REVIEW: One Moment by Kristina McBride

Synopsis

This was supposed to be the best summer of Maggie’s life. Now it’s the one she’d do anything to forget.

Maggie Reynolds remembers hanging out at the gorge with her closest friends after a blowout party the night before. She remembers climbing the trail hand in hand with her perfect boyfriend, Joey. She remembers that last kiss, soft, lingering, and meant to reassure her. So why can’t she remember what happened in the moment before they were supposed to dive? Why was she left cowering at the top of the cliff, while Joey floated in the water below—dead?

As Maggie’s memories return in snatches, nothing seems to make sense. Why was Joey acting so strangely at the party? Where did he go after taking her home? And if Joey was keeping these secrets, what else was he hiding?

The latest novel from the author of The Tension of Opposites, One Moment is a mysterious, searing look at how an instant can change everything you believe about the world around you.

Hardcover, 272 pages
Expected publication: June 26th 2012 by EgmontUSA
ISBN 160684086X (ISBN13: 9781606840863)


About the Author

Kristina McBride, a former English teacher and yearbook advisor, dreamed of being a published author since she was a child and lived across the street from a library. Kristina has published two novels for young adults - The Tension of Opposites (May 2010) and One Moment (June 2012). She lives in Ohio with her husband and two young children.

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My Thoughts

"So you're gonna do it?" Adam looked at me, his sun-blazed cheeks aglow with a daring smile.

Maggie is anticipating a great summer vacation. It's the summer before her senior year of high school, she and her friends are breaking loose and having fun, and she has plans for a special surprise for her steady boyfriend Joey of two years when his parents go out of town and leave him home alone. But then everything changes with the sudden death of the boyfriend that is like a bright light in a dark sky-- full of life and intense energy and recklessness.

Helping Maggie through these trying days are her best friend Adam and girlfriends Shannon and Tanna.
But questions arise surrounding Joey's death and the weeks leading up to it, and Maggie begins to wonder whether she really knew Joey at all.

If I had one more moment with Joey, I’d ask what part of it all he regretted most in that last moment of his life. (p. 195)

I really enjoyed this lovely little YA novel.This was my introduction to author Kristina McBride, and I found the writing very effective, bringing scenes to life for me. The author does a wonderful job of beautifully capturing the fresh passion of new love...

...he smiled, his fingers stroking my chin, trailing slowly down my neck, lighting my entire body on fire.

“That was nice,” he said.

I nodded, unable to find my voice.

“I want to gulp you down.”

I loved the smoky sound of his voice as he whispered to me.

“But I have to take sips. Or else this thing could be dangerous.” (p. 76)

At times gritty and spirited, other times emotional and sentimental, the story grabbed me and held me throughout. I don't recall a moment when I was bored or wishing it would end. The characters were well-developed. I wanted to comfort Maggie, shake Adam, at times even slap Shannon. But most of all you will find yourself becoming Maggie's cheerleader.

My final word: In a word, how did this book make me feel in the end? Hopeful...


Cover: 8.5 out of 10
Writing Style: 8 out of 10
Characters: 7.5 out of 10
Storyline/Plot: 7.5 out of 10
Interest/Uniqueness: 8 out of 10

My Rating: 8 out of 10


Disclosure:

I received a copy of this e-book to review through Egmont USA and Netgalley, in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not financially compensated in any way, and the opinions expressed are my own and based on my observations while reading this novel. The book that I received was an uncorrected proof, and I did not have access to an actual release to check the quotes in the published novel.