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Resolution #1
Asher's Mark
Grace Ballard has been in love with Asher Howell for a long time. When she was sixteen, he became her hero, and she fell head over heels for the boy with a ring through his eyebrow, a big heart, and an unending sense of justice. But two years ago he left for college without a backward glance, leaving Grace to wonder if she'd imagined everything.
With no reason to wait for Asher to return, Grace moved on, and Asher's brother, Adam, stepped in to help her pick up the pieces. But Asher never left her thoughts... or her heart.
Now, two years later, tragedy brings Asher home and back into Grace's life. The boy who left her behind is now very much a man - a licensed tattoo artist, much to his parents' dismay, and still carrying a major torch for Grace. But two years apart has changed them both, and the things that happened during their separation may create a divide that can't be crossed.
Asher and his brother both left their mark on Grace's heart. Will Asher's be able to stand the test of time?
With no reason to wait for Asher to return, Grace moved on, and Asher's brother, Adam, stepped in to help her pick up the pieces. But Asher never left her thoughts... or her heart.
Now, two years later, tragedy brings Asher home and back into Grace's life. The boy who left her behind is now very much a man - a licensed tattoo artist, much to his parents' dismay, and still carrying a major torch for Grace. But two years apart has changed them both, and the things that happened during their separation may create a divide that can't be crossed.
Asher and his brother both left their mark on Grace's heart. Will Asher's be able to stand the test of time?
Unknown Binding
First published January 1, 2014
108 people are currently reading
242 people want to read
About the author
Amy Durham
17 books155 followersAfter spending every work day with classrooms full of tweens and teens, then going home to three boys of her own, two of whom fall into the tween/teen category, you’d think that Amy Durham might like to leave the world of teenagers and young adults behind. Not so!
Instead, she spends her spare moments – which sometimes consist of waiting twenty minutes for her oldest kiddo to get out of band practice – with her laptop and a multitude of teenage characters trying to navigate their way through the twisted, difficult road of adolescence.
You might ask… “Why Young/New Adult Fiction”? Well, because it’s what she knows. As a teacher and a parent, Amy is around teens on an almost constant basis. And while it’s true they can be – ahem – challenging, they are also full of life, vision, and dreams. And that’s a really cool place to be.
Young Adult and New Adult Fiction allows young readers the opportunity to find hope for the situations they find themselves in, find determination to keep on going, and courage to pursue their dreams. It also allows adult readers the chance to revisit the exuberance of youth, remember the joy and poignancy of first love, and recall how it felt to dream with abandon.
Amy Durham is a wife and mother, an author, a teacher, an avid reader, and a musician. If she weren’t writing books, she’d be a celebrity chef!
Instead, she spends her spare moments – which sometimes consist of waiting twenty minutes for her oldest kiddo to get out of band practice – with her laptop and a multitude of teenage characters trying to navigate their way through the twisted, difficult road of adolescence.
You might ask… “Why Young/New Adult Fiction”? Well, because it’s what she knows. As a teacher and a parent, Amy is around teens on an almost constant basis. And while it’s true they can be – ahem – challenging, they are also full of life, vision, and dreams. And that’s a really cool place to be.
Young Adult and New Adult Fiction allows young readers the opportunity to find hope for the situations they find themselves in, find determination to keep on going, and courage to pursue their dreams. It also allows adult readers the chance to revisit the exuberance of youth, remember the joy and poignancy of first love, and recall how it felt to dream with abandon.
Amy Durham is a wife and mother, an author, a teacher, an avid reader, and a musician. If she weren’t writing books, she’d be a celebrity chef!
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
September 12, 2014
Review by Allison East
This was my first Amy Durham book, and I have to say it won't be my last! With an interesting plot; twists and turns that will keep you forever guessing; a tale of love lost and found, and some gut wrenching moments, Asher's Mark kept me on my toes.
This book was emotional, and had me up and down- but ultimately it was a good story, that was told well, with great plot development, and characters with depth. They have to make life altering decisions, and they make them with much care.
Grace has been in love with Asher since the moment she met him. But life changes, and Asher suddenly leaves, and Grace ends up with Adam- Asher's brother. When tragedy occurs and Asher comes back to town- it leaves you wondering where that leaves Grace and Asher's relationship? It's a delicate balance, and there are many emotional hurdles they have to jump over. But what is life without some obstacles?
I loved the character of Grace, she was such a strong heroine. She had to be, through necessity, it wasn't really a matter of choice. The things that happened in her life, they molded her into the person she was, because of the events and decisions she made. One can't help but admire her for it.
