So Close to You
Publication: July 10, 2012
Pages: 313
Author: Website | Facebook | Twitter
Publisher: Harper Teen
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Lydia Bentley has heard stories about the Montauk Project all her life: stories about the strange things that took place at the abandoned military base near her home and the people who’ve disappeared over the years. Stories about people like her own great-grandfather.
When Lydia stumbles into a portal that transports her to a dangerous and strange new reality, she discovers that all the stories she’s ever heard about the Montauk Project are true, and that she’s in the middle of one of the most dangerous experiments in history.
Alongside a darkly mysterious boy she is wary to trust, Lydia begins to unravel the secrets surrounding the Project. But the truths behind these secrets force her to question all her choices–and if Lydia chooses wrong, she might not save her family but destroy them . . . and herself.
My favorite part of the novel was definitely the time travel aspect. Because of the time travel, I got to meet Lydia’s relatives and get to know life as it was back in 1944. Mary was definitely my favorite. She’s such a sweet, bubbly girl. The mood was always light and playful when she was around. I also liked Dean and his protectiveness over his family. As much as I like all of these characters, my favorite still as to be Peter. As a boy, he is adorable and sensitive. As a older man in the present, he has quirks, but he shows the same dedication and passion that Lydia has. I want him for my [insert relation to Lydia].
As a journalist in the making, Lydia is stubborn and unrelenting in her pursuit of the truth. If a normally sealed door opened right in front of me, I don’t know if I’d have the courage to enter. I’d be afraid of never coming out alive. So is Lydia; however, she enters, spurred by her passion for pursuing the story. That’s dedication, and her dedication to the truth and to protecting her family is what drives the plot. That said, she can be really obstinate. Despite Wes’s concern over how her actions may impact the future, she brushes his concern aside, determined to change history no matter the price.
There is plenty of romance in this book. Amidst the confusion of entering a time machine and getting to know family she’d never met, Lydia grows closer to the mysterious Wes, who knows what is going on but refuses to tell Lydia anything except that she needs to go back to the present. It may seem a bit overdone, as Lydia is usually thinking about Wes when she isn’t worried about finding out what happens to her great-grandfather. However, it does help ease the tension in the book. Wes is that dark, alluring boy that we know isn’t good for us, being a potential danger. He’s a soldier, he knows how to fight, and he’s reserved. He doesn’t know how to express his feelings well, which leads to misunderstandings that result in cute confessions. I enjoyed seeing his barriers melt in front of Lydia.
The consequences of reckless time travel shows itself at the end of the book. While one mystery has been solved, more questions arrive with the conclusion of Rachel Carter’s debut novel. Despite being a sci-fi mystery at its core, So Close to You also has historical elements and a good amount of romance. I recommend this to readers who enjoy a good romance and science ficion with a historical twist. And I will definitely be on the lookout for book two.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from the publisher. No payment was received in return for a review. The receipt of the book had no influence on the opinions expressed in my review.
Author: Crystal
A story girl at heart, Crystal is a bibliophile who can easily spend the day immersed in a good read. She writes under the name Kristy Wang. You can follow her writing adventures on X and Instagram @_kristywang.
Monja Blue says
Historical, sci-fi, romance, and time travel, WOW, count me in! I like that the author did such meticulous research, some of this is brought forth by the journalism background of the character.
Katharyn Vela says
Great review! The idea of time travel and its affects sound really interesting!
Gaby says
I loved the review and can't wait to read it. It sounds REALLY good 😀
poisnivyred says
I LOVE books that deal with time travel! Especially since 1944 was such an an important year world-wide. This sounds like a fascinating book.
Kara D. says
Great review. I like the sound of Lydia!
Jenna D. says
I have heard numerous great things about this book. And that cover! I need to pick it up! Thanks for the great review!
Jenea Whittington says
I literally cant wait to read this one. Great review…
Jenea @ Books Live Forever
lastnerve says
I loved the review which makes me want to buy it all the more. I can't wait to meet the characters.
Steph says
I can't wait to read this book!! There are so many elements of this book that sound awesome. Great review!
Christina K. says
Love how there's time travel to the past that lets her meet her ancestors and save her grandfather!
TayteH says
A sci-fi, historical, and a romance novel all in one you say? Interesting. And from the way you talk about all of it, it plays well together. 😀
Paige says
This is my favorite book of the year right now lol! Who did you like more Wes or Lucas? I was a little scared that she was going to fall for Lucas but then when she started talking about how he was Marys it kind of almost made me want her to have him too. I'm not sure why though. Great review! =)
~Paige @ Comfort Books
Crystal says
WES FOREVER!!!! <3 <3 <3 Same here. At first, I thought Wes would be the romantic interest, then Lucas came in…. Maybe because we want all the guys to fawn over the MC? 😉
Thanks, Paige!
Julie says
Great review, Kris! This sounds like an awesome book. I LOVE time travel and it's amazing how the main character's journalism spurs her to act.
Crystal says
It is. I loved Lydia's adventurous spirit, especially as I wouldn't do what she does in many instances, so I got to see a world I wouldn't have seen!