Wednesday 11 September 2013

Review: Time Between Us by Tamara Ireland Stone

Time Between Us by Tamara Ireland Stone
Publisher: Doubleday Children's
Publication date: October 25th 2012.
My rating: 4 stars 

  
Anna and Bennett were never supposed to meet. Why would they? Anna is sixteen in 1995, fiercely determined to leave her quiet town and finally travel the world. Bennett's seventeen in 2012, living in San Francisco and trying to control his ability to travel through time - an incredible gift, but also an unpredictable curse, which constantly threatens to separate him from the people he loves. When Bennett suddenly finds himself in Anna's world, they are inescapably drawn to one another - it's almost as if they have met before. But they both know, deep down, that it can never last. For no matter how desperate Bennett is to stay with Anna, his condition will inevitably knock him right back to where he belongs - and Anna will be left to pick up the pieces.

Time Between Us was a gorgeously written story that deals with falling in love, making choices and if we decide to choose things differently how would this end up affecting our lives in a major way? I’m probably not making much sense right now as I’ve just finished reading the last page of this gem of a book, but in Time Between Us Tamara Ireland Stone develops a sweet relationship between two characters and sprinkles it with a special time travel twist. 

Time Between Us went way beyond what I was expecting it to be. I had recently devoured another time travel book and was in the mood for another time travel book and a bit of romance. I’m pleased to say Time Between Us delivered in these aspects and provided so much more. It had a nice mystery aspect to it with us not really knowing what was going on with the new boy Bennett. I didn’t like Bennett at all at the beginning, he constantly blew hot and cold which frustrated me to no end, and it was clear that there was something strong between him and Anna but for whatever reason he continued to be closed off and a grump about it. But I admired Anna’s resilience and thought her best friend Emma’s (who was exactly what best friends should be like) encouragement went after Bennett once more. I’m so glad that Anna did because the relationship which emerged was one of the most sweetest and beautiful ones yet. 

I kind of had a feeling that there would be heartbreak along the way for Anna and Bennett and to be honest this is how I like my romance in stories to be, I want my characters to have a battle through tough hurdles and really fight for their relationship. And this is exactly what Bennett and Anna had to do. But the hurdles they had to deal with were so different to what a normal couple had to deal with. With Bennett’s ability, it was that they could only enjoy themselves so much before something out of their control could take everything away in an instant. 

Time Between us not only had a poignant romance it also featured many beautiful places; Vernazza Italy, La Paz Mexico and Ko Tao Thailand, I loved having that feeling of being able to be whisked away to another place anywhere in an instant and being able to forget the rest of your troubles behind. 

Tamara Ireland Stone truly wrote an exceptional story in Time Between Us. I liked how she didn’t leave it easy for our characters Bennett and Anna that they had to constantly try and savour each moment as their last. The twists thrown in I extremely enjoyed, as I was constantly left guessing until the very last page. Time Between Us was a book which satiated my latest addiction of time travel books. Now all that is left is my own Bennett to turn up and whisk me away to some place else. 

A big thank you to Rebekah for reading this with me.



24 comments:

Tanja - Tanychy said...

I have read this one too and while I really loved Time Between Us I wasn't sure about the sequel. But then I got the arc for this one and I couldn't resist. I really love the way the author writes and the romance is so sweet. I'm glad you enjoyed this one :) Great review :)

Glass said...

I am not big fan of time travel books, but then again I only read My Name Is Memory. Maybe I should try this one and it'll change my mind. Great review, Jasprit.

Keertana said...

I've been so torn about this novel because on one hand, I love time travel, and on another, a lot of readers have pointed out many flaws with this situation. Seeing as you're a Doctor Who fan, though, Jasprit, and still enjoyed this, I'm determined to give it a shot. Thanks for the helpful review, dear!(:

Melanie said...

This actually sounds like something I'd enjoy! Thanks for putting this under my radar, Jasprit!

Lovely review! <33

Unknown said...

Your own Bennett with a different name? :P Awesome review, Jasprit. I'm so glad we picked this one to buddy read and I had an absolute blast reading with you :)

Anonymous said...

Lovely review, Jasprit. I'm not the biggest fan of time travel books, but you've changed my mind concerning this book. I will definitely be on the look-out for this book. The romance sounds like it's intense and absolutely amazing. I also love that there are different settings. I love exploring different places throughout books.
I'm excited to meet Bennett and Anna! :)

Shane @ItchingforBooks said...

Great review. I kind of liked this one too but hopefully the second book will be much better :)

Sara @ Forever 17 Books said...

This was one of my most anticipated reads last fall. And I still haven't had a chance to read it. :( I like my romances to have a bit of heartbreak too and I'm so happy to hear you liked this one so much!

Mary @ BookSwarm said...

I'm not always the biggest fan of time travel stories but this one definitely sounds like one I should give a chance. Anna sounds like a great character, though. Resilience in a character isn't always a primary characteristic but I like that she's got it in spades.

Unknown said...

I love time travel stories, too, Jasprit. I can't believe I haven't read this yet, since it's been on my to-read since before it was published. Thanks for the reminder! Great review!

Shooting Stars Mag said...

I don't know if I've read a time travel book...this one sounds pretty good though. I like romance where the couple has to fight for it too. It makes it all a bit more realistic too, and not so "everything is perfect- fairy tale-esque"

Maja (The Nocturnal Library) said...

I've been thinking about reading this one for a very long time (I like this cover much better, btw) but something always gets in my way. I know I'll like it, though, so I'll try to find the time soon. Romance sounds exactly like my favorite kind too.
Lovely review, Jasprit!

Siiri said...

I hate doing this, I just did it on Christina's (Christina Reads YA) blog yesterday, but I'm not going to read your review, just looked at the rating. I know very little about this book since I read the synopsis about a year ago. I love The Time Traveler's Wife and it was my first and only time travel book so I'm very much looking forward to reading this pretty (as well as All Our Yesterdays). I'm glad you liked it so much:)

Leanna Elle said...

I love the sound of this one. I can't believe I've had the book for almost a year and haven't read it yet. I really must get around to reading it soon!

Jasprit said...

Yes exactly my own Bennett but with a different name, maybe Alex? I've always liked that name and all the Alex's I know in books definitely make great fictional crushes! I look forward to reading your review too!

Jasprit said...

Yes I love travelling through books too Nick, especially as I've always wanted to travel more myself, so right now I have to live vicariously through these gorgeous reads!

Jasprit said...

I'm glad that I'm not the only one who likes the see their couples fight for their relationship. Sometimes nicely wrapped endings also annoy me too.

Jasprit said...

All Our Yesterdays was actually the book that got me wanting to read more time travel books, both books were great, but All Our Yesterdays definitely became an instant favourite. I can't wait to see how you get on with both books!

Unknown said...

YAY YOU READ IT! I really liked this one and can't wait for the sequel so I'm glad you enjoyed it :) I agree about the first impression of Bennett and absolutely am nodding at Emma and the friendship she brings. Love the review!

Melissa (i swim for oceans) said...

That's so cool that it such a great array of settings - plus, a powerful and believable romance. That, alone, is enough to make me pretty sure I could give this a go, Jasprit! Thanks for putting yet another great book on my radar :)

Unknown said...

I am so in love with these books, Jasprit. I'm so sad it ended at two books. The romance is impossible and lovely and just...gah.

Sigh.

Wendy Darling said...

Oh Jasprit, I thought this one was just lovely, too! I'm really curious about where this story is going to go--this first one was so unexpectedly (and quietly) touching. <3

Wendy @ The Midnight Garden

Jess said...

I read this one a while ago but remember really enjoying it! I'm really looking forward to the sequel as I just love Anna and Bennett's romance. Great review, Jasprit! Really glad you enjoyed this too!

Lauren @ Love is not a triangle said...

I really want to read this one, especially now that there is a sequel. I'm glad that you found the romance so strong AND that there's lots of travel themes, which always get me. Thanks for reminding me to pick this up!

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