Belles (Belles, #1)

Apr 05, 2012 Giselle rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, own, contemporary

This was a breath of fresh air for me. Just what I needed to get a nice breather from dark paranormals. Belles gives us a delightful read with loads of personalities and jaw dropping schemes. Imagine living a quiet life in a bad part of town, when you're suddenly whisked away to live with your senator uncle and his glamorous Gossip Girl lifestyle. That's what's happening to Izzie, however, turning into a princess overnight is not as fun as it seems!

Belles is told in an alternating point-of-view...more This was a breath of fresh air for me. Just what I needed to get a nice breather from dark paranormals. Belles gives us a delightful read with loads of personalities and jaw dropping schemes. Imagine living a quiet life in a bad part of town, when you're suddenly whisked away to live with your senator uncle and his glamorous Gossip Girl lifestyle. That's what's happening to Izzie, however, turning into a princess overnight is not as fun as it seems!

Belles is told in an alternating point-of-view between Izzie and her cousin Mira, which is fascinating because these two can't be any more different. We really get to see - as they say - both sides of the track. On Izzie's part, as you can guess, we have conniving queen bees who are not very accepting of this "poor" girl. Izzie has unsurprisingly, a very hard time fitting in and her down-to-earth, don't take any crap, personality is really easy to connect with. As for Mira, she has been leading this privilege life and just happens to be queen bee's right hand, so it's very difficult for her to relate to Mira even the slightest. Mira can seem heartless, even conceited at times, but getting to see her POV makes us actually understand that it's equally hard for her to suddenly have a new family member. I truly enjoyed both characters: Getting two drastically opposite narratives really makes the story that much more entertaining.

With all the gossip and drama, we obviously have to have some romance. It's not a big part of the story, but it's there nonetheless. I loved how it was integrated in the plot lightly, giving it more of a romantic charm. The actual plot has an air of mystery - you know a twist is coming (and it's a good one!) - but it's essentially about Izzie having to adjust to this dazzling lifestyle she's been thrown in while staying true to herself, and dealing with her less-than-charming classmates. If you're a fan of the popular TV series Gossip Girl or 90210, you will greatly enjoy Jen Calonita's Belles!

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May 30, 2012 Isamlq rated it 1 of 5 stars

Red. I see red.

That the Belles are both fifteen is made clear from the word go. Yet, their behavior in this was far from that. About the only thing I actually liked about this was the cover. Oh, beautiful cover, how you have mislead me again! Well, that AND page 270, (and I actually do mean it when I say just that page.) Frankly, just about any negative you could think of might just apply to this one.

Characters. What characters? Card board cut outs, more likely. I felt them ALL one dimensional,...more

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Apr 03, 2012 Mimi Valentine rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: pure-awesomeness, finished-copy-for-review, gorgeous-covers, boys-i-wish-were-real, reviewed

I've always been more of a paranormal or fantasy girl (preferring made up worlds to our boring old realistic one), but I think that this was exactly the kind of contemporary book that I've been looking for to get me back into the genre — and I kind of want to hug it for that!

Belles zeroes on the lives of two completely different girls who are inexplicably linked: Isabelle (Izzie), the spunky swimmer who comes from the "wrong side of town," and Mirabelle (Mira), the privileged social butterfly wh...more

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Jul 12, 2012 Misty rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: own, juvenile-ya, contemporary, read-in-2012, cover-appeal, timesuck, review-copy-accepted

PLEASE NOTE: This is a DNF (did not finish) review. That means I did not finishthis book. If reviews of half-finished books bother you, please look elsewhere. For the rest of you, I am going to try to explain why I didn't feel the need to finish this.

Alright, I feel like this can be pretty brief, actually. There are times when I put something on the DNF shelf because they are horribly written/edited, or because I hate the characters/plot/world/etc. Sometimes I DNF things because they are indescr...more

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May 01, 2012 Brenna rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, hachette, arc, april-reads

I picked up Belles when I was needing a fresh, fun contemporary read and it easily exceeded my expectations in this area! It's a surprisingly tender and stirring book, one that features a vibrant cast of characters and introduces its readers to a fun, new contemporary series that will leave you eager for the next book, Winter White.

Reasonst to Read:

1.Charming characters:

Izzie quickly grew on me as a character, even though I was worried at first that she would be needy and whiny. Boy, was I ever...more I picked up Belles when I was needing a fresh, fun contemporary read and it easily exceeded my expectations in this area! It's a surprisingly tender and stirring book, one that features a vibrant cast of characters and introduces its readers to a fun, new contemporary series that will leave you eager for the next book, Winter White.

Reasonst to Read:

1.Charming characters:

Izzie quickly grew on me as a character, even though I was worried at first that she would be needy and whiny. Boy, was I ever wrong about her! Izzie is a survivor, one who refuses to let even the worst situations completely bring her down. She acts the way any other teenage girl would in her position, and that's one difficult position to be in. I loved her for that, and especially watching her grow and adapt to her new life. Mira, on the other hand, took a bit longer for me to get used to. Even though she was rather dense and unsympathetic most of the time, there was still something endearing about her and I think we'll see more maturity from her in the next books :)

2.A beautiful story:

I expected Belles to be a lighter, more fun kind of read; and it definitely had its moments. But the story itself is so involved and very intense; there's a real meaning behind all of it, and a lot of painful history and tragedy in the characters' lives. It's truly touching, and adds a good amount of dimension to the story.

3.A brave, remarkable heroine(s):

My favourite thing about Izzie is that she refuses to back down and give up. She is constantly fighting for what she feels is right and I really admire that about her. Even at risk to herself and her own situation, she's constantly thinking of others first and it's this kindness and bravery to stand out and alone that makes her such a memorable character. Also, I have to take a minute to praise Mira's mom for her willingness to "adopt" Izzie so openly into their family. She is such a wonderful, generous woman to have and I loved featuring her as a character in Belles.

Belles is a very quick, easy read. It's enjoyable and it's fun, but it's also lacking in one large area, which is complexity. I was actually surprised that Belles charmed me so much, because normally I don't enjoy books that feature fairly one-dimensional characters, but it wasn't that much of a problem for me in Belles. And when I found out that there would be more books coming out soon to accompany Belles and continue the story- well I was just THRILLED because I think we'll really get to know more about some of these secondary characters in Belles. I'd really love to find out more about Savannah's motivations, and even Mira and her family as well.

Because of this, I have high hopes for the sequel and think I'll enjoy it even more than Belles. Fingers crossed!

ARC received from Hachette Book Group Canada for review.(less)

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Mar 19, 2013 Jessica Yang rated it 1 of 5 stars

I thought that Jen was an amazing writer. When I read sleepaway girls, I LOVED IT. It was just amazing.

I thought that Jen Calonita was a brilliant author, but that was BEFORE I read Belles.

I HATED this book, whoever says that this was " a breath of fresh air" and "so much fun" is lying. You know that feeling when you read a terrible book that makes you SO angry and after the book, you feel like killing someone? This is how I feel right now, so that's for that Jen, thanks.
The plot was stupid and...more

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Jan 16, 2013 Lisa rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Lately life has been crazy and when life gets crazy that equals me sitting in a coffee shop on weekends doing data analysis and trying to somehow get caught up. I don't know how many of you have tried working in coffee shops before, but apparently I missed the memo that they are extremely noisy. Seriously, how can people study there? So to drown out all the chatty people, I will often listen to audio books as I work. This means that the audio books have to be somewhat light and easy to catch the...more Lately life has been crazy and when life gets crazy that equals me sitting in a coffee shop on weekends doing data analysis and trying to somehow get caught up. I don't know how many of you have tried working in coffee shops before, but apparently I missed the memo that they are extremely noisy. Seriously, how can people study there? So to drown out all the chatty people, I will often listen to audio books as I work. This means that the audio books have to be somewhat light and easy to catch the point of.

Belles was perfect for this. While the subject matter may not have been light, the way it was presented happened to be. I sort of felt like I was listening to a teen rom-com; it had it's sweet parts, heart-wrenching parts, and horrible backstabbing mean girls parts. Plus the surprise at the end wasn't a huge surprise, but it still worked well with the novel. I'm guessing most people will figure it after the first couple of chapters, but that didn't necessarily take anything away from the story. All-in-all Belles was cute book and really easily to get lost in.

Isabelle has lost everything and is forced to move in with an uncle she never knew she had. Saying she got an upgrade in her socioeconomic status is an understatement. Not only does she gain an insta-rich family, but also an evil stepsister. (Well not necessarily evil, but a little lost herself which leads to some poor choices.) However, the characters at times seemed a bit unbelievable. I guess this is such a stretch from my everyday life, that I have a hard time picturing the ultra-rich, ultra-popular girl getting away with everything she did. I also felt like a lot of the characters were conveyed as shallow and one dimensional. Plus what is with all the backstabbing...seriously people get over yourselves.

While this was a great audio to fit my needs at the time, it didn't have the substance I was hoping for. But if you just need a book to help you escape for a while and help you give in to that mind candy mode, Belles is the book for you.
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Nov 03, 2012 Rachel rated it 4 of 5 stars

Isabelle Scott’s life changes very quickly when she learns that her grandmother can no longer take care of her, so she must move in with the only relatives she has. But what this means for Izzie is moving from her comfortable, if slightly run-down, part of North Carolina to a her uncle’s house in Emerald Cove, an affluent neighborhood. It turns out that she’s related to a politically significant man and his family, which is going to take some getting used to.

Money, power, and secrets abound in t...more

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Sep 21, 2012 Ashlie rated it 4 of 5 stars

I thought this was a nice, light change from the heavy paranormal series' I've had my nose stuck in the past few years. Despite it's juvenile air, the story has a charm that is only added upon by the narrator's twangy character voices (which I loved). I thought the story in general was predictable, but enjoyable. I think this is a great read for teenage girls. It has really good messages about being true to who you are and standing up for yourself, knowing what real friends are, and not judging...more

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Aug 04, 2012 Nic rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: didn-t-finish, audiobook

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I got halfway through this audiobook - finished four out of eight CDs - and I find I still don't care. Well, that's not ENTIRELY true: I'm slightly curious about whatever the big scandal is. The back of the audiobook box says that Isabelle and Mirabelle (Izzie and Mira) "learn a life-changing secret that will turn both their worlds upside-down." Basically, Izzie has a happy life on the wrong side of the tracks with her grandmother, while Mira is the super-privileged daughter of a state senator r...more I got halfway through this audiobook - finished four out of eight CDs - and I find I still don't care. Well, that's not ENTIRELY true: I'm slightly curious about whatever the big scandal is. The back of the audiobook box says that Isabelle and Mirabelle (Izzie and Mira) "learn a life-changing secret that will turn both their worlds upside-down." Basically, Izzie has a happy life on the wrong side of the tracks with her grandmother, while Mira is the super-privileged daughter of a state senator running for the grown-up Senate. Then Izzie's grandmother deteriorates, and Izzie's social worker places her with her "distant relatives," Mira's family. Based on how weirdly over-attentive and otherwise weirdly Mira's parents are from the moment Izzie arrives, and the way that no one seems to know exactly how she's related to them, my guess: she's Mira's long-lost sister AND/OR she and Mira were switched at birth and the family just figured it out. Something of that nature.

Things that the secret probably isn't, but I wish it was, because it would be actually unexpected:

- Izzie is secretly A SELKIE!

- Yeah, I got nothing else. I guess I was irrationally really drawn to the selkie idea.

Anyway, there's some amount of foreshadowing of this secret, whatever it is (*coughSWITCHEDATBIRTHcough*), but not enough to keep up a, "What is going on here?" tension. And I feel the book is not otherwise well-written. There are a lot of clichés and a lot - a LOT - of descriptions of people's hair, clothes, makeup, and so on. I know authors want people to visualize their characters, know what they look like. I sympathize. I sympathize less when it's the third time you're telling me that so-and-so has "pale blonde hair" or "white blonde hair." Okay, I heard you before! Do you think I have some kind of short-term memory loss? Or are you semi-subliminally pushing some kind of Aryan supremacy thing? So much blondness! So much emphatic blondness!

As for the detail about clothes, makeup, etc., there really is a time and place. For example: detail about dresses is perfectly placed during the scene where Mira, Izzie, et al. are dress shopping. But when Izzie is flirtatiously night-swimming/splashing around with Braden (is that how you spell his name? Audiobooks!), and she kicks her feet in the water, that is maybe not the time to mention her "dark cranberry pedicure." Author: think about what is the focus of the scene, and try to consider how close to that focus a given detail is. If the answer is "far," maybe consider omitting it. Just because a thing would be visible if this were a scene in a movie doesn't mean we have to read about that thing.

Also: The guy Mira is crushing on, Kendall or whatever, is a jerk. Oh, let me be more specific: he's uninteresting and bizarrely critical of Mira's artwork for no reason. It's like he's one of those awkward guys who doesn't know how to flirt, so he . . . says mean things to you. Um, Those Guys of the world: if you can't manage flirting, "being randomly rude" is not a close second. And it's not cute or funny - it's just, you know, rude. Which most people don't like.

Anyway! I care just enough about discovering this "life-changing secret" that I will now browse Goodreads reviews and see if I can spoil myself on it. (That's the thing about audiobooks - you can't skim ahead!) I do not care enough to listen to more of this. For those interested in the actual quality of the audiobook: basically, if you like Southern accents, you're good. If not . . . maybe skip it.

EDIT: I was so right about the twist, more or less. If not about the spelling of Brayden's name.(less)

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Jul 19, 2012 Sandra rated it 3 of 5 stars

I thought the concept from Belles was great - take girl from supposedly the wrong side of the tracks and implant her in the lifestyles of the rich and the famous and see what happens. As predicted, it didn't exactly go well. Her cousin is less than welcoming and all the popular girls at school soon freeze her out. Turns out being rich is harder than being poor, but I was proud of Izzie for staying strong.

Izzie was definitely an admirable character and while we can all learn a little something fr...more

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Jul 04, 2012 K rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: library

In West Philadelphia born and raised
On the playground is where I spent most of my days
Chillin' out maxin' relaxin' all cool
And all shootin' some b-ball outside of the school
When a couple of guys who were up to no good
Started makin' trouble in my neighborhood
I got in one little fight and my mom got scared
And said you're movin' with your auntie and uncle in Bel-Air

Izzy doesn’t get into a fight (Harborside isn’t like that, swear), but this is a story all about how her life got flipped turned ...more In West Philadelphia born and raised
On the playground is where I spent most of my days
Chillin' out maxin' relaxin' all cool
And all shootin' some b-ball outside of the school
When a couple of guys who were up to no good
Started makin' trouble in my neighborhood
I got in one little fight and my mom got scared
And said you're movin' with your auntie and uncle in Bel-Air

Izzy doesn’t get into a fight (Harborside isn’t like that, swear), but this is a story all about how her life got flipped turned upside down. Her grandmother’s failing mental faculties get the attention of social services because at fifteen, Izzy’s not really fit to run a household. Her social worker steps in and drops a new life at Izzy’s feet. She has a distant relative who’s willing to take her in. It might not be far from Harborside, but the chi-chi neighborhood of Emerald Cove might as well be another planet. Izzy has minutes to pack and just days to adjust to her new, privileged life of private schools, galas, and mean girls with the limitless financial backing of rich daddies.

I’m not terribly fond of Cinderella or poor little rich girl stories, but Izzy is no shrinking violet. There are no evil stepmothers or hero-complex Prince Charmings. Instead, the Monroes are a pretty great family and the boy of the story likes the scrappier side of this Harborside heroine. It doesn’t take her long before Izzy figures out she needs to shake up the establishment. The great part is that she keeps her heart and integrity while doing it.

I initially thought of the Fresh Prince, but The OC might be more apt. It wasn’t all Chrismukkah and bad decisions on the beach, though. The book put value into family and had a bit of a social conscience. It read a little young and the dialogue was sometimes odd. Every once in a while I’ll read a book and have to restyle people because they’re dressed so bizarrely (I’m lookin’ at you, Stephanie Plum characters). With this book, I had to reword their conversations—honestly, if I were to get winked at that much in conversation I would be totally weirded out. It could have vibed made-for-Disney-channel (well, more so than it did), but the story was solid. It wrapped up nicely, but wasn’t all puppies and rainbows. There’s more to come and I’ll be checking out the next one.(less)

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Jun 09, 2012 Majibookshelf Juhina & Farah rated it 4 of 5 stars

Belles by Jen Calonita is another contemporary novel that has a bit more depth than the usual fluff we’ve all been accustomed to. The story revolves around two girls who couldn’t be more different from each one. Isabelle lives with her grandmother in a “humbler” area but had to move to her uncle’s house when her grandmother’s health plummeted. To say that both cousins weren’t happy about this arrangement is an understatement. On the opposite of the social spectrum is Maribelle. Maribelle is a so...more Belles by Jen Calonita is another contemporary novel that has a bit more depth than the usual fluff we’ve all been accustomed to. The story revolves around two girls who couldn’t be more different from each one. Isabelle lives with her grandmother in a “humbler” area but had to move to her uncle’s house when her grandmother’s health plummeted. To say that both cousins weren’t happy about this arrangement is an understatement. On the opposite of the social spectrum is Maribelle. Maribelle is a sourthern version of an extra on the movie ‘mean girls’. Maribelle’s dad is running for senator; hence picture perfect family, picket white fence, and everything that Maribelle ever wants, at her feet. When the two cousins meet, or should I say collide, problems start.
I really hated how Mari treated Izzie, it is so clichéd that the popular, rich girl is trying to make the less fortunate new student’s life a living hell. To top it all, she is her COUSIN. I just couldn’t connect with Mari and how selfish and childish she was, even if deep down her behavior stems from insecurities, I can’t deal with people lashing it out on others, I mean that’s the definition of bullying. As for Izzie? I loved how independent she was! She is definitely my favorite character out of the two!
I loved how Belles was told from both Mari and Izzie’s POVs, you got to experience it from both sides so you have the complete picture. Belles kept me entertained, it was a cute contemporary about two girls from different social classes and their struggle to fit in and accept themselves for who they are. Also the character development and bonding of the two characters was definitely heart warming. I would recommend Belles to anyone who wants to read realistic fiction where romance isn’t the dominant element, but rather friendship and family.
On a side note, WOW did you guys see the GORGEOUS cover of the hardback? The jacket cover isn't complete, it only covers 3/4th of the book, when you remove the jacket, wow the art on the hardback is so pretty! I am in love. Book two, Winter White has a gorgeous purple cover too, and its coming out in October of 2012! (less)

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May 02, 2012 Jennifer Monzon rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2012

Belles by Jen Calonita will proudly go on my “look out for “ shelf. I haven’t had much sleep lately, what with all these amazing reads that take me literally a couple hours to read. This book is THAT GOOD!. It has nothing to do with paranormal, giving me a chance to rest with those, but it has romance, and life changing experiences and secrets and a main character who does not stand down for what she thinks is right or what she believes in. Well enough of my babbling, let’s get on with the revie...more Belles by Jen Calonita will proudly go on my “look out for “ shelf. I haven’t had much sleep lately, what with all these amazing reads that take me literally a couple hours to read. This book is THAT GOOD!. It has nothing to do with paranormal, giving me a chance to rest with those, but it has romance, and life changing experiences and secrets and a main character who does not stand down for what she thinks is right or what she believes in. Well enough of my babbling, let’s get on with the review.

Lets first discuss the cover. I liked the cover, It’s secretive, what with only showing the girls eyes but it’s also classy with the font. Good job with the cover.

Izzy is the main character and she is the bravest, kindest, loveable and strongest person you can read about. She’s into swimming and even has a job as a lifeguard near the boardwalk where she lives. Izzy is living with her grandma or better she’s taking care of her grandma after a terrible accident took the life of her mother. Izzy and her grandmother are barely making it financially since her grandmother can’t work due to her illness and can’t do pretty much nothing for herself. So it falls on Izzy to make sure that groceries are bought, bills are paid that her grandmother is well kept. Amazing character isn’t she? She has a social worker for the State looking after them both because Izzy’s grandmother is getting really old and is in the beginning of Alzheimer's. But before Izzy’s grandmother’s health deteriorates further, she locates some long lost relatives that live a few miles away from where Izzy lives now. Izzy’s grandmother gives this information to the social worker and they locate and talk to these relatives all the while Izzy has not idea of this occurrence. One night, after Izzy gets a phone call from her social worker to meet at Izzy’s grandmother’s house, Izzy is both afraid and nervous of the news the social worker might bring. Once she meets the social worker, Izzy’s world comes crashing down when she’s told she is to pack a couple of things with her that night because she is moving in with an Uncle. “Uncle Bill”

Remember when I told you that Izzy and her grandmother were barely making it financially? Well Izzy’s Uncle is running for the U.S. Senate and is loaded. He lives in a upscale neighborhood and owns a mansion . Izzy is shocked when she comes to his house for the first time. While at her Uncle’s she meets Mirabelle Monroe who is her cousin. Since they met, they just didn’t get along. I can see why, Mirabelle is fake, she’s all smiles and friendly to Izzy’s face but behind her back she’s talking all nonsense about the girl. Just because she’s from Harbor’s Side, where there are supposed knife fights and theft all the time, basically a poor neighborhood. I didn’t like Mirabelle so much in the beginning, but I loved her at the end when she stood her ground and stopped following Savannah.

Savannah is your typical rich girl. She has it all, money, beauty and of course the boy Izzy has been secretly crushing on for months as a boyfriend. She has all the characteristics of a rich girl too. Snotty, backstabber, only will hang with her kind, gossips and is the ring leader of her crowd at Prep High. So off the bat you know her and Izzy do not get along at all. While Izzy is trying to get adjusted to this new life style, and with her family showering her with all these gifts, she’s still herself. She still likes her old neighborhood and even begins charity work to give back to the community where they helped raise her. She doesn’t get a break from Savannah and Mirabelle at school and is immediately outkasted. While at home, her uncle and aunt believe that Mirabelle is making sure she’s being welcomed in school and with Mirabelle’s friend.

After Savannah first promoted Izzy to host a charity event only to plot against her and sabotage the event, Mirabelle is left a decision. Quit her longtime friendship with Savannah and help her cousin Izzy? Or just look the other way? Mirabelle makes the right decisions and helps Izzy accomplish her goal of making it the best charity event ever existed in Prep High, especially since all the event’s proceeds will go to the community center at Harborside. When Izzy thinks she’s finally beat Savannah and that the event is going smoothly. Savannah throws her a devastating blow and unveil a HUGE secret no one knew.

Jen Calonita did an amazing job with the writing, the descriptions, the characters EVERYTHING. While I was reading I even got teary eyed on some parts of the plot because Jen is such an amazing writer. I will look out for more books on this author as she has the magic to make a story come to life. I highly recommend this story! Go out and buy it! It will not disappoint!!!! (less)

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Apr 12, 2012 Maggie Hargrave rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: girl-books, romance, ya

Belles by Jen Calonita is a straight up contemporary, realistic fiction and it even takes place in North Carolina (even if Harborside and Emerald Cove are fictional). Although it reminded me of Spoiled by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan, it was still a good book. Izzie and Mira are distinct characters, and Mira was complex enough to not just hate her, but empathize with her. It was nice how the narration switched focus between the two of them so that you could see both sides of the story. There...more

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Apr 12, 2012 Kris rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, books-reviewed, contemporary, ya-books

Jen Calonita brings Cinderella to modern times. Izzie lived a rough life, taking care of her grandmother and trying to make ends meet. She had good friends and neighbors, people who respected her and were concerned over her wellbeing. Then a social worker intervenes and sends her to live with a distant relative, and Izzie enters the world of the rich and glamorous. Here, the fairy-tale world takes a twists, and Izzie becomes new girl in a rich private school, threatened by the queen bee whose bo...more

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Apr 11, 2012 Once Upon rated it 5 of 5 stars

Belles by Jen Calonita will proudly go on my “look out for “ shelf. I haven’t had much sleep lately, what with all these amazing reads that take me literally a couple hours to read. This book is THAT GOOD!. It has nothing to do with paranormal, giving me a chance to rest with those, but it has romance, and life changing experiences and secrets and a main character who does not stand down for what she thinks is right or what she believes in. Well enough of my babbling, let’s get on with the revie...more Belles by Jen Calonita will proudly go on my “look out for “ shelf. I haven’t had much sleep lately, what with all these amazing reads that take me literally a couple hours to read. This book is THAT GOOD!. It has nothing to do with paranormal, giving me a chance to rest with those, but it has romance, and life changing experiences and secrets and a main character who does not stand down for what she thinks is right or what she believes in. Well enough of my babbling, let’s get on with the review.

Lets first discuss the cover. I liked the cover, It’s secretive, what with only showing the girls eyes but it’s also classy with the font. Good job with the cover.

Izzy is the main character and she is the bravest, kindest, love able and strongest person you can read about. She’s into swimming and even has a job as a lifeguard near the boardwalk where she lives. Izzy is living with her grandma or better she’s taking care of her grandma after a terrible accident took the life of her mother. Izzy and her grandmother are barely making it financially since her grandmother can’t work due to her illness and can’t do pretty much nothing for herself. So it falls on Izzy to make sure that groceries are bought, bills are paid that her grandmother is well kept. Amazing character isn’t she? She has a social worker for the State looking after them both because Izzy’s grandmother is getting really old and is in the beginning of Alzheimer's. But before Izzy’s grandmother’s health deteriorates further, she locates some long lost relatives that live a few miles away from where Izzy lives now. Izzy’s grandmother gives this information to the social worker and they locate and talk to these relatives all the while Izzy has not idea of this occurrence. One night, after Izzy gets a phone call from her social worker to meet at Izzy’s grandmother’s house, Izzy is both afraid and nervous of the news the social worker might bring. Once she meets the social worker, Izzy’s world comes crashing down when she’s told she is to pack a couple of things with her that night because she is moving in with an Uncle. “Uncle Bill”

Remember when I told you that Izzy and her grandmother were barely making it financially? Well Izzy’s Uncle is running for the U.S. Senate and is loaded. He lives in a upscale neighborhood and owns a mansion . Izzy is shocked when she comes to his house for the first time. While at her Uncle’s she meets Mirabelle Monroe who is her cousin. Since they met, they just didn’t get along. I can see why, Mirabelle is fake, she’s all smiles and friendly to Izzy’s face but behind her back she’s talking all nonsense about the girl. Just because she’s from Harbor’s Side, where there are supposed knife fights and theft all the time, basically a poor neighborhood. I didn’t like Mirabelle so much in the beginning, but I loved her at the end when she stood her ground and stopped following Savannah.

Savannah is your typical rich girl. She has it all, money, beauty and of course the boy Izzy has been secretly crushing on for months as a boyfriend. She has all the characteristics of a rich girl too. Snotty, backstabber, only will hang with her kind, gossips and is the ring leader of her crowd at Prep High. So off the bat you know her and Izzy do not get along at all. While Izzy is trying to get adjusted to this new life style, and with her family showering her with all these gifts, she’s still herself. She still likes her old neighborhood and even begins charity work to give back to the community where they helped raise her. She doesn’t get a break from Savannah and Mirabelle at school and is immediately outcasts. While at home, her uncle and aunt believe that Mirabelle is making sure she’s being welcomed in school and with Mirabelle’s friend.

After Savannah first promoted Izzy to host a charity event only to plot against her and sabotage the event, Mirabelle is left a decision. Quit her longtime friendship with Savannah and help her cousin Izzy? Or just look the other way? Mirabelle makes the right decisions and helps Izzy accomplish her goal of making it the best charity event ever existed in Prep High, especially since all the event’s proceeds will go to the community center at Harborside. When Izzy thinks she’s finally beat Savannah and that the event is going smoothly. Savannah throws her a devastating blow and unveil a HUGE secret no one knew.

Jen Calonita did an amazing job with the writing, the descriptions, the characters EVERYTHING. While I was reading I even got teary eyed on some parts of the plot because Jen is such an amazing writer. I will look out for more books on this author as she has the magic to make a story come to life. I highly recommend this story! Go out and buy it! It will not disappoint!!!!

review link: http://www.onceuponatwilight.com/2012...(less)

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Apr 06, 2012 Nancy rated it 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed Calonita's previous book series as it was light, fun and clean. I am reasonably certain this will be another series I will enjoy, as well.

The story is somewhat predictable with a couple of concepts that I found well integrated. There is a Cinderella factor to some extent as Izzie goes from poor to rich in a matter of hours. The part I really liked about this was that Izzie didn't believe her life was broken. She lived in a rough town with her grandmother who was slowly losing her cogni...more I enjoyed Calonita's previous book series as it was light, fun and clean. I am reasonably certain this will be another series I will enjoy, as well.

The story is somewhat predictable with a couple of concepts that I found well integrated. There is a Cinderella factor to some extent as Izzie goes from poor to rich in a matter of hours. The part I really liked about this was that Izzie didn't believe her life was broken. She lived in a rough town with her grandmother who was slowly losing her cognitive ability. She did all the shopping and housework as well as caring for and covering up her grandmother's failing health. She worked as a lifeguard to make ends meet plus volunteered at the community center. She was poor, yes. But she knew how to navigate her life to make it work. She had good friends, neighbors who watched out for her, and a strong sense of community with strong adults respecting her independence although concerned for her welfare. Her life was not perfect but she had the coping skills to make it work. I liked that.

Of course, Granny's condition worsens and the social worker suddenly finds a distant relative for Izzie to live with. The shocking twist at the end is pretty much not shocking, after all but that's neither here nor there. She enters the world of prestige and money. She also enters a prestigious private school with the requisite mean girl and entourage. That part bored me. Seen it. It's the old story of queen bee being threatened by new girl and mercilessly tries to tear her down. Also, queen bee's boyfriend is the love interest of Izzie. Mira, Izzie's age and her distant cousin won't stand up to queen bee and settles for path of least resistance although a truce is reached at some point.

Closure is minimal because this will obviously be a series, although the ending was enough closure for now. The mean people and political conflict will obviously play a part in the next books. Pleasant read. Wasn't blown over by it but it will be very well received by younger teens.

It's a book I will keep on my bookshelves for my girls to read.(less)

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Apr 05, 2012 Amanda rated it 4 of 5 stars

See My Full Review Here: http://www.hippiesbeautyandbooksohmy....

First Impressions: I was in the mood for something light and easy to read when I picked up my copy of Belles. It looked and sounded like a really cute story and it was something different from all of the paranormal books I am getting a little bit tired of. I’ve been liking more and more contemporary books as of late, and there is so many good ones out right now, so I had high expectations of this novel. Plus, I’m a southern girl at...more See My Full Review Here: http://www.hippiesbeautyandbooksohmy....

First Impressions: I was in the mood for something light and easy to read when I picked up my copy of Belles. It looked and sounded like a really cute story and it was something different from all of the paranormal books I am getting a little bit tired of. I’ve been liking more and more contemporary books as of late, and there is so many good ones out right now, so I had high expectations of this novel. Plus, I’m a southern girl at heart, having spent quite of few year shuffling back and forth between South Carolina and Virgina, so I really like that this book has a southern flare to it.

First 50 Pages: I immediately noticed that this wasn’t exactly a unique book with a unique plot line. I’m okay with that, as long as it is well written, which it is. I found I was able to connect to the characters well and I felt invested in the main character especially. One thing that did bother me was the character names because they all seemed to rhyme with one another. For example, there is an Isabelle and a Mirabelle. I know I’m kind of nitpicking, but it was slightly annoying to me that the author couldn’t come up with something a little bit more creative.

Characters & Plot: The plot follows Isabelle Scoot who lives with her grandmother in a town called Harborside, North Carolina. This town isn’t the greatest town in the world, plus Isabelle’s grandmother is getting older and her health is starting to fail, but she has a great support system and some wonderful friends to count on to brighten up her days. The highlight and escape of her days is the time spent at her job as a lifeguard. Oh and the super cute surfer guy she met named Brayden.

Unfortunately, things seem to take a turn for the worse when Isabelle’s grandmother is admitted into a nursing home. She can no longer take care of Isabelle and Isabelle has no other place to go. Well, she has no other place to go except for going to live with a distant uncle that she barely knows, along with his family in an upscale, ritzy neighborhood called Emerald Cove. Hayden and Mirabelle are Isabelle’s long lost cousins and will be attending Emerald Prep school with Isabelle from now one. Needless to say, nobody is thrilled with this new arrangement, especially Isabelle’s cousins. Even the cousin’s friends have plans to make Isabelle’s life a living hell. Both girls feel like Isabelle doesn’t deserve to be there because she comes from a bad neighborhood.

