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Honey Cove #1
The Fall Changes
An ordinary teenager. An unwanted move. Will she do the right thing or give in to the popular girls?
Riley Mills is a big city girl with two loyal friends … until she’s forced to move to the south. Clearly out of her depth in a very small southern town, Riley can’t help but miss her old life as she embarks on her junior year of high school. With the attention from popular girls, her dad not talking to her after her parent’s separation, and a class project with her new crush, nothing feels the same.
Attempting to navigate the sudden instability in her life, she has a choice. Does she fall into the popular crowd or do the right thing in the face of change? Even when it may mean harming her new reputation.
Riley Mills is a big city girl with two loyal friends … until she’s forced to move to the south. Clearly out of her depth in a very small southern town, Riley can’t help but miss her old life as she embarks on her junior year of high school. With the attention from popular girls, her dad not talking to her after her parent’s separation, and a class project with her new crush, nothing feels the same.
Attempting to navigate the sudden instability in her life, she has a choice. Does she fall into the popular crowd or do the right thing in the face of change? Even when it may mean harming her new reputation.
- GenresRomance
226 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 11, 2020
3 people are currently reading
179 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 7, 2021
I wasn't sure at first if I would like this book. I picked it up because I liked the cover and the blurb looked interesting. I ended up really enjoying this book, and the story was very well written
August 15, 2020
new to this author, contemporary, great book cover, YA ... wanna read more ... oh being a kid ... youth ... you live and learn i guess ... i enjoy reading YA often ... not my norm ... but fun all the same. interesting characters. wanna read more. check it out!!
August 4, 2020
I finished in 1.5 days and thoroughly enjoyed it. For some reason it brought me back to the 80's, I'm sure it's because I imagined Randy to look like a young Michael Schoeffling.
Marie created a cozy little town that I myself would love to visit. It was easy to imagine the high school angst Riley was going through, because if we're honest with ourselves, we all went through something like it too. Whether it be going crazy over a crush, parents divorce, embarrassing siblings, homework, mean girls, you name it, there is something to relate to. It left me wishing for simpler times and small towns, something I think every person should experience. I can't wait for Winter Heals, so I can continue on Riley's journey of self discovery. (Also, maybe a little so I can continue picturing young Michael Schoeffling)
Good job Marie!
Marie created a cozy little town that I myself would love to visit. It was easy to imagine the high school angst Riley was going through, because if we're honest with ourselves, we all went through something like it too. Whether it be going crazy over a crush, parents divorce, embarrassing siblings, homework, mean girls, you name it, there is something to relate to. It left me wishing for simpler times and small towns, something I think every person should experience. I can't wait for Winter Heals, so I can continue on Riley's journey of self discovery. (Also, maybe a little so I can continue picturing young Michael Schoeffling)
Good job Marie!
March 9, 2022
This is a great YA story, it follows Riley as she moves with her mother from New York City to a smaller place thousands of miles away. Relocating and restarting is an upheaval, but she takes it in her stride and you could see her growth and self-discovery. I don't want to tell too much, but I did enjoy it. There is tension, engagement, family dynamics and romance. Well worth the read.
I particularly liked the use of Frankenstein by Mr. Bailey, the English teacher, and how it related to the teenager's own lives and worlds. This was thoughtful and compassionate. It also made me think what a great way to get the teens to see themselves and who they wanted to be. It doesn't matter how old you are, these questions are relatable to plot a few pointers to how you want to act in life.
Thoroughly enjoyed the story, I look forward to reading more of this author's work. Glad I had the opportunity to read it through Voracious Readers.
I particularly liked the use of Frankenstein by Mr. Bailey, the English teacher, and how it related to the teenager's own lives and worlds. This was thoughtful and compassionate. It also made me think what a great way to get the teens to see themselves and who they wanted to be. It doesn't matter how old you are, these questions are relatable to plot a few pointers to how you want to act in life.
Thoroughly enjoyed the story, I look forward to reading more of this author's work. Glad I had the opportunity to read it through Voracious Readers.
October 16, 2020
I received a free copy to review: the first book I have read by Marie; this is a coming of age story about a teenaged girl who has to deal with the separation of her parents, relocating, starting at a new high school, making new friends, handling the popular catty kids and navigating a relationship with a boy!! Marie narrates through Riley's perspective and gives us insight into her thoughts, emotions and growth as she processes all the curve balls - and includes real, authentic characters, and a range of awkward to sweet moments. A sweet, uplifting read for YAs and those young at heart.
March 24, 2022
I really enjoyed this book! I received a copy for review from voraciousreadersonly.com and was thrilled to have had the chance to do so. I'm usually more of a fan of all things supernatural and magical in my choice of novels but I became completely enthralled into this book.
I am definitely a fan!!
I am definitely a fan!!
September 7, 2020
This is the first book I read from this autor and let me tell you that I loved it! Such a good book with great characters that keeps you obsessed with every page since the first one. I just couldn't stop reading¡ Amazing job! definitely a must read!
August 16, 2020
Riley has a new family dynamic, a new school, new friends, and a new look at life. What else could possibly happen?
