Review: As You Turn Away by Molli Moran

Title: As You Turn Away
Author: Molli Moran
Published: March 1st 2014
Source: Copy given by author for honest review
Genre: Contemporary Romance
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Caution: May contain spoilers

She yearns to take a leap back into his arms—but only if he can convince her they'll make it to forever this time.

With a life as a ballerina in New York City—and the freedom she craved while growing up in a small Southern town—Quinn Reynolds seems to have everything she's ever wanted. But it's all built on a painful past she can't outrun. Desperate to make peace with her ghosts, she goes home for a visit.

Back in the town she once loved, Quinn tries to rebuilt the relationship she destroyed when she fled, which may be harder than she realized. And her life gets more complicated when Jonah Walker returns, reminding her of the love she's never been able to forget. 

Or experience with anyone else since him.

Jonah Walker became someone he didn't recognize when he left his hometown to escape his anguish over losing Quinn. He kept his family at arm's length and became a shell of his former self. But if he hopes to find redemption, he has to own his mistakes—especially if he wants another chance with Quinn.

Together, they struggle to forgive and create a new future. But Quinn could lose Jonah forever if they can't overcome their past and the obstacles ahead of them.

My Thoughts:

There are a lot of books that get published out there. Some are good, some are very good, and some, well, they're amazing. As You Turn Away is amazing. I followed Molli's tweets as she was writing it and from that I knew that this one was going to go deep and it was going to bring the tears. Did it? Oh my goodness, you better believe it did.

Quinn and Jonah are both at a critical juncture in their lives. Jonah has come home after being away for years to stay with his family, and Quinn has returned to visit hers. Being home with family opens up a lot of emotions for everyone. The past tries to haunt them, but they push through it and try to rebuild for a better future.

The most amazing thing about this story, to me, is that it isn't all romance. It's there (very much so) but it goes beyond that, like the New Adult genre should. A huge part of the story revolves around family and friendships--something that is lacking in society today. Spending time with family is something that should be more common. I'm glad that Molli brought that out and showed the importance of it.

Back to the romance though... Quinn and Jonah have a history from years ago and something tore them apart right before they left for college. Now that they're both in the same place again, they're attempting to be friends. Of course, they still have feelings for each other and it starts to get very hard to hold back on them. The two of them together? Trust me, it will make you melt.

As You Turn Away is a powerful debut from Molli Moran. It is a bittersweet story, one that will have you equal parts every emotion. Reading it broke me at certain points, and I found myself just crying my eyes out. It's been awhile since a book has done that to me. And the end? Perfect, honest, realistic. I am so looking forward to the next book in this series.