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Bleeding Hearts #2
Back To Yesterday
The distance from Colorado to Maine is not far enough to escape the memories.
The time I've been away is not long enough to heal the pain.
I left Colorado, determined to discover who I am outside of my grief, but I fell apart along the way.
I'm lost again.
When Jude follows me, I can't turn him away. But I can't let him in, either.
Not all the way.
I know when he finds out my secret, the one I keep hidden in the darkest part of my heart, he’ll leave me.
Alone.
Like I was before.
The time I've been away is not long enough to heal the pain.
I left Colorado, determined to discover who I am outside of my grief, but I fell apart along the way.
I'm lost again.
When Jude follows me, I can't turn him away. But I can't let him in, either.
Not all the way.
I know when he finds out my secret, the one I keep hidden in the darkest part of my heart, he’ll leave me.
Alone.
Like I was before.
Unknown Binding
Published October 20, 2016
53 people are currently reading
313 people want to read
About the author
Whitney Barbetti
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I am the author of new adult and contemporary romance novels. Please visit my website to see all of my current novels.
Join my Facebook fan group (not a street team) for first looks at upcoming books, exclusive cover reveals, and giveaways!
I am the author of new adult and contemporary romance novels. Please visit my website to see all of my current novels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
October 20, 2016
Whitney writes from the soul about topics you don't want to discuss. But they're around us, they're important. It can be uncomfortable but she excels at pulling emotion from the reader and eliciting specific emotions and reactions at pivotal moments. For this alone, I applaud her. Into The Tomorrows and Back to Yesterday are not easy books to read, the author pushes boundaries and works outside of the norm to create compelling characters and an original concept.
As always, I love Jude. How strong and dependable he is, sweet and mysterious. He comes out of his shell a little more here and you can start to get a glimpse of his feelings but I never 100% believed the relationship between these two. At times it just felt like that's what should happen between them, so that's why it was happening. The chemistry might have been lacking, and I love feeling that desire for another person, not being able to stand being away from them. At times I felt it, and others not at all. Even just more of Jude and less inner monologues could've helped in this situation, but given how much time was spent with Trista's new problem, that just wasn't possible.
My biggest struggle with BTY is the fact that this is not at all where the story was expected to go. If you read ITT, at the end *SPOILER* *END OF SPOILER* We don't witness Trista doing any self discovery or growth either, she actually falls further down the rabbit hole. We watch as she's stuck, just like she always has been, until she gets worse and worse. I don't understand the reasoning for the story to go how it did, and no, in no way was I expecting sunflowers and roses because that's not who these two are, but everything that we were led to believe at the ending of the first book was then just thrown out. Even in BTY, nothing has changed. I didn't really appreciate the reasoning as to why Trista and Jude found themselves 'together' again and the problems that they had in the middle. None of it needed to be this way and even after the first run in, I have a hard time believing the Jude we met in ITT would've acted/left Trista as she was. And at a point I kind of wanted to give up with her, throw in the towel and move on. She was so frustrating to be inside of her head with all of this happening, she knew what she needed, she knew she wanted to change, she knew she wanted to get Jude back, but she wouldn't do a thing about any of it. It wouldn't let people in. She wouldn't even TRY to grow or change. It just doesn't make sense to me. They were supposedly the same people, but the two stories in my mind, for the most part didn't coincide.
Then the ending seemed to just tie up a little too neatly and quickly, considering everything these two have gone through. I still have questions about them that weren't answered, and part of me doesn't find all of it believable for them. I don't know, I'm just kind of shaking my head here, because this was one of my most anticipated fall releases.
Trista and Jude have been on quite the journey, but I almost don't want it to be the end. I loved the epilogue, I thought it was perfect, but I wouldn't necessarily oppose to having more of them in the future. A novella, perhaps? I just haven't had my fill of them yet. *wink wink nudge nudge*
Whitney is also incredibly creative in the fact that she includes poetry in this novel. Trista likes to write poetry to try and convey her feelings appropriately and it helps to give her an outlet. The pieces included in Back to Yesterday are complex and dynamic in their makeup and impact, I really don't know of many authors who can or would even try this.
As a person, I love Whitney. As an author, I love Whitney. But as my blog girls like to point out, not everyone likes mushrooms. We refer to certain books as mushrooms - some people like them, some don't, some like certain kinds, etc. In this case, I'm just not feeling like eating mushrooms today and that kind of sucks, because I wanted to love this story. But in the age old adage of 'It's not you, it's me,', I'm going to be a cliche today and say that it's totally me. Into The Tomorrows is one of my favourite books of the year, so I still definitely recommend giving this duet a try. It's going to work a lot better for some other people than it did for me.
*An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.
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"One step forward, one breath out. One dream gone, one hope forgotten. A thousand wishes lost once they’d left my lips. He’d been in almost every one."
As always, I love Jude. How strong and dependable he is, sweet and mysterious. He comes out of his shell a little more here and you can start to get a glimpse of his feelings but I never 100% believed the relationship between these two. At times it just felt like that's what should happen between them, so that's why it was happening. The chemistry might have been lacking, and I love feeling that desire for another person, not being able to stand being away from them. At times I felt it, and others not at all. Even just more of Jude and less inner monologues could've helped in this situation, but given how much time was spent with Trista's new problem, that just wasn't possible.
"I couldn’t let him save me; I needed to save myself first."
My biggest struggle with BTY is the fact that this is not at all where the story was expected to go. If you read ITT, at the end *SPOILER* *END OF SPOILER* We don't witness Trista doing any self discovery or growth either, she actually falls further down the rabbit hole. We watch as she's stuck, just like she always has been, until she gets worse and worse. I don't understand the reasoning for the story to go how it did, and no, in no way was I expecting sunflowers and roses because that's not who these two are, but everything that we were led to believe at the ending of the first book was then just thrown out. Even in BTY, nothing has changed. I didn't really appreciate the reasoning as to why Trista and Jude found themselves 'together' again and the problems that they had in the middle. None of it needed to be this way and even after the first run in, I have a hard time believing the Jude we met in ITT would've acted/left Trista as she was. And at a point I kind of wanted to give up with her, throw in the towel and move on. She was so frustrating to be inside of her head with all of this happening, she knew what she needed, she knew she wanted to change, she knew she wanted to get Jude back, but she wouldn't do a thing about any of it. It wouldn't let people in. She wouldn't even TRY to grow or change. It just doesn't make sense to me. They were supposedly the same people, but the two stories in my mind, for the most part didn't coincide.
“Promise me,” he said, his voice gruff against my ear.
“What am I promising?” I asked against his chest as he led me to his car.
“To try. If not for you, for me.”
Then the ending seemed to just tie up a little too neatly and quickly, considering everything these two have gone through. I still have questions about them that weren't answered, and part of me doesn't find all of it believable for them. I don't know, I'm just kind of shaking my head here, because this was one of my most anticipated fall releases.
Trista and Jude have been on quite the journey, but I almost don't want it to be the end. I loved the epilogue, I thought it was perfect, but I wouldn't necessarily oppose to having more of them in the future. A novella, perhaps? I just haven't had my fill of them yet. *wink wink nudge nudge*
“If you can’t love yourself,” he said, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear, “let me love you enough for the both of us.”
Whitney is also incredibly creative in the fact that she includes poetry in this novel. Trista likes to write poetry to try and convey her feelings appropriately and it helps to give her an outlet. The pieces included in Back to Yesterday are complex and dynamic in their makeup and impact, I really don't know of many authors who can or would even try this.
I hooked my finger through
the hole in my heart.
Trying to fill the places
you kept when I left.
But it’s useless.
Because I don’t want to
fill the void
with more of me.
Maybe I’m learning
I’m less of me
when I’m not
with you.
As a person, I love Whitney. As an author, I love Whitney. But as my blog girls like to point out, not everyone likes mushrooms. We refer to certain books as mushrooms - some people like them, some don't, some like certain kinds, etc. In this case, I'm just not feeling like eating mushrooms today and that kind of sucks, because I wanted to love this story. But in the age old adage of 'It's not you, it's me,', I'm going to be a cliche today and say that it's totally me. Into The Tomorrows is one of my favourite books of the year, so I still definitely recommend giving this duet a try. It's going to work a lot better for some other people than it did for me.
"I’ll look up at the sky tonight. I hope you do, too."
"I will. Every night until you come back."
*An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.
JOIN THE SISTERHOOD! FIND US ON: FACEBOOK / INSTAGRAM / TWITTER / WEBSITE
October 14, 2016
Whitney is one of my “go-to” authors so I was very excited to know that her follow up for Into the Tomorrows was quickly releasing. I received an early copy and I was ecstatic. But, it just didn’t live up to my expectations. It wasn’t quite the story I was looking for for Trista and Jude after ITT.
First, I want to touch on Whitney’s writing. Which was a very strong aspect for me with this read. The poise and creativeness she evokes out of her readers is absolutely amazing. If you don’t want to feel vulnerable, don’t you worry! She will drag that right out of you. You don’t want to feel a certain feeling? That’s okay, she will make you feel it anyways. I feel like when I am reading her books, some lovely words just flitter into my brain and make their home and hatch more beautiful words. The touch of poetry in BTT was fascinating as well and also some great additions to the story.
Jude was another strong point for me. His character was just so…deep. Mysterious. I felt so connected and drawn to him and Whitney’s way of writing him into these books and the way she portrayed him was a huge part in that.
I just didn’t like the direction she went with this book. Especially with Trista. I just couldn’t bring myself to jump on board and engulf myself with the story line that Back to Yesterday followed. Plus, I felt dizzy with myself because the past and present times were so close to each other that I kept getting mixed up. One chapter she was meeting Jude during one year and the next chapter she was meeting Jude in the next year.
I didn’t feel that WANT for Trista and Jude to be brought back together. I thought that by the end of ITT I would feel that yearning feeling for them but, I didn’t. Everything with them was “rushed” and instant per se in the first book with them. Almost easy and comfortable. So why when they first see each other again (during the “present” time) was everything so…..bleh. I hope that makes sense. I will try better at explaining as time progresses.
Bottom line is, I adore Whitney. I adore her writing and creativity. This book just didn’t sit well with me. Maybe it was because it wasn’t what I expected. Maybe I was thrown off guard. Maybe I was bored. Maybe the subject matter she took on just overwhelmed me.
First, I want to touch on Whitney’s writing. Which was a very strong aspect for me with this read. The poise and creativeness she evokes out of her readers is absolutely amazing. If you don’t want to feel vulnerable, don’t you worry! She will drag that right out of you. You don’t want to feel a certain feeling? That’s okay, she will make you feel it anyways. I feel like when I am reading her books, some lovely words just flitter into my brain and make their home and hatch more beautiful words. The touch of poetry in BTT was fascinating as well and also some great additions to the story.
Jude was another strong point for me. His character was just so…deep. Mysterious. I felt so connected and drawn to him and Whitney’s way of writing him into these books and the way she portrayed him was a huge part in that.
I just didn’t like the direction she went with this book. Especially with Trista. I just couldn’t bring myself to jump on board and engulf myself with the story line that Back to Yesterday followed. Plus, I felt dizzy with myself because the past and present times were so close to each other that I kept getting mixed up. One chapter she was meeting Jude during one year and the next chapter she was meeting Jude in the next year.
I didn’t feel that WANT for Trista and Jude to be brought back together. I thought that by the end of ITT I would feel that yearning feeling for them but, I didn’t. Everything with them was “rushed” and instant per se in the first book with them. Almost easy and comfortable. So why when they first see each other again (during the “present” time) was everything so…..bleh. I hope that makes sense. I will try better at explaining as time progresses.
Bottom line is, I adore Whitney. I adore her writing and creativity. This book just didn’t sit well with me. Maybe it was because it wasn’t what I expected. Maybe I was thrown off guard. Maybe I was bored. Maybe the subject matter she took on just overwhelmed me.
October 23, 2016
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
Gripping. Emotional. Heartbreaking. Breathing. And utterly consuming. Whitney Barbetti has me wildly intoxicated with her writing, characters and story. In this follow-up to Into The Tomorrows, Barbetti once again bewitches her readers in the epic conclusion of Jude and Trista in Back to Yesterday.
The story of Trista literally bleed my heart and soul as each memory and journey were a fragment of my heart being shattered. Whitney didn’t hold anything back as she allowed the readers to feel every touch, emotion and action being evoked or bleed through the pages. Truly this was a journey of rediscovering, healing, and claiming back your life. Though this journey took on an emotional and heartbreaking undertone, Whitney Barbetti allowed readers to feel the heart, strength, hope and truth being radiated.
Back to Yesterday was a well-written story as it was electric. The words, characters and story were pulsing through your veins as everything was heightened emotionally. I loved every heartbreak, pain, loss, and sadness because Whitney Barbetti allowed readers to see the possibility. The fog of sadness will break and the rays of hope will shine through. So if you are ready to read a story that was both poignant and beautiful, then I urge you to read and get lost in this visceral story of Trista and Jude.
Whitney Barbetti
Gripping. Emotional. Heartbreaking. Breathing. And utterly consuming. Whitney Barbetti has me wildly intoxicated with her writing, characters and story. In this follow-up to Into The Tomorrows, Barbetti once again bewitches her readers in the epic conclusion of Jude and Trista in Back to Yesterday.
The story of Trista literally bleed my heart and soul as each memory and journey were a fragment of my heart being shattered. Whitney didn’t hold anything back as she allowed the readers to feel every touch, emotion and action being evoked or bleed through the pages. Truly this was a journey of rediscovering, healing, and claiming back your life. Though this journey took on an emotional and heartbreaking undertone, Whitney Barbetti allowed readers to feel the heart, strength, hope and truth being radiated.
Back to Yesterday was a well-written story as it was electric. The words, characters and story were pulsing through your veins as everything was heightened emotionally. I loved every heartbreak, pain, loss, and sadness because Whitney Barbetti allowed readers to see the possibility. The fog of sadness will break and the rays of hope will shine through. So if you are ready to read a story that was both poignant and beautiful, then I urge you to read and get lost in this visceral story of Trista and Jude.
Whitney Barbetti
October 22, 2016
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review*
4.5stars
Whitney Barbetti is one of my literary goddesses and she continues to tell me why with Back to Yesterday. This woman doesn't just write, she invests. There's something so raw and real and personal in every book that she writes. Prepare your hearts for the raw emotions and the biting bits of heartbreaking twists this book will bring you.
Trista was beginning to believe the universe hated her. She was a lost soul once. But when she finally felt she found the other piece of her soul in the arms of Jude, untold lies ripped her apart again. Now she was more lost than she was before. Trista slowly built her own backbone in this book and it was a heartbreaking yet empowering process. In an ideal world, her character wouldn’t be easily liked. But if you’re a woman who’s felt the sting of insecurities, then brace your heart, this character will scrape your heart out.
Jude dedicated his life reaching the world’s highest points. He reveled on the power and freedom brought by breathing at the peak. But he was introduced to his life’s lowest point when Trista left. And since then, he felt so low that even climbing felt like falling. I cannot even express how much I loved Jude. He was a consistent and patient man but he was tested in this book and I loved him more.
Back to Yesterday was emotionally-charged. There wasn’t a page in this book that didn’t pierced my heart. The writing was so real, focusing more on soul searching than pushing the romance. It played on raw emotions and rubbed on the shallow wounds created by the first book but God, I kept reading. The anticipation kept me up and reigniting Trista and Jude’s spark was an exhilarating experience. Whitney Barbetti certainly knows how to break a reader and building strength on being broken. She doesn’t sugarcoat, she is blunt and real. In this book, she shared a part of herself that made the emotions more in-sync with a reader’s heart.
I do wish there was more romantic Jude x Trista moments, though.
4.5stars
Whitney Barbetti is one of my literary goddesses and she continues to tell me why with Back to Yesterday. This woman doesn't just write, she invests. There's something so raw and real and personal in every book that she writes. Prepare your hearts for the raw emotions and the biting bits of heartbreaking twists this book will bring you.
“If you can’t love yourself,” he said, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear, “let me love you enough for the both of us.”
Trista was beginning to believe the universe hated her. She was a lost soul once. But when she finally felt she found the other piece of her soul in the arms of Jude, untold lies ripped her apart again. Now she was more lost than she was before. Trista slowly built her own backbone in this book and it was a heartbreaking yet empowering process. In an ideal world, her character wouldn’t be easily liked. But if you’re a woman who’s felt the sting of insecurities, then brace your heart, this character will scrape your heart out.
Jude was a forever kind of guy. He wasn’t the guy you hooked up with on your quest for the last guy. He was the last guy. And in many ways, he was the first guy for me.
Jude dedicated his life reaching the world’s highest points. He reveled on the power and freedom brought by breathing at the peak. But he was introduced to his life’s lowest point when Trista left. And since then, he felt so low that even climbing felt like falling. I cannot even express how much I loved Jude. He was a consistent and patient man but he was tested in this book and I loved him more.
“I want to keep growing with you. Let me love you, Trista, through all of our tomorrows.”
Back to Yesterday was emotionally-charged. There wasn’t a page in this book that didn’t pierced my heart. The writing was so real, focusing more on soul searching than pushing the romance. It played on raw emotions and rubbed on the shallow wounds created by the first book but God, I kept reading. The anticipation kept me up and reigniting Trista and Jude’s spark was an exhilarating experience. Whitney Barbetti certainly knows how to break a reader and building strength on being broken. She doesn’t sugarcoat, she is blunt and real. In this book, she shared a part of herself that made the emotions more in-sync with a reader’s heart.
I do wish there was more romantic Jude x Trista moments, though.
October 19, 2016
"One step forward, one breath out. One dream gone, one hope forgotten. A thousand wishes lost once they'd left my lips. He's been in almost every one."
"We had miles of pain between the two of us, and even though we were no longer miles apart, that pain existed between us like another person, holding both of us back."
Back To Yesterday is the epic conclusion to Into The Tomorrows. This story picks right up where we last left off and will just leave you breathless. Jude and Trista's story was so powerful and moving. Finding the right words to describe my feelings is almost an impossible thing.
Sitting here right now, my heart and mind is once again all over the place. Whitney has left me an emotional mess and has once again slayed me with her incredible writing. You can tell that this book came straight from her heart and was written with so much soul.
I could not be happier with the way Trista's story turned out. Her story is told from both the past and present tense. And as you go along on Trista's journey, you will experience all of the ups and downs she had to go through. Her struggles and experiences were at times difficult, frustrating and heartbreaking. But, in the end, her journey was so worth it. She had to find the courage to believe in herself and accept that she deserves good things; that she deserves love.
Back to Yesterday was everything that I needed and more. Whitney Barbetti continues to destroy my expectations, devlievering a unique and unforgettable story.
"We had miles of pain between the two of us, and even though we were no longer miles apart, that pain existed between us like another person, holding both of us back."
Back To Yesterday is the epic conclusion to Into The Tomorrows. This story picks right up where we last left off and will just leave you breathless. Jude and Trista's story was so powerful and moving. Finding the right words to describe my feelings is almost an impossible thing.
Sitting here right now, my heart and mind is once again all over the place. Whitney has left me an emotional mess and has once again slayed me with her incredible writing. You can tell that this book came straight from her heart and was written with so much soul.
I could not be happier with the way Trista's story turned out. Her story is told from both the past and present tense. And as you go along on Trista's journey, you will experience all of the ups and downs she had to go through. Her struggles and experiences were at times difficult, frustrating and heartbreaking. But, in the end, her journey was so worth it. She had to find the courage to believe in herself and accept that she deserves good things; that she deserves love.
Back to Yesterday was everything that I needed and more. Whitney Barbetti continues to destroy my expectations, devlievering a unique and unforgettable story.
October 22, 2016
It kills me to give this book two stars. I really enjoyed book one and couldn't wait for Whitney to kill me with emotions in this book. I was so proud of Trista for leaving Colorado to 'find herself' and get stronger. As much as I love Jude, I realized the last thing Trista needed was to go from one boyfriend to the other. She needed to deal with her grief and learn how to live.
I was looking forward to adventure and personal growth in Back to Yesterday and sadly, I did not get it. Trista gets far worse in this book rather than better. I read the book wondering what the point was if she wasn't going to find any personal strength? I don't want to spoil anything but she ends up just hurting herself and Jude far worse than in the last book. When she finally does go back to Colorado it's almost against her will. I have a feeling that if certain events didn't happen, she would never have gone back to Jude and just continued spiraling downward. So to be honest, I think Jude should have found another girl.
Parts of this story were very personal for the author so once I read her acknowledgements at the end, I kind of understood why she took the story in the direction she did. I just wish she would have woven those elements into another book and not this one. I wanted redemption, strength and a magical Trista/Jude reunion and sadly I did not find any of that.
I was looking forward to adventure and personal growth in Back to Yesterday and sadly, I did not get it. Trista gets far worse in this book rather than better. I read the book wondering what the point was if she wasn't going to find any personal strength? I don't want to spoil anything but she ends up just hurting herself and Jude far worse than in the last book. When she finally does go back to Colorado it's almost against her will. I have a feeling that if certain events didn't happen, she would never have gone back to Jude and just continued spiraling downward. So to be honest, I think Jude should have found another girl.
Parts of this story were very personal for the author so once I read her acknowledgements at the end, I kind of understood why she took the story in the direction she did. I just wish she would have woven those elements into another book and not this one. I wanted redemption, strength and a magical Trista/Jude reunion and sadly I did not find any of that.
October 19, 2016
ARC Provided and Reviewed by We’ve Licked that book blog
Back to Yesterdays isn’t a Standalone make sure you read the first one Into The Tomorrows first so you can fully understand the story.
This book starts with Trista 2 years after she left to go find herself sitting on a roof top when she gets a phone call? Then it goes back 2 years earlier when she left to go and try find herself after she find out the truth and the people she thought she could trust had lied to her..
This book has all the feels my heart broke for Trista, there is a touchy subject in this book, but the Author doesn’t focus on it but is still a part of the story.
I love the connection Jude and Trista have that he is willing to wait until she is ready to come back to him. Still hate her mother, and Doug Arrgghhh. The writing is flawless the characters are great.
This story totally captivated me and captured my heart.
The Author knows how to write and draws you into the story.
Back to Yesterdays isn’t a Standalone make sure you read the first one Into The Tomorrows first so you can fully understand the story.
This book starts with Trista 2 years after she left to go find herself sitting on a roof top when she gets a phone call? Then it goes back 2 years earlier when she left to go and try find herself after she find out the truth and the people she thought she could trust had lied to her..
This book has all the feels my heart broke for Trista, there is a touchy subject in this book, but the Author doesn’t focus on it but is still a part of the story.
I love the connection Jude and Trista have that he is willing to wait until she is ready to come back to him. Still hate her mother, and Doug Arrgghhh. The writing is flawless the characters are great.
This story totally captivated me and captured my heart.
The Author knows how to write and draws you into the story.
January 2, 2017
This story just didn't work for me. It probably wouldn't have been a problem if it was a completely different story with different characters. But this is a continuation of Into the tomorrows and based on the ending of the first. This story took a completely different turn. Ok that's the end to my none spoiler review.
OK SPOILERS AHEAD STOP NOW BELOW IS MY CONS FOR THIS BOOK.
We jump from past to present of a two year span. Because trista needs to find out who she is on her own. Ok yes completely on board let's go. Nope this book is of trista's spiral down. I just keep reading thanking ok so where does the self discovery come in. I was so frustrated and disappointed. I just don't understand why. Trista felt like she wasn't good enough for Jude, and was pretty selfish and made him wait for her for two years for what. Just so she could be sad alone. I wanted to feel something for trista because everything she went through was real. But I just couldn't. She didn't even try, just gave Jude false hope. I felt this book could have just started in the middle with a couple of pages of convo between trista and Jude talking of what she was doing while she was away. And that be that. I really had no interest in her past two years alone.
I honestly didn't feel the emotions and connection between them that I did in the first book either. Both times after seeing each other after being apart it reminded me of her and Colin. I was thinking why are they even trying.
But that scene at the end of ITT at Yellowstone I can still close my eyes and feel it. And that's what I wanted with this book, but sadly didn't get it. Even in the end.
Although I can say the epilogue was sweet. And it did kind of wrap up very quickly.
So overall I didn't enjoy this book but I loved the first book. So I'm just going to act like this never happened and hold tight to the first book and dream of something else. It really hurts to feel this way because this was a personal experience by the author written into the story. So I feel like crap after writing this. But I just can't help it.
OK SPOILERS AHEAD STOP NOW BELOW IS MY CONS FOR THIS BOOK.
We jump from past to present of a two year span. Because trista needs to find out who she is on her own. Ok yes completely on board let's go. Nope this book is of trista's spiral down. I just keep reading thanking ok so where does the self discovery come in. I was so frustrated and disappointed. I just don't understand why. Trista felt like she wasn't good enough for Jude, and was pretty selfish and made him wait for her for two years for what. Just so she could be sad alone. I wanted to feel something for trista because everything she went through was real. But I just couldn't. She didn't even try, just gave Jude false hope. I felt this book could have just started in the middle with a couple of pages of convo between trista and Jude talking of what she was doing while she was away. And that be that. I really had no interest in her past two years alone.
I honestly didn't feel the emotions and connection between them that I did in the first book either. Both times after seeing each other after being apart it reminded me of her and Colin. I was thinking why are they even trying.
But that scene at the end of ITT at Yellowstone I can still close my eyes and feel it. And that's what I wanted with this book, but sadly didn't get it. Even in the end.
Although I can say the epilogue was sweet. And it did kind of wrap up very quickly.
So overall I didn't enjoy this book but I loved the first book. So I'm just going to act like this never happened and hold tight to the first book and dream of something else. It really hurts to feel this way because this was a personal experience by the author written into the story. So I feel like crap after writing this. But I just can't help it.
October 20, 2016
The conclusion to this two part series couldn't be any more perfect. Whitney Barbetti took me on a ride of heart ache, yearning, and forgiveness.
This is one of my favourite series too date! #tentguy #forever
This is one of my favourite series too date! #tentguy #forever
October 23, 2016
Title: Back To Yesterday
Author: Whitney Barbetti
Series: Bleeding Hearts #2
Genre: new adult, romance
Themes: second chance
Heat: 2/5
Rating: 3/5
For more of our reviews: www.summersevereads.wordpress.com
Reviewer's note: this does not standalone. The first instalment is Into the Tomorrows and must be read first.
I've been waiting for this follow-up to Jude and Trista's cliffhanger for what feels like ages. The first book in this series was something I've never quite read before, and something that has stayed with me. Although I enjoyed this follow up, I have to say that I found it slightly disappointing - mainly due to the characters.
I feel like there is a slight discrepancy between the Jude from the first book and the Jude in this one - largely because, in my mind, he would never allow Trista to keep running due to his worry for her. Whereas he was more of a rock and offered a new, optimistic life in ITT, in BTY he was distant (both physically and emotionally), and didn't have as much of an effect emotionally. I didn't like Charlotte, and the absence of Milla and Colin was actually surprisingly noticeable.
Similarly, because Trista was largely on her own, in contrast with ITT which had a significant focus on the relationships within the group, I struggled to remain as engaged with her. And she alone I found hideously irritating. She went from being strong, trying to sort her life out, to becoming obsessed with her victimhood and almost proud of her suffering, doing absolutely nothing to help herself when I was expecting/hoping for her to come out fighting.
I didn't hate it; I was just left disappointed at reading about someone so obsessed with and tied up in her grief, and I felt that in some respects the events here were a little forced. I wanted the slow, meandering storyline and finding comfort with nature despite grief and the hardships of life - exploring Trista's mind like the first book. I wanted my heart to ache again, but I never quite got there.
Author: Whitney Barbetti
Series: Bleeding Hearts #2
Genre: new adult, romance
Themes: second chance
Heat: 2/5
Rating: 3/5
For more of our reviews: www.summersevereads.wordpress.com
Reviewer's note: this does not standalone. The first instalment is Into the Tomorrows and must be read first.
I've been waiting for this follow-up to Jude and Trista's cliffhanger for what feels like ages. The first book in this series was something I've never quite read before, and something that has stayed with me. Although I enjoyed this follow up, I have to say that I found it slightly disappointing - mainly due to the characters.
One step forward, one breath out. One dream gone, one hope forgotten. A thousand wishes lost once they'd left my lips. He'd been in almost every one.
I feel like there is a slight discrepancy between the Jude from the first book and the Jude in this one - largely because, in my mind, he would never allow Trista to keep running due to his worry for her. Whereas he was more of a rock and offered a new, optimistic life in ITT, in BTY he was distant (both physically and emotionally), and didn't have as much of an effect emotionally. I didn't like Charlotte, and the absence of Milla and Colin was actually surprisingly noticeable.
Jude was a forever kind of guy. He wasn't the guy you hooked up with on your quest for the last guy. He was the last guy. And in many ways, he was the first guy for me.
Similarly, because Trista was largely on her own, in contrast with ITT which had a significant focus on the relationships within the group, I struggled to remain as engaged with her. And she alone I found hideously irritating. She went from being strong, trying to sort her life out, to becoming obsessed with her victimhood and almost proud of her suffering, doing absolutely nothing to help herself when I was expecting/hoping for her to come out fighting.
Loneliness was my most loyal companion, and I didn't want to drown it in a relationship just for the sake of not being alone.
I didn't hate it; I was just left disappointed at reading about someone so obsessed with and tied up in her grief, and I felt that in some respects the events here were a little forced. I wanted the slow, meandering storyline and finding comfort with nature despite grief and the hardships of life - exploring Trista's mind like the first book. I wanted my heart to ache again, but I never quite got there.
October 20, 2016
I think we should pen Whitney as Whitney “the Heart Breaker” Barbetti. This woman knows how to rip you apart and put you back together again. Back to Yesterday, the second in the Bleeding Hearts series and the conclusion of Jude and Trista’s story, was an emotional hurricane. I was both anxious and so terrified to read this book. The ending of Into the Tomorrows, the first in this story, made my brain explode. It took my mind hours to shut down after things ended, my internal ranting arguing with people and attempting to protect Trista. So with that ending in the back of my mind, I strapped on my emotional armor and prepared to get pounded.
Back to Yesterday takes place both immediately after the first book ends and in the near future. The story jumps back and forth between where Trista and Jude were and where they are before they get to their ending. The time shifts that happen in the book both annoyed me and ensnared me. I was sucked in, wanting to understand what to look forward to, trying to find some hope to grasp onto, and equal parts annoyed because my brain kept trying to fill in the blanks. If there is one thing I have learned, you can never completely predict what will happen, especially with Barbetti’s book.
In this story, we focus on Trista’s journey. She wanders in her isolation and sadness. It has been a while since I have read such a sad and hopeless character. As I read, I began to understand more and more about why she was that way. We see her home life first hand in a horrific way instead of just in past recollection. As the book progresses, Trista attempts to find a safe place to be still and learn who she is. We meet a whole new set of characters who influence Trista and both expose her to new trials and help her begin to heal. Yet with each new moment in her life, she is met with choices that have the ability to make things right or break the already brokenness of her heart.
I don’t want to spoil anything so I will stop rambling before I do. But be forewarned, this book goes in a different direction than expected (at least by me) and it breaks your heart. This book is dark, heavy, and hopeless. There are moments when I wanted to just hold Trista and cry with her. But when all hope seems lost, love comes in and a spark of something happens. I love that this book is about a character in progress. She is never truly there but you see her learn to embrace life and love herself.
Back to Yesterday takes place both immediately after the first book ends and in the near future. The story jumps back and forth between where Trista and Jude were and where they are before they get to their ending. The time shifts that happen in the book both annoyed me and ensnared me. I was sucked in, wanting to understand what to look forward to, trying to find some hope to grasp onto, and equal parts annoyed because my brain kept trying to fill in the blanks. If there is one thing I have learned, you can never completely predict what will happen, especially with Barbetti’s book.
In this story, we focus on Trista’s journey. She wanders in her isolation and sadness. It has been a while since I have read such a sad and hopeless character. As I read, I began to understand more and more about why she was that way. We see her home life first hand in a horrific way instead of just in past recollection. As the book progresses, Trista attempts to find a safe place to be still and learn who she is. We meet a whole new set of characters who influence Trista and both expose her to new trials and help her begin to heal. Yet with each new moment in her life, she is met with choices that have the ability to make things right or break the already brokenness of her heart.
I don’t want to spoil anything so I will stop rambling before I do. But be forewarned, this book goes in a different direction than expected (at least by me) and it breaks your heart. This book is dark, heavy, and hopeless. There are moments when I wanted to just hold Trista and cry with her. But when all hope seems lost, love comes in and a spark of something happens. I love that this book is about a character in progress. She is never truly there but you see her learn to embrace life and love herself.
October 19, 2016
I'm putting this as a spoiler warning JUST in case. I can never be too sure of myself when I write reviews like this.
"You're not the only person who feels like they're walking around breathing half the air they normally would, feeling like no matter what they do, they're missing a piece that makes them whole."
Waterworks. But are we really surprised? Whitney always delivers a message in each of her books, and they're not always the fun kind. This book is going to hurt like a bitch. It will make you cry, spoiler alert. I lay crippled in my bed for quite sometime.
But needless to say everyone, it is SUCH a good story. Whitney Barbetti writes in a way that is uniquely hers, and I don't think anyone can take that away from her. Her characters are so raw and dynamic. Her characters are real. The emotions they feel are real. I'm sure when you read this, you'll notice they're real. We're smart readers.
"If you can't love yourself," he said, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear, "let me love you enough for the both of us."
SEE! If words like that don't make you feel anything, then I'm gonna go ahead and call you heartless. #sorrynotsorry
"Who said love was uncomplicated?" He huffed. "All that matters is that you're good for each other, and good for one another. It's really that simple."
"Suffering is a choice. If you don't want it, lose it."
Let me just say quoting Trista's grandfather is super important, okay? He has a lot of wisdom flowing through lips and man, I wish I had a grandfather like that.
I cannot stress how much I loved this book. It was definitely a hard read, one that will drive you mad if you don't talk to someone about it (that's what the Barbetti Babes group is for!) so be sure to do a buddy read for this if you can.
"You're not the only person who feels like they're walking around breathing half the air they normally would, feeling like no matter what they do, they're missing a piece that makes them whole."
Waterworks. But are we really surprised? Whitney always delivers a message in each of her books, and they're not always the fun kind. This book is going to hurt like a bitch. It will make you cry, spoiler alert. I lay crippled in my bed for quite sometime.
But needless to say everyone, it is SUCH a good story. Whitney Barbetti writes in a way that is uniquely hers, and I don't think anyone can take that away from her. Her characters are so raw and dynamic. Her characters are real. The emotions they feel are real. I'm sure when you read this, you'll notice they're real. We're smart readers.
"If you can't love yourself," he said, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear, "let me love you enough for the both of us."
SEE! If words like that don't make you feel anything, then I'm gonna go ahead and call you heartless. #sorrynotsorry
"Who said love was uncomplicated?" He huffed. "All that matters is that you're good for each other, and good for one another. It's really that simple."
"Suffering is a choice. If you don't want it, lose it."
Let me just say quoting Trista's grandfather is super important, okay? He has a lot of wisdom flowing through lips and man, I wish I had a grandfather like that.
I cannot stress how much I loved this book. It was definitely a hard read, one that will drive you mad if you don't talk to someone about it (that's what the Barbetti Babes group is for!) so be sure to do a buddy read for this if you can.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 4, 2016
**** 4 Cranky Stars ****
This book is going to make you cry. The only reason it's getting a 4 instead of a 5 star is because I'm not a fan of time swaps.
Life has kicked Trista in the face. How she's made it is a miracle. Grief covers her and tragedy follows.
Trying to put herself back together after the betrayal of Colin and Mila, Trista starts over in a small town in Maine. Reclusive, Trista meets the magical Jude.
Jude has the strength of Hercules and the patience of a saint. Open and brave, he's the opposite of Trista, and slowly she begins to live again.
At times, this book was difficult. Trista tested my patience, but it made the story work.
It's recommended you read Into the Tomorrows before Back to Yesterday in order to understand. Back of Yesterday picks up directly where Into the Tomorrows left off.
This one kicked me in all my feelings. I can't wait for the next one.
October 19, 2016
We have finally received the beautifully poetic conclusion to Jude and Trista's story! Left with a shocking cliffhanger at the end of Into The Tomorrows we needed to know what happens next! And I have say this was definitely worth the wait. Back To Yesterday picks up with Trista's journey to putting the pieces back together but one thing that happens when someone you love betrays you that deeply, sometimes you can get lost swimming in the emotions and when it feels like doubt and anger are going to slam you against the rocks sometimes love is the only thing left holding you together.
There is a lot of bouncing back and forth from present events to the past and we see the evolution of Trista's character much more fully than we did in book one, her mental state is a little darker in this one and she struggles with more self esteem issues. We still see her growing and changing but there are some point to where you want to shake your fist at the world for making this beautiful person feel so unloved and worthless. The pool party scene and the aftermath was one of the most powerful but emotionally hard scenes to read because I felt each and every emotion she was going through right then, Whitney's writing gets in your brain like that!
Toward the latter half of the book its rough going y'all i'm not even gonna sugar coat it for you! The emotional storm and the ups and downs its intense! But its the pain when you know you will survive this but you will not come away unscathed! You will carry these words and this indescribably beautiful story with you from now on.
There is a lot of bouncing back and forth from present events to the past and we see the evolution of Trista's character much more fully than we did in book one, her mental state is a little darker in this one and she struggles with more self esteem issues. We still see her growing and changing but there are some point to where you want to shake your fist at the world for making this beautiful person feel so unloved and worthless. The pool party scene and the aftermath was one of the most powerful but emotionally hard scenes to read because I felt each and every emotion she was going through right then, Whitney's writing gets in your brain like that!
Toward the latter half of the book its rough going y'all i'm not even gonna sugar coat it for you! The emotional storm and the ups and downs its intense! But its the pain when you know you will survive this but you will not come away unscathed! You will carry these words and this indescribably beautiful story with you from now on.
October 30, 2016
After enjoying the first book from the "Bleeding Hearts" series, I was very much looking forward to starting this book. I was eager to discover what happened next for Trista and Jude. When I had finished book one, I was left with an hopeful outlook for the couple's future together and I couldn't wait to catch up with the pair, especially Trista. That girl had been through such a miserable time before Jude came along, so I was optimistic for happier times ahead.
Unfortunately, I soon realised that Trista's life had yet again took a depressing turn. "Back To Yesterday" saw Trista battling with the many issues in her life. Not only was she trying to make sense of everything that had happened to her, she was also dealing with her insecurities. In the previous book, I was sympathetic to Trista's situation, however this time around, I became increasingly frustrated with the way that Trista was choosing to live her life. To be honest, I was so disappointed with Trista's actions. The direction that the story took made me so sad.
The only small light in the story was, yet again the lovely Jude, however even his presence was not enough for me to change my opinion on how this book made me feel. I was so disheartened with the way that the everything was playing out for Trista and Jude and for that reason I couldn't give "Back to Yesterday" more than 3 stars.
Unfortunately, I soon realised that Trista's life had yet again took a depressing turn. "Back To Yesterday" saw Trista battling with the many issues in her life. Not only was she trying to make sense of everything that had happened to her, she was also dealing with her insecurities. In the previous book, I was sympathetic to Trista's situation, however this time around, I became increasingly frustrated with the way that Trista was choosing to live her life. To be honest, I was so disappointed with Trista's actions. The direction that the story took made me so sad.
The only small light in the story was, yet again the lovely Jude, however even his presence was not enough for me to change my opinion on how this book made me feel. I was so disheartened with the way that the everything was playing out for Trista and Jude and for that reason I couldn't give "Back to Yesterday" more than 3 stars.
February 8, 2017
Bueno, me sentí bastante decepcionada de este libro. El final del anterior quedó bastante inconcluso y pensé que las cosas iban a ser diferentes para Trista que iba a ser una persona mucho más madura. Trista me recuerda a varias personas que son tan volubles y ella es una de estas personas. Trista necesita mucho carácter al menos un cuarto del carácter que tiene Jude.
SPOILERS::::::::::::::
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Trista se metió en un sitio peor del que salió. Ella debe tener un problema serio porque ninguna persona racional se embarca a visitar a la enferma, drogadicta y loca de su madre. Para mi fue una completa estupidez y salir con Charlotte fue otra gran estupidez. uando pensé que de quién seria amiga iba a ser Clare y terminó siendo la loca y bulimica. Que le dió grandes consejos. Una ronda de aplausos para Trista.
Charlotte es una muy mala influencia y sinceramente una de las peores cosas que le pasó a Trista.
Me gustó como se resolvieron la cosas. Me pegó bastante la muerte de Colin. Fue algo muy triste y me gustó que Jude hizo que Trista enfrentara este hecho.
Jude es sin duda mi personaje favorito del libro y comprendo la mayoría de sus decisiones. Es un buen libro toca temas fuertes sin embargo no creo que lo volvería a leer.
3 Estrellas!
SPOILERS::::::::::::::
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Trista se metió en un sitio peor del que salió. Ella debe tener un problema serio porque ninguna persona racional se embarca a visitar a la enferma, drogadicta y loca de su madre. Para mi fue una completa estupidez y salir con Charlotte fue otra gran estupidez. uando pensé que de quién seria amiga iba a ser Clare y terminó siendo la loca y bulimica. Que le dió grandes consejos. Una ronda de aplausos para Trista.
Charlotte es una muy mala influencia y sinceramente una de las peores cosas que le pasó a Trista.
Me gustó como se resolvieron la cosas. Me pegó bastante la muerte de Colin. Fue algo muy triste y me gustó que Jude hizo que Trista enfrentara este hecho.
Jude es sin duda mi personaje favorito del libro y comprendo la mayoría de sus decisiones. Es un buen libro toca temas fuertes sin embargo no creo que lo volvería a leer.
3 Estrellas!
October 21, 2016
Wow. I do not even know where to start on this book. Whitney has the ability to gut punch me with her writing and leave me speechless. After the ending to ITT this book did not go where I imagined, but I am okay with that. I had a convo with a friend regarding this yesterday; Whitney does not write cookie cutter romance. She is different and real and it works every time.
I love Trista so much. She is so bold and strong even with going through family issues and then facing her own personal obstacles. The topics that are brought up are controversial, but they are what makes Trista a real heroine. She is admirable and not at all flawless. I have loved Jude since ITT and I am still determined that he is my soul mate so if anyone can conjure up some magic and make him for me that would be great.
I loved BTY so much. It was not my "perfect ending", but it was the perfect ending for these characters. I honestly hope to see them again possibly in a spin-off story. Trista and Jude are forever etched into my heart.
If you have read ITT then I implore you to read BTY. You will not be disappointed. 5 Stars from Reviews by Reds!
I love Trista so much. She is so bold and strong even with going through family issues and then facing her own personal obstacles. The topics that are brought up are controversial, but they are what makes Trista a real heroine. She is admirable and not at all flawless. I have loved Jude since ITT and I am still determined that he is my soul mate so if anyone can conjure up some magic and make him for me that would be great.
I loved BTY so much. It was not my "perfect ending", but it was the perfect ending for these characters. I honestly hope to see them again possibly in a spin-off story. Trista and Jude are forever etched into my heart.
If you have read ITT then I implore you to read BTY. You will not be disappointed. 5 Stars from Reviews by Reds!
October 19, 2016
Back To Yesterday was beautiful and poetic; sad and emotional. It's the conclusion to Trista and Jude's story so be sure to read Into the Tomorrows before picking this one up!
After reading this book, I emailed Whitney saying, "My heart. It's broken and full and not sure what the fuck to feel because of what you put me through. I loved it all. I felt it all. <3"
She does that to me with every book. Whitney has a way of writing words that settles into every crack of my broken heart. She's phenomenal! And Back To Yesterday shows just how deep she can get a person to feel. It's enthralling.
Reading BTY was exactly what I needed when I was dealing with some things and I highly recommend this series plus every other book by this outstanding woman. She delivers messages that people need to hear about.
After reading this book, I emailed Whitney saying, "My heart. It's broken and full and not sure what the fuck to feel because of what you put me through. I loved it all. I felt it all. <3"
She does that to me with every book. Whitney has a way of writing words that settles into every crack of my broken heart. She's phenomenal! And Back To Yesterday shows just how deep she can get a person to feel. It's enthralling.
Reading BTY was exactly what I needed when I was dealing with some things and I highly recommend this series plus every other book by this outstanding woman. She delivers messages that people need to hear about.
October 19, 2016
I loved this book so much! As usual, Whitney Barbetti has given us a story filled with ups and downs. We get to see what happens to Trista in the years after she left Colorado at the end of Into the Tomorrows. Barbetti takes us on a journey with Trista as she tries to heal from the events in her past. The writing is beautiful. The poems are incredible. For me, this was the perfect ending to the story.
October 21, 2016
Whitney ripped my heart out so many times with this book/series but put me back together, wholly, though never quite the same.
It was everything and more than I could of hoped for in the conclusion of Trista and Jude. Oh Jude.
I wish I had more than 5 stars, because this book deserves so much more than just 5!
It was everything and more than I could of hoped for in the conclusion of Trista and Jude. Oh Jude.
I wish I had more than 5 stars, because this book deserves so much more than just 5!
November 5, 2016
Very good finish to Juda and Trita's story....heard there's a third book possibly from another character....could it be Mila?
October 23, 2016
“Fear is healthy. It’s when you’re drowning in it that it’s not.
First off I want to read one book where I don't cry wtf. So many unanswered questions. At times I wanted to smack her to snap out of it. Stop drowning stop whining. Do actions something
Trista so lost losses herself more after leaving Colorado and back to Wyoming were it all began to see things don't change and life there is worse. After one day and having a horrible fight with her mother's boyfriend Doug drug dealer loser. She ends up in a small town in Maine to try to figure her life out. Trista doesn't face her demons she lets them eat her alive. Literally after hearing people call her fat she's now taken a secret Charlotte shared and is now doing to. Trista like that she in control of this and how freeing purging is. While working at the Inn in Maine she does nothing to find her. Mila and Jude have tried to contact her she's just ready to handle the lies and truths. Jude is always right there in her mind she just doesn't know how to let everything else go. Jude tried to find her when he finally did she still wasn't ready to let him help. Then Mila called thinking Jude died. She realized it's not Jude who was ill but Collin. She went back to Colorado knowing it was almost the end. She knew seeing him would be hard but him looking like death and knowing his time was almost up killed her. After losing her best friend Ellie she became so with drawn so sad so lost. Now he she was with Collin wondering with Mila had left him. He was alone like her. While still in Wyoming she visited her gramps. Then her mother and facing the man that hit her the last time she was there. Once Jude found out what he did and once he tried to step towards Trista he decked him. Trista told Jude the whole ugly truth of what happened when she left him running back home to run again. The next day was The day Collin was dying she had to say her final goodbye. Trista still lost after everything how do you let go how do you become whole. While at the airport to go home she got her answer Jude it was always Jude and finally asked for help.
My only reason for 4stars was I feel cheated
I wanted to know what happened to Mila ??
What happened to Charlotte?
The other girl at the Inn? She just vanished
Maura a I mean Maine wasn't home but she left them all too like nothing
First off I want to read one book where I don't cry wtf. So many unanswered questions. At times I wanted to smack her to snap out of it. Stop drowning stop whining. Do actions something
Trista so lost losses herself more after leaving Colorado and back to Wyoming were it all began to see things don't change and life there is worse. After one day and having a horrible fight with her mother's boyfriend Doug drug dealer loser. She ends up in a small town in Maine to try to figure her life out. Trista doesn't face her demons she lets them eat her alive. Literally after hearing people call her fat she's now taken a secret Charlotte shared and is now doing to. Trista like that she in control of this and how freeing purging is. While working at the Inn in Maine she does nothing to find her. Mila and Jude have tried to contact her she's just ready to handle the lies and truths. Jude is always right there in her mind she just doesn't know how to let everything else go. Jude tried to find her when he finally did she still wasn't ready to let him help. Then Mila called thinking Jude died. She realized it's not Jude who was ill but Collin. She went back to Colorado knowing it was almost the end. She knew seeing him would be hard but him looking like death and knowing his time was almost up killed her. After losing her best friend Ellie she became so with drawn so sad so lost. Now he she was with Collin wondering with Mila had left him. He was alone like her. While still in Wyoming she visited her gramps. Then her mother and facing the man that hit her the last time she was there. Once Jude found out what he did and once he tried to step towards Trista he decked him. Trista told Jude the whole ugly truth of what happened when she left him running back home to run again. The next day was The day Collin was dying she had to say her final goodbye. Trista still lost after everything how do you let go how do you become whole. While at the airport to go home she got her answer Jude it was always Jude and finally asked for help.
My only reason for 4stars was I feel cheated
I wanted to know what happened to Mila ??
What happened to Charlotte?
The other girl at the Inn? She just vanished
Maura a I mean Maine wasn't home but she left them all too like nothing
October 23, 2016
***ARC received in exchange of an honest review***
Let me start this review by saying I love Whitney Barbetti's writing. I really do! She writes from the heart and she pours so much emotion in her words, we're left with beautifully written books. They bleed the sorrows, sadness and ansgt of its characters.
I'm disappointed by Back to Yesterday, the sequel to Into the Tomorrows. But not by Whitney's writing! I really really liked Into the Tomorrows and I was highly antecipating Back to Yesterday and unfortunately it did not meet my expectations.
First of all, I feel like this story could have been incorporated in the first book, making it longer. I also feel like the story in this book does not follow the first one. I felt like they were two completely different stories. I disliked the heroine a LOT. She was supposed to be "finding herself" and I didn't feel like she made any effort to do it in the whole book, just the opposite. I feel for her and for struggles, but the way she chose to "deal" with them didn't seem real enough for me. I know that happens to a lot of people, but I didn't connect with her in this book.
I love Jude, the hero, but he doesn't appear enough for me either. The way the book was told in the past (2011) and the present (2013) waa sometimes confusing too.
I feel like this book still left a lot unsaid, from the way the first book ended and also from things that happened and were told in this one too. There were lose ends that I wish were more explored.
I liked the last chapter, it was the best for me. It showed a different Trista, like the way she was in book one and how she was supposed to be in the sequel, according to how the story was told and left out in the first book. The epilogue was great too!!
I don't feel bad for being honest in this review, but I wish I liked it more and things were different. Maybe i it wass all one (a bit longer) book, it maybe would have incorporated eveeything this book was meant to pass to the reader. The writing is excellent, as I said, but the first book and this sequel don't really match.
Let me start this review by saying I love Whitney Barbetti's writing. I really do! She writes from the heart and she pours so much emotion in her words, we're left with beautifully written books. They bleed the sorrows, sadness and ansgt of its characters.
I'm disappointed by Back to Yesterday, the sequel to Into the Tomorrows. But not by Whitney's writing! I really really liked Into the Tomorrows and I was highly antecipating Back to Yesterday and unfortunately it did not meet my expectations.
First of all, I feel like this story could have been incorporated in the first book, making it longer. I also feel like the story in this book does not follow the first one. I felt like they were two completely different stories. I disliked the heroine a LOT. She was supposed to be "finding herself" and I didn't feel like she made any effort to do it in the whole book, just the opposite. I feel for her and for struggles, but the way she chose to "deal" with them didn't seem real enough for me. I know that happens to a lot of people, but I didn't connect with her in this book.
I love Jude, the hero, but he doesn't appear enough for me either. The way the book was told in the past (2011) and the present (2013) waa sometimes confusing too.
I feel like this book still left a lot unsaid, from the way the first book ended and also from things that happened and were told in this one too. There were lose ends that I wish were more explored.
I liked the last chapter, it was the best for me. It showed a different Trista, like the way she was in book one and how she was supposed to be in the sequel, according to how the story was told and left out in the first book. The epilogue was great too!!
I don't feel bad for being honest in this review, but I wish I liked it more and things were different. Maybe i it wass all one (a bit longer) book, it maybe would have incorporated eveeything this book was meant to pass to the reader. The writing is excellent, as I said, but the first book and this sequel don't really match.
March 28, 2024
This book continues the story of Jude and Trista. So the 1st book - Into The Tomorrows - must be read first.
⚠️There may be some minor spoilers in this review! ⚠️
Trista left to find out who she was, because she couldn't be ready for Jude or anything else in life until she was ready to be herself.
But instead of finding herself, she got even more lost! And while she knew she wasn't going anywhere, or moving forward in anyway, she stayed put and refused to look for or even accept help from the one person who was willing to do anything for her.
Jude kept waiting, kept worrying, and kept trying to help in someway, but Trista wouldn't have it.
Warning!!⚠️⚠️⚠️
The book openly addresses eating disorders. It's not veiled at all! It's full of too many details and explanations, and all from the POV of the person who has the disorder, but thinks It's all ok and all under control. For someone struggling with it, I have a feeling it can be extremely triggering.
🔙Back to Jude and Trista...
They spend a couple of years apart, both suffering tremendously from the distance, Jude trying to be patient while Trista was just being stubborn.
It takes tragedy (and pretty much the whole book) to bring them back together. In the end, they do get a HEA, but it's like they just decide all the issues they had were not really important anymore and should just be left behind.
Basically, there was too much pain and suffering throughout the book that were all disregarded in the end.
⚠️There may be some minor spoilers in this review! ⚠️
Trista left to find out who she was, because she couldn't be ready for Jude or anything else in life until she was ready to be herself.
But instead of finding herself, she got even more lost! And while she knew she wasn't going anywhere, or moving forward in anyway, she stayed put and refused to look for or even accept help from the one person who was willing to do anything for her.
Jude kept waiting, kept worrying, and kept trying to help in someway, but Trista wouldn't have it.
Warning!!⚠️⚠️⚠️
The book openly addresses eating disorders. It's not veiled at all! It's full of too many details and explanations, and all from the POV of the person who has the disorder, but thinks It's all ok and all under control. For someone struggling with it, I have a feeling it can be extremely triggering.
🔙Back to Jude and Trista...
They spend a couple of years apart, both suffering tremendously from the distance, Jude trying to be patient while Trista was just being stubborn.
It takes tragedy (and pretty much the whole book) to bring them back together. In the end, they do get a HEA, but it's like they just decide all the issues they had were not really important anymore and should just be left behind.
Basically, there was too much pain and suffering throughout the book that were all disregarded in the end.
October 20, 2016
3.5 Stars
Back to Yesterday is a continuation from Into the Tomorrows, which should be read before Back to Yesterday.
For me, Back to Yesterday evoked the emotions I felt were lacking in Into the Tomorrows, which made it a more engaging read. Trista's journey after where things left off in Into the Tomorrows was harrowing at times. You saw even more of the girl who was damaged. Through it all though I still felt she was strong. Sometimes the weak moments we have in life are the ones that push us forward and guide us back on track, seeing them for what they are and working to heal from them can make a person stronger. I really liked Trista. She made some hard decisions to better herself, risking the life and love she longed for. Even though there were things I admired in her journey, there was definitely moments I wanted to strangle her. Jude I loved just as much as ever, if not more.
The conclusion to Trista's story will pull at you, I think a lot of people can relate to the way she was feeling, and wanting to change things. Everyone has those moments of needing to find themselves, find their balance, their happy. Through the highs and lows, the happy and sad, I felt content by the end of Back to Yesterday. I was happy for Trista. I was left with a warm feeling of excitement where it all ties up at the end knowing the next leg of her journey could only be filled with light.
Back to Yesterday is a continuation from Into the Tomorrows, which should be read before Back to Yesterday.
For me, Back to Yesterday evoked the emotions I felt were lacking in Into the Tomorrows, which made it a more engaging read. Trista's journey after where things left off in Into the Tomorrows was harrowing at times. You saw even more of the girl who was damaged. Through it all though I still felt she was strong. Sometimes the weak moments we have in life are the ones that push us forward and guide us back on track, seeing them for what they are and working to heal from them can make a person stronger. I really liked Trista. She made some hard decisions to better herself, risking the life and love she longed for. Even though there were things I admired in her journey, there was definitely moments I wanted to strangle her. Jude I loved just as much as ever, if not more.
The conclusion to Trista's story will pull at you, I think a lot of people can relate to the way she was feeling, and wanting to change things. Everyone has those moments of needing to find themselves, find their balance, their happy. Through the highs and lows, the happy and sad, I felt content by the end of Back to Yesterday. I was happy for Trista. I was left with a warm feeling of excitement where it all ties up at the end knowing the next leg of her journey could only be filled with light.
October 26, 2019
i had to get to this book right away. once i finished Into The Tomorrows i knew this series was going to have my heart. now that i finished this series, and i finished this book i can tell you guys that this series has impacted me in a way no book has. 🙌🏼
this book is heart breaking, from the first page i was already crying. throughout the the book i found myself emotionally drained but i just couldn't put this book down i had to know how everything was going to go for our main character, Trista. even though this book and the first one have so many heartbreaks, loss, pain and sadness at the end Whitney shows us that there is always hope and possibility. a story that truly shows you that there's always light at the end of the tunnel.
with that i have to say that Whitney Barbetti didn't hold back, she truly let readers know how it is. allowing us to feel the heart, strength, and hope, all these feeling the characters are feeling. i really do recommend everyone to read this book and the first book, Into The Tomorrows. you wont be disappointed. ♥️
this book is heart breaking, from the first page i was already crying. throughout the the book i found myself emotionally drained but i just couldn't put this book down i had to know how everything was going to go for our main character, Trista. even though this book and the first one have so many heartbreaks, loss, pain and sadness at the end Whitney shows us that there is always hope and possibility. a story that truly shows you that there's always light at the end of the tunnel.
with that i have to say that Whitney Barbetti didn't hold back, she truly let readers know how it is. allowing us to feel the heart, strength, and hope, all these feeling the characters are feeling. i really do recommend everyone to read this book and the first book, Into The Tomorrows. you wont be disappointed. ♥️
October 24, 2016
Wow! I was dying at the end of Into the Tomorrows to see how this story ends up. I was really surprised at the direction that this story took. I am hesistant to write too much but I want to say how thankful I am that the author chose to tackle eating disorders. This book was so emotional with what Trista endures in the beginning and to see her handle her sorrow and emptiness by gaining false control using bulimia was a tough pill to swallow. As anyone who has suffered from the disease knows, it's hard to beat it and if you don't get the professional help and support you need you likely won't. Jude is such a great character. To be able to walk away and support her and wait until she is ready is a testament to him. He was put in some tough spots in the first book. I was not disappointed at all with the second part of this story. Beautifully written book.
October 18, 2016
This book release has snuck up on me. When I saw that the sequel to Into the Tomorrows was coming out, I started freaking out. Into the Tomorrows ended on a major cliffhanger. It was a very emotional book and I didn't know how I was going to survive after that ending.
Going into this story, it wasn't about me though. This was Trista's story.
I finished this book in a day. That in itself says a lot. I became engrossed in her search, pain, and feelings. She didn't know what she was doing and we got to learn and feel with her every step of the way.
I've spent the majority of the day sneaking time with my kindle between doing dishes and laundry. It is now 11:40 p.m. and I should be asleep because 5 a.m. comes too early. Instead I spent the last hour crying my eyes out.
Back to Yesterday really made bleed. I could feel Trista's self-worth, pain, and loneliness. It was like a knife piercing my chest. Her poetry that she writes in her notebook. So beautiful. Trista's struggles felt so real to me. Then, I found out that the insight came from a very personal level. (read the author note!)
The whole story was just so inspirational to me. It doesn't get any better than this. This is why I read. Thank you, for giving me this relatable escape Whitney Barbetti!
Going into this story, it wasn't about me though. This was Trista's story.
I finished this book in a day. That in itself says a lot. I became engrossed in her search, pain, and feelings. She didn't know what she was doing and we got to learn and feel with her every step of the way.
I've spent the majority of the day sneaking time with my kindle between doing dishes and laundry. It is now 11:40 p.m. and I should be asleep because 5 a.m. comes too early. Instead I spent the last hour crying my eyes out.
Back to Yesterday really made bleed. I could feel Trista's self-worth, pain, and loneliness. It was like a knife piercing my chest. Her poetry that she writes in her notebook. So beautiful. Trista's struggles felt so real to me. Then, I found out that the insight came from a very personal level. (read the author note!)
The whole story was just so inspirational to me. It doesn't get any better than this. This is why I read. Thank you, for giving me this relatable escape Whitney Barbetti!
January 17, 2022
Wasn't the greatest fan of the going back and forth with the dates, it was confusing at times but I really enjoyed this story. It made me cry at times and then be overjoyed by the love Jude had for Trista and vice versa. It took a long time for their love to come full circle but she had so much emptiness to overcome and to figure out who she was all while struggling with her eating disorder and a shitty mother that just adds to her struggles.
October 26, 2016
Wow, this is the conclusion to Jude and Trista's story (book one is Into The Tomorrows) and what a story it is. I'm a slow reader (seriously slow lol) but I read this book in 3 days. I grabbed any empty time and read. I thought about Jude and Trista wherever I was and whatever I was doing.
Amazing read by an author that I will now be following and reading.
Amazing read by an author that I will now be following and reading.
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