June 26th, 2012 from Balzer & Bray
I went into this book with high expectations. I loved A Need So Beautiful so much when I read it last July. I still remember how much I cried after reading that book and how much my heart went out to Charlotte and Harlin. Review HERE if interested. So, when this book came up on my pile I grabbed my giant box of tissues and dove straight in. I came up for air a few hours later with a lot less tissues than I started with.
This time around, we meet Elise, a normal seventeen-year-old girl who is about to have her life turned upside down. When she looks in the mirror, she sometimes sees someone else peering back. She has visions, almost like daydreams, about other worldly people whose skin crumbles and then others who posses an unusual amount of light. Elise can't figure out what it all means, but luckily she has two hot boys hanging on her every word as a distraction. One who is new to us, Abe, and one we love so very much, Harlin. Abe is charismatic and gushes over Elise, but I started to realize that he has a touch of the crazies. Boy, that Abe is possessive. I don't know if it's my mama bear instincts, but I could see his controlling ways early on. I tell you, it doesn't get better but there is a reason for his behavior. A very, very good reason. Harlin on the other hand is hot and cold. He is torn between what he wants and his emotional past. We all know what that was.
I loved the family theme in this story. Elise and her sister Lucy lost their mother, and the relationship with their father is so real and authentic. He is present and cares for his girls. Their father tries to be up front and honest, but allow them to chose their own path. Lucy most definitely has her own life. She sneaks out, has secret friends, and even a few piercings. Elise has her "spells" and her love interest that she doesn't pay much attention to Lucy and her secrets, but when it comes to push and shove - they love each other like no other.
Without spoiling everything for you, I can honestly say that this a fantastic sequel. I wanted Charlotte to walk into a scene or pop up somewhere. It just doesn't happen, but what did happen was fantastic! Having Harlin in this story was icing on the cake for me. He is as charming and lovable as ever. This is a classic good vs evil story that you don't want to miss out on. Haven't read book one? Why don't you just go ahead and buy both and start the series. That and a box of tissues. You won't regret it!
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