Riley is a big city girl now living in a small town where the gossip mill is going 24/7. She doesn't trust people easily. Her parents have split because her father has chosen his job over his family. She is doubtful that the popular girl and her nasty friends really want to be buddies. And her cute and mysterious English partner is giving her mixed signals.
Riley is a strong character who faces a number of challenges, but she stays true to herself by standing up for what's right and facing life head-on. However, my favorite character is Randy, who copes with a lot of responsibilities, but finds time to do sweet and thoughtful things for Riley. There is also an intriguing backstory about Riley's dad that gives some substance to the story as well.
Overall, this is a sweet contemporary coming of age story about confronting our fears and finding hope in difficult times. A great beginning to a promising series!
Thank you to Ms. McGrath for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
Riley is a big city girl now living in a small town where the gossip mill is going 24/7. She doesn't trust people easily. Her parents have split because her father has chosen his job over his family. She is doubtful that the popular girl and her nasty friends really want to be buddies. And her cute and mysterious English partner is giving her mixed signals.
Riley is a strong character who faces a number of challenges, but she stays true to herself by standing up for what's right and facing life head-on. However, my favorite character is Randy, who copes with a lot of responsibilities, but finds time to do sweet and thoughtful things for Riley. There is also an intriguing backstory about Riley's dad that gives some substance to the story as well.
Overall, this is a sweet contemporary coming of age story about confronting our fears and finding hope in difficult times. A great beginning to a promising series!
Thank you to Ms. McGrath for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
August 9, 2020
Overall, I thought that the story was very relatable in terms of the issues that was brought up like high school drama and crushes. The one thing that was really annoying for me and threw me off a bit was the fact that her grandmother was referred to as “mom-mom”. It made the reading experience quite weird to say the least. Another thing that I found weird was how the book was centered on her family situation in terms of what the father was doing. I would suggest having that be the focus of the description of the book because I felt more of the family dynamic throughout the book and her navigation through the whole moving. I do love her relationship with Randy and how it progressed which made this a solid read for me.
August 9, 2020
A sweet, enjoyable contemporary. Riley is a lovely character. The challenges she faced were explored well and her growth throughout the story was great to read about. I love Riley and Randy's relationship. Their interactions are really cute. Randy has an intriguing storyline and my heart ached for him. The Fall Changes is a wonderful story about staying true to yourself and opening yourself up to possibilities. Change is scary, but it can bring forth a part of yourself you never knew existed.
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April 4, 2025"Riley Mills" is a poignant coming-of-age story about Riley, a teenager forced to move from a vibrant city to a small southern town. The narrative captures her struggles during her junior year of high school while dealing with her parents' separation and her father’s silence. As Riley navigates the challenges of fitting in with popular girls amidst peer pressure, she grapples with her desire for acceptance versus her need for authenticity.
The story effectively highlights Riley's relatable flaws and internal battles, drawing readers into her emotional turmoil. With two loyal friends left behind and the temptation of new friendships, Riley's experiences resonate with anyone who has faced a fresh start. The author vividly portrays the dynamics of high school life, from crushes to projects, enhancing the story's realism and reflecting on the social influences of adolescence.
What distinguishes this book is its focus on moral courage. Riley's choice to stay true to herself, despite the risk to her reputation, underscores the message that the easy path isn’t always the right one. This theme encourages readers to reflect on their values and the importance of integrity. In summary, "Riley Mills" is an engaging read that offers relatable experiences, emotional depth, and a powerful message about staying true to oneself.
May 31, 2022
The Fall Changes is a high school drama romance that shows how fast things can change.
Riley is now living with her mom-mom and mom in Honey Cove. Her mom and dad separated and they moved from New York City to live with her mom-mom. (It took me a minute to realize that meant her grandma). Her dad is a lawyer and is now working on a high profile case that is causing her, her mom and even her friends to question why he would take on this case.
Riley has no friends in Honey Cove and is nervous about her first day at the high school. Unfortunately she immediately runs into the “yes girls” and the daughters of the founding families. Shelby is weirdly trying to be friends with Riley but the other two want nothing to do with Riley. Then she has a mysterious English partner that ends up disappearing for about a week and nobody knows why.
I did enjoy the friendships Riley ended up finding and Randy was a great friend and person.
I did feel like this book dragged on in the beginning. I was getting a little bored but it started picking up towards the middle and I ended up enjoying it. Even though reading mom-mom that many times got to be a bit annoying.
Riley is now living with her mom-mom and mom in Honey Cove. Her mom and dad separated and they moved from New York City to live with her mom-mom. (It took me a minute to realize that meant her grandma). Her dad is a lawyer and is now working on a high profile case that is causing her, her mom and even her friends to question why he would take on this case.
Riley has no friends in Honey Cove and is nervous about her first day at the high school. Unfortunately she immediately runs into the “yes girls” and the daughters of the founding families. Shelby is weirdly trying to be friends with Riley but the other two want nothing to do with Riley. Then she has a mysterious English partner that ends up disappearing for about a week and nobody knows why.
I did enjoy the friendships Riley ended up finding and Randy was a great friend and person.
I did feel like this book dragged on in the beginning. I was getting a little bored but it started picking up towards the middle and I ended up enjoying it. Even though reading mom-mom that many times got to be a bit annoying.
September 26, 2020
Wonderful coming of age read.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews