Title: Road to Somewhere
Authors: Kelley Lynn & Jenny S. Morris
Release Date: March 11th 2014
Publisher: Bloomsbury Spark
Age Group: Young Adult
Source: NetGalley
New! From Bloomsbury Spark, a sunny heartwarming story of discovery and sisterhood.
A road trip. A singing competition. And super-hot cowboys.
What could be better?
For Charlie, a post-high school road trip isn't just a vacation, it's life changing. While her parents think she's helping a friend move, a chance at fame is the real reason to grab her best friends and drive to L.A. But when her super annoying, uber-responsible, younger sister, Lucy, has to tag along, it isn't quite the summer of fun she imagined.
Add in a detour to her grandparents' ranch in Texas, and between mucking the stalls, down-home cookin’, and drool worthy ranch hands, this could just turn into the best, and most complicated, summer of their lives.Wow. I don't even know where to begin. Road to Somewhere had me at road trip and cowboys, but it definitely exceeded my expectations. Summer is just starting to show here in my part of the world, and this is a definitely a nice read to accompany that with.
Fresh out of high school, Charlie has nothing to look forward to but the road trip to L.A. with her friends. College isn't looking promising and so she's grabbing on to her last chance of getting away from the disappointment that she's sure she'll bring to her family: a recording contract. But because her parents don't trust her enough, they only agree to let her go if Lucy, her younger sister, comes with her - like she has a choice.
It was easy to connect with Charlie because I know the feeling of being scared and unsure about college and the future. I wondered what happened to turn her from sweet to rebellious daughter, and it was sad because whatever that was, it also affected her relationship with Lucy who just wanted her big sister back, who Charlie thought had it all together with her good grades when she was in fact very lost and lonely.
Both Charlie and Lucy thought they had nothing in common and that the other was better, driving the two sisters apart. Charlie irritated me at one point because she was so selfish and insensitive, not realizing how left out Lucy feels or how she's driving everyone away because she's so busy chasing after something she thinks is worthwhile. Lucy, on the other hand, was so insecure that she couldn't let anyone in, thinking she does everything wrong and will ultimately drive everyone away. But that's what I loved about these two: they were flawed and they knew it, and then they tried to do something about it.
God, I'm lame. Why am I not picking out one of these guys and seeing if he'll take me for a ride?
Oh, that did not sound good. Mind out of the gutter, Charlie.Cowboys. Good heavens. I think I need to search for more books with cowboys in them. Anyway, although they weren't the ultimate solution to these girls' troubles, they certainly helped them find their way. Now, I love a standoffish couple because of all the sexual tension and whatnot, but I also love a shy, cute couple. Put them together in a single book? Jesus. I couldn't stop grinning! But it wasn't all kisses and rainbows. I loved how the characters in this book were all realistic about their relationships and knew what they were and weren't capable of.
A funny and heartwarming tale of family and finding one's self, all the sunshine and grass in Road to Somewhere somehow felt therapeutic for someone like me who has to stay at home. It's made me want to grab my friends and go on our own road trip, although I doubt even a single hot cowboy would be involved in ours. If you're looking for a short and sweet summer read that will touch your heart and make you giggle to no end, this one's for you!
MY FAVORITE PART was Lucy finally having the guts to go after what, or, rather, who she wants. :3
RATING:
Kelley Lynn was born and raised a Midwestern girl. She’s not afraid to sweat and fills her free time with softball, soccer and volleyball. (Though you probably don’t want her on your volleyball team.) She occasionally makes guest appearances as a female vocalist for area bands. Music plays a large role in her writing process as well as the characters and plot lines within her stories.
Jenny S. Morris is a YA author who loves all things geek, may have a Kdrama addiction, and prefers the rainy NW to any place she's ever lived. Road to Somewhere is her debut novel.
Oh my gosh, this review brought me to tears. Thank you SO much for such honest words! I felt like you totally got this book and what our goals were for it. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts.
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds totally cute! I am getting in the mood for warm weather books and this one will have to make the list!!
ReplyDeleteI'm with Kelley, this review made me tear up. Thank you SO much. And thanks for participating in the tour.
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