What do you think?
According to Audrey
Cautious and introverted, seventeen-year-old Dove spends most of her free time pursuing her one true passion: painting. The twinkling lights of Balboa Island, the ferryboat to the peninsula, the fire pits on Big Corona Beach…these have long been the subjects of her canvases as she daydreams about finding an Audrey Hepburn-film kind of romance.
A hotshot jock is exactly not the type of guy she’s been looking for—but when Leo Donovan drops his cool act to show his vulnerable side, Dove begins to question everything. But first she’ll have to navigate her way through claim-staking mean girls and disapproving parents—and still keep her focus on attending the art school of her dreams.
Being in love turns out to be more complex than the average silver-screen classic. Can Dove follow her heart (and Audrey’s cues) to create her own perfect Hollywood ending?
A hotshot jock is exactly not the type of guy she’s been looking for—but when Leo Donovan drops his cool act to show his vulnerable side, Dove begins to question everything. But first she’ll have to navigate her way through claim-staking mean girls and disapproving parents—and still keep her focus on attending the art school of her dreams.
Being in love turns out to be more complex than the average silver-screen classic. Can Dove follow her heart (and Audrey’s cues) to create her own perfect Hollywood ending?
300 pages, Paperback
Published May 4, 2018
About the author
Happy LaShelle
1 book29 followersHappy LaShelle is a writer, mom of three, and wife to a Basque baker who brings home loaves of crusty sourdough everyday. She lives near the mission bells in sunny Santa Barbara, but loves the rainy banks of London's Thames River just as much as the sandy shores of her Newport Beach hometown. She studied History at UCLA and has a passion for Shakespeare plays, period films, and iced mocha lattes. ACCORDING TO AUDREY is her debut novel.
You can learn more about Happy on her website, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest
You can learn more about Happy on her website, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 5, 2018
I received this ARC from Red Coat Publishing and the author in exchange for an honest review.
That was quite the trip down memory lane with respect to my first high school love. A lot of different emotions were running through me as I made my way through this story and I was truly invested in Dove’s journey.
Although at times the protagonist came across as overly emotional and analytical with a big splash of teenage hormones, it was interesting to read her narration as she dealt with love, school, family and her uncertain future. She felt alive and real, contained dimensions and layers and I was glad that the author created a female character that didn’t fit the general mold of teenage girls.
The plot was straight forward, slightly predictable at times, but still very enjoyable.
And the writing was fast, clean and afforded the reader with a sense of sympathy for the protagonist.
Overall, I’m glad I had a chance to read this story. I expected it to be light and fluffy, but was impressed by the emotional investment it was able to tease out of me. I would recommend it to anyone looking for teenage coming-of-age stories, not so typical female protagonists, young adult and contemporary fiction.
That was quite the trip down memory lane with respect to my first high school love. A lot of different emotions were running through me as I made my way through this story and I was truly invested in Dove’s journey.
Although at times the protagonist came across as overly emotional and analytical with a big splash of teenage hormones, it was interesting to read her narration as she dealt with love, school, family and her uncertain future. She felt alive and real, contained dimensions and layers and I was glad that the author created a female character that didn’t fit the general mold of teenage girls.
The plot was straight forward, slightly predictable at times, but still very enjoyable.
And the writing was fast, clean and afforded the reader with a sense of sympathy for the protagonist.
Overall, I’m glad I had a chance to read this story. I expected it to be light and fluffy, but was impressed by the emotional investment it was able to tease out of me. I would recommend it to anyone looking for teenage coming-of-age stories, not so typical female protagonists, young adult and contemporary fiction.
April 30, 2018
What Would Audrey Do? The theme, that titles this book follows a teenager who adores Audrey Hepburn, and let's be honest here if a teenager is looking for guidance, I am totally on board with this train of thought! A slightly different take on many of the YA contemporary out there I really enjoyed the journey, and without giving spoilers, the end! Perfect for a beach read, or an on the couch on a rainy day read!
Definitely recommended! 5 stars from me!
V""V
Definitely recommended! 5 stars from me!
V""V
September 16, 2017
What first drew me to this story was the city, which I don't live in but am familiar with. Teen romances are the kind of genre I enjoy.
This story is filled with romance, questionable first love, beautiful scenery and artwork, and surprises. It's a great beach read for fans of teen romances.
This story is filled with romance, questionable first love, beautiful scenery and artwork, and surprises. It's a great beach read for fans of teen romances.
July 6, 2018
Dove is a shy California teenager who plans to spend her summer building her portfolio so that she can be accepted into a prestigious art school. However, when her middle school crush, Leo Donovan, comes back to town, things will soon change. Dove is swept away in a whirlwind romance with Leo, and becomes distracted from pursuing her dream of being an artist. As Dove’s relationship with Leo progresses, she must decide which is more important to her: being with Leo or going to an excellent art school. ACCORDING TO AUDREY is LaShelle’s debut novel, and I foresee a bright future for her.
LaShelle’s writing definitely helped set the location of the story. It was incredibly evocative of the California beach town where the story takes place, and it made me wish I was there with the characters. I also liked how the town’s landscapes helped inspire Dove’s paintings. It really tied in well and continued the theme of the beautiful beach town throughout the story. However, I think I would’ve enjoyed the book a little more if it had just focused on either the summertime or the school year. While I understand why both were featured in the plot, I think it would’ve been better and not felt so rushed if just one season had been focused on. I would have also liked to see more build-up to the relationship between Dove and Leo, instead of the two just seemingly getting together immediately.
It was unique to have the quotes from Audrey Hepburn movies at the beginning of each chapter, inspired by Dove’s love of Audrey. These helped hint at the chapter’s events and added a nice touch to the book. I also enjoyed all the references to various Audrey Hepburn movies, including Roman Holiday, Sabrina, and Breakfast at Tiffany’s. It certainly made me in the mood for a good movie night!
I came into ACCORDING TO AUDREY expecting a light hearted beach read, but it was actually much more serious than that. While I thought Dove was a bit of a weak character at the beginning, I really enjoyed seeing her growth and I was pleased with the resolution of her storyline. During the latter part of the book, I was a bit concerned with how it would wrap up, but I was pleasantly surprised by the way LaShelle chose to end the story. It is great for readers to see a female character who has big goals for herself and strives to reach them.
I would recommend ACCORDING TO AUDREY to anyone who enjoys teen romance with a bit of drama mixed in. There were discussions of some common teenage issues such as cheating, underage drinking, and several other problems. Because of this, I believe that ACCORDING TO AUDREY is best for older teens. However, I can certainly see those in the target audience enjoying it greatly.
Reviewed by Breck G., Teen Board Member
LaShelle’s writing definitely helped set the location of the story. It was incredibly evocative of the California beach town where the story takes place, and it made me wish I was there with the characters. I also liked how the town’s landscapes helped inspire Dove’s paintings. It really tied in well and continued the theme of the beautiful beach town throughout the story. However, I think I would’ve enjoyed the book a little more if it had just focused on either the summertime or the school year. While I understand why both were featured in the plot, I think it would’ve been better and not felt so rushed if just one season had been focused on. I would have also liked to see more build-up to the relationship between Dove and Leo, instead of the two just seemingly getting together immediately.
It was unique to have the quotes from Audrey Hepburn movies at the beginning of each chapter, inspired by Dove’s love of Audrey. These helped hint at the chapter’s events and added a nice touch to the book. I also enjoyed all the references to various Audrey Hepburn movies, including Roman Holiday, Sabrina, and Breakfast at Tiffany’s. It certainly made me in the mood for a good movie night!
I came into ACCORDING TO AUDREY expecting a light hearted beach read, but it was actually much more serious than that. While I thought Dove was a bit of a weak character at the beginning, I really enjoyed seeing her growth and I was pleased with the resolution of her storyline. During the latter part of the book, I was a bit concerned with how it would wrap up, but I was pleasantly surprised by the way LaShelle chose to end the story. It is great for readers to see a female character who has big goals for herself and strives to reach them.
I would recommend ACCORDING TO AUDREY to anyone who enjoys teen romance with a bit of drama mixed in. There were discussions of some common teenage issues such as cheating, underage drinking, and several other problems. Because of this, I believe that ACCORDING TO AUDREY is best for older teens. However, I can certainly see those in the target audience enjoying it greatly.
Reviewed by Breck G., Teen Board Member
April 29, 2018
I wasn’t a huge fan of this book. The story line was fine and I think it could have been a cute YA book, but there wasn’t any character development. The only character we remotely get to know is Dove which is surprising given that the book centers around her relationship with Leo. I have no idea how their relationship came to be or where their attraction for each other comes from, much less their “love.” Everything just... happens.
There were so many missed opportunities to develop their relationship. Every time they’re in a situation together, on a date, hanging out, etc, we get a couple of innocuous exchanges and then it’s a week later. I know absolutely nothing about Leo other than he likes baseball and is apparently a manwhore.
I can’t really say much without throwing a spoiler in here, but I will say the twist or whatever seemed completely at odds with what we are SHOWN about Leo even if it’s constantly being said.
Dove was just annoying. I didn’t find her strong or particularly inspiring. She was pretty whiny which I guess is standard for a 17 year old.
Honestly, Jessie was the best character in this book.
I truly like YA novels and authors like Kasie West and Nicola Yoon, but this one didn’t cut it for me, unfortunately.
ARC provides by Red Coat PR in exchange for an honest review
There were so many missed opportunities to develop their relationship. Every time they’re in a situation together, on a date, hanging out, etc, we get a couple of innocuous exchanges and then it’s a week later. I know absolutely nothing about Leo other than he likes baseball and is apparently a manwhore.
I can’t really say much without throwing a spoiler in here, but I will say the twist or whatever seemed completely at odds with what we are SHOWN about Leo even if it’s constantly being said.
Dove was just annoying. I didn’t find her strong or particularly inspiring. She was pretty whiny which I guess is standard for a 17 year old.
Honestly, Jessie was the best character in this book.
I truly like YA novels and authors like Kasie West and Nicola Yoon, but this one didn’t cut it for me, unfortunately.
ARC provides by Red Coat PR in exchange for an honest review
April 2, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this young adult book! It is a fun and easy read, with great development of characters. The focus is on a forbidden romance between high school seniors, with all it's angst, trials and temptations. The main character loves Audrey Hepburn and her movies for reasons you will discover in the book. The author does a good job of making you love and hate her love interest throughout the story.
There are some fun twists to the plot, I loved the ending, and I especially enjoyed all the familiar landmarks and local scenes of Newport Beach that are included. The author also cleverly used quotes from well-known Audrey Hepburn movies as chapter headings to foreshadow each chapter.
I'm looking forward to the author's next book!
There are some fun twists to the plot, I loved the ending, and I especially enjoyed all the familiar landmarks and local scenes of Newport Beach that are included. The author also cleverly used quotes from well-known Audrey Hepburn movies as chapter headings to foreshadow each chapter.
I'm looking forward to the author's next book!
April 30, 2018
What a cute and clever book. A well written YA story that doesn’t dumb down or speak down to its audience. Dove is a lovable, relatable character with an obsession for Audrey Hepburn - good taste!! Just a wonderful reminder to follow your dreams and passions, that life is bigger than the drama and hurts as face. Just a very well written book.
April 1, 2018
Oh to be 17 again! This gem of a book transported me back to the magic of first love, and all it's bitter-sweet intensity. A wonderful read for anyone, not just teen girls. Prepare to be charmed by a refreshingly grounded heroine and a Shakespearean quoting Brit! Loved it.
May 29, 2018
My love for all things Audrey drove me to read this book. Because of her, I give this book a 3.75 star rating.mover all the book was a bit too back and forth for me. There were a few unanswered questions but I was over all pleased with the ending.
December 28, 2024
I realy loved the ending but what the hell, was I supposed to get over the fact that Liam cheated on her and the girl he slept with had a pregnancy scare? Like WTH a cheating trope realy who is into that? The book was fine besides that very big part.
March 23, 2018
privileged, empty teens go through some run of the mill heartache
March 31, 2018
A great read with a fun plot, well-developed characters, and a cinematic setting - like an Audrey Hepburn film!
May 11, 2018
Good story about a girl who gets too wrapped up in a guy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 20, 2023
easy beach read but handles a lot of difficult love questions. wasn’t super fulfilled with the main love interest but maybe that’s part of the point. happy the ending turned the way it did.
April 1, 2018
This is a sweet coming of age romance and a throwback to one’s high school days when teenage emotions and endless energy dictated all of our choices. The story follows Dove, a high school senior, on her journey as she attempts to balance her realistic life choices with the notion of a happily-ever-after Hollywood-type romance.
In the beginning, Dove is in her own little idyllic artistic bubble acutely focused on developing herself as an artist, with dreams of attending an art school in Paris. Everything changes when she encounters her former crush, Leo, a star athlete who has his own dreams of playing major league baseball. Does she continue to follow her dream of studying abroad, or does she follow her heart and peruse a future with Leo? Much of the story is about her reexamining her priorities and rationalizing the choices she makes. At that age, when young people are dealing with their first strong romantic feelings, they often have difficulty making good choices. Dove struggles with her own insecurities as well as feelings of guilt and betrayal. Through it all, she has the support of her longtime best friend Jessie.
This is a love story that many young people will be able to relate to as they encounter similar feelings and situations in their own lives.
LaShelle has a very descriptive writing style that transported me to her serene California seaside locales. I could totally picture being at the county fair, watching a high school baseball game, going to the theater, and exploring ocean tide pools. Her love of Audrey Hepburn and classic films shines through. The film quotes at the beginning of each chapter perfectly foreshadow what’s coming. Makes me want to curl up on the couch and watch Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Sabrina. Overall, it was a Goodread!
In the beginning, Dove is in her own little idyllic artistic bubble acutely focused on developing herself as an artist, with dreams of attending an art school in Paris. Everything changes when she encounters her former crush, Leo, a star athlete who has his own dreams of playing major league baseball. Does she continue to follow her dream of studying abroad, or does she follow her heart and peruse a future with Leo? Much of the story is about her reexamining her priorities and rationalizing the choices she makes. At that age, when young people are dealing with their first strong romantic feelings, they often have difficulty making good choices. Dove struggles with her own insecurities as well as feelings of guilt and betrayal. Through it all, she has the support of her longtime best friend Jessie.
This is a love story that many young people will be able to relate to as they encounter similar feelings and situations in their own lives.
LaShelle has a very descriptive writing style that transported me to her serene California seaside locales. I could totally picture being at the county fair, watching a high school baseball game, going to the theater, and exploring ocean tide pools. Her love of Audrey Hepburn and classic films shines through. The film quotes at the beginning of each chapter perfectly foreshadow what’s coming. Makes me want to curl up on the couch and watch Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Sabrina. Overall, it was a Goodread!
July 7, 2023
wow. i loved this book sm.
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September 2, 2018I AM RIGHT LEON CAN'T BE TRUSTED
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews