Hourglass by Myra McEntire

Book Summer (Via Goodreads): For seventeen-year-old Emerson Cole, life is about seeing what isn’t there: swooning Southern Belles; soldiers long forgotten; a haunting jazz trio that vanishes in an instant. Plagued by phantoms since her parents’ death, she just wants the apparitions to stop so she can be normal. She’s tried everything, but the visions keep coming back.
So when her well-meaning brother brings in a consultant from a secretive organization called the Hourglass, Emerson’s willing to try one last cure. But meeting Michael Weaver may not only change her future, it may change her past.
Who is this dark, mysterious, sympathetic guy, barely older than Emerson herself, who seems to believe every crazy word she says? Why does an electric charge seem to run through the room whenever he’s around? And why is he so insistent that he needs her help to prevent a death that never should have happened?

Book Trailer:


Book Review:
Wow. I absolutely can not believe this is a debut book! I've read some books here and there regarding time travel, and I have to say this is the absolute best one to date, in my honest opinion of course. McEntire's writing is beautiful, flowing, and captivating. It took no time at all to read this book. Within the first few pages, I was hooked. McEntire's descriptions are like having coffee with an old friend. She sets you at ease, with the comfort of familiarity. Almost instantly, I felt like I knew Emerson. I easily pictured her sipping espresso, while dishing with Lily, playfully arguing with her brother, and even envisioned her "ripples" right along side her. I enjoyed the slow, progressive romance between Emerson and Michael. I was pleasantly surprised at Emerson's assertiveness with Michael, despite her feelings. It's good to see a genuinely confident female character in YA, who does not get swept away by the prospect of romance. I would have liked to see more interaction between Lily and Emerson. I hope their friendship, as well as Lily's overall character, become more fleshed out in the books to come. I enjoyed the time travel arc in the story, and loved learning more about it along side of Emerson. Overall, this is one fabulous debut. Color me impressed. I am very much looking forward the next installment in the series. Head on over to McEntire's blog for more info!

Favorite Quote:

" 'Number two: He might be his own brand of crazy.'

'Crazy like he's a serial killer, or crazy like he attends Star Trek conventions in full costume?'

'That's only crazy if you dress like a Klingon,' I pointed out.

Lily rolled her eyes." (p. 115)

Cover Art Commentary:
Well hello gorgeous! Where have you been all my life?! So, I don't know if you guys know this, but purple is my favorite color. ;) So besides the obvious AWESOME color choice, I like this cover because it's mysterious and draws the reader's eye. What exactly is going on? Who is that woman? What is she doing? See...now you're hooked! You gotta read it to find out!

Rating: