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Fractures Between
The second chance she always dreamed of is only a reality away.
Theo's best friend and her first crush, Summer, died in a tragic accident when they were teenagers. Ten years later, Theo has accepted a new job and is returning to her hometown. The scars inflicted by that tragedy run deep, but she's determined to face her past and move on for good. Maybe the next time she falls for someone she'll find her happily ever after.
Until a flippant wish on a comet catapults Theo into an alternate reality where she and Summer never became friends… and Summer never died.
Summer falls in love easily, even though her feelings are rarely returned. As a dropout, former bully, and gas station clerk, she knows she's not really a catch. She's accepted that she's just a speedbump in everyone else's stories.
When Theo shows up on Summer's doorstep, claiming to be from another world, she offers the bed in her tiny apartment while Theo tries to find a way home. It feels like such a small sacrifice, but the way Theo looks at her as if she's the most important woman in the world makes Summer wish she could give her so much more.
As the two of them grow closer, Theo discovers there's a time limit on this miracle, and she has to make a choice. Can she really abandon her family, her friends, and her reality to stay somewhere she doesn't belong, and to chase after a girl that only resembles the one she once knew?
Or will she have to say goodbye to Summer for the second time?
Fractures Between is a magical, small-town lesbian romance about second chances and alternate timelines.
Theo's best friend and her first crush, Summer, died in a tragic accident when they were teenagers. Ten years later, Theo has accepted a new job and is returning to her hometown. The scars inflicted by that tragedy run deep, but she's determined to face her past and move on for good. Maybe the next time she falls for someone she'll find her happily ever after.
Until a flippant wish on a comet catapults Theo into an alternate reality where she and Summer never became friends… and Summer never died.
Summer falls in love easily, even though her feelings are rarely returned. As a dropout, former bully, and gas station clerk, she knows she's not really a catch. She's accepted that she's just a speedbump in everyone else's stories.
When Theo shows up on Summer's doorstep, claiming to be from another world, she offers the bed in her tiny apartment while Theo tries to find a way home. It feels like such a small sacrifice, but the way Theo looks at her as if she's the most important woman in the world makes Summer wish she could give her so much more.
As the two of them grow closer, Theo discovers there's a time limit on this miracle, and she has to make a choice. Can she really abandon her family, her friends, and her reality to stay somewhere she doesn't belong, and to chase after a girl that only resembles the one she once knew?
Or will she have to say goodbye to Summer for the second time?
Fractures Between is a magical, small-town lesbian romance about second chances and alternate timelines.
348 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 7, 2025
1 person is currently reading
20 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
November 3, 2025
This was a super fun, yet sad read! The whole “what if this one thing didn’t happen” paradox was quite well thought out, and had layers that I didn’t quite think through when initially picking this up. Grief can be an absolutely wild ride, and my heart totally went out to Theo for pretty much the whole duration of the book. Her character seemed really wrapped up in her timelines Summer, and to me she felt that moment changed absolutely everything for her.
It was emotional, and uplifting, and honestly, if I wasn’t insanely busy this weekend, I probably would have read this in one sit. It definitely has the feel of a typical sapphic romance book, but it’s well hidden underneath this traumatic event from Theo’s teenage years.
I loved getting to know Summer. I am such a sucker for a character with a dark past that kind of makes them cold, but still wanting that connection. The attempts to break those walls down is just exquisite, and makes for a complicated character that feels multidimensional.
This book was obviously well thought out, and had a nice pace to it. It didn’t drag, nor did it give me whiplash. Very easy and fun (albeit at times emotional) read. I am grateful to have received an advanced copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
It was emotional, and uplifting, and honestly, if I wasn’t insanely busy this weekend, I probably would have read this in one sit. It definitely has the feel of a typical sapphic romance book, but it’s well hidden underneath this traumatic event from Theo’s teenage years.
I loved getting to know Summer. I am such a sucker for a character with a dark past that kind of makes them cold, but still wanting that connection. The attempts to break those walls down is just exquisite, and makes for a complicated character that feels multidimensional.
This book was obviously well thought out, and had a nice pace to it. It didn’t drag, nor did it give me whiplash. Very easy and fun (albeit at times emotional) read. I am grateful to have received an advanced copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
abandoned
December 10, 2025I'm so sorry, the author spelled it "doc martins" and I got the ick
December 1, 2025
Thank you to BookSirens and to author Beatrice McKinsey for this great ARC opportunity! I am happily leaving my honest review.
I was immediately intrigued by the premise of this book. Once I read the blurb, I couldn’t request a copy fast enough. Sadly, I know more than Id like to about loss and the torture of grief and the idea of an alernate reality where I didn’t lose the people that meant the most to me sounds incredible. Though I generally shy away from fantasy books, this book handles the alternate reality situation with grace and a believability that was unique and appreciated. Fractures Between is a fantastic debut novel that kept me thoroughly entertained. This book is a wonderful sapphic second chance romance that implements a riveting time bending aspect and introduces the possibility of an alternate reality whereby one could live the life they were truly meant to.
The book opens with a very powerful opening scene and we are immediately immersed into a very tragic event that acts as the catalyst for the story. I was moved to tears immediately and certainly impressed by Beatrice McKinsey right away. I was deeply saddened by Summers' tragic death and that only allowed me to appreciate the rest of the story that much more. Theo loses her best friend, Summer, and is forever shaped by that loss. She is plagued by the regret of not expressing her real feelings to Summer and stymied by the ever suffocating presence of grief. McKinsey does a good job of capturing some nuance of loss, grief and its permanence. She emphasizes that while we may not mourn forever, we do seem to grieve forever. So, when Theo makes that wish and is granted the possibility of time without losing Summer, I was overjoyed. I did make me emotional as did much of this book. This story is deeply emotional and so moving. I loved it!
Theo's journey is so impactful and resonated with me a great deal. She has spent 10 long years carrying the weight of losing her best friend and secret first love, suddenly and tragically. It has shaped the woman she has become in many ways. When a wish transports her into a new timeline where Summer never died, it feels incredible…and kind of scary. I enjoyed Theo’s reaction to this “new reality” so much because it was realistic. Yes, she felt excitement and relief but also apprehension and anxiety. I appreciated the realness to this magical aspect of the story. The thing is, in this new world, she and Summer aren't friends and Summer is a really different version of the one Theo once knew. Summer is insecure and doesn't feel worthy of love. It’s almost like without Theo’s friendship, this version never develops confidence or a sense of self worth. It was really satisfying to watch the character growth and development with both Theo and Summer. Together they help to balance one another and provide each other with that “thing” that is missing in their lives. I became quite smitten with both of them and I know I will think about them both from time to time.
The chemistry between the two of them is soft, tender, delicate and deliberately slow. McKinsey does a great job of creating moments that feel emotionally and romantically charged. The writing is strong and really good. McKinsey utilizes a sort of immersive quality in her writing that I found to be so engaging. The writing is character driven which helps to elevate the entire story. I became truly invested in both Theo and Summer and was hoping for their happy ending all along. The journey taken by Theo and Summer was a moving, beautiful one. I watched them grow closer naturally and enjoyed their slow burn love story so much. It just all felt so realistic which I never thought I'd say about a story that includes living in an alternate timeline!
This was a really fantastic sapphic romance that explored the aching pain of grief and timeless power of love. I found this to be a wonderfully creative spin on second chance romance and found myself glued to each page. Despite the magic or fantastical aspects of being transported to an alternate timeline, McKinsey delivers on a spectacular romance that is both believable and realistic. I very much appreciated the careful and intentional writing style as well as strong and loveably flawed characters. I found myself overwhelmed with emotions throughout this book. It is a very special story that I absolutely loved. I can’t recommend this book enough for all lovers of simply beautiful sapphic love stories. I am officially a huge fan of Beatrice McKinsey and can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
I was immediately intrigued by the premise of this book. Once I read the blurb, I couldn’t request a copy fast enough. Sadly, I know more than Id like to about loss and the torture of grief and the idea of an alernate reality where I didn’t lose the people that meant the most to me sounds incredible. Though I generally shy away from fantasy books, this book handles the alternate reality situation with grace and a believability that was unique and appreciated. Fractures Between is a fantastic debut novel that kept me thoroughly entertained. This book is a wonderful sapphic second chance romance that implements a riveting time bending aspect and introduces the possibility of an alternate reality whereby one could live the life they were truly meant to.
