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Neighbors #1
Growing Up Neighbors
Little Deborah Harrington stared across the street the day the Michaels family moved in. Who was this family? Would she even like them? Nicholas Michaels hated the fact he had to move away from everything and everyone in his life, but his feelings change when he meets the Harringtons. Deborah and Nicholas become the best of friends, and as the children grow up, their friendship deepens. But when tragedy strikes, will this cause them to part ways? Or will it perhaps make them realize they may have stronger feelings for one another before it's too late? *Author's Note* Growing Up Neighbors will take you on a journey through the eyes of two main characters. You'll see a steady progression from when they first meet as younger children to when they reach adulthood; their friendship turning to love. This is a clean, sweet love story that is suitable for the young and not as young alike. If you are a hopeless romantic, one who likes happy endings and believable stories of love, this may be just for you!
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 12, 2014
17 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
About the author
Frances Hoelsema
17 books13 followersFrances Hoelsema is a wife and work-at-home mom residing in Holland, Michigan. Some of her favorites are traveling, kayaking, hiking, shopping, chocolate, and cats. In her spare time she enjoys reading, writing, and engaging with others around the world through social media. She stands for God, positive parenting, homeschooling, clean eating, and never giving up.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 2, 2017
Growing Up Neighbors was graciously provided to me by the author, Frances Hoelsema, for an honest review.
I liked this book, with the next door neighbours/friendship-turned-relationship and it was rather sweet. However, the characters seemed rather flat, with most of the characters being vaguely stereotypical (Alex as the jealous older brother, Robert as the older and distant brother, the parents in general who are incredibly distant, Robyn as the younger sister who seems just to be there for Deborah to say things to)..
However, it was clean and sweet and it was nicely paced, following Deborah and Nicholas from meeting through to their wedding, though I would have liked to have seen an epilogue type thing where they have kids and everything.
I liked this book, with the next door neighbours/friendship-turned-relationship and it was rather sweet. However, the characters seemed rather flat, with most of the characters being vaguely stereotypical (Alex as the jealous older brother, Robert as the older and distant brother, the parents in general who are incredibly distant, Robyn as the younger sister who seems just to be there for Deborah to say things to)..
However, it was clean and sweet and it was nicely paced, following Deborah and Nicholas from meeting through to their wedding, though I would have liked to have seen an epilogue type thing where they have kids and everything.
November 30, 2015
For full review please go to: 5girlsbookreviews.blogspot.com, Twitter @camartinez, Facebook "5 Girls Book Reviews"
REVIEW BY: Michaela, age 11 years, 5 months
MAY CONTAIN SPOILER:
This book was excellent! I enjoyed this book a lot because the author portrayed the characters as growing up and included all of the important parts of growing up in to their life for readers to see.
REVIEW BY: Michaela, age 11 years, 5 months
MAY CONTAIN SPOILER:
This book was excellent! I enjoyed this book a lot because the author portrayed the characters as growing up and included all of the important parts of growing up in to their life for readers to see.
May 2, 2017
Even though this is the first book in the Neighbors series I actually read it third after books 2 and 3. I am very glad I read the other books first and will explain why in a bit.
Growing up Neighbors is about Nick and Debbie who grew up as, yes you guessed, neighbours and as they grew older their feelings grew.
A sweet coming of age romance.
Unfortunately I did not connect with this book as well as I did with the other 2 and am not sure if I would have read them if I had read this first. I found the story dragged a bit too much and I didn't connect with the characters. This, however, just goes to show how much the authors writing has improved as I thoroughly enjoyed her other books and even think she is as good if not better than Nicholas Sparks.
I would still recommend this book to fans of romance or teen stories but will say, even If you do not enjoy this one do continue to read the others, I guarantee you will not be disappointed. Each neighbours book has different characters so can be read in any order.
Even though I wasnt a massive fan of this book I am still looking forward to a fourth book from this author xx
Growing up Neighbors is about Nick and Debbie who grew up as, yes you guessed, neighbours and as they grew older their feelings grew.
A sweet coming of age romance.
Unfortunately I did not connect with this book as well as I did with the other 2 and am not sure if I would have read them if I had read this first. I found the story dragged a bit too much and I didn't connect with the characters. This, however, just goes to show how much the authors writing has improved as I thoroughly enjoyed her other books and even think she is as good if not better than Nicholas Sparks.
I would still recommend this book to fans of romance or teen stories but will say, even If you do not enjoy this one do continue to read the others, I guarantee you will not be disappointed. Each neighbours book has different characters so can be read in any order.
Even though I wasnt a massive fan of this book I am still looking forward to a fourth book from this author xx
May 20, 2017
From friendship to love
Moving to a completely different place can be difficult for most, especially after a divorce, and for the Michaels family, it is a test in survival. They have to make things work and they move into the new neighborhood with a lot of expectations. Would they fit in, and would they make friends?
For Nick and Debbie it is ‘friends’ at first sight. They are drawn to each other and like hanging out with each other despite their slight age differences. Theirs is a friendship made for life and we see that friendship standing the test of time and gently develop into love.
Growing Up Neighbors is an interesting story about families, relationships, a small town, friendship and love. It’s a book that will appeal to teens.
The pace is slow and sometimes tedious as the writer tends to tell more than show. There are also some sections where it appears that the author has rushed through, leaving the reader to surmise. For instance there is a long section about Nick getting a driving license and buying a car. We follow Nick to his driver’s test and also to buy the car. With his new found freedom, Nick drives to school. He also offers a ride to Alex, who is the same age. Alex doesn’t get a license until he leaves school. We do not see what happens to him but suddenly we find out that Alex has started to drive, although there was no mention of it, like it was done for Nick.
Apart from Nick and Debbie the other characters aren’t fully developed. While this may be because the author wants to focus on their story, it would have been nice to see more rounded characters, given the length of the story. The dialogues were interesting and believable. The book could benefit with some good editing to even out the pace and get the story moving smoothly.
Moving to a completely different place can be difficult for most, especially after a divorce, and for the Michaels family, it is a test in survival. They have to make things work and they move into the new neighborhood with a lot of expectations. Would they fit in, and would they make friends?
For Nick and Debbie it is ‘friends’ at first sight. They are drawn to each other and like hanging out with each other despite their slight age differences. Theirs is a friendship made for life and we see that friendship standing the test of time and gently develop into love.
Growing Up Neighbors is an interesting story about families, relationships, a small town, friendship and love. It’s a book that will appeal to teens.
The pace is slow and sometimes tedious as the writer tends to tell more than show. There are also some sections where it appears that the author has rushed through, leaving the reader to surmise. For instance there is a long section about Nick getting a driving license and buying a car. We follow Nick to his driver’s test and also to buy the car. With his new found freedom, Nick drives to school. He also offers a ride to Alex, who is the same age. Alex doesn’t get a license until he leaves school. We do not see what happens to him but suddenly we find out that Alex has started to drive, although there was no mention of it, like it was done for Nick.
Apart from Nick and Debbie the other characters aren’t fully developed. While this may be because the author wants to focus on their story, it would have been nice to see more rounded characters, given the length of the story. The dialogues were interesting and believable. The book could benefit with some good editing to even out the pace and get the story moving smoothly.
August 31, 2019
Great read!
I couldn't put it down! It's been difficult for me lately to get into a book but I just couldn't wait to read this after the kids went to bed. The characters and pace kept me engaged and wanting more.
I couldn't put it down! It's been difficult for me lately to get into a book but I just couldn't wait to read this after the kids went to bed. The characters and pace kept me engaged and wanting more.
December 10, 2017
sweet simple romance
September 10, 2019
I think the story is nice, clean, but not real memorable for me. I am glad I was able to listen to it instead of just read. The narration was very good.
February 19, 2017
Deborah and Nicholas grow up living across from each other and soon become good friends, enjoying an ease and understanding that comes with them. Various misunderstandings occur as they grow up into adulthoods.
This is a sweet, warm growing up of age and discovering the person you love the most is often closer then we think. I really enjoyed this and felt a pre teen/ ya would also enjoy this book.
This is a sweet, warm growing up of age and discovering the person you love the most is often closer then we think. I really enjoyed this and felt a pre teen/ ya would also enjoy this book.
December 15, 2015
*This book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review*
When Nicholas is 10, his father walked out on them, so he, his 14 year old brother Robert, and their mother all have to move to a smaller, more affordable place to live. At first, Nick is upset because he’s leaving behind all his friends, his school, and the place he grew up. However, after moving in and spending some time with the new neighbors Alex 10, Deborah 8, and Robyn 6, he finds it’s not so bad. Alex and Nick become the best of friends right away and Debbie always wants to hang out with both of them too. Alex doesn’t always appreciate it and sometimes wants Debbie to make her own friends and stop hanging out with them, but Nick doesn’t mind. Nick and Debbie both learn that they have so much in common, and they too become really close friends. The older they get the more their friendship grows and the more they start to care and look after one another. At first they think it’s just a deep friendship but after a tragic event happens to Nick, Debbie comes to realize that maybe her feelings are even deeper then she though.
I really loved this story. It was a very cozy read for me. The best thing about this story, is that there is no “instalove.” The characters know each other at a young age and are very close friends first. They don’t grow up and they instantaneously see each other across the room and realize they are completely head over heels for each other and never realized it until that moment, which is a very good break from a lot of other stories. The friendship they have grows naturally and is very believable. It’s definitely a book to read during the fall/winter season.
***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng***
When Nicholas is 10, his father walked out on them, so he, his 14 year old brother Robert, and their mother all have to move to a smaller, more affordable place to live. At first, Nick is upset because he’s leaving behind all his friends, his school, and the place he grew up. However, after moving in and spending some time with the new neighbors Alex 10, Deborah 8, and Robyn 6, he finds it’s not so bad. Alex and Nick become the best of friends right away and Debbie always wants to hang out with both of them too. Alex doesn’t always appreciate it and sometimes wants Debbie to make her own friends and stop hanging out with them, but Nick doesn’t mind. Nick and Debbie both learn that they have so much in common, and they too become really close friends. The older they get the more their friendship grows and the more they start to care and look after one another. At first they think it’s just a deep friendship but after a tragic event happens to Nick, Debbie comes to realize that maybe her feelings are even deeper then she though.
I really loved this story. It was a very cozy read for me. The best thing about this story, is that there is no “instalove.” The characters know each other at a young age and are very close friends first. They don’t grow up and they instantaneously see each other across the room and realize they are completely head over heels for each other and never realized it until that moment, which is a very good break from a lot of other stories. The friendship they have grows naturally and is very believable. It’s definitely a book to read during the fall/winter season.
***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng***
May 23, 2018
FTC DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of this book. A positive review was not required. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
This was an intriguing idea that could have benefited from more development. The characters felt flat, and the story seemed stretched to twice its length. The friendship-based romance was so cute, but I didn’t appreciate how distant both families were. It would have been really neat to see them in on the process (and the fun). I looooved the prom dress shopping (Cinderella moment!), and the party itself sounded so sweet and fun. Just a note that there is some use of minor bad language, fractured family relationships, and more emphasis on physical attraction in some parts of the story than I would prefer.
Best quote: “Ah!” she giggled. “You weren’t supposed to catch me yet!” “What can I say? You’re too slow,” he teased.
Altogether I found this to be a cute idea that could stand a little reworking.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This was an intriguing idea that could have benefited from more development. The characters felt flat, and the story seemed stretched to twice its length. The friendship-based romance was so cute, but I didn’t appreciate how distant both families were. It would have been really neat to see them in on the process (and the fun). I looooved the prom dress shopping (Cinderella moment!), and the party itself sounded so sweet and fun. Just a note that there is some use of minor bad language, fractured family relationships, and more emphasis on physical attraction in some parts of the story than I would prefer.
Best quote: “Ah!” she giggled. “You weren’t supposed to catch me yet!” “What can I say? You’re too slow,” he teased.
Altogether I found this to be a cute idea that could stand a little reworking.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
January 9, 2016
This book tells the story of growing love from a young age to a more settled kind of love. When Debbie meets Nick, her new neighbor, she is instantly overcome with worry that he might not like her. As they get along, going through such milestones as going to high school, getting into the band, getting licenses/cars, going to prom, and getting jobs/going to college, they begin to realize how much they care for each other, and how terrible it would be to lose the other. After Nick gets into a serious car accident, Debbie can no longer ignore her feelings, and Nick is unable to let her go after she heads off to college. This is definitely a book young teenagers will like, and older teenagers will find a lot to relate to.
December 11, 2015
I was given a copy by the author in exchange for an honest review.
This was such a sweet romance. As you read we follow Nicholas and Deborah from their first meeting through when they get married. We see all the big moments in their life, like going to away to college and first jobs. This was a really sweet, nicely paced read. We see the ups and downs of their romance, we just get the full experience of seeing them fall in love and build their life together. I really enjoyed this book and loved the way it ended.
Review done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our fansite at http://www.facebook.com/nerdgirl.ng
This was such a sweet romance. As you read we follow Nicholas and Deborah from their first meeting through when they get married. We see all the big moments in their life, like going to away to college and first jobs. This was a really sweet, nicely paced read. We see the ups and downs of their romance, we just get the full experience of seeing them fall in love and build their life together. I really enjoyed this book and loved the way it ended.
Review done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our fansite at http://www.facebook.com/nerdgirl.ng
May 10, 2016
2.5 stars. Was a sweet book and quick read but a little too boring for my taste. Writing was well done, and the coming of age story was good, but not as fast paced and nothing really exciting happened.
Want to read
April 11, 2017Growing Up Neighbors was graciously provided to me by the author, Frances Hoelsema, for an honest review. Review to follow.
May 1, 2020
❤❤❤❤❤
April 10, 2017
This story is so cute. I loved the gradual progression of love that grows between Debbie and Nick. It's not the instant, first glance love but a slower one over time.
If you love sweet, clean romances than this book is definitely for you.
If you love sweet, clean romances than this book is definitely for you.
April 22, 2017
Good story, well told, nicely written. I enjoyed reading the slight romance, and how it grew within the main characters along the years. Compared to the heavy readings I usually do, this was a nice light break.
One thing I didn't like though was how, as the story progresses very fast in time, meaning it suddenly skips two years ahead, it was confusing to follow the timeline. There were no clear indications, which is okay, but to me it seemed confusing, because at each time skip, I was like "wait.. when are we now?".
That being said, I devoured the book in less than 24 hours (including 8 hours of sleep) and I recommend it to anyone who seeks a light YA read.
I will definitely check the next two books from the series.
One thing I didn't like though was how, as the story progresses very fast in time, meaning it suddenly skips two years ahead, it was confusing to follow the timeline. There were no clear indications, which is okay, but to me it seemed confusing, because at each time skip, I was like "wait.. when are we now?".
That being said, I devoured the book in less than 24 hours (including 8 hours of sleep) and I recommend it to anyone who seeks a light YA read.
I will definitely check the next two books from the series.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews