Review: Between Here and Forever by Elizabeth Scott

Between Here and Forever by Elizabeth Scott

Abby accepted that she can’t measure up to her beautiful, magnetic sister Tess a long time ago, and knows exactly what she is: Second best. Invisible.

Until the accident.

Now Tess is in a coma, and Abby’s life is on hold. It may have been hard living with Tess, but it's nothing compared to living without her.

She's got a plan to bring Tess back though, involving the gorgeous and mysterious Eli, but then Abby learns something about Tess, something that was always there, but that she’d never seen.

Abby is about to find out that truth isn't always what you think it is, and that life holds more than she ever thought it could...

Review:

Elizabeth Scott long ago landed on my favorite author's list and Between Here and Forever only sealed the deal. Beautifully written, heartbreaking, and full of hope; this is one novel that will stay with me for a long time.

Abby has always lived in the shadow of her beautiful and charismatic older sister, Tess. For years things have always been Tess, Tess, Tess and Abby has always felt inferior to her. But suddenly Tess's light is blown out when she gets in a terrible accident and ends up in a coma. Abby's life is changed forever. Now Abby is dealing with everyone asking her about Tess, visiting her sister, and, most importantly, learning that she really didn't know her older sister at all.

As in many of Elizabeth Scott's books, Abby was a likable and relatable protagonist. Her emotions and struggles were obvious and my heart went out to her when things got tough. I was constantly hoping she would realize that she was her own person; beautiful in her own way. Even though the novel begins with Tess in a coma, readers get to see some flashbacks and learn a lot about the mysterious older girl. There were a variety of secondary characters, all of which played some role in the book, and no matter how minor that role was, each made an impact. Claire and Eli especially. Eli was a haunting and lovable character. While at first you don't really understand him, as the book progresses, his true personality comes to light and he was a fabulous guy. He helped Abby a lot, both with Tess and with herself.

Many secrets are revealed over the course of Between Here and Forever, particularly towards the end. Many of the characters are harboring secrets and Abby is astounded to find she may not have known the people around her as well as she originally thought.

Elizabeth Scott has a great writing style and combined with the unique premise of the story and fantastic characters, Between Here and Forever has landed on my favorites list. Characters from her earlier release, Bloom, make a reappearance so be sure to keep your eyes open for that. It made this book that much for impactful for me.

Overall, I highly recommend picking up this book. It's poignant and dark, with lighter undertones seeping through that makes it perfect to read as the weather turns warmer. Between Here and Forever will make you think and, even more, will reiterate the message that no one person can make you feel less than you are and that each and every person is beautiful in their own way. Elizabeth Scott has done it again and I'm sure she has many more masterpieces to come!

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars

May 24, 2011/Simon Pulse/256 Pages/Young Adult

Source: Publisher (Galley Grab)

Other books by this author: The Unwritten Rule, Grace