A review by booksrockcal
A Little Bit Country by Brian D. Kennedy

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I loved this YA romance about two 17 year olds living near the amusement park started by famed country music star Wanda Jean Stubbs. Emmett is out and proud and in Tennessee from Chicago to stay with his aunt  living his dream working for the summer in the park started by his idol, dreaming of becoming a country music star. Luke is a local boy coming to terms  with his sexuality and worried about his struggling family, who gets a job at a park restaurant  to follow his passion for cooking. When the boys meet and fall in love , Luke has to figure out how to and if he wants to come out to his conservative family while Emmett works to build confidence in himself and his dreams for a country music career. Then they discover something about Wanda Jean and Luke’s grandma and their past that challenges assumptions and relationships. This was a heartwarming book with a lot of depth that had me pulling up Dolly Parton songs on my apple music subscription.  Thanks to the Book Cougars for choosing it for their year of romance- I really enjoyed it!!