I've loved Elizabeth Scott's novels for years... I've read ever one of her Simon Pulse titles starting with BLOOM way back in 2007. Each time I see that she has a new one on the way, I find myself excited, but, unfortunately, BETWEEN HERE AND FOREVER fell short of my expectations.

Scott's Simon Pulse novels are relatively light, quick reads, which is nice after reading a dense novel or an especially emotional read. I treat Scott's novels almost like transitions... They have hints of depth and offer small doses of tough subjects without making them the main focus. Instead, they're more romance centered with an underlying issue as the obstacle.

BETWEEN HERE AND FOREVER fit this familiar formula, but I didn't love the main character, which was an issue. Instead of being easy to relate to, I found Abby's constant comparison between herself and her older sister Tess to be repetitive and shallow. I call it the Jane Eyre syndrome: If you keep insisting you're plain and not good enough, readers will see you as plain and not good enough - or I will at least.

I did, however, like the 'tough subjects' Scott explored in this novel, like prejudice based on color in a small town and the difficulty of knowing where one fits in. Maybe it's just me, but I haven't read very many novels where the love interest isn't Caucasian. Eli was a refreshing change and he quickly developed into my favorite character.

Overall, BETWEEN HERE AND FOREVER was a cute, worthwhile read, especially if you're a regular reader of Scott's novels, but there are others I'd recommend before this one. If you're thinking about picking up a Scott novel for the first time, I'd recommend STEALING HEAVEN, PERFECT YOU, or THE UNWRITTEN RULE. ( )

This book is absolutely riveting. There are so many surprises and turns. I loved watched Abby's romance, and curiosity, with Eli brew. I loved watching her grow, and how her opinions of her sister and herself changed throughout the book. One of the things that I love about Elizabeth Scott's writing is that she writes how real people talk- how they take breaks, not finish sentences, and change their minds while they're talking. It's so easy and wonderful to read. This book actually reminded me somewhat of her other book, Perfect You, which is my favorite of hers, just because of Abby and Eli's relationship. Anyway, I'm rambling. It's a fantastic book. Keep an open mind and read it! ( )

I cried! LOL Review to come! ( )

As a fan of Elizabeth Scott, I was excited to hear that she was coming out with a new title and I was even more excited when I was offered the chance to review it through the S&S Galley Grab.

I don't really know what I was expecting with this novel but I can honestly say, this wasn't really it. I guess I was expecting Abby to be a little more angry than she was, I expected her family to be a little more complicated. I wasn't expecting Abby's entire life to revolve around her sister Tess. I wasn't expecting her to be obsessed with waking Tess up even though she felt second best to her when she was around (or awake rather since Tess moved away to college ages ago). I get that Abby was insecure, but when every other sentence is about her comparing herself to her sister for 250 pages, it gets a little frustrating. And to be honest, her obsession with Tess was disturbing! Poor Eli! I woulda freaked the hell out! I also think that after Abby found out the "truth" about Tess, her overreacting about Tess' life had absolutely nothing to do with her!

As far as Eli, I didn't really understand what his purpose in the book was. I get that he was a pretty face with his own personal problems but they just didn't really seem to fit into the plot. I was intrigued by the fact that Eli had OCD, as someone who has OCD I wish we had known more about Eli.

I finished the book feeling unsatisfied. We never really find out what happens to Tess. Another thing that bothered me was that there were far too many dashes and unfinished sentences/thoughts between the characters. I'm not saying that the sentences were completely cut off, just that Abby would often change her thoughts mid thought. Kinda confused things. ( )

In Between Here and Forever, it somewhat felt like we had two main roles, Abby and her sister Tess. I felt that way because Abby has made her life revolve around Tess before and after her sister went into a coma. Everything Abby does is to help Tess, which includes talking to the good-looking Eli (more on this hunk later!). I could tell at some point Abby’s situation and life was about to get screwy, because she was missing key information…and it did. I guessed one plot point, which surprised because normally I’m a horrible guesser at such things.

I’ll admit how Abby thought of herself was annoying at times. She never thought she was good enough and she thought she was overshadowed by Tess. I don’t personally understand the idea of having an older sibling who you feel you can’t compare to (I’m the oldest), but I know this is the case for many younger siblings. I think Abby deserves some credit for wanting something (even if it’s about her sister) and striving to have it/get it done. A character in Between Here and Forever called Abby a “firecracker,” I understand what he meant.

Now can I talk a bit about Eli?! Elizabeth Scott made the perfect swoon-worthy boy for Between Here and Forever…WOW! Not only is Eli gorgeous, but he’s also sweet and kind to everyone. He’s has every nurse at the hospital gawking at him, young and old. Later on in Between Here and Forever we find out Eli isn’t 100% perfect, but his flaws don’t take away from the person Eli really is. If Eli didn’t make an appearance in Between Here and Forever, I don’t think I would have enjoyed it as much.

Elizabeth’s Scott writing style is just as her other books and I still love it. I’ve read other reviews of readers saying they like her writing style, but was annoyed by Abby and her lack of self-confidence, among other things. If you are going to pick up any Elizabeth Scott novel, I would suggest starting with Stealing Heaven…it’s my favorite of hers! ( )