Review: Jesse’s Girl by Miranda Kenneally

Review: Jesse's Girl by Miranda Kenneally

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Jesse’s Girl by Miranda Kenneally is very a entertaining read. It is so very different from other books I’ve read. It’s been a while since I’ve read a book with such timbre! If you are a music lover, this book should be right up your alley!

Review: Jesse’s Girl by Miranda KenneallyTitle: Jesse's Girl (Hundred Oaks)
Series: Hundred Oaks
Author: Miranda Kenneally
Also by this author: Breathe, Annie, Breathe
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult Fiction
Publication Date: July 7, 2015
Rating: four-stars
Series Rating: five-stars

Summary (from Goodreads):

Everyone at Hundred Oaks High knows that career mentoring day is a joke. So when Maya Henry said she wanted to be a rock star, she never imagined she’d get to shadow *the* Jesse Scott, Nashville’s teen idol.

But spending the day with Jesse is far from a dream come true. He’s as gorgeous as his music, but seeing all that he’s accomplished is just a reminder of everything Maya’s lost: her trust, her boyfriend, their band, and any chance to play the music she craves. Not to mention that Jesse’s pushy and opinionated. He made it on his own, and he thinks Maya’s playing back up to other people’s dreams. Does she have what it takes to follow her heart—and go solo? 

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❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃


Review: Jesse’s Girl by Miranda Kenneally

❀ An Inspirational Read

The reader will find Jesse’s Girl by Miranda Kenneally to be very inspirational! The message weaved throughout the novel is to follow your dreams and not allow others to brainwash you. Another theme that is explored in this book is to never judge a book by it’s cover. Maya, the main character, learns this lesson all too well. I thought that this was interesting, because usually the whole “follow your dreams” message is pretty cheesy, but somehow, Miranda Kenneally made it work. Well done, Miranda!

❀ Taylor Swift References

I found that Jesse’s Girl had a couple of Taylor Swift references. Two of the chapters were named after T-Swizzle songs (I Knew You Were Trouble and Our Song). Also, the main characters go to a Maserati dealership. Any fan of Taylor’s will feel right at home here! (I know that I did!)  There was also a chapter called Story Of My Life, which I interpreted as a One Direction reference. Books are definitely more interesting when the author makes an effort at referencing popular culture. The reader can feel a stronger connection to the characters.

❀ A realistic story

Notably, this book isn’t one of those “life is an easy walk in the park” type of book. Many things go wrong for Maya throughout this story! I won’t name them because I don’t want to spoil anything for you, but it was more realistic than some other books I’ve read recently. I think the author did a superb job trying not to make this book unrealistic.

❀ A Sweet Read

Finally, this book was very sweet. Maya has friends like Dave and Jesse that stick by her when times are rough. The message here is that friends are an integral and important component to our lives. Never take them for granted!

❀ Perfect for Fans of YA

Jesse’s Girl by Miranda Kenneally was very enjoyable to read! It was an extremely realistic portrayal of teenage angst. I would definitely recommend this book to fans of YA!

About Miranda Kenneally

Image of Miranda Kenneally

Growing up in Tennessee, Miranda Kenneally dreamed of becoming an Atlanta Brave, a country singer (cliché!), or a UN interpreter. Instead she writes, and works for the State Department in Washington, D.C., where George W. Bush once used her shoulder as an armrest. Miranda loves Twitter, Star Trek and her husband.

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About The Candid Cover

Olivia ❀ Canadian YA book blogger, Starbucks lover, & professional bibliophile.

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