This may be one of the most difficult reviews I will ever write. I don’t really want to give away spoilers but feel like there are some things that need to be disclosed to the readers about To The Stars by Molly McAdams.
First of all I want to say that this is a solid 5 Star book. The writing is superb. The delivery of the story from duo POV’s, as well as past and present, make this story authentic. Molly McAdams unique talent of writing an emotionally involving story that wrenches the readers heart goes beyond expectations. What she delivers in To The Stars will engage every emotion imaginable and will engage the reader physically to the point of pain. This book is quite different from her previous new adult romances. It goes beyond the emotional angst and delves into emotional terror.
The synopsis for this book is a bit deceiving. It leads readers to believe that this is a second chance romance after teenage angst tore this couple apart. It has the second chance romance that readers were expecting. The difference is the journey Harlow has had to travel. It is beyond a teenage girl making bad choices due to immaturity. The choices she made led her down a road no woman, young or old, ever wants to be on. She chose the wrong man and ended up scarred for life, emotionally and physically. She endured physical abuse that led to a life of terror.
This is a book about surviving domestic abuse. If this subject matter is a trigger or hard point, do not read it. Molly pulled out the big guns and gave the reader a very vivid, graphic, and painful look at domestic violence.
Harlow was in an awkward position in life that led her to choosing the wrong man to spend her life with. When she met Knox she was a fifteen year old girl. She was too mature for the boys her age but not emotionally mature enough for an older guy. Rather than diving into a romantic relationship, they developed a strong friendship with the promise of more when she turned eighteen. By the time she reached eighteen, she still did not have enough life experience or social experience to make the right choice where romance was concerned. Because of her inexperience and immaturity, her perceptions of Knox’s behavior were off base. What she perceived as rejection was something different altogether. Her reaction was what a typical girl would do at that age. She moved on to another guy. She didn’t look at the overall picture, she didn’t analyze her emotions, and she didn’t listen to her gut instinct. She dove head first into a relationship that appeared to be perfect in everyone’s eyes even though deep down she knew her heart ached for the boy she had once loved. She rushed into marriage and ended up in living hell. For five years she lived in a nightmare where the monster was very real.
When she runs into Knox at a coffee shop in town, she’s a hollow shadow of the girl he once loved. When her secrets begin to surface it awakens the horrific beast that was hiding beneath the terrifying monster she already knew. It’s too late for her and Knox. She has finally reached her breaking point and resigned herself to the life she chose. She’s lost all hope. She’s lost all her will.
Knox has loved Harlow for seven years. He is going to do everything in his power to save the girl he has always loved. It doesn’t matter that she chose another man. What matters most is that the girl he loved is freed from the nightmare. He wants her to reach for the stars. He wants to see the girl he once knew find herself again. He has loved her to the stars and back. Now he wants her to love herself.
As I read this story my stomach was in knots. At times I was physically sick to my stomach. I was horrified at Harlow’s life. I felt every emotion, every moment of terror, and the resignation in her soul. I could easily see how a young,impressionable young woman could easily fall into this kind of abusive relationship. It clearly is not from lack of intelligence, lack of good judgement, or lack of self esteem. It’s from inexperience and emotional immaturity. There isn’t wisdom or previous experiences to draw upon. There’s the desire to find romance and prince charming. There’s the desire to be an adult and make your own choices in life. Harlow didn’t give herself the chance to blossom. Growing as an individual takes time, life experience, and reflection.
Molly McAdams delivered a powerful story that will make readers cringe but also become aware of all the ramifications caused by domestic violence. She didn’t sugarcoat the story or add fluff to the romance. She gave the readers a very real view of a life many women have lived. The one message I took away from this book is that no matter how bad life can be there is always hope if you are brave enough to reach for the stars.
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Top reviews from other countries
Julie Kirby
5 top dollar stars. You're going to love Harlow and Knox!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 1, 2016
Mandy thomson
5 stars isn't enough for to the stars
Reviewed in Australia on March 10, 2017