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Review: My Life next door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

My Life next door by Huntley Fitzpatrick


A gorgeous debut about family, friendship, first romance, and how to be true to one person you love without betraying another

“One thing my mother never knew, and would disapprove of most of all, was that I watched the Garretts. All the time.”

The Garretts are everything the Reeds are not. Loud, numerous, messy, affectionate. And every day from her balcony perch, seventeen-year-old Samantha Reed wishes she was one of them . . . until one summer evening, Jase Garrett climbs her terrace and changes everything. As the two fall fiercely in love, Jase's family makes Samantha one of their own. Then in an instant, the bottom drops out of her world and she is suddenly faced with an impossible decision. Which perfect family will save her? Or is it time she saved herself?

A dreamy summer read, full of characters who stay with you long after the story is over.


***
I loved My Life next door for several reasons.

Firstly I loved loved loved Samantha the main protagonist of the book. I loved how she was so well rounded and never bratty or spoilt despite the fact that her mother was a complete nightmare and she was forced to deal with her OCD headcase ways on a daily basis. Quite honestly the girl has the patience of a saint.

I loved Jase. He is the perfect example of the most gorgeous teenage book you'd ever hope to meet. I love the relationship he builds up with Sam and I know I will spend a good while longer swooning over the boy.

I also loved the rest of the Garrett family. It was brilliant to see the way they functioned as a huge family unit but also to see how they valued the important things in life over material things. I really liked the insight you got as you read the book about the attitudes the family faced from people who thought they were better than them.

The main storyline is brilliant. Don't get me wrong it isn't speedy and it isn't groundbreaking but it is gorgeous and lovely and in all intents and purposes and a perfect summer read which I crave this time of year.

A lovely book that I can't do justice in words. Just read it!

Comments

Carina said…
I'm very happy you liked it so much. Thanks to your review I'm now craving to read this one worse than ever and really should buy a copy soon. :D

Carina
Fictional Distraction
Agreed-perfect summer read! The cover hints at this and then the content of the book just takes you away through a long, hot summer.
I seriously need to get a copy of this.
Sounds like a fabulous summer read (even though we might not be having a summer this year :/). Fab review :)
Splendibird said…
I keep hearing great things about this post and your review has inspired me to finally put it on my wish list. I love the gorgeously summery cover, too!
Loved this one soooo much!