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Matters of the Heart #1
When You Came Back
Two childhood friends, their blossoming romance, and the tragic secret that stands in their way...
Katia just saw the last person she’d ever expect.
Brian, who she hasn’t seen since they were nine years old. Because he moved away without saying goodbye.
Brian, who was her best friend in fourth grade and made her laugh and made forts with her in the woods.
Who left her alone when she needed him most.
Now he’s back. Her best friend, Adam, isn’t thrilled.
Except Brian’s completely different than she remembers.
He’s not the boy next door anymore. There’s a darkness inside him, and he won’t tell her what caused it.
But Katia knows the Brian she remembers is still inside there somewhere.
She’s seen a flicker of it in his eyes when he comes in close and tells her to stay away. She’s determined to find the real Brian.
And to find out what happened.
Katia just saw the last person she’d ever expect.
Brian, who she hasn’t seen since they were nine years old. Because he moved away without saying goodbye.
Brian, who was her best friend in fourth grade and made her laugh and made forts with her in the woods.
Who left her alone when she needed him most.
Now he’s back. Her best friend, Adam, isn’t thrilled.
Except Brian’s completely different than she remembers.
He’s not the boy next door anymore. There’s a darkness inside him, and he won’t tell her what caused it.
But Katia knows the Brian she remembers is still inside there somewhere.
She’s seen a flicker of it in his eyes when he comes in close and tells her to stay away. She’s determined to find the real Brian.
And to find out what happened.
242 pages, Paperback
Published July 15, 2016
60 people are currently reading
790 people want to read
About the author
Yesenia Vargas
32 books334 followersLife & weight loss coach. Writer. Single mama. Host of the Single Mom Glow Up Podcast.
Check out what I'm up to on IG (@thisisyeseniavargas).
Check out what I'm up to on IG (@thisisyeseniavargas).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
October 12, 2016
OMG TO REVIEW SOON I DEFINITELY RECOMMEND YOU CHECKING THIS BOOK OUT I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT
December 23, 2016
I VOLUNTARILY REVIEWED A COPY FROM THE "RACHEL E. CARTER YA BOOK CLUB ON GOODREADS."
2.5 stars
Where to begin. Where to beeeginnn…..
Contemporary romance and me pair nicely together in the moment, but sometimes I wake up and wish it had gone another way. Do I give it a 3 because I enjoyed it? Or a 2 because of the flaws? Somewhere in the middle, perhaps?I decided on somewhere in the middle.
I read this book in one sitting. It was an easy and fast read and I enjoyed it while it lasted. HOWEVER.
It.
Only.
Had.
2
0
0
pages?!?!?!
What the what? You can’t have a book only be 200 pages and expect everything to be flushed out. HAVE WE LEARNED NOTHING FROM THE TRAVESTY THAT WAS THE CROWN????!!!I mean that was utter trash. Here is something that the Crown did NOT have though…a follow up book. Wherein we get all of our questions answered. Hopefully.
I am hesitant to read the next one because a love triangle has now officially developed and I am not a happy piece of pumpkin pie.I would really like some pumpkin pie....
Adam. Sweet Adam. UGH. I was actually surprised, yet not surprised at all, that he had feelings for Katia. Yet she did not treat him very well throughout the book, so I can’t imagine why he is in love with her.
Katia’s BFF moves away and she is forever sad and heartbroken and doesn’t understand why and….oh wait…she was in FOURTH GRADE. You know how many people I was in fourth grade with that ended up moving away, never to be seen again? Life goes on. ALSO! How had she not met his parents, but had met his siblings is another query I had? MAAAYBE if you are in high school. Elementary school, though? That seems odd to me. Then again, her voice rang true and clear when I remember (*shudders*) my high school days. All forlorn and melancholy and trying to be different and pretending not to care what other people think of you.
Brian. Oh 'woe is me' Brian. I am a sucker for moody boys. Apparently Katia lives for the DRRRAAAMA too. I love it. I also hate it. For books, it works well. For life...meh...not so much.
FINALLY: Diversity. We need it. This book delivers. Though I wish there wasn’t a tag line that read ‘said such and such phrase’ or ‘began to speak in Spanish.’ Why not just intersperse the Spanish in the book? People can use google to find out what it means, if they don’t know Spanish. AND WHY ISN’T SPANISH TAUGHT THROUGHOUT SCHOOL IN AMERICA? It’s like the system refuses to acknowledge that the amount of people who speak Spanish are about the same as the ones who speak English. It is hecka ridiculous. Get. It. Together. People.
The sum total of this review is this: if you want a quick and easy read, this is for you. If you don't want to become embroiled in a love triangle, this is not for you.
2.5 stars
Where to begin. Where to beeeginnn…..
Contemporary romance and me pair nicely together in the moment, but sometimes I wake up and wish it had gone another way. Do I give it a 3 because I enjoyed it? Or a 2 because of the flaws? Somewhere in the middle, perhaps?
I read this book in one sitting. It was an easy and fast read and I enjoyed it while it lasted. HOWEVER.
It.
Only.
Had.
2
0
0
pages?!?!?!
What the what? You can’t have a book only be 200 pages and expect everything to be flushed out. HAVE WE LEARNED NOTHING FROM THE TRAVESTY THAT WAS THE CROWN????!!!
I am hesitant to read the next one because a love triangle has now officially developed and I am not a happy piece of pumpkin pie.
Adam. Sweet Adam. UGH. I was actually surprised, yet not surprised at all, that he had feelings for Katia. Yet she did not treat him very well throughout the book, so I can’t imagine why he is in love with her.
Katia’s BFF moves away and she is forever sad and heartbroken and doesn’t understand why and….oh wait…she was in FOURTH GRADE. You know how many people I was in fourth grade with that ended up moving away, never to be seen again? Life goes on. ALSO! How had she not met his parents, but had met his siblings is another query I had? MAAAYBE if you are in high school. Elementary school, though? That seems odd to me. Then again, her voice rang true and clear when I remember (*shudders*) my high school days. All forlorn and melancholy and trying to be different and pretending not to care what other people think of you.
Brian. Oh 'woe is me' Brian. I am a sucker for moody boys. Apparently Katia lives for the DRRRAAAMA too. I love it. I also hate it. For books, it works well. For life...meh...not so much.
FINALLY: Diversity. We need it. This book delivers. Though I wish there wasn’t a tag line that read ‘said such and such phrase’ or ‘began to speak in Spanish.’ Why not just intersperse the Spanish in the book? People can use google to find out what it means, if they don’t know Spanish. AND WHY ISN’T SPANISH TAUGHT THROUGHOUT SCHOOL IN AMERICA? It’s like the system refuses to acknowledge that the amount of people who speak Spanish are about the same as the ones who speak English. It is hecka ridiculous. Get. It. Together. People.
The sum total of this review is this: if you want a quick and easy read, this is for you. If you don't want to become embroiled in a love triangle, this is not for you.
June 10, 2020
This was one of those books that I had mixed feelings about. Katia was best friends with Brian and then he moved away. Now he's back and things are complicated. Then the author threw in the drama with Adam. I will admit that the ending wasn't the best but it sets you up for the next book.
June 9, 2020
This was kind of a weird read.
Katia is a loner, she has one friend and keeps to herself, she's coasting until college. Then she gets a blast from the past when her old friend Brian moves back after suddenly leaving seven years ago. He's rude to her at first, pushing her away and ignoring her. When she starts helping watch his younger siblings, he opens up and they start dating. Meanwhile, her best friend Adam admits he has feelings for her and she proceeds to ignore him and be a bad friend.
I kind of didn't want Katia with either guy. Brian kept her at arm's length and I didn't like how he treated her at first. Adam deserved better than her blowing him off, so maybe the ending was for the best. I know there are other books in the series, so hopefully we see Katia grow and at least rekindle her friendship with Adam.
Katia is a loner, she has one friend and keeps to herself, she's coasting until college. Then she gets a blast from the past when her old friend Brian moves back after suddenly leaving seven years ago. He's rude to her at first, pushing her away and ignoring her. When she starts helping watch his younger siblings, he opens up and they start dating. Meanwhile, her best friend Adam admits he has feelings for her and she proceeds to ignore him and be a bad friend.
I kind of didn't want Katia with either guy. Brian kept her at arm's length and I didn't like how he treated her at first. Adam deserved better than her blowing him off, so maybe the ending was for the best. I know there are other books in the series, so hopefully we see Katia grow and at least rekindle her friendship with Adam.
July 14, 2016
A reunion years in the making... When You Came Back
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Brian and Katia were best friends in the fourth grade. They told each other everything. Then Brian's family up and moves away without so much as a goodbye.
Katia eventually moved on, but she never forgot her childhood best friend. Now a high school junior with a new best friend, Adam, Katia has learned to block out the popular crowd that tormented her for years. Everything is going fine until Brian walks into her classroom.
He's back but Brian is not the same boy Katia once knew. He's cold and distant. At times he pretends he doesn't know Katia and others he tells her to stay away from him. But sometimes it's like he wants to be her friend and wants to confide in her again.
Katia is determined to find out what happened to Brian, why his family moved away, and what changed in his life to make him so cold. Will Katia be able to break through Brian's icy exterior and become his friend (or more) again - without pushing away Adam in the process?
I really liked When You Came Back. It's been a while since I read a YA Contemporary novel (without a paranormal or fantasy storyline) and even longer since I have read a book with Hispanic main characters but I really enjoyed the storyline being out of my normal comfort zone, it made me learn about how a different culture of people live in our country, with struggles that I've never had to deal with.
In the beginning I thought Katia was kind of pushy and annoying. If Brian didn't want to spill all his dark secrets to her right away she should have left it alone. But the further I read the more I loved the story. The writing is good and you feel for the characters. Occasionally Spanish words and phrases appear in the book but they're usually explained in English which is great for people who speak very little Spanish (like me). The book ends in a cliffhanger so I can't wait to see what happens in the next book.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Brian and Katia were best friends in the fourth grade. They told each other everything. Then Brian's family up and moves away without so much as a goodbye.
Katia eventually moved on, but she never forgot her childhood best friend. Now a high school junior with a new best friend, Adam, Katia has learned to block out the popular crowd that tormented her for years. Everything is going fine until Brian walks into her classroom.
He's back but Brian is not the same boy Katia once knew. He's cold and distant. At times he pretends he doesn't know Katia and others he tells her to stay away from him. But sometimes it's like he wants to be her friend and wants to confide in her again.
Katia is determined to find out what happened to Brian, why his family moved away, and what changed in his life to make him so cold. Will Katia be able to break through Brian's icy exterior and become his friend (or more) again - without pushing away Adam in the process?
I really liked When You Came Back. It's been a while since I read a YA Contemporary novel (without a paranormal or fantasy storyline) and even longer since I have read a book with Hispanic main characters but I really enjoyed the storyline being out of my normal comfort zone, it made me learn about how a different culture of people live in our country, with struggles that I've never had to deal with.
In the beginning I thought Katia was kind of pushy and annoying. If Brian didn't want to spill all his dark secrets to her right away she should have left it alone. But the further I read the more I loved the story. The writing is good and you feel for the characters. Occasionally Spanish words and phrases appear in the book but they're usually explained in English which is great for people who speak very little Spanish (like me). The book ends in a cliffhanger so I can't wait to see what happens in the next book.
July 18, 2016
I received this book in return for an honest review, so here goes. I read a fair amount of young adult fiction because it doesn't have the heavy sex and violence that a lot of "adult" fiction has, yet there is a clear storyline, engaging characters and all the rest usually associated with adult work (in good writers, anyway). So I read Katia's story with a great deal of interest. She is enduring her junior year of high school and doesn't fit in very well. She has one friend, Adam, and they give each other emotional support to make it through their school life. Then an old friend of Katia's returns to the school to attend school there again. Katia's world is suddenly turned upside-down because of Brian, or more specifically, because of his reaction to her and her reaction to him, and her family's reaction to the mention of his family. What is going on? Katia doesn't know what to think.
This is more than the typical development teenage triangle, boy-girl-boy. There's a mystery in there. Yes, this is a story written, I suppose, for teenage girls, but except for possibly having a few years' life experience to draw on for answers, this situation could have happened to any age group and any young woman could see herself possibly in a similar situation in her early life. My only real "Whoa, Nellie!" to this lovely story is finding out that it has a cliff-hanger ending, and if I want more than the band-aid ending on it, I need to read the next story. As far as I am concerned it is worth the read, but readers should be made aware of the cliff-hanger aspect to make up their own minds.
This is more than the typical development teenage triangle, boy-girl-boy. There's a mystery in there. Yes, this is a story written, I suppose, for teenage girls, but except for possibly having a few years' life experience to draw on for answers, this situation could have happened to any age group and any young woman could see herself possibly in a similar situation in her early life. My only real "Whoa, Nellie!" to this lovely story is finding out that it has a cliff-hanger ending, and if I want more than the band-aid ending on it, I need to read the next story. As far as I am concerned it is worth the read, but readers should be made aware of the cliff-hanger aspect to make up their own minds.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2017
Rating: 2,5 stars
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of When You Came Back from the Rachel E. Carter YA book club on Goodreads!
I'm not sure what to think of this book to be quite honest. There were loads of moments where my fangirl heart couldn't contain a squeal, and where I couldn't stop myself from grinning like an idiot. Unfortunately though, there were also moments where I wanted to facepalm myself and couldn't refrain myself from rolling my eyes.
I liked the whole plot of this book. Katia - the MC - isn't a very social person, and doesn't make friends quickly. She used to have one best friend, Brian, but he moved away in fourth grade very abruptly without any notice.
Flash forward to eleventh grade. Katia's still the same, unsociable person she was before, but luckily, through the years she's made a new best friend, Adam. Both are struggling individually, but like the best friends they are, they support each other through thick and thin.
But suddenly, Brian reappears, turning Katia's world upside down.
I didn't like how things turned out between Adam and Katia, and also between Brian and Katia, mind you. The last two texts were very intriguing so I probably will read the sequel, but unfortunately, not because I loved this book so much - as I had expected I would.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of When You Came Back from the Rachel E. Carter YA book club on Goodreads!
I'm not sure what to think of this book to be quite honest. There were loads of moments where my fangirl heart couldn't contain a squeal, and where I couldn't stop myself from grinning like an idiot. Unfortunately though, there were also moments where I wanted to facepalm myself and couldn't refrain myself from rolling my eyes.
I liked the whole plot of this book. Katia - the MC - isn't a very social person, and doesn't make friends quickly. She used to have one best friend, Brian, but he moved away in fourth grade very abruptly without any notice.
Flash forward to eleventh grade. Katia's still the same, unsociable person she was before, but luckily, through the years she's made a new best friend, Adam. Both are struggling individually, but like the best friends they are, they support each other through thick and thin.
But suddenly, Brian reappears, turning Katia's world upside down.
I didn't like how things turned out between Adam and Katia, and also between Brian and Katia, mind you. The last two texts were very intriguing so I probably will read the sequel, but unfortunately, not because I loved this book so much - as I had expected I would.
November 28, 2016
At first, Katia doesn’t seem to be having a good 1st day of high school. Then it all changes when he walks back into her life. Brian. The boy she hadn’t seen in 8 years.
Why is he back all of a sudden? Why did he have to move away, and why is he back now? Katia pretty much obsesses over this boy, just like when she was in the fourth grade.
Story was written in poetic, Haiku kind of way, with short sentences and single phrases. It was a little slow for me, and I found Katia’s neurotic obsession to be daunting. The whole book was basically a diary of a whiny 13-year old, the constant ramblings of an unrequited crush. I miss Brian. I want the old Brian back. Oh, give me a break! Katia spends a good amount of her time trying to talk to Brian, to figure out why he wasn’t talking to her. Seriously, this girl needed a life!
Why is he back all of a sudden? Why did he have to move away, and why is he back now? Katia pretty much obsesses over this boy, just like when she was in the fourth grade.
Story was written in poetic, Haiku kind of way, with short sentences and single phrases. It was a little slow for me, and I found Katia’s neurotic obsession to be daunting. The whole book was basically a diary of a whiny 13-year old, the constant ramblings of an unrequited crush. I miss Brian. I want the old Brian back. Oh, give me a break! Katia spends a good amount of her time trying to talk to Brian, to figure out why he wasn’t talking to her. Seriously, this girl needed a life!
February 9, 2017
I really disliked the ending and for me it spoiled the rest of the book.
December 12, 2016
I received a free copy of this book from the Rachel E Carter YA Book Club on Goodreads in exchange for an honest review
Overall, it was a quick and cute read and the characters were all likable, I just felt like there was something missing. I wish that I could have gotten more development of the characters.
That being said, I can definitely see talent in the authors writing and I look forward to reading more of her works!
Overall, it was a quick and cute read and the characters were all likable, I just felt like there was something missing. I wish that I could have gotten more development of the characters.
That being said, I can definitely see talent in the authors writing and I look forward to reading more of her works!
November 13, 2018
I'm really not sure how to review this book. I kept waiting for the punch, for something to really grab me. Maybe it's too much of a teen thing and the type of triangle that doesn't interest me the way it might a teen girl. I didn't hate the book, but I just thought it was okay. After I read the book, I also read the author's notes at the end and I felt kind of bad because she loved this book and was particularly happy with the ending she came up; I absolutely hated the end, thus the 2 points instead of 3.
Katia is happy to see a boy named Brian show up at her school because he used to be her best friend until he moved away at the age of 9 without saying good bye. Forward about 7 years and he's returned with his family, only he isn't the same Brian she remembers and she is determined to find out why. She wants to give him time and knows the importance of waiting until he's ready to tell her.
Then there is Adam, her current friend when Brian returns. Adam feels like odd man out and like he's the third wheel in a three's a crowd group. Being in high school and young, Katia does kind of do him wrong by almost ignoring him. He wants more from her than she wants/feels. She's feeling Brian.
Finally comes a time when Brian tells her why he's changed. A terrible tragedy happened in his family and he feels like he is the responsible one for what happened.
The end of the story comes quite abruptly, felt very rushed, and it wasn't satisfying in any way. I seriously don't know what to think; however, I'll probably read the next book because I really want to see if the author changed things and if the story grows on me.
Katia is happy to see a boy named Brian show up at her school because he used to be her best friend until he moved away at the age of 9 without saying good bye. Forward about 7 years and he's returned with his family, only he isn't the same Brian she remembers and she is determined to find out why. She wants to give him time and knows the importance of waiting until he's ready to tell her.
Then there is Adam, her current friend when Brian returns. Adam feels like odd man out and like he's the third wheel in a three's a crowd group. Being in high school and young, Katia does kind of do him wrong by almost ignoring him. He wants more from her than she wants/feels. She's feeling Brian.
Finally comes a time when Brian tells her why he's changed. A terrible tragedy happened in his family and he feels like he is the responsible one for what happened.
The end of the story comes quite abruptly, felt very rushed, and it wasn't satisfying in any way. I seriously don't know what to think; however, I'll probably read the next book because I really want to see if the author changed things and if the story grows on me.
September 8, 2016
When You Came Back (Matters of the Heart #1)
By Yesenia Vargas
------------------------------------------------------------------
Katia, like most other high schoolers, is not looking forward to school. Honestly, who does? Unlike other high schoolers however, she meets her old best friend friend Brian from elementary school. Brian had mysteriously moved for a reason not revealed to Katia until this year (SPOILER ALERT!). Moving on was a long ordeal for Katia, but she never forgot her friend. Unfortunately, Brian is not the same one of Katia's past. Brian is hot and popular now, but distant from Katia. And other times, he's her friend again. Katia is determined to get to the bottom of Brian's bipolar behavior as well as the reason why he moved. Will Katia find out about Brian's past?
P.S.- IT ENDS ON A CLIFFHANGER! WHAT IS LIFE?
----------------------------------------------------------------
Rating: 5/5
Favorite Character: Katia. At first, she was too persistent regarding Brian. It was understandable, but annoying. Eventually I got used to it and grew to love Katia's character.
~This was a great first book to the series. It was very well written and like other works from this author, it was fun to read and was based on hispanic characters.
~I can't wait for the next book to come out.
By Yesenia Vargas
------------------------------------------------------------------
Katia, like most other high schoolers, is not looking forward to school. Honestly, who does? Unlike other high schoolers however, she meets her old best friend friend Brian from elementary school. Brian had mysteriously moved for a reason not revealed to Katia until this year (SPOILER ALERT!). Moving on was a long ordeal for Katia, but she never forgot her friend. Unfortunately, Brian is not the same one of Katia's past. Brian is hot and popular now, but distant from Katia. And other times, he's her friend again. Katia is determined to get to the bottom of Brian's bipolar behavior as well as the reason why he moved. Will Katia find out about Brian's past?
P.S.- IT ENDS ON A CLIFFHANGER! WHAT IS LIFE?
----------------------------------------------------------------
Rating: 5/5
Favorite Character: Katia. At first, she was too persistent regarding Brian. It was understandable, but annoying. Eventually I got used to it and grew to love Katia's character.
~This was a great first book to the series. It was very well written and like other works from this author, it was fun to read and was based on hispanic characters.
~I can't wait for the next book to come out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2016
I really liked Katia in this story, I felt so sad for her in regards to how Brian treated her at first. I understand why Brian was acting the way he did, not for the way he treated Katia,but other things he did. At first I wasn't his biggest fan but as the story went on I was and still wanting them too to be together.
I really wish that Adam played a bigger part in this book, but the way it sounds, hopefully he'll playing a bigger part in the next one. Because what I do know about him I think he seems to be a really good guy. And I felt bad for him, because I think even though Katia didn't mean to, she did start to forget all about Adam when Brian started to want to be friends with her again.
I really loved the ending and yes it's a cliffhanger ending. I really can't wait to find out what Katia is going to do. Well she get together with Brian in the end? Or will she start to have feelings for Adam, and go for him instead?
The reason I gave the book 4 stars instead of 5, is because it took me awhile to really start to get to like Brian. And because the first 3 chapters were pretty boring. And like I said above, I really got upset with the way Katia treated Adam at times.
I voluntarily requested a copy of this book for free, and this review is my honest opinion on how I felt about this book.
I really wish that Adam played a bigger part in this book, but the way it sounds, hopefully he'll playing a bigger part in the next one. Because what I do know about him I think he seems to be a really good guy. And I felt bad for him, because I think even though Katia didn't mean to, she did start to forget all about Adam when Brian started to want to be friends with her again.
I really loved the ending and yes it's a cliffhanger ending. I really can't wait to find out what Katia is going to do. Well she get together with Brian in the end? Or will she start to have feelings for Adam, and go for him instead?
The reason I gave the book 4 stars instead of 5, is because it took me awhile to really start to get to like Brian. And because the first 3 chapters were pretty boring. And like I said above, I really got upset with the way Katia treated Adam at times.
I voluntarily requested a copy of this book for free, and this review is my honest opinion on how I felt about this book.
December 10, 2016
I read this book in less than a day. A great easy and cute read. It progressed quickly and I found myself anticipating the next page time and time again. I liked Katia's voice, but I wished we could have learned more about her family and her history. It seemed glossed over and I kept wondering about her and her family while she wondered about Brian and his. I liked the little touches of spanish and I hope in the next book Katia ends up discovering more about herself and her hispanic roots. As I started getting closer and closer to the end of the book I started to panic because there definitely was not enough pages left for what I wanted to happen. I suppose we will see in the next installment. I will be highly anticipating it.
December 13, 2016
I VOLUNTARILY REVIEWED A COPY FROM "RACHEL E. CARTER YA BOOK CLUB" ON GOODREADS
This was yet another amazing book that I have read introduced to me by Rachel E. Carter!
This book took my on one of the weirdest rollercaster rides of my life and in a good way! I loved every question that popped up about Brian and it was a book I couldn't put down!
While I read quite a few romance novels, I would say this is one I'm going to remember and cherish as there are few you actually do.
Even thought the beginning wasn't as interesting as I thought it would be, it was still an amazing book cause some books start out a little bit slow you know?
When I read the ending, it made me really frustrated and I have to have the next book!!!!
This was yet another amazing book that I have read introduced to me by Rachel E. Carter!
This book took my on one of the weirdest rollercaster rides of my life and in a good way! I loved every question that popped up about Brian and it was a book I couldn't put down!
While I read quite a few romance novels, I would say this is one I'm going to remember and cherish as there are few you actually do.
Even thought the beginning wasn't as interesting as I thought it would be, it was still an amazing book cause some books start out a little bit slow you know?
When I read the ending, it made me really frustrated and I have to have the next book!!!!
August 5, 2017
I really wanted to love this book. Unfortunately that didn't happen it was just okay for me. I mean there was nothing special about this story of teen angst. The story of people in and out of our lives for a season or reason is not new. The characters are likeable and it's a sweet story but that's about it. I like the premise this author comes up with but these are most definitely for a younger audience who can enjoy and appreciate what this author brings to the table.
August 10, 2017
This was my first time reading or listening to a book by this author. I listened to this story in audio form on Audible. Personally I was not a fan of the narrator. When speaking in the female perspective it was fine but when speaking in the male perspective I couldn't get myself to like it. I feel if the narrator would have just read normally instead of trying to change her voice it may have been fine. The actual story itself was sweet and lovely and I will definitely give book 2 a shot.
December 28, 2016
I received a free copy of this book from the Rachel E Carter YA Book Club on Goodreads in exchange for an honest review
It wasn't bad for a quick read. A little suspense and a little angst mixed in to make it interesting. The writing improves as the book goes on, ending in a cliff-hanger which makes one want to read the second book.
It wasn't bad for a quick read. A little suspense and a little angst mixed in to make it interesting. The writing improves as the book goes on, ending in a cliff-hanger which makes one want to read the second book.
July 25, 2017
When You Came Back by Yesenia Vargas was a great book. Katie never expected to see Brian again after he moved away and never said goodbye at nine years old. Now that they are in high school he has come back and her best friend Adam isn't happy about that. I loved this book and can't wait to read the rest of the series and more by the author.
August 9, 2017
An amazing story that keeps your interest to the very end. I actually listened to it on audible and it was an absolute delight. The story is about two old friends, but when one comes back, everything is not as it should be. Either in book or audible, don't miss this story.
April 18, 2020
Good story
This was a wonderful story about coming of age for a young girl who food not have it easy on high school. She has a best friend who moved away in 4 th grade but more he is back. How will that change her relationship with her now best friend?
This was a wonderful story about coming of age for a young girl who food not have it easy on high school. She has a best friend who moved away in 4 th grade but more he is back. How will that change her relationship with her now best friend?
December 24, 2022
It's a little too angsty for my taste. The protagonist seemed too wishy-washy and had no girl friends to lean on, which seemed unrealistic, even for an outsider. All her happiness is wrapped up in two boys.
May 16, 2017
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February 7, 2017
Plot:
This is a contemporary romance about a teenage Latina who finds her world begin to change when her best friend from long ago returns and brings with him all kinds of complications. It was a cute story that sort of had a love triangle but not really enough of one to be annoying. I also liked how it dealt with other issues such as the problems of immigration, friend rivalry, blame, death, and struggles to fit in. Overall it was a cute story with somewhat deep issues.
Setting:
Felt like your everyday town. Katia's living situation, as well as Brian's, is interesting.
Characters:
Katia, the main character, was easy to like and relate to even though we come from different situations. She and her mother were abandoned by her father and struggled until they came to live with Katia's aunt, uncle, and their older children. Katia also has two brothers, twins, but they are just mentioned in passing. Some of her frustrations reminded me of things that also annoyed me in high school, like the beginning locker scene. I also felt that Katia grew as a character. She learned to be more aware and patient with others. I also liked that she was unsure of whether or not she wanted to get married or have kids--she just wants to be a normal teenager right now.
I also liked Brian, as well as his dedication to his family. His family situation is complicated and sad. It kind of made me angry that his parents would blame him for what happened to one of his sisters when he was only a child himself. He also went through some changes in character himself. I did not like him initially but he grew on me after a while.
Adam could have used a little more personality development but I found his own family situation and the way things end between him and Katia to be interesting.
I also enjoyed Katia's aunt, often referred to as "tia." Her aunt seemed like she was closer to Katia than her own mother. It was nice to see her tia concerned about birth control options, too. I would have liked to see more scenes between Katia and her mother or her brothers (who I don't believe ever directly interacted with her in the book). Along with her aunt's grown children who were living in the basement, they were just background characters that I usually forgot were there at all unless mentioned.
Relationships:
I enjoyed the friendship as well as the romance between Katia and Brian. It happened pretty naturally. I also liked how their relationship changed near the end. It was refreshing to see a realistic response rather than a shallow promise that one or both of them were unlikely (not impossible, but realistically not likely) to keep.
Adam and Katia's relationship could have used a little more development in the beginning but I felt that it was strong once Adam started skipping math class. The little clues also make more sense later on regarding his feelings toward Katia.
My favorite relationship was between Katia and her aunt, though. Her aunt was sweet and funny, making Katia's teenager responses even funnier. Especially when the subject of boys were involved.
I understand that Katia's mother was often MIA since she had to work a lot to support her family, but I would have liked to see a little more interaction between her and Katia.
Writing/Voice:
I liked the writing, as well as the voice. It came across just like a real teenager would think.
Ending:
I didn't see the ending coming at all and while it was sad, I'm also kinda intrigued to see what happens with Katia, Brian, and Adam in the end.
Overall, I liked it. Not quite a 4 star rating for me but definitely a 3.5 one.
Disclaimer: I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review. The publisher/author/Goodreads had no bearing on my review nor was I paid for it.
This is a contemporary romance about a teenage Latina who finds her world begin to change when her best friend from long ago returns and brings with him all kinds of complications. It was a cute story that sort of had a love triangle but not really enough of one to be annoying. I also liked how it dealt with other issues such as the problems of immigration, friend rivalry, blame, death, and struggles to fit in. Overall it was a cute story with somewhat deep issues.
Setting:
Felt like your everyday town. Katia's living situation, as well as Brian's, is interesting.
Characters:
Katia, the main character, was easy to like and relate to even though we come from different situations. She and her mother were abandoned by her father and struggled until they came to live with Katia's aunt, uncle, and their older children. Katia also has two brothers, twins, but they are just mentioned in passing. Some of her frustrations reminded me of things that also annoyed me in high school, like the beginning locker scene. I also felt that Katia grew as a character. She learned to be more aware and patient with others. I also liked that she was unsure of whether or not she wanted to get married or have kids--she just wants to be a normal teenager right now.
I also liked Brian, as well as his dedication to his family. His family situation is complicated and sad. It kind of made me angry that his parents would blame him for what happened to one of his sisters when he was only a child himself. He also went through some changes in character himself. I did not like him initially but he grew on me after a while.
Adam could have used a little more personality development but I found his own family situation and the way things end between him and Katia to be interesting.
I also enjoyed Katia's aunt, often referred to as "tia." Her aunt seemed like she was closer to Katia than her own mother. It was nice to see her tia concerned about birth control options, too. I would have liked to see more scenes between Katia and her mother or her brothers (who I don't believe ever directly interacted with her in the book). Along with her aunt's grown children who were living in the basement, they were just background characters that I usually forgot were there at all unless mentioned.
Relationships:
I enjoyed the friendship as well as the romance between Katia and Brian. It happened pretty naturally. I also liked how their relationship changed near the end. It was refreshing to see a realistic response rather than a shallow promise that one or both of them were unlikely (not impossible, but realistically not likely) to keep.
Adam and Katia's relationship could have used a little more development in the beginning but I felt that it was strong once Adam started skipping math class. The little clues also make more sense later on regarding his feelings toward Katia.
My favorite relationship was between Katia and her aunt, though. Her aunt was sweet and funny, making Katia's teenager responses even funnier. Especially when the subject of boys were involved.
I understand that Katia's mother was often MIA since she had to work a lot to support her family, but I would have liked to see a little more interaction between her and Katia.
Writing/Voice:
I liked the writing, as well as the voice. It came across just like a real teenager would think.
Ending:
I didn't see the ending coming at all and while it was sad, I'm also kinda intrigued to see what happens with Katia, Brian, and Adam in the end.
Overall, I liked it. Not quite a 4 star rating for me but definitely a 3.5 one.
Disclaimer: I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review. The publisher/author/Goodreads had no bearing on my review nor was I paid for it.
October 7, 2016
Loved it
Loved the story and the characters. Felt lie I was right there. Really goodwriting. Descriptions great. Characters strong. Fantastic read.
Loved the story and the characters. Felt lie I was right there. Really goodwriting. Descriptions great. Characters strong. Fantastic read.
February 12, 2017
I received a free copy of this book from the Rachel E Carter YA Book Club on Goodreads in exchange for an honest review.
Summary:
When the school year starts, Katia just assumes it will be the same as the previous years; Boring. But when she walks into World Lit Class everything changes, she sees him, her Brian (her friend from fourth grade who left with his family suddenly). Her world is about to change and never be the same. Will Katia ever find out why Brian left? and Why does he seem so different?
Characters:
Katia, teenage girl who thinks school is boring and will never change.
Brian, tall dark and handsome also Katis' best friend and neighbor from the fourth grade, who just returned after several years away.
Adam, Katia best friend from high school, he also has a secret that Katia knows nothing about.
Final Thoughts
I am hooked and want to find out what happens with the love triangle Brian or Adam? Hoping in the second book we learn more about Adam. Great book if you need a fast read. Recommend if you love YA contemporary.
Summary:
When the school year starts, Katia just assumes it will be the same as the previous years; Boring. But when she walks into World Lit Class everything changes, she sees him, her Brian (her friend from fourth grade who left with his family suddenly). Her world is about to change and never be the same. Will Katia ever find out why Brian left? and Why does he seem so different?
Characters:
Katia, teenage girl who thinks school is boring and will never change.
Brian, tall dark and handsome also Katis' best friend and neighbor from the fourth grade, who just returned after several years away.
Adam, Katia best friend from high school, he also has a secret that Katia knows nothing about.
Final Thoughts
I am hooked and want to find out what happens with the love triangle Brian or Adam? Hoping in the second book we learn more about Adam. Great book if you need a fast read. Recommend if you love YA contemporary.
October 22, 2016
katia is a Mexican American girl who's best friend Brian left one day without saying goodbye. He was her best and only friend in the 4th grade and she will never forgive the fact that his family moved away. Her new best friend is Adam, who became her protector in the 8th grade, even though he had just moved to town. She has a problem with defending herself because she is very short and wears glasses.
Jump to 11th grade, the first day of school she sees Brian, who ignores her. Adam dislikes him on sight and lets her know how he feels. Brian is forced to work with her on a project and has to talk to her. She wants to know why they left but he tells her they had to.
Brian finally tells her his little sister died right after he moved and that it was his fault for not watching her better, and finds out from her tia that they had to evict them because they were behind on the rent and owed money to everyone for his grandmother's illness. His family loses both grandparents at the same time and then his sister. They are illegal aliens so they couldn't even go to the funerals an his sister is buried between both grandparents.
They slowly fall in love and Adam spreads the rumor that he killed his sister. Adam is upset she chose Brian and grabs he and kisses her. She feels so guilty about the kiss that she didn't want. Adam moves away with his mother to get away from the two of them.
Their are so many secrets, how will they have a relationship? Will history repeat itself or will they make it? Good young adult romance, and the first of the series.
Jump to 11th grade, the first day of school she sees Brian, who ignores her. Adam dislikes him on sight and lets her know how he feels. Brian is forced to work with her on a project and has to talk to her. She wants to know why they left but he tells her they had to.
Brian finally tells her his little sister died right after he moved and that it was his fault for not watching her better, and finds out from her tia that they had to evict them because they were behind on the rent and owed money to everyone for his grandmother's illness. His family loses both grandparents at the same time and then his sister. They are illegal aliens so they couldn't even go to the funerals an his sister is buried between both grandparents.
They slowly fall in love and Adam spreads the rumor that he killed his sister. Adam is upset she chose Brian and grabs he and kisses her. She feels so guilty about the kiss that she didn't want. Adam moves away with his mother to get away from the two of them.
Their are so many secrets, how will they have a relationship? Will history repeat itself or will they make it? Good young adult romance, and the first of the series.
October 5, 2016
This is an enjoyable quick read. It focuses on Katia, a high school junior and the two boys in her life; Adam, her best friend since 8th grade and Brian, her newly returned childhood next door neighbor. Brian isn't the same boy who disappeared years ago without saying goodbye. Gone is their close relationship, gone is the happy, smiling boy; instead he's a serious, sometimes rude young man with pain in his eyes. Eventually he warms up to Katia and we learn the reason for his moods. In the process though, we lose Adam. One relationship restored and taken to a new level, the other destroyed.
I was torn reading this book. I understand that you can't create feelings for someone, yet drifting away from someone who has been your anchor for years when a childhood friend returns is immature. I felt like Katia should have made more of an effort to preserve her relationship with Adam. I felt like there was so much unexplored story with him.
Brian's family story was tragic and led to such sadness for Katia. I wish I felt like he was as invested as she was. It seemed like he was still in such personal pain and feeling such guilt, that he was much less heartbroken than Katia with the turn of events. I am interested to see what the future brings. Those last 2 texts were very intriguing.
I was torn reading this book. I understand that you can't create feelings for someone, yet drifting away from someone who has been your anchor for years when a childhood friend returns is immature. I felt like Katia should have made more of an effort to preserve her relationship with Adam. I felt like there was so much unexplored story with him.
Brian's family story was tragic and led to such sadness for Katia. I wish I felt like he was as invested as she was. It seemed like he was still in such personal pain and feeling such guilt, that he was much less heartbroken than Katia with the turn of events. I am interested to see what the future brings. Those last 2 texts were very intriguing.
December 11, 2016
First, I would like to thank Rachel E. Carter YA Book Club and Yesenia Vargas for providing me with a review copy of "When You Came Back".
Just the kind of book to curl up with under the covers on these long winter evenings. A touch of romance to keep you warm.
"When You Came back" is a high school romance with likeable characters . Brian, Katia's childhood friend comes back into her life , after suddenly disappearing when they were kids. Katia can't understand why Brian is acting so strangely, pretending not to know her. She would also like to know what happened all those years ago. Will she get the answers she craves? Brian and Katia find themselves again but not everyone is happy. Katia's current best friend Adam doesn't appreciate this new guy on the block turning up especially when Katia starts to ditch him for her old friend.
Who is Katia going to choose? I love a good love triangle and messed up relationships.
It ended so quickly and left me wanting more.
Really liked the writing style though Katia does overthink sometimes and tends to repeat herself.
Appreciated the Hispanic roots of the two lovebirds and the splattering of Spanish.Also highlights the problems immigrants face.
Can't wait for the next chapter.
Just the kind of book to curl up with under the covers on these long winter evenings. A touch of romance to keep you warm.
"When You Came back" is a high school romance with likeable characters . Brian, Katia's childhood friend comes back into her life , after suddenly disappearing when they were kids. Katia can't understand why Brian is acting so strangely, pretending not to know her. She would also like to know what happened all those years ago. Will she get the answers she craves? Brian and Katia find themselves again but not everyone is happy. Katia's current best friend Adam doesn't appreciate this new guy on the block turning up especially when Katia starts to ditch him for her old friend.
Who is Katia going to choose? I love a good love triangle and messed up relationships.
It ended so quickly and left me wanting more.
Really liked the writing style though Katia does overthink sometimes and tends to repeat herself.
Appreciated the Hispanic roots of the two lovebirds and the splattering of Spanish.Also highlights the problems immigrants face.
Can't wait for the next chapter.
December 15, 2016
I VOLUNTARILY REVIEWED A COPY FROM THE RACHEL E. CARTER YA BOOK CLUB ON GOODREADS.
Let's me start off by saying that I'm a sucker for these sort of stories a and that I'm a lousy reviewer >.< (I'm the kind that goes "this book is awesome! Go read it and find out how awesome it is!")
I give this book 3.5 stars. :D I love the plot and where the story is going. The characters are somewhat relatable. (Somewhat because my own experience of high school was quite different. But that is another story)
[SPOILER ALERT]
What really touched me and what I really identified with is the emotions one goes through when one loses a loved one in death. It doesn't matter how old they are, death is always a shock. And it is worse when the death shouldn't have happened, could've been avoided. You keep wondering, "What if" and keep wishing "if only".
The only thing that I wish were a little different is the book's pacing. There are a few parts that I felt were overly described and could've been more concise. But that's just my personal opinion. Feel free to contradict me. ;)
Anyway, that's all I have to say. Stop reading this review and go pick up this book. :)
Let's me start off by saying that I'm a sucker for these sort of stories a and that I'm a lousy reviewer >.< (I'm the kind that goes "this book is awesome! Go read it and find out how awesome it is!")
I give this book 3.5 stars. :D I love the plot and where the story is going. The characters are somewhat relatable. (Somewhat because my own experience of high school was quite different. But that is another story)
[SPOILER ALERT]
What really touched me and what I really identified with is the emotions one goes through when one loses a loved one in death. It doesn't matter how old they are, death is always a shock. And it is worse when the death shouldn't have happened, could've been avoided. You keep wondering, "What if" and keep wishing "if only".
The only thing that I wish were a little different is the book's pacing. There are a few parts that I felt were overly described and could've been more concise. But that's just my personal opinion. Feel free to contradict me. ;)
Anyway, that's all I have to say. Stop reading this review and go pick up this book. :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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