I didn’t hate this book, but there were definitely things I liked and things I really didn’t like.

I thought the story started slow. It took me a while to get to know the main characters and understand what was going on with them (why was Tamar sick? Who was Fay and what were his motivations?). I also knew this was going to be a time travel story, and it took several chapters to bring in the time travel element, which I found a little disappointing, I also got very confused. I found each version of their lives compelling, but I couldn’t quite grasp the main theme bringing them together. And I didn’t understand the museum plot, the crash plot, or the ending and how it all tied together.

That said, I thought it was pretty cool to see how these characters fit together in so many lifetimes. I loved the varied historical periods used, and I was rooting for the love story throughout.

I found this romance to be a nice and fresh couple that I sunk right into. The dialogue and characters felt so natural and realized that I had to tell myself these were not in fact real people. Tamar and Fayard's relationship throughout the book has highs and lows that I absolutely adored.

3,5/5 rounded up

This was a really enjoyable story, a mix of historical fiction, contemporary and sci-fi, all that supporting a gorgeous love story. If you like the idea of star-crossed lovers, if you want to believe in fate, this might be a book for you.

It is beautifully written. I think this book has a lot of things that we don’t see enough in young adult literature, including a poetic vibe that I loved. To me, it was quite reminiscent of This Is How You Lose The Time War, as there are a few similarities.

For the most part, I was confused and waiting for the plot to come in. The first half of the book really felt like a succession of scenes, going back and forth in time and seeing slices of different lives. Quickly, separate storylines relating to each timeline started to emerge, but I couldn’t really see how it all fit together. That being said, I liked the characters and I was interested in the themes of the book. I was most of all excited to see where and when the next chapter would take place, and that’s what kept me going. I was quite surprised each time, especially around the middle of the book (chapter 26), where a specific time jump happens and broadens this universe even more!

When it comes to romance, it took me a bit of time to fall in love with the two main characters and their relationship. I think my brain needed to slowly accept the idea that these people were fated to be together, and I slowly warmed up to this beautifully romantic story.

Mostly, what I liked apart from the non-linearity and the time element, was how the characters existed in each timeline, and how the book talked about various issues. Racism is at the heart of the story, but it’s so much more than that. It’s about class, about being a woman. There are many historical references sprinkled throughout the novel, which I loved, and those contributed to building gorgeous atmospheres and creating a specific setting for each chapter. I could really get a feel of the places the characters found themselves in.

Though I loved the story and how it progressed, it was missing a little something in my opinion. I think I would’ve loved to see a stronger plot. When I finished the book, I was left with a feeling of wanting more, of not getting everything I was expecting from this story. Rounding this one up for the beautiful writing and ideas, while it wasn’t the perfect book for me, I’m glad I read it and happy that it exists!
I’d recommend this to people who like love stories, poetic writing, and more character-driven stories.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC!

content warnings: racism (includes segregation, physical violence, use of slurs), colorism, pandemic, illness, hospital, injury, misogyny, abuse, threat of rape, death of a loved one, plane crash, brief mention of suicide. themes of war, colonialism, displacement, violence.

This book was a very cute read and one that I highly recommend. The main characters were interesting and the story plot was full of heart. Great book!

I didn't realize this was not available on kindle, which is completely my fault, so it will take me some time to figure out another way to read. However, this is probably the most anticipated read of the year for me, and I literally squealed when I got approved!!!! Cannot wait to read, review coming soon!

I would like to finish this book, but the non-kindle version makes it less accessible. I think this might be worth having in my classroom, but I won't know until I finish it and that will not happen in a timely manner. I may have to wait to read when the book comes out in kindle version. .

Interested to read this book. Unfortunately I didn't check to see if it had a kindle copy for download as I am unable to read on the app. I will change my review/rating once I'm able to read it. Again, apologies to the publisher as I should've checked first before making the request.