A review by kristaallysa1
Belles, by Jen Calonita

4.0

This was a fun, quick read full of all the drama we love to hate. Due to her grandmother's deteriorating condition, Izzie is forced to move in with a distant uncle's family. Her uncle is nice, but he's a politician and cares more about what his campaign manager says will look good in the press than the needs of his family. Izzie's new family is also very wealthy and spends money like it grows on trees. In addition to family drama, this book is full of private school angst and a queen bee set on ruining Izzie's existence. This plot may read like something you'd see in a gossip magazine, but Calonita writes well and keeps the story interesting. Plus, unlike many books in this category, the characters aren't super flat. Most of the characters have a variety of different aspects to their personalities and confused, sometimes conflicting motivations. Belles is a good book for when you just want to escape and not have to think. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.