Review Detail

Time Between Us by Tamara Ireland Stone
ARC received from Disney Hyperion
Release Date: October 9, 2012
Reviewed by: Middle Sis Jenn
The Sisters Say: Sweet, Sincere, and Stunning

Heartwarming and Heartbreaking—Tamara Ireland Stone’s debut novel, Time Between Us, will carry you to another world, where the boundaries of time and space don’t exist and all you’re left with is the here and now. Our past, our present, our future is an intricate web—push too hard, and it might break apart; but push just enough, and you might end up exactly where you’ve always wanted.

I liked the idea of Tamara’s time travel—it was similar to The Time Traveler’s Wife. Anna and Bennett are 17 years apart, which might as well be an eternity. But, with Bennett’s time travelling gift, he is able to jump into the past to meet Anna. From the moment they meet, things begin to unwind, in both a good and a bad way. Watching them both struggle through the revelations of truth was sincere, and at times, it brought tears to my eyes. That is a big deal—I’m not a crier. And I usually don’t like books that wring out such emotions, but I was pleasantly surprised with this book and I’m definitely glad I read it.

The book did start out slow—in fact, I was 100 pages in before I felt like the book really started. But from that point, I couldn’t turn the pages quick enough. I have always been intrigued by time travel—especially the paradoxes like…if I go back in time, can I see myself? And then, will there always be 2 of me in the past? You know, the Star Trek kinds of questions that will just leave your brain running in circles until you start wondering if the truth really is out there! I enjoyed seeing how Tamara approached those subjects—enjoyable and educational, in a sci-fi sort of way.

Anna was your typical girl who meets boy, falls for boy, finds herself in an unbelievable situation. I was not overly impressed with her because I truthfully didn’t see personality markers that were memorable. Don’t get me wrong, I still liked her, but I’m just not sure if, a month from now, I’ll remember her name. I’ll remember her story, her feelings, but probably not much else.

However, Bennett…now he I will remember. He is broken, guilty, and struggling to decide what is best for not only his future, but his family’s and Anna’s. It’s a huge weight to be put on his shoulders, and seeing him through Tamara’s words, I felt like I could feel that weight. He’s also cute and knows just what to say, so that’s a plus! I love his mystery, and Anna describes him perfectly when she says, “The boy with secrets, who still has one more to tell.” ARC, pg. 162 If only there were more Bennett’s out there—and not just because I want to go to Cinque Terre!

Tamara’s write was tight and cohesive, and the story flowed from the page. I loved the times when she got philosophical about life and the future—it was poignant and thought-provoking, and I wish there were more of those moments.
Content: Perfect for middle grade, teenagers, and adults!

So…I’ll leave you with one of my favorite quotes from the novel:
“You can take me anywhere. Or nowhere. But wherever you are in this world, that’s where I want to be.” ARC pg 269

If you’re a fan of contemporary romances that will tug at your heartstrings, but leave you with a smile on your face, then Time Between Us is for you!