The Butterfly Project

Emma Scott — 2017

"Where you are is home..." At age fourteen, Zelda Rossi witnessed the unthinkable, and has spent the last ten years hardening her heart against the guilt and grief. She channels her pain into her art: a dystopian graphic novel where vigilantes travel back in time to stop heinous crimes-like child abduction-before they happen. Zelda pitches her graphic novel to several big-time comic book publishers in New York City, only to have her hopes crash and burn. Circumstances leave her stranded in an unfamiliar city, and in an embarrassing moment of weakness, she meets a guarded young man with a past he'd do anything to change... Beckett Copeland spent two years in prison for armed robbery, and is now struggling to keep his head above water. A bike messenger by day, he speeds around New York City, riding fast and hard but going nowhere, his criminal record holding him back almost as much as the guilt of his crime. Zelda and Beckett form a grudging alliance of survival, and in between their stubborn clash of wills, they slowly begin to provide each other with the warmth of forgiveness, healing, and maybe even love. But when Zelda and Beckett come face to face with their pasts, they must choose to hold on to the guilt and regret that bind them, or let go and open their hearts for a shot at happiness. The Butterfly Project is a novel that reveals the power of forgiveness, and how even the smallest decisions of the heart can-like the flutter of a butterfly's wings-create currents that strengthen into gale winds, altering the course of a life forever.

Reviews

arwen@corienrielle

May 5, 2024

3.5

Jasmine@lovelyximperfect

Jan 21, 2023

6 Stars You didn’t make it home, Zelda. You are my home. Where you are is home.” I've only read two of Emma Scott's books but every single one of them has stuck with me. She has a beautiful way of evoking so much emotion in her writing that everything touches your heart. The Butterfly Project is no exception its soul searching, powerful, and devastatingly beautiful. I really wish I had read this book back in February when it came out because its the perfect winter read. Ugh, this book just moves you and makes you look at humanity and choices. Watching Zelda & Beckett's friendship grow into this incredible bond and relationship was beyond stunning! One of those books you will be thinking about long after and wishing everyone who loves romance books can experience it too.

Book Frisson@melishahigdon

May 2, 2022

** spoiler alert ** Great Read! Warning: SPOILERS! This book is a great mood lifter for sure! The story of Zelda and Beckett isn’t rushed or too cheesy. Don’t get me wrong, it has its fair share of literary cheese, but the love—and the heart—was definitely there. There were a few details that I felt were misplaced, but they aren’t that important. I think my favorite part about the book was redemption for Beckett. The way Scott writes the scene with Beckett and Mrs. J seriously made me cry harder than any other part of the book. The letters were a nice touch because I, along with Beckett, assumed there was no reason for Mrs. J to keep the letters, but I loved that she did. Plus, I loved how Beckett’s reaction was written as well. All-around love for The Butterfly Project!!

Samantha King@samtalksbooks

Nov 17, 2021

This was such a cute read, I loved our two main characters. They were flushed out so well and their personalities were perfect. This book made me smile, laugh and made my heart ace. I loved the story of our two mains characters and loved that this was so more more of a romance. Its slow burn but felt so real. It deals with important stuff that both our characters are dealing with stuff from their past. It really was something else, something wonderful and warm, but at points heartbreaking and hopeful. I really did love these characters and the new york Christmas setting was even more amazing. 4.5 stars.

Jobananareads@jobananareads

Oct 2, 2021

that john green reference tho!!!!!!????? i just loved this book!

Luisa Manfeld Lester@luisalester

Aug 28, 2021

I READ THIS BOOK SOOOO FAST BUT IT WAS SO GOOD! I CRIED HAPPY TEARS WHICH DOSN’T HAPPEN VERY OFTEN AND IT WAS JUST SO BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN AND HEARTBREAKING BUT HEARTWARMING AT THE SAME TIME AND BECKETT WAS THE SWEETEST AND I LOVED ROY AND MARY SO MUCH AND NIGEL AND JUST WKAKWKAKW... this story just handled grief so amazingly and I loved the whole concept of Zeldas graphic novel. I loved how it had so much focus on forgiving yourself and blaming yourself for some terrible things in your past. This book was just, wow..