A review by fayereadsbooks
The Falling in Love Montage by Ciara Smyth

emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

The Falling in Love Montage was one of the best YA books I have read in ages. 

I also found that this book perfectly captured what its like to be a teenager. The characters are 17/18, having just finished school. Being this age myself, I could relate to how the characters (especially Saoirse) reacted to situations and how she felt (or avoided) her emotions. So many books I read and question whether the author has ever met a teenager but this book did it perfectly. There's a point where Saoirse says she's gonna stomp around like a teenager because she is one and that was relatable. 

I liked the character of Beth, her dad's new fiancé. I really liked the part where she explained her job and all three of them were pointing out when her dad said sexist stuff.  Despite her initial reluctance to get on with Beth, I like how we saw the development of their relationship.  I also liked the character of Oliver


The book handled some more difficult topics really well (early onset dementia, mother having to move to a care home, difficult break ups, unwell siblings, avoiding complex emotional conversations) . There was quite a lot going on in the book and I think it was good that it showed that sometimes life can be really messy and not make sense. The characters show a lot of personal growth and development by the end of the book. Would recommend to everyone and especially is you like rom-coms :) 

My favourite quotes:

  • p81  "This herby declares that star right there' is names after Ruby Quinn. Signed: Brian Cox, Owner of Stars"
  • p251  "I don't believe there's one right person for everyone, and I spent fifty-one years with the same woman. But I do believe there's a right person for you at different times in your life. Whether that relationship lasts a week or fifty years in not what makes it special
  • p283 "See, the thing about the falling in love montage," she said, her voice hoarse "is that when it's over, the characters have fallen in love"
  • p350 "Just because something doesn't last forever doesn't mean it isn't meaningful"

Edit: a couple weeks after finishing this book, I realised it really reminds me of the song 'Summer Love' by One Direction.  'Cause you were mine for the summer, Now we know it's nearly over'. It reminds of the song as the book characters know that their falling in love montage will only last for the summer, until the planned end
Expand filter menu Content Warnings