The Clearing
THE CLEARING
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (April 2010)
Amy is drawn to the misty, mysterious clearing behind her Aunt Mae’s place because it looks like the perfect place to hide from life. A place to block out the pain of her last relationship, to avoid the kids in her new town, to stop dwelling on what her future holds after high school. Then, she meets a boy lurking in the mist–Henry. Henry is different from any other guy Amy has ever known. And after several meetings in the clearing, she’s starting to fall for him.
But Amy is stunned when she finds out just how different Henry really is. Because on his side of the clearing, it’s still 1944. By some miracle, Henry and his family are stuck in the past, staving off the tragedy that will strike them in the future. Amy’s crossing over to Henry’s side brings him more happiness than he’s ever known–but her presence also threatens to destroy his safe existence.
In The Clearing, author Heather Davis crafts a tender and poignant tale about falling in love, finding strength, and having the courage to make your own destiny–a perfect book to slip into and hide away for awhile.
“Henry’s dilemma is especially poignant, and a completely unexpected ending shows that Davis is capable of creating a riveting read that lingers long after the story ends.” (ALA Booklist)
“Alternating between Amy and Henry’s intersecting stories, Davis’s (Never Cry Werewolf) second novel has a quiet power; the time travel element gives the story the feel of an old-fashioned romance, with a tinge of melodrama. The tale takes some unexpected turns, providing insights into healing and the weight of destiny along the way.” (Publishers Weekly)
I am a YA librarian. I loved “The Clearing”. I recommend it to teens all the time. I hope there will be a sequel!!!
Thanks, Cindy! I’m not sure about a sequel for The Clearing, but you never know.
There HAS to be a sequel. There are still so many things hanging out in the open to be answered. She’s walking into the mist again… whats after that? I loved the book and want more! =)
Thanks, Bekah! Glad you liked the book and that it has you thinking what happens next for Amy…
I really think their should be a sequel. The ending was a huge cliffhanger! I know some people say when i ask them about the ending and what happened next with the mist and what now that im just suppose to fill in the blanks for myselft or something but i really dont want to do that. This book would make an excellent sequel.
Thanks, Michelle. People have strong opinions on The Clearing’s ending and that’s good. I don’t know that there will ever be a sequel – but you guys keep asking!
there should be a sequel ,on the end it does kinda keep you wondering is she going to walk into the mist,do they ever find henry?,,i just finished reading the book and i loved it.:)
Hi Janelle,
You are not alone in asking for the sequel. I think we’d all like to go back to their world… thanks for reading!
I loved this book so much!! there needs to be a sequel! i finished it last night and today in class when i was zoning out i kept thinking what would happen next for Amy!
Hi Becky! Thanks for your note. I’m so glad you loved the book. I don’t have plans for a sequel to The Clearing at the moment. So many of you fans want one, though.
I absolutely loved this book, I let my friends borrow it and they loved it too!
Aww… thanks for spreading the love, Sarah!
Alright! So, I just finished reading The Clearing… and I’m going to be honest. I LOVED it. Honestly; I liked it even more than Never Cry Werewolf and that is surprising to come by. I could really see that your writing has improved incredebly with just writing one previous book. The description, darkness, and emotion of The Clearing kind of scared me a bit… but in a good way! Many one book storys are rushed and usually don’t feel like they are completely finish, but you were able to write this story with both of these. I have to say… one of the best books I’ve read in a LONG time! Keep up the fantastic work!!!!! I can’t wait to read more from you!
Awesome! Glad you and your mom liked it, Mallory!
Please write a sequel! I love this book and I really do hope the story between Henry and Amy continues! The sequel would state how love really is timeless!
Brilliant work Heather
I’m so glad you liked the book, Kaylie! I will think about a sequel…
Oh, and I just made my mother read it… she loved it also!
We are both huge fans of your work!
i hoestly loved yur book . at first when i picked it up and saw the cover im like seems boring but i was intersted in the story. i thought ive herd of it somewhere . i was thinkgn the book was famous or maybe a movie was made on it.so i sighned it out. i saved ths book last cause i thought that when i wont have nothing else to read id actualy maybe like the story. BUT omgggg that was amzing
i loved it all it was cute and sad and heartwarming . i especcialy loved the ending teh most ! i think thats the best ending ive ever seen. this books reaaly very great and diff , and ill read teh rest of yur books to ! thankyu
Oh, thanks, Myra! I’m glad you loved the ending. Thanks for the note!
I just finished reading The Clearing, and I loved it. I’m a high school English teacher, and I’ll be recommending this book to my students. I especially enjoy how the ending allows the reader to use his/her imagination. I know what (or who) I believe is waiting in the mist!
That’s wonderful, Kristy — thank you!
I really loved this book. I read it in a day, just couldn’t put it down. I will say, at first, I was so disappointed with the ending. All I could think was that it couldn’t end like that. But the story stuck with me and lingered for a couple days and the more I really thought about that last chapter, the more I loved it! All that he did for her, to change the outcome of her life and her family’s life, along with his own family’s. Plus it ends so that I can think about them reuniting in the mist. But then my mind wonders to the complications of them reuniting; WHEN is it that he’s waiting for her, how will the time affect them this time, what about Jackson? Like I said, this book definitely lingers with you for a while. LOVE IT!
I’m so glad you liked the book, Megan. People always seem to have strong opinions about the ending…
I found The Clearing in the YA section of the bookstore a few days ago, and I bought it. Since it was a rainy day, I sat down with a mug of hot chocolate and read it within four hours. It was really good. I’m so glad that I found it. It’s one of my favorite books now.
Wow, thanks, Gilian! I love that you read it in one sitting and with hot chocolate, to boot. I’m glad you chose The Clearing at the bookstore. Thank you!
I just finished reading The Clearing and I am just so full of emotion. The book had such great descriptions and made me feel exactly what Amy and Henry were feeling. I love that it took place in Washington and had the fog- that added to the mysteriousness of the story. I really hope you decide to write a sequel at some point. I would love to know what happens with Amy.
Awww! Jami, what a nice note. I’m so glad the book moved you! Yeah, a lot of people are asking for a sequel… no plans yet, but you never know. Thanks again!
I just finished The Clearing and absolutely loved it. I’m a writer myself and I couldn’t put it down. The love story between Amy and Henry was so touching and romantic, I was crying at the end of every chapter. I’m not sure if there could be a sequel but I would love it if there was. The love between the two of them can go beyond time barriers ( I hope) because I cared for these characters so much, I want to see what happens after HER wish. Thanks for a great story.
Aww. Thank you for the note, Melissa. It’s great to hear that The Clearing touched you so deeply.
Just finished reading the book! I absolutely loved it! Please make a sequel.
Thanks, Nancy!
“The Clearing” isn’t just a cheesy and stupid teenage romance book. It’s about growing up, learning how to love, and learning how to be strong even when it’s the difficult thing to do. The imagery is so absolutely vivid it is impossible not to feel a part of this story. We can taste, feel everything (food, weather, feelings…) even the voice contributed heavily to that.
In brief, “The Clearing” is a marvelously written, quick and lovely read. The setting is a wonderful back drop to the story, and the juxtaposition of Henry’s time and Amy’s is intriguing.
Much to our delight, please write a sequel. I really like your book.
Virginie from France
Thanks, Virginie! That’s a very nice recap. Glad you liked the book!!
I loved this book so much. Although I am only 19, the 1944 date really interested me the most because I am fascinated with that decade and always wish that I lived my life then. Henry was my favorite and because of him, guys in the real world now have to meet my high expectations haha. I would LOVE for you to write a sequel, defiantly about Henry and what happens with him, and also with Amy and when/ if she goes back into the mist. Henry could be waiting for her there. But it would be awesome and would make me extremely happy to see a sequel for Henry. Hope you consider it!
Aw, so glad you liked the book, Christina! I will definitely think about a sequel in the future. Right now, I’m getting ready for my fall book to come out and writing a top secret new project that involves heartbreak and magic… Stay tuned!
i hope they plan on turning this into a movie it was amazing and you should really think about a sequal…
Thank you! And, Hollywood — are you listening? Have a great summer, Samantha!
Maybe someone can help me. I throughly enjoyed this book. Although at first I wasn’t drawn to it because it was a book for school, I soon loved it. I am a bit cofused about the ending though, can someone explain?
Hi Kaelin,
Hope that helps you!
I’m glad you enjoyed the book. I try to limit readers posting “spoilers” here about the book, so I’ll just say that in writing that endings, I’m allowing the reader to imagine what happens next. Why does Amy see what she sees in the field at the end of the book? It’s a book about miracles, so you might think that Henry’s found a way to come back to her. Or, maybe you’ll be content with Amy’s new reality since Henry’s choice changed his life and Uncle Joe’s/Aunt Mae’s and also Amy’s. You have to decide for yourself.
Hi Heather! I read this book and I absolutely fell in love with it! I couldn’t put it down for a second!! Henry is adorable!! And Jackson is just a cutie I wanted to give him a million hugs! With Matt and Amy’s argument…It got me thinking and I’m ready to stand up to a guy who has hurt me and is still doing so. This book has inspired me to finally stand up for myself. Thank you so much for writing this book and I can’t wait to read more.
I’m glad to hear The Clearing inspired you to stand up for yourself, Haley. It’s hard to do that sometimes. Thanks for reading! Hugs, Heather
hi heather!! im still thinking that you should have a sequel for this book
i know youre telling as that the ending is for us readers to imagine whats going to happen next. but theres just so many possibilities and i cant help but feel that this book just never really ends. another book would help the readers stop trying to figure out the “ending” which never really ends. i hope, really hope, that you make a sequel 
Aw, thanks, Paulina. Yes, people keep asking about a sequel – but I don’t know if I’ll ever do one. Maybe it’s enough to believe they found a way to be together and that true love works miracles. Not sure myself, but I keep rooting for true love each time.
Today, I sat and read The Clearing non-stop in the library all day. Amy’s character spoke to me deeply. I went through a lot of problems with a girl.. This story just really made me take a step back and try to understand things from different peoples perspectives. The way Amy talks about never being loved for who she is.. I wish I could go into a misty past and meet a sweet girl like her. Feeling alone and anti-social because you don’t know how else to feel. The older characters had so many words of wisdom. I havent read a book in a long time and I’ve never sat and read one all the way through like that but I’m glad It was with this one. thank you.
Aw — Joey! Thank you for this note. I’m glad you could relate to the characters and are trying to understand things from other people’s perspectives after reading the book. I think all of us would like to find an Amy/Henry of our own. Hugs!
i just wanted to say that this was a fantastic book and i loved it!! i have recommended it to all of my friends!! I am also doing a book report on it and i have a two questions. What is Amy’s last name? and, What is her hometown?
And, what is her mom’s name?
Hi Carissa,
I hope you figured these questions out. I can’t help with anyone’s book reports — but you should be able to find the answers in the first few chapters!
i just wanted to say that this was a fantastic book and i loved it!! i have recommended it to all of my friends!! I am also doing a book report on it and i have a two questions. What is Amy’s last name? and, What is her hometown?
Your a wonderful writer!!!I thought i would cry because the book ended!I cant wait for the next books for Never Cry Werewolf!I’m definitely sucked into your writings!I’ve been trying to look for books that are like your books but yours are just One Of A Kind nothing can top your books.And i wonder what will happen to Jackson?This book just lingers in my mind!!
Thanks for such a sweet comment, Jessica! I’m glad you like the books.
hi! i am totally fall in love with this book.. i wonder if there will be any sequel. since she ended up going into the mist again after henry disappeared after he went to the army, which means, they already grew up.. i want a happy ending.. maybe then he can live in real life instead of inside the mist.. so many kinds of imagination i’m having right now.. i keep rereading it… maybe one day, you make this book into a movie. i’ll be the first ever will watch it…
Thanks, Rieyah. I’ll be sure to let you know if there’s ever a movie. That would be soooo cool.
I’ve never really been able to name a book as my ‘favorite’ (^-^ I usually end up saying the one I’ve read last) until I read The Clearing two years ago.
It’s a simply brilliant book. Especially the ending. (I think it made me cry :3)
I read Wherever You Go a couple months ago and loved it almost as much. I really like how you used a second person perspective in some of the chapters. I’d never seen something written that way before.
Anyway, I look forward to reading the rest of your books. Thank you for sharing them with us!
Keep up the good work,
- V
Hi Vienna,
Thanks for the note! I’m so glad you liked both The Clearing and WYG.
Wow Heather!!!! This book its amazing! I could not put it down since I started it!
The end surprised me and i like it. I hope there will be a sequel!
Thanks, Emii. I’m so glad you liked the book.
Hi Heather! i just finished the book, and I was absolutely sure that there was a sequel. I can´t believe you haven´t written it! Please, consider it, many people are asking for it. I´m sure readers will love it. It was a fantastic book, and I love Henry, he is so gentleman!
Also I thought it was an original and fabulous story, I think I will read the other ones you wrote
Thanks, Camille. I’m so glad you liked the book. Yes, a lot of people would like a sequel, but so far, I’m not planning on one…
Hi, I just finished The Clearing, and I could NOT put it down! I truly loved it, and wanted more! I have also read Wherever You Go, and I loved that one as well! I think you are a very talented writer, and I enjoy your books very much! Great job
Thanks, Chloe. I’m so glad you liked them.
Hello! I am in love with this book. I could read over and over again. You are truly amazing for writing this book! The Clearing gave me strength. I hope you write a sequel. Thank you so much <3