Sunshine, Sunburn and Not-So-Sweet Nothings

Ally's World #Summer Special

by Karen McCombie

Ally's back, and this time she's on holiday. The Love household depart en masse for some summer fun - bringing merry mayhem in their wake.

Genres: Childrens

Paperback

First published June 19, 2006

About the author

Karen McCombie is a bestselling author of children's and young adult novels, and has had more than 90 books published. She is the author of the much-loved series 'Ally's World' (early 2000s) and her most recent books include the Carnegie-nominated historical adventure 'Little Bird Flies' (2019) and it's newly published partner novel 'Little Bird Lands' (2020, Nosy Crow Books), plus the 'St Grizzle's School' series for younger readers (Stripes). She has several books publishing in 2021.
Originally from Scotland, Karen lives in London with her husband, her teenage daughter and beautiful but bitey cat Dizzy.

Reviews

[Own Timis]

I don't remember reading this one as a child but I still hugely enjoyed it! Very sad there are no more Ally's World books to take me down memory lane.

[Kyra]

In Sunshine,Sunburn and Not-So-Sweet Nothings, Ally and her siblings are being whisked away to Cornwall on a camping holiday. Ally is looking forward to it but she knows that Linn's grouchy attitude and lack of enthusiasm towards camping as well as Rowan's abnormal downcast mood, will most likely put a damper on the whole holiday. Despite her sisters' moods hanging over them like a black thunder-cloud, Ally is determined to have fun in the sun! However, Ally struggles to keep the mood light when her and her dad sees how happy Ally's mom is being with the people from her past and they think she might regret ever coming back to them, as well as when the farmer's son wrecks Ally and Billy's relationship. A wonderful holiday is swiftly turning into a disastrous one, but Ally is adamant to have a bright, positive viewpoint on the trip!

This book was so much fun to read! I absolutely love reading any books from Ally's point of view, and I look forward to reading any other books that Karen McCombie will ever write from any point of view from the family members in the Love household.

As you know, I love the Ally's World series and I feel extremely connected to the loveable characters and through reading this book, it was like I was finally able to go on holiday to St Ives with the Love family, and it was so much fun!

It was interesting seeing how they all acted when they were camping, and everyone's reactions to it. Linn freaking out about not having electricity, Ally worrying about Billy not answering his messages and Rowan seeing an opportunity to turn the tent into a dazzling display. They feel like my family, these characters d o and I loved getting to know even more about them and experiencing this with them.

The farmer's children were so completely infuriating. Sol was a complete and utter idiot and I detested what he did to Ally to deepen the gap between her and Billy. I was happy when Lana and Linn bonded, and I started seeing things through Linn's eyes and how she felt about certain things.

Sunshine, Sunburn and Not-So-Sweet Nothings, also had me feeling a hint of nostalgia. A year has gone by since the final book in the Ally's World series. All the characters are a year older and have adjusted to the changes that happened in the last few books in the series. I miss Sandie not being around anymore, but I'm glad that it's deepened the bond between Ally and Kyra and Billy. It was lovely seeing Kyra in the book, as she's really matured a lot since the first book, yet she still can be quite obnoxious but I, like Ally, am used it now.

Sunshine, Sunburn and Not-So-Sweet Nothings, was a fantastic, fun addition to the marvelous Ally's World series! With lots of sunshine, ice cream and endless fun, Sunshine, Sunburn and Not-So-Sweet Nothings is a perfect holiday read!