The book opens with a very powerful opening scene and we are immediately immersed into a very tragic event that acts as the catalyst for the story. I was moved to tears immediately and certainly impressed by Beatrice McKinsey right away. I was deeply saddened by Summers' tragic death and that only allowed me to appreciate the rest of the story that much more. Theo loses her best friend, Summer, and is forever shaped by that loss. She is plagued by the regret of not expressing her real feelings to Summer and stymied by the ever suffocating presence of grief. McKinsey does a good job of capturing some nuance of loss, grief and its permanence. She emphasizes that while we may not mourn forever, we do seem to grieve forever. So, when Theo makes that wish and is granted the possibility of time without losing Summer, I was overjoyed. I did make me emotional as did much of this book. This story is deeply emotional and so moving. I loved it!
Theo's journey is so impactful and resonated with me a great deal. She has spent 10 long years carrying the weight of losing her best friend and secret first love, suddenly and tragically. It has shaped the woman she has become in many ways. When a wish transports her into a new timeline where Summer never died, it feels incredible…and kind of scary. I enjoyed Theo’s reaction to this “new reality” so much because it was realistic. Yes, she felt excitement and relief but also apprehension and anxiety. I appreciated the realness to this magical aspect of the story. The thing is, in this new world, she and Summer aren't friends and Summer is a really different version of the one Theo once knew. Summer is insecure and doesn't feel worthy of love. It’s almost like without Theo’s friendship, this version never develops confidence or a sense of self worth. It was really satisfying to watch the character growth and development with both Theo and Summer. Together they help to balance one another and provide each other with that “thing” that is missing in their lives. I became quite smitten with both of them and I know I will think about them both from time to time.
The chemistry between the two of them is soft, tender, delicate and deliberately slow. McKinsey does a great job of creating moments that feel emotionally and romantically charged. The writing is strong and really good. McKinsey utilizes a sort of immersive quality in her writing that I found to be so engaging. The writing is character driven which helps to elevate the entire story. I became truly invested in both Theo and Summer and was hoping for their happy ending all along. The journey taken by Theo and Summer was a moving, beautiful one. I watched them grow closer naturally and enjoyed their slow burn love story so much. It just all felt so realistic which I never thought I'd say about a story that includes living in an alternate timeline!
This was a really fantastic sapphic romance that explored the aching pain of grief and timeless power of love. I found this to be a wonderfully creative spin on second chance romance and found myself glued to each page. Despite the magic or fantastical aspects of being transported to an alternate timeline, McKinsey delivers on a spectacular romance that is both believable and realistic. I very much appreciated the careful and intentional writing style as well as strong and loveably flawed characters. I found myself overwhelmed with emotions throughout this book. It is a very special story that I absolutely loved. I can’t recommend this book enough for all lovers of simply beautiful sapphic love stories. I am officially a huge fan of Beatrice McKinsey and can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
November 11, 2025
I Loved this Story!
When I started reading this, I thought it might be too intense for me. The first chapter, especially, is incredibly sad with Theo’s best friend, Summer, dying in a tragic accident. No spoilers, because the book description tells us all that, even if I did remain a little apprehensive. I hate to be such a wimp, but I’m not a big fan of tragic tales.
Fortunately, although the story doesn’t shy away from hard topics, it’s a romance, and a good one. There’s a wonderful balance between the problems from the past that make life hard and the funny day-to-day experiences that make the characters in this story so enjoyable to read about. Beatrice McKinsey is really good at writing characters who are flawed and messy, funny and ultimately just doing the best they can.
The whole dimension crossing issue causes the kind of problems you might expect, but not in a gimmicky way — beyond the obvious fantasy aspects of course. The story has a very organic feel to it that I really liked. I’m looking forward to reading more by this author.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
When I started reading this, I thought it might be too intense for me. The first chapter, especially, is incredibly sad with Theo’s best friend, Summer, dying in a tragic accident. No spoilers, because the book description tells us all that, even if I did remain a little apprehensive. I hate to be such a wimp, but I’m not a big fan of tragic tales.
Fortunately, although the story doesn’t shy away from hard topics, it’s a romance, and a good one. There’s a wonderful balance between the problems from the past that make life hard and the funny day-to-day experiences that make the characters in this story so enjoyable to read about. Beatrice McKinsey is really good at writing characters who are flawed and messy, funny and ultimately just doing the best they can.
The whole dimension crossing issue causes the kind of problems you might expect, but not in a gimmicky way — beyond the obvious fantasy aspects of course. The story has a very organic feel to it that I really liked. I’m looking forward to reading more by this author.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 15, 2025
Have you ever wondered what would have happened, what could have been, if you made one decision differently? Fractures Between is a beautifully written story that examines exactly this. Losing her best friend Summer in a tragic accident when they were just sixteen had a profound impact on Theo, one that still affected her day to day life a decade later. Then a wish on a comet takes her to an alternate timeline where they never became friends and Summer never dies.
Beatrice McKinsey gives us characters that are a little messy and a little complicated in both dimensions but it’s easy to connect with the and their experiences. The alternate dimension twist is handled well and the story flows nicely.
Thank you BookSirens for the free advance review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 14, 2025
Fractures Between is a delightful read if you’re in the mood for a feel-good story. It follows the lives of Theo and Summer — in different dimensions, no less. This gives the story a surprising twist, adding a sense of impossibility and fantasy, yet it never reads that way.
The emotions are beautifully written, and you really connect with the main characters: what they’ve been through, how those experiences shaped them, and how a single choice can influence the course of a life. The genre is a bit different from what I usually read, but I would definitely recommend it.
I would rate this book four stars.
Thank you to BookSirens for providing the opportunity to read this book. I am voluntarily leaving this review.
#BookSirens
The emotions are beautifully written, and you really connect with the main characters: what they’ve been through, how those experiences shaped them, and how a single choice can influence the course of a life. The genre is a bit different from what I usually read, but I would definitely recommend it.
I would rate this book four stars.
Thank you to BookSirens for providing the opportunity to read this book. I am voluntarily leaving this review.
#BookSirens
December 4, 2025
Strong start as 16 year Olds damaging the old house. Good advance with Theo returning to her old hometown for a university job in astrophysics, renting her old bedroom
Theo climbs to the dark house on top of the hill and finds the beanbag she used to share with Summer Great metaphor of grief as a serpent.
Great description of Theo's panic attack on meeting Summer
Clever parallel reality from childhood trauma.
The feelings of anxiety and PTSD are well described
Loved the description of friend Minha
Retelling the flash of the comet while looking through the telescope was a Good idea
I loved the setting up for the first date, knowing Summer has had many. Interesting once Riley got into the science of the Comet. A gorgeous romantic supernatural tale Smart cover and title
Theo climbs to the dark house on top of the hill and finds the beanbag she used to share with Summer Great metaphor of grief as a serpent.
Great description of Theo's panic attack on meeting Summer
Clever parallel reality from childhood trauma.
The feelings of anxiety and PTSD are well described
Loved the description of friend Minha
Retelling the flash of the comet while looking through the telescope was a Good idea
I loved the setting up for the first date, knowing Summer has had many. Interesting once Riley got into the science of the Comet. A gorgeous romantic supernatural tale Smart cover and title
November 10, 2025
Incredible debut by the author! I was drawn into the story immediately and it didn't let me go until the end.
No spoilers ... but the end is perfection!
