Jessie ♥ NYC

May 02, 2011 Vivienne Serendipity Reviews rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Jessie is about to embark on the trip of a lifetime. She is spending the whole of the summer in New York with her best friend Emma, at her mum's cool apartment. She is hoping the trip will help her to get over her previous disastrous relationship. Finn, a New York hottie, is having a difficult time dealing with the fact that he is in love with his best friend's girlfriend. This book tells the story of what happens when two people from two different lifestyles let fate bring them together.

From th...more Jessie is about to embark on the trip of a lifetime. She is spending the whole of the summer in New York with her best friend Emma, at her mum's cool apartment. She is hoping the trip will help her to get over her previous disastrous relationship. Finn, a New York hottie, is having a difficult time dealing with the fact that he is in love with his best friend's girlfriend. This book tells the story of what happens when two people from two different lifestyles let fate bring them together.

From the first couple of pages, I was tingling with excitement. Jessie is living my ultimate dream. I can remember being the same age and desperate to go to New York. Alas it was not to be and I have still to find my way there, however through Keris Stainton's book I found that I could vicariously through Jessie's life. Jessie is the first character in a book that I have actually wanted to be; everything about Jessie just reminded me of myself at that age.

The book is peppered with references of American films and TV shows which fed my American addiction as a teenager and I found myself reading the whole book in one sitting, completely lost in a world where my biggest worry used to be whether I would pass my O levels or not.

One of the main themes within the book is fate. How chance meetings can change the future. I am a strong believer in fate and coincidences, so each time Finn and Jessie's pathways crossed, I felt instantly happy. Their new found friendship is completely serendipitous!

The book also looks closely at relationships, especially between Jessie and her mum. To begin with Jessie's relationship with her mother Natalie, is very distant and I found myself disliking Natalie's manner. However, when they began to open up their feelings to each other, I realised that Natalie was never intentionally trying to upset Jessie; they just seemed to have a lot of crossed wires that needed to be undone.

I loved the way the chapters alternated between the viewpoints of Jessie and Finn. The author's writing gave both characters a distinct and unique voice. Finn is rather tasty and you become desperate for Jessie to finally kiss the gorgeous boy. A timeless dream of most English girls regardless of age: to actually get the good looking American guy!

This book will appeal to all ages, and I would highly recommend it to 40 something women like myself who grew up on American sitcoms and movies and have still to fulfill their American dream.

I would love to see Richard Curtis make this book into a film, as I feel it has the flavour of some of his wonderfully British movies such as Notting Hill and Love Actually. Anyone have his email address????
On speaking to the author, Keris has stated that she would prefer Nora Ephron to produce the film as a book and I had to ask her who she was. Shocking I know! As I grew up on her films such as Sleepless in Seattle and You've Got Mail too. Sigh!

I know there was a discussion on Twitter about certain mild swear words being used within the book, but to be honest, I didn't notice them at all. In fact, I must have been wearing blinkers to them as I read, because I couldn't tell you where they were within the story.

This book is utterly fabulous and I am so glad I had the opportunity to read it. I think this is a lovely, refreshing romantic summer read that needs to be read on a sun lounger by pool, with a cocktail in one hand.(less)

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Apr 16, 2011 Alice rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Being a massive fan of Keris's first book 'Della says: OMG!' and totally smitten with New York, I couldn't wait to read this book. I was lucky enough to win a proof copy from Keris's blog, and I am SO glad I did: it is FAB.

The book brilliantly combines an adorable romance with a New York guided tour than makes me desperate to go back. The interactions between Finn and Jessie are really cleverly done and you can almost imagine them playing out as a movie.

One of my favourite things about 'Della sa...more

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Mar 28, 2011 Clover (Fluttering Butterflies) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ya, british-reading-challenge, love-month, books-read-in-2011, sent-for-review

I have to start this review by saying a massive thank you to Keris Stainton for sending me her book for review even before the proof copies had been printed! (The book isn't due for publication until 7 June 2011!) Thank you, I was so thrilled to read it :)

Jessie Hearts NYC was such a fun book to read. I adore books set in NYC anyway, but the way in which Keris creates such a romantic atmosphere within the pages of her book with the many references to some of my favourite rom-coms such as When Ha...more I have to start this review by saying a massive thank you to Keris Stainton for sending me her book for review even before the proof copies had been printed! (The book isn't due for publication until 7 June 2011!) Thank you, I was so thrilled to read it :)

Jessie Hearts NYC was such a fun book to read. I adore books set in NYC anyway, but the way in which Keris creates such a romantic atmosphere within the pages of her book with the many references to some of my favourite rom-coms such as When Harry Met Sally and Sleepless in Seattle plus the many, many almost-meetings between Jessie and Finn made my heart beat quicker in anticipation!

Because New York City IS a big place, how on earth are two people meant to meet and fall in love? Jessie Hearts NYC is written in a dual-perspective. There's Jessie, teenager from England who arrived in New York with her best friend in tow, prepared to live with her mom for the summer holidays. Jessie's hoping that this trip will cure her of any leftover ickiness of her ex-boyfriend. Perhaps the perfect somebody to help her get over him is the yummy Ben that works in the play Jessie's mum wrote. And there's also Finn, who at the same time as juggling the guilt he feels for fancying his best friend's girlfriend, he must also decide if he really wants to head down the career path his father has laid out for him.

I love all of the characters in this book so much! Jessie is such a breath of fresh air, she has so much enthusiasm for New York City, to see all the sights and to make the most of her experience there. It really, truly makes me want to visit NYC again and do a Jessie tour, follow in her footsteps and see the city the way that she saw it. I'd like to visit the Empire State Building again and look at it from an architectural point of view, like Finn's. I'd just love to see the city again, from a new perspective.

And I adored the friendships that Jessie and Finn have. Their two best friends, Emma and Scott are wonderful. Supportive and comfortable with each other, I'd really love to have such a close friend like these two when things start going wrong. I think this book has a very realistic outlook on crushes and relationships, but it takes a bit of time for all of the characters to reach that place, and an excellent best friend like Emma and Scott are perfect in these roles.

Also, part of the reason that I loved Jessie Hearts NYC so much is, for me, how close to home things started getting with the tenuous relationship that Jessie has with her distant mother. I thought it was an interesting aspect of the storyline and there are so many things that have been left unspoken between the two, resentments and bitterness that Jessie has been holding onto. It really touched something inside of me.

The characters, the setting, how romantic it is, the relationships - everything about this book very real to me and I finished it with a huge smile on my face! Jessie and Finn are pretty high on the adorable factor - Jessie Hearts NYC by Keris Stainton is so sweet and romantic, it really is a book not to miss!(less)

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Jul 04, 2011 Cara rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-2011

I thought this would be a perfect book for my 16 year old to take on holiday. We both loved Keris' first novel Della says OMG so I thought it would be perfect. Sometimes my 16YO is rather restrained with her enthusiasm for things so it was a great sign when I gave her 'Jessie' and she proclaimed "Yeay, I have some books in my case, but not ones I REALLY want to read!" High praise indeed for a book she hasn't even started yet.

I took a sneaky peek at the book when it arrived, and before I knew it,...more

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Jul 20, 2011 Lyndsey Rushby rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ya

I loved, loved, loved Keris Stainton’s debut novel, Della Says: OMG so when I received the ARC of her newest book, I was extremely excited and although I had books I should have read before this one, I couldn’t help myself and picked it up anyways. The book is told in alternating POVs from both Jessie and Finn, written in third person.

From the off, I was hooked. Jessie’s voice is a strong one and warmed to her immediately. Full of passion and excitement about New York, I couldn’t wait to take t...more I loved, loved, loved Keris Stainton’s debut novel, Della Says: OMG so when I received the ARC of her newest book, I was extremely excited and although I had books I should have read before this one, I couldn’t help myself and picked it up anyways. The book is told in alternating POVs from both Jessie and Finn, written in third person.

From the off, I was hooked. Jessie’s voice is a strong one and warmed to her immediately. Full of passion and excitement about New York, I couldn’t wait to take this journey with her and to see what she was going to end up getting up to. Jessie’s reasons for wanting to go to New York are three fold: it’s been her dream for a long time, she gets to see her mum and also to get over her ex boyfriend. Each reason was justified and explained well. Jessie has strong feelings about her mum and the divorce of her parents so even before she had arrived in New York, I was anxious to meet her mum and to see what she was really like. After Jessie’s break up, all she wants to do is run away and reinvent herself and this is something I could completely identify with. I ran away to Canada after a break up with a boyfriend and stayed there for some time.

Finn was a lovely character. In love with his best friend’s girlfriend, he has no idea how to act around her, and him, anymore. Finn also has much more going on than I had originally expected in the form of family problems and their expectations of him. In this regard, he could identify with what Jessie was going through when they finally meet and get to know each other. As a character, Finn was interesting and very charismatic. He was sweet, caring and really wanted to do right by other people, even if it meant suffering himself. He was definitely a guy I would have gone for myself if I had been in this situation.

The best friends of the story, Emma and Scott are just as fabulous as the main characters. Each have their own distinct personalities which are different to that of their friends. This mix of personalities and senses of humour was great and no two characters were too similar in any way. Each had characteristics that anyone could relate to. This book isn’t full of teenagers though. Jessie’s mum plays quite a large role and has quite an impact on the events in the story. While different to Jessie, they also shared similarities so I enjoyed seeing how they were alike and also how they weren’t. Finn’s parents and grandmother play a large part in his life and his actions and again, I loved seeing how different they all were to him.

Something which Stainton seems to have a knack for getting perfect in her books is the portrayal of teenagers. The language used is real (even if Stainton had to tone down a couple of parts) and I always like to see this in YA books. Teenagers do use some bad language and speak a certain way and it isn’t very often that authors get this exactly right. Keris Stainton, however, does. I hate to see teenage character speaking so rigidly due to authors being worried about the wrong use of language but here, the language used is spot on. Because of this, along with great characterisation, I could completely picture myself in Jessie’s situation.

Jessie ♥ NYC is full of references to pop culture and while this should date this book, I don’t think it will. When I think of New York, I think of Friends, When Harry Met Sally and Sex In The City. Keris Stainton knows her subject well and includes so many interesting facts about these TV shows and films, all set in New York. As the book got going and Jessie and Emma began pointing out certain things about each place they visited, I found myself playing along and seeing how many scenes from different things I could pick out. I have to say that I was quit pleased with myself and know 99% of what was mentioned.

Jessie ♥ NYC is a great summer romance which will appeal to more than the YA market. With amazing characters, realistic events and language and a romance utterly perfect, I cant recommend this book highly enough. I could easily read it over and over again!
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May 28, 2011 Laura rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: books-on-my-actual-bookshelf, read-in-2011

There is nothing like a great location to set the scene for a fantastic romance. If years of Rom coms and Hollywood movies have taught us anything it's that in a big city full of wonder that anything can happen and probably will. New York City is as much of a main character in this love story as Finn and Jessie. Both have a love affair with this big beautiful city and it's the love that connects them and has a magical part to play in their fated relationship.

Being a girl that loves a big city he...more There is nothing like a great location to set the scene for a fantastic romance. If years of Rom coms and Hollywood movies have taught us anything it's that in a big city full of wonder that anything can happen and probably will. New York City is as much of a main character in this love story as Finn and Jessie. Both have a love affair with this big beautiful city and it's the love that connects them and has a magical part to play in their fated relationship.

Being a girl that loves a big city herself growing up near London my whole life I really enjoy reading about a great location as well as great characters. Setting is just as important to any story as it's characters or plot. It can drive a story and make the imagination twice as powerful. Having visited New York City a few times I can confirm that Jessie's NYC is just as awe inspiring and jaw dropping as Keris Stainton writes it.

The book is in two halves of sorts between Jessie and her story and Finn's and how they inter mingle. Jessie and her best friend Emma come from Manchester to NYC to visit Jessie's mum; Natalie, a playwright that moved to Broadway with her new play after the break up of her marriage to Jessie's dad. Finn is a New Yorker in love with his best friend's girl and trying to figure out what he wants to do with his life, college and future.

I loved the way the characters really explore both sides of the city from the tourist parts to the lesser known areas that are just as wonderful to discover no matter how well you think you know a city. The city holds so much possibility for them both and they really embrace it and it let's them become free and more confident when dealing with their families and inner turmoils.

Though the plot of this book is very much in Rom Com territory it never felt like those sickly sweet movies that I bypass in the DVD aisle. It was enjoyable and touching as you watched Jessie and Finn lives intersect without them fully realising how close they come to meeting without actually meeting.

I a great telling of what it's like to find something special without even really looking for it. From repair old relationships to creating new ones this story is well worth the journey around the city on a tour of love and happier times. A great read (so much so that I read it all in one weekend) and fab recommendation for anyone looking for a summer read or maybe hoping for a bit of a holiday romance too. :-)(less)

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Jun 16, 2011 Stella rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I absolutely loved this young adult story of growing up and falling in love in New York City. Great, believable teenage characters, authentic dialogue and the author's obvious love for New York all combine to make a story which you don't want to put down until the last page. And even then, you want to know what happens next.

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Jul 17, 2011 SJH (A Dream of Books) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: young-adult, for-review, own, new-york

'New York, New York, a wonderful town' is the memorable refrain from one of my favourite songs, as sung in 'On The Town' by Gene Kelly and co. It's one of my favourite songs because I've always been obsessed with everything about New York. It's such a huge and vibrant city, full of culture and excitement and holds the promise of adventures and new beginnings. Although I haven't actually been to the land of dreams yet I'm determined to get there one day and in the meantime I get to live vicarious...more 'New York, New York, a wonderful town' is the memorable refrain from one of my favourite songs, as sung in 'On The Town' by Gene Kelly and co. It's one of my favourite songs because I've always been obsessed with everything about New York. It's such a huge and vibrant city, full of culture and excitement and holds the promise of adventures and new beginnings. Although I haven't actually been to the land of dreams yet I'm determined to get there one day and in the meantime I get to live vicariously through wonderful books like 'Jessie Hearts NYC' by Keris Stainton.

Part of the reason I loved this book was obviously the fact that it's set in NYC and features frequent references to iconic landmarks such as the Empire State Building, Central Park Zoo and Broadway. It also explores all the sights, sounds and smells of the city from the all-American deli breakfast which I could practically taste, to the speeding yellow cabs which whiz around at death-defying speeds. Then there are the nods to memorable pop culture such as 'An Affair to Remember', 'Sex and the City. (and the Magnolia Bakery), plus 'When Harry Met Sally'. Although 'Jessie Hearts NYC' is a fiction title and not a guidebook to the city, it does embrace wholeheartedly the wonder of NYC and the fact that anything is possible in a place where dreams really can come true.

Jessie and her best friend Emma are spending the summer in New York, with Jessie's divorced mother. This is an opportunity to leave boy troubles behind and to explore the city and have a carefree summer. Native New Yorker Finn, is having troubles of his own, including being in love with his best friend's girlfriend and attempting to come to a decision about what he wants to do with the rest of his life. Their stories unfold in alternating chapters throughout, as they come closer and closer to meeting. As we learn more about their characters it becomes increasingly clear that they're made for each other but will they ever get to meet!

I loved, loved, loved this book! It was funny and lighthearted which makes it a perfect summer book but it was also absorbing and a real treat to read. There was a good balance between some really laugh-out-loud moments and some more serious parts which dealt with Jessie trying to rebuild her relationship with her mother. I thought that the way in which their relationship was revealed and developed worked really well and added some extra depth to the story.

'Jessie Hearts NYC' is a super book! The story is as shiny and sparkly as the gorgeous front cover and I enjoyed every second of reading it. Fingers crossed that maybe my dream will come true one day like Jessie and I'll get to go to New York!

Having finished this, I now also really want to read 'Della Says: OMG!' which is the first book by Keris Stainton and which sounds equally awesome!
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Jul 08, 2011 Karen Gooderham rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I loved this book, from the moment I picked it up, I could not put it down. This is one of my favourite books I have read this year.

Jessie and her best friend Emma have gone to New York to spend the summer with her mum. Jessie is worried about being with her mum as they don't quite bond well (Jessie lives with her dad). Also Jessie wants the whole adventure of being in New York while trying to get over her ex-boyfriend.

You then have another character Finn who lives in New York and is in love wit...more

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Jul 09, 2011 Rochelle rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Keris Stainton delivers another very fun novel with lovable characters and young romance that is just irresistible. What is especially nice about this book is that it was written in third person and from the perspective of both Jessie and Finn, who somehow in a city so large find each other. So often YA fiction or women's fiction is written in first person from the female's perspective. I LOVE to hear the guy's side. Love it. I loved how this tale was spun and how she set up their romance. I als...more

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Jul 23, 2011 Stephanie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ya-fiction

*4.5 stars*

A totally sweet, charming love letter to New York City and all the NYC-set rom-coms. It took me a few chapters to adjust to the writing style - not that there's anything wrong with it, I just took a while to adjust to the rhythms of it - but then I really, really enjoyed it.

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Jun 26, 2011 nyssapod rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Loved it! Made me want to visit New York. In the meantime, I'll have to make do with rewatching 'When Harry Met Sally' and other New York films.

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Jun 26, 2011 Fatima rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Definitely one of my favourite books. Makes me want to go to New York!

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Jul 12, 2011 Sammee (I Want to Read That) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is such a sweet and fun book. I was really looking forward to reading it as I loved Della Says: OMG! It's a really quick book to read - I read it in a couple of hours - and I honestly wanted to jump on a plane and go to New York after reading it!

The story is told from both Jessie and Finn's perspective - and as I've said in previous reviews I love books that do this. I love getting the story from both points of view.

I really liked Jessie and her friend Emma. I thought they had a really ni...more

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Jul 08, 2011 Jessica (Jess Hearts Books) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book starts with our main character Jessie and her best friend Emma arriving in New York City where they’ll be staying with Jessie’s mum for the summer. Sounds like every girls dream right? Well unfortunately for Jessie there’s quite literally trouble in paradise! Turns out that Jessie and her mum don’t have the most idealistic relationship with her mother more concerned about her career than her daughter. Will their rocky relationship ruin Jessie’s trip of a lifetime? Or will New York work...more This book starts with our main character Jessie and her best friend Emma arriving in New York City where they’ll be staying with Jessie’s mum for the summer. Sounds like every girls dream right? Well unfortunately for Jessie there’s quite literally trouble in paradise! Turns out that Jessie and her mum don’t have the most idealistic relationship with her mother more concerned about her career than her daughter. Will their rocky relationship ruin Jessie’s trip of a lifetime? Or will New York work its magic on the out of touch mother and daughter? Meanwhile New Yorker Finn is having troubles of his own. Finn’s in love with beautiful, perfect, made for him, Sam. So what’s the problem? Oh Sam only happens to already have a boyfriend- Finn’s best friend. With a summer of near misses fate brings Jessie and Finn almost together several times. But in a city of 8 million people and a duo with problems the size of the Empire State Building will Jessie and Finn find one another?

Jessie Hearts New York City is a cute, fun, summer read. Throughout the book Jessie and Finn are constantly thrown together but never actually meet. Their paths cross on countless occasions and as you get to know both characters you realise how perfect they would be together if only they would just meet! The whole concept of fate and those small chances that define the future was a really sweet and unique aspect to the book that gives Jessie Hearts NYC that extra sparkle that makes it stand out from other contemporary summer reads.

Fate and chance play a big part in this story, so what better place for it to be set in than New York the city where dreams come true? I loved the New York backdrop Keris Stainton created for this story and loved exploring the biggest and most exciting city in the world with a heroine as fun as Jessie doing all the must do touristy things.

Overall this book is sweet, fun and ideal for a beachy summer read. However Jessie’s life isn’t all perfect with her strained relationship with her mum and I loved that extra layer to the book. It made this perfect summer fairytale Jessie is living that more realistic- something I think teens are going to relate to. Jessie and her mums issues all play a part in the overall story and fit together with the running theme of fate really nicely. The book really comes full circle that way making it a bit meatier than your typical happy go lucky read.

Jessie Hearts NYC has everything a girl wants in a summer. It has the foreign destination, the will it won’t it happen romance, a sweet and likeable heroine that girls will relate to and most importantly of all that “this is the summer where everything is going to change” vibe that makes summer time so magical. If you’re looking for a romantic, fun, read this summer this is the book for you.(less)

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Apr 12, 2011 Book Angel Emma rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I adore the ideal of soulmates and destiny; the way fate conspires to bring two people together. These notions are breathtakingly woven into the story. The number of coincidences and near misses that ultimately bring Jessie and Finn together was a joy to follow; the parallels with their thoughts, actions and events was ingenious. The weaving together of the simultaneous plot thread was inspired.

Plus Keris's adoration of NYC shines through the prose, merging beautiful descriptions with realistic...more I adore the ideal of soulmates and destiny; the way fate conspires to bring two people together. These notions are breathtakingly woven into the story. The number of coincidences and near misses that ultimately bring Jessie and Finn together was a joy to follow; the parallels with their thoughts, actions and events was ingenious. The weaving together of the simultaneous plot thread was inspired.

Plus Keris's adoration of NYC shines through the prose, merging beautiful descriptions with realistic imagery making for a three dimensional picture within my imagination.

Written in third person narrative but mainly focalized from either Jessie's or Finn's perspective. the parallels with the imagery and descriptions from both main characters add another dimension to the main storyline. There are a lot of initial characters and background details to pick up on, but the story is well paced and compelling. I have to say I absolutely adored Finn *swoon* the more I got to know him the more I was routing for him in everything from his family, college to Jessie herself. OK so he has a crush on his best friends girlfriend but he was thrown into circumstances that intensified this crush yet never acted on it til one silly drunken moment and he was instantly overcome with remorse. He is a 'nice' guy.

I instantly identified with Jessie from the first page, it always amazes me that Keris can get into the mind of a teenage girl with such ease. Jessie feelings about the divorce of her parents were relatable, showing the way in which it affects all members of the family, this was heart-wrenching even when you know that it is the best option. The way in which Jessie's fathers relationship was depicted with brutal honesty endeared him to me, there was no white washing or covering up. I actually sniggered for a while at his reaction to Jessie dating; images of J and his thoughts about our children dating filled my imagination even though they are not old enough to have boyfriends yet. I completely understood Jessie's feeling that you could perhaps be a different person by changing location/hair/clothes, I am sure we have all felt like that at some point in our lives. I could actually feel Keris herself shining through the narrative, so much so that I began to picture Jessie as a teenage Keris.

The use of contemporary pop culture references really brings the story to technicolour life. The conversation about Sesame Street had me laughing for ages and the Russell Crowe reference literally made me fall about laughing (this is very difficult to explain when you are reading in public and suddenly snort with laughter).

The use of media stereotyping for the way in which motherhood is portrayed stood out dramatically, you are automatically supposed to be loving, caring, nurturing and self-sacrificing. Yes motherhood does include all of that at times but you should still be viewed as a separate individual with a personality of their own rather than just someones mother. Motherhood is the hardest job I have ever had even if it is the most rewarding.

The way in which both families redefined their relationship in light of the revelations was awe inspiring. Jessie in particular seemed to mature emotionally through the story.

I am having trouble summing this book up because I just want to gush - fantastic, awesome, brilliant - what I will say is that I had a warm, squishy, fuzzy, happy feeling for ages after reading it. So what are you waiting for - go order it now. (less)

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Jun 23, 2011 Sarah rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I really enjoyed this, it was like a love letter to NYC <3 A cute book

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Mar 02, 2012 Anna rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Anna by: Clover (Fluttering Butterflies)

Shelves: contemporary-ya, fiction, travel, uk-ya, ya

It was very refreshing to pick up a book (I say pick up a book, what I really mean is raise aloft my Kindle in all it's convenient glory) that isn't too laden with angst ridden drama and tearing-their-hair-out teens. Ok, Jessie.. does have a little bit of this, but this neat little twist on the classic New York love story is a generally sweet and happy affair, and all the better for it.

Told from the alternating perspectives of Jessie and Finn, both our progtagonists are likeable without straying...more

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Jul 09, 2011 Lisa rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: disappointing, y-a

This was an impulse buy in London. It looked like it might be a fun read.

I can't really say it was. I think it was going for a bit of a "Sleepless in Seattle" vibe where the characters always seem to be in the same spot but never really meet until towards the end. Basically dragged out and not well executed.

Anyways, you have Jessie and her friend Emma. They are from Manchester and have come to NYC for a trip to visit Jessie's mum. Then you have Finn, who is convinced he is in love with his best...more

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Aug 03, 2011 Katy Walker rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Loved it! Pure escapism.

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Oct 21, 2011 Jessie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Anyone and everyone who loves a good book!

Shelves: favourites-keepers, books-i-loved, considering-to-re-read, 6-stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Wow, it's Jessie reviewing about Jessie. How laughable is that? I just got this book today, and was reading another book. But I kept sneaking glances at this book, and I my mind wasn't really on the book I was reading at that moment. Soo, I did what I had to do and...picked up Jessie hearts NYC! I absolutely, positively loved this book! And the word “love” doesn't really give this book much credit. It's BEYOND love. This book...-swoons-. My mind can't form much coherent thoughts right now, when...more Wow, it's Jessie reviewing about Jessie. How laughable is that? I just got this book today, and was reading another book. But I kept sneaking glances at this book, and I my mind wasn't really on the book I was reading at that moment. Soo, I did what I had to do and...picked up Jessie hearts NYC! I absolutely, positively loved this book! And the word “love” doesn't really give this book much credit. It's BEYOND love. This book...-swoons-. My mind can't form much coherent thoughts right now, when I'm busy swooning.

Well, anyway, I kinda pitied Jessie. I mean, a mother who's a cougar AND a gay father?! Seriously? How messed up can her life get?! When I first heard John got remarried to Rhys, I actually thought Rhys was a GIRL! (serious!). Then I read further on and was shocked to know that Rhys was a guy, and that John was gay... Woooow.. Okay, maybe I'm not the best at identifying people's gender just by their names, but you can't blame me for this honest mistake! Now on to Finn. Finn, Finn, Finn! How could you not recognize Jessie?! She was at the taxi, at Gino's, at the Empire State building, at the park...(I think I've missed out a few) but every single time, you don't really SEE her! Personally, I feel that Finn and Jessie don't have enough time together after FINALLY meeting. I hope Keris Stainton will write like, maybe another ending (preferably a longer one)? I was amazed at how Jessie and Finn would think of the exact same things, at the EXACT same time and place! I guess it IS fate.. But this makes me wonder...if Jessie was a minute late to reach the airport, and a minute late to take the taxi, would she meet Finn? So many other small factors play a part in them meeting. The play “small change”, it's not wrong. I mean, could you imagine the hundred different possibilities that might happen if just a LITTLE thing were to change? Yes, I could imagine that!

