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The Valentines #2
Far From Perfect
Be yourself but, you know, someone else . . .
Enthusiastic but not desperate; calm but not dull; funny but not try-hard; sparky but not crazy; feisty but not aggressive; beautiful but relatable; elegant but not icy; confident but not arrogant; feminine but not girly; nice but not boring.
Faith Valentine has it all – fame, money and extraordinary beauty. But what she wants more than anything is a quiet life away from the cameras. Except nobody ever asks Faith what she wants, and her family’s expectations are crushing her.
The world thinks she’s perfect, but is there is more to perfection than meets the eye?
Enthusiastic but not desperate; calm but not dull; funny but not try-hard; sparky but not crazy; feisty but not aggressive; beautiful but relatable; elegant but not icy; confident but not arrogant; feminine but not girly; nice but not boring.
Faith Valentine has it all – fame, money and extraordinary beauty. But what she wants more than anything is a quiet life away from the cameras. Except nobody ever asks Faith what she wants, and her family’s expectations are crushing her.
The world thinks she’s perfect, but is there is more to perfection than meets the eye?
449 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 23, 2020
34 people are currently reading
593 people want to read
About the author
Holly Smale
34 books2,296 followersHolly is the Number One bestselling, multi-award winning author of the GEEK GIRL series.
She fell in love with writing at five years old, when she realised that books didn't grow on trees like apples. A passion for travel, adventure and wearing no shoes has since led her all over the world: she has visited 27 countries, spent two years working as an English teacher in Japan, volunteered in Nepal, been bartered for in Jamaica and had a number of ear-plugs stolen in Australia, Indonesia and India.
Holly has a BA in English Literature, an MA in Shakespeare, and currently lives in London or at @holsmale.
The GEEK GIRL series has been an internationally bestselling no1. smash-hit. It won the Waterstones Teen Prize of the Year and the Leeds book award, was shortlisted for the Roald Dahl Funny Prize and the Branford Boase award, and was long-listed for the Carnegie.
She fell in love with writing at five years old, when she realised that books didn't grow on trees like apples. A passion for travel, adventure and wearing no shoes has since led her all over the world: she has visited 27 countries, spent two years working as an English teacher in Japan, volunteered in Nepal, been bartered for in Jamaica and had a number of ear-plugs stolen in Australia, Indonesia and India.
Holly has a BA in English Literature, an MA in Shakespeare, and currently lives in London or at @holsmale.
The GEEK GIRL series has been an internationally bestselling no1. smash-hit. It won the Waterstones Teen Prize of the Year and the Leeds book award, was shortlisted for the Roald Dahl Funny Prize and the Branford Boase award, and was long-listed for the Carnegie.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
October 12, 2021
Far From Perfect by Holly Smale is the second book of the young adult contemporary romance The Valentines series. Each book of this series features one of the Valentine sisters so they could read as a standalone or in any order if choosing to do so with the main character changing with each new book. There is some character development of the other siblings involved within each though for those that enjoy the series from the beginning.
The Valentines are a famous family and the children of the family have grown up in the limelight just like their famous parents. Hope, Faith and Mercy, the Valentine sisters have had expectations thrown at them all their lives. Faith however has really only wished for one thing, to be normal. Faith is not sure she wants to be in the spotlight or follow along in her famous family’s footsteps.
First, I will say that I am way past the age of the target audience for this young adult read but every once in a while I just want something fluffy and fun and the Valentine’s fit that wish. Now don’t get me wrong, these girls in this series are struggling with their growing pains and that of being in a spotlight but overall the books are cute and humorous while dealing with their teen angst that meant so much at that age. I wasn’t sure I would enjoy the older siblings as much as their over the top younger sister but I really enjoyed Faith as a lead and following her journey to self discovery. After enjoying the first two books of this series I will definitely continue onto the next.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
The Valentines are a famous family and the children of the family have grown up in the limelight just like their famous parents. Hope, Faith and Mercy, the Valentine sisters have had expectations thrown at them all their lives. Faith however has really only wished for one thing, to be normal. Faith is not sure she wants to be in the spotlight or follow along in her famous family’s footsteps.
First, I will say that I am way past the age of the target audience for this young adult read but every once in a while I just want something fluffy and fun and the Valentine’s fit that wish. Now don’t get me wrong, these girls in this series are struggling with their growing pains and that of being in a spotlight but overall the books are cute and humorous while dealing with their teen angst that meant so much at that age. I wasn’t sure I would enjoy the older siblings as much as their over the top younger sister but I really enjoyed Faith as a lead and following her journey to self discovery. After enjoying the first two books of this series I will definitely continue onto the next.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
December 15, 2025
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#1 Happy Girl Lucky - ★★★★★
#2 Far From Perfect - ★★★★
I am extremely happy and excited to be part of the blog tour for Far From Perfect by Holly Smale. Thank you to the team at Harper Collins and Kaleidoscopic Tours - for letting me part of this tour and sending me a copy of the book.
Far From Perfect is the second book in the Valentines series. Read my review of the first book - Happy Girl Lucky.
Synopsis:
Being born in a family that is considered Hollywood royalty is not easy. When all her family is expecting perfection form her, Faith just wants to be normal.
Instead, paparazzi follows her everywhere. She needs to rehearse everything she says and does. She needs to be herself - but, you know, someone else... at all times.
My Thoughts:
Far From Perfect manages to portray an unwanted life in the spotlight of a girl that simply wants to be normal. I was very satisfied to see how the media was presented in this book. They push famous people's boundaries, twist stories and stir waters, causing dramas. And while I understand this is their job, I am grateful to see someone write about the negative impact they have on famous people.
I loved Faith as a character and I was so proud to see her stand up and fight. It was so easy to put myself in her shoes and experience her anger and frustration of not being listened to. I loved the friendship Faith has with Scarlett. It is real and funny and strong. But most of all, I loved the sister bond that Faith has with Mercy. It is so pure and emotional, and it made me think of my own little sister and how much she truly means to me.
The story Faith tells us is a story that will touch every teenager. The struggles of love, family, friendships and finding purpose in the world. We have all been there, we have all fought the same battles and we understand. Even though some problems may seem trivial as a grown up, I remember how important those moments were to me when I was young, and how they shaped me today, and I was glad this was not underestimated in this book.
And sometimes, life makes us forget. Time passes by, and we are lost for a bit. Until a book comes in our hands - to remind us what really matters. This is that book. A beautiful continuation of the series. I recommend it to the teenagers - to find your purpose; and also to everyone else - to remember what that purpose is!
Wishlist | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest
#1 Happy Girl Lucky - ★★★★★
#2 Far From Perfect - ★★★★
I am extremely happy and excited to be part of the blog tour for Far From Perfect by Holly Smale. Thank you to the team at Harper Collins and Kaleidoscopic Tours - for letting me part of this tour and sending me a copy of the book.
Far From Perfect is the second book in the Valentines series. Read my review of the first book - Happy Girl Lucky.
Synopsis:
Being born in a family that is considered Hollywood royalty is not easy. When all her family is expecting perfection form her, Faith just wants to be normal.
Instead, paparazzi follows her everywhere. She needs to rehearse everything she says and does. She needs to be herself - but, you know, someone else... at all times.
My Thoughts:
Far From Perfect manages to portray an unwanted life in the spotlight of a girl that simply wants to be normal. I was very satisfied to see how the media was presented in this book. They push famous people's boundaries, twist stories and stir waters, causing dramas. And while I understand this is their job, I am grateful to see someone write about the negative impact they have on famous people.
I loved Faith as a character and I was so proud to see her stand up and fight. It was so easy to put myself in her shoes and experience her anger and frustration of not being listened to. I loved the friendship Faith has with Scarlett. It is real and funny and strong. But most of all, I loved the sister bond that Faith has with Mercy. It is so pure and emotional, and it made me think of my own little sister and how much she truly means to me.
The story Faith tells us is a story that will touch every teenager. The struggles of love, family, friendships and finding purpose in the world. We have all been there, we have all fought the same battles and we understand. Even though some problems may seem trivial as a grown up, I remember how important those moments were to me when I was young, and how they shaped me today, and I was glad this was not underestimated in this book.
And sometimes, life makes us forget. Time passes by, and we are lost for a bit. Until a book comes in our hands - to remind us what really matters. This is that book. A beautiful continuation of the series. I recommend it to the teenagers - to find your purpose; and also to everyone else - to remember what that purpose is!
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September 3, 2021
Faith Valentine is in the spotlight and not loving it. Despite her acting lessons with her grandmother and the Valentine legacy, she is a terrible actor. A crucial audition goes sideways in more ways than one and the dominoes start to fall. Although saturated with cheesy jokes and humorous situations, there is a serious message in this second book of the Valentines series. We see it in the reminders of a missing sister -- Charity. We see it in the way the "paps" hound Faith and her boyfriend Noah. We see it in the regularly scheduled social media posts that Faith is directed to add into her daily routine. How can you establish an authentic sense of self when everyone around you is posting inauthentic images of themselves? Life can seem like a giant hamster wheel and a daunting prospect at any age. It is a good time to turn to scripture and see verses like this one in Isaiah:
but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31
but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31
Read
February 19, 2022Faith Valentine is in the spotlight and not loving it. Despite her acting lessons with her grandmother and the Valentine legacy, she is a terrible actor. A crucial audition goes sideways in more ways than one and the dominoes start to fall. Although saturated with cheesy jokes and humorous situations, there is a serious message in this second book of the Valentines series. We see it in the reminders of a missing sister -- Charity. We see it in the way the "paps" hound Faith and her boyfriend Noah. We see it in the regularly scheduled social media posts that Faith is directed to add into her daily routine. How can you establish an authentic sense of self when everyone around you is posting inauthentic images of themselves? Life can seem like a giant hamster wheel and a daunting prospect at any age. Seeking counsel from a variety of sources will help rather than trying to fix it all on your own.
*Reviewed by Darla from Red Bridge*
*Reviewed by Darla from Red Bridge*
August 27, 2022
I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Far From Perfect is the second installment within The Valentines series. In this, you will be meeting Faith. Now if you have read the first book, then you already know who she is. If not, then you will get to know her now.
While I liked the first one, I really enjoyed this one. Faith was just such a fun character and I liked that she had such a strong backbone. She constantly stood up for herself and fought. Which was so freaking refreshing to get. It also made her relatable (at least to me).
Throughout the book, we see the struggles she has gone through, but we also see family relationships get stronger as well. I loved her and Mercy together. Their sister bond reminded me of my own. Other than that, I just really enjoyed everything about this book and story it told.
Will definitely be on the lookout for the next book!
Far From Perfect is the second installment within The Valentines series. In this, you will be meeting Faith. Now if you have read the first book, then you already know who she is. If not, then you will get to know her now.
While I liked the first one, I really enjoyed this one. Faith was just such a fun character and I liked that she had such a strong backbone. She constantly stood up for herself and fought. Which was so freaking refreshing to get. It also made her relatable (at least to me).
Throughout the book, we see the struggles she has gone through, but we also see family relationships get stronger as well. I loved her and Mercy together. Their sister bond reminded me of my own. Other than that, I just really enjoyed everything about this book and story it told.
Will definitely be on the lookout for the next book!
May 18, 2020
I loved this second book in the valentines series. This book follows Faith, sister of Hope who we met in the first book in this series. Again we have a show all take on what it is like to grow up with famous parents and live life very much in the limelight.
The difference between Faith’s story and the first book in this series though is that Faith is older therefore she is very much expected to be part of the fame gang, she is expected to live life as her instagram account dictates, to be an actor and to have a hollywood style relationship all at the age of 16. As you can imagine this takes its toll on Faith and so we get a behind the scenes look at what life is really like for her.
Just like the first book in this series, we get the message of don’t believe everything you see on screen and the message about what a devil fame and not being able to live the life you want is not all it’s cracked up to be. I think that this message isn’t just relevant when it comes to children in a famous family like this one but all young people today. They are constantly bombarded with images and messages on social media that just aren’t how life actually is and are selling a false existence. What you see on the grid doesn’t show you what a person is going through.
This book also has good messages about mental health and what can go wrong if you bottle up your feelings and don’t actually take time for self care and a bit of mindfulness. There is so much pressure nowadays especially on young people and this book gives a clear message of how destructive that pressure can be.
This is a really fun family to spend time with and because of the fact that they have fame and money we can see them do things we can’t normally see in a book about young people, they have the fancy parties, the cars and cinema rooms in their houses and so it is a lot of fun to live in their extravagant lives over the course of the book. We do also see the price that this fame costs though.
I love the opulence of this series and the over the top nature of all the characters in this novel, but most of all I love the messages about social media and mental health that come across loud and clear. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series
The difference between Faith’s story and the first book in this series though is that Faith is older therefore she is very much expected to be part of the fame gang, she is expected to live life as her instagram account dictates, to be an actor and to have a hollywood style relationship all at the age of 16. As you can imagine this takes its toll on Faith and so we get a behind the scenes look at what life is really like for her.
Just like the first book in this series, we get the message of don’t believe everything you see on screen and the message about what a devil fame and not being able to live the life you want is not all it’s cracked up to be. I think that this message isn’t just relevant when it comes to children in a famous family like this one but all young people today. They are constantly bombarded with images and messages on social media that just aren’t how life actually is and are selling a false existence. What you see on the grid doesn’t show you what a person is going through.
This book also has good messages about mental health and what can go wrong if you bottle up your feelings and don’t actually take time for self care and a bit of mindfulness. There is so much pressure nowadays especially on young people and this book gives a clear message of how destructive that pressure can be.
This is a really fun family to spend time with and because of the fact that they have fame and money we can see them do things we can’t normally see in a book about young people, they have the fancy parties, the cars and cinema rooms in their houses and so it is a lot of fun to live in their extravagant lives over the course of the book. We do also see the price that this fame costs though.
I love the opulence of this series and the over the top nature of all the characters in this novel, but most of all I love the messages about social media and mental health that come across loud and clear. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series
August 9, 2020
I loved this book, it was such a fun read and the story was addictively sweet.
This is the second book in the Valentine family series however it works really well as a standalone. I hadn’t read the first book yet but found this one easy to read and understand context wise.
Faith is such a sweet character who tries to hold her family together while trying to meet their expectations as well as her own. She’s labelled an ‘ice queen’ but she’s lovely and you feel so frustrated for her as everyone tells her how to act, feel and look.
The story was well written and had a great pace. I loved faith’s interactions with her siblings and how some of the funniest scenes were with them! Her sister Hope is hilariously dramatic and I need more of her story. The ending felt a bit out there but ultimately it suited the character’s journey throughout the book.
Would 100% recommend, if you’re looking for a cute YA contemporary full of drama and love.
This is the second book in the Valentine family series however it works really well as a standalone. I hadn’t read the first book yet but found this one easy to read and understand context wise.
Faith is such a sweet character who tries to hold her family together while trying to meet their expectations as well as her own. She’s labelled an ‘ice queen’ but she’s lovely and you feel so frustrated for her as everyone tells her how to act, feel and look.
The story was well written and had a great pace. I loved faith’s interactions with her siblings and how some of the funniest scenes were with them! Her sister Hope is hilariously dramatic and I need more of her story. The ending felt a bit out there but ultimately it suited the character’s journey throughout the book.
Would 100% recommend, if you’re looking for a cute YA contemporary full of drama and love.
November 20, 2021
This book was so good! I’ve always thought that I would never want to be famous, because of all the attention,and this book discussed that idea in more detail. I also think it dealt with mental health really well and had a great balance of sad and moving bits with light and fluffy ones. Also I totally ship Faith and Scarlett...
dnf
June 24, 2024DNF at 12%, not my type of book and I'm not forcing myself to read it.
It's just written badly and I probably would have liked it if I were 12.
(march 1 - 29 2023 dnf)
It's just written badly and I probably would have liked it if I were 12.
(march 1 - 29 2023 dnf)
May 10, 2024
I prefered the first book. Holly Smale has an amazing ability of making a book kind of boring until the end and then you can see the master piece she has created. That's not to say this whole book was boring but there were times where I felt my eyes skipping over words. So many hidden (and not so hidden) themes and messages are littered throughout this book.
CHARACTERS
🩰Faith Valentine🩰
This poor girl has been through so much. This whole book was about her growth and her learning that she can say no and she can have boundaries. She learns that she is allowed to have happiness just like everyone else. She learnt it is not her job to make everyone feel okay and sort everyone's mess out, especially when it's at the expense of her own freedom and happiness. I think this book portrays these lessons very realistically.
🫧Hope🫧
Didn't really make that much of an impact in the book, but when you're not reading from her pov she can be... a lot.
🙄Mercy🙄
No. Just no. I don't like her and I don't like how everything has to be about her. She's is such a bad sister. She saw her sister was hurting but she didn't care to ask if she could do anything about it even though that same sister has been doing the most for her. I don't even want to read her book, but I'm going to anyway.
🫠Scarlett🫠
I have mixed feelings about her. I didn't like her as a character, but she is so good for Faith.
Roz sadly did not make an appearance in this book😔
3 stars
CHARACTERS
🩰Faith Valentine🩰
This poor girl has been through so much. This whole book was about her growth and her learning that she can say no and she can have boundaries. She learns that she is allowed to have happiness just like everyone else. She learnt it is not her job to make everyone feel okay and sort everyone's mess out, especially when it's at the expense of her own freedom and happiness. I think this book portrays these lessons very realistically.
🫧Hope🫧
Didn't really make that much of an impact in the book, but when you're not reading from her pov she can be... a lot.
🙄Mercy🙄
No. Just no. I don't like her and I don't like how everything has to be about her. She's is such a bad sister. She saw her sister was hurting but she didn't care to ask if she could do anything about it even though that same sister has been doing the most for her. I don't even want to read her book, but I'm going to anyway.
🫠Scarlett🫠
I have mixed feelings about her. I didn't like her as a character, but she is so good for Faith.
Roz sadly did not make an appearance in this book😔
3 stars
September 28, 2020
4.5 ⭐
Nisam čitala prethodni deo, koji je o drugoj sestri Valentajn, ali me ovaj potpuno šarmirao. Fejt je zabavna, luckasta i upada u gomilu neverovatnih situacija. Prijala mi je da razbijem čitalačku blokadu.
A ono što mi se najviše dopalo je to što ova knjiga nije plitak tinejdž roman. Nema dosadnih i bljutavih delova sa romansom. Ovo je priča o borbi jedne tinejdžerke za svoje mesto pod suncem i fantastična poruka da svi treba da volimo sebe onakve kakvi jesmo, pa taman se nikom više ne dopali. Nikad ne treba živeti tuđe snove i nikad ne treba verovati svemu na društvenim mrežama.
Bitna priča ispričana kroz humor.
Nisam čitala prethodni deo, koji je o drugoj sestri Valentajn, ali me ovaj potpuno šarmirao. Fejt je zabavna, luckasta i upada u gomilu neverovatnih situacija. Prijala mi je da razbijem čitalačku blokadu.
A ono što mi se najviše dopalo je to što ova knjiga nije plitak tinejdž roman. Nema dosadnih i bljutavih delova sa romansom. Ovo je priča o borbi jedne tinejdžerke za svoje mesto pod suncem i fantastična poruka da svi treba da volimo sebe onakve kakvi jesmo, pa taman se nikom više ne dopali. Nikad ne treba živeti tuđe snove i nikad ne treba verovati svemu na društvenim mrežama.
Bitna priča ispričana kroz humor.
August 7, 2020
It is so pleasing to be back with the Valentines family. It took me a few chapters to realise why Faith wasn't as familiar to me as I was perhaps expecting and that is purely due to book 1 being from Hope's point of view - which makes this perfectly readable as a standalone.
Ah Faith, she is doing her best outwardly to be the Valentine that is expected, beautiful, nice, a bit of asap, actress, yet inside well it feels as though it may not quite what she wants. In fact some of the scenes where looks like she is going off the rails are really amusing.
And I loved her new friend Scarlett, everyone needs a Scarlett in their lives, a mix between mentor, friend, bad influence and just all around cool character.
The Valentines are at their dysfunctional best, the dynamics between them all are amusing, tricky to fathom and then we are given some insight into a past event that clearly shapes them all at the moment.
Interspersed with headlines and news articles about Faith, where we can see just how the press can spin things, Faith is on the ultimate journey of self discovery in this book and I was willing her to come to the reasonably obvious conclusion, before it impacted her further.
As groan worthy and Christmas crackery as they were in quality, Faith has many jokes sometimes within the dialogue, sometimes at the start of a chapter, which couldn't help but raise a smile, even if the punch lines were rather unfunny!
This is filled yet again with Holly Smale's fabulous ability to get inside teenage minds, produce quirky characters that you can;t help but feel for and root for, and for me was a reasonably quick read that whizzed by, leaving me the painful wait for the next book in the series, which I already know I want to read!
Thank you to Harper and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Ah Faith, she is doing her best outwardly to be the Valentine that is expected, beautiful, nice, a bit of asap, actress, yet inside well it feels as though it may not quite what she wants. In fact some of the scenes where looks like she is going off the rails are really amusing.
And I loved her new friend Scarlett, everyone needs a Scarlett in their lives, a mix between mentor, friend, bad influence and just all around cool character.
The Valentines are at their dysfunctional best, the dynamics between them all are amusing, tricky to fathom and then we are given some insight into a past event that clearly shapes them all at the moment.
Interspersed with headlines and news articles about Faith, where we can see just how the press can spin things, Faith is on the ultimate journey of self discovery in this book and I was willing her to come to the reasonably obvious conclusion, before it impacted her further.
As groan worthy and Christmas crackery as they were in quality, Faith has many jokes sometimes within the dialogue, sometimes at the start of a chapter, which couldn't help but raise a smile, even if the punch lines were rather unfunny!
This is filled yet again with Holly Smale's fabulous ability to get inside teenage minds, produce quirky characters that you can;t help but feel for and root for, and for me was a reasonably quick read that whizzed by, leaving me the painful wait for the next book in the series, which I already know I want to read!
Thank you to Harper and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
May 22, 2020
Faith Valentine is a feisty girl who's set to be an actress like the rest of her family it seems.
However when her relationship with her singer boyfriend Noah hits the rocks, her mum is depressed and locks herself away from the world while Faiths dad is off with his new partner.
All Faith wants is to be happy and do what makes her happy, can she get there?
Faith is a feisty character having to cope with a lot happening in her life while trying to work out what will make her happy too growing up into her future she desires. For me it was as gripping as the first book but still worth a read to get to know the family and their drama better.
Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!
However when her relationship with her singer boyfriend Noah hits the rocks, her mum is depressed and locks herself away from the world while Faiths dad is off with his new partner.
All Faith wants is to be happy and do what makes her happy, can she get there?
Faith is a feisty character having to cope with a lot happening in her life while trying to work out what will make her happy too growing up into her future she desires. For me it was as gripping as the first book but still worth a read to get to know the family and their drama better.
Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!
March 3, 2021
Holly Smale is perfection. That’s all I have to say right now.
Perfection.
Perfection.
May 2, 2021
Der Einstieg ist mir ein bisschen schwerer gefallen als bei Band 1 der Reihe. Alles in Allem muss ich außerdem gestehen, dass mir dieser Teil der "Valentines" auch nicht ganz so gut gefallen hat wie die Geschichte von Hope.
Faith, die in Teil 1 als die "perfekte Schwester" dargestellt wird, lernen wir von einer ganz anderen Seite kennen und lange konnte ich mich nicht entscheiden ob ich sie anschreien, bemitleiden oder in den Arm nehmen soll. Faith ist eine komplizierte junge Frau, die extrem unter Druck steht. Sowohl ihre Familie als auch die Öffentlichkeit erwarten viel von ihr und nicht immer kann sie den Erwartungen gerecht werden, doch dann lächelt sie eben einfach. Setzt das perfekte Grübchen-Lächeln auf, genau so wie es ihr beigebracht wurde.
Doch Faith ist sicherlich vieles aber nicht perfekt. Sie ist zerbrechlich, sensibel und verdammt unsicher. Sie hält dem Druck nicht stand und keiner will es sehen. Keiner will ihr helfen. Alle fordern immer nur noch mehr.
Der Schreibstil in diesem Roman ist wieder genauso besonders wie in Band 1. Eine Mischung aus der "normalen" Ich-Perspektive, Mails, SMS und Online News. Ein wirklich interessante Art eine Geschichte zu erzählen und es macht das Lesen definitiv nicht langweilig.
Ich mochte vor allem die Entwicklung, die Faith durchgemacht hat, denn sie ist auf dem Weg zu sich selbst und das ist sicherlich nicht leicht. Schon für Menschen, die nicht dem Druck der Öffentlichkeit ausgesetzt sind, wie es dann für jemanden sein muss, dessen Leben permanent ins Rampenlicht gezerrt wird kann ich mir gar nicht vorstellen.
Das Buch ist meiner Meinung nach nicht nur was für junge Mädchen oder Jungen geeignet und ich kann es mit ruhigem Gewissen jedem aus jeder Altersklasse empfehlen. Man muss Band 1 nicht unbedingt kenne, um das Buch zu lesen aber sicherlich sollte man sich die Geschichte der Jüngsten (Hope) nicht entgehen lassen.
Faith, die in Teil 1 als die "perfekte Schwester" dargestellt wird, lernen wir von einer ganz anderen Seite kennen und lange konnte ich mich nicht entscheiden ob ich sie anschreien, bemitleiden oder in den Arm nehmen soll. Faith ist eine komplizierte junge Frau, die extrem unter Druck steht. Sowohl ihre Familie als auch die Öffentlichkeit erwarten viel von ihr und nicht immer kann sie den Erwartungen gerecht werden, doch dann lächelt sie eben einfach. Setzt das perfekte Grübchen-Lächeln auf, genau so wie es ihr beigebracht wurde.
Doch Faith ist sicherlich vieles aber nicht perfekt. Sie ist zerbrechlich, sensibel und verdammt unsicher. Sie hält dem Druck nicht stand und keiner will es sehen. Keiner will ihr helfen. Alle fordern immer nur noch mehr.
Der Schreibstil in diesem Roman ist wieder genauso besonders wie in Band 1. Eine Mischung aus der "normalen" Ich-Perspektive, Mails, SMS und Online News. Ein wirklich interessante Art eine Geschichte zu erzählen und es macht das Lesen definitiv nicht langweilig.
Ich mochte vor allem die Entwicklung, die Faith durchgemacht hat, denn sie ist auf dem Weg zu sich selbst und das ist sicherlich nicht leicht. Schon für Menschen, die nicht dem Druck der Öffentlichkeit ausgesetzt sind, wie es dann für jemanden sein muss, dessen Leben permanent ins Rampenlicht gezerrt wird kann ich mir gar nicht vorstellen.
Das Buch ist meiner Meinung nach nicht nur was für junge Mädchen oder Jungen geeignet und ich kann es mit ruhigem Gewissen jedem aus jeder Altersklasse empfehlen. Man muss Band 1 nicht unbedingt kenne, um das Buch zu lesen aber sicherlich sollte man sich die Geschichte der Jüngsten (Hope) nicht entgehen lassen.
August 16, 2020
Today is my turn on the blog tour for the brilliant book!
🌹
Thank you to @harpercollinsuk for my #gifted copy of the book @kaleidoscopictours for inviting me to the tour and @holsmale for the pleasure of the book.
🌹
Faith Valentine has it all – fame, money and extraordinary beauty. But what she wants more than anything is a quiet life away from the cameras. Except nobody ever asks Faith what she wants, and her family’s expectations are crushing her.
🌹
This book is the second within the series, I have not read the first one but can assure you this can be read and enjoyed as a stand alone too.
🌹
I really enjoyed this book, I loved the characters they are easily relatable.
🌹
Faith is pretty much unhappy with most things about her life but I love the way the author Holly tackles the problems and I think that this will really help the YA audience that this book is aimed at.
🌹
However Faith soon finds her strength and begins to stand up for herself and soon realises that you need to do what you love and follow your dreams!
🌹
A really really important message portrayed through great writing.
🌹
Thank you to @harpercollinsuk for my #gifted copy of the book @kaleidoscopictours for inviting me to the tour and @holsmale for the pleasure of the book.
🌹
Faith Valentine has it all – fame, money and extraordinary beauty. But what she wants more than anything is a quiet life away from the cameras. Except nobody ever asks Faith what she wants, and her family’s expectations are crushing her.
🌹
This book is the second within the series, I have not read the first one but can assure you this can be read and enjoyed as a stand alone too.
🌹
I really enjoyed this book, I loved the characters they are easily relatable.
🌹
Faith is pretty much unhappy with most things about her life but I love the way the author Holly tackles the problems and I think that this will really help the YA audience that this book is aimed at.
🌹
However Faith soon finds her strength and begins to stand up for herself and soon realises that you need to do what you love and follow your dreams!
🌹
A really really important message portrayed through great writing.
July 22, 2020
5/5 -
My Thoughts: When I first the synopsis of this book I was excited to see what would happen within its pages and hesitant to see if the writing grabbed me. But I can confirm...there was no need for my doubt, because Holly Smale writes her tenth YA novel with free flow and an easy that allowed me to melt into the story.
Effie Valentine is a likeable, loveable teen protagonist who doesn’t always follow the advice that us readers scream to her through the pages, she doesn’t hear us sigh as the anxiety and doubt builds in our guts as we think…’She’s going to take him back. He’s going to hurt you all over again Effie.’ but she does listen, to herself. And I felt the tension that had built up in my body drain when the story went in a completely different direction!
Smale brought us a character that showcases to Children & Teens that they don’t have to fold to the pressure (whether it be from, parents, peers etc); instead they can use their voices to set boundaries and be happy being themselves!
My Thoughts: When I first the synopsis of this book I was excited to see what would happen within its pages and hesitant to see if the writing grabbed me. But I can confirm...there was no need for my doubt, because Holly Smale writes her tenth YA novel with free flow and an easy that allowed me to melt into the story.
Effie Valentine is a likeable, loveable teen protagonist who doesn’t always follow the advice that us readers scream to her through the pages, she doesn’t hear us sigh as the anxiety and doubt builds in our guts as we think…’She’s going to take him back. He’s going to hurt you all over again Effie.’ but she does listen, to herself. And I felt the tension that had built up in my body drain when the story went in a completely different direction!
Smale brought us a character that showcases to Children & Teens that they don’t have to fold to the pressure (whether it be from, parents, peers etc); instead they can use their voices to set boundaries and be happy being themselves!
July 26, 2020
Review to follow
August 14, 2020
https://youtu.be/NnvQQ5x-v4s
Link To My Spoiler Free Review
Link To My Spoiler Free Review
July 20, 2022
#FirstLine - Snoring.
I loved this book. It was just as good as the first in the Valentine’s Series. I love this family and the growth that the family makes from the start of the book to the end of the book. They are all imperfect and wonderful and you learn to love them all. It is a delight to follow Faith on her journey to discover what she wants for her life, who she is and what it means to say no to expectation and yes to living. It was brilliant and heartwarming! I adored it so much!
I loved this book. It was just as good as the first in the Valentine’s Series. I love this family and the growth that the family makes from the start of the book to the end of the book. They are all imperfect and wonderful and you learn to love them all. It is a delight to follow Faith on her journey to discover what she wants for her life, who she is and what it means to say no to expectation and yes to living. It was brilliant and heartwarming! I adored it so much!
April 17, 2021
A brilliant book about the pressure put on girls to look a certain way and act a certain way. Is also a brilliant book about friendship and taking your life into your own hands. Would recommend to people over 12 who are maybe struggling with self identity. Overall a great read. Well worth it.
April 20, 2021
Aimed at teenagers. So many teenagers might love this but I found it like wading through toffee, a bit sticky, unpleasant and heavy going. Having said that, my 16 year old self would have loved this, had it been published and relevant in 1983!
April 27, 2021
Some good messages in terms of being yourself, the impact of social media and pressures it brings and probably appealing to lots of teens. For me, it just needed to be better written.
April 7, 2021
Rezension „Die Valentines – verdammt berühmt. Perfect Girl: Band 2“ von Holly Smale
Meinung
Holly Smale präsentiert uns in „Die Valentines“ ebenjene Schattenseiten der Reichen und Schönen, von denen kaum jemand spricht. Während im ersten Band Hope eine Stimme bekam, konnten wir in der Fortsetzung alles rund um Faith erfahren. Da ich vom Auftakt wahnsinnig begeistert war, konnte ich es nicht erwarten Faith Geschichte zu lesen. Optisch bilden die Cover nebeneinander ein absolutes Eyecatcher Gesamtbild, dass ich mir immer wieder voller Freude ansehe.
Der Autorin gelingt es auch hier wieder mühelos mit Humor und Lockerheit den Alltag der Valentines zu erzählen. Natürlich konnten wir schon dort alle Geschwister ein wenig beschnuppern, aber in Teil 1 galt die Bühne noch Hope, während hier Faith im Rampenlicht steht. Ich bin zwar der Meinung, dass sich beide Bände unabhängig voneinander lesen lassen, aber zum besseren Verständnis und um wirklich ein gesamtes Puzzlebild zu haben, sollte man doch beide lesen.
Faith war für mich ein sehr spannender Charakter, da sie besonders in Teil 1 unnahbar und eisig erscheint. Ich wollte unbedingt wissen, was hinter der Fassade lag und wurde mehr als überrascht. Auf Faith lastet ein enormer Druck, nicht nur perfekt zu sein, sondern auch ihre Familie zusammen zu halten. Faith jedoch erschien mir auf Anhieb wie jemand, der dadurch sich selbst und seine Gefühle hintan stellt. In meinen Augen ist es der Autorin hier hervorragend gelungen, diesen Aspekt echt und authentisch zu zeigen, so dass man sich mit Faith identifizieren kann.
Holly Smale mag zwar eine leichte Stimmung und viel Witz in die Geschichten der Geschwister gebracht haben, doch in Faith Buch klingt auch ein ernster Ton mit. Besonders Themen der heutigen Jugend werden hier eingebracht und vermitteln eine starke Botschaft, ohne jedoch die Sensibilität daran zu vergessen. Jede Medaille hat zwei Seiten und nicht immer ist alles wie es scheint. Diese und noch viele weitere Punkte begleiteten mich in Faith Geschichte.
Wer die Verbindungen zu Band 1 vollkommen verstehen möchte, sollte die Trilogie unbedingt chronologisch lesen. Holly Smale zeigt und Eindrücke aus der Welt des Glamour und ich habe wieder jede Seite davon genossen. Denn Die Valentines machen einfach Spaß und halten so manche verrückte Momente bereit. Die Gefühle und Emotionen hatten einen tieferen Klang und konnten mich auf all ihren Ebenen erreichen. Wer raus aus der träumerischen Kindlichkeit von Hope möchte wird hier voll auf seine Kosten kommen. Denn beide könnten nicht unterschiedlicher, facettenreicher sein.
Fazit
Die Valentines - verdammt berühmt konnte ebenso wie sein Vorgänger überzeugen. Holly Smale bringt wieder eine Menge Witz und Humor in die Geschichte, doch dieses Mal begleiten uns ernstere Themen, wodurch auch die Gedanken und Gefühle einen Ton bekommen, mit dem man sich vielleicht „noch“ mehr identifizieren kann. Denn vieles betrifft uns vielleicht selbst und gibt und Anlass zum nachdenken. Auch, dass zwischen uns und Reichen nicht immer gravierende Unterschiede liegen. Und jede Medaille hat immer noch zwei Seiten. Für mich ein Hit, der die Vorfreude auf Band 3 ins Unermessliche steigert.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 5/5 Sterne
Meinung
Holly Smale präsentiert uns in „Die Valentines“ ebenjene Schattenseiten der Reichen und Schönen, von denen kaum jemand spricht. Während im ersten Band Hope eine Stimme bekam, konnten wir in der Fortsetzung alles rund um Faith erfahren. Da ich vom Auftakt wahnsinnig begeistert war, konnte ich es nicht erwarten Faith Geschichte zu lesen. Optisch bilden die Cover nebeneinander ein absolutes Eyecatcher Gesamtbild, dass ich mir immer wieder voller Freude ansehe.
Der Autorin gelingt es auch hier wieder mühelos mit Humor und Lockerheit den Alltag der Valentines zu erzählen. Natürlich konnten wir schon dort alle Geschwister ein wenig beschnuppern, aber in Teil 1 galt die Bühne noch Hope, während hier Faith im Rampenlicht steht. Ich bin zwar der Meinung, dass sich beide Bände unabhängig voneinander lesen lassen, aber zum besseren Verständnis und um wirklich ein gesamtes Puzzlebild zu haben, sollte man doch beide lesen.
Faith war für mich ein sehr spannender Charakter, da sie besonders in Teil 1 unnahbar und eisig erscheint. Ich wollte unbedingt wissen, was hinter der Fassade lag und wurde mehr als überrascht. Auf Faith lastet ein enormer Druck, nicht nur perfekt zu sein, sondern auch ihre Familie zusammen zu halten. Faith jedoch erschien mir auf Anhieb wie jemand, der dadurch sich selbst und seine Gefühle hintan stellt. In meinen Augen ist es der Autorin hier hervorragend gelungen, diesen Aspekt echt und authentisch zu zeigen, so dass man sich mit Faith identifizieren kann.
Holly Smale mag zwar eine leichte Stimmung und viel Witz in die Geschichten der Geschwister gebracht haben, doch in Faith Buch klingt auch ein ernster Ton mit. Besonders Themen der heutigen Jugend werden hier eingebracht und vermitteln eine starke Botschaft, ohne jedoch die Sensibilität daran zu vergessen. Jede Medaille hat zwei Seiten und nicht immer ist alles wie es scheint. Diese und noch viele weitere Punkte begleiteten mich in Faith Geschichte.
Wer die Verbindungen zu Band 1 vollkommen verstehen möchte, sollte die Trilogie unbedingt chronologisch lesen. Holly Smale zeigt und Eindrücke aus der Welt des Glamour und ich habe wieder jede Seite davon genossen. Denn Die Valentines machen einfach Spaß und halten so manche verrückte Momente bereit. Die Gefühle und Emotionen hatten einen tieferen Klang und konnten mich auf all ihren Ebenen erreichen. Wer raus aus der träumerischen Kindlichkeit von Hope möchte wird hier voll auf seine Kosten kommen. Denn beide könnten nicht unterschiedlicher, facettenreicher sein.
Fazit
Die Valentines - verdammt berühmt konnte ebenso wie sein Vorgänger überzeugen. Holly Smale bringt wieder eine Menge Witz und Humor in die Geschichte, doch dieses Mal begleiten uns ernstere Themen, wodurch auch die Gedanken und Gefühle einen Ton bekommen, mit dem man sich vielleicht „noch“ mehr identifizieren kann. Denn vieles betrifft uns vielleicht selbst und gibt und Anlass zum nachdenken. Auch, dass zwischen uns und Reichen nicht immer gravierende Unterschiede liegen. Und jede Medaille hat immer noch zwei Seiten. Für mich ein Hit, der die Vorfreude auf Band 3 ins Unermessliche steigert.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 5/5 Sterne
February 23, 2021
Das Cover:
Ist wirklich genauso wie das Buch, frech, fröhlich und mit einem Hauch Glamour durch die große Sonnenbrille. Es passt perfekt zum ersten Band und macht direkt Lust in die Geschichte einzutauchen.
Meine Meinung:
Bereits von Band eins war ich überzeugt, die Autorin schafft es in wunderbar lockeren Worten in die Welt der Familie Valentine einzuführen. Bereits aus Band eins kennen wir die Schwestern und jetzt bekommt Faith ihre Geschichte.
Faith galt im ersten Band noch als „Eiskönigin“ und als unnahbar, aber hier merken wir, dass sie mehr ist als das. Sie muss den Druck aushalten perfekt zu erscheinen, versucht ihre Familie zusammen zu halten und immer allen gerecht zu werden und vergisst dabei oft ihre eigenen Bedürfnisse und Gefühle. Ich empfand dies als sehr gelungen beschrieben.
Der zweite Band dieser witzigen Trilogie beschäftigt sich aber eben auch mit ernsten Themen. Während Hope noch verträumt und naiv war, so muss Faith erkennen, dass nicht immer alles ist wie es scheint und es auf mehr ankommt als das, was man der Welt zeigen will. Von ihr wird erwartet die Scheinwelt aufrecht zu erhalten, sich einzufügen und ihren Teil beizutragen der den Ruhm der Familie ausmacht.
Dieser Band schafft es Themen der heutigen Jugend zu nehmen und ohne erhobenen Zeigefinger eine Botschaft mitzugeben. Es ist nicht immer so wie es scheint, man sollte auch hinter die schöne Kulisse blicken. Eine gelungene Mischung.
Zudem werden andere Themen aus Band eins aufgegriffen, die ich aber nicht verraten möchte, nur so viel: Dieser Band ist ein wenig ernster als der vorherige, aber immer noch locker flockig und leicht zu lesen. Es macht einfach Spaß den Valentines in ihre Welt voller Glamour zu folgen und hier mal hinter die Kulissen zu blicken, In die Gefühle der berühmten Menschen zu schauen und zu merken, dass sie gar nicht so anders sind als unsere.
Mein Fazit:
Auch Faith konnte mich wieder vollends überzeugen, wenn nicht sogar mehr als Hope. Ich mag den lockeren Stil und die Mischung aus Witz und ernsten Themen. Ein Buch bei dem auch ältere Leser*innen auf ihre Kosten kommen werden.
Ist wirklich genauso wie das Buch, frech, fröhlich und mit einem Hauch Glamour durch die große Sonnenbrille. Es passt perfekt zum ersten Band und macht direkt Lust in die Geschichte einzutauchen.
Meine Meinung:
Bereits von Band eins war ich überzeugt, die Autorin schafft es in wunderbar lockeren Worten in die Welt der Familie Valentine einzuführen. Bereits aus Band eins kennen wir die Schwestern und jetzt bekommt Faith ihre Geschichte.
Faith galt im ersten Band noch als „Eiskönigin“ und als unnahbar, aber hier merken wir, dass sie mehr ist als das. Sie muss den Druck aushalten perfekt zu erscheinen, versucht ihre Familie zusammen zu halten und immer allen gerecht zu werden und vergisst dabei oft ihre eigenen Bedürfnisse und Gefühle. Ich empfand dies als sehr gelungen beschrieben.
Der zweite Band dieser witzigen Trilogie beschäftigt sich aber eben auch mit ernsten Themen. Während Hope noch verträumt und naiv war, so muss Faith erkennen, dass nicht immer alles ist wie es scheint und es auf mehr ankommt als das, was man der Welt zeigen will. Von ihr wird erwartet die Scheinwelt aufrecht zu erhalten, sich einzufügen und ihren Teil beizutragen der den Ruhm der Familie ausmacht.
Dieser Band schafft es Themen der heutigen Jugend zu nehmen und ohne erhobenen Zeigefinger eine Botschaft mitzugeben. Es ist nicht immer so wie es scheint, man sollte auch hinter die schöne Kulisse blicken. Eine gelungene Mischung.
Zudem werden andere Themen aus Band eins aufgegriffen, die ich aber nicht verraten möchte, nur so viel: Dieser Band ist ein wenig ernster als der vorherige, aber immer noch locker flockig und leicht zu lesen. Es macht einfach Spaß den Valentines in ihre Welt voller Glamour zu folgen und hier mal hinter die Kulissen zu blicken, In die Gefühle der berühmten Menschen zu schauen und zu merken, dass sie gar nicht so anders sind als unsere.
Mein Fazit:
Auch Faith konnte mich wieder vollends überzeugen, wenn nicht sogar mehr als Hope. Ich mag den lockeren Stil und die Mischung aus Witz und ernsten Themen. Ein Buch bei dem auch ältere Leser*innen auf ihre Kosten kommen werden.
August 10, 2020
Thank you to Harper Collins and Kaleidoscopic Tours for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I actually enjoyed this book a lot more than expected, it was such a pleasant surprise. Having not read any of Smale’s books, not even the first book in this series, I had no idea how I would feel about this one. However, as this book follows Faith, the sister of the protagonist in the first book, I understood the story perfectly and didn’t feel like I was missing anything.
As soon as I picked this up I knew it would be a quick and easy one to get through. I thought I’d just read 50 pages at most, but ended up reading 100 in one go and finishing it in just over 24 hours! I couldn’t tell you the last time I read a 400+ page book in that short amount of time, but this was pretty addictive.
I found the story really interesting as it’s something I wouldn’t usually pick up. Faith’s life is controlled by the media, social media and her fame, which seemed like an important topic to portray to what will likely be a younger audience. The plot was highly entertaining (which is why I couldn’t put the book down!) but also felt unrealistic to me, which I couldn’t help but feel irritated by.
I liked the cast of characters for the most part, especially Faith’s dysfunctional family. However, there were points in which I felt topics could have been handled better (for example, her mother had a problem in which help was never seen as an option, whereas she seemingly needed professional help). Scarlett was a fun character but I just found something off about her that I couldn’t click with.
This book is definitely aimed at a younger audience than me, and I can see a younger me really enjoying it. It was incredibly entertaining and fun, with a fast paced plot which kept me on my toes. Although I found it frustrating at times, a younger me would have likely looked past the few problems I saw and enjoyed it even more!
★★★★
3.5 out of 5 stars
-Beth
May your shelves forever overflow with books! ☽
I actually enjoyed this book a lot more than expected, it was such a pleasant surprise. Having not read any of Smale’s books, not even the first book in this series, I had no idea how I would feel about this one. However, as this book follows Faith, the sister of the protagonist in the first book, I understood the story perfectly and didn’t feel like I was missing anything.
As soon as I picked this up I knew it would be a quick and easy one to get through. I thought I’d just read 50 pages at most, but ended up reading 100 in one go and finishing it in just over 24 hours! I couldn’t tell you the last time I read a 400+ page book in that short amount of time, but this was pretty addictive.
I found the story really interesting as it’s something I wouldn’t usually pick up. Faith’s life is controlled by the media, social media and her fame, which seemed like an important topic to portray to what will likely be a younger audience. The plot was highly entertaining (which is why I couldn’t put the book down!) but also felt unrealistic to me, which I couldn’t help but feel irritated by.
I liked the cast of characters for the most part, especially Faith’s dysfunctional family. However, there were points in which I felt topics could have been handled better (for example, her mother had a problem in which help was never seen as an option, whereas she seemingly needed professional help). Scarlett was a fun character but I just found something off about her that I couldn’t click with.
This book is definitely aimed at a younger audience than me, and I can see a younger me really enjoying it. It was incredibly entertaining and fun, with a fast paced plot which kept me on my toes. Although I found it frustrating at times, a younger me would have likely looked past the few problems I saw and enjoyed it even more!
★★★★
3.5 out of 5 stars
-Beth
May your shelves forever overflow with books! ☽
August 8, 2020
I was sent a copy of this book for review.
This book was a surprisingly addictive read for me. As the main character, Faith, was only 16 I wasn’t sure I’d really connect to her and the world she lives in but I was hooked from the start and it was such an easy read that I completed it in one sitting (and with 400+ pages that’s saying something). I just couldn’t put it down.
Faith is part of the Valentines, a celebrity family dynasty of stage and screen. Her mother is a TV actress, her grandmother is Hollywood royalty and her father is a director. Her younger sister is also a budding director in the making and seems to relish the challenge. Faith on the other hand is forced into acting but though she is blessed with stunning looks, her acting ability is nonexistent. Unless you count the daily acting she has to do to pretend to be the perfect girlfriend, perfect daughter, perfect beauty, have a perfect life and be the perfect new acting Ingénue. As Faith’s life implodes all around her she quickly realises its Far From Perfect.
Faith befriends Scarlett, the enigmatic wild child who takes her out of her comfort zone and shows her how to live her own life, make her own choices, ask for what she needs and to finally say No. When she stops juggling the needs of her family, boyfriend and Agent and rebels, Faith goes on a journey of self discovery to find out what she wants from life, who she is without her family and whether acting really is the career for her.
I adored this book and give it 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 which is mainly because even though Faith is a mess and the Valentine family is as drama filled and dysfunctional as you can get, I just loved them all. They each have very distinct personalities and motivations and this really rings through. Faith is lonely and lost and I found myself rooting for her and willing her to find herself. This is book 2 in a series so I willing definitely go back to read book 1 and eagerly await book 3 in the future.
This book was a surprisingly addictive read for me. As the main character, Faith, was only 16 I wasn’t sure I’d really connect to her and the world she lives in but I was hooked from the start and it was such an easy read that I completed it in one sitting (and with 400+ pages that’s saying something). I just couldn’t put it down.
Faith is part of the Valentines, a celebrity family dynasty of stage and screen. Her mother is a TV actress, her grandmother is Hollywood royalty and her father is a director. Her younger sister is also a budding director in the making and seems to relish the challenge. Faith on the other hand is forced into acting but though she is blessed with stunning looks, her acting ability is nonexistent. Unless you count the daily acting she has to do to pretend to be the perfect girlfriend, perfect daughter, perfect beauty, have a perfect life and be the perfect new acting Ingénue. As Faith’s life implodes all around her she quickly realises its Far From Perfect.
Faith befriends Scarlett, the enigmatic wild child who takes her out of her comfort zone and shows her how to live her own life, make her own choices, ask for what she needs and to finally say No. When she stops juggling the needs of her family, boyfriend and Agent and rebels, Faith goes on a journey of self discovery to find out what she wants from life, who she is without her family and whether acting really is the career for her.
I adored this book and give it 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 which is mainly because even though Faith is a mess and the Valentine family is as drama filled and dysfunctional as you can get, I just loved them all. They each have very distinct personalities and motivations and this really rings through. Faith is lonely and lost and I found myself rooting for her and willing her to find herself. This is book 2 in a series so I willing definitely go back to read book 1 and eagerly await book 3 in the future.
July 25, 2020
“We are all so busy editing a perfect version of ourselves, we don’t notice everyone else is faking too”
Thank you to Kaleidoscope tours for allowing me to read and review this little gem of a book! This is the second book in the Valentine series, but you don’t need to have read the first to pick it up! To be honest it’s a book meant for people half my age BUT that did not stop me from loving every second of it!
Faith Valentine has it all- fame, money and extraordinary beauty. But what she wants more than anything is a quiet life away from the cameras. Except nobody ever asks Faith what she wants, and her family’s expectations are crushing her.
The world thinks she’s perfect, but is there more to perfection than meets the eye?
This is not just another rom-com young adult book about the perfect girl with the perfect life and the perfect boy. You know the type of book that makes young readers strive for that perfect life, hate themselves and try and conjure up the perfect version of themselves on social media just for likes and potential fame. Oh no! This takes all those books and characters, rips them up and says to the young readers “you know all that is fake right!?”
Honestly couldn’t recommend this enough if you have a teenager in your household! It highlights the fakeness of social media and how celebrities only put out the “perfect” version of themselves (which probably isn’t even a version of themselves anyways). In a world where our teenagers think the only way to be someone is by increasing the amount of followers you have, this will show them that it’s ok to be themselves and that they should WANT TO be themselves!
Such a brilliantly executed book, with loads of hilarious moments as well as some sad ones. As an adult I absolutely adored it!
Thank you to Kaleidoscope tours for allowing me to read and review this little gem of a book! This is the second book in the Valentine series, but you don’t need to have read the first to pick it up! To be honest it’s a book meant for people half my age BUT that did not stop me from loving every second of it!
Faith Valentine has it all- fame, money and extraordinary beauty. But what she wants more than anything is a quiet life away from the cameras. Except nobody ever asks Faith what she wants, and her family’s expectations are crushing her.
The world thinks she’s perfect, but is there more to perfection than meets the eye?
This is not just another rom-com young adult book about the perfect girl with the perfect life and the perfect boy. You know the type of book that makes young readers strive for that perfect life, hate themselves and try and conjure up the perfect version of themselves on social media just for likes and potential fame. Oh no! This takes all those books and characters, rips them up and says to the young readers “you know all that is fake right!?”
Honestly couldn’t recommend this enough if you have a teenager in your household! It highlights the fakeness of social media and how celebrities only put out the “perfect” version of themselves (which probably isn’t even a version of themselves anyways). In a world where our teenagers think the only way to be someone is by increasing the amount of followers you have, this will show them that it’s ok to be themselves and that they should WANT TO be themselves!
Such a brilliantly executed book, with loads of hilarious moments as well as some sad ones. As an adult I absolutely adored it!
July 22, 2020
Second in The Valentines series, Far From Perfect tells Faith’s story. At sixteen, the middle daughter, Faith is an inspiring actress and dating the teen heartthrob singer Noah. Her life is dictated by her Grandmother, including what to dress, her social media posts, the answers to give journalists. This is not who Faith is, but who is the real Faith?
I found this book a fun read, I liked the mix of characters in the Valentine family (the younger sister Hope is especially sweet!) and Scarlett was a great addition to the story. Faith spends so much of her life being who she is told to be that it takes its toll on her, and the author shows how Faith struggles to cope with the expectations placed on her, and how it affects her mental health. She criticises her own looks, takes multiple selfies but finds fault with every one, she also worries about how other people view her. I think these are important themes in a book aimed at a younger audience. The book shows the differences between what is seen on social media and what is real life.
As someone who hasn’t read the first book in the series, I was able to follow the story, but there are some references to events in Happy Girl Lucky.
It’s a book series aimed at middle grade or the younger end of YA readers, so I found it a little young for me, but I did enjoy it. It’s easy to read and its fun, but with some moments of sadness, and important issues highlighted regarding fame, social media and what people perceive as being “perfect”
Thank you to Kaleidoscopic Tours, Holly Smale and Harper Collins for my #gifted copy of this book.
I found this book a fun read, I liked the mix of characters in the Valentine family (the younger sister Hope is especially sweet!) and Scarlett was a great addition to the story. Faith spends so much of her life being who she is told to be that it takes its toll on her, and the author shows how Faith struggles to cope with the expectations placed on her, and how it affects her mental health. She criticises her own looks, takes multiple selfies but finds fault with every one, she also worries about how other people view her. I think these are important themes in a book aimed at a younger audience. The book shows the differences between what is seen on social media and what is real life.
As someone who hasn’t read the first book in the series, I was able to follow the story, but there are some references to events in Happy Girl Lucky.
It’s a book series aimed at middle grade or the younger end of YA readers, so I found it a little young for me, but I did enjoy it. It’s easy to read and its fun, but with some moments of sadness, and important issues highlighted regarding fame, social media and what people perceive as being “perfect”
Thank you to Kaleidoscopic Tours, Holly Smale and Harper Collins for my #gifted copy of this book.
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