Hattie Ever After by Kirby Larson

Rating: 4/5 Stars

Genre: Historical

Release Date: 2/12/2013

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About the Book: After leaving Uncle Chester's homestead, Hattie has a new dream. She would like to become a reporter. When the chance to become a seamstress with a traveling acting troupe arises, Hattie jumps on the opportunity to travel to a big city and ends up in San Francisco. Hattie has found a letter and a love token from Uncle Chester's old flame in San Francisco and maybe this is her chance to find out more about her mysterious uncle. Plus there's so much opportunity in San Francisco and Hattie will work hard to make her dreams come true.

GreenBeanTeenQueen Says: So as I went to review Hattie Ever After, I looked to see if I had ever reviewed Hattie Big Sky, which I had not. So I need to remedy that soon (but that may require a reread!) But all you need to know is I loved the first book-it appealed to tween Sarah who loved historical fiction and Hattie's adventures as she tries to make it on a homestead in Montana were beautiful, heartbreaking and wonderful and I couldn't have asked for a better book. So Hattie Ever After had a lot to live up to.

Hattie is back and I was reminded of just how much I love and adore her. She's smart, spunky, and works hard to achieve her dreams. She can be a bit naive, but she's young and her naivety is believable and part of what makes her an endearing character. Even though this is a historical novel set in 1919, Hattie's story rings true for readers today. She is trying to follow her dreams and find her place in the world. She's wondering about her future and what exactly her future holds. And she's trying to figure out just exactly where Charlie fits into all of this and if she wants to be with him or not.

What makes Hattie stand out to me is her independence. She's strong and while there are times she may need help, she accepts this help and it doesn't make her a whimpering powerless girl. Instead it makes her stronger and she grows into a strong, courageous young woman. There is a bit a romantic storyline in the book as Hattie is trying to figure out her feelings for Charlie and the gentlemen that may throw a wrench in their plans. But the romance is never a central storyline and I love how Hattie doesn't fall into the arms of a boy swooning, but instead comes to a relationship on her terms and her choice.

Hattie is a bit of a dreamer and she has big ambitions. I think if Hattie ever met Anne Shirley, the two would be kindred spirits, which I think is one of the reasons I love Hattie. She reminds me of my favorite childhood characters and she's destined to be a classic.

At times Hattie's story becomes a bit convenient and she comes into things a bit too easily. She can also be a bit naive about trusting people and believing everything she hears, but I chalked that up to being young and new to the city. Even though Hattie's story is sometimes a bit too perfect, it's still a lot of fun and I had a great time enjoying her story for another round. Hattie Ever After is a book you should give readers who are looking for a story with the charm of a classic with a spunky main character.

Book Pairings: Boston Jane by Jennifer L. Holm, Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maude Montgomery

Full Disclosure: Reviwed from egalley I received from publisher