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Across the Way
Love never factored into her agenda, but sometimes fate alters plans.
Marie has her twenties planned out. Her dream to see all fifty states before she turns twenty-five finally comes true. With a two-year trip ahead of her, she says good-bye to her family and her best friend Jayce. Though fearing the trip could change their friendship forever, a pact is formed. They're determined not to let distance impact on their relationship.
Amidst triumph and heartache, new relationships and friendships, Marie soon discovers her journey is so much more than an adventure. Instead, she finally realizes where she truly belongs.
Marie has her twenties planned out. Her dream to see all fifty states before she turns twenty-five finally comes true. With a two-year trip ahead of her, she says good-bye to her family and her best friend Jayce. Though fearing the trip could change their friendship forever, a pact is formed. They're determined not to let distance impact on their relationship.
Amidst triumph and heartache, new relationships and friendships, Marie soon discovers her journey is so much more than an adventure. Instead, she finally realizes where she truly belongs.
- GenresRomance
Paperback
Published January 1, 2016
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October 10, 2016
This story is about Marie, who is going on the road trip of a lifetime to cross an item off her bucket list. She starts in Kentucky and drives up north into Canada and back down the east coast, and then heading west. The places Marie went were nice--it was kind of really cool to see North American geography and landmarks through someone else's eyes. What she felt important to show to me. I've never been to Michigan on the lake, or New Orleans, and it's been years and years since I was in New York, so it was kind of cool to live those places, even if it's through someone else (someone fictional at that... I really need to get out more).
Oh, but wait. There's romance too! In fact, there is a little bit too much for Marie to handle. There's the guy she met along the way who is rather swoon-worthy. Then there's the guy who has always been there. The underlying current throughout the entire book is her mental battle of ping pong over which guy she wants. We don't find out until the end, and I will say I was rather happy with the result. I was Team ***** all the way. (Ha, you think I'm telling you? Nope. You get to go on the mental back-and-forth with Marie to find out.)
I did find a couple inconsistencies in it, but none of them were big enough to make me shut the Kindle and walk away screaming. (And I'm intensely picky and have been known to put books down for the most mundane reasons, so that's really saying a lot.)
My biggest gripe was mostly that Marie meets some interesting characters, especially in the beginning. The old man in the dinner, Sami and Kat--and once she's out of their down, we never hear from them again, but Marie swore she'd stay in touch. I would have loved to have seen a FaceTime with Kat and Sami after they got engaged, or something. Just to bring them full circle and keep them in her life.
All in all, it was a fun trip to go on--and reading this gave me the opportunity to do this trip in a matter of hours instead of spending years on the road, staring at the lines on the road until they blurred and the black dog appeared.
Oh, but wait. There's romance too! In fact, there is a little bit too much for Marie to handle. There's the guy she met along the way who is rather swoon-worthy. Then there's the guy who has always been there. The underlying current throughout the entire book is her mental battle of ping pong over which guy she wants. We don't find out until the end, and I will say I was rather happy with the result. I was Team ***** all the way. (Ha, you think I'm telling you? Nope. You get to go on the mental back-and-forth with Marie to find out.)
I did find a couple inconsistencies in it, but none of them were big enough to make me shut the Kindle and walk away screaming. (And I'm intensely picky and have been known to put books down for the most mundane reasons, so that's really saying a lot.)
My biggest gripe was mostly that Marie meets some interesting characters, especially in the beginning. The old man in the dinner, Sami and Kat--and once she's out of their down, we never hear from them again, but Marie swore she'd stay in touch. I would have loved to have seen a FaceTime with Kat and Sami after they got engaged, or something. Just to bring them full circle and keep them in her life.
All in all, it was a fun trip to go on--and reading this gave me the opportunity to do this trip in a matter of hours instead of spending years on the road, staring at the lines on the road until they blurred and the black dog appeared.
November 7, 2016
Marie has been working hard to save money to go on a trip across parts of the US and Canada before she settles down into her career and future. She has a goal of certain places to see and wants to live life more as she has never left Tennessee up to this point.
Jayce Hewitt is Marie's best friend and has been saving his own money to help Marie with her journey and when Marie no longer needs his money they decide that he will meet up with her at certain points on the trip. Jayce has feelings for Marie and he hopes they will finally be able to move past the "friend" zone.
Brady is not someone Marie ever thought she would meet on her trip yet when she does all her inhibitions are gone and she embarks on a week of passion with him that gradually leads to more through Marie's trip.
Will Marie be able to discover herself through her journey and be able to decide which is the right guy for her in the end when she must make a choice?
I really enjoyed this book and the trip is definitely something I would have loved to do. I was so glad she met Connie, Jayce's cousin, and was able to do it with her. The girls had so fun together and I loved reading the different reactions they had to the different places they went.
At times I was definitely frustrated in the book when Marie was trying to choose between the two guys and who she cared about. I knew who I wanted to win her heart and I just wanted to get in there and lead her to who I believe she should be with.
I found some of the advice Marie was given, like from Parker, interesting and was waiting to see what would happen from that. I loved Buddy and I wish Marie would have talked to him again before the end of the book as I loved his view on love and life!
A great book on self discovery!
Jayce Hewitt is Marie's best friend and has been saving his own money to help Marie with her journey and when Marie no longer needs his money they decide that he will meet up with her at certain points on the trip. Jayce has feelings for Marie and he hopes they will finally be able to move past the "friend" zone.
Brady is not someone Marie ever thought she would meet on her trip yet when she does all her inhibitions are gone and she embarks on a week of passion with him that gradually leads to more through Marie's trip.
Will Marie be able to discover herself through her journey and be able to decide which is the right guy for her in the end when she must make a choice?
I really enjoyed this book and the trip is definitely something I would have loved to do. I was so glad she met Connie, Jayce's cousin, and was able to do it with her. The girls had so fun together and I loved reading the different reactions they had to the different places they went.
At times I was definitely frustrated in the book when Marie was trying to choose between the two guys and who she cared about. I knew who I wanted to win her heart and I just wanted to get in there and lead her to who I believe she should be with.
I found some of the advice Marie was given, like from Parker, interesting and was waiting to see what would happen from that. I loved Buddy and I wish Marie would have talked to him again before the end of the book as I loved his view on love and life!
A great book on self discovery!
March 2, 2017
Across the Way is a story of love, of identity, and of making difficult choices. This book pulled me in from the first page and didn't let me go until the emotional ending.
I loved Marie's character in the book. She was fun-seeking and adventurous. She decides to do something many of us don't get a chance to do--she pursued her bucket list and traveled across the country on an epic adventure. Along the way, she finds a deep friendship with a woman named Constance and also finds a strong romantic connection. As the trip unfolds, though, Marie finds herself pulled between the life she left behind and a relationship with her best friend, Jayce, and the new life she's found on the road.
First, I loved all of the adventure and trips in this book. Marie lives out a dream so many of us have. It was great to live this dream vicariously through her character.
Furthermore, I really connected with Marie. She is a real character because she isn't perfect. She struggles with choices and with finding what she wants in life. I like that she hesitates and changes her mind; it made her feel real to me. I also like her sense of wonder she is able to find in the book and the way she is able to go after what she wants.
This book is fun and light, but also has deep, emotional moments. This book truly has so many facets to it. The writing is well-done, with the pacing and characterization demonstrating amazing skill. I will definitely be reading more works by McClung as she typifies the beauty of romance, the struggle of one's twenties, and the challenge of choosing our life path with extreme grace in this novel.
I loved Marie's character in the book. She was fun-seeking and adventurous. She decides to do something many of us don't get a chance to do--she pursued her bucket list and traveled across the country on an epic adventure. Along the way, she finds a deep friendship with a woman named Constance and also finds a strong romantic connection. As the trip unfolds, though, Marie finds herself pulled between the life she left behind and a relationship with her best friend, Jayce, and the new life she's found on the road.
First, I loved all of the adventure and trips in this book. Marie lives out a dream so many of us have. It was great to live this dream vicariously through her character.
Furthermore, I really connected with Marie. She is a real character because she isn't perfect. She struggles with choices and with finding what she wants in life. I like that she hesitates and changes her mind; it made her feel real to me. I also like her sense of wonder she is able to find in the book and the way she is able to go after what she wants.
This book is fun and light, but also has deep, emotional moments. This book truly has so many facets to it. The writing is well-done, with the pacing and characterization demonstrating amazing skill. I will definitely be reading more works by McClung as she typifies the beauty of romance, the struggle of one's twenties, and the challenge of choosing our life path with extreme grace in this novel.
October 8, 2016
Across the way
LOVED LOVED LOVED this book. I have always wanted to take a trip like Marie did. So many emotions in this book. I hope there's a book about Manny next.
LOVED LOVED LOVED this book. I have always wanted to take a trip like Marie did. So many emotions in this book. I hope there's a book about Manny next.
April 3, 2017
First off, BRAVO!! to Marie for taking a road trip that many of us have on their bucket list, but won't do for many reasons. Mine would mainly be the traveling alone. Don't think I could do this alone. OK, well we all know that being alone changes if you read the story, but still for most of the trip she was alone. Brave, strong, has a big heart and fearless is how I would describe Marie. Her co-travelers Connie and Manny were a nice added bonus.
Besides missing her family she is going to miss her partner in crime, Jayce. This is her BF and she can't imagine her life without him. They make a pact to see each other every few months in one of her cities on her bucket list. She meets some amazing people, well OK some scary people too on her road trip. One of the people she meets, is Constance AKA Connie, Jayce's cousin from Canada. You will instantly fall in love with her, though she breaks my heart. Cries in corner! Why you say? Ha, as if I am going to let the cat out of the bag. Lips are sealed, but you just might want some tissue on hand.
All is going according to plan, Jayce is meeting up with her as planned and she is loving her tour of the states. She meets someone while on the road and let's say that as her heart is stuck ours will tug right along with her. I was so torn, I didn't know who I wanted to choose. I was almost holding out hope for a Brace sandwich. You like the name of my sandwich? Hey if Hollywood can do it so can we. LOL
There are two amazing people and the decision is going to be one of the hardest Marie will ever have to make. Parker is someone she meets in a diner and gives her some good advice. Though I feel that Connie and Manny gave her some as well. Seeing as they could have been one-sided and were not is what makes their friendship so much more real than fictional.
While my heart broke for the unchosen one, I felt that it was for the best. Marie was not ready for something and I don't think she truly would have been 100% happy. OK, this part of the review is hard cause I want to say more and cannot. It will give the result away and I am not saying who or what happens. I will say that from the first chapter you are hooked and then as you see this section again down the road you are like who is it? Cause we never knew their last names so it kept us in suspense. Oh my tummy was twisting here, then it was relieved and then it was twisted again when some unexpected visitors came to visit. Be still your heart is what I will say! In the end it was the right decision, but it doesn't make it easier for Marie and TEAM XXXXX either. Ha you won't figure it out either cause the X's equal the same for both characters.
One of the things I did feel was missing though was background on what happened to those she met on the road that she was to keep in touch with. We never heard anything else on Sami/Kat, the Old Man or the Married guy in the hotel that met. Did they keep in touch? Other than that it was an adventure that we got to live through each state. This is great for us folks that will never see those states, so we got a little history from Marie and friends to fulfill our state checklist.
I am hoping that while we seen the outcome of who it was, that the other person gets their story told with snippets of Marie in there as well. I would love a novella on Manny too, but I don't know if my heart could handle that! Oh who am I kidding! Yes, it will after it heals. I highly recommend this story for those of you who love taking adventures and finding the one.
Besides missing her family she is going to miss her partner in crime, Jayce. This is her BF and she can't imagine her life without him. They make a pact to see each other every few months in one of her cities on her bucket list. She meets some amazing people, well OK some scary people too on her road trip. One of the people she meets, is Constance AKA Connie, Jayce's cousin from Canada. You will instantly fall in love with her, though she breaks my heart. Cries in corner! Why you say? Ha, as if I am going to let the cat out of the bag. Lips are sealed, but you just might want some tissue on hand.
All is going according to plan, Jayce is meeting up with her as planned and she is loving her tour of the states. She meets someone while on the road and let's say that as her heart is stuck ours will tug right along with her. I was so torn, I didn't know who I wanted to choose. I was almost holding out hope for a Brace sandwich. You like the name of my sandwich? Hey if Hollywood can do it so can we. LOL
There are two amazing people and the decision is going to be one of the hardest Marie will ever have to make. Parker is someone she meets in a diner and gives her some good advice. Though I feel that Connie and Manny gave her some as well. Seeing as they could have been one-sided and were not is what makes their friendship so much more real than fictional.
While my heart broke for the unchosen one, I felt that it was for the best. Marie was not ready for something and I don't think she truly would have been 100% happy. OK, this part of the review is hard cause I want to say more and cannot. It will give the result away and I am not saying who or what happens. I will say that from the first chapter you are hooked and then as you see this section again down the road you are like who is it? Cause we never knew their last names so it kept us in suspense. Oh my tummy was twisting here, then it was relieved and then it was twisted again when some unexpected visitors came to visit. Be still your heart is what I will say! In the end it was the right decision, but it doesn't make it easier for Marie and TEAM XXXXX either. Ha you won't figure it out either cause the X's equal the same for both characters.
One of the things I did feel was missing though was background on what happened to those she met on the road that she was to keep in touch with. We never heard anything else on Sami/Kat, the Old Man or the Married guy in the hotel that met. Did they keep in touch? Other than that it was an adventure that we got to live through each state. This is great for us folks that will never see those states, so we got a little history from Marie and friends to fulfill our state checklist.
I am hoping that while we seen the outcome of who it was, that the other person gets their story told with snippets of Marie in there as well. I would love a novella on Manny too, but I don't know if my heart could handle that! Oh who am I kidding! Yes, it will after it heals. I highly recommend this story for those of you who love taking adventures and finding the one.
April 30, 2017
Okay so let me start by saying I am not a triangle type of girl, a good menage yeah but triangle no. Having said that I did actually enjoy this book. The bouncing between guys not physically but more emotionally was annoying but Marie wasn't doing it in a mean way(if that makes sense).
This book kept me hooked and turning pages. I enjoyed the witty dialogue and really felt like I could experience the road trip with the girls. I was extremely invested in the characters and story. I also enjoyed the cameo from the Parker-Harris series. Although I haven't read everything from this author I'm finding that when I pick up one of her books I can expect relatable characters, a fun story, and real emotions.
P.S. I did have fun trying to figure which guy Marie would choose, she definitely kept me guessing. I knew who I wanted but wasn't sure if I'd be happy at the end lol, will you?
This book kept me hooked and turning pages. I enjoyed the witty dialogue and really felt like I could experience the road trip with the girls. I was extremely invested in the characters and story. I also enjoyed the cameo from the Parker-Harris series. Although I haven't read everything from this author I'm finding that when I pick up one of her books I can expect relatable characters, a fun story, and real emotions.
P.S. I did have fun trying to figure which guy Marie would choose, she definitely kept me guessing. I knew who I wanted but wasn't sure if I'd be happy at the end lol, will you?
September 29, 2016
"Across the Way" by Amy McClung
Any McClung's "Across the Way" is an interesting novel. Marie has had a dream of driving her way through every state on the US. She meets a lot of people on her journey, does a lot of sight seeing, and takes her time in each state. Along the way she also finds the live of her life...it takes her over a year to figure it all out. The reader will be able to determine her answer much more quickly.
I really enjoyed the characters in this novel. They all add different perspectives of their part in Marie's journey. They are well developed and relatable. They truly make this novel read worthy.
While I enjoyed the premise of the novel, there were times I found it slow and was not able to hold my attention. What kept me reading were the characters and wanting to know what happened along the way.
I do recommend this novel. It is a good read for a lazy day or a change of pace.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Amazon Link: http://amzn.to/2cUVMrB
Any McClung's "Across the Way" is an interesting novel. Marie has had a dream of driving her way through every state on the US. She meets a lot of people on her journey, does a lot of sight seeing, and takes her time in each state. Along the way she also finds the live of her life...it takes her over a year to figure it all out. The reader will be able to determine her answer much more quickly.
I really enjoyed the characters in this novel. They all add different perspectives of their part in Marie's journey. They are well developed and relatable. They truly make this novel read worthy.
While I enjoyed the premise of the novel, there were times I found it slow and was not able to hold my attention. What kept me reading were the characters and wanting to know what happened along the way.
I do recommend this novel. It is a good read for a lazy day or a change of pace.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Amazon Link: http://amzn.to/2cUVMrB
January 9, 2017
I started reading this book after the author made me curious by saying that there would be something in it that I'd appreciate. I started reading Across the Way around noon and finished it about six pm in the same day. I absolutely loved the characters, they made me laugh, they made me cry, they made me yell out loud at them for being so stupid. I loved the love triangle, and I love the ending.
Marie goes on a trip to visit every state, something I only hope to do sometime in the future, and along the way she finds love. And that is unexpected; she doesn't plan on finding love on her trip. But it doesn't come easily. The tension between the characters at times is so well written and the way it is resolved is fantastic. I have no words about how much I loved this book, besides that the ending made me so excited, because the plot was resolved.
I highly recommend Across the Way, along with all of Amy McClung's books!
Marie goes on a trip to visit every state, something I only hope to do sometime in the future, and along the way she finds love. And that is unexpected; she doesn't plan on finding love on her trip. But it doesn't come easily. The tension between the characters at times is so well written and the way it is resolved is fantastic. I have no words about how much I loved this book, besides that the ending made me so excited, because the plot was resolved.
I highly recommend Across the Way, along with all of Amy McClung's books!
March 11, 2017
I really enjoyed this book and the trip is definitely something I would have loved to do. I was so glad she met Connie, Jayce's cousin, and was able to do it with her. The girls had so fun together and I loved reading the different reactions they had to the different places they went.
At times I was definitely frustrated in the book when Marie was trying to choose between the two guys and who she cared about. I knew who I wanted to win her heart and I just wanted to get in there and lead her to who I believe she should be with.
I found some of the advice Marie was given, like from Parker, interesting and was waiting to see what would happen from that. I loved Buddy and I wish Marie would have talked to him again before the end of the book as I loved his view on love and life!
A great book on self discovery!
At times I was definitely frustrated in the book when Marie was trying to choose between the two guys and who she cared about. I knew who I wanted to win her heart and I just wanted to get in there and lead her to who I believe she should be with.
I found some of the advice Marie was given, like from Parker, interesting and was waiting to see what would happen from that. I loved Buddy and I wish Marie would have talked to him again before the end of the book as I loved his view on love and life!
A great book on self discovery!
January 11, 2017
Oh my. I loved this book. Sometimes our plans change and things happen we don't expect to. Great book
March 13, 2017
Brilliant plot, awesome characters and very, very well-written.
February 19, 2018
Marie had a lifelong dream of seeing all 50 states and although it would difficult to leave her best friend Jayce behind, Marie finally had a chance to live her dream. Starting out from Tennessee she soon finds her way to Michigan and meets Brody where she quickly falls into a “relationship” with him but she has to move on to keep her dream alive. Adding some quick friendships along the way Marie makes her way to Canada and strikes up a friendship with Connie, Jayce’s cousin who causes Marie to question her feelings for Jayce. And while the trip continues with the addition of Connie, Marie’s conflicting feelings for Brody and Jayce continue to be the focus. The ending is where you find out who she chooses and it was a fun story to get there. Steamy sex scenes heated up my Kindle and I liked the ending and epilogue. And yes, I cried in South Dakota 😞
May 2, 2018
Holy wow!
Holy wow. This book has you hooked from beginning to end. This was my first read by the author and a really good one. Marie has a dream of traveling the world. Her best friend Jayce isn't too keen on the idea. On her journey she meets interesting people. Distance makes the heart grow fonder. This book had me on the edge of my seat. I was team Jayce all the way. Brady was cool and all and every girls dream. I had to finish this book to know who she chose. This is a MUST read. Looking forward to reading more of the author's work. Do yourself a favour, pick up this book. You won't regret it.
Holy wow. This book has you hooked from beginning to end. This was my first read by the author and a really good one. Marie has a dream of traveling the world. Her best friend Jayce isn't too keen on the idea. On her journey she meets interesting people. Distance makes the heart grow fonder. This book had me on the edge of my seat. I was team Jayce all the way. Brady was cool and all and every girls dream. I had to finish this book to know who she chose. This is a MUST read. Looking forward to reading more of the author's work. Do yourself a favour, pick up this book. You won't regret it.
February 24, 2020
This book dragged so much and I knew who she was going to choose right from the beginning. It was as if the author deliberately kept focusing on one relationship but kept just enough interest in the other to make the ending make sense. Honestly, I think it failed. The ending didn't make sense, not because I didn't agree with who was chosen, but rather because too much of the story was focused in one direction at the expense of character development in the other direction.
Also there was a lot of boring repetitive travel information that, admittedly, was relevant to the plot but that was poorly executed and sounded like a list being ticked off.
Also there was a lot of boring repetitive travel information that, admittedly, was relevant to the plot but that was poorly executed and sounded like a list being ticked off.
March 7, 2018
Where do I even begin.....This story was amazing and kept me on the edge of my seat. I was so tangled into this love triangle and I was so torn on how it should end. I remember praying that it ended happily because I did't think I could handle anymore heartache. I definitely cried more then once in this story. I really felt like I was watching every bit of this journey play out and I became so attached to these characters. I was really excited to see some hidden surprises throughout for Amy's avid readers. I was jumping for joy and smiles wide when an unexpected visitor made an appearance! Amy just has a way with words that I thoroughly enjoy and her stories keep me coming back for more!
April 9, 2019
Disappointing
I rarely write poor reviews. This book dragged on and one and honestly after just over half way through, I "skimmed" the rest to see who she chose in the end. It was like a never ending battle and for me that was annoying. The writing was just okay. I think it bored me more than intrigued me.
I rarely write poor reviews. This book dragged on and one and honestly after just over half way through, I "skimmed" the rest to see who she chose in the end. It was like a never ending battle and for me that was annoying. The writing was just okay. I think it bored me more than intrigued me.
March 9, 2018
A great journey
This is a well written book about moments in life, the journey in life, and the loves in life. Suspenseful til the very end.
This is a well written book about moments in life, the journey in life, and the loves in life. Suspenseful til the very end.
November 23, 2016
I was given a copy by the author in exchange for an honest review.
While I did enjoy this book, at time it did frustrate me. The trip Marie took is something I would love to do myself. I loved the people she meet along th way, they were great and made the story even better. Each character in the book was unique in their own way.
To get to what frustrated me was she was caught between two guys and trying to decide who she liked more. I knew who I was rooting for, but the back and forth really frustrated me, other than that I did enjoy this one.
Review done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews, please visit our fan site at http://www.facebook.com/nerdgirl.ng
While I did enjoy this book, at time it did frustrate me. The trip Marie took is something I would love to do myself. I loved the people she meet along th way, they were great and made the story even better. Each character in the book was unique in their own way.
To get to what frustrated me was she was caught between two guys and trying to decide who she liked more. I knew who I was rooting for, but the back and forth really frustrated me, other than that I did enjoy this one.
Review done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews, please visit our fan site at http://www.facebook.com/nerdgirl.ng
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