What do you think?
Rate this book
Miranda's Choice
Have you ever felt that the grass is greener everywhere else? Meet Miranda James. Miranda has a problem. Her friends and family are wrapped up in themselves, so clueless. With divorced parents, a mother who is always on her case and a new step-mother on the horizon, Miranda wishes that everybody would just grow up.
In a moment of magic, Miranda is mysteriously pulled into the life of a charming mermaid and her adventurous daughter. Why can’t her life be so carefree and exhilarating? Why can’t her own mother be more like Abigail, the mermaid? Be careful what you wish for though. Only through self-realization can Miranda figure out that perhaps the grass is not always greener. Held captive in an underwater paradise, Miranda wishes to desperately recapture the life she used to have.
Through many twists and turns, Miranda is caught up in a whirlwind of emotions, including finding her first true love.
Miranda is faced with making a decision that will not only affect her own life, but also those around her. What would you choose?
In a moment of magic, Miranda is mysteriously pulled into the life of a charming mermaid and her adventurous daughter. Why can’t her life be so carefree and exhilarating? Why can’t her own mother be more like Abigail, the mermaid? Be careful what you wish for though. Only through self-realization can Miranda figure out that perhaps the grass is not always greener. Held captive in an underwater paradise, Miranda wishes to desperately recapture the life she used to have.
Through many twists and turns, Miranda is caught up in a whirlwind of emotions, including finding her first true love.
Miranda is faced with making a decision that will not only affect her own life, but also those around her. What would you choose?
Unknown Binding
First published January 13, 2015
1 person is currently reading
386 people want to read
About the author
Mya O'Malley
27 books103 followersMya O’Malley
Mya O’Malley was born and raised in the suburbs of New York City, where she currently lives with her husband, daughter and three step-daughters. The family also consists of two boxers; Destiny and Dolce and a ragdoll cat named Colby. Mya earned an undergraduate degree in special education and a graduate degree in reading and literacy. She works as a special education teacher and enjoys making a difference in the lives of her students.
Mya’s passion is writing; she has been creating stories and poetry since she was a child. Mya spends her free time reading just about anything she can get her hands on. She is a romantic at heart and loves to create stories with unforgettable characters. Mya likes to travel; she has visited several Caribbean Islands, Mexico and Costa Rica. Mya is currently working on her fifth novel.
Mya O’Malley was born and raised in the suburbs of New York City, where she currently lives with her husband, daughter and three step-daughters. The family also consists of two boxers; Destiny and Dolce and a ragdoll cat named Colby. Mya earned an undergraduate degree in special education and a graduate degree in reading and literacy. She works as a special education teacher and enjoys making a difference in the lives of her students.
Mya’s passion is writing; she has been creating stories and poetry since she was a child. Mya spends her free time reading just about anything she can get her hands on. She is a romantic at heart and loves to create stories with unforgettable characters. Mya likes to travel; she has visited several Caribbean Islands, Mexico and Costa Rica. Mya is currently working on her fifth novel.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
September 16, 2015
As a child Miranda nearly drowns. Saved by a mysterious stranger called Abby, it's something she never thinks about. At 14 Miranda is mad at the world. Her brother has turned 18 and is separating himself from his family, her mother and father are divorced and her father is about to remarry, her Mom irritates her constantly, and her best friend Eve is pushy, loud and always looking at her phone. Sometimes Miranda thinks she may just be mad because of those teenage hormones her Mom keeps talking about but on reflection she's pretty sure it's the rest of the world.
On the night of her 14th birthday Eve gives Miranda a board game called Spellbound. When her square tells her to conjure a fantasy creature, Miranda finds herself inadvertently uttering words said to her by the person who saved her life. Miranda finds herself drawn into a enchanted undersea realm by Abby, the mermaid she owes her life to. Full of wonder and enchantment, friendship and romance and assured that her family and friends don't know she is missing, there's no way that Miranda can be mad now right? Her substitute Mom and guide Abby is fun and cool, not at all like her mother, and she would never get mad at her substitute Eve, Elsie, who is almost like a sister to her. Plus there's Evan, a handsome "merteen" who gives her her first kiss. So it should be easy to make a choice to stay here forever right? But maybe things in the mermaid kingdom aren't what they seem and maybe it won't be as easy to leave as Miranda first believes.
On the surface this is an easy teen romance with a supernatural slant, but actually O'Malley has created a much darker and more thought provoking read. This is an insightful study into the messy modern family dynamic and a great look at trying to overcome the injustice of being 14. Taking only an hour or so to read as an adult reader I find that there are still parts of it I'm mulling over.
This is a good pick for the 11-14 ladies in your life.
On the night of her 14th birthday Eve gives Miranda a board game called Spellbound. When her square tells her to conjure a fantasy creature, Miranda finds herself inadvertently uttering words said to her by the person who saved her life. Miranda finds herself drawn into a enchanted undersea realm by Abby, the mermaid she owes her life to. Full of wonder and enchantment, friendship and romance and assured that her family and friends don't know she is missing, there's no way that Miranda can be mad now right? Her substitute Mom and guide Abby is fun and cool, not at all like her mother, and she would never get mad at her substitute Eve, Elsie, who is almost like a sister to her. Plus there's Evan, a handsome "merteen" who gives her her first kiss. So it should be easy to make a choice to stay here forever right? But maybe things in the mermaid kingdom aren't what they seem and maybe it won't be as easy to leave as Miranda first believes.
On the surface this is an easy teen romance with a supernatural slant, but actually O'Malley has created a much darker and more thought provoking read. This is an insightful study into the messy modern family dynamic and a great look at trying to overcome the injustice of being 14. Taking only an hour or so to read as an adult reader I find that there are still parts of it I'm mulling over.
This is a good pick for the 11-14 ladies in your life.
February 4, 2015
Life can be rough at age 14. Miranda is trying so hard to figure out her place in her family, in life, and what she wants. There are so many changes and expectations placed on her and when a wish ends up with surprising results, she realizes that maybe the life she had wasn't so bad after all.
Miranda is a pretty typical teen. Her emotions are fickle and her loyalties are conflicted, yet fierce. The relationship she has with her parents is realistic, as is her friendship with her best friend. I enjoyed seeing the realizations and growth that took place within her. I also enjoyed watching her find her first love. She has some serious decisions to make, especially for one so young. I could feel her struggle with making those choices. Mermaids are fascinating creatures and I love the way this story is done in an imaginative way to show an option of how humans and mermaids interact and associate.
I love the way it all wrapped up. Some of the twists and turns took me by surprise, but that ending. Oh, how I loved it!
Content: Clean romance; mild language; no religion; no violence.
*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*
Miranda is a pretty typical teen. Her emotions are fickle and her loyalties are conflicted, yet fierce. The relationship she has with her parents is realistic, as is her friendship with her best friend. I enjoyed seeing the realizations and growth that took place within her. I also enjoyed watching her find her first love. She has some serious decisions to make, especially for one so young. I could feel her struggle with making those choices. Mermaids are fascinating creatures and I love the way this story is done in an imaginative way to show an option of how humans and mermaids interact and associate.
I love the way it all wrapped up. Some of the twists and turns took me by surprise, but that ending. Oh, how I loved it!
Content: Clean romance; mild language; no religion; no violence.
*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*
September 4, 2015
I have read another book by Mya O’Malley and I really liked it. She has an interesting way to write a story in a non-predictable way. When I was reading Miranda’s Choice I figured that I would be reading a different sort of book, which I did, but to me it wasn’t in a good way. I found the book very confusing to read and a bit extreme at times. I felt like some scenes were just dropped off and not completely developed, especially the ending. Maybe there is going to be a sequel to this book? I don’t know. Throughout the book I was wondering is this paranormal or just her imagination or a dream? It still wasn’t very clear so that left me confused. For example, I have read several other mermaid books (and have really enjoyed them) that create a whole mer-world , so as the reader you kind of get taken in and become part of the paranormal world. With this book you go underwater and they live and eat just like we do up on land. They have kitchens and cook pastries and have houses with walls and doors and dining tables. So is that really how Mya wants us to believe the mer-world is? or is this Miranda’s imagination or dream? Anyway, it just didn’t sit great with me while reading it. I do like Mya O’Malley as an author but didn’t really care for this book.
I would give this book a 2.5 stars out of 5. I would neither recommend nor not recommend this book. If you like different stories with a bit of confusion then you would probably like this book.
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
I would give this book a 2.5 stars out of 5. I would neither recommend nor not recommend this book. If you like different stories with a bit of confusion then you would probably like this book.
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 9, 2024
Miranda James is a typical teenage girl that is struggling with what life has thrown her way. Not only are her parents divorced, but her father is dating another woman and Miranda is not happy with the entire situation. Her attitude gets worse and she struggles to even carry on a conversation with her dad, fueling her anger and hate, her dad’s girlfriend calls her on her birthday to invite her to be a bridesmaid. Things couldn’t get worse. Along with her challenges, Miranda is having reoccurring dreams, unable to figure them out she starts to lash out at everyone around her. When everything seems to be coming to head, she is hanging with her best friend when suddenly her life takes an unexpected turn; she is brought into a world of mermaids. She’s about to find that life isn’t always greener on the other side.
I struggled at first to relate to Miranda, her hate seemed to take hold of the reader and it was hard to shake it off. I didn’t really start enjoying the story until the sea became her new life. Once in the mermaid’s village the story had twists and turns and held my interest. On the last page I was sorry to see it end.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I struggled at first to relate to Miranda, her hate seemed to take hold of the reader and it was hard to shake it off. I didn’t really start enjoying the story until the sea became her new life. Once in the mermaid’s village the story had twists and turns and held my interest. On the last page I was sorry to see it end.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 11, 2015
Miranda's Choice ventures into the deep sea as Miranda has the slightest idea of how she ended up having an up-close, unexpected meet up with a mystical creature. On the day Miranda turned fifteen, she and her best friend Eve together with Miranda's mom hit the beach. Little did she know, an unforgettable experience awaits that will change her life around.
Honestly, I enjoyed the book because of how a turning point was created in such a way is revealed to some extent at the end of the story and left me to think for myself. It made me sit at a corner and ponder on the impact of Miranda's Choice because of the main character's way of rising her negative mindset to every single thing that's happening in her current life. It just made her feel sorry for herself and her family. She treats the life of her dad's girlfriend may cause their relationship as a family to become progressively worse. But having been to the sea for a few weeks, changed her to think more with an open mind and becoming mature in terms of the way she speaks about herself or anyone.
In my opinion, Miranda has not been optimistic about her life at that point until she came to find her balance in her life and appreciating the things she still holds such as the love she pours out to both her parents which is still evident. Even though, living in a different roof may cause them misunderstanding, Miranda's still able to receive love from her both of her parents despite everything with unconditional love.
Hypothetically, I would have guessed Miranda truly has formed connection or somewhat related to the mermaid, mystical creatures living in the sea. However, after I finished reading it, I have concluded and sum it up in just one word. Déjà vu. I believe she drowned and perhaps was unconscious or in a lucid dream to keep her alive underwater(?). Nevertheless, the moral of the story is when worst comes to worst in your current situation, embrace the challenges ahead because it just means good days will arrive soon in your path. Just like Miranda with Evan (Ethan). Destiny is real.
What I've noticed was the flow of the story kicks off uncertain as if the story was just finding the right way to illustrate of what it has to convey. With that, it was really confusing for me to comprehend what was happening in the story.
Overall, Miranda's Choice is written for teens and I'm sure to appeal some adults to pick up the book. It challenges each of us to learn accepting the life we have that will benefit the way to managing our relationship and uplift ourselves, despite the problems we may face in life.
(Actual) Rating: 3 of 5 stars
ARC Review Originally posted on Queekie Girl Reads
All thanks to the author and Sara Meadows for providing review copy for me to read and review 'Miranda's Choice'!
Honestly, I enjoyed the book because of how a turning point was created in such a way is revealed to some extent at the end of the story and left me to think for myself. It made me sit at a corner and ponder on the impact of Miranda's Choice because of the main character's way of rising her negative mindset to every single thing that's happening in her current life. It just made her feel sorry for herself and her family. She treats the life of her dad's girlfriend may cause their relationship as a family to become progressively worse. But having been to the sea for a few weeks, changed her to think more with an open mind and becoming mature in terms of the way she speaks about herself or anyone.
In my opinion, Miranda has not been optimistic about her life at that point until she came to find her balance in her life and appreciating the things she still holds such as the love she pours out to both her parents which is still evident. Even though, living in a different roof may cause them misunderstanding, Miranda's still able to receive love from her both of her parents despite everything with unconditional love.
Hypothetically, I would have guessed Miranda truly has formed connection or somewhat related to the mermaid, mystical creatures living in the sea. However, after I finished reading it, I have concluded and sum it up in just one word. Déjà vu. I believe she drowned and perhaps was unconscious or in a lucid dream to keep her alive underwater(?). Nevertheless, the moral of the story is when worst comes to worst in your current situation, embrace the challenges ahead because it just means good days will arrive soon in your path. Just like Miranda with Evan (Ethan). Destiny is real.
What I've noticed was the flow of the story kicks off uncertain as if the story was just finding the right way to illustrate of what it has to convey. With that, it was really confusing for me to comprehend what was happening in the story.
Overall, Miranda's Choice is written for teens and I'm sure to appeal some adults to pick up the book. It challenges each of us to learn accepting the life we have that will benefit the way to managing our relationship and uplift ourselves, despite the problems we may face in life.
(Actual) Rating: 3 of 5 stars
ARC Review Originally posted on Queekie Girl Reads
All thanks to the author and Sara Meadows for providing review copy for me to read and review 'Miranda's Choice'!
October 16, 2015
"If I need you, I'll let it be. If you need me, look to the sea." This was told to Miranda James as a small child in a near death experience involving the ocean and the beautiful mermaid who saved her life, Abigail.
In this book, Miranda's teenage years are full of emotion and battles. From this turmoil comes inevitable personal growth and life lessons. Miranda is struggling dealing with the important relationships in her life... her mother, her father and his new girlfriend, and her best friend. Miranda often feels unimportant and unheard in daily life. Her Mom has failed to move on in life after her divorce. Her Father has moved on with someone else, and Miranda feels resentment towards his new girlfriend for it. Her best friend Eve likes everything her way or the highway and keeps pushing for her to complete the dares of "Truth or dare."
Miranda often thinks "wouldn't it be great to swim off toward the horizon, away from school, Dad, Sarah, Mom, and life." Well that opportunity happens, and Miranda finds herself in an alternate underwater universe. But not all is what it seems...Miranda quickly learns that she was brought to the underwater paradise for an unforeseen reason.
She has to inevitably decide between her life at home or staying in paradise, but either choice has unbelievable consequences that she will need to face. Which life will she choose? The life she wanted to get away from, or her newfound family and her first love with fins...you will need to read it to find out ;)
This book is a well written young adult book. The plot moves along quickly and with purpose. There are life lessons to be learned and/or reminded of throughout the book. If I had written this story, I would have taken full advantage of this new underwater world and brought it to life through words. I felt overall this book was lacking description, but then again maybe the author was leaving room for personal interpretation. I still imagined the world and the characters, but it may have brought it more to life for me personally if it was described by the author as she intended it to look. However, I totally loved the end portion of the book and I caught myself imagining how the end of the book actually happened...and in my eyes that is a book that resonates! I would recommend this book to anyone who is struggling through teenage life and/or anyone looking for a light, change of pace read. I will definitely try another of this author's work in the future, free for a review or not!
In this book, Miranda's teenage years are full of emotion and battles. From this turmoil comes inevitable personal growth and life lessons. Miranda is struggling dealing with the important relationships in her life... her mother, her father and his new girlfriend, and her best friend. Miranda often feels unimportant and unheard in daily life. Her Mom has failed to move on in life after her divorce. Her Father has moved on with someone else, and Miranda feels resentment towards his new girlfriend for it. Her best friend Eve likes everything her way or the highway and keeps pushing for her to complete the dares of "Truth or dare."
Miranda often thinks "wouldn't it be great to swim off toward the horizon, away from school, Dad, Sarah, Mom, and life." Well that opportunity happens, and Miranda finds herself in an alternate underwater universe. But not all is what it seems...Miranda quickly learns that she was brought to the underwater paradise for an unforeseen reason.
She has to inevitably decide between her life at home or staying in paradise, but either choice has unbelievable consequences that she will need to face. Which life will she choose? The life she wanted to get away from, or her newfound family and her first love with fins...you will need to read it to find out ;)
This book is a well written young adult book. The plot moves along quickly and with purpose. There are life lessons to be learned and/or reminded of throughout the book. If I had written this story, I would have taken full advantage of this new underwater world and brought it to life through words. I felt overall this book was lacking description, but then again maybe the author was leaving room for personal interpretation. I still imagined the world and the characters, but it may have brought it more to life for me personally if it was described by the author as she intended it to look. However, I totally loved the end portion of the book and I caught myself imagining how the end of the book actually happened...and in my eyes that is a book that resonates! I would recommend this book to anyone who is struggling through teenage life and/or anyone looking for a light, change of pace read. I will definitely try another of this author's work in the future, free for a review or not!
September 16, 2015
Miranda's Choice is a coming of age story with a twist. A teenage girl full of angst and heartache for her parent's divorce and her father's upcoming remarriage to his new girlfriend who Miranda isn't crazy over, her mother who she thinks is weak and somewhat blames for letting her dad go, her best friend she adores but doesn't stand up to, and then there is the secret. When Miranda was small she was at the beach with her family and for a moment she slipped under water. While there, a beautiful mermaid saved her a taught her a song to sing if ever she needed her help. All her young life, she dreamed of mermaids and the sirens song just out of her mind's reach. On her fourteenth birthday, her mom takes Miranda and her best friend, Eve, to the beach, the same beach they went to when she was a child. Eve and Miranda go out on the beach so Eve can give Miranda her birthday gift, which she had been keeping a secret and in moments Miranda ends up underwater with the same mermaid from when she was small. Only this time she learns there is more to her than meets the eye. She soon learns everything isn't what it seems and just because something's may appear better to be better than others, doesn't necessarily mean they are. Miranda learns she must make a choice--a choice to set things right Either way she chooses, someone's heart will be affected. Mya O'Malley writes this with a perfect cliffhanger ending to leave her readers waiting and wanting to read more!
August 10, 2015
Another great read from Mya O’Malley. In this book we meet teenager Miranda James. All is good until her parents divorce. Miranda finds it hard to deal with, even more so when she has to meet her fathers new girlfriend. Their relationships take a battering, especially when they announce they are getting married.
For her fifteenth birthday, Miranda’s mum take her and her friend on a trip to the beach where they used to spend their summers as a family. This is where the real fun starts. Miranda has been having dreams, strange dreams which become a reality when she meets Abby.
Abby as nice as she appears has an ulterior motive for getting Miranda tangled in their world. Meeting her half-sister Elise and the gorgeous Evan, understanding that things are not what they seem takes a while to notice for the teenager.
Can Miranda’s life ever be how it once was? Can she put her feeling about her family to the side and see that they are actually happy with the choices they have made over the years? Can she get the best of both worlds?
This was an interesting read, it kept my attention, even though the fantasy element is not normally my kind of read. It was a really sweet read that I would recommend to anyone who wants a good clean read.
For her fifteenth birthday, Miranda’s mum take her and her friend on a trip to the beach where they used to spend their summers as a family. This is where the real fun starts. Miranda has been having dreams, strange dreams which become a reality when she meets Abby.
Abby as nice as she appears has an ulterior motive for getting Miranda tangled in their world. Meeting her half-sister Elise and the gorgeous Evan, understanding that things are not what they seem takes a while to notice for the teenager.
Can Miranda’s life ever be how it once was? Can she put her feeling about her family to the side and see that they are actually happy with the choices they have made over the years? Can she get the best of both worlds?
This was an interesting read, it kept my attention, even though the fantasy element is not normally my kind of read. It was a really sweet read that I would recommend to anyone who wants a good clean read.
September 15, 2015
Miranda James is a typical teenage girl that is struggling with what life has thrown her way. Not only are her parents divorced, but her father is dating another woman and Miranda is not happy with the entire situation. Her attitude gets worse and she struggles to even carry on a conversation with her dad, fueling her anger and hate, her dad’s girlfriend calls her on her birthday to invite her to be a bridesmaid. Things couldn’t get worse. Along with her challenges, Miranda is having reoccurring dreams, unable to figure them out she starts to lash out at everyone around her. When everything seems to be coming to head, she is hanging with her best friend when suddenly her life takes an unexpected turn; she is brought into a world of mermaids. She’s about to find that life isn’t always greener on the other side.
I struggled at first to relate to Miranda, her hate seemed to take hold of the reader and it was hard to shake it off. I didn’t really start enjoying the story until the sea became her new life. Once in the mermaid’s village the story had twists and turns and held my interest. On the last page I was sorry to see it end.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I struggled at first to relate to Miranda, her hate seemed to take hold of the reader and it was hard to shake it off. I didn’t really start enjoying the story until the sea became her new life. Once in the mermaid’s village the story had twists and turns and held my interest. On the last page I was sorry to see it end.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 16, 2015
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
It was another enjoyable read from Mya. I liked the world and characters she created, and story engrossed me from the beginning.
In here we meet teenage Miranda, a sweet girl whose life was perfect until her parents divorce. After that her life changed. She was not able to coop with the changes and the fact that they were no longer a family. It get even more difficult after her father introduced her to his soon to be new wife. To escape the pain her mum has taken her and her friend to a place where they always came as a family. Miranda is spending there her fifteenth birthday. She was expecting another holidays with her mum. But everything changes once she meets Abby. A girl that is more than what is seems. She has ulterior motives towards Miranda.
This book shows you the difficulties of moving forward, of the clash of two different worlds. And power of understanding, that sometimes the difficulty and hurtful at the beginning decision, are the best ones to be truly happy.
Well deserved 4 stars.
It was another enjoyable read from Mya. I liked the world and characters she created, and story engrossed me from the beginning.
In here we meet teenage Miranda, a sweet girl whose life was perfect until her parents divorce. After that her life changed. She was not able to coop with the changes and the fact that they were no longer a family. It get even more difficult after her father introduced her to his soon to be new wife. To escape the pain her mum has taken her and her friend to a place where they always came as a family. Miranda is spending there her fifteenth birthday. She was expecting another holidays with her mum. But everything changes once she meets Abby. A girl that is more than what is seems. She has ulterior motives towards Miranda.
This book shows you the difficulties of moving forward, of the clash of two different worlds. And power of understanding, that sometimes the difficulty and hurtful at the beginning decision, are the best ones to be truly happy.
Well deserved 4 stars.
June 13, 2015
I don't know what I was expecting with this book, but I really enjoyed it. This book Follows Miranda a young 14 year old girl. The day of her birthday, she plays a game of spellbound On the beach with her friend. Miranda ends up walking into the sea where she is captured by a mermaid. This mermaid isn't what she appears to be and she's held captive in an underwater world. Her dad is the only one that can trade places with her... Miranda wakes up on the beach after being saved by a lifeguard. After this ordeal Miranda values her life and everyone in it. She believes that what she experienced was a dream but the day of her dad's wedding her mum gives her a necklace that Miranda got given to her in the underwater world. It becomes clear to Miranda and her boyfriend Ethan, that it was no dream.
This was a lovely light hearted book. I would recommend it to anyone wether they like mystical, romance or fantasy.
This was a lovely light hearted book. I would recommend it to anyone wether they like mystical, romance or fantasy.
September 3, 2015
Miranda’s Choice is a great book for preteens and young teenagers. It has a good message for young girls struggling with relationships between friends and parents. It is especially moving for kids dealing with divorce and step-parents. I wish I had read this book when I was going through that! It is definitely a didactic story for young girls, filled with magic, romance, and suspense.
The book has a good amount of complex characters. The antagonist was especially compelling because they had more than one vengeful emotion; the villain of the story was well written. The actual plotline of the book dragged a bit in the middle. The main conflict needed more facets, or a condensed middle of the story. The protagonist’s lethargic timing of a choice, ironically, was the book’s downfall, for me. There were also some unanswered questions at the end of the book that were pretty vital to know. Is that a set up for a sequel or lack of explanation?
The book has a good amount of complex characters. The antagonist was especially compelling because they had more than one vengeful emotion; the villain of the story was well written. The actual plotline of the book dragged a bit in the middle. The main conflict needed more facets, or a condensed middle of the story. The protagonist’s lethargic timing of a choice, ironically, was the book’s downfall, for me. There were also some unanswered questions at the end of the book that were pretty vital to know. Is that a set up for a sequel or lack of explanation?
September 14, 2015
This book did not begin (too slow) or end (too abrupt) well, but the middle part was interesting and had a great lesson. Miranda is pulled into a magical world with a mermaid named Abby and her daughter Elise. Miranda knows she is brought there for a reason that she has to figure out. Not everything is as it appears and she is running out of time to figure things out.
The author could have definitely shown us more about the mer-world, especially why some things were forbidden and how the whole relationship worked between mermaids and humans. But I did like the overall message of the book; it reminds me of one of my favorite quotes: "The grass isn't greener on the other side. The grass is greener where you water it!" And I felt like Miranda learned that lesson.
The ending was abrupt and confusing... I felt like I had missed a few chapters that resolved things.
Content: Clean (there may have been a few mild swear words)
Source: Review copy (opinion is 100% my own)
The author could have definitely shown us more about the mer-world, especially why some things were forbidden and how the whole relationship worked between mermaids and humans. But I did like the overall message of the book; it reminds me of one of my favorite quotes: "The grass isn't greener on the other side. The grass is greener where you water it!" And I felt like Miranda learned that lesson.
The ending was abrupt and confusing... I felt like I had missed a few chapters that resolved things.
Content: Clean (there may have been a few mild swear words)
Source: Review copy (opinion is 100% my own)
October 8, 2015
Miranda turns fourteen. Life is supposed to be easier. Right?! Miranda knows about the typical teenage problems, but her life seems so much more difficult. Her parents are divorced, her Dad is remarrying, her best friend is preoccupied with boys and her cellphone, and Miranda is feeling frustrated and lost. Then, on the night of her birthday, Miranda is taken away by the mermaid Abigail and her daughter Elise. She spends time in their beautiful realm under the sea. While there, she learns that things aren't always what they seem. She must make a choice to remain with Abby and Elise or to return to her life on land.
I enjoyed Miranda's Choice. Miranda grows and changes as a result of her time underwater. The book has a lot of plot twists. You find yourself caught up in Miranda's story, and you don't want to put it down until you find out what happens.
I enjoyed Miranda's Choice. Miranda grows and changes as a result of her time underwater. The book has a lot of plot twists. You find yourself caught up in Miranda's story, and you don't want to put it down until you find out what happens.
January 23, 2016
First of all, I would like to say that I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions, however, are my own.
I loved the idea of this book. Spanning two worlds, the plot really made you think about what your life would be like in an alternate dimension. I was never really sure what was going to happen, or what Miranda was going to choose. Suspense is hard to create in a romance novel; almost all of them, while enjoyable, have some degree of predictability. This one didn't; I enjoyed that.
The only criticism I had dealt with Miranda and Evan's relationship. I felt like it moved too fast and wasn't really developed as much as I would've liked. It would have been so much better if there were a couple of date scenes to establish their connection.
My favorite part was the ending. I absolutely loved that Evan/Ethan figured everything out in the end.
I loved the idea of this book. Spanning two worlds, the plot really made you think about what your life would be like in an alternate dimension. I was never really sure what was going to happen, or what Miranda was going to choose. Suspense is hard to create in a romance novel; almost all of them, while enjoyable, have some degree of predictability. This one didn't; I enjoyed that.
The only criticism I had dealt with Miranda and Evan's relationship. I felt like it moved too fast and wasn't really developed as much as I would've liked. It would have been so much better if there were a couple of date scenes to establish their connection.
My favorite part was the ending. I absolutely loved that Evan/Ethan figured everything out in the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2015
Miranda's Choice was recommended to me by a friend so I got a copy for an honest review. I read it knowing little to nothing about what to expect. It was a pleasant surprise. The author's writing flowed well and kept me invested. Miranda begins the story as a spoiled brat. I had trouble connecting with her, but I'm not a 14 year old girl anymore, until she started maturing further into the book. Miranda's Choice has many valuable life lessons we all had to learn and is told in an entertaining story with mermaids, secrets, and suspense. I was a little disappointed that we are left with unanswered questions that were only hinted at, alas that is also part of the appeal. This in no way took away from my enjoyment or positive feelings from this book. This book is very age appropriate and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a sweet and exciting young adventure.
September 20, 2015
The premise of this story sounded good, but it didn't end up being what I expected. I was expecting a cool look into an imaginary mermaid world, but it was just like here. Nothing was different except they have finds. They seemed to live just like humans. Not at all what I was expecting.
The teenage drama seemed over the top to me. Miranda was such a whiner. She really didn't gain any understanding or compassion until the end of the book. The romance seemed sweet until I remembered Miranda is 14! I would definitely have a different attitude if my 14 year old thought she was in love with a boy. 16, probably STILL too young! 18 might have been a better age for the characters.
Overall, it felt like the idea was there, but it was poorly executed. I doubt I will search out other books by this author.
The teenage drama seemed over the top to me. Miranda was such a whiner. She really didn't gain any understanding or compassion until the end of the book. The romance seemed sweet until I remembered Miranda is 14! I would definitely have a different attitude if my 14 year old thought she was in love with a boy. 16, probably STILL too young! 18 might have been a better age for the characters.
Overall, it felt like the idea was there, but it was poorly executed. I doubt I will search out other books by this author.
August 16, 2015
Mama’s Thoughts:
Miranda’s Choice is a sweet fairytale for young adults, suitable for 12+ as there is no hanky panky business or coarse language. This charming story follows Miranda as she not only comes of age but also tries to come to terms with her destiny. Sometimes you have to learn the hard way, and for Miranda that is a tough pill to swallow. She’s very envious and a bit of a dreamer, but I felt that she showed some improvement where her attitude is concerned by the book’s end. It’s a fairly short read, just over novella length and would be a great way to spend one of your last summer afternoons. Dive into this 3.5 star read today!
***Author kindly provided a free review copy in exchange for honest opinion.***
Miranda’s Choice is a sweet fairytale for young adults, suitable for 12+ as there is no hanky panky business or coarse language. This charming story follows Miranda as she not only comes of age but also tries to come to terms with her destiny. Sometimes you have to learn the hard way, and for Miranda that is a tough pill to swallow. She’s very envious and a bit of a dreamer, but I felt that she showed some improvement where her attitude is concerned by the book’s end. It’s a fairly short read, just over novella length and would be a great way to spend one of your last summer afternoons. Dive into this 3.5 star read today!
***Author kindly provided a free review copy in exchange for honest opinion.***
August 28, 2015
I typically enjoy books by Mya O'Malley. This one was not a book I would usually read, though that doesn't make it a bad book. I just kept thinking about how much my 13 year old daughter would love it. The main character is a 14 year old girl who loves the beach and decides to go there for her birthday celebration. She plays a game that somehow ends her up in the ocean, a part of a merpeople village. There are many twists and turns that I can't reveal because it would spoil the book, but this was a cute book. It really is geared for a younger audience, I wouldn't hesitate to let my teenager read it. There are a few mild swear words but no sex.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 9, 2015
This is the first book I have read by Mya O'Malley and I received this book for an honest review. I found this clean, teen romantic suspense to be engaging as well as internally searching. I remember what it was to be a teenager and like most people so young Miranda is searching for her niche, her place in life. She is struggling with her anger, her resentment as well as learning the important lesson of respecting other peoples' choices. In this book the reader is left determining what is real and what is fantasy. If you are into a clean fantasy story of suspense and romance, you'll want to pick up this one.
August 7, 2015
When I first started reading Miranda's choice, I wasn't sure what to expect. The book is a teen fantasy with a good story line. Miranda's life is hard, or at least it is for a 14 year old. She isn't happy with the things going on with her life, typical of a teenager. But when one game sends her to an underworld with mermaids and mermen, her life suddenly doesn't seem so bad. Can Miranda fight her way back to her old life, or will she forever be trapped in the underwater city she finds herself in?
August 21, 2015
The overall story theme of a human going into the world of mermaids and merman was interesting. It could have been a great book if the story had been fleshed out more and the story line flowed together better. I felt like I was only getting part of the story through most of this book and it left me frustrated. I also felt liked the same thing was being repeated over and over. The ending was a bit abrupt and left a lot of unanswered questions. The book is clean and appropriate for a young adult.
August 26, 2015
This was an okay book. I liked it, but didn’t love it. As the title states, Miranda has a choice to make – but in the end the choice is taken out of her hands and she is forced to do something she is not sure she wants to do. Miranda did, however, find out that the grass is definitely not always greener on the other side. This book is definitely geared toward the Young Adult genre. And although I like several YA books, this one lacked something. To me, the author left way too many things unsaid – too many things that were not explained that needed to be.
July 7, 2015
Interesting
Miranda's Choice was a difficult story for me to follow. Much of what happened to Miranda throughout the book last me confused and not understanding what was happening. There is an interesting lesson on learning to accept others choices however, even at the end I am stuck struggling to determine what is really and what is make believe.
Miranda's Choice was a difficult story for me to follow. Much of what happened to Miranda throughout the book last me confused and not understanding what was happening. There is an interesting lesson on learning to accept others choices however, even at the end I am stuck struggling to determine what is really and what is make believe.
August 4, 2015
Being 14 and your dad is in a new relationship it can be hard
to deal with the changes in life. For Miranda this is no different.
But what happens when an accident leaves her confused on what is real or what was a dream. When everything she feels to be real can only be a dream. This book is really good I wish it was just a bit longer.
to deal with the changes in life. For Miranda this is no different.
But what happens when an accident leaves her confused on what is real or what was a dream. When everything she feels to be real can only be a dream. This book is really good I wish it was just a bit longer.
July 22, 2015
This is the story of mermaids, mermen and a typical 14 year old teenager who is being a brat. It was well a written, easy to read story and very enjoyable. There is a moral to the story which I found interesting and will definitely read more by this author.
October 5, 2015
Love this book well written and keeps you pulled into the story I really hope there is going to be another one because I want to find out more about Miranda. This is a perfect quick read book and full of mystery and love it absolutely amazing will def be on my reread shelf for the future
November 28, 2016
Awesome introduction to a new to me author
This book was fantastic! Weird in some places but overall, a great story. It leaves me wondering what else this author has out.
This book was fantastic! Weird in some places but overall, a great story. It leaves me wondering what else this author has out.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews