A View from Forever

Thompson Sisters #2

by Charles Sheehan-Miles

Dylan Paris is a working class kid from Atlanta. A former high school dropout who is trying to clean up his act, Dylan is stunned to be selected for a six-week foreign exchange program to Israel.

Alex Thompson is the daughter of a wealthy US Ambassador. Several weeks overseas with an exchange program is just what she needs to get out from under her over-controlling parents.

They only have five weeks before they go back to their homes.

They have completely different lives.

The last thing either of them want or need is to fall in love.

Genres: Romance, New Adult, Contemporary, Young Adult, High School, Military Fiction

234 pages, Paperback

First published April 20, 2015

About the author

Charles Sheehan-Miles has been a soldier, computer programmer, short-order cook and non-profit executive, and is the author of several fiction and non-fiction books, including the indie bestsellers Just Remember to Breathe and Republic: A Novel of America's Future. Charles and his wife Andrea Randall live and write together in South Hadley, Massachusetts.

Find out more at http://www.sheehanmiles.com

You're also invited to join the Remember to Breathe Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/remem...

Reviews

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 - "I wish this day could last forever." Stars!

Charles Sheehan-Miles has managed to do with A View From Forever something that a lot of authors struggle to do when offering prequel novels for books that they have already released, and that is make it a worthwhile read. I am a sucker for books that offer me more of characters that I have grown to love, whether it be stories from their present, or revisits to their pasts, but lately I have found a lot of this type of book/novella to be more about bringing in a bit more money off the back of a successful release, and less about offering up a story that gives any extra value to the one that the reader has already been given.


A View From Forever gives that value (and then some), in that it provides the beginning of the love story that is Alexandra Thompson and Dylan Paris, a couple I have fond memories of, and their story (Just Remember To Breathe) is one that I will never forget. The author takes the reader on a journey with them, that highlights just how different the worlds they come from are, as they spend time getting to know each other, whilst putting them in a situation together that gives them both the opportunity to see past those differences to just be the people they want to be instead.


Alex (17) and Dylan (18) are on a school exchange trip travelling around Israel, 34 days together, days that inevitably and irrevocably change them both, not just because of the time they spend together, but also from the things that they experience whilst they are there. This book strengthens the foundation of Just Remember To Breathe, and gives further depth and perspective into who Dylan and Alex were prior to his stint in the US Army, and expectations as well as the pressures of her life in relation to the fact that she is the daughter of a man who is very much in the public eye. It gives you as a reader a deeper understanding of their story and how deep their original connection was, prior to them being reunited again at Columbia University.

I haven’t read a bad book by this author, and this one is no exception. As a series you do not need to read books one and two to appreciate this installment, but to fully understand how relevant this part of Dylan and Alex’s story is I recommend you line up Just Remember To Breathe and dive in straight after you have finished, you won’t regret it. That said, Crank and Julia’s story (books one and two) is just as exceptional and memorable, so I recommend you try and read them as well if you can.

ARC generously provided by the author, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.

[Charles Sheehan-Miles]

Just added release date (April 20, 2015) and book description.

[Cath · Rating 4 out of 5]

Makes me want to read Just Remember To Breathe all over again <3

[~♡AB♡~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

★★★ 3.5 Stars ★★★

ARC gratefully received from the author in exchange for an honest review

[The Literary Connoisseur · Rating 5 out of 5]

For readers who have not yet had the pleasure of reading Charles Sheehan-Miles' Thompson Sisters series, this book, A View from Forever, is just a sweet, romantic story of two young adults who find themselves meeting while on a trip to Israel and falling in love.
For fans of Charles', who have already had the honor of reading his Thomson Sisters series, A View from Forever is just what we've all been waiting for...
Alex and Dylan's story, pre-Just Remember to Breathe.
Of course, if you're a fan of the books, you already know the story. You already know the story, but you've always wanted to know more about what happened on that life-changing journey to Israel. What made the two of them make the choices they made in order to form the mind-bending plot that is Just Remember to Breathe. What really happened?
For fans of Charles Sheehan-Miles' Thompson Sisters series, this is *the book* you've been waiting for. (And yes, if you think I'm over using the author's name and book titles with the hope that if I say it enough, your curiosity will get the better of you and you'll download it--well done, you're right!)
After finishing Charles' Girl of Vengeance (book three in the Rachel's Peril trilogy, the sixth book you read in the series if you were to read them in chronological order), I positively jumped at the chance to read another one of his books. Even though I have only gone a few months without a Charles Sheehan-Miles book to read, I felt myself feeling deprived of his work already. (Republic and Insurgent are next, Charles!)
A View from Forever was just what I needed. Even though it took me less than a day to read (I think this is due to the fact that I was just eager to be back with Alex and Dylan...and also because this book is novella-ish), it satisfied my Thompson Sisters craving. It satisfied my Thompson Sisters craving in addition to making me fall in love with Alex and Dylan all over again, and opening my eyes to epic (EPIC) foreshadowing that you'll only truly get after reading all six books (plus Charles' other novella).
Charles Sheehan-Miles is a remarkable author. If you're looking for a series of books to bring out your emotions, open your heart, give you a new outlook on life, and renew your faith in humanity, pick up Charles' books. I guarantee they'll affect you like no other books have.

[Whitney Anderton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just Remember to Breathe was the first Thompson sisters book I read. I absolutely loved the writing so I was hooked on the series. Alex & Dylan were definitely at a different point in that stage, especially Dylan. He was so broken & angry & I'll admit I wondered many times whether they would make it as a couple, but I rooted for them the whole time. This book was a nice change because we get to see how it started with these two & it's definitely a lighter more innocent time of their relationship. We get to experience all those wonderful things when your first falling in love...the doubt of whether the person feels the same, the smiles, the first kiss. It was all beautifully written & of course a once in a lifetime trip as the backdrop with the historical lessons & political infusion weaved throughout made it the classic Charles Sheehan-Miles story. I only wish it could have been longer as I'm sure Alex & Dylan did but I'm glad I know how their story turns out.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was wonderful to be able to visit Alex and Dylan again (this time in the story before the story). We first read about them in Just Remember to Breathe (Thompson Sisters Book 2). But how did they meet? How did their story develop? We find out in A View from Forever. Travel along with Alex and Dylan as they participate in a student exchange program to Israel, where they first fall for each other. If you're like me, by the end you'll shed a tear (or two).

[MeaCulpa_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jetzt liebe ich Dylan nur noch mehr. :)

[Maayan]

Israel? Count me in! ;)

[Chu · Rating 5 out of 5]

"You'll find a way if it matters to you."

It’s the start of their forever. Dylan and Alex’s love story had me gaga over Sheehan-Mile’s books, most especially the Thompson sisters. This is the first book I have ever read from this author, and since then I have been a fan. I wouldn’t miss this one.

In this story I have met their younger version, who were both sent to a six-week foreign exchange program to Israel. We had some idea of where they both came from, but it was still refreshing to once again know them both in-depth at that age.

Fall in love with the young Dylan, as he tries his best to clean up his act after a not-so-impressive stint he did when he dropped out of high school and joined some not-so-nice crowd. When he finally had his second chance, he grabbed it and never looked back. Problem is, unlike the other exchange students who have concrete plans in their lives, he had some plans as well, but it doesn’t include going off to college.

What he didn’t expect in this trip was meeting Alex Thompson.

If you love Alex, I’m sure you will like the younger version more. This was her taste of freedom, without overbearing parents hovering over her. It was just her, and a bunch of exchange students of her age. She’s sweet, definitely rich, and down-to-earth. Meeting Dylan Paris was indeed the highlight of her journey. Problem is that, they only have five weeks to act on their feelings, before they go back to the reality of their worlds.

Charles described Israel beautifully. It was if readers were besides the exchange students strolling in its streets. He was careful in threading the conflicts and issues that was faced by the country, and instead focused more on what was good in it and the people that lived in there.

I enjoyed reading this novel, where everything began. I finally got an in depth of their past, where did they met, how they fell in love in a short span of time. For those who haven’t started the series yet, I must say you are missing half of your lives not reading it, and you have to start now. It could be read as stand alone, and yet, it is highly suggested you read it chronologically to understand everything better.

It’s short, sweet and fun. I love the younger versions of Dylan and Alex much as I love the older version of them. Travel to Israel, see the sights, join the teenage angst and other hormonal-related drama from the other exchange students and get to fall in love all over again with this wonderful sets of characters.

Review originally posted on my blog

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•Complimentary Copy was given in exchange for an honest review.•

More of my reviews at http://reviewsofabookmaniac.blogspot.com

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/4 stars

We already know how this story ends and where Alex and Dylan end up. But in this prequel, Charles Sheehan-Miles uses his unique writing style and imagery to paint us the full picture of a young, intense love story that built over a foreign exchange program.

Two teens from very different backgrounds: Alexandra Thompson, an intelligent, sweet, sheltered diplomat's daughter and Dylan Paris, a boy from Atlanta who has seen a rougher side of life. She has high expectations and future plans including college and important career. He barely managed to get into the exchange program after dropping out of high school for awhile. He does not think college is for him and wants to travel and experience life. Their lives couldn't be more different. And she lives in California while he is from Atlanta.

We follow these teens on their adventures in various locations in Israel. Not only is their budding relationship and attachment forming, but they are also learning about the political and cultural ramifications of what feels like a different world. But all the time as their feelings are growing, so their anxiety about saying goodbye and what their future holds. Dylan has a hard time expressing himself and often feels unworthy. Alex is sensitive and fearful. But somehow they latch onto each other and form a bond.

It is a trip that changed Alex and Dylan's lives in ways they never imagined. They built an attachment that defied their diverse backgrounds. They came to truly understand each other. They brought out the best in each other and believed in each other. But they are well aware that they will be returning to their previous lives with their future looming. I kind of felt like the love story sometimes got bogged down in the politics and ethical considerations of the various locations, but I will admit that is not usually a big subject of interest to me so others might enjoy that.

We know from Just Remember to Breathe that their lives take on twists and turns, but the connection that they developed during this trip will stick with them always. I will admit that after reading this, I went back and did a re-read of Just Remember to Breathe just to continue on with their story since it had been a while since I read it. It is interesting to see the difference between the teenage Alex and Dylan and the older versions of them.

I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Michel Reinhard (Saucy Southern Readers) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A View From Forever by Charles Sheehan-Miles is the latest release in the Thompson Sisters series. Although it is the latest release in the series, it is not the most current book in present times. It is now book 3 in the series and goes back to the beginning of Dylan Paris and Alexandra Thompson's story. It is the perfect introduction to these characters that have their full story in Just Remember To Breath. This couple also plays a major part in the Rachel's Peril series.

The reader gets to meet Dylan Paris and Alexandra Thompson as teenagers. Dylan is a senior in high school that comes from a troubled past. He had quit school and gotten into drugs which led to him living on the streets. After a year on the streets he has cleaned up his act, returned home, and enrolled back in school. One of his accomplishments is winning a spot as a foreign exchange student for six weeks in Israel. This is where he meets Alex Thompson. It is also where he gets a new perspective about the world that alters he original direction after high school.

Alex Thompson has finally found a way to step away from her political family when she obtains a spot on the foreign exchange program. Although she has different ambitions for her future than what her politically powerful father has for her, she sees this trip as an opportunity that will help her in the future. What she didn't count on was meeting a boy that would change her life.

Both Dylan and Alex come from different walks of life and different areas of the country. In their ordinary world their paths would of never crossed. For six weeks they will get to know one another and start a relationship that will affect both of their futures. They will also get some eye opening experiences that will change them and their view of the world.

Once again Charles Sheehan-Miles wrote another captivating segment in the Thompson Sisters series. He captured the very essence of youthful hope, young love, and new beginnings. It was perfect for this series.

I highly recommend the Thompson Sisters series. It is a series filled with romance, deep emotional events, intrigue, suspense, and family saga. Each and every book has a powerful story that will keep the reader glued to the pages.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5-4 stars

It was great to see where these two started out. While their initial meeting and the trip to Israel was referenced in Just Remember to Breathe, this is the entire trip, start to finish. From strangers meeting eyes in an airport terminal, to exploring the cities of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem together, this is the building of the love that will last them until they are both at Columbia years later.

Novellas are tricky for me in that they have to blow me away for me to love them. It is such a short timeline that I either expect things to roll really quickly, or I expect to not have a lot of detail. This fell somewhere in between. For a short story, there is a lot of detail about the scenery and people Alex and Dylan are traveling with. I felt like I was visiting Israel right along with them, even though I’ve never been. I could see the historic and the modern through their eyes.

Maybe it was because there was so much detail, it felt more like a short novel than a short story And because I already knew where Alex and Dylan would end up at the end of the trip, I didn’t feel the need to rush through the reading. As a result it made it hard at times to get through the details to the heart of the story.

The Alex and Dylan who narrate A View from Forever are not the same characters we know from Just Remember to Breathe. Alex is so unsure of what she wants to do beyond high school, whether to follow her parents wishes or create her own path as her older sisters have done. Dylan feels so out of place among the more typical high schoolers on the trip. Between his time living on the streets and his determination to not drink, he feels like he is from a completely different world. Even he doesn't know what he wants to do after graduation. The time in between the two story lines is filled with so much growth and change for these two and that I almost didn't recognize them here.

I did like the extra depth this story gave to Alex and Dylan’s overall story. I remember when I read Just Remember to Breathe that their trip would have made a great addition to their beginning, so I have a feeling if I were reading this closer to reading JRTB I would have liked the addition much more.

I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Emma Corcoran · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this prequel to Just Remember To Breathe

I am an avid fan of Charles Sheehan-Miles work and especially The Thompson Sisters series. I have read, and in some cases re-read, every book in this series, so when I heard that he had penned a prequel to Just Remember to Breathe, I was over the moon.

In A View From Forever, we get to immerse ourselves in Alex and Dylan. We get to fall in love with them all over again and witness how they fell in love.
Paired on a long haul flight, their relationship begins with a simple line, ‘Tell me about yourself Alex’ and so it begins.

They discover that they are from different walks of life – in fact their loves couldn’t be more different. Dylan is a former High School dropout who is back on the straight and narrow, trying to distance himself from his deadbeat dad, whilst Alex, the daughter of a US Diplomat, spends her life studying and trying to please her overbearing parents.

Whilst it is clear that Alex and Dylan are attracted to each other, they are both aware that they are only going to be in each other’s company for a few weeks and that what they have can never ‘be permanent’.... yet, what they have holds a promise of forever.


We travel with them on a student trip to Israel, where we are treated to rich descriptions of the crowded streets of Tel Aviv, lush visuals of the area surrounding the Dead Sea and you can almost feel the hustle and bustle of the cobbled streets of Jerusalem.

A View From Forever is a love story with added extras. I enjoyed that fact that throughout the book we are shown both sides of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and its effects on both members of the prospective communities.

I really loved this story, which could be read as a stand alone novel, but I cannot recommend highly enough that you read the other books in this series. They really are wonderful.
4.5 stars

Full review on www.aloveaffairwithbooks.com

[Amie Morgado- We Stole Your Book Boyfriend · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so glad I was able to read this book. I have loved the Thompson sisters and missed them too !! When we met Dylan and Alex in their original book we didn't get much of their back story. Now we finally have it first hand and with both POV's it makes it an amazing read. I have always struggled a bit with the political aspects in these books but honestly it is also something that makes me love the series. These girls are so smart and brave. Being brought up with so many experiences that I would never have the courage to grab. Maybe I struggle because I am jealous of their knowledge of all things worldly !! Anyhow... Dylan and Alex first meet during a student exchange trip to Israel , they may be from two different worlds but their friendship quickly grows into much more. Their trip is so full of culture and beauty , I honestly felt I was with them at times reading the details and envisioning what they were seeing for myself. As much as there was beauty there was also despair. The stories of the families struggles and the abuse that was suffered for many in this area was heartbreaking. Some of these kids still have a great deal of anger towards the past , rightfully so. Dylan and Alex have had their own struggles with their families and although they are so different they fall in love but struggle with what to do with that love knowing this trip is not going to last forever. We know already how things turn out but it didn't matter to me. I was so caught up in their emotion that I almost forgot. This Dylan we meet is such a different Dylan than we knew , it is sad to know where he is heading but Dylan struggled with his future and made the choices he thought best. If only the trip didn't have to end. It was so painful reading their goodbyes and hearing their promises of keeping in touch. I was devastated but again very happy to have read how it all began and get to know the people they were then.

[Anima · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've read the other books in the Thompson Sisters series you know Alex and Dylan. You know their future and the love that unites them. This is how their story began during that high school trip abroad, just Alex (not Alexandra) and Dylan (troubled teen with a serious heart). A teenage love story between two incredibly bright, talented, attentive and caring young adults. Aside from love, we are given detailed descriptions of scenery that I can image our author having seen first hand. The historical events would have been researched and studied for they were quite detailed. The chapters have alternating POVs for a continuous storyline. Revisiting Julia and Carrie was a pleasant surprise. You could read this as a standalone or in the appropriate order, either way read Just Remember to Breathe next for the rest of their story. My copy was given by the author for my honest review.

[Julie Kirby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just love Charles books.

Have really enjoyed reading the Thompson Sisters, and even though it is a prequel to Just Remember to Breathe, getting to know how Dylan and Alexandra came about made you fall in love with them more, if that's possible.

We meet these two, at their first meeting, at an airport, lost bags! LOL something so real in a fictional world.

They have an almost instant attraction to each other, who go on to become friends, over the course of their exchange visit trip.

The other characters ere interesting and intriguing.

They are both so young, but had a maturity about them, even before we got to know them in A reason to Breathe.

Reading about the Middle East countries really makes me want to go and visit them and maybe one day i will.

I loved Dylan's and Alex's interaction, how they 'got' each other. If ever you want a couple to succeed its Dylan and Alex.

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just adore the Thompson Sisters, so I jumped at the chance to touch base with Alex & Dylan again. We first met them in Just Remember to Breathe. This story gives us a glimpse back in time to how these two people from opposite sides of the tracks and the country find love in each other. I loved falling in love with them all over again, I didn't want it to end.

“I wish this day could last forever.”

Charles really is a master of his craft. His words blend beautifully and keep you engaged in the story. He gives you just enough to keep wanting more, yet gives you details that make you see everything so clearly in your mind. Beautiful, beautiful series. This entire series is a must read.

[RedRedtheycallmeRed · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I loved about this book (and what I've loved about all the Charles Sheehan-Miles books I've read) is that it isn't just a romance book. There is always the underlying theme of politics and war. While I loved reading about how Dylan and Alex first got to know each other, I equally loved the backstory about Israel. Reading about how different the cities were, how the people who live there feel about each other, and the way that Dylan and Alex's opinions were affected by their own backgrounds.

It was great to see glimpses of Carrie and Julia. The sibling relationships, and how much they love and fight for each other, is what I love so much about this series. The side plot about Spot was really touching, too.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this series!!!

The only thing I wish is that this book was longer. I love the characters, and seeing their backstory reiterates this. It honestly reads like the teenagers they were as compared to the adults in later books, which makes it that much more plausible. Brilliant author, fantastic story from start to finish

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my favorite Thompson Sisters book, but still good. The writing is fantastic. Such a smooth read.
I wish there was a little more to the story after the Israel trip though. What happened in those couple years before they end up at school together? How did Dylan end up serving? What happens with Dylan and Rachel? I need more. :)

[Cathy Robak martelli]

<3

Loved the innocence of Alex and Dylan's start. Very sweet story. Was glad to hear how it all began. Forgot the rest of the story so I had to re-read Just Remember to Breathe. This series is too good to read only once.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this author, I love these characters. I'm so happy we got another snippet into the lives of the Thompson Sisters :)

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful addition to this series. I had just finished reading The Thompson Sisters series last week so their stories were still very fresh in my mind. Loved it!

[DrunkenCherry · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Ein Blick aus der Ewigkeit" ist die Vorgeschichte zu "Vergiss nicht zu atmen" und wurde wohl erst nach Beenden der Thompson-Sisters Trilogie geschrieben. Klar, dass der Autor hier nicht so tief gehen kann, wie es in der Hauptgeschichte möglich ist, dennoch hat mir etwas gefehlt.
Ich lese die Geschichten in der Reihenfolge, in der sie gedacht sind, nicht, in der sie erschienen sind, deswegen kann ich noch nicht sagen, wie mir Dylans und Alex Hauptstory zusagen wird, doch ich denke, dass sie mehr Potenzial hat als diese Geschichte hier.
Denn Charles Sheehan-Miles ist ein grandioser Autor und schreibt einfach wunderbar.
Mir gefällt, dass auch in dieser Geschichte wieder viel über Politik geschrieben wurde, was im New Adult Genre ja sonst kaum vorkommt. Ich glaube auch, dass der Autor viel von sich selbst in seine Bücher gibt und hatte oft eine leise Ahnung, dass es Momente in der Story gab, die er vielleicht selbst erlebt haben könnte.
Die Kulisse von Jerusalem ist etwas ganz besonderes. Ich habe auf jeden Fall etwas gelernt und manchmal kam es mir ein wenig vor wie Kurzurlaub.
Dylan und Alex sind als Charaktere sehr sympathisch, obwohl ich fand, dass sie sich etwas unbedarft und ihrem Alter nicht immer etsprechend verhalten haben. Körperlich hätte es da mehr zur Sache gehen können, denn außer Küsse passiert hier nicht viel.
Ich bereue nicht, die Geschichte gelesen zu haben, da ich Prequells eigentlich immer gut finde, bin jetzt aber richtig heiß auf "Vergiss nicht zu atmen" um zu erfahren, was aus Alex und Dylan geworden ist, nachdem sie sich hier kennengelernt haben.

