Review: Winter White by Jen Calonita

Winter White
(Belles #2)

Author: Jen Calonita

Publication Date: October 9th, 2012

Publisher: Poppy

Thank you Hatchette Book Group Canada for the review copy!

Genre: Contemporary

---

Synopsis:

Isabelle Scott and Mirabelle Monroe are still reeling from the revelation that they share more than just the roof over their heads. The media has pounced on their story and the girls are caught up in a flurry of talk-show appearances and newspaper interviews. They've put on a happy public face, but someone is leaking their true feelings to the press, and while it seems like the world is watching their every move, at least they have each other.

But with cotillion season right around the corner, Izzie and Mira have barely had time to process their newfound sisterhood. Mira has dreamed of making her debut in a gorgeous white gown forever-now, if only she could find an escort. Izzie, meanwhile, is still struggling to find her place in Emerald Cove and it's seeming ever more impossible with EC mean-girls, young and old, doing their best to keep her down. As cotillion preparations heat up, though, there are dance steps to learn, manners to perfect... and secret initiations to complete? As if sophomore year wasn't hard enough!

It's time for the gowns to go on and the gloves to come off.

My Thoughts: Oh Jen Calonita and her cliffhangers. It's going to make waiting for the next book a lot harder! The drama, Butterflies, boys and dresses are back in this one. I don't know why, but I really enjoy reading contemporaries with tons of drama, I don't like being involved in it myself (I had enough of that in high school!) but it just seems fun reading it. Maybe because it doesn't actually effect anyone and I need to see what happens next! Jen Calonita certainly knows how to spin a story shock full of juicy drama, while making you actually care about the characters as well! I was tearing up at some parts towards the end and had other moments where I was seething at Savannah (that girl.. grrr!). She definitely can bring out your emotions with her writing. And the covers of these books?? So gorgeous!

In Winter White we are once again thrown into the upper class life in Emerald Cove and it's drama. And is there every drama! After the huge bombshell at the end of Belles, I couldn't wait to see what would happen. Life gets crazier than normal for both Izzy and Mira after the new breaks. Then the girls both participate in cotillion and it opens up even more drama and woes for them. Izzy has a lot to learn about being a "proper" lady and Mira is having friend issues, but the girls at least have each other to lean on. Izzy is struggling to find her place but they both have one thing in common, they are both extremely mad at their father!

This is another great Belles book and I will be anticipating the next! If you're someone who really enjoys reading about a little (or a lot!) of drama, than this one is for you. The competitive world of high school mixed with gowns, politics, enemies and boys. It's a great light read if you're looking for something to get you out of a reading rut! Just watch out for the cliffhangers, it makes me sad that it takes so long for the next one to come out! Highly enjoyed! You should definitely give it a try!

Review: Belles by Jen Calonita

Belles
(Belles #1)

Author: Jen Calonita

Publication Date: April 10th, 2012

Publisher: Poppy

Genre: Contemporary

---

Synopsis:

Fifteen-year-old Isabelle Scott loves her life by the boardwalk on the supposed wrong side of the tracks in North Carolina. But when tragedy strikes, a social worker sends her to live with a long-lost uncle and his preppy privileged family. Isabelle is taken away from everything she's ever known, and, unfortunately, inserting her into the glamorous lifestyle of Emerald Cove doesn't go so well. Her cousin Mirabelle Monroe isn't thrilled to share her life with an outsider, and, in addition to dealing with all the rumors and backstabbing that lurk beneath their classmates' Southern charm, a secret is unfolding that will change both girls' lives forever.

My Thoughts: First of all, I just have to say that I love the cover for this book, it's so pretty! It definitely caught my eye when I saw it. Secondly, I chewed through this book. I had an extremely hard time putting it down and probably would have finished it in one day had I not been busy. I really do enjoy reading contemporary novels and for some reason, reading this one about a prep school  was a lot of fun.

This story revolves around Isabelle Scott and her cousin, Mirabelle Monroe. It is told from a third person point of view and is normally following one of the girls around. Both girls are likeable characters, in their own way. We have Isabelle (Izzie) who is suddenly thrown into this world of money, style and fame. Everyone thinks that she should love it, but she really despises it because she doesn't fit in with these people. She is truly living a rags to riches story, but it's not all it's cut out to be. Then we have Mirabelle (Mira) who is horrified that this person she has never even heard of before has be thrust into her life. Not only that but she has to play babysitter to her. I know, how can you like a character who is selfish and cares too much about other peoples opinions. Well for some reason she is still likeable. She is not all bad, she just feels under appreciated by Izzie.

Can Izzie survive in a world where everyone is suspisious of her because of her background? Will Mira be able to hold onto the status she has worked years to build? Belles is a great look into the world of prep schools. Where the rich feel they are above those who are only able to attend due to a scholarship. It's probably even a fairly accurate look into any high school drama, because there is a lot of it. I do like how Izzie tries not to let it get her down, but really, there is only so long a person can stand being a social outcast.

Overall, I feel this book is a must read for anyone who loves contemporary novels. If you are interested in reading the genre, but not sure you'll like it, this would be a great place to start. There is boy drama, girl drama and family drama. It's all mixed in there and I was unable to stop reading once I got started. It reads  quickly, I was always stunned by how much I had  finished when I would look at the page number. the story also flows along quite nicely. Belles is a cute and addicting read which needs to be read! Now I'm excited for the next book because the ending just left me wanting more.

Thank you to Hatchette Book Group Canada for the review copy!