Book Review – My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century

My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century Series: My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century #1
by Rachel Harris
Published by Entangled Teen on September 18, 2012
Genres: Young Adult
Pages: 260
Format: Ebook
Source: Purchased
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On the precipice of her sixteenth birthday, the last thing lone wolf Cat Crawford wants is an extravagant gala thrown by her bubbly stepmother and well-meaning father. So even though Cat knows the family’s trip to Florence, Italy, is a peace offering, she embraces the magical city and all it offers. But when her curiosity leads her to an unusual gypsy tent, she exits . . . right into Renaissance Firenze.

Thrust into the sixteenth century armed with only a backpack full of contraband future items, Cat joins up with her ancestors, the sweet Alessandra and protective Cipriano, and soon falls for the gorgeous aspiring artist Lorenzo. But when the much-older Niccolo starts sniffing around, Cat realizes that an unwanted birthday party is nothing compared to an unwanted suitor full of creeptastic amore. Can she find her way back to modern times before her Italian adventure turns into an Italian forever?

 

I have had this book for over a year and I am so mad at myself for waiting so long to read this. My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century is a fun and romantic story. I was glued to the story by the first chapter and I loved everything about this book! 

I really loved the characters. Cat Crawford is on the verge of turning 16 but is dreading the huge MTV style party her future step-mother is planning.  She would rather be alone in her room or exploring an art gallery than be the center of attention. Cat has grown up under the Hollywood spotlight, thanks to having a famous movie director Dad and an infamous diva actress Mom. With the paparazzi and expectations of being a Hollywood kid, it isn’t surprising that Cat has lived a lonely life.  Beginning with her parents divorce, Cat has had to deal with the pain of people leaving her (her so-called “friends” only using her for a chance to meet her Dad so they can get into Hollywood). So it is understandable that when we first meet Cat she is bitter and is suspicious of her future step-mother (and pretty much everyone else).  But once she steps into Renaissance Italy her walls come down with the help a lovable cast of supporting characters (Aunt Francesca, Uncle Marco, Alessandra and Cipriano) and a gorgeous artist Lorenzo. We see a fun side of her (the real Cat that she has been afraid to show).

I have read a lot of adult time travel stories that always had a serious story filled with danger and historical facts.  My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century was my first teen time travel story and it was so fun to read. Right away the idea of a modern day teenager thrown back to Renaissance Italy creates images of hilarious faux pas, which author Rachel Harris does a great job of creating. This was written flawlessly and I find it hard to believe that this was her debut novel.  I loved how the author added a variety of pop culture references (for example- Miley Cyrus, the Kardashians, the tv show Quantum Leap, and the movies Titanic and The Blue Lagoon) which added humor to the story.  But it also lets the readers get a glimpse of the fun side of the author.  It was a nice personal touch and I loved it!

I highly recommend this book!  And now I’m off to start on the sequel, A Tale of Two Centuries!

Rating Report
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