Belles (Belles, #1)

by Jen Calonita

[Suz @ Bookish Revelations]

Belles is an endearing, heartfelt and romantic young adult contemporary that is funny, charming, and incredibly sweet. It's a delightful rags-to-riches tale full of heartbreak, irresistible blossoming romance, and a realistic approach to underlying familial secrets. The characters and plot are wonderfully entertaining, bringing so much drama and life to the pages. Jen Calonita pens the contrast between Izzie's world and Mira's in such an interesting and very distinct light. It makes it easier to connect and sympathize with both girls, in such an awkward situation their faced with.

Izzie is such a wonderful character, full of determination, pride, and strength. She's proud of where she comes from and the accomplishments she's made, but she's also had sort of a tough life. Losing her mother at the tender age of ten and then later having to take care of her grandmother who was suffering from dementia and learning how to survive in a world where she didn't feel like she belonged. She's tough though and does her best to not let others who look down on her in Emerald Cove get to her too much. Mira, on the other hand, comes off a bit shallow and fearful of doing the things she likes to do and being true to who she really is. The two girls struggle to get along with one another, until Mira starts to grow and beings changing her perception on people and certain things. She begins to develop her confidence a little more and it adds a redeeming quality and appeal to her character.

The romance in Belles is hopeful and charming at best, both Kellan and Brayden are wonderfully matched with the girls. It doesn't overtake the story that's being told, which is a breath of fresh air. It adds its own hint of sweetness to the story, which softens the blow of some of the twists thrown out. There is subtle mystery that makes it even more intriguing and readers simply will not want to put this beautifully written and touching story down. It's a fun filled fast paced story full of gossip, heartache, touching romance, and a wonderfully poignant storyline that will leaves readers aching in the best of ways possible. I would definitely recommend this as the perfect summer poolside/beachside or lazing it up in a hammock sipping on some homemade lemonade or iced sweet tea in the backyard on a perfect warm and sunny day full of relaxation and a fantastic read.