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Bayside Academy #1
A Girl Like Gracie
Being forced to move half way around the world wasn’t exactly what I had planned for my senior year. But then again, neither was Bayside Academy.
My brother hates me. At least, I think he does. He goes from treating me like dirt one minute, to standing up for me the next. I wish he would just make up his mind.
And then there is Noah. My brother told me to stay away from him, but the more I get to know him, the more I like him. He’s my only friend right now and I need an ally.
On top of my crazy new life, somebody is out to get me. They’re leaving me mysterious notes, but I can’t figure out who. I need to find out before somebody gets hurt, or worse.
A Girl Like Gracie is book 1 in Bayside Academy.
Book 1: A Girl Like Gracie
Book 2: Imperfectly Gracie (Coming soon!)
My brother hates me. At least, I think he does. He goes from treating me like dirt one minute, to standing up for me the next. I wish he would just make up his mind.
And then there is Noah. My brother told me to stay away from him, but the more I get to know him, the more I like him. He’s my only friend right now and I need an ally.
On top of my crazy new life, somebody is out to get me. They’re leaving me mysterious notes, but I can’t figure out who. I need to find out before somebody gets hurt, or worse.
A Girl Like Gracie is book 1 in Bayside Academy.
Book 1: A Girl Like Gracie
Book 2: Imperfectly Gracie (Coming soon!)
92 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 22, 2016
199 people are currently reading
189 people want to read
About the author
Scarlett Haven
91 books412 followersI'm Scarlett Haven. I write YA and NA books and I write a lot. My books are a fun mixture of romance, mystery, and now some paranormal too!
Besides writing, I also love to read anything I can get my hands on and I'm always drawn to the villain of the story. I am 29 years old and am married to the love of my life.
Besides writing, I also love to read anything I can get my hands on and I'm always drawn to the villain of the story. I am 29 years old and am married to the love of my life.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 13, 2017
Gracie's mother has remarried and sent Gracie back to America to live with her father, twin brother Alfie and Stepmother Claire. Gracie is finding it difficult to adjust from the Korean culture she has become so accustomed to even with little things like bowing and saying Korean words. She is trying though and has made some new friends with her brother's friends - Jace, West, and Noah. Noah Pennington is the town's heartbreaker, and though Alfie has warned her sister away from him, it seems that Gracie has captured Noah's attention. It's all good though as Gracie has a head on her and won't break and bow down to Noah's commands. If he wants her, then he has to earn her love and woo her and prove to her she isn't another notch on his bedpost. If adjusting to American life wasn't hard enough, Gracie has attracted the attention of a stalker named X who wants her to go back to where she came from and more importantly stay away from Noah otherwise he will get hurt. A Girl Like Gracie ended up on a cliffhanger, of course, Noah being hurt in an accident. Has X achieved their goal and gotten Gracie to back off from Noah? Needing a new YA author to discover and love mysteries, the check out Scarlett Haven's Bayside Academy series. The other thing that I love about Scarlett Haven's books is that they are all quick YA reads.
September 8, 2016
Uhm what the Fuck was that?! First of all we were reminded every page that she was Korean. Secondly, the book was extremely rushed and abruptly ended!?
May 8, 2016
This was a pretty cute story but very short. Gracie James has been living in Seoul, Korea for the past 4 years with her mother. But her mother has sent her to the United States to live with her father, her twin brother, and her stepmother.
Gracie James was born in the United States to a white father and a Korean mother. Four years ago her parents got a divorce and they had to choose who to live with. She chose to live with her mother while her twin brother Alfie chose to live with their father. Gracie and her mother have been living in a small apartment while her mother works 2 jobs to make ends meet and Gracie studies hard and is in school all the time. Moving back to the United States to live with her father, brother, and stepmother is a complete change. They live in a huge mansion and have lots of money. She doesn't know how to eat with a fork anymore, she eats most of the time using chopsticks. Bayside Academy is a great school that most of the kids come from rich families. But it's too easy for Gracie in that school but she's thrilled to be back with her brother. Even though he seems to hate her sometimes and is cruel to her but he's also very overprotective. She's getting threatening notes from some anonymous individual but doesn't know what to do with them or if she should take them seriously.
Noah Pennington is the son of Charles Pennington who is a famous rock musician. His father is about to get married to his fifth wife. Noah's mother died when he was about 7 years old. Noah is known as a player that dates lots of girls but only for a very short time. Gracie is warned to stay away from him, especially by her brother. But he's very interested in Gracie and he's doing what he can to prove to her that he really does care about her. At the end of the story, he is hurt and in surgery from someone cutting his cars brakes. Gracie and Alfie wonder if it is the person that is threatening her.
Worth reading. There will be another book coming out soon.
Gracie James was born in the United States to a white father and a Korean mother. Four years ago her parents got a divorce and they had to choose who to live with. She chose to live with her mother while her twin brother Alfie chose to live with their father. Gracie and her mother have been living in a small apartment while her mother works 2 jobs to make ends meet and Gracie studies hard and is in school all the time. Moving back to the United States to live with her father, brother, and stepmother is a complete change. They live in a huge mansion and have lots of money. She doesn't know how to eat with a fork anymore, she eats most of the time using chopsticks. Bayside Academy is a great school that most of the kids come from rich families. But it's too easy for Gracie in that school but she's thrilled to be back with her brother. Even though he seems to hate her sometimes and is cruel to her but he's also very overprotective. She's getting threatening notes from some anonymous individual but doesn't know what to do with them or if she should take them seriously.
Noah Pennington is the son of Charles Pennington who is a famous rock musician. His father is about to get married to his fifth wife. Noah's mother died when he was about 7 years old. Noah is known as a player that dates lots of girls but only for a very short time. Gracie is warned to stay away from him, especially by her brother. But he's very interested in Gracie and he's doing what he can to prove to her that he really does care about her. At the end of the story, he is hurt and in surgery from someone cutting his cars brakes. Gracie and Alfie wonder if it is the person that is threatening her.
Worth reading. There will be another book coming out soon.
January 29, 2018
Gracie's mother is Korean and her father is American. Gracie has spent some years in Korea with her mother but suddenly she ends up being sent to live with her father and attend Bayside Academy. Alfie is her fraternal twin brother who has been living with their father all along.
Their relationship for a while is sort of rough. Another thing she has to get used to is the difference in income between her mother and her father. In Korea she and her mother lived in a small apartment. In America she ends up living in a mansion with her rich father.
She also has a little trouble adjusting to American social norms which differ considerably from Korean social norms. The Korean aspect is also a strong point of the book, pointing out how Korean culture works and how it differs from American culture. One of the most significant things is the school system. Gracie had attended much tougher schools than in the U.S. and thus shes actually far advanced over American students in her same grade level.
Noah is a rich boy that seems interested in her. There is also someone else interested in her, a person known only as X who keeps leaving threatening notes to her.
Here is the one spot I have difficulty with the story. The notes are left in her and even on her possessions. Something happens to her late in the story. I would assume that Bayside is fairly advanced in its technology and it probably has hall cameras. Surely the perp leaving her the notes would have been picked up on the images. Further, when this bad thing happens to her later it's definitely during school hours yet no one sees what happens which again is sort of hard to believe.
It's a fairly good book but it doesn't interest me enough to get the rest of the books in the series.
Their relationship for a while is sort of rough. Another thing she has to get used to is the difference in income between her mother and her father. In Korea she and her mother lived in a small apartment. In America she ends up living in a mansion with her rich father.
She also has a little trouble adjusting to American social norms which differ considerably from Korean social norms. The Korean aspect is also a strong point of the book, pointing out how Korean culture works and how it differs from American culture. One of the most significant things is the school system. Gracie had attended much tougher schools than in the U.S. and thus shes actually far advanced over American students in her same grade level.
Noah is a rich boy that seems interested in her. There is also someone else interested in her, a person known only as X who keeps leaving threatening notes to her.
Here is the one spot I have difficulty with the story. The notes are left in her and even on her possessions. Something happens to her late in the story. I would assume that Bayside is fairly advanced in its technology and it probably has hall cameras. Surely the perp leaving her the notes would have been picked up on the images. Further, when this bad thing happens to her later it's definitely during school hours yet no one sees what happens which again is sort of hard to believe.
It's a fairly good book but it doesn't interest me enough to get the rest of the books in the series.
October 16, 2016
I can't believe I actually finished this but now I have to read the next one.
The entire book is about her being Korean with dark hair and strong Korean features ... so what's up with the cover?
She lived in Korea for 4 years....after living in America for 13 years. There's no way someone would be that forgetful of American culture.
So many mistakes in the Kindle version! And I feel like Gracie is 12, not almost 18 in the way she's written.
Then again...I may not read the next one. I mThe get just skim it to get the details left off from the cliffhanger.
The entire book is about her being Korean with dark hair and strong Korean features ... so what's up with the cover?
She lived in Korea for 4 years....after living in America for 13 years. There's no way someone would be that forgetful of American culture.
So many mistakes in the Kindle version! And I feel like Gracie is 12, not almost 18 in the way she's written.
Then again...I may not read the next one. I mThe get just skim it to get the details left off from the cliffhanger.
May 10, 2017
Cute. Wholesome. Kind of Disney-esque.
I like that the author sticks true to Gracie's cultural background, and incorporates it into the story line to help build Gracie's character. I also enjoyed Alfie's character because it touches upon the effects of divorce on sibling relationships. I do however, wish the characters were a little more rebellious. For example, Kylie, I believe her character had a lot of depth.
With that being sad, I found some parts a little drier than the others, and i found some parts slightly repetitive. Noah's "play boy" rep, the inevitable break-up, and the punching/smacking are probably the ones that stick out more. I also thought the mother's dilemma was slightly rushed. Perhaps in future books there will be a reason for it, but I wish there would have been a little more leading towards it and not just she figured it out during a surprise trip.
Now, let's talk about X. This is my favorite part of the book, it's what kept me reading during the drier sections. X brings excitement to the book and the plot twist is intriguing. Honestly, I wish there was more plot and dialogue revolving around X. I think Yang was an interesting choice, but I'd like to understand why him? Maybe a little more depth on the second one, like how he got in etc. Maybe I missed that section? There are a few sections "Meanwhile" that offer insight into X's head which increases the curiosity.
In all, it's a good read, light and easy. I almost quit reading it at one point, but I'm glad i didn't. It even made me laugh a little.
I like that the author sticks true to Gracie's cultural background, and incorporates it into the story line to help build Gracie's character. I also enjoyed Alfie's character because it touches upon the effects of divorce on sibling relationships. I do however, wish the characters were a little more rebellious. For example, Kylie, I believe her character had a lot of depth.
With that being sad, I found some parts a little drier than the others, and i found some parts slightly repetitive. Noah's "play boy" rep, the inevitable break-up, and the punching/smacking are probably the ones that stick out more. I also thought the mother's dilemma was slightly rushed. Perhaps in future books there will be a reason for it, but I wish there would have been a little more leading towards it and not just she figured it out during a surprise trip.
Now, let's talk about X. This is my favorite part of the book, it's what kept me reading during the drier sections. X brings excitement to the book and the plot twist is intriguing. Honestly, I wish there was more plot and dialogue revolving around X. I think Yang was an interesting choice, but I'd like to understand why him? Maybe a little more depth on the second one, like how he got in etc. Maybe I missed that section? There are a few sections "Meanwhile" that offer insight into X's head which increases the curiosity.
In all, it's a good read, light and easy. I almost quit reading it at one point, but I'm glad i didn't. It even made me laugh a little.
July 17, 2017
Gracie was a pretty good book. I read this book originally when it was titled A Girl Like Gracie and it was a much shorter book. Gracie James has been living in Seoul, South Korea with her mother living in a small apartment. Her mother has sent her to live with her ex-husband, his new wife, and her twin brother Alfie. Both Alfie and Gracie are half Korean and half American but they look completely different. Gracie looks Korean like her mother and her twin brother has blond hair and blue eyes. They live in California and they live in a huge mansion since their father has lots of money. They go to Bayside Academy which is a private school where most of the students have money. One of the many students she meets is Noah Pennington. He's known for being a player but he does everything he can to be with Gracie. She keeps getting these horrible notes that are signed X and terrible things happen. She has a horrible stalker that has it against her.
May 21, 2020
Too many references to Korea, meant for a very young audience.
I gave up on this book because i got fed up of the constant references to Korea and how good it is. It was brought up multiple times in every other paragraph, or so it seemed. What made it worse was that from the constant references, you would assume that the primary character had lived her entire life in korea, rather than just 4 years !! The majority of her life was spent in America !! So the back story really doesn't match the character at all. I get that she likes Korea better, but she doesn't need to mention the fact time and time again as it gets tedious very quickly.
The chapters of the book are also very short and the writing quite simplistic. As such the book would suit a much younger reader. The book has some potential, but it just doesn't reach it.
I gave up on this book because i got fed up of the constant references to Korea and how good it is. It was brought up multiple times in every other paragraph, or so it seemed. What made it worse was that from the constant references, you would assume that the primary character had lived her entire life in korea, rather than just 4 years !! The majority of her life was spent in America !! So the back story really doesn't match the character at all. I get that she likes Korea better, but she doesn't need to mention the fact time and time again as it gets tedious very quickly.
The chapters of the book are also very short and the writing quite simplistic. As such the book would suit a much younger reader. The book has some potential, but it just doesn't reach it.
September 15, 2018
Entertaining but full of mistakes
It seems like the author is just taking what she knows about Korean (and Japanese and Chinese) culture and bullshitting her way through the book. If you’re fluent in Japanese, you definitely can read a bunch of tradition Chinese characters. In fact. The main character even specifically mentions Kanji, which is literally Chinese characters used in Japanese (as opposed to hiragana or katakana).
Overall I found this to be fairly insulting to Asian culture, especially when main character keeps spiting how much she loved Korean culture and how proud she is of it.
Lastly, Koreans aren’t the only ones to add a year to your age - Chinese culture does too (time in womb is counted so when you’re born you’re one).
It seems like the author is just taking what she knows about Korean (and Japanese and Chinese) culture and bullshitting her way through the book. If you’re fluent in Japanese, you definitely can read a bunch of tradition Chinese characters. In fact. The main character even specifically mentions Kanji, which is literally Chinese characters used in Japanese (as opposed to hiragana or katakana).
Overall I found this to be fairly insulting to Asian culture, especially when main character keeps spiting how much she loved Korean culture and how proud she is of it.
Lastly, Koreans aren’t the only ones to add a year to your age - Chinese culture does too (time in womb is counted so when you’re born you’re one).
December 29, 2018
Suspenseful
This is a very suspenseful story. A girl just trying to make it in America since she has been living in Korea with her mom for years. I really identified with Gracie and her hardship. I can't wait to see what happens with X and how Gracie handles the new situation she finds herself in.
This is a very suspenseful story. A girl just trying to make it in America since she has been living in Korea with her mom for years. I really identified with Gracie and her hardship. I can't wait to see what happens with X and how Gracie handles the new situation she finds herself in.
July 16, 2020
ugh, this book looks like a bad written fanfic.... honestly, if my brother treated me like alfie, i would go full pistola on him! gracie’s dad and mother sucks.......
terrible developtment, seriously!
terrible developtment, seriously!
May 9, 2019
I enjoyed this book was a nice easy read. Looking forward to the next to see what happens to all the characters as it left me wanting more.
September 23, 2019
So good
The ending just about killed me . How does one get into and out of a school without anyone seeing anything? Noah Noah Noah 🤦🏽♀️
The ending just about killed me . How does one get into and out of a school without anyone seeing anything? Noah Noah Noah 🤦🏽♀️
December 5, 2019
Love it
A unique storyline with wonderful characters. The ending leaves you at the edge of your seat. I can't wait to read the sequel.
A unique storyline with wonderful characters. The ending leaves you at the edge of your seat. I can't wait to read the sequel.
August 5, 2023
Great book, only a bit short!
December 16, 2016
I'm excited.
This book have a plot that I like for YA stories...
Can't wait to have my hand for 2nd and 3rd book...
This book have a plot that I like for YA stories...
Can't wait to have my hand for 2nd and 3rd book...
October 24, 2016
Gracie
Cliffhanger
Part 1 in series
Gracie's POV
It was a short quick read. The editing is terrible.
Gracie moves back to the USA after living in Korea with her mom for four years to complete her senior year of high school. She has a twin brother and their dad is rich.
Cliffhanger
Part 1 in series
Gracie's POV
It was a short quick read. The editing is terrible.
Gracie moves back to the USA after living in Korea with her mom for four years to complete her senior year of high school. She has a twin brother and their dad is rich.
January 8, 2017
I'm not sure what to think about this book. The writing is stilted and wooden and the whole X thing is bizarre. I would've liked something more concrete for Alfie's turnaround, but Noah is great. I'm unsure if I want to read the other books, if I do, it'll be because of Noah and no one else, sorry.
August 15, 2018
Interesting read
Gracie is stuck in her Korean ways which is great to see the values she has taken with her, enjoyed reading her relationship with her brother expand through the story .. can't wait to learn more about x and who it is!
Gracie is stuck in her Korean ways which is great to see the values she has taken with her, enjoyed reading her relationship with her brother expand through the story .. can't wait to learn more about x and who it is!
May 16, 2016
Can't wait for the next book!!! Who's X & why is X so angry with Gracie & wanting her to leave? Is Noah genuine in his affections?
May 18, 2016
Really freaking horrible.
Read
September 18, 2016Short, quick read. The characters draw you in very quickly and it is one of those books that you want to start the next one immediately after finishing the first one.
February 7, 2017
This book needs major editing and the story is extremely superficial. I don't feel any attachment to any characters. Unfortunately I bought all 3 books so I will be finishing the series.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews