My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century [Paperback]

Rachel Harris (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 18, 2012

On the precipice of her sixteenth birthday, the last thing lone wolf Cat Crawford wants is an extravagant gala thrown by her bubbly soon-to-be stepmother and well-meaning father. So even though Cat knows the family's trip to Florence, Italy, is a peace offering, she embraces the magical city and all it offers. But when her curiosity leads her to an unusual gypsy tent, she exits . . . right into Renaissance Firenze.

Thrust into the sixteenth century armed with only a backpack full of contraband future items, Cat joins up with her ancestors, the sweet Alessandra and protective Cipriano, and soon falls for the gorgeous aspiring artist Lorenzo. But when the much-older Niccolo starts sniffing around, Cat realizes that an unwanted birthday party is nothing compared to an unwanted suitor full of creeptastic amore. Can she find her way back to modern times before her Italian adventure turns into an Italian forever?

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 7 Up-A trip to Florence suits Hollywood-native Cat Crawford just fine for her birthday, but she is not happy about the huge sweet-16 party her soon-to-be-stepmother wants to throw. A solitary afternoon of sightseeing ends at a gypsy tent, where a fortune teller says to the teen, "A great adventure is in store for you. Be sure to keep your mind open to the lessons ahead." When she leaves the tent, she discovers that she has traveled back in time to Renaissance Italy and is now Patience D'Angeli, a distant family relative. Her one reminder of the present is her backpack of makeup and modern gadgets. She finally shares her secret with her younger cousin, who then tries to help her fit in as a proper young lady. Lorenzo, a dashing young man and fellow artist, catches her eye, but the smitten girl finds herself betrothed to a much older, creepy guy. All turns out well in the end. Girls will like the romance and the many gorgeous young men (past and present). The details of the Renaissance dress and artwork, which add to the story's historical setting, clash with modern-day slang terms, providing a good amount of humor. Light and charming, this debut novel will appeal to those who want to leave the real world behind for a while.-Diana Pierce, Leander High School, TXα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Review

Harris' debut is a knockout. Her characters are charming and wonderfully entertaining, and they're set in a unique and well-defined world that will capture your imagination from the very first page -- RT Book Reviews

A fun, romantic romp....a totally fun and totally satisfying read --Lisa T. Bergren, author of the River of Time Series

Fresh and funny, Harris's detail-rich writing makes for a truly charming debut novel --Holly Schindler, author of Playing Hurt

Goodness gracious, I haven't laughed like this in weeks. --Ayanami Faerudo, Whatever You Can Still Betray

A new favourite. Highly creative and interesting characters. LOVE. -- Jana, The Book Goddess

My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century is a book that demands to be read in one sitting --Stephanie Kate Strohm, author of Pilgrims Don't Wear Pink

If you're looking for a book that manages to be emotionally engaging and captivating, without being draining or too mentally challenging at the same time--this is the book for you! - Evie Bookish Reviews

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Entangled Teen (September 18, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 162061135X
• ISBN-13: 978-1620611357
• Product Dimensions: 5.4 x 0.9 x 8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (65 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #887,666 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

As a teen, Rachel Harris threw raging parties that shook her parents' walls and created embarrassing fodder for future YA novels. As an adult, she reads and writes obsessively, rehashes said embarrassing fodder, and dreams up characters who become her imaginary friends. When she's not typing furiously or flipping pages in an enthralling romance, you can find her homeschooling her two beautiful princesses, hanging out with her amazing husband, or taking a hot bubble bath...next to a pile of chocolate. MY SUPER SWEET SIXTEENTH CENTURY is her first novel. She had her own fantabulous Sweet Sixteen in high school. Sadly, it wasn't televised.

You can visit Rachel at her website www.RachelHarrisWrites.com

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Fun, lighthearted read with great characters and description September 25, 2012

By Christina (Ensconced in YA) TOP 500 REVIEWER

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

I have been basically reading depressing, dystopian YA novels for the past month, and needed a lighthearted read to shake things up. This book had been getting good reviews so I decided to give it a try.

My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century by Rachel Harris is a cute read that focuses on Cat, a cynical but somewhat spoiled 16 year old, who doesn't want her father to marry his current girlfriend, although all signs point to her being pretty nice. Sounds like your typical teen novel. Then enters a twist. Cat and her family go to Florence, where she meets a magical gypsy (aren't they all?) who whisks her off to the 16th century to "learn some lessons." OK, I'm making this a little more basic than the plot really is-- but essentially, we are swept away like Cat, and watch this modern teen try to make it in the 16th century. Gorgeous gowns, hot guys, and intrigue all abound in this book.

There's a lot to like about this book. Cat, although spoiled, is a fun protagonist. That's a tough balance to make but Harris pulls it off. I loved all the descriptions of both the modern world and the old world. The art references, etc, are great as well, and I learned a thing or two! I liked that Cat also was able to fumble and fall but get up again (HEART the singing debacle!), as she wasn't perfect the first (or maybe second) time around. And she definitely had some room to grow and develop over the course of the novel. Alessandra was a wonderful side character, and I enjoyed learning about Cat's family, overall.

My biggest beef with this book, which is not as much a criticism of the book but more of an opinion about it, is how clueless Cat is, almost to the point of me exclaiming, "How did you not see that coming?" But then, I thought about this for a while and pictured my younger 16 year old self in this position. While certain aspects of the plot were crystal clear in my now adult head, I could see how this may not even appear on her radar, especially coming from the modern world back to an older one.

Overall, a fun, light read (just what I needed) with some great characters and terrific description, with room for a sequel or two! Here's to hoping!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome Novel!! Beautiful Romance!!! August 31, 2012

By I Heart YA Books

Format:Paperback

Before I get into my review of this awesome novel, I would like to say a few special words about the beautiful lady who is also an amazing writer, Rachel Harris. I met Ms. Rachel Harris through my daughter. Rachel and my daughter are cirque partners, and I was asked to be a beta reader for Rachel's MSSSC. I would just like to say to Rachel that it was an honor and a wonderful privilege to be a part of My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century. Rachel is an amazing writer and storyteller, which I instantly knew when I read the first page of this novel. I am so happy to tell you Congratulations! Rachel, your dream has come true, and I love being able to call you Author Rachel Harris!

Cat is an artist, and she's always wanted to go to Italy since fourth grade when she saw the Orley's Madonna and Child with Apples and Pears painting. Cat even got a tattoo of a pear on her right hip because of her love for that time period of famous artists, and also because it holds sentimental meaning for her. So when her Dad takes her to Florence, Italy for her soon-to-be sweet sixteenth, she's super excited. But Cat also knows her dad is hoping this trip will be a kind of peace offering between her and Jenna , her dad's fiancée. Cat will take getting to go to Italy any way she can, even if it means tolerating Jenna.

Cat is going to get one heck of a sixteen birthday adventure of her life. When Cat enters a gypsy tent to find out her future, she exits into 1505--Renaissance Florence, Italy. What Cat lost in her present day life can only be found in the Italy of the past, and a gorgeous boy named Lorenzo Cappelli.

My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century is about Cat learning to trust and open her life and heart again, even when it means love could break her heart. Cat and Lorenzo's romance is a beautiful renaissance love story. And with the cliffhanger ending, I can't wait to see if love will repeat itself as history does. I highly recommend My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century as an awesome must read!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars This Was Made of Awesome! September 4, 2012

By kindlemom1

Format:Paperback

This review is hard for me because I am trying to figure out how I can express to you just how endearing and sweet this read was for me without giving anything away.

I guess the best way would be with one simple word, Lorenzo.

Lorenzo made this story. His character was just...perfect. This truly was one of the sweetest (clean) romances I have read yet this year. Everything that came out of that boy's mouth was swoon worthy. I couldn't of asked for a better male protagonist.

This story was so imaginative and simply put, the kind of book I simple devour and can't get enough of.

Not only did I fall in love with the Renaissance scenery and world Harris managed to make come to life (so much so that I felt like I was there), but the characters were all fantastic.

I loved every single one of them, even the creepy Niccolo. Aunt Francesca was such a wonderful woman and everything I would imagine a woman of the Renaissance era to be like. Many times her kind nature and words to Cat made me teary eyed. Alessandra, Uncle Marco and Cip were no different. They too were such great strong secondary characters that I couldn't help but fall in love with.

I love how much Cat grew in this book and I think she was a great character too, she seemed very real and down to earth to me and I really loved that about her.

This whole story was just very well written and executed and I loved every single minute of it. In fact I found as the story started coming to a close I was reading it slower because I just didn't want it to end. I didn't want to have to say good-bye too all the characters I felt like were friends.

I know that this will be a story that I will be thinking about long after it has ended. The characters just stay with you and leave a lasting impression.

And with the ending? Well lets just say that I am so excited! I think I even squealed a little with the prospect of another book coming! I am so excited for more of Cat and the gang!!

Bring it on Harris because I am so ready for it!