Confederates Don't Wear Couture by Stephanie Kate Strohm
4.5/5 stars
Graphia, 2013
228 pages
YA Contemporary Comedy
Scheduled to release June 4
Source: Received an ARC for review through Amazon Vine in exchange for an honest review.
Last year, I had the great delight of reading Pilgrims Don't Wear Pink, about the summer adventures of a young girl named Libby who reminded me a lot of myself. She loves history, fashion, reading, Jane Austen, among other interests and I immediately clicked with her. Although that story was standalone, I was pleased and intrigued to find out there would be a sequel.
This one follows the summer after graduation with Libby and her best friend Dev embarking on a tour within a Confederate reenactment army to sell gorgeous and authentic gowns. Meanwhile her boyfriend is at his internship in New England and a new guy starts demonstrating interest in Libby. To add to the chaos, there is another ghost haunting them!
For the most part, I would say this book has the same kind of lighthearted tone and style as the first book. If you ate up that story, this will go down similarly. It is set over the course of a summer and follows a similar structure while also representing some growth on the part of Libby. A big change this time around is that Libby and Dev set off on their adventure together, which was a fantastic decision because Dev was such a highlight during his too brief appearances in the first go-around.
As a lover of history, I found the elements here even more enthralling. Is there a time period more beloved by American history buffs than the Civil War? I don't think so and this book did a great job of portraying the deep passion people still have. Personally I wish the Union had gotten a bit more attention as they fought for what was right and won but Dev made a good point that the contemporary Confederate side will pay more and you've got to follow the money.
Overall: A fun and flirty delight all the way through-highly recommended for fans of book one and this is a great (clean) beach read!
This sounds hilarious and fabulous! I will definitely be adding this to my tbr. Thanks for sharing since otherwise I wouldn't have heard about it! Oh, and also thanks for stopping by my WOW!
ReplyDeleteTressa @ Tressa's Wishful Endings
It is so cute-very much like the first book!
DeleteAww, this sounds adorable! I've been thinking about reading Pilgrims Don't Wear Pink, but I wasn't sure what to expect. Clearly, I'll have to give it a shot! Libby and Dev sound like wonderful characters. Awesome review! (:
ReplyDeleteIt's a perfect summer book that should leave you smiling :)
DeleteI did enjoy the first book and I didn't even know that there was a second one!
ReplyDeleteYou can find me here: Jen @ YA Romantics
I was surprised there ended up being a second but I'm happy because this series just leaves me happy.
DeleteI have this second one, but I haven't read the first one yet. I think this is a series I'd really enjoy, especially since it's a lighter summer read. I guess I should get busy trying to get my hands on the first book!
ReplyDeleteIt's super cute and perfect for summer!
DeleteI haven't seen this series until now, and it sounds really funny and the character sounds wonderful. Great review. :)
ReplyDeleteJenea @ Books Live Forever
These are great books to read in between heavier titles-they'll just make you happy!
DeleteThe flirtiness and light heartedness sounds great. Doesn't seem for me since I don't do HF though
ReplyDeleteThey are contemporary just with a heroine who is interested in history.
DeleteSounds pretty fun! I didn't love the first book, but I did like it. Also I believe this author is going to be at the Rochester TBF that I'm going to on Saturday. =)
ReplyDeleteOh cool, I think the author seems like a lot of fun!
DeleteI liked Dev so I'm glad he has more page time in this book. I thought Pilgrims Don't Wear Pink was a charming story and I'll have to pick this one up sometime too.
ReplyDeleteIf you liked Pilgrims, you should like this one-hope you can get a copy!
DeleteI seriously need to read the first book! I'm in the mood for something light and funny, so maybe I'll see if the library has it...and if they do, if they have this one too!
ReplyDeleteIt's so light and cute-perfect summer beach reading!
DeleteGreat review sweetie :D Have not heard of these books before. But they sound pretty awesome :) Although summary makes me worry about love triangle.. still, I'm glad you enjoyed it so much :) I do love history books. <3
ReplyDeleteI was nervous about the triangle too but it all turned out just right.
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