Genre: Middle Grade
My Goodreads Rating: 4/5
Source: Publisher (Through Edelweiss)
Christa loves Christmas. The holiday season is her favorite season of all time- it's just so perfect! Unfortunately, this year, the holidays are stained by her parents separation.
She can't imagine spending the vacations without her father, even when her mom tells her she'll be joining her on a trip across Europe for the winter.
A cautious, play-it-safe kind of girl, Christa isn't really looking forward to the crowds and new foods. When she gets to her hotel though, there's a package from her father awaiting her. The first of 12, the letter dares to her complete a task she normally wouldn't.
As Christa works to finish the dares and make new friends within her mom's acting troop, her father shapes her into a more confident girl, from halfway across the world!
As reading the summary would have suggested to you, this story is all about character development. Christa transforms from a shy, anxious girl into a girl willing to share her bright ideas with the world. Inspired by the European cultures she notes around her, she grows constantly and is without a doubt the most dynamic character in the book.
Her budding crush on a fellow traveler on the trip adds some spice to the story, but unlike many stories, the romance doesn't dominate the novel. It's a background element that helps to shape Christa, but isn't the author's main focus.
I haven't read any of Marissa Burt's other novels, but reading this one has certainly made me want to read some more. Her simplistic writing reminds me so much of a young, teen girl- which is exactly what her characters are. I commend her skills in portraying emotions from a child's perspective, specially when she's done it so well!
This is a book perfect for the vicarious traveler! Set in four countries, the book explores some of the lesser-known aspects of Europe through its most popular tourist destinations. Some of the other characters in the book are frequent travelers who educate Christa on some of the behind-the-scenes aspects of travel.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. Although it was a middle grade book, it's definitely a book young-adult readers would enjoy. The dynamic characters, interesting plot and unique setting all make the book a perfect vacation read!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I received no other compensation for this post.
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