The Words Between Us

Written by Erin Bartels

Narrated by Stina Nielsen

Robin Windsor has spent most of her life under an assumed name, running from her family's ignominious past. She thought she'd finally found sanctuary in her rather unremarkable used bookstore just up the street from the marina in River City, Michigan. But the store is struggling and the past is hot on her heels. When she receives an eerily familiar book in the mail on the morning of her father's scheduled execution, Robin is thrown back to the long-lost summer she met Peter Flynt, the perfect boy who ruined everything. That book--a first edition Catcher in the Rye--is soon followed by the other books she shared with Peter nearly twenty years ago, with one arriving in the mail each day. But why would Peter be making contact after all these years? And why does she have a sinking feeling that she's about to be exposed all over again? With evocative prose that recalls the classic novels we love, Erin Bartels pens a story that shows that words--the ones we say, the ones we read, and the ones we write--have more power than we imagine.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Sep 3, 2019
• ISBN: 9781980052364

Erin Bartels

Erin Bartels writes character-driven fiction for curious people. Her readers know to expect that each of her novels will tell a unique story about fallible characters so tangible that it's hard to believe they are not real people. Whether urban, rural, or somewhere in between, her settings come alive with carefully crafted details that engage all the senses and transport the reader to a singular time and place. And her themes of reckoning with the past, improving the present, and looking with hope to the future leave her readers with a sense of peace and possibility. Erin is the author of We Hope for Better Things, The Words between Us, All That We Carried, The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water, Everything Is Just Beginning, and The Lady with the Dark Hair. A two-time Christy finalist and winner of two WFWA Star Awards and three Michigan Notable Book Awards, Erin has been a publishing professional for more than twenty years. After eighteen years in Lansing, Michigan, Erin and her family are busy enjoying the simple blessings of a less urban life in a small town outside the capital city. Find her online at ErinBartels.com.

Reviews for The Words Between Us

[Tracy Pearse · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I did not want it to end. So incredibly beautiful.

[Kathy Stegman · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I had a slow start to the book but grew into a very good read

[booklover1801 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Robin Windsor has had a tumultuous existence. Her father, Norman, was a senator who provided well for his family until he was arrested. Robin's mother, Lindy, also ended up behind bars for helping her husband cover up his criminal activities. Ashamed and eager to leave her troubles behind, Robin changes her last name and moves from Massachusetts to her grandmother's trailer in Sussex, Michigan. There, this unhappy fourteen-year-old girl meets Peter Flynt, a handsome and athletic high-schooler who shares his late mom's classic novels with her.

Eighteen years pass, and Robin opens a store, "Brick & Mortar Books," in River City, Michigan. Her close friends are Sarah Kukla, an artist, and Robin’s employee, Dawt Pi, an immigrant from Myanmar. In "The Words Between Us," Erin Bartels alternates between the past and the present. In flashback, we learn that Robin has consistently lied about her background, done all in her power to avoid the press, and has transformed herself from a rootless individual into a small business owner trying to make ends meet. One aspect of Robin's personality that remains consistent is her passion for literature. She immerses herself in stories with such universal themes as fear, grief, betrayal, love, and redemption.

This unusual work of fiction requires repeated and sizable suspensions of disbelief. Robin's behavior is often irrational, even when we take into consideration her angst over her parents' misdeeds. Among the plot lines are Robin's strained relationship with her relatives and Peter; discoveries that shed new light on the actions of the disgraced senator and his wife; Robin's improbable sojourn with an elderly naturalist for over a decade; and her efforts to save her shop from bankruptcy with the help of a kindly teacher and his brilliant students. If we charted "The Words Between Us" on a line graph, it would zig and zag wildly as it goes off in one direction and then another, until the author finally comes to a predictable conclusion. This is a bewildering and tedious tale about a lost soul who is trying to introduce some stability into her messed-up life. It's a sad state of affairs when one of the story's most lively and believable characters is a rambunctious and talkative parrot.

[witchyrichy · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The Words Between Us was a random pick off the public library shelf. I am happy to read anything about books and bookshops so this was a fit. Author Erin Bartels pulled me in immediately with her story of Robin Dickinson née Windsor who has spent much of her teenage and young adult life hiding from her past as her disgraced father awaits execution as a traitor. When she returns to her adopted hometown that she had fled when her grandmother died, she opens a bookshop and begins to build a small community with old and new friends. Then, books from her past begin to arrive and she finds that she can't escape the truth.

I loved this book. It switches between Robin's past and present in River City with the two lines of narration integrating seamlessly to tell the full story. I did figure out one major twist before she did but didn't mind.

Robin spends a lot of time thinking about what brings life to both creatures and books. I had been watching figure skating and thinking about Yeats' line: How can we tell the dancer from the dance? What is that "thing" that makes something greater: it happens in figure skating sometimes when the skater seems to connect with the music and ice and movement so perfectly it takes your breath away. For Robin, she considers the difference between books that last and those that don't:

"I know why some books live on forever while others struggle for breath, forgotten on shelves and in basements. The authors of these books...might have told rollicking good tales and sketched out characters who who were fun for 400 pages but they hadn't bled. They hadn't cut themselves open and given up part of themselves that they would dearly miss. They hadn't lost anything in the writing" (pp. 315 - 316).

[bookdivasreads · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

When you start with books, booklovers, and a bookstore there's little, if anything, that can go wrong with the story. This author deftly weaves the story of Robin's past with her present around the books she receives, the memories she holds, and the dying bookstore she owns. I enjoyed this coming-of-age, self-awareness story, possibly due to the bookish angle, or just due to the quirkiness of the characters.

[virginia51-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is a fantastic read. I loved how Robin needs to learn who she is after so many years. This book goes from past to present to show how Robin and Peter have learned to grow. Robins parents did something when Robin was a teen and she has to grow up quicker. I love the whole story. I received a copy of this book from Revell for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

[mpmills · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Robin owns a struggling bookstore in a small town, and is trying to hide from her family’s past. When she starts receiving anonymous packages in the mail, she knows the media will soon find her. Robin is bitter, keeping almost everyone at arms length. The story is told in alternating chapters of her past in high school and the present. I loved following the story of Robin struggling to find herself, to let others in, to forgive, and be open to love. One part I found went beyond believability, but I liked the book. And, I know you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but I loved the cover art!

[theloopylibrarian · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The Words Between Us is, at its heart, a love story between Robin, Peter and their books and words. It is also a story about forgiveness and moving forward. Bartels immediately draws the reader in with a character whose tragic past makes her both interesting and mysterious. I wanted to root for Robin, and sometimes I did. Other times she was so bitter and defensive that I wondered how Peter could love her the way he did. My reaction to most of the characters was mixed because Bartels made them complex and not easy to like. The narrative was woven between the past and the present until the past caught up. This technique added perspective and helped the reader better understand the characters. Books and words were lovingly conveyed to the point of adoration. I could appreciate this because I also love books, but sometimes it was a bit much. The ending leaves the reader with the sense of a Happily Ever After but not a certainty which was, I felt, realistic and acceptable. As Robin finally began to let go of her past and her bitterness, the book became a more enjoyable read. I recommend The Words Between Us for those who love bookstores and classic literature.

[sbojo32 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved the sample of We Hope For Better Things so I couldn't wait to read this one by the same author. I love books about books (how meta!) and this one fits the bill. I haven't gotten through the book yet but this is certainly not the fault of the book (life, it gets in the way). However, what I can say is that I love the way this book is written. Highly recommend!
*Thanks to Library Thing for a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

[hobbitprincess · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Robin owns a quirky bookstore, complete with a talking parrot and an equally quirky delightful employee. She meets Peter as a child, and their relationship continues into the present but with many twists and turns. Yes, books play an important role in this story that I thoroughly enjoyed. If you are a book lover looking for a book with a little romance, a little mystery, and a good plot line, this is for you.
*I received this book from LIbraryThing's Early Reviewers program in exchange for an honest review.*

[cherylk_44 · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

I was actually looking forward to reading this book. Robin's family dynamics were complicated. Yet, there was something unsatisfying that I struggled really hard to find an emotional connection with her as well as the rest of the characters in this book.

This is the type of story where it is important to share an emotional connection with the characters. If for nothing else, Robin. I tried to find my footing with this book but it became apparent when I got halfway into the story and could not remember anything that I had read in the first half of the book. Sadly, I did not finish this book as it was not for me.

[hes7 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

With a cover like that, how could I, a book lover, not read The Words Between Us by Erin Bartels?

Though Robin Windsor feels safe in her quaint used bookstore in River City, Michigan, it is only a matter of time before her past finds her. She begins receiving books from a long-ago friend, and her past and her present intertwine for a story of sweet friendship, family secrets, and the powerful effect of words.

Another superb book from Bartels, The Words Between Us is an emotional, thought-provoking read. The characters bring the struggle, the drama, the mystery to life, and it is so well done. I recommend it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.

[jillrey · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

“Holden Caulfield couldn’t protect his sister. My lies about my past couldn’t protect me. Life finds us, no matter how we try to push it away.”– p. 320

The Words Between Us is a literary love story to classic literature woven between an engrossing tale of Robin Winsor’s past and the life she’s made for herself, despite her parent’s decisions. Alternating chapters between “then” and “now,” we learn the story behind the secrets she hides from among the shelves of her Brick & Mortar used book store. A family drama wrapped in a mysterious past and sprinkled with romance is seamlessly captured within. A story you won’t want to end, this read is perfect for all types of readers and book lovers alike, as Bartels pairs her love for the classics into a tale any mystery lover or romantic would appreciate!

*Disclaimer: A review copy was provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[fcplcataloger · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is such a special story and perhaps the title tells it all....the words between us can't express just how much I enjoyed it. Erin Bartels has been able to capture the feelings of Robin Windsor as both the young girl hiding from the shame of a father convicted of a horrible crime and as the young woman who has tried to create an adult life based on anonymity. Robin was just a young teen when her father's crime was discovered and she was sent to live with her grandmother, but she had to pretend that they were distantly related. Her fear of being discovered left Robin avoiding people and she found solace in her love of books and the power of words. She did experience friendship with Peter, a neighbor boy, and eventually confided in him but their friendship was shattered when she believed that he had told her secret. Now, the adult Robin continues to find comfort in books and her bookstore until she discovers that there was more to her father's crime and her mother's involvement. Seeking to unravel the mystery surrounding it and to discover who is sending her books through the mail, Robin is forced to rethink her past and her present.
The Words Between Us is told alternately as "Then' and 'Now' and it is evident that Robin carries so much of her 'Then' into 'Now'; children often carry the stigma associated with the actions of their parents. Some readers may think this is a sad story but I found it to be uplifting because in the end, it is a testament to the power of love and the resilience of the human spirit.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher but I am voluntarily sharing this review. These are my own thoughts.

[jenniferrobb · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

3.5-4 stars: I don't think I'd read it over and over nor do I think I learned lessons from it so in my personal rating system, it's not a 5, but it was well written and engrossing. It's not really Christian Fiction though (and apparently is classified that way only because of the publisher (according to the author's comment on a question asked on this site), which makes me wonder a bit why the publisher picked this book if there's not much Christian faith in it?)

WARNING: POTENTIAL SPOILERS AHEAD (READ AT YOUR OWN DISCRETION)
*****

Words Between Us: Wow, this has so many meanings that could be applied to this novel.

As teens, Peter shares his late mother's books (words) with Robin. In return, Robin pens him an original poem (words) for each of the books.

Also as teens, Robin shares her true story (words) with Peter.

There are also many disagreements and arguments (words) between characters in the story: Robin and her grandmother, Peter and his father, Robin and Peter, Robin and Sarah. There's also a lack of words between Robin and both her parents for a long time. And Robin spends part of her growing up years pretending she can't talk (words again).

Robin opens a bookstore and at times, she hopes each book (words) she sells will have a lasting impact on the person who reads it.

Peter starts sending the books (words) back to Robin with her poems written inside each one.

Robin's mother claims that there are letters (words) from Billy to her that could potentially prove Robin's father's innocence on some of the charges he was convicted for--maybe enough to remove the death penalty from his sentence. Robin sets out to find these words that might help her father.


Since Peter's mother had been an English teacher, many of the books he passes along to Robin are literature classics.

Plus it takes place in a bookstore! Though it is sad that the bookstore isn't doing well--the main character and author are correct that brick and mortar bookstores are not faring particularly well these days.

[teamcomfy · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Robin is a woman with a past that she is trying to hide from. The novel is dual time, alternating between her teenage years then and now.
I'm not much of a mystery person, I can be a bit of a scaredy cat, but the I didn't have any difficulty with the mystery in this novel. My favorite parts were the books she receives in the mail, an important part of her past, and the poems she writes for them.
I was glad to see the novel wrap up the way it did, it felt like it came full circle.

[alekee_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A book you don’t want to give up on, it just kept getting better and better, and will keep you reading to the end for answers.
This is the second book that I have read by this author, and I loved the first so much that I had to read this one, and it sure didn’t disappoint!
In the beginning the author gives a child really, she is 14, and the unthinkable has happened to her and her family, but she is a survivor, and we journey with her to Forgiveness! This is really quite a journey and we meet unforgettable people along the way.
A great read to get lost in!
I received this book through the Revell Reads Program, and was not required to give a positive review.

[jkj94 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Erin is a first time author for me and not the last time either. I LOVED this book, and in relation to Robin's love of books and this taking place in a bookstore hit a home run for me. I really like the way Erin brings these characters into real life for us, having real problems and issues that we everyday people experience.

I would not say that this is a Christian fiction book, as much as it is Women’s fiction, which did not influence my opinion of this book at all. Erin has written a beautiful story here and I will be a long time reader of hers for a long time to come. You will not want to pass on reading this gem.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

@RevellBooks @ErinLBartels #TheWordsBetweenUs #RevellReads

[nancyadair-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Peter reaches out to new girl in town Robin by giving her his deceased mother's books. As repayment, she writes him a poem about the book. Robin slowly allows Peter into her heart.

How can a book lover not love a story about books bonding people? Erin Bartel's novel The Words Between Us is filled with books--titles and authors, well-read dusty tomes and mass-market paperbacks--and conversations about books.

But, for Robin, books became an escape from the ugly truths of life, building a wall between her and the world.

"The shelf is filled with all but one of the books Peter had given me when I was a girl, each one a bottle containing some intoxicating fictitious liquor that promises to take me away from this incomprehensible chaos of real life and into a carefully plotted story.[...] Isn't there some literary cocktail that will help me escape?"~from The Words Between Us by Erin Bartels

At once point in her young life, Robin went so far as to stop talking, further constructing a protective shell. What drove a teenager to such extremes?

Robin's parents are both in prison and she cannot forgive them for abandoning her and cannot tolerate their crimes. Uprooted from her Amherst, MA, home to live with a grandmother in Michigan, she tries to rewrite her past with a new name and identity, lies that don't hold up. She is chained to her parent's legacy of notoriety.

Told in two timelines, the adult Robin watching her bookstore slide into bankruptcy and her backstory as a teenager, the novel explores themes of anger and forgiveness. There is romance and drama and friendship and threat and a reversal of everything Robin thought was true. Robin's foil is Sarah, a large-hearted girl who carries secret guilt under her party-girl persona.

The novel is set in a fictional small town on the Saginaw River in Michigan divided by a river. There is a journey that touches on all the Great Lakes, starting at Niagara Falls and ending on the sand dunes of Grand Marias on Lake Superior. The story concludes on Isle Royale, a National Park in Lake Superior. I loved all the Michigan mentions, including the Grand Rapids Art Prize and the carousel in the Van Andel Public Museum.

I picked up on nods to Jane Austen. Robin's imagination concocts a wild story about Peter's father who later sends her out of his home--shades of Northanger Abbey! And there is Persuasion's wish-fulfillment hope for second chances.

Some aspects of the plot feel improbable, but most readers will be too involved with Robin to mind. The faith talk addresses a universal truth, and the romance is chaste.

Overall, I enjoyed reading The Words Between Us. It will appeal to a wide audience of readers: those who like appealing characters struggling with difficulties, young adult fiction readers, women's fiction, Christian fiction, and who love the current trend of bookish characters.

I received access to a free egalley by the publisher through NetGalley. My review is fair and unbiased.

[techeditor_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

THE WORDS BETWEEN US is Erin Bartels' second novel, following WE HOPE FOR BETTER THINGS, and it is probably the better of the two. I would categorize it as a young adult novel. So it is as YA that I praise it.

In alternating ”Then” and “Now” chapters, the main character, Robin, gives first-person accounts of her past and present until the two finally meet.

Robin begins her "Then” chapters when she was 14-years-old and sent to live with her grandmother after both her parents landed in jail. She went to a new high school and met Peter, the love of her life. But first the two became friends when he gave her books and she paid for each with a poem.

The “Now" chapters are 18 years later, after Robin fled her new hometown, Peter, and the law. She owns a used bookstore and is suddenly receiving unsigned packages in the mail. They are obviously from Peter because each package contains one of the books he gave her so many years before.

It’s a YA love story, the kind I used to read, with no teenaged sex, just sweetness.

[caslater83 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Where do I begin? I love books and bookstores. The cover art was a great choice. Getting this book as an ARC for the month of August made me happy.

When I first started reading the book, I wasn't feeling the tug yet. But I kept going and I'm glad I did because it got better as I continued on. Some books are slower and I'm impatient, so that's just a cross I have to bear.

Robin strikes me as someone who survived the turmoil of her childhood by associating herself with the strong characters she reads in her literature. When she meets Peter, the two are a good fit, but like Robin, Peter's life is far from perfect.

As an adult, Robin struggles to move on from the past. Her father's awaiting execution. Her mother is awaiting release. The media still links her to her parents' crimes. It feels impossible to start over with those clouds of doom hanging over her head.

Packages start arriving in the mail from her childhood friend. Her anxiety is now rising. Why is he doing? Why now? What does he want?

The book will keep you going (which is good). I do wish that Peter had appeared earlier in her adult life...but that's just my own opinion.

ENJOY!

[beautyinthebinding · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The Words Between Us by Erin Bartels is a bibliophile’s dream. A brilliantly written novel with numerous references to literary classics, it celebrates novels and poetry of old while exploring the power that words have in our lives whether they are spoken, read, or written.

Dual timelines in The Words Between Us created a captivating storyline. The novel held my attention from beginning to end with its unfolding mystery, intense personal struggles, and romantic tension. At times, each chapter felt like a mini-cliffhanger and I struggled to put the novel down! I would have loved a few more chapters or an epilogue to tie up the minor loose ends of the story, but the ending still satisfied.

As far as content, The Words Between Us has threads of Christianity and its values. Honesty, forgiveness, and a search for truth are embedded within the story. There is a supporting character whose actions (drinking and partying) may or may not offend more conservative readers. I wasn’t bothered by her, just giving a warning.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Words Between Us by Erin Bartels and recommend it to readers who enjoy contemporary fiction that mixes romance, difficult issues, and fascination with books. Five stars!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

[willowone_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The Words Between Us is a story told in alternating chapters of past and present. Robin "Windsor" Dickenson has had a rough life. It is a life that was forced upon her in one swift undoing. She meets Peter and he becomes her confidante. They find solace in shared reading of Peter's recently deceased Mother's books. As Robin is beginning to feel a semblance of safety again she is ripped away again due to circumstances beyond her control. Now as an adult she owns a book store in the town she once lived in and Peter begins to send books again, but things are different now, will they find their way back to one another?

I received this book for the purpose of review from LibraryThing Early Reviewers. I will admit that I had a hard time getting into this book but, once I got through the first 5 chapters I was hooked.

[milibrarian · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Told in alternating chapters between the past and present, this is the story of Robin Dickinson's life from her freshman year in high school (2000) to adulthood as the owner of a bookstore in River City, Michigan.

Robin wants to distance herself from her past. Her father, a former senator, is on death row after being convicted of treason. Her mother is also imprisoned for obstructing justice in an attempt to cover up her husband's crimes.

Robin spends her first year of high school in Sussex, Michigan, a little town in the middle of nowhere, when she is forced to leave her privileged life in Amherst, Massachusetts. As she becomes friends with Peter, whose mother has died, they share some of his mother's books. For each book Peter gives Robin, she writes a poem in payment. Now as she struggles to keep the bookstore solvent, she begins to receive the books and her poems in the mail. As she confronts her past, she learns that not everything is as he thought it was. This is a compelling coming of age story with likeable characters and plenty of twists.

[donnerlibrary · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The Words Between Us is such a good story! The chapters alternating between past and present really work well to tie the characters together and to allow the reader additional insights into what is happening. Poems and novels become a language of their own, even as Robin realizes that what she thinks happened in her life may not be the entire story. Individual growth comes with new knowledge as she finally understands the depth of her misunderstanding as a child.

I had a hard time putting this book down and I didn't want it to end.

[fernemysteryreader · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

There are moments in time when a reading experience is magical, breathtaking and captivating, or to convey with a single word exquisite. There are so many novels that I’d like to read that I rarely consider reading a novel again regardless of how exquisite the experience. I know without a doubt that I could read this novel multiple times and each time will experience some new delight.

"The Words Between Us" is a compelling story particularly as there are jury verdicts as part of the headlines and news reports almost daily but one doesn’t give immediate thought to the child or children of parents imprisoned. The media are focused on the criminals and victims. No mention or attention is given to the precious casualty being the criminal’s child(ren) that will be raised by an elderly relative and/or the relative that lives far away from the neighborhood the child(ren) first knew as home and far away from the prison(s) where the parent(s) will serve his/her(their) sentence(s).

The chapters alternate between “Now” and “Then” and keep a tight thread between the life Robin has created for herself as an adult and reflects how her childhood and teen years have influenced every aspect of the life she now leads, the emotional toll she has endured, and the wariness that is now her way of life.

The most surprising aspect of the novel was the discovery of the exceptional poetry that was an integral and meaningful part of the novel. In the early 20th century, Ezra Pound recast Aristotle's definition as, "Poetry is a composition of words set to music". The poetry Erin Bartels wrote for her character Robin is elegant, stunning, magnificent, and gives a music I’ve never before discovered within a novel. The poetry was written by Robin as a high school teen to thank her new friend Peter for each book that he gives her to read that once comprised his Mother’s home library. The elegance of the poetry is not only how it is a reflection of Robin’s thoughts for each classic Peter shares with her but how it quietly opens a window to expose the thoughtful analysis Robin shares with Peter through her poetry as the books expand Robin’s view of life and provide a haven and comfort to a lonely teen that is desperately needed.

After reading the novel, I visited the author’s website as I wanted to learn more about her and discovered that she is “a copywriter and freelance editor by day, a novelist by night, and a painter, seamstress, poet, and photographer in between.” I clicked on “Photos” https://erinbartels.com/home/photography/ and viewed her photographs that beautifully capture the landscapes of Michigan through the seasons of the year. Although I have never visited Michigan the photographs were exactly as I had pictured in my mind from reading the descriptions of the setting of the novel. Erin Bartels is truly an artist regardless of her choice of expression. I hope I have an opportunity to meet her in person some day or that one of her events may be a “live” Facebook book launch celebration.

I am also very appreciative of the Early Reviewer opportunities by LibraryThing as the process is fun and is a wonderful chance to introduce a new author to one’s reading repertoire. I wouldn’t have wanted to miss introduction to Erin Bartels and I don’t know that I would have discovered this novel independently.

[pdebolt_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Erin Bartels has navigated the transition from past to present seamlessly in this novel. Robin in present day owns a small bookstore that is slowly becoming obsolete in a community dominated by chain bookstores, internet book purchases and audio books. Bartels skillfully incorporates Robin's past into the story in alternating chapters, and the traumatic family events unfold that shape her present. A high school boyfriend figures prominently in both the past and present. Robin's love of books is an additional enticement to read this book. Despite a few incidents that require a suspension of disbelief, Bartels' talent is evident and impressive in character development and plot progression.

I am grateful to LibraryThing and the publisher for the opportunity to review this book as an ARC.

[bookmarque · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Not a bad start - the author gives us just enough of current and past relationships to set my bearings, but leaves me interested to know more. Nice hook with whatever dad did.

Dawn Pi not being seen eating reminds me of a friend I had when I was young - knew her for years and never saw her eat. When we all did we made a big deal of it. Dawn Pi is Chinese, my friend was Taiwanese...coincidence?

There’s a touch of what I call Maeve Binchy syndrome in the friends and the community - the support and loyalty. The book drive and that. Nice.

Good continuance in each time frame - things click together then something new is added and we know that will click into place further into the story. Good rhythm.

Robin’s time with Dave at Pictured Rocks (I’ve got to get up there!) was pretty far-fetched. I can’t imagine that happening. It was interesting though and served the purpose of disappearing her until she could start over. Although why she’d go so close to home where she’d be recognized doesn’t make sense.

The friendship with Sarah was a nice touch and I liked her fierce loyalty. As for Peter, I don’t know about the whole book for poetry thing. I mean, boys don’t do that kind of thing, especially Homecoming King/Football captain types. It would have worked better if he wasn’t those two things. It also feels like a gimmick designed to cut straight to a book lover’s heart. I felt a little manipulated, but the story was good and the writing clear so it wasn’t too bad.

[written-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I'm not sure what I expected when I requested this book. I'm on the fence with this one.

The story/chapters go back and forth from then to now. Robin is in her early teens when a BIG scandal hits her family. She is sent off to live with her grandmother and she changes her last name. Her life in a new town is hard living with what she knows but is trying to keep secret. Her grandmother lives next to a cemetery and that is where she meets Peter. They begin a friendship revolving around books but Robin is still telling so many untruths to protect herself. She eventually lets Peter into her real life story but feels betrayed at one point and has the need to run.

Present day Robin is still trying to keep the past in the past and never feels she can trust anyone. She opens a bookstore in the town where she first met Peter. So many secrets and trust issues that it's no wonder Robin is messed up. I'm having trouble writing this review and not being able to mention what the scandal is/was or the reasons behind her suddenly receiving copies of the exact books and poems she shared only with Peter. How do you review a book when you can't mention a lot of what you have read? So the short summary on the back of the book sucked me into wanting to read the book. There are twists and turns and I guess that's about all I can say.

[susan0316 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I hardly know where to start with this review. The book is so beautifully written that I can't really convey my feelings about it except to tell you that this is a MUST READ! I finished reading this book over a week ago and I am still thinking about it - to the point that I haven't been able to start another book. It's been a long time since I've had that kind of book hangover.

Robin is a teenager at the beginning of this book who is sent to live with her grandmother due to a scandal that happened in her family. She changes her identity and tries to become a new person so people won't judge her by her parents. But even though she wants to present a new person to the world, her thoughts and her inner peace are still tied to her old life. She meets Peter at the cemetery before school starts and he interests her until she finds out that he is the football hero, prom king jock in the senior class at the high school. Their friendship thrives though the books that they begin to share.

I absolutely loved the world that Erin Bartels created in this novel. There are wonderful book references and her love of books is apparent throughout. Most of all, I loved the characters and the emotions that this novel and these characters gave me throughout the book.

Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.