Belles by Jen Calonita Review

Name: Belles (Belles # 1)
Author: Jen Calonita
Publisher: Poppy
Release Date: April 10th, 2012
Format: Library Book
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Fifteen-year-old Isabelle Scott loves her life by the boardwalk on the supposed wrong side of the tracks in North Carolina. But when tragedy strikes, a social worker sends her to live with a long-lost uncle and his preppy privileged family. Isabelle is taken away from everything she’s ever known, and, unfortunately, inserting her into the glamorous lifestyle of Emerald Cove doesn’t go so well. Her cousin Mirabelle Monroe isn’t thrilled to share her life with an outsider, and, in addition to dealing with all the rumors and backstabbing that lurk beneath their classmates’ Southern charm, a secret is unfolding that will change both girls’ lives forever.-Goodreads

My Review:
After reading a bunch of fantasy books..I definitely was in need of a good contemporary read! So when I saw this book at my library I knew that I had to read it..and I am so glad that I did! 

One of the best parts about this book was the story! At times it had it's cliche and predictable moments, but it was really fun to read about Izzie's transition from her old life to her new one in Emerald Cove! I also really liked how the book switched narration from each chapter to both Izzie and Mira. It was interesting to see both girls points of view and how each were coping with having a new person in their lives. I did think that the book felt kind of rushed at the beginning but overall I thought the pace of the book was good.

At first, I really didn't like Mira because she did some things that were horrible to Izzie and I wasn't sure how much she would change throughout the book. As the story went on, I was happy to see Mira turn herself around, and actually learn a few lessons from Izzie. I really liked Izzie as well. She isn't afraid to stand up for what she believes in. I also loved how that even though she left her old home behind to one with a lot more privilege, she didn't let that change who she was and didn't gain a fake persona to try to fit in. I think that both girls definitely balance each other out and once they got to know each other better I could see them really getting along.   

Overall, I really enjoyed Belles! It was a quick, fun read and is the perfect book to read at the beach this summer! I really can't wait to read the next book (which is due to come out in the fall).
 
My Rating: Four out of Five Stars