Monday 8 April 2013

Review & Giveaway This is What Happy Looks Like by Jennifer E. Smith

This is What Happy Looks Like by Jennifer E. Smith
Publisher: Headline Book Publishing
Publication date: 4th April 2013.
My rating: 3.5 stars


If fate sent you an email, would you answer? In This is What Happy Looks Like, Jennifer E. Smith's new YA novel, perfect strangers Graham Larkin and Ellie O'Neill meet—albeit virtually—when Graham accidentally sends Ellie an email about his pet pig, Wilbur. In the tradition of romantic movies like "You've Got Mail" and "Sleepless in Seattle," the two 17-year-olds strike up an email relationship, even though they live on opposite sides of the country and don't even know each other's first names. Through a series of funny and poignant messages, Graham and Ellie make a true connection, sharing intimate details about their lives, hopes and fears. But they don't tell each other everything; Graham doesn't know the major secret hidden in Ellie's family tree, and Ellie is innocently unaware that Graham is actually a world-famous teen actor living in Los Angeles. When the location for the shoot of Graham's new film falls through, he sees an opportunity to take their relationship from online to in-person, managing to get the production relocated to picturesque Henley, Maine, where Ellie lives. But can a star as famous as Graham have a real relationship with an ordinary girl like Ellie? And why does Ellie's mom want her to avoid the media's spotlight at all costs?

This is What Happy Looks was a super cute book about two strangers being brought together by an e-mail being sent to the wrong e-mail address. Before you know it Ellie and Graham are sending e-mails back and forth to each other for the next few weeks. Ellie doesn’t know Graham’s name and that he’s a famous actor, but he’s the only person she’s ever opened up to. She finds it easy to talk to him and tell him things about him she’s never told anyone before. Ellie’s not had the best life, she and her mum moved to Maine when their shady past was brought out into the limelight. Her mum doesn’t want that sort of attention so uprooted Ellie when she was little and moved her to a quiet Maine. So while Ellie’s enjoying talking to Graham via e-mail on a regular basis, she doesn’t expect him to turn up at Maine with a big production company ready to film his latest up and coming movie. Can Ellie accept Graham for who he really is when she’s hidden away for so long?

After a few mix-ups Ellie finally comes face to face with Graham and she’s in for a surprise as he wasn’t what she was expecting, she feels like she’s been made a fool of, but he’s been the only one she’s ever been able to connect to, so is she going to blow off the relationship (whatever it is) over a few pesky paparazzi?

I initially adored the e-mails that went back and forth between Graham and Ellie, they were adorable funny but most of all honest. It’s where they shared their inner most fears and dreams never expecting to meet the person in real life. But then when Graham arrived at Maine, the e-mails started withering down to nothing. I think I would have much preferred the e-mails to continue through the course of the book as both characters made many mistakes which could have probably been cleared up quicker if they’d have just communicated properly in the first place.

Both characters had awkward pasts which brought them together in the first place. They were both at a place in life where they still wanted something else. Graham thought he had everything as he was a big high flying actor but he was always alone in his grand old house and his relationship with his parents wasn’t that great. Ellie and her mum were just able to scrape by, they had a shop which was doing okay, but when something broke down they had to just manage. Ellie had wanted to go on a writer’s course but as it had no scholarship, she had to make her own money; she didn’t want to ask her mum especially after everything that had happened. So just having this correspondence with each other through e-mail brightened up their day.

I did like this cute relationship which was developing between Graham and Ellie, with the way their lives were, they deserved that bit of happiness. But I had a hard time connecting to either character. I did feel for them at times, the heartache they had to experience, but there was never anything which they did which left a great impression with me. Everything about them and their relationship was cute but other than that it wasn’t anything memorable.

Also characters which dither about frustrate me hugely. They had been talking for weeks and so knew they felt something towards each other, but just didn’t do anything about it until later. I understand Ellie was worried about her past being brought up, but really if you know the guy you like is going to be around just for a few weeks wouldn’t you want to make the most of your time together?

