Review: Saving Juliet by Suzanne Selfors

Saving Juliet
by Suzanne Selfors

Genre: Fantasy, Humor, Romance, Young Adult
Publication: December 2008
Format: ebook, 256 pages
Source: Own
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Manhattan meets Verona in this time-bending twist on Shakespeare.

Mimi Wallingford, Great Granddaughter of Adelaide Wallingford, has the life that most girls dream about, playing Juliet opposite teen heartthrob Troy Summer on Broadway in Shakespeare's famous play. Unfortunately, she has no desire to be an actress, a fact her mother can't seem to grasp. But when she and Troy are magically thrust into Shakespeare's Verona, they experience the feud between the Capulets and Montagues first hand. Mimi realizes that she and Juliet have more in common than Shakespeare's script-they are both fighting for futures of their own choosing. Mimi feels compelled to help her and with Troy's unexpected help, hopes to give Shakespeare's most famous tragedy a happily-ever-after-ending.

In this Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet retelling, Mimi Wallingford was forced to be an actress, following the footsteps of her family. And now she was stuck playing Romeo and Juliet with none other than that snobby Troy Summer. Soon, Mimi and Troy were transported into the story of Romeo and Juliet by a magic pendant. Now Mimi must find her way to get back to her world and trying to save Juliet and Romeo from dying at the end of the story while avoiding Juliet’s mother, Lady Capulet and her people who wanted to kill her.

Saving Juliet is a fun read on Romeo and Juliet retelling. I love this book, although not as much as Suzanne Selfors’ Coffeehouse Angel. The story is very engaging. I found myself finishing the story earlier than I expected. The character and the story development were really good. There were a lot of things going on, but the story wasn’t draggy at all. Mimi was a great character and I absolutely love her narration. I love reading about how Mimi wanted to save Juliet. And oh! I love Mimi’s banter with Troy. There were lots of moments that made me laugh out loud. 

Overall, Saving Juliet was a fun, light read with a bit of romance, fantasy, and humor. I would recommend this book to those who were looking for a light romance, Romeo and Juliet’s retelling fan and to those who love happy endings.

Book Review: Coffeehouse Angel

Coffeehouse Angel
by Suzanne Selfors

Genre: Contemporary, Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Young Adult
Publication: first published July 2009
Format: ebook
Author:  Website, Facebook

Katrina works in her grandmother's coffee shop in a small town in Washington State, which isn't exactly the coolest job, given that it's an old-world Scandinavian coffee shop rather than the ultra hip Java Hut next door. One morning, when she gives a free cup of coffee and muffin to a homeless guy sleeping out behind the shop, this random act of kindness turns her life upside down. She soon learns that the homeless guy is actually a teenage guardian angel intent on returning the favor. Fame and fortune seem like the obvious requests, but after two botched wishes, Malcolm knows Katrina is hiding something from him. But how can she tell him the truth, when her heart's desire has become Malcolm himself?

Coffeehouse Angel by Suzanne Selfors was recommended by my little sister. She never enjoyed anything with romance but she enjoyed this one. Later, I found out that my cousin love this book. I thought I should give it a try. 

Coffeehouse Angel is narrated by Katrina. Katrina is a girl who worked in her grandma’s coffee shop. She woke up every day, early morning to open the coffee shop before school. She was taking out the garbage when she spotted a homeless guy at the back of the coffee shop. She left him a cup of coffee and some chocolate covered coffee bean. Later, Malcolm or the homeless guy came to her school to look for her and he insisted on giving her a reward for her good deed. Katrina thought of herself as ordinary – someone who doesn’t have any talent. When her grandmother fell sick, Katrina has to think of something or she will lose the coffee house. It wasn’t easy, especially dealing with an angel who refused to leave her alone and her friendship with her best friend, Vincent which started to crumble.

The characters in the book are very likeable, especially Malcolm, the angel who wore kilt. I like Katrina and Malcolm's interaction. They are mostly funny! I definitely enjoy reading this. I'm glad that my sister and cousin recommend this book to me. I enjoy the touch of romance, humor and the Katrina’s adventure in search of her talent much more. Coffeehouse Angel is a cute, romantic, heart-warming and clean read with an ending that makes you squeal for its cuteness!