I just recently read For Keeps by Natasha Friend for Around the World Tours.Summary: For 16 year old Josie Gardner's entire life, it's always been just her and her mom, Kate. The two of them share everything and have an incredible relationship: the ideal mother-daughter/best friend bond. Josie's never known anything different, until the Tucci's move back in town, who just so happen to be the parents of Paul Tucci . . . Josie's father that left town when he and Kate were teenagers themselves and had just found out they were going to be having a baby. Josie's never known him and feels resentful, meanwhile, Kate has become an emotional mess, while they anxiously tiptoe around town hoping Paul doesn't show up anytime soon. Throw in Josie's hot new boyfriend, Matt, Kate's clingy new boyfriend, Jonathan, Josie's whacky but always lovable best friend Liv and her two dads, and you've got one helluva an adventure!
My Thoughts: This was a really enjoyable read! I loved the emotions and honest feelings - it kept the story feeling real and helped me to connect with the characters - Josie in particular. I loved the strong mother-daughter relationship, because to me, that is the most special relationship in the world. Theirs reminded me of the Gilmore Girls - one of my all time favorite shows! I also loved that the author kept their relationship real and added tension and fights between them, because lets face it, no matter how close any of us are with our parents, we all fight with them sometimes. Liv, as well as her two dads, Pops and Dodd, were also great characters that provided lots of comic relief. For some reason, I kept envisioning Dodd as Cam from Modern Family, which is another one of my favorite shows. He reminded me a lot of him, which is a good thing. Anyways, I thought this book was wonderfully done. It was realistic, charming, and emotional. I am planning on reading Natasha's other books.
My Rating: 4/5
HI Steph!
ReplyDeleteShort and sweet review. At least it sounds real to you. I just finished a book and I feel bad because it doesnt sound real to me. *LOL*
It's nice to see YA novels about a close mom/daughter bond. My daughter and I read one of this author's books once. I forget what it was called -- it was about a girl coping with parental alcoholism. Despite the excellent topic, my reaction was "meh." :-) Based on your review, I think this is better.
ReplyDeleteLove your review! In fact, I enjoyed it so much I think I am going to make this my next read! :)
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good one!
ReplyDeleteSo nice to hear about a book where the parent isn't either an idiot or missing in action! Great review! :)
ReplyDeleteI love "Modern Family!!!" Isn't that the best show???? Cam and Phil are my favorite characters!
ReplyDeleteBut back to the book .. HAHA! This sounds like a nice fun read. Good job.
sounds like a very fun read! my sister would probably like this one and i love the cute cover as well :)
ReplyDeleteAww this book looks (and by the sound of your review) seems to be really cute and like something I'd like! :)
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