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Belles #3
The Grass Is Always Greener
How many secrets can one family keep?
Amid preparations for Emerald Cove's extravagant Founders Day celebration and their own shared sweet sixteen, Isabelle Scott and Mirabelle Monroe are longing to break free from the tight constraints that come with being the daughters of a prominent public figure. When Izzie's estranged aunt, Zoe, breezes into town, the already uneasy family dynamic is turned on its head.
Izzie's finally found her footing in Emerald Cove by leading the Social Butterflies, her school's prestigious club, and she has no interest in getting to know yet another long-lost family member. But Mira, who's on a mission to try new things and make new friends, is drawn to Izzie's artsy aunt. And when Mira meets a handsome, brooding painter, her entire perspective on life begins to shift.
As tensions mount in Emerald Cove, Zoe's laid-back attitude appeals to both girls. But when she offers Izzie the chance of a lifetime, it's time to make a tough decision. What's more important: family or freedom?
Amid preparations for Emerald Cove's extravagant Founders Day celebration and their own shared sweet sixteen, Isabelle Scott and Mirabelle Monroe are longing to break free from the tight constraints that come with being the daughters of a prominent public figure. When Izzie's estranged aunt, Zoe, breezes into town, the already uneasy family dynamic is turned on its head.
Izzie's finally found her footing in Emerald Cove by leading the Social Butterflies, her school's prestigious club, and she has no interest in getting to know yet another long-lost family member. But Mira, who's on a mission to try new things and make new friends, is drawn to Izzie's artsy aunt. And when Mira meets a handsome, brooding painter, her entire perspective on life begins to shift.
As tensions mount in Emerald Cove, Zoe's laid-back attitude appeals to both girls. But when she offers Izzie the chance of a lifetime, it's time to make a tough decision. What's more important: family or freedom?
304 pages, Hardcover
First published April 16, 2013
36 people are currently reading
1437 people want to read
About the author
Jen Calonita
110 books3,670 followersHi Goodreads!
I'm Jen Calonita, a MG and YA author who loves what I do because it lets me connect with all of you (and no, I wasn't intending for that to rhyme!).
I've been writing ever since I can remember, but it was fourth grade when I put my "three wishes" for a genie down on paper. They were:
#1. Buy all the Cabbage Patch Kids in the world and give them away for free (because apparently that was how I rolled).
#2. I wanted a mansion, limo, lake house, pool and speed boat (still sounds quite nice).
#3. I wanted to be an author for young readers, which I am!
I love writing novels for teens (and for savvy grown ups who know that YA rocks at any age). My first series was "Secrets of My Hollywood Life" and it followed a teen star named Kaitlin Burke who struggled with the fame game. I have also written the stand-alone novels Sleepaway Girls, it's companion book, Summer State of Mind and the Belles series.
I've been writing middle grade too and am having so much fun with my series Fairy Tale Reform School! The fourth book in this series about a school run by former villains is called Tricked and will be out March 2018. Ever wonder what it would be like if your parents got a job with someone like Taylpr Swift? My other middle grade series, VIP, follows super fan Mackenzie Lowell as she tours with her favorite band, Perfect Storm.
I promise to give book updates here, and on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or my website. I hope I hear from you!
xo
Jen
I'm Jen Calonita, a MG and YA author who loves what I do because it lets me connect with all of you (and no, I wasn't intending for that to rhyme!).
I've been writing ever since I can remember, but it was fourth grade when I put my "three wishes" for a genie down on paper. They were:
#1. Buy all the Cabbage Patch Kids in the world and give them away for free (because apparently that was how I rolled).
#2. I wanted a mansion, limo, lake house, pool and speed boat (still sounds quite nice).
#3. I wanted to be an author for young readers, which I am!
I love writing novels for teens (and for savvy grown ups who know that YA rocks at any age). My first series was "Secrets of My Hollywood Life" and it followed a teen star named Kaitlin Burke who struggled with the fame game. I have also written the stand-alone novels Sleepaway Girls, it's companion book, Summer State of Mind and the Belles series.
I've been writing middle grade too and am having so much fun with my series Fairy Tale Reform School! The fourth book in this series about a school run by former villains is called Tricked and will be out March 2018. Ever wonder what it would be like if your parents got a job with someone like Taylpr Swift? My other middle grade series, VIP, follows super fan Mackenzie Lowell as she tours with her favorite band, Perfect Storm.
I promise to give book updates here, and on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or my website. I hope I hear from you!
xo
Jen
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
July 1, 2013
To see full review click here.
