Sweet Hearts: Star-Crossed by Jo Cotterill (Children's, 9 years +, 10E/10E)

May 2010, Red Fox,
264 pages, Paperback
Review copy

Themes: school holidays, drama club, melodramatic selfish girl, evil schemes, school romance, mixex emotions, shyness, fear, learning who you really are, gaining confidence, injury, lots of humour, a tissue needed for the exfra sweet parts

Summary from Random House Children's Books

'You did WHAT?' screamed Mari. 'You turned down the cutest boy ever? Are you crazy?'

Fliss isn't exactly outgoing. But on stage she really comes alive.
And this summer, she's playing Juliet opposite her dream Romeo - Tom Mayerling. If only she could tell him how she feels!

But unless Fliss finds some inner confidence, she's going to miss her chance with Tom. Because someone else has her eyes on Fliss's role - and her leading man . . .

Nayuleska's thoughts

At last I get to read book one in the series and it is as fantastic as the others. I love how I relate to so many of Fliss's character traits, and she made me think how I conquered self-confidence. Fliss has a gift for acting which everyone but her sees. Her fun friends, especially Mari and her lobster thing, help make this an incredible read.

You can find out more on the series on Jo's website.

Suggested read
If it's acting & school drama you are after, try Kay Woodward's Wuthering Hearts