What do you think?
Rate this book
Whisper if You Need Me
This is an alternate cover edition for ASIN: B014RPP6S4
A strong-willed yet vulnerable young beauty, Julia Pearl is sixteen years old when she’s sent away to summer camp for the first time. Julia’s father and stepmother are convinced that time away from home will be good for Julia, hoping it will restore the confidence she lost when her mother disappeared five years earlier.
Released from the emotional constraints of her new family and the ugly reputation her mother left behind, Julia finds herself reluctantly tossed into the free-spirited and often drama-infused world of overnight camp—where she quickly falls for an intensely charismatic counselor named Jack Dempsey, a nineteen-year-old college student who will prove to save her life in more ways than one.
Rich with humor and poignancy, Whisper If You Need Me is a timeless story that will remind readers of the strength of friendship, the unwavering devotion of family, and ultimately, the power of young love.
A strong-willed yet vulnerable young beauty, Julia Pearl is sixteen years old when she’s sent away to summer camp for the first time. Julia’s father and stepmother are convinced that time away from home will be good for Julia, hoping it will restore the confidence she lost when her mother disappeared five years earlier.
Released from the emotional constraints of her new family and the ugly reputation her mother left behind, Julia finds herself reluctantly tossed into the free-spirited and often drama-infused world of overnight camp—where she quickly falls for an intensely charismatic counselor named Jack Dempsey, a nineteen-year-old college student who will prove to save her life in more ways than one.
Rich with humor and poignancy, Whisper If You Need Me is a timeless story that will remind readers of the strength of friendship, the unwavering devotion of family, and ultimately, the power of young love.
267 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 20, 2015
66 people are currently reading
523 people want to read
About the author
Dina Silver
13 books639 followersDina Silver is an author, a wine lover, and an excellent parallel parker. She lives with her husband, son, and twenty-pound tabby cat in suburban Chicago. She’d prefer to live somewhere where it’s warm year-round, but she’s also a licensed real estate agent in Illinois, and she loathes the thought of having to take the broker exam again in another state. Dina is the author of five other novels, including One Pink Line, Kat Fight, Finding Bliss, The Unimaginable, and Whisper if You Need Me. To find out more about Dina and her books, visit www.dinasilver.com.
About books I review...
I am an author, so I appreciate the value of a 5-star review. I know that those stars mean more to an author, than they do to me as the reviewer who's doling them out. That being said, if I like a book at all, chances are I'm going to give it 5-stars. However, in the detailed description of my review is where I will attempt to explain what I actually thought of the book, so people can get a better idea of exactly how much I liked or loved it.
If I did not enjoy a book, or was unable to finish it, I simply will not review it. I have no interest in bashing anyone else's hard work.
About books I review...
I am an author, so I appreciate the value of a 5-star review. I know that those stars mean more to an author, than they do to me as the reviewer who's doling them out. That being said, if I like a book at all, chances are I'm going to give it 5-stars. However, in the detailed description of my review is where I will attempt to explain what I actually thought of the book, so people can get a better idea of exactly how much I liked or loved it.
If I did not enjoy a book, or was unable to finish it, I simply will not review it. I have no interest in bashing anyone else's hard work.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
May 19, 2017
4 stars!
Another Dina silver book that I enjoyed. I've bee in love with this authors writing since I read "kat fight" and when I saw that this book was YA I knew I had to read it. This book right here, is the reason why I still love reading YA.
"Whisper if you need me" is a wonderful, sweet, and heartfelt story of Jack/Julia, two teens that meet at camp. Filled with drama and that sarcastic humor that I enjoy and of course a bunch of hormonal teenage girls trying to get the attention of the handsome Jack. I was kinda surprised by the depth of this book especially with Julia and Jack, the losses they've both dealt in their pasts is heartbreaking. I think that's what made their connection so special.
Both came out of this camp different people. For Julia, she learned to appreciate her family more and how bitterness made her blind to what it's really the truth. For Jack, he learned to let go, especially of those who are not worth it. He would always carry the hurt but he knew he had to go forward and live his life and with Julia, the possibilities were endless.❤
Another Dina silver book that I enjoyed. I've bee in love with this authors writing since I read "kat fight" and when I saw that this book was YA I knew I had to read it. This book right here, is the reason why I still love reading YA.
"Whisper if you need me" is a wonderful, sweet, and heartfelt story of Jack/Julia, two teens that meet at camp. Filled with drama and that sarcastic humor that I enjoy and of course a bunch of hormonal teenage girls trying to get the attention of the handsome Jack. I was kinda surprised by the depth of this book especially with Julia and Jack, the losses they've both dealt in their pasts is heartbreaking. I think that's what made their connection so special.
Both came out of this camp different people. For Julia, she learned to appreciate her family more and how bitterness made her blind to what it's really the truth. For Jack, he learned to let go, especially of those who are not worth it. He would always carry the hurt but he knew he had to go forward and live his life and with Julia, the possibilities were endless.❤
October 25, 2015
Miss Dina Silver nails it again in her first YA novel!! This is such a genuine coming-of-age story that is believable and relatable. You know a novel is good when you love even the minor characters. Dina- please tell me you will continue Julia and Jack's story?!? THIS CANNOT BE THE END. I highly recommend this book.
December 19, 2015
No one can protect me, except for me.
Passing time alone in the dark was like waiting for a train that would never come, standing at the platform with no clock and no other travelers. It was just you and the uncertainty of whether you’d ever make it out of there or not.
*cue nostalgic forest gust*
Okay, first of all, I'm blaming Whisper if You Need Me for my sudden urge to camp out in the middle of the woods with nothing but a journal, pop tarts, sleeping bag, and a flashlight. I also had this sudden want to maybe attend an actual summer camp and spend a night in the middle of nowhere with a swoon-worthy camp counselor. Because swoon-worthy camp counselors are just... GAH.
Hmmm, wait.
Because come on---the forest bugs and me do not bode well together. Who am I even kidding?
*shudders*
Anyway, aside from my total fear for deadly bugs that was heightened with this book, this was still one of my cutest reads for 2015.
"I lay beneath the blanket at the base of my tree and savored the scent of him that lingered on my lips. My mind was giddy, replaying the events over and over, like a scene from a movie. First, the startling noise, and then the realization that everything I’d ever wanted was in front of me, asking my permission for the one thing my heart had been aching for. Then, the passion had happened, fast and furious, yet at the same time, it had been slow and intense. Both of us had concentrated on each other, moving and breathing as one, before the intensity had subsided, and we’d loosened our embrace to gaze into each other’s eyes. The music had started, and the credits had rolled to end the show. It was time to leave the dark theater and wander out into the bright, sobering lobby of life. Popcorn not included."
I guess what I love most about this book was that it was very character-oriented. It felt necessary as to how each character, especially Julia, was shown on how they relate to themselves and with other people. Also, I deemed it essential on the different changes seen among the relationships between certain characters. I appreciate how this book gave just enough development for each character.
Because of this key point, the book became extra special for me.
"Would you like to introduce yourself to the group?" Maggie asked me.
Not especially.
Liz chimed in, "This is Julia Pearl. Let’s all give her a Hollow Creek hello!"
"Holloooooooow!"
I’m in hell.
Also, shoutout to Jack, who is undoubtedly now my favorite camp counselor! You are just the sweetest. I just want to squeeze the life out of you. Total swoon.
"I THINK YOU’RE HOT. PLEASE TAKE YOUR LIME-GREEN EYES WITH THEIR CUPID’S ARROW LASER BEAMS AND POINT THEM ELSEWHERE BEFORE I PASS OUT LIKE SOME ROOKIE FAN AT A BACKSTREET BOYS CONCERT. PLEASE DON’T THINK I’M LIKE EVERY LOVE-STRUCK HORMONAL FEMALE CAMPER WHO HAS DREAMED OF MARRYING YOU. I’M DIFFERENT. I’M REAL. I’M NOT LIKE EVERYONE ELSE."
Can I just say that I totally relate to this conversation between Julia and Emma:
"I really like him."
"I know you do."
I sat on the bottom bunk. "No, I mean, like, really, really like him. Like, when-you-can’t-think-of-anything-else like him. It’s bad."
Anyway, 5 forest sky stars for this read!
"I would look out for her…and I knew I could trust her to look after me, too."
October 7, 2015
3.5 stars
I really loved many parts of this book...the growth and finding your potential in your teenage years, living life and overcoming fears. I was just hoping for a little more humor and more of an emotional connection to the story and I felt that it was missing for me. For her first YA I thought this was well written and throughly researched and I would most definitely read this author again
I really loved many parts of this book...the growth and finding your potential in your teenage years, living life and overcoming fears. I was just hoping for a little more humor and more of an emotional connection to the story and I felt that it was missing for me. For her first YA I thought this was well written and throughly researched and I would most definitely read this author again
December 15, 2015
2-3 "meh" stars
April 20, 2017
Julia Pearl has major trust issues. She’s never gotten over the awful night when her fashion model mother came home disheveled and she witnessed the shouting match resulting in her father telling her mom to leave and never return. That was five years ago and she still has no satisfactory explanation. In addition, her mother messed with her head with a constant litany of warnings about what disasters might befall Julia on a daily basis.
Her father remarried a woman who had two children younger than Julia. While she likes them, she feels distanced from them and is unable or unwilling to trust her stepmother’s attempts to connect. It didn’t help her feelings of disconnection when she had a breakdown following Mom’s exile. Julia refused to go to school, certain some dire accident would befall her on the school bus. She’s been home schooled ever since, further fueling her isolation.
This summer, however, Dad and Stepmom put their foot down and she’s going to a summer camp for several weeks. No cell phone, no calling home, nobody to run in and bail her out. She falls asleep on the bus and has to be woken by Jack, nephew of the somewhat incompetent and mean (to Jack), owner of the camp. Julia might not sense them, but sparks fly between the two immediately. Since Jack is 19 and a counselor, any fraternization between them is forbidden.
You know right from the minute Jack sees her that they’re destined to be a couple. Getting there, however involves restraint on his part, Julia deciding to explode her comfort zone and make a new friend in zany free-spirited Emma, while accepting the challenge to sleep alone in the woods as part of a special wilderness program.
Watching her grow and learn to trust people, surviving a nasty prank by a jealous rival and finally learning what happened to her mother, make this a stellar blend of romance and coming of age. It’s definitely a worthwhile addition for school and public libraries.
Her father remarried a woman who had two children younger than Julia. While she likes them, she feels distanced from them and is unable or unwilling to trust her stepmother’s attempts to connect. It didn’t help her feelings of disconnection when she had a breakdown following Mom’s exile. Julia refused to go to school, certain some dire accident would befall her on the school bus. She’s been home schooled ever since, further fueling her isolation.
This summer, however, Dad and Stepmom put their foot down and she’s going to a summer camp for several weeks. No cell phone, no calling home, nobody to run in and bail her out. She falls asleep on the bus and has to be woken by Jack, nephew of the somewhat incompetent and mean (to Jack), owner of the camp. Julia might not sense them, but sparks fly between the two immediately. Since Jack is 19 and a counselor, any fraternization between them is forbidden.
You know right from the minute Jack sees her that they’re destined to be a couple. Getting there, however involves restraint on his part, Julia deciding to explode her comfort zone and make a new friend in zany free-spirited Emma, while accepting the challenge to sleep alone in the woods as part of a special wilderness program.
Watching her grow and learn to trust people, surviving a nasty prank by a jealous rival and finally learning what happened to her mother, make this a stellar blend of romance and coming of age. It’s definitely a worthwhile addition for school and public libraries.
April 9, 2018
I love Dina Silver's books but this book left me wanting more. Don't get me wrong I liked the story. I rate this book 3.5.
October 11, 2015
I jumped at the chance to read this book early. I love Dina's other books.
So... I knew I was going to be reading something good!
And it was good.
But.... I felt like something was missing in the beginning of this book.
I know this is a YA book. But I needed more from Jack and Julia.
-I needed to feel the butterflies.
-I wanted to feel the falling in love.
-I wanted to feel all the stolen moments between them.
-I wanted to feel the struggle of them wanting to be together.
I really didn't feel all that with Jack and Julia right away.
It was pretty one sided for a good chunk of the book.
A girl having a crush on a older boy really.
And when things finally did happen between them..
I just felt it was kind of rushed.
I needed them to have more moments together.
Moments besides them talking here and there... and those moments were pretty far apart.
It was just hard to feel their connection.
The first 50% of the book I just didn't know where this story was going.
I was struggling a little bit.
I was getting mixed feelings with Jack 30% in.
-Does he like Julia?
-Is he just there to be her friend?
When they would have their talks & when he kind of singled her out. I felt like their might be something.
But then he would backpedal and would treat her like a kid?
It was just so confusing.
I had a hard time wrapping my head around it.
There was a lot of drama centering around Jack. Girls just kept throwing themselves at him.
I found that hard to believe that everyone wanted Jack that way. The thing with Liz really brought the age difference with me between Jack and Julia. Because Jack had his "moments of weakness".
And... I just kept thinking... There should have been more moments with Julia.
I was expecting something a little different with this book. I wasn't expecting full on sex. But what I was expecting was a little more developing between Jack & Julia. Jack was more a confidant to Julia more than anything. That's why it felt like a one sided crush more than anything to me.
Because... Jack did talk to Julia like a counselor. Then Jack would leave. And Julia would just be there all happy to have spent time with him.
At this point....I was seriously wondering about them.
After the 50% mark. This book just took off for me. To the point where I didn't want to put this book down! I stood up until almost 3 o'clock in the morning reading. I needed to know how it all played out in the end!
I felt everything that happened in this book was answered. Her family issues with her mom, her issues with her step-mom, all the drama with the camp girls.
All the drama that went on with Julia was all believable. I felt she let herself finally let a lot go and be more open to new experiences.
Everything between Jack and her was believable but also felt too rushed. It would have been more believable and better for me if they had spent more time together establishing a relationship.
Jack... I felt for him. Growing up the way he did.... Was really hard on him. I just can't believe his Aunt allowed everything to go on the way it did for so many years.
Jack has a good head on his shoulders. It felt like his looks got him into so much trouble.
But in the end... He knew what he wanted and he went for it. And he stood up for himself.
I was happy about that.
Overall... Even though this book was a slow start for me... the second half of this book totally saved this book for me. And was well worth loosing sleep for!
This was a good read. I really enjoyed it.
And I will definitely read more books by this author!!
*ARC provided by author for an honest review*
-Michelle
So... I knew I was going to be reading something good!
And it was good.
But.... I felt like something was missing in the beginning of this book.
I know this is a YA book. But I needed more from Jack and Julia.
-I needed to feel the butterflies.
-I wanted to feel the falling in love.
-I wanted to feel all the stolen moments between them.
-I wanted to feel the struggle of them wanting to be together.
I really didn't feel all that with Jack and Julia right away.
It was pretty one sided for a good chunk of the book.
A girl having a crush on a older boy really.
And when things finally did happen between them..
I just felt it was kind of rushed.
I needed them to have more moments together.
Moments besides them talking here and there... and those moments were pretty far apart.
It was just hard to feel their connection.
The first 50% of the book I just didn't know where this story was going.
I was struggling a little bit.
I was getting mixed feelings with Jack 30% in.
-Does he like Julia?
-Is he just there to be her friend?
When they would have their talks & when he kind of singled her out. I felt like their might be something.
But then he would backpedal and would treat her like a kid?
It was just so confusing.
I had a hard time wrapping my head around it.
There was a lot of drama centering around Jack. Girls just kept throwing themselves at him.
I found that hard to believe that everyone wanted Jack that way. The thing with Liz really brought the age difference with me between Jack and Julia. Because Jack had his "moments of weakness".
And... I just kept thinking... There should have been more moments with Julia.
I was expecting something a little different with this book. I wasn't expecting full on sex. But what I was expecting was a little more developing between Jack & Julia. Jack was more a confidant to Julia more than anything. That's why it felt like a one sided crush more than anything to me.
Because... Jack did talk to Julia like a counselor. Then Jack would leave. And Julia would just be there all happy to have spent time with him.
At this point....I was seriously wondering about them.
After the 50% mark. This book just took off for me. To the point where I didn't want to put this book down! I stood up until almost 3 o'clock in the morning reading. I needed to know how it all played out in the end!
I felt everything that happened in this book was answered. Her family issues with her mom, her issues with her step-mom, all the drama with the camp girls.
All the drama that went on with Julia was all believable. I felt she let herself finally let a lot go and be more open to new experiences.
Everything between Jack and her was believable but also felt too rushed. It would have been more believable and better for me if they had spent more time together establishing a relationship.
Jack... I felt for him. Growing up the way he did.... Was really hard on him. I just can't believe his Aunt allowed everything to go on the way it did for so many years.
Jack has a good head on his shoulders. It felt like his looks got him into so much trouble.
But in the end... He knew what he wanted and he went for it. And he stood up for himself.
I was happy about that.
Overall... Even though this book was a slow start for me... the second half of this book totally saved this book for me. And was well worth loosing sleep for!
This was a good read. I really enjoyed it.
And I will definitely read more books by this author!!
*ARC provided by author for an honest review*
-Michelle
January 15, 2016
Originally reviewed at Books Etc.
Dina Silver is known for her women's fiction novels but she has recently released her first YA book, Whisper if You Need Me. The contemporary novel was an absolute delight to read and Sarah Dessen fans should take note.
My favourite thing about Sarah Dessen novels (yes, I know this isn't a review about one of her books...bear with me here) is that the story is about more than just romance. Sometimes romance doesn't even really factor into the story. The point of the novel is to watch the heroine, a teenage girl, find her way in the world. There is drama, usually of the family sort but not always, and a little something special that hooks you and drags you, quite happily, into the story. Dina Silver has found that little something with her new book. Julia has a lot of stuff to work through...why her mom left, being "forced" to go to summer camp, having a new step-mother and step-siblings, plus a severe nut allergy. And for those, like me, who enjoy the swooning, the first kisses, and the romance, there's some of that too.
The setting played such a huge part in this novel. I never went to summer camp as a kid (the closest I got was a few day school trip to a nearby camp. I think I've blocked most of it out.) so there's a bit of a novelty factor for me. But I think summer camp is perfect for a contemporary YA novel and allows for a bunch of high school kids (and therefore a bunch of drama and angst) to get together somewhere that isn't school.
The only little teeny thing that bugged me has to do with the age of the characters. Julia is 16, Jack is 19. I just could not see how a guy who's just finished his first year of college could want to date a junior...in high school. I wish Julia had been going into grade 12 instead of 11...I think that would have eased my mind so much more. But really...that was the single thing I had an issue with in this novel.
That being said...oh, the feels I had reading about Julia and Jack. I think the fact that he was older did help because he was able to help her learn to deal with, well, life. And their first kiss? Talk about swooning. It was almost instalove but because they weren't allowed to be together (ooh, forbidden love to boot!) they had the chance to build a friendship first.
Finally, I liked that Julia was able to make some new friends while at camp. She has to deal with Mean Girls (oh my god, these girls were awful) but between Jack and her new friends, she's able to (usually) ignore the taunts and ridiculous comments and emerge on the other side even stronger than before.
I could not stop reading Whisper If You Need Me. Dina Silver sucked me in with her riveting, well written story. This is one that all contemporary YA fans will enjoy, especially those who like their heroines strong and relateable.
*An advanced eARC was provided by the author in exchange for review consideration. All opinions are honest and my own.*
Dina Silver is known for her women's fiction novels but she has recently released her first YA book, Whisper if You Need Me. The contemporary novel was an absolute delight to read and Sarah Dessen fans should take note.
My favourite thing about Sarah Dessen novels (yes, I know this isn't a review about one of her books...bear with me here) is that the story is about more than just romance. Sometimes romance doesn't even really factor into the story. The point of the novel is to watch the heroine, a teenage girl, find her way in the world. There is drama, usually of the family sort but not always, and a little something special that hooks you and drags you, quite happily, into the story. Dina Silver has found that little something with her new book. Julia has a lot of stuff to work through...why her mom left, being "forced" to go to summer camp, having a new step-mother and step-siblings, plus a severe nut allergy. And for those, like me, who enjoy the swooning, the first kisses, and the romance, there's some of that too.
The setting played such a huge part in this novel. I never went to summer camp as a kid (the closest I got was a few day school trip to a nearby camp. I think I've blocked most of it out.) so there's a bit of a novelty factor for me. But I think summer camp is perfect for a contemporary YA novel and allows for a bunch of high school kids (and therefore a bunch of drama and angst) to get together somewhere that isn't school.
The only little teeny thing that bugged me has to do with the age of the characters. Julia is 16, Jack is 19. I just could not see how a guy who's just finished his first year of college could want to date a junior...in high school. I wish Julia had been going into grade 12 instead of 11...I think that would have eased my mind so much more. But really...that was the single thing I had an issue with in this novel.
That being said...oh, the feels I had reading about Julia and Jack. I think the fact that he was older did help because he was able to help her learn to deal with, well, life. And their first kiss? Talk about swooning. It was almost instalove but because they weren't allowed to be together (ooh, forbidden love to boot!) they had the chance to build a friendship first.
Finally, I liked that Julia was able to make some new friends while at camp. She has to deal with Mean Girls (oh my god, these girls were awful) but between Jack and her new friends, she's able to (usually) ignore the taunts and ridiculous comments and emerge on the other side even stronger than before.
I could not stop reading Whisper If You Need Me. Dina Silver sucked me in with her riveting, well written story. This is one that all contemporary YA fans will enjoy, especially those who like their heroines strong and relateable.
*An advanced eARC was provided by the author in exchange for review consideration. All opinions are honest and my own.*
November 18, 2015
Love & Friendships
Whisper if you need me is a sweet coming of age YA book about a girl named Julia who is spunky and sweet. The author really delves into the life of a teenage girl who finds her perfectly happy life turned upside down where she feels alone and abandoned. Julia reluctantly attends summer camp and actually finds herself with new friends and a lot of time to herself to reflect on her life. With the help of her new friends and a hot boy named Jack, Julia gets the courage to face some of her fears and insecurities. In this story Julia finds she needs her family and friends support to overcome her abandonment issues and feel alive and secure within herself and with this new found confidence she matures. This book is a sweet story and will melt your heart with love and frienship.
For more book reviews: Myindieauthorfix.com
Whisper if you need me is a sweet coming of age YA book about a girl named Julia who is spunky and sweet. The author really delves into the life of a teenage girl who finds her perfectly happy life turned upside down where she feels alone and abandoned. Julia reluctantly attends summer camp and actually finds herself with new friends and a lot of time to herself to reflect on her life. With the help of her new friends and a hot boy named Jack, Julia gets the courage to face some of her fears and insecurities. In this story Julia finds she needs her family and friends support to overcome her abandonment issues and feel alive and secure within herself and with this new found confidence she matures. This book is a sweet story and will melt your heart with love and frienship.
For more book reviews: Myindieauthorfix.com
December 28, 2015
It started really good, I was enjoying the description of life in the camp, the interactions with the girls, nothing about the POV of Jack about having feelings for Julia, and then... out of the blue, he asked her permission to kiss her - BAM! at first I thought she was daydreaming, but it turned out to be true. I'm sure I read all the pages to lead to the first kiss, so it really, really confused me.
Afterwards everything passed super fast, the almost love story was nice and sweet, but a bit unrealistic.
So this book was ok.
Afterwards everything passed super fast, the almost love story was nice and sweet, but a bit unrealistic.
So this book was ok.
November 4, 2015
I love it! The most beautiful book I've read this year! It's so captivating and romantic with a side of laughter (Thanks Emma!) I love the story line and the message that lies within it! I definitely recommend this book!
February 9, 2016
Sometimes all I need is a good YA novel to get me out of a book funk. This one did the trick.
August 22, 2016
4.5 Stars.
August 2, 2018
This is a rather more high-powered YA romance than most I’ve read lately. Julia Pearl of Chicago was just starting 7th Grade when her high-powered attorney father threw her glamorous mother out of the house. Now she’s sixteen and while she knows her mother has been in rehab, or something, she hasn’t seen her or spoken to her in all that time. She has come to terms with it all, mostly, and she loves her father, though she resents her stepmother. But she has also become highly antisocial, so her father decides that, for her own good, she needs a complete change of pace -- like a month at a summer camp in remote Wisconsin. She doesn’t want to go -- but that’s before she meets Jack Dempsey, the nineteen-year-old counselor whom every girl in the camp has the hots for. Jack is a child psych major and a good guy, and he takes an interest in the emotional well-being of his charges. But, of course, his interest in Julia becomes rather more than that.
All in all, it’s a well-written romance, though there’s some very tense situational drama, too, thanks to a couple of thoughtless mean girls. The supporting characters are nicely done, too -- especially her bunkmate, Emma, who takes no shit from nobody and lets them know it. A much better than average effort.
All in all, it’s a well-written romance, though there’s some very tense situational drama, too, thanks to a couple of thoughtless mean girls. The supporting characters are nicely done, too -- especially her bunkmate, Emma, who takes no shit from nobody and lets them know it. A much better than average effort.
June 30, 2017
The first book I've read by this author and it won't be the last. This book is YA, but don't let that keep you away. It's such a sweet story of first love, of loss and finding forgiveness.
The story of Julia, a sixteen year old girl still trying to get over being abandoned by her mother is sent to summer camp. She is an unwilling participant and arrives with the mindset she is going to hate every minute. Her cool demeanor is thawed when she wakes up on the bus to Jack Dempsey, the older camp counselor. The sparks fly between them immediately and you'll find yourself remembering how it was when you had a serious crush on an older boy.
I absolutely adored this story and can't wait to read more from Dina.
The story of Julia, a sixteen year old girl still trying to get over being abandoned by her mother is sent to summer camp. She is an unwilling participant and arrives with the mindset she is going to hate every minute. Her cool demeanor is thawed when she wakes up on the bus to Jack Dempsey, the older camp counselor. The sparks fly between them immediately and you'll find yourself remembering how it was when you had a serious crush on an older boy.
I absolutely adored this story and can't wait to read more from Dina.
October 15, 2017
DNF@37% sorry just not into it. The main girl seemed to immature to me compared to the main guy at least so far. So their relationship seemed kinda off and even at 37%, there is no talk about the main guy even remotely liking her more than a friend. In his POV, he’s just a mentor to her in a sense. Even calls her kid at the beginning, which I find creepy if he eventually will be with her.
January 13, 2020
Enjoyed this YA. I wasn't thrilled with how the anaphylactic reaction happened but that's because I have first hand experience with it....well more like didn't feel the way it all went down was what would actually occur but it is fiction. I really enjoyed the H and h. Wish there was more to this story but we did get a hfn which is what one hopes for in a YA.
April 3, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyed this book
I know it’s a teen book, but I really enjoyed reading this. It has all the elements I enjoy in reading a book, the build up, the giddiness, the drama, and the connection to the characters and the story.
PS: read via KU
I know it’s a teen book, but I really enjoyed reading this. It has all the elements I enjoy in reading a book, the build up, the giddiness, the drama, and the connection to the characters and the story.
PS: read via KU
January 4, 2021
The story would have been so much better and less disturbing if Jack was not 19 to Julia’s 16. Reading about potential Statutory rape was not charming or swoon-worthy. I’m a grown adult but I worry younger readers will be influenced negatively.
July 10, 2017
Ok
Not great
Kinda wierd
Boring
Nice couple but flat characters
Undrealistjc
Cutesy
Good for 7th graders or 8th graders
Not bad
Not great
Kinda wierd
Boring
Nice couple but flat characters
Undrealistjc
Cutesy
Good for 7th graders or 8th graders
Not bad
November 22, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. An easy read.
January 31, 2018
Good coming of age story
Enjoyed the depth of the characters and the quality of the writing. The characters were nicely rounded out and fairly believable.
Enjoyed the depth of the characters and the quality of the writing. The characters were nicely rounded out and fairly believable.
February 28, 2018
I liked it. It was a quick and easy read. I didn’t like how it was like insta Love but it was a cute story
March 17, 2018
Cute book
This was definitely a fun book to read. The characters were believable, and keep me enticed. It was worth reading for sure.
This was definitely a fun book to read. The characters were believable, and keep me enticed. It was worth reading for sure.
June 16, 2018
Touching story
It was fun to read a book about young love, and the choices they made. It helped me remember being young and falling in love. I really enjoyed the book!
It was fun to read a book about young love, and the choices they made. It helped me remember being young and falling in love. I really enjoyed the book!
December 31, 2018
This was the sweetest read💕
I try to always rate the books I read but I usually never write reviews....there was just something about this story, the sweetness and simplicity.
I try to always rate the books I read but I usually never write reviews....there was just something about this story, the sweetness and simplicity.
June 29, 2022
Really cute story! The age was just a little young for me to relate to
March 14, 2017
What a good story. I hate how Julia had to learn about her mother and that she and Jack had to fight the feelings that they had for one another but i was so happy to see that by Christmas time they were still just as in love as they were during the summer.
October 11, 2015
I jumped at the chance to read this book early. I love Dina's other books.
So... I knew I was going to be reading something good!
And it was good.
But.... I felt like something was missing in the beginning of this book.
I know this is a YA book. But I needed more from Jack and Julia.
-I needed to feel the butterflies.
-I wanted to feel the falling in love.
-I wanted to feel all the stolen moments between them.
-I wanted to feel the struggle of them wanting to be together.
I really didn't feel all that with Jack and Julia right away.
It was pretty one sided for a good chunk of the book.
A girl having a crush on a older boy really.
And when things finally did happen between them..
I just felt it was kind of rushed.
I needed them to have more moments together.
Moments besides them talking here and there... and those moments were pretty far apart.
It was just hard to feel their connection.
The first 50% of the book I just didn't know where this story was going.
I was struggling a little bit.
I was getting mixed feelings with Jack 30% in.
-Does he like Julia?
-Is he just there to be her friend?
When they would have their talks & when he kind of singled her out. I felt like their might be something.
But then he would backpedal and would treat her like a kid?
It was just so confusing.
I had a hard time wrapping my head around it.
There was a lot of drama centering around Jack. Girls just kept throwing themselves at him.
I found that hard to believe that everyone wanted Jack that way. The thing with Liz really brought the age difference with me between Jack and Julia. Because Jack had his "moments of weakness".
And... I just kept thinking... There should have been more moments with Julia.
I was expecting something a little different with this book. I wasn't expecting full on sex. But what I was expecting was a little more developing between Jack & Julia. Jack was more a confidant to Julia more than anything. That's why it felt like a one sided crush more than anything to me.
Because... Jack did talk to Julia like a counselor. Then Jack would leave. And Julia would just be there all happy to have spent time with him.
At this point....I was seriously wondering about them.
After the 50% mark. This book just took off for me. To the point where I didn't want to put this book down! I stood up until almost 3 o'clock in the morning reading. I needed to know how it all played out in the end!
I felt everything that happened in this book was answered. Her family issues with her mom, her issues with her step-mom, all the drama with the camp girls.
All the drama that went on with Julia was all believable. I felt she let herself finally let a lot go and be more open to new experiences.
Everything between Jack and her was believable but also felt too rushed. It would have been more believable and better for me if they had spent more time together establishing a relationship.
Jack... I felt for him. Growing up the way he did.... Was really hard on him. I just can't believe his Aunt allowed everything to go on the way it did for so many years.
Jack has a good head on his shoulders. It felt like his looks got him into so much trouble.
But in the end... He knew what he wanted and he went for it. And he stood up for himself.
I was happy about that.
Overall... Even though this book was a slow start for me... the second half of this book totally saved this book for me. And was well worth loosing sleep for!
This was a good read. I really enjoyed it.
And I will definitely read more books by this author!!
*ARC provided by author for an honest review*
(This same review is on my Blog Goodreads account)
So... I knew I was going to be reading something good!
And it was good.
But.... I felt like something was missing in the beginning of this book.
I know this is a YA book. But I needed more from Jack and Julia.
-I needed to feel the butterflies.
-I wanted to feel the falling in love.
-I wanted to feel all the stolen moments between them.
-I wanted to feel the struggle of them wanting to be together.
I really didn't feel all that with Jack and Julia right away.
It was pretty one sided for a good chunk of the book.
A girl having a crush on a older boy really.
And when things finally did happen between them..
I just felt it was kind of rushed.
I needed them to have more moments together.
Moments besides them talking here and there... and those moments were pretty far apart.
It was just hard to feel their connection.
The first 50% of the book I just didn't know where this story was going.
I was struggling a little bit.
I was getting mixed feelings with Jack 30% in.
-Does he like Julia?
-Is he just there to be her friend?
When they would have their talks & when he kind of singled her out. I felt like their might be something.
But then he would backpedal and would treat her like a kid?
It was just so confusing.
I had a hard time wrapping my head around it.
There was a lot of drama centering around Jack. Girls just kept throwing themselves at him.
I found that hard to believe that everyone wanted Jack that way. The thing with Liz really brought the age difference with me between Jack and Julia. Because Jack had his "moments of weakness".
And... I just kept thinking... There should have been more moments with Julia.
I was expecting something a little different with this book. I wasn't expecting full on sex. But what I was expecting was a little more developing between Jack & Julia. Jack was more a confidant to Julia more than anything. That's why it felt like a one sided crush more than anything to me.
Because... Jack did talk to Julia like a counselor. Then Jack would leave. And Julia would just be there all happy to have spent time with him.
At this point....I was seriously wondering about them.
After the 50% mark. This book just took off for me. To the point where I didn't want to put this book down! I stood up until almost 3 o'clock in the morning reading. I needed to know how it all played out in the end!
I felt everything that happened in this book was answered. Her family issues with her mom, her issues with her step-mom, all the drama with the camp girls.
All the drama that went on with Julia was all believable. I felt she let herself finally let a lot go and be more open to new experiences.
Everything between Jack and her was believable but also felt too rushed. It would have been more believable and better for me if they had spent more time together establishing a relationship.
Jack... I felt for him. Growing up the way he did.... Was really hard on him. I just can't believe his Aunt allowed everything to go on the way it did for so many years.
Jack has a good head on his shoulders. It felt like his looks got him into so much trouble.
But in the end... He knew what he wanted and he went for it. And he stood up for himself.
I was happy about that.
Overall... Even though this book was a slow start for me... the second half of this book totally saved this book for me. And was well worth loosing sleep for!
This was a good read. I really enjoyed it.
And I will definitely read more books by this author!!
*ARC provided by author for an honest review*
(This same review is on my Blog Goodreads account)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews