A Different Blue

"Someone told me once that to create true art you must be willing to bleed and let others watch."This book is simply a work of art...This review is hard for me. This book was so freaking AMAZEBALLS that I am having a hard time to really put into words just how incredible this book really was. I am going to try and do this book justice without giving anything away because I wouldn't want to ruin it for anyone.Have you ever had a book that completely left you raw with emotions and you came out on the other side of the book exposed and bleeding??This book did that to me.It left me raw and bleeding (in a good way).In the beginning I was completely thrown off because I had no idea where this book was headed. It was like a big history lesson but it was taught in a way that added character to the book and eventually everything fit together and by the end you were sitting there saying"Ahh Amy Harmon, I see what you did there". I can't say more than that because it will give away the magic of the book.Blue Echohawk had no past, she was living in the present with only distant memories of what happened to her when she was younger. She was placed with her "aunt" and all she knew of her mother was that she abandoned her when she was two and the only father figure that she knew was a drifter who raised her to the best of his ability. When her father was found dead she was sent to live with her aunt who let it slip that the drifter was not her real father and her "aunt" had no idea who her real family was.Blue Echohawk was alone with no idea who she was.SO when her entirely hot British teacher, Mr. Darcy Wilson (OH pride & Prejudice reference swwooonn), asks the class to write about their past for a year-long assignment she had no idea what to write because she didn't KNOW who she was, she didn't know her REAL name, she didn't even know her real birthdate. All she knew was what she had been told, so how could she write about a past that she has no clue about??"Once upon a time . . . there was a little blackbird," I wrote. I stared at the page. ". . . pushed out of the nest, unwanted."I could relate to Blue, I never knew my mother so there are things about my own past I am a little sketchy about but at least I knew my real name, birthday, and the name of both of my parents. But regardless of the knowledge that I know, there are questions that only a mother can answer and it sucks to not know who you are completely.Probably why this book tore into my soul and exposed feelings that I long left buried inside..Again.. I was bleeding and rawAs the book continues you see Blue open up a little bit, you see the real Blue inside the girl who puts on a mask around other people. She isn't this big slut that other people think she is. She is smart, sweet, caring, resilient and very artistic, especially when it comes to wood-carving. Her father taught her all about carving wood since she was able to hold the tools herself and she has been doing it ever since.It's her escape and her therapy.As the school year progresses Mr. Wilson and Blue form a friendship that develops throughout the year. He pushes Blue just enough to get her to respond and then leaves it up to Blue to figure it out on her own. You see her change, you see her WANT to change herself and her ways. By the end of the year Blue is a different person than she was in the beginning and Mr. Wilson is to thank for that, but she still had room to grow."But as the waves crashed over me, I was not consumed, I was swept up, washed, my soul blanketed with blessed relief. Hope rose within me like a buoy. And with the hope, came peace. And the peace calmed the waters and quieted the storm, until I sat, spent, bled out, done."You think their friendship would end there but after Blue leaves school she is met with life obstacles that she has no idea what to do about them. From there you see Mr. Wilson become just Wilson, Blue's once teacher but now friend and companion. He offers her part of his home that she can live in for cheap and a place where she can do her wood carvings in solitude. Wilson becomes Blue's one friend that she never knew she needed. He continues to push her to find out who she is, where she came from, and to put the pieces of her life back together so she can be whole and know her whole story.She goes on a journey figuring out who she is and what happened to her and her parents. This journey comes complete by the end of the story and you get a full-circle affect that you don't (or maybe you do) expect."Beneath my wounds I was still whole. Beneath my insecurities, beneath my pain, beneath my struggle, beneath it all, I was still whole".While on this journey, you see the romance build with Wilson and Blue. I thought it was going to creep me out when Blue started to see Wilson as a romantic interest because he was her teacher to begin with but it was anything but creepy!! Their love is endearing, frustrating, hopeful, lustful, and enchanting. Their love is what true romance novels are all about. It wasn't rushed (it was almost painfully slow), it was heart breaking but oh so swoon-worthy. You are left in a puddle of pure DELIGHT just reading it."I was spent without compromise, sated without sacrifice, completely and totally head-over-heels in love. And it was delicious.""He tasted like black licorice and snowflakes. Simultaneously forbidden and familiar. Hot and cold. Sinful and safe."The other supporting characters were just as amazing as the main ones and they gave the book so much more depth. They were incredible.There was one part of the book, in particular that left me a blubbering mess and that was when Blue was in the hospital after the hurricane and Wilson's sister and husband came to see her. By the end of that whole chapter I had to put the book away and get myself together because it was so beautifully raw, painful, heart-wrentching that I felt like I was there in that room. I felt Blue's emotions and I could only picture what that wood-carving she made afterwards looked like when she was done. Of course people who have read this book know what I am talking about and if you have not then when you do, you will understand.There are books out there that rarely speak to my soul and this book did just that. It was amazing, brilliant, incredible. It pulled me in, told me stories like I was around a warm camp fire listening to nature and then gave me history lessons that left me thinking long after I finished the last page of the story. It made me FEEL and it made me want to become an even better person by the end. I swear people search forever for a book that can make you feel the way this one made me feel, I don't think I will ever be the same.I would also like to point out the phenomenal details that were added to this book. The Native American tales, the references to the Greeks, the poems, the history within the book added so much richness that it made the book so smooth to take in and adore. Amy Harmon did her research and you could tell that she put her whole heart and mind into this story.I give this amazing book 5 fantastic/amazing STARS and if you have not read it by now, I suggest you do that RIGHT NOW!!!

'Life is all we have, and we live it as we believe in living it. But to sacrifice what you are and to live without belief, which is a fate more terrible than dying. 'Wow! Whoa! 🤩🤩🤩 I can't with this writer! 😭😭😭To me, she is mine writer!Sit down, take a drink. Then, read this review! 🎉🔥 Okay?Amy, she has a special charm. Which I do not find nor look for in other writers. Because, I know she's special. I haven't read her book in 4 months. Why? Don't know 🤷‍♂️ and to tell the truth, this book came about because of someone I talked to early this morning (Mrs. Mali!) And I just had the mood to start this book. Both, audio 🎧, and reading 📖. And here I am. alive and breathing. 😬😝I just quit what I was reading and started this book. Does it feel more fun than that? 🎉No ! And that's how I like to read my books.And who knows me, I can read a lot of dark-romance books. But then the perfect book I could read in my life. That's how I work according to my mood. And when it came to reading. Is there any better than that? 🤪This time, Amy did it AGAIN!And I have a question to ask you.Did you know how important history is?How important is a person's history and life? How much does this really reflect the person standing or sitting in front of you?But, are we the ones who can produce our own history? And what if we don't know ourselves at all. And going into that love story? Can we really love someone. Before we even know ourselves? 🤔“No sense in running from the past. We should throw it away or pretend to happen, Miss Echohawk. But maybe we can learn something from it. You have an interesting story, and like you to tell me more.” He turned to walk away.Blue, she's sexy and fiery, black hair like crow and blue eyes. Courage and heroism is her second name. She doesn't know who she is. And I mean 'who is she?' I mean she doesn't know her real name. She doesn't know how old she is. She doesn't know when she was born. Who is her mother? She doesn't has no history. She only knows one thing, she was adopted by a man who rescued her when she was abandoned at the age of two. 🤐At 19, towards high school graduation. While others are busy with college searches, she is looking for herself. Want to know more about her life. About her past. But, she has already become discouraged. She didn't find the answers she wanted.One morning, when a young teacher, (This British !!! 🔥🔥🔥) enters the classroom, for a history lesson. Everything is starting to be Fiery and dangerous.Wilson, the new history teacher.He graduated with successfull at the age of 22 at the University of London. And currently lives with his older sister who moved to Las Vegas.Wilson, is one big story. 🤐But, finally a real man. A man who thinks of his brain, and not his D***. And I say at the height of seriousness.He's smart. This man is a genius. And yes, he's a nerd. 🤓The British accent's audio is perfect!!! Listen to the language. To delve into it, to see the differences and the reasons why British speak this way and that. It also adds to my knowledge.When Wilson, came into the classroom. He brings them the first mission. Write their history in a few sentences and pass it on at the end of the lesson. Blue has no real history. She has a story with some holes she needs to fill. And she conveys her story, as a parable. On a lonely bird that just wants to fly and grow.“Once upon a time. . . there was a little blackbird, pushed from the nest. Unwanted. ”The story itself, is feasible. And what do you mean?It's real. It concerns each and every one of us in everyday life. To find ourselves. Our story. Our history. What we base ourselves on every day in our lifespan. And it touched my heart.But, when, she starts falling in love with him. She gets stuck. Something stops her. And it's not her. It is something into her body that tells her that it is hard to fall in love with someone you do not know who you are. 💔And fall in love with someone else who knows who they are. But, he doesn't really know how to return love.it's impossible.“Why don't you just play. . . the way you do when you're alone. Just listen. "In summary, I have no words to describe the feelings I had in reading this book. Usually I share friends with my reading. This time, I couldn't, I didn't want to. I couldn't, because I felt like I wanted to be full of this story, and also kind of, through myself. Which is why I love her books. A true Story. With points of romance that just do you good on heart. And such a special story exists only with Amy Harmon. 👑Thank you 💙🖤

Some books are slow and nuanced and they creep up on you as you read. A Different Blue is one of those books. It has a detailed plot and two extremely gripping main characters, but it's subtle in the way it slowly gets under your skin and changes the way you think as you read. Amy Harmon is one of those magically authors that write books you want to savor and roll around in. If you love teacher/student books, this will be a unique addition to your read pile.Blue has not had an easy life. Her mom abandoned her when she was only two, leaving her to be raised by a drifter, who also leaves mysteriously when she is ten and is later found dead. Then she is raised by his sister who is not very maternal. At nineteen she is used to being abandoned and doesn't think she deserves any better. Blue is not a very likeable character as the book begins. She has a massive chip on her shoulder and is abrasive and hard to take.Her senior year history teacher is young, attractive, confident and British. This is his first year teaching in America and the minute Blue walks through his classroom door he knows she is going to be trouble. Wilson sees something in Blue as that tells him there is much more to her than meets the surface. When she needs someone in her corner, he becomes her champion and support.Wilson and Blue develop a lasting friendship (note that their relationship really takes off and evolves after she has graduated) and as Blue slowly works through the pain of not knowing her actual name or anything much about her past she begins to develop a confidence that adds to the strength she already has. She also develops feelings for Wilson that go beyond friendship, but she doesn't think a woman like her deserves an amazing man like him. She also needs his strength to help her get through the trails she faces as she works to become someone she can be proud of and worries about jeopardising that.This was a beautifully written book that stays with you long after you finish reading. Blue and Wilson were realistic and captivating characters that you cry with and cheer for. Their relationship was slow building and achingly tender and I just ate it up. This was a unique take on the typical teacher/student romance and is a book I cannot recommend highly enough.

Not knowing who you are, or where you come from would be daunting enough for anyone but no more so than for Blue. A young teenager going through all the motions attending high school, working a part time job, yet having no idea as to who she really is or her true identity. She gives off a certain persona in order to keep others at arms length and is emotionally distant. The only ever exception was with Jimmy the man who raised her until she was ten.Blue finds herself questioning herself and in return her actions, she finds redemption in the most unlikely of circumstances. However this does not come without a selfless sacrifice, to find herself she must learn to grow, to love herself and in return to be loved.This is truly bittersweet, a beautifully written journey about self discovery, redemption and finding love in the most unlikeliest of friendships.This was my first read by Amy and will not be my last.

