Welcome to Beantown
by Elle Vanzandt
A Boston Belles Novel
Publication Date: January 30, 2017
Genres: New Adult, College, Coming of Age
They say the college years are what really shape a person for adulthood, and although rare, unbreakable bonds of friendship can be made. Gianna Moretti, Alexis Cole and Shelby Lansing are about to discover just how true that is. When the three of them are thrust together in a new city and on their own for the first time at Boston College, none of them expected to click so suddenly despite their many differences. They also didn’t anticipate how much their lives would be changed. Forgotten dreams, family secrets and heartbreaking fears are revealed as they grow, learn and laugh together. What started as a bond of circumstance quickly becomes something they never realized they’d all been missing –true friendship. However, when devastation strikes, will their friendship survive?
Review
There’s nothing better than building lasting friendships and
I love stories about friendships that turn into families. I strongly believe that family isn’t always
defined by blood, this has held true in my life and I’m sure it’s held true for
many others out there. So when I saw
that Welcome to Beantown was about
the bonds formed in college, I was pretty jazzed—especially as both authors
were unknowns to me. I was pleasantly
surprised by the book. I had been a
little worried that the story would be too muddied by the multiple points of
view, but the book was well-written and the transitions flowed smoothly enough
that I was able to flow the story from chapter to chapter with ease. That being said, I still wish that each girl
got her own book, the novella felt so brief to me and I can’t help but wonder
if we would have gotten more depth from a novella about each character.
Gia is loud, brash and in your face. Raised in love, she’s sarcastic and outgoing
with a family that I want to adopt.
Please Mamma, can I come for Sunday dinner?? Shelby is quieter, country-bred
and really sweet. Self-conscious because
of money restrictions, she is primarily there for education. Lexi is reserved, bordering on cold and
insecure. She’s been raised to be about
image and reputation. It’s an odd bunch
but the bond they are forming is definitely a strong one. Add in Frankie, Gia’s brother, and his
friends and you have the makings for some shenanigans. There’s some great banter included. The characters are pretty well developed;
they each have some flaws and insecurities.
Overall, I enjoyed the book.
It’s not in my top favorites of New Adult or college-aged reads but I’ll
definitely keep reading. It does end on
a cliffhanger so if you prefer waiting until a series is finished before
reading, you’ll want to wait before reading because it’s a humdinger of
one. Also, there is a situation that may
trigger some people. It’s not extremely
drawn out or in your face, but it still could affect someone.
If you like college settings, this may be worth a look for
you. Just don’t expect a whole lot of
romance or hanky panky. This is mainly
about friendships. -Peace and Love, Buxom J
About Elle Vanzandt
Elle Vanzandt grew up a Navy brat who has had the privilege of living in many places but she will always call Illinois her home. A stay-at-home mom to two amazing children, a blogger, and a writer, she wears many hats. With determination and strength taught to her by her mother, she has made it through many obstacles, always sticking with the family motto ‘pull up your bootstraps and get it done’. Writing is an adventure she could have never predicted but is enjoying the ride all the same. In her free time you can find Elle with a book in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other. Background noise is a must, usually in the form of her kids, but Netflix and country music on Spotify come in a close second and third.About P. Marie
P. Marie lives in a small town outside of Boston where she was born and raised. She resides in the house she grew up in with her husband of 33 years and her two fur babies, Tek and Tessie. She is the proud mother of two adult children as well. While she is a corporate girl during the day, she has become both a writer and blogger by night. P. Marie says she owes her success to her mother who taught her that if you believe in yourself, you can achieve anything.
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