My loved for Asher went back and forth - although he did leave Grace, he came back after tragedy struck and he did stay. He ended up being such a strong character, but that was after he showed a lot of weakness by leaving in the first place.
In this heartwarming story, characters have to face the reality that life isn't always unicorns and rainbows, sometimes really real bad stuff happens and we have to deal with it in the best way we know how. We have to move on, even if it is hard, or it makes us feel guilty. We have no choice.
There is also the interweaving in the story of a Navajo legend and how it was handed down to Asher by his mom and his grandfather. It was an interesting, unique take on the history of a family.
Amy Durham has a written a story I won't soon forget, one that is overflowing with emotion. I would recommend this one to anyone that is craving a good read.
This was my first Amy Durham book, and I have to say it won't be my last! With an interesting plot; twists and turns that will keep you forever guessing; a tale of love lost and found, and some gut wrenching moments, Asher's Mark kept me on my toes.
This book was emotional, and had me up and down- but ultimately it was a good story, that was told well, with great plot development, and characters with depth. They have to make life altering decisions, and they make them with much care.
Grace has been in love with Asher since the moment she met him. But life changes, and Asher suddenly leaves, and Grace ends up with Adam- Asher's brother. When tragedy occurs and Asher comes back to town- it leaves you wondering where that leaves Grace and Asher's relationship? It's a delicate balance, and there are many emotional hurdles they have to jump over. But what is life without some obstacles?
I loved the character of Grace, she was such a strong heroine. She had to be, through necessity, it wasn't really a matter of choice. The things that happened in her life, they molded her into the person she was, because of the events and decisions she made. One can't help but admire her for it.
My loved for Asher went back and forth - although he did leave Grace, he came back after tragedy struck and he did stay. He ended up being such a strong character, but that was after he showed a lot of weakness by leaving in the first place.
In this heartwarming story, characters have to face the reality that life isn't always unicorns and rainbows, sometimes really real bad stuff happens and we have to deal with it in the best way we know how. We have to move on, even if it is hard, or it makes us feel guilty. We have no choice.
There is also the interweaving in the story of a Navajo legend and how it was handed down to Asher by his mom and his grandfather. It was an interesting, unique take on the history of a family.
Amy Durham has a written a story I won't soon forget, one that is overflowing with emotion. I would recommend this one to anyone that is craving a good read.
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August 28, 2014
I have enjoyed this author's previous books. In addition to the excellent storytelling, interesting plots, and compelling characters, I appreciate the fact that her books are far less sexual than others of the same genre, but NO LESS emotional and satisfying. As a reader with a wide range of reading preferences, it's nice to know that I can pick up one of Amy Durham's books when I am looking for something with less sexual content.
That said: This is a more "mature" book than her others. No mature in terms of sexual content, because as I stated, this author leaves that out. But it is mature in the sense that these characters are at a point in their lives that where they are making decisions that will impact the rest of their lives. And they make those decisions with careful consideration and grace.
Asher blazes his own path, though his unconventional choices baffle his parents a bit. Grace finds her way out of the shadow of her perfect older brother and finds a place of contentment all her own. That these two are able to mesh their lives, after the struggle to find themselves, is extremely satisfying.
MILD SPOILER ahead: Watching them work to overcome that guilt and accept that they deserve the love that exists between them was very, very satisfying.
I recommend all of this author's books to those who enjoy highly emotional stories with well-developed characters.
That said: This is a more "mature" book than her others. No mature in terms of sexual content, because as I stated, this author leaves that out. But it is mature in the sense that these characters are at a point in their lives that where they are making decisions that will impact the rest of their lives. And they make those decisions with careful consideration and grace.
Asher blazes his own path, though his unconventional choices baffle his parents a bit. Grace finds her way out of the shadow of her perfect older brother and finds a place of contentment all her own. That these two are able to mesh their lives, after the struggle to find themselves, is extremely satisfying.
MILD SPOILER ahead: Watching them work to overcome that guilt and accept that they deserve the love that exists between them was very, very satisfying.
I recommend all of this author's books to those who enjoy highly emotional stories with well-developed characters.
August 25, 2014
I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
This book was ADORABLE! I really loved it.
Grace seemed really cute. I thought she really grew as a character throughout the book. She really accepted who she was. I really think girls could relate to this character. I think all of us have the relative whether its your sibling or cousin who is seemingly perfect. You can never keep up and its better to not even try. Just be yourself which is really what Grace came to realize throughout the book.
Asher was really cute. Also I did the cover reveal for this book on this blog and I wondered if the tattoo in the picture was relevant to the story. It was really relevant and I loved that. It was cool to see what they author was talking about.
The Navajo heritage was really interesting. I really loved that Archer was Navajo. To me it seemed different and I liked the incorporation of different Najavo traditions and stories. I just didn’t know anything about Navajo stories.
The relationship that Grace shares with Asher’s mom was also really interesting. I haven’t read many books where the significant other gets as in-depth of a relationship as the one that happens in this book.
I did have to read some sentences several times for them to make sense in my head. It was just slightly unclear at times, but I believe my copy is unedited so it may have changed in the final copy.
One thing that you need to be aware of is that while it is a NA book, it is acceptable for those under 18. There are no sexual scenes.
Overall 4/5
This book was ADORABLE! I really loved it.
Grace seemed really cute. I thought she really grew as a character throughout the book. She really accepted who she was. I really think girls could relate to this character. I think all of us have the relative whether its your sibling or cousin who is seemingly perfect. You can never keep up and its better to not even try. Just be yourself which is really what Grace came to realize throughout the book.
Asher was really cute. Also I did the cover reveal for this book on this blog and I wondered if the tattoo in the picture was relevant to the story. It was really relevant and I loved that. It was cool to see what they author was talking about.
The Navajo heritage was really interesting. I really loved that Archer was Navajo. To me it seemed different and I liked the incorporation of different Najavo traditions and stories. I just didn’t know anything about Navajo stories.
The relationship that Grace shares with Asher’s mom was also really interesting. I haven’t read many books where the significant other gets as in-depth of a relationship as the one that happens in this book.
I did have to read some sentences several times for them to make sense in my head. It was just slightly unclear at times, but I believe my copy is unedited so it may have changed in the final copy.
One thing that you need to be aware of is that while it is a NA book, it is acceptable for those under 18. There are no sexual scenes.
Overall 4/5
August 28, 2014
I thought this was a cute and sweet book. Grace met Asher when she was a sophomore in high school and he was a senior. They formed a friendship, both falling in love with each other without expressing it to each other. Asher leaves for college and eventually loses his friendship with Grace. In the mean time, Grace started dating Asher's younger brother, Adam. The story starts out two years later with Grace and Asher reconnecting at a funeral. From there, Grace and Asher continue their friendship and it turns into a relationship. They have to deal with Asher's past and the scrutiny of their relationship.
This book is really sweet. It deals with death, love, reconnecting with loved ones, acceptance, and being true to oneself. This is considered a New Adult title as the characters are between 18 and 21. Many books in the New Adult genre are overloaded with sex, and it is nice one in awhile to read a book that is more about the connection and getting to know each other than reading sex scenes every chapter. This book is acceptable for high school aged children to read.
This book is really sweet. It deals with death, love, reconnecting with loved ones, acceptance, and being true to oneself. This is considered a New Adult title as the characters are between 18 and 21. Many books in the New Adult genre are overloaded with sex, and it is nice one in awhile to read a book that is more about the connection and getting to know each other than reading sex scenes every chapter. This book is acceptable for high school aged children to read.
September 23, 2014
I hadn't read any of Amy's books when I was looking at her books at IRC 2014, so I asked her which one I should get and she recommend Asher's Mark and I bought it. I am so glad I did. It is simply an wonderful story about young love losing it's way then finding their way back to each other after a few years. The depth of this story was just amazing. I will be reading more from this wonderful author in the future. So glad I took a chance and bought this book. If you like wonderful stories buy this one and enjoy.
August 31, 2014
Nice story. Heartfelt. A feel good type of read.
March 28, 2019
Left a mark
Good, clean story. Full of feelings and sincerity. Asher and Grace tiptoe around their feelings in a delicate but believable way. Their journey is intense and unpredictable.
Good, clean story. Full of feelings and sincerity. Asher and Grace tiptoe around their feelings in a delicate but believable way. Their journey is intense and unpredictable.
March 5, 2018
Great coming of age romance. A bit tedious with the -should I\shouldn't i tell him\her...when should i....etc but overall a great love story
March 26, 2018
Nice read
Enjoyed reading this. Great ending and even liked it when Asher popped a couple jerks in the mouth...well deserved!!
Fast read
Enjoyed reading this. Great ending and even liked it when Asher popped a couple jerks in the mouth...well deserved!!
Fast read
March 5, 2015
Reviewer: Donna
Rating: 4 Stars
Asher's Mark is about a love between two people that's forgotten after on of them moves away.
Asher and Grace meet in high school. Grace is a Junior and Asher is a Senior with not long until he graduates. Asher is moving to Flagstaff to start his first year at college but he has a whole summer before he has to go and he spends it getting to know Grace. When Asher leaves for college, they are both utterly in love with one another but at that time, it just isn't supposed to be. Grace is left behind and Asher stops speaking to her and contacting her at all. Asher's brother, Adam is there for Grace when Asher isn't. He is loveable but a bit of a player but a year after Asher moved, Adam asks Grace out and they date for 10 months until Adam dies.
This brings Asher back home for Adam's funeral and to see his mum and of course, Grace. The attraction is still there between Asher and Grace but Asher can't help feeling guilty for having feelings for his brother's girlfriend. Grace is keeping secrets about her actual relationship with Adam and doesn't know to tell people the truth about her and Adam It's a very complicated mess!
Really enjoyable to read and i kind of read it a bit too quickly.Mainly because it was exciting to see where Grace and Asher's relationship was going to. It's a young love which is very up and down but their feelings are very over the top so it's a definite teenage love in this story. It was very pleasant to read and a very subtle read that was nice to read on a Sunday afternoon. I do love this author and will be happy to read more from her. Great Read!
Rating: 4 Stars
Asher's Mark is about a love between two people that's forgotten after on of them moves away.
Asher and Grace meet in high school. Grace is a Junior and Asher is a Senior with not long until he graduates. Asher is moving to Flagstaff to start his first year at college but he has a whole summer before he has to go and he spends it getting to know Grace. When Asher leaves for college, they are both utterly in love with one another but at that time, it just isn't supposed to be. Grace is left behind and Asher stops speaking to her and contacting her at all. Asher's brother, Adam is there for Grace when Asher isn't. He is loveable but a bit of a player but a year after Asher moved, Adam asks Grace out and they date for 10 months until Adam dies.
This brings Asher back home for Adam's funeral and to see his mum and of course, Grace. The attraction is still there between Asher and Grace but Asher can't help feeling guilty for having feelings for his brother's girlfriend. Grace is keeping secrets about her actual relationship with Adam and doesn't know to tell people the truth about her and Adam It's a very complicated mess!
Really enjoyable to read and i kind of read it a bit too quickly.Mainly because it was exciting to see where Grace and Asher's relationship was going to. It's a young love which is very up and down but their feelings are very over the top so it's a definite teenage love in this story. It was very pleasant to read and a very subtle read that was nice to read on a Sunday afternoon. I do love this author and will be happy to read more from her. Great Read!
December 6, 2014
Grace and Asher wind up being next door neighbors. They went to the same high school together, although Asher is 2 years older than Grace. They meet when Grace is a sophomore and Asher is a senior. Asher and Grace become close for the rest of the school year and then Asher leaves for college about 1.5 hours away. Grace thinks that they are going to be together even with the long distance but Asher quits texting, calling and coming around. Grace doesn't know what to do so she moves on the best way she can. Adam (Asher's brother) and Grace date throughout most of their senior year but it is casual and more like friendship. Asher comes back for Adam's funeral and struggles to overcome the guilt he feels when he looks at Grace and decides he wants a relationship. When Grace finally tells her secret about what happened a couple of hours before Adam's death, Asher still struggles. Grace finds herself moving on again and moving forward with her life by getting a job in Flagstaff and going to cosmetology school per her plans. Asher finally gets some good advice and a surprise from his brother propels Asher to finally accept that they can have a relationship and move forward together. It was good. I wish it would have had an epilogue to see what happened in the future. Felt the ending was a bit abrupt.
May 14, 2016
I'll keep from spoiling it much....
Grace a shy 16 year old sophomore, lives in the shadow of her genius older brother until one day witnessing a school bully tormenting a student with Down Syndrome she was going to stop it but Asher beat her to it. Asher is an art genius 4.0 gap but is not popular 18year old senior, he comes defend the bullying with two good punches to the bully's face. Grace fell for Asher right then and there. Later on after Grace and the kid the got tormented went and defended Asher and later when confronted Asher with her bravely, that's when Asher fell hard for Grace. Then life happened, for 2 years Asher pushed Grave from his life and he went on but Grace became his brother's girlfriend.... It's a very touching story of true love, second chances, death and guilt. I wished there was more but in the end will let you're up your own ending for these two lovers.
Great romance for any ages, there is no sex just hugs kissing and holding
Grace a shy 16 year old sophomore, lives in the shadow of her genius older brother until one day witnessing a school bully tormenting a student with Down Syndrome she was going to stop it but Asher beat her to it. Asher is an art genius 4.0 gap but is not popular 18year old senior, he comes defend the bullying with two good punches to the bully's face. Grace fell for Asher right then and there. Later on after Grace and the kid the got tormented went and defended Asher and later when confronted Asher with her bravely, that's when Asher fell hard for Grace. Then life happened, for 2 years Asher pushed Grave from his life and he went on but Grace became his brother's girlfriend.... It's a very touching story of true love, second chances, death and guilt. I wished there was more but in the end will let you're up your own ending for these two lovers.
