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Family Portrait #1
Changes
Adriana Banovic’s 15th birthday sucked! She got fired after eight years of playing Shayanne Montgomery on the #1 soap in the country, found out that her family was on the verge of bankruptcy and worst of all, forced to return to Westwood Academy. Her only saving grace was a chance glance at dreamy mystery boy Haze Lyndon. Armed with only his picture and a determination to find him—even if it means turning Los Angeles over on its ass.
In this young adult novel, you’ll meet Robin Banovic, Adriana’s father; financially challenged, dealing with the death of a family member and his brother’s disappearance. You’ll meet Savannah DaCosta aka Savi, mother/manager; Savi enjoys the life her rock star daughter Leighann has provided. When Leighann makes a choice to end her career, Savi sees it as a personal attack. You’ll meet college boy Haze Lyndon; New to Los Angeles, Haze soon realizes how quickly money changes hands in the City of Angels. Will he return to questionable ways to survive or go back to the safety of his family in Wisconsin?
In this young adult novel, you’ll meet Robin Banovic, Adriana’s father; financially challenged, dealing with the death of a family member and his brother’s disappearance. You’ll meet Savannah DaCosta aka Savi, mother/manager; Savi enjoys the life her rock star daughter Leighann has provided. When Leighann makes a choice to end her career, Savi sees it as a personal attack. You’ll meet college boy Haze Lyndon; New to Los Angeles, Haze soon realizes how quickly money changes hands in the City of Angels. Will he return to questionable ways to survive or go back to the safety of his family in Wisconsin?
- GenresYoung AdultNew Adult
82 pages, ebook
First published July 25, 2013
7 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
About the author
Gillian Felix
11 books156 followersGillian Felix has been writing since she was old enough to hold a pencil. She enjoys creating characters that could be your next-door neighbor, but would you want them as your neighbor is another story.
Originally from the island republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Miss Felix moved to the United States in 1998. Since then she has been involved in the entertainment industry for over ten years. Her experience ranges from script supervisor to production manager on many independent features. She is trained in the Meisner and Stanislavski technique of acting, which she credits as an asset to her character development and writing.
Miss Felix is also an entrepreneur and advocate for children's and women's rights.
Originally from the island republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Miss Felix moved to the United States in 1998. Since then she has been involved in the entertainment industry for over ten years. Her experience ranges from script supervisor to production manager on many independent features. She is trained in the Meisner and Stanislavski technique of acting, which she credits as an asset to her character development and writing.
Miss Felix is also an entrepreneur and advocate for children's and women's rights.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
April 15, 2014
How do the rich and sort of famous live on the West Coast? Attitude is everything at Westwood Academy, school of the stars, or their hangers on. Adriana Banovic is now back among their elite masses, hating every minute of it. Leighann finds life at Westwood the almost perfect escape from her life in the spotlight. Haze Lyndon is in California to leave his old life behind, finish college and make money while he can as a male model with his bi-racial looks. Each character has a story to tell, and I see their stories being entwined together, for better or worse as author Gillian Felix builds a strong and intriguing foundation for a new series with her novella, Changes, book 1 in the Family Portrait series.
Part soap opera, part teen struggle in a world where they are expected to “follow the crowd” and feed the frenzied tabloids fodder for the prying eyes of the masses, all while dealing with personal and family crises, I see a huge following for this new series! I know I’m going to watch for more!
Gillian Felix writes in crisp tones, drawing on her knowledge of the entertainment industry as she introduces us to the world her characters are struggling to survive in! You will meet a domineering stage mother, a close-knit family whose life is undergoing a huge shift, failed dreams and new dreams yet to be realized, and we mustn’t forget the whole larger-than-life high school scene on steroids in a world where appearances often mean more than substance.
I'd like to thank the author for providing a review copy in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: July 25, 2013
Publisher: @GillianFx Publishing LLC
Series: Family Portrait, Book 1
ISBN: 1492148539 (Paperback)
Number of Pages: 146
Genre: NA Drama/Fiction-YA Fiction
My Rating: 5 Stars
Available from: Amazon
Connect with the author on Twitter: @Gillianfx
For more reviews check out Tome Tender's Book Blog or find us on Facebook.
April 8, 2014
3.5 stars (I would have given 4 full stars if it were a little longer.)
I received a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
When I received an offer to review ‘Changes’ and ‘The Banovic Siblings’, I logged onto Goodreads to get an idea of how long the books had been out and how they had been received so far. I didn’t read actual reviews, but noticed that ‘Changes’ was published in July 2013 and has 16 ratings; ‘The Banovic Siblings’ published in December 2013 and has 28 ratings. I wasn’t expecting a whole lot from the books. I figured if they were good, there would be more buzz about them, right? WRONG!
‘Changes’ is a YA book, and the first in the ‘Family Portrait’ series following the lives of the three Banovic siblings: Kevin, Zax and Adriana. There are a couple of interesting secondary characters as well that look to play a bigger part in the rest of the series, at least I hope so. Much of ‘Changes’ takes place within Westwood Academy, a snooty, rich private school with the typical snooty, rich students. Adriana is 15, an actress, but she isn’t your typical YA heroine. She is smart and beautiful, but she isn’t awkward, unaware of her beauty, or stuck on herself. She is blunt and not very friendly, but I really liked her a lot. She knows what she wants and is determined to make it happen.
There are many storylines to follow in this book. The author describes the series as having a similar feel to 90210 and Melrose Place. I can see this comparison. The first book is definitely more 90210, definitely a YA. The next book, ‘The Banovic Siblings’, looks to move into the NA genre and probably closer to Melrose Place. Although there are many different storylines, they are all interesting and easy to follow. There is little drama and angst. I’m not an English teacher, but I found the book to be very well written. It flows well and the dialogue sounds natural and is easy to follow.
I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy YA that is character driven instead of romance/drama driven. This is a story about the lives of different people. As I mentioned, at the end of the first book, there isn’t really any drama or angst that makes you want to smack the main character. It is just an interesting story about different people and the things happening in their lives. There is somewhat of a cliffhanger at the end of this first book, but the second book is already published. And now, I’m on my way to read ‘The Banovic Siblings’. Give this one a chance. I really don't think you will be disappointed.
I received a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
When I received an offer to review ‘Changes’ and ‘The Banovic Siblings’, I logged onto Goodreads to get an idea of how long the books had been out and how they had been received so far. I didn’t read actual reviews, but noticed that ‘Changes’ was published in July 2013 and has 16 ratings; ‘The Banovic Siblings’ published in December 2013 and has 28 ratings. I wasn’t expecting a whole lot from the books. I figured if they were good, there would be more buzz about them, right? WRONG!
‘Changes’ is a YA book, and the first in the ‘Family Portrait’ series following the lives of the three Banovic siblings: Kevin, Zax and Adriana. There are a couple of interesting secondary characters as well that look to play a bigger part in the rest of the series, at least I hope so. Much of ‘Changes’ takes place within Westwood Academy, a snooty, rich private school with the typical snooty, rich students. Adriana is 15, an actress, but she isn’t your typical YA heroine. She is smart and beautiful, but she isn’t awkward, unaware of her beauty, or stuck on herself. She is blunt and not very friendly, but I really liked her a lot. She knows what she wants and is determined to make it happen.
There are many storylines to follow in this book. The author describes the series as having a similar feel to 90210 and Melrose Place. I can see this comparison. The first book is definitely more 90210, definitely a YA. The next book, ‘The Banovic Siblings’, looks to move into the NA genre and probably closer to Melrose Place. Although there are many different storylines, they are all interesting and easy to follow. There is little drama and angst. I’m not an English teacher, but I found the book to be very well written. It flows well and the dialogue sounds natural and is easy to follow.
I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy YA that is character driven instead of romance/drama driven. This is a story about the lives of different people. As I mentioned, at the end of the first book, there isn’t really any drama or angst that makes you want to smack the main character. It is just an interesting story about different people and the things happening in their lives. There is somewhat of a cliffhanger at the end of this first book, but the second book is already published. And now, I’m on my way to read ‘The Banovic Siblings’. Give this one a chance. I really don't think you will be disappointed.
October 18, 2015
Review first posted on my blog: http://spoonfulofhappyendings.blogspo...
'Changes' mainly focuses on two families: the DaCosta family and the Banovic family. The last one consists of three siblings Kevin, Zax and Adriana, and their parents. Adriana is a 15-year-old actress who has just been fired from her long-term job working on a popular soap opera. She wants to get back in the game straight away, but since her agent is unwilling to help her out, Adriana realises she will have to figure things out for herself. Leighann DaCosta is a world famous teen idol, but secretly longing for a normal life. When it all gets too much for her, she decides to move in with her older sister and go to high school, like any other teenager. And then there's Haze Lyndon, who has moved from Wisconsin to LA to start a new life and kick off his modelling career. All three teenagers at first sight don't seem to have too much in common, but they're all about to face some pretty big changes.
'Changes' is the first part of Gillian Felix's 'Family Portrait' series and quite a promising start. It's more of a novella than an actual novel, because it is quite a short and quick read which I finished in just one sitting. Not too much happens in the story (except for quite an exciting cliff-hanger at the end which surprised me!); I guess it can be seen as an introduction to all of the characters that play a role in the series, with a particular focus on the three main characters: Adriana Banovic, Leighann DaCosta, and Haze Lyndon, and the quite extensive cast of secondary characters, mainly family and friends. I was intrigued by all of the characters and looked forward to discovering more about them, so while not too much happened in the story so far, it was certainly not boring.
I enjoy books that deal with numerous storylines told from the perspectives of different characters and that is an aspect of ‘Changes’ that really spoke to me. Reading the story almost felt like watching a TV show with the various characters and the way the author described everything (the writing style is quite fast-paced and comfortable to fall into), and Gillian Felix herself also said that she initially thought of the ‘Family Portrait’ series as a TV show. Overall, I thought ‘Changes’ was a promising and intriguing start to the ‘Family Portrait’ book series and I have to say I am quite curious to pick up the next part to learn more about the characters and what happens to them, and to get an answer to that cliff-hanger!
'Changes' mainly focuses on two families: the DaCosta family and the Banovic family. The last one consists of three siblings Kevin, Zax and Adriana, and their parents. Adriana is a 15-year-old actress who has just been fired from her long-term job working on a popular soap opera. She wants to get back in the game straight away, but since her agent is unwilling to help her out, Adriana realises she will have to figure things out for herself. Leighann DaCosta is a world famous teen idol, but secretly longing for a normal life. When it all gets too much for her, she decides to move in with her older sister and go to high school, like any other teenager. And then there's Haze Lyndon, who has moved from Wisconsin to LA to start a new life and kick off his modelling career. All three teenagers at first sight don't seem to have too much in common, but they're all about to face some pretty big changes.
'Changes' is the first part of Gillian Felix's 'Family Portrait' series and quite a promising start. It's more of a novella than an actual novel, because it is quite a short and quick read which I finished in just one sitting. Not too much happens in the story (except for quite an exciting cliff-hanger at the end which surprised me!); I guess it can be seen as an introduction to all of the characters that play a role in the series, with a particular focus on the three main characters: Adriana Banovic, Leighann DaCosta, and Haze Lyndon, and the quite extensive cast of secondary characters, mainly family and friends. I was intrigued by all of the characters and looked forward to discovering more about them, so while not too much happened in the story so far, it was certainly not boring.
I enjoy books that deal with numerous storylines told from the perspectives of different characters and that is an aspect of ‘Changes’ that really spoke to me. Reading the story almost felt like watching a TV show with the various characters and the way the author described everything (the writing style is quite fast-paced and comfortable to fall into), and Gillian Felix herself also said that she initially thought of the ‘Family Portrait’ series as a TV show. Overall, I thought ‘Changes’ was a promising and intriguing start to the ‘Family Portrait’ book series and I have to say I am quite curious to pick up the next part to learn more about the characters and what happens to them, and to get an answer to that cliff-hanger!
October 30, 2013
Leighann DaCosta wants a normal life and Adriana Banovic wants a new acting job in Family Portraits Changes Vol 1 by Gillian Felix. Leighann is a singer that has become tired of the business. Leighann wants to quit singing to go back to high school and be a normal teenager. Savi, Leighann mother has other plans. Leighann decides to pursue school and goes to live with her older sister L’Wren, which lands her at Westwood Academy. Will Leighann fit in? Or has she made a terrible mistake?
Adriana Banovic is a young actress. Adriana is let go from her soap opera and her agent does not seem interested in finding her more work. Adriana figures she can do things on her own, which lands her back in the hallways of Westwood Academy. When Adriana is asked to show the new girl, Leighann, around Adriana is not happy. Adriana only thinks and worries about Adriana and has no time for newbie’s. She can only think about auditioning for more work. Adriana soon finds out about an open audition and goes without the help of her lazy agent. Adriana meets Haze and there is an instant attraction. Will Adriana act upon it?
The Banovic legacy is starting to die after Viktor and Jayne Banovic have passed away. Viktor wanted his sons Kelly and Robin to work in the business to keep it going. Both boys have other plans because they know firsthand how much the business kept their father from them. When issues arise for Robin and his family, Robin decides to move into the house his father left him. Robin then hires a private detective to find their other brother Adrian. Finding Adrian is proving to be a hard task and then Robin receives some shocking news.
Family Portraits Changes was about family and how different they can be. The DaCosta’s and Banovic’s become intertwine and don’t even realize it. Readers will be able to relate to these well-developed characters. Each character has a different story to share with readers that will definitely keep him or her turning pages. I am anticipating what happens next and can’t wait to read the next volume. I recommend this book to others.
This ebook was provided by the author for review purposes.
Teresa Beasley
A&RBC Reviews
Adriana Banovic is a young actress. Adriana is let go from her soap opera and her agent does not seem interested in finding her more work. Adriana figures she can do things on her own, which lands her back in the hallways of Westwood Academy. When Adriana is asked to show the new girl, Leighann, around Adriana is not happy. Adriana only thinks and worries about Adriana and has no time for newbie’s. She can only think about auditioning for more work. Adriana soon finds out about an open audition and goes without the help of her lazy agent. Adriana meets Haze and there is an instant attraction. Will Adriana act upon it?
The Banovic legacy is starting to die after Viktor and Jayne Banovic have passed away. Viktor wanted his sons Kelly and Robin to work in the business to keep it going. Both boys have other plans because they know firsthand how much the business kept their father from them. When issues arise for Robin and his family, Robin decides to move into the house his father left him. Robin then hires a private detective to find their other brother Adrian. Finding Adrian is proving to be a hard task and then Robin receives some shocking news.
Family Portraits Changes was about family and how different they can be. The DaCosta’s and Banovic’s become intertwine and don’t even realize it. Readers will be able to relate to these well-developed characters. Each character has a different story to share with readers that will definitely keep him or her turning pages. I am anticipating what happens next and can’t wait to read the next volume. I recommend this book to others.
This ebook was provided by the author for review purposes.
Teresa Beasley
A&RBC Reviews
October 11, 2013
I was asked to review this novel and received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I was quite surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. I thought the author wrote well and it was easy to follow. I found myself wanting to keep reading and figure out how all of the characters' lives were related. It was a very quick and short read, however, and I found myself wanting more. I think maybe this could have been combined with the next book in the series. It felt like right when we started getting into some issues and events in the story line, it ended. I wish this would have been a longer book with a little more taking place. Nevertheless, I liked this story and can't wait to see what happens in the next novel! I think it has great potential to be a very interesting series :)
Pagesofcomfort.blogspot.com
I was quite surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. I thought the author wrote well and it was easy to follow. I found myself wanting to keep reading and figure out how all of the characters' lives were related. It was a very quick and short read, however, and I found myself wanting more. I think maybe this could have been combined with the next book in the series. It felt like right when we started getting into some issues and events in the story line, it ended. I wish this would have been a longer book with a little more taking place. Nevertheless, I liked this story and can't wait to see what happens in the next novel! I think it has great potential to be a very interesting series :)
Pagesofcomfort.blogspot.com
October 25, 2013
Changes is a good book as far as it goes. There are a lot of characters whose paths eventually cross and it’s a little difficult keeping them all straight at first, but by the middle of the book I was able to keep track.
I like Gillian Felix’s writing style. It’s easy to read and it flows well.
I recommend Changes but I would wait until Vol. 2 is out before reading this one. It’s basically an introduction to a series, as noted by the author below, and it ends just as things begin to happen.
I like Gillian Felix’s writing style. It’s easy to read and it flows well.
I recommend Changes but I would wait until Vol. 2 is out before reading this one. It’s basically an introduction to a series, as noted by the author below, and it ends just as things begin to happen.
September 13, 2013
In some cosmic way, these families collide with each other, whether it's in small ways or not. It is still strange how their lives start to interweave.
The Banovics....struggling financially these days. Robin, the dad, had cut off ties with his father, Viktor long ago. Kevin, the oldest son, is the obedient child and also on the other side of the law at times. Everyone at school either adores or fears him. Zax, the quieter one, studious, and has the hots for a girl who he's never had the nerve to ask out. Adriana, drama queen, literally. She was on the number one soap opera for eight years and then was fired and booted back to school. No one seems to like her at school and she could care less. She will do anything to get what she wants. And she is all about the limelight. Then there is Jayne, the good wife to Robin. She's his support. Roxanne is Robin's Olympic medalist sister. And then there's Adrian, the missing brilliant neurosurgeon brother who doesn't want to be found.
The DaCostas....Stefan, widowed when his wife died in childbirth with his first child. Owns a chain of hotels. Savi, the other wife of Stefan, that is now estranged from him. She manages the career of their youngest child and likes to be in control. She will also go out of her way to get what she wants. L'Wren is the child of Stefan and his first wife. When Stefan and Savi split, L'Wren chose to go with her father to stay. She is protective of her younger sister, Leighann, who is Stefan and Savi's child. Leighann is the star of the family, whether she likes it or not.
The Banovics and DaCostas are both families that came from money. Viktor Banovic created a small empire out of the winery he built himself over the years of his life. The DaCostas wealth comes out of Stefan's hotels and especially Leighann's fame. Her mother likes riding along on her fame, but Leighann is exhausted and ready to quit. When she does she walks away with nothing, including her own mother. She goes to live with L'Wren and go to school like a normal girl. All she wants is a normal life. She encounters Adriana Banovic when she starst school at Westwood Academy. Adriana is not well liked since she is no longer a star and she is rather confrontational. However, with her history of fame and family connections there is no way she would ever get in much trouble for anything.
After the death of his father, Robin returns home to find that the winery and manor has been given to him. The thing he never wanted. He never wanted involved in it and walked away as soon as he could when he was younger. Now, after all this time, he begins to wonder if he was wrong.
So many drugs, schemes, and much more. One girl just wants to be normal. One girl just wants the limelight. Selfish motives abound and changes are coming for everyone. It's Hollywood....
The Banovics....struggling financially these days. Robin, the dad, had cut off ties with his father, Viktor long ago. Kevin, the oldest son, is the obedient child and also on the other side of the law at times. Everyone at school either adores or fears him. Zax, the quieter one, studious, and has the hots for a girl who he's never had the nerve to ask out. Adriana, drama queen, literally. She was on the number one soap opera for eight years and then was fired and booted back to school. No one seems to like her at school and she could care less. She will do anything to get what she wants. And she is all about the limelight. Then there is Jayne, the good wife to Robin. She's his support. Roxanne is Robin's Olympic medalist sister. And then there's Adrian, the missing brilliant neurosurgeon brother who doesn't want to be found.
The DaCostas....Stefan, widowed when his wife died in childbirth with his first child. Owns a chain of hotels. Savi, the other wife of Stefan, that is now estranged from him. She manages the career of their youngest child and likes to be in control. She will also go out of her way to get what she wants. L'Wren is the child of Stefan and his first wife. When Stefan and Savi split, L'Wren chose to go with her father to stay. She is protective of her younger sister, Leighann, who is Stefan and Savi's child. Leighann is the star of the family, whether she likes it or not.
The Banovics and DaCostas are both families that came from money. Viktor Banovic created a small empire out of the winery he built himself over the years of his life. The DaCostas wealth comes out of Stefan's hotels and especially Leighann's fame. Her mother likes riding along on her fame, but Leighann is exhausted and ready to quit. When she does she walks away with nothing, including her own mother. She goes to live with L'Wren and go to school like a normal girl. All she wants is a normal life. She encounters Adriana Banovic when she starst school at Westwood Academy. Adriana is not well liked since she is no longer a star and she is rather confrontational. However, with her history of fame and family connections there is no way she would ever get in much trouble for anything.
After the death of his father, Robin returns home to find that the winery and manor has been given to him. The thing he never wanted. He never wanted involved in it and walked away as soon as he could when he was younger. Now, after all this time, he begins to wonder if he was wrong.
So many drugs, schemes, and much more. One girl just wants to be normal. One girl just wants the limelight. Selfish motives abound and changes are coming for everyone. It's Hollywood....
October 29, 2013
This book was amazing! If I had a star rating on my blog, I would give it five stars! The characters, the situations the plot, all something that would actually happen in life!
Written just like a soap opera, Changes was a great quick read I would suggest everyone to give a try.
From beginning to end, Changes keeps the reader interested and guess what the characters will do next!
You have Adriana - the one who totally threw me through a loop. I was thinking she was going to be this sweet little fifteen year old girl who's sad she is recast on the number one soap. I thought she was going to be docile and maybe even timid. Instead she is this sassy firecracker chick who has who has more brass than I would have thought. She dabbles in some drugs (both popping and planting - FUNNY!) and has an attitude one would think would belong to Leighann! She finds this Polaroid photo of Haze, new to town, and is so intrigued by him, she turns LA over on it's ass to find him!
Leighann retires from the teen rock scene, and thoroughly pisses her mother off in the process. She's loving the normal life she now has and doesn't miss her old life at all. She ends up going to the same school as Adriana and I think in future books, there will maybe be a friendship!
Haze is this hot guy new to LA and is finding life there is much harder than his home town. He's a normal guy with normal problems and it's beginning to dawn on him, he may just have to go to some dodgy ways in order to survive!
I also really liked Robin Banovic, as well! I loved his background story and his desire to do what's best for his family.
What's awesome about this book, is every single character is somehow connected in ways you wouldn't think. The twists Changes take you on...especially at the end will leave the reader scratching their head and going " SAY WHAAAAAAT?" You're going to be like me and not be able to wait for book two!
I loved Changes and have to say, Gillian Felix, is an amazing author and hope we all get to see this series on TV because while I have never been a fan of American soap operas (love them in the UK, though), I would LOVE to see Changes as a soap!
Written just like a soap opera, Changes was a great quick read I would suggest everyone to give a try.
From beginning to end, Changes keeps the reader interested and guess what the characters will do next!
You have Adriana - the one who totally threw me through a loop. I was thinking she was going to be this sweet little fifteen year old girl who's sad she is recast on the number one soap. I thought she was going to be docile and maybe even timid. Instead she is this sassy firecracker chick who has who has more brass than I would have thought. She dabbles in some drugs (both popping and planting - FUNNY!) and has an attitude one would think would belong to Leighann! She finds this Polaroid photo of Haze, new to town, and is so intrigued by him, she turns LA over on it's ass to find him!
Leighann retires from the teen rock scene, and thoroughly pisses her mother off in the process. She's loving the normal life she now has and doesn't miss her old life at all. She ends up going to the same school as Adriana and I think in future books, there will maybe be a friendship!
Haze is this hot guy new to LA and is finding life there is much harder than his home town. He's a normal guy with normal problems and it's beginning to dawn on him, he may just have to go to some dodgy ways in order to survive!
I also really liked Robin Banovic, as well! I loved his background story and his desire to do what's best for his family.
What's awesome about this book, is every single character is somehow connected in ways you wouldn't think. The twists Changes take you on...especially at the end will leave the reader scratching their head and going " SAY WHAAAAAAT?" You're going to be like me and not be able to wait for book two!
I loved Changes and have to say, Gillian Felix, is an amazing author and hope we all get to see this series on TV because while I have never been a fan of American soap operas (love them in the UK, though), I would LOVE to see Changes as a soap!
February 9, 2014
Gillian Felix has written a nice serial to begin the series off with. It is like a soap opera similar to a cross between Melrose Place and 90210 with a more relevant twist to today like Pretty Little Liars. There is intrigue, adventure, blackmail, love, crushes, hate...all the things All my children and Guiding Light provide for adults except this is for the YA genre. So awesome to see.
So where to begin where to begin..ah Robin the dad has a past to come to terms with and it comes to a screaming reality when dad dies and leaves him everything. Which comes at a good time for him because his world isn't going to hot right now. At least not his working world. His love of his life is still that and they are sweet together in fact this whole family when together is a breath of fresh air too bad each doesn't really know what all the others are up to.
Adriana plays a main role in this saga and she is snarky but fun. She gives off a air of get away from me but is nice inside. She is one to not let enemies get in her way and is surprised when the sweet one turns the tables on her. Falls for a gorgeous guy Haze who is older and we have yet to see how that will pan out. But those to have some serious sparks.
Her brothers are mysterious but such gentlemen to a point. One is all american, smart popular and crushing on the tennis star of the school too afraid to say anything and boy that doesn't work out well for him. The other the quintessential bad boy who we all love with that deep dark mystery to him. Starts friends with benefits but not really friends just benefits with a older lady that believe me may just complicate his life.
Leighann is the popular country singer who gives it all up for normalcy much to her mother's dismay. Savi, her mother is horrendous. I would not want to be her daughter. She is manipulative, conniving and just all around not nice. Leighann though tries to be kind and is to an extent until she catches wind of something and has a crush on one of the Banovic boys.
A wonderfully delicious read leaving you wanting more
So where to begin where to begin..ah Robin the dad has a past to come to terms with and it comes to a screaming reality when dad dies and leaves him everything. Which comes at a good time for him because his world isn't going to hot right now. At least not his working world. His love of his life is still that and they are sweet together in fact this whole family when together is a breath of fresh air too bad each doesn't really know what all the others are up to.
Adriana plays a main role in this saga and she is snarky but fun. She gives off a air of get away from me but is nice inside. She is one to not let enemies get in her way and is surprised when the sweet one turns the tables on her. Falls for a gorgeous guy Haze who is older and we have yet to see how that will pan out. But those to have some serious sparks.
Her brothers are mysterious but such gentlemen to a point. One is all american, smart popular and crushing on the tennis star of the school too afraid to say anything and boy that doesn't work out well for him. The other the quintessential bad boy who we all love with that deep dark mystery to him. Starts friends with benefits but not really friends just benefits with a older lady that believe me may just complicate his life.
Leighann is the popular country singer who gives it all up for normalcy much to her mother's dismay. Savi, her mother is horrendous. I would not want to be her daughter. She is manipulative, conniving and just all around not nice. Leighann though tries to be kind and is to an extent until she catches wind of something and has a crush on one of the Banovic boys.
A wonderfully delicious read leaving you wanting more
August 21, 2014
Actual rating: 3.5
Changes is truly a full on soap opera! There are many characters and subplots going on that it might take a while to get in the swing of things. We have a family who just inherited the mansion on their brink of bankruptcy, a teen soap opera star trying to get a new acting job after they fire her from her 8 year old role, a pop star who wants to have a normal life for once, and a model who's far away from his home in Wisconsin.
Their lifes start to clash unexpectedly as each person tries to get what they want. Like the title of this book suggests, this book is all about Changes. The characters suffer in their own way trying to come to terms when things aren't turning out how they want them to be. The harsh reality makes them turn into a different direction than originally planned and with this choices, new opportunities arise.
I'm not particularly attached to any of the characters since I feel I didn't get enough time to focus on each and every one of them. I can feel them growing and changing, but I would have loved to have the ability to stop the book on some parts and stay, for example, with Adrianna for a while, no interruptions. However, the author did cover a lot of ground with only 82 pages! Awsome feat if you ask me.
I also didn't notice much in the romance department, but I know that part is coming pretty soon if I push on with the series. Like a good old soap opera, the book ends just when things are blooming. That's what I love AND hate about them, although I do admit that's what keeps you glued. I'll definitely try to read what's next and see what's in store for everyone.
*Read review also at The Reader and the Chef!*
Changes is truly a full on soap opera! There are many characters and subplots going on that it might take a while to get in the swing of things. We have a family who just inherited the mansion on their brink of bankruptcy, a teen soap opera star trying to get a new acting job after they fire her from her 8 year old role, a pop star who wants to have a normal life for once, and a model who's far away from his home in Wisconsin.
Their lifes start to clash unexpectedly as each person tries to get what they want. Like the title of this book suggests, this book is all about Changes. The characters suffer in their own way trying to come to terms when things aren't turning out how they want them to be. The harsh reality makes them turn into a different direction than originally planned and with this choices, new opportunities arise.
I'm not particularly attached to any of the characters since I feel I didn't get enough time to focus on each and every one of them. I can feel them growing and changing, but I would have loved to have the ability to stop the book on some parts and stay, for example, with Adrianna for a while, no interruptions. However, the author did cover a lot of ground with only 82 pages! Awsome feat if you ask me.
I also didn't notice much in the romance department, but I know that part is coming pretty soon if I push on with the series. Like a good old soap opera, the book ends just when things are blooming. That's what I love AND hate about them, although I do admit that's what keeps you glued. I'll definitely try to read what's next and see what's in store for everyone.
*Read review also at The Reader and the Chef!*
June 9, 2014
In ‘Changes’ we meet the Banovic and Decosta family. We meet their children and learn about their children’s children. These two families aren’t your average american family. No, this family is full with ‘hot’ people (in all meanings of the word). There is a huge soap opera star, a famous Hollywood singer and a bunch of handsome guys including a model.
I finished this book in only two hours. It’s a short book and I almost feel like it’s more a description of all the different characters than a ‘real’ book. Don’t get me wrong, that doesn’t mean that I didn’t like the story. I definitely liked this story. I liked how the different characters connected. Some characters just met briefly and some met regularly. But it was really short and I was really sad when the book ended. I wanted to read so much more about these characters. Thankfully there are more books in this series and ‘Changes’ is only the beginning.
The character I liked the most in this book was Leighann. I loved how she didn’t like her life as a Hollywood star and stood up to her mom to tell her what she really wanted. Leighann was just really innocent and wanted to live a normal life.
I also really liked Adriana. She a lot of bad attitude and I really enjoyed reading about her. Especially the part when acted on being bullied by this terrible girl in her school.
This book is the first one in the ‘Family Portrait’ series and I really liked it. I liked the story and all the different characters and I really want to read the next book in this series. I can’t wait to learn more about these families. If you like stories about families and Hollywood than this definitely the right book for you.
I finished this book in only two hours. It’s a short book and I almost feel like it’s more a description of all the different characters than a ‘real’ book. Don’t get me wrong, that doesn’t mean that I didn’t like the story. I definitely liked this story. I liked how the different characters connected. Some characters just met briefly and some met regularly. But it was really short and I was really sad when the book ended. I wanted to read so much more about these characters. Thankfully there are more books in this series and ‘Changes’ is only the beginning.
The character I liked the most in this book was Leighann. I loved how she didn’t like her life as a Hollywood star and stood up to her mom to tell her what she really wanted. Leighann was just really innocent and wanted to live a normal life.
I also really liked Adriana. She a lot of bad attitude and I really enjoyed reading about her. Especially the part when acted on being bullied by this terrible girl in her school.
This book is the first one in the ‘Family Portrait’ series and I really liked it. I liked the story and all the different characters and I really want to read the next book in this series. I can’t wait to learn more about these families. If you like stories about families and Hollywood than this definitely the right book for you.
November 14, 2014
Out of the three books (currently available in this series) this was my least favourite. If I'm honest if I wasn't going to review book 3 I probably wouldn't have read book 2 after reading this one. It was beautifully written but it had sooo much detail to absorb. Each person was thoroughly explained giving you all the family backgrounds, and there are many characters for you to get to know which, for a story that is only 82 pages long, seems quite heavy to me. My original thought was there were too many characters, but as the series goes on you start to see how they all intertwine. Each character is important, and Gillian Felix does do an amazing job and interweaving a very complex web! If you have been put off by this PLEASE just try reading book two because I promise you its worth it!
This series concentrates on two main families, the Banovic family and the DaCosta family. Both are very famous and wealthy families in their own way but whilst they seem to have the perfect lives to everyone outside, there are many secrets that these families hide, especially from each other!
Out of the two girls I found Adrianna to be the most interesting character. I loved how indifferent she was to her school peers. She is smart, witty and sarcastic in a nasty way. With her very lovely brothers involved the Banovic family were by far the focus of this book. I didn't really find her parents very interesting but I don't think you were supposed to. You start to see the significant's of them in later books. All you have to remember is its ALL about family connections :)
This series concentrates on two main families, the Banovic family and the DaCosta family. Both are very famous and wealthy families in their own way but whilst they seem to have the perfect lives to everyone outside, there are many secrets that these families hide, especially from each other!
Out of the two girls I found Adrianna to be the most interesting character. I loved how indifferent she was to her school peers. She is smart, witty and sarcastic in a nasty way. With her very lovely brothers involved the Banovic family were by far the focus of this book. I didn't really find her parents very interesting but I don't think you were supposed to. You start to see the significant's of them in later books. All you have to remember is its ALL about family connections :)
April 25, 2014
3.5 stars
There's a lot of drama going and it doesn't pertain to only one person. It is told in a multiple perspective which made me understood the story better.
Changes fits the name of the book as the Banovic Family experienced many changes from their life as a family and individually. Add to the mix, there's the DaCosta family who's also experiencing changes in their life.
And the issues in the story was what made it more interesting and in one way or another all this people relates to each other. I can't go on to the details because it would spoil the story. It made me read the book in one sitting and it was a fast paced story.
The Banovic family each have their own talent but they all are experiencing something. It's either good or bad for them.
We have a basic knowledge of each family member of the Banovic and the DaCosta. Although I wanted to hit some of them because of their bad decisions like Robin's pride regarding his father. I pity Viktor. He was only doing what he thought was best for his children because he had nothing and Robin being the young punk he is chose his pride over his father.
I really hate Astrid and Savi. I have a feeling I won't hear the last of them especially Savi. She spells trouble with a capital T.
It's easy to understand the flow of the story once you're able to connect one to the other but I seriously find the issues that they are facing very difficult.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
There's a lot of drama going and it doesn't pertain to only one person. It is told in a multiple perspective which made me understood the story better.
Changes fits the name of the book as the Banovic Family experienced many changes from their life as a family and individually. Add to the mix, there's the DaCosta family who's also experiencing changes in their life.
And the issues in the story was what made it more interesting and in one way or another all this people relates to each other. I can't go on to the details because it would spoil the story. It made me read the book in one sitting and it was a fast paced story.
The Banovic family each have their own talent but they all are experiencing something. It's either good or bad for them.
We have a basic knowledge of each family member of the Banovic and the DaCosta. Although I wanted to hit some of them because of their bad decisions like Robin's pride regarding his father. I pity Viktor. He was only doing what he thought was best for his children because he had nothing and Robin being the young punk he is chose his pride over his father.
I really hate Astrid and Savi. I have a feeling I won't hear the last of them especially Savi. She spells trouble with a capital T.
It's easy to understand the flow of the story once you're able to connect one to the other but I seriously find the issues that they are facing very difficult.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 21, 2014
Fans of contemporary reads that tie very unusual and seemingly unrelated people and events together will certainly enjoy this novel. I was most intrigued with the story between Adriana and Leighann, and I would have enjoyed learning more about them. I did sometimes struggle to see the relationship between everyone. I do believe that a cast/character list or family tree would aid this potential issue. The book does end with an unresolved issue, but that merely prepares the reader for the next book in the series.
Thankfully, there are no bedroom scenes, but there is plenty of profanity throughout the book. Again, this does not impact the rating of the book, but I have to say that most of the profanity did not even seem to make logical sense. Since this is the first book in the series, I would venture to say that the next book in the series will be even better, but I do recommend reading this book first.
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
Thankfully, there are no bedroom scenes, but there is plenty of profanity throughout the book. Again, this does not impact the rating of the book, but I have to say that most of the profanity did not even seem to make logical sense. Since this is the first book in the series, I would venture to say that the next book in the series will be even better, but I do recommend reading this book first.
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
August 31, 2013
In Changes, the first in a trilogy, Ms. Felix introduces the characters. In this quick read, the reader is given the background of the characters, what they're doing now, and some of their interactions.
While Ms. Felix writes very well (the reason it received a 4-star), there isn't much here. No cliffhangers, no drama, only the usual hunks, rich people and snobs. It is a simple story of family and newly made friendships. While initially taking in the story and following the syntax, I saw a story grounded in young adult fiction, then, up pops language and sexual overtones, including suggested pedophilia, that surprised me, and, in my opinion, interrupted the flow. Actions that would certainly caution me against letting my fifteen year old read it.
With this being the first book, I'm not sure how this book will do. I think I'll just have to take a wait and see approach on this one
While Ms. Felix writes very well (the reason it received a 4-star), there isn't much here. No cliffhangers, no drama, only the usual hunks, rich people and snobs. It is a simple story of family and newly made friendships. While initially taking in the story and following the syntax, I saw a story grounded in young adult fiction, then, up pops language and sexual overtones, including suggested pedophilia, that surprised me, and, in my opinion, interrupted the flow. Actions that would certainly caution me against letting my fifteen year old read it.
With this being the first book, I'm not sure how this book will do. I think I'll just have to take a wait and see approach on this one
February 17, 2014
I really enjoyed reading this book, and I would recommend it to others. The characters are likable and relatable to today's general public and it was easy to follow. Without giving too much away, I liked how everyone seemed to know everyone, and we find out all the connections while going through and reading the story.
I had some difficulty though, with how fast the reader got through certain situations. I felt that each of the situations that the characters found themselves in could have been expanded upon. I love reading stories where I really feel the character's internal emotions and how torn up they are, or how excited they are. With the way Felix wrote this story, it seemed to be just the outer layer of the character's feelings and just enough to understand the story, without getting too far into the internal workings of the story.
This story was great, and I loved the Mean Girls meets Hollywood feel to the story! It is great, and I am excited for Volume II!
I had some difficulty though, with how fast the reader got through certain situations. I felt that each of the situations that the characters found themselves in could have been expanded upon. I love reading stories where I really feel the character's internal emotions and how torn up they are, or how excited they are. With the way Felix wrote this story, it seemed to be just the outer layer of the character's feelings and just enough to understand the story, without getting too far into the internal workings of the story.
This story was great, and I loved the Mean Girls meets Hollywood feel to the story! It is great, and I am excited for Volume II!
May 6, 2015
Copy of book was provided by the author in return for an honest review
Changes is an interesting start to a novella series and one that has the feel of a soap opera, as it has large group of characters who’s lives entwine in some way.
It’s told from the 3rd person and starts off with the Banovic family and then branches out from there.
They are an interesting group of characters that are both likeable and despicable. Some of them wear many hats, so to speak, and this particular aspect I quite liked. This showed how everyone is perceived in a different way to different people, and I felt this was well done and quite realistic.
The writing is great and the pace felt fast, but true to a soap opera the plot didn’t take any big leaps, however it certainly was entertaining.
Short ‘n’ sweet and read in one sitting, this novella series will have something to interest everyone and wet your appetite for more.
4 stars!
Changes is an interesting start to a novella series and one that has the feel of a soap opera, as it has large group of characters who’s lives entwine in some way.
It’s told from the 3rd person and starts off with the Banovic family and then branches out from there.
They are an interesting group of characters that are both likeable and despicable. Some of them wear many hats, so to speak, and this particular aspect I quite liked. This showed how everyone is perceived in a different way to different people, and I felt this was well done and quite realistic.
The writing is great and the pace felt fast, but true to a soap opera the plot didn’t take any big leaps, however it certainly was entertaining.
Short ‘n’ sweet and read in one sitting, this novella series will have something to interest everyone and wet your appetite for more.
4 stars!
May 5, 2015
I wasn't really sure what to expect from this book when I started reading it. Reviews on the sites I usually consult are few and far between, which generally is a cause for concern. In this case, however, it appears that it is only because the book has not gotten the buzz it deserves. It reads a bit like a soap opera, with a large cast of characters who, at first, seem to have no visible connection. Once we're introduced to everyone, however, their storylines begin to intertwine and things begin to make more sense.
This is a relatively quick, easy read, and the author has a very clear way of bringing us into the lives of the characters and into the inner workings of the entertainment business. I look forward to reading the remainder of this series to see how the characters grow and develop.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
This is a relatively quick, easy read, and the author has a very clear way of bringing us into the lives of the characters and into the inner workings of the entertainment business. I look forward to reading the remainder of this series to see how the characters grow and develop.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
November 18, 2013
Prosecution:
Honestly, I wish each of the stories had been broken up into a book each, with a little bit of a new tidbit about each story instead of having all the stories together and jumbled together. It was a little confusing having to keep track of each different character and past and how they each relate to one another.
Defense:
While each story was a little different each, I love love love the characters. Each one has its own secrets and different personalities and downfalls.
To read my verdict, please go to From Bows to Books♥
Honestly, I wish each of the stories had been broken up into a book each, with a little bit of a new tidbit about each story instead of having all the stories together and jumbled together. It was a little confusing having to keep track of each different character and past and how they each relate to one another.
Defense:
While each story was a little different each, I love love love the characters. Each one has its own secrets and different personalities and downfalls.
To read my verdict, please go to From Bows to Books♥
April 20, 2014
I read this book without knowing what to expect. It took me a little time to find my bearings and understand the way the book was written. Once I figured it out, I was hooked. In this story we are introduced to so many people each with their own story. This story will keep you hooked on till the end with all it’s twists and turns. The devious ways of each character and the situations they face are so well crafted that it makes the story more interesting as you read on. We are given a glimpse into the working of the entertainment industry and how being a part of it affects people’s way of life. I really enjoyed this book and could not wait to read the second one.
August 13, 2014
Changes is the first book in the series it follows the lifes of Kevin ,Zax ,an,Adriarn the three Banovic siblings. Much of the story takes place at West wood Academy Adriana is 15 yrs old and an actress she just got fired from her soap opera t.v show after playing Shay Anna Montgomery for eight years and her family is on the verge of bankruptcy but worst of all she has to return to West Wood Academy. Leighann is a popular country singer she gives it all up to be a normal teenager. She goes to live with L'Wren her older sister which means she has to attend West Wood Academy. Will Leighann fit in? A great read i highly recommend for y/a
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April 26, 2014Sadly I didn't get any connection with these characters. I think it could be because there are just so many in such a short amount of time. I think the writing is good but I really wanted to know more about them and I felt that this was written to give a brief overview of most of the characters. I just felt totally lost and never involved in the story.
February 12, 2014
Enjoyed the story it read like a soap there were several characters but you still knew who every one was. There was a
Such real aspects that happen in life and you could since how each character worked through there drama. Great read. Book 2 next.
Such real aspects that happen in life and you could since how each character worked through there drama. Great read. Book 2 next.
March 1, 2014
Changes is a well written story with characters ranging from teen to parents who all are easy to relate to and with each story end there is, of course, that cliff hanger feel without the extreme life or death sense. I have read the first two and I enjoyed them very much.
May 13, 2015
I had trouble following parts of the story. I recommend keeping some sort of person tree if you have trouble keeping the characters straight. The story is interesting and kind of like following a soap opera, something I have have trouble following.
I give this story 3.5 out of 5 clouds.
I give this story 3.5 out of 5 clouds.
April 6, 2016
I think the title is quite apt. Multiple characters with lots of changes going on. I feel this book sets the foundation for the next book. It is a cute and quick read. With so many characters, sometimes I had to pause to remember what had been written about each.
May 16, 2017
Backstory plus plius
Not for me. Acres and acres of stilted backstory that ensues you skim and then wonder why you're wasting precious minutes waiting for the story to begin.
Not for me. Acres and acres of stilted backstory that ensues you skim and then wonder why you're wasting precious minutes waiting for the story to begin.
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