Synopsis
Olivia Miller is pretty sure she’d win the high school senior award “Most Likely to Never Figure Out What They Want To Do With Their Life”. Her critical father and neglectful mother have contributed to her anxiety and lack of direction about her future. She’s a model student with a big heart for community service, but her dad has belittled any ambition she ever had in pursuing something she’s interested in. College is a definite, but where should she go, and what should she major in?
But there’s a new guy at school, Cameron McClain, who becomes a fabulous distraction. He is positively swoon-worthy, and not just because he’s a gorgeous romantic who plays the guitar—he’s also thoughtful and respectful. He fits right in with Olivia’s circle of friends: future fashion designer Lyla, photographer Kate, and all-around popular Josh.
As Olivia and Cameron’s relationship deepens, he shows her the acceptance and encouragement she craves which helps her deal with difficult family issues and college decisions. Together, they navigate the exciting, though sometimes confusing, waters of a teen dating relationship that grows into first love.
She starts thinking for herself, setting personal boundaries, and overcomes limitations imposed by her overbearing parents, all while trying to set a good example for her younger sister, Emma, who is watching and learning from her. Thankfully, Olivia’s boss and mentor, Mrs. K, is looking out for her, offering much-needed guidance in life and Christian faith. She gives Cameron a thumbs up when she sees how he admires and cherishes Olivia like no other guy ever has.
Olivia gets the much awaited acceptance letter for the college she has her heart set on, which happens to be where Cameron is going, too. Based on her impressive community service record, she is awarded a scholarship for social and behavioral science majors. She chooses that path even though it’s going to disappoint her father.
As she is poised to leave for college, she works up the nerve to confront her father on Emma’s behalf about his anger problem. But will she ever be able to get him and his judgmental comments out of her head?
Even though this is not a Christian fiction it does have some of those elements throughout the story. I thought this book was written very fluidly and most of it was pretty engaging, even for those of who are not romance readers. The romance was very tastefully done, so that helps tremendously. I also found this story somewhat nostalgic when it came to the time period, the 1990's and music from that era. One problem that I had with this though, was the fact that outside of her family life, things rocked along a little too smoothly for a teenager, things came a bit too easy. It seemed like she could wish upon a star and it would come true, and that made it seem a little more unrealistic to me, but other than that I enjoyed the read.
The characters were ok, I did not relate to them as much as I had hoped I would but I am sure a young adult or teen would find them more relatable than I did. I think Olivia was pretty strong though and had to overcome a lot to pursue her own life and freedom. I respect that. And can I just say that I hated Olivia and Emma's parents. I could not even imagine having parents like these. Mom puts the 'D' in dysfunctional and Dad is a Narcissistic you know what. They were lovely to hate though that is for sure! The sad thing about this is that there are parents out there just like these two, who also called themselves 'Christians'. There is a lot more involved than just going to church and judging everyone around you. You have to set a good example and these 2 really set the wrong one.
This book is definitely worth the read I think and I am rating it a 3.5 stars. I think young adult and teens would appreciate this story far more than me so definitely recommend it to anyone who likes YA.
No comments:
Post a Comment