A review by gettinglostinagoodbook
Ugly Young Thing by Jennifer Jaynes
4.0
4.5/5
I was so excited when I won this book in a giveaway, as I thoroughly enjoyed reading Never Smile At Strangers! The minute it arrived I intended to sit down and devour it. However, things did not work out as I planned and for one reason or another I was continually forced to put this book aside. I began it several times, getting hooked, and then having to put it down again. Finally I was able to actually read it last week!
I have to admit, it was worth the wait! Once I actually got past the first chapter (not out of lack of trying) there was no way I was putting this back down. Allie's return to Grand Trespass had me completely intrigued. Having read book one I felt that I already knew a little bit about Allie and understood why she felt the need to sell herself at such a young age. The attachment to her trucker "boyfriend" was also understandable - Allie was going to latch onto anything she saw as genuine love.
Returning to her home, while difficult, was also necessary for Allie. This is when the story truly picks up from the previous one. Being placed under the care of Miss. Bitty was probably the best thing to ever happen to Allie - it would just take her a while to figure that out.
Once again Jaynes had me guessing, and second-guessing myself throughout the story. She led you down one path, then took a sharp turn in another direction. I thought I had it figured out, only to read the next page and know I was completely off-base AGAIN. That is how Jaynes has created a loyal fan in me!
Darkness and terror seem to follow Allie wherever she goes, even in her bright moments. However, it is wonderful to see her strength and persistence in looking for some good. Jaynes has not only created a realistic and likeable character, she has also allowed this character to grow and change in ways that are often very difficult to see in the written word. I cannot wait to find out what happens next - there are so many more things I want to know about the characters I have been introduced to!
I was so excited when I won this book in a giveaway, as I thoroughly enjoyed reading Never Smile At Strangers! The minute it arrived I intended to sit down and devour it. However, things did not work out as I planned and for one reason or another I was continually forced to put this book aside. I began it several times, getting hooked, and then having to put it down again. Finally I was able to actually read it last week!
I have to admit, it was worth the wait! Once I actually got past the first chapter (not out of lack of trying) there was no way I was putting this back down. Allie's return to Grand Trespass had me completely intrigued. Having read book one I felt that I already knew a little bit about Allie and understood why she felt the need to sell herself at such a young age. The attachment to her trucker "boyfriend" was also understandable - Allie was going to latch onto anything she saw as genuine love.
Returning to her home, while difficult, was also necessary for Allie. This is when the story truly picks up from the previous one. Being placed under the care of Miss. Bitty was probably the best thing to ever happen to Allie - it would just take her a while to figure that out.
Once again Jaynes had me guessing, and second-guessing myself throughout the story. She led you down one path, then took a sharp turn in another direction. I thought I had it figured out, only to read the next page and know I was completely off-base AGAIN. That is how Jaynes has created a loyal fan in me!
Darkness and terror seem to follow Allie wherever she goes, even in her bright moments. However, it is wonderful to see her strength and persistence in looking for some good. Jaynes has not only created a realistic and likeable character, she has also allowed this character to grow and change in ways that are often very difficult to see in the written word. I cannot wait to find out what happens next - there are so many more things I want to know about the characters I have been introduced to!