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

A View from Forever by Charles Sheehan-Miles is a sweet teenage love story, for the most part. As my third book in the series, it is still a bit too politically biased for my taste, but the story line is good and I am interested in the characters. I bought the full collection of Thompson Sisters, so I suppose I will continue to read. This one is mostly a travel story with really brilliant descriptions. Mental pictures were definitely made.

[Anja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Während Alex, die Tochter eines US-Botschafters, alle Annehmlichkeiten der Welt erleben durfte, stammt Dylan aus recht einfachen und bescheidenen Verhältnissen. Doch während eines Schüleraustauschprogramms in Israel kommen sich die beiden sehr nahe, obwohl es kaum eine Chance gibt, dass aus dieser Beziehung etwas Dauerhaftes entstehen könnte. Denn dafür leben sie einfach viel zu weit entfernt, er in Atlanta, sie in San Francisco. Gibt es dennoch eine Chance?

Charles Sheehan-Miles ist vielen Lesern bereits ein Begriff. Durch seine emotionalen Geschichten wie „Die letzte Stunde“ oder „Vergiss nicht zu atmen“ hat er sich bereits einen Namen gemacht und die Thompson-Geschwister lebendig werden lassen. Mit diesem Werk „Ein Blick aus der Ewigkeit“ wagt er sich noch einmal einen Schritt zurück und beschreibt das Kennenlernen von Alex und Dylan.

Abwechselnd werden beide Seiten der der Beziehung beleuchtet und bringen so die Gedanken von Alex und Dylan dem Leser hautnah näher.
Alex ist 16 und fühlt sich einsam, obwohl sie aus einer großen Familie stammt. Doch emotionale Wärme hat sie kaum erfahren können. Einzig ihre Schwestern bieten ihr einen gewissen Halt im Leben. Dylan hingegen hat es endlich geschafft, seinen Weg zu gehen. Er ist aus der Obdachlosigkeit und dem Drogen-/ Alkoholkonsum ins Haus seiner Mutter zurückgekehrt und führt nun ein gesünderes Leben. Vom ersten Moment an, als er Alex am Flughafen sieht, kann er nicht aufhören, an sie zu denken. Ganz langsam lernen sie sich besser kennen und verlieben sich schließlich ineinander.

Die Romanze von den beiden wird sehr lebendig, mitreißend und gefühlsbetont erzählt. Alles wirkt leicht, frisch und vertraut. Sie harmonieren einfach perfekt und hinterlassen einen positiven und erfreulichen Eindruck. Der Leser wünscht den beiden einfach nur das Beste und ist die ganze Zeit im Bann der Liebe gefangen.

Auch die Hintergrundgeschichten sind vielschichtig und tiefgründig recherchiert. So reist die Jugendgruppe durch Israel und lernt dort die Differenzen zwischen den Juden und Arabern kennen. Die Kluft zwischen den Palästinensern und den Israelis. Welche Bedeutung es hat, ein Jude zu sein. Also auch politisch ist es sehr anspruchsvoll und informativ.

Wer bisher noch kein Buch aus der Reihe kennen sollte, kann mit diesem Werk bedenkenlos starten, denn die Beziehung ist ein Startpunkt im kompletten Handlungsverlauf und bietet so einen erfrischenden Auftakt. Doch auch Leser, die bereits die anderen Bücher kennen, dürfen hier gerne zugreifen, denn so kann die sensible und intensive Beziehung von Dylan und Alex noch viel besser verstanden werden.

Authentisch, emotional und mitreißend!

Mein persönliches Fazit:
Für Fans der Reihe ist dieses Buch ein absolutes Muss!
Dylan und Alex sind meine beiden absoluten Lieblingscharaktere, dessen Schicksal mich schon immer bewegt hat. Nun konnte ich endlich einen Blick auf ihren Anfang werden und mich noch viel mehr auf die beiden einlassen. Ich fühlte mich hervorragend unterhalten und konnte nicht mehr aufhören zu lesen. Dieses Buch bekommt auf jeden Fall einen Ehrenplatz in meinem Buchregal!

[Aliena · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm too old for stupid teenage angst. So I dnf at 37%. I really liked the other books in the series, but this one was so full of unnecessary teenage angst, slut shaming and prejudice, that I just couldn't go on.

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short story of how Alex and Dylan met on their trip. I really enjoyed it hoping for another story to kick off from that point to where they broke up and what happened in those months of separation. What can I say I love Charles and his writing abilities!

[Star Girl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this the least in the series. While it was well written as usual, the story was not very exciting.