Book Review: Just Your Average Princess by Kristina Springer

Title:  Just Your Average Princess

Author:  Kristina Springer

Publisher:  Farrar, Straus and Giroux

Publish Date:  October 11, 2011

Source:  Around the World ARC Tours

Synopsis (from Goodreads):  Jamie Edwards has loved everything about growing up on a pumpkin patch, but ever since her cousin Milan Woods arrived, things have really stunk. Jamie can’t imagine it was easy for Milan to leave her life back in Los Angeles and move to Average, Illinois, population one thousand. But it’s kind of hard to feel sorry for her since (a) Milan’s drop-dead gorgeous; (b) she’s the daughter of two of Hollywood’s hottest film stars; (c) she’s captured the attention of everyone in town, including Danny, Jamie’s crush since forever; and (d) she’s about to steal the title of Pumpkin Princess right out from underneath Jamie!

My Thoughts:  I thought this was a very cute, fast read!  I was able to finish it in a couple hours because it was so fun and easy to read.

Jamie is a responsible teen that works at her family's pumpkin patch in a small town.  She has her crush and her friends and her dream of becoming Pumpkin Princess.  Then, her flashy, mature cousin arrives from Hollywood.  There is a slight mystery as to why Milan has come to the help out at the "Patch".  Jamie tries to befriend her cousin but Milan brushes her off.   Then, Milan does the worst thing ever....she runs for Pumpkin Princess as well!  Now Jamie has to figure out how to keep the crown that she has dreamed of since she was a little girl!

I liked this book because it was clean and had a good lesson for young girls (rumors spread quickly and hurt people).  Jamie is a responsible teen (maybe a little too responsible?) but she is very realistic in the fact that she is very jealous and angry at Milan. 

Milan is a spoiled brat!  She is demanding, rude and mean.  You do find out why she is sent to Average, Ill. but I wish the author would have gone into Milan's history a little more.  It might have made her a little easier to understand.  I also wish the author would have done a little more with Milan's change of heart at the end.  I've been in high school with nasty girls and they don't just change that quickly! 

I loved the whole Pumpkin theme (Autumn is my fave time of year) and think the author did a great job in describing the "Patch".  I was drooling over the caramel apples and could see all the big pumpkins and decorations.  It was my favorite part of the story!

I think this book is perfect for young girls to read!  It has a very good message and things are resolved without any major hurt.  It was a fun book and I really enjoyed it!