Review: Things I Can't Forget

Things I Can't Forget
Author: Miranda Kenneally
Released: March 1, 2013

Summary:  Companion to Catching Jordan and Stealing Parker.
Kate has always been the good girl. Too good, according to some people at school—although they have no idea the guilty secret she carries. But this summer, everything is different…

This summer she’s a counselor at Cumberland Creek summer camp, and she wants to put the past behind her. This summer Matt is back as a counselor too. He’s the first guy she ever kissed, and he’s gone from a geeky songwriter who loved The Hardy Boys to a buff lifeguard who loves to flirt… with her.

Kate used to think the world was black and white, right and wrong. Turns out, life isn’t that easy…

My Review:

I have loved all of Miranda Kenneally's books and Things I Can't Forget may have just topped the list as my favorite.

What I loved: I loved this book more and more after I finished it and had time to think and digest everything. At times, Kate was a difficult character to like. She is not very accepting or understanding of other people's decisions and beliefs and she makes her thoughts and opinions known. Despite that, I found Kate to be real, flawed, and fascinating. Her struggles with her faith are honest and I think many people will be able to appreciate and understand that.

I also love the fact that Kenneally isn't afraid to write about a difficult and controversial topic and make both sides have a voice. That can't be easy to do and she was able to convey real feelings and emotions on every side.

Things I Can't Forget had a great cast of characters and I loved the friendship between Parker and Kate. Their two stories wound effortlessly together and Parker's voice was important for Kate to have nearby.

Final Verdict: Kenneally's books are great contemporary reads. Things I Can't Forget definitely packs the most emotional punch to it. If you are a fan of her other books, don't hesitate to pick this one up.

5/5 Stars

Review: Stealing Parker

Stealing Parker
by Miranda Kenneally
Release: October 1, 2012

Summary: Parker Shelton pretty much has the perfect life. She's on her way to becoming valedictorian at Hundred Oaks High, she's made the all-star softball team, and she has plenty of friends. Then her mother's scandal rocks their small town and suddenly no one will talk to her.

Now Parker wants a new life.

So she quits softball. Drops twenty pounds. And she figures why kiss one guy when she can kiss three. Or four. Why limit herself to high school boys when the majorly cute new baseball coach seems especially flirty?

But how far is too far before she loses herself completely?

My Review:

What I loved: Miranda Kenneally has a way with words that ultimately suck you into the story. I picked up Stealing Parker and read the entire book in one sitting, I just couldn't put it down. The relationships that Parker has seem real, regardless if you agree with them or not. Parker has flaws, doubts, and insecurities and all of those make her a well-rounded character. I didn't always agree with the choices she made but I appreciated her self-reflection and ultimately the end result.

I also enjoyed how this book went right along with Catching Jordan. I liked that the characters were interwoven as it gave some familiarity to the story.

Overall, another hit for Miranda Kenneally. I can't wait to see what happens next!