What do you think?
Rate this book
The Big Easy & Other Lies
Seventeen-year-old New Orleans native Camille Landry has one shot to get into the prestigious SoHo School of Fashion Design, but it means producing an insane, even socially suicidal, collection from the bizarre innards of the hoard in her great aunt's house.
Until now, Cam’s main goal in life has been to escape three things: the dead end of New Orleans, the unpredictable wrath of her elderly aunt/guardian, and the scrutiny of her wealthy classmates at the private high school that she attends on scholarship. But when senior year ushers in a chance to prove herself on the design scene in front of all of New Orleans Society, she must find the courage to reveal her talent to the world. The last thing she expects is to fall for a transfer student, named Rhett, of all things, who is first cousin’s to Angelique, the girl who has made Cam’s high school experience “belle hell”. But Cam is about to realize that she’s not the only one with skeletons in her closets and confronting them is the key to understanding both her past and her future.
Find out what happens when Project Runway meets Hoarders in a fashion showdown for the ages with this unforgettable cast of characters in this story about good friends, hard truths, and smoking hot kisses beneath sweet magnolias.
Until now, Cam’s main goal in life has been to escape three things: the dead end of New Orleans, the unpredictable wrath of her elderly aunt/guardian, and the scrutiny of her wealthy classmates at the private high school that she attends on scholarship. But when senior year ushers in a chance to prove herself on the design scene in front of all of New Orleans Society, she must find the courage to reveal her talent to the world. The last thing she expects is to fall for a transfer student, named Rhett, of all things, who is first cousin’s to Angelique, the girl who has made Cam’s high school experience “belle hell”. But Cam is about to realize that she’s not the only one with skeletons in her closets and confronting them is the key to understanding both her past and her future.
Find out what happens when Project Runway meets Hoarders in a fashion showdown for the ages with this unforgettable cast of characters in this story about good friends, hard truths, and smoking hot kisses beneath sweet magnolias.
251 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 12, 2020
75 people are currently reading
179 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
January 7, 2021
I think this is one of the best books I've read in a couple years. I loved the whole feel of this story. It was like a fairytale and a nightmare all rolled together to create a unique and heartwarming story. I absolutely adored these characters! The whole group just made this whole story everything. I LOVED the whole footloose idea!! I could hear the music in my head and see it all happening! Man you could smell the house, and see the fabrics. This was just so well written. Well done!
This is a PG teen story. There is a party scene with a bit of alcohol, but for the most part she hates it and her friends respect that. There is some abuse but the type you read in a fairy tale. Very mean parental figure. There is some kissing but nothing that goes beyond.
This is a PG teen story. There is a party scene with a bit of alcohol, but for the most part she hates it and her friends respect that. There is some abuse but the type you read in a fairy tale. Very mean parental figure. There is some kissing but nothing that goes beyond.
December 18, 2020
This book is quite a bit different from Melanie’s previous ones, but I still really liked it! It’s her first YA novel, and I hope it won’t be her last. Cam’s parents are both dead, and so she lives with her only living relative, her great-aunt Delphine, who is not nice, to say the least, and a major hoarder. Cam just wants to finish high school and go to fashion design school while staying as under the radar as possible, but when Rhett moves from Chicago, staying under the radar doesn’t seem possible anymore.
Content note: underage drinking (although not the main character), a conversation about two teenagers sleeping together (again, not the main characters, and there is nothing graphic at all). I still consider this a clean book. I’d give it a PG rating.
Content note: underage drinking (although not the main character), a conversation about two teenagers sleeping together (again, not the main characters, and there is nothing graphic at all). I still consider this a clean book. I’d give it a PG rating.
August 13, 2020
Things ain't easy in this Big Easy
Cam lives in an abusive situation with a great-aunt who has several unaddressed psychological issues. Despite the heavy subject matter, however, the story is actually pretty positive & even fairly upbeat overall (which was a good call because it was powerful enough simply stated as it was, it didn't need any extra emotion added).
Rhett has a lot in common with Cam even though he's a "richie rich", & she's essentially a charity case. Their relationship development is awkward & funny & a bit sad all at the same time
Most of the elements of the story are pretty unique, yet real & relatable enough to be immersive - - my heart ached & rejoiced for Cam at various times throughout the book. The big conflict & denouement at the end isn't a big surprise - - You can see it coming. But it's still done well enough to make starbursts of happy, warm fuzzies go off at the end. Definitely a recommended read!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONTENT
*Clean romance level: passionate kisses, nothing graphic
*Political: the term & concept "microaggression" is introduced by one character to another. It's an unfortunate choice as (1) the term was smithed from & for a particular political bias, & (2) It's used here, awkwardly & not believably, to indirectly lecture readers against making assumptions rooted in stereotypes. A cautionary warning that is true & reasonable to a point, but is NOT how one should term such things if you want to successfully persuade people rather than insulting & offending them. A real "Rhett" most likely wouldn't have let effectively being called a racist & bigot go so readily.
There are stereotypes of people with wealth & people who are popular, etc, made thru the whole book. Our brains group & categorize - they're designed to sort, process & build on experience in that manner - it's a very human thing. People are persuaded when we respectfully & considerately encourage awareness, not by pejoratively labeling & stereotyping them for it (yes, it's so ironically meta, isn't it?)
Cam lives in an abusive situation with a great-aunt who has several unaddressed psychological issues. Despite the heavy subject matter, however, the story is actually pretty positive & even fairly upbeat overall (which was a good call because it was powerful enough simply stated as it was, it didn't need any extra emotion added).
Rhett has a lot in common with Cam even though he's a "richie rich", & she's essentially a charity case. Their relationship development is awkward & funny & a bit sad all at the same time
Most of the elements of the story are pretty unique, yet real & relatable enough to be immersive - - my heart ached & rejoiced for Cam at various times throughout the book. The big conflict & denouement at the end isn't a big surprise - - You can see it coming. But it's still done well enough to make starbursts of happy, warm fuzzies go off at the end. Definitely a recommended read!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONTENT
*Clean romance level: passionate kisses, nothing graphic
*Political: the term & concept "microaggression" is introduced by one character to another. It's an unfortunate choice as (1) the term was smithed from & for a particular political bias, & (2) It's used here, awkwardly & not believably, to indirectly lecture readers against making assumptions rooted in stereotypes. A cautionary warning that is true & reasonable to a point, but is NOT how one should term such things if you want to successfully persuade people rather than insulting & offending them. A real "Rhett" most likely wouldn't have let effectively being called a racist & bigot go so readily.
There are stereotypes of people with wealth & people who are popular, etc, made thru the whole book. Our brains group & categorize - they're designed to sort, process & build on experience in that manner - it's a very human thing. People are persuaded when we respectfully & considerately encourage awareness, not by pejoratively labeling & stereotyping them for it (yes, it's so ironically meta, isn't it?)
August 17, 2020
YA Romance
Cam is pretty much the epitome of Cinderella, except her Aunt is the wicked stepmom and there’s no evil stepsisters, just an archenemy. Her Aunt is a mess, hoarder style, and she only has two amazing friends until Rhett comes along. They get along great, a little too great. I skipped a lot of their making out. There was swearing, teenage drinking, bullying, making out, and talk of sex. I honestly wouldn’t let my teenagers read it, but I did love the characters and the happy ending!
Cam is pretty much the epitome of Cinderella, except her Aunt is the wicked stepmom and there’s no evil stepsisters, just an archenemy. Her Aunt is a mess, hoarder style, and she only has two amazing friends until Rhett comes along. They get along great, a little too great. I skipped a lot of their making out. There was swearing, teenage drinking, bullying, making out, and talk of sex. I honestly wouldn’t let my teenagers read it, but I did love the characters and the happy ending!
August 13, 2020
Melanie Jacobson is one of my favorite authors and she does not disappoint with this high school story set in New Orleans.
Camille is a high school senior who desperately wants to go to fashion design school, but knows the only way she'll ever get in is to impress the guest judge at a design competition. The only problem is that she has very little money for fabric, she lives with her crazy hoarder aunt who likes to make life difficult for her, and the school rich girl is her archnemesis who is trying to ruin Camille's chances however she can.
Fortunately Camille has some really terrific friends and a super hot new boyfriend who are committed to doing whatever it takes, even if it's super disgusting, to help her achieve her dream.
I love sewing and Jacobson's fashion and fabric descriptions were a delight. Her level of detail was just right, and I could completely visualize the designs and outfits. This book was a treat from beginning to end!
Camille is a high school senior who desperately wants to go to fashion design school, but knows the only way she'll ever get in is to impress the guest judge at a design competition. The only problem is that she has very little money for fabric, she lives with her crazy hoarder aunt who likes to make life difficult for her, and the school rich girl is her archnemesis who is trying to ruin Camille's chances however she can.
Fortunately Camille has some really terrific friends and a super hot new boyfriend who are committed to doing whatever it takes, even if it's super disgusting, to help her achieve her dream.
I love sewing and Jacobson's fashion and fabric descriptions were a delight. Her level of detail was just right, and I could completely visualize the designs and outfits. This book was a treat from beginning to end!
September 30, 2021
Definitely on the top of my favorite YA books list. Camille’s character has so many layers and my heart ached for her history and current situation in life. Her friends were the most compassionate, caring, and loyal bunch of friends who made the overall message of friendship and perseverance in the book shine. I love a good YA book with just the right amount of teen angst and positive themes. Well done!
October 28, 2020
I had a harder time connecting to the characters in this story than in previous stories by the same author. Maybe I’ll try it again down the road.
August 17, 2020
Gorgeous YA read that will appeal to any reader
Romance, clean, contemporary, YA
This is a gorgeously detailed novel, with so many moments. Romance, bullying, insecurities, hope, despair, falling, stumbling, and getting back up to face your demons. The best part was Rhett who really saw her. But as with all of her novels, it is our MC who we really see, watch, and see her triumph even in the face of overwhelming odds. Beautiful Cinderella retelling, and she has the gumption, determination, work ethic, and kindness the any real Cinderella has. Perfect setting, and the dreams and her goals, aspirations, creations, just inspiring, and amazing as she believes, hopes, and works to make them fantastically real. Always a favorite author, and so worth the read.
Romance, clean, contemporary, YA
This is a gorgeously detailed novel, with so many moments. Romance, bullying, insecurities, hope, despair, falling, stumbling, and getting back up to face your demons. The best part was Rhett who really saw her. But as with all of her novels, it is our MC who we really see, watch, and see her triumph even in the face of overwhelming odds. Beautiful Cinderella retelling, and she has the gumption, determination, work ethic, and kindness the any real Cinderella has. Perfect setting, and the dreams and her goals, aspirations, creations, just inspiring, and amazing as she believes, hopes, and works to make them fantastically real. Always a favorite author, and so worth the read.
November 21, 2020
An enjoyable read. I found the story started off strongly on the romance, but at the same time it was strongly coming-of-age themed with lots of lessons to be learned - to learn to trust, to accept help from others, to treat others kindly even if they don't extend that courtesy to you, to not always seek revenge first when you've been wronged, to think about how your actions will determine things/others. It's definitely not the typical YA I read. As someone who doesn't know anything about New Orleans, I liked the insightfulness of the food and slang.
Cam is also an inspiring character who, despite wanting to avoid the spotlight and the multiple hardships she faces, wants to make it in the big world of fashion design. There are lovely descriptions of the fabrics and clothes designs Cam makes. Though I know nothing about fashion design personally, I could tell a lot went into the detailing of it. There are some hard topics (dealing with death, abandonment, hate), but the overall positive message of the story made it worth reading - and of course there's the happy ending! :)
Cam is also an inspiring character who, despite wanting to avoid the spotlight and the multiple hardships she faces, wants to make it in the big world of fashion design. There are lovely descriptions of the fabrics and clothes designs Cam makes. Though I know nothing about fashion design personally, I could tell a lot went into the detailing of it. There are some hard topics (dealing with death, abandonment, hate), but the overall positive message of the story made it worth reading - and of course there's the happy ending! :)
April 19, 2022
Melanie Jacobson is a new-to-me author and I've dived into her books lately and been impressed at the variety of stories she tells. This YA coming-of-age story handles parental loss & a guardian dealing with hoarding in a gentle, empathetic way. There's a bit of a Cinderella tie-in woven throughout the book, but in more of a nod than a magical solution to everything. Cam's drive to excel in her fashion design goals and her embrace of the fringes as a scholarship student in a public school felt realistic. Kind people in her life made her existence with her aunt's demandingness & hoarding more tolerable, and Aunt Delphine was written so you could understand a bit of her journey. The ick that goes along with true hoarding felt real and I found myself holding my breath during some passages, wincing at what Cam lived amid, and admiring the way she made the best of things. The cast of secondary characters was vibrant and the way Rhett earned Cam's trust and that of her friends was well-written. This book was not at all what I expected, and I'm so glad I read it.
June 26, 2021
So creative!
This was one of the best twists on a fairytale. It had loose loose ties to Cinderella, but the author really made it her own story. I loved Camille as the main character and Rhett as the love interest. All of her friends and allies along the way were so colorful. And the two villains in the story were so complex and interesting, you didn’t know who was going to be the ultimate villain. All of the design stuff was so fun. And the hoarding to explain the Cinderella complex of cleaning and never being able to keep up with the chores was so clever! It was a clean romance. It has special moments of heart in the book. And the triumph at the end is so good. It was a satisfying book to read and I wish there was more. It ended perfectly and it was written so well.
This was one of the best twists on a fairytale. It had loose loose ties to Cinderella, but the author really made it her own story. I loved Camille as the main character and Rhett as the love interest. All of her friends and allies along the way were so colorful. And the two villains in the story were so complex and interesting, you didn’t know who was going to be the ultimate villain. All of the design stuff was so fun. And the hoarding to explain the Cinderella complex of cleaning and never being able to keep up with the chores was so clever! It was a clean romance. It has special moments of heart in the book. And the triumph at the end is so good. It was a satisfying book to read and I wish there was more. It ended perfectly and it was written so well.
August 15, 2020
Ms.Jacobson tackled a big topic and did it with skill and care. Cam lives with her great-aunt, Delphine, who is a hoarder. Cam is a talented fashion designer and wants to go to a design college, but she has no money and few opportunities. Plus, one of the popular, rich girls at her school hates her and does everything she can to make Cam's life miserable. Things start to change for her when the rich girl's cousin comes to live with her family. He's intelligent and a gifted musician and he sees Cam for who she is, a wonderful, talented, smart young woman. With the help of caring teachers and friends, Cam just may have what it takes to make her dreams come true.
November 6, 2020
4.8 I loved this book! The only reason it didn't get 5 starts was because I wanted more. I wanted more story. I feel like (or hope) she will write a 2nd book because Melanie did such an amazing job that I feel like they have more stories to tell and I can see and hear them in my head! When I remove myself and reflect about the bones or similarities that this book has with "The Cinder Girl", I can't believe how I didn't see it while I was reading it because I was so caught up in the story. Would definitely recommend. I'll be reading this again.
June 10, 2021
An enchanting weaving of a fairy tale with real life
This book took me right back to New Orleans.
While reading through familiar territory, it doesn’t take long to fall in love with Cam. It seems the universe is out to crush Cam with anything that could possibly go wrong happening. But with her grit and the support of some good friends, Cam is able to do some amazing things.
Inspiring yet deep, each character is developed. You might even end up sympathizing with the villains. Just a little bit, though.
Read this book right now. You will finish it feeling encouraged.
This book took me right back to New Orleans.
While reading through familiar territory, it doesn’t take long to fall in love with Cam. It seems the universe is out to crush Cam with anything that could possibly go wrong happening. But with her grit and the support of some good friends, Cam is able to do some amazing things.
Inspiring yet deep, each character is developed. You might even end up sympathizing with the villains. Just a little bit, though.
Read this book right now. You will finish it feeling encouraged.
January 28, 2021
Not your typical YA novel, so much more
I loved the depth of emotion in this novel. Cam has had a really hard life and had to deal with some hard things. The death of her mother and living with a cold, somewhat crazy aunt are just a couple of them.
With some help from both old and new friends Cam learns and grows. She even comes to understand her aunt a little better.
This novel can be read by teenagers or adults. It has a bit a sweet romance as well as a HEA.
I loved the depth of emotion in this novel. Cam has had a really hard life and had to deal with some hard things. The death of her mother and living with a cold, somewhat crazy aunt are just a couple of them.
With some help from both old and new friends Cam learns and grows. She even comes to understand her aunt a little better.
This novel can be read by teenagers or adults. It has a bit a sweet romance as well as a HEA.
October 30, 2022
This was unlike most books you read in that the MC deals with verbal abuse on a constant basis, unsafe living conditions, and tries to make herself small. I almost didn't stick with the book because of these, but pushed through regardless and glad that I did. It was a good story of letting others in. I loved the 'story within the story' of the book that was written by her mother, and how it paralleled much of what was going on with Camille's life.
August 14, 2020
I started reading this book a chapter at a time as Melanie Jacobsen posted it to her FB account each Friday. I was quickly drawn in and looked forward to seeing a new chapter posted each week! When the book became available to buy, I knew I had to get it so i could find out what happened. It did NOT disappoint!!
August 18, 2020
I really enjoy Melanie Jacobson's books and this one did not disappoint! One thing that I especially liked about it is that it didn't have the typical story line where the main characters have a big misunderstanding, break up and then get back together. In this book, the problem came from outside their relationship and they worked through it together!
August 22, 2020
Good
I did enjoy this book. I liked the way the main character never stopped pushing for her dream. The main reason it didn’t get 5 stars is because it was too long. I skipped like 20+ pages in the middle and it didn’t distract from my understanding in the least which I find telling. I think it some of the superfluous sections had been edited down, it would have resonated more.
I did enjoy this book. I liked the way the main character never stopped pushing for her dream. The main reason it didn’t get 5 stars is because it was too long. I skipped like 20+ pages in the middle and it didn’t distract from my understanding in the least which I find telling. I think it some of the superfluous sections had been edited down, it would have resonated more.
September 4, 2020
This had some funny scenes in it, but it was overall a little angsty, though I guess that's about right for the target audience.
Content: I think there was some "Bible swearing" in it. There were no sex scenes, but teen sex was mentioned, though not in a way that made it look appealing. There was teen drinking, but that was frowned on.
Content: I think there was some "Bible swearing" in it. There were no sex scenes, but teen sex was mentioned, though not in a way that made it look appealing. There was teen drinking, but that was frowned on.
September 5, 2020
A story told with true grace
This book handles some pretty complex topics, and it does so with an eye for beauty and grace. None of the tropey flat high school characters typically found in YA books here, and the story is all the better for it. Even the climax conflict was, to me, fresh and wonderful. It is so, so great to see Cam bloom.
Clean, with some kissing.
This book handles some pretty complex topics, and it does so with an eye for beauty and grace. None of the tropey flat high school characters typically found in YA books here, and the story is all the better for it. Even the climax conflict was, to me, fresh and wonderful. It is so, so great to see Cam bloom.
Clean, with some kissing.
September 16, 2020
This is a fun sweet clean YA read. The story is about an orphaned teen, Cam, living with her hoarder aunt. The heroine’s fashion design talents are her ticket to college. Another student does everything she can to submarine Cam in her efforts to showcase her talents. Cam finds true friends and a little romance as she struggles to bridge her troubled past to a bright future.
October 4, 2020
Fabulous Read
I rarely give five Star reviews, but this book definitely deserved it! The main character was complex and inspirational. The story was deep, inspiring and original. This book is not just for young adults but for anyone who loves a fabulous story with a good romance. This is a must read!!!
I rarely give five Star reviews, but this book definitely deserved it! The main character was complex and inspirational. The story was deep, inspiring and original. This book is not just for young adults but for anyone who loves a fabulous story with a good romance. This is a must read!!!
November 4, 2020
Everything about this book was engaging. Sometimes gross and disturbing, but definitely engaging. I think my favorite part was the interaction of the characters. It wasn’t the typical miscommunication angst that sometimes permeates young adult fiction. I felt like it spoke to those who do try and work things out and maintain dignity through the process. Props to a swoony Rhett and his lady.
July 30, 2021
Wow! Just Wow!
I usually don’t enjoy reading YA because of the stupid juvenile drama but this story had none of that. It grabbed me from the beginning and always felt very real. Every time I had to lay it down, it kept calling me back and never disappoints. Another author which has been added to my favorite list.
I usually don’t enjoy reading YA because of the stupid juvenile drama but this story had none of that. It grabbed me from the beginning and always felt very real. Every time I had to lay it down, it kept calling me back and never disappoints. Another author which has been added to my favorite list.
November 3, 2021
Usually don’t live Cinderella, but adored this New Orleans YA take
Of all the popular fairytales (and I write them for a living) Cinderella is my least favorite. But I adore this New Orleans take that has her slowly opening her heart, forgiving, and having some awesome kisses along the way. Melanie Jacobson has become one of my new favorite authors!
Of all the popular fairytales (and I write them for a living) Cinderella is my least favorite. But I adore this New Orleans take that has her slowly opening her heart, forgiving, and having some awesome kisses along the way. Melanie Jacobson has become one of my new favorite authors!
August 20, 2020
This was an INCREDIBLE read. I do not exaggerate when I say that every character was full of life and individuality. The plot felt fresh and the setting was different and accessible all at the same time. I would absolutely read this again, and I highly recommend it.
October 21, 2020
I normally love Melanie Jacobson's books, but for whatever reason I could not get into this one. I made it more than half way through when I decided it just wasn't working for me. I'll probably try it again in the future.
October 21, 2020
Cute read by Melanie Jacobson! It was a great Cinderella like story of a girl pursuing her dreams and overcoming a difficult upbringing. I wish it would have been a little longer with more to the storyline but overall I highly recommend.
November 28, 2020
Camille has some things to put up with
Melanie Jacobson has written another interesting and funny story with characters that I love and can relate to. It was good to see how she included the realistic idea of hoarding into the book.
Melanie Jacobson has written another interesting and funny story with characters that I love and can relate to. It was good to see how she included the realistic idea of hoarding into the book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews