Review: The Clearing

The Clearing by Heather Davis

Summary (from Goodreads): 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.

My Thoughts: When I read the description of this book, I couldn’t help but think of The Time Traveler’s Wife. And it wasn’t just because the main male character is named Henry. There’s the clearing, similar to the large field where Henry and Clare first met – and where he often returned. Aside from that, though, the books really aren’t all that similar.

Amy leaves Seattle for a rural setting for a chance to start over. She’s now living with her great-aunt Mae. Behind Mae’s trailer is a clearing with a very heavy curtain of mist. Beyond that mist is a patch of land that still is in the year 1944. This is where Henry lives with his mother and grandfather. He and Amy fall in love, of course.

I really, really enjoyed this book. I’m happy I got to read it. It was different enough from The Time Traveler’s Wife that one did not interfere with the other. There’s still a great love story with some bittersweet parts mixed in. Unlike The Time Traveler’s Wife, I would say this one ends on a bit of a happier note.

What I found quite compelling was how Amy’s life was suddenly different once Henry returned home and decided to try to undo the limbo in which his family was living. Remarkable to me how drastically it altered Amy’s life, even to the point of sparing her what led to her move in the first place.

My Rating: 4.5 stars

Source: Received through Around The World Tours for review.

Read It: Get your own copy HERE. (This is an Amazon link, and purchase through this link will result in my receiving a small commission. Your support is appreciated!)

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FTC Disclosure: All items reviewed were either obtained by me for my own enjoyment or sent (from the author, publisher, publicist, via tour sites, etc.) in exchange for an honest review. I receive no monetary compensation for my posts. All opinions expressed are my own.

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