a few scratches.
July 31, 2014
I received the book in exchange of an honest review.
I liked the book, mainly Miss Moran's way with the words, she is a talented story teller and finds always the right word, the right touch which goes to pull the strings to the reader's heart.
The subject of the book is the bitter-sweet love story between Quinn and Jonah, the perfect teenage first love that ends with their broken hearts, due to Quinn's major family problems and miscommunication between young lovers. Rewind four years later, under tragic circumstances (a car accident leads to Quinn's mom death, her father being in a coma with uncertain prognostic and Quinn herself in impossibility to keep dancing), Quinn and Jonah meet again and the question is : did they grow and mature enough to be able to follow up with an adult love or all is finished between them, once they honestly and openly discuss the past?
The question is loaded as Quinn still has not resolved her inner turmoil caused by her mom's abuse, she still doubts she deserves a happy ending or anyone's true love (including her father's) and still can't accept the idea of grief counseling or simply therapy which would help her deal with her problems. Jonah manages to fight his own demons, coming back home "for good" in his heart and rekindling his love for his family. If apparently it seems that Jonah grew up much more than Quinn while their time away, one has to consider that Jonah has a very loving and supporting family (his parents and brothers are excellent secondary characters) and "love" seems to be the key word in their dealings with each other while Quinn, on the other hand, has just her cousin, Darren (a constant best friend since her childhood) and her friend from NY, Lanie, on her side, once she left the small southern city, she cut heart links with not only Jonah, but also his family and her friends. The characters are very attaching and it is nice to follow them and to see how they rediscover each other, falling in love all over again under their worried families and friends eyes. The second time ends being a charm, being adults makes them discuss their problems and helps them finding a solution that allows to finally get their happy ending we were hoping for.
I won't spoil it for the other readers, as it really is worth to read the book for the beautiful story. My only criticism is that I would have liked to know a little bit more about both Quinn's and Jonah's lives, aside their love story. It seems that Quinn is really isolated emotionally and seems to have lost a lot of her passion for dance and Josiah goes to grad school, but never talks about his future career, I was particularly curious about what he chose and only in the last pages I found out.
All in all, it's a very beautifully love story that anyone would enjoy.
I liked the book, mainly Miss Moran's way with the words, she is a talented story teller and finds always the right word, the right touch which goes to pull the strings to the reader's heart.
The subject of the book is the bitter-sweet love story between Quinn and Jonah, the perfect teenage first love that ends with their broken hearts, due to Quinn's major family problems and miscommunication between young lovers. Rewind four years later, under tragic circumstances (a car accident leads to Quinn's mom death, her father being in a coma with uncertain prognostic and Quinn herself in impossibility to keep dancing), Quinn and Jonah meet again and the question is : did they grow and mature enough to be able to follow up with an adult love or all is finished between them, once they honestly and openly discuss the past?
The question is loaded as Quinn still has not resolved her inner turmoil caused by her mom's abuse, she still doubts she deserves a happy ending or anyone's true love (including her father's) and still can't accept the idea of grief counseling or simply therapy which would help her deal with her problems. Jonah manages to fight his own demons, coming back home "for good" in his heart and rekindling his love for his family. If apparently it seems that Jonah grew up much more than Quinn while their time away, one has to consider that Jonah has a very loving and supporting family (his parents and brothers are excellent secondary characters) and "love" seems to be the key word in their dealings with each other while Quinn, on the other hand, has just her cousin, Darren (a constant best friend since her childhood) and her friend from NY, Lanie, on her side, once she left the small southern city, she cut heart links with not only Jonah, but also his family and her friends. The characters are very attaching and it is nice to follow them and to see how they rediscover each other, falling in love all over again under their worried families and friends eyes. The second time ends being a charm, being adults makes them discuss their problems and helps them finding a solution that allows to finally get their happy ending we were hoping for.
I won't spoil it for the other readers, as it really is worth to read the book for the beautiful story. My only criticism is that I would have liked to know a little bit more about both Quinn's and Jonah's lives, aside their love story. It seems that Quinn is really isolated emotionally and seems to have lost a lot of her passion for dance and Josiah goes to grad school, but never talks about his future career, I was particularly curious about what he chose and only in the last pages I found out.
All in all, it's a very beautifully love story that anyone would enjoy.
September 29, 2014
Are you sure this is a new adult story? Because it is unlike any NA novel I've read as of late.
Jonah and Quinn are relative characters. Anyone can connect with them. They have family issues, make rash decisions, do things they regret for years. They're afforded a second chance at a love that lay dormant during their separation. They have a chance to mend broken relationships with family members that, in turn, give them each the strength to do what's right in their own relationship.
The format of this book really helped keep the story's pace as well as this reader's interest. Tucked between current narratives were pieces, flashbacks really, of Jonah and Quinn's relationship in the past. Good, bad, uncertain. Anger, sadness, love. Their story is told in such small pieces I couldn't help but continue reading. Knowing their past was just as important as knowing their present.
There were a lot of tender moments in this story. Quinn baring her soul to her father was such a game-changer to me. He was no longer the distant parent that he had become; he was the loving father she once knew and now needed. That relationship gave her strength to come to terms with so many different parts of herself that needed acknowledging and reconciling. I felt like she really needed that relationship and that it couldn't have happened at a much better time. Between losing her mother, opening up about their tumultuous past, and renewing her love for Jonah, she was going to need as many people in her corner as possible.
I had to give Jonah props for sticking to his guns and doing his best to apologize to his family for walking out on them and meaning it. Everything he did when he came home won him so much respect from me because he knew he had to make things right and he wasn't afraid to do it. Coming to grips with his feelings for Quinn and what he needed to do on that front was hard to swallow. He made valid points but giving her the space she needed to really heal was still difficult to read but only because I wanted them to have their second-chance romance so badly. In the end, his decision forced Quinn to face her problems and begin the road to emotional recovery.
Ms. Moran, you have a terrific beginning to your series. The characters are beautifully written, each with problems many readers can relate to. I loved how you wove the past into the present until everything had been revealed and they could finally move on to a future that was even brighter than before. And that was it, wasn't it? The reason for the title, I mean. They weren't turning away from each other or what they had, but they were turning away from their pasts and into the future they would finally have together.
***Received from Xpresso Book Tours for an honest review***
Jonah and Quinn are relative characters. Anyone can connect with them. They have family issues, make rash decisions, do things they regret for years. They're afforded a second chance at a love that lay dormant during their separation. They have a chance to mend broken relationships with family members that, in turn, give them each the strength to do what's right in their own relationship.
The format of this book really helped keep the story's pace as well as this reader's interest. Tucked between current narratives were pieces, flashbacks really, of Jonah and Quinn's relationship in the past. Good, bad, uncertain. Anger, sadness, love. Their story is told in such small pieces I couldn't help but continue reading. Knowing their past was just as important as knowing their present.
There were a lot of tender moments in this story. Quinn baring her soul to her father was such a game-changer to me. He was no longer the distant parent that he had become; he was the loving father she once knew and now needed. That relationship gave her strength to come to terms with so many different parts of herself that needed acknowledging and reconciling. I felt like she really needed that relationship and that it couldn't have happened at a much better time. Between losing her mother, opening up about their tumultuous past, and renewing her love for Jonah, she was going to need as many people in her corner as possible.
I had to give Jonah props for sticking to his guns and doing his best to apologize to his family for walking out on them and meaning it. Everything he did when he came home won him so much respect from me because he knew he had to make things right and he wasn't afraid to do it. Coming to grips with his feelings for Quinn and what he needed to do on that front was hard to swallow. He made valid points but giving her the space she needed to really heal was still difficult to read but only because I wanted them to have their second-chance romance so badly. In the end, his decision forced Quinn to face her problems and begin the road to emotional recovery.
Ms. Moran, you have a terrific beginning to your series. The characters are beautifully written, each with problems many readers can relate to. I loved how you wove the past into the present until everything had been revealed and they could finally move on to a future that was even brighter than before. And that was it, wasn't it? The reason for the title, I mean. They weren't turning away from each other or what they had, but they were turning away from their pasts and into the future they would finally have together.
***Received from Xpresso Book Tours for an honest review***
June 19, 2014
Note: Molli and I met online, and as a friend before I became a fan of her writing, my review might be influenced by my fondness for her. :)
I was really excited when I found out Molli was self-publishing her book-a novel I had tracked the writing of on various social media sites. Unfortunately, real life responsibilities and obligations kept me from reading the book until now. Being on vacation, I made sure to bring my copy with me so I could read and hopefully finish the book while away. I ended up reading the book in one session on a sunny afternoon.
I think Molli's strongest aspect of writing is creating an environment for the reader to lose themselves. Perhaps because I am familiar with the family life culture she portrays in the novel is why I can relate with the Walker's, but I think anyone reading this story will immediately feel the warm, homey feeling reading about the Walkers creates. And yet I could also relate to Quinnlan's family and the struggle that comes when career life becomes more important than family life.
I liked that I could relate to both of the main characters, as it made their story more sympathetic. I especially loved all of the side characters, and I hope Molli explores their stories as well in the future. My favorite Walker boy is Ethan, so please write a story about him Molli! :)
Overall, the love story is nice, but not epic.
Another slight nit-pick:
I'm excited to read more from Molli in the future! I'm sure her next work will be as an enjoyable read as this one.
I was really excited when I found out Molli was self-publishing her book-a novel I had tracked the writing of on various social media sites. Unfortunately, real life responsibilities and obligations kept me from reading the book until now. Being on vacation, I made sure to bring my copy with me so I could read and hopefully finish the book while away. I ended up reading the book in one session on a sunny afternoon.
I think Molli's strongest aspect of writing is creating an environment for the reader to lose themselves. Perhaps because I am familiar with the family life culture she portrays in the novel is why I can relate with the Walker's, but I think anyone reading this story will immediately feel the warm, homey feeling reading about the Walkers creates. And yet I could also relate to Quinnlan's family and the struggle that comes when career life becomes more important than family life.
I liked that I could relate to both of the main characters, as it made their story more sympathetic. I especially loved all of the side characters, and I hope Molli explores their stories as well in the future. My favorite Walker boy is Ethan, so please write a story about him Molli! :)
Overall, the love story is nice, but not epic.
Another slight nit-pick:
I'm excited to read more from Molli in the future! I'm sure her next work will be as an enjoyable read as this one.
July 27, 2014
Received a copy in exchange for an honest review
As You Turn Away is the story of Quinnlan Reynolds and Jonah Walker. The story begins with Quinn returning home for a visit with her parents. She is very apprehensive and especially worried about the judgement and criticism she knows she will receive from her mother. Quinn has been living in New York for the past four years and is a ballet dancer. Her encounter with her mother unfortunately goes as she expected. She is surprised though to find father wants to talk to her and is showing interest that he has not shown in years. A tragic event leads to Quinn staying in Georgia longer and that results in her seeing Jonah and though she has not seen him in four years, he is someone her heart never truly forgot.
Jonah is returning home for the summer after graduating from college. He went to school in Atlanta to get away from memories of him and Quinn after their breakup. Wanting to get away also resulted in him pushing his family away. His family and especially his brothers were hurt by his distance. They are glad to have him home and are working to trust that he will not do what he did before to them again. When he hears about Quinn being in town and what has happened to her, he instantly goes to see her.
I really enjoyed this story. I love second chance romances. One of the things that drew me into this story were the flashbacks showing how they first met, their relationship, and their breakup. I liked how the flashbacks were revealed and woven into the story as it progressed. It added some mystery to the story not knowing exactly how things ended between the two of them, but knowing that it did not end well.
Their journey back to one another is not an easy one and that made this story more realistic. Jonah and Quinn were teenagers their first time together, so they must adjust to one another as adults. Jonah has especially changed. He realizes that he can't force Quinn into their future. He wants to be there for her as she addresses her issues, but her knows that he cannot do it for her. The ending of this story to me was perfect because instead of everything being resolved and tied up neatly it was honest.
I look forward to reading more in this series. I am guessing that each book will be about a different brother, but hopefully they will include seeing more of Jonah and Quinn as well.
As You Turn Away is the story of Quinnlan Reynolds and Jonah Walker. The story begins with Quinn returning home for a visit with her parents. She is very apprehensive and especially worried about the judgement and criticism she knows she will receive from her mother. Quinn has been living in New York for the past four years and is a ballet dancer. Her encounter with her mother unfortunately goes as she expected. She is surprised though to find father wants to talk to her and is showing interest that he has not shown in years. A tragic event leads to Quinn staying in Georgia longer and that results in her seeing Jonah and though she has not seen him in four years, he is someone her heart never truly forgot.
Jonah is returning home for the summer after graduating from college. He went to school in Atlanta to get away from memories of him and Quinn after their breakup. Wanting to get away also resulted in him pushing his family away. His family and especially his brothers were hurt by his distance. They are glad to have him home and are working to trust that he will not do what he did before to them again. When he hears about Quinn being in town and what has happened to her, he instantly goes to see her.
I really enjoyed this story. I love second chance romances. One of the things that drew me into this story were the flashbacks showing how they first met, their relationship, and their breakup. I liked how the flashbacks were revealed and woven into the story as it progressed. It added some mystery to the story not knowing exactly how things ended between the two of them, but knowing that it did not end well.
Their journey back to one another is not an easy one and that made this story more realistic. Jonah and Quinn were teenagers their first time together, so they must adjust to one another as adults. Jonah has especially changed. He realizes that he can't force Quinn into their future. He wants to be there for her as she addresses her issues, but her knows that he cannot do it for her. The ending of this story to me was perfect because instead of everything being resolved and tied up neatly it was honest.
I look forward to reading more in this series. I am guessing that each book will be about a different brother, but hopefully they will include seeing more of Jonah and Quinn as well.
July 23, 2014
This was a really wonderful story full of great characters. One of my favorite things about the book was how the chapters went back and forth between Jonah and Quinn present day and in the past when they were dating. As readers, we are told from the very beginning that both Quinn and Jonah broke up and left town after graduation. They fought with each other and both said very hurtful things, but we're not told why it all transpired. Slowly, over the course of the book we find out what happened and how their relationship all fell apart. I really liked that about the story. It was something different I hadn't really read before.
Quinn wasn't my favorite character, but I still liked her. I think she was a lot stronger than she ever gave herself credit for. I wish we got to see a bit more of that in the story because we seemed to see a lot of Quinn struggling internally with her family, herself, and Jonah.
Jonah is such an amazing male lead. He of course has made mistakes by leaving his family and not seeing them much for 4 years. But once we see why he did what he did, I understand how much he was hurting. He is so sweet and patient with Quinn and is really the ultimate southern gentleman.
I also really loved all of the Walker family. They just seemed like people you'd want to be friends with and be around. They all loved each other fiercely and were very protective, but were also really funny. I also really liked Lanie and thought that she was a great friend to Quinn.
With all of the loss and heartache within this story there is also a lot of love and hope. Every character in this book goes through some bad times and they all lose someone they care about. I think they all come out of it stronger and with a stronger bond as family and friends. This is a really great read and I look forward to reading more about the rest of the Walker boys (especially Ethan).
*Copy of book provided in exchange for review*
Quinn wasn't my favorite character, but I still liked her. I think she was a lot stronger than she ever gave herself credit for. I wish we got to see a bit more of that in the story because we seemed to see a lot of Quinn struggling internally with her family, herself, and Jonah.
Jonah is such an amazing male lead. He of course has made mistakes by leaving his family and not seeing them much for 4 years. But once we see why he did what he did, I understand how much he was hurting. He is so sweet and patient with Quinn and is really the ultimate southern gentleman.
I also really loved all of the Walker family. They just seemed like people you'd want to be friends with and be around. They all loved each other fiercely and were very protective, but were also really funny. I also really liked Lanie and thought that she was a great friend to Quinn.
With all of the loss and heartache within this story there is also a lot of love and hope. Every character in this book goes through some bad times and they all lose someone they care about. I think they all come out of it stronger and with a stronger bond as family and friends. This is a really great read and I look forward to reading more about the rest of the Walker boys (especially Ethan).
*Copy of book provided in exchange for review*
August 7, 2014
'As You Turn Away' was a beautiful New Adult novel about love, family, friends and seconds chances. It was a really sweet and heartwarming story and I really did enjoy it a lot!
The book tells the story of Quinn and Jonah who haven't seen each other for years after a break up. Both characters return to their hometown where tragedy brings them together and not only do they have to face their relationship but also their friends and family.
I liked Quinn, she was a great character. At first, I couldn't connect to her at all but as the story went on and we read more about her in both the present time and her childhood it was easier to empathise with her and understand her feelings. As the story went on I felt my heart ache for her more and understand better why she made some of the questionable decisions she did.
Jonah was brilliant and I really loved his character. I loved how much of a family guy he was and I think my most favourite parts of the book were some with the family.
The alternating POVs between Quinn and Jonah were so well written and I loved the alterations between past and present too. I think seeing the contrast between younger Quinn and Jonah and the older ones really helped understand them and their relationship better.
The thing I loved about this book was how realistic it was. There was no ridiculous drama that was thrown in just for the sake of making it dramatic but everything felt so real whether that was the friendships, the family dynamics, be it good or bad, and the love too, of course. I also loved the rest of the Walker boys and I really hope they have their own books!!
All in all, this book is truly great. The amount of hope and love in this book was tipping over the pages and hit me right in the heart. Give the book a shot for sure!
*Thanks to the author who sent me a free copy in exchange of a review!*
The book tells the story of Quinn and Jonah who haven't seen each other for years after a break up. Both characters return to their hometown where tragedy brings them together and not only do they have to face their relationship but also their friends and family.
I liked Quinn, she was a great character. At first, I couldn't connect to her at all but as the story went on and we read more about her in both the present time and her childhood it was easier to empathise with her and understand her feelings. As the story went on I felt my heart ache for her more and understand better why she made some of the questionable decisions she did.
Jonah was brilliant and I really loved his character. I loved how much of a family guy he was and I think my most favourite parts of the book were some with the family.
The alternating POVs between Quinn and Jonah were so well written and I loved the alterations between past and present too. I think seeing the contrast between younger Quinn and Jonah and the older ones really helped understand them and their relationship better.
The thing I loved about this book was how realistic it was. There was no ridiculous drama that was thrown in just for the sake of making it dramatic but everything felt so real whether that was the friendships, the family dynamics, be it good or bad, and the love too, of course. I also loved the rest of the Walker boys and I really hope they have their own books!!
All in all, this book is truly great. The amount of hope and love in this book was tipping over the pages and hit me right in the heart. Give the book a shot for sure!
*Thanks to the author who sent me a free copy in exchange of a review!*
September 29, 2014
When I read the synopsis I really just thought this would be one of those sweet stories where two people who once loved one another, meet several years later and find that they never stopped loving each other and you get a warm feeling in your heart and all is well in the world. While As You Turn Away does contain said situation, that is only a small part of the love story of Jonah and Quinn. Jonah and Quinn not only turned their backs on each other, but their families as well. The story isn't just about lost loves, but about finding one's self, forgiveness, and knowing when to walk away. The characters are mature and the situations were so realistic that I felt as if I was watching this beautiful complex love story unfold. It was refreshing to have a story about two people who once loved each other so much but were torn apart by hurtful words, and when they see other again years later, they handled it maturely. The acted like mature adults, no petty words or overly dramatic scenes. Molli Moran did a fantastic job of writing strong characters with a strong story line. The story flowed well and I found myself not wanting to stop until I had finished. If you're looking for steam, this really isn't the book for you. There is a steamy scene, and I really think it was the only part of the book I didn't like. It wasn't badly written, I just felt like the detailed scene wasn't necessarily needed. Beautiful characters, beautiful story, and a definite must read. Molli Moran has found a huge fan of her writing and she is on my auto-buy list. Can't wait to read the next Walker brothers book!
August 5, 2014
Disclaimer: I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
As You Turn Away tells us the story of Quinn Reynolds and Jonah Walker. After a bad break up they haven't seen or spoken to each other in 4 years. The story starts when they both return to their hometown for different reasons. A tragedy in Quinn's life pushes Jonah into feeling like he has to see her besides still feeling like she abandoned him. Both characters have a journey to go through in this book, not only in their relationship but also in their relationship with their family and themselves.
This book was a good surprise, I really enjoyed reading it and from the beginning I loved the way the author described Jonah and Quinn's relationship and I loved the scenes with Jonah and his brothers. It was emotional and I believed in the main characters' connection - the flashbacks were a big help. This isn't just a love story, though, it involves other important topics and being told in both points of views, I really felt like I knew their story and how they felt.
One thing that I didn't understand was regarding Quinn's mother. She was so cold compared to Quinn's memories from childhood and I thought there would be an explanation to why she became so mean and cold, I mean just because they had more money would her personality change that much?
It was a good story with likable characters, so if you like to read about love, friendships, and family, you should read it. If this is the beginning of a series about the Walker boys, I would certainly like to read the other ones.
As You Turn Away tells us the story of Quinn Reynolds and Jonah Walker. After a bad break up they haven't seen or spoken to each other in 4 years. The story starts when they both return to their hometown for different reasons. A tragedy in Quinn's life pushes Jonah into feeling like he has to see her besides still feeling like she abandoned him. Both characters have a journey to go through in this book, not only in their relationship but also in their relationship with their family and themselves.
This book was a good surprise, I really enjoyed reading it and from the beginning I loved the way the author described Jonah and Quinn's relationship and I loved the scenes with Jonah and his brothers. It was emotional and I believed in the main characters' connection - the flashbacks were a big help. This isn't just a love story, though, it involves other important topics and being told in both points of views, I really felt like I knew their story and how they felt.
One thing that I didn't understand was regarding Quinn's mother. She was so cold compared to Quinn's memories from childhood and I thought there would be an explanation to why she became so mean and cold, I mean just because they had more money would her personality change that much?
It was a good story with likable characters, so if you like to read about love, friendships, and family, you should read it. If this is the beginning of a series about the Walker boys, I would certainly like to read the other ones.
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