Review: Natucket Blue by Leila Howland

Author: Leila Howland
Title: Nantucket Blue
Publication: May 7th 2013
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Source: Publisher via Netgalley

Blurb
For Cricket Thompson, a summer like this one will change everything. A summer spent on Nantucket with her best friend, Jules Clayton, and the indomitable Clayton family. A summer when she’ll make the almost unattainable Jay Logan hers. A summer to surpass all dreams. Some of this turns out to be true. Some of it doesn’t.  When Jules and her family suffer a devastating tragedy that forces the girls apart, Jules becomes a stranger whom Cricket wonders whether she ever really knew. And instead of lying on the beach working on her caramel-colored tan, Cricket is making beds and cleaning bathrooms to support herself in paradise for the summer. But it’s the things Cricket hadn’t counted on--most of all, falling hard for someone who should be completely off-limits--that turn her dreams into an exhilarating, bittersweet reality. A beautiful future is within her grasp, and Cricket must find the grace to embrace it. If she does, her life could be the perfect shade of Nantucket blue. 

I originally received this title for a blog tour for an excerpt that I would choose myself. As I skimmed through the first chapter or so, I came across a few interesting passages but there was one that stood out the most because it highlighted the dynamics of Cricket's relationship with Jules and her family, which essentially got me hooked on the story. Jules, her best friend, changes and I didn't like her most of the book because I think she's unfair to Cricket, who is just trying to be there for her. Now, her relationship with Jules isn't the only one focused on in the book but the relationships with her mother, father and the boy she likes. Cricket's journey to becoming more of an individual, not letting setbacks stop her from pursuing the summer of her dreams, makes her an endearing character to root for to succeed. The story is complex and engaging with so many different directions that will define Cricket's path. Overall, I was touched by this beautiful story about love, loss, family and friendship. Loved it. 

Click to view excerpt

About the Author

LEILA HOWLAND loves to read, explore L.A., and engage in funny and meaningful conversations with her friends and family, especially her brother who calls from Washington D.C. whenever he’s waiting for the bus. A lot gets discussed in those phone calls, but they tend to end abruptly when the bus shows up. She can really cut the rug, but wishes she could sing without people covering their ears. A graduate of Georgetown University, Leila spent five years acting in New York where she was a company member of the award-winning Flea Theater in Tribeca. It was a lot of fun and she often talks about “getting back into it.” The closest she has come was a stint as an extra on The Young and the Restless in 2010. Leila now lives in Los Angeles with her husband and two dogs. She teaches high school English and blogs for HelloGiggles. NANTUCKET BLUE is her first novel.
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