Echoes Between Us is bestselling author Katie McGarry’s breakout teen contemporary novel about a girl with everything to lose and the boy who will do anything to save her. Veronica sees ghosts–more specifically, her mother’s ghost, thanks to the blinding migraines that consume her whole life and keep Veronica on the fringes. But the haunting afterimages make her wonder if there is something … if there is something more going on….
Golden boy Sawyer is handsome and popular, a state champion swimmer, but this All-American is hiding an adrenaline addiction that could kill him. Drawn to each other after a chance meeting, can they help each other battle the demons that haunt their every step or will they push their luck too far and risk losing it all…including their lives?
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This was my first Katie McGarry book, and I did enjoy it for sure. It makes me open to the possibility of reading other books by her in the future. I classified it as YA contemporary, even though it is left unsure as to whether there were really ghosts or not in the story. All of the characters had a lot of depth, and all of the kids were going through so many things. Learning just what the ghost/monster was for Sawyer’s little sister was really terrifying and very sad.
Sawyer going to the AA meetings for his own addiction was really such a mature thing to do, but it made sense with him feeling like he had to take care of his little sister. Veronica’s own health problems and family issues were very big as well. And it was hard to see the boy that she thought she had feelings for turn her away, and why he did it. So I was rooting for Sawyer and Veronica all the way through.
A very good story, kept me on the edge of my seat and turning pages all the way through.
First of all, look at that cover! Echoes Between Us has an absolutely gorgeous cover, which drew me in along with the title. The synopsis, mostly that Veronica can see her mother’s ghost (among others), super intrigued me and ensured I’d want to read Veronica and Sawyer’s story.
Veronica has AWFUL migraines that can become debilitating without much warning. The good news is that her dad is amazing and warm and supportive. You don’t get that too often in YA. Veronica also has close friends who seem like they’d be cool to know and were also supportive. I adored them.
Sawyer is an adrenaline junkie and engages in dangerous behavior (the kind that could get him killed), which was an interesting mix with Veronica’s severe issues with migraines and the belief she has nothing to live for. A dangerous combination in some ways.
Veronica is a good person yet also flawed, and I absolutely loved her no matter what. Plus I know what it’s like to feel that way. Each and every character was natural and real; McGarry has done a fantastic job of breathing life into them.
I loved the paranormal elements. This story hit me like a punch to the gut–a story that resonated with me loudly and shattered my heart. I lost my mom to cancer when I was a teen, and I’d give anything to see her again.
Echoes Between Us is a novel I will always remember and will definitely be reading more than once. Books like this don’t come along everyday! There are scenes that I can picture clearly even months later. I’m stoked to read Only a Breath Apart because it has some of the same characters from this book. I hope you guys love it as much as I do.
I really enjoyed this book. It brought out many emotions in me, and the way the story was paced was amazing. The way the perspective shifted between Veronica and Sawyer was very contributing to the story line as we got to see what each character was feeling. I absolutely would recommend this book to anybody who doesn’t believe in ghosts.
Everything I thought while reading this story turned out to be wrong.
I was immensely engrossed in this book, loving the paranormal feel. When little twists and turns started to happen I had all sorts of ideas as to what was going to happen, and the reasons behind it. And if they would have turned out the way I was hoping? This would have been a 4-star rating.
The way everything played out was unexpected, yet made so much sense. I loved that I had no clue about certain things, but yet knew about others. Well played!
This book was interesting the beginning was a little bit boring but as i read more it got better.
The first main character, Veronica sees her mom’s ghost caused by her brain tumor which causes bad migraines, her mom died from her own brain tumor. Veronica is really close with her dad which i enjoyed seeing.
The second main character. Sawyer who is the towns “golden boy”, Sawyer is a state champion swimmer and he seems the typical popular jock but he is so much more than that Sawyer has a alcoholic mother and a sister whom he loves.
After Veronica is left without a partner for her senior thesis she convinces Sawyer to work with her to do her dream project which was proving ghost’s do exist.
My Thoughts:
Echoes Between Us is a raw, riveting, and beautiful story. It broke my heart and put it back together again by offering bright rays of hope. I went through a lot of tissues, as Veronica and Sawyer’s journey felt authentic, was relatable, and extremely moving. Even as Katie McGarry is one of my favorite authors, this story exceeded my expectations.
It was multilayered, and had so many elements that I enjoy in a favorite read. Echoes Between Us had such a rich and colorful cast of characters, serious topics that kept me engaged, a plot that held my attention and kept me guessing how everything would end, and a story so rich in friendship and unconditional love.
Veronica was a character with a lot of heart. She marched to the beat of her own drum, and was courageous when it came to being true to herself, even though it made her an outcast among her peers.
She had a wonderful tribe of friends, and I loved how dedicated, loyal, and caring they were towards one another. Even though this story is a standalone, I was excited to recognize beloved characters Jesse, Scarlett, and Glory from Only a Breath Apart. I hope Nazareth gets his own story next, because he was one of my favorite characters.
From outside appearances Sawyer had an easy life. He was popular, and an accomplished swimmer. Both Veronica and Sawyer were hurting and going through their own private struggles. We get the dual perspectives of Veronica and Sawyer, as well as snippets of a diary from a girl that had Tuberculosis in the 1900’s; which tied in to an important life lesson.
There were paranormal elements in the story that touched on ghosts and hauntings, which I loved. There was an air of mystery throughout the story as I tried to figure out certain things, and I loved how the story kept me guessing.
The ending of the story was spectacular and really touched my heart. In less you can’t tell, I loved this story and highly recommend it. If you are looking for a multi-layered story that is unique, has an amazing cast of characters, and will both break your heart, and mend it, check out Echoes Between Us!
I had difficulty getting through the beginning since it had a bit of a slow start, but definitely picks up the pace throughout the rest of the story, and I enjoyed it! I thought it seemed like a typical YA contemporary at first, but with paranormal elements, and heavier topics such as mental illness, addiction, and other topics it separates itself from typical YA novels. The characters were interesting, but they fit into some high school stereotypes (loner, golden boy, etc.) which was kind of cheesy, but I liked how the author used dual perspectives to tell both Sawyer and Veronica’s stories and how they both dealt with issues that they faced and they were both interesting characters who deserved better. It was an amazing contemporary novel, with characters that I liked, mystery elements that kept me hooked, and an amazing relationship between the two main characters. I was lucky to get the chance to read this. Thank you to bookishfirst / Tor Teen for providing me a review copy.
A ghost story unlike any other! Wow, wow, wow. I didn’t expect to like this book as much as I did. Despite the fact that Veronica sees her mother’s ghost and senses the negative spirits that haunt the first floor of her house, she deals with the same issues that most other teenagers do – an uncertain future, loss of friends, and burgeoning feelings for someone she shouldn’t want.
Veronica is refreshingly honest, both with herself and others, and has the kind of confidence that most teenagers could only dream of – at least that’s what she wants you to think. Sawyer isn’t the typical golden boy – he has his own deep-seated issues and heaps of responsibility. He’s surprisingly charming and grounded. Although both Veronica and Sawyer could easily fall into some pretty stereotypical YA tropes, the author does a good job of differentiating her characters from others in the genre by giving them complex storylines and struggles that make them feel more real to the reader. And, unlike with many popular YA narratives, it feels like the struggle is mutual. Both Veronica and Sawyer are dealing with life’s harsher realities.
I was compelled to follow Veronica and Sawyer’s journeys as they overcame deadly brain tumors, dangerous addictions, high school gossip, and their differences. I truly enjoyed watching them develop as characters and living life to its fullest. Although some huge obstacles were put in their paths, it never felt like a pity party. Overall, it was a beautiful story that explores the ideas of life after death and coming to terms with the uncertainty of tomorrow.
I loved this book! The characters are teenagers in high school, all of them different, yet drawn together by their uniqueness. There are a lot of things going on with each of them, which causes a lot of pain, sadness, uncontrollable urges, and yet they still can find joy.
Veronica has a brain tumor, which causes her to see ghosts, in particular the ghost of her Mom, who had died of cancer. The same tumor that caused her death is what Veronica has now, so it causes her to be different. Most of the kids at school don’t know, and make fun of her.
Sawyer, a handsome young man is on the swim team at school, is very popular. Everyone thinks of him as the golden boy. However underneath the calm demeanor and the smiles, Sawyer lives the life of being responsible for his Mother who is turning into a alcoholic and his 7 year old sister he loves dearly. The responsibility, and the unhappiness causes him to have an adrenaline addiction. He likes to jump off cliffs and feels the rush when he feels like he is flying.
Sawyer and Veronica have always gone to school together but associated with different people. Then Sawyer and his mom and sister move into the downstairs of the house Veronica lives in with her Dad. Veronica asks him to do their senior paper together, and its about the existence of ghosts. The twist towards the end brings out everything and the actual cause of it.
This book is so much more than just a story about teenagers, and friends. It shows the pain and suffering kids can put each other to, as well as show how some parents just don’t understand their children, and have no clue how they hurt their kids, it is so sad.
It also is a story about learning to look at other than the outside of a person, or their differences, because they just may have a story that is different but every bit as hurtful as your own. I am so glad I read this book and plan to read more by this author.
I gave this book 5 scary stars, and hope that one gets the message in the pages about love, happiness, sorrow and how some people live in denial to the detriment to those that love them the most.
Oh the FEELS! I absolutely LOVE this Book!
I have never read anything by Katie McGarry before, so I was really excited when I won this ARC. I’ve added some of her books on my TBR and even have 1-2… I think…. but I just never got around to reading any of McGarry’s works. Well, that is changing as of right now because after reading Echoes Between Us, I am absolutely in love with her storytelling.
Her words are so full of heart,emotion, and everything else in between. I honestly loved everything about this book. I adore the characters. I enjoyed the surprises and twists. I loved the paranormal aspects, the thrill, the suspense, the humor, and even the heartbreak. Everything seemed so real to me and I connected with the characters so much. Sawyer and V will always have a special place in my heart and I am still reeling from all the flutter and aches I felt while reading this beautiful story. I know I’m just rambling now, but if you haven’t read any of McGarry’s book, then you have to add this on your TBR!
I’ll write a better review in a few days, but I just wanted to leave this mini review now so you know that I AM UTTERLY IN LOVE WITH THIS BOOK and you should DEFINITELY READ THIS!!!
Best book I’ve read so far this year and I have a feeling it’s going to be on my Top Ten 2020 Reads.
This book crushed my heart in so many ways, but also somehow made it warm and filled it with hope, love and joy.
Echoes Between Us by Katie McGarry will probably stay with me for a very long time. I loved reading this book with all my heart and just fell deep in love with McGarry’s storytelling. I’ve never read anything by her before, but I have heard plenty of good things. And now, I’m definitely checking out her other books because …WOW. This book was amazing from beginning to end and I just have so much love for Veronica and Sawyer.
The plot is so engaging and everything that happened had me glued to the pages. Veronica is such an easy character to like and I rooted so hard for her. I wanted her to have a happy ending and throughout the entire time, I just couldn’t breathe knowing something bad might happen. My heart ached in so many ways but there are plenty of delightful and adorable moments that made me smile. I enjoyed the paranormal aspects too and the hauntings of ghosts were fun. Anyway, I don’t want to say too much. Just know that the writing is absolutely captivating, the characters are all so wonderful and you’ll grow to love them, and the storyline is full of drama, fun, sweetness, romance, thrill, and so much heart.
Definitely recommend you add this book on your TBR!!!
***4.5 Stars***
This baby was all kinds of goodness.
I knew it would be intense and emotional, and it was, but it went beyond even my expectations and kept me turning the pages until the very end.
I loved Veronica and Sawyer. Both of them have been through more than anyone can fathom and yet they persevere and at least put forth as semblance of living their lives. They both have really good hearts and a sense of responsibility that they probably shouldn’t have at their ages, but they own it. While both of their journey’s broke my heart, I loved watching as they eventually confronted their own ghosts and came out stronger for it on the other side.
As for their journey to their HEA, it was all kinds of emotional, but it was also a fun one. Their first true collision was quite unique and I really enjoyed watching as they found that they had a lot more in common than either could have ever imagined. Their bantering was fun and I really enjoyed how their relationship evolved as the book progressed and loved how things worked out in the end.
Echoes Between Us was an intense and captivating ride from start to finish. The issues that these characters deal with were intense, but they were necessary to understand the characters motivation and appreciate their growth. And as for the secondary cast of characters, they were all very well written and though I don’t have a favorite, I wouldn’t mind spending more time with them all and see where life takes them
~ Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley & voluntarily reviewed ~
One of my favorites she’s ever written. SO INCREDIBLE.
In this YA contemporary romance, Katie McGarry does what she does best — delivers a story about two young adults who are forced to grow up too soon and who face some very serious and adult situations. This book has a lot going on.
Sawyer loves the rush of adrenaline, and he seeks this to escape his mother who has an addiction. He’s left to take care of things in the household and it’s getting to be a challenge. His family has just moved into a supposedly haunted house, and the upstairs tenant is the “strange” girl from school.
Veronica has lots of secrets too, one of those being she sees ghosts. There is a paranormal aspect to this book that makes it slightly creepy and a bit different and I loved it! It adds a bit of a paranormal dash of spice to the story.
You can guess where this is story is going when Sawyer and Veronica end up doing a school project together. There’s a lovely relationship blooming here with these two characters finding that they fit together somehow. Even though some of the story is a little predictable, there are some surprises. I loved these two characters. Both have immense situations they are dealing with, and they are good together.
I really enjoyed this, especially the historical aspect of the TB hospital and it’s connection to Saranac Lake, one of my favorite places in the northeast. This tale of young love in the face of many challenges kept me turning the pages after a bit of a slow start to the story.
A complimentary copy was provided for review.
Please someone write down the license plate of the car that hit me … My dear lord! What book was this? It will be difficult for another YA to overcome this Reading for me this year.
First of all, when I read the synopsis I had no idea that I would have to face so many ghosts, although when I think about Katie McGarry’s writting, I get ready for tension and Strong moments, and yet I spent days with eyes and ears wide open.
Veronica is a girl marked by death. She closely followed her mother’s last days and watched as the joyful, energetic woman gradually languished. It gets worse when she discovers that she also has a small tumor toojust like her mom located in a delicate area of her brain. It turns out she feels like a girl with the days numbered and does not want to prolong those days any longer than necessary. Everything changes when a certain boy enters her life without asking permission.
Sawyer is in crisis and living on the edge after his parents divorce. The father delegated to him the care of his younger sister Lucy and their mother who apparently struggles to support her children. He did not like to know that he will be a neighbor of a weird classmate, since he hides his mother’s behavior and his sister’s crises from everyone. So at first he avoids Veronica but when he proposes to do a school project with her, he finds himself involved with a fun, witty girl who according to his vision knows how to live life.
Amid diary quotes from a girl who had tuberculosis, ghost hunting, nightmares, cliff jumping, and so much romance, I followed Veronica and Sawyer’s struggle with their own torments and was pleased to realize how strong they were and see how they matured.
Katie McGarry’s plot begins very slowly in presenting the situation to which each protagonist is exposed and at the same time is frantic in showing their pain and how they react to everything they are living.
The book is fantastic, very well written and every surprise is delivered at the right time creating a thrilling suspense.
Highlight for all the secondary characters that enrich the plot, especially Lucy (Sawyer’s sister), Ulysses (Veronica’s father) and Sylvia (Sawyer’s best friend).
Narrated in the first person alternately by Veronica and Sawyer, the final chapters of each one fo them were simply a gift to the reader with all the ends closing as if they were an epilogue to each story.
I truely loved it. 6/5 stars
I had such a good time with this book! It has been years since I last picked up Katie McGarry’s work but I knew that I had to give this book a try. Once I picked this book up, I couldn’t stop reading and ended up spending most of the day cuddled under a throw with this book in my hand. I can’t think of a better way to spend the day. This was one of those books that you just don’t want to put down. I am really glad that I decided to give it a try.
Veronica believes in ghosts. Of course, she sees them all the time so it would be hard not to believe. Veronica lives with her father in the top two floors of an old house, that happens to be haunted. She has a pesky little tumor in her brain but she isn’t going to let that have any control over her life even though the headaches she gets, as a result, can wipe her out.
Sawyer lives with his mom and 6-year-old sister. They move into the rental unit that takes up the first floor of the house that Veronica lives in. Sawyer is responsible and spends a lot of time taking care of his sister and his mother. He excels at swimming and has an addiction to adrenaline rushes. He does not believe in ghosts.
I loved Veronica and Sawyer. They were both dealing with some pretty big issues and I thought that they really saw each other in a way that no one else did. They had wonderful chemistry together and I loved it when they were able to be together and just be themselves. They both go through some pretty rough stuff in this book and I loved the way that they were there for each other and supported each other. Their actions really showed how much they care for one another.
I would recommend this book to others. I thought that this was a very well done story with amazing characters. The story took a few turns that I didn’t see coming which made it even more exciting. I plan to read much more from Katie McGarry soon!
I received an advanced review copy of this book from Tor Teen via Bookish First.
When it comes to Young Adult novels, Katie McGarry is my go-to author. So, when I heard about Echoes Between Us, I just knew I had to get my hands on it. I mean, have you seen the cover for this book? It is just stunning!! I took one look at it and knew this book was going to be a winner and I was not disappointed.
Echoes Between Us follows the story of Veronica and Sawyer. Veronica is the unique outsider. She’s considered weird or strange by most. However, there is more to her than meets the eye. She’s fearless and makes the most out of each and every moment. She’s not afraid to be her true self and isn’t about to let her blinding migraines get her down. Oh, did I mention she also sees her mother’s ghost? And then we have Sawyer. He’s the golden boy. He’s handsome, popular and an amazing swimmer. However, the pressure from having to perfect all the time and the responsibilities life has handed him has led to one crazy addiction. When times get tough, he likes to dive off cliffs. He can’t get enough of the high and is afraid he won’t be able to stop. His life is crazy and chaotic. His mother can’t be counted on and his dad isn’t really around. What happens when the weird girl and golden boy cross paths?? You’re just going to have to pick up Echoes Between Us to find out…
Overall, I thought this book was a really fascinating read. As with every Katie McGarry book, this one sucks you in instantly and completely consumes you. This story intrigued me as much as it thrilled me. I loved seeing Veronica and Sawyer come together. They started off as enemies and quickly became more. Their relationship was sweet and honest. I loved how real these two were with one another. Veronica and Sawyer both had a lot of layers and I loved getting to know each of them. Their story was powerful and dealt with a lot of tough subject matter. I loved how well the author not only researched their issues, but how true she stayed to the characters.
Echoes Between Us was a consuming and heartfelt story. I devoured it easily in just one sitting. The characters were entertaining and left me hanging on every word. I enjoyed getting to know Veronica and Sawyer and had a great time getting swept up in their story.
Suffering from a brain tumor, 17 year old Veronica battles migraines and sees ghosts. In need of a partner for her senior thesis project, she teams up with an unlikely classmate, Sawyer. You see Sawyer is the quintessential cool, rich kid while Veronica is known as the different, weird kid. Will they be able to find common ground and work well together?
“Just because you decide not to have a voice doesn’t make you innocent.”
Oh my gosh. This book. As soon as I opened the envelope of this surprise book mail from TorTeen, I fell in love with the gorgeous cover. Once I started reading it, I fell in love even more with the characters, the story, and the writing. If you love stories about young love as much as I do, then this is a must read. I found it to be sweet and tender, yet also emotionally raw and real. 4.5 swoony stars.
If you loved this book, then I’d highly recommend the following YA novels: Bright Side (5 stars) by Kim Holden, The Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay (5 stars), and What She Left Behind (4 stars) by Ellen Marie Wiseman!
Location: Kentucky
I received an advance copy of this book from TorTeen. All opinions are my own.
I absolutely loved Echoes Between Us. Which isn’t surprising, but I’ve never not loved a book by Katie McGarry. But Echoes Between Us is easily now in my top 3 favorites! It was so different from other books I’ve read recently and impossible to put down. I’m a sucker for stories with the popular guy and Veronica and Sawyer were perfect. I 100% recommend Echoes Between Us!
What if those we love don’t pass on to another world so easily? Could they guide us through difficult situations if we only take the time to look??
As someone labeled ‘different’ by the students at her school, Veronica embraces the quirkiness that makes her so unique. After all, living with ghosts every day is perfectly normal…isn’t it? Time isn’t something that Veronica has in abundance. There is a countdown that pushes Veronica to make the most out of every single moment possible. With crippling headaches plaguing the teen, it’s only a matter of time before the circumstances surrounding Veronica’s ability to see those on the other side comes to light.
With Veronica’s health in limbo, renting out the downstairs to the family home seems like a necessity when planning for the future. Sawyer and his family have experienced quite the upheaval in their life. Moving to a new home is only a stepping stone in the chaos that is going on behind closed doors. From all outward appearances, Sawyer seems like the most popular kid in town. The reality of his mother’s addiction, a struggle with dyslexia, and some unwelcome visitors in the house prove that nothing in Sawyer’s life is as it appears.
Determined to make this year her most superior, Veronica teams up with Sawyer for a school project unlike any other. The two quickly develop a friendship that is rooted in mystery and hauntings. As both will quickly learn, life has a way of throwing the unpredictable into your path. How will the duo overcome the obstacles and come out on the other side?
After reading the blurb for Echoes Between Us, I decided this book had to find its way to my reader. As a fan of Katie McGarry – I couldn’t wait to see what journey was in store for readers. This book is written with duel points of view (Sawyer and Veronica), and I think that perspectives from both characters really added to the story. The plot kept me glued to my reader with keen attention on what would transpire for the characters. What I loved the most was the way the story had such a unique plot, but also wound down in a completely satisfying ending. Make sure you add this mysterious and engaging story to your reading list!!