Review: Fresh Starts
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 01 24, 2013
I'm one of those people who try to deduce a story based on the, title book cover, prologue and/or first chapter. For "Less Than Humble Beginnings", I felt I was going to be reading a historical (deduced from the book cover of the copy I have),  heavy drama (deduced from the title and first chapter).  I was wrong. "Less Than Humble Beginnings" is a light, heart-warming, coming-of-age story of  a15-year-old girl named Willie. She, along with her sister Babette, was raised by an alcoholic mom with a history of romantic relationships with disreputable men. A situation that made people her age to perceive her as "trash" and unsuitable as a friend. Thus, Willie grew up without any friends. Upon her mom's passing, she and her sister had to leave Florida and live with her aunt. There she found a new family, new friends, and quite possibly, found her first romance.Chelsea Falin is a great story-teller. With her clear descriptions of the characters, settings and dialogue, it was not difficult for me to imagine the characters and to picture every scene. With her excellent weaving of words, the world of Willie came alive as if I'm watching a movie. I find that the story and the characters are quite believable. Not a single detail is out of place. Just like Willie, I grew up with friends that are mostly boys. I am able to relate to how she never really believed anyone could find her beautiful or interesting. Her being unaware of her attraction to Spike is also believable. One other thing I did not expect from this book is the hint of romance. But, then again, I have to wait for the next book to know if Spike and Willie will end up together. I can't wait to read the second installment of the "Growing Roots Series".