Title: Forever Changed
Author: Tiffany King
First published June 6, 2012
299 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 3.93
Overview
Kassandra Cole had the perfect life – great parents, friends, and the perfect high school experience. But when her father dies in a fatal accident, everything changes.
Kassandra’s life is turned upside down, making her question everything she once believed in. Her perfect world is shattered, leaving her to pick up the pieces and try to find a new normal.
Maddon Johnson’s life is vastly different from Kassandra’s. Abandoned by his mother at a young age, he’s left alone to deal with an abusive, alcoholic father.
He’s just trying to survive until he can get out and make a better life for himself.
But when Maddon’s father’s actions crash into Kassandra’s life, everything changes. Suddenly, Maddon believes in love and finds himself wanting to be a part of Kassandra’s life.
As they navigate their way through grief and healing, they find that they might just be what the other needs to move forward. Forever Changed is a heartwarming story of love and loss, and the power of healing.
About the Author
Tiffany King is an author who has been passionate about reading for her entire life. Now, she’s living her dream by writing Young Adult and New Adult romance stories for others to enjoy.
She’s happily married with two wonderful kids, and has three spoiled cats who are part of her family. In her free time, Tiffany enjoys using her iPhone and iPad, indulging in chocolate and Diet Coke, reading Harry Potter books, watching her favorite TV shows, and even zombies.
If you’re curious about her favorite TV shows, just ask! You can connect with Tiffany on her webpage at authortiffanyjking.blogspot.com, as well as through Twitter (@AuthorTiffany) and Facebook (Author Tiffany King).
Editoral Review
Tiffany King’s novel, Forever Changed, is a heartfelt and emotionally intense work that follows the journey of a young woman as she navigates life after a tragedy. King, an American author who has written several young adult novels, has created a powerful narrative that explores themes of loss, grief, love, and hope, wrapped up in a warm and engaging package.
The novel takes place in the small town of Tallahassee, where a fateful accident changes the life of Samantha Kingston, the protagonist, forever. Struggling to cope with the loss of her family, including her twin brother, Sam turns to self-destructive behavior to numb her pain.
But when she meets Blake, a new student at her school, Sam begins to see the possibility of a different future. The story unfolds from there, as Sam and Blake navigate the challenges of their relationship and the difficulties of their pasts.
King’s writing is clear and concise, with a focus on character development that makes the reader deeply invested in Sam and the people around her. The pacing of the novel is steady, with just enough tension and twists to keep the story moving forward without feeling rushed.
The setting of Tallahassee is also brought to life effectively, creating a sense of place that feels authentic and relatable. One of the strongest aspects of Forever Changed is its exploration of grief and loss.
King does an excellent job of capturing the raw and complex emotions that come with such a devastating experience, and she portrays Sam’s journey with empathy and sensitivity. This book will resonate with anyone who has experienced loss or trauma, and it may offer solace to those who are struggling to cope.
However, while the novel is successful in many ways, it does have some weaknesses. At times, the dialogue feels forced or cliched, and some of the secondary characters are not as fully realized as they could be.
The romance between Sam and Blake is also somewhat predictable, and while it is sweet and heartwarming, it does not necessarily break new ground in terms of YA fiction. Overall, though, Forever Changed is a worthwhile read, and it might be especially compelling for young adults who are dealing with issues of loss or who are in need of a hopeful story.
King is a skilled storyteller, and her ability to capture the emotional depth of her characters is impressive. This book is recommended for anyone who enjoys contemporary YA fiction with a strong emotional core.
Rating: 4/5 stars.
