4/5 stars
Viking, 2013
212 pages
YA Contemporary
Source: Received an unsolicited ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I was so excited to receive this book for review as I fall in instant love with the green dress on the cover. Honestly I've been wearing a lot of green this season and I think it's partly because of that dress (also because I'm gorgeous and look great in everything ;) Although I've seen Colasanti's work around, I hadn't tried it so this would be my first experience with her writing. Unfortunately I read some less than enthusiastic reviews beforehand which somewhat dimmed my excitement. Luckily my experience was better as I found this book to be really cute and satisfying!
It begins on the the last day of summer, bringing together rich high schooler Skye and scraping by college Seth. She is looking for true love to change her life while he is trying to get over a broken heart. Their few days together haunt them when they're back at school especially because they weren't able to exchange contact information. The next summer brings them back together as they make a go at a real relationship-can their love last?
This book is told in alternating dual perspective (with Skye and Seth each having their own font-I love that), taking us deep into the pain and hopes of each character. I think what really resonated with me was these two young people fought for their relationship. They didn't throw in the towel when things got hard and they certainly got hard, each coming from very different childhoods and with different goals and communication styles. I loved that it wasn't easy for them but they didn't give up. I do feel like they fell in love too fast (near instantaneously and simultaneously) but they subsequently put in the time to get to know each other and that redeemed it for me. The book covers several years and really allows us to see a lot of changes in them as people, in their life circumstances, and in those around them.
Overall: A super cute summer read-I feel like it definitely lives up to its cover expectations and would be perfect to read at the beach or by the pool or as a palate cleanser between some heavier books (also look at the short page count!)
Cover: I really love this cover-it screams lighthearted summer fun and I love the pops of color on the author's name, title, and Skye's dress.
Other Opinions:
Book Loving Mommy
Good Books and Good Wine
Harley Bear Book Blog
Parajunkee's View
The Flyleaf Review
I love the cover and think this does sound like a great summer book. I am glad to hear that the relationship was well developed even if they fell for each other too quickly.
ReplyDeleteI thought this was just so cute-I had a ton of fun and I would say my expectations were pretty much met.
DeleteI have really enjoyed some of her books -- I think she does dual POV well!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by! Jen @ YA Romantics
I am definitely more interested in checking out her other work especially titles that are dual POV.
DeleteNow that I think about it, I haven't actually read any books by Colasanti. I probably should though because this book sounds pretty good actually!
ReplyDeleteI've seen a ton of her books around but hadn't tried them for some reason despite my deep love of contemporary. I will need to fix that!
DeleteI agree: I love the cover. I don't think I've ever read anything by Susane Colasanti, but your great review makes me want to read this book as my first by her. I will definitely keep an eye out for this one.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great review and happy reading : )
Still the cover is probably my favorite part-it's just so summery and CUTE!
DeleteAwe, I think I would love this one. The hopeless romantic in me, would just want to see their relationship grow. Awesome review. Definitely will be keeping an eye out at my library for it.
ReplyDeleteJenea @ Books Live Forever
The hopeless romantic in me was very pleased-love isn't easy but it's worth it!
DeleteOkay so the insta-love would bother me, BUT I can handle it when the couple subsequently makes their relationship work by developing it. This is looking more and more like it might be the first book by this author I read! Great review, chica.
ReplyDeleteMolli | Once Upon a Prologue
I loved how the book traced the development of their relationship and showed the work they put in to it instead of pretending that they were just fated for each other.
DeleteSusane Colasanti's books tend to be hit or miss for me, but this one sounds cute--despite the insta-love.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure which of her books you liked but I thought this was pleasant enough. I really want to check out some others to have more room for comparison.
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