Great romance for any ages, there is no sex just hugs kissing and holding
December 12, 2015
Enjoyable story.
Grace is a sophomore in high school when she witnesses a class mate picking on another student with mental challenges. Just as she is about to try and step in Asher Howell defends the boy. A fight breaks out and Grace tries to keep Asher from getting in trouble. She is pretty much smitten with him and he finds himself pulled to her. Of course she is young and he is going to college soon so he is keeping his feelings to himself. Asher his mom and younger brother who is in Grace's class move next door to her. They have an essay summer together but Asher never tells her how he feels. He pulls away from her and hardly ever comes home. Adam decides to ask her to a school gathering and they start dating. This just keeps Asher away even more and then the unimaginative happens and Adam passes away. Take the journey and see if Asher can find his way back to Grace.
Grace is a sophomore in high school when she witnesses a class mate picking on another student with mental challenges. Just as she is about to try and step in Asher Howell defends the boy. A fight breaks out and Grace tries to keep Asher from getting in trouble. She is pretty much smitten with him and he finds himself pulled to her. Of course she is young and he is going to college soon so he is keeping his feelings to himself. Asher his mom and younger brother who is in Grace's class move next door to her. They have an essay summer together but Asher never tells her how he feels. He pulls away from her and hardly ever comes home. Adam decides to ask her to a school gathering and they start dating. This just keeps Asher away even more and then the unimaginative happens and Adam passes away. Take the journey and see if Asher can find his way back to Grace.
August 6, 2014
I had the pleasure of reading Asher's Mark, and was quickly entranced by the lead characters. The author's writing is strong, clean, and evocative.
In this touching and memorable book, Amy Durham leads readers down a path of self-discovery and coming to terms with who we are and what we want out of life. Central to the plot is the death of one main character and the process of moving on in life after loss. Woven throughout the story is Navajo legend and lore, handed down to Asher by his mother and grandfather. Near the end, Grace learns the true meaning of one symbolic gift from Asher, in a scene that truly touches the heart.
Amy Durham has created a story that integrates deep emotion, conflicting relationships, and hope for the future. I highly recommend this book.
Disclaimer: I received a pre-release copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
In this touching and memorable book, Amy Durham leads readers down a path of self-discovery and coming to terms with who we are and what we want out of life. Central to the plot is the death of one main character and the process of moving on in life after loss. Woven throughout the story is Navajo legend and lore, handed down to Asher by his mother and grandfather. Near the end, Grace learns the true meaning of one symbolic gift from Asher, in a scene that truly touches the heart.
Amy Durham has created a story that integrates deep emotion, conflicting relationships, and hope for the future. I highly recommend this book.
Disclaimer: I received a pre-release copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 25, 2016
Too Sweet!
I was drawn to the book from the very start. Though, foolishness keeps them apart for two years; They find each other again. I was sad by the circumstances of them coming back together. The more I read, the more I fell in love with Asher's character. A total must read!
I was drawn to the book from the very start. Though, foolishness keeps them apart for two years; They find each other again. I was sad by the circumstances of them coming back together. The more I read, the more I fell in love with Asher's character. A total must read!
August 29, 2014
Asher's Mark is complete shit. I felt no sorrow from any of the characters after Adam's death. And the definition given for true love is pretty twisted in this book.
The story is weak, lame and predictable.
The story is weak, lame and predictable.
July 28, 2015
My thoughts
Loved this book. It was hard to put down once I started it. I just had to find out what was going to happen to Asher and Grace. It is a great read for both adults and teens.
Loved this book. It was hard to put down once I started it. I just had to find out what was going to happen to Asher and Grace. It is a great read for both adults and teens.
August 14, 2015
I am sort of like on the fence with this book. Yes I loved the characters and the fact that it's a sweet romantic read but I sometimes find it a bit repetitive and slow. An alright read and will recommend as maybe it just wasn't for me.
July 18, 2015
Young/new adult
This was a well written, interesting young love, first love story. Although written for a young audience, it was really enjoyable. No sex, so can be read by any age.
This was a well written, interesting young love, first love story. Although written for a young audience, it was really enjoyable. No sex, so can be read by any age.
July 25, 2015
Loved the whole thing. Story was amazing and fell right in it.
March 2, 2016
I really enjoyed reading this. It's sweet and a little heart wrenching. So glad that Asher figured it out. Grace is an amazing character. I loved all her layers.
April 3, 2017
Honestly, this book bored me
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews