The Clearing - Heather Davis

Rating: 5/5

In this bittersweet romance, two teens living decades apart form a bond that will change their lives forever.

Amy is drawn to the misty, mysterious clearing behind her Aunt Mae’s place because it looks like the perfect place to hide from life. A place to block out the pain of her last relationship, to avoid the kids in her new town, to stop dwelling on what her future holds after high school.

Then, she meets a boy lurking in the mist—Henry. Henry is different from any other guy Amy has ever known. And after several meetings in the clearing, she’s starting to fall for him.

But Amy is stunned when she finds out just how different Henry really is. Because on his side of the clearing, it’s still 1944. By some miracle, Henry and his family are stuck in the past, staving off the tragedy that will strike them in the future. Amy’s crossing over to Henry’s side brings him more happiness than he’s ever known—but her presence also threatens to destroy his safe existence.

In The Clearing, author Heather Davis crafts a tender and poignant tale about falling in love, finding strength, and having the courage to make your own destiny—a perfect book to slip into and hide away for awhile. 

My Thoughts

I had randomly come across this book in the library and was immediately drawn to it. Perhaps is was the cover, which I thought was really pretty, or the True Love is Timeless stamped on the front. I'm a sucker for these kind of stories, I'll admit. But whatever the reason, I picked it up and checked it out. I didn't know at the time that this would become perhaps my favorite book. 

I loved this book from page one. Davis did a great job with telling the story. I liked how she didn't spoil Amy's past right away. She gave subtle hints suggesting she was a victim of an abusive relationship, but never actually confirming it until later on. I also loved how it was told from both Henry and Amy's perspectives. It was nice to see what was going on in Henry's life, as well as Amy's. It also sort of helped put pieces of the story together. The plot never got dull and I was always anxious to see what would happen next. 

Amy was a very likable main character. Sometimes in novels like this, the leading ladies are irritating and overdramatic, however, despite the hardships she went through, Amy held her ground. Sure there were times when she broke down, but that's understandable. She had a realistic relationship with her Aunt Mae; Mae was not overly protective, but she did care deeply for Amy. They had a trusting relationship, more like a friendship which I thought was sweet. 

Henry-what is there to say about Henry? He's the perfect boy. Always a gentleman and extremely sweet. The fact he was from the 40s just gave him this cute, likable quality and made me want a Henry of my own lol 

The end was pretty good. I would have liked it to end a different way, of course, but this was a nice alternative. So, if you're into the whole paranormal romance twilight thing but are tired of vampires/werewolves like me (love them but vampires are being seriously overplayed and its kinda annoying, but i'll continue reading them anyway :)) then this book is perfect for you. Enjoy!