You Had Me At Hello, Mhairi McFarlane

You Had Me At Hello by Mhairi McFarlane reviewed by Izzy

What is this book about?

Rachel and Ben. Ben and Rachel. It was them against the world. Until it all fell apart. It’s been a decade since they last spoke, but when Rachel bumps into Ben one rainy day, the years melt away.

They’d been partners in crime and the best of friends. But life has moved on: Ben is married. Rachel is not. Yet in that split second, Rachel feels the old friendship return. And along with it, the broken heart she’s never been able to mend. (Harper Collins)

Who should read this book?

This book has been doing really well in the adult market in England, however it's great for anyone over the age of thirteen. Nothing explicit but I think it's a bit slow moving for anyone under the age of 13.

How long is this book?

 436 pages

Marks
Story Line:  5/10
Well written:  4/5
Enjoyablilty:  3/5
Overall:   12/20

Star Rating: 3 stars

Question 1. What character would you most like to have tea with?

Rachel's best friend was called Mindy and although she was a bit of an airhead, for a secondary character McFarlane made her very real and brilliantly enjoyable. Plus, she was just hilarious, probably with some of the best one liners in the whole novel.

Question 2. What character would you most like to throw tea at?
  
SIMON. SIMON. SIMON. I'm not a fan at all and I knew his true colours from the beginning.

Question 3. What do you think of the cover?

It's okay, but for such a great book I think it's not doing the storyline complete justice. But hey, no photo. Wohoo! Fist pump!

Question 4. What do you think of the title do you think there is an alternative?

It reminds me so much of my favourite line in one of my favourite romantic comedies, Jerry Maguire. Completely brilliant. So cute and lovely.

Question 5. Favourite quote!

“It's pathetic, I knew I did from that first moment we met. It was...not love at first sight exactly, but - familiarity. Like: oh, hello, it's you. It's going to be you. Game over."


Overall: This book was SO much better than I expected, and I absolutely loved it. So enjoyable, though slow moving in parts. The ending reached a pretty sharp conclusion, but I still really enjoyed. A sparkling, debut by someone who really knew her setting. I'm certain this isn't the last time McFarlane will be topping the Kindle charts.

The Moon and More, Sarah Dessen

The Moon and More by Sarah Dessen reviewed by Izzy

What is this book about?

Luke is the perfect boyfriend: handsome, kind, fun. He and Emaline have been together all through high school in Colby, the beach town where they both grew 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, 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, and sisters. Can she ignore the pull of the 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? (Goodreads)

Who should read this book?

Obviously Sarah Dessen fans of which there are millions. Also people who enjoy Ann Brashares and Stephanie Perkins will love this light hearted summer read.

How long is this book?

435 pages

Marks
Story Line:   7/10
Well written:   4/5
Enjoyability:   4/5
Overall:  15/20

Star Rating: 4 stars

Question 1. What character would you most like to have tea with?

Emaline's kid brother Benji is adorable. I've never had any younger siblings, both my brothers are older than me, so I always find little kid characters in books...I want to say appealing but I'm worried I may get arrested. Not appealing, but they have a soft spot in my heart? Still not quite right, but you catch my drift. Also we probably wouldn't drink tea because no 10 year old wants to do that.


Question 2. What character would you most like to throw tea at?

Annoyingly I can't give my honest opinion here as it will ruin the story for anyone about to read it. However I will give some hints. This person was pretentious, annoying and seemed to have a lack of understanding on people in general. I would also throw tea at Emaline's father if I had any spare because when he was mean to Benji I was so angry.

Question 3. What do you think of the cover?

Meh. I got the one with the girl on the front because I pre-ordered. Anyway it's fine. What I find interesting is usually in the UK we get different sort of covers with cute drawings on the front which I love! Although I can't seem to find one right now, if I do come across a cover like that I will definitely notify you all!

Question 4. What do you think of the title do you think there is an alternative?

I think I probably the other two titles Sarah Dessen was planning which was The Best Ever After and Someone Else's Summer. Still, I really like "The Moon and More," and I always think Sarah Dessen picks great titles.

Question 5. Favourite quote!

  “The truth was, there was no way everything could be the Best. Sometimes, when it came to events and people, it had to be okay to just be.”

 Overall: Sarah Dessen is yet to disappoint me in any of her novels so far. Although it still doesn't beat Along For The Ride or Just Listen for me it is definitely competing with The Truth About Forever for third spot. I loved the Theo vs Luke aspect and I definitely know which boy I prefer. As always reappearances always make me happy especially when we get people from Along For The Ride in there. As much as I love Colby I'm desperate for another Jackson High or Perkins Day (I think those are the names) book next. Whatever Sarah Dessen does though I am safe in the assurance I will love it.

