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Bubbles Pop
Elle's life is totally over. The economy crashed, her father passed away, and now she has to move to the boring suburbs with her stepmother Marie and lame new sisters, Claire and Danielle. Claire needs to grow a spine, Danielle has serious trust issues, and Marie forces Elle to clean things--a torture she would do anything to avoid.
Worst of all, the idiotic school "prince," Steve, falls for her at a party and won't leave her alone. Elle prefers Galen, a serious transfer student who may be the first person she could care about as much as herself.
The problem? Galen is Steve's best friend.
Worst of all, the idiotic school "prince," Steve, falls for her at a party and won't leave her alone. Elle prefers Galen, a serious transfer student who may be the first person she could care about as much as herself.
The problem? Galen is Steve's best friend.
- GenresYoung AdultFictionEbooks
279 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
30 people are currently reading
127 people want to read
About the author
T.K. Marnell
2 books3 followersT. K. Marnell is a writer and academic librarian in the Pacific Northwest. After acquiring a master's degree, a cat, and a husband at Indiana University, she moved to Oregon to launch her "day" career managing systems for community college libraries. The beauty and unique community of the Central Oregon area inspired her to write LIZZIE BENNET'S DIARY.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 9, 2012
The most annoying thing about books about teenagers is that usually the teenagers in them act nothing like any teenager I ever knew. In Bubbles Pop, each perspective of the three sisters reveals a different side to the story and how the teenagers are truly almost entirely focused on themselves; in other words, accurate with the real world. In addition, the actual content and style of their thoughts does a great job of demonstrating the maturation of the teenagers over the time scale of the book. From the vague naivete of the 14 yr old girl and her more focused thoughts a year later and the changes in a 16 yr old who realizes by the time she's 17 that the lives of all those around her aren't all about her and what she always thought had happened in the past wasn't quite accurate. To put it simply, I enjoyed reading this book and was impressed by it.
April 15, 2023
I acquired this book so long ago that I can’t remember how or why. It seems like the kind of book I’d enjoy, I guess. I thought it was just sort of okay. The shifting point of view is covered in a way I’ve never seen before, but it works fairly well. Some of the character development is choppy and awkward, but I was interested to see what would happen and how it would all work out. It was worth one read
February 28, 2012
Book Title: Bubbles Pop
Author: T.K. Marnell
Published By:
Recommended Age: 16 +
Reviewed By: Saewod
Blog Reviewed For: Great Minds Thinking Aloud
Rating: 3.5 Ravens
Sixteen-year-old Elle grew up in the most fashionable neighborhood in Philadelphia with everything a girl could want. But when the economy crashes and Elle's father passes away, she moves to the drab suburbs with her stepmother Marie and new sisters Claire and Danielle. Marie seems to care more about work than her family and forces Elle to clean things--a torture Elle would do anything to avoid. Worst of all, the idiotic school "prince," Steve, falls for her at a party and won't leave her alone. Elle prefers Galen, a serious transfer student who may be the first person she could care about as much as herself. The problem? Galen is Steve's best friend.
Fourteen-year-old Claire fell in love with Steve Brendan at first sight, just like in one of her best friend Julie's romance novels. Nicknamed the "Prince of Loire High," Steve has a rich playboy reputation Claire knows is just talk. However, she also knows that Steve only hangs around her to get close to her beautiful sister Elle. When Claire blossoms into a beauty herself, the boys take notice--including Steve. But with the changes in her body comes a new perspective, and Claire starts to see the not-so-charming flaws in her beloved prince.
Twenty-one-year-old Danielle grew up too fast, and her emotions never quite caught up. Saddled with an alcoholic father and a workaholic mother, Danielle acted as a surrogate parent for her young sister Claire. She juggles college classes with her job at Kingston's Bookstore with no time or patience left for relationships. When Danielle meets Chris, a successful video game developer, she faces a dilemma: marry a wealthy man she might love and enjoy the easy life, or stick to her principle to rely on no one but herself?
Bubbles Pop follows the intertwined lives of the three sisters through one crucial year as they learn how to manage relationships, deal with disappointment, and take charge of their own happily-ever-afters.
The premise of Bubbles Pop is brilliant. I truly thought that this could be a book I would fall in love with. Unfortunately, I feel it needed a bit more editing and rewrites. While I appreciate the voice of a 16 year old teenager, I really couldn't handle another 'like' in her internal dialogue. It really put me off. Then there is the naïve 14 year old sister, who would have been really great if she wasn't portrayed as one step away from brain dead. I get flighty and gullible with no common sense, but for me she too annoying to read. The eldest sister was written pretty well and I feel as if the author had taken more time to hash out her character – it showed. There are also some unbelievable situations – like the opening with the 16 year old hiding in gas/fake log fireplace because a boy is at the door. That was a bit too much. A closet, a bedroom, the bathroom, sneaking out a window, that would've been more believable to me.
Given, as the story progresses so do the characters voices, which is fantastic. Marnell really showed growth for her characters and I truly appreciate it, since it isn't an easy feat to accomplish.
Overall, TK Marnell gives you true age behaviors in place of the 'mature' teens we always seem to read about. However, having said that, it is difficult to get through the first chapters in the 16 yr old's POV because you don't feel any redeeming or likable quality in her.
If edited and guided with some rewriting, I think this book could really hit the Young Adult market with its great premise and raw talent.
Author: T.K. Marnell
Published By:
Recommended Age: 16 +
Reviewed By: Saewod
Blog Reviewed For: Great Minds Thinking Aloud
Rating: 3.5 Ravens
Sixteen-year-old Elle grew up in the most fashionable neighborhood in Philadelphia with everything a girl could want. But when the economy crashes and Elle's father passes away, she moves to the drab suburbs with her stepmother Marie and new sisters Claire and Danielle. Marie seems to care more about work than her family and forces Elle to clean things--a torture Elle would do anything to avoid. Worst of all, the idiotic school "prince," Steve, falls for her at a party and won't leave her alone. Elle prefers Galen, a serious transfer student who may be the first person she could care about as much as herself. The problem? Galen is Steve's best friend.
Fourteen-year-old Claire fell in love with Steve Brendan at first sight, just like in one of her best friend Julie's romance novels. Nicknamed the "Prince of Loire High," Steve has a rich playboy reputation Claire knows is just talk. However, she also knows that Steve only hangs around her to get close to her beautiful sister Elle. When Claire blossoms into a beauty herself, the boys take notice--including Steve. But with the changes in her body comes a new perspective, and Claire starts to see the not-so-charming flaws in her beloved prince.
Twenty-one-year-old Danielle grew up too fast, and her emotions never quite caught up. Saddled with an alcoholic father and a workaholic mother, Danielle acted as a surrogate parent for her young sister Claire. She juggles college classes with her job at Kingston's Bookstore with no time or patience left for relationships. When Danielle meets Chris, a successful video game developer, she faces a dilemma: marry a wealthy man she might love and enjoy the easy life, or stick to her principle to rely on no one but herself?
Bubbles Pop follows the intertwined lives of the three sisters through one crucial year as they learn how to manage relationships, deal with disappointment, and take charge of their own happily-ever-afters.
The premise of Bubbles Pop is brilliant. I truly thought that this could be a book I would fall in love with. Unfortunately, I feel it needed a bit more editing and rewrites. While I appreciate the voice of a 16 year old teenager, I really couldn't handle another 'like' in her internal dialogue. It really put me off. Then there is the naïve 14 year old sister, who would have been really great if she wasn't portrayed as one step away from brain dead. I get flighty and gullible with no common sense, but for me she too annoying to read. The eldest sister was written pretty well and I feel as if the author had taken more time to hash out her character – it showed. There are also some unbelievable situations – like the opening with the 16 year old hiding in gas/fake log fireplace because a boy is at the door. That was a bit too much. A closet, a bedroom, the bathroom, sneaking out a window, that would've been more believable to me.
Given, as the story progresses so do the characters voices, which is fantastic. Marnell really showed growth for her characters and I truly appreciate it, since it isn't an easy feat to accomplish.
Overall, TK Marnell gives you true age behaviors in place of the 'mature' teens we always seem to read about. However, having said that, it is difficult to get through the first chapters in the 16 yr old's POV because you don't feel any redeeming or likable quality in her.
If edited and guided with some rewriting, I think this book could really hit the Young Adult market with its great premise and raw talent.
March 12, 2012
I won this book from librarything in exchange for an honest review.
This book chronicles the lives of three different sisters as they go through a difficult year learning about love and life (mainly love), and the issues that surround it. It is an odd telling of Cinderella (which was are introduced to the Asian version of the story at the beginning of the book). The book is written completely in first person but in alternating chapters from each viewpoint of each sister.
