Introduction

"I dare you to read this exceptionally crafted story and not be captivated, emotional, and moved. Truly nostalgic and powerful on so many levels. A debut like none other." —Valerie Taylor, author of What's Not Said

In this enchanting novel, an encounter with a mystical channeler allows two soulmates to experience the road not taken and explores the profound impact first love can have on one’s life.

If you had the chance to revisit your past to change your present—what moment would you choose?

Brunswick, New Jersey, 1969. When Marta Carini meets Kevin Dixon in first grade she immediately falls for his bright blue eyes and wavy blond hair. She keeps her secret crush to herself—until they coincidentally meet in the nurse’s office seven years later and first love blossoms.

Too soon, Kevin’s family moves away, and the young couple’s dreams are dashed—but neither can escape the strength of their connection. It persists through sensible marriages and the practicalities of normal life, haunting Marta as she tries to move on.

But how do you move on from a soulmate?

When a mystical encounter offers her the chance to revisit pivotal moments from her life, Marta is eager to rewrite their love story. But facing fate means getting answers to questions you never asked...

Again and Again Back To You is a heartbreaking and empowering tale of one woman’s road to self-discovery.

Editorial Review

No Editorial Review Currently Available

Excerpt

CHAPTER 6: High School 1977–1981—Brunswick, New Jersey

The day before Kevin leaves, they are sitting on their favorite rock in their secret meadow. Both are somber and shell-shocked.

He reaches into his pocket, takes her hand, and turns her palm upward. He places in it a beautifully smooth, oval-shaped, gray granite rock.

“This is a worry stone,” he says. “I’m scared you may forget to breathe one day and drop dead. So, this is to help you remember to breathe and to never stop listening and dancing to music.”

She turns the stone over and sees that the word Breathe is etched into the river stone with shaky lines. Gazing up at him, her heart is in her eyes.

She quietly says, “Thank you.”

“I used my dad’s tools,” he says self-consciously. “I know it doesn’t look so good, but the rock was really hard.”

She frowns—at his self-doubt, and at their impending separation. “I love it. I love you. You leaving is just . . . unimaginable. I don’t really have words for it. All I know is I’m not sure I want to continue breathing. I can’t believe it’s over.” She trips and stumbles over the words.

“This is not the end,” he says quickly. “Don’t worry about that. We’ll write; we can talk on the phone. I know your dad is strict about the phone, but I will see if I can call you, maybe like once a month.”

Gazing into Kevin’s earnest eyes, Marta almost believes him.

* * * *

The next day, Marta sits at her desk with a blank piece of paper set in front of her. She chews her lip, struggling to find words to capture what she is feeling. A single tear drops onto the page. There are no words for the blackness that has enveloped her. She can smell it, and it smells rotten, like when one of their potato bins has rotted during the winter. She folds her arms over the top of her desk and drops her head in their cradle. The hollowness is a physical pain, and it feels as if her insides are being scraped out by a metal spoon. She feels her body start to dry and wither as she curls inward, no longer connected to her physical self. She is a leaf in autumn that has dried little by little as the days shorten and now is tumbling down from its perch high in the oak tree. She is falling through time and space. She thinks she is awake but can’t open her eyes or move.

She stops fighting and gives in to the floating sensation. view abbreviated excerpt only...

Discussion Questions

From the author:

1. How does the novel make the idea of channeling realistic? Did you think it was real?
2. Explore the impact of first love on Marta and Kevin's lives, especially considering the challenges they face with separation and dashed dreams. How does this shape their individual paths?
3. Discuss the significance of the '70s setting in the novel. How does the cultural and historical backdrop contribute to the development of the characters and their love story?
4. Marta is described as feeling out of step with those around her in her small farm community. How does this theme of being out of sync with one's surroundings influence Marta's decisions and actions throughout the story?
5. Analyze Marta's internal conflict about being a braver version of herself. How do fear and courage play a role in her decision-making and personal growth?
6. The novel suggests that sometimes one must lose something important to embrace their true self. Explore instances in the book where characters experience this loss and transformation – Cholan, Marta and Kevin?The mystical channeler offers Marta and Kevin the chance to revisit a juncture in their life. If given the same opportunity, what pivotal moment from your own life would you choose to revisit and why?
7. Reflect on the novel's exploration of the enduring nature of soulmates. Do you believe in soulmates?
8. Do you have a special song or songs from when you were a teenager that makes you nostalgic?
9. The breathe rock symbolizes Marta and Kevin’s early love and Kevin’s importance to Marta. What do you think the author is trying to convey when Marta throws it away?
10. What are some other symbols in the book? Pickle jars, American Pie song symbols including Pink Carnations, Pickup Truck. Discuss where these appear in the story and what they mean?
11. What did you think of the ending of the book? Were you satisfied, saddened or surprised by the ending? Why?

Weblinks

»	Author Bio
»	Author's website
»	Andrea's Substack
»	Watch the book trailer

Book Club Recommendations

Recommended to book clubs by 0 of 0 members.

Member Reviews

There are no user reviews at this time.
Rate this book