Rewind To You

by Laura Johnston

“A rapturous, beautiful debut with a romance that seeps into you like a sizzling Georgia summer.” —Amber Hart, author of Before You

Wish You Were Here


One last summer before college on beautiful Tybee Island is supposed to help Sienna forget. But how can she? This is where her family spent every summer before everything changed, before the world as she knew it was ripped away.

But the past isn’t easily left behind. Especially when Sienna keeps having episodes that take her back to the night she wants to forget. Even when she meets the mysterious Austin Dobbs, the guy with the intense blue eyes, athlete’s body, and weakness for pralines who scooped her out of trouble when she blacked out on River Street.

When she’s with Austin, Sienna feels a whole new world opening up to her. Austin has secrets, and she has history. But caught between the past and the future, Sienna can still choose what happens now…

“A fabulous, fresh new voice in YA.” —Kay Lynn Mangum, author of The Secret Journal of Brett Colton


“Laura Johnston scores a touchdown with this coming-of-age love story.” —Kelly Nelson, author of The Keeper’s Saga


“This poignant, sweet romance gripped my heart from beginning to end.” —Jennette Green, author of The Commander’s Desire

Genres: Young Adult, Romance, Contemporary, New Adult, Contemporary Romance, Fiction, Young Adult Contemporary

336 pages, ebook

First published September 1, 2014

About the author

Laura Johnston is the author of REWIND TO YOU and BETWEEN NOW AND NEVER, contemporary YA novels published by eKensington. She fell in love with the young adult genre both through her experience in high school as well as her job later as a high school teacher. Laura enjoys running, playing tennis, traveling, writing, and above all, spending time with her husband and kids.

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

REWIND TO YOU is on Goodreads! I am the author of REWIND TO YOU, a contemporary YA romance. Thanks to everyone who adds REWIND2U on their TBR list and helps spread the word.

[Tadiana ✩Night Owl☽ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This opposite-sides-of-the-tracks YA romance has a lot more heart than I expected. We start off with a gorgeous girl and a hot guy, just graduated from high school, meeting at a summer resort. He's a talented football player from a poor family with a father who's been in jail for years; she's from a wealthy family (though they've actually fallen on hard times) and has a cheating jerk of a boyfriend back home. Their paths cross. Instant infatuation.

So far it sounds like a run-of-the-mill YA romance, but it soon develops that these two have some real baggage and personal and family issues to deal with. Sienna was in an automobile accident that killed her father, and she's been having flashback seizures/blackouts where she sees and talks with her dad. Her mom is pressuring Sienna to stay away from Austin and stick with her cheater boyfriend. Austin is a great guy, but has issues with his ex-con dad who completely disappeared from his life, which he deals with by pretending he doesn't exist. It's all handled in a thoughtful, sensitive way.

I think I'm a little old for this book myself, but I'd highly recommend it to those who love YA romances. Free on Kindle for a limited time.

Content advisory: Kisses only; no offensive content.

[Britney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rewind to You is a story of love, dealing with grief, and moving past the tough stuff life throws at you. Sienna and Austin are such well developed characters with crisp, fresh voices. Laura does a great job distinguishing between the two of them and making you want to hear more of their story. Once I started reading, I couldn't stop. My poor husband, son, and house were probably a bit neglected for a couple days.

Perhaps my favorite thing about this book was its ability to make me feel so many different emotions so strongly. My husband made fun of me while I read because I was so vocal about my feelings. I laughed out loud more than once. I got so angry I wanted to scream (and made fingernail marks in my hands from clenching my fists). I got butterflies experiencing the romance between Sienna and Austin develop. And, of course, I cried. Like a baby.

While I don't typically read books more than once, this one will definitely be an exception to that rule. I'm already anticipating getting lost on Tybee Island with Sienna and Austin once more. I can't wait to see what Laura writes next!

(While I was lucky enough to get to read any early copy of Rewind to You, mark your calendars! It will be available fall of 2014.)

[Donna Hatch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best YA romances I've ever read. Poignant, emotional and achingly realistic, it is one of those stories that stays with the reader long after it ends. There are no paranormal or fantasy elements--just two real people dealing with difficult, real-world issues and pressures. The characters are likable and believable and the chemistry between the two main characters is fantastic! This story is beautifully written and squeaky clean with no bad language or sexual references and is appropriate for adults and teens of all ages.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

That ending though! <3 <3 <3

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I've been looking forward to reading it for quite a while and was concerned that I would be disappointed, but I wasn't at all. It caught my attention from the beginning and didn't let up the entire time.

Sienna's life has changed dramatically over the past year. Her father died and her family is not doing as well financially as they were when he was alive. Her family now consists of Sienna, her mother and brother, Spencer, who has ADHD and bipolar disorder. They go to Tybee Island before she starts college in the fall. She meets Austin Dobbs, and feels differently than she ever has before. Austin falls for her quickly, too, but there are plenty of complications. Austin has had a rough life and the more she gets to know him, the more impressed she is with him. Will their love be enough to overcome the obstacles in their way?

