Review: 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' by Jenny Han (2010)

Every year Isabel spends a perfect summer at her family friends' house. There's the swimming pool at night, the private stretch of sandy beach ... and the two boys.

Unavailable, aloof Conrad - who she's been in love with forever - and friendly, relaxed Jeremiah, the only one who's ever really paid her any attention.

But this year something is different. They seem to have noticed her for the first time. It's going to be an amazing summer - and one she'll never forget...

Jenny Han’s novel ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ had been part of my to-read list for quite some time already, but somehow I never ended up actually buying the book somewhere. However, a couple of weeks ago I joined The New Book Club on Twitter (@thenewbookclub) in order to discuss lovely books with other avid readers. The first book to be discussed is ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’, so I finally ordered the book online and dived in as soon as it arrived in my mailbox.

The novel tells the story of Isabel (called Belly by almost everyone around her) and her summers spent in the big beach house of the Fisher family, which consists of Susannah and her two sons, Conrad and Jeremiah. Belly has always enjoyed her summers at the beach house, but this summer, things are different. Belly is dealing with everything a typical 15-year-old teenage girl goes through at a certain moment in time: crushing on boys, finding out who your true friends are, and slowly discovering your own identity. Belly has always been left out by the boys, but this summer... Things are changing, and so will Belly.

I was surprised at what a quick read this novel was. I seemed to fly through the chapters and before I knew it, I had reached the last page. It was a light read (a book perfect to take with you on your summer holiday), but at the same time it managed to transport me back to those days when I was a 15-year-old girl, trying to figure out the world. That feeling of thinking that the world revolves around you (didn’t we all at one point in our lives?), and how much one summer (and that one boy) can change absolutely everything. I really liked the nostalgic feel of this novel (also caused by the occasional flashbacks): the setting of the large gorgeous beach house with the sea in the background, a long summer holiday away from school and home... The book really managed to grab me and not only take me into Belly’s world, but back into the world of my own teenage self as well.

If I’m completely honest, I didn’t come to love any of the male characters in the novel. Belly finds herself flirting with and thinking about three different boys: Conrad, Jeremiah, and Cam. But there wasn’t one I was definitely rooting for, one I wanted Belly to end up with, and I thought that was too bad. The focus is on more than just boys, though: Belly’s friendship with her best friend Taylor, the relationship between Belly and her mother, the difficult situation Susannah finds herself being forced to deal with.. I really liked Belly’s other relationships, with her own mother and with Susannah; I wish this would have been explored more in the book. And, if I am allowed to give one slightly superficial comment... What kind of a name is Belly? I know a name is just a name, but this one managed to slightly irritate me more and more as the book continued. Isabel is a lovely name, why not simply stick to that?

I didn’t end up falling in love with this book, but I didn’t dislike it either. Will I pick up the other parts of the series? I’m not quite sure... Overall, though: a light, quick, summery read, perfect to bring along on a holiday and I am sure lots of people out there will enjoy this!

Rating:7/10 

April 2013 release: 'The Longest Holiday' by Paige Toon

 

'Don't wait for the storm to pass; learn to dance in the rain…'

 

Laura has been married to the man of her dreams for seven months. But a week before the wedding, Matthew made a terrible mistake. Escaping the humiliation that is now her marriage, Laura is whisked off to Florida's Key West by her best friend Marty. A carefree holiday full of cocktails and fun, surrounded by gorgeous, tanned men, is exactly what the doctor ordered. Distraction comes in the form of sexy Cuban scuba diver Leo. Laura's instant attraction to him knocks her flying, and she falls hard. As the end of the holiday approaches, Laura doesn't want to go home. Is it time to face the music? Or is there more to Key West than a holiday romance?

 

I'm a big fan of Paige Toon's novels and am really excited about this new release! First of all, the cover is simply gorgeous and reminds me of lovely summer days spent at the beach. Next to that, the setting of the book (Florida's Key West) sounds like the perfect place for a carefree holiday, and come on, who doesn't love a good story about a holiday romance? Overall, can't wait to read this!

 

Order it now on Amazon by clicking here!   

April 2013 release: 'Someday, Someday, Maybe' by Lauren Graham

 

From Lauren Graham, the beloved star of Gilmore Girls and Parenthood, comes a witty, charming, and hilariously relatable debut novel about a struggling young actress trying to get ahead―and keep it together―in New York City.

It’s January 1995, and Franny Banks has just six months left of the three-year deadline she set for herself when she came to New York, dreaming of Broadway and doing “important” work. But all she has to show for her efforts so far is a part in an ad for ugly Christmas sweaters, and a gig waiting tables at a comedy club. Her roommates―her best friend Jane, and Dan, an aspiring sci-fi writer―are supportive, yet Franny knows a two-person fan club doesn’t exactly count as success. Everyone tells her she needs a backup plan, and though she can almost picture moving back home and settling down with her perfectly nice ex-boyfriend, she’s not ready to give up on her goal of having a career like her idols Diane Keaton and Meryl Streep. Not just yet. But while she dreams of filling their shoes, in the meantime, she’d happily settle for a speaking part in almost anything—and finding a hair product combination that works.

Everything is riding on the upcoming showcase for her acting class, where she’ll finally have a chance to perform for people who could actually hire her. And she can’t let herself be distracted by James Franklin, a notorious flirt and the most successful actor in her class, even though he’s suddenly started paying attention. Meanwhile, her bank account is rapidly dwindling, her father wants her to come home, and her agent doesn’t return her calls. But for some reason, she keeps believing that she just might get what she came for.

Someday, Someday, Maybe is a story about hopes and dreams, being young in a city, and wanting something deeply, madly, desperately. It’s about finding love, finding yourself, and perhaps most difficult of all in New York City, finding an acting job.

 

I had no idea Lauren Graham was busy working on a novel, so I was really surprised when just a couple of weeks ago I happened to hear about the upcoming release of 'Someday, Someday, Maybe.' I am a big Gilmore Girls fan, and I've always loved Lauren Graham as an actress. Needless to say, I have high hopes about her writing skills! I love the sound of Franny Banks and her journey to finding success within the world of acting... Another April release to be excited about!

 

Click here to pre-order the book on Amazon!

April 2013 release: 'The Guest List' by Melissa Hill

When funny, kind and gorgeous Shane proposes, Cara is over the moon, and can't wait to share the news of their engagement with all their friends and family. Excitement, however, quickly turns to apprehension when it seems that everyone has a fixed idea of the perfect wedding and offers to 'help' with the planning. With tussles over the ceremony and the size of the guest list, sibling rivalry and insistent in-laws-to-be, Cara can see her vision of the big day being ripped to shreds.

So she and Shane determine to make a stand and do things their way. But when they announce their plans for a beach wedding on a beautiful Caribbean island, there is uproar. Threats are made, family secrets are revealed, and things turn decidedly stormy. 

Will Cara and Shane manage to overcome all obstacles? Or will their dream wedding turn into a nightmare?

After reading Melissa Hill's novel 'Something from Tiffany's, I have been a big fan of her writing and I can't wait to share my excitement with all of you about her next release, 'The Guest List.' I love books about weddings and with a stunning cover like this, I can't wait to get my hands on a copy of this novel when it is released on the 25th of April!

Click here to pre-order the book on Amazon!

Review: 'Summer Daydreams' by Carole Matthews (2012)

What if you had always dreamed of something more...? 

Nell McNamara has a happy life: her boyfriend Olly adores her, their four-year-old daughter Petal is the centre of their world and Nell has a steady job in the local chip shop. When the chippy needs a makeover, Nell jumps at the chance to unleash the creativity fizzing inside her. Inspired by what she can achieve - and encouraged by the very best friends a girl can have - Nell is determined to try something new. Waving goodbye to the chip shop, she starts up a new business making her own line of must-have handbags, which are soon flying off the shelves. It seems Nell's dreams are finally coming true, but her success doesn't come without a price. Before too long, Nell has to ask herself if it's really possible to have it all ...

Even though Carole Matthews has been part of the chick lit scene for quite some time already, I somehow hadn’t picked up any of her books until a few months ago. ‘It’s a Kind of Magic’ was recommended to me by a friend, and I loved it. So, when I saw the gorgeous and bright cover of ‘Summer Daydreams’ with Carole’s name on it, I already had a feeling this novel wouldn’t disappoint!

The heroine of ‘Summer Daydreams’ is  down-to-earth Nell McNamara, who works in the local fish & chips shop, and leads a happy life with her long-term boyfriend Olly and their four-year-old daughter Petal. After giving the chip shop a successful make-over, Nell’s boss and colleagues tell her she should do something more with her creativity than just serving food all day. This gets Nell thinking and she starts to long for something more for herself and her little family. With the financial help of her boss Phill, she starts an art programme at a college nearby, but this doesn’t turn out the way Nell had initially hoped. Yet, it does give her a push in the right direction: she has always had a passion for handbags, so why not start designing her own? Nell quickly starts up her own business, and it doesn’t take long before she finds success... However, the road to success doesn’t come without a few bumps in the road, and Nell soon realises that in order to realise her dreams she will have to make some sacrifices along the way.

‘Summer Daydreams’ is one of those books that manage to grab readers from the start, and you can’t put it down until you’ve read the last page. At least, that’s what this book did to me. I adored the character of Nell; I love the fact that she is so determined to chase her dreams, even after several setbacks. While many of us would have already given up several times, Nell keeps on going and I admire that kind of determination in people (and literary characters!). However, not just Nell, but all the characters were just lovely and added something special to the story. If I have to pick one of them as my absolute favourite, I’d have to go for little Petal though. Nell and Olly’s daughter is just the cutest thing and she never failed to make me laugh out loud with her actions and comments.     

Besides the amazing cover (it immediately reminds me of sunshine, flowers and Spring!), I actually really liked the fact that the novel consisted of mostly relatively short chapters. This made it easy to use every spare moment I had to continue reading, because I could get back into the story without any confusion or trouble. ‘Summer Daydreams’ is a warm-hearted and easy-going novel which will capture a chick lit fan’s heart from the start... And for those who are as excited as I am about this novel and are slightly sad when they’ve finished it; be sure to check out Carole’s website for a short story sequel!

Rating:8,5/10

April 2013 Release: 'Wedding Night' by Sophie Kinsella

Lottie is tired of long-term boyfriends who don't want to commit to marriage. When her old boyfriend Ben reappears and reminds her of their pact to get married if they were both still single at thirty, she jumps at the chance. There will be no dates and no engagement--just a straight wedding march to the altar! Next comes the honeymoon on the Greek island where they first met. But not everyone is thrilled with Lottie and Ben's rushed marriage, and family and friends are determined to intervene. Will Lottie and Ben have a wedding night to remember or one to forget?

I guess I am not the only one in chick lit land who is incredibly excited about Sophie Kinsella's upcoming release, 'Wedding Night.' After the classic Shopaholic series and lovely page-turners like 'Twenties Girl' and 'I've Got Your Number', Sophie Kinsella steps into the wonderful world of weddings in her new novel. I already love the sound of this story and let's be honest... Who doesn't love a good wedding? Can't wait! 

'Wedding Night' will be released on April 23rd in the USA and on April 25th in the UK. Click here to pre-order your copy on Amazon now!

April 2013 releases to look forward to!

April is coming our way, and so is Spring (hopefully!). Even though we can't quite count on the weather in northern Europe at the moment, you can always count on lovely writers to brighten up our days with some amazing new novels! Here are some of the releases which I am particularly excited about! 

Melissa Hill - The Guest List

When funny, kind and gorgeous Shane proposes, Cara is over the moon, and can't wait to share the news of their engagement with all their friends and family. Excitement, however, quickly turns to apprehension when it seems that everyone has a fixed idea of the perfect wedding and offers to 'help' with the planning. With tussles over the ceremony and the size of the guest list, sibling rivalry and insistent in-laws-to-be, Cara can see the vision she has of her big day being ripped to shreds. So, she and Shane determine to make a stand and do things their way. But when they announce their plans for a beach wedding on a beautiful Caribbean island, there is uproar. Threats are made, family secrets are revealed, and things turn decidedly stormy. Will Cara and Shane manage to overcome all obstacles? Or will their dream wedding turn into a nightmare?

Why so excited? --> I absolutely loved Melissa Hill's novel 'Something from Tiffany's', so I can't wait to read this new story. And come on, that cover is just gorgeous, isn't it?!

Jane Costello - The Wish List

There are six months left of Emma Reiss's twenties...and she has some unfinished business. Emma and her friends are about to turn thirty, and for Emma it's a defining moment. Defined, that is, by her having achieved none of the things she'd imagined she would. Her career is all wrong, her love life is a desert and that penthouse apartment she pictured herself in simply never materialised. Moreover, she's never jumped out of a plane, hasn't met the man she's going to marry, has never slept under the stars, or snogged anyone famous - just some of the aspirations on a list she and her friends compiled fifteen years ago. As an endless round of birthday parties sees Emma hurtle towards her own thirtieth, she sets about addressing these issues. But, as she discovers with hilarious consequences, some of them are trickier to tick off than she'd thought…

Why so excited? --> I already made a separate post for Jane Costello's next novel, which revolves around a list of things to do before your thirtieth birthday... Definitely excited about this!

Amy Bratley - The Antenatal Group

Seven months pregnant, Mel is dumped by her partner and is suddenly facing parenthood alone. But at her antenatal class, she meets a group of women who quickly become invaluable friends in the terrifying new world of birth and babies . . . Katy – rich, successful and with the dream husband – has her delivery planned to perfection. But she soon realizes that nature doesn’t always follow suit. Lexi, loud and confident, is coping well on her own. Until the only man she has ever loved reappears at the most unexpected moment. Rebecca is the youngest of the group – not long out of her teens, in fact –but she’s determined to hold onto her dreams, even without her family’s support. Erin already seems to be an expert on babies, but her quiet nature hides a secret tragedy. When you’re contemplating pain relief, birth positions and sleepless nights you really need a good friend – or four.

Why so excited? --> I haven't read anything by Amy Bratley, but I'm always excited when it comes to discovering new authors. A group of pregnant women going through the motions together? I loved 'What to expect when you're expecting'... So, count me in!

Paige Toon - The Longest Holiday

'Don't wait for the storm to pass; learn to dance in the rain…' Laura has been married to the man of her dreams for seven months. But a week before the wedding, Matthew made a terrible mistake. Escaping the humiliation that is now her marriage, Laura is whisked off to Florida's Key West by her best friend Marty. A carefree holiday full of cocktails and fun, surrounded by gorgeous, tanned men, is exactly what the doctor ordered. Distraction comes in the form of sexy Cuban scuba diver Leo. Laura's instant attraction to him knocks her flying, and she falls hard. As the end of the holiday approaches, Laura doesn't want to go home. Is it time to face the music? Or is there more to Key West than a holiday romance?

Why so excited? --> It's Paige Toon. Do I have to say more? I've adored all of her novels so far and I'm sure this one won't be any different! 

Sophie Kinsella - Wedding Night

Lottie is tired of long-term boyfriends who don't want to commit to marriage. When her old boyfriend Ben reappears and reminds her of their pact to get married if they were both still single at thirty, she jumps at the chance. There will be no dates and no engagement-just a straight wedding march to the altar! Next comes the honeymoon on the Greek island where they first met. But not everyone is thrilled with Lottie and Ben's rushed marriage, and family and friends are determined to intervene. Will Lottie and Ben have a wedding night to remember . or one to forget?

Why so excited? --> I can't even begin to express how much I am looking forward to reading this. I love everything that has to do with weddings and I love Sophie Kinsella; the perfect combination!

Lauren Graham - Someday, Someday, Maybe

It’s January 1995, and Franny Banks has just six months left of the three-year deadline she set for herself when she came to New York, dreaming of Broadway and doing “important” work. But all she has to show for her efforts so far is a part in an ad for ugly Christmas sweaters, and a gig waiting tables at a comedy club. Her roommates―her best friend Jane, and Dan, an aspiring sci-fi writer―are supportive, yet Franny knows a two-person fan club doesn’t exactly count as success. Everyone tells her she needs a backup plan, and though she can almost picture moving back home and settling down with her perfectly nice ex-boyfriend, she’s not ready to give up on her goal of having a career like her idols Diane Keaton and Meryl Streep. Not just yet. But while she dreams of filling their shoes, in the meantime, she’d happily settle for a speaking part in almost anything—and finding a hair product combination that works. Everything is riding on the upcoming showcase for her acting class, where she’ll finally have a chance to perform for people who could actually hire her. And she can’t let herself be distracted by James Franklin, a notorious flirt and the most successful actor in her class, even though he’s suddenly started paying attention. Meanwhile, her bank account is rapidly dwindling, her father wants her to come home, and her agent doesn’t return her calls. But for some reason, she keeps believing that she just might get what she came for....

Why so excited? --> I had absolutely NO idea Lauren Graham (Hollywood actress, most well-known for her roles in 'Gilmore Girls' and 'Parenthood') was working on a novel! I'm a BIG Gilmore Girls fan, so it's no wonder I am looking forward to reading this!

April 2013 release: 'The Wish List' by Jane Costello

Emma and her friends are about to turn thirty, and for Emma it’s a defining moment. Defined, that is, by her having achieved none of the things she’d imagined she would.

Her career is all wrong, her love life is a mess and that rambling country house she pictured herself in simply never materialised.

Moreover, she’s never seen the Northern Lights, mastered the guitar, jumped out of a plane or snogged anyone famous – just some of the aspirations declared on a list the girls compiled fifteen years ago.

As an endless round of birthday parties sees Emma hurtle towards her own thirtieth, she sets about addressing these issues. But, as she discovers with hilarious consequences, some of them are trickier to achieve than she’d thought…

Good news for Jane Costello (and all chick lit) fans! On the 11th of April, Costello's sixth novel 'The Wish List' will hit the shelves. I personally love the sound of this story, which focuses all around an upcoming birthday and a list of goals the heroine, Emma, wants to have achieved by the day she turns 30. I'm a sucker for basically any novel that has something to do with lists (making lists just makes everything more organised, and who doesn't love the feeling of actually being able to scratch something off that list?), so I will definitely be checking out this novel!   

Click here to pre-order the book on Amazon!