It’s the summer of 1996, and sixteen-year-old Frances (Frankie) Budge is over the sameness of her small town of CoalfielWell, this sure was different!
It’s the summer of 1996, and sixteen-year-old Frances (Frankie) Budge is over the sameness of her small town of Coalfield, Tennessee. Her dad has left town and has a new daughter (who he has also named Frances) by another woman. Her mom is working all the time, and her older triplet brothers are off doing their own thing. She has no friends and spends her days at home bored out of her brain. Then she meets Zeke, who’s staying with his grandmother for the summer, and the two form an instant friendly romantic connection. On a whim they decide to create an artistic poster with a made-up, mysterious quote coupled with macabre drawings and plaster them all over town.
It was meant to be a fun joke, but soon the people of Coalfield are obsessed with the poster and finding out who’s behind it – rumours and conspiracy theories are rife – and by the end of the summer some people will even have died because of it.
Frankie and Zeke vow to keep their secret – and for twenty years they are successful. But then Frankie receives a phone call from someone who knows what she did…
Now is Not the Time to Panic was such a hard one for me to rate and review as I really struggled with the 1996 story arc. Some of it was hilarious, I laughed out loud several times, but most of it was utterly bizarre and out there. I get that was the author’s intention, but it didn’t work for me.
But then I loved Part 2 – the fallout and consequences – so I guess I was more invested in Part 1 than I realised because I really wanted to know what happened and was completely satisfied with where and how it ended. So, I’ve settled on 3.5.
An unusual read, but one that ended up surprising me in a good way.
I’d like to thank Netgalley, Text Publishing, and Kevin Wilson for the e-ARC....more
One of my most anticipated reads, and Our Little World did not disappoint. I flew through it in a day.
At its heart this was the story of the bond betwOne of my most anticipated reads, and Our Little World did not disappoint. I flew through it in a day.
At its heart this was the story of the bond between two sisters, aged only a year apart, one that was often tested, was not always easy – where love and rivalry were interchangeable. Narrated entirely by Borka (Bee) Kocsis who constantly felt overshadowed, inferior, and jealous of her seemingly perfect, popular, beautiful, outgoing younger sister, Audrina, a name I haven’t heard outside of a V.C. Andrews novel.
It was also a mystery. We were first introduced to 12-year-old Bee and 11-year-old Audrina in June of 1985, to their carefree summers days spent playing with their new neighbours across the street, Max (12) and Sally (4), in their small, close-knit, insulated town of Hammend, NJ – a suburban paradise where nothing bad ever happened. Until it did! All summer, the four children had been swimming at Deer Chase Lake on the Jersey Shore, until the fateful day in July when Sally goes missing without a trace. But, don’t be fooled into thinking this was a story involving the investigation into Sally’s disappearance, as the main focus was on the effect such a devastating, life-changing event had on Bee and Audrina.
Out Little World was also a coming-of-age story showcasing the developmental milestones, social and emotional changes, and rights of passage associated with adolescence in the transition from pre-teen to teen. Given the age of the protagonist, and the majority of the supporting characters, and given there was no graphic content, I would catorgorise this one as suitable for a teen audience – it definitely had a YA feel.
And, who doesn’t love nostalgic 80’s? I definitely felt as if I was revisiting my youth in this one, with different yet similar experiences of course, and definitely without the tragic event of a playmate going missing. But, I was the same age as Bee in 1985, have a sister close in age (although we didn’t have as many up’s and down’s as these sisters, but like them our personalities are very different), and I grew up in a cul-de-sac where all the neighbourhood kids played together. Furthermore, I could definitely relate to Bee’s references to jelly shoes, and beaded friendship safety pins, as well as all the other 1980’s memorabilia.
This little gem was a definite hit with me. What an amazing debut!...more
A very dramatic and unexpected conclusion. The final few chapters felt a bit rushed, but I have faith that once I've read 'Home' (which I plan to readA very dramatic and unexpected conclusion. The final few chapters felt a bit rushed, but I have faith that once I've read 'Home' (which I plan to read next) I will receive the answers I need. Reading 'Win' did fill in some of the blanks, and I'm picking the last current book in the Myron Bolitar series will fill in the rest....more
‘He [Coach Mitchell] is as close as you get to a celebrity in this town, but to the football players, he is a god.’
16-year-old Jessica Johnson4.5.
‘He [Coach Mitchell] is as close as you get to a celebrity in this town, but to the football players, he is a god.’
16-year-old Jessica Johnson has it all. Smart, sporty and popular, she's a track star, AP student, and has just been nominated for Homecoming Court. But a split-second fateful decision to read a text while driving causes her to hit, and kill, a pedestrian – the beloved football coach at her high school, pillar of their small-town Texas community.
Liz Johnson knows what it's like to be at the centre of a scandal. She's felt the town's eyes on her for years, judging her every move. Even since she fell pregnant with Jess at 17, was abandoned by her strict religious father, and was left with no option but to marry her high school boyfriend, which ended in divorce a few years later. Liz has always been determined to provide Jess with all the opportunities she never had, and in turn Jess has thrived. But now everything has changed, her daughter's prosperous future is suddenly uncertain, there’s a possibility of jail time, and Jess needs her more than ever. And Liz will do whatever it takes to help her.
Blind Turn is a tragic reminder of the dangers of cellphone use while operating a motor vehicle, and how the consequences of one terrible choice can sometimes feel like too much to bear. But more than that it's about forgiveness – that there's light at the end of even the darkest tunnel, that one moment of stupidity does not define a person, and kindness, guidance, advice, and support can come from people you never expected. There are also some heavy themes – depression, unhealthy coping mechanisms, suicidal thoughts, grief, loss, and online and offline bullying. It's an emotional read but a hopeful and important one. But, keep those tissues at the ready, because you'll need them. It's part courtroom legal/drama as well.
Another prominent theme was the mother/teenage daughter bond between Liz and Jess, and their alternating viewpoints showed how protective Liz was, how smothered Jess sometimes felt but their enduring love for one another was never in doubt. While not strictly YA I think this is a book teenager’s (girls in particular) would find relatable. There's nothing graphic, and only a couple of instances of profanity. It would also be a great choice for parents and teens to read together to encourage communication and promote discussion regarding the social issues raised.
An easy, engrossing, thought-provoking read, with short chapters, therefore perfect for those pushed for time or on the go. I have no hesitation in recommending this book.
I'd like to thank Netgalley, Black Rose Writing, and Cara Sue Achterberg for the e-ARC.
Something monstrous is preying on the people of Shanghai.
No one is safe.
No one is immune.
1926 – Two rival gangs, the Scarlets and the White Flowers, Something monstrous is preying on the people of Shanghai.
No one is safe.
No one is immune.
1926 – Two rival gangs, the Scarlets and the White Flowers, rule Shanghai with an iron fist. Communism and colonialism are ever present challenges, but their biggest threat is each other. That is until seven people die in gruesome, unexplained ways, and sightings of a repulsive supernatural type creature are reported. As the death count and terror rises, Roma (White Flower) and Juliette (Scarlet), once friends and lovers (torn apart by betrayal and the blood feud that exists between their families), must put aside their hatred to stop the ‘madness' penetrating their city. Because if they fail, everyone will die.
A sea monster slithering out of the Huangpu River and infected people with a sickness that drove them crazy enough to kill themselves, before disappearing into the murky depths once again, played on my worst fears. The very idea of something foreign invading the brain and taking control gave me the heebie-jeebies. Chloe Gong did a masterful job with the action, horror, and gory scenes. I really felt the city's dread, panic and urgency the entire time I was reading.
The setting was a unique one with interesting politics, seediness, corruption, and violence, but there was also beauty to be found even in the darkest of times. The gang culture aspect – the rules, customs, practices, code of conduct – and the rivalry and blood feud that existed between the two families was equally fascinating and appalling. Roma and Juliette were constantly pulled in two directions, with betrayal, bloodshed, and very personal losses on both sides – torn between love and loyalty. And These Violent Delights ended on, not one, but two explosive cliff hangers, both of which will have far reaching consequences. The fall-out is going to be epic!
But I'm afraid I had some issues. My biggest was that a lot of the dialogue was somewhat confusing and disjointed, and just didn't strike me as how people speak or behave. There were ill-timed jokes and teasing too that didn't fit with the seriousness of the situation, as well as unnecessary conversations that neither furthered the plot or revealed anything about the character's personalities. What’s more, the language was far too modern for the time period. The emotions felt off too. Characters cared more about how they were going to clean bloodstains from their carpet than the horrors of people ripping their throats out in front of their eyes.
I also struggled with Juliette. She was such a bitch and a bully, and no matter what the situation she always responded with threats and/or violence. Roma, I liked, but I have no idea what he saw in Juliette. The main characters had zero romantic and sexual chemistry. What's more, the promised Romeo and Juliette romantic sub-plot was almost non-existent, which was one of the main reasons I was drawn to this book. The two characters shared all this history that was barely touched on. I feel the story could've benefitted from flashbacks to their first meeting, early friendship/relationship. Maybe the author intends to step-up the romance in book 2, but at 449 pages I expected more from this volume.
I'm an adult who has always loved YA but I feel I was too old for this and that it is better suited for a teenage and new adult audience. There's no question that These Violent Delights has been a phenomenal success for Chloe Gong, and I'm thrilled that a NZ based author is doing so well.
I'd like to thank Tandem Collective Global, Hachette NZ, and Chloe Gong for the gifted copy....more
Cross Survivor with One of Us is Lying, throw in some Lord of the Flies, and you have The Island.
Jessie, Danny, Honor, Milo, Meg, and Jeffers have beCross Survivor with One of Us is Lying, throw in some Lord of the Flies, and you have The Island.
Jessie, Danny, Honor, Milo, Meg, and Jeffers have been friends since birth. Their parents met in antenatal class and the families have vacationed together every year since. Now that the teens are seventeen, Jeffers father has arranged a special treat for them – nine days on an uninhabited tropical island off the coast of Thailand learning bush craft survival skills – just the six of them and an expert guide.
Sitting around the campfire their first night they decide to share their phobias.
The next morning their guide drops dead of a stroke.
Then they discover the starter chord of their speed boat has been sabotaged.
And when Milo falls into a booby-trapped hole, and is almost bitten by a deadly snake (his phobia is snakes) the group realise they are not alone on the island, and that someone is using their worst fears to scare them to death.
The Island was an intense, fast-paced read full of excitement and danger. The characters were given thorough backstories and childhood memories, distinct personalities, and the group dynamics were clearly defined. Secrets, grief, loyalty, friendship, paranoia, resentment, mental illness and obsession were the prominent themes. The conclusion, and explanation, were very different to what I was expecting, but I was completely on board with the direction the plot went in.
As an adult reader the juvenile behaviour of the six did at times get on my nerves. One of the teens tried to swim to shore even though it was an hour-long boat trip? And instead of focusing on getting off the island the teens decided to get drunk despite being low on food rations, and even when their lives were threatened tended to focus on their love life, squabbling, and blaming each other. I'm not saying this isn't how teens would act in this situation, in fact they likely would, but teenagers gone awry grew somewhat tedious.
C.L. Taylor excelled at writing teen viewpoints, which I'm not surprised by as her adult novels often feature young people. The Island had me emotionally invested in the lives and wellbeing of these six seventeen-year-olds. I'm looking forward to reading her previous YA installment – The Treatment.
I'd like to thank Netgalley, HQ, and C.L. Taylor for the e-ARC.
