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Purgatory #2
Prom Night in Purgatory
Where does before end and after begin?
By some miracle and against all odds, Johnny and Maggie are given a second chance. But Johnny is freed from Purgatory only to find himself in a totally different time and place, in a world full of strangers. 'Prom Night in Purgatory' is the sequel to the love story that is unlike any other, where time is shifting and everything can change, and Maggie must fight for Johnny all over again.
By some miracle and against all odds, Johnny and Maggie are given a second chance. But Johnny is freed from Purgatory only to find himself in a totally different time and place, in a world full of strangers. 'Prom Night in Purgatory' is the sequel to the love story that is unlike any other, where time is shifting and everything can change, and Maggie must fight for Johnny all over again.
380 pages
First published August 1, 2012
About the author
Amy Harmon
29 books17.5k followersAmy Harmon is a Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and New York Times Bestselling author. Amy knew at an early age that writing was something she wanted to do, and she divided her time between writing songs and stories as she grew. Having grown up in the middle of wheat fields without a television, with only her books and her siblings to entertain her, she developed a strong sense of what made a good story. Her books are now being published in two dozen languages, truly a dream come true for a little country girl.
Amy Harmon has written eighteen novels including the USA Today Bestsellers, Making Faces and Running Barefoot, as well as The Law of Moses, Infinity + One and the New York Times Bestseller, A Different Blue. Her fantasy novel, The Bird and the Sword, was a Goodreads Book of the Year finalist. Her newest release, What the Wind Knows, is an Amazon charts and Wall Street Journal bestseller. For updates on upcoming book releases, author posts and more, join Amy at www.authoramyharmon.com.
Amy Harmon has written eighteen novels including the USA Today Bestsellers, Making Faces and Running Barefoot, as well as The Law of Moses, Infinity + One and the New York Times Bestseller, A Different Blue. Her fantasy novel, The Bird and the Sword, was a Goodreads Book of the Year finalist. Her newest release, What the Wind Knows, is an Amazon charts and Wall Street Journal bestseller. For updates on upcoming book releases, author posts and more, join Amy at www.authoramyharmon.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 415 reviews
September 9, 2022
Prom Night in Purgatory is clearly Miss Harmon takes on time traveller NA romance. Fot NA romame, she done good job hitting the right note with her story.
What I want to say is Miss Harmon clearly have great talent telling her story. She can be poetic/ poignant and she can also be dramatic/ angst with her story.
This book is so much different than her other books such as Making Faces, Running Barefoot dan The Unknown Beloved.
I do like Maggie. She is a heroine that has courage and determination. In fact most of Miss Harmon's heroines are strong, brave, courageous and vulnerable. I like these qualities in romance heroines.
Overall a great read to start my weekend.
4 stars
What I want to say is Miss Harmon clearly have great talent telling her story. She can be poetic/ poignant and she can also be dramatic/ angst with her story.
This book is so much different than her other books such as Making Faces, Running Barefoot dan The Unknown Beloved.
I do like Maggie. She is a heroine that has courage and determination. In fact most of Miss Harmon's heroines are strong, brave, courageous and vulnerable. I like these qualities in romance heroines.
Overall a great read to start my weekend.
4 stars
December 13, 2017
It's not often that I feel a sequel surpasses the initial book in a series, but Amy Harmon has accomplished that here. I absolutely LOVED Purgatory #2.
The further development of the main characters, Maggie and Johnny, and their fated romance, along with the author's twist on time travel, made this a totally enjoyable read that I was sad to see end.
You see, this wasn't "on purpose" time travel. It happened only to certain people (like Maggie) and only when the circumstances of their personal history and attachment to a place or thing were overwhelming. For example, Maggie once slipped back through time while in her Aunt Irene's attic (a home that had been in the family for a few generations), trying on a prom dress that her aunt had bought in the 50s, and talking with her aunt about that long ago prom. After falling asleep in the attic, she awoke in the same house, but back in the 50s. I loved it!!! 💛
There was plenty of excitement in this sequel, which began with a twist that I didn't see coming. Harmon weaves the past and present stories seamlessly and dark secrets are brought to light at exactly the right time—no information dumps here—and each character's story unfolds effortlessly. To Amy Harmon, I say...
FAVORITE QUOTES:
The further development of the main characters, Maggie and Johnny, and their fated romance, along with the author's twist on time travel, made this a totally enjoyable read that I was sad to see end.
You see, this wasn't "on purpose" time travel. It happened only to certain people (like Maggie) and only when the circumstances of their personal history and attachment to a place or thing were overwhelming. For example, Maggie once slipped back through time while in her Aunt Irene's attic (a home that had been in the family for a few generations), trying on a prom dress that her aunt had bought in the 50s, and talking with her aunt about that long ago prom. After falling asleep in the attic, she awoke in the same house, but back in the 50s. I loved it!!! 💛
There was plenty of excitement in this sequel, which began with a twist that I didn't see coming. Harmon weaves the past and present stories seamlessly and dark secrets are brought to light at exactly the right time—no information dumps here—and each character's story unfolds effortlessly. To Amy Harmon, I say...
FAVORITE QUOTES:
"He cares about you, too, Maggie," Jillian supplied softly. Maggie bit her lip to stop it from trembling. Why was it that kindness reduced her to a puddle? Call her names, reject her, neglect her, and she could handle it. But say something kind or sympathic and she was defenseless.
"When I saw him, I forgot for a moment that I no longer look the way he does. He hasn't aged a day. I was frightened because none of it makes any sense. It wasn't until he had gone, and I'd stopped shaking, that I came into the house and caught sight of myself in the entrance hall mirror. For a moment, I didn't recognize myself, Maggie. My reflection was that of an old woman, and I realized, maybe for the first time, that my life is over. I won't fall in love again. A man won't look at me with passion in his eyes. I won't ever be kissed the way a woman wants to be kissed ever again. I am an old woman. But I don't feel old inside. Inside I am still beautiful and young."
(Irene)
"My daddy always spoiled me. He gave me everything I wanted. But, most of all, he adored me. I took it for granted. I just thought everyone would treat me that way. I didn't know how precious his love was. (Irene)
And what was became what is. After all, that which has been is now and that which is to be has already been.
December 17, 2012
I'm amazed at this new author. After reading her first book Running Barefoot, I wondered if reading her next books would be a let down. I'm thrilled to say, she just keeps getting better. Not only that, but this second book in the series is better than the first --and that's saying something. I LOVED Slow Dance in Purgatory. I have to admit, I was reluctant to start the Prom Night in Purgatory. Many books written in a series end up being a repeat of the first with unoriginal material. But the author blew me away with a new twist to the story that completely surprised me, at the same time it was very believable. Keep writing Amy Harmon, you made me a raving fan!
March 29, 2013
Since I loved the first book so much, I had high hopes for this one. I liked it but I just don't think it lived up to the first. This one was a little difficult to follow and I lost the connection with the main characters at times. I also think the ending could have been wrapped up a little better. I was left wanting more explanation to clear up the many questions/confusion that I am dealing with. Did Johnny remember both purgatory experiences in the end? Wouldn't their getting to know each other in purgatory be different if he had met her before he died? Why would she have been compelled to meet Johnny in the past and intervene if he had remembered her after waking up from purgatory? And what about Gus and Shad and Maggie's custodial job that allowed her to spend so much time at the school? She wouldn't have needed it if she had Uncle Billy. I'm trying not to let the questions bother me too much because I really want to love it but they are hard to completely ignore. Maybe if I reread it in the future it will settle better. That said, I am a sucker for a happy ending and despite the flaws, it was after all definitely a happy ending.
September 8, 2016
GUSHING FIVE STARS!!!
Awww WHAT AN ENDING!!!
I thought this would be like the previous book, another ghost story. But, this was SO MUCH more. I really had no idea how the story would even continue on after book one. I was completely taken by surprise. I was glad that I didn’t even peek at one single review (Tip: don’t even peak at the listed Amazon’s category). The twists were just incredible. The romance was believable. The characters were very real. And again, like book 1, I loved the 50s surroundings.
Not many book has sequel as strong as this. In fact, I think it surpassed book one. The emotional turmoil was a great deal more in this book. I felt deeply what Maggie was feeling. It was frustrating and bittersweet. At times it felt like it was all for nothing? And, the ending, was just….ughhh… Does it have to be this way? But, I guess so. It wouldn’t have come in full circle otherwise.
This author has so much talent. And, not just in the writings. It’s how the story unfolded too. It was amazing, creative, and nothing short of spectacular.
Review also posted @ http://wp.me/p3NHjQ-1Tp
Awww WHAT AN ENDING!!!
After all, that which has been is now, and that which is to be has already been.
I thought this would be like the previous book, another ghost story. But, this was SO MUCH more. I really had no idea how the story would even continue on after book one. I was completely taken by surprise. I was glad that I didn’t even peek at one single review (Tip: don’t even peak at the listed Amazon’s category). The twists were just incredible. The romance was believable. The characters were very real. And again, like book 1, I loved the 50s surroundings.
Not many book has sequel as strong as this. In fact, I think it surpassed book one. The emotional turmoil was a great deal more in this book. I felt deeply what Maggie was feeling. It was frustrating and bittersweet. At times it felt like it was all for nothing? And, the ending, was just….ughhh… Does it have to be this way? But, I guess so. It wouldn’t have come in full circle otherwise.
This author has so much talent. And, not just in the writings. It’s how the story unfolded too. It was amazing, creative, and nothing short of spectacular.
Review also posted @ http://wp.me/p3NHjQ-1Tp
September 4, 2023
This book was good, but a bit much for me. We start where book 1 left off; Maggie is in the hospital, along with Johnny, who is being treated for a 52 year old bullet wound. He doesn’t remember his time in purgatory with Maggie. It’s as if 1958 dumped him out the night of his almost-death. Maggie is heartbroken, but then something strange starts to happen. She travels back in time.
I liked the snippets we got of the past and how it all wove together with the changing future, and I enjoyed Maggie and Johnny falling in love in a different way. This is such a mix of doomed and meant to be, and it kept me guessing and annoyed at the same time. But it was a good conclusion despite the rushed ending!
I liked the snippets we got of the past and how it all wove together with the changing future, and I enjoyed Maggie and Johnny falling in love in a different way. This is such a mix of doomed and meant to be, and it kept me guessing and annoyed at the same time. But it was a good conclusion despite the rushed ending!
September 18, 2019
Reviewed on: Ashes Books & Bobs.
When I woke up this morning, I realized I had been dreaming about this story. For me, that’s always a sign of a great book. It imprints itself into my subconscious and allows me to live the story in the only way I can. And now, I’m sad it’s over. I absolutely adored these books! Somehow, I loved Prom Night in Purgatory even more than the former book in the duet.
I was surprised by how different each of these books were. I didn’t quite know where the trajectory of Prom Night in Purgatory would go, but I know I wasn’t expecting time travel. I’ve always been fascinated with all things time-related, making it a welcome surprise. I loved the theme of this story, with time echoing all around us and the same events happening over and over throughout history. For Maggie, the veil between the past and present became thin enough to force her to constantly wobble between the two.
The suspense of this story was excellent! I truly had no idea how things would pan out for Johnny, Maggie, Irene, Roger, Billy, and the rest of the characters I had come to cherish through these two books. In the end, I was pleased with how the events from both books were wrapped up, making these fantastical elements feel realistic.
My only wish for this book was that there were a few more scenes of Johnny and Maggie together, especially in the conclusion of the story. I was missing the sweet moments from the first book during their forced separation in this story.
Again, I was excited to see the chapter headings in this book as well. I thought the use of Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 was a beautiful layer to this already amazing story. This book of the Bible has been one I’ve come to appreciate more as I’ve aged. It has a somewhat melancholy feel to it, but it is comforting at the same time. It helps us to realize everything we can possibly experience in this life has been done before. This idea set the tone for the entire story. Absolute perfection, in my opinion!
I wish I could have more!!!
When I woke up this morning, I realized I had been dreaming about this story. For me, that’s always a sign of a great book. It imprints itself into my subconscious and allows me to live the story in the only way I can. And now, I’m sad it’s over. I absolutely adored these books! Somehow, I loved Prom Night in Purgatory even more than the former book in the duet.
I was surprised by how different each of these books were. I didn’t quite know where the trajectory of Prom Night in Purgatory would go, but I know I wasn’t expecting time travel. I’ve always been fascinated with all things time-related, making it a welcome surprise. I loved the theme of this story, with time echoing all around us and the same events happening over and over throughout history. For Maggie, the veil between the past and present became thin enough to force her to constantly wobble between the two.
The suspense of this story was excellent! I truly had no idea how things would pan out for Johnny, Maggie, Irene, Roger, Billy, and the rest of the characters I had come to cherish through these two books. In the end, I was pleased with how the events from both books were wrapped up, making these fantastical elements feel realistic.
My only wish for this book was that there were a few more scenes of Johnny and Maggie together, especially in the conclusion of the story. I was missing the sweet moments from the first book during their forced separation in this story.
Again, I was excited to see the chapter headings in this book as well. I thought the use of Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 was a beautiful layer to this already amazing story. This book of the Bible has been one I’ve come to appreciate more as I’ve aged. It has a somewhat melancholy feel to it, but it is comforting at the same time. It helps us to realize everything we can possibly experience in this life has been done before. This idea set the tone for the entire story. Absolute perfection, in my opinion!
I wish I could have more!!!
October 27, 2020
Una secuela que no estuvo mal pero tuvo defectos. El más grande fue el final.
Prom night in purgatory de Amy Harmon libro 2 serie Purgatory
Mí humilde opinión:
¿Dónde termina el antes y comienza el después?
Johnny Kinross es un chico de la década de 1950, un chico atrapado en el tiempo y Maggie es la chica que lo ama.
Por algún milagro y contra todo pronóstico, Johnny y Maggie tienen una segunda oportunidad de vida y amor.
Pero Johnny es liberado del Purgatorio solo para encontrarse en un tiempo y lugar totalmente diferente, en un mundo lleno de extraños.
Un misterio sin resolver se convierte en otro, y Johnny y Maggie deben desentrañar el pasado para tener alguna oportunidad de futuro.
Prom night in purgatory es la conclusión de Slow night in purgatory y luego de terminarlo desearía que no tuviera una continuación.
El primer libro me gustó mucho, Amy Harmon es creativa y me gusta como cuenta sus historias pero este libro no estuvo a la par del anterior.
Prom night in purgatory comenzó lento y con mucha angustia. Me costó meterme en lo que estaba sucediendo y perdí conexión con la pareja del libro.
Pasó de ser una historia de fantasmas rápidamente, de la nada, a una de viaje en el tiempo.
Fantasmas y viajes en el tiempo!? Me apunto! No me molestó el cambio.
Fue interesante cómo podían viajar en el tiempo Maggie y la abuela de Gus, sus experiencias, lo de los deja vú y las capas pero... la autora me terminó confundiendo saltando de un lugar a otro en el tiempo, dejándome con muchas preguntas en el camino.
Sentí extraño que Maggie viajara sin quererlo a los 50, decide presentarse en el baile de graduación de Jhonny, él la ve y se enamora de ella, otra vez, a primera vista?! Era una historia diferente entre ellos perdiendo esa relación especial que tenían cuando él era un fantasma. Me descolocó eso.
Aunque no sentí a la pareja como el primer libro, sí que tuvo unos pocos momentos románticos y tiernos que me gustaron. Como cuando Maggie y Jhonny bailan a orillas de la playa.
Jhonny se libra del purgatorio y está en el año de Maggie 2011, lo que esperaba era verlo adaptarse al futuro, a la modernidad de la época.
Verlo enamorarse de nuevo de Maggie hasta que recuperar su memoria. Es lo siguiente que esperaba luego de lo mal que salieron las cosas al final del primer libro pero no es lo que pasa.
Johnny se adapta muy bien, no lo vi realmente sorprendido por su nuevo entorno, solo comentarios como que las chicas mostraban demasiada piel con la ropa que usaban. Su aceptación inmediata no lo hizo creíble.
Me pareció que él fue muy duro y bruto con Maggie. Me dio pena cómo la trató en las primeras escenas y luego me enojé con Maggie porque lo seguía como tonta enamorada en vez de ponerlo en su lugar porque ella no tenía la culpa de nada.
Sobre otros personajes...
Con Irene la tía de Maggie, me quedé pensando que teniendo a cargo su sobrina, su única familia, debería haber hablado con Jhonny, el chico del que esta enamorada y en una situación extraordinaria aparece tan joven como la última vez que lo vio en los 50. Ni siquiera lo cuestiona, ella no lo quería ver o tener una sería conversación. No sé, fue extraño.
Terminé pensando que Rogger tenía un demonio dentro o algo. No me quedó claro ni se da una explicación.
Pasó de matón de instituto a el diablo en pinta! Ojos verdes locos y una sombra oscura que lo sigue?
Y Shad? El amigo de Maggie. Desapareció de repente. En ese libro tiene algunas escenas solo para decir lo molesto que es. Fue raro solo ver breves participaciones de él y Gus.
Lizzie me encantó, era divertida y linda, me la pude imaginar.
Cuando la autora se pone a jugar con los años 1958 y 2011, me dije que podía hacer algo bueno con este libro, además de desarrollar las historias del libro anterior y dar una sensación de que Maggie podría salvar a Jhonny y Billy de la muerte sin alterar la historia...
Pero luego me puse a pensar que si alteraban la línea de tiempo como Gus le advirtió a Maggie, muchas cosas cambiarían o borrarían a una persona.
Como por ejemplo; si Irene al final se casaba con Billy, hubieran tenido dinero ya que Rogger no lo despilfarraria, entonces Maggie no trabajaría ayudando a limpiar la escuela con Gus y Shad, tampoco los conocería a ellos.
Ella hubiera tenido otro empleo mejor, hubiera tenido seguro esos lentes de contacto que tanto quería, lo que me lleva a que nunca Jhonny le hubiera arreglado las gafas, no lo hubiera conocido a él tampoco! Si voy más allá, hasta sus personalidades hubieran sido distintas. Y muchas vidas más hubieran cambiado.
No es una mala lectura pero no me gustó el final. Me dejó desilusión porque aunque todo parece terminar bien, que Maggie volverá a conocer a Jhonny en el purgatorio y enamorarse, borró prácticamente los sucesos del primer libro!
Recomendaría leer Slow dance in purgatory pero lee este bajo tu propio riesgo porque aunque se disfruta, tiene sus defectos, sobretodo la conclusión.
June 14, 2020
MY RATING⇢ 4¼ ✰STARS✰
My non-spoiler review for both books Slow Dance in Purgatory & Prom Night in Purgatory can be seen here...
My non-spoiler review for both books Slow Dance in Purgatory & Prom Night in Purgatory can be seen here...
September 4, 2013
Fantasy - Time Travel - Paranormal - Young Adult ... I don't know which genre it belongs to , coz it had all those elements ...the logics & theories are quite interesting & I loved it all ...
It's one of those reads, you just can't keep it down , the time -travel makes it a bit confusing & my head feels dizzy after reading it , gosh , I was unable to sleep after completing it ... I even had a dream about it ... this story went too much into my head ...
Hello , Hello , reality check ...
I still am left with some questions unanswered ... but sometimes , its all about the journey , & not the destination ... and the journey I had was thrilling ...& exhausting ..
I don't know if it will leave the same effect on others, as it left on me .. coz some stories consume some people .. & I was totally consumed by it ... I don't know what I loved specifically , or why it had such unique effect one me ... I just know it had ...
Maggie had to fight for him all over again , & that gal is tough one ...
The memories are altered , the things are changing , & with each passing moment the danger is increasing , & so is their love ... Johnny is coming back ... but its not going to be the easy way ...
We gotta see different side of Johnny in this one , & there where scene when my heartbeats were beating as fast as theirs
Everything changes in the future , or should I say past , ... but it takes big sacrifice to do that .... the ending really matches up to the title ....
people say its better to be loved & lost , than never to be loved at all...
& now I believe why they say that , but you can't give up on love like that ...
It's one of those reads, you just can't keep it down , the time -travel makes it a bit confusing & my head feels dizzy after reading it , gosh , I was unable to sleep after completing it ... I even had a dream about it ... this story went too much into my head ...
Hello , Hello , reality check ...
I still am left with some questions unanswered ... but sometimes , its all about the journey , & not the destination ... and the journey I had was thrilling ...& exhausting ..
I don't know if it will leave the same effect on others, as it left on me .. coz some stories consume some people .. & I was totally consumed by it ... I don't know what I loved specifically , or why it had such unique effect one me ... I just know it had ...
Maggie had to fight for him all over again , & that gal is tough one ...
The memories are altered , the things are changing , & with each passing moment the danger is increasing , & so is their love ... Johnny is coming back ... but its not going to be the easy way ...
We gotta see different side of Johnny in this one , & there where scene when my heartbeats were beating as fast as theirs
Everything changes in the future , or should I say past , ... but it takes big sacrifice to do that .... the ending really matches up to the title ....
people say its better to be loved & lost , than never to be loved at all...
& now I believe why they say that , but you can't give up on love like that ...
August 26, 2022
Preface
Amy Harmon always manages to weave such beautiful stories. The first book of this duology was a sweet take on a forbidden romance between a girl and a ghost… the second was a delicate tale of what would happen if time- circular, ever-changing- decided to “change its mind”.
A powerful message of love and sacrifice.
————————————————————————————
RATINGS:
Plot : 3.5 📚📚📚💫 A fair amount of plot.
World Building(Immersion): 4 🌎🌎🌎🌎 Emerged into the other side and The 50’s were in full swing.
Angst : 3 👹👹👹 Getting slapped.
Funniness: 1.5 🌝💫 Amused.
Scariness: ❎ Not scary.
(Unless you are afraid of evil ghosts and their time transcending crimes).
Romance: 4 💖💖💖💖 Very Romantic!
Spice: ❎ No spice.
Goriness:
1.5 🫀💫 Description blood and wounds +some mild violence.
( A female character was abused on page, people were shot, some died).
Sadness: 3 🥲🥲🥲 A single tear.
Overall star rating :4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 On the edge of glory.
(I love Amy Harmon’s books but the epilogues always leave me parched. I need more!!!!! Especially when I’m put through the wringer!!! Still love her stories though).
————————————————————————————
🚨🚨🚨MILD SPOILERS 🚨🚨🚨
The Good Place:
▫️Johnny; I didn’t like him at the beginning; I also couldn’t blame him for his anger and confusion. I’m glad he came back to being the Johnny I loved and cheered for in the first book. The Johnny whom Maggie more than deserved
▫️Maggie. Talk about loving someone enough to change time for them. She is incredibly selfless but not weak. It was a pleasure to see her bloom and take chances.
▫️Irene. Young and old.
▫️Gus and his grandmother.
▫️Billy- finally an ending I could approve off for him.
▫️The sherif.
▫️Johnny’s sister.
▫️Maggie’s grandmother. She was a fire cracker; a lovely child too!
▫️The first prom (swoon worthy in all ways)
▫️The throwback songs (I found so many new favorites or forgotten tunes I heard through out my life and never caught the name).
▫️The beach and the slow dancing (get you a guy who will let his beloved car’s battery die just for the sake of holding you in his arms and slow dance with you).
The Bad Place:
▪️Roger. He deserved a last class ticked there…I’m glad he got it.
▪️Shad. I freaking knew it the kid you change personalities if he got a bit of attention. He is not mean, per se, but what kind of person eats up the attention of people who almost killed him? It doesn’t make him shine much in my eyes. I’m glad this book didn’t have much of him.
▪️GIVE ME LONGER EPILOGUES IM BEGGING YOU 😭😭 (but also the one the author had was perfect. I can’t make up my mind).
————————————————————————————
🚨🚨🚨🚨 SPOILERS 🚨🚨🚨🚨
Some ( Very Random) Moments of Notice Along With (Sometimes) My Very Live Reactions Straight From My Notes App to You:
📌“Life is work, girl. Love is work. Plus, fallin’ in love is fun. Ain’t nothin’ like it. Just think, you get to fall in love with Johnny all over again.”
“I never fell out of love with Johnny.”
“But you’re acting like it’s over,” he rebuked softly. “Love isn’t pretty, Miss Margaret. I think that’s why so many people don’t make it. They don’t appreciate the hard times.”
📌“I loved her more when she died than I did the day I married her. The woman I married was beautiful, but the woman I lost was stunning.
“Don’t forget your miracle so quickly, Miss Margaret. The hard times are often the best times, ‘cause they draw you closer. ”
📌“Death is a pain that we can heal from. Not knowing is an open wound that never heals.”
“It’s the not knowing that is making this so hard for Johnny,” Maggie whispered.
“But that’s where you come in.” Jillian reached for her hand. “You are the miracle that will fill in the blanks...”
“I can’t make him remember.”
“But you can help him forget.”
📌“Why didn’t you do those things?”
“I didn’t understand that the choices we make stay with us forever, Maggie. My daddy always spoiled me. He gave me everything I wanted. But most of all, he adored me. I took it for granted. I just thought everyone would treat me that way. I didn’t know how precious his love was. Then Roger came along, and he was rude to me, made me cry, treated me quite badly. We called it playing hard to get. I was intrigued by him. I made it my goal to make him want me -- to be his girl. It was a game to me. It wasn’t until after we were married that I realized that Roger would never adore me. He might have loved me; I actually think he did in a way. But he would never think I hung the moon like my daddy did. He would never treat me like I was a treasure, because to him, I wasn’t. I had no value to Roger beyond the pretty face and the Honeycutt name. And now, here I am, seventy-one years old, and the choice I made at seventeen is the choice I still have to live with today. So many times I could have left. But I had lost all confidence in my ability to make good choices. I didn’t have any education or world experience, so I stayed. And I gave my life away.”
📌“How do all the princesses get the princes to fall in love with them? They go to the ball, right?”
“Uh-huh.”
“So tomorrow is the prom. You go to the prom, ask Johnny to dance, make him fall in love with you. Simple. So you can’t leave yet.”
📌“That’s what some people call it. My friend Gus told me that his grandma said Deja vu is actually time changing its mind.”
“What do you mean?”
“She described it as time making a shift from the way things were to the way things are, and sometimes we feel that shift, or briefly remember how things were....before.”
“Before what, Maggie?” Johnny’s voice was hushed, but he didn’t sound frustrated or even confused. He was just listening.
“Before someone or something caused time to change.”
They gazed at each other for several heartbeats, until the crickets started up softly and other night sounds wafted around them. Johnny seemed to be mulling over what she had said.
“Have you and I met before?” he asked finally.
“Yes....and no.”
Johnny waited again.
“If time is sequential, then tonight is the first time we’ve ever met. But if time is just one eternal circle, it’s hard to know when ‘before’ ends and ‘after’ begins.”
Johnny stood up abruptly and walked down to the water’s edge. He set his hands on his hips and stared out, facing away from her. He was silhouetted against the silver glass of the lake, youthful and still doomed by fate.
📌“Maggie?” Her name was a question on his lips, and she whispered back the answer.
“Johnny.”
Then the whisper was chased away by the roaring in her ears and the pounding of her heart. He kissed her madly, his hands leaving her face to wrap around her waist, and he lifted her off the ground as his mouth plundered hers in a kiss as thorough and complete as the solitude was around them. The world tilted, and Maggie felt herself go with it, unaligned with the natural order of things, but in complete harmony with the boy in her arms.
“There...” Johnny tore his lips away, gasping. “There...did you feel that?”
Maggie stared up at him, waiting, her chest heaving.
“Deja vu.” They said the word in unison. Johnny shook his head, almost like he needed to clear it.
“Time changing its mind,” he whispered. ”“From what was to what is,” Maggie finished, her voice as hushed as his.”
📌“His own words to Maggie rang in his head. “Behind every bad man is a woman who can’t resist him.” He didn’t want to be a bad man. He would read the book. The thought that Maggie would be proud lingered somewhere in the back of his mind”
📌“When Billy had his glasses off he reminded Johnny of the way he had looked when he was really little. It made Johnny hurt a little inside, the way a parent does when they realize the child they loved has morphed into a whole new creature. ”
📌“Maggie didn’t consciously decide in that moment to do what she did. It wasn’t an act of heroism or sacrifice. It was simply the instinctual nature of a woman to stand between death and those she loves, and that is what she did. She stepped around Johnny, covering him, her arms extended like wings to shelter him. In the same instant, Johnny swung around and, seeing Roger, cried out a warning to his brother. But Roger wasn’t aiming for Billy. The gun exploded and Roger’s bullet struck Maggie, throwing her back violently into Johnny’s arms.”
📌“Matching scars might not be much to build a future on, but Maggie and Johnny had earned theirs. And if scars are the reminders of the past, then the identical puckered pink circles high on the right sides of each of their chests bore witness of the hard fought battle they had waged through time and space. And Johnny and Maggie remembered all of it. The sacrifice, the sorrow, the race against time, all leading up to the moment Johnny chose Purgatory.....again. Like a movie with alternate endings, they not only knew what the world had become, but what the world had been like before, when two people, two worlds apart, had found each other and fallen in love. ”
📌“And then time resumed its track, Maggie found Johnny in Purgatory, and what was became what is.
After all, that which has been is now, and that which is to be has already been.”
Amy Harmon always manages to weave such beautiful stories. The first book of this duology was a sweet take on a forbidden romance between a girl and a ghost… the second was a delicate tale of what would happen if time- circular, ever-changing- decided to “change its mind”.
A powerful message of love and sacrifice.
————————————————————————————
RATINGS:
Plot : 3.5 📚📚📚💫 A fair amount of plot.
World Building(Immersion): 4 🌎🌎🌎🌎 Emerged into the other side and The 50’s were in full swing.
Angst : 3 👹👹👹 Getting slapped.
Funniness: 1.5 🌝💫 Amused.
Scariness: ❎ Not scary.
(Unless you are afraid of evil ghosts and their time transcending crimes).
Romance: 4 💖💖💖💖 Very Romantic!
Spice: ❎ No spice.
Goriness:
1.5 🫀💫 Description blood and wounds +some mild violence.
( A female character was abused on page, people were shot, some died).
Sadness: 3 🥲🥲🥲 A single tear.
Overall star rating :4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 On the edge of glory.
(I love Amy Harmon’s books but the epilogues always leave me parched. I need more!!!!! Especially when I’m put through the wringer!!! Still love her stories though).
————————————————————————————
🚨🚨🚨MILD SPOILERS 🚨🚨🚨
The Good Place:
▫️Johnny; I didn’t like him at the beginning; I also couldn’t blame him for his anger and confusion. I’m glad he came back to being the Johnny I loved and cheered for in the first book. The Johnny whom Maggie more than deserved
▫️Maggie. Talk about loving someone enough to change time for them. She is incredibly selfless but not weak. It was a pleasure to see her bloom and take chances.
▫️Irene. Young and old.
▫️Gus and his grandmother.
▫️Billy- finally an ending I could approve off for him.
▫️The sherif.
▫️Johnny’s sister.
▫️Maggie’s grandmother. She was a fire cracker; a lovely child too!
▫️The first prom (swoon worthy in all ways)
▫️The throwback songs (I found so many new favorites or forgotten tunes I heard through out my life and never caught the name).
▫️The beach and the slow dancing (get you a guy who will let his beloved car’s battery die just for the sake of holding you in his arms and slow dance with you).
The Bad Place:
▪️Roger. He deserved a last class ticked there…I’m glad he got it.
▪️Shad. I freaking knew it the kid you change personalities if he got a bit of attention. He is not mean, per se, but what kind of person eats up the attention of people who almost killed him? It doesn’t make him shine much in my eyes. I’m glad this book didn’t have much of him.
