Member Reviews
I respect the author’s efforts to explore a host of heavy psychological/emotional issues including death, grief, suicide, love, friendship, betrayal, infidelity and coping with a chronic debilitating illness. However, this plethora of issues at times overwhelmed the nuances of the characters’ struggles. Like one of the protagonists who narrates much of the story, I felt like a detached observer and never became invested in the drama.
There were several occasions that I was tempted to give up and label this novel a DNF due to the slow pace and my lack of engagement with the characters’ dilemmas. The last few chapters did hold my interest, but the conclusion felt rushed and unrealistic.
My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This review is being posted immediately to my GoodReads account and will be posted on Amazon upon publication.
This book was a complete delight and I couldn’t stop reading. Becky Hunter has written an affecting story about friendship, choices, love and taking chances. I really enjoyed the premise here and how @beckyhunter handled everything from there. Thank you to #netgalley and #foreverbooks for this arc of #onemoment to read and review, all opinions are my own.
I loved this story!
It is an emotional, uplifting, heartbreaking journey of two best friends that live, fight, love, and learn together.
UNTIL. tragedy occurs in One Moment and things all change!
This is one of those stories that you just must read!
My review cannot do this book justice and I loved the alternating chapters to understand both ladies and their feelings, dreams and hopes.
Thank you to @NetGalley and to @Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for this amazing ARC and allowing me to provide my own review.
Well, despite reading the synopsis of this book, I was NOT prepared for the emotional rollercoaster this book sent me on!
One Moment is a beautiful novel that had me equally smiling and crying. It is moving, inspiring, and a wonderful reminder to live each day to its fullest.
One Moment is the story of two best friends sharing young adult life together, until they no longer don't. The characters are real and flawed, and I could really feel what they were experiencing. I tried to read this book slowly because it didn't want it to end! But when it did end, it was a beautiful finish to a great story.
i really, really loved this. it was reminiscent for me of josie silver books (and i mean that in the best way!). my feelings were up and down throughout this story, and the characters were engaging and felt like real people with imperfections. solid 4.5 star read!
Fantastic, unique story with a premise I'd never heard of before. Rare and so well done. I loved how the book switches back and forth between 2 character's perspectives. Lovely, wonderful read.
One Moment by Becky Hunter is a thought-provoking and heart-wrenching story.
I really enjoyed reading this, it had everything that I was hoping for in a Women's Fiction novel. The characters felt like they were real individuals and had realistic things going on. The prose was beautiful and I very much enjoyed reading every word. I loved the characters and their issues and how it all worked out in the end.
I felt every emotion Scarlett and Evie felt throughout the book.
I enjoyed everything about this story from the fantastic relatable characters to the wonderful portrayal of friendship.
One Moment was a beautiful surprise. A gorgeous story of friendship, love, and loss.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Forever for the opportunity to read this ahead of its publication date in return for my honest review.
Love books about female friendships. This had that! Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. I thought it was heartbreaking to read but also kept my interested. Good writing.
"One Moment" by Becky Hunter is a heart-wrenching and page-turning novel that delves into themes of friendship, love, and loss. The story revolves around two best friends, Scarlett and Evie, and explores the aftermath of a tragic accident that changes everything.
Scarlett's death, occurring on what should have been one of the most important days of her life, leaves a profound impact on those who loved her. The narrative takes an intriguing turn as Scarlett, in some ethereal form, continues to observe the lives of her loved ones and experiences a reexamination of her own memories.
The novel navigates Scarlett's journey of self-discovery as she revisits defining moments in her life. This exploration prompts her to realize that perhaps she didn't have everything figured out as she thought. The blend of the supernatural and the emotional creates a poignant atmosphere, allowing readers to reflect on the complexity of life and its uncertainties.
Evie, grappling with grief and blame, cannot fathom life without Scarlett. The introduction of Nate, the man she holds responsible for Scarlett's death, adds a layer of tension and complexity to the narrative. As Nate unexpectedly enters Evie's life, the story takes unexpected turns, challenging her preconceived notions and forcing her to confront the possibility of new beginnings.
The central question posed by the novel—whether one would change the course of history if given the chance—is a thought-provoking theme that adds depth to the storytelling. The exploration of alternate paths and the consequences of pivotal moments in life is a compelling aspect of the narrative.
Hunter's writing skillfully captures the emotional nuances of grief, friendship, and the intricacies of human relationships. The characters are well-developed, and their journey of healing and self-discovery is portrayed with authenticity.
Overall, "One Moment" is a captivating exploration of love, loss, and the impact of pivotal moments on the course of one's life. Readers who enjoy emotionally charged stories with a touch of the supernatural will find Becky Hunter's novel to be a compelling and reflective read.
Thanks Net Galley for this ARC. While the story of Evie and her friend Scarlet, who was whisked away in an ill fated instant, had a lot of depth and substance, I did have difficulty truly connecting with the story. I appreciated some of the deeper issues and thought the plot line had some unique elements, but I just wish there had been a little something more.
Okay. I’ve read over 80 books so far this year and this is my favorite! So many issues are delicately explored here. Friendship, trauma, grief, and forgiveness make this such a beautiful read. I will definitely be talking about this story with friends who can read it after it’s published. Easy to recommend!
This is a lovely and polished first novel. It's not at all your typical romance writing and that makes all the difference.
In an unusual twist, (well, "Ghost" may have done it first,) the book begins with Scarlett narrating the day of her own death. She then goes on to narrate alternating chapters with her best friend, Evie. What's different about this is that Scarlett not only witnesses her own funeral and the lives of her friends and family, but is also transported back to other incidents in her past that molded her and her loving friendship with Evie.
There are many insights, numerous poignant moments that may bring you to tears. The unlikeliness of Evie's meeting with the person who caused Scarlett's death may be a bit far-fetched, but hey, this is an innovative and unusual take on fate, friendship, death and grief, all somehow combining to elevate this story and make it impossible to put down. And that's my reasoning behind four stars. But please, Becky, in your next book don't overuse the word "clocking" when you could use "noticing" or "picking up on". I look forward to your next effort.
Thanks to the publisher, Forever, and NetGalley for an ARC copy of One Moment to read and review.
5 stars. I read a #NetGalley copy. Fascinating premise completed in the lovely storytelling by a debut author. Twin narrators, blending first and third person perspectives, blend harmoniously into a story worth the time. The characters are distinctive, charming, and the dialogue flows with ease. A heartwarming story about the what-ifs in life and what #OneMoment can change.
Wow I'm speechless. I LOVED this story. It was beautiful and heartbreaking. I loved that we got a look into both Evie and Scarlet's perspectives. I loved Evie's growth and strength. I loved how Scarlet learned so much even after she passed, And Nate. Sweet adorable Nate. This is a book that will stick with me for a long long time. Just wonderful.