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Until We Meet Again
Will the stars align for Cassandra and Lawrence in Renee Collins' sweeping contemporary romance with a dash of 1920's glamour Country clubs and garden parties. The last thing Cassandra wants is to spend the summer before her senior year marooned in a snooty Massachusetts shore town. Cass craves drama and adventure, which is hard when she just feels stuck. But when a dreamy stranger shows up on her family's private beach, claiming that it is his property―and that the year is 1925―Cass is swept into a mystery a hundred years in the making. As she searches for answers in the present, Cass discovers a truth that thrusts Lawrence's life into jeopardy. It won't matter which century he is from if he won't live to see tomorrow. Desperate to save the boy who's come to mean everything to her, Cassandra must find a way to change history…or risk losing Lawrence forever. "Until We Meet Again is tragically beautiful with twists you won't see coming."―Martina Boone, author of Compulsion and the Heirs of Watson Island trilogy "A beach house, a mystery, and time-travel love make Until We Meet Again a romantic, engaging read."―Deb Caletti, National Book Award Finalist for Honey, Baby, Sweetheart "I didn't want it to end."―Kasie West, author of The Fill-In Boyfriend
336 pages, Paperback
First published November 3, 2015
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7860 people want to read
About the author
Renee Collins
3 books321 followersI'm the author of Relic, Until We Meet Again, and Remember Me Always. I love historical settings, magic, and semi-tragic romance. I am represented by Jessica Regel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 597 reviews
October 17, 2015
1.5 stars because I'll admit that the book is quite beautifully-written and I enjoyed the ending. Everything else, however...
Meet Cassandra. Self-centred, bratty rich girl who has been forced to stay at her parents' summer house in a "ritzy, historic neighborhood" and hang out on their private beach. What fresh hell is this, she wonders, in between the parties and relaxation.
Naturally, she responds to her cruel fate by acting out and trespassing on private property. But then - *gasp* - her evil parents ground her for like two days when she gets escorted home in the middle of the night by a security guard. A grounding that does not include parties, shopping, or dates with cute boys, it seems.
Then one night, when poor Cassandra is out on her private beach and "pondering the subtle anguish of life" (direct quote, I did not make that up), she meets an unbelievably gorgeous, dreamy guy who both quotes poetry and writes his own.
It's just too good. I couldn't make this shit up in the emo diaries I wrote at thirteen. Turns out this dude is from 1925 and also rich beyond belief. He is such an empty character, a gorgeous void filled with romanticism and Emily Dickinson quotes. It's hard to believe that even younger readers will buy into this romance and fall for Lawrence.
And a few other things...
No chemistry. There was absolutely none there for me. Probably because Cassandra and Lawrence never felt real to me, constantly spewing emo nonsense and poetry.
Lawrence doesn't react to Cassandra's language. Before they each discover that they are from different times, Cassandra uses many words that Lawrence can't possibly know. "Cell phone", for example. And yet, Lawrence doesn't ask what she means, express confusion, or in any way indicate that she's said something he doesn't understand.
This is a book for hardcore romance lovers only. It's high on the cheese factor and low on complexity and character development. A very basic tale of starcrossed emo lovers and I disliked them both.
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Meet Cassandra. Self-centred, bratty rich girl who has been forced to stay at her parents' summer house in a "ritzy, historic neighborhood" and hang out on their private beach. What fresh hell is this, she wonders, in between the parties and relaxation.
Naturally, she responds to her cruel fate by acting out and trespassing on private property. But then - *gasp* - her evil parents ground her for like two days when she gets escorted home in the middle of the night by a security guard. A grounding that does not include parties, shopping, or dates with cute boys, it seems.
Then one night, when poor Cassandra is out on her private beach and "pondering the subtle anguish of life" (direct quote, I did not make that up), she meets an unbelievably gorgeous, dreamy guy who both quotes poetry and writes his own.
It's just too good. I couldn't make this shit up in the emo diaries I wrote at thirteen. Turns out this dude is from 1925 and also rich beyond belief. He is such an empty character, a gorgeous void filled with romanticism and Emily Dickinson quotes. It's hard to believe that even younger readers will buy into this romance and fall for Lawrence.
And a few other things...
No chemistry. There was absolutely none there for me. Probably because Cassandra and Lawrence never felt real to me, constantly spewing emo nonsense and poetry.
He sighs. "Have you ever been in a room full of people and felt completely alone? And everything around you, the lights, the champagne, the people, it all feels so..."
"Empty?"
"Exactly."
Lawrence doesn't react to Cassandra's language. Before they each discover that they are from different times, Cassandra uses many words that Lawrence can't possibly know. "Cell phone", for example. And yet, Lawrence doesn't ask what she means, express confusion, or in any way indicate that she's said something he doesn't understand.
This is a book for hardcore romance lovers only. It's high on the cheese factor and low on complexity and character development. A very basic tale of starcrossed emo lovers and I disliked them both.
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dnf
August 5, 2016I'm a sucker for romances done well, but I knew pretty quickly this book was not for me. Not only do these two take forever to sort out that they're from different eras (despite obvious clues and more than enough time), the writing is just...painfully earnest and stilted and unsophisticated. It tries too hard to force emotion and admiration for the characters and their actions, without being the least bit convincing; even the moneyed setting and the literary asides seemed unnatural.
I stopped after a few chapters, though I skimmed here and there and then read the ending, which was exactly what I would have wanted, at least. It's just a shame that what should have been a sweepingly romantic, bittersweet story ended up feeling so very cable-movie-of-the-week.
This might've been something with few more rounds of edits, perhaps, and further development of characters and themes. Oh, well.
A review copy was provided by the publisher.
I stopped after a few chapters, though I skimmed here and there and then read the ending, which was exactly what I would have wanted, at least. It's just a shame that what should have been a sweepingly romantic, bittersweet story ended up feeling so very cable-movie-of-the-week.
This might've been something with few more rounds of edits, perhaps, and further development of characters and themes. Oh, well.
A review copy was provided by the publisher.
April 23, 2015
This book is beautiful in every way.
February 29, 2016
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to SOURCEBOOKS Fire and NetGalley.)
This was a YA time-travel romance, with a bittersweet ending.
Cassandra wasn’t the nicest person at the beginning of this book, and she was pretty rude to her parents and Lawrence. Thankfully she improved as the book went along though, and started to think of other people than herself all the time.
The storyline in this was about Cass and Lawrence meeting on a beach and getting a bit confused over where each lived as they lived in the same house just in different time periods, and eventually working out that something weird was going on. We got a little bit about the butterfly effect, and then Cass found out that Lawrence was going to be murdered on the beach in less than two weeks’ time, and set out to change that, even though she should have considered the butterfly effect again.
The pace in this was a bit slow, and I did find it hard to stay interested.
The ending to this was pretty bittersweet, although what can you really expect from a time-travel romance?
6 out of 10
“We part. Then, like magnets, our lips come together again.”
This was a YA time-travel romance, with a bittersweet ending.
Cassandra wasn’t the nicest person at the beginning of this book, and she was pretty rude to her parents and Lawrence. Thankfully she improved as the book went along though, and started to think of other people than herself all the time.
The storyline in this was about Cass and Lawrence meeting on a beach and getting a bit confused over where each lived as they lived in the same house just in different time periods, and eventually working out that something weird was going on. We got a little bit about the butterfly effect, and then Cass found out that Lawrence was going to be murdered on the beach in less than two weeks’ time, and set out to change that, even though she should have considered the butterfly effect again.
The pace in this was a bit slow, and I did find it hard to stay interested.
The ending to this was pretty bittersweet, although what can you really expect from a time-travel romance?
6 out of 10
June 22, 2015
4.5 stars
I LOOOVED this book!!
It was exactly what I was looking for: a fantasy book with a strong, heart-throbbing romance.
But there were so many more elements to this story:
* Mob families
* Murder mystery
* Time travel
* Romance
* Jealousy
* Tragedy
SO MANY AWESOME THINGS!!
My only complaint was that it did feel a bit "fluffy" at times with regards to the romance (which is weird, given the events of the story). Sometimes it felt a little bit silly, I guess. Less epic and more like fun entertainment, which is still perfectly okay. It just felt like a book that you can't take 100% seriously.
I LOOOVED this book!!
It was exactly what I was looking for: a fantasy book with a strong, heart-throbbing romance.
But there were so many more elements to this story:
* Mob families
* Murder mystery
* Time travel
* Romance
* Jealousy
* Tragedy
SO MANY AWESOME THINGS!!
My only complaint was that it did feel a bit "fluffy" at times with regards to the romance (which is weird, given the events of the story). Sometimes it felt a little bit silly, I guess. Less epic and more like fun entertainment, which is still perfectly okay. It just felt like a book that you can't take 100% seriously.
November 19, 2015
DNF at 30%
I was really looking forward to reading this book because blurb appealed to me on many levels. Unfortunately, result was very unsatisfactory and even those 30% I managed to read felt like colossal waste of my time. I dare to say that it’s every reader’s nightmare to have someone like Cassandra as narrator of the book (if only there were more chapters written in Lawrence’s POV). And as soon as insta-love (and no chemistry between main protagonists) showed its ugly head, I knew that it was time to put this book down.
I didn’t like Cassandra from the get-go. Spoiled, whiny, arrogant, rude, stupid, judgmental...she was nonstop getting on my nerves. Unless you enjoy being annoyed, she is the kind of character that you truly do not want to narrate the book which you are reading.
I was really looking forward to reading this book because blurb appealed to me on many levels. Unfortunately, result was very unsatisfactory and even those 30% I managed to read felt like colossal waste of my time. I dare to say that it’s every reader’s nightmare to have someone like Cassandra as narrator of the book (if only there were more chapters written in Lawrence’s POV). And as soon as insta-love (and no chemistry between main protagonists) showed its ugly head, I knew that it was time to put this book down.
I didn’t like Cassandra from the get-go. Spoiled, whiny, arrogant, rude, stupid, judgmental...she was nonstop getting on my nerves. Unless you enjoy being annoyed, she is the kind of character that you truly do not want to narrate the book which you are reading.
May 31, 2016
Oh the ANGST is strong in this one.
I'm a sucker for star-crossed romances. Because, in my opinion they make for the best love stories. So imagine my excitement when I read the blurb of this book. Sounds fantastic, amiright? I just knew this book was going to give me a case of ALL the feels.
Boy was I wrong.
Until We Meet Again, is the poster child for "Novels That Could Have Been Way Better". The writing at times was lovely and poetic, but there was an unevenness to it that, as a whole, left the text choppy and coarse.
The characters were unremarkable in every way. Cassandra was supremely immature and selfish, and altogether unlikable. Lawrence's character was completely over-the-top with all of his poetic charms and brooding sensuality. Both were highly frustrating characters to deal with, and putting them together was just a amalgam of melodramatics and angst. Their romance still has me rolling my eyes, because the author took absolutely no time at all to even build up an attraction between them before they started declaring their lives to one another. Ugh! It was both laughable and painful to read.
One of my pet peeves with YA novels, in particular, is when the author fades out the MC's family because why not. For me it just makes the story that much more unbelievable, and I think it's pretty lazy on the author's part. This novel is no exception. I seriously forgot that Cass had a little brother named Eddie and a step-father named Frank until the very ending when they were reintroduced again. That's never a good thing.
But going back to the plot, there was just an extreme lack of substance to it. I got so tired of Cass running to go see Lawrence. Them getting upset with each other and running away. Then Cass running to go see Lawrence.... AND REPEAT. Like that's the majority of the book! I'm not even exaggerating when I say that. The angst was just so overwhelming! And the minor mystery that was involved was pretty obvious to me. There was such a lack of subtlety to it, I mean unless you're really not paying attention, you won't be surprised. Oh and there's a ton of plot convenience and plot holes and just at times this novel makes no sense at all.
Until We Meet Again was a novel that got my hopes up and let me down big time. It was extremely easy to put down and failed spectacularly to hold my attention. Sure, there was some beautiful prose here and there, but the only great thing about this book was the ending (which was pretty much perfection) but even that isn't enough for me to recommend this book.
I'm a sucker for star-crossed romances. Because, in my opinion they make for the best love stories. So imagine my excitement when I read the blurb of this book. Sounds fantastic, amiright? I just knew this book was going to give me a case of ALL the feels.
Boy was I wrong.
Until We Meet Again, is the poster child for "Novels That Could Have Been Way Better". The writing at times was lovely and poetic, but there was an unevenness to it that, as a whole, left the text choppy and coarse.
The characters were unremarkable in every way. Cassandra was supremely immature and selfish, and altogether unlikable. Lawrence's character was completely over-the-top with all of his poetic charms and brooding sensuality. Both were highly frustrating characters to deal with, and putting them together was just a amalgam of melodramatics and angst. Their romance still has me rolling my eyes, because the author took absolutely no time at all to even build up an attraction between them before they started declaring their lives to one another. Ugh! It was both laughable and painful to read.
One of my pet peeves with YA novels, in particular, is when the author fades out the MC's family because why not. For me it just makes the story that much more unbelievable, and I think it's pretty lazy on the author's part. This novel is no exception. I seriously forgot that Cass had a little brother named Eddie and a step-father named Frank until the very ending when they were reintroduced again. That's never a good thing.
But going back to the plot, there was just an extreme lack of substance to it. I got so tired of Cass running to go see Lawrence. Them getting upset with each other and running away. Then Cass running to go see Lawrence.... AND REPEAT. Like that's the majority of the book! I'm not even exaggerating when I say that. The angst was just so overwhelming! And the minor mystery that was involved was pretty obvious to me. There was such a lack of subtlety to it, I mean unless you're really not paying attention, you won't be surprised. Oh and there's a ton of plot convenience and plot holes and just at times this novel makes no sense at all.
Until We Meet Again was a novel that got my hopes up and let me down big time. It was extremely easy to put down and failed spectacularly to hold my attention. Sure, there was some beautiful prose here and there, but the only great thing about this book was the ending (which was pretty much perfection) but even that isn't enough for me to recommend this book.
October 16, 2015
Oh my god! This book was something special. The story was right up my alley and I loved every single part of it. It was the best ever!
On vacation with her family, Cassandra is bored out of her mind until she meets a boy on the beach named Lawrence. But there's something strange about Lawrence; the way he talks, the way he dresses. Lawrence in the meantime also thinks there's something about Cassandra. Eventually they find out they're from two different times. She lives in 2015 and he in 1925, and they're only able to meet on the beach. Nevertheless they fall in love...
I loved this book because it was partly set in 2015 and 1925. I absolutely love reading about the roaring twenties so this was awesome for me. I also loved Cassandra and Lawrence's relationship. I liked how they came together on the beach and connected even though almost a century seperated them.
The story was a bit of a race, because Cassandra wanted to try and save Lawrence and find a way to really be together.
I'm not sure how I feel about the ending. It was really bittersweet but on the other hand I loved it. It was also very beautiful. One hint: have tissues at hand. You'll need them, trust me.
On vacation with her family, Cassandra is bored out of her mind until she meets a boy on the beach named Lawrence. But there's something strange about Lawrence; the way he talks, the way he dresses. Lawrence in the meantime also thinks there's something about Cassandra. Eventually they find out they're from two different times. She lives in 2015 and he in 1925, and they're only able to meet on the beach. Nevertheless they fall in love...
I loved this book because it was partly set in 2015 and 1925. I absolutely love reading about the roaring twenties so this was awesome for me. I also loved Cassandra and Lawrence's relationship. I liked how they came together on the beach and connected even though almost a century seperated them.
The story was a bit of a race, because Cassandra wanted to try and save Lawrence and find a way to really be together.
I'm not sure how I feel about the ending. It was really bittersweet but on the other hand I loved it. It was also very beautiful. One hint: have tissues at hand. You'll need them, trust me.
December 13, 2015
4.5 stars
Until We Meet Again first caught my attention because of its alluring and stunning cover – and then I found out that it’s about a romance that transcends time. Consider me a complete cheeseball, but I’m a sucker for these types of stories. Wait for it, it gets better. There’s a time-travel aspect, and it goes back to the roaring twenties, aka my favorite time period! Of course, I was hoping against hope that Until We Meet Again would become a favorite for 2015. While it didn’t end up being a favorite, it certainly comes close.
BEST ROMANCE I’VE READ IN A LONG TIME
I’m going to come forth and say it: the romance is a central idea in Until We Meet Again. Despite popular opinion, this worked out in my favor because I’m a huge romance junkie.
The romance is prominent throughout the entire story, and I was enamored by the love between Cassandra and Lawrence. They develop an attraction rather quickly, but it didn’t feel like insta-love to me. I felt that their romance was genuine and perhaps happened faster than others, but they’re more of those couples that just connect on a deep level and just click.
The ending really pulled at my heartstrings and the romance is just so well done and beautiful. The romance in Until We Meet Again is the best romance I’ve read in a long time.
FUN TIME TRAVEL-Y STUFF
I highly enjoyed the way Collins wrote about how the characters explore the time-travel. There’s a real curiosity that shines through among Cassandra and Lawrence, and even the way Collins explains the time-travel phenomena is concise and not confusing at all. I’m also delighted to say that the 1920s atmosphere is a nice touch to the story.
MURDER MYSTERY
Can Until We Meet Again get any more awesome? It has literally everything I want in a story – including a little mystery fun. There is, in fact, a bit of murder mystery in this story and I think it adds just the perfect amount of intrigue without the story getting too cluttered. Readers will be flipping pages like wildfire!
ROMANTIC, EXCITING, AND FUN
Until We Meet Again is really anything I could ask for in a YA novel. It’s purely entertaining, has a romance that’s to die for, and an excitingly thrilling murder mystery. If you’ve been craving a time-travel romance, pick this one up – you won’t regret it.
Check out this review and more at Books and Other Happy Ever Afters
Until We Meet Again first caught my attention because of its alluring and stunning cover – and then I found out that it’s about a romance that transcends time. Consider me a complete cheeseball, but I’m a sucker for these types of stories. Wait for it, it gets better. There’s a time-travel aspect, and it goes back to the roaring twenties, aka my favorite time period! Of course, I was hoping against hope that Until We Meet Again would become a favorite for 2015. While it didn’t end up being a favorite, it certainly comes close.
BEST ROMANCE I’VE READ IN A LONG TIME
I’m going to come forth and say it: the romance is a central idea in Until We Meet Again. Despite popular opinion, this worked out in my favor because I’m a huge romance junkie.
The romance is prominent throughout the entire story, and I was enamored by the love between Cassandra and Lawrence. They develop an attraction rather quickly, but it didn’t feel like insta-love to me. I felt that their romance was genuine and perhaps happened faster than others, but they’re more of those couples that just connect on a deep level and just click.
The ending really pulled at my heartstrings and the romance is just so well done and beautiful. The romance in Until We Meet Again is the best romance I’ve read in a long time.
FUN TIME TRAVEL-Y STUFF
I highly enjoyed the way Collins wrote about how the characters explore the time-travel. There’s a real curiosity that shines through among Cassandra and Lawrence, and even the way Collins explains the time-travel phenomena is concise and not confusing at all. I’m also delighted to say that the 1920s atmosphere is a nice touch to the story.
MURDER MYSTERY
Can Until We Meet Again get any more awesome? It has literally everything I want in a story – including a little mystery fun. There is, in fact, a bit of murder mystery in this story and I think it adds just the perfect amount of intrigue without the story getting too cluttered. Readers will be flipping pages like wildfire!
ROMANTIC, EXCITING, AND FUN
Until We Meet Again is really anything I could ask for in a YA novel. It’s purely entertaining, has a romance that’s to die for, and an excitingly thrilling murder mystery. If you’ve been craving a time-travel romance, pick this one up – you won’t regret it.
Check out this review and more at Books and Other Happy Ever Afters
February 21, 2020
Full Review on The Candid Cover
Until We Meet Again is an epic time travel novel. This book is so interesting since it is half set in the present and half 1925. There is a determined and clever main character who matures throughout the book and becomes more likeable. This book is such an entertaining read!
I absolutely loved the use of time travel in Until We Meet Again. Cassandra, who is from 2015, and Lawrence, who is from 1925, meet each other on a private beach, each of them claiming that it is their own. The way the two characters are so confused when they time travel is so entertaining. Lawrence, being from the past, learns about the world today and discovers things like Starburst candy. Cassandra, being from the present, thinks Lawrence is insane, since he doesn’t know about modern objects. It is so enlivening reading about Cassandra and Lawrence’s shock towards time travel.
My favourite thing about Until We Meet Again is how the book is half historical fiction. The book is mainly set in present date, but in Lawrence’s point of view, the book goes back to the 1920s. It is so interesting reading about the social events and the fashion back then. I am not a big historical fiction reader, so this book was the perfect way to read historical, but not too much of it.
Cassandra is a really great character for Until We Meet Again. She is brave, determined, and very resourceful. She does everything she can to meet up with Lawrence, which is quite difficult, considering he is from the past. She even attempts to research Lawrence from the 1920s at the library, which is quite successful. Honestly, Cassandra started out as a character that is not very likeable, and sort of whiny, but gradually becomes mature. I am a big fan of transformations in books, so Cassandra’s character was enjoyable for me.
Until We Meet Again is an interesting time travel novel that is part historical fiction, part contemporary. There is a determined main character who becomes very mature. I would recommend this book because it is a nice change from the typical contemporary and a quick and easy read, perfect for cozying up with this season.
Until We Meet Again is an epic time travel novel. This book is so interesting since it is half set in the present and half 1925. There is a determined and clever main character who matures throughout the book and becomes more likeable. This book is such an entertaining read!
I absolutely loved the use of time travel in Until We Meet Again. Cassandra, who is from 2015, and Lawrence, who is from 1925, meet each other on a private beach, each of them claiming that it is their own. The way the two characters are so confused when they time travel is so entertaining. Lawrence, being from the past, learns about the world today and discovers things like Starburst candy. Cassandra, being from the present, thinks Lawrence is insane, since he doesn’t know about modern objects. It is so enlivening reading about Cassandra and Lawrence’s shock towards time travel.
My favourite thing about Until We Meet Again is how the book is half historical fiction. The book is mainly set in present date, but in Lawrence’s point of view, the book goes back to the 1920s. It is so interesting reading about the social events and the fashion back then. I am not a big historical fiction reader, so this book was the perfect way to read historical, but not too much of it.
Cassandra is a really great character for Until We Meet Again. She is brave, determined, and very resourceful. She does everything she can to meet up with Lawrence, which is quite difficult, considering he is from the past. She even attempts to research Lawrence from the 1920s at the library, which is quite successful. Honestly, Cassandra started out as a character that is not very likeable, and sort of whiny, but gradually becomes mature. I am a big fan of transformations in books, so Cassandra’s character was enjoyable for me.
Until We Meet Again is an interesting time travel novel that is part historical fiction, part contemporary. There is a determined main character who becomes very mature. I would recommend this book because it is a nice change from the typical contemporary and a quick and easy read, perfect for cozying up with this season.
October 4, 2015
What a beautiful, touching little story…
Cassandra is on summer vacation with her mom and new stepdad. While adjusting to a new family dynamic and missing her best friend she wanders to the beach one evening. It’s on this beach she meets Lawrence, but there’s something just slightly off about him. Nevertheless, they connect over feeling lonely and trying to figure out their place in the world.
Soon they realise that Lawrence is from 1925 and the beach is the only place they can be together.
Cassandra is your typical angst-ridden and sullen teenage girl with a rebellious streak, but I loved her sarcasm and self-deprecating humour.Lawrence was an impossibly dreamy H. The sensitive and sexy boy of many teenage girls’ dreams.
Together their love story is beautifully romantic.
But it’s the constant slew of twists and secrets that kept me turning the pages. I was torn between rushing to the finish to find out how it all turns out and not wanting to miss any of the beautiful moments between Lawrence and Cassandra.
Although there was a case of instalove I still felt a connection to the characters and got invested in their story. I gasped and felt fear right along with them. The ending was bittersweet, tying up seemingly inconsequential events that left me both happy and shedding a tear.
I loved the author’s flowery writing style and would recommend this if you’re looking for a quick sweet and enjoyable YA read.
(ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review )
Cassandra is on summer vacation with her mom and new stepdad. While adjusting to a new family dynamic and missing her best friend she wanders to the beach one evening. It’s on this beach she meets Lawrence, but there’s something just slightly off about him. Nevertheless, they connect over feeling lonely and trying to figure out their place in the world.
Soon they realise that Lawrence is from 1925 and the beach is the only place they can be together.
Cassandra is your typical angst-ridden and sullen teenage girl with a rebellious streak, but I loved her sarcasm and self-deprecating humour.Lawrence was an impossibly dreamy H. The sensitive and sexy boy of many teenage girls’ dreams.
Together their love story is beautifully romantic.
But it’s the constant slew of twists and secrets that kept me turning the pages. I was torn between rushing to the finish to find out how it all turns out and not wanting to miss any of the beautiful moments between Lawrence and Cassandra.
Although there was a case of instalove I still felt a connection to the characters and got invested in their story. I gasped and felt fear right along with them. The ending was bittersweet, tying up seemingly inconsequential events that left me both happy and shedding a tear.
I loved the author’s flowery writing style and would recommend this if you’re looking for a quick sweet and enjoyable YA read.
(ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review )
August 13, 2015
Just a moment ..
....
Ok I’m done!
The book’s cover captivated me so much and the blurb says it’s the teen version of The Time Travelers Wife which I didn’t read but saw the movie anyway and sobbed.
I had doubts if this book is going to be good because the concept of time travel is complicated, you know with all the ripple effect of the Time space continuum any changes you make in the past will alter the future BIG TIME! But in this novel it’s all simple. This book is a fast paced read most people find it amazing, I wish that I could say the same thing. Don’t get me wrong, and don’t let my review refrain you from reading it. I like it, I swooned a bit, the mystery kept me hanging, BUT this book appeared to be silly at times that the plot’s beauty is overpowered with teen drama and loses its depth.
It has a double POV. Lawrence who exist in 1925 and Cassandra who is living in the present and they are able to co-exist in the beach alone and never beyond that. I had a lot of problem about Cassandra, she’s really insufferable, acting like an angst ridden teenager, ugh! Really her dramas tainted everything that is supposed to be beautiful and poetic in this book…
Gee thanks Cassandra!
But thank the universe for Lawrence because it made all things bearable, the guy writes poetry! Yay!
"Of truth and sea, her eyes become bound, endless in the vast beyond. And morning starlight’s milky shine reverberates her soul in mine.”
I love poetry and gah I don’t care if it’s cheesy OK! I enjoyed his POV.
And I so did not expect to cry in the end , I have no empathy towards Cassandra (sorry for hating her so much) but that ending tug on my heartstrings, I think it was perfect and seeing the back cover choked me with tears … because of the tears it earned another star.
Yeah … never mind me here … my emotions are useless to you … try reading the book and get back with my emotions and tell me if it’s all worth it …
~received and ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review~
....
Ok I’m done!
The book’s cover captivated me so much and the blurb says it’s the teen version of The Time Travelers Wife which I didn’t read but saw the movie anyway and sobbed.
I had doubts if this book is going to be good because the concept of time travel is complicated, you know with all the ripple effect of the Time space continuum any changes you make in the past will alter the future BIG TIME! But in this novel it’s all simple. This book is a fast paced read most people find it amazing, I wish that I could say the same thing. Don’t get me wrong, and don’t let my review refrain you from reading it. I like it, I swooned a bit, the mystery kept me hanging, BUT this book appeared to be silly at times that the plot’s beauty is overpowered with teen drama and loses its depth.
It has a double POV. Lawrence who exist in 1925 and Cassandra who is living in the present and they are able to co-exist in the beach alone and never beyond that. I had a lot of problem about Cassandra, she’s really insufferable, acting like an angst ridden teenager, ugh! Really her dramas tainted everything that is supposed to be beautiful and poetic in this book…
Gee thanks Cassandra!
But thank the universe for Lawrence because it made all things bearable, the guy writes poetry! Yay!
"Of truth and sea, her eyes become bound, endless in the vast beyond. And morning starlight’s milky shine reverberates her soul in mine.”
I love poetry and gah I don’t care if it’s cheesy OK! I enjoyed his POV.
And I so did not expect to cry in the end , I have no empathy towards Cassandra (sorry for hating her so much) but that ending tug on my heartstrings, I think it was perfect and seeing the back cover choked me with tears … because of the tears it earned another star.
Yeah … never mind me here … my emotions are useless to you … try reading the book and get back with my emotions and tell me if it’s all worth it …
~received and ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review~
August 19, 2015
I was given an ARC copy of this book by the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Actual rating: 4.25 stars
From the time that I read Until We Meet Again's synopsis earlier this year, it's been one of my most anticipated releases. Imagine my delight when I got approved for an eARC copy though Netgalley! I was eager to read it, however I tried to hold myself back since I wanted to read it closer to the release date. Now here I am, more than 2 months before the release date, already writing a review.
For all my eagerness to read this book, I'm really glad that it did not disappoint since I'm usually disappointed when I'm too excited for something. Until We Meet Again has a unique take on the concept of time travel and it's definitely different from any other book I've read before. In my opinion, it has a bit of a Tuck Everlasting feel to it, because of that sort of mystic feeling that they both possess.
Until We Meet Again was a quick and easy read. It has been quite a long time since I last read more than half of a book in a sitting, but this one did it! Plus, it definitely broke through my reading slump!
I have mixed feelings about the ending. It was really beautifully written, but I'm still not sure if I'm happy or sad about it. There were things that I liked, and there were things that I didn't really like. Overall though, this was a pretty great book, and I'm just so glad that I wasn't disappointed.
Actual rating: 4.25 stars
From the time that I read Until We Meet Again's synopsis earlier this year, it's been one of my most anticipated releases. Imagine my delight when I got approved for an eARC copy though Netgalley! I was eager to read it, however I tried to hold myself back since I wanted to read it closer to the release date. Now here I am, more than 2 months before the release date, already writing a review.
For all my eagerness to read this book, I'm really glad that it did not disappoint since I'm usually disappointed when I'm too excited for something. Until We Meet Again has a unique take on the concept of time travel and it's definitely different from any other book I've read before. In my opinion, it has a bit of a Tuck Everlasting feel to it, because of that sort of mystic feeling that they both possess.
Until We Meet Again was a quick and easy read. It has been quite a long time since I last read more than half of a book in a sitting, but this one did it! Plus, it definitely broke through my reading slump!
I have mixed feelings about the ending. It was really beautifully written, but I'm still not sure if I'm happy or sad about it. There were things that I liked, and there were things that I didn't really like. Overall though, this was a pretty great book, and I'm just so glad that I wasn't disappointed.
February 14, 2018
One of the things that drew me to this site (Goodreads) and other online spaces, such as forums and blogs, is that I know, personally, just about no one who is interested in reading the same books as I am. Once you find it, it's addicting and amazing to talk to all these like-minded people who read the best stuff out there.
With that being said, it's a rare thing indeed to find a living breathing soul out in the real world who actually reads the same things as you. I was lucky enough to move into the same neighborhood as one such individual, Renee Collins.
Now, I've been a blogger/blog book reviewer for quite a number of years (yikes, is it 8 already?!) and I've had the chance to read/review lots of books from people I consider friends. None of them have I had to face in real life, but I find the conundrum much the same. On one hand, I have been amazed at the simple fact that this person I know (that I KNOW) can actually string a whole sentence together. WITH WORDS!
On the other hand, I've also read those books I just had to put down. And I guess there's a third hand, because this using hands to tell my story is a terrible idea, there have been others that were just meh.
What I guess I'm trying to say is that I am not reliable when it comes to reviewing my friends books. You have to be the judge. I attempt some degree of objectivity, but you just can't trust that and that's simply the best I can do.
Renee Collins is a great friend and I really enjoyed her book. Simply put. Take from that what you will.
Now, teen romances are not my normal fair, not even close. I think it was the time travel (ish) aspect that really made it a fun romp for me and the fact that I thought she had the characters down pat. Cassandra is kind of a spoiled brat in a way. She's lived a life of luxury and gotten her way quite a bit so she acts like that. She's also a typical teenager in the present day.
Lawrence, the love-interest resident of the same house as Cassandra , is your gentleman teen of the '20s (kinda cool/creepy at the same time right?). Their relationship is unbelievable of course, but that's what makes this work as well. I like that she didn't go too much into the details of why there's a rift in time. Kind of like Stephen King's 11/22/63, it's just there, let's move on. There are so many aspects of the 1920s that would just be amazing to visit ... and then you remember they don't have air conditioner...
I won't spoil this too much I think, but I think the most powerful part of the book for me was the ending. Renee pulls no punches here and gives this book the proper ending . I'll leave it at that and let you read to find out.
It's suspenseful, fun, and reminded me what it's like to be a teenager again. Maybe I need to read more teen romances. I had a blast and highly recommend Until We Meet Again.
4 out of 5 stars (highly recommended)
With that being said, it's a rare thing indeed to find a living breathing soul out in the real world who actually reads the same things as you. I was lucky enough to move into the same neighborhood as one such individual, Renee Collins.
Now, I've been a blogger/blog book reviewer for quite a number of years (yikes, is it 8 already?!) and I've had the chance to read/review lots of books from people I consider friends. None of them have I had to face in real life, but I find the conundrum much the same. On one hand, I have been amazed at the simple fact that this person I know (that I KNOW) can actually string a whole sentence together. WITH WORDS!
On the other hand, I've also read those books I just had to put down. And I guess there's a third hand, because this using hands to tell my story is a terrible idea, there have been others that were just meh.
What I guess I'm trying to say is that I am not reliable when it comes to reviewing my friends books. You have to be the judge. I attempt some degree of objectivity, but you just can't trust that and that's simply the best I can do.
Renee Collins is a great friend and I really enjoyed her book. Simply put. Take from that what you will.
Now, teen romances are not my normal fair, not even close. I think it was the time travel (ish) aspect that really made it a fun romp for me and the fact that I thought she had the characters down pat. Cassandra is kind of a spoiled brat in a way. She's lived a life of luxury and gotten her way quite a bit so she acts like that. She's also a typical teenager in the present day.
Lawrence, the love-interest resident of the same house as Cassandra , is your gentleman teen of the '20s (kinda cool/creepy at the same time right?). Their relationship is unbelievable of course, but that's what makes this work as well. I like that she didn't go too much into the details of why there's a rift in time. Kind of like Stephen King's 11/22/63, it's just there, let's move on. There are so many aspects of the 1920s that would just be amazing to visit ... and then you remember they don't have air conditioner...
I won't spoil this too much I think, but I think the most powerful part of the book for me was the ending. Renee pulls no punches here and gives this book the proper ending . I'll leave it at that and let you read to find out.
It's suspenseful, fun, and reminded me what it's like to be a teenager again. Maybe I need to read more teen romances. I had a blast and highly recommend Until We Meet Again.
4 out of 5 stars (highly recommended)
May 31, 2015
Don't mind me. Just crying over this book.
January 6, 2016
Renee Collins' Until We Meet Again is a young adult time-travel romance with a unique concept. It's the story of two teens who meet despite being in two separate centuries. Both are at a crossroads in their lives and don't know what they want to do with their futures.
Great Hook. Poor execution. This book had a really great concept but the book lacked development, good dialogue, and a clean execution. I'd seen several early reviews of this one and was really excited to jump into this book because, prior to picking up this book, I hadn't read a young adult time travel novel before. This book ended up being really disappointing. Let me explain.
Character Voice. In the beginning, Cassandra is all brooding and upset because she's forced to spend the summer with her mom and stepdad at their rented summer house in Massachusetts instead of vacationing in France. She tries to break into a neighbors' pool but gets caught and subsequently grounded. The reason why she decides breaking into the pool is unknown, other than an excuse for her parents to be upset with her, which is convenient for the plot.
I struggled to like Cassandra. Granted, I know she is a teenager and teenagers make bad choices. But my problem was with Cassandra's voice. It was very exaggerated and lacked subtlety. In the beginning, she came across as a very whiny teen with a cry for attention. As the novel progressed, I didn't really find her to be a very compelling character.
Lawrence is from the 1920's, so the dialect and manner of speech is a bit different to our modern ears. I wasn't alive back then, but I just found the treatment of Lawrence's voice to be a hokey.
I still can't picture this "Internet" and "microfilm" she talks about. Sounds like a bunch of horsefeathers, if you ask me. But she seems to think it can help. I suppose I have no other choice but to trust her.
When the author tries to make 1920’s dialogue sound authentic by adding in terms of the day like “jalopy”, “talkie”, and “hooch” but doing nothing else, Houston we have a problem.
The Romance. This is a romance book. When I read a romance book, I want to be romanced, dang it! I felt absolutely nothing between the characters in this book. One moment, Cassandra and Lawrence are discussing modern technology and the next moment they're in love, kissing, and expressing how they're meant for one another. I think the author wanted to create this epic "love transcends time" kind of love story but that message didn't translate.
Is it pathetic how quickly I assign a persona to a complete stranger and then start imagining what it would be like to fall in love with him?
The Narrative and Dialogue. This book suffered from really cheesy dialogue and narrative. My feelings on the dialogue was probably exacerbated by the fact that I felt nothing for the romance. Because there was no romance (in my opinion), all of the confessions of love came across as being really over-the-top.
How is it that these birds can be together, but Cassandra and I can't?
A determination, stronger than anything I've ever felt, overcomes me. I won't live without her.
If you're a fan of time-travel romances, maybe this book will work better for you. Despite its appealing summary, the story was lacking and I didn't enjoy it like I wanted to.
* I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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February 6, 2019
"I feel like, if this is real, then my dreams can be real. If these feelings I have for you are truth, then the truth of my words is worth fighting for, and it doesn't matter what people expect of me."
Ugh. Books like these break my heart. I like happier endings! It's just too painful.
There is a certain elegant and mysterious charm to this story that keeps me reaching for more. Plus. The TWENTIES. Heck to the yes.
Even so, I truly am not swept away by the descriptions and didn't feel uber-immersed in the world. Plus, the word "pathetic" and many words like it were repeated quite a bit, it was a doozy. Still. Why must endings like this exist? I am definitely not left "ginger peachy." *sighs*
I know not all books must end perfectly, but I prefer the happier endings because I like to read stories that make me happy. This is my eternal struggle with stories like this. Lovely, but not picture perfect. That's okay, but I prefer other stories instead.
Ugh. Books like these break my heart. I like happier endings! It's just too painful.
There is a certain elegant and mysterious charm to this story that keeps me reaching for more. Plus. The TWENTIES. Heck to the yes.
Even so, I truly am not swept away by the descriptions and didn't feel uber-immersed in the world. Plus, the word "pathetic" and many words like it were repeated quite a bit, it was a doozy. Still. Why must endings like this exist? I am definitely not left "ginger peachy." *sighs*
I know not all books must end perfectly, but I prefer the happier endings because I like to read stories that make me happy. This is my eternal struggle with stories like this. Lovely, but not picture perfect. That's okay, but I prefer other stories instead.
November 30, 2015
3.5 stars
I have mixed feelings about this novel. There was a lot to like about this novel….the writing was beautiful, a tender romance, and the ending was beautiful. But I really struggled with Cassandra’s character. This book is a bit of a tear tearjerker so be prepared and have Kleenex handy!
Personally I could never really warm up to her. From the very beginning I was just put off by how upset she was about being ‘forced’ to stay at her parents fancy-schmancy beach house…she had everything she could ever want and I just felt like she more bratty than the situation warranted. Eventually I was kind of ‘alright’ with her but overall I just wasn’t a fan of her and it prevented me from really being able to truly enjoy some aspects of the novel.
The other issue (which really isn’t that big of a deal it was just something that stood out for me and I just felt the need to mention) for me was this book wasn’t marketed as a YA novel but a contemporary novel instead. Part of me felt like this should have been a YA novel based on the fact that Cassandra was so young but another part of me felt like it could have been a traditional adult novel based on the over all story…..it just didn’t seem to fit into any one genre. And while that’s not really a huge deal, I just felt the need to categorize it in some way and I wasn’t able to do that.
All criticisms aside, there was a lot to love with this book. I love books with time travel in them and this fit the bill. I liked the way that Collins explained the whole time travel thing too. It wasn’t overly complex and relatively easy to understand. It wasn’t the most mind blowing time travel type story but I liked it nevertheless and found it intriguing.
Collins’s writing style was also beautiful! I loved how Collins would describe things plus I really liked how the dialogue was written, I could feel the excitement and the tension building in every exchange.
This book seems to be like one that you either love or you don’t care for…..ironically for me, I was the minority and fell in the middle. Though I felt that the writing style and the way the story unfolded had me learning more toward a 4 star review, I just couldn’t go all in on the 4 star review and settled for 3.5 stars instead just because I couldn’t connect with Cassandra in the way that I had hoped.
See my full review here
I have mixed feelings about this novel. There was a lot to like about this novel….the writing was beautiful, a tender romance, and the ending was beautiful. But I really struggled with Cassandra’s character. This book is a bit of a tear tearjerker so be prepared and have Kleenex handy!
Personally I could never really warm up to her. From the very beginning I was just put off by how upset she was about being ‘forced’ to stay at her parents fancy-schmancy beach house…she had everything she could ever want and I just felt like she more bratty than the situation warranted. Eventually I was kind of ‘alright’ with her but overall I just wasn’t a fan of her and it prevented me from really being able to truly enjoy some aspects of the novel.
The other issue (which really isn’t that big of a deal it was just something that stood out for me and I just felt the need to mention) for me was this book wasn’t marketed as a YA novel but a contemporary novel instead. Part of me felt like this should have been a YA novel based on the fact that Cassandra was so young but another part of me felt like it could have been a traditional adult novel based on the over all story…..it just didn’t seem to fit into any one genre. And while that’s not really a huge deal, I just felt the need to categorize it in some way and I wasn’t able to do that.
All criticisms aside, there was a lot to love with this book. I love books with time travel in them and this fit the bill. I liked the way that Collins explained the whole time travel thing too. It wasn’t overly complex and relatively easy to understand. It wasn’t the most mind blowing time travel type story but I liked it nevertheless and found it intriguing.
Collins’s writing style was also beautiful! I loved how Collins would describe things plus I really liked how the dialogue was written, I could feel the excitement and the tension building in every exchange.
This book seems to be like one that you either love or you don’t care for…..ironically for me, I was the minority and fell in the middle. Though I felt that the writing style and the way the story unfolded had me learning more toward a 4 star review, I just couldn’t go all in on the 4 star review and settled for 3.5 stars instead just because I couldn’t connect with Cassandra in the way that I had hoped.
See my full review here
July 29, 2015
Am I the only one who did not like it? I was pretty excited since the plot seemed insanely good, two teenagers finding love on a beach, the only thing that comes between them is approximately a hundred years. It sounds catchy, right?
Although the vibe of the book was kind of mesmerizing – I couldn't help but fall in love a little with the whole promise land nature of the beach, and Lawrence's words made me smile a few times, I could not feel the chemistry between the main characters, sometimes it was way too sappy, and I did not like how Cassandra treated the people around them. They only appeared when she needed them for something. And the rhetorical questions! There wasn't a single page without asking a stupid question which usually screams back at me from the back cover of a cheesy romance novel. Will their love find a way? Could they save each other? Let's find out, whoooo. And not just Cassandra. You'd think that if a book was written with multiple POV, at least one of them would be different.
It was killing me.
Although the vibe of the book was kind of mesmerizing – I couldn't help but fall in love a little with the whole promise land nature of the beach, and Lawrence's words made me smile a few times, I could not feel the chemistry between the main characters, sometimes it was way too sappy, and I did not like how Cassandra treated the people around them. They only appeared when she needed them for something. And the rhetorical questions! There wasn't a single page without asking a stupid question which usually screams back at me from the back cover of a cheesy romance novel. Will their love find a way? Could they save each other? Let's find out, whoooo. And not just Cassandra. You'd think that if a book was written with multiple POV, at least one of them would be different.
It was killing me.
September 15, 2015
Meh. Review up tomorrow. Possibly. More like whenever I feel like writing it, and honestly I'm not feeling enthusiastic about it at all.
Wealthy, Jackass Girl meets Dreamy, Poetry-writing-soul-staring Boy. It is a forbidden love! There are Circumstances that are so horrible that needs to be capitalised! Some seriously obvious plot points that charges at you like a freight train! Lots of exclamation points! How utterly exciting!
tldr; that angsty teenage fanfiction you wrote in your diary, but published.
Wealthy, Jackass Girl meets Dreamy, Poetry-writing-soul-staring Boy. It is a forbidden love! There are Circumstances that are so horrible that needs to be capitalised! Some seriously obvious plot points that charges at you like a freight train! Lots of exclamation points! How utterly exciting!
tldr; that angsty teenage fanfiction you wrote in your diary, but published.
January 19, 2016
So torn over this one. I think 4-ish stars. Maybe a little less. But not 3.5. I have a lot of feelings.
Review to come.
Review to come.
June 17, 2015
Oh goodness. I have just finished this book and it is one of the most beautifully tragic love stories! I laughed and cried (oh how I cried! But that might also have to do with the fact that I’m overly emotional facing the fact that my family has to move from the little town I’ve grown to love and all the people around me).
I don’t know if it was the differing genre, but Renee Collin’s writing has come alive for me in a COMPLETELY different way from her first published novel, “Relic”. Because I know Renee in real life, reading “Relic”, I often heard Renee’s voice while reading. I expected it to happen again. It didn’t. Cass (Cassandra) has SUCH a strong voice, that even though I expected to hear Renee’s voice, from page one I didn’t. And Lawrence…..well, let’s just say he’s every girl’s dream (insert over-dramatic sigh here)!
But I’m getting ahead of myself…Let me give you the synopsis on the back cover:
“Country clubs and garden parties. The last thing Cassandra wants is to spend the summer before her senior year marooned in a snooty Massachusetts shore town. Cass craves drama and adventure, which is hard to find when she just feels stuck. But when a dreamy stranger shows up on her family’s private beach, claiming that it is his property-and that the year is 1925-Cass is swept into a mystery a hundred years in the making. As she searches for answers in the present, Cass discovers a truth that thrusts Lawrence’s life into jeopardy. It won’t matter which century he is from if he won’t live to see tomorrow. Desperate to save the boy who’s come to mean everything to her, Cassandra must find a way to change history…or risk losing Lawrence forever.”
It’s a modern day Gatsby with a MUCH happier(?) satisfying (?) ending, despite the tragedies that occur within. And it also felt reminiscent of a Nicholas Sparks novel love story, geared towards the YA audience. And of COURSE there are mobsters. There are a couple things that are left unresolved, but they are fairly insignificant and I’m probably just weird to be wondering about them.
The teen logic and thought process is authentic-even within the era of each character. The 1925 lingo is almost cliché, but in the most endearing way. The questions of time travel are ever present, trying to figure out what will and won’t have a drastic effect on now….the idea that time exists concurrently and parallel….that’s always been mind boggling to me. I want to know HOW IT WORKS! But it’s not real, so how on Earth can it be logically explained? It can’t! I mean, is the evidence of one thing proof of an event? Or can everything be changed in the blink of an eye if something did or did not occur? But don’t we have little bits of our lives that are like that? Little coincidental, seemingly insignificant events that later prove to have life altering consequences in our lives. For example, when I was 11 and starting 5th grade, we were given the option to start band. I had this burning desire to be in band. I was inexplicitly drawn to music, having BEGGED my parents to let me take piano lessons when I was 8, and now I wanted more! But I had to choose an instrument. At first I wanted alto sax because I loved jazz, but I also loved the sound of the flute. When I realized that piano was a jazz band instrument, my dilemma was solved. I’d play flute in band and piano in jazz band. And because I chose flute and then later became a music major, I met and became friends with a girl named Brandy. Who let me stay with her at her aunt’s house one week in the summer to attend a summer flute clinic with my flute professor. And Brandy took me out every night with her friends from high school. Where I met a guy named Cory. Who would later become my best friend and husband. Who knew picking the flute would have led to all that?? What would my life be like if I went back in time and chose a different instrument to play?? So many of the things in time travel certainly SEEM plausible. If time travel were to indeed exist ☺ But I digress again.
The other thing I loved about this book is how self-centered Cass starts out and to see how she evolves. She may still be a bit egocentric at the end-but what teen isn’t? But her view of life, of love, of what it means to LIVE changes so drastically that you can’t help but know she will live a much deeper and richer life because of it. When you have to pour yourself into someone else’s cause, you’re bound to change. Even if you think you’re doing it for yourself more than anyone else.
There’s also the element of misjudging someone. We don’t always know what motivates people to do what they do. And unless we know that motivation, then maybe we ought to withhold harsh judgments. Of course, you’ll need to make judgments to decide whether or not to associate yourself with certain people to ensure your safety or whatnot, but we cannot judge an individual unless we have the whole story-and you usually don’t get the whole story.
It was so refreshing to have a single, stand alone novel to read that’s not a series, no sequels (and you don’t feel like it NEEDS a sequel either). Would to the powers that be that this would turn into a film. It would be so AMAZING!
I don’t know a lot of actress names….but I’ll try to pull up some who are dopplegangers for my imagination at least based on looks.
Cass: http: Maddie Hasson//www.imdb.com/name/nm4487976/
Claire Junlien http://www.imdb.com/name/nm4903197/ (photo 17)
Indiana Evans http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1505375/
Lawrence: This one is proving MOST difficult…
Asa Butterfield (with dark contacts) http://www.imdb.com/media/rm283246080...
Gabriel Basso (with died hair, he’s close to the right age) http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2773059/
Liam James (with dark contacts) http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0416699/
Fay: (this one requires more imagination since you have to picture current actresses with 1920’s hair and make up….and the voice would need to be just right too) Phoebe Tonkin http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2100081/
Kate Findlay http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3818748/
Maia Mitchell http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2314596/
I don’t know if it was the differing genre, but Renee Collin’s writing has come alive for me in a COMPLETELY different way from her first published novel, “Relic”. Because I know Renee in real life, reading “Relic”, I often heard Renee’s voice while reading. I expected it to happen again. It didn’t. Cass (Cassandra) has SUCH a strong voice, that even though I expected to hear Renee’s voice, from page one I didn’t. And Lawrence…..well, let’s just say he’s every girl’s dream (insert over-dramatic sigh here)!
But I’m getting ahead of myself…Let me give you the synopsis on the back cover:
“Country clubs and garden parties. The last thing Cassandra wants is to spend the summer before her senior year marooned in a snooty Massachusetts shore town. Cass craves drama and adventure, which is hard to find when she just feels stuck. But when a dreamy stranger shows up on her family’s private beach, claiming that it is his property-and that the year is 1925-Cass is swept into a mystery a hundred years in the making. As she searches for answers in the present, Cass discovers a truth that thrusts Lawrence’s life into jeopardy. It won’t matter which century he is from if he won’t live to see tomorrow. Desperate to save the boy who’s come to mean everything to her, Cassandra must find a way to change history…or risk losing Lawrence forever.”
It’s a modern day Gatsby with a MUCH happier(?) satisfying (?) ending, despite the tragedies that occur within. And it also felt reminiscent of a Nicholas Sparks novel love story, geared towards the YA audience. And of COURSE there are mobsters. There are a couple things that are left unresolved, but they are fairly insignificant and I’m probably just weird to be wondering about them.
The teen logic and thought process is authentic-even within the era of each character. The 1925 lingo is almost cliché, but in the most endearing way. The questions of time travel are ever present, trying to figure out what will and won’t have a drastic effect on now….the idea that time exists concurrently and parallel….that’s always been mind boggling to me. I want to know HOW IT WORKS! But it’s not real, so how on Earth can it be logically explained? It can’t! I mean, is the evidence of one thing proof of an event? Or can everything be changed in the blink of an eye if something did or did not occur? But don’t we have little bits of our lives that are like that? Little coincidental, seemingly insignificant events that later prove to have life altering consequences in our lives. For example, when I was 11 and starting 5th grade, we were given the option to start band. I had this burning desire to be in band. I was inexplicitly drawn to music, having BEGGED my parents to let me take piano lessons when I was 8, and now I wanted more! But I had to choose an instrument. At first I wanted alto sax because I loved jazz, but I also loved the sound of the flute. When I realized that piano was a jazz band instrument, my dilemma was solved. I’d play flute in band and piano in jazz band. And because I chose flute and then later became a music major, I met and became friends with a girl named Brandy. Who let me stay with her at her aunt’s house one week in the summer to attend a summer flute clinic with my flute professor. And Brandy took me out every night with her friends from high school. Where I met a guy named Cory. Who would later become my best friend and husband. Who knew picking the flute would have led to all that?? What would my life be like if I went back in time and chose a different instrument to play?? So many of the things in time travel certainly SEEM plausible. If time travel were to indeed exist ☺ But I digress again.
The other thing I loved about this book is how self-centered Cass starts out and to see how she evolves. She may still be a bit egocentric at the end-but what teen isn’t? But her view of life, of love, of what it means to LIVE changes so drastically that you can’t help but know she will live a much deeper and richer life because of it. When you have to pour yourself into someone else’s cause, you’re bound to change. Even if you think you’re doing it for yourself more than anyone else.
There’s also the element of misjudging someone. We don’t always know what motivates people to do what they do. And unless we know that motivation, then maybe we ought to withhold harsh judgments. Of course, you’ll need to make judgments to decide whether or not to associate yourself with certain people to ensure your safety or whatnot, but we cannot judge an individual unless we have the whole story-and you usually don’t get the whole story.
It was so refreshing to have a single, stand alone novel to read that’s not a series, no sequels (and you don’t feel like it NEEDS a sequel either). Would to the powers that be that this would turn into a film. It would be so AMAZING!
I don’t know a lot of actress names….but I’ll try to pull up some who are dopplegangers for my imagination at least based on looks.
Cass: http: Maddie Hasson//www.imdb.com/name/nm4487976/
Claire Junlien http://www.imdb.com/name/nm4903197/ (photo 17)
Indiana Evans http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1505375/
Lawrence: This one is proving MOST difficult…
Asa Butterfield (with dark contacts) http://www.imdb.com/media/rm283246080...
Gabriel Basso (with died hair, he’s close to the right age) http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2773059/
Liam James (with dark contacts) http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0416699/
Fay: (this one requires more imagination since you have to picture current actresses with 1920’s hair and make up….and the voice would need to be just right too) Phoebe Tonkin http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2100081/
Kate Findlay http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3818748/
Maia Mitchell http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2314596/
December 24, 2018
I’m giving this 3.5 stars, because it wasn’t amazing, but it was also way better than I thought it would be. I almost stopped reading at the beginning of the book, because of Cass’s annoying ass personality, but I stayed for the plot, and the plot was actually really good. The characters sucked, I lowkey didn’t even like the love interest, BUT the plot was decent and the ending was the exact bittersweet one I wanted the author to take.
November 6, 2015
Two and a half stars: A time travel romance that falters with some plot holes.
Cassandra flops down on her bed after her recent grounding. Her summer has been a complete bust. She was dragged away from her friends to spend the summer in a Massachusetts coastal town. Cass is surrounded by rich, phony people, and she hates every minute of it. She is forced to attend yet another boring rich people party, but thankfully, she is able to escape to the beach. As she sits quietly watching the moon rise, Cass notices she isn't alone. A handsome, young man is also out for a stroll. He and Cass start chatting and a friendship is born, but there is something different about Lawrence. When Cass and Lawrence learn the truth, they are shocked How is Cass from 2015 able to meet Lawrence from 1925 on the beach?
What I Liked:
*I am always drawn to a good time travel story, and once the time travel element was unveiled in this book, I was hooked. I liked that the time travel aspect was simple and straight forward without complications. Basically, Cass and Lawrence occupy the same house in different eras, and they can somehow meet on the beach. There is no explanation as to how and why the two can meet, it just is, and sometimes simplicity is the best.
*I liked the mystery surrounding Lawrence. I was certainly surprised at the turn of events, especially when it came to unmasking the villain. This is a murder mystery if you will with mafia, crime bosses and betrayal.
*I was surprised by Fay. She comes across as a girl who is used to getting her way because of her sexy good looks. She is always throwing herself at Lawrence, and I didn't like that. However, as the book progresses, there is more to Fay than meets the eye, and I was glad to learn the truth about her, and I appreciated her actions at the end.
*I liked that Cass has two supportive parents. Her mother and stepfather are present throughout, and they play important parts in the story. No absentee parenting. I especially liked how Cass' mother came through for her at the end.
*I was pleasantly surprised by the ending. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I ended up liking the way it clicked into place.
And The Not So Much:
*There were a few too many plot holes for me. For instance, it took a little too long for Lawrence and Cass to realize something was off about the other. I didn't get why Lawrence didn't seem confused when Cass was yelling at him about cell phones and such, not to mention her attire. Then I couldn't figure out why as soon as Cass learned the truth about Lawrence that she wasn't looking him up on the internet. She decides to go to the library and look through micro film? What curious teenager wouldn't have whipped out her phone immediately and done an internet search? What was the deal with Brandon? That whole thing felt thrown in and didn't go anywhere. There were several more little niggles like these that just didn't work for me.
*Even though I liked the simplicity of the whole time travel thing, it didn't make sense that all of sudden other people could appear on the same beach. At first, only Cass and Lawrence could show up on the beach, but then other people were able to get there too. I didn't get that at all.
*I had a hard time with both Cass and Lawrence's characters and their romance. Cass starts out the book as a spoiled, indulged teenager behaving badly. I didn't like her at all, thankfully, she gets better. Lawrence is sweet and swoony and a poet, but he just felt too good to be true. Their romance moves incredibly fast and it is on the insta love side. I am sure others will love it, but for me, it was a bit cheesy.
*The first few chapters were rough. It opens with Cass brooding and getting into trouble. I couldn't stand Cass early on, and I was tempted to set the book aside. Thankfully, once the whole time travel element is introduced the book gets much better.
