Thursday 25 October 2012

My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick


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.


I had been looking forward to this one since I first read the synopsis and saw that lovely cover! So I had very high expectations for it and it definitely lived up to them!

I loved the Garrett family! Absolutely adored them – the way they are with each other. And how much did I adore George? He is just too cute! But I think the Garrett’s just really bring home what Samantha has missing in her life – it may look like she has a lot but I’m not sure it’s what really counts.

The romance that builds between Sam and Jase is brilliantly done – I loved all of it. How good they seem together, how sweet Jase is with her (yay for the nice guy!) and the way she just seems to fit into the Garrett’s lives. Plus I loved the storyline involving her friend’s brother Tim – and the friendship they develop. I got so lost in these aspects of the story I completely forgot about the ‘Then in an instant, the bottom drops out of her world and she is suddenly faced with an impossible decision’ part of the story!

I think it’s going to be this aspect of the story that may divide readers. Some, I think,  may hate it, but I loved it! Was it too much of a coincidence? Perhaps, but it definitely puts Sam in an impossible situation. I have no idea what I would have done in her place. Actually, I think I know what I would have wanted to do, but whether I’d have the courage to do it is the difficult question.

I felt really sorry for Jase and his family but again they show how strong they really are – and I love the way they looked out for Sam. I think she makes the right choice in the end, and I don’t blame her for not being able to make an instant decision – that would have been too unrealistic for me.

Overall, I loved this! It’s a stunning debut and Huntley Fitzpatrick is now in my list of authors to watch!

5 comments:

Lyndsey OHalloran said...

Loved this book so much!!

Michelle Fluttering Butterflies said...

I've been reading really good things about this book. I need to read it. There's nothing else for it now :)

Sara @ Forever 17 Books said...

I've heard nothing but great things about this one! All of my friends loved it to and I have a copy, I just haven't had the chance to read it. So glad to see another great review for it. :)

~Sara @ Forever 17 Books

Cliona said...

Amazing review, now I'm dying to know what happens!!

Mel@Thedailyprophecy said...

I've already heard great things about this book and I'm so excited to try it out! The family and the romance sound great :) Lovely review!

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