Insanely predictable. I knew what was going to happen from the second chapter and it was all right. ( )

Sweet story. ( )

Plot: The plot of ‘Belles’ is very predictable and reminded me of many other books and movies. The twists and turns really weren’t all that exciting and the big secret at the end wasn’t all that shocking, however, I still really enjoyed it. It was just what I expected it to be; cute, quick and fun to read. I was very pleased to find out that this is in fact a new series, I can’t wait to see what happens next with the Belles.

Characters: The characters definitely made up for the plot’s lack of unexpected twists and turns. They were all relatable and likable (except for Savannah and her minions of course). The alternating view points made it really easy to get to know Izzie and Mira. Both girls have misconceptions about each other and by including the alternating view points, we get to actually see who each girl is and not who each girl thinks the other is which was great because both girls are very, very different. Izzie is really down to Earth, knows exactly who she is and won’t take crap from anyone, while her cousin, Mira, has a harder time breaking away from her circle of popular friends and being herself. It frustrated me every time Mira plotted against her own cousin. After all, family first, right?

Cover: The cover is simple, cute and girly and I’m assuming the girl on the cover is supposed to represent Izzie? I like it, I would definitely pick it up if I came across it in stores.

Overall Impression: I absolutely love all of Jen Calonita’s books and this one was no exception! ( )

Isabelle, "Izzie," Scott loves the life she has in Harborside. She spends her summer days lifeguarding, swimming in the ocean, teaching swimming lessons at the community center and hanging out with her friends on the boardwalk. Never mind that Harborside is supposedly the "wrong" side of the tracks, the dangerous town where some people are afraid to go. Izzie still loves it.

But when her ailing grandmother - who is losing her memory - is no longer able to care for fifteen-year-old Izzie, a social worker sends her to live with her long lost (and unknown to Izzie until then) uncle. Izzie's uncle and his family (including a cousin, Mirabelle, also fifteen) live in a ritzy, glamorous, well to do town about as far removed from Harborside as can be . . . even if it is only twenty minutes away.

Just as Izzie isn't happy about starting a completely new life, Mira isn't overjoyed at having to share her life with someone, either. Izzie's transition isn't an easy one. Underneath all of the Southern charm there's plenty of queen bees, social hierarchy, backstabbing . . . and more than enough elitism and snobbery to go around.


Belles is a fun and light read - rather predictable, too but that doesn't really ruin it. Izzie's uncle being a state senator - with possible bigger ambitions - was a nice twist for the story. It gave another layer to things. It allowed the story to still be in the South and keep those elements while keeping the added pressure of the political run/future play. I liked that it didn't just involve the dad/uncle being a lawyer or a doctor or some other usual big to-do in the community. Having a campaign manager also involved added a bit of drama and difficulty for Izzie's adjustment.

The story being told from both Izzie and Mira's points of view was nice. It allows readers to see how both girls are viewing the new situation. Readers also get different perspectives on the same things - and get to see what really happened sometimes and not just how one of the characters interprets the effects.

The book did jump over several events or periods that seemed like they wold have helped readers connect with the story. Something would happen and instead of a scene following it, it would be several days later with a few paragraphs recap. Some of the scenes I felt were missing would have helped me to connect with the characters and the story more.

Overall, though, Belles is a light and enjoyable read. It's great to read between heavier and/or darker books.

Rating: 7/10

I really liked this book as first I have read from this Jen. Full of scandals, sisterhood, politics, Southern charm, and secrets!

A native of the south, can relate as so realistic of nasty Belles and social climbers. Great characters (loved Isabelle), funny, and true to life settings--- with a great story! Look forward to reading Winter White to continue the saga of these two girls, and how they will be one step ahead of the backstabbers like Savannah!

Fifteen-year-old Isabelle Scott loves her life by the boardwalk on the supposed wrong side of the tracks in North Carolina. But when tragedy strikes, a social worker sends her to live with a long-lost uncle and his preppy privileged family. Isabelle is taken away from everything she's ever known, and, unfortunately, inserting her into the glamorous lifestyle of Emerald Cove doesn't go so well. Her cousin Mirabelle Monroe isn't thrilled to share her life with an outsider, and, in addition to dealing with all the rumors and backstabbing that lurk beneath their classmates' Southern charm, a secret is unfolding that will change both girls' lives forever. ( )