4.5*
This is the cutest freaking book of ever. I don't "do" fluffy often, and when I do, I am critical. So for this one to pass my ridiculously high standards has to say something! I loved this book. Let's talk about why (and the one reason I deducted a bit) shall we?
I loved it because....
- Aubree develops so, so much by stepping outside her comfort zone. She's kind of spent her whole life in big sister Elizabeth's shadow- even though she's pretty great in her own right. She doesn't think she'd ever be interested in traveling, of seeing other cultures. And she sure never wanted to spend a summer with a 65+ tour group traipsing around Europe. (Though can I just say, I really do?) The thing is, she doesn't just jump in confidently like some brash heroine. No, she fumbles and muddles her way through, trying to get by, and even taking help when she needs it and others are willing to give it (which frankly, I don't think there's enough of in novels- where's the message that it's smart to ask for help!? Well, it's in this book for sure, and I love it)! Watching Aubree find herself- or at least know that she wants to find herself- is magic.
- The tour group is everything. Jen Malone didn't just write some generic old people. She wrote awesome characters who all have complete personalities. They aren't all just likeable old grandmas either- some of them have bigger flaws than others- but in the end, I cared about every single one of them so, so much. They totally made the story. And I loved that Aubree had respect for them- and they for her. She formed relationships with these people that were quite beautiful. It was really classy all around, and again, something we absolutely don't see enough of in novels of any genre. And the great thing is, we even see how, at an old age, you can still continue to grow and develop, and change your life. Quite inspiring stuff.
- The romance is so freaking swoon-worthy! Okay, when a relationship starts as phone flirtation from across the globe, you know it's going to be a fun one. Because it wasn't some kind of insta-love at first sight nonsense- they liked each others' personalities before anything else. And then yes, there is an attraction in person, because of course there is. But it isn't all perfect either- and there are tense and serious moment too. I just adored Sam, he was so charismatic, and charming, and knew how to just let go and have fun, no matter the circumstance.
- EUROPE. Need I say more? This is a dream vacation, basically, and the only time I got mad at Aubree was when she didn't love Monaco ;) But in seriousness, I loved that she started falling in love with these places, and I could really picture her there, leading the group!
So, that one thing that I didn't love? The premise is kind of ridiculous, frankly. The whole "sister getting arrested, minor taking over a tour group in Europe" thing was just not believable to me in any way. There are just so many security checkpoints and reasons that this could never have happened, but if you can kind of put that aside, which I was able to, I think the rest of the book is absolutely enjoyable enough to negate this flaw.
Bottom Line: Clearly, I recommend. I enjoyed this book, and love the themes that it contained- all while still being completely adorable.
**Copy provided by publisher for review.