This is a cute book especially the references to movies from the 80's! I think the author did a wonderful job incorporating this into the story because it certainly made it interesting. Aside from this the romance was cute, a little slow, but did the trick for the story.

Pretty in Pink meets Groundhog Day, this YA contemporary puts a clever spin on iconic 80's films. It has a fun premise, plenty of 80's teen movie nostalgia, and a fun, easy to read plot. However, an overly didactic approach to arc of the main character made it feel a bit trite and the lack of diversity seems like a real missed opportunity.

The (rather forced) message is that despite segregated cliques, teens have more in common than they realize and can come together a la Breakfast Club. This is facilitated our main character Andie who gets to know people from every group after months stuck in a time loop. Her growth from being short-sighted and self-involved to inclusive and accepting seems great in theory, but in practice read more like the lessons an adult would LIKE a teenager to take from something rather than how a teen would actually think and respond. Not to mention, the cliquish behavior of groups at the school was so rigid as to feel stereotyped and unrealistic.

The jocks, the cheerleaders, the goths, the nerdy girls, the weird hipster kids...it reads like a John Hughes film taken to extremes rather than adapted for modern times. And where is the intersectionality in all of this?! If we're adapting Pretty in Pink for 2019, can't we also make it less white with social misunderstandings that are related to things like race, gender identity, and sexual orientation? It really feels like a missed opportunity to address bigger issues. Even The Breakfast Club has some consideration of socio-economic disparity and we didn't even get that.

As a child of the 80's I really wanted to like this, but while it was sometimes fun, it ultimately fell flat for me. I received an advance copy for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Pretty in Punxsutawney by Laurie Boyle Crompton is everything I/you could ever want in a cheesy romcom YA read. The plot is heavily inspired by Groundhog Day, Pretty in Pink, and there's even a little Breakfast Club. Andie (yes, like Pretty in Pink) is preparing for her first day at a new school. She's spent the summer at her local movie theater crushing hard on Colton while also getting to know Tom. She heads off to that first day, and she has high hopes, but the day spirals into nothing like what she had hoped it would be. She falls asleep that night bummed at what happens. However, she wakes up the next morning, and it's somehow her first day all over again. She tries to do things differently the second time around, and the third, and so on. With each passing day, Andie learns a little bit more about her classmates, as well as herself. She takes each replay to fine tune and make others happier, as well as to figure out what she actually wants. Honestly, y'all, I figured out how this one might end pretty early on, however, I did not care. The cheesy 80s vibe of this love story was just what I wanted, and I loved how it was told. If you're a fan of the work of John Hughes, this will totally be your jam. Also, if you've continually maintained that Duckie is an infinitely better choice than Blane, this will definitely be for you. Thanks to NetGalley for letting me go on this romcom adventure!

When Andie moves to a new town the summer of her senior year, she develops a crush on Colton, the guy who dishes out popcorn at the local movie theater. True, he doesn't even seem to know what a meet-cute is, but then, not everyone can share her obsessive love of old films. Much to the annoyance of Tom, the theater manager, Andie begins hanging out at the theater every time Colton is on shift, and much to Andie's delight, Colton offers to drive her to school on the first day and show her around the campus.

When Andie falls asleep watching Pretty in Pink the night before school starts, she wakes up to find that her first day of high school in Punxsutawney is not quite everything she would have hoped for--Colton has another girl zeroing in on him, the halls of the high school are filled with the usual catty cliques, and she's made the mistake of wearing one of her mom's absurd thrift store finds.

But thanks to some mystical quirk of the universe, Andie gets a do over, waking up the next morning to find that it's the first day all over again. As she suffers through her own personal Groundhog Day, Andie uses her endless amounts of time to bridge the gap between the social groups at Punxsutawney High. She realizes that the cheerleaders are actually do-gooders, the goths are actually caring, the freaks and geeks see people for who they are, and even the jocks can be lovable. Now, if she can only find true love's kiss and convince the other students to be more accepting, she might find a way to break the endless cycle and go back to a normal life....

This teen novel is a tribute to Molly Ringwald and 80s movies everywhere. It was refreshingly clean, with virtually no swearing or sexual content. With her unlimited amount of time to study human nature, Addie comes to understand the secrets, motivations, and aspirations of almost every student at the high school, even her romantic rival. She also comes to realize her own superficiality and learns to appreciate the one boy who treats her the same no matter what version of herself she brings to school on that interminable first day. Despite its not so original plot and its somewhat cliché message, this was a fun, feel-good story that may appeal more to nostalgic 80s fans than to actual teens. 

Disclosure: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to review this book!

I quite enjoyed this read! It was quick, fun, and a new twist on the typical young adult romance. Andie is a quirky, fun lead character that is average enough to blend in, but just odd enough to stand out. Her love of movies new and old sets her on a course where she repeats the same day over and over as she tries to find her one true love.

What I loved most about this book is that it really wasn't so much about her finding a boy to love as it was about finding out who she was as a person. Over the course of her journey, she learns a lot about herself, including different versions of herself. It's something that we all do, even if our journey isn't as complicated as Andie's.

I've always been a sucker for a good time loop story. Groundhog Day has been one of my favourite movies for a really long time. So seeing a YA version of it? Obviously this was a book I had to read.

While I feel like maybe the format didn't work quite as well in book format, I still really liked it. Andie was a great character and it was really interesting to see her navigating through the various cliques of the school, finding out what was behind the stereotypical exterior. I loved how she used her time to get to know everyone and how hard she worked to fit in with each group. She showed so much empathy and compassion, even on her first day, sympathising with a girl who had only been a bitch to her.

I also loved all the references to movies. Andie's movie obsession and the way she could understand the time loop because she knew the Groundhog Day movie. Though I have wondered before whether movies like Pretty in Pink and the Breakfast Club are that relevant for teens today, I think that any teen who likes eighties movies will have fun seeing Andie geek out about these movies.

This book is cute. I like the integration of all the 80s movies I love and groundhog’s day. The funny scenarios leading up to the epic ending is perfect.

First of all, thank you so much to Netgalley, Just Reads Tours & Blink YA for providing me this bookie! It was for a tour, and I was under no obligation to review this book but after I decided to read it for fun, I have to tell you how good it was.

Andie is our girl and she’s somehow fallen in love with the first boy she sees at the movie theatre. After a movie night with Mom, Andie becomes trapped in reliving the first day of school, Groundhog Day style.
Instead of using her powers of repeat for evil (pranks and such) so tries to unite the student body, Breakfast Club style. Hijinks (duh) and other hilarious issues arise in the super cute coming-of-age story.

Highly recommend this. This was so cute.

Pretty in Punxsutawny is a YA novel that is kind of a cross between Groundhog Day and every John Hughes movie from the 80s. It features Andie who moves to a new town and ends up reliving her first day the the new high school over and over. Until she can figure out to break the curse, she is doomed.

I really enjoyed this book. It was a very nostalgic for me since I was a highschooler in the mid to late 80s. I loved that Andie, who is narrating, gives background on the pop culture references because kids today reading this may not know the movies that are references. But for me, it brought back so many memories.

At the heart of this story is a lesson in not judging people for what they wear or how they look on the outside. Too often, we make assumptions about others based on our own biases and experiences. I loved Andie and her journey to not only figure this out, but to finally get her first real kiss. She has some funny very awkward moments that made me laugh. I think everyone will be able to see a little of themselves in her.

I highly recommend this one to any middle grade and up YA reader. It's a really cute story and a fun read. There is a great lesson for all of us (even adults) to learn here.

This book was so darn cute! I loved the main characters and even though the entire book was practically the same day repeated over and over, the author found a way to keep it interesting and exciting! And the end was amazing!!!!!!!!! I’m so glad that Andie finally found her rhythm and followed her heart.

If you’re a Molly Ringwald or John Hughes fan, this book will warm your heart!

Summary: Movie loving Andie isn’t looking forward to the start of her senior year of high school. Her parents just moved her from their small town to the slightly larger Punxsutawney where Andie has to start her last year of school as the new kid. The only silver lining in Andie’s dark cloud of a life is Colton the super cute boy who works at the local movie theater and who film buff Andie befriended over the summer. Andie dreams of winning Colton’s heart on the first day of school but when the day turns into a disaster Andie must relive that day over until she finds her real path to happiness.

Review: This book is perfect for readers looking for a little fluffy romance with a bit humor. Andie and her time loop experiences are funny and perfectly tween friendly with each of her days feeling like their own little adventure into high school cliques. Plus, Crompton created a perfectly adorable possible love interest in Tom. It doesn’t take long for you to start rooting for Andie to let go of her Colton crush and embrace the possibility of Tom. However, there some parts of this book that didn’t quite flow as perfectly as the humor and love interest. Pretty in Punxsutawney is a whole lot of book and, for me, Andie’s time revisiting her first day of school went on just a little too long. Also, I have to wonder if all the Brat Pack reference will be lost on many of the younger teen who are the one that will most likely to read this book. This book feels very much geared towards an audience of eleven to thirteen year olds and I’m not sure they will know or care about the stars of John Hughes films. Moreover, Crompton’s message of appreciating your life and learning empathy felt a little heavy hand by the end of the book and made the fun rom-com begin to feel like a “lesson” book. However, if you are willing to ignore those small issues and you want a book that is just kind of fun with a little romance and then you should definitely take time with Pretty in Punxsutawney.

My rating is 4.5 stars

Groundhog Day meets Pretty in Pink. In high school! Does that thought make you shudder?

Andie has been raised on a steady diet of movies. The fact that she was familiar with movies from most eras and genres probably allowed her to quickly figure out what happened when she woke up on the pink couch her mom had purchased at the thrift store, wearing the same pink dress with white polka dots that her mom had her try on the night before school began, to the soundtrack of Pretty in Pink the second day in a row.

While there were hints of what was to come, they were not so overt as to make the story boring or predictable. The author wisely chose to share only Andie’s perspective so while I had a hunch about who her romantic interest would be (and I will say that I was right), it wasn’t confirmed until it happened.

Ironically, on her first day of school, her English teacher started teaching about Greek mythology and specifically about King Sisyphus, who as punishment from Zeus ended up with a never-ending task. Andie couldn’t be sure whether this loop she was stuck in was a punishment or an opportunity.

Despite Andie believing that she needed to be kissed by her true love to be able to break out of this nightmare, the story was less about romance and more about her finding her voice and learning what is truly important. Her many failed attempts to keep the attention of the football co-captain led her to improve herself in ways that she would have never imagined. Learning to walk on heels without falling over, how to apply makeup - specifically eyeliner, and so many other things occupied her déjà vu days. Some of her attempts were humorous and some had her make the mistake of being too good and therefore suspicious.

What I loved about the book is that Andie learned to see people differently - to see value in those society would have ignored and even to love the unlovable.

One thought that went through my mind when Andie did some especially ridiculous and even stupid thing was “what if tomorrow actually comes after this disaster?” And actually, the things that do happen on her last first day of school will be rather interesting for her to live down or to try to explain.

The movie quotes and references in the book were a lot of fun. It was a satisfying read overall and is completely appropriate for high-schoolers and even fun enough for this way past high-schooler to enjoy as well.

I’m looking forward to reading more by this new-to-me-author.


Read with a Preview at AmongTheReads.net


I was given a copy of this book for free. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.

Andie is a teenage, romance-movie aficionado. After a move to a new town in PA, Andie gets caught in a time-loop. What does she have to learn before the curse is finally broken?

I was very excited upon reading the description of this book, I absolutely love the idea of the time-loop. Of course this is a theme that has been done many times before, so I was looking for something new and exciting from this book. Needless to say, I don't think I necessarily found it. Although this was a cute read, it was a little anti-climatic. I did enjoy the message behind the story, of looking past stereotypes and labels, something that is relevant in this day and age but this book just didn't have the spark I was looking for.

I do still think it is a good read, lots of nice 1980s throwbacks!

This book took me back to when I used to read the Help! I'm Trapped series by Todd Trasser as a kid. It also took me back to when I discovered all those cult 80s teen movies and it reminded me that they don't make them like that any more.
Andie is about to start her last year of high school in a new town, in a new school. She's spent the summer working at the town's only movie theatre pining after Colton and ignoring Tom. When her first day of school doesn't quite go as planned, she wishes for do-over.
The next morning she wakes up to discover she's got her wish Groundhog Day style. She's trapped on the first day of school! In the many iterations of her first day, she infiltrates different cliques and discovers a lot about herself and the pointlessness of keeping to one's friendship group.

A really fun read. I just wish the story had continued a little longer on the other side of getting unstuck.

I confess to something: I was a teen in the late 90s-2000 so some of the eighties stuff was even lost on me which made me wonder if the target demographic ( not me) would get it.... that being said, I am writing this review from my personal standpoint and enjoyment.


I love the concept. The hook is fantastic and how many of us with treacherous first days of high school wish they could try again and again to navigate the social structure?


I also loved the message of the book and how from the get go you kinda know who the heroine is going to end up with and you kinda know it won't be the dreamboat and you are kinda relieved. From the very first moment when Andie (perfectly named!) watches Pretty in Pink ( Which I have never seen but know from enough pop culture) wonders how Molly Ringwald could end up with the dreamboat when it is really Duckie she has all the convos with, you know there is some substance and this will be more than Another Teen Rom Com with nostalgia vibes.


I also did love the joy in the author's voice--even through the awkward high school moments, the tough issues, the cringe worthy mistakes as a girl hurts others unintentionally to pursue what she thinks she wants.

Ironically, this made me think of the most recent adaptation of Vanity Fair on ITV where the narrative is framed by Thackeray during the credits telling us "Welcome to Vanity Fair, where everyone is striving for what is not worth having."


The clique culture is well-pursued here and the eccentrics that populate the world Andie truly inhabits are quirky and delightful.

I did feel a disconnect with the constant film references but perhaps that was only because I thought Andie had so much more. But, overall a very lovely escape with some truly wonderful tenets. Also, Tom, be my high school boyfriend

I haven't read any books in a while but I finally had a moment and decided to give this book a quick read. It did not disappoint at all, it had me wanting to know what was going to happen next. I couldn't put it down, Groundhogs day 2.0, but better. I really enjoyed all the different characters, all the different references to my favorite movies, all the great references to all the different cliques out there. It really goes to show you that we are really all alike no matter what we look like or dress like on the outside.. It was fun to see the different things Andie would learn everyday that she repeated and all the things she perfected Believe me there were a lot, I mean probably not as much as bill Murray but definitely a lot. Either way the book was a great quick read and it will keep you rooting for the main character to get out of her time loop and to figure out what is really important to her. Loved it ❤️

This was a really charming read.
This novel had a fun, well executed concept with lovable characters that i enjoyed reading about

Andie has always wished that her life was like a movie...but this wasn't what she had in mind.


The summer before Andie's senior year of high school, her family moved to Punxsutawney, PA. Andie's mother has raised her to be a movie buff, mostly by watching her favorite movies from the 1980's. Andie naturally gravitates towards the town's movie theatre where she meets Colton. Colton seems like the perfect candidate for Andie's first kiss. However, the evening before Andie's first day she falls asleep on the couch watching Pretty in Pink in a pink polk-a-dot dress. After a not-so-stellar first day where Andie loses Colton's interests to classmate, Kaia, Andie wishes she could have a do-over. Her wish might just come true.

Combining some of my favorite movies from the 80's and early 90's, Pretty in Punxsutawney is a fun and heartwarming journey. At this point in my life I identified more better with Andie's mom, but easily found myself immersed in Andie's story. I could feel myself cringe along with Andie as her first day of school was less than ideal, especially with Colton. I loved when the Groundhog's Day aspect came in and Andie repeated her first day over and over with different variations while desiring to make Colton her boyfriend. Many of the variations picked up on other movies such as Breakfast Club and Ferris Buehler's Day Off. I especially enjoyed when Andie began to try out a different clique each first day and begins to realize what her purpose might really be. I do wish that my favorite first day with the dance party was how Andie was able to stop the cycle; however, I'm still glad that things were able to wrap up the way they did. Overall, a very endearing and lighthearted Young Adult read with plenty of nostalgia for older readers.

This... I can’t even. DNFed it. The main character is super annoying and the writing isn’t good either. Didn’t suck me in, didn’t hold my attention. Just wasn’t a good book.

Eighties movies are one of my favorite things to watch. They are quirky, cute, and that time era was the best. So, when they mentioned two great films in the synopsis of this book, I jumped at the chance to read this. But I think the mention of those films took too much away from the story.

Could you imagine reliving the first day of attending a brand new school? It would be like living in Freddy’s Nightmare. Something that you could never escape. And reliving that nightmare is where we meet Andie.

Andie is excited for Colton to pick her up and take her to school. She spent the entirety of the summer at the local movie theater to watch movies (duh) and to flirt with Colton. Now is here chance to win his heart for good. But as all things go, the start to her first day doesn't go as planned. She makes it home from school, lays on the couch and falls asleep. She wakes up just like yesterday started. The movie menu from Pretty in Pink is playing, shes sprawled out on the couch wearing that pink polka-dotted dress and her dad walking into the living room whistling. This can't be happening.

As Andie relives her day hoping that Colton will win her heart, another day goes down the drain of her hopes being flushed. As she wakes up the next day, the same thing plays out again and she swears that she is losing her mind. Now Andie must figure out how to survive this non-stop first day of school and make it to the second. But she has to find the right combination of things to make it go on. Will Andie figure this out before it's too late?

The excitement for this book took a lot away from the story. Meaning that the storyline drove me crazy because I disliked the main character. She tried too hard to win something that wasn't hers, to begin with, and maybe that's why Colton turned out the way that he did. I felt as if Andie was so blinded by a handsome face that she didn't really see what was in front of her. Her character just didn't do it for me and that really didn't help the story from turning into a snoozefest.

Living the same day over has been done many times before and nothing about that is new here. Figuring it out isn't new and her thought process sure as hell has been done before. I think her ego was too big to fit into this book. The best thing about this book was the movie references and the side characters. Can we get a freaking book just about Tom?

Pretty in Punxsutawney was two thumbs down. Kapow! Truth bomb!