Review: What I Thought Was True by Huntley Fitzpatrick

What I Thought Was True by Huntley Fitzpatrick
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Current Goodreads Rating: 3.80

Gwen Castle's Biggest Mistake Ever, Cassidy Somers, is slumming it as a yard boy on her Nantucket-esque island this summer. He's a rich kid from across the bridge in Stony Bay, and she hails from a family of fishermen and housecleaners who keep the island's summer people happy. Gwen worries a life of cleaning houses will be her fate too, but just when it looks like she'll never escape her past—or the island—Gwen's dad gives her some shocking advice. Sparks fly and secret histories unspool as Gwen spends a gorgeous, restless summer struggling to resolve what she thought was true—about the place she lives, the people she loves, and even herself—with what really is.

I finished this book pretty much as soon as it came out.  I had huge expectations after reading My Life Next Door, so I put my work on hold and read.  Now, I'm finally getting the review up because AP exams are ogre after this week. I'll be free- freer at last!

On to the review...

Characters: 

Gwen- She's Portuguese!! How about that for diversity, ardent twitter protestors?   I know it made me happy:)

As for her character, Gwen is great.  She's the type of girl that says something slightly embarrassing and then tries to explain herself, but it ends up making her look awkward. I find her adorable in that sense. Another thing I really liked about Gwen was her patience with her mentally challenged brother and her hard work. Truly an admirable lady.

However, I was so frustrated with her constant hesitation toward Cassidy. I was thinking, "Just get together already!" pretty much the whole book.

Cassidy- I'm sorry, but I don't see Cassidy as a unisex name.

I <33 this guy. He's so nice to Gwen's little brother, Gwen, really everybody.  He got into a little trouble, but he's a good kid who happens to be witty.  Wit will be the death of me...

Plot- What a letdown. I usually don't mind predictable plots, but this plot was all over the place, especially the end! I know this is a YA, but the reason why Gwen is so resistant to start anything with Cassidy is dumb.  As a whole, it was way too much melodramatic teen crap for me.

Overall- Not nearly as good as I expected, but I stilled adored the characters for the most part. I was sad to not see any more of Samantha and Jase.  Maybe I would feel differently if My Life Next Door had been mediocre, but it was awesome. So if you haven't ad that, do it. DO IT NOW!

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My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick Sequel!!!

AHHHH!!! I LOVED My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick! Sam and Jase are great characters that I'd love to hear more about, but I don't believe that the focus of this next novel will be on them.

Here is the link to the article, but I've pulled out the most important part of it so you don't have to go scrolling:)

Editor Turned Author Re-ups at Penguin

Former romance editor Huntley Fitzpatrick, whose debut My Life Next Door was published by Dial in summer 2012, closed a new deal with the Penguin imprint for two more contemporary romances for teens. (Dial is releasing Fitzpatrick’s sophomore novel, What I Thought Was True, in April.) Jessica Garrison bought world rights to the books from Christina Hogrebe at the Jane Rotrosen Agency, and the first title in the new deal is to be a sequel to My Life Next Door.

I'm soo excited for this one and the other upcoming contemporary romance.  Don't forget to check out my review of My Life Next Door to see if you'd be interested!

Review: My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

Summary: "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, messy, affectionate. And every day from her rooftop perch, Samantha Reed wishes she was one of them . . . until one summer evening, Jase Garrett climbs up next to her and changes everything.

As the two fall fiercely for each other, stumbling through the awkwardness and awesomeness of first love, Jase's family embraces Samantha - even as she keeps him a secret from her own. Then something unthinkable happens, and the bottom drops out of Samantha's world. She's suddenly faced with an impossible decision. Which perfect family will save her? Or is it time she saved herself?

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

Characters: Samantha is actually a pretty cool chick even though she's one of those girls that you know you would be jealous of because she's perfect.  Rich, works hard, gets good grades, hot boyfriend... But she's caring and a good hearted girl.  Speaking of that boyfriend, Jase is great! He's a family man, talented, an athlete, and just super sweet.  And no, I'm not partial to boys named Ja(s)(c)e. :) He's family is fantastic too, very close knit and loving.  The little boy George is blunt and innocent and the comedic relief.  He's hysterical.  The character that grew on my the most is Tim.  Originally, he comes off like a jerk, but he proves to be very loyal and certainly funny in a more crude and mature manner.  On the other hand, Nan was such a disappointment.  Sometimes, girls are so lame.

Plot: It felt like I was reading a Lifetime movie.  But I couldn't stop reading!  If you're a republican, your party gets trashed in this book.  Just be aware of this.  The author must be democratic because Clay and Samantha's mom are awful, but spoiler alert she does the right thing in the end.

Would I recommend it to a friend?

This is a super cute, quick, light read.  I would definitely recommend it as a summer read, as it's a summer love story.  Swoon worthy boy to look forward to...