This book is romantic, but it mainly shows how Jessie and Finn corrected their life, made relationships with parents right and better (mostly Jessie), and chose what THEY wanted to do (not parents, but THEY themselves. Actually, this was mostly Finn) before meeting each other. Wait, I think that was all BECAUSE of them meeting each other when Jessie and Emma “gatecrashed Finn's party” (I quote from the book). And after reading this, I DEFINITELY, ABSOLUTELY, NO DOUBT am going to visit NYC as soon as I have the chance to! Ooh! I totally forgot about Emma and Scott (I'll make this quick!) I think Emma is a really supportive friend and i would love a friend like that (hint, hint. You know who you are!) Scott is really cool. I mean, when Finn kissed his girlfriend, he didn't let his years and years of friendship be broken by some girl. Read this book NOW!!!!!!!! Me? I'm gonna read it too! (again, I mean!)(less)

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Oct 03, 2011 April Morgan (Book Geek Central) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: books-i-own

I started reading this novel because I was in the middle of a reading slump and I thought that this book would be a fun, easy read and by the time I finished it was everything that I thought it would be and I loved it… plus it did get me out of my reading slump!

The book is told from the perspectives of Jessie and Finn through most of the book it’s more like two different stories because the pair haven’t met yet. It was so much fun reading about both of their experiences and how they both grew an...more

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Aug 21, 2011 Lisa (Badass Bookie) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The Short Story? - Very cute, sweet and fluffy! This is just one of those books that's meant to be read for entertainment! The plot is simple, cute and funny. The characters are adorable and the writing is comfortable! A very quick read that's meant to be a OSR ( One Sitting Read), perfect for a quiet night in, well written, great flow and it's one to be enjoyed by all!

The Long Story? - You know those books that are so cliched and predictable, you roll your eyes yet you read it and secretly ( or...more The Short Story? - Very cute, sweet and fluffy! This is just one of those books that's meant to be read for entertainment! The plot is simple, cute and funny. The characters are adorable and the writing is comfortable! A very quick read that's meant to be a OSR ( One Sitting Read), perfect for a quiet night in, well written, great flow and it's one to be enjoyed by all!

The Long Story? - You know those books that are so cliched and predictable, you roll your eyes yet you read it and secretly ( or not so secretly) find yourself enjoying it anyway? Well, Jessie <3 NYC was one of those books! It's an accidental great read! The cover is really, really catchy as well!

The plot was ...predictable but cute. From the moment I read the blurb I knew what the ending would be, in fact read the description provided in this review and you can work it out too. However this was one of those books where the ending wasn't the most important thing. It was the journey to the end that was significant. It was the coincidences that keep bringing Finn and Jessie together, it was the personal demons each character had, it was the cute yet bittersweet relationships throughout the book. What's not to love right? Not to mention that it's set in....NEW YORK CITY!!!

The characters were absolutely adorable! Jessie was going through heartbreak, spending the summer in a foreign city, battling it out with her mum yet she's one of those character's who is kind-hearted and hard not to love! Finn was adorable, he's cute...I'm not so sure about hot appeal but definitely swoon-worthy and A+ in the boyfriend category! Supporting characters were great although Jessie's parents are borderline weird ( one's gay and one's a cougar...I love the diversity!) Great characterisation!

Stainton's got a very comfortable writing style! It's suits the novel, both are cute, fluffy and light. Very entertaining and very teen! The language is easy to comprehend and it's a pretty short novel only around 250 pages and the font is pretty big, it can easily be read by book lovers of all ages! Written in third person yet emotions can still be bought out in the novel! Well-written indeed!

So how should I sum it up? Read Jessie <3 NYC! One for readers of all ages to enjoy, it's the novel to read for a girl's night in! Funny, sweet and cute, Jessie <3 NYC is a novel about hardship, finding yourself ...and fate. Well written, great characters and a plot that's super cute! Entertaining, exciting and set in New York City, cancel your Friday night plans because this one is worth a night in!
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Aug 10, 2011 Stephanie rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: young-adult

This review originally appeared at www.readinasinglesitting.com

When Manchester teen Jessie is sent off with her best friend Emma for a summer in bustling New York, it’s a dream come true. Jessie is itching to put some distance between herself and her erstwhile boyfriend, and a few months in the city she’s spent her life longing to visit sounds like the perfect salve for her emotional aches and pains. The only issue is that she’ll be staying with her mother, a playwright to whose work Jessie has...more This review originally appeared at www.readinasinglesitting.com

When Manchester teen Jessie is sent off with her best friend Emma for a summer in bustling New York, it’s a dream come true. Jessie is itching to put some distance between herself and her erstwhile boyfriend, and a few months in the city she’s spent her life longing to visit sounds like the perfect salve for her emotional aches and pains. The only issue is that she’ll be staying with her mother, a playwright to whose work Jessie has always played second fiddle (or perhaps understudy is the better word choice). But Jessie finds that the harried, distant mother that she remembers is not the reality she thought it was, and amongst the skyscrapers and avenues Jessie and her mother slowly rebuild their fragile relationship–and as a bonus, Jessie heals her broken heart in the arms of the sweet and humble Finn.

