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3.92 AVERAGE
3.92 AVERAGE
3.5 stars. I really liked Josh and Isla’s relationship, and it was nice to see some of the other characters again. I found there was a bit too much of melodrama at some points, but otherwise was well done. A great trilogy!
This was a nice, quick, light read. There were parts of this book I liked, and there were some parts I didn't. The parts I liked won. Here's how it played out.
I didn't really like how the plot unfolded at the beginning. I mean, things happened fast for this couple, and it was kind of like a dream come true that came true for no apparent reason.
BUT aside from that, I found that I did identify with the main character (I'm petite and have reddish hair too). I also understood her feelings about not being good enough or afraid of a relationship even though it's really good. There were some really sweet moments, and some really real ones that I think plenty of teenage girls (and some not so teenage girls) can identify with. Relationships are hard, and they don't come with an instruction book or a one-size-fits-all.
Ultimately, I didn't connect as much with this book as the first or even the second, but I did like how different it was from the first two books, and how it tied all the characters together at the end.
Recommended for fans of the first two books, romantic teenagers, and falling in love.
I didn't really like how the plot unfolded at the beginning. I mean, things happened fast for this couple, and it was kind of like a dream come true that came true for no apparent reason.
BUT aside from that, I found that I did identify with the main character (I'm petite and have reddish hair too). I also understood her feelings about not being good enough or afraid of a relationship even though it's really good. There were some really sweet moments, and some really real ones that I think plenty of teenage girls (and some not so teenage girls) can identify with. Relationships are hard, and they don't come with an instruction book or a one-size-fits-all.
Ultimately, I didn't connect as much with this book as the first or even the second, but I did like how different it was from the first two books, and how it tied all the characters together at the end.
Recommended for fans of the first two books, romantic teenagers, and falling in love.
4.5
Originally posted here
There are a handful of things that make me feel at home, and one of them is Stephanie Perkin’s writing. That is what reading Isla and the Happily Ever After did for me, it was like coming home. I’ve never hidden the fact that Perkins’ has helped me through many rough times. From her books, to her honesty on her blog, to the fact every time I see her I freeze up and forget to tell her what I want, Isla was happiness I wasn’t aware I even needed.
Isla and the Happily Ever After is a companion novel set in the world of Perkins’ previous two novels, Anna and Isla. While one does not need to read the previous two to understand this standalone it does help because what Perkins’ does is beautifully intertwine multiple characters and bits that originally seems to have no true meaning. Everything has meaning, at least it did to me as a reader. I enjoyed being set back in the world of these characters, from New York City to Paris, if anything, I felt like I never let. Although the pacing seemed a bit off to me, in the sense time often seemed to zip by in a chapter, I never once wanted this book to stop. Or, dare I say it. I never wanted to throw it against the wall. We all know I have book feels I often am forced to deal with, even when I’m in denial.
Isla and Josh quickly, and understandably fall in love with each other quickly, but as most teens know happiness and forever don’t always go hand in hand. Things don’t work that easily, even when you’re in the city of lights. It was a weird twist of events where the romantic couple come together quickly and then deal with the fallout. The dramatic, painful, oh so real fallout. The drama that Perkins’ created was heartbreaking and never artificial. While the beginning was hearts in the eyes happiness, I knew it would have to end at some point. There would have to be dramatics, if only because the saying lately is no one wants to read about happy couples (which is a lie. I would.) But that’s what Perkins’ does, she created a realistic portrayal of teenage romance. That romance where if you can’t be together the world is going to end a painful end. While Isla and Josh are happy they are forced to face issues they are trying their hardest to ignore, which means they cause an even bigger blow up. My heart went out to all the characters in this book, even though I stayed up late reading it when I had work the next morning.
While I didn’t want to leave these characters, and a few old friends who appeared, I understood at the end it was time to say good bye to them. It was their happily ever after for the moment, and it would all be okay for them (and for us.)
Originally posted here
There are a handful of things that make me feel at home, and one of them is Stephanie Perkin’s writing. That is what reading Isla and the Happily Ever After did for me, it was like coming home. I’ve never hidden the fact that Perkins’ has helped me through many rough times. From her books, to her honesty on her blog, to the fact every time I see her I freeze up and forget to tell her what I want, Isla was happiness I wasn’t aware I even needed.
Isla and the Happily Ever After is a companion novel set in the world of Perkins’ previous two novels, Anna and Isla. While one does not need to read the previous two to understand this standalone it does help because what Perkins’ does is beautifully intertwine multiple characters and bits that originally seems to have no true meaning. Everything has meaning, at least it did to me as a reader. I enjoyed being set back in the world of these characters, from New York City to Paris, if anything, I felt like I never let. Although the pacing seemed a bit off to me, in the sense time often seemed to zip by in a chapter, I never once wanted this book to stop. Or, dare I say it. I never wanted to throw it against the wall. We all know I have book feels I often am forced to deal with, even when I’m in denial.
Isla and Josh quickly, and understandably fall in love with each other quickly, but as most teens know happiness and forever don’t always go hand in hand. Things don’t work that easily, even when you’re in the city of lights. It was a weird twist of events where the romantic couple come together quickly and then deal with the fallout. The dramatic, painful, oh so real fallout. The drama that Perkins’ created was heartbreaking and never artificial. While the beginning was hearts in the eyes happiness, I knew it would have to end at some point. There would have to be dramatics, if only because the saying lately is no one wants to read about happy couples (which is a lie. I would.) But that’s what Perkins’ does, she created a realistic portrayal of teenage romance. That romance where if you can’t be together the world is going to end a painful end. While Isla and Josh are happy they are forced to face issues they are trying their hardest to ignore, which means they cause an even bigger blow up. My heart went out to all the characters in this book, even though I stayed up late reading it when I had work the next morning.
While I didn’t want to leave these characters, and a few old friends who appeared, I understood at the end it was time to say good bye to them. It was their happily ever after for the moment, and it would all be okay for them (and for us.)
I seriously think my heart might burst because of all the love and feelings. <3 Nothing short of perfection. Absolutely worth the wait.
Find this review and more at kimberlyfaye reads.
Hey there! This review is for a book I read as part of the Re-Read Challenge (even though I'm not really participating in the challenge any longer, I like the format for these reviews) and it'll definitely look different than many of the reviews you've read here previously. :)
WHEN I First Read
August 2014 (Kindle/Audiobook)
First Re-Read: November 2016 (Kindle)
WHAT I Remember
I'm sad to admit that I didn't really remember all that much about this book, except for the fact that it was a GREAT ending to a series I loved. Oh, and that it had one of the best scenes EVER for those of us who LOVED Anna and Etienne from Anna and the French Kiss. Seriously, I swoon just thinking about it. (I also get a little teary-eyed.)
WHY I Wanted to Re-Read
I hate to be all "after the election I needed something to make me feel better" but it's the god's honest truth. I wanted a book that I knew my mood couldn't ruin for me, so a re-read was the perfect option. I didn't want to deal with real life, I wanted to get lost in a sweet, swoony romance that I knew would make me happy and, since I didn't remember a lot about this book AND I never got around to reviewing it, this was the perfect option.
HOW I Felt After Re-Reading
I SO made the right decision. My love for Isla, Josh and and this story knows no bounds. Isla and the Happily Ever After was exactly what I needed when I read it. This book gave me SO MANY FEELS. I loved watching these two young characters fall in love for the first time. As love isn't perfect — especially first love, there were ups and downs, but they didn't feel overdone or too angsty. I can't think of a single thing I would change about this one. Plus, the fact that we got to see Anna, Etienne, Lola and Cricket again made it that much more special. Not only was it the perfect book for me and the perfect story for these characters, it was the perfect ending to a series I have loved since I picked up the first book.
WOULD You Re-Read Again?
Yes! In fact, I've been itching for a full series re-read since I got glimpses of Anna and Etienne and Lola and Cricket during this book. So many heart eyes.
