Book Review: Time Stands Still

Title Time Stands Still

Series Emi Lost and Found, book 2

Author Lori L. Otto

Release Date April 22, 2011

Emi Hennigan could never have predicted her life would be like this. After wasting more than ten years being “just a friend” to her true love, Nate Wilson, Emi feels more than a little regret. Her future was set, though. Nate loved her as much as she loved him, and they were moving forward with a romance that took them both by surprise. They already knew their bad habits, quirks and the subtle nuances of expressions, but the love was all-encompassing and new to them both.

No man could compete, Emi thought, until one night – one evening, one party, one journey, one second alters her course completely.

That night, her brother’s confident best friend, Jack Holland, comes back into her life with a mission: to spend more time with Emi to prove he is the right man for her. A romance with him is the furthest thing from Emi’s mind, though, staying loyal and steadfast to a trusted man that she will always love.

In a year’s time, though, Emi must learn to make changes she’d never before considered after being impacted by unexpected events. While her fragile spirit takes time to heal, Jack slowly finds a comfortable place in her life. Only time will tell if it’s right for Emi – and enough for him.

Review

Please note, this review contains spoilers. DO NOT read this review unless you want the series (not just this book) spoiled or you've already read it! You've been warned.

Whenever I started this book, I was both eager to continue on with Emi and Nate's story and worried because of the cliffhanger at the end of the first book. By the time I had finished the first chapter, I was absolutely heartbroken and wasn't sure if I wanted to continue. How am I supposed to let go of everything Emi and Nate worked so hard for? Their time together wasn't long enough. How can this book possibly continue on without Nate? Still, I continued reading.

I spent the first few chapters in tears. Like, nonstop tears were streaming down my face. I was absolutely heartbroken that Nate was gone. How unfair for their love story to end before it was able to truly begin. By the end of the book (a little over a year), Emi was ready to move on and commit to Jack. While happy-ish for Emi (Jack hasn't lived up to Nate in my eyes and I'm unsure whether or not he will by the end of the series), I was still mourning Nate. His love for her was so pure and true that it's hard to picture her with anyone else, even though Nate is gone. Since the first book was from Nate's perspective, I feel like it's going to be harder for me to let their romance fade away than if it had been if the book had been told from Emi's perspective.

Much like the previous book, I had mixed feelings for Emi. In the beginning, I was with her all the way. I empathized with her over losing not only her soulmate, but her best friend. Of course, I wanted her to heal. I wanted her to move on and live her life. It would be cruel to want anything other than the best for Emi. I understand that. However, much like Chris, I am worried that Emi moved on and gave her heart to Jack far too soon. I'm keeping an open mind, though. I know that everyone grieves and heals differently. Perhaps it's not too soon for Emi and Jack to live happily ever after. I wish happiness and love for Emi and Jack, but I will be greatly disappointed if Emi trivializes her love/relationship with Nate (which, on occasion, I felt like she did).

Rating

5 out of 5 stars