REVIEW: Coco Caramel by Cathy Cassidy

Name: Coco Caramel (TCBG #4)

Author: Cathy Cassidy

Publisher: Puffin/Penguin

Date published: 6th June 2013

Pages: 263

Source: For review (from publisher)

Rating: 5 teacups

Coco may be the youngest of the five Tanberry girls, but she can be as tough as her big sister Honey and as determined as either of the twins, Summer and Skye. Coco is always trying to save someone, whether it's the giant panda, a bullied boy or her favourite pony.
If only Lawrie, the moodiest guy in the school, would stop getting in her way, things would be fine. But has Coco bitten off more than she can chew this time?

Beverley's Review

I have a fervent belief that you can never grow too old for a Cathy Cassidy book.  Or maybe I just don't want to.  Either way, I'm sure you'll agree with me once you've read the latest instalment in her Chocolate Box Girls series.

There is something special about the way Cathy weaves in important issues to create a delightfully sweet concoction of adventure, young love, growing up and the unwavering idea that anything is possible.

Coco is the youngest of the Tanberry sisters and one of my favourites.  She's feisty and spirited and has a determination I can only dream of!  She has such passion for doing right by her family and and always at the best intentions at heart.  I especially enjoyed her naivete - it was a fresh reprieve from the pressures of real life.

The plot itself was delightfully spun and really showed off Coco at her best.  It was sweet and daring - everything Coco encompasses really.  There was a little romance swirled in to the mix too, which was very innocent and tentative.  I just love it when the secretive, moody guy reveals a different side: a kinder and softer one.

Overall, Coco Caramel is a wonderful, light read perfect for lazy days in the sun.  It explores the journey of growing up and encourages you to reach for the stars and that nothing is impossible as long as you put your heart to it.

5 Teacups for Coco Caramel!

*Thanks to Penguin for the review copy!*

Happy reading,
Beverley xxx

REVIEW: Marshmallow Skye by Cathy Cassidy

Name: Marshmallow Skye (TCBG #2)

Author: Cathy Cassidy

Publisher: Puffin

Date published: 1st September 2011

Pages: 278

Source: Swapped

Rating: 5 teacups

Click HERE to read my review of Cherry Crush, the first book. WARNING: it's one of my early reviews which means it is very cringe-worthy indeed :P

SKYE TANBERRY is an identical twin, and she loves her sister Summer more than anyone else in the world. They do everything together, but lately Skye's been feeling like second-best - it's the story of her life. And when her friend Alfie confesses he's fallen for Summer, she pretends it doesn't hurt.

Skye wants to be her own person; but with an effortlessly cool twin, how can she? Will Skye ever step out of Summer's shadow and find her own chance to shine?

Another beautifully written instalment to The Chocolate Box Girls series by Cathy Cassidy.  This book revolves around Skye who constantly feels as if she lives in the shadow of her twin, Summer.  She's fed up of being a 'mirror girl' and second-best to her twin.  Why is everyone attracted to her sister more than her?  What makes Summer so special?  Then they find an old, dusty trunk in the attic full of pieces from the past: gorgeous dresses and petticoats, bracelets and accessories, a violin and a powder-blue birdcage.  This is only the beginning of Skye pulling away from her twin and 'finding' herself...

Skye loves all things vintage and she adores wearing the beautiful dresses - to the disapproval of her sister.  It is suspected that the trunk belonged to Clara Travers, a relative of the Tanberrys from the 1920s, who was engaged to a rich, older man but fell in love with a gypsy boy.  The day before her wedding, she swam into the ocean and disappeared without a trace.  But Skye is tired of trying to please Summer and insists on keeping on the old clothes, which leads to vivid dreams where she meets a boy... a ghost boy who she believes is Clara's gypsy lover...

Ok, I know that some boys are unattainable but you can't get more unattainable than a boy who lived about 90 YEARS ago!  I was really intrigued as to how to how the book would turn out and I really loved the supernatural aspect of the book.  The spooky twists definitely set it apart from other CC books and added more suspense and thrill but you won't be scared senseless ;)  The writing style in this seemed a little dreamy and the constant reference to marshmallows had me drooling :D

Aside from the mild spookiness, I loved the storyline where Skye felt more and more distant from Summer.  I think Cathy portrayed the relationship between the twins perfectly and I loved their close-ness and need for each other.  However, people often expect twins to be identical in all aspects and it was a shame to see Skye being overshadowed by Summer, simply because Summer exudes confidence and has the 'shining' personality.

I adored all the characters.  Skye has a thoughtful, mature voice and it was a pleasure to read her story - she's fun and quirky and sees the best in everyone which is what I love most about her.  She sure is a unique individual and I admire her for not conforming to other people's expectations.  I don't want to go into too much detail about Summer since her book is out soon but there were times where I got really frustrated with her 'I'm too good for you' attitude... The supporting characters Millie and Alfie certainly generated a few laughs from me.  Millie is your typical thirteen-year-old girl: experimenting with make-up and trying (too) hard to impress the boys - her eagerness to flirt was pretty hilarious.  Whereas Alfie's determination to win Summer's heart soon became utter stupidity and I couldn't help but chuckle at him when he chose to ignore the fact that Summer was just not interested hehe.  I loved Alfie - his cheekiness and desperation was just too sweet <3

And the ending... the ending was so damn cute!!!  I seriously wasn't expecting that and I'm super happy that Cathy chose to end it like that!  Bring on Summer's Dream! <3

Overall, a sticky-sweet concoction of growing up, believing in yourself and impossible romance!  You should definitely check this out, but remember to keep a bowl of marshmallows nearby when you're reading it!  It would be the perfect read for lazy days on the beach...

5 teacups for Marshmallow Skye!

Beverley xxx