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proudtobeabookaholic's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
5.0
Violet's in her senior year and occupied with homework and her hobbies. Family life is pretty chaotic when you have four younger siblings, and it doesn't get easier when your biological father suddenly wants to take more part in your life. Besides that, Violet's best friends, Kara and Erica, aren't talking to each other, and they won't tell her why. But Kara's finally got to play on the boy's hockey team, and Violet is happy for her. When Penn Westbrook, the captain of the hockey team, shows interest in Violet, she's not sure if she's got room for any more complicated relationships in her life.
Young love, wonderful characters and hockey - what more can you ask for in a YA novel?! I love Violet and Penn and their interactions; I sat with a smile on my lips while reading, and if it hadn't been an ebook I read on my phone I probably would have hugged the book several times! I'm also very fond of Kara, Violet's mom and stepdad, Charlie (Penn's friend and teammate), and Nana, Penn's grandmother, so there's no lack of characters to cheer for. Of course, there's opposite's too, which makes the good qualities stand out.
I like that Shore brings several relatable subjects to the table. To live with half-siblings and a step parent, the absence of a biological parent, loosing your parents at a young age, have a fall out with your friends, feeling insecure in new situations; things a youth can relate to. As an adult it might have been a while, but we've all been there, and recognition is high. I appreciate that Violet has a good stepdad in Ryan, who she considers her father more than her biological one. Often step parents are portraited more adversely, so I'm glad Shore shows us the opposite.
After having read some of Jennifer Ann Shore's books I now consider her one of my favorite authors! I'm grateful I have more stories to dive into!
* I received a free copy of the book from BookSirens and I'm giving my honest review. *
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent and Toxic friendship
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