FAVORITE QUOTES
Hey there! This review is for a book I read as part of the Re-Read Challenge (even though I'm not really participating in the challenge any longer, I like the format for these reviews) and it'll definitely look different than many of the reviews you've read here previously. :)
WHEN I First Read
August 2014 (Kindle/Audiobook)
First Re-Read: November 2016 (Kindle)
WHAT I Remember
I'm sad to admit that I didn't really remember all that much about this book, except for the fact that it was a GREAT ending to a series I loved. Oh, and that it had one of the best scenes EVER for those of us who LOVED Anna and Etienne from Anna and the French Kiss. Seriously, I swoon just thinking about it. (I also get a little teary-eyed.)
WHY I Wanted to Re-Read
I hate to be all "after the election I needed something to make me feel better" but it's the god's honest truth. I wanted a book that I knew my mood couldn't ruin for me, so a re-read was the perfect option. I didn't want to deal with real life, I wanted to get lost in a sweet, swoony romance that I knew would make me happy and, since I didn't remember a lot about this book AND I never got around to reviewing it, this was the perfect option.
HOW I Felt After Re-Reading
I SO made the right decision. My love for Isla, Josh and and this story knows no bounds. Isla and the Happily Ever After was exactly what I needed when I read it. This book gave me SO MANY FEELS. I loved watching these two young characters fall in love for the first time. As love isn't perfect — especially first love, there were ups and downs, but they didn't feel overdone or too angsty. I can't think of a single thing I would change about this one. Plus, the fact that we got to see Anna, Etienne, Lola and Cricket again made it that much more special. Not only was it the perfect book for me and the perfect story for these characters, it was the perfect ending to a series I have loved since I picked up the first book.
WOULD You Re-Read Again?
Yes! In fact, I've been itching for a full series re-read since I got glimpses of Anna and Etienne and Lola and Cricket during this book. So many heart eyes.
FAVORITE QUOTES
My heart pounds feverishly in my ears. I glance around the room, but the other girls appear to be at ease. Why doesn't he have the same effect on them that he has on me? Don't they see him?
How does one proceed in a situation like this? If only the discovery of mutual admiration could lead promptly into making out. If only I could say, "Listen. I like you, and you like me, so let's go find a secluded park bench and touch each other."
He tastes like champagne. He tastes like desire. He tastes like my deepest craving fulfilled.
Our fingers are in each other's hair, and his breath is in the hollow of my neck, and I wish the world would swallow us here, whole, in this moment. And that's when it hits me that this—this—is falling in love.
I want him closer. I want him deeper. I want him, want him, want him. His eyes close and so do mine, and we finish as we started. Together.
"I want a lot more of these nights with you, Isla. I want all of my nights with you."
Loved this! So sweet to see Isla overcome her fears and insecurities. Plus there really is a happy ending. I think this is the best of Perkins books so far. Anna and Lola (characters from previous books) both make cameo appearances.
Summary: Isla has had a crush on classmate Josh since their freshman year at the School of America in Paris, but after a chance encounter over the summer in Manhattan they return to France for their senior year where they are forced to confront challenges every young couple in love must face.
Summary: Isla has had a crush on classmate Josh since their freshman year at the School of America in Paris, but after a chance encounter over the summer in Manhattan they return to France for their senior year where they are forced to confront challenges every young couple in love must face.
Set at the same French boarding school as Anna and the French Kiss. Isla (named after Prince Edward Island!) is finally noticed by the boy of her dreams Josh (who appeared in Anna as well). Things are going well . . . almost too well, when Josh is kicked out of school after a magical, but non school sanctioned overnight trip to Barcelona with Isla. But it's not distance that is truly separating them -- it's Isla's own insecurities, her deep rooted belief that she is not worthy of love. I would have loved this book as a teen (I can think many can relate to Isla's feelings), and I did enjoy it. The descriptions of Barcelona and Gaudi's art are especially appealing.
Isla was a very relatable character. There were some moments where I thought it was a bit much, but necessary for the characters growth.