If I could give this book a million stars I would...this book was totally AMAZEBALLS, I absolutely loved it, adored it and fell in love with it. It had me hook, line and sinker from the very beginning and I devoured it in one sitting!"Blue Echohawk doesn't know who she is. She doesn't know her real name or when she was born. Abandoned at two and raised by a drifter, she didn't attend school until she was ten years old. At nineteen, when most kids her age are attending college or moving on with life, she is just a senior in high school. With no mother, no father, no faith, and no future, Blue Echohawk is a difficult student, to say the least. Tough, hard and overtly sexy, she is the complete opposite of the young British teacher who decides he is up for the challenge, and takes the troublemaker under his wing.This is the story of a nobody who becomes somebody. It is the story of an unlikely friendship, where hope fosters healing and redemption becomes love. But falling in love can be hard when you don't know who you are. Falling in love with someone who knows exactly who they are and exactly why they can't love you back might be impossible".The writing had me gripped, was totally emotional all the way through and the connection I felt towards the characters was as if I was there with them. I adored Blue and Wilson..I was rooting for them from the start..even though it was student/teacher after graduation I was come on Wilson!!!!!This book starts with an outline into Blue's history, she is half Native American and half American..her mum took her on a road trip when she was 2 to get away from it all and ended up dumping her in another Native American's truck..she was subsequently murdered 2 days later..Jimmy Echohawk kept the child and named her Blue..she was living on the road till she was 10 years old with Jimmy learning the ways of the land and how to carve wood. This turned out to be her refuge. One day he did not come back and she was subsequently put into the care of Jimmy's sister. (she was not abandoned by Jimmy though but we see what happens later and I don't want to spoil it.The story then picks up when Blue is 19/20 and at high school in her final year, Wilson is her history teacher..he is only 22 (he was a super intelligent guy that had graduated early). She tried to rebel in class and tried to make fun of him but her saw through her. There is a lot of history taught through this book and I really enjoyed it, it brought the story together perfectly. It was during an exercise for each student to write their history when Blue actually revealed to Wilson that she had no history as she did not know who she was..the words that she wrote during this exercise were painful to read and just made me love her even more.I don't want to write too much as it will give the plot away and spoil it for everyone but Wilson takes Blue under his wing after she graduates and tries to help her find herself whilst going through so many struggles along the way. I loved the side characters especially Wilson's sister.I cannot recommend this book highly enough I was totally blown away and it is a story that I will re read over and over again...I totally loved it..now to check out what else Amy Harmon has written.

I loved this book, its beautiful, heartbreak and well written. I initially avoided it when I saw the main character was still I school however it wasn't a teenage school romance like I expected. I would of given it 5 stars if the author hadn't kept attempting to use British words. Being British made certain parts super cringey to read, especially when the British words were used incorrectly and way too much. And FYI- being called bird isn't a compliment, it's something fat middle age builders shout at young girls when they're on scaffolding with their ass cracks hanging out.

It's taken me over two months to be able to write a review for this book, because it was so phenomenal, so brilliantly written, with a story that put me through an emotional ringer, and I really don't feel like any review I give will do this masterpiece justice. But here were go.It feels a shame that five stars is the limit because this book deserved so much more than that.`A Different Blue' tells the story of young Blue Echohawk who doesn't know who she is. She doesn't know who her parents are, doesn't know where she was born, and doesn't even know her name. Whilst this idea could have been a bit cliche, with a girl having to make her own story, there was nothing cheesy about the way this book was written, or how the story was approached, it was truly nothing short of spectacularly beautiful.Blue's relationship with her teacher Will is one that we all wish a teacher would have with us. To be supportive, fair and there for you when you needed help even if there was nothing in it for them. Unfortunately, all too many teenagers these days don't have respect for their teachers, or the other way around, so this was wonderfully refreshing to see how Will didn't give up on Blue even when she did everything she could to make him leave her alone.There isn't a lot that I can say in this review as I want to keep it spoiler free so that everyone who decides to read it will take the same emotional and incredibly moving journey that I took, but I will just say that this book has made me view so many things in such a different light, and I am so glad that I downloaded it. It is a stunningly beautiful and heartbreaking tale of a girl who struggles to find out who she is, with the bumps along the way proving to her that she is stronger than she ever knew and that sometimes it is OK to lean on somebody else. The development of her relationship with Wilson was one of the most beautiful that I have read, and this story will stay with me forever.There's a few lines in the book that I really want to acknowledge, but they will definitely give away a huge part of the storyline that came really unexpected. So if you haven't yet read this book and don't want to be spoiled, stop reading now.*SPOILERS*~"Just a little more, Blue," the doctor urged. But I was too tired. I didn't want to think I could do it. It hurt too much. I wanted to float away."I can't," I croaked. I couldn't. I wouldn't."You're the bravest person I know, Blue," Wilson whispered into my hair. His hands cradling my face. "Did I ever tell you how beautiful I think you are? You're almost there. I will help you. Hold on to me. It's going to be all right.""Wilson?""Yes?""If I see her... I don't know if I will be able to let her go. I'm afraid if I hold my baby, I won't be able to let her go."~For me, this was the most memorable line in the book. I can't remember the last time I felt a character's pain so intensely, their every emotion dripping off the page. I sobbed, I bawled, I whimpered. This is a a prime example of fantastic, stunning storytelling.5 Stars and a definite recommended read.