Alterations by Stephanie Scott -- Starting December 4th, 2016

[T.J.]

If anyone saw the prom boards Amelia Blanco makes on her favorite fashion app, they'd think Ethan Laurenti was her boyfriend. They wouldn't know that all the plans she's made for them are just dreams, and that she's the girl who watches him from the kitchen while her parents cook for his famous family.

When Amelia's abuelita enrolls her in a month-long fashion internship in NYC, Amelia can't imagine leaving Miami--and Ethan--for that long. As soon as she gets to New York, however, she finds a bigger world and new possibilities. She meets people her own age who can actually carry on a conversation about stitching and design. Her pin boards become less about prom with Ethan and more about creating her own style. By the time she returns to Miami, Amelia feels like she can accomplish anything, and surprises herself by agreeing to help Ethan's awkward, Steve-Jobs-wannabe brother, Liam, create his own fashion app.

As Liam and Amelia get closer, Ethan realizes that this newly confident, stylish girl may be the one for him after all . . . even though he has a reality TV star girlfriend he conveniently keeps forgetting about. The "new and improved" Amelia soon finds herself in between two brothers, a whole lot of drama, and choice she never dreamed she'd have to make.

[T.J.]

This book is coming out on December 6th, so even if you don't have the ARC you can still join C P and me in this buddy read!

I didn't realize this is a Sabrina retelling -- too cool!

[C.P.]

Thanks, TJ!

[T.J.]

C P wrote: "Thanks, TJ!"
You're very welcome -- Thanks for suggesting it!

[C.P.]

Just read three chapters. I'm not into fashion, but I like the idea of her designing clothes. (view spoiler)[ Not thrilled about this Ethan obsession. She thinks she knows him, when it really seems like she doesn't know him at all. (hide spoiler)]

[T.J.]

I will start this later today. :)

[T.J.]

Chapter 3 (10%)

C P wrote: "Just read three chapters. I'm not into fashion, but I like the idea of her designing clothes. [spoilers removed]"
(view spoiler)[
Ya. I'm not into fashion either, but I like that Amelia has a skill. And some self-confidence about this skill, enough to jump in and save the day for the prom-goers. In the original Sabrina story, Sabrina goes off to learn how to "be a lady" -- I like much more the idea that Amelia is going off to perfect a skill.

I also like that the 2 boys are more her age, and so far are rather likable. Ethan is charming, and friendly. I can see how Amelia would be charmed... but you're absolutely right, they are not friends and Amelia doesn't really know him. She doesn't know Liam either. I like how Liam is like the computer geek, lacking social skills, but has the honesty to say what he thinks (even if he can't yet quite communicate it effectively).

I'm pretty sure that Liam meant it as a compliment that Amelia would never be like the other girls in the prom group, namely self-preoccupied, maybe even a bit shallow, spoiled, having a sense of "entitlement", never having to work for their money, living on a trust fund, never developing a skill (which Liam has obviously recognized that Amelia has from his choice in birthday cards).

(hide spoiler)]

[C.P.]

I agree (view spoiler)[It is really cool that she has a skill and feels confident with it.

Also, yes, I'm pretty sure that Liam meant that as a good thing. (hide spoiler)]

[C.P.]

Through chapter 5 (view spoiler)[I don't think these lies are going to go well for her. Something is bound to happen.

I did enjoy her and Amy and Jimmy working on their project. (hide spoiler)]

[C.P.]

Through chapter 12 (view spoiler)[It really bothers me that she keeps lying. And even after Des found out something, she was still going to continue lying about other stuff. Ergh.

I want to like her friendships and think everyone is great, but she's kind of ruining it for me with all these lies. (hide spoiler)]

[C.P.]

Through chapter 17 (view spoiler)[I'm glad that she's undoing some if the lies, though I wish she would have told them all sooner. And it's nice to see her growing up and seeing ger crush as what it is, realizing that she doesn't really know Ethan.

This app thing with Liam should be interesting. I hate that she literally just thinks of him as Ethan's brother, like he's second rate. I guess I just hate always being compared to my sisters, so I'm taking it personally. (hide spoiler)]

[T.J.]

Chapter 7 (23%)
C P wrote: "Through chapter 5 [spoilers removed]"
(view spoiler)[
C P wrote: "Through chapter 5 I don't think these lies are going to go well for her. Something is bound to happen.

I did enjoy her and Amy and Jimmy working on their project. "

I really liked Amelia's collaboration with Amy and Jimmy. I think it was great that she was forced into a leadership position by default. It could easily have been otherwise. She could have been in a group with two self-confident, worldly, experienced designers, in which case she would have certainly clammed up and floated into the background.

Clearly Amelia has something to offer the group, and it is so cool that the other two members recognize this.

As for the lies... I totally understood the first lie. Amelia is not a confident person and she has no idea what to expect from the new people in this program, and frankly she is intimidated. And to have the photo of a neighbor family in her suitcase (but no photo of her own family!!!) is, okay, I'll just say it, a bit strange. To explain this, more than just a little unusual, infatuation with her mother and grandmother's employer's son (which is what Ethan is to her -- he's not a friend, and hardly a neighbor) to a complete stranger may stack the cards against her right from the beginning, as far as fitting in and making friends goes... or so she thinks.

A few more chapters in, it becomes clear that even the seemingly self-confident participants all feel a bit insecure, and most seem to be considered a bit strange or eccentric back in their own environments. It probably wouldn't be too big a deal to admit to her lie and just clear the air... but... she probably won't.

It seems to me that the only actual lie she told was in the beginning about the boyfriend. The rest were lies of omission, or just not correcting people's assumptions. Even the "private school" question was skirted by Amelia saying that her family made great sacrifices to send her to a good school, which technically may be true. The school she attends could be considered "good" in Miami, and compared to the schooling her mother and grandmother received, definitely so.

The story reminds me a bit of the film, Camp Rock, at this point. Insecure girl goes to specialty camp on scholarship to develop her skills, meets like-minded people, lies to fit in, realized too late that she needed have lied to fit in, and... has it all backfire when her new friends find out she'd been lying because they no longer feel they can trust her. I see something like that coming... I also see Ethan and Liam coming into the picture, and Ethan will probably get attacked by new friends for dumping Amelia by text! Not cool, Ethan. ;)

I do love the way Amelia is growing, recognizing that she has some definite talents. Des's coaching definitely helps, though we discover Des has some issues to be overcome as well -- I'm curious where her fear in the crowd comes from. Amy's sowing skills and input are wonderful. And Tess and Avery praising Amelia's sowing skills and admitting they don't have any gives Amelia a chance to teach them something -- and realize that she actually has something to contribute to help others. All very cool.
(hide spoiler)]

[C.P.]

Through chapter 24 (view spoiler)[Liam is pretty adorable, but I wish he had more confidence. I hate that computer geeks are always portrayed as timid or insecure.

I am not happy about Ethan being into Amelia, or whatever this is. Honestly, he's got some good qualities but doesn't seem super great.

I'm kinda not thrilled with how Amelia has handled helping Liam and Haylo. (hide spoiler)]

[T.J.]

Chapter 8 (27%)
(view spoiler)[
Ooops. I spoke too soon about the lies. Now Amelia is downright lying. Liam is the pool boy? Her mom is a consultant?

"Oh, what a tangled web we weave. When first we practise to deceive!"
(hide spoiler)]

[C.P.]

Finished! And I did really enjoy parts of it...just not sure overall. (view spoiler)[Obviously she was falling for Liam, but the way that was handled was kind of messy. And those last couple of chapters were very rushed. I think it could have spread a little more to give a better grasp of what Amelia was doing and how she worked out things with ger friends, how she and Liam were working out their relationship. The beginning and ending with prom was nice, just a bit...forced.

Also, that scene where they went riding bugged me a little. Why wouldn't ge actually give her a leg up? Tge mounting block would have made so much more sense than what he did! (hide spoiler)]

Will catch up on all your comments later, TJ!

[C.P.]

TJ wrote: "Chapter 7 (23%)
C P wrote: "Through chapter 5 [spoilers removed]"

Good thoughts! You broke things down really well. I agree, I understood the first one. But it just spiraled from there. And I hadn't thought of the Camp Rock similarity, but you're right. Quite similar.

[C.P.]

TJ wrote: "Chapter 8 (27%)"

I know!

[T.J.]

Chapter 12 (38%)

C P wrote: "Through chapter 12 [spoilers removed]"
(view spoiler)[

C P wrote: "It really bothers me that she keeps lying. And even after Des found out something, she was still going to continue lying about other stuff. Ergh.

I want to like her friendships and think everyone is great, but she's kind of ruining it for me with all these lies.."

Ditto that! It's annoying. And I think everyone is making a big deal about this. I'm thinking -- who cares? Come clean. I understood the first lie already and so will Des. So time to be real with your new friends. Des doesn't care about the content of the lies, but rather that Amelia felt she needed to lie to impress.
(hide spoiler)]

[T.J.]

Chapter 15 (46%)
(view spoiler)[
That was a nice end to the internship. Too bad Amelia didn't come clean with Amy about everything, though. I have a feeling that is going to backfire on her.
(hide spoiler)]

[T.J.]

Chapter 17 (55%)
C P wrote: "Through chapter 17 [spoilers removed]"
(view spoiler)[
C P wrote: "I'm glad that she's undoing some if the lies, though I wish she would have told them all sooner. And it's nice to see her growing up and seeing ger crush as what it is, realizing that she doesn't really know Ethan.

This app thing with Liam should be interesting. I hate that she literally just thinks of him as Ethan's brother, like he's second rate. I guess I just hate always being compared to my sisters, so I'm taking it personally."

Totally agree on all points. I've liked Liam from the beginning, with the birthday card and his calling Amelia on her stalking. But it's so cute how insecure he is.

I also like seeing Ameila grow and figure out what it is that she wants, and to recognize that she's made Ethan to be this person that he is not, but...

Turning down the job as Haylo's fashion stylist? Wasn't the whole point to get on track with her career and her dreams and to stop letting Ethan get in her way? But now, here's a great chance to do something for herself and what does Amelia do? She turns it down because of Ethan. Amelia is letting Ethan get in her way yet again. Disappointing...

On the other hand, the fashion app with Liam is also a great opportunity and she didn't turn that down, so there is hope for Amelia yet...
(hide spoiler)]

[T.J.]

Chapter 19 (60%)
(view spoiler)[
Awwww. Liam and Amelia would make such a good couple. Let's hope Amelia doesn't blow it with her Ethan-fetish... ;)
(hide spoiler)]

[T.J.]

Chapter 20 (63%)
(view spoiler)[
"This wasn't about Ethan at all. This was about me. This was about opportunities."
Uh... ya. I said that a couple of chapters ago. A bit slow are we, Amelia? ;)
(hide spoiler)]

[T.J.]

Chapter 21 (68%)
(view spoiler)[
Ha! Now Amelia's getting publicity in a reality show! She should use this to plug her design blog and their new app...
(hide spoiler)]

[T.J.]

Chapter 23 (76%)
(view spoiler)[
I thought Maya was a bit harsh with Amelia's suggestion about job possibilities. Okay, I get that she was insulted, but Amelia didn't mean to be insulting, but rather helpful. And Maya is constantly giving Amelia advice about career and love, so why is she so sensitive? A simple apology should have been enough to clear the air.

Liam and Ethan fighting over Amelia! Now that's just precious!
(hide spoiler)]

[T.J.]

Chapter 24 (79%)
C P wrote: "Through chapter 24 [spoilers removed]"
(view spoiler)[

C P wrote: "Liam is pretty adorable, but I wish he had more confidence. I hate that computer geeks are always portrayed as timid or insecure.

I am not happy about Ethan being into Amelia, or whatever this is. Honestly, he's got some good qualities but doesn't seem super great.

I'm kinda not thrilled with how Amelia has handled helping Liam and Haylo."

I like that Liam is so insecure -- that makes him even more adorable in my eyes. I think most guys Liam's age are a bit insecure around girls -- Ethan is more of an exception.

Maybe I'm just biased -- I snatched me up a shy computer geek years ago (best catch I've ever made -- still married to him)!

(hide spoiler)]

[T.J.]

Chapter 25 (81%)
(view spoiler)[
I don't get it. Why did Haylo insist that Amelia come to the party only to slam her like that. Kissing Ethan in front of her? What's that all about? Is she trying to pull Amelia into the reality TV drama? I thought she was above all that, but maybe not.

(hide spoiler)]

[T.J.]

Chapter 28 (89%)
I have to say that I am really enjoying this book, but not for the reasons I thought I would. I like it less because of its similarities with Sabrina and more for its differences.
(view spoiler)[
I wish that I knew what Amelia said to Ethan. I understand that Ethan likes Amelia -- despite all her lies and insecurities, I find Amelia very likable. She's willing to go above and beyond to help people, even complete strangers. Amelia and Liam together have a wonderful dynamic. They just fit.

I'd like to know how Amelia's conversation with Ethan ended -- I feel I've been deprived of important information.

I wonder what's going to happen with Amy. Both Liam and Amelia keep mentioning that Amy doesn't know about Amelia's fictional relationship with Ethan, and I'm just waiting for that to backfire. I hope Amy doesn't make the moves on Liam, thinking he's fair game...

And this whole reality show stuff. I'm expecting a big blowout involving Amelia, Ethan, Liam, Haylo, Pru, and maybe Amy right in the middle of the reality show...
(hide spoiler)]

[T.J.]

Chapter 29 (91%)
(view spoiler)[
Kissing Liam! Yay!

...still, 9% to go, what could possibly go wrong? ;)
(hide spoiler)]

[C.P.]

Just read all your comments. It's nice to see that we had a lot of the same thoughts! I did really enjoy it. Honestly, the last bit that you have is what disappointed me about the book. It was too rushed. Not enough of the little plot points were resolved for me.

Oh, and I'm glad you found your shy computer geek!

[T.J.]

C P wrote: "Just read all your comments. It's nice to see that we had a lot of the same thoughts! I did really enjoy it. Honestly, the last bit that you have is what disappointed me about the book. It was too rushed. Not enough of the little plot points were resolved for me."

C P wrote: "Oh, and I'm glad you found your shy computer geek!"

Shy and gorgeous computer geek!

I agree with your thoughts about the end.
(view spoiler)[
I predicted the big blow-out during the reality TV show, but it wasn't as big, or as shocking, or even as interesting as I had hoped.

It seemed that the fight and consequent separation (as in not even speaking to each other for two months) between Liam and Amelia was a bit contrived.

I would have gone over the next day and spoken with Liam without the TV cameras. Something in the lines of: you didn't really mean what you said yesterday, you were just angry and Ethan, right? But Amelia is not me -- we are not at all alike, expect for hooking and reeling in in a shy, gorgeous computer geek! :D

But I know people like Amelia and I can relate. Amelia thinks that she didn't create the mess, so why should she have to clean it up? Liam should come to her and until he does... it's his loss.

But I totally agree that the story sort of peters out. A lot of issues, like the big build up about Amy and the lies, just faded into nothingness.

And the ending with Liam appearing at the surprise party all gorgeous and full apologies and stuff? A tad too cliche for my tastes. Okay, yes, I was hoping that Amelia and Liam get together in the end, and yes, I do know the Sabrina story, so I wasn't expecting a major twist or shocker, but... a teensy tiny bit of originality would have been appreciated on my part. The whole reality show was a clever diversion from the original story and I was hoping for a clever, original ending.

Still... the writing was very good. The story flowed nicely. The dialogue (except during the last 10%) was fun, clever, and at times refreshingly original. The characters were likable, although I only felt depth with Liam and Amelia. I would have liked more depth with Ethan, Haylo, Amelia's mom, and Maya, for example. Des and Amy got reduced to an after thought during the second half and that was too bad. I think the author had planned to do more with Amy, but then decided against it. (Time pressures?).

I think I'll give it a 3.5.

(hide spoiler)]

[C.P.]

The gorgeous part is definitely a plus. ;) On my phone so I'll look at your spoiler portion in a bit.