Release Date: April 10, 2012Publisher: Poppy
Rating: YA/MG 12+
Genre: Contemporary, Coming-Of-Age, Realistic Fiction
Pages: 356
Fifteen-year-old Isabelle Scott loves her life by the boardwalk on the supposed wrong side of the tracks in North Carolina. But when tragedy strikes, a social worker sends her to live with a long-lost uncle and his preppy privileged family. Isabelle is taken away from everything she’s ever known, and, unfortunately, inserting her into the glamorous lifestyle of Emerald Cove doesn’t go so well. Her cousin Mirabelle Monroe isn’t thrilled to share her life with an outsider, and, in addition to dealing with all the rumors and backstabbing that lurk beneath their classmates’ Southern charm, a secret is unfolding that will change both girls’ lives forever.
**This review is based on an Advance Readers Copy (thanks so much Poppy!!)**
I love all of Jen's other books, so I guess that it's no surprise that I loved this one as well! Nowadays there are so many dark Paranormal YA books out there, and Belles was a really refreshing break from all of them! It's a short, sweet read that you won't want to miss out on.
The relationships between the characters, especially between Mira and Izzie, were really interesting. They are both so different, and yet so alike at the same time. The lessons and moral messages that this book has are also so true and ones that I believe everyone should take away from. Izzie and Mira show us that it's OKAY to be yourself, and stand up for what you believe in! <3
Izzie has had a rough life. Her mom died when she was only a child, leaving her with her Grandma, who was suffering from Dementia. She was raised in Harborside, the 'bad' part of town, and she's had to work extra shifts and put on a brave front to fool the Child Protective Services. When she is whisked away to live with her fancy cousins and her uncle (the Senator)'s family, Izzie's world is turned upside town... and not necessarily in a good way.
I loved this book so much for so many different reasons, you guys. Firstly, I know I've said this before, but Jen writes AMAZING characters, both main and supporting. One of the main guys in this book is Brandon, who is so sweet and charming and different from all the other posh, fake people at Mira's school. He's such a sweetheart!
So... I really loved this book, even though it had a kind of Soap-Opera-y feel to it. I know that some people didn't really like it and thought it was overdone, but I actually didn't mind all the drama and thought it actually added depth to the book! But, each to his own I guess!
This book is a fun, short read that you won't want to miss out on! Especially if you are looking for a break from all the Paranormal books, or just want a light Summer read, Belles is the way to go!
4 Muffins - Simply Delectable!
If you like this, try:
Reunited by Hilary Weisman Graham
Just As Long As We're Together by Judy Blume
Perfect Escape by Jennifer Brown
Secrets Of My Hollywood Life by Jen Calonita
Such a sweet review! I'm really eager to read Belles because it sounds like my cup of tea ;) I love books with believable characters - ones where I can really get to know them and understand them so if the author has nailed it in this book, I'm sure I will adore it as much as you did <3
ReplyDeleteSo funny, I JUST read this last night!
ReplyDeleteWhile I could see who Savannah's boyfriend was coming a mile away, I totally enjoyed this book. :)
Jenny
I agree summer should be about light fun reads. I do need a break from dark dystopian and paranormal. This book caught my eye and after reading your review, I want to read this and check out the great well written characters :)
ReplyDeleteI adooooooored this book so much too! Everything about it was just so sweet -- the characters, the setting, the fact that it was a sweet summer read between all of dark paranormals I usually read! And I actually loved all of the drama too because it made this book the way it was, and I couldn't get enough!
ReplyDeleteAmazing review, Riya! I can't wait to read my copy of Winter White so I can meet Mira and Izzie all over again! <3 :)
Yay great review I really enjoyed this one and I agree the characters are fabulous and both were so distinct. I love Jen she's so sweet too I can't wait to read Winter White!!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a wonderful and perfect summer read! I love books with great characters! I definitely want to read this story soon, not only did I also love the secrets series but I also enjoyed your review!
ReplyDeleteRachel <3
PS. feel free to answer the element question that was on my discussion post! I would be completely ecstatic to hear your answer! :)
I'm seeing some good things about this one. I might need to check it out. I could use a break from paranormal romance. ;)
ReplyDeleteOoh yes, I like taking a break from paranormal reads! The drama has me worried but I am going to give this a go anyway!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for all the comment love everybody!! XD
ReplyDelete@Mimi: YAY so glad you loved it!! Can't wait to read Winter White as well! :)
@Jenny: Really?!! OMG you genius. I had NO CLUE! But I am pretty clueless sometimes :')
@Vegan YA Nerds: Don't worry! I think you'll still love it.
Thanks for stopping by lovelies!! <3
Oh I've seen some great reviews for this around and the cover is gorgeous, it's good to know it's a refreshing change and that you had fun reading it! Fab review and thanks for stopping by! :)
ReplyDeleteI read a lot of paranormal and fantasy books, so something like this would be a nice break! Amazing review. You have convinced me this book is worth a shot. I love that the characters are so likeable and I'm glad you enjoyed it! :)
ReplyDeleteAlso, thank you for the lovely comment on my blog. I'm glad I discovered your blog too. I hope to be back here often! :)
Sometimes a light book is needed, and especially in the summertime! My sister loved the Secrets of My Hollywood Life series, so she might enjoy this too. I love the girl's names. :) Thanks for your thoughts!!
ReplyDelete-Lauren
@Sam: Yay! Thanks for stopping by!! I hope to see you here often too, Sam! :D I know I am going to be stalking your blog plenty! Hehe. :P
ReplyDelete@Mag: If your sister loved SoMHL, then I think she will love this one too.
Aww, light summer read? Definitely sounds like my kind of book! <3 *mentally put this book in my loooong wishlist*
ReplyDeleteSuch a FABULOUS review, Riya! I'm so excited to read this book after reading your review! I adore the cover very much, it's VERY pretty! <3 Actually, the story line reminds me a bit of The OC TV series. She's like Cinderella, so I wonder whether she's able to adapt well with her new surrounding. Hopefully the soap opera likeness doesn't bug me! x)
I like the cover, but the synopsis makes me hesitate to read it.. I will take a second look at it after your lovely review!
ReplyDeleteI'm really glad you enjoyed this book! I've seen it everywhere so I'll have to check it out.
ReplyDeleteMy cousin and I saw the book in the bookstore and she was asking me if it's a good one but I haven't seen any reviews of it yet. It seems good so she was thinking of purchasing it but ended up not buying it all. Now I know that it's a good read. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteI went into this one not really expecting much from it but fluff, to be honest. I ended up falling head over heels for it by the second chapter. I love these characters, and their world. I love that there are actual struggles, and people fighting to make themselves better. I just loved everything about it. I cannot wait to read Winter White. I hope it is as fantastic as book 1. Thanks so much for your review!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the sound of the characters and this seems very interesting! I also love the cover. Its very pretty and "light". Adding to my TBR list! Thanks for the awesome review! You always manage to make my TBR grow! LOL ;p
ReplyDelete~ Maida @ Literary Love Affair