From The Wreckage

This book is so touching. I love this book so much i will most likely be rereading it again!! I started this book on the same day i finished it, i just couldn't stop reading it! It's such a powerful story and its nothing like any live story i have read in the past! I recommend it to everyone. Just can't get over how good it is. <3

This book was absolutely amazing. I did want to set it down. It kept you so interested and every page screamed that you wanted more. It's a love story but it's a love story based around tragedy and rebuilding and changing. I would read this book over and over again. I plan on buying the next one because it was that good.

This book was amazing. I laughed and cried along with the characters. The three best friends remind me so much of myself and my two best friends. Tanya being me, Jules being C., and Katie being R. I will recommend this book to both of them and many others!!! thank you Michele for writing this!

“From the Wreckage” follows high school senior Jules Blacklin as and after she survives a major tornado that tears through her tiny town in Texas. The tornado is deadly, killing many people in her town and leaving even more paralyzed with traumatic memories and fear. In a matter of an hour, Jules lost her best friend, her brother’s happy-go-lucky personality, and her school—everything she’s ever known.

I knew this book could fall down a cheesy path, and fall down a cheesy path it did. I found the small-town cheerleader nature to be somewhat cliché, emphasized by the text messages (“OMG” and “LOL”) and obsession with Starbucks despite the absolute terror that tore through the town. Jules, the protagonist, was a fine character, but her love triangle seemed to be pointless, shallow, and somewhat irritating.

Overall, I give this book 2.5 stars. It wasn’t the worst thing I ever read, but I didn’t like it. I feel like I would have liked the story more when I was in middle or high school.

I really loved the concept of this book. Natural disasters and their aftermath are not a common topic explored in YA stories, so I was excited when I came across this. My hometown has been brutally hit by hurricanes the past few years so it made me even more keen to read about Jules experience. Unfortunately, I'm not sure it entirely hit the mark.

Jules is a Texas girl through and through. She loves her hometown and the friends that come with it, specifically her two best friends, Tanya and Katie. Pair them with her quarterback boyfriend and her loving family, Jules leads a pretty amazing life. Yet in the blink of an eye, one tornado turns her whole life, and her whole town, upside down. Left to deal with the horrible aftermath of the storm, Jules isn't sure where to go from there. People she loved have been ripped away from her, and all the things she found comfort in before don't seem to fit into her life anymore. The only place she can seem to think straight is in West Rutledge's arms, which brings on a whole new slew of problems for Jules. As she works through the aftermath, she is left trying to decide if she should be rebuilding her past or beginning with a new future.

The one thing I wholeheartedly loved about this book was the friendship between Jules and her two best friends, Tanya and Katie. I found their friendship to be relatable and exactly what every girl should have in her life. Yet this book fell short for me in various ways, the main one being my general dislike for Jules. I just found it very hard to connect with her, and the way in which she handled issues in her life and relationship really irked me. Things that I perceived as a big deal were often glossed over by Jules. I also didn't find her relationship to be swoon-worthy at all. I didn't detest it, but I didn't really root for them to end up together. It also got a bit confusing as the story switches from various POVs- Jules in the present, Jules in the past, and Jules recording the video which the story is told through. It was about one POV too many for my liking. All in all, I would say give the book a try, as the topic is one that is seldom wrote about, but don't expect perfection.

I absolutely loved From The Wreckage and couldn't put it down! This book will make you feel so many emotions. I laughed, I cried, I felt the grief and suffering of the characters through their losses, and I also felt their hope! Jules and West have a natural connection and their relationship is so sweet. They truly are each others anchors through a time of tragedy and loss. I would highly recommend this book and am looking forward to reading book 2!

This is a very short story. I have finished it in about 2-3 hours. I enjoyed that there wasn't alot of foul language and there was no sex. There were too many characters. I couldn't keep them straight and never got a good description of the main characters other than hair color. All in all its a story I haven't heard before so that's a plus. I doubt I will BUY the sequel or prequel.

While I enjoy some YA fiction, such as Hunger Games, this one did not keep my interest past the first few chapters. This book might be good for young teens, but I found that it was too juvenile and tiresome with its teen talk.

good but a little too tame for me. I am a reader and have read thousands of books of all kinds. I don't like gory books and horrible Steven King books. Overall a good clean book any one could read.

This is clearly just a young adult love story. I must admit, I just read about 75% and could not push myself to go any further. Battled to keep my eyes open and concentration on this. Same old/same old teenage story of a girls boyfriends etc.

"Heroine" obsesses on kissing handsome Texan college boy who is wonderful at playing what they insist on calling 'football'! She, of course being female, is not allowed to play but gratefully leads the cheers from the side-lines while wearing the shortest possible skirts. Yucky!

“One of these days, Jules Blacklin, I’m going to kiss you again, but it’s going to be when you’re mine.” He moves this thumb from her jaw to swipe across her bottom lip and locks his gaze with hers as he adds, “Because when I start kissing these lips, I don’t want to know he gets to kiss them after me.”
***

One night is all it took to change Jules life forever. After emerging from the debris that was her shelter during the storm, Jules is overcome with emotion and grief. But there is one person that has been a constant sense of safety from the start. With West's help, Jules must work through the wreckage before it all comes crumbling down on her.

It may have been the recent tornado that destroyed my hometown in Arkansas, but from the minute the sirens went off (in the book) I knew this book would mean something to me. I literally had to force myself to lay my nook down last night. It was late, I had to get up early the next morning...so I just had to stop. I didn't want to. Lord, knows I didn't want to. But I had to. I, of course, picked it up the next morning and quickly devoured it. Yes, hands down, this is my most favorite of faves from Miller. This book owns me and I will be impatiently waiting for the next one.

I loved the way the book starts out. Jules is giving a video account of the night she lost the security of having a normal life. Her world as she knew it was flipped upside down. So while she tells the camera and us, all she experienced, we the readers experience it right along with her. I will admit I cried a few half a dozen times. Especially towards the end. My heart was caught in an emotional twister.

What I loved the most was the quickly developing feelings between Jules and West. It wasn’t the too quick kind that made you shudder and roll your eyes. It was the kind that melted your heart seeing what they went through and watching them fall in love. I was knee deep in the swoon!

Miller reminds me once again why I love YA books! One thing I always say when it comes to YA is that it reminds me of sweeter times. It reminds me of first loves and first kisses. And thanks to Miller and this book I was remembering all those things all over again. I was transported back to such wonderful, carefree times.

5 Heartbreaking and Earth Shattering Stars!

First Thoughts:
Tragic yet full of hope, those are the first two words that come to mind when I think of this book. This is a fantastic coming of age novel that has a sad history attached to it, a devastating event that would turn even the oldest and wisest person’s world upside down.

The Story:
This is a story about Jules, a typical teenage girl who is dealt a a blow that shatters her world as she knew it, her perseverance and ability to go forward is astounding. Her ability to not give up is inspirational; her ability to love is the reason why everyone wants to fall in love…
West, is the outcast, the bad boy, the one that everyone knows of but doesn’t really know. Then his world is turned upside down when he finds himself playing hero to the one girl he has wanted to know better forever.
When tragedy strikes it is natural to lean on and form attachments with those that understand what is going on…

Final Thoughts:
Michele has definitely found her genre… I love her previous books but this book right here? THE BEST EVER! She had me laughing and crying, grieving and remembering. This book just hits all the spots you didn’t know you wanted. It is a sweetly devastating coming of age novel, and I can not wait to see what happens with Jules and West!

“One of these days, Jules Blacklin, I’m going to kiss you again, but it’s going to be when you’re mine.” He moves this thumb from her jaw to swipe across her bottom lip and locks his gaze with hers as he adds, “Because when I start kissing these lips, I don’t want to know he gets to kiss them after me.”
***

One night is all it took to change Jules life forever. After emerging from the debris that was her shelter during the storm, Jules is overcome with emotion and grief. But there is one person that has been a constant sense of safety from the start. With West's help, Jules must work through the wreckage before it all comes crumbling down on her.

It may have been the recent tornado that destroyed my hometown in Arkansas, but from the minute the sirens went off (in the book) I knew this book would mean something to me. I literally had to force myself to lay my nook down last night. It was late, I had to get up early the next morning...so I just had to stop. I didn't want to. Lord, knows I didn't want to. But I had to. I, of course, picked it up the next morning and quickly devoured it. Yes, hands down, this is my most favorite of faves from Miller. This book owns me and I will be impatiently waiting for the next one.

I loved the way the book starts out. Jules is giving a video account of the night she lost the security of having a normal life. Her world as she knew it was flipped upside down. So while she tells the camera and us, all she experienced, we the readers experience it right along with her. I will admit I cried a few half a dozen times. Especially towards the end. My heart was caught in an emotional twister.

What I loved the most was the quickly developing feelings between Jules and West. It wasn’t the too quick kind that made you shudder and roll your eyes. It was the kind that melted your heart seeing what they went through and watching them fall in love. I was knee deep in the swoon!

Miller reminds me once again why I love YA books! One thing I always say when it comes to YA is that it reminds me of sweeter times. It reminds me of first loves and first kisses. And thanks to Miller and this book I was remembering all those things all over again. I was transported back to such wonderful, carefree times.

5 Heartbreaking and Earth Shattering Stars!

Michele G. Miller tells the story of a teenage girl who's life has been turned upside down by a tornado. Jules loses a lot but she also learns alot about herself. This book is almost written in the form of introspection. The main character, Jules, is the narrator as she makes her senior year video. It is from this unique perspective we hear the story.

I liked the different form of flashback. The plot was scattered in some places but I feel that was on purpose because that was how Jules was feeling at the time. Miller takes us on a rollercoaster ride of emotions throughout the novel. She starts with the innocence of being young then uses the tornado to throw it all in turmoil. It was almost like the tornado was a metephor for the trials of growing up but put in a physical form that can be understood.

This would be a coming of age novel but with a forceful punch. Death is a hard lesson but so is out growing what you know and are comfortable with. Losing your first love and friends is a traumatic experience no matter how it happens.

A sequel to this book has been written and I hope to read it soon. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys coming of age books or YA literature.

Full review and more available at: http://oneguysguidetogoodreads.blogspot.com/2015/08/from-wreckage-from-wreckage-1-by.html

*****
My Thoughts:

You guys who read my reviews know several things about me. I real a lot of YA. A whole lot of it, I also read a lot of contemporary romance, even though I'm not a huge romance fan. That, specifically, being said, it take a whole lot for me to read a contemporary romance book and find it worthy of praise. That doesn't even take the fact that it's a YA novel into consideration at all. In my experience, YA contemporary isn't been... the greatest of reading experiences. The stories are often bogged down with teenage angst and the authors are near always out of touch with contemporary teenage reality. Then I met Michele G. Miller.

I'll start this out with a disclaimer. I picked this book up for free online several months ago and read the first third or so. For some reason I had to stop and I forgot all about it until I recently met Michele in person and she, yet again, piqued my interest. After picking up this story (a second time) from the very beginning, I wasn't able to set it down. Seriously folks. Words can't even describe how this story made me feel.

Can you imagine a life in which a tornado could change your entire life? Friends, family, your home in mortal peril? I can. I was born and bred right in the midst of Tornado Alley. Year-round I watch the skies for storms, always on edge when a big one comes. I've survived several, and even been caught outside during one. Tornadoes are no joke. In fact, anyone who has been through one can tell you they're one of the downright scariest things imaginable. Never before would I have imagine than an author could so perfectly capture the presence, the feel, the emotional of the storm. When From the Wreckage fell into my hands, I knew I was hold a piece of literary greatness.

The plot for Wreckage was probably one of the most unique I have ever seen in a YA contemporary novel. I don't even have a work to compare it to as it is so unique. Wreckage follows the story of Jules (as told through flashbacks) as she lives through a tornado that tore her town apart and nearly stole her life. Throughout the story, Miller mixes in the deepest of heartbreaking emotion to emulate the mental journey that not only Jules, but her entire community must undergo to pull through such a devastating time. Broken hearts and newfound love follow Jules and her friends as they learn the true meaning of live, friendship, and life.

Sound deep enough for you? Folks, I won't lie to you here. I've said this before: I'm not an emotional reader. I'm just not. I don't often find myself with tears at the hand of a novel. Miller broke me in a way I haven't been broken in a very long time. This novel cut me to the core and I felt every one of these emotions like a knife to the heart. I found myself tearing up to the point of having to set the book down on three different occasions. Kudos to you Miller, you opened the floodgates. Gah. Miller really hits home with the plots and the themes I've described here, creating a novel that is sure to pull at the heartstrings of all readers, across genres.

The setting for Wreckage was written to perfect. Tyler, Texas (though not the Tyler, Texas) is small-town America. I saw so much of my hometown in its' characters, description, and eventual destruction. The close-knit community setting was captured in a way that tells me that Miller truly has experienced that life for herself, as nobody who hasn't could have written such.

While there are several notable characters in Wreckage, I'll focus on the main three: Jules, Stuart, and West. Jules was an incredibly written character on a number of levels. Unlike other YA heroines who are trying to prove themselves or acting in very non-teenage girl ways, Miller knocked it out of the park with Jules' character, capturing the heightened emotions, the mindset, and the maturity a teenager would have. It was truly touching. Per Stuart, Miller really threw me for a loop, I was really waiting for the ball to drop and for us to uncover a deep, dark secret, but the truth was Stuart really was all that we see on the surface. West, on the other hand, really hit me hard. His character really had such a transformation and incredible development throughout this first installment of the series that he quickly became my favorite part. I have a thing for well-written male-YA characters. I suppose having been one myself, it irks me when authors get it wrong.

Everything about Wreckage screamed perfection. Let this review be a warning for you all, if you aren't equip to handle extreme feels and an absolutely incredible novel that will leave you breathless until the very last page, this story probably isn't for you. Who am I kidding, add this to your TBR today! With beautifully crafted words, Michele takes the darkest of moments in the hardest of times and brings hope and love to a story desperate for salvation. Kudos to you Michele G. Miller, you've written a masterpiece that's truly fit for my bookshelf.

After reading my glowing review, it should come as no surprise that I am granting From the Wreckage by Michele G. Miller a near-perfect 5-star review. I cannot say enough incredible things about this first installment to the series. I am anxious to read the remainder of this series with the hopes I enjoy them just as much! A highly recommended read for all readers of YA (this one is mature-YA) and up.

*****

Rating: 6/5

I'll be honest and say that when I read the summary, I was hesitant to pick this book up because I had never really read this type of story before and didn't know what to expect. I wasn't sure if this was my type of book or not, or if I was even going to like it. Even after I brought this book, I waited a long while before I actually decided to read it. But the minute I started reading this book, I wanted to hit myself in the head for waiting so long to pick it up!

This was one of the most intense books that I have ever read! From the very first word, I was transported to Jules's world. The story was written so nicely that I felt like I was a part of the story and experiencing everything that Jules was going through. Even the emotions expressed in this book are so raw, intense, and they felt so real. And let me tell you, no book has ever been able to bring tears to my eyes as fast as this book did. And it wasn't only one time, it happened many times throughout. I very rarely cry over books, but this book...this book was probably the only book I have ever read that was able to make me almost cry multiple times.

Besides the entire story itself, I loved the characters and how every single one of them grew and changed from the beginning to the end. Like everything else in this book, the characters also seemed very alive and someone you could definitely relate to. The romance in this book was light, but at the same time also very intense. Basically, even though this is a fictional book, I never once felt like the story was actually fiction because everything felt so realistic and true.

This was such a heart wrenching and beautiful story about survival, love, friendship, and finding your way back after facing a life changing event. There are no words to truly describe just how amazing this book was. This story made me cry, laugh, and took me on a big roller coaster ride full of emotions! I loved every single second reading this story. Seriously, I highly recommend that you pick this book up and start reading it right away!

