This Northern Sky by Julia Green

Summary from Goodreads

Kate's parents are taking her on holiday with them to a cottage on a remote island in the Hebrides. Kate can't imagine anything more boring. But underneath her sulkiness, Kate is scared. Her parents have been fighting and she knows that for her parents this holiday is make or break. Once at the cottage, Kate escapes - outside, anywhere. And there she meets the warmth of the islanders, who are prepared to accept her and to listen to her. And possibly fall in love with her . . .

Paperback, 230 pages

Published July 4th 2013 by Bloomsbury Children's

My Review

This Northern Sky is a beautiful book from Julia Green. It's a coming of age story that handles tough times very gently and with great attention to detail.

This story follows main character Kate and the emotional hurdles she faces after a bad breakup and her parents at each others throats. They go to the little island of Hebrides as a last ditch attempt to save their marriage and poor Kate gets trailed along with them.

Kate hates the island at first because there is no technology and everybody knows everybody. But she quickly changes her tune when she meets some great friends and she discovers all the beauty that the island has to offer.

There are plenty of ups and downs for Kate but she finds herself and grows up along the bumpy journey - which was quite beautiful to read.

I really liked Kate, she is a smart teen that always thinks of others. She seems older than her years and I think she is easy to relate to, she also makes a really good friend.

Julia Green's writing is stunning and I loved kicking back and enjoying her rich descriptors of the wonderful island of Hebrides, with it's lush landscape and delicate beauty. Everything is very simple but very relevant and appealing to teens. I really like that she allows her characters get angry, shout and show their vulnerabilities.

Now, the ending...it was...okay! I'm not going to lie, I wasn't entirely satisfied and would of liked a little bit more....

This Northern Sky is a super quick and light summer read that will appeal to a wide audience. It is quite simply a beautiful book, which I have now come to expect with anything by Julia Green!

3.5 / 5 Stars!

*Special thanks to Bloomsbury for the review copy*