Sophie Reads YA: Gill Stewart

2020 Contemporary Romance Challenge

ARC Review: Gemma's Not Sure (Galloway Girls #2) by Gill Stewart

10:00

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

2020 Beat the Backlist challenge

ARC Review: Lily's Just Fine (Galloway Girls #1) by Gill Stewart

10:00

Lily's Just Fine
Series: Galloway Girls #1
Author: Gill Stewart
Published July 11th 2019 by Sweet Cherry Publishing

Goodreads Synopsis
Lily couldn’t have planned life better herself. She lives in the best house in town and she’s dating the most popular boy in school. Everything else she can fix. Mum’s apathy? On it! The stuffy gala committee? Watch this space!

Tom has enough on his plate without trying to drag Newton St Cuthbert into the 21st Century. His sister is sick and there’s nothing anyone can do. Not doctors, not his parents, and certainly not Lily Hildebrand.

Sail away this summer with the unexpected romance of Scotland's most determined teenager.
Goodreads

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

Lily is expecting her summer to be perfect, but when her boyfriend dumps her after prom, and she's left alone with her inattentive mother, she needs to find something to do. When it's revealed that the town gala needs some more volunteers, and there's no one under the age of 50 on the committee, Lily joins up, along with best friend, Gemma, and Gemma's neighbour, Tom. Lily wants to change it up, adding a regatta for the youngsters, a raft building competition, and making the parade much more inclusive, rather than there only being a Gala Queen. Tom has never really spoken to Lily, and except for her being Gemma's best friend, thought her to be a busybody, and annoying. He's dealing with his sister's diagnosed illness, and would rather spend his summer before sixth form relaxing and going out on the river. Lily won't expect no for an answer though, and it soon becomes obvious that there's an attraction between the two. Will their close proximity lead to romance, or is that too much to ask?

I can't even remember where I first saw this book, but decided to request a copy on NG when it became available. I've hardly ever read any YA books set in Scotland, and loved the setting for this book. Lily and Tom were alright main characters, both with their own flaws and difficulties, but real and exactly what I'd expect for two 16 years olds. The plot line of the town gala and it's many additions - courtesy of Lily's input - was definitely enjoyable, and I loved how it showed a different side of Lily to us. Because of the way her family were, she was basically left to her own devices at all times, and what others might see as her interfering was a coping mechanism for her to keep herself busy. Her mam is depressed, and I understand the way she was, but I sort of hated the way Lily's whole family left her. She's only 16, and is the only one who doesn't know about her mam's mental health history, but is expected to keep her safe while her dad and siblings are living away. Tom, too, has difficulties, as he tends to be ignored a lot in favour of his sister, who they think has Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, but it's never been fully diagnosed. Sarah wants to do as much as she can, but her parents really coddle her, and I wish they were a little more understanding of a 15 year old who wants to do things, even if it makes her tired.

The relationships in the both, both romantic and platonic, were wonderful. I liked Tom and Lily together, and seeing their ups and downs as they navigated their relationship was perfect! Gemma was a fantastic friend to them both, and I'm definitely intrigued about her, as she seems like she may have anxiety, or something, and I can't wait to read her book, Gemma's Not Sure.

Dates Read:
August 1-3, 2020

Rating
3 Stars