Review: Hourglass by Myra McEntire

One hour to rewrite the past . . . 

For seventeen-year-old Emerson Cole, life is about seeing what isn't there: swooning Southern Belles; soldiers long forgotten; a haunting jazz trio that vanishes in an instant. Plagued by phantoms since her parents' death, she just wants the apparitions to stop so she can be normal. She's tried everything, but the visions keep coming back.

So when her well-meaning brother brings in a consultant from a secretive organization called the Hourglass, Emerson's willing to try one last cure. But meeting Michael Weaver may not only change her future, it may also change her past.

Who is this dark, mysterious, sympathetic guy, barely older than Emerson herself, who seems to believe every crazy word she says? Why does an electric charge seem to run through the room whenever he's around? And why is he so insistent that he needs her help to prevent a death that never should've happened?

Holy freaking awesome attitude, Emerson!

Myra McEntire sure knows how to create characters. Her female protagonist, seventeen-year-old Emerson Cole, brings a whole new definition to the word 'snarky'. She's a strong, witty character who contributes much to the entertainment aspect of the novel. At the same time, she's obviously critical to the plot.

Emerson just wants to be normal, but unfortunately, she's able to see time ripples from the past. She's tried all sorts of things to try to get rid of the apparitions, but nothing works. When her brother discovers a new group that may be able to help Emerson, she reluctantly agrees to give them a chance. Cue Michael, the smooth, charming love interest who happens to be off limits to Emerson...for now.

But wait, I'm not done swooning yet. There's another hunk in this story -- the shattered "bad boy", Kaleb. He'pretty much the opposite of Michael with his fun, flirty personality. As much I love Michael, I couldn't help but adore Kaleb as well.

I love the way Myra McEntire put this story together; every piece fits together like a puzzle. The time travel aspect was portrayed in an original manner, displaying the author's knowledge about the subject without appearing too complex or overdone. It was, to put it quite simply, amazing. In fact, it took me nearly a week after reading Hourglass to write this review; that's how much time I needed to absorb the novel's content.

You should read this book. What are you waiting for?! Quit staring at your internet-accessible device and run, yes, RUN to the nearest bookstore. Hourglass will rock your world.

Rating: 5/5 stars