Title: One Moment
Author: Kristina McBride
Publisher: EgmontUSA
Publish Date: June 26, 2012
Genre: YA, Contemporary
Pages: 272
Source: Publisher

Maggie Reynolds remembers hanging out at the gorge with her closest friends after a blowout party the night before. She remembers climbing the trail hand in hand with her perfect boyfriend, Joey. She remembers that last kiss, soft, lingering, and meant to reassure her. So why can’t she remember what happened in the moment before they were supposed to dive? Why was she left cowering at the top of the cliff, while Joey floated in the water below—dead?

As Maggie’s memories return in snatches, nothing seems to make sense. Why was Joey acting so strangely at the party? Where did he go after taking her home? And if Joey was keeping these secrets, what else was he hiding?

Maggie's memory is scattered, to say the very least. The last time her memory and her psyche were whole, she was standing at the top of a cliff preparing to jump on a dare with her perfect boyfriend. She doesn't, however, remember why she remained on the cliff while Joey died that day. Trying to piece her fractured memories back together, Maggie must discover the truth of what happened that day, why Joey had changed and what left her at the top of the cliff while he died that day. Finding out the truth might just be more painful than losing her memory altogether though.

I remember the first time I saw this cover, I was immediately in love. There's something so serene about the title and cover that imply a sense of peace, but the synopsis promises a tumultuous journey to the truth and self-discovery. One Moment didn't disappoint in that respect, whatsoever. Kristina McBride's newest novel bares its heart on its sleeve, or the pages so to speak, giving the reader unique access into grief, coping and discovering a sense of peace and closure. Sweetly written, softly poetic and just a touch heartbreaking, One Moment doesn't skimp on the emotion and never fails to tug at your heartstrings.

First and foremost, I love the characterization within One Moment. Maggie is a complex character, in large part because of her broken memory. At the same time, however, I could always sense what was below the surface for her. Despite her confusion and her desperate need to discover the truth in that tragic day, her deep-seeded pain and grief always broke through. There was a genuine vulnerability to her, as well, that made it easier to relate to her situation and made me want to empathize with her further. I'll admit I thought it was going to be a bit more of a whodunit sort of thing, but uncovering the truths in that day was actually a bit more simplistic, as it was simply woven into and enmeshed in the story of six friends who've known one another their whole lives. The best part of One Moment for me was being able to grow through Maggie's journey, as well. Watching her heal and find peace definitely soothes the soul. I did, unfortunately, guess Joey's secret from the start, so the predictability threw me a bit, but when I overlook that detail, the story soared. It wasn't entirely riveting, having known some key details simply by guessing, but it was good, sweet and definitely powerful read.

Overall, I quite enjoyed One Moment despite the predictability. I think it's a strong addition to the YA market. I give it a 3.5 out of 5, and I definitely recommend it to all fans of YA, especially those who enjoy contemporary fiction.

I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

In My Mailbox is an amazing weekly meme hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren that features the books we have received during the week. It's so much fun because we get to see what our fellow bloggers stumbled upon this week and add even more to our piles of books! Without further ado, this week I received the following books:

FOR REVIEW

(ARC) Blood by K.J. Wignall

Thank you, Egmont, USA

"I do not remember being bitten. I wish I did, for then I would know the creature who did this to me and I would have a purpose, to track him down and repay him for the poisoned gift he gave me."

Back in the 13th Century, Will was destined to be Earl of Mercia. He never lived to inherit his title, struck down by a strange illness and buried beneath the city walls. But Will was not dead, and only now, seven lonely centuries later, does he begin to understand that there was a reason for all of this, that he has a destiny.

FOR REVIEW

(ARC) Ditched: A Love Story by Robin Mellom

Thank you, Hyperion

High school senior Justina Griffith was never the girl who dreamed of going to prom. Designer dresses and strappy heels? Not her thing. So she never expected her best friend, Ian Clark, to ask her.

Ian, who always passed her the baseball bat handle first. Ian, who knew exactly when she needed red licorice. Ian, who promised her the most amazing night at prom.

And then ditched her.

FOR REVIEW

Wynter Chelsea: The Sublimity by Becca Ritchie

Thank you, Becca

Amanda Chelsea. The Beacon. A friend. A sister. And... and... a daughter? Now part of the legacy, Amanda has exactly what she wanted, but the price she paid comes back to haunt her. The true terrors of the Wynter Chelsea legacy are exposed, and is it everything she thought it would be? As Jack Chelsea struggles to accept his position as leader, Killian steps in as a tyrannical replacement.

When the situation doesn't seem like it can get much worse, Dustin distances himself from Amanda.

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine, and specifically spotlights upcoming novels we can't wait to read. As always, there are some amazing upcoming books, but this week I'm particularly excited for...

Title: Tris & Izzie
Author: Mette Ivie Harrison
Publisher: EgmontUSA
Published: October 11, 2011
Genre: YA, Contemporary
Pages: 272

A modern retelling of the German legend "Tristan and Isolde", "Tris and Izzy", is about a young witch named Izzie who is dating Mark King, the captain of the basketball team and thinks her life is going swimmingly well.

That is, until-- she makes a love potion for her best friend Brangane and then ends up taking it herself accidentally, and falling in love with Tristan, the new guy at school.

I'm not going to lie...that's a pretty darn vague description. That said, I'm a sucker for classic romances (especially doomed ones - colour me a sadist) like Tristan & Isolde. Plus, I like modern spins on classic tales, and I especially like it when they have incredible covers. So, basically, Tris & Izzie has all the makings of what I hope for in a great book...I certainly hope it lives up when it finally comes out! What do you think, and what are you waiting on this week?

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine, and specifically spotlights upcoming novels we can't wait to read. As always, there are some amazing upcoming books, but this week I'm particularly excited for...

Title: Hourglass
Author: Myra McEntire
Publisher: EgmontUSA
Published: May 24, 2011
Genre: YA, Sci-Fi, Paranormal
Pages: 352

Since the age of fourteen, Emerson Cole has seen strange things – dead things – swooning Southern Belles, soldiers, and other eerie apparitions of the past. She’s tried everything to get rid of the visions: medication, counseling, asylums. Nothing’s worked.

So, when Emerson's well-meaning brother calls in yet another consultant from a mysterious organization called the Hourglass, Emerson’s willing to give it one last try.

Michael Weaver is no ordinary consultant. He's barely older than she is; he listens like no one she's ever met before; and he doesn't make her feel the least bit crazy. As Emerson ventures deeper into the world of the Hourglass, she begins to learn the truth about her past, her future--and her very life.

Ok, first of all, let me wipe the drool off my face as I continue on this cover-lust train. Anyhoo, in all honesty...seriously...look at that cover! I'm pretty sure the girl is walking into the floor. There's some serious gravity-defying nonsense going on, and I'm endlessly intrigued by the cover, alone. Then, there's that awesome premise. I'm loving the sound of this sort of time-travel, part past, part present novel. Hourglass sounds awfully rich and promising to me! What do you think, and what are you waiting on this week?