Broken Echo

by K.R. Hancock

Jake Forester is going to die in the Porsche. His parents have watched it happen three times. They’ve traveled back in time to save him but each attempt to reverse their son’s fate is a reminder that echoes can’t be broken. Australian foreign exchange student Shay Conrad is placed in the Forester’s home and quickly realizes that something isn’t right. Despite her suspicions, Shay thrives in the Arizona desert and embraces belonging to a family and the thrill of falling in love.But Shay learns the truth through a pair of mysterious glasses that allow her to experience the Forester’s time travels, firsthand. Through the lenses, Shay discovers a way to save Jake but she must decide if she’s willing to risk the future in order to change the past.

295 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 13, 2019

About the author

K R Hancock lives in Virginia with her husband, two children, and sweet dog, Sydney. She loves science fiction, photography, and slow-burn romances. She believes that hiking is better than chocolate but not gummy worms and that book characters often make better friends than real people. It is her dream to one day visit Sydney, Australia.

Reviews

[Sydney Mann · Rating 4 out of 5]

A highly enjoyable read! Parts of it required suspension of disbelief—specifically in the lack of more stringent oversight for something as dangerous, and potentially catastrophic, as time travel. Nor was it clear why Cassie had so much know-how, enabling her to aid the Foresters in their quest to save their son. Otherwise, the story was well-written, possessed an engaging plot, and was very different from anything I had ever read. I liked the exposure of the Foresters duplicity and ulterior motives, that they weren’t as charitable as they seemed. (Being the mother of an only son myself, I can imagine the heartache and desperation). However, I’m still not certain why Jake was such a jerk to Shay initially. And poor Grady! Erin was right—he deserved better! An impressive start to the series. I give it 4.5 stars.

[Ashley Herndon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a phenomenal read.

Young adult story that will so break you in half and try to put you back together again. Fair warning this ends on cliffhanger with a TBD date on the next book.

Jake is a high school Senior.

Shay has a opportunity to learn abroad and ends up at Jake's school and hosted by Jakes family.
She doesn't have the easiest past... traumatic event and a 12-year old dealing with serious loss lends trust issues.

A slight enemies to friends trope mixed with time travel to try and stop some traumatic events!

No spoilers here! READ THIS book now!

[Nix Damon · Rating 5 out of 5]

There were so many things I enjoyed about this book - I loved that this was a story told through the lens of an Australian exchange student looking for a fresh start after tragedy. I loved the theme of redemption and hope that threaded effortlessly through the story line. There were strongholds of family love and acceptance that made me feel warm fuzzies! I was so much more invested in how Shay handled her life as an "outsider" at school and at home that I nearly forgot the sci-fi aspect of this story! I had a little trouble going between "then" and "now" between the chapters, but I got the hang of it well enough and was able to track with the story with ease. I had goosebumps by the end of the book and I'm excited to see what the next installment has in store!

[Hela By Aura]

This book was something special to me.
I was drawn to the cover first. Quite frankly, it’s the first book in a while that blew me away. The storytelling is magical and it’s such a heart-wrenching, yet beautiful story about family and unconditional love. The ending of this book took my breath away! I am such a fan of time traveling in books, especially when it’s done well, and this was done so well..
This book was well thought out, smart, enthralling, and fascinating. While I went into this blind, and highly recommend you do as well. this book took me on an imaginary journey I didn't want to end, it's a fantastic,unique, captivating and intense story, my heart was beating hard and I was anxious to see what will happen next.
And the Then and Now the author incorporated in her chapters was a power move that kept me wanting to know as i was flipping fast through the lines and the pages.
I couldn't get enough of this book and i'm so happy that Jake's story will continue next, can't wait for that.
This a must read, an unforgettable story that will stay with you, prepare your heart for an emotional and touching story.

[Jennifer Shanahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was awesome. It started out a little slow but really picked up as the story got more involved and the pieces of it started to fit together. Shay is a senior high school exchange student from Australia to Phoenix, AZ, living with Sam and Mary Forrester and their son Jake who is the same age. Shay and Jake do not get along initially and Shay thinks he is a terrible person (which he is), but she does start to see his best friend Grady who seems pretty perfect. She also gets close to her exchange parents but she senses something off with them. They do not tell her everything and weird things keep happening, so much that Shay thinks they are psychic. Eventually Shay and Jake get over their differences (well, Jakes) and begin a relationship. I do not want to spoil the story but it is really exciting as it nears the end which alludes to a second book in this series. IT kind of reminded me of Claudia Gray's Firebird series which I loved. Definitely looking forward to the second book! Thanks to NG for the ARC!!

[Erin Mcfarland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible debut novel by K R Hancock! This YA urban sci-fy will have you hooked from the beginning as you journey with 18 year old Shay Conrad as she arrives in Arizona to spend her senior year as a foreign exchange student. Right away we learn that her host parents' have traveled back in time repeatedly to try and save their teenage son Jake from the car accident that took his life. As Shay becomes intertwined with their world, more mysteries unfold leading her to question if things are really as they seem.

The plot will quickly pull you in, but it's Hancock's characters that will make you fall in love with this story. I laughed out loud several times at the witty banter between the teenage cast and couldn't wait to pick it back up each time I had to set it down.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is not one I would typically read, but I am so glad I did! Once I started reading it, I didn't want to stop. I loved all of the characters and K.R. Hancock has a way to make you root for them and understand their point of view even when it gets messy.

One of the things I appreciated most about the book was that it didn't get confusing even though it was told from two different time periods (then and now). It was clearly written and easy to follow. It is fast paced with the perfect amount of twists and turns.

When I finished it, I had no interest in starting another book. I just wanted to sit with what I had just read. Although I'm an avid reader, that has never happened to me before. The only thing I didn't like about it is that I have to wait for the next book!

[Hela By Aura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was something special to me. Quite frankly, it’s the first book in a while that blew me away. The storytelling is magical and it’s such a heart-wrenching, yet beautiful story about family and unconditional love.

This book was well thought out, smart, enthralling, and fascinating. It took me on an imaginary journey I didn't want to end, it's a fantastic, unique, captivating and intense story, my heart was beating hard and I was anxious to see what will happen next.

This a must read, an unforgettable story that will stay with you, prepare your heart for an emotional and touching story.

[Shana Roberson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Broken Echo’s premise alone was enough to get me to pick this book up. Once I did, I couldn’t put it down!
I felt like I was living this new world with Shay. Each new person she met, each new adventure she went on—I was right there with her, eyeing things slightly suspiciously!
I was captivated by the structure of the book as we work to meet two timelines together.
The pacing was great as we slowly built to the inevitable climax. This book had everything I like: a love story, suspense and mystery!
Now I can’t wait for the next book and to see what happened next!

[Laurie Tell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved parts of this book, and others kind of made me nuts..

This was a really unique, interesting story. It was about kove, family, time travel and suspense. It made me think and wonder what i would do if I was Jake's mother, or if I were Shay. It drew me in.

On the other hand it was confusing. There was now versus prior. But there were multiple past stories. There were multiple pov. And the actual time travel explanation was seriously weird.

I'm giving this 3.5 stars. However, since I needed to know what happened next, I'm rounding up to 4.

[Michaela Flores · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh. What a book. I could not put this book down. At first, I was confused because of the Now and Then differences, but overall it was so good. I do think there could have been more detail and explanations of specifics with the Now parts, however there will be a sequel so I have high hopes things will be explained. This book was incredible, it was so cute, and kept me on the edge of my seat. I thoroughly enjoyed it and will be impatiently waiting for the sequel.

[Cheryl Buchanan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Willing to go the mile

It took me a while to like this book. I try to give new authors a chance always. I am happy to say I enjoyed this book. I wish you success and never give up your dream!

[Kristle Glave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved It!

Absolutely wonderful twists, turns and tears. It kept me turning pages and even reading faster at the very end, just to see what happens!!

[Kat M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, the premise gets you hooked from the beginning, and once you start the book the ride only begins. It really is a sad and beautiful novel that explores loss and what if you could change it.

[Kimberly Martin · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was so confused as soon as I started reading this. I couldn't even get past the first chapter.