This is What Happy Looks Like was a book which I had really high hopes for, but it just really fell flat in places, I found myself forcing to read for the sake of reading and not because I was actually enjoying it. However I’m sure I will be in the minority with my feelings about this book as most readers will be sure to devour it right up, so please don’t let my review put you off in giving it a go.

As This is What Happy Looks Like didn't really work out for me, I've decided to give my copy away. This giveaway will be international and you can enter by filling out the rafflecopter form below. Good luck everyone! 


a Rafflecopter giveaway

114 comments:

Sarah Woodard said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Sarah Woodard said...

I am so excited for this book. Sad to see that you didn't like it.
Most books make me happy.

Tanja - Tanychy said...

I've been waiting to see some reviews for this book. Really the blurb sounds interesting and I was really curious. Too bad you couldn't connect with the characters...I hate when that happens. Great review Jasprit :)

To answer your question - right now Clockwork Princess! :)

SarahO said...

It's unfortunate that you didn't love this book but sometimes that happens! A book that makes me happy is The Truth About Forever, or Anna and the French Kiss!

selkiereads said...

So many people are giving mixed reviews so I don't know what to expect from it. It was nice to hear your thought about it, though.

Most light contemporaries with unique characters make me happy :)

- Ellie at The Selkie Reads Stories

Danielle B! said...

Pretty much any book by Cassandra Clare, Stephanie Perkins, or Julie Kagawa makes me happy :D

Zsofia said...

The Adrian Mole series by Sue Townsend :)
(Zsófia Sz.)

Majer Gabriella said...

Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead

Vegan YA Nerds said...

I am so ken to read this book just to see if I feel the same way as everyone else, because I swear everyone feels the same about this book!

And dithery characters bother me, too!

Carina Olsen said...

Ahh, there are so many books that make me happy. <3 But I just finished re-reading Jellicoe Road, and that book makes me SO HAPPY. But also sad and heartbroken. But it's just perfect :) Thank you for this amazing giveaway! I would love to win this book :) It sounds amazing.
Love, Carina

Zemira said...

Which books make me happy? Those cute romancey ones, like Lola and the Boy Next Door or any other that has a great crushable book boyfriend.

Mary Preston said...

Right now THE HOBBIT makes me happy.

nurmawati djuhawan said...

books by amanda quick :)
thx u...

kit said...

I wasn't that keen on The Statistical Probability..., mostly because I didn't feel very connected to the characters in that, either. Sorry to hear this one fell a bit flat!

Cassi said...

I love Diary of a Whimpy Kid. :)

Suzanne (Parabooklover) said...

Sorry you didn't enjoy this one that much Jaspirit but great review and thanks for the giveaway :)

Kristia said...

Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson.
It's hard not to be able to connect to the characters because you can't feel the story. I've read reviews with the same problem but I would like to read it to see for myself :)
Thank you for the giveaway!

Sam (Realm of Fiction) said...

I'm not always a fan of e-mail (or text!) exchanges in books, though they usually work pretty well in contemporary stories. I'm glad you thought this was cute overall, even if there was a lack of complete connection. Great review, Jasprit! :)

Veronika said...

Easy by Tammara Webber! I adore that book! I can't wait to read this is What Happy Looks Like! It sounds so good and I like the author's style! I loved The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight!

_Sandra_ said...

Books like The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight, My Life Next Door, Lola and the Boy Next Door, Jellicoe Road, Going Vintage.. All the cute romance books! :)
Thanks for a giveaway! :)

Unknown said...

Hah. I just read this and my post was supposed to go up today. But I postponed it for If He Had Been With Me. Lol.

Charlie said...

Contemporary YA romance usually makes me happy. Few books that made me feel giddy were Shrinking Violet, Catching Jordan and Anna and the French Kiss.

I've been waiting for this book since I loved The Statistical Probability. Thanks for the giveaway!

x,
Charlie Letter Trails

Lauren @ Love is not a triangle said...

I have been so excited to read this one, and I just got it from the library. But most of the reviews I've read have felt mediocre about it, so now I'm less interested. I really loved The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight, so it's disappointing that this one is getting lower reviews.

emongskie said...

Amy and Roger's Epic Detour :)

Erica (The Reading Kitten) said...

Chicklits make me happy.

Texas Book Lover said...

Honestly as long as I am reading a book with a touch of romance in it I am usually happy. Reading calms me and puts a smile on my face so I am always happy while reading!

Unknown said...

I haven't read it yet, but I have a feeling that when I write my review, it will be similar. I look forward to the emails so it's disappointing that it withers down. Also, I hate when characters have their pasts get in the way and waste time. Great review!

Oh, why not, while I'm here :) ....reading in general makes me happy, but usually contemporary and definitely some kind of romance in my YA!

Unknown said...

You are most definitely not alone in your feelings, Jasprit. Most reviews that I've read, mine included, stated that the characters & story felt flat. Smith is such a wonderful writer. I wish I had loved this more.
Great review!

Makaela said...

Harry Potter, every time. :)

Anonymous said...

Many readers had a very similar reaction to this book as you did, Jasprit. I'm beginning to wonder if I should read it or not. It sounds so cute though. I love that they email each other. It's really too bad that you were unable to connect with either of the characters, but I understand why the book might have fallen flat for you.
Lovely review, Jasprit!

All the Ups and Downs said...

The Selkie Spell Trilogy by Sophie Moss =)

Unknown said...

Aw, Jasprit... sorry it didn't work out for you. :( It sucks when that happens. Great review, though. :)

So far, any book by Lauren Oliver or Maggie Stiefvater makes me happy. But that's a *short* list... I could go on. lol

B

Leoni400 said...

Rereading Harry Potter books or other favourites makes me happy! :)

Lori L. Clark Art said...

It's hard to say what book makes me happy... I never re-read something I've read before. But I like books that make me cry, make me laugh and tug at my emotions.

Jenni said...

I felt much the same as you on this one, Jasprit. I had such high hopes in the beginning because the way the relationship was introduced was so cute! But the side plots and the constant back and forth just started to annoy me and take my enjoyment away from the story. I'm like you, I don't like the "dithering" characters. They know how they feel and yet they fight it forEVER it's so annoying. Fabulous review!

Kiku said...

Stories with happy endings make me happy. Stories that have been written beautifully, where the words have deep meanings that I can relate with. Or simply some cute romances (: Let's say "Warm Bodies" by Isaac Marion.

Book Passion for Life said...

Aw, I gave up on this one...I couldn't connect to it what so ever as it was so slow paced. Glad you stuck with it though. Lovely review hun x

Jenny said...

Awwww sorry this one didn't work for you Jasprit! I feel like I'm the only person that liked it. I've seen a lot of "meh" reviews for it, but I had fun with it. I agree with you on the emails though, I do wish those had continued throughout because they hooked me immediately. I could have done without the plotline with Ellie's father as well, but overall I really enjoyed it. Fabulous review as always though!

Anonymous said...

The one book that truly makes me happy, even though I have cried every single time I have read it is, "Love you Forever" by Robert Munsch. It is actually a children's book and I bought it when my kids were little. LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS BOOK!!!
http://www.amazon.com/Love-You-Forever-Robert-Munsch/dp/0920668372/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1365429760&sr=8-1&keywords=love+you+forever+by+robert+munsch

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry this one didn't really work for you. Since I enjoyed "Statistical...", I'll give it a try anyway.

Katie said...

The Wicked Lovely series makes me happy. So different from everything else!

Eunice said...

Aww, I'm sorry you end up quite disappointed on this one, Jasprit. I'm think of reading this next week so let's see what i make of it. Still, I'm glad you find the overall story to be really cute. Thanks for the honest review! :)

Diannosaurreads said...

The Iron Fey Series

erin said...

thanks for the honest review! Pretty much most books make me happy :)

Allie said...

ALL good books make me happy!

Gaby Pendragon said...

My life next door by Huntley Fitzpatrick.

Reviewing Shelf said...

Wanderlove - Kirsten Hubbard

Henrietta @ Leisure Reads said...

Oooh, I think I'll like the beginning of the story - so sweet and cute! Thanks for sharing :)

teena3940 said...

A really good read book makes me happy!!

Keertana said...

Wonderful review, Jasprit! A lot of the qualms you faced are ones I know I'd have to and when faced with characters I can't connect with, I usually dislike the novel immensely. For me, tSPoLaFS was successful because I could connect with the characters and seeing as this is based off of two of my favorite movies, I'll probably find more to fault with it than most. Thanks for the honest review, dearest! :)

Ashley said...

hmm, Scarlet makes me happy as does Through the Ever Night (no love triangles for me :) )

Amanda said...

Anna and the French Kiss, Jellicoe Road, The Sky is Everywhere ect.
Books in general make me happy :)

Reading For Fun said...

Everything Peggy Martinez writes! I just finished the novelette Brevity and I am dying for more!

Christine said...

So many books make me happy--two that I always can pick up and be happy reading are Emma by Jane Austen (classic!) and The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen :)

Anonymous said...

Cassandra Clare and Kiersten White makes me happy!

Unknown said...

Books in general make me happy.

Dana said...

Anna and the French Kiss makes me really happy! Sorry you didn't like this one!

Bystander said...

So many books make me happy!

Unknown said...

The Fault in Our Stars...I love the funny, light-hearted parts :D

Unknown said...

Books with hot boys make me happy ;)

veRONIca said...

Honestly, I have this Disney fairytales book that I always read with my little cousin and that book and those moments together make me really happy

Cindi said...

The Bible, Harry Potter, and anything paranormal!!!

Heidi@Rainy Day Ramblings said...

I saw this the other day and was thinking it sounded cute and it had a You've Got Mail type of feel, but if you struggled with the second half maybe I will skip it. It does sound cute, but I am so buried in books right now...sigh...

Kat C @ Books and Sensibility said...

Have you read Jennifer's other books ? I read the Probability of Love at First Sight and really liked it, so I want to read this one.

alicia marie said...

Pretty much any book makes me happy, but reading The Tickle Monster to the kids I sit for definitely makes me happy : )

Jennifer said...

I like the concept of the book. Sad to hear it fell flat for you in some places. Very honest review. Thanks for sharing!

Jennifer @ Dream Reads

Celine said...

I agree with everything you said, Jasprit! You completely captured everything I thought about the book. The email exchanges between Graham and Ellie in the beginning were so cute but when I discovered that it was toned down once they met each other, the story felt flat in some places like you said. I might have enjoyed The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight more than this book but it was cute and I did enjoy it!

Awesome review, Jasprit ♥

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Maja (The Nocturnal Library) said...

I am allergic to books with relationship problems that stem from lack of communication. It's a pet peeve of mine.
I always knew I wouldn't read this one. Statistical Probability really wasn't for me, and neither is Smith's style, but I thought it might be more up your alley. I'm sorry it wasn't.
Lovely review as always, Jasprit!

sshah605 said...

I am always happy to read any book but the book that makes me happiest is "The Mediator" and the whole series that follows.

Anna Scott said...

I've read her other book and I know I lot of folks loved it but I just couldn't connect with the characters and they just annoyed me most of the time. It seems like you had the same feelings about this one! Not sure if I'll ever read this but thanks for the review jasprit!

Unknown said...

Anything by Hannah Moskowitz! <3

elin said...

Anna and the French Kiss :D

Marius Viktor Aragon said...

All books make me happy! Thank you so much for making this giveaway international!

Unknown said...

Most books have a bunch of happy times, especially after a big problem is solved. The book I just finished, Walking Disaster by: Jamie McGuire had a LOT of problems, which made me that much happier when some are solved. :)

Ashley Morrow said...

Anything by Jessica Brody

Anonymous said...

Anything with HEAs :)

oriana said...

all books, speacially chindren's books!
thanks!

Mirjam said...

Most books make me happy, particularly books by Jennifer Estep, Mercedes Lackey, Christine Feehan, Julia Quinn and Sarah Addison Allen! :)

Unknown said...

Books in general tend to make me happy, but books that are sitting on my bookshelf make me extra happy :) It's really hard to pick just one!

Karen said...

The Heather Wells series by Meg Cabot make me happy!

Emily @ Falling For YA said...

The Vampire Academy/Bloodlines series always make me happy! I also had a dorky smile on my face the entire time I read Meant To Be by Lauren Morill =)

mon said...

Oh a lot! Books by Cassandra Clare, Jennifer E Smith and Julia Quinn. Stephanie Perkins, too :)

iLuvReadingTooMuch said...

The Trouble With Flirting by Claire LaZebnik, anything by Meg Cabot– I keep smiling when reading according to my sister :P Thanks for the amazing giveaway!

Rabiah

Unknown said...

Too many too name! Really excited about the Sweet Evil series! Thanks!

Sofija Kapranova said...

Any book by Ilona Andrews makes me happy

Reading Mind / The Loyal Book said...

Harry potter and any Sarah Rees Brennan books

Lexi Edwards said...

Any book by Colleen Hoover makes me happy :) I cry like a baby in them, but they make me happy.

Gabbie said...

Sarah Dessen novels make me happy!

hbjgvhuogyihpo said...

There are so many books that make me happy - but really any contemporary. Stephanie Perkins, Sarah Dessen, Meg Cabot! They all make me happy.

Great review! I'm pretty excited for this one.

blissfullysimple said...

Harry Potter!

Nicola said...

Any Harry Potter book, probably for the nostalgia for it all <3

Bea Tejano said...

Perfect Fifths by Megan McCafferty :) Thanks for the giveaway!

Tiffany Drew said...

Tons of books make me happy, but right now The Immortal Rules is making me happy :) Thank you!

Unknown said...

This is going to sound weird, but The Fault in Our Stars. I just love books that make me think. =)

sweety said...

Books with HEA endings!! :)

Thanks for the international giveaway.

Rafflecopter name - Rose L

Nuzaifa @ Word Contessa said...

I was really looking forward to this book(and I still am) since it sounded a lighthearted and sweet book. I hate it when characters don't work out either,I'm sorry it didn't work out for you!
Thanks for sharing your honest thoughts,Jasprit. :)
As for fave books I'd say historical romances by Julia Quinn. Quinn has a great sense of humor and her books always have happy ending. :D

Trish @ Between My Lines said...

The book I'm currently reading at any time is the one that makes me happy. I'm passionate about books and reading and my hobby has given me hour after hour of happiness and pleasure :-)

BookishTrish @ Between the Lines

D. said...

Stephanie Perkins' books, both are light read and humorous, such a feel good read ;D

K. said...

Clockwork princess by Cassandra Clare. :-)

SweetMarie83 said...

It's so disappointing when you have really high hopes for a book and it falls flat...but it's kind of nice for us that one of us will win it! lol
Anna and the French Kiss always makes me happy...same for Anne of Green Gables.
Thanks for the great giveaway! :-)

~Marie @ Ramblings of a Daydreamer

Maryse Emery said...

Most books makes me happy... well if I like them!
But books with a lot of humour and stuff like that makes me happy. Right now i am thinking that any Vampire Academ y or Bloodlines books by Richelle Mead make me happy. I mean Dimitri Belikov and Adrian Ivashkov :D

Anonymous said...

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen makes me incredible happy! So does Northanger Abbey :)

Unknown said...

Definitely ANNA AND THE FRENCH KISS.

Sophia said...

Oh, I'm sorry this one fell flat for you. I felt the same way of Jennifer's other book, The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight. It wasn't as good as I'd hoped. And I'm sorry to hear that the characters annoyed you! That has me worried now! As for a book that makes me happy: Divergent, of course!

teddy said...

Harry Potter!

Carla said...

It's hard to name just one books.
The Harry Potter series definitely makes me happy.

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

serial hottie by kelly oram .. is a funny and cute book
almendra in the rafflecopter

Güngör said...

I'd really love to read this book, thanks for giving this opportunity :)

Unknown said...

Most books make me happy.

bufnita pufoasa said...

I've been waiting for this book since I loved The Statistical Probability. Thanks for the giveaway!

Unknown said...

I liked The Statistical Probability but not as much as I hoped, so I'm hoping this one is better :3 I certainly think the storyline for this seems more interesting so.. :D

I have to say that most books make me happy and its hard to pick just one out of a huge group of them :3

Thanks for the giveaway!

Janhvi said...

Because of Low by Abbi Glines

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