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Alone in Paris
Breathe, Taylor.
Taylor Clay's family isn't exactly perfect. They may look the part with the nice, big house and her dad's fancy job, but that's what's tearing them apart. That, and her dad's sudden recurring drinking problem.
Though her family is close to falling apart, she never wished for something like this to happen. She never wished for her father to drive off a bridge. Especially not while they were on vacation; especially not when her and her mom were in the car with him at the time.
Breathe.
She's devastated after the fact. And it isn't helping that the papers are gossiping about how the pristine lawyer could have driven off the bridge on purpose. And just when she thinks nothing could possibly make things worse, she realizes she's left alone with no relatives to care for her.
So she's alone. Her parents are dead. And she's stuck in the country her family was visiting for their vacation. She's alone in Paris.
Just breathe.
Then Nathan walks into the picture. Funny, snarky, persistent, and sometimes, just flat out rude, he annoys Taylor to no end. He won't leave her alone, but Taylor doesn't know whether or not she should push him away.
Taylor Clay's family isn't exactly perfect. They may look the part with the nice, big house and her dad's fancy job, but that's what's tearing them apart. That, and her dad's sudden recurring drinking problem.
Though her family is close to falling apart, she never wished for something like this to happen. She never wished for her father to drive off a bridge. Especially not while they were on vacation; especially not when her and her mom were in the car with him at the time.
Breathe.
She's devastated after the fact. And it isn't helping that the papers are gossiping about how the pristine lawyer could have driven off the bridge on purpose. And just when she thinks nothing could possibly make things worse, she realizes she's left alone with no relatives to care for her.
So she's alone. Her parents are dead. And she's stuck in the country her family was visiting for their vacation. She's alone in Paris.
Just breathe.
Then Nathan walks into the picture. Funny, snarky, persistent, and sometimes, just flat out rude, he annoys Taylor to no end. He won't leave her alone, but Taylor doesn't know whether or not she should push him away.
208 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2017
4 people are currently reading
805 people want to read
About the author
Ashley Earley
9 books201 followersAshley Earley grew up in Georgia, where she spent most of her time running wild in the woods of her backyard, building forts to create her own fantasy worlds, obsessing over books and experimenting with her writing.
Today, she lives in Kansas with her fiancé and two pups. She still spends her time devouring any book she can get her hands on, writing, and editing for her clients at Earley Editing, LLC. In May of 2021, she graduated with distinction from University of Colorado Boulder, receiving a Bachelor’s in English with an emphasis in Creative Writing. She also enjoys snowboarding, exploring, annoying her dogs, constantly eating chocolate, and sharing her writing adventures on Instagram.
Her Thriller/Suspense short story, Chasing Hair of Gold, won first place in the 2016 Writer’s Digest Popular Fiction Awards.
You can visit her at www.ashleyearley.com or www.earleyediting.com for her editing services.
Ashley has been writing since 2010 and editing since 2016.
Instagram: @ashley_earley
TikTok: @ashley_earley
Author Blog: https://www.ashleyearley.com/blog
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/authorashley...
Today, she lives in Kansas with her fiancé and two pups. She still spends her time devouring any book she can get her hands on, writing, and editing for her clients at Earley Editing, LLC. In May of 2021, she graduated with distinction from University of Colorado Boulder, receiving a Bachelor’s in English with an emphasis in Creative Writing. She also enjoys snowboarding, exploring, annoying her dogs, constantly eating chocolate, and sharing her writing adventures on Instagram.
Her Thriller/Suspense short story, Chasing Hair of Gold, won first place in the 2016 Writer’s Digest Popular Fiction Awards.
You can visit her at www.ashleyearley.com or www.earleyediting.com for her editing services.
Ashley has been writing since 2010 and editing since 2016.
Instagram: @ashley_earley
TikTok: @ashley_earley
Author Blog: https://www.ashleyearley.com/blog
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/authorashley...
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 17, 2017
unfortunately i can't seem to finish this. its too sad & depressing as it involves a bloody suicide scene. if the guy would not have been in the book, then what she would have died of hunger or her attempts. also if the mc wants to go on living further in the book only because its obviously for the guy, then i don't want to know that either because it somehow seems shallow compare to what she is going through.
