Belles,Belles,#1.

Belles

Belles,#1

Jen Calonita.

Publisher:Poppy.

Publication Date:April 10,2012.

Genre:YA Southern Contemporary.

Format|Pages:Hardcover|356

Source:Library|Goodreads.

5 STARS

I heard about Belles from a friend of mine on Goodreads. I also seen quite bit of reviews about the book on the site, most of them positive. Before that, I read the summary and from moment I read it, I knew that I was going love the book. I had always loved southern/western type of novels and it seemed like my type of book. Prior to starting the book, I was curious what’s going happen with Izzy & Mira, how the two of them adjust to the new change. Most of all I was eager to find out what secret was. The ending, made me eager for the next book in the series.

GOODREADS SUMMARY

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.

Cover was what captured my attention actually, it’s unique. The way that part of the book is covering part of her face so all you can see is her eyes mostly. That is what gives the book it’s mysterious look, it looks like the girl is hiding something or possibly hiding from someone. I’m eager to find out if that’s Izzy on cover or Mira; it feels like Izzy to me. Considiring fact that she was one who attempted to hide, while trying to fit in at same time, once she moved to Emerland Cove. The cover is captivating, beautiful and cover itself tells a bit of a story.


Izzy & Mira: At start, I wasn’t too fond of Mira, I more preferred Izzy over her. Somehow I had a feeling that I could connect with Izzy more then I could with Mira, and at times it didn’t seem like Izzy didn’t quite want fit way Mira did at Emerald Cove, she tended to keep to herself most of time. In way I felt sorry for her, it didn’t seem like anything was going the way that she wanted to. I can’t even begin to imagine how it is, to move to completely new place, living different lifestyle while constantly worried about your grandmother. I don’t think I would be able to do what Izzy done, while putting up with bullying from Mira’s friends. By end of the book, I could see how much she progressed, how much stronger she got. Izzy did everything that I couldn’t. As for Mira, I understand why she let her friend bully Izzy, because she wanted to fit in with popular crowd but she should stood up for Izzy, instead of standing there and doing nothing, she was family. I felt like she only cared about herself. But as book progressed, I saw her changing and I was glad she finally stood up to Savannah and stood by Izzy’s side. I’m curious to see what happens between them next, now that they found out that they are sisters. Would their relationship change?


Savannah & Brayden: I wanted to hit Savannah from moment that I met. What kind of best friend is she? To me it seemed that she was more of controlling Mira half of time then being her friend. Way she treated Izzy? I know she said that she was doing for Mira but I don’t believe that for an instant. Also way she treated Mira at her own birthday party just because Mira stood by Izzy’s side, outlasting her. That was uncalled for. I was glad that Mira saw Savannah for who she was and decided not to be friends with her. It something that she should done long time ago. She’s not her friend, she’s just controlling. Most of book it seemed like she was controlling half of things, and expected for everyone else to follow. I never disliked a character as much as I dislike her. I’m curious what’s going happen with her in next book, now that her and Mira no longer friends, will she end up talking Mira in being her friend again? Now Brayden, I loved him right from start. I got say I was surprised when I found he is dating Savannah, I don’t know what he saw in her to begin with. I didn’t see Brayden as rich guy till he showed up at Izzy’s new school. I was eager to find out when he tell her how he really feels and come to his senses and dump Savannah. Even I knew that two of them belonged together.

The ending, wow, did not see that coming. Sisters? That’s one big secret to keep. I’m curious if Mira would treated Izzy any differently if she knew right from start that they were related. I’m curious if anyone else is going find out about this discovery and how they will react. I’m more curious about Savannah’s reaction then anything. Would Mira & Izzy finally patch up things between the two of them?

Belles, is filled with drama, adventure, romance and secrets. It’s a book that will keep you on edge of your seat even after you come to end. I’m eager to pick up next book in series, to see what adventures they will face next.