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A Taste of Heaven
Madison Stokes leads a pretty average life: average mom and dad, average looks, average grades—well, maybe her little sister is MUCH brattier than average—but nothing out of the ordinary.
All that changes when quiet, secretive Alyssa Hawkins moves to town. When Madison takes Alyssa under her wing, the two girls quickly bond over chocolate-chip cookies and become best friends. Amazingly, Alyssa doesn't even mind Madison's bratty sister!
But there are some things Alyssa still won't share. Why won't she talk about her family? And why is she so reluctant to have Madison over to her house? She's harbouring a secret that could put their treasured friendship in jeopardy—and when Madison finds out by accident, Alyssa makes Madison promise not to tell anyone, not even Madison's parents.
But should Madison tell them anyway? When is it all right to tell a little white lie... and when should you come clean with the truth?
All that changes when quiet, secretive Alyssa Hawkins moves to town. When Madison takes Alyssa under her wing, the two girls quickly bond over chocolate-chip cookies and become best friends. Amazingly, Alyssa doesn't even mind Madison's bratty sister!
But there are some things Alyssa still won't share. Why won't she talk about her family? And why is she so reluctant to have Madison over to her house? She's harbouring a secret that could put their treasured friendship in jeopardy—and when Madison finds out by accident, Alyssa makes Madison promise not to tell anyone, not even Madison's parents.
But should Madison tell them anyway? When is it all right to tell a little white lie... and when should you come clean with the truth?
264 pages, Paperback
First published February 12, 2013
7 people are currently reading
257 people want to read
About the author
Meg Tilly
16 books507 followersAlso see Sara Flynn
Meg Tilly may be best known for her acclaimed Golden Globe-winning lead performance in the movie Agnes of God. Other screen credits include The Big Chill, Valmont, and more recently, Bomb Girls, and Netflix's movie War Machine, starring Brad Pitt. After publishing six standout young adult and literary women's fiction novels, the award-winning author/actress decided to write the kind of books she loves to read--romance novels. Tilly has three grown children and resides with her husband in the Pacific Northwest. She is currently at work writing the next Solace Island novel.
Meg Tilly may be best known for her acclaimed Golden Globe-winning lead performance in the movie Agnes of God. Other screen credits include The Big Chill, Valmont, and more recently, Bomb Girls, and Netflix's movie War Machine, starring Brad Pitt. After publishing six standout young adult and literary women's fiction novels, the award-winning author/actress decided to write the kind of books she loves to read--romance novels. Tilly has three grown children and resides with her husband in the Pacific Northwest. She is currently at work writing the next Solace Island novel.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
January 30, 2013
I was very fickle about what rating I was going to give this book. At first I was going to give it 3 stars, because that's basically what I thought about it, but then I got a bit more into it and thought I'd give it 5 stars, because after all, me-now is not the target audience for this book and 9-year-old me would have loved it to bits and pieces. In the end I gave it 4 stars because I gave my only other Meg Tilly reading experience: Porcupine 5 stars, and this one wasn't quite as good.
Which isn't to say I didn't love it, I did. It was a sweet and realistic portrayal of young friendship and the cost of lying to protect someone you care about. The characters are likeable, but flawed; Maddie is easily relatable and everyone has known someone like Alyssa at some point in their lives, someone magnetic and different, but also occasionally cruel.
The central mystery described in the official summary is resolved in the first few chapters (which is a good thing because the solution is really obvious) and the plot continues on its merry way without pre-conceived expectations weighing the reader down. I wouldn't say this was an exciting book, but it did keep my interest.
Despite being about 10 years older than the target audience and realistic fiction not really being my thing, A Taste of Heaven was surprisingly enjoyable.
Which isn't to say I didn't love it, I did. It was a sweet and realistic portrayal of young friendship and the cost of lying to protect someone you care about. The characters are likeable, but flawed; Maddie is easily relatable and everyone has known someone like Alyssa at some point in their lives, someone magnetic and different, but also occasionally cruel.
The central mystery described in the official summary is resolved in the first few chapters (which is a good thing because the solution is really obvious) and the plot continues on its merry way without pre-conceived expectations weighing the reader down. I wouldn't say this was an exciting book, but it did keep my interest.
Despite being about 10 years older than the target audience and realistic fiction not really being my thing, A Taste of Heaven was surprisingly enjoyable.
March 1, 2018
Name: Hannah. M
Title of book: A Taste of Heaven
Author: Meg Tilly
Publisher: Penguin Group
Copy right date: 2010
Total number of pages: 258
Setting
A Taste of Heaven begins in a little town called Rosedale. It begins with a girl, Madison who lives with her mom and dad and her little sister Gena. Later A Taste of Heaven moves to Madison’s friend Alyssa’s house. The season is fall.
Characters
The main characters in A Taste of Heaven are Madison and Alyssa. They are best friends. They are believable. I really like Madison because she’s nice, smart and adventurous. I think I’m most like Madison in the story. I’ve done some of the things she does in the story like baking cookies with my best friend and I have little sister.
Plot
The problem in the story is that Alyssa does not know or live or remember her dad. Madison and Alyssa are trying to find out who her dad is and her mom won’t tell her who her dad is. But when they can’t find out who her dad is, her mom finally tells Alyssa. I like the ending because Alyssa and Madison finally become friends again.
TV star comes to town,
Alyssa and Madison get in a big fight.
Alyssa does not know who her dad is
Personal opinion
The thing I like about A Taste of heaven is that it is so interesting and detailed and so live it’s like you were actually there in the book. It was so good I want the author to make the book longer. It teaches you a good lesson by not judging someone by their clothes. I think anyone should read this book because it’s really good. I would rate this book as a really good book but I wish it hadn’t ended so soon.
Title of book: A Taste of Heaven
Author: Meg Tilly
Publisher: Penguin Group
Copy right date: 2010
Total number of pages: 258
Setting
A Taste of Heaven begins in a little town called Rosedale. It begins with a girl, Madison who lives with her mom and dad and her little sister Gena. Later A Taste of Heaven moves to Madison’s friend Alyssa’s house. The season is fall.
Characters
The main characters in A Taste of Heaven are Madison and Alyssa. They are best friends. They are believable. I really like Madison because she’s nice, smart and adventurous. I think I’m most like Madison in the story. I’ve done some of the things she does in the story like baking cookies with my best friend and I have little sister.
Plot
The problem in the story is that Alyssa does not know or live or remember her dad. Madison and Alyssa are trying to find out who her dad is and her mom won’t tell her who her dad is. But when they can’t find out who her dad is, her mom finally tells Alyssa. I like the ending because Alyssa and Madison finally become friends again.
TV star comes to town,
Alyssa and Madison get in a big fight.
Alyssa does not know who her dad is
Personal opinion
The thing I like about A Taste of heaven is that it is so interesting and detailed and so live it’s like you were actually there in the book. It was so good I want the author to make the book longer. It teaches you a good lesson by not judging someone by their clothes. I think anyone should read this book because it’s really good. I would rate this book as a really good book but I wish it hadn’t ended so soon.
February 10, 2013
3,5/5
Do not be fooled by my 3,5 out of 5 stars rating. I'm pretty sure this book is better than I say. In fact, I would probably have enjoyed it much more and I gotten into it with the right expectations! I requested the book on Netgalley on a not-so-good day. Tired, I thought I was requesting a young adult novel when it was, in fact, an adorable middle grade book. And now that I had it, I might as well be reading it, right?
It would be difficult for me to judge how good the book was compared to other middle grade books, as I rarely read books for this specific slice of the market. But I had fun. Sure, it was so predictable, but again: I'm really not the expected audience!
The book was cute, and easy to read. Madison was adorable, nice, generous. I loved her relationship with her parents, and how her friendship evolved with Alyssa. I also loved how naive she was - something expected for her age - and how she reacted to Alyssa's different lifestyle - especially when visiting her house! She also had a nice touch of maturity, which made her a very enjoyable narrator for the book.
Yes, I did like the book; it was such a feel good book. Were my nieces older, it is absolutely a book I would want them reading. So it was, in the end, a fortunate incident that allowed me to have A Taste of Heaven.
Do not be fooled by my 3,5 out of 5 stars rating. I'm pretty sure this book is better than I say. In fact, I would probably have enjoyed it much more and I gotten into it with the right expectations! I requested the book on Netgalley on a not-so-good day. Tired, I thought I was requesting a young adult novel when it was, in fact, an adorable middle grade book. And now that I had it, I might as well be reading it, right?
It would be difficult for me to judge how good the book was compared to other middle grade books, as I rarely read books for this specific slice of the market. But I had fun. Sure, it was so predictable, but again: I'm really not the expected audience!
The book was cute, and easy to read. Madison was adorable, nice, generous. I loved her relationship with her parents, and how her friendship evolved with Alyssa. I also loved how naive she was - something expected for her age - and how she reacted to Alyssa's different lifestyle - especially when visiting her house! She also had a nice touch of maturity, which made her a very enjoyable narrator for the book.
Yes, I did like the book; it was such a feel good book. Were my nieces older, it is absolutely a book I would want them reading. So it was, in the end, a fortunate incident that allowed me to have A Taste of Heaven.
December 29, 2012
Madison is ten when Alyssa (also ten) moves to town and they become best friends right away. They always hang out at Madison's house which to Alyssa is "a taste of heaven". When Madison pushes Alyssa to hang out at her place for a change, Madison soon learns why Alyssa likes hanging out with Madison's family. Madison discovers Alyssa's secret home life and pinky swears not to tell anyone.
I'm not sure who the target audience is with this book but I really enjoyed it, even though Madison and Alyssa are only ten. I liked the characters, both the adults and kids. I liked the writing style and didn't find it immature. I think it would be suitable reading for age 10 right up to adults, though there is mild swearing once or twice.
If this is indicative of Meg Tilly's books, I look forward to reading more.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2012/12...
I'm not sure who the target audience is with this book but I really enjoyed it, even though Madison and Alyssa are only ten. I liked the characters, both the adults and kids. I liked the writing style and didn't find it immature. I think it would be suitable reading for age 10 right up to adults, though there is mild swearing once or twice.
If this is indicative of Meg Tilly's books, I look forward to reading more.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2012/12...
July 10, 2013
I won this book as an ARC on Goodreads.
It was difficult for me to rate this book as it is a pre-teen book and it's a lot of years since I was a pre-teen. Thinking back to the books I read at ages 8 and 9 this would have fit very nicely in my library.
The book is well written and describes the friendship between Madison and Alyssa very well. The book wraps up neatly with a happy ending as you would expect in a pre-teen book and provides a "lesson" without beating you on the head with it.
It was difficult for me to rate this book as it is a pre-teen book and it's a lot of years since I was a pre-teen. Thinking back to the books I read at ages 8 and 9 this would have fit very nicely in my library.
The book is well written and describes the friendship between Madison and Alyssa very well. The book wraps up neatly with a happy ending as you would expect in a pre-teen book and provides a "lesson" without beating you on the head with it.
January 24, 2013
I had the good fortune of winning and receiving this book through Goodreads First Reads. I enjoyed what it had to offer and though it was not in my usual taste, it still came off to me as something well-intended and full of heart.
May 24, 2013
Great story about friendship and keeping secrets for readers aged 9-12.
June 1, 2018
I think Meg Tilly's Taste of Heaven was a wonderful book about Madison and Alyssa's friendship. I think the plot was good but well predicted from the first couple of chapters. The way she wrote it moves the story along fast moving from scene to scene is every chapter. It was a good book.
January 20, 2014
Madison has never had a best friend before. Sure, the fifth grader has friends, but never that one girl who she does everything with, and will tell all her secrets to, and keep all the secrets that her best friend tells her. When Alyssa moves to town, the two hit it off like they are long lost twins separated at birth. They do everything together, and Alyssa practically lives at Madison's house. When Madison begins to wonder why she has never been to Alyssa's house, she asks to go over. Alyssa reluctantly agrees, and Madison finally sees where Alyssa lives; which is a mansion on the other side of town. Madison also begins to wonder about who Alyssa's parents are, since the only people she has met so far are Alyssa's housekeeper and driver. Alyssa is reluctant to say who her parents are, but when Madison pinky swears that she will not tell a soul, Alyssa reveals who her parents, or rather, her mother is, since Alyssa doesn't have a father.
Madison takes this secret to heart, going so far as to start lying to her parents and grandparents, and that starts to eat her up inside. When Madison breaks and finally asks Alyssa if she can tell her parents, Alyssa flies off the handle and stops speaking to Madison. Madison, miserable that she no longer has a best friend, goes back to her old friends, who, for some reason, HATED Alyssa on sight, and acted as the typical mean girls. When the mean girls start making fun of Alyssa in class, Madison stands up for her former bestie. Madison's bravery in standing up for her former friend has now cost her two more friends. Madison begins to wonder if keeping a secret is worth being alone.
The age range on this book is from 8-12, but I disagree. I think anything younger than 10 will have trouble relating to both Madison and Alyssa, and I'm not sure if they will be able to understand that some secrets should be kept, but not from your parents, especially if it will make you miserable.
I also think that some of the vocabulary that Ms. Tilly used will go over the heads of children who are younger than 11.
I liked the book, but I'm not the target age range. I think children will enjoy this book, and get a kick out of the secret that Alyssa wants kept. For those of you who think that secret keeping is wrong, especially with children, be advised that this secret is not a bad one. There is no abuse going on in this book. Alyssa's reasons for wanting the secret kept, and for keeping it from Madison for so long is understandable, one in which most children and even tweens will probably understand and respect.
Madison takes this secret to heart, going so far as to start lying to her parents and grandparents, and that starts to eat her up inside. When Madison breaks and finally asks Alyssa if she can tell her parents, Alyssa flies off the handle and stops speaking to Madison. Madison, miserable that she no longer has a best friend, goes back to her old friends, who, for some reason, HATED Alyssa on sight, and acted as the typical mean girls. When the mean girls start making fun of Alyssa in class, Madison stands up for her former bestie. Madison's bravery in standing up for her former friend has now cost her two more friends. Madison begins to wonder if keeping a secret is worth being alone.
The age range on this book is from 8-12, but I disagree. I think anything younger than 10 will have trouble relating to both Madison and Alyssa, and I'm not sure if they will be able to understand that some secrets should be kept, but not from your parents, especially if it will make you miserable.
I also think that some of the vocabulary that Ms. Tilly used will go over the heads of children who are younger than 11.
I liked the book, but I'm not the target age range. I think children will enjoy this book, and get a kick out of the secret that Alyssa wants kept. For those of you who think that secret keeping is wrong, especially with children, be advised that this secret is not a bad one. There is no abuse going on in this book. Alyssa's reasons for wanting the secret kept, and for keeping it from Madison for so long is understandable, one in which most children and even tweens will probably understand and respect.
January 14, 2013
Written by my 14 year old daughter.
"This book was a wonderful example of the friendship challenges with a new and interesting twist. In my opinion I find the demeanour of some of the kids a little inaccurate and unrealistic, but for the most part, the simple subject matter fit nicely. I like this book for the fact that it was very relatable; I remember what it was like trying to keep a secret and the consequences that came along with it. Finally, I found that the book was somewhat predicable as I was able to guess some parts. With that aside I came to the conclusion that the book was simplistic, but original.”
This book was given to us a Goodreads giveaway, thanks!
"This book was a wonderful example of the friendship challenges with a new and interesting twist. In my opinion I find the demeanour of some of the kids a little inaccurate and unrealistic, but for the most part, the simple subject matter fit nicely. I like this book for the fact that it was very relatable; I remember what it was like trying to keep a secret and the consequences that came along with it. Finally, I found that the book was somewhat predicable as I was able to guess some parts. With that aside I came to the conclusion that the book was simplistic, but original.”
This book was given to us a Goodreads giveaway, thanks!
May 20, 2014
Fans of Meg Tilly's acting may be surprised to discover that she is an accomplished writer as well. Her middle grade is funny, sweet, and rings true for the 8-11 year old reader.All the key concerns for young readers are here, dealt with sensitivity and no rough edges: friendship, secrets, family life, sibling issues, slumber parties. Madison may think her family is boring and average, but Tilly captures the warmth, silliness, and comfort in her home, something that is exotic to Alyssa, the daughter of a celebrity. Meg herself refers to her middle grade novels as 'cozy books,' which is a perfect description of this charming read
January 23, 2013
This is a book that people of all ages can read. From the younger crowd to the older people. The characters are well written and very realistic. Many parts of this book especially the relationship between Madison and Alyssa reminded me a lot of my childhood best friend and I. There were parts where sometimes Madison sounded way older than 10 years old but that is totally okay. If you are looking for a great light read about friendship I would for sure suggest this book.
April 1, 2013
A decent middle-grade read about friendship, family, and the cost of having a famous parent. The trade-paperback format is completely wrong for this type of story, suggesting that it's young adult, when it's for a young audience. The writing isn't overly impressive, but it's a genuine story and readable.
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December 12, 2012What I read was fine but it was sent to me as a YA. The protaganist is in Grade Five. Dear publishers, books targeted at 8-12 are not YA. I have a bunch of other reading to do so I'll return to this when I'm not as rushed. Or I may pass it on.
August 8, 2016
This is a great book for tweens. I think my 10 year old daughter will enjoy it. There are some good lessons about sticking up for yourself and your friends and following your convictions.
March 17, 2014
Length of the novel is teen-ish but the intended audience is 10 year-olds. Good plot, if slow. The ending was worth it!
May 13, 2014
A lovely read about middleschool friendships.
July 31, 2015
A fairly easy read about friendship and keeping secrets for the 10-12 age bracket. My 12 year old really enjoyed it. Realistic fiction, pretty predictable, but enjoyable.
February 19, 2017
Loved this book as a child.
probably-not
February 8, 2013Netgalley declined
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews