Beneath Beautiful by Allison Rushby

I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Beneath Beautiful is a stunning new adult novel.  Rushby gives us a story full  of introspection, dry humor and awesome characters.  As a somewhat successful author who can't find inspiration for her next book, Cassie is a main character to whom many of us can relate.  Who doesn't have a family member (or two) who thinks every decision should be made for us?  Who doesn't worry that, no matter how much they love us, our best friends might worry for our sanity after making rash decisions?  Who hasn't been torn between doing what we think is right and what might really need to be done? 

Beneath Beautiful is a lovely story of the journey it takes to become an adult.  Excellent writing, wonderfully drawn characters, and a nicely paced plot will leave you wanting more- even after the thoroughly satisfying conclusion. 


Beneath Beautiful by Allison Rushby: 5 out of 5 stars.  Available now from booksellers and libraries. 

Being Hartley by Allison Rushby

Having been dragged around the world for her entire life by her famous mother, Thea Wallis is finally ready for her own taste of stardom.  She doesn't expect it to come at the cost of her cousin's happiness, though, and just when all her wildest dreams are about to come true she has to ask herself if that's what she really wants after all.

I was mildly disappointed in this story.  While there are issues of dissatisfaction with life, possible forays into depression, and plenty of teenage rebellion and first loves, these are only lightly touched upon.  There wasn't enough exploration of the key problems, but there was plenty of whining about why Thea couldn't get what she wanted when she wanted it.

The writing style is authentic as a teenage voice, but there's always a feeling of just skimming the surface of all the emotions that range through the book.  Thea, while realistic, isn't the kind of character that will keep me coming back to her story.

On the flip side, hers is a story for those teens whose parents might not want them absorbing all the details of the darker side of life.  I know, you have an argument all ready that the darker side of life is what makes it real- that we all have emotions, problems, and issues with which to deal from which we cannot hide.  You're right.  I won't argue with that.  But Thea's story is one that could be more of an opening to discuss such things with parents, friends, or teachers rather than just read.