Author: Paige Harbison
Publication date: January 31st 2012
Publisher: HarlequinTeen (an imprint of Harlequin)
Age group: Young Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Cover rating: 4/5
Content rating: 4/5
Buy: Amazon
Description:
Ever since I arrived at exclusive, prestigious Manderly Academy, that’s who I am. New girl. Unknown. But not unnoticed—because of her.
Becca Normandy—that’s the name on everyone’s lips. The girl whose picture I see everywhere. The girl I can’t compare to. I mean, her going missing is the only reason a spot opened up for me at the academy. And everyone stares at me like it’s my fault.
Except for Max Holloway—the boy whose name shouldn’t be spoken. At least, not by me. Everyone thinks of him as Becca’s boyfriend…but she’s gone, and here I am, replacing her. I wish it were that easy. Sometimes, when I think of Max, I can imagine how Becca’s life was so much better than mine could ever be.
And maybe she’s still out there, waiting to take it back.
My thoughts:
Paige Harbison's book Here Lies Bridget was one of the best books I read in 2011 so of course I was dying to get my hands on New Girl and incredibly eager to start reading it. I can safely say that I am now a huge fan of Harbison and can't wait to see what she can give us next! New Girl completely lived up to my expectations and it was a thrilling read.
New Girl follows the life of a girl whose name we aren't give at the beginning. I thought this might make me less able to connect with the character but it worked perfectly. New Girl has moved to a new school after a spot opened up- the only problem is that spot used to belong to a popular girl who has since gone missing. The whole school appears angry at New Girl for 'taking Becca's place' and she starts to regret having ever wished to go to this school.
It's not all bad though as New Girl's personality shines through. She refuses to live in Becca's shadow and faces the new school with great confidence. This wins her a few fans and an added complication- the affection of Becca's ex-boyfriend Max. Max and New Girl struggle with their feelings throughout the book and I loved that New Girl was so headstrong and dignified about the whole thing. She had respect and pride in herself and it made this book very refreshing!
The book alternates between New Girl's present life and Becca's past life. It worked really well and the reader definitely gets to know both girls inside out. I was completely drawn into New Girl's world and could hardly look away from the page! I genuinely enjoyed this book and would certainly recommend it- along with Here Lies Bridget!
This has been sitting on my pile for ages! I guess I should get round to it soon. Lovely review, Nicola.
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for stopping by my blog! I'm glad you liked Angelfall, too. :)
Sam @ Realm of Ficton
I've seen this book floating around on goodreads. I should definitely check it out. Great review.
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