Title: My Life Next Door
Author: Huntley Fitzpatrick
First published June 14, 2012
394 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780803736993 (ISBN10: 0803736991)
Rating: 3.98
Overview
In Huntley Fitzpatrick’s heartwarming novel, My Life Next Door, Samantha Reed has always been envious of the Garretts, a loud and loving family who live next door. From her balcony, she watches their every move, yearning to be a part of their chaotic world.
When Jase Garrett climbs onto her balcony one summer evening, everything changes. Samantha and Jase fall head over heels in love, and she is welcomed into the Garrett family with open arms.
But when Samantha faces a difficult decision, she must choose between the family she’s always wanted and her own happiness. This charming and captivating tale is a perfect read for a lazy summer day, with characters you won’t be able to forget.
About the Author
Growing up in coastal Connecticut, Huntley Fitzpatrick was a dreamy and distracted child. She was surrounded by bookworms in her family, where everyone always had their nose buried in a book.
Fitzpatrick’s habit of keeping a detailed journal used to scare her boyfriends, but it has proved to be very useful in her career as a writer. Her first contemporary romance novel, MY LIFE NEXT DOOR, was published in June of 2012 by Penguin-Dial for Young Readers.
These days, Fitzpatrick finds inspiration in her six children, whom she laughs and eavesdrops on to gain perspective and material for her writing. She is represented by the talented Christina Hogrebe of the Jane Rotrosen Agency.
Editoral Review
” My Life Next Door” by Huntley Fitzpatrick is a captivating young adult novel that explores themes of love, family, and social class. First published on June 14, 2012, Fitzpatrick’s debut novel is a charmingly written romance that is sure to charm readers.
Samantha Reed is the daughter of a senator, living in a wealthy suburb of Connecticut. She and her hardworking mother live in a pristine house and stick to a strict routine.
But Samantha’s life is turned upside down when she meets her neighbor, Jase Garrett. Jase and his family are the complete opposite of Samantha’s; they are free-spirited and do not follow the social norms of their community.
As Samantha and Jase’s relationship blossoms, they struggle to navigate their different worlds without causing a rift between the families. Fitzpatrick’s writing style is engaging and evocative, drawing readers into the world she creates.
Her characters are well-rounded and relatable, and the dialogue between them is natural and realistic. The setting of the novel is also well-crafted, providing readers with a vivid image of the wealthy suburbs of Connecticut.
In terms of plot structure and pacing, “My Life Next Door” moves at a steady pace, building tension and suspense as the story progresses. The conflicts that arise between Samantha and Jase’s families are well-executed, showcasing the strong themes of social class and family loyalty.
While the novel may not offer any substantial historical or cultural significance, it does address issues that are relevant to young adult readers. The novel explores themes of love, family, and self-discovery in a relatable and realistic way that is sure to resonate with its target audience.
However, the novel does have its flaws. The ending feels rushed and leaves some plot points unresolved, which may leave some readers feeling unsatisfied.
Despite this, “My Life Next Door” remains a compelling read that is well worth the investment of time and attention. Overall, “My Life Next Door” is a charming and captivating young adult novel that explores themes of love, family, and social class in a relatable and realistic way.
Fitzpatrick’s engaging writing style and well-crafted characters make this debut novel an enjoyable and rewarding read. For fans of contemporary romance and young adult fiction, “My Life Next Door” is highly recommended.
Washington Post gives this book a score of 4 out of 5.
