A Way Back to You
Author: Emily Gray Clawson
Publisher: Deseret Book
Published Date: 2013
Paperback/ebook: 208 pages
Genre: Romance
ISBN# 978-1609075217
Reviewed by: Shanda
FTC FYI: received a temporary digital review copy that will be removed from my device after a short period of time
Summary
What would you do if you were given a second chance?
Annabelle, whom nearly everyone calls Anne, has been stuck in the past for two years. Numbed by grief over her husband’s unexpected death and overwhelmed with the responsibility of raising their three young children alone, Anne agrees to let a friend take the kids for the weekend while she tries to get some much-needed rest at her parent’s home.
But when Anne wakes up the next morning, she is suddenly sixteen again. And it just happens to be the worst day she spent as a teenager.
High school the second time around brings unforeseen changes and frustrations, but remembering that her future husband, Mitch, has just returned from a mission and is living on the other side of town gives Anne hope. Getting Mitch’s attention (for the second time) is more complicated than she could have imagined, but Anne discovers she is stronger than she believed possible—and there just might be a future for her after all.
Review
I can honestly say I’ve never read a book quite like this one. As a reviewer, I love to discover books that surprise me. A Way Back to You did so more than once.
The book starts out on a more serious note with Annie, a mother of three young children and a widow of three years, struggling through one of the hardest days of her life since losing her husband. Instead of coming across as depressing or overly heavy, though, it was an intriguing and relatable opening, at least as far as the hard mothering days. By midway through the second chapter I was emotionally invested in Anne’s story, even blinking back a few tears as I read.
It had been a while since I read the summary for A Way Back to You, so I was pleasantly surprised when Anne awoke as a teenager. I enjoy time travel books, but don’t read many where the character travels back to a time in their own life. The clothing descriptions took me back to my own high school years. The frequent tears and mood swings experienced by Anne as her 38-year-old intellect dealt with frustrating teenage hormones made me grateful I would never be a teenager again.
The romance aspect of the story embraced both the more mature love of married adults as well as the teenage crush-turned-love experiences. I was satisfied with the romantic resolution and glad for Annie, though I could see how some might consider it a little too convenient. My romantic heart was happy with the ending, though, and I think other readers who enjoy a good clean romance will like it, too. I definitely look forward to reading more from Emily.
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5 Responses to “A Way Back to You by Emily Gray Clawson – Blog Tour”
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I’m all about being heart happy at the end of a book. Sometimes life is hard but sometimes it IS too convenient. I can live with that.
I agree. After everything Annie had been through, I was completely okay with the ending. *happy sigh*
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Thanks for your comments Shanda. I’m hoping to get some time soon to write Sam’s story. It may explain some things . . . but I can’t say more. :-) Thanks for sharing A Way Back To You with your readers!
I would love to read Sam’s story. I hope you find some time soon! I really enjoyed A Way Back to You, but I knew I would. I look forward to reading more of your books. :)