Broken Hearts, Fences and Other Things to Mend by Katie Finn

Title: Broken Hearts, Fences and Other Things to Mend

Author: Katie Finn
ISBN: 9781250045249
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Released: May 13, 2014
Page #: 339
Series: Broken Hearts and Revenge #1
Source: ARC from the publisher

Summary:
"Gemma had her summer all planned out, but it takes a sharp turn when she gets dumped and finds herself back in the Hamptons after a five-year absence.

Being there puts her at risk of bumping into Hallie, her former best friend (that is, before Gemma ruined her life.) But people don't hold grudges forever. Do they?

Gemma intends on making amends, but a small case of mistaken identity causes the people she knew years ago - including Hallie and her dreamy brother Josh - to believe she's someone else. As though the summer wasn't complicated enough already.

Can Gemma keep up the charade? Or will she be found out by the very people she's been hiding from?"
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Review:

I feel like everyone has that one thing from childhood that they regret. They said something mean to someone, did something horrid, etc. I know I did... and this book really brings that to the forefront.

Gemma has to spend the summer in the Hamptons with her father. It doesn't sound so bad until she realizes that her friend from the past is staying there, too. Years ago, Gemma had been horrible to her and her family, so now she feels like she has to make up for it. By luck, they all think her name is something different - and she looks different enough after a few years of growing up, that they are fooled. Now she has the chance to see if everyone has moved on and she can become friends with Hallie again.

Stories like this are sort of refreshing sometimes. It's light and easy, but there's enough drama going on to keep you interested. It's amazing how much can be messed up just by not correcting someone. Gemma lets Josh think her name is Sophie, just because it's on her coffee cup. But then it quickly snowballs because of who Josh is. Then it gets even bigger because now there is a whole group of people who know her as Sophie... so they just can't interact with anyone who knows her real name. I can imagine living like that would get all sorts of confusing. Especially when you run into people who know you from the past.

So, there's a lot of mistaken (on purpose-ish) identities, but there are also crazy things happening in Gemma's life. It seems like nothing will go right. She will break things, lose things, get sick, and so much more. It sounds like the most miserable summer of all time. But she has to keep up the charade and not let those things get her down. All of this is while she's trying to be the best possible friend to Hallie and trying to figure out what her relationship status is with Josh. She just can't... you know... be herself.

The one serious drawback of this book for me was that I could see what was going to happen a mile away. Honestly, soon after she got to the Hamptons and was just getting her feet under her, I could see what was happening. It's just a little shocking that it took Gemma that long to figure things out. And she doesn't, exactly. She is told. Well, you'll see what I mean when you read it. But because I knew what was going to happen, I lost a little interest. The book took me a little longer than it probably should have.

But all in all, it's a cute story that I think lots of romance lovers will be all about. It does leave you on a cliffhanger, so I am wondering what could possibly be next. There are a couple of aspects of the story that I know will pan out, but I'm guessing it will be more than that. So, if you're looking for a fun beach read, then this book is for you. Especially if you're a fan of friendship drama and lurv. :)
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Other Blog Reviews:

Bewitched Bookworms
Alexa Loves Books
Libby Blog
Paper Cuts
Starlight Book Reviews
Buried in Books
The YA Kitten
Paper Riot
Rather Be Reading
In Bed with Books

Better Off Friends by Elizabeth Eulberg

Title: Better Off Friends
Author: Elizabeth Eulberg
ISBN:9780545551458
Publisher: Point/Scholastic
Released: February 25, 2014
Page #: 278
Source: ARC from the publisher

Summary:
"For Macallan and Levi, it was friends at first sight. Everyone says guys and girls can't be just friends, but these two are. They hang out after school, share tons of inside jokes, their families are super close, and Levi even starts dating one of Macallan's friends. They are platonic and happy that way.

Eventually they realize they're best friends - which wouldn't be so bad if they didn't keep getting in each other's way. Guys won't ask Macallan out because they think she's with Levi, and Levi spends too much time joking around with Macallan and maybe not enough time with his date. They can't help but wonder... are they more than friends or are they better off without making it even more complicated?

From romantic comedy superstar Elizabeth Eulberg comes a fresh, fun examination of a question for the ages: Can guys and girls ever really be just friends? Or are they always one fight away from not speaking again - and one kiss away from true love?"
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First Lines: (Quote from the galley, see final version for edits)

"I was probably the first kid ever excited for summer to be over. There was too much free time that summer, which can lead to too much thinking, especially for a loss-stricken eleven-year-old."
Page 3
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Review:

This is probably one of the biggest questions in the universe. Can guys and girls be just friends? And are they really just friends on both sides, or does one always like the other more? I feel like this has never been answered in the history of the world. Guess it's different for everyone.

For Macallan and Levi, their friendship is instant. They bond over a tv show and they just never let up from there. A friendship that starts in middle school will always be tested once you get to high school and beyond. Things change, friends change, relationships change... and these two are facing some of the biggest decisions in life. Now that they are starting to feel more deeply about each other, will they take things to another level or try to keep their best-friendship in tact?

I imagine that this is one of the most relatable topics for anyone, anywhere... ever. Hasn't everyone had that friend that they sort of wondered would be more? Ahem, maybe this is just relatable to me. :) Anyway, it's an interesting topic and I was wondering how the author would handle it. I don't know that I love how things ended up, but I'm not going to spoil that for you here. It just wasn't what I was expecting.

Also, there are asides at the end (or beginning) of each chapter in the form of IMs or Texts or something between the two main characters. It's as though they are writing this story together and looking back on those times with either fondness or despair. But it's unclear where they are looking back from... are they adults? Are they just immediately after this story happens? It's a little like the adult looking back on their stupid mistakes as a teenager. I'm not sure how that's going to read for an actual teen. Preachy? I'm not sure how much those added to the story - and I kind of thought they weren't needed.

Beyond that, I thought this was an interesting story. It does cover a lot of ground. You start in seventh grade and it goes pretty far through high school. That's a lot of time in such a short book. I guess I'm not sure I understand the need to pull in that much of the story. You do need to know where the characters have come from to know why they way they are. I just wonder if there was a different way to do that. When they were in the young stages, I sort of had a hard time remembering that they weren't older teens.

So, with all of that being said, I still liked the story. I loved the relationship between the main characters. I love the realistic way that they dealt with relationships with people outside of the two of them. It seemed very authentic. So that was well done and I know a lot of romance lovers who will really get into this story. It obviously wasn't my favorite for some formatting and general storytelling reasons, but I think this one will find a home with those chick lit girls.
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Other Blog Reviews: 

Paperback Treasures
The Librarian Who Doesn't Say Shhh!
The Cozy Reader
Once Upon a Twilight
Winterhaven Books
Ticket to Anywhere
Mostly YA Book Obsessed
Nick's Book Blog
I am a Reader
Katie's Book Blog

Fire with Fire by Jenny Han and Sibhan Vivian

Title: Fire with Fire
Author: Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian
ISBN: 9781442440784
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Released: August 13, 2013
Series: Burn for Burn #2
Page: 518
Source: eARC from Edelweiss

Summary:
Lillia, Kat, and Mary had the perfect plan. Work together in secret to take down the people who wronged them. But things didn't exactly go the way they'd hoped at the Homecoming Dance.

Not even close.
For now, it looks like they got away with it. All they have to do is move on and pick up the pieces, forget there ever was a pact. But it's not easy, not when Reeve is still a total jerk and Rennie's meaner than she ever was before.

And then there's sweet little Mary…she knows there's something seriously wrong with her. If she can't control her anger, she's sure that someone will get hurt even worse than Reeve was. Mary understands now that it's not just that Reeve bullied her-it's that he made her love him.

Eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth, burn for a burn. A broken heart for a broken heart. The girls are up to the task. They'll make Reeve fall in love with Lillia and then they will crush him. It's the only way he'll learn.
It seems once a fire is lit, the only thing you can do is let it burn..."
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First Lines: (Quote from the ARC, subject to change)


"I couldn't decide what to wear. At first I thought casual, like jeans and a button-down; then I thought no, in case his parents are there I should wear a dress, something somber like my gray scoop neck with the skinny belt."
Page 1
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Review:

So, that quote up there really doesn't give this book justice. It may have changed in the final version... but it sounds sort of vapid. Which is not at all what this book is. In fact, I loved this book. It was a great follow up to an amazing story of revenge.

The plan that Lillia, Mary, and Kat concocted sort of blew up in their faces. They ended up hurting people more than they intended to. They wanted to give them a taste of their own medicine... but ended up physically hurting some people. There is some definite guilt, but then opportunities present themselves to continue the revenge scheme. It's too good to pass up, but will it go too far again?

I really loved this book. It's such a fast paced story that I hardly noticed that it's 500+ pages. You spend the first book getting to know these three girls - and how different they are. They are in totally different cliques in school, but they have grudges against the same people. And this second book, you see how their friendship grows even more. And see how their lives start to really intertwine.

At the end of the first book, you get a hint about the supernatural aspect of Mary's involvement. She is the one that caused the accidental injuries. And you get a lot more of that in this book - and you start to really wonder about her Aunt. She's sort of New Age-y and Mary starts to notice how different she is being treated and starts to become almost scared of her.

I was a little worried about this second book - because of the whole sophomore slump. But really this book is just as good, maybe better, than the first one. There's more romance. More scheming. More drama. More mystery. Just MORE! And it's awesome. There is a huge twist at the end of this book... Obviously I'm not going to talk about it, but it's major. And it makes you rethink the entire course of the story. I really look forward to seeing how it is treated in the next book.

If you're a fan of YA chick lit with an edge, this is definitely the series for you. I love each and every one of our main girls. They are so different, but you really understand where each one is coming from. Which is one of the things that makes this book good for so many different readers. They can see themselves in any of the characters. Anyway. So good. Definitely give this series a try.
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Other Blog Reviews:

Rather Be Reading
Itching for Books
Lose Time Reading
Novel Sounds
The Quiet Concert
I Eat Words
The Social Potato Reviews
Maji Bookshelf
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Page Turners Blog

The F- It List by Julie Halpern

Title: The F- It List
Author: Julie Halpern
ISBN: 9781250025654
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Released: November 12, 2013
Page #: 248
Source: ARC from the publisher

Summary:
"Alex and Becca have always been the best of friends. But when Becca does something nearly unforgivable at Alex's dad's funeral, Alex cuts ties with her and focuses on her grieving family.

Time passes, and Alex finally decides to forgive Becca. Then she's hit with another shocker: Becca has cancer. It also turns out Becca has a bucket list, one she doesn't know she'll be able to finish now. That's where Alex comes in, along with a mysterious and guarded boy who may just help Alex check a few items off her own bucket list.

Julie Halpern writes about illness, loss, love, and friendship with candor and compassion. Here is an unforgettable book about living fully, living authentically, and just... living."
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First Lines:

"The only thing worse than having my best friend sleep with my boyfriend the night of my father's funeral would be if she killed my dad herself. Becca didn't, which was the one thing that redeemed her."
Page 1
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Review:

I honestly wish this book had a different title. This book was really, really good and I wish I could buy it for every high school... but alas. We'll see if I can sell anyone on it. Straight up, this book was fabulous.

It's the story of Alex and Becca - best friends forever. After an insane summer, Becca finds out that she has cancer. This throws both of their lives into a tailspin. Alex wants to do anything to help Becca and only thing they come up with is to help Becca complete her bucket list that she had been making since she was nine. Some of the stuff on the list is super silly and easy, other stuff is a bit more risque. But Alex wants to help out and is willing to do anything.

I really appreciated that this book was written from the perspective of Alex. Sometimes I worry that teen stories about things like cancer will be really heavy and intense and sad. That truly does not describe this book. Alex is the perfect leading lady and she has an outlook on life that is unstoppable. She would probably be the perfect friend to have around when something like this happens. She's hilarious and understanding and loving... a recipe for a fabulous friend.

While there are parts of this book that are a little more edgy, I really think that the life lessons and situations will speak to anyone in high school. And I really did worry that the title was an indication of major f-bomb usage in the story. But it really is only used in normal contexts. There are some books I have started that I couldn't get through because of the intense amount of language - which is not the way anyone speaks. This book felt real and honest when it comes to the way people actually talk. I very much appreciated that.

I also thought it was cool the way Alex treated her life after finding out about Becca. Like anyone, she wondered about how shallow she was when thinking about stupid stuff while Becca was dealing with a huge issue. She knew how she was supposed to feel and had a hard time putting her own needs aside. Which really is how I think most people feel in those types of situations. The author just did a great job putting a lot of reality into this story.

You've also got a pretty awesome love story to top things off - which helps Alex complete some of the more risque items on Becca's bucket list. It's not all butterflies and rainbows, either. Real stuff happens and they deal with it the way many people would. And there's an adorable relationship that starts up with Becca and her next door neighbor. Which is super sweet and makes you want to meet a guy like him.

I haven't read anything by this author before, but I really think she does an amazing job with realistic fiction. Things feel authentic and everything rings true. I may have to go back and pick up some of her other stuff now. If you can get past this title, I really think lovers of realistic fiction will be all about this book.
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Other Blog Reviews:

The Reading Addict
The Bookaholic Blurbs
Reading Junky's Reading Roost
Istyria Book Blog
Page Turners Blog

The Infinite Moment of Us by Lauren Myracle

Title: The Infinite Moment of Us 
Author: Lauren Myracle
ISBN: 9781419707933
Publisher: Amulet Books
Released: August 27, 2013
Page #: 318
Source: ARC from the publisher

Summary:
"For eighteen years Wren Gray has been the model daughter, which in her family means all As, zero boyfriends, and early acceptance into a pre-med program. But as high school graduation nears, so does an uncomfortable realization. Pleasing her parents once overlapped with pleasing herself, but now... not so much. Wren needs to honor her own desires, but how can she if she doesn't even know what they are?

Charlie Parker, on the other hand, knows exactly what he wants. A gentle boy with a troubled past, Charlie has loved Wren since the day he first saw her. But a girl like Wren would never fall for a guy like Charlie - at least not the sort of guy Charlie believes himself to be.

And yet certain things are written in the stars. And in the summer after high school, Wren's and Charlie's souls will collide. But souls are complicated, as are the bodies that house them...

Deeply sexy and achingly romantic, this gorgeous novel, from one of young adult literature's most distinctive voices, explores that time between high school and college when life seems to be just beginning, and everything - including true love - is possible."
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First Lines: (Quote from the ARC, subject to change)

"It was all ending: High School.
It was all beginning: everything that came next. 
This was true for every senior at Atlanta's Southview High School, not just Wren."
Page 1
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Review:

I got way more than I bargained for with this book. I should have read the whole description, probably... as it mentions how sexy it is. So there's that... but it was really a good read.

Wren has always done what her parents told her to do... until now. They want her to go to college at Emory and she wants to go help people in Guatemala. She's never done anything against them, including getting involved with guys. And then Charlie Parker happens right after graduation. He's sweet and really cares about her and they fall in love. Quickly. They are so in love that they really question their decisions about what to do after high school. Do they want to make a forever commitment right now?

I really do think that this is a realistic portrait of a post high school relationship. There's the intense love portion, the questioning each other, the worrying about each other's past, the wondering about the future, the immediate connections... It just feels very real.

One thing that I sort of didn't understand was Wren's compliance with her parents throughout high school. I guess it's possible that the whole teen angst thing didn't come up for her. But didn't we all question things our parents said throughout that time? Wasn't that exactly when you started rebelling? I just can't imagine Wren waiting until after high school to start doing something. Especially considering how her parents treated her...

I just need to mention the sexier parts of this book. I only feel the need to talk about it because of the age-range many of the vendors and review sources have put on it. I have seen a few that say this book is appropriate for grades 7 and up. Honestly... I would say more like grades 10 and up. It's pretty specific about sexual situations. I know that it's true to life and all that... but I feel like the emotional stuff and the ... yeah, it's just for way older teens.

There are definite things in this book that are great life-lessons regarding sex. Things like protection, getting tested, it being with someone you love deeply and all of that. So it's not a bad message at all. And I think it's well done. I just wasn't prepared for some of the terminology and I worry that it might be seen as too racy by some librarians/parents. But the love story is sweet and well thought out.

I do think that girls who love romance will be all about this story. Charlie is exactly the kind of guy that we all hope for, I think. :) So this book will definitely find an audience. Not to mention the author has a great following. I have read some of her stuff in the past and loved it. It's a quick, full-of-feeling love story that will strike a chord with many girls.
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Other Blog Reviews:

Sarah Reads Too Much
Rather Be Reading
The Book Belles
Bewitched Bookworms
The Reader's Den
Writer of Wrongs
The Reading Vixens
Alexa Loves Books
Readers in Wonderland
Queen of Contemporary

The Moon and More by Sarah Dessen

Title: The Moon and More
Author: Sarah Dessen
ISBN: 9780670785605
Publisher: Viking
Released: June 4, 2013
Page #: 435
Source: ARC from the publisher

Summary: 
"Like is the perfect boyfriend: handsome, kind, fun. He and Emaline have been together all through high school in Colby, the beach town where they group up. But now, in the summer before college, Emaline wonders if perfect is good enough.

Enter Theo, a super-ambitious outsider, a New Yorker assisting on a documentary film about a reclusive local artist. Theo's sophisticated and exciting, and best of all, he thinks Emaline is much too smart for Colby.

Emaline's mostly-absentee father, too, thinks Emaline should have a bigger life, and he's convinced that an Ivy League education is the only route to realizing her potential. Emaline is attracted to the bright future that Theo and her father promise. But she also clings to the deep roots of her loving mother, stepfather, sisters, and friends. Can she ignore the pull of happily familiar world of Colby?

Emaline wants the moon and more, but how can she balance where she comes from with where she's going?"
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First Lines: (quote from the ARC, subject to change)

"Here they come. 
'- or I promise you, we'll turn right around and go back to Paterson!' the woman behind the wheel of the burgundy minivan was shouting as it pulled up beside me."
Page 1

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Review:

I will readily admit that I have never read a Sarah Dessen book before. Mostly because I keep hearing that she will make you cry. Pretty much every time. And I'm never emotionally ready for something like that :). But I hadn't read any reviews of this one yet, so I gave it a shot.

Emaline lives in a premiere summer beach location. The tourists come and go, but the locals stick together. This summer, she finds herself questioning everything and preparing to go to college. Things with her longtime boyfriend go sour and a new guy pops up. He is from a whole other world - a world she really doesn't understand. And it's time for her to figure out who she is going to become and where her heart lies.

This is pretty much the supreme summer book. I sort of wish I had been on my own beach vacation while reading it. Of course things don't work out that way. :) Anyway, it's sort of an interesting look at the lives of the people who live near a big tourist stop. There are places the locals hang out, there are places the locals avoid like the plague, and there are people they protect with everything they've got. The location was almost a character itself - mostly because it was so much a part of Emaline's character.

I really think Dessen has a knack for writing relationships. Every relationship in Emaline's life felt 100% real. From the relationship with her father, her mother, Luke, and even her little brother Benji. The ups and downs were very plausible. There weren't any moments when I thought that something wouldn't happen like that in real life. And there's something very refreshing about that. In truth, Theo was a little over-the-top and I had a hard time liking him. But that's what a summer romance is all about, isn't it? You can be with someone different without worrying too much about that stuff.

I know there are tons of Sarah Dessen fans out there already, so this book is an easy sell. Realistic girl drama. I'm glad I chose this book as my introduction to the author. The ending was contemplative, but not particularly sad. I enjoyed that it gave you things to think about... and things to wonder about the future of the characters.

If you're a fan of this author, you'll definitely want to go pick this one up. It's a solid story with heart. 
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Other Blog Reviews:

Rather Be Reading
The Reader Bee
Literary Exploration
Parajunkee's View
Book Passion for Life
The Romance Bookie
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This is What Happy Looks Like by Jennifer E. Smith

Title: This is What Happy Looks Like
Author: Jennifer E. Smith
ISBN: 9781478978770
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Released: April 2, 2013
Duration: 8.5 hours
Source: Playaway from my public library

Summary:
"Perfect strangers Graham Larkin and Ellie O'Neill meet - albeit virtually - when Graham accidentally sends Ellie an email about his pet pig, Wilbur. The two seventeen-year-olds strike up an email relationship, even though they live on opposite sides of the country and don't even know each other's first name.

In a witty and unforgettable correspondence, Graham and Ellie share details about their lives, hopes, and fears. But they don't tell each other everything: Graham doesn't know the secret hidden in Ellie's family tree, and Ellie is unaware of Graham's life in the spotlight.

When Graham seizes an opportunity to spend time in Ellie's tiny hometown of Henley, Maine, he takes their relationship from online to in person. But can two people from such different worlds be together despite the odds stacked against them?"
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First Lines:

"It was not all that different from the circus, and it came to town in much the same way. Only instead of elephants and giraffes, there were cameras and microphones."
Page 21
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Review:

I feel like everyone hopes someone they meet online will turn out to be famous. Or maybe that's just me. :) So the whole idea of this book was super cute and wonderful.

Graham and Ellie accidentally start emailing - just a slip of the fingers made Graham email the wrong person. But then they started talking. And becoming friends... and maybe more. It all changes when he shows up in her tiny town to film a movie. They realize just what it would mean to be together. Not to mention all of the attention they would attract by being together.

I loved the last book by Jennifer E. Smith - the same sort of cute romance that just makes you feel good. That's what I was hoping for with this book and I wasn't disappointed. She weaves a romance that seems both realistic and a little over the top at times. But that's only to make the whole thing more exciting.

Beyond the romance, this book is also about family. Ellie has a secret about her father that just cannot get out into the world. Her mother spends her time protecting Ellie and keeping her from making huge mistakes. Which is something she can't do when Graham is around. But it's sort of a beautiful relationship between a mother and daughter. You can feel how much they love each other and their little family.

I just think there is always a need for heart warming stories like this. No, it's not even remotely reality, but there is something so calming and comforting about this type of story. I will definitely recommend it to any of my chick lit/realistic lovers. They will definitely find this one to fit the bill.

Okay, so I listened to the audio for this book. While everything flowed well and all, I did have one little complaint. And it's nitpicky. But the woman reading Ellie had a way of enunciating things that otherwise would have been drawn out a different way. Some of the letters were too hard, so it wasn't how we would normally speak. I got used to it after a while, but Ellie's voice in my head is a little more robotic. :) Otherwise, it was really well done.

After listening to this book, I've decided I really am a Jennifer E. Smith fan. I'll probably read/listen to anything she writes after these books. She spins a great story that makes me want to snuggle up and lose myself in it. If you haven't read anything by her before, I highly recommend you give it a shot. Especially if you love romance. ;)
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Other Blog Reviews: 

The Pretty Books
Chick Loves Lit
Bookshelf Fantasies
There Were Books Involved
Fabbity Fab Book Reviews
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Revenge of the Girl with the Great Personality by Elizabeth Eulberg

Title: Revenge of the Girl with the Great Personality 
Author: Elizabeth Eulberg
ISBN: 9780545476997
Publisher: Scholastic
Released: March 1, 2013
Page #: 261
Source: ARC from the publisher

Summary:
"Everybody loves Lexi. She's popular, smart, funny... but she's never been one of those girls, the pretty ones who get all the attention from guys. And on top of that, her seven-year-old sister, Mackenzie, is a terror in a tiara, part of a pageant scene where she gets praised for her beauty (with the help of fake hair and tons of makeup).

Lexi's sick of it. She's sick of being the girl who hears about kisses instead of getting them. She's sick of being ignored by her longtime crush, Logan. She's sick of being taken for granted by her pageant-obsessed mom. And she's sick of having all her family's money wasted on a phony pursuit of perfection.

The time has come for Lexi to step out from the sidelines. Girls without great personalities aren't going to know what hit them. Because Lexi's going to play the beauty game - and she's in it to win it."
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First Lines:

"Applying butt glue to my sister's backside is, without question, not the first way I'd choose to spend a weekend.
However, getting up close and personal is just one of the many glamorous tasks that are involved in being on Team Mackenzie."
Page 1
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Review:

I laughed. I cried. I swooned. No, seriously. This was really fun - it had a little bit of everything that makes an awesome realistic fiction book for teens. Was it a little predictable? Maybe. But it was fun and definitely worth the read. Plus, how could you pass up a book with a title as awesome as this one?!

So, Lexi's sister is a pageant child. All of their time, money, and effort goes to the pageant - including some of the money Lexi is saving up. They never have enough. She has fabulous friends and wants her life to change, desperately. She's tired of being overlooked by her family and crush... so she makes a bet with one of her best friends. She will start dressing nicely if he will talk to his crush. It works a little too well and things start spiraling.

Lexi was an awesome main character. She has just the right amount of sass and insecurity to really fall in love with her. Her family, on the other hand, needs some work. Only her friends see her for how awesome she is. I really wasn't expecting for her to be as emotionally complex as she ended up being. Plus, she has the whole boy drama that we all know and love. It takes quite the party to help her figure out who is best for her.

There is something so fascinating about pageants. I mean, there are obviously a lot of people who are - considering all the tv shows and such. But I loved getting the whole thing from the perspective of a sister who couldn't care less about the whole thing. This book has a few rah-rah feminist moments that are totally valid. Things like, do pageants really help self esteem... and that sort of thing. So it was interesting to sort of delve into that world. Especially when you're talking about children.

As usual, I'm not going to tell you what happens in the end. In fact, there's something a little shocking that happens in Lexi's family. I may have been a little emotional while reading this book to begin with, but I honestly teared up. The incident is well written and you feel like the author is handling the whole thing with care. I really appreciated that.

See? So this one is more than chick lit. A little less fluffy. But it really does have some great characters and you will find yourself rooting for them all to make good choices. I will definitely recommend this book to my realistic fiction lovers. It's a fast, fun read that will totally pull you in. I haven't read anything by this author before, but I might need to go find the rest of her stuff.
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Other Blog Reviews:


Katie's Book Blog
Tabitha's Book Blog
IB Book Blogging
The Closet Library
Rhapsody in Books
Reading Angels
The Book Cellar
Miss Print
Emily's Crammed Bookshelf
Rather Be Reading

Forgotten by Cat Patrick

Title: Forgotten
Author: Cat Patrick
ISBN: 9780316094610
Publisher: Little Brown and Company
Released: June 14, 2011
Duration: 6 hours, 19 minutes
Source: Audiobook from my public library

Summary:
"Each night at precisely 4:33 am, while sixteen-year-old London Lane is asleep, her memory of that day is erased. In the morning, all she can "remember" are events from her future. London is used to relying on reminder notes and a trusted friend to get through the day, but things get complicated when a new boy at school enters the picture. Luke Henry is not someone you'd easily forget, yet try as she might, London can't find him in her memories of things to come.

When London starts experiencing disturbing flashbacks, or flash-forwards, as the case may be, she realizes it's time to learn about the past she keeps forgetting-before it destroys her future."
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First Lines:

"Aren't Fridays supposed to be good?
This one started badly.
The note on my nightstand didn't tell me anything useful. My eyelids wanted to stay closed; my favorite jeans were in the hamper; and there was no milk in the fridge."
Page 7
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Review:

For whatever reason, I actually didn't know what this book was going to be about. But it was available from my library's audio collection - so I gave it a go. I should really start paying more attention to the summaries before I actually read/listen to a book. I still really liked it... but in a different way than I expected :).

London forgets everything at 4:33am every day. She has to leave herself notes and clues about things that have happened and are important. Then one day she meets a guy - someone she really doesn't want to forget. But there's one kicker - she can remember things from the future. She knows what is going to happen to people. And this guy isn't in her future. She can't see him.

I had assumed this book was going to be very mysterious. And while there is a little bit of that element, it's much more than that. In fact, it comes across more as a love story.A girl just trying to be normal and have a normal relationship. But she finds out more about herself than she thought possible. But she has to keep her secret from this guy... What would he do if he found out about her?

Can you imagine not remembering anything from your past? Truly nothing?? That seems amazingly scary. I think anyone would do the same as what London does - take notes. Keep folders of your information. Make sure that everything is written down every night so you can remember it the next day. And the idea of deliberately forgetting something is even more intense. It's also crazy to think that she can scan her future memory for clues about things that have happened in the past. What a trip!

I really enjoyed this story. I think the concept is cool and really blows my mind. And to think that there was a reason for it - and maybe a way to fix it is even more insane. I thought this was well done and the story really pulled me in. I'm definitely a fan of Cat Patrick now and I need to go find everything else she's written. I will definitely be recommending her book on - especially if you like YA romance with a little meat to it.
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Other Blog Reviews:

Chapter by Chapter
Turn the Page
The Story Siren
Dreaming in Books
The Book Goddess
Tabitha's Book Blog
Reading Lark
Presenting Lenore
A Dream of Books
Christina Reads YA

All I Need by Susane Colasanti

Title: All I Need 
Author: Susane Colasanti
ISBN: 9780670014231
Publisher: Viking Juvenile
Released: May 21, 2013
Page #: 240
Source: eARC from Edelweiss

Summary:
"Skye wants to meet the boy who will change her life forever. Seth feels their instant connection the second he sees her. When Seth starts talking to Skye at the last beach party of the summer, it's obvious to both of them that this is something real.

But when Seth leaves for college before they exchange contact info, Skye wonders if he felt the same way she did—and if she will ever see him again. Even if they find their way back to each other, can they make a long-distance relationship work despite trust issues, ex drama, and some serious background differences?"

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First Lines:

"'Something's going to happen tonight,' Adrienne says. 'I can feel it."

It would be awesome if she was right. We've been coming to this beach party for seven years. Nothing ever happens."

Page 1

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Review:

I haven't read anything by Colasanti before, and I figured she was one I needed to sample. So I picked up this latest book on Edelweiss to give her a shot. I don't think I was expecting quite the love fest, but it was an interesting concept. 

Skye and Seth meet on the beach one summer and go their separate ways. They spend the whole next year thinking about each other and wondering if they would ever see each other. They find each other again the next summer and their relationship blossoms. Long distance relationships are hard and they are about to find out what that means. 

This book is all romance all of the time. There's something very interesting about the set up of this story - you only get the bits that are about the two of them.  You know there are whole lives taking place in the months that you don't see. Each chapter or section makes huge jumps. You only get information when they are actively together or making some huge pronouncement about each other. 

I can appreciate that sort of story telling - mostly because there are so many teen books right now where the characters fall in love and devote themselves to each other in the first instant. It's not so logical. And while these two do fall hard, fast... they have time to think things over. Time to realize where they really stand on the relationship. So I give kudos for that. 

But I felt like there was a lot about our two main characters that you never find out. I understand the need for the time leaps, but I don't know how much I felt about the two of them. If we had gotten more in depth on their lives - more info about their friends and family - it might have felt better for me. So, in a way, the story almost felt rushed. Like we were running off to the next part to see what happened with the couple. I guess I would have liked more of the in between parts. 

I know a lot of people really enjoy Colasanti's books. And I'm very glad that I gave this one a go. But I think her style of story telling isn't quite in my wheelhouse. It's a really good story, so the bones are there. And I think a lot of people who love romance will be all about this book. It just wasn't quite right for me. 

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Other Blog Reviews:

Parajunkee's View

Nawanda Files

Confessions of a Book Addict

Book Splot Reviews

Book Loving Mommy

Dark Faerie Tales

RJ Does Books!

Wondrous Readings

Into the Hall of Books

Willa's Ramblings

Winter White by Jen Calonita

Title: Winter White
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."
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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  
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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! 
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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

Burn for Burn by Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian

Title: Burn for Burn 
Author: Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian
ISBN: 9781442440753
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Released: September 18, 2012
Series: Burn for Burn trilogy
Page #: 356
Source: eARC from NetGalley

Summary:

"Postcard-perfect Jar Island is home to charming tourist shops, pristine beaches, amazing oceanfront homes—and three girls secretly plotting revenge.

KAT is sick and tired of being bullied by her former best friend.

LILLIA has always looked out for her little sister, so when she discovers that one of her guy friends has been secretly hooking up with her, she’s going to put a stop to it.

MARY is perpetually haunted by a traumatic event from years past, and the boy who’s responsible has yet to get what’s coming to him.

None of the girls can act on their revenge fantasies alone without being suspected. But together…anything is possible.

With an unlikely alliance in place, there will be no more “I wish I’d said…” or “If I could go back and do things differently...” These girls will show Jar Island that revenge is a dish best enjoyed together."

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First Lines: (from the ARC, subject to change)

"The morning has painted everything white. It's exactly like one of my rabbit-hole dreams, where I get trapped, suspended in a cloud, and I can't seem to wake myself up. 

Then the foghorn blares, the mist breaks into lace, and I see Jar Island, spread out along the horizon just like in one of Aunt Bette's paintings."

Page 1

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Review:

If you are in need of a high-drama teen girl story, this book is definitely for you. Revenge, boys, friendship, and much more. 

Three girls are looking to take revenge on the people who have done them wrong. Unfortunately, the ones who have done them wrong are in power at their school. But once they secretly team up, nothing can stop them. Except when they see all the havoc they are causing. 

I'm just going to say that I wasn't expecting this book to leave me on a cliffhanger. I mean, you don't even get the conclusion to the second and third acts of revenge! Alas, the first one was almost good enough to keep me happy. I just was hoping for more... I'll definitely pick up the next book when it comes out.

So, the setting for this book is kind of unique - Jar Island. It's a place you can only reach by boat. There's one high school and plenty of drama. But it seems like an interesting place because it is totally a tourist town, Everyone knows everyone else... they all grew up together. Which isn't always a good thing. 

The three girls in this story - Kat, Lillia and Mary come from vastly different worlds. Their lives barely overlap. But when they each find themselves at the end of their ropes, they turn to each other. More because of convenience. Soon they learn they can trust each other and help one another. Even if there might be critical consequences. 

High drama, for sure. They're all going after a popular person. Two football players and the head cheerleader. Friends. Enemies. Frenemies. Family. Relationships. This book has it all. High school drama at its best. You learn to love each of these girls in their own right. And I think that many teen readers will see themselves in the characters of this book. 

I've loved Siobhan Vivan's books in the past, and this one is no exception. But I haven't picked up any of Jenny Han's. I'm pretty sure I have to now. They came up with a great book and I think many will enjoy it. I am waiting on pins and needles for the next one! Hopefully sooner rather than later. If you're a drama lover, this book is perfect for you.

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Other Blog Reviews:

Candace's Book Blog

Bewitched Bookworms

Diary of a Bookworm

Maji Bookshelf

YA Librarian Tales

Emily's Crammed Bookshelf

Katie's Book Blog

Annette's Book Spot

The Book Belles

Wicked Sweet by Mar'ce Merrell

Title: Wicked Sweet
Author: Mar'ce Merrell
ISBN: 9780312607494
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Released: May 22, 2012
Series: N/A
Page #: 328
Source: ARC from the publisher

Summary:
"Chantal is a planner, and her summer-before-senior-year plan requires best friend Jillian, resume updating, and studying for AP classes. Jillian wants something different, and is afraid to leave introverted Chantal in the dust. All that changes, though, when popular classmates Parker and Will suspiciously start hanging out with the girls.

Chantal only sees one thing: Jillian ditching her for Parker - a guy who can't even be trusted! Chantal's new plan will expose Parker and will for what they truly are, and along the way, get her best friend back with the littlest lie and a lot of mouthwatering cake. After all, what are best friends for?
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First Lines:

"When Jillian slips off her T-shirt, I swear I break out in hives. She must know I'm not prepared for my best friend in a string bikini. Surprises like this are for spontaneous people - not for me. Now I need more than cupcakes. I need an antihistamine."
Page 1
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Review:

So, this book is called a fantastic beach read - and I must agree. Even though I didn't read it on the beach... I wish I had been. Fun, sweet, and silly teen read. What more could you ask for.

Chantal is sort of obsessive. About her friends, her life plan, her summer projects, and now... cake. Her best friend Jillian has decided to take her life in a different direction - to the dating world. And Chantal is having a hard time handling it. Not to mention that two of the most popular guys are showing interest. Too good to be true. When Chantal learns a secret about these guys, she starts baking them cakes... mystery lurv cakes.

You know, there was a lot more to this book than I was expecting. There is a whole family focus that lets you see into the lives of our four main characters. There's a little bit of the "Your Family Shapes Who You Are" stuff - which makes a few of them very interesting. One has a thousand brothers, one has an overbearing/abusive father, one has a family with high expectations... and so on. It makes them see the world in very different ways. I liked that added bonus to the hs drama stuff.

Will and Parker are very interesting - typical high school boys. But they each have their own agenda for the summer. Every year they have challenges to complete, but this year it has to do with girls. I loved being able to see the friendships change throughout the book. Things became strained for a bit, but it seemed like everyone grew up a bit. That's something you don't see in many books like this.

The only thing that kind of irritated me was the switch in perspective. You have four main characters and each chapter flips to someone new. Sometimes I felt like I didn't get enough from each of them to really understand their position. And I had to stop a couple of times to remember which person has which life. But I liked getting every side of the story. I just wished for more, I guess.

Can you resist a book with a cake on the cover? I don't think I can. This one is worth picking up. It's light hearted and a feel-good story. Probably even more so now that school has started back now. It will keep you in the summer mood for much longer. I would recommend it to anyone who loves teen romances - it fits the bill perfectly.
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Other Blog Reviews:

Book Loving Mom
Frenetic Reader
Alluring Reads
A Reader's Adventure

The Unwritten Rule by Elizabeth Scott

Title: The Unwritten Rule
Author: Elizabeth Scott
ISBN:9781416978923
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Released: May 24, 2011
Series: N/A
Page #: 210
Source: My own copy

Summary:
"Sarah has had a crush on Ryan for years. He's easy to talk to, supersmart, and totally gets her. Lately it even seems like he's paying extra attention to her. Everything would be perfect except for two tiny details: Ryan is Brianna's boyfriend, and Brianna is Sarah's best friend.

Sarah forces herself to avoid Ryan and tries to convince herself not to like him. She feels so guilty for wanting him, and the last thing she wants to do is hurt her best friend. But when she is thrown together with Ryan one night, something happens between them. It's wonderful... and awful. Sarah is torn apart by guilt, but what she feels is nothing short of addiction, and she can't stop herself from wanting more...."
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First Lines:

"I liked him first, but it doesn't matter.
I still like him.
That doesn't matter either.
Or at least, it's not supposed to."
Page 1, Chapter 1
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Review:

It was about time for me to pick up a fun romance - and this book totally fit the bill. Sarah and Ryan are adorable and I couldn't ask for much more.

Brianna is Sarah's best friend. They've been friends most of their lives. And Sarah has no idea what she would do without Brianna. But there is one thing Brianna has that Sarah can't give up. Ryan. He's Brianna's boyfriend, but Sarah has a hard time letting go of him. Not to mention that Brianna is a bit full of herself - she could have any guy, she has had any guy, but she chose the one Sarah is interested in. Their friendship is totally on the line.

I love fluffy romances sometimes. Well, it's not all fluff, but it really did the trick for me. I think friend drama is something most everyone can relate to. At some point, we've all had that friend who thought they were cooler than us - and sort of walked all over you... I'm the only one? Oh. Well. Never mind then. :). But it really is something that is easy to imagine and gives me a much softer spot for Sarah.

Brianna is sort of a bitch. Not on purpose, I don't think. But she does seem to have an elevated sense of self-worth. Of course, this all comes down to how she is treated by her parents.Unfortunately, that made it hard for me to like her very much. I just wanted to shake her and make her see how she's being to her best friend. Then again, if the book had been written from her perspective, it might have been a whole different thing.

Sarah and Ryan are are in a super geeky love fest! 'Tis perfect. I just wanted to squeeze them into a group hug. So while there was all that drama going on, I was definitely rooting for these two. They are just perfect for each other. I also loved how things turned out in the end. It's not hard to imagine, but I'm not going to ruin it for you.
Romance lovers, rejoice! This is a great read and I think you will definitely enjoy it. I have read other Elizabeth Scott books and I haven't been disappointed yet. So give this one a try, for sure. I'm sure you'll enjoy it. And this one has been around for a little while - so it's in paperback. Worth it.
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Other Blog Reviews:

Sarah Reads Too Much
Imaginary Reads
Book Addiction
Book Chilla
Fluttering Butterflies
Fabbity Fab Book Reviews
Your Average Bookworms
Persnickety Snark
Michelle's Bookshelf

The Sweetest Thing by Christina Mandelski

Title: The Sweetest Thing
Author: Christina Mandelski
ISBN: 9781606841297
Publisher: Egmont
Released: May 10, 2012
Series: Standalone
Page #: 330
Source: ebook from Netgalley

Summary:
"In the world of Sheridan Wells, life is perfect when she's decorating a cake. Unfortunately, everything else is a complete mess: her mom ran off years ago, her dad is more interested in his restaurant, and the idea of a boyfriend is laughable.

But Sheridan is convinced finding her mom will solve all her problems-only her dad's about to get a cooking show in New York, which means her dream of a perfect family will be dashed.
Using just the right amount of romance, family drama, and cute boys, The Sweetest Thing will entice fans with its perfect mixture of girl-friendly ingredients."
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First Lines:

"I make cakes. It's what I do. It's what I love.
But today, I'm standing over a mermaid, wondering what's wrong. She's as long as my arm, and beautiful - no doubt about that."
Page 1
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Review:

I am a total sucker for books that take place in bakeries or restaurants. There's something so sweet and innocent about that type of story (at least, that's the typical). Mix in a little family drama and this book fits perfectly in the genre - and I really enjoyed it.

Sheridan lives in a small town with her father and her grandmother close by. Her father is about to become a famous TV chef - and he's started to completely ignore her. Her grandmother owns the local bakery where Sheridan helps out when she can. But ultimately, she's an awesome cake decorator. Everyone in town knows to come to her. She's also looking for her mother who walked out on them years before. Then boys enter the picture and things get all confusing for her :).

I love that Sheridan decorates cakes. It's a really awesome artistic outlet that she sees as a connection to her mother. Not to mention that she's great at it. I think that addition to the story really gives this book a visual aspect that helps me picture everything else. You can also see how cake decorating has really shaped her life. From her childhood on... it's a great story element.

Then there's the boys... ah, the love triangle. When her life starts to get crazy - aka her dad talking about moving to NY - Ethan takes notice of her. He's the popular guy at school who had never spoken two words to her. But of course she's interested! Who wouldn't be?! Then you've got her best friend - Jack. Her dating Ethan has caused him to get hugely jealous and pretty much break off their friendship. Ohhhh the drama!

The fact that Sheridan is so family focused is very cool. She's worried about her mother returning to make them a whole family again. And she has her grandmother watching over her every move from her nearby apartment. But you can tell how much she loves them - and a lot of her worrying is about breaking up the family by her father's move for the TV show. It's all pretty endearing and I found myself really rooting for her to get the family she's always wanted.

All in all, I really enjoyed this story. It is a wonderful romance read - with some sugar thrown in. I read this book very quickly... mostly because I wanted to find out what would happen. It was such an easy and fun read - I'll be recommending this to anyone who is into romance and love triangles and, you know, cake decorating :). Really, it's worth a read and I look forward to more from this author!

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Other Blog Reviews:

Mrs. ReaderPants
Tumbling in Books
Lauren's Crammed Bookshelf
Anna Reads
Mandi Kaye Reads
Sophistikatied Reviews
The Sweet Bookshelf
The Garden of Books 

The Lifeguard by Deborah Blumenthal

Title: The Lifeguard
Author: Deborah Blumenthal
ISBN: 9781453247334
Publisher: Whitman, Albert & Co
Released: March 01, 2012
Series: Standalone
Page #: 268
Source: ebook from Netgalley

Summary:
"It's an unsettled summer for Sirena. Back in Texas, her family's splitting apart, but here in Rhode Island, at the cottage of her free-spirited aunt, it's a different world. There are long days at the beach and intriguing encounters with him. Pilot. He's the lifeguard with shamanic skills. He both saves her and makes her feel lost at sea. Sirena explores her obsession with Pilot and discovers his mysterious--almost magical--gifts."
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First Lines:

"Dangerous Rip Currents: Stay Out of the Water
It was close to one hundred degrees, but swimmers were heeding the signs all along the beach. As far as the eye could see, no one was in the water."
Prologue
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Review:

I really wanted to love this book. My husband is from Rhode Island and I thought I would be able to relate to the story. Unfortunately, I had a hard time getting into it. In the beginning, there was a lot of setting up for the story. It felt a little disjointed, but I assumed that's how we would be setting up for the rest of the book.

It's the story of Sirena. Her family is in total upheaval - her parents are getting a divorce and she's been sent away to spend the summer with her aunt in Rhode Island while her friends are away at camp. But she soon develops a huge crush on Pilot, the lifeguard at the beach. She spends her time trying to figure him out... and unknowingly learns about herself in the process. 

While this story is all about Sirena's relationships with the people of the town, you don't get a whole lot of interaction. Most of the story is used to talk about her past and the things that have happened to her. Or her thoughts about people. The dialogue is a bit sparse, it seems.  I understand that her time at her aunt's house was really farily lonely. And the people she did come in contact with was in passing. She seemed to be uninterested in gaining friendships - which makes sense as she's only there for the summer.

But in the end of the book, all of these people seemed to take on a much more important role in her life than I previously understood. Antonio became a mentor and father figure? You only see her talking with him a handful of times. And her relationship with Pilot seems to come out of nowhere. She obsesses and obsesses and the one day he touches her face, so now they're together. It just felt really inconsistant. Oh, and it bothered me that Mark (the aunt's boyfriend) decided he was a best friend to her at the end of the story. How and when did that happen? It seemed very out of the blue.

I think my word for this book was "insincere." I just wanted more depth and more meaningful relationships with the other people in the story. Or at least, I want to be shown the building of those relationships. What you get is the beginning and the end... no real middle.

Sirena's character really had me confused most of the time. She seemed to be so naive and child-like... yet, she was turning seventeen. I got that she was crushing and dealing with sadness and all of that, but she never seemed to understand the world around her. I do appreciate that she grew toward the end - she did seem to change for the better. Maybe her relationship with Antonio facilitated that, but it did give her more dimension.

The ghost story was really what had me most interested. It was curious and vague, but it all comes together in the end. I think that was the best part of the entire book. Learning more about the town and the people living there might have helped make this story more full for me. That seemed to be where things made the most sense.

I believe this book will be good for those looking for a light romance/beach read. Otherwise, it might be a bit too incomplete for the intense reader. This is all my opinion, of course. I hope it resonated better for other people. :)

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Other Blog Reviews:

Anything But Normal
Bookworm Blogger
A Cupcake and a Latte
That Artsy Reader Girl
The Crazy Dream Blog
The Book Barbies
Getting Your Read On
The Book Scoop