I am so torn when I write this review because there are a lot of strong things about this book-- and I want to give it an additional star, but I cannot in good conscience do so, because of the large problems with it. The viewpoint from the oldest sister is by far the best and the most compelling. Dani is a well thought out character and mature, even for her college age. I loved reading chapters in her voice and often wanted to hurry through the others to get to her. I think she could carry her own book. The second most interesting character was Claire. Initially, I was really worried because the first section in her voice was written as if she were eight years old and didn't have a strong grasp of the English language yet. She progressively got more interesting, and the prose also got better as the book continued. And I'm a sucker for an underdog, which she is.
On to the bigger issues. Elle (as other reviewers have also mentioned) is a huge problem. She is one of the most unlikeable characters I have ever met in literature, and book really revolves around her. We start and end with her story, which is not very compelling, and I would have been really happy to just skip those chapters entirely. I don't buy her sudden "transformation." She did this because she was rejected by a guy? Suddenly she starts cleaning her room 80% through the book? The whole time I read about her, I thought she should be thrown into a boot camp and left there. The other people in this book are way too nice to her.
Furthermore, perhaps I am too far gone from my childhood, but I do not recall Pokemon and/or DDR as something the "cool" kids do. In fact, it's more what the "nerds" do. Elle's description (other than her looks) is very nerdy. So I totally didn't buy her as the queen of the school. In addition, the whole time I was reading this, I imagined Elle as Asian, because that's what her character sounds like (although she is described as Latin/European? What does that mean?).
The second half of the book was much stronger and well written than the first half. And it's a pity if no one makes it there. I think with a lot of editing and changing Elle as a character to be more palatable, this book could be greatly improved.
This book chronicles the lives of three different sisters as they go through a difficult year learning about love and life (mainly love), and the issues that surround it. It is an odd telling of Cinderella (which was are introduced to the Asian version of the story at the beginning of the book). The book is written completely in first person but in alternating chapters from each viewpoint of each sister.
I am so torn when I write this review because there are a lot of strong things about this book-- and I want to give it an additional star, but I cannot in good conscience do so, because of the large problems with it. The viewpoint from the oldest sister is by far the best and the most compelling. Dani is a well thought out character and mature, even for her college age. I loved reading chapters in her voice and often wanted to hurry through the others to get to her. I think she could carry her own book. The second most interesting character was Claire. Initially, I was really worried because the first section in her voice was written as if she were eight years old and didn't have a strong grasp of the English language yet. She progressively got more interesting, and the prose also got better as the book continued. And I'm a sucker for an underdog, which she is.
On to the bigger issues. Elle (as other reviewers have also mentioned) is a huge problem. She is one of the most unlikeable characters I have ever met in literature, and book really revolves around her. We start and end with her story, which is not very compelling, and I would have been really happy to just skip those chapters entirely. I don't buy her sudden "transformation." She did this because she was rejected by a guy? Suddenly she starts cleaning her room 80% through the book? The whole time I read about her, I thought she should be thrown into a boot camp and left there. The other people in this book are way too nice to her.
Furthermore, perhaps I am too far gone from my childhood, but I do not recall Pokemon and/or DDR as something the "cool" kids do. In fact, it's more what the "nerds" do. Elle's description (other than her looks) is very nerdy. So I totally didn't buy her as the queen of the school. In addition, the whole time I was reading this, I imagined Elle as Asian, because that's what her character sounds like (although she is described as Latin/European? What does that mean?).
The second half of the book was much stronger and well written than the first half. And it's a pity if no one makes it there. I think with a lot of editing and changing Elle as a character to be more palatable, this book could be greatly improved.
February 21, 2012
Author: T. K. Marnell
Published By: Createspace
Age Recommend: 18+(Language)
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Raven Rating: 5
Blog Review For: GMTA
Review:
"Bubbles Pop" by T.K. Marnell was a interesting read about three sisters revealing different sides of their life while growing up in eastern Pennsylvania. Each one of the girls (Ellie, Danielle and Claire) have a story that will take you on a good read. Each girl's story shows different maturation of how they focused on themselves during that period of time in their lives and even was able to grow up.
In "Bubbles Pop" story....
Ellie's mom(Annette) had left the home when she was young and she was being raised by her Dad. Then her Dad meets Marie and she has two girls (Dani and Claire) from a previous marriage. They get married but Elle's father soon dies leaving Ellie with Marie( stepmother) and new sisters. How will this all work out with Ellie feeling that she really doesn't really fit into this family?
Having to move from a upscale neighborhood in Philadelphia to a suburbs due death, the economy crash and being a new transfer student at school was a real eye opener for Ellie. There is a lot more to the story. What was it with the Bubble gum lip gloss? You will only have to read this novel to find out what that is all about!
The author T. K. Marnell's characters in this story are really interesting in how each one presents a story all by themselves. There is Ellie, her Dad, Karen, Annette, Marie,
Dani, Claire, Chris, Stephan Brendan, Brittany, Julie and Galen. I have probably left someone out so you will have to get this novel to see who that is!
Answers that will be answered by reading this wonderful read ...."Bubbles Pop"....
Is there something going on with Ellie and Galen? Will Claire found her true love with help from her friend Julie's? What's up with the "Prince of Loire High?" Will Danielle find the type of love she needs in her life?
"Bubbles Pop" was a good read on the lives of three sisters and in the end were able to that deal with relationships that would give them what they each desired in the end. I would definitely recommend this novel as a good read.
Read more: http://www.greatmindsthinkaloud.probo...
Published By: Createspace
Age Recommend: 18+(Language)
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Raven Rating: 5
Blog Review For: GMTA
Review:
"Bubbles Pop" by T.K. Marnell was a interesting read about three sisters revealing different sides of their life while growing up in eastern Pennsylvania. Each one of the girls (Ellie, Danielle and Claire) have a story that will take you on a good read. Each girl's story shows different maturation of how they focused on themselves during that period of time in their lives and even was able to grow up.
In "Bubbles Pop" story....
Ellie's mom(Annette) had left the home when she was young and she was being raised by her Dad. Then her Dad meets Marie and she has two girls (Dani and Claire) from a previous marriage. They get married but Elle's father soon dies leaving Ellie with Marie( stepmother) and new sisters. How will this all work out with Ellie feeling that she really doesn't really fit into this family?
Having to move from a upscale neighborhood in Philadelphia to a suburbs due death, the economy crash and being a new transfer student at school was a real eye opener for Ellie. There is a lot more to the story. What was it with the Bubble gum lip gloss? You will only have to read this novel to find out what that is all about!
The author T. K. Marnell's characters in this story are really interesting in how each one presents a story all by themselves. There is Ellie, her Dad, Karen, Annette, Marie,
Dani, Claire, Chris, Stephan Brendan, Brittany, Julie and Galen. I have probably left someone out so you will have to get this novel to see who that is!
Answers that will be answered by reading this wonderful read ...."Bubbles Pop"....
Is there something going on with Ellie and Galen? Will Claire found her true love with help from her friend Julie's? What's up with the "Prince of Loire High?" Will Danielle find the type of love she needs in her life?
"Bubbles Pop" was a good read on the lives of three sisters and in the end were able to that deal with relationships that would give them what they each desired in the end. I would definitely recommend this novel as a good read.
Read more: http://www.greatmindsthinkaloud.probo...
February 23, 2013
Honestly, I don’t think the given description on Bubbles Pop is accurate. It leaves out so much! I guess it gets the main point about Galen being Steve’s best friend, but it’s leaving out the other important characters. This book was told from Dani’s and Claire’s points of view too! It was a nice surprise, because I loved all three sisters.
The oldest, Dani, is in college. She isn’t really as lively as Elle and Claire, but she is funny. She works in this book store and likes to mess with her co workers (which I would probably do if I had the guts). When it comes to relationships, she isn’t exactly sure what she wants. Elle is a junior in high school and is very independent. Her dad died and her mom walked out when she was young, so she stays with her step family. Hearing the story from her point of view is hilarious because she meets Steve Brendan at a party and he basically becomes obsessed with her. The whole time he’s with her, she says how annoying she is and cracked me up. Of course, to make things complicated, she likes Galen instead, who is Steve’s best friend. Claire was my favorite. She is a grade younger than Elle, but not nearly as mature. She has a massive crush on Steve, so we can all imagine how awkward that would be to have him running after her sister. She matured a lot throughout the book, and I was really proud of her by the end. (I also love how she ends up in the end, but I can’t say!)
Bubbles Pop was a really cute story. It was funny and had romance, which are two of my favorite things. I also loved that I could get all three sisters’ perspectives on what was happening the whole time. I would have to say this book is on the girly side a bit, but anyone wanting a funny book that isn’t so out there, Bubbles Pop would be a good choice.
The oldest, Dani, is in college. She isn’t really as lively as Elle and Claire, but she is funny. She works in this book store and likes to mess with her co workers (which I would probably do if I had the guts). When it comes to relationships, she isn’t exactly sure what she wants. Elle is a junior in high school and is very independent. Her dad died and her mom walked out when she was young, so she stays with her step family. Hearing the story from her point of view is hilarious because she meets Steve Brendan at a party and he basically becomes obsessed with her. The whole time he’s with her, she says how annoying she is and cracked me up. Of course, to make things complicated, she likes Galen instead, who is Steve’s best friend. Claire was my favorite. She is a grade younger than Elle, but not nearly as mature. She has a massive crush on Steve, so we can all imagine how awkward that would be to have him running after her sister. She matured a lot throughout the book, and I was really proud of her by the end. (I also love how she ends up in the end, but I can’t say!)
Bubbles Pop was a really cute story. It was funny and had romance, which are two of my favorite things. I also loved that I could get all three sisters’ perspectives on what was happening the whole time. I would have to say this book is on the girly side a bit, but anyone wanting a funny book that isn’t so out there, Bubbles Pop would be a good choice.
August 14, 2012
When I first started reading, the characters were IMMENSELY annoying. I wondered what had made me purchase it in the first place. Even though I say it's annoying, I gave it a rather high rating yet despite me liking it I lowered it a star because it was annoying at first. However, part of the appeal later on was that I could stand all the characters and not hate them. I enjoyed seeing the characters face their problems and have experiences and it was great reading from different point of views. There was the once-got-everything-she-wanted who's a brat Elle, innocent Claire, and pratical Danielle who was the only one I liked from the beginning. I started appreciating brooding Galen and starry-eyed Stephen .
September 19, 2016
Elle is a troubled young lady. Her mother left when she was 3 years old, so he dad spoiled her abit. Within the last 3 years, her happy life with her father is turned upside down. First dad meets Marie, introduces her and her 2 daughters to Elle, gets married, then dies in an accident. Elle is very angry with the world and seems to take it out on Marie and the girls.
This book comes into their lives when Elle in 16, Claire is 14, and Danielle is 21. It follows them for 1 year, each chapter is rotated being told by each girls point of view. Claire and Elle start a new school. Dani goes to college. Marie works ALOT.
Claire fall in love with Steve - who falls for Elle - who falls for Galen ( Steve's best friend).
It is a cute little story. Interesting, well written, likable characters (even though Elle is a brat), and perfect for a young girl to read
This book comes into their lives when Elle in 16, Claire is 14, and Danielle is 21. It follows them for 1 year, each chapter is rotated being told by each girls point of view. Claire and Elle start a new school. Dani goes to college. Marie works ALOT.
Claire fall in love with Steve - who falls for Elle - who falls for Galen ( Steve's best friend).
It is a cute little story. Interesting, well written, likable characters (even though Elle is a brat), and perfect for a young girl to read
June 26, 2012
It was a good read but I didn't exactly love it. Ellie, who is one of the 3 point of views the story is told from, had to one of the most unlikeable characters. She was a bit annoying to read and I didn't buy the change that occurred to her. I also wasn't particularly fond of the ending. The story is an enjoyable one but nothing really special. At times I was frustrated with the way the characters were portrayed and very cheesy moments where I wanted to scream " who does this?" And Steve, I couldn't help but think of what a stalker he was, so he was another character I didn't particularly enjoy. Overall I give this book 3 stars. It was cute and fun and a happy ending.
November 10, 2016
The characters at first very annoying especially Ellie, she was so mean and was all about me -__-" later on the all changed ad became less annoying. They all mellowed out. I didn't like the ending though. It was to abrupt and I didn't really know if Ellie and Galen ended up together.
Also the POV's were very confusing at first I, truthfully, didn't know who was talking because it would randomly change. Leaving me confused of who they were talking about. After you get used to it, it's easy to know who is talking.
Also the POV's were very confusing at first I, truthfully, didn't know who was talking because it would randomly change. Leaving me confused of who they were talking about. After you get used to it, it's easy to know who is talking.
January 30, 2016
Three sisters with their own point of view on events that take the reader on an interesting ride. I thought the author captured the teen drama perfectly and gave each sister her own unique voice with honesty and a sense of humor. I found a few times certain events were dragged on a just a little but overall enjoyed the story.
October 17, 2013
This book was obviously written for someone younger than I am. I usually really enjoy reading YA fiction. I found the 3 main girls irritating and self centered. I got this free for the kindle a while ago. It needed some editing.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews