A romantic journey of self-growth.
An ardent fan of meet-cutes and rom-coms, Lahey, 17, loves matchmaking but has never dated.
When her cousin Summer references this fact to explain why she’s omitted the plus-one from Lahey’s invitation to her Sweet 16 birthday bash, Lahey impulsively lies, saying she has lots of guys to choose from. And now she’s stuck, needing to find a date in the six days before the party. Having brought Summer and her boyfriend together, Lahey is annoyed that her sisters and best friend Poppy aren’t onboard. Laser-focused on payback, Lahey bails on Poppy at a critical moment to focus on her plus-one prospects. However, she initially overlooks Adler, the cute neighbor boy who was irritated by her previous unsolicited matchmaking efforts. Lahey feigns interest and skill in activities her prospects favor, pressing on cheerfully after each failure. Lahey’s smart, self-centered, adept at escaping snafus of her own devising—and on a journey to balancing her outgoing, upbeat, body-positive identity with her acute awareness of the world’s judgment of fat girls like herself. In her quest to best the cousin who’s hurt her, she loses her way for a time. Poppy’s already a working artist, and Lahey’s potential dates have independent goals and interests; Lahey is on a journey toward developing true self-esteem. When she does find love, it’s by recognizing what she needs and deserves. Poppy is Vietnamese American; other major characters read White.
A romantic journey of self-growth. (Romance. 12-17)Pub Date: June 27, 2023
ISBN: 9780063243729
Page Count: 336
Publisher: HarperTeen
Review Posted Online: May 9, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2023
A promising premise that’s lacking in spice.
A fall romance with a New England backdrop.
Autumn leaves aren’t the only stunning thing to hit the town of Briar Glen—so has good-looking new boy Jack Harper, and Lucy Kane is enamored with both. Her new crush is the perfect thing to take her mind off the fact that Java Junction, part of a global chain, is opening across the street from Cup o’ Jo, Lucy’s mother’s coffee shop, where they take pride in baking everything from scratch and avoiding artificial ingredients. But there’s more than coincidence in the timing of the arrivals of both Jack and Java Junction: The Harper family moved to Briar Glen specifically to open this franchise location, which will bring competition that threatens Cup o’ Jo. This scenario has the makings of a perfect autumnal adversaries-to-lovers romance, but the writing lacks charm and chemistry. Jack seems to be completely enamored with Lucy, but her character isn’t sufficiently developed to warrant his attention. Lucy’s friends are continually supportive of her but have few distinguishing characteristics, and the story is weakened by confusing timelines and repetitive elements. The resolution relies upon successes that come too easily and do not feel earned. Major characters are cued white.
A promising premise that’s lacking in spice. (Romance. 12-16)Pub Date: Aug. 6, 2024
ISBN: 9781339030753
Page Count: 336
Publisher: Scholastic
Review Posted Online: May 17, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2024
A lushly written story with an intriguing heart.
After praying to a Fate for help, Evangeline discovers the dangerous world of magic.
When her father passes away, Evangeline is left with her cold stepmother and kind but distant stepsister, Marisol. Despite inheriting a steady trust in magic, belief in her late mother’s homeland of the mystical North (where fantastical creatures live), and philosophy of hope for the future, her dreams are dashed when Luc, her love, pledges to marry Marisol instead. Evangeline desperately prays to the Prince of Hearts, a dangerous and fickle Fate famed for his heart that is waiting to be revived by his one true love—and his potentially lethal kisses. The bargain they strike sends her on a dark and magical journey throughout the land. The writing style fluctuates from clever and original to overly verbose and often confusing in its jumble of senses. While the pervasive magic and concept of the Fates as a religious system add interest, other fantasy elements are haphazardly incorporated without enough time devoted to building a cohesive world. However, the themes of love, the power of story, family influence, and holding onto belief are well rounded and add depth. The plot contains welcome surprises, and the large cast piques curiosity; readers will wish more time was spent getting to know them. Evangeline has rose-gold hair and, like other main characters, reads as White; there is diversity among the fantasy races in this world.
A lushly written story with an intriguing heart. (map) (Fantasy. 12-16)Pub Date: Sept. 28, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-250-26839-6
Page Count: 416
Publisher: Flatiron Books
Review Posted Online: July 27, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2021
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