#BlogTour for In Place of Never by @JulieALindsey with review #YA #Giveaway @KensingtonBooks @YABoundToursPR

In Place of Never

by Julie Anne Lindsey
Release Date: February 2nd 2016
Lyrical Press

Can the truth set her free?…

A part of Mercy died the summer her sister tragically drowned. Now Mercy has a chance to discover if Faith’s death was an accident—or murder. Her first step is to confront the lead suspects: a band of traveling gypsies—the last people who saw her sister alive. But Mercy finds an unexpected ally in Cross, the soulful musician in their ranks. He’s a kindred spirit, someone who sees into her heart for the first time in, well, forever. Yet stirring up the past puts Mercy in danger…

Suddenly someone is shadowing Mercy’s every move, making her even more determined to uncover the facts. With Cross by her side, she is ready to face it all, even if that means opening up to him, knowing he may one day leave her. What she discovers is a truth that rocks the foundation of her small river town—and a love worth risking everything for….

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In Place of Never by Julie Anne Lindsey is a poignant and powerful read. The cover simply spoke to me and the summary made me want to read it (like NOW). I devoured the book in one evening. Mercy's voice drew me in with its mixture of melancholy, unbelievable honesty, wit and gentle strength. This girl has had to endure so much in her young life and before she leaves for college she needs answers. Answers to some of the most troubling events in her life--in particular the death, and the mystery surrounding, the loss of her older sister, Faith. Mercy is incredibly insightful and I settled back to enjoy her outlook on things. 

The story has this wonderful pace--not too fast and not too slow. Just the right speed so I can enjoy each and every line, repeat the ones I admire, and fully comprehend what this character is saying (on each line and in between them). There is mystery surrounding Faith's death centering around the Lovell family and their traveling show. When they return to town, Mercy sees this as a sign. Meeting Cross (part of this show) enables her to search for these answers while also dealing with her own return to life. For too long she'd fallen from living her life, consumed by the things happening around her and to her. I liked the interactions and developing 'forbidden' romance between mercy and Cross. 

Growing up as a pastor's kid had its challenges and losing both a sibling and mother certainly left behind their own kind of scarring. But this book is not just about loss and pain and picking up the pieces. There is reaffirmation, connecting, awakening and so much more to enjoy. While focusing on a certain section of a picture, Mercy sees that there's more to the entire photograph--for example she adored Faith and she sees that her younger sister Pru also needs a sister to look up to. 

Julie Anne Lindsey has written an engrossing YA story with a main character I found easy to like, trust and befriend. Her incredible voice, an intriguing storyline, interesting and well-rounded characters and an engaging plot had me reading long into the night. Staying up late is always okay when the reading experience is memorable. In Place of Never has found a place in my heart. I loved it!

Rating: 5

Cover comment: Visually gorgeous

Book source: NetGalley

About the Author

Julie Anne Lindsey is a multi-genre author who writes the stories that keep her up at night. She’s a self-proclaimed nerd with a penchant for words and proclivity for fun. Mother of three, wife to a sane person and Ring Master at the Lindsey Circus, most days you'll find her online, amped up on caffeine and wielding a book. Julie started writing to make people smile. Someday she plans to change the world.

Julie is a member of the International Thriller Writers (ITW), Sisters in Crime (SinC) and the Canton Writer’s Guild.

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