MICHELLE'S REVIEW: Belonging by Karen Ann Hopkins

Title: Belonging
Author: Karen Ann Hopkins
Format Acquired: eARC

Publication Date: April 30, 2013

Publishing House: Harlequin Teen

ISBN: 9780373210817
Source of Copy: Requested from publisher via NetGalley

Summary:

I left everything I knew behind.

But it was worth it. He was worth it.

No one thought an ordinary girl like me would last two minutes living with the Amish, not even me. There are a lot more rules and a lot less freedom, and I miss my family and the life I once had. Worst of all, Noah and I aren't even allowed to see each other. Not until I've proven myself.

If I can find a way to make it work, we'll be Noah & Rose

together forever.

But not everybody believes this is where I belong.

(Image, summary and information courtesy of Goodreads)

Review:

From where we last left off in Temptation, Rose is convinced that the only way she and Noah can be together no holds barred, would be if she became Amish. With her family convinced that she'll come home running in no time and most of the Amish community of Meadowview believing that it's just a fleeting teenage romance, everyone is sure that Rose is doomed to fail. In Belonging, the sequel to Temptation, bonds will be tested, and difficult questions will be answered. With only love keeping Rose and Noah afloat, will it ever really be enough to keep them together?

Belonging is what I was really expecting the first book to be like. Hopkins takes the next step further by adding plot elements that may sound familiar to television drama aficionados, but let me assure you that it works as the relationship is very fragile and delicate. 

Rose is a very strong character, what with having to endure chores and other things that she didn't even really bother with back when she was home. The upside is seeing Noah, but finding a moment for the two of them seems to be just as difficult, especially since everyone's eyes are on her. Noah is coming off a bit better in this one as well, but I couldn't help but think it's because he got Rose to come over to his side. To some, Rose's family may be a bit harsh for what they've done, but I think it's only natural for any family to be very concerned for her, especially since she's a minor. But what I've observed from Rose is that she sticks to her guns, and even if there are times she doesn't seem to understand what she wants, she somehow has an inkling of it. Hopkins' characters have a bit more depth to them this time around, because while not everyone may be on board with their romance, at least Rose and Noah are forced to face questions that they usually evade. 

There is a scene in Belonging that I find kind of bizarre and over-the-top, so I couldn't bring myself to give this one four stars. But other from that blip, Belonging really explores the circumstances of their situation and Noah finally, FINALLY, gets it that it takes two to tango, and that he shouldn't be leaving everything up to Rose. The novel ends with a surprising twist that has me once again confused whether I am supposed to be happy with the new development or not. Rest assured, however, I am still enthralled by the story, and will be eagerly anticipating the next installment. 

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MICHELLE'S REVIEW: Temptation by Karen Ann Hopkins

Title: Temptation
Author: Karen Ann Hopkins
Format Acquired: Paperback

Publication Date: June 26, 2012

Publishing House: Harlequin Teen

ISBN: 9780373210541
Source of Copy: Purchased from Fully Booked

Summary:

Your heart misleads you. 
That's what my friends and family say. 

But I love Noah. 
And he loves me. 

We met and fell in love in the sleepy farming community of Meadowview, while we rode our horses together through the grassy fields and in those moments in each other's arms. It should be 

Rose & Noah 

forever, easy. 

But it won't be. 

Because he's Amish. 

And I'm not.

(Image and information courtesy of Goodreads; Summary lifted from actual book)

Review:

Rose and her family have just transferred to Meadowview. When a flood makes their journey to their new home rather difficult, their Amish neighbors, eager to make an acquaintance out of Rose's doctor father, step in to help them. But Rose gets more than help when her eyes land on gorgeous Noah, who seems to can't leave the English girl alone either. When their secret romance turns into something more serious, Rose and Noah have to make a choice to either stay together against their respective societies or go back to their own kind, because a love like theirs isn't an easy one, and they may have just took on more than they thought they could.

Hopkins' characters seem to have a mind of their own as character flaws are very obvious. There are just some things that I cannot let go of. As it is, I am critical about teenage romance, especially those that believe that they will be together forever and ever. Any teenager who claims to "cannot live without the girlfriend/boyfriend" earns a raised eyebrow and a harsh bark of laughter from me. But when Rose and Noah lock eyes on each other and decide that they're meant for each other straight off the bat is a bit over-the-top. 

Noah got on my nerves at times, especially when he was okay with Rose take the brunt of it. As far as the relationship goes, I seem to see that Rose is doing most of the giving, and Noah is more than content with all the taking. Since Noah is Amish, I get that he will have a lot more to lose as compared to Rose, such as familial and community ties, and financial security. If things won't work out with Rose, Noah will practically be a lone drifter, very much alien to the workings of the modern world. But does he really have to be that controlling of Rose?! Also, Rose's wild spirit is the reason why he was so drawn to her in the first place. If he's going to even attempt to somehow tame subdue her "Englishness", Rose wouldn't be any different from the horses he takes care of. 

Rose, on the other hand, is only too happy to spoil Noah. She loves him so much that she's willing to turn back on  the convenience of the modern world, her family, and even on her passions in life, like dancing. That is a huge, HUGE sacrifice to make for a guy you've only just met, even if said guy is scorching hot and an exceptionally good kisser. Rose is just sixteen, mind you, and she has her whole life ahead of her. She can't seriously be contemplating turning Amish and getting married, just because it's the only way they can be together. Rose isn't even entirely sure where the relationship is headed, although Noah is convinced that it's headed to the altar.

But despite the fact that the only reason why they're convinced they belong together is because of their intense chemistry and the heat that always seems to radiate off them when they're next to each other, I can't seem to look away! I swear I am getting such a kick out of this book for reasons I cannot absolutely pinpoint. Maybe it's the fact that I am a sucker for "forbidden" relationships. Or maybe it's because I found myself fascinated at how different the Amish are. Or even maybe because I keep guessing how long this obsession will last. 

But even if the relationship is shallow and off-putting, I am weirdly intrigued enough to read the next book.

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NICOLE'S REVIEW: The Fire Horse Girl by Kay Honeyman

Title: The Fire Horse Girl
Author: Kay Honeyman
Format Acquired: Hardcover

Publication Date: January 1 2013

Publishing House: Arthur A. Levine Books

ISBN: 9780545403108
Source of Copy: Purchased from Fully Booked

Summary:

Jade Moon is a Fire Horse - the worst sign in the Chinese zodiac for girls, said to make them stubborn, reckless and far too headstrong. While her family despairs of amrrying her off, she dreams of traveling far beyond her tiny village, living out a story as big as her imagination.

Then a young man named Sterling Promise offers Jade Moon and her father an incredible opportunity: the chance to go to America. As they travel, Sterling Promise's smooth manners and Jade Moon's impulsive nature strike sparks again and again. But America in 1923 doesn't welcome Chinese immigrants, and when they are detained at Angel Island - the so called "Ellis Island of the West - Jade Moon uncovers a betrayal that destroys all her dreams. To get into America, much less survive there, she will have to use every bit of her stubborness and strength to break a new path...one so brave and dangerous that only a Fire Horse girl could imagine it.

This marvelous adventure is as fiery, bold and romantic as Jade Moon herself - and just as unforgettable.

(Image and information courtesy of Goodreads; Summary lifted from actual book)

Review:

If there's one thing that never fails to pique my interest, it's Asian historical fiction, especially  when it's told in the perspective of a Chinese girl who's too headstrong and stubborn, too brash and bold for traditional China.

It's a belief in China that girls born a Fire Horse bring nothing but misfortune to those around them. Jade Moon is a Fire Horse girl, she's treated as the village pariah and is looked down upon by her own neighbors and her family. Cursed, they say. All she wants is a little bit of freedom, to not be looked down upon and maybe to find a little love and acceptance. Then Sterling Promise appears seemingly out of the blue with papers that will take her and her father to America. Jade Moon jumps at the chance to leave the country, the hope for a better future and her need for a little freedom spurring her on. But when she sets foot onto America soil she finds out that all is not what it seems and she fears that those shiny promises and wistful dreams are nothing more but a lie, a trap that she falls into. It  will take every ounce of Jade's stubbornness and refusal to give up to survive in America.

One of things I liked about The Fire Horse Girl is well, how well the author managed to capture traditional China. Generally speaking, girls in traditional China are supposed to be docile creatures, pretty and meek, able to cook and sew and should basically make a good wife. Jade is no such thing, she's fiery and willful and that alone makes her stand out from the crowd. And its not something people appreciate. It was undeniably easy to empathize with her plight and I had to admire her spunk and courage. It was great seeing her grow into herself and accept that she has the power to pave her own path despite her insecurities.

Truthfully, I actually liked Jade Moon and Sterling Promise's relationship, even if they did start off on the wrong foot and had a few unsavory incidents between them. While their romance may seem rushed, their circumstances weren't exactly conducive to a normal courtship.

While I admit to not being knowledgeable on history and such - so maybe my opinion on this doesn't really account for much - but I loved how realistic everything was;  the prostitution, the brothels, turf wars. The book also had a certain accent to it, like if Chinese was translated properly it would sound something like that. Maybe it's just me but it certainly added to the whole setting of the book and gave more personality and soul to Jade's voice. I enjoyed how the author also managed to blend in old Chinese traditions, like their zodiac system and their belief in luck and curses, into an American setting.

Kay Honeyman's debut novel The Fire Horse Girl gives readers a glimpse of the realities of the Chinese immigration through the voice of Jade Moon, a fiery and impulsive heroine that one can't help but root for. I admit to this book being one of my favorite 2013 debuts and I'm definitely looking forward to more books by this author. (And just in case any of you are wondering, I'm a Water Monkey.)

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