YA Book Review: It Started with Goodbye by Christina June

Book Description:

Sixteen-year-old Tatum Elsea is bracing for the worst summer of her life. After being falsely accused of a crime, she’s stuck under stepmother-imposed house arrest and her BFF’s gone ghost. Tatum fills her newfound free time with community service by day and working at her covert graphic design business at night, which includes trading emails with a cute cello-playing client. If Tatum is reading his emails right, her virtual Prince Charming is funny, smart, and talented—and he seems to think the same about her. Too bad he’s spending his summer across the ocean in Ireland…not that Tatum would be allowed to go on a date anyway.

But over the course of the summer, Tatum will learn that sometimes going after what you want means breaking all the rules. And when Tatum discovers she’s not the only one in the house keeping secrets, she finds she has the chance to make amends with her family and friends. Equipped with a new perspective, and assisted by her feisty step-abuela-slash-fairy-godmother, Tatum is ready to start fresh and maybe even get her happy ending along the way.

My Review:

I haven't read many young adult novels recently that I've enjoyed as much as It Started with Goodbye. Tatum's story, much like Cinderella's, is about a misunderstood teen who's been wronged. Her stepmother is not so much wicked as she is stern, and her father is out of the country for much of the book. Tatum's stepsister has her own issues while Tatum's BFF is avoiding contact. These characters all make a great cast in a delightful story. Have I mentioned that I loved Abuela and "Prince Charming?" If you like fairytales with a modern twist, like I do, you'll love this book. Christina June writes entertaining dialogue. The teens in this book aren't perfect, but they tell a good story through the scope of friendship and family. Whether you are or you have a teenager looking for an entertaining book or you're older like me and like a good story. Pick up a copy of It Started with Goodbye. Well written, I give it a 5+. P.S. I found myself smiling through much of the story, which = pure delight. I received this book free from Zondervan.