What did you think of this book? What would you like us to review next? Also if you write a book blog please leave your link in the desciption box below!

Just One Day, Gayle Forman

Just One Day by Gayle Forman, reviewed by Bronte

What is this book about?

When sheltered American good girl Allyson "LuLu" Healey first meets laid-back Dutch actor Willem De Ruiter at an underground performance of Twelfth Night in England, there’s an undeniable spark. After just one day together, that spark bursts into a flame, or so it seems to Allyson, until the following morning, when she wakes up after a whirlwind day in Paris to discover that Willem has left. Over the next year, Allyson embarks on a journey to come to terms with the narrow confines of her life, and through Shakespeare, travel, and a quest for her almost-true-love, to break free of those confines.

Who should read this book?

This book is a young adult book and really I think that anyone could enjoy it. Age range of about 11 and above.

How long is this book?

368 pages, a average sized book.

Marks
Story Line: 8/10
Well written: 4/5
Enjoyablilty: 3/5
Overall: 15/20

Star Rating:
4 Stars

Question 1. What character would you most like to have tea with?

This is a close call between Wren and Dee because I love them both, but, I would most like to have tea with would be Wren. Although she is a minor character and only really in the end of the book I feel that she is friendly and would just be really easy to be around and talk to. I also feel that we would have a lot to talk about because she is a little weird, but in a good way. Weird people are often the coolest.

Question 2. What character would you most like to throw tea at?

Her Mum. That one is easy. She is controlling and trying to make her daughter live the life that she wanted herself and I don't like people that do that. Its unfair and self centered. However I do praise the Mum at the end but really I would still want to waste a cuppa by throwing it over her.

Question 3. What do you think of the cover?

I don't really like this cover. Yes she is on a train and that relates to the story but it has no wow factor. Nothing makes me want to read this book from the look of the cover. It's not bad, don't get my wrong, I wouldn't want to throw tea at the cover, but there is just nothing about it thats amazing.

Question 4. What do you think of the title do you think there is an alternative?

I think its a good title and it sets its self up for the next in the series. I also think that, unlike the cover, it is intriguing, what could happen in 'Just One Day'?

Question 5. Favourite quote!

'We are born in one day. We die in one day. We can change in one day. And we can fall in love in one day. Anything can happen in just one day.' - Cute :)

Overall:

Overall a good read. Not amazing, I think some things could have happened and other things changed that would have made to make this a better read. Personally I only read this book because I loved Gayle Formans 'If I Stay' and 'Where She Went' and if I'm honest I prefered those, but that is only because they were fantastic. But I would still recommend this book to anyone really.

What did you think of this book? What would you like us to review next?

Just Listen, Sarah Dessen

Just Listen by Sarah Dessen, reviewed by Eleanor

What is this book about?

"I'm Annabel. I'm the girl who has it all. Model looks, confidence. A great social life. I'm one of the lucky ones. Aren't I? My 'best friend' is spreading rumours about me. My family is slowly falling apart. It's turning into a long, lonely summer, full of secrets and silence.

But I've met this guy who won't let me hide away. He's one of those intense types, obsessed with music. He's determined to make me listen. And he's determined to make me smile.

But can he help me forget what happened the night everything changed?" (Amazon)

Who should read this book?
I'd say this book is probably 13+

How long is this book?

371 pages

Marks

Story Line: 7/10

Well written: 4/5

Enjoyablilty: 4/5
Overall: 15/20

Star Rating:
4 stars

Question 1. What character would you most like to have tea with?
I think I would probably choose Clarke. She was Annabel's closest friend before Sophie came along and ruined things and she just seems really lovely.

Question 2. What character would you most like to throw tea at?

Sophie, Annabel's "best friend." She's an awful friend and it's horrible how quickly she turns on Annabel, without giving her a chance to explain things.

Question 3. What do you think of the cover?

I really like Dessen's front covers. The face made of a jumble of objects and colours is really pretty.

Question 4. What do you think of the title do you think there is an alternative?

'Just Listen' is a really good title for this book as there are quite a few characters with troubling pasts and so lots of stories to be told and listened to. Also, music is quite a big part of the book.

Question 5. Favourite quote!
'Don't think or judge. Just Listen.'

Overall:
I really loved this book. It was the first of Sarah Dessen's books that I ever read and even now, after reading all but one of her others, it remains my absolute favourite. So it's definitely worth reading!

What did you think of this book? What would you like us to review next?

Skin Deep by Laura Jarratt

Skin Deep by Laura Jarratt reviewed by Izzy

What is this book about?
After a car accident that leaves her best friend dead, and scars that will never disappear, Jenna struggles to rebuild her life. She doesn't want to go out, and she hates school. Thankfully a gorgeous boy comes to help her out. Annoyingly, he comes with his own bag of problems. Can Jenna help Ryan, as much as Ryan helps Jenna?

Who should read this book?
I'm starting to annoy myself by saying "teenage girls." It seems slightly sexist. So, anyone. I'd firmly put it in the 12+ category though.

How long is this book?
320 pages

Marks
Story Line:   7/10
Well written:   4/5
Enjoyability:   4/5
Overall:   15/20

Star Rating: 4 stars

Question 1. What character would you most like to have tea with?
I honestly adore Jenna as a character. She is very much flawed but in ways that simply make you love her. She wasn't bland or dull, something that I fear in so many young adult novels today. She has a personality and a mind of her own. Although she's very focused on her love interest I think this is adds to her character rather than detracts from it.

Question 2. What character would you most like to throw tea at?
I think his name was Ed. If he isn't called Ed he's the guy at the pub who's a complete tool. Man I would throw loads of tea at "Ed." (supposed Ed. I'm not sure. These reviews are SO PROFESSIONAL.)

Question 3. What do you think of the cover?
I'm not a fan of photo covers, which makes me worry that if I hadn't got this book from a friend I may have never picked it up. . To me, photo covers make the book look distinctively average.

Question 4. What do you think of the title?
The title is good, and obviously very fitting to the novel. I'm not sure I'm ever going to love a title quite as much as what Jennifer E. Smith gave me, but Skin Deep is a fine title. No strong feelings either way.

Question 5. Favourite quote!
“But good girls don't do that, don't make a fuss, don't upset parents. And I was a good girl so I curled up on the floor and sobbed silently instead."


Overall: I was so, so happy with this book. I think it was probably that I didn't think it would be very good (sorry Laura Jarratt!) and I was very much proven wrong! This book isn't like every other one on your Barnes and Nobles/ Waterstones shelf. It isn't all just about the boy and the girl. In fact one of the major story lines comes in at the second half and is destined to make you gasp and cry just a little. Crongratulations are in order to Laura Jarratt who has definitely made an impact with very good debut.

Send Me a Sign, Tiffany Schmidt

Send Me a Sign by Tiffany Schmidt, reviewed by Bronte

What's this book about?
Mia is always looking for signs. A sign that she should get serious with her soccer-captain boyfriend. A sign that she’ll get the grades to make it into an Ivy-league school. One sign she didn’t expect to look for was: “Will I survive cancer?”

Who should read this book?
This book is a young adult book classed under realistic fiction. It had romance, humour, sadness and isn't very predictable.

How long is this book?
384 pages, an average size book.

Marks
Story Line: 8/10
Well written: 4/5
Enjoyability: 3/5
Overall: 15/20

Star Rating:
4 Stars.

Question 1. What character would you most like to have tea with?
For me, I would most like to have tea with Gyver. Yes I know, strange name so you think strange person but he is the complete opposite. He is loving, funny, sweet, generous, gentle and really I could go on but I will let you read and come up with your own opinion. I think he would be very easy to be around and talk to about nothing and everything, but yet it's still comfortable and not awkward being with him at all.

Question 2. What character would you most like to throw tea at?
This would definitely be Mia's Mum. She is very self-centred and this shows as you get further into the book. The fact that she is more concerned with how she appears to others and what others think about her and her family is a little unnerving when the reason for this is because her only daughter has cancer! If I was Mia I would have got very annoyed with her from the beginning and not just put a false smile on.

Question 3. What do you think of the cover?
I like the simplicity of this cover and like the colour however I am not sure it reflects the actual story. But for me this okay, the cover doesn't always have to relate to the book, it has to be eye catching a different so that you will pick it up and think 'Oh this looks good, I will give it ago'. In the end people do read books purely because they liked the cover. Or because they heard about it on an awesome review site. Hint. Hint.


Question 4. What do you think of the title do you think there is an alternative?
I like this title very much. This, unlike the cover, does have something to do with the book. Mia is superstitious and always looking for signs to tell her what to do and in some cases this makes her blind to see what is, in my opinion, plainly obvious that you wouldn't do that, or would do that. In contrast, though, it does create some of the humorous parts in the novel.

Question 5. Favourite quote!
'Mi amore' - All will become clear if you read this novel.

Overall:
I think that this book was quite good, 15/20. One of the problems I had with it was the fact that the structure was a little boring. It had a very long beginning, clearly trying to set the scene for the reader, but for me I think that this went on for too long. There was then a period of, to be frank, nothing much, or rather just repetition of what had been already taking place which for me made me disengage with the story a little. When the ending seemed in sight so much was taking place in the last 50 pages that it felt like the ending was rushed and could have been spread out a lot more to make the story longer lasting. Overall though, a good debut from Schmidt, and I look forward to reading more from her.

What did you think of this book? What would you like us to review next?