ARC Review: My Life Next Door
08:00
By Huntley Fitzpatrick
Source: Netgalley
Release date (UK): 7th January 2016
Genres: Young Adult, Romance, Contemporary,
"One thing my mother never knew, and would disapprove of most of all, was that I watched the Garretts. All the time."
The Garretts are everything the Reeds are not. Loud, messy, affectionate. And every day from her rooftop perch, Samantha Reed wishes she was one of them . . . until one summer evening, Jase Garrett climbs up next to her and changes everything.
As the two fall fiercely for each other, stumbling through the awkwardness and awesomeness of first love, Jase's family embraces Samantha - even as she keeps him a secret from her own. Then something unthinkable happens, and the bottom drops out of Samantha's world. She's suddenly faced with an impossible decision. Which perfect family will save her? Or is it time she saved herself?
A transporting debut about family, friendship, first romance, and how to be true to one person you love without betraying another.
**I received an e-ARC version of this book for an honest review - this does not affect my opinion**
I really didn’t expect to enjoy this as much as I did! It’s been out across the pond for a while now (I’m British), and I’ve heard loads of good things, so when this popped up on Netgalley, I was super hyped! Also, I read this with some of my best friends on Instagram (Jennifer and Stephanie), so it made me enjoy the book even more as we were doing a buddy read. It was a pleasant surprise that I enjoyed it as much as I did!
This book has a really cute, summery feel to it, and I think that’s one of the reasons I liked it so much, even though I did read it in the middle of winter! It was an easy, light read, which was just what I needed, because before reading this, I was worried that I was falling into a slump. This is definitely one to pick up if you’re in a reading slump, because it’s addictive and so sweet ☺.
Another thing I really enjoyed in this book was all of the family themes. YA Contemporary is a genre with mainly non-existent parents, but families played a key role in this book. I loved the Garretts so much, and all of my favourite scenes were at their house! All of the secondary characters felt so real, so I loved reading about everyone.
I did have a few problems with the book though - one of these being the way it ended. I didn’t like how some plots just weren’t rounded up, especially the one with my favourite character, Nan. There is a companion novel though already released in America (a lovely person on Goodreads told me it’s out in June 2016 in the UK), so I’m hoping these will be rounded up in that. I’m definitely going to try and pick it up!
Overall, if you’re a fan of the genre, I’d highly recommend reading this! It’s a really sweet book, and though there are tense moments, it’s a great feel-good, summer read. All of the characters are so likeable (except for Sam - I wasn’t sure about her...), and it’s a really interesting story. It’s the perfect summer read, and I'm really excited to pick up the companion novel in the summer too.
Hello! I'm D - a dog-loving feminist from the UK. You'll probably find me with my nose in a book or playing my clarinet
9 comments
I hope I get to read this soon because you totally sold me into checking this book out! It made me smile when you included in your review that there's the essence of family in this YA Contemporary book. I think that's already a plus to me to read the book. :D Lovely review, Denise!
ReplyDeleteOn a side note, I want to tell you that this coming 2016 I wish you more great books to read and more people to meet! Cheers! Thank you for being part of my blogging life this 2015! ❤
Fiona | A Girl Between the Pages
One of the main themes in this book is family, so if you like to read about family themes, this will be the book for you! I really hope you get to it, because I really think you'd enjoy it :)
DeleteThanks, Fiona! I hope you have a wonderful 2016 too. Thank-you for being my friend this year - all the best for next year! ☺
I have seen this one around, and most people seem to really like it, yet I don't feel the need to pick it up? I do like my fair share of contemporaries, and when family is mentioned and is a big theme I usually like it even more. I'm not sure why this one doesn't appeal to me...
ReplyDeleteYou should give it a go! It's very cute-sy, and light hearted, so maybe you're not loving that idea? I really enjoyed it, even though it's not normally my sort of thing, so I really urge you to give it a go! It's a super fun read :)
DeleteYou should give it a go! It's very cute-sy, and light hearted, so maybe you're not loving that idea? I really enjoyed it, even though it's not normally my sort of thing, so I really urge you to give it a go! It's a super fun read :)
DeleteI'm not usually into contemporary, but I will keep this in mind when I am in the mood for a fun, light-hearted read. I like how families are involved, since that is so rarely found in YA. Loveley review, Denise!
ReplyDeleteI'd really recommend it! I'm not usually a huge fan of contemporaries either, but I did really enjoy this one. The family themes were great :D
DeleteThanks for the comment, Erin!
Ahhh, that book! I really loved it, the story, the characters...The family was fantastic in that story. Great review! I can't wait to read the companion novel, either! :)
ReplyDeleteMarie @ Drizzle & Hurricane Books
It's such a cute book... everything just gave me such a fuzzy feeling! Thanks! I can't wait for it to be released in the UK :)
DeleteThanks for the comment, Marie <3
Thanks for commenting! I read and respond to every comment, so make sure to check back to see my reply. Have a nice day! ☺♥