I have read a few of Amy Harmon books and have enjoyed every one of them, this one included. She has a way of writing a great story with wonderful characters.
I love the character Blue, she is witty, outspoken and sarcastic. She is a strong personality despite the up bringing she had. Raised by a man, she thinks is her father, living a simple and transient lifestyle. He teachers her many things, To me the most important one is to be a survivor.
She meets 'Wilson', at first meeting they have a chemistry that is undeniable. While Wilson is her teacher, they are not that far apart in years and after her graduation become close friends.
To me that is the basis for two people to start with, being good friends.
She goes though a few rough and difficult times but ends up growing and happier on the other side. That is why I always enjoy Ms. Harmon stories. Her characters grow, learn and become wiser.

This book has quickly become one of my favorites. I finished the whole thing in under 24 hours because I had so much trouble putting it down. I loved the story and the growth in Blue. The relationship between Blue and Wilson was so different from most YA/NA books; there was no love at first sight, but the characters were still drawn together slowly. Blue had some definite flaws, but that was what made her so human and relatable. I personally enjoyed the timeline. The main part of the book took place over around 2 years, but the story flashed back to when Blue was a child too. The flashbacks really helped to understand why Blue is the person she is. I also enjoyed the different stories that were told by both Blue and Wilson. The histories really tied in to the rest of the book and made it so much better.

This is the first story that I ever read from Amy and let me tell you I never looked back. This story is original and so captivating. I read it a few years ago and believe me , I still remember it as if i read it yesterday. This is a must read

Another heart-warming story by Amy Harmon, recounting the tortuous journey of life of the long-suffering Blue Echohawk, a girl left to fend for herself by her mother and who began to feel like a fish out of water after she discovered that her father was just a man who created and cared for her.

The book for me is divided into three parts.

The first presents fragments of Blue's life in the past and the present, it is the most confusing part and I've had to pay more attention to read because it's essential to understand the rest of the book. It shows moments of her creation, the sweetness and wisdom of her father, moments of despair and how she was gradually being captivated by History.
In the second part, Blue is already graduated and begins to feel the need to resurface from the ashes , reinventing and totally changing her life. The watershed in her life was one of the most thrilling moments of the book. A flood of events led her to try to discover her past so that she could have a different future and be a different Blue ..... But Blue was not yet ready for her past, she was not ready to find out who she really is, the own writer put it things this way at using a verse from the Bible:

"There was a time to share and a time to savor"
In the third part, Amy masterfully leads Blue to discover who she is and to realize how special, loved and unique she can be. Except that it comes with an emotional load that left me exhausted until culminating in an invigorating and wonderful end.

Using references from mythology, history and great characters from Greece and Rome, Dante, Shakespeare, Jane Austen, wisdom of the native american, stories of saints like Joan D'Arc and St Patrick, plus musicality with the protagonist Wilson and his cello, Amy Harmon creates a strong and dramatic plot about a girl's self-knowledge and maturity.
Blue goes through the book writting her story as a fable to the teacher and along this journey is adding a step to each learning using stories of her father Jimmy who was a Native American. Blue learned from her father the craft of carved wood and expresses herself through her art and it is the one which will help her on her journey to a new life.

The book is beautiful, I was ready to give 6 stars only changed my opinion more or less from the middle to the end because Blue's romantic pair was a prince throughout the book and suddenly the moment Blue needed him the most, he Was very selfish, radically changing his behavior towards a girl who himself knew how much she had suffered during her short life. Even though he had redeemed himself in the end, this situation caused me much pain and anguish, feelings that did not improve with his redemption. So I only managed to give 5 precious stars ... A great beautiful fantastic book.
Kisses, Myl

Well, I am part of a minority here. I've seen a lot (and I mean A LOT) of 5 star reviews on GR and that's awesome. I just wasn't all that into the story or the characters.

I'll admit, it took me a while to finally give into it. I've had it on my iPad for a couple of weeks now, but I just couldn't bring myself to read it. It was after finding myself not wanting to read anything from the fantasy genre that I decided to give it a try. It started off pretty good, it was interesting enough to keep me reading, we had a broken girl, who's never truly known who she was, where she belong. After finding herself alone for the second time in her life, she's managed to create this big facade of an uninterested and bitchy girl. She's had to build up this wall so she wouldn't be hurt ever again. Then we have the gorgeous British history teacher. He's new in school and his methods are completely different to what everyone's accustomed to. He's charming and sweet and caring. Also, he's 22 or so.

Ahm, yeah.

Ok so, like I said, everything started off pretty good. The story itself was entertaining enough, but nothing remarkable about it. At the beginning of it, the story started having a lot trips to the past and I felt like sometimes it got a bit confusing and I started to get a bit distracted. The writing wasn't all that clear and sometimes it dragged a lot in details that weren't or didn't feel all that relevant. Also, I felt like there were a lot of things that were there just to fill some kind of hole and wasn't even necessary.

Like, for example:

Manny.
What was that about?! I don't think the topic around this character was treated the way it deserves to. I don't want to get into details, but it felt like it was lacking depth and was just an "easy" way to get a character out of the story.

Wilson.
I can't imagine a 22 year old teacher, even less one that has lived and experienced so much in such a short life. Yes, he's charming and sounds gorgeous, but he's also annoying and infuriating at times. I liked him, but then he did stupid things that made him look like a prick.

Blue.
She complained too much and sometimes it felt like the things she was complaining about were too shallow, considering she had been though a lot when she was a kid, and then when she did talk about everything that happened to her... I couldn't relate to it or feel something about it. 

I'm not that much of a fan of slow built stories, unless there are a lot of things that hint to something huge or amazing. I don't think this was the case. The romance itself, even though this book is not entirely about the romance, was super-deathly-slow and when it finally happened, it was weird and rushed and so not my thing. Then, the main plot of the story felt like it was lacking something. I can't tell you what, because I'm not sure, but it felt kind of incomplete. Towards the end, I kept rolling my eyes because everything got so predictable and unbelievable it was pretty hard for me to relate to the girl or find the whole thing real.

I guess, this wasn't what I was expecting.

How does one shake off the feeling of loss? Of Abandonment? For Blue Echohawk, life is full of questions and uncertainty. Always wondering where she belongs. Blue doesn’t know her real age, birthday, or even her name. Abandoned as a child, Blue was found by a drifter named Jimmy Echohawk. They traveled from town to town, and didn’t really settle down until Blue started school at the age of 10 (at least they think she is ten). Not knowing who her mother was, or having a real family always left a hole in Blue’s heart.

The realization of being ‘alone’ magnified upon Jimmy’s death. Now, Blue knew what having no family in your life felt like. A cold realization that transpired into a bit of rebellion in her outward appearance and style. A heart hardened by the stark loss of something that was never known.

The start of Blue’s Senior year of high school beings about someone that believes they are up for the challenge of discovering what is beneath that suit of armor that Blue wears so well. A teacher unlike any other….literally. Mr. Wilson is not like your average history teacher. He is British, well spoken, and loves history like no one Blue has ever met before. That love of tales as old as time begins to reach the tattered heart that Blue lets few actually see. Those messages of strength, perseverance, and legend begin to influence the art that Blue creates with her hands.

As the school year progresses, Blue realizes that not knowing her past is slowly eating away at her life. Decisions that Blue has made are now causing her to stop and reflect upon the choices that now burden her heart. As Blue heads the lessons from her history teacher, she begins to desire change in her life. The only problem? A curveball lands into Blue’s lap in the most unexpected of ways. Now - Blue finds herself learning from Mr. Wilson is the most unexpected ways. A true friendship born from a love of finding your history. The only question is where does Blue go from here? Every decision she makes from here on out will alter her future. Which path is the one that will ultimately forge Blue’s mark on the world?

Oh my word….what a beautiful and touching story!! Blue Echohawk has a soul that is both tattered and torn. Her self worth expressed in the was she dresses, talks, and feels within. Blue finally feels her worth through an unexpected stream of events that included an unlikely friendship. ‘Mr. Darcy’ is full of surprises and knowledge far beyond his years. Offering Blue a glimpse into the face of redemption.

A Different Blue is an amazing novel. One that is full of heart, emotion, and discovery. It’s a journey that is truly unique with its content. Worthy of every emotion that you can wring from your soul. Coming full circle has never been more meaningful or inspiring as it does with Blue’s quest for redemption. Such a perfect story from an author that should always rank at the top of your reading list!!

‘What we believe affects our choices, our actions, and subsequently, our lives.’

Having read Amy’s previous books (though of a different genre - ‘The Bird and the Sword Chronicles’) I was intrigued to try something of hers that was not fantasy. I went in with no real expectations, except knowing Amy to be a talented author, and in the end, was blown away by, ‘A Different Blue’. Amy Harmon can most certainly write, and this little book is really quite extraordinary in making you a part of Blue’s journey.

‘My life, my history, would be laid out before me like a movie script . . . complete with crime scenes and character descriptions. And like a movie script, none of it seemed real.’

This tale slowly and subtly creeps up on you, until you cannot put it down until complete. The power lies in it’s quiet reflections and intricately weaved sublayers. So many lessons here to learn from and move on from. Blue is a wonderful leading character with so many complexities that you cannot help but feel her hurt and pain. Then there is Wilson, this extraordinary caregiver, putting her first all the way through. The synopsis does not begin to convey the power of this book and I am so glad I went into this trusting the storytelling gifts of Amy.

‘My heart pounded in my throat and my mind screamed at me, demanding I catalog every detail of the event I had dreamed about but never dared hope for.’

Let me make it very clear, romance is not the sole focus here. This is a story about a girl and her journey of self discovery - literally and figuratively. Yes, Wilson (our leading man) assists with that but he is a guiding hand in what remains a story about Blue. Their relationship is a slow burn so as not to be drawn away from other key elements and the slow and steady evolution of their relationship is all the more rich for the gradual growth and understanding.

‘Why don’t you focus on where you’re going and less on where you come from?’

Then there is the symbolism which is infiltrated throughout, with again subtle ties to Native American legends, woven both perfectly and poignantly. Often reading like a history lesson, there is much to love and appreciate here.

Amy Harmon's writing is beautiful and lyrical and this book holds such depth and soul, sorrow and pain, hope and humor, with moments that will simply steal your heart away. Do yourself a favour and go read some Amy Harmon. You won’t be disappointed.


‘Who we are is made up of the little choices, the little acts, the little moments that comprise our lives, day after day.’




This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release

I really wanted to love this book. It seemed really interesting and its premise had me hooked. But then I started reading it and realized I didn't really like Blue as a character. Don't get me wrong; I understand that she's been through more than what people should have. Plus, I don't think we're meant to like her at first, as readers. She's pretty much mean to everyone at first, but slowly softens throughout the book.
Also, I wasn't much of a fan of the romance between Blue and Wilson. I wasn't against it, especially since it was pretty much legal after the fact that she graduated high school and is actually closer to his age than most of her former classmates. I just wasn't really invested in it. What I was invested in were those moments where Blue would learn about herself, her history with Jimmy, as well as how she would try to be a better version of herself, one she could be proud of. Unfortunately, the book ends upon a huge realization, and I would have liked to have seen more develop on that note. Overall, it was an okay read, but not as great as I hoped.

Blue Echohawk has had a different life than most people. Abandoned by her mother when she was just two years old, she was raised by a man named Jimmy, who she believes to be her father. She isn’t aware that her mother left her as a toddler with a man at a truck stop and then was murdered. Jimmy lives a transient style of life and when he leaves one day and doesn’t come back, Blue ends up living just outside of Las Vegas with his half sister. We catch up with Blue during her senior year, as she strolls in late to her history class, which she is dreading, with a new, young teacher. And although she is queen of smarting off, she can’t quite get away from an assignment that spans the year and has students exploring their own history. It is painful for Blue to dive back into her past and leads her on a journey where she finds out more than she could have ever imagined.
So, I started this book because it had one of the earliest publishing dates on my NetGalley list and I needed something to get me back into the swing of reading. I wasn’t sure how into it I was really going to be once I started, but the more I got into Blue’s story, the more I needed to find out the truth behind her past. There is some sexual content, but it is not very graphic. I’ll be honest, I was slightly uncomfortable with one of the relationships in the book, mostly because I am a teacher. Somewhere near the middle of the book, I thought the action was wrapping up and was a little confused because I knew I had a lot of book left. However, at that point a new conflict comes up and there is plenty to carry the reader through to the end. It was almost like two books in one, but it worked for this particular story. Thanks to @netgalley for providing me a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

It was... okay? Kind of weird and a little bit hard to get into, but the story was definitely not something I expected, which kept me reading!

A Different Blue is one of Amy Harmon’s older books (originally published in 2013), but it’s re-published with bonus content. Like other books by this author it’s beautiful written with relatable characters and gripping moments, I love it.

“Just like trash. And no amount of pretending I wasn’t trash would make me something else. Girls like me deserve their reputations.”

Blue had a happy childhood, but it was far from conventional. She grew up with Jimmy, a drifter, and as a result she started school when she was already 10. Being older and different than her classmates, Blue develops the persona of a bit hard girl, always ready to do what she wants. She’s is a pretty girl, and she uses her looks to get attention from the guys at school. Blue knows how people think of her, but she doesn’t care. The real Blue however is artistic and feels lonely; she often wonders about her roots, and how she ended up with Jimmy.

“My eyes were glued on our clasped hands, our fingers lying side by side. I couldn’t look at him. Not when the words he spoke were so intensely personal that the glare from the truth hurt my eyes.”

Being the school party-girl, Blue doesn’t have many friends or people she can confide in. Against the odds she forms some sort of friendship with Wilson, her History teacher. She pretends she’s doesn’t like his classes, but he makes her think and wonder about her own past. When Blue needs help it’s Wilson who reaches out, but they are just friends, nothing more. Throughout the story that changes. There are feelings between Blue and Wilson but they don’t act on it. Circumstances keep them apart, but it’s inevitable something will happen between the two of them.

A Different Blue is not just the story of Blue finding her man, above all this is the story of Blue finding her true self and where she comes from. Before I started this book, I thought it would be a somewhat forbidden love story, but it isn’t like that at all. Wilson is a wonderful guy who has to figure out some things on his own, and I love Tilly, his sister. While it’s not the typical romantic story I normally read, I love Blue and the journey she makes.

“You’re not alone anymore. You’re not lost anymore. And I don’t want to wait anymore.” There was no question in his tone. No plea. It was a statement. A declaration.”

I love A Different Blue, I give Blue’s story 5 stars.

I've been hearing about Amy Harmon's books for a few months now but until A Different Blue I haven't read any of her books... I do have Making Faces and I plan to read it as soon as I have some time. However I really didn't know what to expect from her books. I can tell you that I ended up loving A Different Blue. It was such a beautiful story and the characters showed such an amazing development that it was impossible not to love it.

First of all let me talk about Blue. She's such a strong girl. Blue hasn't had the easiest life. She was abandoned at 2 and lost her "dad" when she was really young. Her life was made of loss which made her be someone who doesn't care for anything and someone who is lost. However, she grows so much during this books. I loved her development. There were a lot of things happening to her that could had taken her off her way of becoming better but she doesn't let that happen. It was great to see her become such a strong girl. I also loved how much Wilson "ought" to help her. Here's the thing, by reading the blurb you might think there's a teacher-student relationship in this book. I know a lot of people don't like this but I can tell you the blurb is a little bit deceiving. Yes, there's a teacher who is Blue's teacher at one point. However, they only become something more a long time after Blue finishes high school. Also, it's important to say that when they first meet Blue is 19 and Wilson is 22 so a relationship between them is not that weird. Anyway, I loved Wilson and how much he did for Blue. He really tried to help her to find herself, especially because he had already been through something similar. His past was not as sad as Blue's life but his experiences ended up helping a lot. He was a little bit dumb sometimes and he frustrated me a bit at one point but he ended up being a great guy. I can tell you that what I loved most about Blue and Wilson's relationship was that they were friends before anything else. For the longest time Wilson was there for her only as a friend to help her on what she was going through.

Because this was my first Amy Harmon book I didn't really knew what to expect from her writing but I can tell you that I loved it. The book was a little bit slow but it was so beautifully written. I also loved how she included flashbacks from Blue's past because it really helped to see how that events had shaped her. I could tell you that I would like this book better if it was in a dual POV but to be honest it wouldn't. Because this was Blue's journey I feel like it was fitting that it was told only in her POV. However, there were some points when I really wanted to know what was on Wilson's mind XD.

Overall, this was such a beautiful read. This is one of those books that is really inspirational and makes you think about things. It also helps that it was so beautifully written. I absolutely adored A Different Blue and I can't wait to read more of Amy Harmon's books (Making Faces, I'm coming for you :P).

I hate books about teachers and students having a romantic relationship. It is seriously creepy and inappropriate and not in a fun way. I find most "taboo" relationship books extremely stupid and pointless. Also, generally the only thing in the average "taboo" romance stupider than the premise is the heroine of the story and I hate stupid characters.

