Only a Breath Apart

by Katie McGarry

[Sam@WLABB]

Rating: 4.5 Stars

I never tire of Katie McGarry books, and she is back with something that is both classic Katie and a little bit different for her.

This was a story about friendship, family, love, survival, destiny, growth, and I loved the way all these parts added up to one fantastic tale.

• Friendship: Scarlett and Jesse's renewed friendship took center stage, and it really was a beautiful history they shared. They spent their childhood together and shared an unknown bond as victims of domestic abuse. They understood each other in a way many others could not, and I was so happy they found their way back to one another. Jesse also had a great group of friends, or rather, found family, who were not only really interesting, but fiercely loyal and protective of him. Jesse was often referred to as Peter Pan, and at one point he compared his friends to the lost boys. I would agree, that they shared some similarities, when it came to standing by each other.

• Social Issues: McGarry always touches upon some social issues in her books, and here, she tackled domestic abuse and the farming industry. I thought she did a great job showing us how the system can help, but also fail those in an abusive situation. I really appreciated the way she explored all sides of it, and did so with a lot of honesty. The pieces relating to farming were also very interesting, and that is something I definitely do not know much about.

• Family: There was a lot of family drama packed in here. The storyline concerning the abuse was difficult, it was really painful, but it was a big part of what shaped Jesse and Scarlett, and it also had a big influence on the futures they thought they could or couldn't have. The characters struggled with their love for their families, but also their distaste for the way they were and the things they let happen. Those conflicted emotions came across as quite authentic, and I couldn't help but share their heartache. However, not all the family interactions were bad. Jesse's cousin, Glory, and his uncle showed that they were firmly on his side, and they were also champions of Scarlett's. They ended up being two great people to have in their corners, and I was so happy with the way McGarry incorporated them into the story.

• Romance: It was really important for me, that these two let their walls fall, because I needed them to be together. Their connection was beyond amazing, and they just belonged to one another. At one point, Jesse talked about how he was born to love Scarlett, and I could only nod in agreement. They supported each other, and gave each other space when necessary. They were willing to sacrifice for each other, as well, and that was a real testament to their love.

• Magic: This was what surprised me. This book had some magical elements woven into the plot. There was a curse, a connection to the land, and psychics. I actually enjoyed the psychic elements, especially the palm reading. I never knew much about it before, and there were some really fascinating bits included pertaining to palmistry. Though it was not as magical, I liked the whole idea of Jesse being connected to the land as a farmer. I may be a city girl, but I still root for and want to see family farms flourish.

This book was an emotional rollercoaster. It made me happy and sad. It broke my heart, but also filled it with joy. It was classic Katie with a twist, and I enjoyed it immensely!

*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

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