Hello, blogosphere! It’s been quite a while since I’ve done a full-length book review…as in over a year…yet I still brand myself as a book blogger. Although I have done book-themed posts, this past year my blog has had more of a focus on writing, bullet journaling, and productivity/lifestyle. My audience seems to enjoy these posts, but I miss writing book reviews! ❤︎ Personally, I’ve had a lot of fun branching out and writing posts other than reviews! When I first starting blogging, my reviews were very simple and dry. This being said, from now on, I’ll add book reviews to the mix!
I hope you enjoy this post!
Synopsis
“I wanted this to be real life, not a detour…”
Addie is visiting Ireland for her aunt’s over-the-top destination wedding and hoping she can stop thinking about the one horrible thing that left miserable and heartbroken — and threatens her future. But her brother Ian isn’t about to let her forget, and his constant needling leads to arguments and even a fistfight between the two once inseperatable siblings.
But when Addie discovers an unusual guidebook, Ireland for the Heartbroken, hidden in the dusty shelves of the hotel library, she’s finally able to escape her anxious mind — and Ian’s criticism.
And then their travel plans change. Suddenly Addie finds herself on a whirlwind tour of the Emerald Isle, trapped in the world’s smallest vehicle with Ian and his admittedly cute Irish-accented friend Rowan. As the trio journeys over breathtaking green hills, past countless castles, and through a number of fairytale forests, Addie hopes her guidebook will heal not only her broken heart, but also her shattered relationship with her brother.
That is, if they don’t get completely lost along the way.
Expectations
I saw this book in a Barnes & Noble a couple of months ago and picked it up because the cute cover and the synopsis. I was in the mood for a cute YA contemporary!
Likes
The book was relatively fast-paced and got straight to the point. Unlike so many other YA contemporaries, there weren’t random spots in the story where nothing happened. Addie, Ian, and Rowan were always adventuring and continuing their journey. The story continued to progress but still managed to incorporate reflective moments where the characters developed.
The story centered around a secret road-trip through lovely Irish scenery. The detail to culture and geographical locations made the novel more realistic and enjoyable. I loved reading the characters grow as they traveled through the Emerald Isle.
The story as a whole was very sweet and included the best elements of a true YA contemporary: adventure, sibling feuds, and a little bit of romance. My favorite element of this novel over all had to be the writing style. Addie’s witty narration carried the story!
Dislikes
In general, the plot was very linear and predictable, all the way to the end. The book never surprised me, I always knew what was going to happen next. Even the major “plot-twists” of the novel were foreseeable. I would have liked to see a little more surprises to match the scenery and the novel’s element of adventure.
Final Thoughts
Overall, this was a cute and fast-paced read with enjoyable scenery and a predictable plot. The best part of this novel is Jenna Evans Welch’s witty and wise writing style. I would recommend this of you’re in the mood for a quick and bubbly YA contemporary read!
Story and plot: ★★★☆☆
Pacing: ★★★★☆
Character development: ★★★★☆
Writing quality: ★★★★☆
Enjoyment: ★★★★★
Overall: ★★★★☆
Thank you for reading this post. Please follow my blog to receive email updates whenever I post. If you are viewing this on a tablet or smart phone, scroll down to the bottom of the page and then slightly up to see the subscribe button. If you are viewing this on a laptop or desktop computer, the subscribe button is on the right. I really appreciate all of the support!
Have you read this novel? Do you like reading book reviews? Let me know in the comments section down below.
Keep On Booking,
☆ Katie K ☆
Katie, That Bookish Girl 