Review by Booklist Review
After Lily's boyfriend breaks up with her and her perfectly planned summer falls apart, she takes on the town gala as her new project. She recruits some help, including Tom, her best friend's neighbor, and while he isn't interested in helping, he can't say no, especially when Lily finds a way to get his sick and homebound sister involved with the gala. As they work together, they see behind each other's facade and find romance. In this UK import, incorporating Irish slang and terminology, a typical romance finds depth through discussions of mental health. Lily's mom is dealing with depression, while Tom's sister has an unnamed illness that takes a toll on his family. As part of the gala, Lilly and her fellow teens call out the town's misogynistic and homophobic pageant history, working to create an inclusive event. The writing at times feels younger than the characters' ages, but it may appeal to those wanting to read up into older teen novels that delve into tougher topics.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Lily Hildebrand, 16, wants to "take life by the scruff of the neck," and over a summer in Newton St. Cuthbert on the coast of Scotland, she endeavors to do just that. After Lily's boyfriend breaks up with her on their way home from prom, she decides that she needs something new to do and joins the town's annual Gala Week planning committee. With Lily's fresh ideas there's plenty to organize, including flyers, a parade, and a regatta. Retiring classmate Tom Owen is also helping out, and strong-willed Lily at first underestimates him before recognizing that a special boy has been right there all along. As the summer unfolds, she learns that she can't lead or plan her way out of every situation, and that uncertainty is OK--listening and asking for help aren't weaknesses. This novel, written at a level that's accessible to reluctant readers, touches on themes such as friendship, chronic illness, mental health, and allyship with the LGBTQ+ community. Plentiful details describing the coastal Scottish setting, good pacing, and a robust plot will keep readers engaged. Other strengths include the universally recognizable aspects of small-town life. Sarah, Tom's sister who's struggling with an undiagnosed illness, is particularly well drawn. While this series opener is narrated by both Lily and Tom, her character development is stronger; readers may be left wanting to know more about Tom. Main characters are cued white. A breezy summer romance and journey toward self-discovery, buoyed by important themes.(Romance. 13-18) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
