Oct 2, 2012

Review: Time Between Us by Tamara Ireland Stone

Time Between Us by Tamara Ireland Stone
October 9th, 2012 from Hyperion

Anna and Bennett were never supposed to meet: she lives in 1995 Chicago and he lives in 2012 San Francisco. But Bennett has the unique ability to travel through time and space, which brings him into Anna’s life, and with him a new world of adventure and possibility.

As their relationship deepens, the two face the reality that time may knock Bennett back to where he belongs, even as a devastating crisis throws everything they believe into question. Against a ticking clock, Anna and Bennett are forced to ask themselves how far they can push the bounds of fate, what consequences they can bear in order to stay together, and whether their love can stand the test of time.

I am loving this trend of a fantasy book that's little more contemporary than fantasy (Of Poseidon,  for example)! I have read other time travel books were we jump back and forth endless times between years or decades, and this story doesn't do that. The protagonist herself doesn't time travel. Well, that isn't exactly true, but I'm not spoiling things. The story starts off with an adult Anna meeting up with the teenager Bennett. By chapter two, we settle in as Anna as the teenager and basically stick to her timeline. When this mysterious young Bennett pops out of nowhere, literally, Anna is intrigued to learn his story. She doesn't go completely nutso over the kid from go, thank God, but when he makes a grand gesture and basically saves her life...she's in deep. I don't blame the girl.

I love the mystery behind Bennett. Where he came from, the lies he tells to keep his secrets...it's all interesting. He tries to keep everything hidden from Anna, but she is a smart girl and he really wants her to know about him when it comes down to it. The revelations and twists come at the right time and when it is all said and done, I was kind of hoping the story wasn't over. I also loved the relationship between Anna and her parents and best friend. Her parents don't come off as over bearing jerks or dumb adults who have their head buried in the sand. Anna and her parents make dinner together, have actual full length conversations, and have a mutual respect for each other. I think more teens need to see that parents can be supportive, but firm and love above all - love unconditionally.

Sweet romance, great mystery, and side story of friendship that is endearing. Really enjoyed!

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You can find Stone at her website