One night. One moment. One storm. That's what it takes to change Jules Blacklin's life forever. In one single moment everything about her life changes and now she has to fight to rediscover who she is and how to live this new life.

Let me give you one word for From the Wreckage... Beautiful. No, beautiful is not the right word. It needs a better word... elegant, graceful, delicate. Yes. It is all those things and more. From the Wreckage is... beauty, hope, and love.

The story is stunning. Michele G Miller does an incredible job building this story piece by piece, giving us the perfect balance of story and emotion. From the moment From the Wreckage begins you know this story will play with your emotions. She set the tone. And it was flawless.

From the beginning things are somber, we see Jules as she prepares to tell us a story. The hardest story she will ever have to tell. There is real struggle there, you can see how much this hurts her. Her feelings bleed off the page, instantly putting you in her shoes. You can't help but be subdued when you read this book, but you keep reading because there are amazing moments of hope, joy, love, and life throughout this story.

Everything about it tears at you and rips away your emotions until you are raw. You will feel every emotion with this book. From the Wreckage is definitely one hell of an emotional roller coaster. It will give you pause and make you think. Have you ever read a book that made you feel full? That's what this book did. It filled me up. I remember sighing when I finished this book. I just sat there when it was all said and done, like my life had changes as much as Jules.

I absolutely loved everything about this book. The story, which was incredible, the love, and of course the characters.

Jules and West have definitely found their way into my hearts.

Jules, America's sweetheart. A Texas girl who has what every girl wants. Popularity, looks, and the star quarterback. But when everything is taken from her and she stares death in the face she begins to see just how fast things can change. She's a fighter and stronger than she knows. Jules is very real and down to earth

Then there's West. Oh, West. West is... well, I can't really tell you what West is to me because that would give too much away. But I can tell you that he is pretty dang incredible and he makes my heart melt.

From the Wreckage is a beautiful and heartfelt story, so elegantly told that you can't help but find yourself completely immersed in the story. You will live this story. You will hurt for the characters, but From the Wreckage rises hope. There is always hope. And I definitely hope that you read this book. There really are no words to tell you how wonderful this book truly was. So just take my word for it and give it a try!

*Received a free copy in exchange for an honest review

In the wake of the recent tornadoes touching down across the Midwest, perhaps the most prominent being those in Arkansas and Oklahoma, Miller creates a touching, poignant story that truly captures the fear, panic, loss, and ultimate renewal that comes from the destruction of Mother Nature’s ferocity. Told through the memories of survivor Jules Blacklin as she relates her story for a video memorial, readers are brought into her personal world and experience events through her eyes as an unexpected tornado rips through the Friday night hang out attended by many of the counties teens.

Imagine turning around and seeing a tornado coming for you. Miller captures the fear and horror surrounding these events as her main characters experience their lives being ripped apart, both literally and figuratively. Recounting her experiences, and with a new outlook on life, Jules takes readers through her healing process, her revelations of love and loss drawing the reader even deeper into the story. The tenses in the story are a bit jarring every now and then, jumping between past and present, first and third person as the story develops, but I feel like this fits the upheaval of the storyline itself, and as Jules is recounting past events in a present memorial to the dead, it works.

“From the Wreckage” is both a literal and figurative phrase that perfectly fits as the title of this novel. From the wreckage comes loss. From the wreckage comes survivors. From the wreckage comes unity. And from the wreckage comes rebirth, love, fear, and strength, and it’s a beautiful story that I highly recommend. Four stars.

In the wake of the recent tornadoes touching down across the Midwest, perhaps the most prominent being those in Arkansas and Oklahoma, Miller creates a touching, poignant story that truly captures the fear, panic, loss, and ultimate renewal that comes from the destruction of Mother Nature’s ferocity. Told through the memories of survivor Jules Blacklin as she relates her story for a video memorial, readers are brought into her personal world and experience events through her eyes as an unexpected tornado rips through the Friday night hang out attended by many of the counties teens.

Imagine turning around and seeing a tornado coming for you. Miller captures the fear and horror surrounding these events as her main characters experience their lives being ripped apart, both literally and figuratively. Recounting her experiences, and with a new outlook on life, Jules takes readers through her healing process, her revelations of love and loss drawing the reader even deeper into the story. The tenses in the story are a bit jarring every now and then, jumping between past and present, first and third person as the story develops, but I feel like this fits the upheaval of the storyline itself, and as Jules is recounting past events in a present memorial to the dead, it works.

“From the Wreckage” is both a literal and figurative phrase that perfectly fits as the title of this novel. From the wreckage comes loss. From the wreckage comes survivors. From the wreckage comes unity. And from the wreckage comes rebirth, love, fear, and strength, and it’s a beautiful story that I highly recommend. Four stars.

"From the Wreckage" introduces us to Jules, who with her best friends Katie and Tonya, are having a regular night out in their Texas town. Most of the kids from their high-school are hanging out at the popular Ice Shack when out of nowhere, a tornado sweeps through the town causing Jules and her friends to scramble for cover and pray for their safety.

Unfortunately, the town suffers a significant loss. Jules and her friends struggle to understand how their lives were turned upside down in the matter of minutes. For Jules, she copes with trying to understand new feelings that surface for her long-forgotten friend West, who helped protect her during the storm. Of course, we have to insert a complication, hence Jules struggle with her feelings for West when her own boyfriend Stuart is trying to provide her with comfort while dealing with his own family issues. Will Jules be able to relax in Stuart's embrace while every fiber of her being is aching to be held by West who makes her feel safe and secure? How will she and her friends survive after being pulled "From the Wreckage"?

Michele G. Miller has created such a world that sucked me straight in. The story is written as a "remembering" of events as Jules is filming her story for a film project (and I believe as a therapeutic mechanism). The switching between present day recording of the story and the events leading up to the filming are seamless and really provide an extra glimpse into feelings Jules is having. I think this is what helps make the story so engaging. Michele breaks down the "fourth wall" and connects with the readers. I couldn't help but feel like I was behind the camera and Jules was telling her story to me. I would LOVE to see this made into a movie, it would be awesome!

Superb writing, a realistic plot, sympathetic characters, and story of love and hope relay an enjoyable read that I couldn't put down. I've already purchased the next book and can't wait to get started reading it!

Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!
Ok, now that that's out of my system.....

I loved this book! I honestly don't even know where to start- I laughed, I cried... I was a mess lol. Michele is a wonderful writer and if you haven't picked up her other books yet you definitely should! But I digress...
While this book is about a budding romance, (West. Rutledge. SWOON!) it is also about surviving tragedy. Jules' town is hit by a tornado one night while she is out with her friends and the devastation it leaves behind is not only physical. I have never experienced something like this, so I found the story especially fascinating. What Jules went through was completely new to me and I definitely felt her pain. This story is about Jules' journey through grief and finding hope in the dark times.
Read it. You won't regret it. ;)

Michele G Miller is one of my favorite authors and people of all time! I have read and enjoyed her Young Adult Fantasy series (The Prophecy of Tyalbrook) and her New Adult book (Last Call). But in this story, Michele truly astounded me.

Living in Arkansas, I am far to familiar with the disaster and ruins left by tornadoes. I am blessed in the fact that I have never had to endure the pain, fear, stress, and loss that a tornado can bring within minutes. But reading From the Wreckage made me feel all of those things for the characters as they processed them themselves.

From the Wreckage follows Jules and West as they first survive and then overcome the devastation that is a tornado. Not all survive and those that do are never the same. Read From the Wreckage to find out what happens to Jules and West and see what they can scavenge from the wreckage.

All I can say about this book is….OMG! Right from the very beginning I was pulled into the story. Jules is your typical teenage girl who thinks nothing can go wrong but that all changes when the worse happens and they are trapped in a basement of a house after a tornado hits. After everything, the loss of her best friend Tanya (Michelle, I’m still not happy with you on this one ;)) as well as others, Jules is not sure how she can go on but is starting to rely on the one person she never would have guessed she would.
The story had me in tears and my heart went out to all those involved. This was a great story of rebuilding oneself after a devasting event. Cannot wait to read the next book in the series!!

I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
OMG! I loved this book, it had me laughing, crying and feeling the love. This was a quick read that held my attention, allowing me to fly through it in a few hours. I loved how raw the story was and how i'm sure a lot of people can relate to it.I liked how Jules told her story through video trying to cope with the tragedy. Michele G. Miller is a genius for writing it that way, it just makes everything more real.
I loved the growth from both Jules and West. It's amazing how one moment could change their lives so drastically, for both the better and the worse. I desperately need book two, to see if this love found in tragedy will survive.
From the Wreckage had me feeling so many emotions. When there were cute romantic parts I was as giddy as a school girl, but I also bawled my face off. This book is an amazing read and I would recommend it to all contemporary lovers. I NEED to continue this journey!

i cried. several times. im pretty sure they were ugly cries too. but whatever. this book is amazing. it covers so much and all the characters are easily likable. and you can connect to them if youve experienced something like this or have the same status in school. i loooovvee this boookk. im reading #2 right now! i recommend this book!! jules<3west!

I absolutely loved this book. It had a powerful impact on me the instant I read it. The author is amazing at describing the emotions of the characters, and that's what moved me the most - I felt like I was experiencing what they were feeling instantaneously. Based on the content alone, this book definitely deserves more than five stars. However, the reason why I only give it four is because in the book, Jules is remembering her story, yet the author narrates the entire book in present tense. This tiny flaw can be overlooked, but I personally think that the present tense makes the story a bit hard to follow.

A lovely coming of age story that digs into the emotional scars left behind when an act of Nature rips apart a young girl's world. How do you live when all you love is lost?
This is an engrossing novella in an upcoming series of novellas, and it is a fast-paced read. There is romance, teenage angst and emotional drama in spades.
Recommend for readers 15+.

This was a free treat! My first book by Michele Miller but definitely not my last. The connection between Jules and West was crazy and beautiful, and made you feel like you were right there in the room; it was just that awesome.

This was a great read. This was a real page turner. The characters are very believable. I love "disaster" type movies and books. This book had your emotions in high gear as you follow the teens through the actual tornado and then through all the devastation of the aftermath of not only their physical environment but of their personal physical and psychological trials.
I would recommend this book. It is well written and well edited.

OMG this book! PEOPLE. I absolutely LOVE it! I totally read it in one sitting. Drained the battery on my phone. Drained the battery on my laptop. I was HOOKED to say the least.

I love a good book with all the feels and this book packed it all. Cannot wait for the second book, Out of Ruins!

Can I have West Rutledge, Michele? Please?

I love this book. Not only does it tell a girls life after the wreckage but also durin and before. This book is so raw and heartbreakin. It tell a girls life during trauma and that one person she never thought was always there.

It's a very inspiring book!!! There was romance, fear, sorrow, and guilt throughout the book. Jules never gave up she kept fighting no matter how hard or tough it was for her to move on from the disaster!!! This is one of my all time favorite books!!!!! It is seriously a must read series!!!! I suggest every teenager to read this book and the rest of the series.

read it in one day! the book description was very intriging, yet didn't say what caused the consequences. well, the "what" was intense. the characters and scenes were well developed...you felt every emotion. have tissues ready for your tears. i also love that as an indie author, the editing is exceptiona!

So. This book was fine, but confusing at times. (Spoilers ahead.) The tornado scene, for example. I didn't understand ANYTHING for that entire chapter. The plot was a bit all over the place, too. The romantic scenes were nice, some relief from the scatterbrained nature of this book. No typos, which was also nice. Interesting, but not hooking enough for me to buy the second book in this series. Let's just leave it at, I would recommend this book for hopeless romantics, but not youngsters or readers whom enjoy books with beef.

Absolutly the best book i have read. I couldn't stop reading it. I just had to find out what was going to happen to Jules and West next. then when the first book ended I imedetly downloaded the second book now I can't hardly wait until the 3 rd one comes out to continue Jules and West's story.