ARC Review: Broken Hearts, Fences, and Other Things to Mend by Katie Finn

Broken Hearts, Fences, and Other Things to Mend
Author: Katie Finn
Publication: Feiwel & Friends (May 13, 2014)

Description: In Broken Hearts, Fences and Other Things to Mend  by Katie Finn, Gemma had her summer all planned out, but it takes sharp turn when she gets dumped and finds herself back in the Hamptons after a five-year absence.

Being there puts her at risk of bumping into Hallie, her former best friend (that is, before Gemma ruined her life). But people don’t hold grudges forever. Do they?

Gemma intends on making amends, but a small case of mistaken identity causes the people she knew years ago—including Hallie and her dreamy brother Josh—to believe she’s someone else. As though the summer wasn't complicated enough already.

Can Gemma keep up the charade? Or will she be found out by the very people she’s been hiding from?

My Thoughts: Gemma is not having a really great summer. First, her boyfriend of two years breaks up with her. Then, she finds herself spending the summer in the Hamptons with her father. She hasn't been back since she was eleven. It was the summer her parents separated and she ruined her best friend's life.

Naturally, the first person she bumps into is the really handsome Josh who just happens to be her former best friend Hallie's older brother. Due to a post-breakup makeover and newly dyed hair, Hallie doesn't recognize her. Gemma is eager to find a way to make up for the actions she has regretted for the past five years. So she assumes her friend Sophie's identity and tries her best to make amends.

Things don't go well. She suffers a series of embarassing accidents and she just can't find a way to confess to Hallie or to stop herself from falling for Josh despite knowing he can't stand liars.

This was an engaging and fast-paced story. I loved that Gemma was trying to make up for the very harmful things she did when she was eleven. I couldn't put the story down and will be looking for REVENGE, ICE CREAM, AND OTHER THINGS BEST SERVED COLD to find out what happens next.

Favorite Quote:

That was one of the dangers of being a realtor, I'd learned—you were always looking to sell someone on the bright side. "But maybe it's for the best!" she continued in the tone of voice that she used when explaining that one bathroom would bring a family closer, and that, in her opinion, closets were overrated.

I got this ARC from Macmillan. You can buy your copy here.