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American Honey
After graduating high school, Olivia “Ollie” McKenna leaves her small town roots in Summerville, Georgia, to pursue her dream of becoming a professional singer. With her best friend and older sister in tow, wholesome Ollie travels to the big city to compete in singing contest Atlanta Idol. There she meets nineteen-year-old Jack Bradley, a fellow country singer who quickly becomes a close friend. The connection between them is magnetic and an opportunity to sing together could change their lives forever. But what about Ollie's mama's fear of the music business? She's been burned by the lures of the bright lights before and doesn't want Ollie anywhere near that world. And Ollie's growing feelings for Jack as more than just a pal could ruin everything. Despite her own doubts, Ollie is determined to win. Can she make her dream come true or will she return to her hometown empty-handed and brokenhearted?
234 pages, Paperback
First published January 5, 2014
405 people want to read
About the author
Nancy Scrofano
5 books24 followersNancy Scrofano fell in love with romantic novels when she read the Sweet Valley High Senior Year series in high school. After college, she worked at an academic publisher where she formed a book club with her coworkers and delved into the wonderful world of Chick Lit. While in graduate school, Nancy wrote her debut novel, True Love Way. She is also the author of American Honey, novelette Cupid On Deck, and short stories Happenstance (in Sunlounger) and Ice Dating (in Merry & Bright). Additionally, Nancy is the founder and managing editor of Fictionella, a popular website that promotes and celebrates women’s fiction, chick lit, and romantic comedies. Nancy lives in southern California where she is at work on her next novel.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 13, 2016
DNF on page 109/47% (08/06/2014)
2.75 “There's a lot you don't know about me, Jack Bradley.” stars.
Ollie (Olivia) has been singing since she could talk, and now, at 18 years old, she finally has the chance to pursue it as a career. Atlanta idol is her chance. But there she meets Jack and he's just as good as she is...
Ollie, her sister, and her best friend are all there supporting her. Her mother is at home, and her father left when they were young. She's down to the finals, and it's just her and Jack, will she win?...
I really wanted to love American Honey, but for reasons that I will now explain, I clearly didn't.
NUMERO UNO- The heavy religious aspect. Nearly every page I read had some reference to God,
“Lord, help me,”
“Pray for me, Jack,”
Which I found really annoying, mainly because there was no note on the synopsis saying “heavily religious”, which would have really helped me out.
NUMERO DOS- The annoying main character. She's so whiny and clingy. She also cries all the damn time!
NUMERO TRES- Her sister and her friend don't seem like nice people. They didn't even attend her show? Uh? What?
NUMBERO CUATRO- A surprise visit from someone who looks like her dad nearly ruins her career. Really? I also had a quick skim and he was never brought up again.
NUMERO SEIS- The constant “Y'all” in every sentence the MC speaks.
However, there were a few things that I liked, namely how well it was written. And that it was really easy to read.
A copy of American Honey was kindly provided by Nancy Scrofano, the author, in exchange for an honest review.
2.75 “There's a lot you don't know about me, Jack Bradley.” stars.
Ollie (Olivia) has been singing since she could talk, and now, at 18 years old, she finally has the chance to pursue it as a career. Atlanta idol is her chance. But there she meets Jack and he's just as good as she is...
Ollie, her sister, and her best friend are all there supporting her. Her mother is at home, and her father left when they were young. She's down to the finals, and it's just her and Jack, will she win?...
I really wanted to love American Honey, but for reasons that I will now explain, I clearly didn't.
NUMERO UNO- The heavy religious aspect. Nearly every page I read had some reference to God,
“Lord, help me,”
“Pray for me, Jack,”
Which I found really annoying, mainly because there was no note on the synopsis saying “heavily religious”, which would have really helped me out.
NUMERO DOS- The annoying main character. She's so whiny and clingy. She also cries all the damn time!
NUMERO TRES- Her sister and her friend don't seem like nice people. They didn't even attend her show? Uh? What?
NUMBERO CUATRO- A surprise visit from someone who looks like her dad nearly ruins her career. Really? I also had a quick skim and he was never brought up again.
NUMERO SEIS- The constant “Y'all” in every sentence the MC speaks.
However, there were a few things that I liked, namely how well it was written. And that it was really easy to read.
A copy of American Honey was kindly provided by Nancy Scrofano, the author, in exchange for an honest review.
December 29, 2014
AMERICAN HONEY is a wonderful tale about life, love, and dreams. I loved following Ollie and Jack's journey as aspiring singers and watching how, in the process, their connection to each other deepened. I found their relationship to be very sweet, with beautiful moments that the reader will not easily forget. I also especially enjoyed the relationship between Ollie and her mother. It's nice to find young adult characters in literature who remain close to their parents.
Ms. Scrofano's writing style was engaging, prompting the reader to turn the page to see what would happen next. The scenes relating to the singing competition were detailed, providing a neat "behind the scenes" look at the process. A sign of a great book is its ability to draw you into another world. The way that Scrofano crafted a picture of the music industry did just that. Additionally, as I have some knowledge of country music, it was a special "bonus" to hear references to actual country singers and songs. In particular, Lady Antebellum fans may have a "nerd out" moment because the title of the novel itself was inspired by one of their songs. Many of us connect songs to stories in our own minds, but how often do we get a special treat like this, provided by the author herself?! The country ballad "American Honey" beautifully complements Scrofano's novel and may be listened to before or during reading as a sort of "soundtrack".
I will avoid giving spoilers, but simply state that I need to read the sequel to this. I hope it comes out soon! There are questions that are left unanswered---the mark of a good series, albeit one frustrating to the reader. ;)
I recommend AMERICAN HONEY to dreamers, aspiring singers and songwriters, fans of NA/YA and country music, and anyone who knows what it is like to begin a journey that may take unexpected direction.
Ms. Scrofano's writing style was engaging, prompting the reader to turn the page to see what would happen next. The scenes relating to the singing competition were detailed, providing a neat "behind the scenes" look at the process. A sign of a great book is its ability to draw you into another world. The way that Scrofano crafted a picture of the music industry did just that. Additionally, as I have some knowledge of country music, it was a special "bonus" to hear references to actual country singers and songs. In particular, Lady Antebellum fans may have a "nerd out" moment because the title of the novel itself was inspired by one of their songs. Many of us connect songs to stories in our own minds, but how often do we get a special treat like this, provided by the author herself?! The country ballad "American Honey" beautifully complements Scrofano's novel and may be listened to before or during reading as a sort of "soundtrack".
I will avoid giving spoilers, but simply state that I need to read the sequel to this. I hope it comes out soon! There are questions that are left unanswered---the mark of a good series, albeit one frustrating to the reader. ;)
I recommend AMERICAN HONEY to dreamers, aspiring singers and songwriters, fans of NA/YA and country music, and anyone who knows what it is like to begin a journey that may take unexpected direction.
May 24, 2014
First of all, I absolutely love this cover. Now as someone who puts more stock what's on the back of the book (blurb) as opposed to the front of the book, this really stands out. I mean you have so many icons that represent different aspects of the book and the juxtaposition is just perfect.
I'm not really sure how to rate the book. So I'm just going to tell you what worked for me, what put me in a quandry, and what didn't.
What worked:
1)The characters- I really liked Ollie and Jack. Both are driven to succeed but not so much as throw each other under the bus...maybe.
2)The chemistry- I loved the sparks that flew between Ollie and Jack both onstage and off.
3)The plot-The story was well thought out.
What I had to think about:
1)How Ollie stayed true to herself and her faith in God. I was surprised by the number of times God was mentioned in this novel. The reason I say this is because I haven't seen many YA/NA books with God in them unless it's swearing, which is kind of sad, but that's a totally different conversation. Being a Southern girl and having lived here for most of my life, I know how important God is in many people's lives and my own. I also knew as I read that some readers might not like the inclusion of God or even his name in the book due to a number of reasons. I did too in the beginning but then I realized that her faith in God was just a part of who she was. ( I didn't mean to focus on this part, but it is what stuck out for me.)
In the end, I liked the book but I wasn't blown away as I was expecting to be. I am really looking
forward to seeing what Nancy writes next. I have a feeling it'll be great and if she writes more Ollie and Jack I'll be happy to see where they go on their wild journey.
I'm not really sure how to rate the book. So I'm just going to tell you what worked for me, what put me in a quandry, and what didn't.
What worked:
1)The characters- I really liked Ollie and Jack. Both are driven to succeed but not so much as throw each other under the bus...maybe.
2)The chemistry- I loved the sparks that flew between Ollie and Jack both onstage and off.
3)The plot-The story was well thought out.
What I had to think about:
1)How Ollie stayed true to herself and her faith in God. I was surprised by the number of times God was mentioned in this novel. The reason I say this is because I haven't seen many YA/NA books with God in them unless it's swearing, which is kind of sad, but that's a totally different conversation. Being a Southern girl and having lived here for most of my life, I know how important God is in many people's lives and my own. I also knew as I read that some readers might not like the inclusion of God or even his name in the book due to a number of reasons. I did too in the beginning but then I realized that her faith in God was just a part of who she was. ( I didn't mean to focus on this part, but it is what stuck out for me.)
In the end, I liked the book but I wasn't blown away as I was expecting to be. I am really looking
forward to seeing what Nancy writes next. I have a feeling it'll be great and if she writes more Ollie and Jack I'll be happy to see where they go on their wild journey.
June 14, 2018
This review was originally posted on Star Crossed Reviews I received this book for free for a Blog Tour in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.I found this book really enjoyable.
Ollie is a sweet and brave girl. She knows what she wants in life and she fights to get it, even though not everyone approves.
Jack is a sexy country singer. At times I didn't like him very much but deep down he has a good heart.
I've always enjoyed X factor and The voice so I really enjoyed the Atlanta Idol competition. I was really tense throughout the whole competition.
I thought Ollie and Jack's friend's were really supportive even thought they knew they would miss them if they hit the big time.
I think I would have enjoyed seeing more of them in Nashville. I also thought the book ended rather abruptly. I would really like a second book to see what happens next.
Ollie is a sweet and brave girl. She knows what she wants in life and she fights to get it, even though not everyone approves.
Jack is a sexy country singer. At times I didn't like him very much but deep down he has a good heart.
I've always enjoyed X factor and The voice so I really enjoyed the Atlanta Idol competition. I was really tense throughout the whole competition.
I thought Ollie and Jack's friend's were really supportive even thought they knew they would miss them if they hit the big time.
I think I would have enjoyed seeing more of them in Nashville. I also thought the book ended rather abruptly. I would really like a second book to see what happens next.
July 4, 2014
I prefer to jump into books without much idea of what to expect, so that (hopefully) I can be pleasantly surprised! This book was definitely unexpected.
The main character, eighteen year old Ollie, has big dreams of becoming a music star. The book follows her as she attempts to break into the music business and make it to the country music mecca that is Nashville, Tennessee.
I liked the plot; it wasn’t particularly unexpected, drawing on shows like American Idol for inspiration, but I always enjoy these kind of journey-stories, and particularly liked the music aspect. The addition of some cute boys helped, too.
What was surprising, however, was the overall tone of the book. Scrofano chose to write a young, naive character who was extremely religious; throughout the book she (and other characters) regularly pray and consider the morality of their actions. Combined with the extremely Southern mannerisms of the characters – there were lots of ‘ma’am”s, and ‘mama”s – this did at times make the story saccharine sweet. That said, from what I know, this is a pretty realistic representation of the South, so while unfamiliar to me, it didn’t feel fake.
Scrofano’s aim was to write a book for young adults that was more age-appropriate than many of the other, far more explicit, books in the same genre. Personally, I think this was an admirable aim, and fairly well executed. It’s extremely difficult to write a relatively sex-free book aimed at Young Adults, and keep young readers interested. As far as Christian Fiction is concerned, I’d consider this one of the better examples. In a more general Young Adult category, I suspect that many readers might be startled by the restraint showed by Scrofano in holding off on throwing her main characters into bed. That said, the Ollie’s best friend and older sister were less reserved, so perhaps it all balances out.
My main issue with the book was with the relationship between the two main characters. In practically the first page, Ollie introduces herself to Jack (the boy who will take centre stage in her life for the rest of the book), and immediately decides that they are connected – with scarcely a dozen words exchanged. This felt very unrealistic, and I wasn’t sure why Scrofano rushed the connection. Ollie goes on to flip between saying that she’s falling for him and that she just thinks of him as a friend, which got a little frustrating, as it was obvious that she’d fallen for him in that first conversation, regardless of what she later said… That aside, as the book progressed, their interactions became more authentic.
Personally, knowing that Scrofano plans for this to be the first book in a series of at least three, I wasn’t too upset that Ollie and Jack didn’t race into a physical relationship. I’m of the mind that young people these days grow up too quickly, and believe that it’s normal to be sexually active from a young age. I know, that makes me sound like a Grandma. But I think if you’re not mature enough to understand the consequences of something, then you shouldn’t be doing it! I liked that this book portrayed a different way of growing up; if there were more books for like this for maturing readers, then maybe they’d feel like there are more options than just sleeping around because it’s ‘what everyone does’.
So, you see, this relatively simple book raised a whole set of issues about society, that really set me thinking. I definitely recommend giving it a try, and seeing what you think.
The main character, eighteen year old Ollie, has big dreams of becoming a music star. The book follows her as she attempts to break into the music business and make it to the country music mecca that is Nashville, Tennessee.
I liked the plot; it wasn’t particularly unexpected, drawing on shows like American Idol for inspiration, but I always enjoy these kind of journey-stories, and particularly liked the music aspect. The addition of some cute boys helped, too.
What was surprising, however, was the overall tone of the book. Scrofano chose to write a young, naive character who was extremely religious; throughout the book she (and other characters) regularly pray and consider the morality of their actions. Combined with the extremely Southern mannerisms of the characters – there were lots of ‘ma’am”s, and ‘mama”s – this did at times make the story saccharine sweet. That said, from what I know, this is a pretty realistic representation of the South, so while unfamiliar to me, it didn’t feel fake.
Scrofano’s aim was to write a book for young adults that was more age-appropriate than many of the other, far more explicit, books in the same genre. Personally, I think this was an admirable aim, and fairly well executed. It’s extremely difficult to write a relatively sex-free book aimed at Young Adults, and keep young readers interested. As far as Christian Fiction is concerned, I’d consider this one of the better examples. In a more general Young Adult category, I suspect that many readers might be startled by the restraint showed by Scrofano in holding off on throwing her main characters into bed. That said, the Ollie’s best friend and older sister were less reserved, so perhaps it all balances out.
My main issue with the book was with the relationship between the two main characters. In practically the first page, Ollie introduces herself to Jack (the boy who will take centre stage in her life for the rest of the book), and immediately decides that they are connected – with scarcely a dozen words exchanged. This felt very unrealistic, and I wasn’t sure why Scrofano rushed the connection. Ollie goes on to flip between saying that she’s falling for him and that she just thinks of him as a friend, which got a little frustrating, as it was obvious that she’d fallen for him in that first conversation, regardless of what she later said… That aside, as the book progressed, their interactions became more authentic.
Personally, knowing that Scrofano plans for this to be the first book in a series of at least three, I wasn’t too upset that Ollie and Jack didn’t race into a physical relationship. I’m of the mind that young people these days grow up too quickly, and believe that it’s normal to be sexually active from a young age. I know, that makes me sound like a Grandma. But I think if you’re not mature enough to understand the consequences of something, then you shouldn’t be doing it! I liked that this book portrayed a different way of growing up; if there were more books for like this for maturing readers, then maybe they’d feel like there are more options than just sleeping around because it’s ‘what everyone does’.
So, you see, this relatively simple book raised a whole set of issues about society, that really set me thinking. I definitely recommend giving it a try, and seeing what you think.
July 15, 2014
Originally posted on:> http://lauraslittlebookblog.blogspot....
3.5/5
This was a really fun, upbeat book, with some really likeable characters thrown in.
Ollie is taking part in the Atlanta Idol competition to help pursue her dream of becoming a singer. It is there that she meets Jack, who is also taking part. But as Ollie and Jack start to become close friends, will Ollie lose sight of winning the competition. As the stakes get higher, will she achieve her dream or come away empty handed.
I liked the fast pace of this book, you are never in want of something to happen and immediately as soon as you start the book, the action happens. I also loved the dialogue in American Honey. It's that lovely Southern American drawl and I particularly liked the way the characters addressed everyone as y'all.Ollie is a really likeable character as she's just fun and easy going and likes to talk a lot. I was rooting for her to win all the way.
I haven't read a book with a strong music focus before, but I found it enjoyable and it was great the way Nancy also added song lyrics in. Despite not being musical I still tried to make a tune to go with the lyrics; didn't really go very well...
I did think the ending could have been wrapped up more. A lot happens right towards the end and I would have liked to have seen the outcome of what came to light. But this is only the first book in the series, so it should leave you wanting more.
Overall a fun, enjoyable novel.
3.5/5
This was a really fun, upbeat book, with some really likeable characters thrown in.
Ollie is taking part in the Atlanta Idol competition to help pursue her dream of becoming a singer. It is there that she meets Jack, who is also taking part. But as Ollie and Jack start to become close friends, will Ollie lose sight of winning the competition. As the stakes get higher, will she achieve her dream or come away empty handed.
I liked the fast pace of this book, you are never in want of something to happen and immediately as soon as you start the book, the action happens. I also loved the dialogue in American Honey. It's that lovely Southern American drawl and I particularly liked the way the characters addressed everyone as y'all.Ollie is a really likeable character as she's just fun and easy going and likes to talk a lot. I was rooting for her to win all the way.
I haven't read a book with a strong music focus before, but I found it enjoyable and it was great the way Nancy also added song lyrics in. Despite not being musical I still tried to make a tune to go with the lyrics; didn't really go very well...
I did think the ending could have been wrapped up more. A lot happens right towards the end and I would have liked to have seen the outcome of what came to light. But this is only the first book in the series, so it should leave you wanting more.
Overall a fun, enjoyable novel.
July 27, 2014
Olivia (Ollie) has one big dream – being a singer. When Atlanta Idol calls for contestants, she sees her big break. Jack has similar ambitions. However, there can only be one winner. What both teenagers haven’t bargained for is the fact that they are approached by agents who are after a new duo. Will Ollie and Jack be able to dismiss their dream of a solo career and start out as a duo?
This book certainly has an interesting and engaging premise. I loved the whole music contest business and the detailed behind-the-scenes look at how such a contest takes place and the feelings and emotions its contestants go through.
It took me a few chapters to get used to the simplistic writing style, but this is probably due to the fact that I have read more adult fiction books lately and not so much YA or NA.
The plot moves along nicely and systematically with most of the action happening towards the end of American Honey.
Jack and Ollie are extremely likeable characters that reminded me very much of previous contestants of the reality TV Show American Idol. Turns out I wasn’t completely wrong as the Acknowledgements in the end of the book mention that the two contestants I had in mind were in fact inspiration for Jack and Ollie :-).
American Honey is a fun and quirky YA/NA read and a great book for every singing contest show lover.
This book certainly has an interesting and engaging premise. I loved the whole music contest business and the detailed behind-the-scenes look at how such a contest takes place and the feelings and emotions its contestants go through.
It took me a few chapters to get used to the simplistic writing style, but this is probably due to the fact that I have read more adult fiction books lately and not so much YA or NA.
The plot moves along nicely and systematically with most of the action happening towards the end of American Honey.
Jack and Ollie are extremely likeable characters that reminded me very much of previous contestants of the reality TV Show American Idol. Turns out I wasn’t completely wrong as the Acknowledgements in the end of the book mention that the two contestants I had in mind were in fact inspiration for Jack and Ollie :-).
American Honey is a fun and quirky YA/NA read and a great book for every singing contest show lover.
June 30, 2015
I won this book as part of a GoodReads contest last year, I'm glad I finally got around to reading it.
This was a very short book that I read in a day, it was a perfectly fine example of a YA novel. Would recommend if you like singing, but for no other reason.
The main character Ollie seemed incredibly flighty and quite annoying when she constantly changed her mind about whether or not she liked Jack. And Jack did not come across as someone I would want to share my dreams with tbh, he was very selfish at times, and it would've taken me a lot longer to trust him again.
I really enjoyed the singing contest part of the book, I think it would've been better to end with the result of the singing contest instead of going on to all the nonsense in Nashville... I didn't need that, but that's just personal preference.
A lot of the time conversations were rapid, and any arguments dispensed with in a line or two, it didn't really feel real in that regard. This made me feel the book was rushed.
This was a very short book that I read in a day, it was a perfectly fine example of a YA novel. Would recommend if you like singing, but for no other reason.
The main character Ollie seemed incredibly flighty and quite annoying when she constantly changed her mind about whether or not she liked Jack. And Jack did not come across as someone I would want to share my dreams with tbh, he was very selfish at times, and it would've taken me a lot longer to trust him again.
I really enjoyed the singing contest part of the book, I think it would've been better to end with the result of the singing contest instead of going on to all the nonsense in Nashville... I didn't need that, but that's just personal preference.
A lot of the time conversations were rapid, and any arguments dispensed with in a line or two, it didn't really feel real in that regard. This made me feel the book was rushed.
September 3, 2024
As I read through the narration, I heard it in Lauren Alaina’s voice, and pictured her as the main character. Being a huge fan of hers, I loved the book. I really expected a traditional, predictable, linear story arc, both in terms of plot and character development. However, Ms. Scrofano zigs when I expected her to zag. The result is a very human and very honest characterization of young adult life in the late teens. It made me quite nostalgic because it was so relatable in terms of the emotional rollercoaster, trying juggle relationships and navigate the twists and turns of life at that age, while also trying to carve out your life and figure out your place in the world. It left me wanting more from the author. I was highly invested in the characters and caught up in their world, to the point of wanting a lot more. But maybe that’s the point though. Young adult life is only the beginning of a much larger work in process.
April 18, 2017
Ollie McKenna and Jack Bradley both want to be professional country singers. They meet at Atlanta Idol and there is undeniable energy.
A quick read that is light and energetic. I kept looking for more substance to the characters though. I enjoyed the ending the most, I like probability and the author did a great job of leaving you to finish some of the smaller details yourself.
*Goodreads Giveaway Winner
A quick read that is light and energetic. I kept looking for more substance to the characters though. I enjoyed the ending the most, I like probability and the author did a great job of leaving you to finish some of the smaller details yourself.
*Goodreads Giveaway Winner
February 25, 2014
I thought the story was cute. However, I felt that the story lacked some depth. It was written from the main character's point of view which may explain the writing (as she was in her late teens, early twenties). I just felt that the story lacked some oomph. I did like the concept and all of the characters. And I liked the story line which was inspired by 2 recent American Idol contestants' journey together.
January 1, 2015
This story was cute, I enjoyed the concept of two singers meeting at a competition, however I felt that something was lacking. I didn't really like the ending and I found Jack annoying, but it was an easy, light-hearted read.
June 12, 2014
Nancy Scrafano has written an adorable book! American Honey is a quick and easy read with a like-able main character (not to mention the title is named after an awesome song). I would, recommend this book to readers of Young Adult and New Adult.
July 31, 2014
Such a fun, engaging, vicarious-living lark of a read! A quick, cute, and relatable story of two aspiring singers trying to find their way to each other--and their dreams.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews