How Zoe Made Her Dreams (Mostly) Come True by: Sarah Strohmeyer (2013)
295 pages
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Genre: YA/ Romantic Comedy
Source: The Library
Purchase: Barnes and Noble | The Book Depository
Goodreads Summary: From Sarah Strohmeyer, author of Smart Girls Get What They Want, comes this romantic comedy about one girl's summer job from hell. Think The Devil Wears Prada set in Disney World.When cousins Zoe and Jess land summer internships at the Fairyland Kingdom theme park, they are sure they've hit the jackpot. With perks like hot Abercrombie-like Prince Charmings and a chance to win the coveted $25,000 Dream & Do grant, what more could a girl want?
Once Zoe arrives, however, she's assigned to serve "The Queen"-Fairyland's boss from hell. From spoon-feeding her evil lapdog caviar, to fetching midnight sleeping tonics, Zoe fears she might not have what it takes to survive the summer, much less win the money.
Soon backstabbing interns, a runaway Cinderella, and cutthroat competition make Zoe's job more like a nightmare than a fairy tale. What will happen when Zoe is forced to choose between serving The Queen and saving the prince of her dreams?
My Review: How Zoe Made Her Dreams (Mostly) Come True is a genuine young adult romantic comedy with a mystery thrown in. I was laughing through pretty much the entire novel. Disasters are abundant in the Fairytale Land theme park. Who knew that so much work and craziness goes on behind the scenes of a theme park? Some of the story was a little annoying but mostly it was just cute fun. The ending was fantastic! Zoe is a true friend and has such a pure heart. Her cousin and friend Jess added a little something extra. I really like how much the book focused on friendships more than anything else. There was romance too but it was in the background, a slight love triangle between Zoe, the lady in waiting, and a couple of princes. Her summer internship will bring you joy, this I know. Oh and there are fairy tale characters around every corner, for example, there is The Evil Queen who is evil indeed, and maybe a little crazy.
MY RATING 3.5/5
Goodreads Summary: I’ve lost it. :( The only thing in the world I wasn’t supposed to lose. My engagement ring. It’s been in Magnus’s family for three generations. And now the very same day his parents are coming, I’ve lost it. The very same day! Do not hyperventilate, Poppy. Stay positive :) !!
Poppy Wyatt has never felt luckier. She is about to marry her ideal man, Magnus Tavish, but in one afternoon her “happily ever after” begins to fall apart. Not only has she lost her engagement ring in a hotel fire drill but in the panic that follows, her phone is stolen. As she paces shakily around the lobby, she spots an abandoned phone in a trash can. Finders keepers! Now she can leave a number for the hotel to contact her when they find her ring. Perfect!
Well, perfect except that the phone’s owner, businessman Sam Roxton, doesn’t agree. He wants his phone back and doesn’t appreciate Poppy reading his messages and wading into his personal life.
What ensues is a hilarious and unpredictable turn of events as Poppy and Sam increasingly upend each other’s lives through emails and text messages. As Poppy juggles wedding preparations, mysterious phone calls, and hiding her left hand from Magnus and his parents . . . she soon realizes that she is in for the biggest surprise of her life.
MY RATING: 4/5
I've Got Your Number by: Sophie Kinsella
433 pages
Publisher: The Dial Press
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Source: The Library
Purchase: Barnes and Noble | The Book Depository
Goodreads Summary: I’ve lost it. :( The only thing in the world I wasn’t supposed to lose. My engagement ring. It’s been in Magnus’s family for three generations. And now the very same day his parents are coming, I’ve lost it. The very same day! Do not hyperventilate, Poppy. Stay positive :) !!Poppy Wyatt has never felt luckier. She is about to marry her ideal man, Magnus Tavish, but in one afternoon her “happily ever after” begins to fall apart. Not only has she lost her engagement ring in a hotel fire drill but in the panic that follows, her phone is stolen. As she paces shakily around the lobby, she spots an abandoned phone in a trash can. Finders keepers! Now she can leave a number for the hotel to contact her when they find her ring. Perfect!
Well, perfect except that the phone’s owner, businessman Sam Roxton, doesn’t agree. He wants his phone back and doesn’t appreciate Poppy reading his messages and wading into his personal life.
What ensues is a hilarious and unpredictable turn of events as Poppy and Sam increasingly upend each other’s lives through emails and text messages. As Poppy juggles wedding preparations, mysterious phone calls, and hiding her left hand from Magnus and his parents . . . she soon realizes that she is in for the biggest surprise of her life.
My Review: I've Got Your Number is a book that will make you giggle the entire time your reading it guaranteed. This is my first Sophie Kinsella novel and I wasn't disappointed, I plan on reading more by her soon. It's the perfect book if you are looking for a light romantic comedy that will lift your spirits and have you cheering for the girl. Poppy is a slightly crazy and charming woman who is in complete panic mode over losing her engagement ring. She was easy to relate to and when she was in panic mode I felt like I was reading a story about my life. :) At times I've Got Your Number went a little too crazy with some really out there scenes for my taste, but it still had me laughing. Take a break from those dystopian novels or deep thought provoking books and fall into Poppy's kooky life.
MY RATING: 4/5
Every now and then I really find my self craving a good rom-com (but shh, don't tell anyone!). I think I could enjoy the first book, if only, because I'd LOVE to see some of the craziness that happens behind-the-scenes at Disney. So fun!
ReplyDeleteIf you enjoyed these, I'd recommend The Second Assistant by Clare Naylor & Mimi Hare. It's set in Hollywood and is incredibly funny. The sequel is pretty stellar too!
Thanks for the recommendation! Since I don't read a lot of these types of books I never seem to know where to turn when I get a craving but this well help. I'll look into that book!
DeleteI really liked both of these, too. When I first started reading Zoe I kind of didn't like it, it was just so wacky, but once I settled in I really enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteI was the same way with Zoe but the book really grew on me.
DeleteHow Zoe Made Her Dreams Mostly Come True sounds really cute. There is a definite shortage of romantic comedies in the YA genre, I love when a book makes me laugh out loud +D
ReplyDeleteI don't read them often but I love these types of books when I pick a good one. :)
DeleteYou're right, sometimes it's nice to take a break from the more 'heavier' books, and just read something light and fun. How Zoe Made Her Dreams (Mostly) Come True sounds cute and funny. I think I'll add this to my TBR list. Thanks for sharing it :)
ReplyDeleteI liked I've Got Your Number a lot too. So funny though there were some quite awkward situations sometimes. If you want to read more by Kinsella, you should read The Undomestic Goddess or Can You Keep A Secret? They are both very good :)
Thanks for the suggestion! I think I'll try those both out by her because I'm not a huge shopper so I'm not sure I would like her shopaholic books that much.
DeleteThese books were a really nice break from the heavy stuff I've been reading lately. I think you will find Zoe cute. Glad you liked I've Got Your Number too!
How Zoe Made Her Dreams Mostly Come True sounds really fun and cute, perfect for when you need a light romantic comedy. I haven't had the chance to read it yet, but thanks for the great review and reminding me why it's on my TBR pile! ;)
ReplyDeleteNo problem! It was a nice change of pace. :)
DeleteI love how you get to see the inner workings (it's fiction but it's still something) of Disney through How Zoe Made Her Dreams (Mostly) Come True. I have it on my tbr list already. You reminded me that I should go looking for it. I could use a nice, fun read.
ReplyDeleteI've Got Your Number sounds like another fun read. It also sounds hilarious! I love the way the MC talks just based on the description of the book. You've convinced me! I'm going to check this out of my library as soon as I can. Thanks (:
You are very welcome! I hope you have as many laughs as I did. I've Got Your Number was a perfect pick me up.
DeleteI love how you get to see the inner workings (it's fiction but it's still something) of Disney through How Zoe Made Her Dreams (Mostly) Come True. I have it on my tbr list already. You reminded me that I should go looking for it. I could use a nice, fun read.
ReplyDeleteI've Got Your Number sounds like another fun read. It also sounds hilarious! I love the way the MC talks just based on the description of the book. You've convinced me! I'm going to check this out of my library as soon as I can. Thanks (:
Sometimes I feel like I am seriously missing out by reading pretty much only YA. This one sounds cute even though I don't read many romances. I do love comedy!
ReplyDeleteIf you ever just need a few laughs or get (semi) caught up on your TBR list I would say to get it from the library and give it a whirl. :)
DeleteThese books are both in my TBR list and I'm glad to know that you enjoyed them! I'll make sure to pick them up when I look for something light to read. Lovely reviews, Kay!
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