Release Date: June 14th 2012
Author: Huntley Fitzpatrick
Publisher: Dial Books
Source: Won
Format: Paperback
Where to Buy: Amazon | Fishpond
More Info: Goodreads
Cover:Summary from Goodreads:A gorgeous debut about family, friendship, first romance, and how to be true to one person you love without betraying another.
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.
The cover is so mesmerizing, breath-taking and so pretty! When I got the hardcover, I just had to stroke it a billion times because it's even more beautiful in real life! Love the flowers background with the fence, the sun light and the couple in the cover which I think represents Jase and Samantha!
Story:
“One thing my mother never knew, and would disapprove of most of all, was that I watched the Garretts. All the time.”
Dear Huntley Fitzpatrick, I'm one of your biggest fan! After reading My Life Next Door, I'm already anxiously biting my nails waiting for your next book to come out! I'm just that in love with your debut novel!
It makes me SO HAPPY when a book with a gorgeous cover and summary does not disappoint. The content of this book is just as beautiful and mesmerizing as the cover. There is just something sweet about the way Samantha likes to watch her neighbours from her window. The Garretts, a big family, is nothing like Samantha's family. Their house is loud, always so lively while her house is so quiet and sometimes lonely. When Jase climbs her terrace, it is such a cute scene! I love the way Jase and Samantha first met!
My Life Next Door is a very realistic read and makes me want to believe so badly that my neighbour is like The Garretts! I love how real it felt to me and what makes it realistic is that the story can happen to anyone. Huntley's writing is so beautiful and heart-warming!
Characters:
Samantha is a great character and I connected with her a lot! I completely understand her feelings, the way she thinks and how she likes to watch The Garretts. She feels the pressure of having to act like the perfect daughter since her mother is a Senator but this facade falls when she spends time with Jase and The Garretts. I love the way she falls in love with Jase. Jase is a truly amazing character. He is absolutely understanding, kind, cute, charming, sweet and romantic. He is honest with Samantha and I love that about him. Relationships should be built on honesty and trust! Jase, can you please climb my terrace? Oh wait, I actually don't have a terrace. Let me install one as soon as possible and please climb my terrace okay?
The Garretts! I LOVE THEM. There are a total of 8 children in The Garretts and I love each and every one of them, particularly George! George knows a lot of things and he's such a cute genius innocent kid! I love the way he likes to ask so many questions and the way Samantha tackles these questions brilliantly!
Samantha's mother is not exactly a perfect mother. She actually hates The Garretts and is really ambitious about maintaining her political position. Nevertheless, her character reminds me that nobody is perfect. Not even parents, although they are the figurehead of the family.
Overall:
My Life Next Door is hands down one of my favourite contemporary reads this year! Beautifully written, sweet, realistic, heart-warming, My Life Next Door is a beautiful debut about the joy of family, friends and love. I absolutely can't wait for Huntley's next novel!
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| 5 Forget-Me-Not flowers for My Life Next Door! |
I wish I had neighbours like the Garretts. They sound like an entertaining bunch! :) I definitely need to get myself a copy of this soon. Honestly, I don't think I have read a single negative review yet! I'm so pleased you liked it, Celine. :D
ReplyDeleteYay Celine!! I loved this one too. The Garretts were amazing, especially little adorable George! I think Jase is my new book boyfriend as he was completely perfect! *swoon* Great review Celine. :)
ReplyDeleteHaving neighbors like the Garrets would be great.. although my family does sound a bit like them. :P I need a copy of this NOW, I've heard nothing but great things about this book.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review, I'm glad that you liked this book!
Oh, Celine, it sounds AMAZING! I know Becca read this and LOVED it, but oh my GOODNESS do I love hearing you did, too! I liked the idea of it, but wasn't actually going to read it before, I think... uh... excuse me now. I have to run off and order a copy XD
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ReplyDeleteEEEEEEE CELINE! THIS BOOK SOUNDS SO DARN DELIGHTFUL AND ADORABLE AND GLORIOUS! I’ve been hearing the best things about My Life Next Door, even ordered myself only a few days ago – I can’t wait to read it. I can’t wait to meet and fall in love with Jase and Samantha! Fabulous review! :)
ReplyDelete(I had to delete my original comment because of an embarrassingly horrible spelling mistake, oops!)
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ReplyDeleteI wanted to add a couple of more things to my comment on this post, so that's why I deleted the previous one. My previous comment is basically included in this post.Just thought I'd tell you:)
ReplyDeleteReally great review. I like how you divide your review, as this allows the reader to really understand how the different aspects of this novel contribute to its quality as a whole. This book seems to be one of THE debuts of the year. It's great how you loved it so much. Samantha seems to be an excellent protagonist, and I'm glad to see that your review mentions how easy it is to connect to her. The romance between Samantha and Jase seems amazingly weaved.
I love the cover too, it is SO pretty and it makes me very happy to know that the book inside match up with the lovely cover, YAY!
ReplyDeleteThe Garretts sounds like a fun family and I cannot wait to read this and get to know them. I think I am going to break my book buying ban and order a copy! Lovely review, Cel!
Another 5 star rating? I seriously need to get to this asap! It sounds like the perfect summer read and I can't wait to meet the Garretts! Lovely review Celine! :)
ReplyDeleteAfter reading your review and some others from different bloggers, I'm even more convinced I NEED to get my hands on it <3 I would love to read a sweet, summery book to lighten up the dull weather we are suffering here in the UK :D
ReplyDeleteThe Garretts sound absolutely awesome and I'm dying to meet Jase: I want to fall for his charm and sweet character <3 I ADORED your comment about wanting him to climb your non-existant terrace :D
Fabulous review, Celine <3 So glad this was another 5 star read for you :)
I'm a new follower. I loved this book. The relationship between Samantha and Jase was cute. Jase was very funny.
ReplyDeleteMy blog - http://bookbloggermom.blogspot.com
Yay for liking this one, Celine! I've been dying to get my hands on it and I'm glad to see you enjoyed it so much. Awesome review, hun!! :)
ReplyDeleteBoth you and Becca have made me DESPERATE for this book!! So often I overlook certain contemporary novels because I am more a fantasy/dystopian/paranormal, etc kind of girl, but it's thanks to bloggers who force me to pay attention to some of the best contemps and I am SO thankful for that, otherwise I'd miss some of my favourites (eg, Anna and the French Kiss, The Fault In Our Stars!).
ReplyDeleteThis sounds SO GOOD! I love the whole huge, quirkly family aspect and I am insanely excited to see Jase and Samantha's relationship develop. Brilliant review, Celine! I NEED THIS BOOK!
I love the sound of this book! :D Reading about big, happy families is always so much fun and it sounds like this one will be super special because of how isolated Samantha is. Jase sounds like a wonderful love interest and I am sooo curious about how they meet now! Let me know when you get that terrace up so that I can take one of Jase's other brothers.... Fantastic review, Celine! <3
ReplyDeleteSonia
AHHH CELINE I'M SO GLAD YOU LOVED THIS!!! I absolutely loved the Garretts too, they were so fun and such a FAMILY. I really loved the way Samantha fell in love with Jase too, it was just so natural and sweet. It's definitely one of my favourite reads this year too and now I want to re-read it!
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