*Even though I liked the end, I was left wanting a bit more explanation about Lawrence.
Until We Meet Again is an interesting time travel book that faltered with some problems with the whole time travel plot. I also didn't feel the romance, and I struggled with the main characters. I did, for the most part, like the simplicity of the time travel and I was pleasantly surprised by the ending. This is a book I am sure many will enjoy, but for me, it was a bit of a miss.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.
Cassandra flops down on her bed after her recent grounding. Her summer has been a complete bust. She was dragged away from her friends to spend the summer in a Massachusetts coastal town. Cass is surrounded by rich, phony people, and she hates every minute of it. She is forced to attend yet another boring rich people party, but thankfully, she is able to escape to the beach. As she sits quietly watching the moon rise, Cass notices she isn't alone. A handsome, young man is also out for a stroll. He and Cass start chatting and a friendship is born, but there is something different about Lawrence. When Cass and Lawrence learn the truth, they are shocked How is Cass from 2015 able to meet Lawrence from 1925 on the beach?
What I Liked:
*I am always drawn to a good time travel story, and once the time travel element was unveiled in this book, I was hooked. I liked that the time travel aspect was simple and straight forward without complications. Basically, Cass and Lawrence occupy the same house in different eras, and they can somehow meet on the beach. There is no explanation as to how and why the two can meet, it just is, and sometimes simplicity is the best.
*I liked the mystery surrounding Lawrence. I was certainly surprised at the turn of events, especially when it came to unmasking the villain. This is a murder mystery if you will with mafia, crime bosses and betrayal.
*I was surprised by Fay. She comes across as a girl who is used to getting her way because of her sexy good looks. She is always throwing herself at Lawrence, and I didn't like that. However, as the book progresses, there is more to Fay than meets the eye, and I was glad to learn the truth about her, and I appreciated her actions at the end.
*I liked that Cass has two supportive parents. Her mother and stepfather are present throughout, and they play important parts in the story. No absentee parenting. I especially liked how Cass' mother came through for her at the end.
*I was pleasantly surprised by the ending. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I ended up liking the way it clicked into place.
And The Not So Much:
*There were a few too many plot holes for me. For instance, it took a little too long for Lawrence and Cass to realize something was off about the other. I didn't get why Lawrence didn't seem confused when Cass was yelling at him about cell phones and such, not to mention her attire. Then I couldn't figure out why as soon as Cass learned the truth about Lawrence that she wasn't looking him up on the internet. She decides to go to the library and look through micro film? What curious teenager wouldn't have whipped out her phone immediately and done an internet search? What was the deal with Brandon? That whole thing felt thrown in and didn't go anywhere. There were several more little niggles like these that just didn't work for me.
*Even though I liked the simplicity of the whole time travel thing, it didn't make sense that all of sudden other people could appear on the same beach. At first, only Cass and Lawrence could show up on the beach, but then other people were able to get there too. I didn't get that at all.
*I had a hard time with both Cass and Lawrence's characters and their romance. Cass starts out the book as a spoiled, indulged teenager behaving badly. I didn't like her at all, thankfully, she gets better. Lawrence is sweet and swoony and a poet, but he just felt too good to be true. Their romance moves incredibly fast and it is on the insta love side. I am sure others will love it, but for me, it was a bit cheesy.
*The first few chapters were rough. It opens with Cass brooding and getting into trouble. I couldn't stand Cass early on, and I was tempted to set the book aside. Thankfully, once the whole time travel element is introduced the book gets much better.
*Even though I liked the end, I was left wanting a bit more explanation about Lawrence.
Until We Meet Again is an interesting time travel book that faltered with some problems with the whole time travel plot. I also didn't feel the romance, and I struggled with the main characters. I did, for the most part, like the simplicity of the time travel and I was pleasantly surprised by the ending. This is a book I am sure many will enjoy, but for me, it was a bit of a miss.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.
November 3, 2015
Until We Meet Again completely blew me away. Truly an emotional story with wonderful writing and two intriguing characters that will have you invested greatly.
I haven't read many books about time-travel, and in this one I loved how the author delivered the element of two very different time periods crossing only on the beach. Both Cassandra and Lawrence had this longing in their hearts, and they found some sort of peace by the water. From the moment of their first encounter to the ending of the story, they had me so convinced of their feelings and I could feel every spark between them. They had me smiling, crying, just utterly pulled into the story. I went in with an open mind and without expectations, and in the end it made such an impact on me that I'll probably be thinking about the characters for a long time.
I liked how both were on summer vacation at that house, it made things more interesting because they seemed to be in the right place and at the right time. And it's amazing how something as otherworldly like that was taking place on that beach whenever the moon was in a particular phase, and possibly no one before Cassandra or Lawrence had experienced just what they had. It made their encounter that much more special, in my opinion. Because in a way, it felt like that only happened just for them. Just so they could meet.
Of course, there was always that side of me that suspected something would happen because they were after all, meant to be years apart. And something did happen to make them think they probably shouldn't be talking, much less developing feelings for each other. And for a moment there Cassandra tried to keep away from Lawrence and anything having to do with the beach, but then she finds out something horrible and just had to try and save him. They had a pull between them too that even if she hadn't learned about his demise, she probably still would have gone back to the beach.
Speaking of demise, I liked how the story wasn't all about their blooming romance, individually they had their issues and were after all, two young adults trying to figure stuff out. Lawrence wanted to do so much. He had dreams he wanted to accomplish and yearned for the support and understanding of his family, but sadly his life was planned out for him and it was hard to go against his father and uncle. Cassandra had her problems too, but I was particular curious about her relationship with her mom. There were moments I didn't like her mother and wanted Cass to stand up to her, but I had to consider the situation and in time, I understood her mother's intention and saw that she had nothing but love for her daughter.
Aside from their individual family issues, there was also an inclusion of mystery. A major part of the story, actually, and I liked how Cass and Lawrence sought out information in the way one would in their time. Amid the amazement of crossing times and basking in this sweet romance, fear still loomed around them and like both characters, I wanted so badly to know who did that to Lawrence and why. I had my suspicions about the girl he was promised to marry, but it seemed too easy to just blame her and in the end, I understood why.
The story entails a lot more but I don't want to give too much away. Instead, I'll conclude by saying definitely give this one a read. The bittersweet romance between Cass and Lawrence will have you tearing up. I knew from the beginning it would be difficult for them to be together, being that one would have to choose to leave their time for the other. But every moment they shared was still rather interesting and I was rooting for their love right to the end. It's a quick read with a beautiful summer setting and alluring writing. Like I said, emotional. So do have tissue nearby.
I haven't read many books about time-travel, and in this one I loved how the author delivered the element of two very different time periods crossing only on the beach. Both Cassandra and Lawrence had this longing in their hearts, and they found some sort of peace by the water. From the moment of their first encounter to the ending of the story, they had me so convinced of their feelings and I could feel every spark between them. They had me smiling, crying, just utterly pulled into the story. I went in with an open mind and without expectations, and in the end it made such an impact on me that I'll probably be thinking about the characters for a long time.
I liked how both were on summer vacation at that house, it made things more interesting because they seemed to be in the right place and at the right time. And it's amazing how something as otherworldly like that was taking place on that beach whenever the moon was in a particular phase, and possibly no one before Cassandra or Lawrence had experienced just what they had. It made their encounter that much more special, in my opinion. Because in a way, it felt like that only happened just for them. Just so they could meet.
Of course, there was always that side of me that suspected something would happen because they were after all, meant to be years apart. And something did happen to make them think they probably shouldn't be talking, much less developing feelings for each other. And for a moment there Cassandra tried to keep away from Lawrence and anything having to do with the beach, but then she finds out something horrible and just had to try and save him. They had a pull between them too that even if she hadn't learned about his demise, she probably still would have gone back to the beach.
Speaking of demise, I liked how the story wasn't all about their blooming romance, individually they had their issues and were after all, two young adults trying to figure stuff out. Lawrence wanted to do so much. He had dreams he wanted to accomplish and yearned for the support and understanding of his family, but sadly his life was planned out for him and it was hard to go against his father and uncle. Cassandra had her problems too, but I was particular curious about her relationship with her mom. There were moments I didn't like her mother and wanted Cass to stand up to her, but I had to consider the situation and in time, I understood her mother's intention and saw that she had nothing but love for her daughter.
Aside from their individual family issues, there was also an inclusion of mystery. A major part of the story, actually, and I liked how Cass and Lawrence sought out information in the way one would in their time. Amid the amazement of crossing times and basking in this sweet romance, fear still loomed around them and like both characters, I wanted so badly to know who did that to Lawrence and why. I had my suspicions about the girl he was promised to marry, but it seemed too easy to just blame her and in the end, I understood why.
The story entails a lot more but I don't want to give too much away. Instead, I'll conclude by saying definitely give this one a read. The bittersweet romance between Cass and Lawrence will have you tearing up. I knew from the beginning it would be difficult for them to be together, being that one would have to choose to leave their time for the other. But every moment they shared was still rather interesting and I was rooting for their love right to the end. It's a quick read with a beautiful summer setting and alluring writing. Like I said, emotional. So do have tissue nearby.
July 23, 2015
Big thanks to SourceBooks Fire Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC copy for review.
I love a beautiful book cover. Actually that is what initially draws me to a book. This one just called out to my attention from NetGalley and I am so glad it did because this was such beautiful and enchanting story. Full of wonder, mystery, elements of time travel, heartbreak and finding everlasting love. Renee Collins really made this an unforgettable for me, and I'll definitely be purchasing a hardcopy in November.
I really liked the main narrator, Cassandra. She was a very down to earth girl, but also relatable. She really grows as a character throughout the novel, and I enjoyed seeing that. Then there is the Lawrence, who I just absolutely adore. He is very handsome of course, but also charming, kind, and well-mannered. The true old fashioned gentleman, and the kind I wish we had more of in the world.
The love story between Cassandra and Lawrence was very romantic and timeless. Separated by 100 years, but by some magical twist of fate are brought together. They really lived in the moment, inspired each other, and cherished all their time together.
We stay that way, locked in a kiss that will endure forever, even if just in our memories. ~ Cassandra
Oh, how I love this couple. When you read this book you'll see what I am talking about. The ending had me a little weepy and I won't say why, but just know there was a big smile on my face reading the last sentence. This will definitely be on my favorite books of 2015.
I love a beautiful book cover. Actually that is what initially draws me to a book. This one just called out to my attention from NetGalley and I am so glad it did because this was such beautiful and enchanting story. Full of wonder, mystery, elements of time travel, heartbreak and finding everlasting love. Renee Collins really made this an unforgettable for me, and I'll definitely be purchasing a hardcopy in November.
I really liked the main narrator, Cassandra. She was a very down to earth girl, but also relatable. She really grows as a character throughout the novel, and I enjoyed seeing that. Then there is the Lawrence, who I just absolutely adore. He is very handsome of course, but also charming, kind, and well-mannered. The true old fashioned gentleman, and the kind I wish we had more of in the world.
The love story between Cassandra and Lawrence was very romantic and timeless. Separated by 100 years, but by some magical twist of fate are brought together. They really lived in the moment, inspired each other, and cherished all their time together.
We stay that way, locked in a kiss that will endure forever, even if just in our memories. ~ Cassandra
Oh, how I love this couple. When you read this book you'll see what I am talking about. The ending had me a little weepy and I won't say why, but just know there was a big smile on my face reading the last sentence. This will definitely be on my favorite books of 2015.
March 4, 2016
This was a great young adult love story between two centuries. Cassandra is your typical teen in the 21st century, dragged along on a family summer vacation she doesn't want to be part of. Cassandra is trying to find her way as a teen, rebelling against her mom and step-father. Cassandra heads to the beach to get away from one of her parents parties to find a stranger on their private beach. This is where we met Lawrence and learn that he is from 1925 and this is his uncles private beach.
Lawrence and Cassandra can only spend time together on the beach and find themselves back there waiting to see the other all the time. What will happen if something in the past gets changed, how will it affect the future, where Cassandra lives? This is a story of romance, time travel and a little bit of mystery. The characters are very easy to like, I do think they could have been a little more complex and developed. I did like both of them very much. I found this story to be enchanting moving between 1925 and 2015, the story is told by both of the main characters point of view but mostly by Cassandra. Can Cassandra help Lawrence with a mystery that will likely change the future? Falling in love with Lawrence will they be able to be together outside of the private beach.
I devoured this book in a couple of days and really felt connect with the characters especially Lawrence. I also really liked the ending. I give this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Lawrence and Cassandra can only spend time together on the beach and find themselves back there waiting to see the other all the time. What will happen if something in the past gets changed, how will it affect the future, where Cassandra lives? This is a story of romance, time travel and a little bit of mystery. The characters are very easy to like, I do think they could have been a little more complex and developed. I did like both of them very much. I found this story to be enchanting moving between 1925 and 2015, the story is told by both of the main characters point of view but mostly by Cassandra. Can Cassandra help Lawrence with a mystery that will likely change the future? Falling in love with Lawrence will they be able to be together outside of the private beach.
I devoured this book in a couple of days and really felt connect with the characters especially Lawrence. I also really liked the ending. I give this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 8, 2015
This was a good story. It wasn't necessarily time travel, because I feel like the beach was kind of an out of time, in between place. And while I had kind of figured out what might be going on back in Lawrence's time, I still had no idea how they would be able to solve the problem without completely messing up the time continuum. I also wondered if any of their theories about what was going on would end up working, so that maybe they could be together. The story was solved in a good way, with an ending that I think was just right.
To read my full review, go to Lisa Loves Literature.
To read my full review, go to Lisa Loves Literature.
November 16, 2016
That was cruel and unnecessary.
November 2, 2015
When I was given the opportunity to join this blog tour I was a little hesitant at first but only because I don’t typically read time-travel books. The whole concept behind time-travel is rather complicated and so I worry that a book of this genre could potentially become bogged down with trying to explain the science of it and all the ripple effects that I’ll lose interest in the story itself. After reading the synopsis for Until We Meet Again I didn’t get the sense that it was that type of time-travel story. It actually sounded more like a YA Romance shrouded in a mystery beyond the questions of how and why one of its main characters was from 1925. There was so much potential for where this story could have gone and so it quickly became one of my most anticipated fall reads. Plus that cover…………just stunning!!
Cassandra is on vacation with her mom and stepdad in a Massachusetts beach town and she’s bored out of her mind! This all changes when she meets Lawrence, a good looking guy who just shows up one day on her family’s very private beach claiming that it’s actually his own. Cassandra notices immediately that there’s something quite different about the way Lawrence speaks and how he’s dressed and doesn’t know what to think when he tells her it’s 1925. Cassandra becomes swept up not only in Lawrence but also in figuring out why he’s there and why they can only be together there on the beach.
There were so many elements to this story that I absolutely loved! First was the dual POV and timeline, this type of storytelling has been a longtime favorite of mine and of course it worked perfectly here. I especially enjoyed Lawrence’s chapters from the 1920’s; it’s not an era I’ve read much about in fiction so I found these chapters about the roaring 20’s so much fun! The second element that I loved was the character development; we don’t get nearly enough of this in YA fiction. At the beginning of the novel I didn’t care too much for Cass, she comes across as rather spoiled and self-centered. But it was such a joy to see how she matured & evolved into this amazing young woman. The things she goes through and experiences in this novel shape her into who she becomes by the end of the novel. She ends up with such a deeper understanding of life and love, it was touching and I just adored her. Then there’s swoon worthy Lawrence who is extremely sexy, sweet and sensitive and yes girls…….. he even writes poetry!!
Now onto the romance, it’s seriously one of the best I’ve read in a very long time! Yes, I guess it is a little “insta-love” or “insta-attraction” but that doesn’t bother me because it sometimes needs to happen for the sake of moving the plot along. The same thing happens in movies yet people are less bothered by it there, why is that? There was such a great connection between these two characters and I was completely invested in their story and their future. And then finally, there’s the whole mystery surrounding Lawrence and why he’s there. I of course am not going to give any details away here because it’s best discovered on your own but I will say that I enjoyed this aspect of the story very much. Some of it I was able to figure out on my own once I could see the possibilities of where the story could be going. But I had no idea which route Collins would take or how it would all play out in the end which kept me reading into the wee hours of the morning to finish the book, tissues in hand.
Until We Meet Again is a book that I would absolutely recommend to readers who enjoy a little bit of everything in their story telling! Even though it’s categorized as a YA read there’s a complexity to the storyline and its characters that will make this book just as enjoyable to adult readers. Because of this, it would also make a wonderful Book Club selection; there are so many themes and possible ending outcomes that could be discussed! I’m so glad that this one lived up to my expectations and excitement and I look forward to reading Renee Collins’ next novel :)
A huge thank you to Rockstar Book Tours for putting together an amazing blog tour and to the publisher, Sourcebooks, for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
Cassandra is on vacation with her mom and stepdad in a Massachusetts beach town and she’s bored out of her mind! This all changes when she meets Lawrence, a good looking guy who just shows up one day on her family’s very private beach claiming that it’s actually his own. Cassandra notices immediately that there’s something quite different about the way Lawrence speaks and how he’s dressed and doesn’t know what to think when he tells her it’s 1925. Cassandra becomes swept up not only in Lawrence but also in figuring out why he’s there and why they can only be together there on the beach.
There were so many elements to this story that I absolutely loved! First was the dual POV and timeline, this type of storytelling has been a longtime favorite of mine and of course it worked perfectly here. I especially enjoyed Lawrence’s chapters from the 1920’s; it’s not an era I’ve read much about in fiction so I found these chapters about the roaring 20’s so much fun! The second element that I loved was the character development; we don’t get nearly enough of this in YA fiction. At the beginning of the novel I didn’t care too much for Cass, she comes across as rather spoiled and self-centered. But it was such a joy to see how she matured & evolved into this amazing young woman. The things she goes through and experiences in this novel shape her into who she becomes by the end of the novel. She ends up with such a deeper understanding of life and love, it was touching and I just adored her. Then there’s swoon worthy Lawrence who is extremely sexy, sweet and sensitive and yes girls…….. he even writes poetry!!
Now onto the romance, it’s seriously one of the best I’ve read in a very long time! Yes, I guess it is a little “insta-love” or “insta-attraction” but that doesn’t bother me because it sometimes needs to happen for the sake of moving the plot along. The same thing happens in movies yet people are less bothered by it there, why is that? There was such a great connection between these two characters and I was completely invested in their story and their future. And then finally, there’s the whole mystery surrounding Lawrence and why he’s there. I of course am not going to give any details away here because it’s best discovered on your own but I will say that I enjoyed this aspect of the story very much. Some of it I was able to figure out on my own once I could see the possibilities of where the story could be going. But I had no idea which route Collins would take or how it would all play out in the end which kept me reading into the wee hours of the morning to finish the book, tissues in hand.
Until We Meet Again is a book that I would absolutely recommend to readers who enjoy a little bit of everything in their story telling! Even though it’s categorized as a YA read there’s a complexity to the storyline and its characters that will make this book just as enjoyable to adult readers. Because of this, it would also make a wonderful Book Club selection; there are so many themes and possible ending outcomes that could be discussed! I’m so glad that this one lived up to my expectations and excitement and I look forward to reading Renee Collins’ next novel :)
A huge thank you to Rockstar Book Tours for putting together an amazing blog tour and to the publisher, Sourcebooks, for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
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