What I Thought Was True by Huntley Fitzpatrick
Publication Date: April 15, 2014
Publisher: Dial (Penguin)
Page Count: 416 PagesSummary: Gwen Castle's Biggest Mistake Ever, Cassidy Somers, is slumming it as a yard boy on her Nantucket-esque island this summer. He's a rich kid from across the bridge in Stony Bay, and she hails from a family of fishermen and house cleaners who keep the island's summer people happy. Gwen worries a life of cleaning houses will be her fate too, but just when it looks like she'll never escape her past—or the island—Gwen's dad gives her some shocking advice. Sparks fly and secret histories unspool as Gwen spends a gorgeous, restless summer struggling to resolve what she thought was true—about the place she lives, the people she loves, and even herself—with what really is.
I was beyond excited to start this book before I had even received it. Excited because I'd won the giveaway and excited because I was so satisfied with My Life Next Door I couldn't wait to see what else Huntley Fitzpatrick had written and if she had the ability to get me hooked on another story. She did, with such ease.
What I Thought Was True is one of those stories about summertime. It's about the lives of people who live year round on an island and what it's like for them outside the vacation frenzy of the rich people, as well as how important those people can be for them. I immediately fell for the setting and how Ms. Fitzpatrick so easily has you lured into the beauty of Seashell Island. Less so for the occasional bout of snobbish ways for a few of the characters.
Gwen and Cass (Especially Cass, one of my favorite boys of YA now) were both such wonderful and delightful characters to read about and get to know. Their back story was more complicated than I at first was expecting, but I enjoyed the back and forth between them. It was another thing so well done when usually it's something that leaves me annoyed with the characters. They were so hooked on each other and just didn't know what to do about it with their past mistakes hanging over them and so much fear to go forward. I was rooting for them from the very start. I enjoyed the chemistry (so much), and the dialogue, and especially the sweetness.
The side characters were also very enjoyable, more specifically Gwen's family. These were lovable and supportive people with their own problems and experiences into the story. They balanced so well with the drama and plot of the story. They were as important in Gwen's life as Cass and even her relationship with Mrs. Ellington. The book was so specific in every little detail, there isn't anything I didn't love about it. It's almost as if you're learning about life and what the future holds right along with Gwen, Cass, and the rest of the gang.
Definitely 5 stars for this one, I think in many ways I enjoyed it even more than My Life Next Door. I can't wait for what Huntley Fitzpatrick has prepared next.