Born and bred in the UK, Holly is getting the chance of a lifetime—six weeks abroad. The Kings, a host family in the US, have invited her to stay with them and get a chance to experience life as an American. When she discovers that the King family includes two teenage boys, will she be glad she came or ready to hightail it back across the pond?
M. B. Feeney is an army brat who finally settled down in Birmingham, UK with her other half, two kids and a dog. She often procrastinates by listening to music of all genres and trying to get ‘just one more paragraph’ written on whichever WIP is open; she is also a serious doodler and chocoholic. Writing has been her one true love ever since she could spell, and publishing is the final culmination of her hard work and ambition.
Her publishing career began with two novellas, and she currently has multiple projects under way, in the hopes that her portfolio of what have been described as “everyday love stories for everyday people” will continue to grow. Always having something on the go can often lead to block which eventually gets dissolved by good music and an even better book.
Her main reason for writing is to not only give her readers enjoyment, but also to create a story and characters that stay with readers long after the book is finished, and possibly make someone stop and think “what if . . . ”
A delightful little short story following Holly and her life-changing trip abroad, Dear Diary was the perfect start to what is looking to be a very promising series.
An easy read, made even better by Feeney's laid back style of writing, you are easily hooked in and, if you're anything like me, you'll be reading this book in one sitting. I found myself drawn to Holly's story, following her diary with the same enthusiasm as I would my own if I picked it up in a few years time. Well paced, with a good variety of plot twists and turns to keep you on your toes, my only disappointment was that I reached the end so soon.
The characters were super, Holly was a very typical teenage girl, with Tyler and Aiden having their own charms. Personally, I'm Team Aiden, but that's cause I like a guy in specs! That said, they both have their own charms and it's clear to see what Holly sees in them.
I'm now eagerly awaiting the next in the series, and I am sure it will be as splendid as this was. A fabulous little read for that mid morning coffee break, you definitely won't regret reading this little gem.
This was exactly what I needed. I had just finished a full length novel and wasn't sure what to start next. This is the ideal palate cleanser. It's short (a one sitting read) but that didn't stop me being invested in and caring about the characters. I'm tempted to dive straight into the next novella but I think I'll save it for that inevitable time I'm struggling to choose my next read. This was my first dealing with M.B. Feeney's writing. I found it very readable. I shall look forward to reading more in the future.
This book was one I had been desperate to get stuck into and in this short novella story we meet Holly at the beginning of her adventures - an exchange programme for six weeks to America.
Meeting the King brothers would be a life altering moment. Tyler - the brother who is "always brash and full or sheer exuberance" - popular and attractive on the exterior only!
Aiden the same grade as Holly at college/school. The clever one who invested heavily in his studies. He was funny and smart and the pair got really close after few awkward silences! "He was a mystery I wanted to unravel".
Upon arriving home though Holly feels more than just a little home-away-from-home sick.
Excerpt: I can't help but feel that I left a part of me behind...when I left.
A lovely novella and a super short read I flew through in one sitting. Some bits I would have loved expanding on but I now can't wait to get stuck into 'Reluctance' the second book in the Exchange Series and see what happens next!
i was hooked on this book from the start, the first couple of entries had me. It brought me right back to my teenage self, trying to pour my hormonal emotions into my little pad locked book.
I immediately connected to Holly,she's such a likeable girl down to earth and free spirited. When Tyler king makes an appearance i was even more interested, gorgeous, Big and "brawny". With the later addition of Aiden, Tyler's younger, geekier but just as hot brother i was eager to find out how it all panned out. Holly makes mistakes and lives and learns the hard way, the way exchanges aren't necessarily supposed to work out. I loved the extracts from Holly, I laughed alot and hung onto each one. So much in such a short space of time. Brilliant
Holly is 17 years old and is headed from her home in the UK to go live in the US for 6 weeks as part of an exchange.
But when she gets there she discovers that the King family has two very handsome sons, one in college, Tyler, and one in grade 12, Aiden, with her. The two boys are extremely different and will she find herself attracted to one or the other?
I really enjoyed this story.
I really liked Holly and everything that she went through as a stranger in a new country and trying to fit in the best she could. She was at such odds within herself for which of the brothers she was attracted to and definitely had a dilemma.
I liked seeing the differences in the two brothers although I can't say much as I really don't want to give any spoilers!!
*I was gifted a copy in exchange for a honest review*
Dear Diary is a story of British girl Holly who gets a chance to go and live in the USA for 6 weeks with the King family. A chance of a lifetime which has the potential to change her life forever......
When she discovers the Kings have two teenage boys she realises this experience will be more different to what she thought.
Finding herself with some difficult decisions Holly has to make the choice...
This book is a short one but it has a lovely story, I found myself just sitting there devouring it in a short space of time.
Sweet read with a lovely ending which I won't spoil.
I loved this super short novella with a passion. It was beautiful, fluffy, upbeat and emotional.
Holly’s a British gal doing a six week program in the U.S. for life experience, what she didn’t expect was the two brothers she was staying with. They’re both polar opposites of each other and hate each other with a vengeance. What she didn’t anticipate was going home a different girl.
I enjoyed where this story wen and with how it ended.
It’s a quirky short read and a breath of fresh air.
Dear Diary is a short, sweet story. British girl Holly is getting the chance of a lifetime to spend 6 weeks in the US. Her host family is awesome, plus they have two hot sons her age. The problem is that she feels connections to both. Who will she choose?
Once again, M.B. Feeney writes a great story line that flows smoothly. In fact, I almost cried because I NEEDED more so badly. I LOVED every minute of it. The characters are very easy to love. Even though it is about teenagers, I recommend to all ages.
This short story is about Holly, a British exchange student who goes to live with Tyler and his family in the States for six weeks. I like the format of it being diary entries, taking me back to my teenage years!
The majority of the story was predictable - girls meets guy (s!), girl is attracted to guys, girl becomes confused. But, it flowed really well and had me wanting to keep reading. The ending I didn't quite predict though!
The relationship between all of the characters was believable and worked with the storyline. A great read for bed time or a coffee break.
Dear Diary is the story of Holly, a British exchange student who comes to the US and finds herself torn between two brothers (who just happen to be members of her host family).
I enjoy M.B. Feeney's writing style and loved that the entire story was told through Holly's diary. This book is geared toward upper YA/NA readers and is a short, easy read. Definitely a coming of age story that teaches some important life and heart lessons.
I read this book in just under two hours. It's short, sweet and well written. MB Feeney is a fantastic short story writer. This is a great read; it's a little bit saucy, but definitely heartwarming. A young ladies life is turned upside down when she visits America, that's all I'm going to say about this book. I don't give away spoilers. If you are looking for a quick YA read, then look no further and 1-click today. Great job Mich, I look forward to reading more from you.
I thought "Dear Diary" by M.B. Feeney was an amazing story. Having been an exchange-student myself from Iowa to Germany, I loved this book. It brought back all of my wonderful memories with my host-families. I thought this book was incredibly sweet and that Holly and the King family were not only likable characters, but also relatable. I was so sucked into this book that I couldn't put it down. This is the first book in a series and now I want to read more!
Oh my gosh, that was freaking brilliant. I absolutely adored every single bit of it.
I loved that it was all diary entries and I loved reading about Holly's experiences at the King's as she stayed there for a few weeks. I loved everything about Aiden, he's such a sweetheart, where do j find one of him? Ha ha.
Everything was absolutely lovely. The characters, the descriptions, the storyline just everything. Another great read from M.B. Feeney.
Cute little real life type short but sweet story . I loved it , different writing but kept me reading . Also had a hea which was great considering the out come . Loved it !! My favorite line was ...I swear he could charm the knickers off a nun. Swoon
4.5** An insightful peek into the world of a 17 year old exchange student Holly during her trip to the US.. a brief interlude and a life changing experience. A short light read that took me less than an hour to read it has left me wanting to read more of M.B Feeney's work
Wonderfully written short story told by Holly in her own words of her visit to the U.S. and her host family. I can only hope we get more from Holly as she continues on with life.
What I disliked most about this was the non-descriptive narrative. How am I supposed to believe Aidan is “seriously hilarious” when the sole example to back said humor up is that one time the main character (Holly?) snorts and he starts laughing?
I literally cringed at a few parts in this, so will not continue the series. At least it was short. 🤣
A great little story following Holly's trip to the US, to live with a family with 2 teenage boys! The book contains her diary entries whilst she is there with her run-in's with the brothers Aiden and Tyler... I loved the characters and their story. It's a short read but really sweet with a lovely ending!