Gemma's Not Sure
Series: Galloway Girls #2
Author: Gill Stewart
Published May 26th 2020 by Sweet Cherry Publishing

Goodreads Synopsis
Gemma's not sure if she's brave enough to go to her audition, or if she even wants to study music at all. She's definitely not sure forming a band with Lily's hot ex-boyfriend is a good idea. Jamie's university life isn't like he thought it would be, and he doesn't know what to do about it. One thing he does know is that he wants a reason to bump into Gemma Anderson again. The Galloway Girls are back! With exams coming up and major life choices in progress, everything is about to change.
Goodreads

Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher. This in no way impacted on my view.

Life takes a turn in Gemma's Not Sure, as Gemma is decided on which university she should go to next year, and whether she can get over her stage fright to perform, for real. Her teachers want her to go to an exclusive Conservatoire, and teach youngsters while she's home, but it a bit much for her. To be honest, she's not even sure university is for her at all, and meeting up with Jamie, Lily's ex boyfriend and her long term crush, shows her that life as a fresher is not all great. Jamie was pushed into an accountancy course by his mam, and the expectations that are piled on him are too much. He loves his music, and refereeing, so when he comes home and starts getting more involved in youth training, being close to Gemma is perfect.

I read Lily's Just Fine recently, and liked how real the book was - talking about school, imperfect home lives, and what it's like being a teenager these days. As Lily's best friend, we saw a lot of Gemma and I wanted to know more about her, and why she seemed so nervous all of the time. She's a quiet bairn, who doesn't like attention or change really, and her final year of school is a big moment. One of the best things in this book was seeing her growth, from the shy and retiring Gemma at the start, to the Gemma who stood up for herself, was real with Jamie, and tried to help little Rosie with her own issues. Jamie and Gemma together were sweet - there wasn't any awkwardness over the fact Jamie used to be with Lily, so that was good. Of course, we have the obligatory angst we always get in YA's these days, but it was dealt with well, and I reckon I'll continue with the series. I'm hoping the next book is Sarah's, because there's so much about her yet unexplored!

Dates Read:
August 15-16, 2020

Rating
3 Stars