The Clearing - Heather Davis

Amy, a sixteen-year-old recovering from an abusive relationship, moves to the country to start a new life with her aunt–all she wants is for everything to be different. In the clearing at the back of Aunt Mae’s property, she makes an amazing discovery—Henry, a boy stuck in the endless summer of 1944. Henry and his world become Amy’s refuge and she begins to learn that some moments are worth savoring. But when the past and present come crashing together, both of them must find the courage to face what is meant to be, even if it means losing each other forever.

(Synopsis obtained from goodreads.com)

Title: The Clearing

Author: Heather Davis

Genre: Young Adult, Romance

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Graphia

My Rating: 4/5

This book is such an elegant read. It starts off with Amy relocating to her Great Aunt Mae's after an abusive relationship. She needs time to heal, and finds herself drawn into the mist in the clearing on her Great Aunt's property. She soaks in the feeling of being completely hidden in the mist, but once through it, finds herself in another era. The contrast between now, and 1944 was brilliantly explained. I really felt like I was swept up along with Amy and placed in the 1940's alongside her. There, she meets Henry, and slowly falls in love with him. I loved the imagery, the perpetual summer, and the feeling of wanting more. Being a country girl, I could relate to the authenticity in Henry's world.

I really loved how slowly this story was told, but wish that it had been longer. As much as I loved the ending, I wish it could have been summed up in more than one page. It would have ended things beautifully then. This was definitely a poignant, and mesmerizing read, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this book to anyone. I will also say there isn't a lot of action, but the meandering pace works well for this book.

All in all, it was a great coming of age story, and it really drew at my heart strings. If you like a slowly developed story, without a lot of action, this is the book for you.

Disclaimer: This book was obtained through netgalley, free of charge, in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for sending me this copy to review.