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Thank you to NetGalley for the audio version of this book for review.
If you’ve read my review of Seven Days in June, you know how deeply I believe in the power of first love, that’s part of what drew me to this story. The other was that it was a “Listen Now” option on NetGalley, which meant that I didn’t have to wait for approval to start listening.
BOOK DETAILS
Title: The Space Between
Author: Sarah Ready
Narrators: James Fouhey and Rachel F. Hirsch
Publisher: Swift & Lewis Publishing LLC
Publication Date: 25 July 2023
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Format: Audiobook
Listening Time: 13 hours and 13 minutes
ABOUT THE BOOK (from the book)
Jace and Andrea. Andrea and Jace. From the moment of their fate-filled first meeting in Central Park, they’ve known one true thing—they’re meant to be.
Life doesn’t have many certainties, but for Andrea and Jace, forever is one of them.
Andrea Leighton-Hughes—shockingly wealthy Upper East Sider, a chess-piece in her family’s games since before she was born—knows what it’s like to hide behind a mask. Her world is one of lies, manipulation, and reputation. Jace is the first and only person to see who she truly is.
Jace Morgan is no stranger to tragedy, and every day is a struggle to get by. A musical prodigy from the Bronx, Jace and his brothers will do whatever it takes to climb to the top of the music charts. Andrea is the first and only person who has helped him play from the heart.
No one understands their connection. No one understands their love.
As Jace and Andrea struggle to stay together and prove that love defeats all obstacles, life sets out to prove them wrong.
What happens when two people promise forever, but life tears them apart?
What happens in the time they aren’t together—in the space between?
A love that lasts decades and a friendship that never dies. Sarah Ready’s The Space Between is a novel full of passion, betrayal, longing, and redemption—where love and lyrics hold the key to everything.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Author Sarah Ready writes contemporary romance and romantic comedy. Her books have been described as “euphoric”, “heartwarming” and “laugh out loud”. Her debut novel The Fall in Love Checklist was hailed as “the unicorn read of 2020”. She lives in the Caribbean with her family and water-loving pup.
Keep up with Sarah Ready on Facebook, Goodreads, and Instagram.
ABOUT THE NARRATORS
James Fouhey is an actor and AudioFile Earphones Award-winning narrator living in New York City.
Keep up with James Fouhey on Instagram and Twitter.
Rachel F. Hirsch is a multifaceted performing artist, actor, voi ce over artist, musician, writer, and producer.
Keep up with Rachel F. Hirsch on Facebook and Twitter.
BOOK REVIEW
Story
Is it possible for a story to be heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time? If so, this it. Jace and Andrea met and fell in love as teenagers and, then, through circumstances beyond their control, they were separated and had to learn to navigate life on their own. In the space between them losing and finding each other again, they both had to deal with past demons and traumas.
The story was well-written, although, I think there was a little too much focus on the dreariness that was Andreas’s life after she and Jace separated. But that took an unexpected and delightful turn when she accepted a challenge from an old acquaintance. Watching her character grow and develop was a pleasure and made the novel more enjoyable.
Narration
This audiobook is narrated by James Fouhey and Rachel F. Hirsch in alternating sections. Initially, I found the dual narration a little distracting, but once I got into the story, I appreciated reading
The narration of the audiobook was, initially, a little off putting. Especially at the beginning of the book when the narrators were reading the teenaged characters. Once they settled into adulthood, it was a little less distracting.
I’m still not sure if I’m completely sold on dual narrators, but I think it worked for this book. Hearing the words in male and female voices made the story really come to life.
Overall
I initially had a hard time getting into the story. Andrea was annoying and unrealistic, while Jace was just too idealistic and immature. However, as the story went on, I became a little more invested in their stories. The twists and turns were unexpected and the emotional bumps provided a nice release. I even teared up at a few points. I do, however, think there was too much focus on how Andrea became cold and unsmiling after she and Jace parted ways. The way she treated her assistants came across less as someone who was career focused and more like someone with mis-directed anger.
I gave the book 4 out of 5 stars because I did enjoy the story as a whole and it made for easy listening during my travels between campuses.
Trigger Warnings
Murder. Attempted rape. Drug and alcohol use. Physical violence.
IT’S YOUR TURN
Have you read this book? What are your thoughts? Let’s discuss in the comments below. If you haven’t, feel free to purchase the book using the link below.
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