Sigh. When I first read the first book in this series I loved it, despite its tendency to be a little corny. The next book I got annoyed with it, but sort of figured maybe this is middle book syndrome. But now upon reflection. This series sucks.
Oh, I know. Burn.
I actually feel sort of bad about it, maybe for a millisecond. While a part of me thinks that maybe Calonita is trying to market at the younger audience, the rational part of my brain is telling me this is no excuse.
I mean it. I think writing for a younger group of people is great, but that doesn't mean you have to have your older audience rolling their eyes. Take for instance, Harry Potter. The books start out when he's eleven and are marketed towards children, but I never feel like I'm being hammered in lessons like this book does.
Of course, if you analysis Harry Potter there are a ton of little life lessons sprinkled in there (like chat with strangers you can't see), but once again I don't feel like they're forced down my throat.
It's like this book tried too hard being rated G that it sort of shot itself.
The series is supposed to have a soap like element. And let me be frank, soap operas aren't marketed towards kids. I'm not saying that this book needed graphic, per say, but I think there lacked an element of maturity for me to take it seriously.
Take the relationships in the book. They are really 1D. And I'm talking about both familiar relationships and romantic relationships. With YA I sort of expect families to be sort of shafted since everyone and their mother does the Charlie Swan parenting thing. But Belles is supposed to be about family. I wanted more dynamics with Bill and his kids. I'd like to see Aunt Maureen actually do more than look pretty and be nice and try to force down deadbeat relatives down Izzie's throat. And isn't it weird that Izzie calls her stepmother Aunt Maureen because to me that's sort of creepy? I wanted Zoey to me more than a name dropper who only appears when she's disappointing Izzie.
But alas, that's not the case.
But there's still some hot romance, right?
Laughs.
Hardly.
The guys are basically men-cessories. Arm candy. I honestly feel sorry for Mira/Kellan fans. Two books spent building that relationship then Calonita decides to have him move away and Mira gets with another drip whose name you'd only see on a CW show (His name is Landon if you're curious). Izzie and Brayden aren't that much better either. They're just as lovey dovey as ever and there's no development or conflict to their relationship. It actually sort of made me miss all those pointless Princess Diaries sequels where Mia obsesses about having sex with Michael because at least Mia was talking about going to the next level with her boyfriend. Here though, that's never even brought up. Which you might think, refreshing, but living in happyville throughout the entire novel is just unrealistic. And the fact there's no progression except for one lame attempt of sneaking out and visiting his sister at her college-lame.
The really sad thing about this is I think it's the end of this series and it ends on such a, well, boring note. This book really was uncessary and it just ruined a lot of things about the first two books that I liked.
Best Feature: Clean. Maybe too clean. I honestly felt like I was reading a Nancy Drew book without the mystery. It was like this book was trying to be sophisticated while still being rated G but it just came off wrong. The tone of the book just came off as condescending and patronizing. I don't need lessons hammered in my head. And I'm sure it's targeted audience doesn't want morality lessons hammered in them too.
Worst Feature: Cornball. This book is beyond corny. And melodramatic. And just unrealistic. I was giving it a lot of leeway too because I think Belles is supposed to come off as being sort of a soap opera. But I watch soaps and they aren't like this. This just comes off as very childish and one dimensional. Which is a shame because when the series began, it had potential.
Appropriateness: This is pretty clean. I mean, it's so clean it makes me feel like I've been to the dentist.
Sigh. When I first read the first book in this series I loved it, despite its tendency to be a little corny. The next book I got annoyed with it, but sort of figured maybe this is middle book syndrome. But now upon reflection. This series sucks.
Oh, I know. Burn.
I actually feel sort of bad about it, maybe for a millisecond. While a part of me thinks that maybe Calonita is trying to market at the younger audience, the rational part of my brain is telling me this is no excuse.
I mean it. I think writing for a younger group of people is great, but that doesn't mean you have to have your older audience rolling their eyes. Take for instance, Harry Potter. The books start out when he's eleven and are marketed towards children, but I never feel like I'm being hammered in lessons like this book does.
Of course, if you analysis Harry Potter there are a ton of little life lessons sprinkled in there (like chat with strangers you can't see), but once again I don't feel like they're forced down my throat.
It's like this book tried too hard being rated G that it sort of shot itself.
The series is supposed to have a soap like element. And let me be frank, soap operas aren't marketed towards kids. I'm not saying that this book needed graphic, per say, but I think there lacked an element of maturity for me to take it seriously.
Take the relationships in the book. They are really 1D. And I'm talking about both familiar relationships and romantic relationships. With YA I sort of expect families to be sort of shafted since everyone and their mother does the Charlie Swan parenting thing. But Belles is supposed to be about family. I wanted more dynamics with Bill and his kids. I'd like to see Aunt Maureen actually do more than look pretty and be nice and try to force down deadbeat relatives down Izzie's throat. And isn't it weird that Izzie calls her stepmother Aunt Maureen because to me that's sort of creepy? I wanted Zoey to me more than a name dropper who only appears when she's disappointing Izzie.
But alas, that's not the case.
But there's still some hot romance, right?
Laughs.
Hardly.
The guys are basically men-cessories. Arm candy. I honestly feel sorry for Mira/Kellan fans. Two books spent building that relationship then Calonita decides to have him move away and Mira gets with another drip whose name you'd only see on a CW show (His name is Landon if you're curious). Izzie and Brayden aren't that much better either. They're just as lovey dovey as ever and there's no development or conflict to their relationship. It actually sort of made me miss all those pointless Princess Diaries sequels where Mia obsesses about having sex with Michael because at least Mia was talking about going to the next level with her boyfriend. Here though, that's never even brought up. Which you might think, refreshing, but living in happyville throughout the entire novel is just unrealistic. And the fact there's no progression except for one lame attempt of sneaking out and visiting his sister at her college-lame.
The really sad thing about this is I think it's the end of this series and it ends on such a, well, boring note. This book really was uncessary and it just ruined a lot of things about the first two books that I liked.
Best Feature: Clean. Maybe too clean. I honestly felt like I was reading a Nancy Drew book without the mystery. It was like this book was trying to be sophisticated while still being rated G but it just came off wrong. The tone of the book just came off as condescending and patronizing. I don't need lessons hammered in my head. And I'm sure it's targeted audience doesn't want morality lessons hammered in them too.
Worst Feature: Cornball. This book is beyond corny. And melodramatic. And just unrealistic. I was giving it a lot of leeway too because I think Belles is supposed to come off as being sort of a soap opera. But I watch soaps and they aren't like this. This just comes off as very childish and one dimensional. Which is a shame because when the series began, it had potential.
Appropriateness: This is pretty clean. I mean, it's so clean it makes me feel like I've been to the dentist.
February 23, 2014
A good closer to the Belles trilogy which I found to be thoroughly entertaining. The audio, read by Julia Whelan, was well done and I was impressed by her ability to create so many unique voices. The writing is strategic and thoughtful; I could easily see this series becoming a TV show.
I realize that this series might seem very cookie-cutter to some readers, but I appreciated the wholesome approach to the Monroe family's problems. There are some heavy topics that are explored but not exploited: class issues, illegitimacy, political scandal, etc. The characters are privileged for sure, but also gracious and a little bit naive. The lack of curse words makes this an easy series for me to recommend to tweens and teens. Personally, I found the characters overall to be very endearing and even though the Monroe family may seem perfect, it is still unusually blended in an era in which most family units in YA lit are plagued by divorce or addiction or generally unsupportive parents.
The reason I gave this novel 4 of 5 stars is because I thought it was wrapped up a little too quickly, especially with Zoe, the long lost aunt, and with Mira's new boyfriend, Landon. Regardless, it's is one of my go-to series for teens. I am definitely going back to read Calonita's previous series when I get a chance.
I realize that this series might seem very cookie-cutter to some readers, but I appreciated the wholesome approach to the Monroe family's problems. There are some heavy topics that are explored but not exploited: class issues, illegitimacy, political scandal, etc. The characters are privileged for sure, but also gracious and a little bit naive. The lack of curse words makes this an easy series for me to recommend to tweens and teens. Personally, I found the characters overall to be very endearing and even though the Monroe family may seem perfect, it is still unusually blended in an era in which most family units in YA lit are plagued by divorce or addiction or generally unsupportive parents.
The reason I gave this novel 4 of 5 stars is because I thought it was wrapped up a little too quickly, especially with Zoe, the long lost aunt, and with Mira's new boyfriend, Landon. Regardless, it's is one of my go-to series for teens. I am definitely going back to read Calonita's previous series when I get a chance.
May 1, 2013
Jen Calonita has done it again!! I loved the first two books of the Belles series, and I wasn't sure if the final book could live up to them; but boy was I wrong!! The Grass is Always Greener is super entertaining, and quite the page turner! This book kept me guessing every second! Winter White ended with a major cliffhanger, Izzie met her long lost aunt, Zoe. And once again, questions are asked, and secrets are revealed. The whole time I was reading each of the Belles books I was wondering who's a good guy and a who's a bad guy! I love that about these books. Their very mysterious! Izzie is confused about why she never met her Aunt Zoe (her mom's younger sister). Izzie also has a choice: Stay in Emerald Cove with her family or move to California and have a new known freedom with an aunt she's barely met? The Grass is Always Greener is full of twists and turns!! You're going to love it!!!
May 10, 2013
Ohmylawd, I can't believe that I've finished another one of Jen's series. This was the first book of hers that I ever got on my Kindle {although I am still buying the paperback or hardcover and mailing it to you to get signed, cause you know me - I need all my Jen Calonita books signed lol} BUT ANYWAYYY, I loved it. I loved the entire trilogy, and I know that I'll love whatever you write next, cause that's just the way I am.
June 12, 2013
This book, make that this whole series, has made me appreciate my family. I know that sometimes my family gets a little messy, but realized how much I really depend on them, and I know that I wouldn't be the person I am today without them. It's hard to put into words what how much I am grateful for all that they have done for me, even if I don't act that way sometimes. I am so thankful for my family and all that they do for me.
March 5, 2014
The third and final book was ok, not as good as the first and second but it does tie up the ending leaving a series that you know is complete. Mira and Izzie have a birthday party to plan and new activities to try, boyfriends to cuddle with and paparazzi to thwart and a long lost aunt for Izzie to try and get to know. Overall a good conclusion.
August 12, 2019
Cute series, a light fluffy read for when I have lots of other things on my mind. The only thing I didn't like about this series is that it skips important events and there is too much time in between some chapters. Wish the author had given more details on some things, it felt too rushed and as I mentioned, important events were skipped over or not explained in detail.
April 21, 2013
Content :)
I met Jen Calonita a few days before this book was officially on sale and I loved talking to her about it! She's a fantastic woman and her creativity is shown through this series. It is not my usual genre, but I was kept entertained and curious throughout the series. Love it!
I met Jen Calonita a few days before this book was officially on sale and I loved talking to her about it! She's a fantastic woman and her creativity is shown through this series. It is not my usual genre, but I was kept entertained and curious throughout the series. Love it!
May 24, 2017
2.5 stars
This was definitely the weakest in the series. The story just felt very run of the mill and didn't overall really fell like it was worth reading.
This was definitely the weakest in the series. The story just felt very run of the mill and didn't overall really fell like it was worth reading.
February 16, 2016
3.5 of 5 stars
I like this series- it's cozy and heartwarming and sweet like southern sweet tea
I like this series- it's cozy and heartwarming and sweet like southern sweet tea
July 9, 2025
So sad that this series is over! I'll miss the world of Emerald Cove and Harborside. I wasn't a fan of Zoe from the start and how careless she seemed to be. It looks like she was just used as a plot device to drop Izzie's parents' relationship history. The first two books were much more entertaining. It seemed like they both led up to one big final event, while this one had three and kept jumping between them, making scenes cut short and explaining what went down later in passing (the changing perspectives didn't help.)
Izzie annoyed me in this book. I had liked her character development in the past books, but the story kept hammering in our heads how she's so not like other girls, how much she hates dresses and pink and fancy parties. We get it. The plot with her family drama and grandmother's safe was interesting, she just wasn't.
On the other hand, I liked Mira, and enjoyed seeing her friendship with her new bestie, Charlotte, develop - especially after being ditched by Savannah in the first book. I feel the author making Kellen move and ending their relationship to introduce Landon (to make more drama with the family) was unnecessary. Kellen's character seemed completely changed - instead of caring at all about Mira he becomes distant and starts ignoring her. It was weird. Then Mira compared Kellen to Taylor, which made it weirder, because the relationship with Kellen was what taught her to ditch Taylor, her bf in the first book (a jerk.)
I still appreciate the third book, but I really feel like there could've been better ways to introduce conflict to create a storyline. I like how everything wrapped up in a neat bow (no pun intended!) with their sixteenth birthday party. Savannah admitting defeat and the sisters allowing her to come was a nice touch. Good to see the snob finally beat down :)
Izzie annoyed me in this book. I had liked her character development in the past books, but the story kept hammering in our heads how she's so not like other girls, how much she hates dresses and pink and fancy parties. We get it. The plot with her family drama and grandmother's safe was interesting, she just wasn't.
On the other hand, I liked Mira, and enjoyed seeing her friendship with her new bestie, Charlotte, develop - especially after being ditched by Savannah in the first book. I feel the author making Kellen move and ending their relationship to introduce Landon (to make more drama with the family) was unnecessary. Kellen's character seemed completely changed - instead of caring at all about Mira he becomes distant and starts ignoring her. It was weird. Then Mira compared Kellen to Taylor, which made it weirder, because the relationship with Kellen was what taught her to ditch Taylor, her bf in the first book (a jerk.)
I still appreciate the third book, but I really feel like there could've been better ways to introduce conflict to create a storyline. I like how everything wrapped up in a neat bow (no pun intended!) with their sixteenth birthday party. Savannah admitting defeat and the sisters allowing her to come was a nice touch. Good to see the snob finally beat down :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 7, 2020
I am not one to bash a book, but I was really disappointed with this book. The first two were great and I loved reading them. They had the whole Gossip girl meets Southern Belle meets debutant, and I had high hopes for this book as well. Sadly, I didn't get what I was hoping for. In the first book, you head Izzie trying to navigate high society, while dealing with mean girls, wanting her old life back, and trying to fit in while Mira was learning how to be a sister and stand up for herself. The second book was just the same, only with debutants.
This book. Totally missed that mark. It was too busy. Not only did you have the girls sweet 16, but also the Founders day events and it was just too much to fit into one book. I wanted more about the parties and the drama but I felt everything was rushed to the end. It was also a lot shorter than the other.
This book. Totally missed that mark. It was too busy. Not only did you have the girls sweet 16, but also the Founders day events and it was just too much to fit into one book. I wanted more about the parties and the drama but I felt everything was rushed to the end. It was also a lot shorter than the other.
August 7, 2018
While I enjoyed this conclusion to the Belles trilogy, I don't think I liked it as much as I liked the first two books. The characters and writing were as wonderful as ever, but the main plot of the story seemed almost a replica of the second book (a.k.a. The girls are forced to deal with boy problems, fitting in, and being in the spotlight). It felt like I was reading the same book with minimal change other than a couple of new qualities that were introduced, such as the plot line concerning Izzie's aunt. In spite of this lack of change, I still enjoyed the overall story and felt as though everything tied together nicely in the end.
May 22, 2019
Surprisingly, I’m not sad this series is over. I loved it, but I was getting tired of all the family drama. I postponed starting this book because I didn’t want to hear about the Zoe drama and Kellen drama. Buuut, once I started it I was hooked. I was so happy with the conclusion to this series and I would consider a reread some time. This is the perfect conclusion to a good series!
September 16, 2017
Overall I really liked this series. It was a good lighthearted read, nothing to serious I don't think. And although I guessed the twist in each of the three books, they were still enjoyable. Majority of the time if a book is predictable I don't enjoy it. Again the narrator is amazing!
April 15, 2018
A nicely wrapped up final book in this trilogy. The girls come to terms with sisterhood, and both learn the value of true friendship and how to navigate first romances all while their father’s government position keeps them in the spotlight.
April 13, 2020
I found the first two books in this series to be fun (if a bit superficial) reads. This final book was just annoying. The characters seemed much shallower and more one-dimensional in this book and I just couldn't get myself to care about the plot.
October 29, 2017
AUDIOBOOK:
Such a cute series!
Such a cute series!
February 1, 2018
The beginning was kind of confuses and frustrated.
April 3, 2019
My least favorite of the trilogy. Still fun but I appreciated the story less than the first two.
January 4, 2020
A secret aunt, and star-crossed lover, and a costume ball, all in one book! Fun and fast as the other two, while still managing to tie up loose ends.
March 8, 2020
I loved the part when we finally figured out that Zoe was Isabelle's sister.
March 30, 2020
3.5 stars
May 28, 2020
Wasn’t my favorite book of this series, but it was a good ending book. I was pleasantly surprised by Zoe as well as Isabelle’s wild streak. Glad to see the family intact at the end.
February 12, 2021
I love this whole series-fun, light YA read.
December 7, 2024
Free on audible. Easy listen, collage & family
August 10, 2014
The Grass is Always Greener is the final book in the Belles series, coming full circle as Izzy discovers that she's not really the last Scott left in the world (as she's previously thought) and with Mirabelle and Izzy becoming even closer to each other...to something almost like being sisters. The whole Belles series has been a very lighthearted and fun romp and the same is true about the last book, with plenty of heartwarming family moments, truths about one's family history and some romance sprinkled in.
Isabelle "Izzy" Scott thought that she's seen everything and gone through everything at Emerald Cove. But when Zoe, a aunt that she never knew existed, comes to visit her at EC, she's in for a surprise. Why didn't her grandmother or her mother ever mention Zoe? Zoe's an artist, carefree and a bit wild and is the other Scott that's left in the world. But Izzy isn't keen to make contact with her aunt, not when she has so much else on her plate--becoming the new co-leader of the Social Butterflies, dealing with the loss of her grandmother as well as hanging out with her cute boyfriend, now that their relationship's finally settled.
Mirabelle's life is also more complicated, having to deal with Kellan's moving away. Kellan's the first boy that she's ever truly connected with and who gave her the courage to own up to her artistic talent and to break away from her old friends. Now that Kellan's gone, Mirabelle has more time alone than ever. When she signs up for an art class with a new friend, she meets another cute boy who's artistic, funny and seems interested in her. Mirabelle's also fascinated by Aunt Zoe, whose fame and carefree attitude is so different from Mirabelle's conservative political family.
As with the other Belles books, this story is again told in the third person perspective that alternates between chapters so we get to see what's happening with Izzy as well as with Mirabelle. Jen Calontia has used this technique really well in the previous books and it also works here, where Izzie's distant cold attitude to Zoe is contrasted with Mirabelle's curiosity towards her half-sister's aunt. Both girls are easy to relate to, with Izzy trying to get over the loss of her grandma and Mirabelle trying to throw herself into new activities to forget the boy that she really liked. I've noticed some character growth in both of them as well, with Izzy's pragmatism rubbing off Mirabelle a bit and Mirabelle's eager to party attitude also affecting Izzy as well. That was realistic and well done.
One quibble that I've had with all the books in the series so far though is that Calonita has a tendency to make her villains to be cardboard characters. Their motivations are always cheesy and rather one-dimensional. I feel like this is the case even with in this book, though it's gotten slightly better because it seems like she did have some well-meaning intentions.
I also felt like the central conflict in the book, or what was sold as the central conflict anyway, didn't really have any tension or build-up to it.
But the romance in the story was cute again. I've been shipping Izzy and Brayden since the first book so it's nice to see that their relationship is still going strong, even with some minor hiccups . They're sweet together. Mirabelle has lost Kellan in this book but don't worry guys! There's another cute boy in store for her. I did feel a bit cheated, because of how I'd invested in her relationship with Kellan and how quickly she seemed to move onto another guy. But okay, sure, I'll buy that there's another cute and artistic boy who's interested in her.
Overall, The Grass is Always Greener was a sweet ending to the trilogy and I'm happy to see that Izzy and Mirabelle have gotten the happy endings that they deserve!
Isabelle "Izzy" Scott thought that she's seen everything and gone through everything at Emerald Cove. But when Zoe, a aunt that she never knew existed, comes to visit her at EC, she's in for a surprise. Why didn't her grandmother or her mother ever mention Zoe? Zoe's an artist, carefree and a bit wild and is the other Scott that's left in the world. But Izzy isn't keen to make contact with her aunt, not when she has so much else on her plate--becoming the new co-leader of the Social Butterflies, dealing with the loss of her grandmother as well as hanging out with her cute boyfriend, now that their relationship's finally settled.
Mirabelle's life is also more complicated, having to deal with Kellan's moving away. Kellan's the first boy that she's ever truly connected with and who gave her the courage to own up to her artistic talent and to break away from her old friends. Now that Kellan's gone, Mirabelle has more time alone than ever. When she signs up for an art class with a new friend, she meets another cute boy who's artistic, funny and seems interested in her. Mirabelle's also fascinated by Aunt Zoe, whose fame and carefree attitude is so different from Mirabelle's conservative political family.
As with the other Belles books, this story is again told in the third person perspective that alternates between chapters so we get to see what's happening with Izzy as well as with Mirabelle. Jen Calontia has used this technique really well in the previous books and it also works here, where Izzie's distant cold attitude to Zoe is contrasted with Mirabelle's curiosity towards her half-sister's aunt. Both girls are easy to relate to, with Izzy trying to get over the loss of her grandma and Mirabelle trying to throw herself into new activities to forget the boy that she really liked. I've noticed some character growth in both of them as well, with Izzy's pragmatism rubbing off Mirabelle a bit and Mirabelle's eager to party attitude also affecting Izzy as well. That was realistic and well done.
One quibble that I've had with all the books in the series so far though is that Calonita has a tendency to make her villains to be cardboard characters. Their motivations are always cheesy and rather one-dimensional. I feel like this is the case even with in this book, though it's gotten slightly better because it seems like she did have some well-meaning intentions.
I also felt like the central conflict in the book, or what was sold as the central conflict anyway, didn't really have any tension or build-up to it.
But the romance in the story was cute again. I've been shipping Izzy and Brayden since the first book so it's nice to see that their relationship is still going strong, even with some minor hiccups . They're sweet together. Mirabelle has lost Kellan in this book but don't worry guys! There's another cute boy in store for her. I did feel a bit cheated, because of how I'd invested in her relationship with Kellan and how quickly she seemed to move onto another guy. But okay, sure, I'll buy that there's another cute and artistic boy who's interested in her.
Overall, The Grass is Always Greener was a sweet ending to the trilogy and I'm happy to see that Izzy and Mirabelle have gotten the happy endings that they deserve!
March 14, 2017
"The Grass is Always Greener" is a spectacular sequel to "Winter White". It is very different than "Winter White" because it shows how Mira and Izzie have changed and matured. I learned about family, friendship and love; I recommend this book to someone who loves hearing about fashion and can relate to art.
April 22, 2014
I netflixed (binge-read) the entire Belle’s series in a couple days. I felt like I was watching a tasty ABC Family series and I just had to know what was going to happen next. This series would actually make an awesome series out there, so I could totally see one of the networks grabbing it up. Since I listened to the books back-to-back, I decided to do reviews for both Winter White and The Grass is Always Greener together. Both books were read by Julia Whelan. Winter White is 9 hours, 35 minutes long. The Grass is Always Greener is 7 hours, 29 minutes long.
Let’s start with Winter White:
Likes:
The most interesting part of this book was seeing what it has to be like for a family in the public eye. Because of Isabelle’s father’s political race, the girls were constantly in the news. It would be awful to have your ever moved photographed and talked about.
I think doing a cotillion would be fun and loved hearing about the silly stunts and learning how to be a proper lady was.
It was fun seeing the relationship between Izzie and Mira grow as they learned more about each other and became sisters.
There was an interesting twist at the end of the story that kept you wanting more.
I know it would be so hard to learn to forgive someone who has lied to you,. The progress between Izzie and her dad was really heartwarming.
Gripes:
Izzie was a little dramatic a few times in the book. I can understand that teenagers are sometimes irrational (we have all been there) but still. I wanted to strangle her a few times!
Now onto The Grass is Always Greener:
Likes:
The story was entertaining and fast-paced. I loved being involved in this girl’s lives and was easily into the story.
The boyfriends were so stinking cute, I was a little jealous of how well they treated the girls. Definitely had a little book crush on Izzie’s boy!
There is always something desirable about a mean girl put into her place. I loved Savanna’s character and how Izzie really stood up for herself.
Izzie really came into her own, grew up and started to take responsibility for herself in this book.
Gripes:
I have gone through loss, it is so tough, but the beginning of the book Izzie is out of school for weeks in bed. I just thought that she was once again being so dramatic, it seemed out of character for the strong Izzie we were initially shown.
As the final book in the series, it really didn’t wow me. It was interesting, but I was not in love with it as much I enjoyed the first two books.
For more reviews visit
A Flurry of Ponderings
Let’s start with Winter White:
Likes:
The most interesting part of this book was seeing what it has to be like for a family in the public eye. Because of Isabelle’s father’s political race, the girls were constantly in the news. It would be awful to have your ever moved photographed and talked about.
I think doing a cotillion would be fun and loved hearing about the silly stunts and learning how to be a proper lady was.
It was fun seeing the relationship between Izzie and Mira grow as they learned more about each other and became sisters.
There was an interesting twist at the end of the story that kept you wanting more.
I know it would be so hard to learn to forgive someone who has lied to you,. The progress between Izzie and her dad was really heartwarming.
Gripes:
Izzie was a little dramatic a few times in the book. I can understand that teenagers are sometimes irrational (we have all been there) but still. I wanted to strangle her a few times!
Now onto The Grass is Always Greener:
Likes:
The story was entertaining and fast-paced. I loved being involved in this girl’s lives and was easily into the story.
The boyfriends were so stinking cute, I was a little jealous of how well they treated the girls. Definitely had a little book crush on Izzie’s boy!
There is always something desirable about a mean girl put into her place. I loved Savanna’s character and how Izzie really stood up for herself.
Izzie really came into her own, grew up and started to take responsibility for herself in this book.
Gripes:
I have gone through loss, it is so tough, but the beginning of the book Izzie is out of school for weeks in bed. I just thought that she was once again being so dramatic, it seemed out of character for the strong Izzie we were initially shown.
As the final book in the series, it really didn’t wow me. It was interesting, but I was not in love with it as much I enjoyed the first two books.
For more reviews visit
A Flurry of Ponderings
July 1, 2016
The Grass Is Always Greener by Jen Calonita
Grade: B+
Summary: How many secrets can one family keep?
Amid preparations for Emerald Cove's extravagant Founders Day celebration and their own shared sweet sixteen, Isabelle Scott and Mirabelle Monroe are longing to break free from the tight constraints that come with being the daughters of a prominent public figure. When Izzie's estranged aunt, Zoe, breezes into town, the already uneasy family dynamic is turned on its head.
Izzie's finally found her footing in Emerald Cove by leading the Social Butterflies, her school's prestigious club, and she has no interest in getting to know yet another long-lost family member. But Mira, who's on a mission to try new things and make new friends, is drawn to Izzie's artsy aunt. And when Mira meets a handsome, brooding painter, her entire perspective on life begins to shift.
As tensions mount in Emerald Cove, Zoe's laid-back attitude appeals to both girls. But when she offers Izzie the chance of a lifetime, it's time to make a tough decision. What's more important: family or freedom?
The Good: I love how the Monroes and Isabelle feel more like a family in this book. And when Izzie blatantly disobeyed Bill and Maureen, they punished her. At first I was like, "Oh, c'mon!" And then I was like, "Wait a minute...what Izzie did was seriously wrong. Yay for parental discipline!" Character development in this book...Mira didn't grow so much now that I think about it, but she had Belles and Winter White to mature. I think Izzie really grew up in this book. And the conflict with Zoe was good.
The Bad: Brayden is still around, blah. :P And Kylie? Oh my gosh, I do not like that girl. I didn't like Violet's actions in this book, either, for that matter. I kept thinking, "Seriously, girls, GROW UP." I don't feel like my friends and I ever act that catty and immature. (Sometimes we get crazy and goofy immature, but not bratty, toddler-esque immature.) Finally, I'm not sure how I felt about the ending...it didn't give me the right closure, overall, I guess. This was the last book in the Belles series, right? Oh, and a recommendation to all authors - fancy font is a great representation of handwriting, but it should be READABLE. There was a letter from Isabelle's grandmother towards the end of the book, and I really struggled to follow it completely.
The Ugly: Same as the other books. I also didn't find Zoe to be a good role model, and I'm concerned the author excused her actions too much.
Find the full review at: http://bookworm716.blogspot.com/2013/...
Grade: B+
Summary: How many secrets can one family keep?
Amid preparations for Emerald Cove's extravagant Founders Day celebration and their own shared sweet sixteen, Isabelle Scott and Mirabelle Monroe are longing to break free from the tight constraints that come with being the daughters of a prominent public figure. When Izzie's estranged aunt, Zoe, breezes into town, the already uneasy family dynamic is turned on its head.
Izzie's finally found her footing in Emerald Cove by leading the Social Butterflies, her school's prestigious club, and she has no interest in getting to know yet another long-lost family member. But Mira, who's on a mission to try new things and make new friends, is drawn to Izzie's artsy aunt. And when Mira meets a handsome, brooding painter, her entire perspective on life begins to shift.
As tensions mount in Emerald Cove, Zoe's laid-back attitude appeals to both girls. But when she offers Izzie the chance of a lifetime, it's time to make a tough decision. What's more important: family or freedom?
The Good: I love how the Monroes and Isabelle feel more like a family in this book. And when Izzie blatantly disobeyed Bill and Maureen, they punished her. At first I was like, "Oh, c'mon!" And then I was like, "Wait a minute...what Izzie did was seriously wrong. Yay for parental discipline!" Character development in this book...Mira didn't grow so much now that I think about it, but she had Belles and Winter White to mature. I think Izzie really grew up in this book. And the conflict with Zoe was good.
The Bad: Brayden is still around, blah. :P And Kylie? Oh my gosh, I do not like that girl. I didn't like Violet's actions in this book, either, for that matter. I kept thinking, "Seriously, girls, GROW UP." I don't feel like my friends and I ever act that catty and immature. (Sometimes we get crazy and goofy immature, but not bratty, toddler-esque immature.) Finally, I'm not sure how I felt about the ending...it didn't give me the right closure, overall, I guess. This was the last book in the Belles series, right? Oh, and a recommendation to all authors - fancy font is a great representation of handwriting, but it should be READABLE. There was a letter from Isabelle's grandmother towards the end of the book, and I really struggled to follow it completely.
The Ugly: Same as the other books. I also didn't find Zoe to be a good role model, and I'm concerned the author excused her actions too much.
Find the full review at: http://bookworm716.blogspot.com/2013/...
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