The bright and sunny nature of this book is reflected in its ultra-slick cover, which sums it up quite well indeed: it’s about big buildings, rubber-necking, and touristy happy snaps. Stainton’s sophomore effort reads like a Hollywood film-inspired tour guide of New York, with all the major landmarks pointed out and made familiar via their appearance in Sex and the City, When Harry Met Sally or The Seven Year Itch. But given that this breezy novel is pitched a a tween audience–meaning that some of them may well have been born after the year 2000! goodness!–I can’t help but wonder whether these nostalgic titles might be completely unfamiliar to the target market.

But for all its Carrie-referencing, Jessie Hearts NYC plays it about as safe as it gets. The characters are all nice enough–and by that I mean all nice enough, with the possible exception of the evil ex whose horrid nature is never actually touched upon let alone explicated–and are happy to spend their days strolling about eating gigantic meals and taking happy snaps. Where there is any potential conflict–Jessie and her mother, love-interest Finn and his protective parents–Stainton pours water on the fire before we get so much as a whiff of smoke. While it’s admittedly a relief to not be reading an “issues” novel, a little bit of conflict would go a long way to ramping up the reader’s interest.

The major plot element of the novel is Jessie and Flinn’s constant crossing of paths, which although sweet isn’t especially interesting. Jessie sees Finn at breakfast. They smile. Jessie sees Finn at the Empire State Building. They smile. Jessie sees Finn at a party. They smile. And so on. Points to Finn for not being a terrifying googly-eyed stalker, but it would have been nice to see something done with the whole serendipity/fate thing. I get the feeling that this would work well on-screen, but in a novel it just feels as though the characters are being pushed around like chess pieces by an apathetic gamer.

Other than the asymptotic paths of the two main characters, the main focus of the novel is on the relationships between the main characters and their parents. Jessie’s relationship with her mother is ostensibly strained, and is positioned as being a key conflict/turning point. But neither of these characters has enough depth to make this conflict at all believable–and the same is true of Finn, who’s angsting about his future career choices, and his parents. The result is a distinct anticlimax, particularly when nothing else of note happens throughout the novel.

Jessie Hearts NYC is a light read that will appeal to the Big Apple-infatuated, but that lacks a strong driving plot or the characterisation necessary to make it anything more than a lazy travel narrative. It’s likeable and inoffensive, but there’s nothing much else to it.(less)

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Aug 08, 2011 Alexandra rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

My desire to read Jessie <3 NYC eventually lead to me temporarily dropping another book half-way through, and I'm so glad I did.

I powered through the whole book in one evening as I found it utterly charming. It wasn't so much will-they-won't-they as 'when will they?', and the little twists and turns that took in the whole of Manhattan meant that the author got a chance to really make the most of the books third main character: the city itself. But in human terms both Jessie and Finn are likea...more

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Aug 06, 2011 Jenni rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: british-author

I absolutely loved Keris Stainton’s debut novel Della Says: OMG! and was very excited when I discovered that her second book was going to be set in my favourite place in the world, New York City. I know that Keris is another NYC obsessive so as I settled down to read this book I had a good feeling that it would transport me across the pond and I was not disappointed.

The plot follows Jessie who, along with her friend Emma, is going to spend the summer with her mother who moved to New York City wh...more I absolutely loved Keris Stainton’s debut novel Della Says: OMG! and was very excited when I discovered that her second book was going to be set in my favourite place in the world, New York City. I know that Keris is another NYC obsessive so as I settled down to read this book I had a good feeling that it would transport me across the pond and I was not disappointed.

The plot follows Jessie who, along with her friend Emma, is going to spend the summer with her mother who moved to New York City when the play she wrote transferred onto Broadway. Jessie is nursing a broken heart, and feels resentful about the way her mother left her behind. It also follows native New Yorker Finn, he’s hiding a couple of fairly huge secrets – he’s in love with his best friend’s girlfriend, and he’s thinking about changing his career path to something he wants to do instead of what his family want him to do. I loved the way these two characters were similar – both of them are dealing with romantic issues and they both have problems with their parents. The two stories alternate through the book, overlapping as their paths cross. I loved the way both of the characters got pretty equal billing, it meant I felt like I got to know them both really well.

I absolutely fell in love with Finn, he’s just so lovely. There’s a section where he talks about the glamour of old New York which confirmed for me that I was falling for him. Jessie is a great character, I loved how excited she was about New York. The situation between her and her mother is pretty strained at times, I liked the way that this was fully explored – Jessie’s reactions felt very genuine to me. I also loved Emma, Jessie’s best friend. She’s definitely the sort of best friend you would want, supportive at the times when you need support but not afraid to tell you when you’re being an idiot.

There is another love story contained within the pages of the book, and that is the characters’ (and author’s) love affair with New York City. I absolutely loved all of the mentions of famous sights, and got really excited as the characters visited places that I’ve been to. I also liked the inclusion of pop culture references to some of the many tv shows and films that are set in New York City. I’m sure this book will be encouraging lots of people to consider a visit to New York.

I absolutely adored this book, it’s great fun and just utterly lovely. I don’t know if there are plans for a follow-up book but the ending would definitely allow for one and if there is I will be pushing my way to the front of the queue to read it.(less)

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Oct 30, 2011 Daph (Lvngbooks) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011, release-july, arc-for-review, contemporary

Jessie and her best friend Emma have arrived in New York to stay with Jessie's mom. Jessie just got out of a relationship and hopes to find something (someone!) new in The Big Apple.

Finn is in love with his best friend's girlfriend. Everything's messed up for him, but he can't seem to get her out of his mind. To top that off, his father wants that he will be trained to do the same thing as he's done all those years - insurance - and that's one thing Finn doesn't know how to deal with.

This was a...more

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Aug 30, 2011 Kelsey rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I really enjoyed this light easy read story. It takes place when Jessie and her bestfriend Emma are going on a trip to New York (since Jessies mom lives there) so shes gone to visit her and to explore all of New York because its her dream. It also takes place around Finn who lives in New York and was brought up there. They both have problems of their own with them both in New York, Jessies with her and her moms relationship and also from just splitting up from her ex. Finns problems consist arou...more I really enjoyed this light easy read story. It takes place when Jessie and her bestfriend Emma are going on a trip to New York (since Jessies mom lives there) so shes gone to visit her and to explore all of New York because its her dream. It also takes place around Finn who lives in New York and was brought up there. They both have problems of their own with them both in New York, Jessies with her and her moms relationship and also from just splitting up from her ex. Finns problems consist around him being in love with his best friends girlfriend.

I really enjoyed it because everything was around New York. This book made you feel like you was actually there. And since its been a dream of mine to actually go it felt nice to read a story that is mainly based around everything there. It spoke of the films made there, the tv shows and the most famous places, it was so cute.

I think this books main focus was fate. About how fate can make Jessie and Finn be brought together. How out of eight billion people these two were made for each other. I loved the whole concept of the two of them always bumping into each other but not noticing the other, because it made you think that have you ever bumped into your future relationship without you knowing. It always made you think that everything happens for a reason.

The characters were amazing. I loved Jessie, I felt why she couldnt get along with her mom because I wouldnt either if I was in the same situation. I felt she was very natrually easy going and nice and just wanted to get her moms attention now and then. I loved Finn too. I understood it was bad of him to like his best friends girlfriend, but sometimes these things happened and he wasnt a bad person because he didnt want to hurt his friend. He is the easy friendly going guy who just wants to be able to make his own choices, instead of his family making them for him.

The only thing I did not like about this book was that there wasnt alot of romance. Even though it was about Jessie and Finn keep bumping in to one and other and romance in New York, I didnt find there was alot of it. I wanted more, I know I sound greedy but I did. I wanted to see more of there friendship and relationship. There could of been a few more chapters for me, so I hope she makes a companion or sequel.

But I did enjoy it overall because Im obsessed with New York and hope one day to go there to. Because I wouldnt mind following in Jessie footsteps and having an amazing trip like her.

Overall I rate this an A.

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Sep 11, 2011 Alison rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: young-adult

What a delight this was to read! 16 year old Jessie from Manchester goes to visit her playwright mum in New York with best friend Emma, happy to be escaping from an unhappy break-up with her first boyfriend, but apprehensive of her confused feelings about her mum's relocation. 17 year old New Yorker Finn is in love with his best friend's girlfriend, and conscious that he is going to have to tell his parents that he does not share their ambitions for him. In a city of 8 million people, why do the...more

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Sep 30, 2012 The Library Mouse rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This novel was yet another lovely recommendation to me by Kerrie at read and repeat.
Jessie Hearts NYC isn't just one story but two! Those of Jessie and Finn.

Jessie is taking New York by storm and visiting everything she can. Touring one of the biggest cities of the world with her best friend, soaking up the traffic filled air and living the rush that comes with a city that buzzes with life; Jessie feels almost at home like she belongs there. She was a girl after my own heart as it is my dream to...more This novel was yet another lovely recommendation to me by Kerrie at read and repeat.
Jessie Hearts NYC isn't just one story but two! Those of Jessie and Finn.

Jessie is taking New York by storm and visiting everything she can. Touring one of the biggest cities of the world with her best friend, soaking up the traffic filled air and living the rush that comes with a city that buzzes with life; Jessie feels almost at home like she belongs there. She was a girl after my own heart as it is my dream too to go visit New York. But everything isn't pink and fluffy for her, and despite staying in an amazing city hard truths surface in her life, taking the buzz out of her step on the New York sidewalks.

And Finn isn't quite living the dream either. Doing a job that bores him to death to please his father and with a rather unfortunate cruch on his best friend's girlfriend, he isn't in a very peachy situation.

But this is New York where anything can happen and dreams sometimes come true.

Bumping into each other but never quite meeting, sometimes one getting off and one gets on onto the tube or sometimes one leaving as the other frustratingly arrives; Finn and Jessie go about their not quite so perfect lives.

This was a lovely book and the very clever Kerris Stainton wrote it seamlessly switching from one character's point of view to the other without ever doubling back on events. It was like watching a film where the camera was passed from person to person thus allowing me to not miss a single moment.

Touching on several themes that are very real problems teenagers face, a few ever so funny face-palming moments and a pinch fortuitous serendipital moments and you have yourself the touchingly sweet and lovely story that is Jessie Hearts NYC.

Kerris Stainton has written a wonderfully adorable contemporary romance. I really liked her style and will now be keeping an eye out for more of her work!

If you liked this and wish to remain along the lines of a contemporary romance I suggest you pick up Cross my Heart by Katie Klein and Breathe by Abbi Glines. If you'd like to add a pinch of magic and paranormal then perhaps take a look at Finding Sky by Joss Stirling, Fateful by Cherie Schmidt and Spellbound by Cara Lynn Shultz.(less)

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