‘My maternal grandmother loomed large over my childhood, but as more of a fairy-tale figure than an actual person’.
The Four A's – Adam, Anders, Al
‘My maternal grandmother loomed large over my childhood, but as more of a fairy-tale figure than an actual person’.
The Four A's – Adam, Anders, Allison, and Archer Story. Brothers and sister, once as close as can be, but now estranged for over twenty years.
Because back in 1997 they did something so terrible that their mother disowned them and has refused to speak to them ever since.
Until, out of the blue, their children – cousins Milly, Aubrey, and Jonah – each receive a letter from their elusive grandmother, inviting them to Gull Cove Island for the summer, to live and work at the family resort. For the cousins it's a golden opportunity to get to know the matriarch of the Story family, as well as each other, and finally lay eyes on the childhood home their parents, aunt, and uncles grew up in. But by the end of the summer long buried secrets will be exposed, including a few of their own.
Well, well, well, The Cousins just kept surprising me at every turn. At one point I thought I had figured out the big twist, but boy I couldn't have been more wrong. The direction the plot went in was so shocking and unexpected.
For the most part it's not a fast-paced read, but the characters feel natural, real, and relatable, their unfolding relationships are sweet and emotional, the vivid descriptions of the island setting make you feel like you're there, and there're enough twists to keep you turning the pages.
In the present, POV's alternated between the three cousins, with flashbacks to 1996 narrated by Allison. I enjoyed both timeliness immensely.
If you're a fan of VC Andrew’s or Sara Shepard's, Pretty Little Liars, teen POV's, or just YA thrillers in general then The Cousins belongs on your tbr....more
The first half of Good Girls Lie contained many gothic horror and YA thriller elements I love – an isolated, prestigious all girls boarding school2.5.
The first half of Good Girls Lie contained many gothic horror and YA thriller elements I love – an isolated, prestigious all girls boarding school setting complete with arcane rules and social structures, secret societies, mean girls, gossip, ghost stories, past tragedies, and suspicious deaths. The intricate level of detail that went into describing Goode School – gated ivy-covered walls, enclosed glass-and-wood walkways, massive curving twin staircases, spooky tree-lined pathways, etc, had my anticipation levels high. The POV's – new sophomore student (all the way from England) Ash Carlyle and the dean of students (Ford Julianne Westhaven) were mysterious and fascinating, and the unknown third person omniscient narrator increased my foreboding.
But, while reading I had my misgivings, was fairly certain I had uncovered the major twists, but kept telling myself there must be bigger shockers to come, that surely that couldn't be all there was to it? Unfortunately, that ended up being all there was to it. The clues were too obvious, nothing surprised me, the story headed exactly where I expected, and on top of that, took far too long to get there. Too much time was spent re-explaining redundant information, when a particular secret/s had already been revealed. Character POV's were introduced throughout whose story arcs led nowhere, and there were subplots that either fizzled out or served no purpose. And don't get me started on the ridiculousness of the plot the further I read. Maybe the succinct chapter titles – The Dean, The Meeting, The Warning, The Hanging (you get the point) should have alerted me to the fact that the plot was intended to be ironic rather than sophisticated. I did appreciate the title though and its clever play on words
If you are looking for a playful, entertaining, amusing thriller, and are willing to suspend your disbelief, you may find this more satisfying, but if you are after a creepy, complex, suspenseful gothic horror then I’m unable to recommend this. If this is J.T. Ellison’s usual style then I'm afraid she's not the right fit for me....more
On a family skiing trip, a camper carrying ten people veers off the road and plummets down a mountain, instantly killGet ready to shed a lot of tears.
On a family skiing trip, a camper carrying ten people veers off the road and plummets down a mountain, instantly killing 16-year-old, Finn Miller. But Finn’s spirit remains, watching over her loved ones in the aftermath of the crash as they struggle to survive, and process the tragedy.
I can't even begin to articulate how heart-breaking and stirring In an Instant was. Beautifully written, deeply moving, spiritual, inspirational and impacting. And that even when you think you can't possibly go on there is hope and forgiveness to be found. Without giving too much away, some parts made me sick to my stomach, had me questioning how I would behave and react if faced with a similar life-threatening situation. Would I be a hero or a coward, or something worse? It was hard not to judge and rage, while at the same time realising that characters were faced with impossible choices and odds, and weren’t in their right minds at the time. Suzanne Redfearn did a phenomenon job of showing all sides, and continuously challenging my thought processes and moral beliefs. Oh, and do not neglect to read her author's note at the end.
Short chapters left me breathless, frantically swiping on my kindle, and kept the pace, action, and suspense at break neck speed. I was immediately drawn to Finn's positive, caring, friendly nature, and when it happened, I mourned her death along with her, and felt her grief and sadness over losing her life so young, struggling to accept that she was never going to get to grow up and experience all the milestones alongside her best friend and siblings. There were some incredible supporting characters who I grew to love, and wanted the best for. Suzanne Redfearn nailed to a T the complicated relationships that exist between mothers and teenagers.
There are definite similarities between this work of fiction, Alice Sebold’s – The Lovely Bones, Lauren Oliver’s – Before I Fall, and Gayle Foreman's – If I Stay, as well as author Jodi Picoult. So if you are a fan of any, or all, of those, or even if you are not, In an Instant is a must read. Even though it isn't marketed as YA, but is suitable for teen readers. It would also be the ultimate, buddy, group, or book club read. Not to be missed!...more
**The US Edition is now available to request on #Netgalley**
YA coming-of-age, modern-day, contemporary romance that ticks every box.
Debut Australian a**The US Edition is now available to request on #Netgalley**
YA coming-of-age, modern-day, contemporary romance that ticks every box.
Debut Australian author, Nina Kenwood’s moving portrayal of a shy, sheltered teenager on the cusp of adulthood is honest, frank, insightful, inspirational, and charming, with some hilarious moments. Three pages in and I was completely devoted to this captivating book, and Natalie's relatable voice instantly transported me right back to the awkwardness and experiences of my own teen years.
Natalie's life is in limbo.
It's her summer after High School, and she's not sure what her future holds.
Exam results are in, but Natalie won't know which university she's been accepted into until the New Year.
Her two best friends – Zach and Lucy – have recently fallen in love with one another, and she's feeling like a third wheel.
Then, on Christmas Day, out of the blue, her parents announce they are separating.
Where does that leave Natalie?
But a chance invitation to a party changes everything.
Things are looking up.
It's a time of new and exciting, transition and uncertainty, as Natalie tries to make sense of who she is and where she fits, as she is forced to let go of what is familiar and comfortable, and tentatively explore the unknown. Natalie is more naive and introverted than your average 18 year old. Since puberty she has been afflicted with severe, deliberating acne resulting in body image issues, social anxiety, and depression, and spent much of her high school years hiding away from the world in the sanctity of her house. Acne is a delicate topic, one most of us (myself included) have felt self-conscious about at some point, yet this is the first YA novel I've ever read to feature a protagonist with bad skin, and focus on it so openly. Even though at the start of this novel Natalie's acne is now minimised by medication, she still bears the physical and emotional scars, and has traumatic flashbacks.
‘Winter is my season. Long coats, boots, big jumpers, puffer vests, beanies, giant scarves, jackets with hoods. These are safety blankets for anyone who is uncomfortable in their skin.’
I completely embraced Natalie's journey as she gradually began to accept and open herself up to others, and realise that she is not the only person with insecurities and problems. Her relationships with her parents, her two besties, and her romantic interest (whose identity I won't spoil) are realistic, touching, and sweet. Oh, and a special shout-out to Zach's wonderful, supportive family - they're adorable.
At 288 pages it's a quick read, so not too daunting if your teenager isn't a voracious reader. The perfect book for parents/caregivers to read, and discuss, with their daughters and sons. Content rating – some sexual content, alcohol abuse, a couple of instances of swearing, but nothing above pg. If you don't fall in love with It Sounded Better in My Head, like I did, then there's something wrong with you....more
On her thirty fourth birthday, Morgan is dissatisfied with her life. As a pregnant teenager she was forced to marry younRegretting You consumed me.
4.5
On her thirty fourth birthday, Morgan is dissatisfied with her life. As a pregnant teenager she was forced to marry young, and as much as she loves her husband Chris, and her daughter Clara, she feels like she's achieved nothing of her own in seventeen years. She vows to remedy that.
But when tragedy strikes, a devastating betrayal is revealed, one that will have far reaching consequences for both Morgan and Clara.
Captivating, lovely, and deeply affecting. Once again Colleen Hoover successfully managed to tug on my heartstrings. While not as emotionally impacting as It Ends With Us, there were still tears. Regretting You is the story of first love, lost love, and finding love, when and where you least expect it, and also feeling like you don't deserve it. The prominent theme throughout – definitely guilt. More than that, it's an in depth look at the complicated relationship that exists between mothers and teenage daughters. How lack of communication leads to mistrust, judgment, misunderstanding, anger and frustration. And that keeping secrets in order to protect someone from being hurt often has more devastating consequences than the actual secret.
I had my suspicions where this was going, but it didn’t affect my enjoyment of it whatsoever. I still received a guilty thrill when the various twists hit, relishing the characters reactions, wondering how they were going to cope and dealt with each shocking revelation.
There were two romances – one of which was sweet, adorable, natural and completely believable. Sadly, the other did nothing for me. It was the male love interest I didn't like – he came across as unsupportive, selfish and dismissive, and my opinion never changed. However, I very much admire Colleen Hoover's ability to write realistic relationships with obstacles and flawed characters, who don't always say and do the right thing.
POV's alternate between Morgan and Clara, so with half the book narrated by a sixteen year-old this has a YA aspect to it, as well as a lot of teenage angst. Is it appropriate for a YA audience? I think so, definitely for 14 plus. The sex scenes weren't as graphic as I'm used to from this author, and there was minimal swearing.
Even though I read it slowly, due to other priorities, this is a super quick, easy-to-absorb and get lost in read. Contemporary romance fans will fall in love with Regretting You....more
What happens in The Grace Year stays in The Grace Year.
4.5.
In Garner County sixteen year old girls are exiled, forced to spend a year shut up togetherWhat happens in The Grace Year stays in The Grace Year.
4.5.
In Garner County sixteen year old girls are exiled, forced to spend a year shut up together in a fortress like encampment deep in the woods. Why? Because that is the age they come into their magic, powerful enough to seduce and ensnare all men, and send women into a jealous frenzy. Year long isolation enables girls to rid themselves of their magic, and return to society cleansed, ready to be dutiful wives. But, The Grace Year is fraught with danger – poachers, illness, starvation, the elements, and most deadly of all – each other. Who will survive The Grace Year?
The Grace Year is a blend of The Handmaid's Tale, The Hunger Games, and The 100. So you can imagine how bleak things got? A dark YA dystopian fantasy fairy tale focusing on womanhood, oppression, cruelty, control, and gender roles. Left to fend for themselves with no supervision, the girls quickly turned on one another, with the leader of the pack, Kiersten, and her bitchy clique preying on the weaker kids.
A strong beginning immediately immersed me in the plot, and the plight of protagonist, Tierney James. The level of description and detail Kim Liggett used to create her brutal fictitious world, where the ruling elite manipulated, governed, and ruled its followers, was both imaginative and believable, and had me excited for what was to come. Since you were never provided with a backstory leads me to believe that Garner County was an imagined society rather than a futuristic one, but I could be wrong.
The middle was where things took a somewhat, drawn out turn. I'm a huge supporter of the romantic subplot in any genre, would even go as far as saying it's my favourite kind since I'm not a big reader of novels that are exclusively contemporary romance. However, this one was too instant for my taste, the male love interest was one dimensional, and as a couple they shared zero intimate chemistry. But, and this is a big but, by the end of the book it did make sense why the relationship was rushed, and now I pretty much approve of why it was done the way that it was. I was dead set on a 4 rating, but then the pace picked up again, and finished on a real high note. I absolutely embraced the final chapters.
How violent is it you ask? The physical torture tended to be described after the incident, rather than a scene depicting it, but not always. Details included, injury, mutilation, blood, and pain. It's not an uplifting story by any means, although there is hope to be found.
Thanks for the intense, harrowing read, Kim Liggett. If there’s more to come, then I am so there. ...more
Eye-opening, timely, emotional, with jaw-dropping twists!
When fourteen year old Stevie is ostracised and bullied by the popular crowd, her best friendEye-opening, timely, emotional, with jaw-dropping twists!
When fourteen year old Stevie is ostracised and bullied by the popular crowd, her best friend since childhood, Lottie, turns her back on her and sides with them. Unhappy and alone, Stevie is taken under her wing by fierce, fearless, loner Dee, and the two hatch a plan to strike back – give the bullies a taste of their own medicine. But when other students decide to exact their own revenge, things soon escalate into violence and vigilantism. Stevie is helpless to stop it, and does she really want to?
Love Heather accurately portrayed a wide range of serious relevant social issues that teenagers will unfortunately likely encounter more than one of in their high school setting, and/or home environment. Covers everything from vicious physical, verbal, and cyber bullying, targeted exclusion from a clique and the sudden cessation of a long term friendship, hate crimes and harmful pranks, sexual harassment and assault, transitioning and gender identity, divorce and adjusting to a parent's new partner, mental illness, attempted suicide, unhealthy coping mechanisms, and feelings of isolation and abandonment. Whew! This may sound like a lot to process, but the author handled, and weaved together, all the topics seamlessly.
The biggest twist, and the ending, threw me for six. My immediate reaction was dissatisfaction that some elements weren't fully realised/explained, but I've since done some research, and concluded that A: I'm wrong, and B: am far too influenced by dramatic portrayals in pop culture.
Laurie Petrou did a masterful job of not only showing the effects of Stevie mourning a breakup with a friend she considered a sister, but also the loss of closeness and family unity she shared with Lottie's parents. The Sherman's was a second home for Stevie, a sanctity she often escaped to when her own parents were in the midst of divorce.
I had no trouble identifying with the subject matter. When I was twelve I was ditched by my best friend of two years, and I think most of us have experienced this, and the feelings of loneliness, shame, anger and embarrassment associated with being betrayed by someone you care about. I am also a teenager of divorce, so can completely relate to what Stevie was going through having to deal with her parents new relationships. Stevie had my upmost sympathy from the beginning, and I was fully invested in her well being, and happiness. On a lighter note, we both shared an interest in teen movies from the 80’s and 90’s. The title Love Heather pays tribute to the cult 1988 movie Heathers, a teen staple during my high school years.
I felt the adults in Stevie's life were an accurate portrayal. Yes they made mistakes, and failed to see the warning signs, but just like teenagers, adults have numerous worries, responsibilities, and issues, and furthermore, they aren’t perfect. This novel would be an excellent opportunity for adults and teens to read this together, open up discussion, and compare notes of instances Stevie and the adults surrounding her could've breached the gap, and reached out to one another. And also suggest things they could've done differently along the way.
Content wise, there's strong language, name calling and slurs of a sexual nature, as well as all the trigger warnings laid out in paragraph two. It's written, and marketed for a YA audience, Stevie was only fourteen, and above are things teenagers are exposed to on a daily basis (I don't like it any more than you do, but that's the reality), so 12 plus.
I'd like to thank Netgally, Crooked Lane Books, and Laurie Petrou for the e-ARC.
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