Book Review:

I have been a fan of Jenny McLachlan's books since I read Sunkissed which is the third book in this series of Ladybird books. One of the highlights was Pearl so I was excited to get a whole book from her perspective. Star Struck did not disappoint being the ultimate cute summer read.

A did truly love this book. I think that Pearl is such an interesting character and Jenny definitely developed into why this was the case. Pearl's home life isn't easy and he faces abuse from her family and her home life is far from the best but this what makes her who she is. I also think that she knows how to balance the dark aspects of the story with light as her books are funny and light-hearted at many stages.

I loved the way that this story progressed and the ending of this book definitely make my heart melt. It changed what was a four-star story into a five-star story and I ship it so much. Jenny McLachlan is just a master of YA contemporary and everyone should read one of her books.

The Verdict:

Starstruck was an emotional rollercoaster of emotions but is a great read that everyone can enjoy!

A five star read. Possibly my fave of this series, but it slots in beautifully with the other three. A gorgeous quad of books that should be read and loved and adored by everyone.

Fifteen year old Pearl Harris lives with her mum, and older brother, Alfie. Her dad left and now has another family. Pearl loves musicals and has been taking in part in them at school since Year 7. When new girl, Hoshi, arrives and ruins her chance at a lead role, Pearl decides to ruin Hoshi's life in return.
Out of all the girls in Jenny McLachlan's Ladybird series, Pearl was the one I least liked. She's been horrible all the way through, until we got a glimpse of what a good friend she could be in Sunkissed. Star Stuck, the final book in the series, is our chance to see the real Pearl.

What we find out is that Pearl's home life is awful and only getting worse. Alfie has an explosive and unpredictable temper, sometimes he's joking around and within in instant, he turns violent. To make it worse, her mother often laughs it off, blames Pearl, or ignores what's going on altogether. The one solace she has at home, are her fish. She loves her tropical fish and takes a lot of pride and care with their environments. She has to keep her room locked just so Alfie can't come in and ruin her hideaway.

While none of that is an excuse for being a bully, it sheds light on why Pearl has treated the other girls poorly in the past, something she's trying to make up for now, by hanging out with Bea and Betty and trying her hardest not to tease them. Instead she sets her sights on Hoshi because of her jealousy.

Star Struck is a really beautiful story of friendship and forgiveness, and while the scenes in Pearl's home made me feel sad and scared for her, the friends she has made me hopeful and happy. This series has been a lot of fun and I can't wait to see what Jenny McLachlan writes next!

Ableist language: dumb, dumbass, midget, plus Pearl and Tiann seemed racist when discussing Hoshi, though later Pearl tells Tiann off.

Thank you to Bloomsbury for my ARC via Netgalley.