The story is told from alternating perspectives between Isabella and Mirabelle. I loved Isabelle because she didn’t take any crap from anyone and she seemed like a real person with her low key attitude. I felt bad for her for the way that everyone, even her own family, as treating her like a social outcast, not to mention the pain of being uprooted from her home and her grandmother. Mira I had a more difficult time connecting with, as did Isabelle. Mira has always had everything she wanted and everything has always been handed to her on a silver platter, but Mira also has insecurities like every other teenage girl and we learn why it is so hard for her to accept Isabelle in her life. It was really interesting to see both of these characters points of view because they are very different and it made the book extra special. I don’t think I would have enjoyed it as much as I did if the story had been told from just one perspective.

Final Thoughts: Belles was a really cute book and was fun to read. It’s really a story about a girl who is trying to fit in, but stay true to herself all at the same time in a world that isn’t always easy to be in. This book even has a hint of romance, but I liked that it wasn't part of the main plot line. If you love contemporary novels and you don’t mind reading a book that isn’t the most unique, I would definitely recommend picking up a copy of Belles when it arrives in bookstores! (less)

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Apr 05, 2012 Jessica rated it 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book! I don't know if it is because it wasn't depressing and sad or because it wasn't paranormal or what but it was just refreshing for me to read something so fun. I have always loved a good "rags to riches" story!

Isabelle lives with her grandma in Harborside, just a few short minutes from Emerald Cove. Harborside is the "bad" town and Emerald Cove is full of privileged, rich kids who are, quite frankly, spoiled rotten. Harborside is a poor town with a somewhat bad reputat...more I really enjoyed this book! I don't know if it is because it wasn't depressing and sad or because it wasn't paranormal or what but it was just refreshing for me to read something so fun. I have always loved a good "rags to riches" story!

Isabelle lives with her grandma in Harborside, just a few short minutes from Emerald Cove. Harborside is the "bad" town and Emerald Cove is full of privileged, rich kids who are, quite frankly, spoiled rotten. Harborside is a poor town with a somewhat bad reputation. Izzie loves her town and it's pier, beach and community center though. She can't imagine life anywhere else. Until she gets the call that changes her life forever. Izzie's grandma has Alzheimer's and is going downhill quickly. Izzie's mom died in a car accident and she has never known her father. Izzie's grandma has prepared for her bad health and found Izzie's rich uncle, who lives in Emerald Cove. She sends Izzie there to live with her aunt and uncle and her cousins, Hayden, Mirabelle and Connor.

Mirabelle is the same age as Izzie (just a few months separate them). She is very popular, very spoiled and used to getting whatever she wants. Her best friend is Savannah and together, the two rule the school. Mira's father is getting ready to run for the State Senate and spends very little time with his kids but they are expected to drop everything when he calls for a press opportunity. Which is why Mira isn't surprised when his assistant, Lucas, calls at the last minute and tells her that her father is wanting a family meeting ASAP. Little does Mira know, what her father is about to tell her is going to completely change her life.

I really admired Izzie. She was strong and independent and never felt sorry for herself. She cared about her community and wanted to help them out as much as she could. She didn't let her aunt and uncle's money make her into someone she wasn't. She tried to get along with Mira and her friends but they made that quite impossible. When she is put in charge of a charity event, she takes it and runs with it. Izzie makes it the best event EC has ever seen, despite all the problems she ran into.

Mira was, at first, a spoiled little brat! I really didn't care for her at all and I couldn't stand her boyfriend, Taylor, or her best friend, Savannah. They were all just downright mean and nasty and all they cared about was their status and money. Mira was very weak, letting Savannah and Taylor use her and walk all over her. She cared way too much about what others thought of her and always tried to make her decisions based on what others would do. By the end of the book though she made some changes and I liked her better.

I really liked Hayden. He was so nice and didn't care what others thought. He was much more mature than Mira and tried to help Izzie out as much as he could. He was there for her to cry on his shoulder when she needed but always boosted her up too.

I really liked how this story progressed. It was a fun book with a feel good ending. It didn't have a crazy cliff-hanger ending but it left me just as anxious to read the next book. I really liked the characters (with the exception of Savannah and Taylor) and can't wait to see what happens next with the girls.(less)

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Mar 14, 2013 Natalie Nunez rated it 5 of 5 stars

I really liked this book. Izzie is forced to go live with a long lost uncle after her grandma becomes to ill to take care of her. Izzie grew up on the wrong side of town in North Carolina where she had no time to say goodbye to Brayden and her best friend. She learns her uncle lives in Emerald Cove, a rich part of town in North Carolina. She feels so out of place because she is not used to being pampered and may come off as ungrateful. Mira doesn't like the idea of a complete stranger coming to...more

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Nov 12, 2012 Nicole rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-books, fave-beach-reads, scandals-drama, high-school-romance, ya-fiction

Belles is a rags to riches story with a southern twist.

Isabelle Scott lives in Harborside, North Carolina. It is known as the wrong side of the tracks but Izzie can't imagine another life else where. The town has been her support since her mother past away and she has been left in the care of her grandmother. But her vibrant grandmother has changed. She has an illness and her health deteriorates. She forgets things and even mistakens Izzie for her mother, Chloe. Which makes Izzie sad.

Izzie's soc...more Belles is a rags to riches story with a southern twist.

Isabelle Scott lives in Harborside, North Carolina. It is known as the wrong side of the tracks but Izzie can't imagine another life else where. The town has been her support since her mother past away and she has been left in the care of her grandmother. But her vibrant grandmother has changed. She has an illness and her health deteriorates. She forgets things and even mistakens Izzie for her mother, Chloe. Which makes Izzie sad.

Izzie's social worker then tells her that she has a distant uncle and it is best she go and live with him and his family at Emerald Cove, a wealthy area. Izzie cannot believe her uncle is a senator and is star struck by the lifestyle in EM. With expensive clothes, humongous houses and extravagant cars. She is dizzy with all that knowledge.

The Monroe family welcome her and she meets the kids, Connor, Hayden and Mirabelle "Mira". Maureen their mother immediately begins to make Izzie feel at home by buying her clothes, a computer and revamps her entire room. Izzie is appreciative but feels it all too much and somehow she has a feeling what her uncle says doesn't add up.

Izzie can't believe what is happening. She misses her grandmother who is currently living at a care home but now she has to face the pressure of living with a politically prominent family. She has to learn fast and soon, the students alienate her when word gets out to the press about her situation.

Mira's friends refuse to be friendly and are mean. Fittig in is so important at Emerald Prep, even Mira allows her best friend aka popular girl Savannah to make Izzie's lifw difficult and does nothing as she is afraid of making Savannah angry. She even holds back her true interest in art because she is afraid her "friends" will condemn her for it.

The supporting characters were well built. Izzie's old friends did not have big roles but you knew them after reading about them. Suffice to say the character building was good.

I think Belles is a smashing start to a series. I love the southern aspect and community. Reading about how southern belles are all about family and tradition was interesting and yet, these girls can be mean without seeming to be. I also loved how much family played into the book. How important one's family is and all.

If you are looking for a light hearted novel filled with southern charm, gossip and designer labels look no further. Read if you liked The Daughters series or Gossip Girl.(less)

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Apr 10, 2012 Mariah rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, april-12, own, series

I have read and loved Jen Calonita’s Secrets of My Hollywood Life series and so I was super excited to read Belles especially after reading the summary.

Contemporary fiction is not really my thing, I mean I like it enough but give me a historical or a fantasy over contemp. any day. But then I read books like this and The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight and I remember how much I actually like contemporary fiction.

I really enjoyed Belles. It was so much more than I originally expect...more

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Apr 05, 2012 Justin rated it 5 of 5 stars

What an amazing book. Belles is one of those feel good books, it does have some tough moments but for the most part it's really feel good type of book in my opinion. I had figured I would enjoy Belles, I loved the concept of it and I had heard quite a few good things about it before I actually started reading. I just think it surpassed my expectations by a long shot. This book wasn't just great, it was easily one of best Contemporaries that I have read. Jen is a fantastic author, and I loved the...more What an amazing book. Belles is one of those feel good books, it does have some tough moments but for the most part it's really feel good type of book in my opinion. I had figured I would enjoy Belles, I loved the concept of it and I had heard quite a few good things about it before I actually started reading. I just think it surpassed my expectations by a long shot. This book wasn't just great, it was easily one of best Contemporaries that I have read. Jen is a fantastic author, and I loved the way she wrote this book. It draws you in from the start, and I can almost guarantee you will be just as hooked as I was.

The characters in Belles are awesome. I was extremely impressed by the amount of depth to each of the characters, even the ones you don't hear about much in the book. I've always said that one of the most important things to me when it comes to books, is character depth. If you don't have that depth, it's hard to build connections with the characters and really get drawn into a story. Jen delivered with this amazing cast of characters, and I loved how Jen made the characters seem so real. Especially when it came to Isabelle and Mira's relationship. That was one of my favorite parts of the book, to see how cousins from completely different backgrounds could come to understand and accept each other.

Belles is a beautifully written story. As I said before, I really feel like it's a great feel good type of book. It does have it's sadder moments though, such as the reason why Isabelle goes to live with her Aunt and Uncle. And then just the transition Isabelle has to make to try and fit into this new lifestyle, and the hardships she has to go through especially with it being election time for her Uncle. There was just a ton of positive things in the book to though, I feel like that outweigh the sad/negative situations.

The ending was the biggest shocker for me. I was not expecting it at all, but it really did make things interesting. I think it really solidified the idea of family looking after family, and that no matter what happens things can always work out. It wasn't a bad ending by any means just somewhat shocking, and I actually felt that it really tied the story together very nicely.

If you're looking for a somewhat light, and heartfelt book then Belles is for you. It's got a fantastic story, with an outstanding cast of characters that you can't help but become attached to some of them throughout this book. I really do hope you all will check this book out on the 10th. I just can't think of any other ways to describe just how wonderful of a book this is. It's well worth reading, whenever you get the chance to.

Originally posted on my blog here: http://www.justinsbookblog.com/2012/0...(less)

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Feb 28, 2012 Carrie Ardoin rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: posted-on-blog, arc-tour

Isabelle Scott is happily living with her grandmother in the town of Harborside, North Carolina. The town has a bad reputation, and her grandmother's health is in decline, but she's making it day by day with the help of her community. She can escape to the beach for her lifeguard job and time with her recently met surfer friend, Brayden.

Then Izzie gets a bombshell dropped on her: her grandmother is being admitted to a nursing home, and she must go to live with her long-lost uncle and his family...more

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Apr 04, 2012 Kelly Hager rated it 3 of 5 stars

Since her mom died a few years ago, Izzie has lived with her grandmother. It's worked out well, except now Grams is clearly suffering from Alzheimer's. Still, Izzie has managed to get by (thanks to help from her neighbors)...but then her social worker found out. Now they've found a distant relative of her mom's to take care of Izzie until she's old enough. Except her distant cousin is a state senator about to run for the US Senate. The family is crazy wealthy (Izzie made ends meet but that's abo...more

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Jul 19, 2012 Ana rated it 4 of 5 stars

If you are detecting a theme within my most recent reviews, you are not alone. Drama-infused and fluffy contemporaries—or, as I like to call them, beach reads— seem to be all I’m reading this summer. Maybe I need a break from all the paranormal and dystopian books that I’ve been reading, or maybe I just want something that’s easy to understand, but either way I am glad I picked up Belles.

The thing that you need to know before digging into this one (which I suggest you do) is that it’s cliché. Be...more If you are detecting a theme within my most recent reviews, you are not alone. Drama-infused and fluffy contemporaries—or, as I like to call them, beach reads— seem to be all I’m reading this summer. Maybe I need a break from all the paranormal and dystopian books that I’ve been reading, or maybe I just want something that’s easy to understand, but either way I am glad I picked up Belles.

The thing that you need to know before digging into this one (which I suggest you do) is that it’s cliché. Belles is more of a medley of borrowed plotlines—from the overused rags to riches to the high school mean girl picking on the new kid—than anything else. Nevertheless, this quality enhanced Calonita’s novel instead of detracting from it, highlighting Belles’s s fluffiness and Southern twang. I’m actually glad that Calonita opted to go the clichéd route instead of striving to be unique, because retelling old stories is clearly one of her skills.

Belle’s world building is also exceptionally well done. From Emerald Cove’s lavish prep to school Harborside’s rundown community centre, I almost felt like I was in North Carolina. (Which I am, but that’s beyond the point.) Harborside was one of my favourite parts of Belles; the sense of community was amazing and the whimsical boardwalk was so much fun. I probably enjoyed the scenes set in Scoops (the town’s ice cream shop) a lot more than I should have, but can I help it if Belles is well written?

Well written may be an understatement when it comes to this novel. I really felt Mira’s inner conflict; Izzie’s battles became my own. The scenes involving Izzie’s Grams, who has Alzheimer’s, were so evocative that I teared up on more than one occasion. Make of this what you will, but you can’t argue the fact that Jen Calonita can write.

Izzie is best described by her favourite proverb: “No guts, no glory”. She grew up in the bad part of town and has been forced to fend for herself and her grandmother for a long time, and has become one seriously tough cookie as a result. However, if you ask her, Harborside isn’t bad at all— just misunderstood. She is the incarnate of many ideals, including a strong sense of family and loyalty to her friends. My only issue with Izzie’s character is that she sometimes felt like a cross between a robot and an inspirational poster, what with her many I’m-a-strong-person-and-I’m-not-going-to-let-them-break-me statements.

Mira, on the other hand, is best described by the word ‘doormat’. She has been Savannah Ingram’s BFF for a long time, and has therefore been graced by popularity’s many benefits. To most people, Mira has it all: the quarterback boyfriend, the rich and important parents, the high school It Girl’s favour. But to Izzie, Mira is a gutless Savannah clone. And Mira just may be beginning to agree with her.

You may or may not have noticed that our characters are quite mature. This is very true, especially given their age: 15 years old. 15 years old. I frequent a high school and I know how 15-year-olds act—this is definitely not it. So if you have any misgivings about reading Belles due to Izzie and Mira’s age, do not fear—Jen Calonita may be a great author, but she clearly has no idea what she’s talking about when it comes to associating age to behaviour.
At 4.4/5 stars, Belles is a fun read—probably the best it ever could have been given its clichéd nature. It could probably have used a little more humour, but I’m not complaining.

I’ll keep you posted,(less)

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May 06, 2012 Emily Brown (TheBrownReviews) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: reads-of-2012, favorites

Concept/Ideas: 4/5

Ah what a juicy unique novel! I loved the ideas for this book, and I thought it was cute and seemed for an interesting read! I was not dissappointed.

Storyline/Plot: 4/5

I loved the storyline. The plot was fast paced, and always filled with drama and secrets and cliffhangers that made you want to read on. I loved that it switched from Izzie to Mira's view, and back and forth again. It definitely made it more interesting, seeing inside the two's completely different views. Also...more

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Mar 16, 2013 Emily Anne rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary, sweet

Belles is an entertaining read. The characters and settings are vibrant, and there is a good, strong message about being yourself, not judging, and having guts. I am looking forward to the next book.

Belles starts off by meeting Izzie Scott and Mira Monroe (Also known as Isabelle and Mirabelle). Izzie is a sweet girl who lives in a poor town, Harborside, where she swims and has ice cream with her friends each day. Her home life isn't so good though. Her grandma has medical issues and on somedays...more Belles is an entertaining read. The characters and settings are vibrant, and there is a good, strong message about being yourself, not judging, and having guts. I am looking forward to the next book.

Belles starts off by meeting Izzie Scott and Mira Monroe (Also known as Isabelle and Mirabelle). Izzie is a sweet girl who lives in a poor town, Harborside, where she swims and has ice cream with her friends each day. Her home life isn't so good though. Her grandma has medical issues and on somedays doesn't even know she has a granddaughter. Izzie is only narrowly avoiding foster care.

Mira Monroe is a snobby rich girl who hangs out with other girls like herself. Of course, she doesn't mean to be snobby, it is just the way things are in Emerald Cove, the glamorous part of North Carolina. Mira is best friends with one mean girl, Savannah, and turns a blind eye to her friends cruel comments and actions. Mira is a good girl at heart, just she has no guts.

One day Izzie gets the bad news that her Grandmother is moving into a nursing home. She is sent off to some distant relatives she didn't know she has, the Monroes. Izzy doesn't fit in to Emerald Cove, especially after she makes enemies with Savannah. Even Mira plots with her friends behind Izzies back. She blames Izzie for the changes happening in her family and social life.

Throughout the book there are a lot of good messages. When Izzie is judged unfairly, and laughed at because of where she came from, we learn to not judge without backstory and evidence. We learn to have guts to stand up to not-so-much friends. And to do what you want to do, not what others tell you to do.

I love how Mira grows throughout the story, she becomes not so afraid of being herself. Izzie helps her a lot with this. She sees how Izzie is real, not like her friends. A lot of Mira's attitude in the beginning of the book is caused by the society around her. She doesn't know how to act any other way. Emerald Cove is kinda a snobbish place, but I hope Izzie and Mira can change it. Especially since there are a lot of good people in Emerald Cove, just the mean ones hold the reins.

This book has secrets, blackmail, mean girl plotting, and the hopes of two budding romances. It kept me reading with all it's drama, good messages, and real characters. I highly recommend this book.

4/5 stars
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Mar 16, 2012 Genevieve rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: ya-quarterly-challenge-5, arc

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I liked this book. Once I started, I just wanted to finish to see the twist - thank goodness my copy had the twist covered! I wasn't disappointed with the it either. Isabelle Scott gets a huge shock when one day her social worker tells her that her grandmother's health has deteriorated so bad that she must be put into a nursing home. Isabelle has to be sent away from her entire life at Harborside. Though Harborside is thought to be on the rough side of town, Isabelle doesn't think so and loves l...more I liked this book. Once I started, I just wanted to finish to see the twist - thank goodness my copy had the twist covered! I wasn't disappointed with the it either. Isabelle Scott gets a huge shock when one day her social worker tells her that her grandmother's health has deteriorated so bad that she must be put into a nursing home. Isabelle has to be sent away from her entire life at Harborside. Though Harborside is thought to be on the rough side of town, Isabelle doesn't think so and loves living there. Isabelle is sent to her uncle's fabulous life in Emerald Cove where she can get everything is wants.

But fitting into Emerald Cove is harder than she expected. She's suddenly put into a new private school, Emerald Prep, and placed with cousins she didn't even know existed just a few days earlier. Her cousin Mirabelle Monroe is not making things easier despite the fact that she's one of the Queen Bees at Emerald Prep. Mira isn't happy about babysiting Izzie, so Mira's best friend Savannah helps to plot to take Izzie down. With everyone against Izzie, how does anyone expect her to blend into her new life in Emerald Cove?

I really liked how Izzie stuck to being herself even when she was put up against the prep school kids. She wanted to fit in on her own terms. I liked her fighting spirit. I didn't like how Mira pretty much rolled over for everyone and was afraid of being herself. The reasoning that she didn't want to be an "art geek" just felt fake. I just couldn't believe that a prep school wouldn't be tolerate to people with artistic talent. Since rich people have so time on their hands, I couldn't believe that football would be more celebrated than arts. But that's just my views of prep schools. It was hard to get over that part. I did like the rest of the Monroe family and how welcoming they were. I wish the parents were a little more fleshed out though. Mira's dad felt just like Mira with being afraid of being herself. That wasn't even politician behavior to me, but it wasn't too bad.

Overall, I still liked the book and I can't wait for the sequel. The secret twist definitely was the most interesting, so I wish it came out earlier. But that just means that the sequel will be full of more drama.(less)

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BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12814519-belles?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1319591576l/12814519.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12814519-belles?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Belles by Jen Calonita[/url]

Belles (Belles #1)

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