I also hate books that make you cry and feel a lot. I don't like being manipulated by a movie or an author in schmalzy stories about tortured love and broken hearts. (I cry easily at books and movies and this does not jive with my goals of emotional stoicism.)

I do, however, love Amy Harmon books so I knew that the romance in the book would be sweet and genuine and not about people exploiting one another and their defects. (I accept that Harmon's books will make me cry and possibly ugly cry and make sad noises, because they are always worth it.)

I loved our heroine, Blue Echohawk. I loved that she was promiscuous and bitting; that she never gave an unearned inch to anyone. I loved that she was mean but not cruel and that she accepted when she had to change to grow into a better version of herself. I loved that she grew up.

I loved Darcy, our hero, as well. Darcy was almost too perfect, but his flaws redeemed him from being annoyingly good. He recognize's Blue's brokenness but did not judge her for it or pity her. He empathized with her pain and admired her strength. He cared about her as a person and not just a pretty mess to fix.

Most of all I loved the overall story of the book. I loved the characters themselves and the connections and misses in their stories that built an inspired tale of love and determination. I loved the underlying message that the rockiest starts in life can just be the first chapter in a much bigger and happier life. You are not your past. You are not the person that others have told you that you are. You are worthy of an epic life, and just how epic that life will be is up to you.

4 STARS

New Adult

Copy provided for an honest review through NetGalley.

Goodreads blurb:
"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."

Blue Echohawk was abandoned at two years old. She was left with a stranger, a stranger who quickly became her only family. She doesn’t know who she is and where she is from.

Life is never easy especially when you are trying to find your place in a world that has forced you to fly with broken wings.

This book was INTENSE and REAL! It was so intense because of how real it portrays life and the hardships many people have to overcome. Think about it. We all have been through so many different things; the good and the bad. There are times when we wanted to give up and thought we could never find our way. Blue is just like us. Blue is an average girl with some unusual past circumstances and situations that have shaped her into the witty, independent and self-aware individual she is. She is capable of stepping back and seeing what is going on, yet when she is faced with some twists in her life, she needs a fresh perspective, she needs a friend. Luckily her school teacher, Mr. Wilson is there to help guide her.

Mr. Wilson too had to overcome some tough situations. When he encounters Blue, he quickly takes an interest in her life. She clearly has a story to tell but doesn’t know how to start. This is where he can help. He knows how to tell stories and can easily relate to Blue.

Will Blue let Mr. Wilson into her life? Can she learn to trust?

Available NOW on Amazon.

Can you imagine how lost you would feel to not know your own story? Where you came from, and who gave birth to you? Even the most basic DNA of our identity: your own true name and age? This was Blue Echohawk's reality. Jimmy Echohawk, the man who raised her, was a odd sort. Quiet and taciturn. He lived a simple life with her, on the road selling his wood carvings. And for a time, she was carefree and happy. But after he passed away when she was eleven, she went to live with her aunt Cheryl. And life as she knew it was gone. She became a self-destructive girl, void of hope or self respect.

On the first day of her senior year in high school, she walked into her history class and met Mr. Wilson. He would come to be the first positive influence in her life since she was a little girl. He's only a few years older than her, but has so much knowledge to give. He saw the hardened, angry girl that she was and made it his mission to get her to open up. Their relationship was completely platonic. He started out as her teacher, her guide, someone she could depend on and trust. When she was at her lowest points and most joyful moments, it was Wilson that saw her through it all.

Blue and Wilson had a beautiful friendship. It brought tears to my eyes so many times to see how he gently nudged her into believing in herself again. She had been through so much hopelessness it makes you want to wrap your arms around her and make everything better. Her aunt did her best, but didn't give her the time of day. So when someone showed interest in her, treated her as if she had value and worth, she soaked it all up like a sponge.

Wilson was an exceptional man. I loved him so, so much. He was extremely wise, funny, giving, and wonderfully endearing in a nerdy sort of way. Growing up in a wealthy British family, he had many more advantages in life than she had. Yet he wasn't snobbish or self-entitled, quite the opposite. And he accepted Blue, scars and all.


Everyone has a story. Even if her beginning was blank, he helped her see that her future was wide open for her to shape. But just when she started to stretch her wings and fly, she suddenly plunged to the ground. Broken again. She had yet another setback, and my heart broke for her all over again. After graduating high school, Wilson offers her an apartment in his home so that she can get back on her feet and pursue her love of art. Blue made stunning sculptures that she carved out of trees and branches. It helped her to feel close to Jimmy and it was an outlet to express herself.

Resolution.
Redemption.
Revelations.

These are the themes of A Different Blue. There was so much to love about this book. I wouldn't even necessarily say that the romance is what you will focus on. It's pretty much secondary to Blue's own personal struggle to rip off the labels that have placed on her. Her triumph over the mystery of her past, and owning her true self. To see her growth from the brittle and sulky girl, to the strong woman who finally found peace really touched my heart. Both characters were far from perfect, and made human mistakes and decisions that we could all probably relate to. That's why I think I really identified with this story and it's uplifting message. I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone looking for something with real depth and substance.

**This is a publisher re-release with a bonus epilogue and scene from Wilson's POV. I think the epilogue was a perfect conclusion that left me so satisfied. And I was pretty giddy over getting rare glimpse inside Wilson's head. HIGHLY recommend even for a re-read just to get these new additions to the story.

This is not your typical love story. There is certainly nothing taboo about it and very little physical interaction between the main characters. What it is is the story of a young woman who doesn’t know who she is, where she came from, or even how old she truly is. It is the story of how she grows from a girl who lives a somewhat self-destructive lifestyle into a woman who realizes she has self-worth.

Blue is a tough heroine that has little consideration for her reputation, at least on the surface. She is lost and lonely and has learned the hard way that through physical contact with the opposite sex she can find some comfort. When she meets Mr. Wilson on the first day of her senior year of high school, she is forced to face her past and what it says about her now as well as in the future.

Through the historical lessons Wilson presents, Blue finds parallels with her own life story. During each personal history assignment she is forced to peel back the ugliness that is and has been her life. My heart ached for her. Blue’s story is devastating in its loneliness and Ms. Harmon makes it easy to feel the emotions that this character experiences throughout the changes that takes place during the following months.

For me, this book was broken down into parts. The first felt very philosophical and symbolic as Blue faces the truth of her current lifestyle. Then there is the part that was heartbreaking as she makes a decision that could never be made lightly. I didn’t know which way she would go but I think it’s safe to say that no matter what step she chose to take, I was going to be crying, and I did. The story then finally moves on somewhat into Wilson and Blue’s relationship which was in question until almost the end of their story. And finally, the answers to questions that arise throughout the book are revealed. While I did see the twist coming, it was still bittersweet.

This is not a feel good book and it is extremely heavy with angst. However, it kept me glued to its pages the whole day. It is low on romance and perhaps had I been given Wilson’s point of view throughout the story I might have felt that romantic connection a bit more. While he has one short epilogue chapter it was too little too late.

If you’re familiar with this author’s writing and enjoy it then you will certainly want to read this one. If you’re looking for a smoking romance you will not find it here.

ARC provided for honest review

Single POV
No abuse
Safe - H has a childhood friend and it is never clear if they are having a physical relationship or not although the h sees this woman kiss the H lightly on the mouth; the h definitely believes them to be a couple
Possible Triggers – This includes some huge spoilers so beware:(view spoiler)

A story that is so complex but an ease to read as well. You truly felt for Blue from the first few pages of the story, you along with Blue go on this incredible journey to discover who she is and to learn with her the meaning of love and being whole and welcomed into the world. Though this is a young adult/teenager directed book, as an adult i truly enjoyed reading the story. I also was amazed at Amy Harmon and her writing, truly well structured giving you such vivid description and yet still so effortless to read. As a recently new reader to Amy and her work, i cannot wait to read more from her
review up on goodreads unde r the name kimothy

The book market is so saturated that it's impossible to read every author, especially with the limited time I have. So please forgive me that this is my first Amy Harmon book. It definitely won't be my last.

“I’m nobody!
Who are you?
Are you nobody, too?
Then there’s a pair of us— don’t tell
They’d banish us, you know."


Blue Echohawk isn't a conformist. She is around 19 years old, she dresses trashy to provoke, is always late at school and the boys think she's easy and she doesn't have many friends. Blue nourishes that image with her behavior. It's her senior year at high school, all students her age have already graduated. Blue started school later in her life, her story is unusual. She was left behind in the truck of a drifter when she was only two years or so old. He took her under his wing and raised her and taught her how to carve beautiful sculptures. The mystery of her birth has never been solved.

It's the first day after summer break and Blue is again late for the last class of the day. History, her least favorite subject. And there is a new teacher, a young handsome guy with a British accent and a love for books and history. She dislikes him because he asks uncomfortable questions, questions that are too personal and she'll be damned if she shared her story with a stranger. And who the hell names their kid Darcy Wilson?

...as different as Wilson was from all the boys I’d ever known. And it wasn’t just the way he talked. It was him. His light and his intensity. And I hated him for it.




This story is about Blue, all other characters, including the hero are support acts. Don't get me wrong, I loved Wilson, he is amazing with her but she is the character this story focuses on and she is unforgettable. Blue is portrayed to be defiant and disrespectful. Abrasive even but on this journey she becomes softer, the edges and ripples are smoothed out like the wood she carves. Feeling discarded, unwanted and unworthy Wilson teaches her that her value doesn't lie in her birth but the way she deals with life and her choices.

“There’s no sense in running from the past. We can’t throw it away or pretend it didn’t happen, Miss Echohawk. But maybe we can learn something from it. You have an interesting story, and I’d like you to tell me more.”


Blue faces the tragedy and obstacles with dignity and one experience in particular shows how selfless she is. I cried buckets. I loved this strong heroine who had to deal with so much sadness in her life and her journey to become "A Different Blue."

Wilson is an intriguing mix of wisdom and innocence. He obstinately avoids romantic entanglement, it's improper, plus he doesn't know how she feels about him. I loved how he was always there when she needed him. And except for one part of the story towards the end he was easy to love. His inability to get over himself was irritating but understandable at the same time.

“I was afraid, Blue,” he repeated, insistent. “You’ve been through so much. And I am half mad over you. I don’t think you are ready for the way I feel.”


There is a lot of underlying sadness in this story but also an uplifting feeling when it comes to Wilson's and Blue's relationship. I loved their friendship, the way he offered valuable insight and advice and a shoulder if Blue was in need of one.



"Just when I think I know all there is to know, you reveal something that absolutely guts me. I don’t know how you’ve survived, Echohawk. I really don’t. The fact that you’re still making jokes and wishing on streetlights is a bit of a miracle.”


This wonderful and superbly written story is about finding your value and yourself without letting your past rule you. Your identity isn't tied to your origins. The way history and native american legends are woven into this tale is perfectly done and makes for a gripping read. "A Different Blue" is poignant, full of emotion and wisdom. The Pride & Prejudice references tickled my funny bone. Amy Harmon's writing is beautiful and lyrical and I can't wait to read more of her stories!


“And I love you . . . most ardently,” he responded, twisting my hair in his hands and pulling me toward him.
“Pride and Prejudice?”
“How did you know?” he smiled.
“I have a thing for Mr. Darcy.”


"A Different Blue" is a standalone.

This book was brilliant. Amy is a truly amazing author x

This book started a bit like a crime show episode with : a glimpse of someone's life, then their death followed by small scene of a investigation before finally zooming to a other persons seemingly unconnected (although we all know there has to be some connection) life.

Once passed the crime show like prologue, we follow a girl called Blue in her last year of high school. I enjoyed the way that from the start we get to see the mask Blue has created for herself and it was interesting though the school year to see the two different sides of Blue. Her 'slutty' shameless and outgoing mask when she is in school, and her more quite and lost personality when she is at home. This first half of the book while Blue is still in school, shows how much teacher's can impact their students lives. It highlighted the power of other people believing in you, and the impact that can have on the views you have of yourself as well as the ways in which you view the world and your place in it.

The second part of the book we follow Blue as she tries to find out more about her past and her birth family. However, I felt as though the theme of this half of the book was more about realizing that your blood family isn't the only family you can have, but rather you can create you own family from those who have your back, care and love you.

This is such a powerful story of a broken, forgotten girl (who's very good at playing the role she created to hide this), who is on a quest to find herself and a teacher determined to see her for who she is and help her discover her true self, and find her place in the world. We also get a great side theme of romance, it is messy at some points and beautiful at other points.

I am not often a fan of teenage contemporary romance's but this one is fluffy and fake, this is deep, heart-breaking, full of loss and self doubt, searching and finding, of discovering and falling