Review: My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick
June 14th, 2012 ∙ Dial Books For Young Readers
Source: Author (Thank you!)
Format: ARC
Page Count: 395

A gorgeous debut about family, friendship, first romance, and how to be true to one person you love without betraying another

“One thing my mother never knew, and would disapprove of most of all, was that I watched the Garretts. All the time.”

The Garretts are everything the Reeds are not. Loud, numerous, messy, affectionate. And every day from her balcony perch, seventeen-year-old Samantha Reed wishes she was one of them . . . until one summer evening, Jase Garrett climbs her terrace and changes everything. As the two fall fiercely in love, Jase's family makes Samantha one of their own. Then in an instant, the bottom drops out of her world and she is suddenly faced with an impossible decision. Which perfect family will save her? Or is it time she saved herself?

A dreamy summer read, full of characters who stay with you long after the story is over.

Review:

Originally I was expecting a light, summer romance but what I got was so much more. Deep, meaningful and completely original, My Life Next Door played on my mind long after I turned the final page.

It took me a while to warm up to, but once I got through those first few introductory chapters, I grew more and more addicted and that was it, I was in love.

The Garrets – hands down the best fictional family ever created. Words can’t even begin to describe how much I love each and every one of them. It was a pleasure getting to know them as individuals and as a family. Warm, inviting, chaotic, welcoming and unique, it’s a guarantee that with the Garrets around there’s never a dull moment in sight.

Samantha is well grounded, smart, caring and a character I found easily to relate to. Jase is lovely, sweet and could be described as the nicest guy on the planet. They make an adorable couple and whilst Samantha and Jace are great as individuals, when teamed together they are unstoppable.

The romance is so delicately done, its perfection.  The thing I love is that it’s not insta-love or rushed it’s taken slow, making for a sweet and addictive romance that will leave readers breathless and wanting more. Swoon. How good you say? It had me retracing my steps just so I could re-read certain scenes!

I had heard that there was a major plot twist involved and as I made my way through the book I became anxious to know what was going to happen. I didn’t know what to expect but when the “thing” finally happened I honestly didn’t see it coming, at all.

I stayed up late, to be precise 2 o’clock in the morning, to finish this book. But before I go on let’s get something straight. I love to read, I truly do but staying up til that extent is unlike me. No matter how good the book is I normally manage to put it down and save the rest for the following morning, however once the plot twist kicked in, I just couldn’t put it down, I had to see how it was all going to end. I truly have no idea how I managed to fall asleep because after I had finished my mind was working overtime. When I finally managed to drift off, as soon as I woke up in the morning, the first thing that was playing on my mind was this book – the ending, the characters, everything!

Whilst reading My Life Next Door I found myself sighing heavily at the amazingness that is this book. Pausing for a minute, taking a breather and letting it all sink in. You know those beautiful books you want to share with the world? This is one of them.

Huntley Fitzpatrick has written a splendid debut, full of charm, wit and originality. If you’re looking for a beautiful contemporary story with a sweet, charming romance and believable characters, look no further because My Life Next Door has it all!

5/5