'Only a Breath Apart' by Katie McGarry is a YA contemporary novel that delves into the lives of Jesse and Scarlett, two characters from different worlds who find solace in each other. The story unfolds with a mix of paranormal elements and explores themes of friendship, family secrets, forgiveness, and courage. McGarry's writing style, with its dual perspective storytelling method, immerses the reader in the emotional journey of the characters as they navigate through difficult situations and personal growth.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed, including Jesse, who is protective yet wounded, Scarlett, who is strong and compassionate despite her struggles, and Glory, who acts as a supportive psychic influence.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is emotionally charged and introspective, employing a dual perspective that engages the reader deeply with the characters.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot follows two childhood friends, Jesse and Scarlett, who reconnect amidst struggles of abuse and personal demons, while subtly introducing supernatural elements.

Setting:

The setting is a rural farm that serves as a backdrop intertwined with the characters' family legacies and experiences.

Pacing:

The pacing is gradual, allowing for emotional complexity while building tension effectively throughout the story.

“You need to pack your bag.” Jesse’s mom crouched in front of him and grabbed hold of his shoulders. From the glow of the nightlight, he could see a red mark on her face. Sort of like how his skin wou...

Notes:

The story revolves around Jesse and Scarlett, childhood friends who have drifted apart but must reconnect to overcome their personal demons.

Themes of love, loneliness, trauma, and the struggle for trust are key elements in the book.

There are elements of abuse depicted, including physical and emotional abuse, which are central to the characters' struggles.

The book includes a subtle supernatural aspect, as a character named Glory claims to have psychic abilities and connects with the theme of family curses.

The emotional depth of the characters and their growth is highlighted, with Jesse described as a 'breath of fresh air' despite his challenging life.

Scarlett is portrayed as strong yet trapped in her family dynamics, yearning for escape while facing her father's abuse.

McGarry explores the complexities of adult relationships and flawed characters, showing that not all adults make the right choices.

The writing style includes dual perspectives, allowing readers to see both Jesse and Scarlett's viewpoints as they navigate their past and present together.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book contains high content warnings for themes of physical and emotional abuse, as well as childhood trauma.

Has Romance?

Yes, the book contains a prominent romance between the main characters, Jesse and Scarlett.

implied steam level

From The Publisher:

Bestselling author Katie McGarry's trademark wrong-side-of-the-tracks romance is given a new twist in this acclaimed, gritty YA contemporary novel, Only a Breath Apart.

They say your destiny is carved in stone. But some destinies are meant to be broken.

The only curse Jesse Lachlin believes in is his grandmother's will: in order to inherit his family farm he must win the approval of his childhood best friend, the girl he froze out his freshman year.

A fortune teller tells Scarlett she's psychic, but what is real is Scarlett's father's controlling attitude and the dark secrets at home. She may be able to escape, but only if she can rely on the one boy who broke her heart.

Each midnight meeting pushes Jesse and Scarlett to confront their secrets and their feelings, but as love blooms, the curse rears its ugly head…

"Fair warning: Picture-perfect Scarlett and misunderstood Jesse will have you in your feels."-Girls' Life Magazine

Reader Stats (3):

Want To Read (2)
Not Interested (1)

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About the Author:

KATIE MCGARRY is an award winning and critically acclaimed young adult novelist. The author of Only a Breath Apart and the Pushing the Limits and Thunder Road series is currently living out her real life love story in Kentucky with her husband and three children. Katie is a lover of music, happy endings, reality television, and is a secret University of Kentucky basketball fan.

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Only a Breath Apart

Katie McGarry