Author: Jen Calonita
ISBN: 9781470808907
Publisher: Little, Brown/Blackstone Audio
Released: October 9, 2012
Series: Belles #2
Duration: 9 hours, 33 minutes
Source: Audiobook from my public library
Summary:
"Isabelle Scott and Mirabelle Monroe are still reeling from the revelation that they share more than just the roof over their heads. The media has pounced on their story and the girls are caught up in a flurry of talk-show appearances and newspaper interviews. They've put on a happy public face, but someone is leaking their true feelings to the press.
While it seems like the world is watching their every move, at least they have each other.
But with cotillion season right around the corner, Izzie and Mira have barely had time to process their newfound sisterhood. Mira has always dreamed of making her debut in a gorgeous white gown—now if only she could find an escort. Izzie, meanwhile, is still struggling to find her place in Emerald Cove, and it's seeming ever more impossible with EC mean-girls, young and old, doing their best to keep her down. As cotillion preparations heat up, though, there are dance steps to learn, manners to perfect—and secret initiations to complete?—as if sophomore year wasn't hard enough.
It's time for the gowns to go on and the gloves to come off."
______________________________________________
First Lines:
"'How y'all doing this fine morning, North Carolina?'
Wendy Wallington's famous Southern twang ricocheted throughout the television studio whipping her audience into a frenzy."
Page 1
______________________________________________
Review:
I don't think I ever got around to reviewing the first book in this series last year. But I listened to that audio as well and loved everything about the story. Had to give the second one a go.
So, Mira and Izzy have found out a huge secret (which I'm not divulging, just in case). They have come to rely on each other for comfort. Izzy's new life is still very overwhelming and misses home. But she is beginning to fit in - in ways she never expected. Mira is learning more and more about her crush and falling even harder. Not to mention that is cotillion season! It's all about dresses, escorts, and white gloves.
Honestly, the first book was so fun and cute that I couldn't help but want to get into the second one. It pulled me back into the girl's lives without any trouble. This book has a whole new vibe - Mira and Izzy are actually getting along. They have formed an alliance because of a few shared enemies. Not to mention they need each other to get through the media circus that has become their lives. It's kind of sweet to see the girls come together like that.
I loved the whole cotillion angle in this book. It gives you a little sneak peak into a life that not a lot of people get to experience. It's fun to get Izzy's take on everything because she's so new to the life. Mira has, of course, embraced the whole experience from the time she was five. There's lots of cattiness and drama surrounding the event. It makes for a great setting to get to know the people in their lives better.
I kind of love that both of these books have had an emphasis on community service. Most of the time it's in the context of looking good to others - and cotillion stuff - but I think it's important that people know those types of opportunities are really out there. I'm probably reading way too much into that aspect of the story, but it's sort of heartwarming for me. It's also cool that most of it is giving back to people who actually need it - not just the rich helping the rich.
I worry that this book is going to get dated quickly. There is a lot of name-dropping and contemporary references. It doesn't take much for a book like that to feel old. It's a great story and I hope it lives on for a while, but I do wonder if people five years from now are going to care about some of the names in there.
All in all, these books are super fun and adorable. If you're looking for something light and easy, I highly suggest these. The audio versions were great as well. The reader does a wonderful job with all of the various southern accents. I know that was probably a chore. But it turned out really well. I can't wait to see what happens next to these girls!
______________________________________________
Other Blog Reviews:
Justin's Book Blog
YA Booklover Blog
Imaginary Reads
Blue Sky Bookshelf
Catching Books
The Irish Banana Review
Deborah's Books
Twice as Nice
Owl Read It
Ex Libris
Great review!
ReplyDelete