Christine Hart

This book turned out a lot differently than I expected. The first couple of chapters were really slow, but then the action really started. This book is kind of like Fantastic Four meets Divergent. I was kind of surprised it took as long as it did for Irina to figure out the connection of Ilya, though. She had already pieced this together, I guess it was just her having to actually hear it for it to click for her. After you get past the first few chapters, it is a steady compilation of suspense, drama, and a dab of romance. I can't wait until the next one comes out. I am excited to see what it will bring as this story progresses!… (altro)

For a debut novel, I was impressed with the quality of the writing and not surprised that this story won the 2008 Moonbeam Awards Gold Medal in the Young Adult Fiction - Mature Issues category. Hart presents the teenage mind with skill, focusing on the struggles of trying to fit in to a new community, make friends and try not to come across as too weird or different. What girl wouldn't be flattered to catch the eye of one of the cutest guys in school? It is not surprising that July is prepared to make some allowances when her new boyfriend exhibits signs of jealousy, and Hart portrayal of July's indecision and behaviour rationalization rings true and no wonder, as July's boyfriend Ryan can be quite the charmer. The story has a good pace to it, slowly building the suspense and creepiness level to the point where I could not put the book down... I needed to know what was going to happen. I think the story would have been better if it did not have the supernatural aspect to it, if the ending had been a bit more polished (the story has a rather abrupt ending) and I wish that Hart had made more use of the journal July's mother kept to make the plot-theme connections. Originally published back in 2008, this story does not appear dated by today's standards, unless one finds the lack of social media as a bit "odd".

Overall, a decent YA suspense read with a focus on obsession/control in a troubled teenage relationship.… (altro)

Reviewed by hoopsielv for TeensReadToo.com

Robyn's family has gotten by over the years with the help of public assistance. Her parents have worked on and off (more often off than on), and inheriting the apple orchard should be the answer to their financial woes. But their management skills remain poor and they count on Robyn to help by pitching in with the work - and also by contributing with her paycheck from her part-time job at the mall.

Robyn doesn't want to be stuck dealing with apples her whole life. She's got big dreams of being an architect and going to a college far away. She wants her money to go towards that, but her parents don't understand. Her sister, Janeen, can empathize and wants out just as badly, but Janeen is heading down a path that Robyn definitely doesn't want to follow.

Should Robyn give up her dreams to support her family? Will she make the best decision for herself?

BEST LAID PLANS is an enjoyable novel about reaching for the sky and confronting obstacles head-on. I would recommend this book for any teen.… (altro)