March 3, 2017
I'm very excited to be sharing this book with my readers! I had a lot of fun writing this book so I hope that people enjoy it! My hope for this book is that it will inspire others and make them realize that they can overcome any challenges that they face, even if it seems impossible. Have faith. Don't give up. Push on and find hope in the world as Taylor did during her journey in Paris.
Where the Idea for Alone in Paris Came From
I got the idea for the book Alone in Paris from a picture. The picture was of a girl sitting next to a small pond. She was wearing a white dress, and more importantly, she was alone. And I just imagined there being the Eiffel Tower in the reflection of the pond.
The Idea For Alone in Paris
Since I pictured the girl in the photograph alone, when I started writing Alone in Paris, I had to figure out how she came to be alone.
I wondered how she came to be alone and thought about it for a while until I came up with the idea about how she came to be by herself and why. However, the story and where it would take me wasn't obvious. I wasn't sure who my character was and where the story would go, and if I could write a contemporary since I was used to writing fantasy. I was struggling to figure out what kind of book Alone in Paris would be.
I wrote the first five chapters for Alone in Paris. But I had been working on another book project at the time, and quickly came to the conclusion that I couldn't write 2 books at once. So, I put it away, only to pick it up again 4 years later. I somehow finished it, and writing it wasn't so bad, even though it lacked battle scenes and scary creatures lol. I've actually written another contemporary book since finishing Alone in Paris.
Thank you for all the support everyone!
www.ashleyearley.
www.ashleyearleybooks.tumblr.com
www.ashleyearleywrites.blogspot.com
-Ashley Earley
Where the Idea for Alone in Paris Came From
I got the idea for the book Alone in Paris from a picture. The picture was of a girl sitting next to a small pond. She was wearing a white dress, and more importantly, she was alone. And I just imagined there being the Eiffel Tower in the reflection of the pond.
The Idea For Alone in Paris
Since I pictured the girl in the photograph alone, when I started writing Alone in Paris, I had to figure out how she came to be alone.
I wondered how she came to be alone and thought about it for a while until I came up with the idea about how she came to be by herself and why. However, the story and where it would take me wasn't obvious. I wasn't sure who my character was and where the story would go, and if I could write a contemporary since I was used to writing fantasy. I was struggling to figure out what kind of book Alone in Paris would be.
I wrote the first five chapters for Alone in Paris. But I had been working on another book project at the time, and quickly came to the conclusion that I couldn't write 2 books at once. So, I put it away, only to pick it up again 4 years later. I somehow finished it, and writing it wasn't so bad, even though it lacked battle scenes and scary creatures lol. I've actually written another contemporary book since finishing Alone in Paris.
Thank you for all the support everyone!
www.ashleyearley.
www.ashleyearleybooks.tumblr.com
www.ashleyearleywrites.blogspot.com
-Ashley Earley
April 17, 2017
I would be insincere if I said this was an easy book to read. It is a great book, but, it is not an easy one to read. I received a free copy as part of the Blog Tour for Alone in Paris by Ashley Early via Fantastic Fiction Book Club. Alone in Paris gives the reader a nice trip through the streets of Paris near the Eiffel Tower and though I only recall a specific hotel that I sat at the day after the attack on the nightclub a couple of years ago, I remember the feeling of being on the streets of Paris in the early morning when there was hardly anyone out and in the late evening when there was not as much traffic. These are all things Taylor, the protagonist in the story cherished when she left the place she was staying. Taylor is a 17 year old girl who is alone on the streets of Paris and the reader does not know why (outside of the blurb on the back of the book) for quite some time. We are slowly told the story through flashbacks, nightmares, memories and finally when Taylor trusts someone, Nathan, to tell him.
The story of how Taylor and Nathan met is something that should be experienced through reading the book so I will not spoil that for anyone, but, I will say that it is told through a series of meetings that develop into a friendship and eventually a sweet loving relationship. Taylor is alone on the streets of Paris and there is a phrase that keeps rolling through her mind that strikes me "I am alone". She felt so alone even when she was with Nathan. She did not seem to realize when she was no longer alone. One of the things that drives the reader to keep reading is to see when Taylor realizes she is no longer alone, to witness that maybe she is alone because she has withdrawn from society. I have to wonder if that is how a lot of people end up alone. They feel alone so they continue to pull back until they literally are alone where no one can reach them emotionally and physically. Alone in Paris also gives a glimpse into how some teens might end up on the street, maybe not necessarily in Paris, but, nonetheless, living in the streets. Taylor did manage to make a semblance of a life where she was safer than a lot of people, especially teens, living on the streets. In a sense she had a home and managed to keep it to herself. This part of the story, along with Taylor's vivid pain and loss is something that the reader feels deeply. Once Taylor finds Nathan, or the other way around really, the reader hopes for something to happen for them that actually is not very feasible given their age. But, one can still hope and Alone in Paris finds a realistic way of giving that to the reader. I have a few favorite quotes, some of which may not mean much to a reader if they have not read the surrounding scene to get the context, but, they still can glean some meaning.
"I'm not drowning. I have to remind myself that I'm still alive; that I survived. I have to remind myself that it happened, but, that it is isn't happening."
"I'm here. I'm okay."
Both quotes are reminders that once you come through something even if the memories are there you came through it and can move forward. Definitely something to remember when in the midst of a storm. Review can also be seen at Lady Techie's Book Musings ladytechiesbookmusings.blogspot.com/.
The story of how Taylor and Nathan met is something that should be experienced through reading the book so I will not spoil that for anyone, but, I will say that it is told through a series of meetings that develop into a friendship and eventually a sweet loving relationship. Taylor is alone on the streets of Paris and there is a phrase that keeps rolling through her mind that strikes me "I am alone". She felt so alone even when she was with Nathan. She did not seem to realize when she was no longer alone. One of the things that drives the reader to keep reading is to see when Taylor realizes she is no longer alone, to witness that maybe she is alone because she has withdrawn from society. I have to wonder if that is how a lot of people end up alone. They feel alone so they continue to pull back until they literally are alone where no one can reach them emotionally and physically. Alone in Paris also gives a glimpse into how some teens might end up on the street, maybe not necessarily in Paris, but, nonetheless, living in the streets. Taylor did manage to make a semblance of a life where she was safer than a lot of people, especially teens, living on the streets. In a sense she had a home and managed to keep it to herself. This part of the story, along with Taylor's vivid pain and loss is something that the reader feels deeply. Once Taylor finds Nathan, or the other way around really, the reader hopes for something to happen for them that actually is not very feasible given their age. But, one can still hope and Alone in Paris finds a realistic way of giving that to the reader. I have a few favorite quotes, some of which may not mean much to a reader if they have not read the surrounding scene to get the context, but, they still can glean some meaning.
"I'm not drowning. I have to remind myself that I'm still alive; that I survived. I have to remind myself that it happened, but, that it is isn't happening."
"I'm here. I'm okay."
Both quotes are reminders that once you come through something even if the memories are there you came through it and can move forward. Definitely something to remember when in the midst of a storm. Review can also be seen at Lady Techie's Book Musings ladytechiesbookmusings.blogspot.com/.
November 28, 2017
So. Taylor is in Paris. She came on a family vacation a year ago, her parents died in a car accident, and Taylor's been hiding out in a vacant apartment ever since. And I have questions.
First: Is this actually Paris, France? I have a pet conspiracy theory that Taylor is actually in Las Vegas, near the Las Vegas 'Eiffel Tower'. That would explain why not a single character in this book ever speaks French; why we have no indication whether Taylor herself speaks French (and if so, why and how much; if not, how she's been getting by in Paris); why there are very American-sounding chocolate-chip cookies all over the place; why a seventeen-year-old has a car (or a licence); why said seventeen-year-old feels the need to drive everywhere in the first place (I don't think public transit is ever suggested)...and maybe why the Seine is first described as a river and then called a lake, though as far as I know there isn't any kind of Seine in Las Vegas.
Still. I think this theory could go somewhere. That, or this is just one of the weakest uses of place I've seen in a long time, but I prefer the conspiracy-theory angle.
Second: How exactly is Taylor getting by? I know, I know: she's staying in an abandoned apartment complex and picking up money that tourists drop, because apparently that happens a lot. But. If she barely has money to eat, how does she have multiple sketch pads, pencils, and charcoals? (Or money to go up the Eiffel Tower? If she wants to call it a splurge, or something she saved for, okay, but that isn't discussed.) She says she started her new life with no suitcase, no clothes, no nothing, but she still has multiple pairs of jeans and a dress and so on. Maybe we can assume that she picked up some inexpensive clothing at a flea market, but how is she doing laundry? Does she have any kind of electricity or heat or water in the apartment? If so, why has it not been turned off? (If not, how is she doing things like showering and using the toilet?) Why does 'her' apartment magically still have a bed and bedding and, it seems, everything an underage girl would need to be comfortable? What about winter? If she's already spent a year in Paris, she's been through all the seasons, but with (as far as I can tell from the skimpy contents of her closet) no coat or anything like that. Again: how?
This is another argument for Las Vegas, I think, where the average winter temperature is still well above freezing...
Third: What is the deal with Taylor's family? She tells us she has nobody; she tells us she 'wasn't even aware that I had relatives' (loc. 2721)...and then her grandparents show up and she's all 'oh, I recognise these people!' And I'm confused, dammit. Were her parents not on good terms with her grandparents? If so, why not? Actually, for that matter, how did Taylor spend five days in a hospital (without any known injuries, mind) without anyone saying 'oh hey we're going to ring up your grandparents'?
I can't explain this one through Vegas. Alas and alack, I am destined to remain confused.
Bonus typos:
a dozen of forgotten knives (loc. 1200)
Dad is sitting in the diver's seat (loc. 1219)
He stares at me a beat too long, accessing (loc. 1577)
First: Is this actually Paris, France? I have a pet conspiracy theory that Taylor is actually in Las Vegas, near the Las Vegas 'Eiffel Tower'. That would explain why not a single character in this book ever speaks French; why we have no indication whether Taylor herself speaks French (and if so, why and how much; if not, how she's been getting by in Paris); why there are very American-sounding chocolate-chip cookies all over the place; why a seventeen-year-old has a car (or a licence); why said seventeen-year-old feels the need to drive everywhere in the first place (I don't think public transit is ever suggested)...and maybe why the Seine is first described as a river and then called a lake, though as far as I know there isn't any kind of Seine in Las Vegas.
Still. I think this theory could go somewhere. That, or this is just one of the weakest uses of place I've seen in a long time, but I prefer the conspiracy-theory angle.
Second: How exactly is Taylor getting by? I know, I know: she's staying in an abandoned apartment complex and picking up money that tourists drop, because apparently that happens a lot. But. If she barely has money to eat, how does she have multiple sketch pads, pencils, and charcoals? (Or money to go up the Eiffel Tower? If she wants to call it a splurge, or something she saved for, okay, but that isn't discussed.) She says she started her new life with no suitcase, no clothes, no nothing, but she still has multiple pairs of jeans and a dress and so on. Maybe we can assume that she picked up some inexpensive clothing at a flea market, but how is she doing laundry? Does she have any kind of electricity or heat or water in the apartment? If so, why has it not been turned off? (If not, how is she doing things like showering and using the toilet?) Why does 'her' apartment magically still have a bed and bedding and, it seems, everything an underage girl would need to be comfortable? What about winter? If she's already spent a year in Paris, she's been through all the seasons, but with (as far as I can tell from the skimpy contents of her closet) no coat or anything like that. Again: how?
This is another argument for Las Vegas, I think, where the average winter temperature is still well above freezing...
Third: What is the deal with Taylor's family? She tells us she has nobody; she tells us she 'wasn't even aware that I had relatives' (loc. 2721)...and then her grandparents show up and she's all 'oh, I recognise these people!' And I'm confused, dammit. Were her parents not on good terms with her grandparents? If so, why not? Actually, for that matter, how did Taylor spend five days in a hospital (without any known injuries, mind) without anyone saying 'oh hey we're going to ring up your grandparents'?
I can't explain this one through Vegas. Alas and alack, I am destined to remain confused.
Bonus typos:
a dozen of forgotten knives (loc. 1200)
Dad is sitting in the diver's seat (loc. 1219)
He stares at me a beat too long, accessing (loc. 1577)
April 14, 2017
Taylor has been living in an abandoned apartment building in Paris alone since the death of her parents, barely getting by and living off scraps and random finding dropped by tourists. She is overwhelmed by depression and loneliness, not even living anymore. When some men enter the apartment building and discuss tearing it down, Taylor has to face some hard realities that her year of drifting may be destroyed. When a strange boy, Nathan, comes barreling into her life, he forces her to give life another shot.
This story was definitely different from what I was expecting. I thought I was going to go into this story and get a coming of age sweet love story that has a little bit of tragedy thrown in for flavor. In actuality, this was more about the grief and feelings of being along that Taylor experienced. This story was a whole lot more emotional than I could ever have anticipated. I mean geez, the feels! I was so caught up in the swirling emotions of despair, emptiness, regret, loneliness and longing that made up Taylor, I did not know where she ended and I began. If anyone needed a hug (or an nosy, pushy Nathan) it was her. The book was surprisingly romantic too, in a surprising, sneak up on you way and the tragedy was able to be turned into something so wonderful.
I did have a question as to the language issue. She is an American in Paris yet communicates perfectly with everyone. Was everyone speaking english? Did she learn French in the year that she was hiding out and for the most part ignoring people? Was all the books she found and squirreled away in English? I thought the book created very realistic, relatable people that I felt like I knew and rooted for, but the setting felt more like it was here in America, just with the Eiffel tower and and a few pastry shops lying around.
I am glad that I got the opportunity to read this book (and I loved the ending!) and I look forward to more from this author.
I received this title in return for my honest review.
For more reviews visit my blog at http://smadasbooksmack.blogspot.com/
July 2, 2017
Read for the #aroundtheworldin100days ( #atwi100d ) challenge - France
There clearly must be something about this book because despite how ridiculous it was I couldn't put it down and read it in one sitting. And it was ridiculous and it kept getting more absurd towards the end - how everyone in France seemed to be American, even a policeman was called Kevin, how everyone follows American laws/way of living (driving cars everywhere, eating freaking chocolate chip cookies in cafe (good luck finding these outside of Starbucks), driving cars when you are 17.5))... I could go one and on. Also, how come that even though basically half of the book was a 20-questions game, Taylor never asked Nathan the most obvious question - how come he and his family live in France??? And don't get me started on the surreal way that Taylor overcomes her trauma. Or the way the book ends.
In other words, it's not the next Anna and the Frenc Kiss, far from it. It's just another example of American-author-attempts-and-utterly-fails-at-European-setting but, hey, at least it was entertaining.
There clearly must be something about this book because despite how ridiculous it was I couldn't put it down and read it in one sitting. And it was ridiculous and it kept getting more absurd towards the end - how everyone in France seemed to be American, even a policeman was called Kevin, how everyone follows American laws/way of living (driving cars everywhere, eating freaking chocolate chip cookies in cafe (good luck finding these outside of Starbucks), driving cars when you are 17.5))... I could go one and on. Also, how come that even though basically half of the book was a 20-questions game, Taylor never asked Nathan the most obvious question - how come he and his family live in France??? And don't get me started on the surreal way that Taylor overcomes her trauma. Or the way the book ends.
In other words, it's not the next Anna and the Frenc Kiss, far from it. It's just another example of American-author-attempts-and-utterly-fails-at-European-setting but, hey, at least it was entertaining.
May 28, 2017
Fabulous Read!
This book was giving to me by a giveaway I won from the author herself. I'm so glade that I got the chance to have it and read it.
It was a very good novel!
It was emotional story.
It was sad and happy!
It had me crying and the next minute happy for Taylor. when she ment Nathan everything change for her. She gave life other chance. Life was changing again for her but in a good way.
I loved this novel so much because I felt like I was Taylor.
Alone and everything until I ment my husband. I know how it feel to be her.
I was hooked on this novel from the very beginning. I couldn't put it down at all because I wanted to know more and more. Every chapter had me so into it.
Life is hard but there is always somebody in the world that the one that will make it better if you just give it chance.
Never give up!
This how this novel make me feel.
I highly recommend everybody read this beautiful novel.
I can't wait for her next novel.
This book was giving to me by a giveaway I won from the author herself. I'm so glade that I got the chance to have it and read it.
It was a very good novel!
It was emotional story.
It was sad and happy!
It had me crying and the next minute happy for Taylor. when she ment Nathan everything change for her. She gave life other chance. Life was changing again for her but in a good way.
I loved this novel so much because I felt like I was Taylor.
Alone and everything until I ment my husband. I know how it feel to be her.
I was hooked on this novel from the very beginning. I couldn't put it down at all because I wanted to know more and more. Every chapter had me so into it.
Life is hard but there is always somebody in the world that the one that will make it better if you just give it chance.
Never give up!
This how this novel make me feel.
I highly recommend everybody read this beautiful novel.
I can't wait for her next novel.
April 5, 2017
3.5 stars to me. It wasn't like anything I thought it would be...I didn't think the characters would be as young as they were to be honest....I mean, it's an interesting story and kept me intrigued but I thought it was a little far fetched also.
May 9, 2017
Yaaay my 200th book
June 27, 2019
This book is a gem. I love everything about it. The plot is original and keeps you guessing. I can't wait to read Ashley's next book. I am definitely a fan.
April 2, 2017
Thank you so much to the author for sending me a copy of her book for an honest review, as always, all opinions are my own.
This book was everything I wanted it to be and more!
The story follows 17-year-old Taylor, who, after the tragic death of her parents, is living in an abandoned apartment building alone in Paris. One day, she arrives 'home' to find some men discussing plans to tear the building down. Taylor struggles to make it day to day, battling her depression and worrying about where she will live next. The son of one of the men, Nathan, happens to pop back into the old building when Taylor is there. After some tense conversation, Taylor makes it known that she would rather be alone, but Nathan is adamant on helping her.
Right off the bat, don't let this cute, kissing couple cover fool you. This book is dark and it is definitely not a cutesy romance.
I really loved Taylor's character, I think Earley did a great job of writing her. She is quick to distrust and seems very in touch with herself. I also really appreciated that she wasn't all hard and defensive. She had her moments where she broke down, anyone would after the trauma she experienced. I think there was a great balance within her character.
I also appreciated Earley's handling of the romance. Despite the dark nature of this book, the romance was done very well. I was worried it would be another insta-love, they would meet and Taylor would be 'cured.' Luckily, I was proven wrong. Taylor was able to stand up for herself and definitely did not let Nathan push her around. On the same note, I think the Nathan side of the romance was well done as well. He wanted to help Taylor, but you never get a damsel in distress/Prince Charming situation.
The main plot of the story was very well done as well. There were flashback/nightmares that Taylor endured that filled in any missing background information that we wouldn't have gotten otherwise since the story takes place after the accident. The story itself was extremely bittersweet, you read it knowing that at some point, it will all end. She can't live like this forever. And that tone was well-kept throughout the story, even with the romantic elements.
Oh, and that ending! I was all set to go, and I flip the page and get hit with a "2 Years Later" epilogue, I wasn't sure I could handle it.
Having read both this book and Earley's debut, The Darkest Light, I think Earley has grown tremendously as an author. The caliber of the writing is much higher, I felt like I was reading something by someone twice her age.
Overall, this book was very well done and I highly recommend it!
This book was everything I wanted it to be and more!
The story follows 17-year-old Taylor, who, after the tragic death of her parents, is living in an abandoned apartment building alone in Paris. One day, she arrives 'home' to find some men discussing plans to tear the building down. Taylor struggles to make it day to day, battling her depression and worrying about where she will live next. The son of one of the men, Nathan, happens to pop back into the old building when Taylor is there. After some tense conversation, Taylor makes it known that she would rather be alone, but Nathan is adamant on helping her.
Right off the bat, don't let this cute, kissing couple cover fool you. This book is dark and it is definitely not a cutesy romance.
I really loved Taylor's character, I think Earley did a great job of writing her. She is quick to distrust and seems very in touch with herself. I also really appreciated that she wasn't all hard and defensive. She had her moments where she broke down, anyone would after the trauma she experienced. I think there was a great balance within her character.
I also appreciated Earley's handling of the romance. Despite the dark nature of this book, the romance was done very well. I was worried it would be another insta-love, they would meet and Taylor would be 'cured.' Luckily, I was proven wrong. Taylor was able to stand up for herself and definitely did not let Nathan push her around. On the same note, I think the Nathan side of the romance was well done as well. He wanted to help Taylor, but you never get a damsel in distress/Prince Charming situation.
The main plot of the story was very well done as well. There were flashback/nightmares that Taylor endured that filled in any missing background information that we wouldn't have gotten otherwise since the story takes place after the accident. The story itself was extremely bittersweet, you read it knowing that at some point, it will all end. She can't live like this forever. And that tone was well-kept throughout the story, even with the romantic elements.
Oh, and that ending! I was all set to go, and I flip the page and get hit with a "2 Years Later" epilogue, I wasn't sure I could handle it.
Having read both this book and Earley's debut, The Darkest Light, I think Earley has grown tremendously as an author. The caliber of the writing is much higher, I felt like I was reading something by someone twice her age.
Overall, this book was very well done and I highly recommend it!
April 17, 2017
I was sent an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Full Review: http://thebookwormcentral.blogspot.co...
Upon actually reading the book, I was hooked from the very first page. Our main character Taylor is a girl living all alone with no friends, relatives, or anyone at all to care for her and watch over her in the way that a young girl needs to be taken care of. She's lived on her own for a little while and trusts no one with her secrets or in general. She's not sure where she's going, how or when she'll get there, but she's very closed off from people and doesn't interact with anyone if she can help it. Taylor learns throughout the book how to open up to people, learn to trust people again even if it's just one person, and that life wasn't meant to be lived alone drowning in a pain that she can only escape with someone's help. As an aspiring artist, Taylor is a shy, quiet, and observant character which made her very easy to relate to as the story progresses. Not to mention her character development was quite nice and had a good pace.
The story was really deep at some points and very fluffy at others but had a good balance of both. There was a constant underlying tone to the book that kept it from being too heavy or too light and for it to be such a quick, short read, I was impressed with the range of emotions and themes we get in its short pages. Trust and grief are two main themes that we see. Taylor isn't sure if she should trust anyone, let alone a stranger who seems to show too much interest in her for her own comfort and is in a constant roller coaster of grief, pain, and even suicidal thoughts as she struggles to move past the pain of losing her parents. Taylor fights a silent war inside herself and as the story pans out, we get to see her thoughts and deepest, darkest fears and worries as she wonders if her life will ever be different from the aching pain she feels every day.
The romance was very sweet and had a very nice development, though I would've liked a little more time for the relationship to develop to allow for just a tad bit more angst. This story is also very character driven which I loved. There wasn't much setting to the book or description of the sights, other than a mention of a few places to set the story up in Paris, France, so if you're looking for a quick read that cuts to the chase and doesn't focus too much on setting, I highly suggest this one. It had just enough set up to place the story in Paris and focused mainly on the characters which was a big reason why I enjoyed this book so much. Overall, I really loved reading this one. It was fast, sweet, heartbreaking yet funny and quirky at the same time. A perfect summer read that I think a lot of people would totally enjoy as much as I did.
Full Review: http://thebookwormcentral.blogspot.co...
Upon actually reading the book, I was hooked from the very first page. Our main character Taylor is a girl living all alone with no friends, relatives, or anyone at all to care for her and watch over her in the way that a young girl needs to be taken care of. She's lived on her own for a little while and trusts no one with her secrets or in general. She's not sure where she's going, how or when she'll get there, but she's very closed off from people and doesn't interact with anyone if she can help it. Taylor learns throughout the book how to open up to people, learn to trust people again even if it's just one person, and that life wasn't meant to be lived alone drowning in a pain that she can only escape with someone's help. As an aspiring artist, Taylor is a shy, quiet, and observant character which made her very easy to relate to as the story progresses. Not to mention her character development was quite nice and had a good pace.
The story was really deep at some points and very fluffy at others but had a good balance of both. There was a constant underlying tone to the book that kept it from being too heavy or too light and for it to be such a quick, short read, I was impressed with the range of emotions and themes we get in its short pages. Trust and grief are two main themes that we see. Taylor isn't sure if she should trust anyone, let alone a stranger who seems to show too much interest in her for her own comfort and is in a constant roller coaster of grief, pain, and even suicidal thoughts as she struggles to move past the pain of losing her parents. Taylor fights a silent war inside herself and as the story pans out, we get to see her thoughts and deepest, darkest fears and worries as she wonders if her life will ever be different from the aching pain she feels every day.
The romance was very sweet and had a very nice development, though I would've liked a little more time for the relationship to develop to allow for just a tad bit more angst. This story is also very character driven which I loved. There wasn't much setting to the book or description of the sights, other than a mention of a few places to set the story up in Paris, France, so if you're looking for a quick read that cuts to the chase and doesn't focus too much on setting, I highly suggest this one. It had just enough set up to place the story in Paris and focused mainly on the characters which was a big reason why I enjoyed this book so much. Overall, I really loved reading this one. It was fast, sweet, heartbreaking yet funny and quirky at the same time. A perfect summer read that I think a lot of people would totally enjoy as much as I did.
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