--Read my full review of the book at seriesousbookreviews.com! Spoiler Free!

**I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and not influenced by my source.**

I had a lot of questions when I started this book: What was the burden? And what's this about magic? I couldn't wait to get the answers!

I don't want to give too much away because the reveal of Holiday's "burden" was a big "wow" moment for me. So I'll just say it was a story that I've never read about and it captured my full attention from the start.

The great thing about this story is that the chapters alternate between the "now" and "then" so you really get Holiday's full story. You see how she has dealt with her past and how it affects the present, enhancing her character development. I really loved watching it all come together. They always have the most satisfying ending when you see the bigger picture.

I really felt for Holiday as a character. She's just doing the best she can with what she has and you can't help but to empathize with her. Her growth from start to finish is just amazing and I loved watching her grow before my eyes.

Milo is great too! I thought he would play a bigger role/be the focus for the novel but he has just the right touch for bringing this story to life. He doesn't distract from Holiday's story but complements it in a way that enhances the entire novel.

This is a beautifully crafted story about how the past can alter our future but learning that it shouldn't govern your life. Holiday's specific circumstances won't apply to everyone but her discovery of moving on from the past will resonate with many readers.

Check out more spoiler-free book and series reviews on my blog SERIESousBookReviews.com as well as read book series recaps!

Full Review: http://wp.me/p7hLUw-2dT
Actual Rating: 5/5 ( )

I wasn't sure what to expect from Iowa author Michelle Schlicher's newest book. The synopsis doesn't tell the reader much about the story and you go in a little blind. But, since I had read one of Schlicher's previous books GRACIE'S SONG, I was confident I would like it.

Going into this story blind is just what you need to do. Let the story evolve for you through the way Holiday tells her story. As you flip back in forth from the past to the present you get an idea of the person Holiday Sanchez is and that she is deeply hurting. But, you don't know why. I want the story to open up for you the way it did for me. It was emotionally draining at times to read and yet hopeful, sad and yet, joyful. The circumstances of the story are unique and one I've never read before.

The author handles Holiday's emotions so delicately that rather than pity her, you feel the emotions right along with her. The descriptions of Holiday's anxiety and panic attacks offer the reader a very realistic portrait of those who suffer from this often-times debilitating disorder. But, watching Holiday emerge from her pain and loneliness brought out some strong emotions in me while reading.

Milo is a wonderful character and brings an interesting twist to the story that made the pages much less dreary. His patience with Holiday, his humor, and tenderness are just what she needs. As their relationship grows and she begins to trust him, I couldn't stop rooting for them.

I truly don't want to say any more about the story or its characters and risk exposing any special parts of this novel (and there were many). Instead, I want you to know this story of a young woman healing after a tragic past will uplift you. Will you need tissues close by? Yes, but the emotions are the good kind and will leave your heart feeling full. It will also remind you to look for those small moments of magic in your life.

Favorite Quotes:

"I am far too gone, folded into myself like a chrysalis.
If only I could wake up as something new,
something more beautiful, something less broken."

"My newfound courage comes and goes.
But the want, the need, is now embedded deep inside me.
I want to be braver. I want to live larger.
I want to see all that I 've failed to see, to do all that I've failed to do." ( )