▪️GIVE ME LONGER EPILOGUES IM BEGGING YOU 😭😭 (but also the one the author had was perfect. I can’t make up my mind).
————————————————————————————
🚨🚨🚨🚨 SPOILERS 🚨🚨🚨🚨
Some ( Very Random) Moments of Notice Along With (Sometimes) My Very Live Reactions Straight From My Notes App to You:
📌“Life is work, girl. Love is work. Plus, fallin’ in love is fun. Ain’t nothin’ like it. Just think, you get to fall in love with Johnny all over again.”
“I never fell out of love with Johnny.”
“But you’re acting like it’s over,” he rebuked softly. “Love isn’t pretty, Miss Margaret. I think that’s why so many people don’t make it. They don’t appreciate the hard times.”
📌“I loved her more when she died than I did the day I married her. The woman I married was beautiful, but the woman I lost was stunning.
“Don’t forget your miracle so quickly, Miss Margaret. The hard times are often the best times, ‘cause they draw you closer. ”
📌“Death is a pain that we can heal from. Not knowing is an open wound that never heals.”
“It’s the not knowing that is making this so hard for Johnny,” Maggie whispered.
“But that’s where you come in.” Jillian reached for her hand. “You are the miracle that will fill in the blanks...”
“I can’t make him remember.”
“But you can help him forget.”
📌“Why didn’t you do those things?”
“I didn’t understand that the choices we make stay with us forever, Maggie. My daddy always spoiled me. He gave me everything I wanted. But most of all, he adored me. I took it for granted. I just thought everyone would treat me that way. I didn’t know how precious his love was. Then Roger came along, and he was rude to me, made me cry, treated me quite badly. We called it playing hard to get. I was intrigued by him. I made it my goal to make him want me -- to be his girl. It was a game to me. It wasn’t until after we were married that I realized that Roger would never adore me. He might have loved me; I actually think he did in a way. But he would never think I hung the moon like my daddy did. He would never treat me like I was a treasure, because to him, I wasn’t. I had no value to Roger beyond the pretty face and the Honeycutt name. And now, here I am, seventy-one years old, and the choice I made at seventeen is the choice I still have to live with today. So many times I could have left. But I had lost all confidence in my ability to make good choices. I didn’t have any education or world experience, so I stayed. And I gave my life away.”
📌“How do all the princesses get the princes to fall in love with them? They go to the ball, right?”
“Uh-huh.”
“So tomorrow is the prom. You go to the prom, ask Johnny to dance, make him fall in love with you. Simple. So you can’t leave yet.”
📌“That’s what some people call it. My friend Gus told me that his grandma said Deja vu is actually time changing its mind.”
“What do you mean?”
“She described it as time making a shift from the way things were to the way things are, and sometimes we feel that shift, or briefly remember how things were....before.”
“Before what, Maggie?” Johnny’s voice was hushed, but he didn’t sound frustrated or even confused. He was just listening.
“Before someone or something caused time to change.”
They gazed at each other for several heartbeats, until the crickets started up softly and other night sounds wafted around them. Johnny seemed to be mulling over what she had said.
“Have you and I met before?” he asked finally.
“Yes....and no.”
Johnny waited again.
“If time is sequential, then tonight is the first time we’ve ever met. But if time is just one eternal circle, it’s hard to know when ‘before’ ends and ‘after’ begins.”
Johnny stood up abruptly and walked down to the water’s edge. He set his hands on his hips and stared out, facing away from her. He was silhouetted against the silver glass of the lake, youthful and still doomed by fate.
📌“Maggie?” Her name was a question on his lips, and she whispered back the answer.
“Johnny.”
Then the whisper was chased away by the roaring in her ears and the pounding of her heart. He kissed her madly, his hands leaving her face to wrap around her waist, and he lifted her off the ground as his mouth plundered hers in a kiss as thorough and complete as the solitude was around them. The world tilted, and Maggie felt herself go with it, unaligned with the natural order of things, but in complete harmony with the boy in her arms.
“There...” Johnny tore his lips away, gasping. “There...did you feel that?”
Maggie stared up at him, waiting, her chest heaving.
“Deja vu.” They said the word in unison. Johnny shook his head, almost like he needed to clear it.
“Time changing its mind,” he whispered. ”“From what was to what is,” Maggie finished, her voice as hushed as his.”
📌“His own words to Maggie rang in his head. “Behind every bad man is a woman who can’t resist him.” He didn’t want to be a bad man. He would read the book. The thought that Maggie would be proud lingered somewhere in the back of his mind”
📌“When Billy had his glasses off he reminded Johnny of the way he had looked when he was really little. It made Johnny hurt a little inside, the way a parent does when they realize the child they loved has morphed into a whole new creature. ”
📌“Maggie didn’t consciously decide in that moment to do what she did. It wasn’t an act of heroism or sacrifice. It was simply the instinctual nature of a woman to stand between death and those she loves, and that is what she did. She stepped around Johnny, covering him, her arms extended like wings to shelter him. In the same instant, Johnny swung around and, seeing Roger, cried out a warning to his brother. But Roger wasn’t aiming for Billy. The gun exploded and Roger’s bullet struck Maggie, throwing her back violently into Johnny’s arms.”
📌“Matching scars might not be much to build a future on, but Maggie and Johnny had earned theirs. And if scars are the reminders of the past, then the identical puckered pink circles high on the right sides of each of their chests bore witness of the hard fought battle they had waged through time and space. And Johnny and Maggie remembered all of it. The sacrifice, the sorrow, the race against time, all leading up to the moment Johnny chose Purgatory.....again. Like a movie with alternate endings, they not only knew what the world had become, but what the world had been like before, when two people, two worlds apart, had found each other and fallen in love. ”
📌“And then time resumed its track, Maggie found Johnny in Purgatory, and what was became what is.
After all, that which has been is now, and that which is to be has already been.”
September 1, 2016
Prom Night in Purgatory, by Amy Harmon:
*This review may contain spoilers.
I really enjoyed the first book and was curious how the story would end. I never expected this twist of events! Usually, I like the first book in a series better than the rest, since it sets the scene, introduces the characters, typically has a better story, etc… but I think this book was even better than the first (I still can’t make up my mind, they were both really good).
This was another book that I just could not put down. The author drew me into the story yet again. I began to like Maggie even more in this book than the first, and it was really sad to see that Johnny didn’t remember her while she was completely in love with him. I also like how we got to know the “real” Johnny, the confused one without his memories of the last 50 years of ‘life’ in purgatory. We got to see how he dealt with his memories changing overnight as Maggie kept inadvertently changing the past. It was a unique way to show how Maggie and Johnny fall in love for the second time, both in 1958 and the present.
The secondary characters were not only important but interesting as well. I adored Lizzie and Billy, especially Lizzie’s role as Maggie’s sidekick. Roger scared me at times when his ghost would randomly appear and Aunt Irene’s confused reaction to all the back and forth between times was extremely sad.
Time travel usually gets confusing. And there is one thing that I still don’t quite get or maybe it’s simple and I’m just confusing myself: Now that Johnny is back in purgatory in the end, will he remember Maggie? Johnny doesn’t remember his time in purgatory when he leaves it; he only remembers the events that led up to his “death”. However, since “future” Maggie changed Johnny’s past, including herself in it, Johnny should remember her when he is in purgatory for the second time. He should also remember her when he leaves purgatory (just his memories of her during his purgatory will be erased), right? Would he still remember her from the first purgatory sentence? And if he remembers her when he leaves purgatory, would Maggie go back in time to put herself in his past? I suppose she wouldn’t need to since he already remembers her….???
Overall, I would say the same thing about ‘Prom Night in Purgatory’ as I did for the first Purgatory book. It’s different from any other book that I’ve read so far and I really enjoyed it. I loved that it was its own book, as opposed to an extension of the first one, and a great way to end the series. It was interesting and the writing was yet again amazing! I would definitely re-read this again and recommend both Purgatory books.
*This review may contain spoilers.
I really enjoyed the first book and was curious how the story would end. I never expected this twist of events! Usually, I like the first book in a series better than the rest, since it sets the scene, introduces the characters, typically has a better story, etc… but I think this book was even better than the first (I still can’t make up my mind, they were both really good).
This was another book that I just could not put down. The author drew me into the story yet again. I began to like Maggie even more in this book than the first, and it was really sad to see that Johnny didn’t remember her while she was completely in love with him. I also like how we got to know the “real” Johnny, the confused one without his memories of the last 50 years of ‘life’ in purgatory. We got to see how he dealt with his memories changing overnight as Maggie kept inadvertently changing the past. It was a unique way to show how Maggie and Johnny fall in love for the second time, both in 1958 and the present.
The secondary characters were not only important but interesting as well. I adored Lizzie and Billy, especially Lizzie’s role as Maggie’s sidekick. Roger scared me at times when his ghost would randomly appear and Aunt Irene’s confused reaction to all the back and forth between times was extremely sad.
Time travel usually gets confusing. And there is one thing that I still don’t quite get or maybe it’s simple and I’m just confusing myself: Now that Johnny is back in purgatory in the end, will he remember Maggie? Johnny doesn’t remember his time in purgatory when he leaves it; he only remembers the events that led up to his “death”. However, since “future” Maggie changed Johnny’s past, including herself in it, Johnny should remember her when he is in purgatory for the second time. He should also remember her when he leaves purgatory (just his memories of her during his purgatory will be erased), right? Would he still remember her from the first purgatory sentence? And if he remembers her when he leaves purgatory, would Maggie go back in time to put herself in his past? I suppose she wouldn’t need to since he already remembers her….???
Overall, I would say the same thing about ‘Prom Night in Purgatory’ as I did for the first Purgatory book. It’s different from any other book that I’ve read so far and I really enjoyed it. I loved that it was its own book, as opposed to an extension of the first one, and a great way to end the series. It was interesting and the writing was yet again amazing! I would definitely re-read this again and recommend both Purgatory books.
August 8, 2016
I didn't enjoy this one quite as much as the first one. Mostly because they didn't spend a lot of time together. But it was still a pretty fun read. The author had a big job to do to believably draw a ghost romance to a close. I think it all worked out pretty rationally. I didn't like Johnny quite as much in this story Anyway they did spend some more time together towards the end and it was all pretty romantic in the end so still worth reading and you need to because these aren't really two books but one sort of artificially split.
February 26, 2016
Brilliant book. Wonderfully written and incredibly captivating. It was astonishing to see inside the mind of such a creative soul as is Amy. I am beyond jealous of Harmon's imaginative skills and so beyond happy that she chose to share her gift with the world.
This book goes beyond the cookie cutter novels I'm used to reading and it extracts you from normal dull life. It takes you on a journey to unknown places and times where otherwise, any other author wouldn't dare. I loved this book and hope everyone reads it.
This book goes beyond the cookie cutter novels I'm used to reading and it extracts you from normal dull life. It takes you on a journey to unknown places and times where otherwise, any other author wouldn't dare. I loved this book and hope everyone reads it.
April 2, 2014
Oh my goodness. Right when I didn't think the sequel could be anywhere near as good as the first novel, Slow Dance in Purgatory. I finished both novels in a matter of a few days. What a rush! This story is one of my favorites--great story and great story telling, characters and all. I loved both novels. Prom Night in Purgatory is a must-read sequel!
December 19, 2012
Really liking this author
October 24, 2021
3.5 estrellas
Me gustó esta segunda parte, peeeero tengo sentimientos encontrados, por una parte fue atrapante y emocionante, pero me resultó un tanto enredado con tantos giros en el tiempo que no sé como no cambió todo el presente.... y entonces ese final plop, de verdad que no me convenció.
Creo que al cambiar gran parte de la vida de Maggie ese último año no hubiese sucedido así, y que ellos se conocieran..... primero ella no iba a ser una chica solitaria metida en sus bailes y que además debía trabajar después de la escuela porque su tía Irene estaba corta de dinero, ya por ahí no tenemos la excusa para que ella este en la escuela tanto tiempo después de las clases y se pueda lograr el encuentro con el fantasma Johnny....
... y de eso tantas cosas que cambiarían, porque si ellos no vivían ahí hasta su último año entonces la amistad con Gus no sería igual, ella no sería amiga de Shad como originalmente lo fue y no habría motivo para entrar a la escuela y rescatar a Shad.....etc etc etc
:/ No sé, creo que la escritora se volvió un 8!! No quedé muy satisfecha con ese final :(
Además de super raro porque entonces Maggie sería cuñada de su tio abuelo jajajajaja ay no, que embrollo
Pero destaco esta parte de la conversación entre Gus y Maggie que me gustó demasiado por lo profundo que fue:
Me gustó esta segunda parte, peeeero tengo sentimientos encontrados, por una parte fue atrapante y emocionante, pero me resultó un tanto enredado con tantos giros en el tiempo que no sé como no cambió todo el presente.... y entonces ese final plop, de verdad que no me convenció.
Creo que al cambiar gran parte de la vida de Maggie ese último año no hubiese sucedido así, y que ellos se conocieran..... primero ella no iba a ser una chica solitaria metida en sus bailes y que además debía trabajar después de la escuela porque su tía Irene estaba corta de dinero, ya por ahí no tenemos la excusa para que ella este en la escuela tanto tiempo después de las clases y se pueda lograr el encuentro con el fantasma Johnny....
... y de eso tantas cosas que cambiarían, porque si ellos no vivían ahí hasta su último año entonces la amistad con Gus no sería igual, ella no sería amiga de Shad como originalmente lo fue y no habría motivo para entrar a la escuela y rescatar a Shad.....etc etc etc
:/ No sé, creo que la escritora se volvió un 8!! No quedé muy satisfecha con ese final :(
Además de super raro porque entonces Maggie sería cuñada de su tio abuelo jajajajaja ay no, que embrollo
Pero destaco esta parte de la conversación entre Gus y Maggie que me gustó demasiado por lo profundo que fue:
—Cuando mi esposa Mona tuvo cáncer, perdió mucho peso. Ella solía tener hermosas curvas y rizado cabello grueso. Su pelo se cayó cuando pasó por la quimioterapia. Ella lloró y me dijo que pensaba que no la amaría más. —La voz de Gus había crecido suave, y sus ojos eran brillantes con los recuerdos dolorosos.
Maggie apretó la mano que todavía sostenía la suya, consolándolo a cambio. Gus se sentó sin hablar por un tiempo.
—La verdad es, Margaret, que solo amaba más a Mona. Vi su fuerza y su paciencia, su corazón gentil, y su amor por mí y su deseo de protegerme del dolor. Todas esas cosas eran más hermosas para mí que sus curvas o su bonito pelo. Todos esos maravillosos rasgos estaban en exhibición como nunca había sido antes, y ella me quitó el aliento. La amaba más cuando murió que el día que me casé con ella. La mujer con la que me casé era hermosa, pero la mujer que perdí era impresionante.
February 5, 2014
I'm in love with this series, and I have no shame in admitting that.
The book description for both this book and the first ( Slow Dance in Purgatory ) really doesn't do them justice in my eyes.
I'm kind of at a loss for words, and truth be told a little sad that the series has come to an end.
Once I had finished reading Prom Night in PurgatoryI actually started searching for a book series similar, just so I could have the feeling back that I felt when reading these two magnificent books.
We all have different tastes in books, and if I had just gone off the Sampling for the first book alone, I wouldn't have bothered, because the sample did nothing for me. It was just by chance I stumbled across it again while looking for a mushy romance to brighten my day - and did it ever.
They were adorable
The story?
I'm not going to bother with a long review filling you in on what happened, and how I feel. I think the latter has been explained thoroughly, and as for what happened? Read the series yourself! You wont be disappointed! I never recommend books usually, but this series I do!
The book description for both this book and the first ( Slow Dance in Purgatory ) really doesn't do them justice in my eyes.
I'm kind of at a loss for words, and truth be told a little sad that the series has come to an end.
Once I had finished reading Prom Night in PurgatoryI actually started searching for a book series similar, just so I could have the feeling back that I felt when reading these two magnificent books.
We all have different tastes in books, and if I had just gone off the Sampling for the first book alone, I wouldn't have bothered, because the sample did nothing for me. It was just by chance I stumbled across it again while looking for a mushy romance to brighten my day - and did it ever.
They were adorable
The story?
I'm not going to bother with a long review filling you in on what happened, and how I feel. I think the latter has been explained thoroughly, and as for what happened? Read the series yourself! You wont be disappointed! I never recommend books usually, but this series I do!
October 23, 2013
Have you thought what it’d be like when you love a person with all your heart & know that you will never be with them? How it feels like to be in a battle you’d lose but you still fight & wish that this time you’d win her heart? Would you trade your life to be a ghost for half a century & to be loved just for few days, left alone again?
I know I would.
Because the love which Maggie had for Johnny is the kind of love I love to love. Two persons in love one of whom doesn’t even exist well, in practical sense they don’t, but you love them so much you move Heaven & Hell. I know it sounds cheesy but this book never encountered the situation where one of ‘em was cheating & then feeling guilty or simply ignoring the other to save themselves.
Love is to defenseless, to be bared to the soul for the person you love. And this is why I love, love. It makes you do crazy things even when you know you’re up for a heart break, you do it nonetheless. You give that person the power to see at your vulnerable most & when they love you back with same fervor you know it is God’s turn to do something crazy for you to being together.
I don’t quote lines from the books, neither do I discuss the plot, I always talk about love & I always believe love like this, like Poughkeepsie, like Fifty Shades, exists.
And may we all have that someone who loves us at our vulnerable most.
AMEN!!
I know I would.
Because the love which Maggie had for Johnny is the kind of love I love to love. Two persons in love one of whom doesn’t even exist well, in practical sense they don’t, but you love them so much you move Heaven & Hell. I know it sounds cheesy but this book never encountered the situation where one of ‘em was cheating & then feeling guilty or simply ignoring the other to save themselves.
Love is to defenseless, to be bared to the soul for the person you love. And this is why I love, love. It makes you do crazy things even when you know you’re up for a heart break, you do it nonetheless. You give that person the power to see at your vulnerable most & when they love you back with same fervor you know it is God’s turn to do something crazy for you to being together.
I don’t quote lines from the books, neither do I discuss the plot, I always talk about love & I always believe love like this, like Poughkeepsie, like Fifty Shades, exists.
And may we all have that someone who loves us at our vulnerable most.
AMEN!!
February 5, 2017
AHH!! This book made me so happy. I seriously can't stop smiling!! My favourite kind of books are those that make you feel strong emotions. Both Prom Night In Purgatory and Slow Dance In Purgatory made me feel so ecstatically happy and gooey on the inside. And for that, I am so glad that I read these books!
Prom Night In Purgatory is the second book in the Purgatory duology and was both a perfect sequel and a perfect ending to a fantastic series. If you read my review of Slow Dance In Purgatory, you'd know that I absolutely loved it. I felt the same strong feelings for this book. This book brought back my favourite characters from the first novel whilst adding more depth to the series. I particularly enjoyed the parts completely set in the 50s which expanded on the comparisons between now and then that I enjoyed so much from the first book. Maggie and Johnny's characters were both developed more in this book and it makes me love them so much more. Amy Harmon obviously has a skill with writing fantastic characters (and books)!
This series reminds me why I love reading so much. The book was so fun to read and I can proudly say that I read it in one sitting. I was captivated by the story from the very beginning and just couldn't put the book down. I felt pure joy while reading this book and I treasured those sweet moments between Maggie and Johnny. This book is a fun, romantic and quirky read, a must have in my opinion!
Prom Night In Purgatory is the second book in the Purgatory duology and was both a perfect sequel and a perfect ending to a fantastic series. If you read my review of Slow Dance In Purgatory, you'd know that I absolutely loved it. I felt the same strong feelings for this book. This book brought back my favourite characters from the first novel whilst adding more depth to the series. I particularly enjoyed the parts completely set in the 50s which expanded on the comparisons between now and then that I enjoyed so much from the first book. Maggie and Johnny's characters were both developed more in this book and it makes me love them so much more. Amy Harmon obviously has a skill with writing fantastic characters (and books)!
This series reminds me why I love reading so much. The book was so fun to read and I can proudly say that I read it in one sitting. I was captivated by the story from the very beginning and just couldn't put the book down. I felt pure joy while reading this book and I treasured those sweet moments between Maggie and Johnny. This book is a fun, romantic and quirky read, a must have in my opinion!
July 20, 2022
Book One:
⭐⭐⭐⭐️ / 4 stars
Book Two:
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 / 3.5 stars
Overall Duology:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 4 stars
It's no big secret that I am a HUGE Amy Harmon fan and while I did enjoy this duology, it's my least favorite of what I have read by her so far.
The Purgatory duology is a young adult paranormal romance in the form of a ghost story.
Book one had me completely invested in the characters and excited to go right in to book two, but in the second book I had a more difficult time following along with the different timelines which left me feeling less of a connection with the characters.
The ending was also a bit perplexing to me and to be honest I am not completely sure just how everything finished up.
I also did the audiobooks for this duo and I think I would have enjoyed it more if the narrator only narrated the female characters. I was a bit turned off when it came to the male interpretations, especially of "Shad".
Even though this duo wasn't the 4.5 to 5 star rating I am used to with Amy's books, it's still a great story. This may be one of those YA that I would have enjoyed more reading it as a teen.
⭐⭐⭐⭐️ / 4 stars
Book Two:
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 / 3.5 stars
Overall Duology:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 4 stars
It's no big secret that I am a HUGE Amy Harmon fan and while I did enjoy this duology, it's my least favorite of what I have read by her so far.
The Purgatory duology is a young adult paranormal romance in the form of a ghost story.
Book one had me completely invested in the characters and excited to go right in to book two, but in the second book I had a more difficult time following along with the different timelines which left me feeling less of a connection with the characters.
The ending was also a bit perplexing to me and to be honest I am not completely sure just how everything finished up.
I also did the audiobooks for this duo and I think I would have enjoyed it more if the narrator only narrated the female characters. I was a bit turned off when it came to the male interpretations, especially of "Shad".
Even though this duo wasn't the 4.5 to 5 star rating I am used to with Amy's books, it's still a great story. This may be one of those YA that I would have enjoyed more reading it as a teen.
April 20, 2016
After I finished Slow Dance in Purgatory, I wasted no time downloading and starting Prom Dance in Purgatory. I had to know what happened to Johnny and Maggie after that ending! This book was a wild and incredible journey. Maggie and Johnny’s love is one that transcends time. Amy Harmon took this book in a much different direction that I predicted, but that doesn’t surprise me. I love that her books are unpredictable!
If you’re looking for an epic YA romance that is a bit paranormal, has time travel, excitement and will truly make you think and feel, pick this book up! I’ve spent all week consumed by Maggie and Johnny and loved every minute!
February 26, 2016
Я приятно удивлена.
На протяжение первых 30% книги я была очень скептически настроена. Люблю я как пишет Эми Хармон, но вот было у меня такое чувство что историю Джонни И Мэгги не стоило продолжать. История с толикой мистики, с загадками, которые стоило оставить не разгаданными. Ну знаете, остальное додумайте сами, нежели прочитать высосанную из пальца вторую книгу. Но Хармон могла меня удивить и поразить.
Вторая книга начинается с того места. на котором закончилась первая. Джонни Кинрос , которого считали без вести пропавшим более пятидесяти лет назад, появляться живой, здоровый и все в том же возрасте, когда пропал без вести. И он абсолютно не помнит как будучи призраком общался с Мэгги. И вот мы наблюдаем как они пытаются общаться, как не проскакивает искры, как Мэгги страдает ... и тут Мэгги проваливается в прошлое. В год когда Джонни и его брат погибли...
Очень красиво написано. Нежно, как то очень по девичьему наивно. До самой последней строчки держала пальчики крестиком, переживала за героев. Финал разбил мне сердце :( Эх.
