Double Take

by Laura Kennedy

When sixteen-year-old Brooke Bentley’s green convertible and cell phone conk out during a tropical rainstorm, she believes it’s just bad luck. But when she darts through the dark to a dilapidated Victorian she thinks is the home of a friend and is invited in by a butler in a faded black tux, Brooke knows it must be karma. Because how often do you meet a reclusive 1950’s movie star who thinks she’s actress Terry Moore? And how often does someone as charming as eighty-year-old Laura de France insist on transforming you into a movie star, too?

How can something as simple as a dress control your life? It can if it’s the famous green toga worn by actress Elizabeth Taylor in Cleopatra and you’ll do anything to wear it.

“Reading ‘Double Take’ reminded me of my teen years at MGM studios where I had the good fortune to go to the Little Red School House with such young talent as Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney.”
– Sharon Randall, formerly Janice Chambers, ninety-year-old singer/actress.

140 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 24, 2014

Reviews

[A - slambooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is very different than my usual cup of tea. There was not much action. Even when there was a bit of action I ended up feeling sad instead of feeling any adrenaline or heart racing I find this a very unique style of writing and it intrigues me. I felt completely transported into the mind of a 16 year old girl throughout the story.

By chance, by fate call it as you may, Brooke ended up at Ms. DeFrance's door step soaking wet, a phone that was not working and a car that wouldn't start. Little does she know how this fateful night will change the rest of her life. After a certain series of events, Brooke feels that she owes this eighty or so year old retired movie star more than she could repay. Brooke visits her daily and concedes to any of Ms. DeFrance's strange whims. Soon Brooke is doing nothing more than what Ms. DeFrance gives her permission to do. She is becoming frustrated and antsy. The life she is leading has many benefits but she wants nothing more than to feel like a regular sixteen year old once again. Conflicted emotions toward Ms. DeFrance, her acting teacher Nick, and her own boyfriend Tyler, leaves her broke & feeling completely lost. But in every situation there is a lesson to be learned, and this one starts with a dress.

[LaQuita · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a great quick read that was very enjoyable. I couldn't put it down. Not only is the storyline pretty great and interesting, but I love how realistic the characters were and how attached I got to them. For a short read, the book was straight to the point, keeping me both engaged and excited to read what came next. Definitely had some twists that you wouldn't have expect. This is definitely a book that not only teens will absolutely love to read because they'll be able to relate to, but adults as well. I can't wait to see what Laura Kennedy comes out with next!
http://www.justusgirlsblog.com/2014/0...

[Cheyenne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of Double Take via Goodreads First Reads giveaway

3.5 Stars

Double Take was a very interesting read. While it didn't leave me unable to put it down there was just something about it that made me want to continue reading. Which completely contradicted my original hesitation and skepticism of it. For to me the concept of this book was a bit odd.

Inside the pages of this book though you'll find a story about a girl of sixteen going on seventeen stumbling up the path of growing up. A tale of mistakes and worse mistakes, of hard truths and staying true to yourself, first love and second love and many other kinds, of acceptance that people are often shades of gray and not strictly what you believe them to be. A story about the short but unforgettable crossing of paths Brooke has with Laura DE France and the roller-coaster changes that occur with their acquaintance.

While Double Take wasn't a home run for me it is my honest opinion that Laura Kennedy is capable of making a five star worthy book. I hope she continues writing and that I get the chance to read more of her.

[E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Double Take, by Laura Kennedy, opens with sixteen year old Brooke Bentley's "Green Lady" (her convertible) breaking down during a rain storm. Unfortunately, her cell phone is dead. Unable to call for help, she goes to a nearby house thinking it belongs to a friend. When a butler answers the door and she meets Laura de France, the owner of the house, it becomes clear this is not the home of a friend. Eighty year old Laura presents herself as a former movie star who has in her possession the toga Elizabeth Taylor wore in Cleopatra. She offers to let Brooke wear it, but as the story develops Brooke finds the dress leads to the beginning of a strange relationship between the two women- a relationship that Brooke can't seem to extract herself from. Where will it lead?

The author brings to the reader a well written, believable and interesting story. The novel is packed with mystery, suspense, emotion and surprises. The well drawn protagonist and secondary characters blend together perfectly. As for the ending- it was a total surprise!! This is a terrific book and I highly recommend reading it.

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review to come soon!

[Deborah · Rating 1 out of 5]

Unlikable 'heroine;' poor writing with unlikely adjectives and adverbs---don't waste your time.