REVIEW: The Space Between

In The Space Between, Sarah Ready poignantly explores love, loss, and the intricate connections that define our lives.

Ready’s writing is lyrical and evocative, immersing readers in a world filled with rich imagery and emotional depth. The narrative expertly balances moments of introspection with lively interactions, creating a dynamic reading experience. The protagonist's journey of healing and self-discovery is relatable and beautifully rendered, resonating with anyone who has faced the complexities of grief.

The supporting characters are well-developed, each contributing to the protagonist's growth in meaningful ways. Their relationships are nuanced, showcasing how people cope with loss and the importance of connection. Ready skillfully weaves in friendship, family, and love themes, making the emotional stakes feel tangible and real.

While the pacing is generally strong, there are instances where the plot slows down, which may test some readers’ patience. Additionally, specific plot points can feel somewhat predictable, following familiar arcs that might detract from the overall originality of the story.

Overall, The Space Between is a beautifully crafted narrative that captures the essence of human connection and the healing power of love. Sarah Ready has created a heartfelt story that will resonate with readers looking for a thoughtful exploration of life’s complexities.

Thank you, Netgalley and W.W. Crown | Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles, for the free advanced copy for my honest review!

Oh, my goodness! Sarah Ready really knows how to pluck at your heartstrings, a fitting metaphor for this gorgeous romance that pairs music and love. Every once in a while, I read a love story that is so incredibly well-written and an embodiment of the human spirit and condition that I know I’ll never forget it. The Space Between is one of them.

I envy Ready’s talent for crafting stories that mine the depths of human emotion, creating multi-faceted characters who aren’t stereotypes, and writing multi-genre romances (from epistolary to magical realism and more) that draw readers in. In The Space Between, she has written about soulmates who meet as teens, recognizing that the love they share is timeless, even if their timing is all wrong. On the surface, they’re polar opposites, inhabiting two very different realities (Andi, the daughter of two Uber-wealthy Manhattanites, and Jace, the orphaned son of loving parents living in a roach-infested Bronx tenement and playing music with his brothers as a way to love and honor their memories). However, it’s what’s in their hearts and souls that draws them together, forming an instant bond that others try to break for their own selfish reasons. For me, it’s the inherent goodness in them that touched me the most. I loved the thread running throughout of the two writing and sharing lyrics with each other as a way of expressing their love.

If you haven’t yet discovered Ready’s books, please don’t wait another minute. She deserves a wide readership, and if you’re a fan of Abby Jimenez, Emily Henry, Katherine Center or Kate Clayborn, you’ll love her books as well. Highly recommended!

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from W.W. Crown through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

This is only my second Sarah Ready novel and another top contender! I love love love the writing and the storyline here. There was so much depth and emotion, I felt like I was inside of the characters. I was rooting for Jace and Andrea the whole time.

Andi and Jace had a beautiful relationship. This was an emotional read. I cried at several points. The author really knows how to bring out your emotions with her gorgeous writing.

3'5

Okay, first of all, I LOVE Sarah Ready and her writing, she's amazing, but this one was waaaay too dramatic and depressing for me. I've cried lot with this story. The characters couldn't catch a break??? Still, this was so very beautiful, Sarah knows what she's doing.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the e-arc.

Many thanks to Netgalley, W.W. Crown and the author for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Whew, this was one hell of a journey. I think I am owed a bit of therapy money for this one. This book follows Andrea and Jace, 2 people who have diametrically opposite lives, whether it is family, money and everything in between. What starts as Andrea helping Jace fight a bully leading to a beautiful deep friendship and a brilliant beautiful love story. But before we get to the happy ending there are quite a few hurdles to jump, a good few obstacles to overcome and life lessons to be had. They go through life while walking in and out each others. Sometimes its people, sometimes its circumstance, sometimes it themselves that are keeping them apart. they are ripped apart from each other again and again.

Its a roller coaster of emotions, there is love, yearning, heartbreak, grief, loss, betrayal, and everything in between. It made me want to scream at them, with them, cry for them and with them. This is what you can call an epic story. It would in my opinion make an excellent movie. You won't even realize when you are being ripped apart and then put back together while getting a warm hug. Another beautiful part of this book is that this story takes you through quite a bit of a time line, you grow with the characters. There is so much drama and trauma and yet so much joy. The narrators of the audiobook were so so good, especially with the extended cast and there was quite a lot of them.

PS: Reid, ohmg I did not want to love you, but you made me, and I am still not ready to forgive a few people in this book yet. I get why you did what you did, but it doesn't make it okay.

Also Sarah Ready has outdone herself in this one.

TW: Loss of Parents, Betrayal, Parental Abandonment, loss of spouse, Grief, Mental health rep, suicidal ideation, addiction, accidents

A captivating emotional story that will pull on your heart strings. A must for romance lovers, beautifully written and a clever storyline with enough drama and intrigue to keep the pages turning.

Absolutely stunning cover to match a delightful story with all of the ups and downs you would expect. These characters were believable and there story was captivating.

I loved this book and the story between Andy and Jace. It is an emotional story, with two main characters who grow up in the years that pass. I appreciated the long story, the evolution, and also the final.

Well I cried. This is perfect for people who love romances where opposites attract, second chance romances with grief and obstacles to overcome
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Very well written and I enjoyed the duel POV. With a whopping twist.

This book really touched my heart. Angst, heartache, love, so much love and second chances had me firmly gripped and invested in this lyrical story.

Thank you to NetGalley and W.W. Crown | Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

In "The Space Between," Sarah Ready weaves a captivating tale of love, sacrifice, and the unbreakable bonds that transcend circumstance. This emotional rollercoaster of a novel follows the tumultuous journey of Andrea and Jace, two individuals from starkly different worlds, whose love is put to the ultimate test by the harsh realities of life.

Ready's character development is a true strength of the book. Andrea and Jace are richly drawn, their flaws and vulnerabilities making them all the more relatable and endearing. Their connection is palpable from the very beginning, and readers will find themselves rooting for their love to conquer all obstacles.

The narrative is masterfully crafted, seamlessly transitioning between the present and past, allowing the reader to witness the evolution of Andrea and Jace's relationship while also being kept on the edge of their seat by the unfolding drama of their present circumstances. Ready's writing is emotionally charged, evoking a range of emotions that will leave readers both heartbroken and hopeful.

While the plot occasionally veers into melodramatic territory, the authenticity of the characters and the raw exploration of themes such as familial obligations, personal sacrifices, and the enduring power of love make "The Space Between" a compelling and engaging read.

With its skillful storytelling, complex characters, and heartfelt exploration of love's resilience, "The Space Between" is a must-read for fans of emotional and thought-provoking romantic dramas. Sarah Ready's ability to captivate readers with her words and tug at their heartstrings earns this novel a well-deserved 4-star rating.

Wow this is my first book by this author but it definitely won’t be my last. This book follows this epic love story between Andy and Jace a rich blue blood girl with a poor musician who are instantly in love with one another and ready to face anything to keep it or are they.

This book was more than a contemporary romance this book was adorable, heartbreaking filled with what family means and love means to me this was a really moving book. I was not expecting this when I saw the cover I thought it would be another fun fast paced contemporary romance but that is not the case with this gem. This books characters had me from the start even the side characters had me wanting books about them. The main characters were so lovable and real in this book and I was really invested in what happened to them. This book is also a lot longer than I expected but really enjoyed the pacing and felt like the story kind of needed it and to be honest I could just keep reading these characters for much longer . I would like to thank NetGalley and the publishers for a chance to read this book for an honest review.

I want to thank the author and publisher for access to this one. This book just wasn't hitting for me. I ended up reading part of the book with my eyeballs and part of the book with my ears, and I just couldn't connect with the characters. It was a little slow from the start for me, unfortunately. While I was interested in the premise and I love a time jump, I just didn't find myself wanting to figure out how the characters connected from past to present day.

I will not be reviewing this anywhere except in this space.

Thank you, endlessly, for access to this book. I'm excited to try a book by Sarah again in the future!

4.5 stars

The Space Between by Sarah Ready tells the story of Andrea (Andy), born into a wealthy family and living in the Upper East Side of New York City and Jace, a musical prodigy from the Bronx, who meet one day in Central Park and instantly feel a connection. Andy must follow the rules and present a certain image because of her family/name. Jace is the only one who can truly see her for who she is and understands her.

Told in three parts, over many years, this story follows Jace and Andy as they navigate their teen years, a band tour, the event that tears them apart for many years, and a possible second chance at love. This is part coming-of-age tale and part second chance love story that will break your heart and put it back together again and I'm here for it. I just love Sarah Ready and will read anything she puts out.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest thoughts.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy of The Space Between by Sarah Ready in exchange for my honest review and opinions. This is one of the most heartwarming books I've read in a long time. I seriously was unable to put it down and found myself smiling from ear to ear at many parts of this story. So touching and wonderful. Read this as soon as you possibly can.

What a fantastic story about what happens when two people met and grow together and apart and all the space in between. Told from the 2 main characters pov it follows their story from meeting growing apart and meeting again and everything in between. Both narrators capture the heart of both characters and bring the story so true alive. They made me laugh smile and cry. Feel anger and made me wish things were different. I loved every second the only bit that could jave been better is we learnt more about the female character's life in the space where they werent yogether than we did the male and thats it. A solid 5 star

This one was adorable!!! I loved the NYC setting and the connection between Jace & Andi. I also love dual pov;s!!I
Second chance romances are my JAM and this was just so much fun!

I love that both Andi & Jace did not give up on one another! ugh, SO SWOONY!

Also, this one had so so much character depth! Sarah Ready is officially an auto-buy author for me!

Before this book I had never read a book by Sarah Ready. But this book stole the show for me! I was hooked within a few chapters. Loved the threads of the story weaving together and honestly didn't know how far it would go.

Wow, I’m at a loss for words. The Space Between was an emotional rollercoaster of feelings; happy, angry, heartbreaking with devastating betrayals, forgiveness and love. Andi and Jace come from two different worlds but their love overcomes all their obstacles and struggles. It’s been awhile since a story has tugged on my heartstrings and made me cry. I’d highly recommend this book. Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.