Member Reviews

This book was lovely, a nice story to read that wasn't the same as a lot of others. However, there are two issues I'd like to get out of the way first. (Spoilers ahead)
1. This book is YA, which I didn't notice at first - silly really, and totally my fault. I've grown out of this genre a little, but to be as fair as I can I'll judge it from a YA perspective.
2. I asked for this book after searching through the LGBTQ section of NetGalley, and found myself rather disappointed. Yes, there is a Pride Parade at the end, but there were only 2 or 3 named queer characters, the story was not about them, and they were not integral to the plot. When I read a queer novel, I expect it to be about people who aren't straight and/or cis, not with them in the background. I don't expect it to be about straight cis characters organising something for queer people. The parade could easily have been replaced with any of Lily's other ideas and the fundamental idea of the book would remain exactly the same. In short, I don't think this book deserves the LGBT tag.

Besides that, the story was sweet and entertaining (for YA). I would have preferred either third person or a stronger difference in voice between the characters, as when they were both in scene it wasn't always obvious who's head we were in. The romance seemed fairly realistic, and the book touched on some topics that hit quite close to home emotionally and handled them quite well. Some of Lily's guilt regarding her mother was very relatable. I liked that she was brash bold and sure of herself, and that she pushed for what she wanted. While what Lily did isn't worthy of the novel being tagged LGBTQ, it wasn't easy for her to do - the world needs more Lily's. I liked the sailing details added in - definitely sounded like Gill Stewart has done her research on that.

All in all, this was a nice fluffy YA book with a realistic romance, some good detail, and some bad choices of tag.

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Cute story with relatable characters. While not my cup of tea as far as YA goes, I would recommend this story to my students and other lovers of YA

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I really liked how this book wasn’t about a girl hung up on some boy. While Lily’s life isn’t as perfect as it seems she doesn’t go on complaining about it.

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Lily is a character readers will love. This is a YA read with heart that doesn't show away from also grappling with deeper topics like mental health. I'll look forward to more from Gill Stewart.

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Finally, a pleasant YA I've been craving for. Thank you, Sweet cherry Publishing!
And the cover is so catchy. Sometimes judging a book by its cover has its pros.

Lily is the girl who's got it all. Or at least that's what everyone thinks. But she has a depressed mother, a dad too busy for family affairs and siblings she sees only during holidays or when someone is sick or goes missing. With her need to control everything, life is not going as planned. But she is fine. She will be

Tom Owen has enough on his plate without having to deal with Lily Hildebrand, the firebrand. But try as he might, he's not able to ignore the force of nature that Lily is, or resist her, constant worries about his always sick sister not withstanding.

With a town gala backdrop, this seemingly happy YA romance deals with serious issues like depression and inclusion. And the way it is handled is commendable. The small town and its conservative crowd are not ready for Lily and her grand plans for the LGBTQ community. But damned if she'd let it slow her down. Her plans are crazy, irresistible and inexorable. Just like the girl herself. Would Tom be able to string along without losing his head or would his stand on Lily's bossiness wreck their budding romance? Read this awesome book to find out.
Such a feel good summer romance!

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I loved this story! It was a cute, contemporary, coming of age story perfect for tweens and teens. I appreciated the character development and the authors willingness to address some tough subjects with grace.

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