I had a chance to read this book and I really enjoyed the romance. I loved the friendship between the girls and slow romance that happened over the book. I enjoyed seeing the effects of the being on a game show and the family. I loved her sister and that there was someone she talk to , and I loved that she was trying to solve a mystery at the school. Overall a great story.

After reading and LOVING The Big F last year, I was so excited to get an ARC of To Be Honest as its been on my most anticipated list for a while! I happy to say it did not disappoint. Maggie Ann Martin's writing style is great, everything flows so well. The characters are always realistic and charming. I really loved Savannah in this book. She was so down to earth and strong. I will say this book was a little slow to start but after a few chapters I was so deeply engrossed I couldn't put it down! After I finished I went an pre-ordered a physical copy! I love this book so much!

What an empowering read! I truly loved this book! This book follows Savannah, a very strong female. In this book Savannah battle many people inner demons but still sticks fierce in her own beliefs. Savannah is okay with her size and even with her helicoptering mother pushing diets on her she stays who she is, firm in her own beliefs.

I loved the romance side to this as it was so cute and awkward. Like any teenage romance love is awkward. Its not cut and dry its full of ups and downs as people figure themselves out and what they want.

This YA was perfect for how it dealt with all the issues that come with being a teenager. It was sweet, funny, and a bit sad at times (but in a good way). The overall plot kept me intrigued and hanging on to every word. The writing style was smart and charismatic. I suggest this as the summer book you never knew you needed.

5/5 stars.

 
***I received and e-arc of this book from NetGalley via the publisher in exchange for an honest review***

I liked this way more than Maureen Goo's first book. This felt way more real and less YA romcom-y than her first, which I really liked about it.

Savvy is a smart, funny, talented protagonist, dealing with multiple issues in her life. She's just said goodbye to her sister, who she has an amazingly close relationship with, and who also often acted as a buffer between her and her mother. Savvy's relationship with her mother is strained, mostly due to the hangups that her mother has about weight and body image. I love that Savvy has a positive image of herself and her body, and that she acknowledges that it can be hard to maintain that positivity when constantly confronted with the negativity of others. I adore her relationship with her friend Grace, and the way her relationship with George slowly evolves.

I only wish that this book were longer. Martin tackles a lot of big issues, from eating disorders, parental relationships, romance, school scandals, and Savvy and her sister's need to have space from each other in order to grow. I felt that the book rushed to a conclusion, and I would have enjoyed a more in depth look at some of the other plot elements.

Overall, an enjoyable read with wonderful characters, layered relationships, and a heroine who is sassy, smart and strong.

Savannah is a great character, comfortable with herself and dealing with her teenage years with dignity. After her mother returns home from a weight loss reality show, Savannah is facing a "new" mom who isn't happy with Savannah's size or confidence. As she attempts to find a new relationship with her mother, Savannah has to come to terms that things in her life are changing. Her sister is off to college and she has been the peacemaker between them until this point. Savannah also meets George, cousin to her friend and the boy she never knew she needed in her life. This is a sweet young adult novel and Savannah is a great character!

I absolutely loved this book and I know others will too. Savannah is a character people will fall in love with and root for till the very end. A must read book for all!!!!

I remember when this book first came onto my radar. It was during one of the Swoon Reads cover votings and this premise just sounded so interesting to me. It promised body positivity in a big way and It definitely delivered. But, what I was more surprised about was just how much heart was in this book. Martin hit a home run with this story, crafting a compelling and emotional character with Savvy. She's insecure, but not because she's an insecure person but because of the world she lives in. Martin did a great job at showing how constant pressures from family/friends/society work to create insecurities and uncertainties even when you yourself don't have them. Savvy's emotional journey was beautiful because I really did feel for her. She wanted people to be happy with her, but just couldn't seem to figure out why people couldn't just like her body for the way it was. I also appreciated the inclusion of George, exploring his own insecurities as well. A lot of times in books like these, the male main character is annoyingly perfect or saintly without any real flaws or issues. George wasn't like that and I'm glad Martin showed that even guys can have insecurities as well.

This is a lovely book with a lovely message and lovely characters within a story that was not only hopeful, but heartfelt.

Savannah is having a hard time; her best friend (and older sister) is leaving the house to head to college, her father and mother divorced not that long ago and her mother is still dealing with it..mainly dealing with by watching everything she (and Savannah) eat because of her stint on a weight loss show. Savannah just wants to get through the school year without any drama and with her family (and her self confidence) intact. When Savannah meets George, her best friend's cousin, she thinks that maybe he can really see her and not just what she looks like.
This book was a fun, cute story that dealt with body issues of image and self worth in a completely realistic way.