I liked Sienna. She tried to follow her heart but was torn in different directions for multiple reasons. She tried to make everyone else happy and was able to realize what would make her happy in the end. Austin is a character to swoon over. I loved him more and more as time went on. Towards the end there are some scenes with him that were quite emotional and I cried. There were lots of other characters to love and others that rubbed me the wrong way. I liked that this was a stand alone but wouldn't mind reading more about Austin and Sienna in the future. ;)

This is a great debut by this author. At the end, there's an excerpt for her new novel coming out in February 2015 and I am definitely looking forward to reading it as well!

I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.

Mel's Shelves

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good YA summer romance and for me, this one totally hit the spot! Why didn't I ever have a summer romance like this one?

Sienna is a girl who seems to have it all--star football player boyfriend, wealthy, beautiful, and ready to start college, majoring in dance. But she has some issues. Her father passed away the summer before her senior year in a car accident--and she was driving. Sienna has a hard time dealing with that and when the family goes to Tybee for their annual summer vacation, memories resurface and cause problems for her. Right off the bat, Sienna finds herself in a scary situation...and she also finds herself in the arms of a very handsome stranger.

Austin hasn't had an easy upbringing. He's had to fight to get to where he is, yet he is the kindest, most non-judgmental guy you could meet. He and Sienna seem so different, from the opposite sides of the tracks, yet sometimes, opposites really do attract. What girl in her right mind could resist Austin? Sienna has some serious choices to make.

I really enjoyed the sparks between these two characters. They both have issues to deal with and the way they come to realize what really matters was such a treat. They both make some generalized assumptions about people, including themselves and each other, but there is generally more to a person than just a few facts. The alternating viewpoints was great! I loved the journey; I loved the story; I loved the romance; I loved the little surprises and twists; and I loved the ending!

Content: no language; mild violence; lots of kissing. Clean!

*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*

[Jennette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. It took me by surprise, and I simply could not put it down! I loved the sweet, poignant love story between Sienna and Austin. I cannot say enough good things about this book. I highly recommend it!

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 out of 5...but I think it deserves another star!!! It's AWESOME!

FAN FREAKING TASTIC! Let's just get that out of the way. This story was such a sad, and beautiful story all at the same time.

I love that this book is told in alternating POV. I love it when a book does that. I love to know what is going on in the head of all my characters. Some books offer that, and some touch on it. This book on the other hand captured it all, and it was awesome.

Sienna - She is a fantastic, and complex character. She is damaged and doesn't really know how to "make things better". She has had tragedy in her life and doesn't seem to be able to forgive herself for things that have happened. She is struggling, and trying hard to be happy, even though her mother seems to have mapped out her life for her.

Austin - Well "swoon"...ahhhh. The minute he comes into the book I fell in love with him. No, I am completely serious. He is just the type of guy I would want my daughter to find and marry some day. I cannot think of one thing I didn't like about him. He has his flaws as well as some secrets. He is trying very hard to make the best out of the life he has. His so kind, caring, compassionate, and down right sexy. (Well at least in my head he is. Johnston does a great job of making a drool worthy character).

There are some other characters in this book that I ended up liking as well. I really liked Sienna's younger brother. Problems and all. He was actually quite funny.

Sienna's mom is my least favorite character. There always has to be at least on character that you don't like right? Sienna's boyfriend Kyle is also a character I felt like hitting upside the head the entire time. He is the type of guy you PRAY your daughter doesn't fall in love with! I just cannot stand him.

When Austin and Sienna met I couldn't wait to read on and find out what was going to happen. I devoured this book. I couldn't put it down. It seems like every time I had to it was a critical part of the book. UGH, that "mother" thing can be so bothersome when you are reading such a great book that you just cannot put down. Hehehe. KIDDING. I love my kids ;).

Just when I thought all was well something else would happen. Johnston has some beautiful writing. Now, for my FAVORITE thing about this book...it's CLEAN. It's a beautiful books about loss, betrayal and best of all unconditional love.

Seriously, there is nothing I can say about this book that I didn't love. Other than those characters that are thrown in there that are great "love to hate" characters. That just means the author did there job in keeping the book balanced. I honestly could feel the hurt and pain they were going through, as well as the joy. One minute I am crying the next I am grinning ear to ear. This is such a fan freaking tastic book.

Source: I was given this ARC ebook by the publisher in return for an honest review. I was not compensated for this review. These are my own PERSONAL thoughts on the book.

[Kelly Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laura Johnston scores a touchdown with her debut novel. This sweet romance will carry you away. A story of love, self-sacrifice, family, and forgiveness. Plus, I adore the hunky and charming Austin. (I was lucky to get to read an advanced copy of the book, but mark your calendars for fall of 2014 when it will be available for purchase.)

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

clean (just kissing, no language)

Review to come

[Papierfliegerin · Rating 3 out of 5]

►♥◄ INHALT ►♥◄
Als Austin Sienna an ihrem ersten Urlaubsabend vor einer Horde grölender junger Männer rettet, verliebt er sich Knall auf Fall in sie. Und Sienna geht es nicht anders.
Doch zwischen ihnen stehen die unterschiedlichen Welten, aus denen sie kommen, eine gewaltige Menge an Problemen und Schuldgefühlen, die Sienna mit sich herumträgt, und nicht zuletzt Austins Vergangenheit, die eine Beziehung unmöglich macht.

►♥◄ MEINE MEINUNG ►♥◄
Dieses Buch habe ich im Rahmen einer Leserunde auf LovelyBooks lesen dürfen und ich war so voller Hoffnung, mir noch einmal ein paar richtig sonnige Tage ins Haus zu holen, am besten noch in Kombination mit den ganz großen Gefühlen und herrlichen Figuren. Wurde ich überzeugt? Das erfahrt ihr genau jetzt:

Laura Johnston ermöglichte mir einen wunderbar einfachen Einstieg in die Geschichte. Ich war innerhalb kürzester Zeit voll drin und konnte mich mindestens genau so schnell mit den Figuren anfreunden und mit ihnen mitfiebern. Alles beginnt ziemlich früh und das Tempo sowie die Gefühle sind hautnah zu spüren, sodass langvirige Erklärungen schlicht und ergreifend ausfielen bzw immer wieder nach und nach in den Verlauf der Story eingebaut waren, ohne sie langweilig oder trist wirken zu lassen.

Sienna, die weibliche Hauptfigur empfand ich als sehr liebenswert. Ihre Geschichte ging mir unglaublich nahe und obwohl ich noch nie in einer solchen Situation war, konnte ich ihre Handlungen, Taten, aber vor allem ihre Gedankengänge wunderbar nachvollziehen und mit ihr mitfühlen. Ich spürte ihre Gefühle quasi am eigenen Leib und sie sammelte im Laufe des Buches immer mehr Sympathie-Punkte. (Dass es eine einzige Situation gab, in der sie ein Teil dieser Punkte wieder verspielte, lasse ich mal getrost unter den Tisch fallen.) Überdies möchte ich auch die Wandlung und die Entwicklung von Sienna nochmal betonen, denn man spürt einfach, dass sie immer erwachsener und reifer wirkte, wenngleich ihre Handlungen gen Ende nicht mehr ganz nachvollziehbar war.
Austin, der männliche Part in Sachen Hauptcharaktere gefiel mir ebenfalls sehr, sehr gut. Ich muss gestehen, ich fand ihn zu Beginn des Buches noch zu glatt und zu perfekt, doch schnell wurde klar, dass er das keineswegs ist. Er brachte seine eigene Geschichte erst relativ spät ins Spiel, doch genau das machte ihn anfangs noch ein wenig mysteriös und geheimnisvoll. Doch kaum dass sein Geheimnis dann gelüftet wurde, gewann auch er, ebenso wie Sienna ordentlich Tiefgang und wurde authentisch und lebensecht. Für einen Mann hatte er jede Menge Gefühle in sich und trug sein Herz auch gern mal auf der Zunge.
Nun zu den Nebenfiguren. So. Schwierige Angelegenheit. Ich hatte irgendwie das Gefühl, als hätte es die Autorin darauf angelegt, dass die Leser grundsätzlich alle Figuren hassen, außer die beiden Protagonisten. Schon allein Sienna's Mutter war für mich die pure Hölle. Ich habe dieses Frau echt verflucht, verdammt und ihr die Krätze an den Hals gewünscht.. Mit Kyle verhielt es sich ganz genau so und obwohl ich Sienna's kleinen Bruder am Anfang noch echt gern hatte, wurde mir der irgendwann auch zu viel. Der ganze Lesegenuss hing mir einfach abhanden, weil mir die Figuren so gegen den Strich gingen - das war so schade, aber kaum dass Sienna's Mutter ins Spiel kam, hätte ich das Buch am liebsten direkt gegen die Wand geworfen und nach was anderem gegriffen.

Die Aufmachung des Buches war dagegen wieder ganz nach meinem Geschmack. Ich mochte es unsagbar gerne, dass man in "Zwischen uns nur der Himmel" einmal aus Sienna's Sicht und einmal aus Austin's Sicht liest, was einem beide Figuren einfach näher brachten. Auch der Stil und die Sprache waren wunderbar leicht zu lesen und ich rutschte nur so durch die Seiten und kam erstaunlich schnell voran.

Die Idee empfand ich als relativ wenig durchdacht. Ich hatte teilweise ein bisschen das Gefühl, dass die Autorin selbst nicht so wirklich wusste, wie sie die Geschehnisse managen und miteinander verbinden soll und so kam es bei mir zu dem ein oder anderen Aufreger-Moment. An sich war die Grundidee durchaus passabel und hat definitiv auch einen interessanten Spannungsbogen versprochen, aber ich glaube fast, die Autorin wollte in dieser Hinsicht ein recht schwieriges Thema relativ leicht verpacken und verrannte sich da in eine nicht ganz überzeugende Umsetzung.

Dazu möchte ich sagen, dass es trotz den kleinen Hänger ein spannendes Buch war. Ich hatte, bis auf einige Szenen, wirklich großen Spaß am lesen und eine spürbare Spannung war tatsächlich durch die Geschichte hindurch vorhanden; sowohl vom Tempo her, als auch auf der Gefühlsebene. Richtige Langeweile kam trotz reduziertem Tempo nie auf, denn kaum passierte einmal weniger, setzte Laura Johnston eben wieder auf die ganz großen Gefühle - die btw auch sehr gut übertragen wurden. Das Ende war dann noch einmal richtig actionreich und ein großes Feuerwerk, obwohl mich auch das nicht komplett zufrieden stellen konnte. Es war ein wirklich reales Ende, ohne großen Kitsch und ohne diese Unglaubwürdigkeit, die mir oftmals schon unterkam. Aber ich fand, dem Buch hätten, vor allem gen Ende 20-40 Seiten mehr nicht geschadet. Ich hätte gern noch ein paar Dinge mehr erfahren, die letztlich aber komplett offen blieben.

►♥◄ FAZIT ►♥◄
Diese Geschichte lässt mich etwas zwiegespalten zurück. Einerseits gab es einige Momente, in denen ich gerne abgebrochen hätte, weil mich manche Figuren so sehr nervten, andererseits rief das Buch auch wirklich viele und tiefgründige Gefühle in mir, was wiederum positiv ausfällt. Ich denke, wer über diese Kritikpunkte hinweg sehen kann, wird riesige Freude an der Storyline finden und sich auch über die Umsetzung keine großen Gedanken machen müssen. Mir persönlich sind die negativen Aspekte doch irgendwie eher im Gedächtnis geblieben, als alles andere.

►♥◄ 3.5 VON 5 STERNEN ►♥◄

Ich habe mich letztlich für 3.5 von 5 Sternen entschieden. Das Buch lag durchaus über dem Durchschnitt und bescherte mir einige gefühlvolle, aber auch nervenaufreibende Lesestunden.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Sigh*
Loved.This.Book. Loved the characters. Loved the story line. Loved it.
Rewind to you is a beautiful story of young, but true love. A sweet summer romance that changes many lives forever. This story was full of heart and emotion. I thoroughly enjoyed it and can't wait for the authors next release. If I had a list of books I wish they would turn into movies...THIS one, would be on it. So cute! :)

Clean Romance, accident description, light kissing, mention of drug use. (Not by hero or heroine.) No language! :)

[Cami Checketts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the clean romance in this book and the way the plot weaves the character's lives together to create such angst and the opportunity to forgive. I would highly recommend Rewind to You to teenagers on up.

[Irish · Rating 5 out of 5]

*ARC Provided For an Honest Review*

After all, any moment in time can only truly be lived once.

This book had made me cry more than thrice, even in those parts where you aren't supposed to cry. I feel a little embarrassed but I don't care. This book was great and I know for sure you all would love this. The feeling would be real to you just as it was real to me. CONGRATULATIONS to the Author for accomplishing such a great YA book.

For starters, I would just want to say that I grateful to have read this author's first book that I just randomly requested this ARC 2 weeks ago without even knowing that the publishing of this book is coming close. Now that I've read it, I kind of regretted not reading it the day after I've received the ARC but anyway, I think this book is one of the BEST books I Have read this month.

The story is about Sienna and Austin. Two strangers who just graduated high school and has experienced the toughest challenges in life. Both have a painful past experiences but still carried on with their life with the hope that one day the pain would go away.

"I didn't see this coming," I say, breaking the silence. 
Austin Chuckles. "I've been trying to kiss you ever since 
that first night on River Street." I smile. "I meant the rain."

Sienna is still mourning over her fathers death. A year later she still reminisces all the things that had happened before the accident that took her fathers life. She's back in Savannah to rebuild new memories only to find out it was her last visit. She met Austin in the right place and the right time. (At least that was what it seems to me.) And since then he became her man.

"Everyone wants a friend." 
"They want you for a friend." 
"No, they just want someone they can count on,"

Austin is somewhat in a shell. He nearly doesn't trust and open up to many people. He doesn't want to talk about his past because with someone who has a past like his, who would want to talk? He liked Sienna immediately and they both clicked. She was like a light to him. She showed him love and he showed her everything he could show, even who he is.

In this story the person who made me Cry the most is Austin. The way he thinks and does things is too gentle and Painful. Even if he knows he had to share Sienna he still wants to be with her. He's perfect. He is now one of my book boyfriends actually. And when things got really rough with him, he just holds on to the tiniest hope he has on saving the life of someone who wasn't even there as he grew to become the man he was.

I would love to recommend this book to you guys because it is really worth the read. Albeit this book is dramatic, it is suitable to everyone. This is a really remarkable love for me, to be honest. Definitely worth my 5 stars.

PS. Of course this book has a happy ending.

[katia · Rating 4 out of 5]

„Zwischen uns nur der Himmel“ ist so eine süße kleine Geschichte für zwischendurch, die beim Lesen Spaß macht. Es wird abwechselnd aus der Sicht von Austin und Sienna erzählt. Ich mag solche Erzählperspektiven, weil man sich so gut in Beide hineinversetzen kann. Allerdings gab es auch einen Punkt, der mir persönlich nicht so zugesagt hat.

Sobald man anfängt zu lesen kommt dieses Sommer, Sonne und Strand Feeling auf. Der Schreibstil von Laura Johnston versprüht Leichtigkeit und Lockerheit. „Zwischen uns nur der Himmel“ behandelt zwar durchaus schwerwiegende Themen, aber verliert eben auch nicht dieses Feeling. Bis ungefähr der Hälfte des Buches ist es bittersüß und hat so manchen herzhaften Seufzer bei mir ausgelöst. Es war hervorragend geeignet um einfach mal abzuschalten und zu genießen.

Doch leider gab es ab ungefähr der Hälfte des Buches einen Knick. Und dieser Knick war in meinem Fall Sienna. Sienna musste bisher wirklich schon viel verkraften bzw. ist sie noch dabei es zu verkraften. Allerdings hat mich ihr Verhalten zusehends gestört. Ihre Unentschlossenheit, das Hin und Her, es machte sie mir nicht unbedingt sympathisch. Obwohl ich ihr Verhalten zum Teil nachvollziehen konnte. Austin dagegen war der Sonnenstrahl am Himmel. Und auch der Auslöser für die ganzen Seufzer. Während ich Sienna nur schütteln wollte, wollte ich ihn am liebsten nur in den Arm nehmen.

Und auch wenn mich Siennas Verhalten ein wenig gestört hat, so hat mich das Ende dann doch nochmals mit ihr versöhnt. Es ist ein abgeschlossenes Ende und lässt auch keine Fragen mehr offen. Allerdings könnte die Geschichte natürlich noch weiter gehen. Ich hätte nichts dagegen noch mehr von Austin und Sienna zu lesen.

Fazit
„Zwischen uns nur der Himmel“ von Laura Johnston ist eine bittersüße Sommer, Sonne, Strand und Liebe-Geschichte, die bei mir so manchen Seufzer ausgelöst hat. Auch wenn ich zwischenzeitlich kleine Schwierigkeiten mit Sienna hatte, so habe ich es dennoch sehr genossen das Buch zu lesen.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review also found at http://kristineandterri.blogspot.ca/2...

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher Kensington Books via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. The expected publication date is September 15, 2014.

When dystopian and paranormal stories seem to dominate the YA genre I found this story really refreshing since it was not that. It was a nice sweet love story about two people from different sides of the track which reminded me of the YA stories that were around when I was actually of the age to read this genre.

Although the characters were seventeen years old the emotional chemistry was evident right from the moment they met. This instantly put me in their corner and made me hope for a happy ending. Even though I am past the age of these characters and have already married my "love story" I can visualize teens out there reading this story with dreamy eyes and hoping that they can someday experience a romance like this. I swooned with the first kiss!

Included in the plot is a the added dimension of the fact that their romance is forbidden, Sienna has a boyfriend back home, and both characters are dealing with different yet equally difficult emotional issues relate to their fathers. This added an additional element of depth to give the story more impact. The reader sees both of the characters grow as a result of their relationship with each other and as they help each other cope with their emotional baggage.

I will not say more but I will say that I recommend this story to any reader who enjoys a nice love story regardless of age. This was an easy read and a nice distraction from the everyday grind. Well done.

[Mlpmom (Book Reviewer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

If there is one thing I am a huge sucker for it is a sweet romance. One that makes you smile almost as quickly as you turn the pages.

One that has unforgettable characters and an even better story line filled with the pains of first love and a coming of age story you aren't likely to forget anytime soon.

Rewind To You gave me everything I crave in such a read. Johnston managed to grab all my favorite elements and mesh them together to create a wonderful heartfelt story that I absolutely loved. It warmed my very heart and soul and gave me all the warm fuzzy feelings I can't help but crave.

This might be Johnston's debut novel but you would never guess it. She nailed it with this one.

Not only was this the perfect summer read but it was the perfect read for whenever you need something that will uplift you and bring a smile to your face. The kind of story that you like to ooh and aah over.

I adored Austin and couldn't get enough of him. So very sweet, caring and all around good guy that you hope and wish everyone would encounter at some point in their life and Sienna was his match in every single way.

Sienna was going through some very challenging times, guilt, heartache and the loss of losing someone she loved. Austin brought her out of her shell. He taught her how to forgive, let go, and how to be strong. He mended everything that was broken inside of her and I couldn't help but love him for it.

This was so much more than a sweet love story, it was a wonderfully done tale of learning how to deal with pain, loss, and moving on while still keeping your heart open to new experiences, new people, an new challenges.

[Justin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read a lot of contemporary books the past two years, and I can safely say that Rewind To You is easily one of the best that I have ever read. When it comes to YA contemporary, I really don’t put too much stock in finding an original feeling story, because it’s something that is nearly impossible to accomplish. And while there are moments in Rewind To You that had me thinking of other stories, I think that Laura did an amazing job making the main points of her story really stand out amongst all the YA contemporary books out there.

Laura has written a debut book that will without a doubt capture readers, and take them on a ride through an incredibly romantic and rich story. I don’t tend to like books that are overly romantic, but I can’t get over how beautiful Laura’s writing was, and how easy it was to connect with her characters.

Sienna and Austin were both really great characters. I loved the character development, and the relationship felt real, which is something I don’t find very often. You can always find great romances, but a lot of the time the feel constructed. The relationship Laura wrote is beyond amazing. It flows beautifully, and it’s so easy to picture how much these characters care about each other.

I can’t get over how great this book was. And for only being a debut novel? I can’t wait to see what Laura has in store for use in her future works. Don’t be surprised to see this book showing up on my list of favorite books of the year, because it is just that good. I highly recommend that you all pick up a copy! If you love contemporary, I really feel like you will love the fresh voice Laura brings to an already popular category of books.

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yay!! This was a great contemporary YA novel of love, loss and forgiveness. I was captured from the very beginning and didn’t want to put the book down. Of course, we don’t always get what we want and I did have to put it down but I was always excited and looking forward to picking it back up.

This is a story about a boy and a girl, who meet. It’s fate, coincidence, destiny- whatever you want to call it. There is an instant attraction that develops quickly into something more as they get to know each other. Both Austin and Sienna are struggling with the hard things life has thrown at them. There are a lot of emotions swirling around as this book progresses.

Austin is kind. He is a good friend to those who need one. I wish there were more Austin’s in the world for if there were, the world would be a better place.

Sienna is courageous and strong but has her weaknesses. Fortunately, one of her weaknesses is Austin. Haha. It makes for a good story! :)

There is a back and forth pull between Austin and Sienna. The road isn’t paved with gold but the struggles made the book seem realistic. This was an easy book to read, it was entertaining and like candy for the brain.
I especially appreciated that “Rewind to You” was clean- no sexual content or swearing. There was some kissing but nothing that crossed the lines for me. This is a book my older teenage daughter will enjoy.

[CaliGirlRae · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is why I LOVE reading YA! Rewind to You is a sweet romance with such awesome lyrical writing that I couldn't help but be swept up in the feelings of the characters. Austin was such a sweet yummy guy I could see why any girl would fall for him. I really felt the pain and guilt at Sienna's tragedy in connection with her father's death. There were some parts where I wanted to yell at my Nook for her not to do certain things (some choices she made were not very smart) and I loved how Austin brought them to her attention but I chalked it up to naivety of youth. I really enjoyed this read and would give it to my daughter if I had one. It's a sweet, clean YA romance that anyone can enjoy and it will inspire some great heartfelt familial talks in connection with grief, family relationships, young love and forgiveness. The beautiful prose alone is worth it but the story and characters make the icing on the cake! Highly recommend this one!

[Bette Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written and highly emotional older YA read. A chance meeting on the streets of Savannah has the power to alter the course of two lives. He's worked hard and overcome stereotypes and obstacles to get to just this place in his life. Everything is good. She's still an emotional mess after a horrible life loss but trying hard to make her way. The summer after their senior year is one neither is ever likely to forget...

This is a great read and one I recommend to all.

[Mindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book from Laura Johnston. The characters were solid and the story was fast paced and sweet. Loved, loved Austin. I liked the point of view switches and how the story grew through each other's eyes. A perfectly clean book I can pass to my daughters without hesitation. Full review coming to both blogs next week.

[Amber Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

A rapturous, beautiful debut with a romance that seeps into you like a sizzling Georgia summer.

[Simone · Rating 5 out of 5]

ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! I really loved this book!❤️

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Es geht ganz schnell. Knall auf Fall und zack Sienna hat sich in Austin verliebt, als dieser sie vor zwei betrunkenen Typen beschützt. Liebe auf den ersten Blick nennt man das Phänomen, dass auch Austin erwischt. Doch es soll nicht sein. Sie kommen aus unterschiedlichen Welten und dann ist da auch noch Austins Vergangenheit, die es Sienna und Austin eigentlich unmöglich macht zusammen zu sein.

Leider muss ich sagen, dass ich den Klappentext etwas ungeschickt finde. Er weist auf eine verbotene Liebe hin, die man, meines Erachtens, nicht im Buch findet. Jedoch ist das meine Ansichtssache. Ich denke der Ein oder Andere wird dies genau passend sehen.

Der Einstieg in die Geschichte um Sienna und Austin jedoch gelingt einem sehr gut. Laura Johnston fängt mit einem, na ja eine Art Epilog an, aber irgendwie auch nicht. Der Titel des kleinen Abschnittes ist „Bis zum nächsten Mal“, der uns das ein oder andere Mal noch über den Weg läuft und auch eine gewisse Bedeutung hat. Man kann ihn ein bisschen mit „Bereit? - Bereit, wenn du es bist.“ aus der Edelstein-Trilogie vergleichen. Ich mag es sehr, wenn gewisse Insider sich in einem Buch verstecken und mir dadurch im Kopf bleiben.
Zuerst lernen wir Sienna und mit ihr auch ihre Flashbacks kennen, die sie plagen seitdem ihr Vater gestorben ist. Zusammen mit ihrem kleinen Bruder und ihrer Mutter verbringt Sienna den Sommer auf Tybee. Dort lernt sie Austin kennen, der seit ungefähr einem Jahr in Savannah in der Nähe von Tybee wohnt.

Geschrieben ist das Buch von Laura Johnston in der Ich-Form, wobei sie zwischen der Sichtweise von Austin und Sienna immer wechselt. Ich persönlich mag diesen Schreibstil sehr gerne. So gibt der Autor einem die Möglichkeit immer noch mehr Emotionen und Gefühle und Gedanken, die die Protagonisten so beschäftigen, wahrzunehmen. Man kann noch tiefer mit dem Charakter verschmelzen und die Handlungen mehr nachvollziehen. Natürlich hat es auch seinen Reiz, wenn die Geschichte nur aus einer Sichtweise erzählt wird, aber momentan geht ja der Hang dazu, dass das Buch dann noch mal aus der anderen Sichtweise geschrieben wird.
Sienna ist ein Charakter, den man entweder liebt oder hasst. Ich persönlich hatte einige Male das Bedürfnis sie ein wenig zu schütteln, damit sie nicht diesen Weg geht, sondern eher den anderen. Wobei man sagen muss, dass sie das mit ihrer Mutter, die eine sehr strenge Schiene fährt, auch nicht unbedingt leicht hat. Dennoch fiel es mir nicht immer unbedingt leicht mit Sienna auszukommen. Auch wenn gerade ihre Handlungsweisen menschlich wirken, fand ich ihre Reaktionen manchmal ein wenig überzogen.
Bei Austin fiel mir das schon leichter. Er war mir sympathisch. Wenn ich seine Handlungen manchmal auch ein wenig merkwürdig fand. Wenn ihr das Buch lest, denkt bei der Schuhszene am Anfang an mich, dann werdet ihr wissen was ich meine. Er ist ein bisschen glatt und man sucht nach Kanten, die sich erst im späteren Verlauf ein wenig auftun. Sie lassen Austin realer wirken. Übermenschen kann keiner gebrauchen. Die Nebencharaktere bleiben manchmal ein bisschen blass. Wie Siennas bester Freund oder auch ihr Bruder.

Bei dem Schreibstil von Laura Johnston hat mir sehr gefallen, dass die Unterhaltungen zwischen den Charakteren nicht so hochgeschraubt vom Wortschatz her waren, sondern sehr dem Alter angepasst. Sonst lässt sich das Geschriebene auch sehr schön lesen. Allerdings verwirrt es manchmal, da Flashbacks optisch nicht gekennzeichnet sind. Wobei hier die Frage ist, woran das liegt.
Mein größtes Problem hatte ich damit, dass die Autorin wirklich viele Themen anschneidet und versucht in ihrem Buch unterzubringen. Was sich leider negativ auf das Buch auswirkt. Dadurch, dass Laura soviel unterbringen will, kommen die einzelnen Themen leider viel zu kurz und werden sehr schnell abgehandelt. Bei dem ein oder anderen Thema hätte ich mir umfangreichere Schilderungen gewünscht und andere hätten auch gut und gerne unter den Tisch fallen können.

Für eine kurzweilige Unterhaltung ist das Buch, meiner Meinung, nach geeignet. Doch man sollte nicht zu viel darüber nachdenken, weil einem dann immer mehr Sachen auffallen, die nicht ganz so perfekt waren. So ist es bei mir jedenfalls gewesen. Im Rahmen einer Leserunde habe ich das Buch (krankheitsbedingt) erst gelesen und später meine Eindrücke verfasst. Insbesondere, wenn man dann die anderen Leseeindrücke liest, regt das noch mal an über das Buch nachzudenken.
Da ich keine halben Herzen vergeben kann, habe ich auch 3 aufgerundet, weil ich mich doch im ersten Lesen unterhalten gefühlt habe.

[Natalie Carroll · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just have to say that this story was adorable, heartbreaking, and heartwarming all at the same time.

Laura Johnston has written a beautiful story with wonderful characters that have so much depth to them, I could have sworn they were real.

Sienna and her family are spending the summer in Georgia, a year after her father passed away. His death brought many strains to the family, both relationship wise and financially. Sienna is traumatized by the event that killed her father and has begun to have fainting spells. Although, these aren't normal fainting spells--strange dreams are attached.

Austin is a strong young man who has one of the biggest hearts I've ever read about. He is kind to everyone he meets, and is head over heels swoon worthy. It's no wonder Sienna fell for him so quickly. He is a football star, and an incredibly hard worker. One of his greatest flaws though, is his ability to forgive.

I also liked the parts of the story that included Sienna's younger brother, Spencer. The love she had for him was so touching. Austin was equally amazing with him, nearly becoming the older brother Spencer never had. It was touching and made my heart swell.

Not only is this book a beautiful love story, but it teaches us how to forgive. This book helps us realize the burden a grudge can be, and how love strengths us to do things we never thought we could.

I was brought to tears several times near the end of this book. The characters felt so real and I could feel their pain. Sienna and Austin's love story is realistic and develops well. Their relationships with their family and friends are also genuine. It was like I was walking beside them on their journey of friendship, love, growth, and forgiveness.

Truly, this is a fabulous story. I give this a 5 out of 5!!

[Diana von Dinchen´s Welt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Erster Satz:
Sienna
"Mein Blick fällt auf das Foto von Dad und mir und da bricht die Trauer über mich herein."

Meine Meinung zum Buch:
Mit "Zwischen uns nur der Himmel" hat die Autorin Laura Johnston ein einfühlsames und ganz bezauberndes Jugendbuch geschaffen. Erzählt wird die Story abwechselnd aus der Sicht von Sienna und Austin. Ein absoluter Pluspunkt, da man so einen besseren Einblick in deren Gefühls- und Gedankenwelt bekommt. Der Schreibstil der Autorin war ein kleiner Knackpunkt. Sie hat sehr einfühlsam das Leben von beiden Charakteren beschrieben, hat ihnen Ecken und Kanten gegeben, aber oft war der Schreibstil auch sehr langweilig und zäh.

Die Story fand ich im allgemeinen wirklich toll. Es ist eine tiefgründige und sehr emotionale Geschichte die einem ans Herz geht. Zum Ende hin wurde es etwas viel. Zu viel Drama, zu viele Schicksalsschläge. Zu viel von allem.

Sienna mochte ich eigentlich ganz gerne. Sie ist nicht das typische reiche Mädchen wie man es aus anderen Büchern kennt. Sie hat ein paar Entscheidungen getroffen, welche ich so nicht wirklich nachvollziehen konnte, dennoch ist sie eine liebenswerte junge Dame.

Austin ist einfach perfekt, vielleicht zu perfekt. Ich habe in ihm alles gesehen, nur keinen wirklichen Bad Boy. Er hat Träume und Ziele, welche er sich hart erarbeit hat.

Fazit:
Eine tolle Liebesgeschichte mit Tiefgang und vielen Emotionen. Liebenswerte Charaktere runden die Story komplett ab.

Das Buch erhält von mir 4 von 5 Federn!

[Keeley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rewind to You is an exciting new young adult contemporary romance dealing with loss and new love. With some fantastic characters and a story-line that leaves you swooning, Rewind to you keeps the audience turning the pages until the very end.

Sienna is a fragile character, she is dealing with the loss of her father and the guilt she feels about the accident. She is stuck in a relationship where the feelings just aren't there anymore and is trying to keep her family from falling apart when at the same time she is falling apart herself.

Enter Austin Dobbs, he saves her in more ways than one. Austin is a sweet genuine character who I instantly loved. He has problems of his own but he is positive and trying to make something of his life. I love the relationship they share, the realism of their feelings and how it grows into something so meaningful.

I enjoyed the journey Sienna and Austin share together, it has its up and downs and is realistic. I did find myself at times shouting at Sienna to see what a great thing she had in front of her and that is what should happen in a good story! I want to feel what the characters are feeling and with Rewind to You I could do just that.

Rewind to You is excellently written, fills you with emotion and leaves you craving more. A clean romance that is sweet and romantic and fulfills the summer romance! I am looking forward to seeing what Laura Johnston has to share with us all next!

[Bec · Rating 1 out of 5]

Book Summary
Published by Kensington Books
Release Date - 15th September 2014
My Rating - 1 star

Review
I'm more than a little torn over this book. On the one hand it's your usual great summer YA read, with all the things you'd expect - the good girl dealing with some kind of grief, the bad boy struggling with family issues...then two worlds collide. So yeah, that's all good. Nope, the thing that has me the most conflicted over this book is Sienna's feelings towards her Father. At times it was almost creepy for me, the way it was written was as though Sienna and her Father had a different kind of love than the paternal and it icked me out to say the least. I get that they had a bond, I get that they shared a lot and were close, but there was something about the way that it was written that just didn't sit right with me. I think if it had've been done differently and not made as such a major focus, but rather something in the background that Sienna struggles with and needs to work through, then I probably would've given this book a much higher rating, but as someone who has lost her father, I can't say that I sit there and have those kind of conversations in my head...definitely not THAT kind.