There is so much character development, turmoil, growth, redemption, angst -- ugh it was a roller coaster and a joyride. The whole cast of characters felt vibrant, real, and like I would have loved to be friends with them irl.
As someone who lost their best friend in highschool, who happened to be my first kiss, this book felt cathartic in a surreal way. Like a beautiful glimpse into what could have been.
Thank you for the opportunity to read this incredible story, and congratulations on a spectacular debut!
No spoilers ... but the end is perfection!
There is so much character development, turmoil, growth, redemption, angst -- ugh it was a roller coaster and a joyride. The whole cast of characters felt vibrant, real, and like I would have loved to be friends with them irl.
As someone who lost their best friend in highschool, who happened to be my first kiss, this book felt cathartic in a surreal way. Like a beautiful glimpse into what could have been.
Thank you for the opportunity to read this incredible story, and congratulations on a spectacular debut!
November 10, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I love the concept of being transported to an alternative timeline and having characters experience what would happen if I made different choices. It makes the reader think about how each choice they make can send them down a different path.
I also enjoyed how the novel opens up to the main trauma rather it be introduced in a bunch of little flashbacks throughout. It gives the reader all the information up front so that we're not being spoon-fed everything little bits at a time at random points.
Overall, great book and I look forward to future works by this author.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I also enjoyed how the novel opens up to the main trauma rather it be introduced in a bunch of little flashbacks throughout. It gives the reader all the information up front so that we're not being spoon-fed everything little bits at a time at random points.
Overall, great book and I look forward to future works by this author.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 30, 2025
This is a solid debut and starts off with a very traumatic experience resulting in the death of one of the main characters.
Luckily though this is just the beginning. Theo feels to blame and continues to struggles with her guilt and grief for a few years until one night she wishes on a comet and is suddenly in an alternate reality where her wish has come true. But Summer, the now not dead other main character doesn’t know her or of any of their shared past.
Both characters are put through the wringer, going through a gamut of emotions which I also went through as I read.
But how can two characters from two different realties be together. Read and find out.
Luckily though this is just the beginning. Theo feels to blame and continues to struggles with her guilt and grief for a few years until one night she wishes on a comet and is suddenly in an alternate reality where her wish has come true. But Summer, the now not dead other main character doesn’t know her or of any of their shared past.
Both characters are put through the wringer, going through a gamut of emotions which I also went through as I read.
But how can two characters from two different realties be together. Read and find out.
December 7, 2025
Fractures Between was a great read for me. I enjoyed the premise of the book and was extremely interested in reading it based off of the summary. I liked the main characters and felt like the relationship that developed between them was natural and genuine. It wasn’t rushed into despite it happening in a short time frame. The ending was cute too and I was very pleased with the outcome of the plot! Great book, I loved it! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Also…AO3 reference in the wild??!! Hell yeah!
Also…AO3 reference in the wild??!! Hell yeah!
December 18, 2025
This story was so different from anything I’ve read! I very much enjoyed how the author executed such a profound concept. I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story felt well thought out and the pacing was smooth and timely. Theo and Summer were really so open and honest and (mostly) upfront throughout the story. I adored their connection even when it could be a bit confusing with the whole alternate realities lol.
If you enjoy sapphic romance, sci-fi and lots of feelings then give this book a try!!
The story felt well thought out and the pacing was smooth and timely. Theo and Summer were really so open and honest and (mostly) upfront throughout the story. I adored their connection even when it could be a bit confusing with the whole alternate realities lol.
If you enjoy sapphic romance, sci-fi and lots of feelings then give this book a try!!
November 25, 2025
Straight off the bat this story was beautifully written. It’s a real heart strong tugger as the two main characters work through their own trauma to truly see each other for who they are. I don’t want to write too much about it as spoilers sweetie but I can say that I really enjoyed reading this story and it is definitely worth investing your time in.
I was lucky enough to be given an ARC of this story in exchange of an honest review
I was lucky enough to be given an ARC of this story in exchange of an honest review
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