На протяжение первых 30% книги я была очень скептически настроена. Люблю я как пишет Эми Хармон, но вот было у меня такое чувство что историю Джонни И Мэгги не стоило продолжать. История с толикой мистики, с загадками, которые стоило оставить не разгаданными. Ну знаете, остальное додумайте сами, нежели прочитать высосанную из пальца вторую книгу. Но Хармон могла меня удивить и поразить.
Вторая книга начинается с того места. на котором закончилась первая. Джонни Кинрос , которого считали без вести пропавшим более пятидесяти лет назад, появляться живой, здоровый и все в том же возрасте, когда пропал без вести. И он абсолютно не помнит как будучи призраком общался с Мэгги. И вот мы наблюдаем как они пытаются общаться, как не проскакивает искры, как Мэгги страдает ... и тут Мэгги проваливается в прошлое. В год когда Джонни и его брат погибли...
Очень красиво написано. Нежно, как то очень по девичьему наивно. До самой последней строчки держала пальчики крестиком, переживала за героев. Финал разбил мне сердце :( Эх.
October 19, 2015
Beautiful follow up to the first book. I loved it, if you loved the first you will not be disappointed with book 2.
December 1, 2015
Still a good book but something was missing.
And I can think of a few plot holes in the end.
And I can think of a few plot holes in the end.
October 15, 2022
*4.5 stars*
April 16, 2021
3.5 stars Wonderful conclusion and I love the altered outcome!
June 2, 2018
http://celebrityreaders.com/2018/06/0...
4-stars — Huh, the book went in slightly different directions than I was expecting! I really didn’t expect the time travel-ish aspect to the story! No, that’s a lie. I knew there had to be something b/c of the hints at the end of the previous book. But I didn’t expect it to take up so much space in the narrative I guess. Or maybe I just didn’t expect the way everything would play out. I grew increasingly concerned as the book went on about how it was going to end. You guys have no idea how hard it was to resist skipping to the end to find out…SO HARD. I’m glad I didn’t though, b/c it added to the reading experience to feel that stress and concern. And all in all I was happy with the ending, though I wanted a bit more epilogue…it felt a bit fast and I needed more wrap up I think.
The book was still written in third person omniscient, but it didn’t bother me as much b/c I was anticipating it. I was able to settle into the style.
I still loved both Maggie and Johnny, though they go through some pretty crazy trials in this one…the universe really did try to mess with them. I felt for Maggie when faced with the suddenly alive Johnny. And I felt for Johnny’s utter confusion and devastation. I don’t want to get into it and give away spoilers, but as much as I was frustrated by their emotions/attitudes sometimes, I also truly understood them.
And I truly loved some of their great romance scenes. Both prom nights were swoony for me, I truly loved them.
I also really loved getting to meet some new secondary characters, especially Lizzie. She was hilarious. I enjoyed seeing some of the little side plots that spun out of their time machinations. I will admit that I was a bit bummed that we got basically no resolution with Shad, and only little bits with Gus.
As I said above, I wanted a better wrap up for the ending. Not just the happiness stuff, but I felt like the whole Rodger plot was left unresolved…particularly the shadow stuff. I NEED ANSWERS!!!
So yeah. This is a very sporadic and odd review for me. For some reason I had a harder time figuring out what I wanted to say, but I’ve decided not to stress it! I definitely enjoyed this conclusion to Maggie and Johnny’s story, I just wanted a bit more at the end.
4-stars — Huh, the book went in slightly different directions than I was expecting! I really didn’t expect the time travel-ish aspect to the story! No, that’s a lie. I knew there had to be something b/c of the hints at the end of the previous book. But I didn’t expect it to take up so much space in the narrative I guess. Or maybe I just didn’t expect the way everything would play out. I grew increasingly concerned as the book went on about how it was going to end. You guys have no idea how hard it was to resist skipping to the end to find out…SO HARD. I’m glad I didn’t though, b/c it added to the reading experience to feel that stress and concern. And all in all I was happy with the ending, though I wanted a bit more epilogue…it felt a bit fast and I needed more wrap up I think.
The book was still written in third person omniscient, but it didn’t bother me as much b/c I was anticipating it. I was able to settle into the style.
I still loved both Maggie and Johnny, though they go through some pretty crazy trials in this one…the universe really did try to mess with them. I felt for Maggie when faced with the suddenly alive Johnny. And I felt for Johnny’s utter confusion and devastation. I don’t want to get into it and give away spoilers, but as much as I was frustrated by their emotions/attitudes sometimes, I also truly understood them.
And I truly loved some of their great romance scenes. Both prom nights were swoony for me, I truly loved them.
I also really loved getting to meet some new secondary characters, especially Lizzie. She was hilarious. I enjoyed seeing some of the little side plots that spun out of their time machinations. I will admit that I was a bit bummed that we got basically no resolution with Shad, and only little bits with Gus.
As I said above, I wanted a better wrap up for the ending. Not just the happiness stuff, but I felt like the whole Rodger plot was left unresolved…particularly the shadow stuff. I NEED ANSWERS!!!
So yeah. This is a very sporadic and odd review for me. For some reason I had a harder time figuring out what I wanted to say, but I’ve decided not to stress it! I definitely enjoyed this conclusion to Maggie and Johnny’s story, I just wanted a bit more at the end.
December 8, 2017
2.75 stars.
This was a decent second half of the story, but I was underwhelmed by it. I think I'm destined to have that reaction when an attempt is made to explain away time travel. That being said, the storytelling was just as good in this half as in the first. I was engaged and rooting for the MCs even though I still wasn't engrossed by the premise.
It was a safe read, though I could have done without the references of the H being a ladies' man in the past. What that really entailed, who knows, but it was still off putting. I avoid books featuring manho (reformed or otherwise) Hs for this exact reason. I do also wish that the h wasn't such a pushover. I know that she was in love with the H, but she didn't need to be so desperate. Yet another reason I generally avoid YA romance these days. It seems like authors don't think that young women can have a strong sense of self worth until they're older and wiser. Whether or not that's true, I'm not sure I can say. Overall, I would recommend this duology to someone who enjoys paranormal YA romance and doesn't take exception to time travel. As a whole, this story wasn't bad, but the premise was not for me.
This was a decent second half of the story, but I was underwhelmed by it. I think I'm destined to have that reaction when an attempt is made to explain away time travel. That being said, the storytelling was just as good in this half as in the first. I was engaged and rooting for the MCs even though I still wasn't engrossed by the premise.
It was a safe read, though I could have done without the references of the H being a ladies' man in the past. What that really entailed, who knows, but it was still off putting. I avoid books featuring manho (reformed or otherwise) Hs for this exact reason. I do also wish that the h wasn't such a pushover. I know that she was in love with the H, but she didn't need to be so desperate. Yet another reason I generally avoid YA romance these days. It seems like authors don't think that young women can have a strong sense of self worth until they're older and wiser. Whether or not that's true, I'm not sure I can say. Overall, I would recommend this duology to someone who enjoys paranormal YA romance and doesn't take exception to time travel. As a whole, this story wasn't bad, but the premise was not for me.
September 29, 2018
"The woman I married was beautiful, but the woman I lost was stunning."
Gus from "Prom Night in Purgatory"
4.5 Stars... A race across the divide of time as two souls fight for a love that fate continued to deny... A fast paced, thrilling conclusion to this unique and beautiful duet... I found myself riveted to each page wondering how the story would twist and turn to it's unknown ending... The chemistry and connection between Maggie and Johnny seemed more intense and profound in this read, as compared to the first story, filled with conflict, obstacles, and passion these characters fought for each moment together... I enjoyed traveling through time with these characters and witnessing them find their peace and happiness across decades:)
Gus from "Prom Night in Purgatory"
4.5 Stars... A race across the divide of time as two souls fight for a love that fate continued to deny... A fast paced, thrilling conclusion to this unique and beautiful duet... I found myself riveted to each page wondering how the story would twist and turn to it's unknown ending... The chemistry and connection between Maggie and Johnny seemed more intense and profound in this read, as compared to the first story, filled with conflict, obstacles, and passion these characters fought for each moment together... I enjoyed traveling through time with these characters and witnessing them find their peace and happiness across decades:)
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