Wednesday, 6 January 2016

Review - My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick




Title: My Life Next Door
Author: Huntley Fitzpatrick
Pages: 316
Publisher: Electric Monkey
Release date: 7th January

Blurb from Goodreads:

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.




 






My Review:
 
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to Egmont Publishing and NetGalley*

3.5/5 stars

Samantha Reed lives next to the Garrett family. Where the Reed family is small, quiet and organised, the Garretts are loud, messy and there are many of them. Samantha has been watching them for years but has never interacted with any of them - her politician mother, Grace, can't stand the Garretts.
One night Samantha meets Jase Garrett. The two soon fall in love and Samantha is drawn into the Garrett household.
Then a terrible accident changes everything, leaving Samantha with a tough decision.
Can Samantha and Jase's relationship survive?


My Life Next Door was a sweet, family-orientated read.
Samantha was a relatable and likeable protagonist. I felt sorry for her - her mum didn't spend much time with her (too busy with her campaign) and expected Sam to do things instead of asking her to do them.
I didn't like Nan, Sam's best friend. She wasn't very nice to Sam and was jealous of her.
Another character I didn't like was Sam's mum, Grace. She was so focused on her career that she didn't realise how lonely and isolated Sam was. Grace also tried to plan every second of Sam's summer holidays even though she was seventeen and responsible enough to look after herself.
I loved Jase and the Garretts, especially George - he was so cute! Jase was sweet and considerate.
The plot was interesting and held my attention. I liked that family was such an important part of the story.
I could understand why Sam did what she did after the accident and I was glad that there was a happy ending. Several things were left unfinished but hopefully they are dealt with in the companion novel.


Overall this was an enjoyable read that I would recommend.



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