Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: May 1, 2012
Source/Format: Borrowed from the library || Hardcover
Hidden under the beautiful facade of Wentworth Hall are the many secrets of its occupants - the Darlington family and their servants and guests. When a satire that hits too close to home starts being published in the newspaper, only two questions remain. Who's let the cat out of the bag? And just what secrets are being kept at Wentworth Hall?
A story that hints at scandal in a prominent family set in 1912? Sign me up! I was certainly looking forward to reading Wentworth Hall. It combines the always intriguing element of good gossip, is presented in a style that sort of gives a nod to Gossip Girl, and is set in a the early 1900s.
Sad to say, despite the fact I did manage to finish it, I didn’t like the book all that much. I just couldn’t find anything particularly relatable about the characters. I also predicted the plot twist was early on. It also felt like there were moments when things the characters did or said felt a little too… inauthentic.
Wentworth Hall was a quick read. I may not have enjoyed it as much as I wanted to, but nonetheless, it’s still worth a try if you love gossip and can suspend your disbelief a bit.
Kiss & Make Up by Katie D. Anderson
Publisher: Amazon Publishing
Publication Date: October 2, 2012
Publication Date: October 2, 2012
Source/Format: BEA 2012 || ARC
[I received this book from the publisher. This in no way affects the opinions expressed in my review.]
[I received this book from the publisher. This in no way affects the opinions expressed in my review.]
Emerson Taylor, sixteen and addicted to makeup, also has the power to read people's minds... when she kisses them. In an effort to fix her academic standing, she starts using this power and kissing all the brainy boys in school. Things are suddenly turned on their head when she realizes she has a crush on one of the boys...
Kiss & Make Up is pretty adorable! Though the thought of kissing so many guys in a short time period was weird to me, I enjoyed this book because the premise was very interesting.
I didn’t like Emerson much at first, but towards the end, she grew up and learned a few important things. I especially love how she discovered the source of her “power” and figured out how to use it for a good cause. The romance was pretty cute, if a little too instantaneous.
The chapter headings were all names of makeup products, fitting since Emerson is obsessed with it and her aunt is actually a makeup rep. It added something special to the book, and each of the makeup items was actually mentioned in the chapter!
Kiss & Make Up is a quick, light read. It kept me entertained, and definitely put a smile on my face!
What a shame, Wentworth Hall, sounded pretty cool based on the blurb, but I can't imagine reading it if it's not got much substance. Lovely, mini reviews.
ReplyDeleteI really want to read this series. The only time I like historicals is in premises like this, scandals, secrets, gossip - it's just fun to see all that pre-Facebook! haha. Great review chickie It sounds like a quick, light read!
ReplyDeleteKiss and Make-up is one I will have to read because I thought of the same kind type of story idea (a psychic power from kissing) and sounds pretty fun!
ReplyDeleteVyki @ On The Shelf
Check out my new meme <a href="http://whatsontheshelf.wordpress.com/2012/10/06/cover-crush-1/>Cover Crush</a>!
Hrmm I sort of wanted to read Wentworth Hall (I think I even checked it out at some point? maybe?) but I don't think that it's really my sort of book. I do like secrets and scandals in a posh society though! Kiss & Make Up sounds cute, I'm glad Emerson grew on you. :D
ReplyDeleteKiss & Make Up sounds ADORBS omg. I love a cute contemp and will have to check that one out.
ReplyDeleteALSO? I'm sad that Wentworth Hall is a disappointment, it sounds awesome, so yes double double sad.
I don't think I've read a positive review of Wentworth Hall yet which is a bummer. It sounds awesome! Such a disappointment that it doesn't deliver.
ReplyDeleteHuge fan of historical stories especially ones set in the very early 1900's! I am sad it didn't quite live up to your expectations but I am still going to give it a try!
ReplyDeleteWhen it comes to Kiss & Make Up, YAY! As someone who has kissed maybe 3 guys in her whole life (brothers & dad NOT included!) the kissing so many boys thing is weird to me but it sounds so adorable!