Review: Summer Love
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 08 6, 2012
If you are looking for the perfect YA summer love story, "Home is here the Heart Break Is" supplies the perfect fix. This story has everything I like in a book: humor, mystery, intrigue and vile villains. Additionally, just look at this cover. I may be old; but, I am not dead! This guy is just "prettiful."Jessa and her mother moved away from the small tourist town of Pinecliff five years ago. Jessa's mother left wo be with her fiance that turned out to be another reject in her string of bad decisions with men. When they left the comfort of this cozy town, Jessa left her two favorite childhood friends, Nico and Chase. Although they tried to stay in touch, after a year their friendship just seemed to fade away. So, there is no reason for Jessa to think that the five year separation would not leave an even greater chasm in their bond when she returns for the summer.Jessa's arrival back in town becomes the local gossip's fodder. Upon seeing a former friend, Lexi, she is invited to go to a cafe featuring a band that has Chase as the lead singer. Jessa can't believe it. she did not know that Chase could sing nor did she know that he is also dating the girlfriend from hell. Suzie is the most shallow and jealous witch on a broom. At the concert, Jessa is immediately spotted by Chase and by Suzie. It seems that the other townsfolk are equally interested in seeing what will happen next. In her discomfort, Jessa does what any self respecting girl in her situation would do. She runs off to the bathroom. She sees to girls coming out of a storage room and when she gets a peek inside, who does she see standing in the shadows but Nico.Nico is happy to see Jessa, his 'Duchess,' and soon they are joined in the room by Chase. During her absence, Nico and Chase have had a falling out and it breaks her heart. Soon they begin hanging out together and having fun like old times. Yet, something different is happening between Nico and Jessa. They are falling in love. Although they may be happy, not everyone else is. When a series of threats towards Jessa begin to show up, it seems they have more to worry about then her leaving Pinecliff at the end of the summer.I really enjoyed this book. The worldbuilding was especially well written and I could just imagine this sleepy little town. I felt the connection between the trio as well as the budding romance between Nico and Jessa. I also liked the mysterious stalker aspect of the villian. It was cleverly written. Truth be told, I could really see this as being a prequel leading into a successful series especially with the mention of the rumor of a ghost in the town. Let's hope Ms. Oliver agrees. Do yourself a favor and pick up this book. It is truly a goodread.