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Lingering Echoes #0.5
Rumors
Seventeen-year-old Allie Collins would rather hide behind rumors than face the truth—her life will never be the same as it was before the accident. As a star athlete grieving in the shadows, she hopes to find normalcy in boys and basketball. When her best friend sets her up with the popular Shane Moretti, Allie drags her feet, reluctant for added complications. Then she decides that dating Shane would be the perfect shield from last summer’s tragedy. However, what starts as a mere distraction proves much more complex. As Shane leads Allie into questionable situations, gossip continues to swirl.
Battling for her own identity while barricading painful emotions, Allie won’t escape her senior year without new wounds. After all, tragedy is no stranger to her. The events that unfold will draw readers deep into a well of emotion in Rumors, a Lingering Echoes Prequel.
Battling for her own identity while barricading painful emotions, Allie won’t escape her senior year without new wounds. After all, tragedy is no stranger to her. The events that unfold will draw readers deep into a well of emotion in Rumors, a Lingering Echoes Prequel.
237 pages, ebook
First published December 21, 2013
93 people are currently reading
1204 people want to read
About the author
Erica Kiefer
7 books215 followersErica Kiefer’s debut novel Lingering Echoes was published by Clean Teen Publishing in November 2013. She continued the series with Rumors (A Lingering Echoes Prequel) and her newest release Vanishing Act. All of her books can be read as stand-alone contemporary YA fiction, touched with romance, emotional drama and suspense. With a degree in Recreation Therapy from Brigham Young University, Erica’s experiences working with at-risk youth have influenced the realistic and relatable nature of her writing. Her first inspirational non-fiction entitled Borrowed Angel (published in April 2014 with Currawong Press) describes the loss of her infant son and her journey towards healing.
Married since 2005, Erica resides in Las Vegas, Nevada with her four children and can often be found satisfying her sweet-tooth with chocolate-chip cookies and a glass of milk. One day, she hopes to dust off her collegiate rugby skills and dive back into the game.
Married since 2005, Erica resides in Las Vegas, Nevada with her four children and can often be found satisfying her sweet-tooth with chocolate-chip cookies and a glass of milk. One day, she hopes to dust off her collegiate rugby skills and dive back into the game.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
October 6, 2017
When the truth is worse than fiction
Allie struggles with the aftermath of her cousin's drowning, lives with images she can't seem to get out of her mind. The rumours flying around - as bad as they are - cannot compare to the horrifying truth of what she experienced.
Desiring to feel like a normal teen again, she makes decisions which seem out of character for her in the hopes of fitting in...but she makes a few discoveries along the way.
I truly enjoyed the way the story was told and the way the characters were written. I look forward to reading Lingering Echoes in the very near future.
Allie struggles with the aftermath of her cousin's drowning, lives with images she can't seem to get out of her mind. The rumours flying around - as bad as they are - cannot compare to the horrifying truth of what she experienced.
Desiring to feel like a normal teen again, she makes decisions which seem out of character for her in the hopes of fitting in...but she makes a few discoveries along the way.
I truly enjoyed the way the story was told and the way the characters were written. I look forward to reading Lingering Echoes in the very near future.
April 30, 2018
Maybe I would have enjoyed this story more had I read this after reading Lingering Echoes, because the story just stops and it's not what I'd call a cliffhanger. It felt as though there should have been something more to the story.
I felt badly for Allie, that she not only lost her cousin but that she feels as though she could've prevented it and is blaming herself for the death.
I might continue on with the series, but I'm sure yet if I will since I thought this was just okay.
I felt badly for Allie, that she not only lost her cousin but that she feels as though she could've prevented it and is blaming herself for the death.
I might continue on with the series, but I'm sure yet if I will since I thought this was just okay.
July 21, 2014
I liked this story. It was fast-paced, well-written, intriguing, and very relatable. Here we have this teen girl who's coping with the death of her cousin. Throughout the story you're given the sense of the guilt Allie feels. At first I thought it was going to be too depressing and overwhelming to read, but I was kept interested from start to finish. I'm glad I read Rumors before picking up Lingering Echoes because the prequel gives a clear understanding of what happened and it transitions into the next book with Allie trying to deal with the tragedy.
Character-wise, she was understandable, her behavior was justifiable, and in spite of closing off from everyone and holding on to so much pain, Allie was a likable character to me. I might not have experienced such an event, much less know what she's going through, but I know other people have and they can definitely attest to the fact that Rumors is quite a realistic novel.
I hated how her so-called friends wanted her to snap back into her old ways (sports, hanging out, etc.) Like, how could they not understand that she was dealing with a lot? I was kind of happy when that falling out happened and she stepped away from something she used to be so passionate about. Like her teacher said, you can't go back to your previous life, you have to learn to move on, even if it means changing certain things. It's so sad what happened to him just as someone was getting through to Allie, but I'm glad she took his words into consideration and in a way started to work on the pain.
Aside from what's going on with Allie, I liked how she got to experience a bit of dating, no matter how that turned out. Shane was a nice enough guy, just needed to shake off some people in his crowd, I guess. I also enjoyed the mom's character along with her sisters. I'm glad the author brought us into Allie's family life so we could see how they felt seeing her like that and how much they wanted to help. The mom is one tough cookie. I like her.
Again, it was a great story with a very interesting plot. The feels are definitely there, in my opinion. I suggest giving this one a read before starting Lingering Echoes, and if you've already read that one, then still come back to Rumors because it clarifies some things and provides an understanding of why Allie is so detached. I highly recommend this one.
Character-wise, she was understandable, her behavior was justifiable, and in spite of closing off from everyone and holding on to so much pain, Allie was a likable character to me. I might not have experienced such an event, much less know what she's going through, but I know other people have and they can definitely attest to the fact that Rumors is quite a realistic novel.
I hated how her so-called friends wanted her to snap back into her old ways (sports, hanging out, etc.) Like, how could they not understand that she was dealing with a lot? I was kind of happy when that falling out happened and she stepped away from something she used to be so passionate about. Like her teacher said, you can't go back to your previous life, you have to learn to move on, even if it means changing certain things. It's so sad what happened to him just as someone was getting through to Allie, but I'm glad she took his words into consideration and in a way started to work on the pain.
Aside from what's going on with Allie, I liked how she got to experience a bit of dating, no matter how that turned out. Shane was a nice enough guy, just needed to shake off some people in his crowd, I guess. I also enjoyed the mom's character along with her sisters. I'm glad the author brought us into Allie's family life so we could see how they felt seeing her like that and how much they wanted to help. The mom is one tough cookie. I like her.
Again, it was a great story with a very interesting plot. The feels are definitely there, in my opinion. I suggest giving this one a read before starting Lingering Echoes, and if you've already read that one, then still come back to Rumors because it clarifies some things and provides an understanding of why Allie is so detached. I highly recommend this one.
February 24, 2016
I have to admit that for the first two-thirds of this novella I was leaning towards giving it a 3 star rating. I was very frustrated at the way Allie was being treated by her friends and her basketball coach. I was even a bit frustrated that Allie wasn't standing up for herself and doing what she felt she needed to do to heal. Then I had to remind myself that Allie is a 16 year old that has never been through any kind of a loss before let alone the loss of a loved one. It's pretty obvious from the get go that there's more to the death of Allie's cousin than anyone else knows, but Allie's not giving up any information so the rumors continue to fly. Eventually one of Allie's former teachers, Mr. Nordell, reaches out to her. By sharing his story of heartache with Allie he's able to start her on a path that just might help her begin to heal. I really liked Mr. Nordell's character and he played a big part in pushing my rating up to four stars. That and the fact that I was totally blown away by the full depth of pain that Allie has been dealing with. Yes, we finally get to find out the full story behind her cousins death and let me tell you...it was worth the wait. My heart breaks for Allie and I really hope she finds the healing that she needs. I will be sure to read Lingering Echoes to find out.
July 13, 2016
I loved this book so much! I am anxious to read the other books in the series!
This book is a definite page-turner that was almost impossible to put down. I actually finished it while walking (and I never read while walking, I'm too clumsy for that) and was so excited when it was over and ready for more because I felt like I went on a journey with the main character.
If you read to feel like you're right there with the characters, this book is for you.
This book is a definite page-turner that was almost impossible to put down. I actually finished it while walking (and I never read while walking, I'm too clumsy for that) and was so excited when it was over and ready for more because I felt like I went on a journey with the main character.
If you read to feel like you're right there with the characters, this book is for you.
February 7, 2015
Another download from Book Bub, a book that I would have never read (or even known about) otherwise. I really enjoyed it. You are drawn into the story and compelled to read to the end, which by the way ends so abruptly I actually let out a groan. Just be prepared and have Lingering Echoes waiting.
May 2, 2017
I read this in one day. I can't explain if this is a good or bad thing. Death is never an easy subject and it ripped my heart out watching Allie struggle as much as she did. However, by the end I was able to see the beginning of a real change. This change makes me want to read the next book. I am rooting for Allie.
The only thing that bothered me was how heartless Tara seemed to be. She wasn't much of a friend and that really makes me want to see Allie surpass Tara and hopefully come out better.
*side note: this book reminded me why I do not miss H.S. much at all.
The only thing that bothered me was how heartless Tara seemed to be. She wasn't much of a friend and that really makes me want to see Allie surpass Tara and hopefully come out better.
*side note: this book reminded me why I do not miss H.S. much at all.
April 5, 2017
Enjoyed the plot. Good for a quick read!
December 23, 2013
Rumors is a raw and honest journey of learning how to deal with and overcome the grief of losing a loved one. Not only does this precious soul have to deal with unbearable grief, but she has heaped irrepressible guilt on top of it. This has resulted in a life lacking in its former freedom, joy, and hope that is slowly making her die from the inside out. This is a story that will break your heart and show you the importance or reaching out to those around us in need of comfort and a listening ear.
Allie Collins is trying to go through the motions of making it through her senior year of high school with the burden of having her heart torn out at the death of her precious cousin. The void in her soul at this terrible loss has turned her into the shell of her former self. She has lost her ambition and her dreams are only fading memories. She doubts her heart, and she pushes her feelings so far away from her that she no longer knows how to feel anything more than soul-searing loss and guilt. Just as she finds someone she can open up to and begin to feel as if healing is within reach, she is dealt a devastating blow.
I greatly admire Allie’s inner strength and will to live. Even though her doubts stifle her ability to love and her will to live a full and meaningful life, she still presses on and refuses to give up. She presses ever on to find a way to numb the pain and the ache that is ever present in her heart. In spite of her self-imposed punishment, Allie’s strength of character is unfailing in keeping her from completely succumbing to despair. She strives to find peace and a balance to her life because she knows she can’t live with this darkness. While hope seems elusive, she pushes ever forward to find a way to live and survive.
While I was frustrated with the people in Allie’s life not making more of an effort to reach out and make a difference in her life, I have to resign myself to that fact that we are all human. No one truly knew the depth of her suffering save one, and he did all he could to reach out and help show her how to start healing her broken heart. This touching story should serve as a wake-up call to us to look beyond ourselves and to reach out to those who are hurting in silence.
Erica Kiefer writes with such depth of heart and amazing talent that you will find that your will lose your heart along the way. You will find her words will flow from the pages and seep into the inner most recesses of your heart. They will touch you even when you think that nothing else can for you cannot stop the gentle force that the truth has.
Allie Collins is trying to go through the motions of making it through her senior year of high school with the burden of having her heart torn out at the death of her precious cousin. The void in her soul at this terrible loss has turned her into the shell of her former self. She has lost her ambition and her dreams are only fading memories. She doubts her heart, and she pushes her feelings so far away from her that she no longer knows how to feel anything more than soul-searing loss and guilt. Just as she finds someone she can open up to and begin to feel as if healing is within reach, she is dealt a devastating blow.
I greatly admire Allie’s inner strength and will to live. Even though her doubts stifle her ability to love and her will to live a full and meaningful life, she still presses on and refuses to give up. She presses ever on to find a way to numb the pain and the ache that is ever present in her heart. In spite of her self-imposed punishment, Allie’s strength of character is unfailing in keeping her from completely succumbing to despair. She strives to find peace and a balance to her life because she knows she can’t live with this darkness. While hope seems elusive, she pushes ever forward to find a way to live and survive.
While I was frustrated with the people in Allie’s life not making more of an effort to reach out and make a difference in her life, I have to resign myself to that fact that we are all human. No one truly knew the depth of her suffering save one, and he did all he could to reach out and help show her how to start healing her broken heart. This touching story should serve as a wake-up call to us to look beyond ourselves and to reach out to those who are hurting in silence.
Erica Kiefer writes with such depth of heart and amazing talent that you will find that your will lose your heart along the way. You will find her words will flow from the pages and seep into the inner most recesses of your heart. They will touch you even when you think that nothing else can for you cannot stop the gentle force that the truth has.
July 30, 2016
I read “Rumors” after reading “Lingering Echo’s” and I found it to be okay. It is written in the first person so at times it became too weighed down in teen angst for me to really fall in love with it.
Because Allie is holding on to her grief and not expressing or even talking about it, it has become hard for others to connect with her. While she feels as though every one is the bad guy and she just want to be left alone she is contributing to the problem.
I so think that the author did an excellent job of projecting where Allie is coming from and why she felt as she did. Taking that one step further she also did a nice job relating how those around her felt and their frustration
With that being said this novella does slide into “Lingering Echo’s” quite nicely. It gives back round that is helpful in the next chapter of Allie’s life.
I was quite found of “Lingering Echo’s” and rated it a 4 of 5 stars so if you liked this story you will love the next part of the saga.
Because Allie is holding on to her grief and not expressing or even talking about it, it has become hard for others to connect with her. While she feels as though every one is the bad guy and she just want to be left alone she is contributing to the problem.
I so think that the author did an excellent job of projecting where Allie is coming from and why she felt as she did. Taking that one step further she also did a nice job relating how those around her felt and their frustration
With that being said this novella does slide into “Lingering Echo’s” quite nicely. It gives back round that is helpful in the next chapter of Allie’s life.
I was quite found of “Lingering Echo’s” and rated it a 4 of 5 stars so if you liked this story you will love the next part of the saga.
July 29, 2016
(Source: Downloaded for free from amazon.co.uk.)
Allie is having trouble coping with the death of her younger cousin, especially as she feels like it was her fault.
This was an interesting story, about quite a difficult subject.
I liked Allie, although she did seem to be punishing herself for what happened. I think this was pretty understandable once the reader knew what exactly had happened, and it was easy to empathise with her.
The storyline was good, and I liked the mystery over what exactly happened to Allie’s cousin. When we eventually found out what had happened it was quite tragic and sad, and I felt really sorry for everyone involved. It will be interesting to see where the story goes from here.
Overall; interesting story about a difficult topic,
6.5 out of 10.
Allie is having trouble coping with the death of her younger cousin, especially as she feels like it was her fault.
This was an interesting story, about quite a difficult subject.
I liked Allie, although she did seem to be punishing herself for what happened. I think this was pretty understandable once the reader knew what exactly had happened, and it was easy to empathise with her.
The storyline was good, and I liked the mystery over what exactly happened to Allie’s cousin. When we eventually found out what had happened it was quite tragic and sad, and I felt really sorry for everyone involved. It will be interesting to see where the story goes from here.
Overall; interesting story about a difficult topic,
6.5 out of 10.
Read
February 21, 2014Rumors is a great accompaniment to Lingering Echoes. While it's a prequel, I would say this is one that should definitely be read after Lingering Echoes, as so you already have a glimpse of Allie's present character.
Lingering Echoes begins after an accident, and with Rumors we get to see exactly what happened, and precisely the toll it took on Allie.
How heavy can grief be?
How much regret can one person carry?
How can simple rumors make their burden so much harder?
Lingering Echoes begins after an accident, and with Rumors we get to see exactly what happened, and precisely the toll it took on Allie.
How heavy can grief be?
How much regret can one person carry?
How can simple rumors make their burden so much harder?
January 11, 2015
This story although sad because Allie is trying to deal with the loss of her cousin is a page turning easy read! Anyone trying to deal with the loss of a loved one will relate to this beautifully written story of a teenager struggling to cope with loss & survivors guilt as well as peer pressure & high school.
I love the character of Allie & the way the writer pulls you into her life, I also loved the character of Shane who sticks by her even though she pushes everyone away.
This story had me in floods of tears twice so have the tissues ready but I would recommend this story to others & I will be reading Erica's 2nd book Lingering Echoes very soon :)
I love the character of Allie & the way the writer pulls you into her life, I also loved the character of Shane who sticks by her even though she pushes everyone away.
This story had me in floods of tears twice so have the tissues ready but I would recommend this story to others & I will be reading Erica's 2nd book Lingering Echoes very soon :)
February 10, 2015
A wonderful insight into Allie's mind before Lingering Echoes. We get to personally find out how she coped with the death of her cousin and how broken she actually became. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this prequel and if I was able to give it more stars, I would!!!! We are introduced to new characters and see the different relationship Allie had with them before the death, and the relationship she has with them after.
Recommended to all fans of Lingering Echoes... and if you have not read that book, READ IT NOW!! GO, go buy it NOW!! Happy reading everyone :) xx
Recommended to all fans of Lingering Echoes... and if you have not read that book, READ IT NOW!! GO, go buy it NOW!! Happy reading everyone :) xx
January 31, 2014
Another job well done! You amazed me again with your awesome talent for writing. I liked reading Lingering Echoes first and then Rumors. I liked how reading them in that order kept me guessing until everything was completely revealed and "dots connected" in Lingering Echoes. Then in Rumors the accident and right after was revealed in detail and Allie's attitude was explained and totally understandable. It tied everything together nicely!!
January 10, 2015
I really, really liked it. One of the few books who managed to elude the corny way the male lead always fixes everything and the fact that love isn't the cure to all ... Allie was beautifully flawed and Shane was loveable in his teenaged, doesn't-know-bettwe was. Loved that they didn't end up together forever, loved that the author decided to forego the usual way parents are overlooked in teen books nowadays. I definatelly will be reading the next one.
February 24, 2014
Rumors is a prequel to Lingering Echoes and as I had already read that, I knew what was going to happen...
Despite that, there was a mini story because of which I managed to get hooked. We learn more about what happens between the death of Maddie and the next summer at Hidden Pines.
Overall, it was well written.
Despite that, there was a mini story because of which I managed to get hooked. We learn more about what happens between the death of Maddie and the next summer at Hidden Pines.
Overall, it was well written.
July 12, 2014
I read Lingering Echoes first then went back to read this novella. It had an authentic feel to it. The high school intrigue was spot on as was the futility of all the high school drama. I also loved how it fleshed out the main character of Lingering Echoes. Glad I took the time to read this, too.
January 12, 2015
This was a well written story about dealing with death, and the consequences of your actions. Erica Kiefer did a good job of developing the relationships between the characters in the story, and describing how they interacted and felt about one another. I look forward to reading more in the series.
August 11, 2014
Rumors is a fabulous prequel to Lingering Echoes that works as a novel on its own. The book is incredible! Kiefer's story is very real. In many ways her writing reminds me of Laurie Halse Anderson's. The story is billed as young adult but readers of all ages will enjoy it.
March 5, 2015
Grief and loss are so important to talk about, especially for adolescents. Brava for creating a strong, athletic character wrestling with really tough issues.
Favorite quotes:
"Hostile...I like it"
"Good morning, crazy girl"
Favorite quotes:
"Hostile...I like it"
"Good morning, crazy girl"
June 26, 2016
Awesome
You can feel and understand the drama , dilemma and guilt Allie felt. Also you can see how everyone around try to sympathize but can never grasp the way she is feeling . Great narrative and plot.
You can feel and understand the drama , dilemma and guilt Allie felt. Also you can see how everyone around try to sympathize but can never grasp the way she is feeling . Great narrative and plot.
December 4, 2016
Tearjerker
Wow.... truly enjoyed this one. It was very relatable, well rounded, clearly written & like quicksand. Upon reading the first chapter to "check it out", I couldn't put it down. Don't start this one until you have an hour or so free!
Highly recommend to anyone over 12.
Wow.... truly enjoyed this one. It was very relatable, well rounded, clearly written & like quicksand. Upon reading the first chapter to "check it out", I couldn't put it down. Don't start this one until you have an hour or so free!
Highly recommend to anyone over 12.
January 5, 2014
amazing insight on Allie. i loved each moment of this book. Erica gives us an amazing journey in Allie's life. great novella to read after or before the main book.
January 15, 2014
Great
Loved it it was super supreme super super super super super super super super super super super sad ending though.
Loved it it was super supreme super super super super super super super super super super super sad ending though.
February 12, 2014
I really enjoyed rumors. I think Erica Kiefer does a really good job of showing the complex inner life of teenagers and making them likable despite their flaws!
February 20, 2014
Review to come...
August 22, 2014
EXCELLENT READ JUST TOO BAD IT HAD TO END SO SOON / THERE IS THE NEXT PART AT THE END OF THE BOOK THOUGH SO CAN'T WAIT TO GET STARTED ON IT...
September 14, 2014
Great story! I was in tears most of the time, but that's just proof of how well the story captured my emotions. Well done!!!
September 19, 2014
You know it's a good book when it makes you cry! Love this story! Great writing!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews