Jaime Reviews... Seeking Mansfield by Kate Watson
By Kate Watson
Published on May 16, 2017
Published by: Flux
Source: Around the World ARC Tours
Published by: Flux
Source: Around the World ARC Tours
Sixteen-year-old Finley Price has perfected two things: how to direct a world-class production, and how to fly way, way under the radar. The only person who ever seems to notice Finley is her best friend, the Bertram's son Oliver. If she could just take Oliver's constant encouragement to heart and step out of the shadows, she'd finally chase her dream of joining the prestigious Mansfield Theater.
When teen movie stars Emma and Harlan Crawford move next door to the Bertram's, they immediately set their sights on Oliver and his cunning sister, Juliette, shaking up Finley and Oliver's stable friendship. As Emma and Oliver grow closer, Harlan finds his attention shifting from Juliette to the quiet, enigmatic, and thoroughly unimpressed Finley. Out of boredom, Harlan decides to make her fall in love with him. Problem is, the harder he seeks to win her, the harder he falls for her.
But Finley doesn't want to be won, and she doesn't want to see Oliver with anyone else. To claim Oliver's heart—and keep her own—she'll have to find the courage to do what she fears most: step into the spotlight.
Seeking Mansfield...
This is not really my kind of story, usually. I am not a huge Broadway person, haven't been to a play since I was a little thing. But for some strange reason, I find myself stepping out of my comfort zone more and more lately and this one was a bigger step than usual. Thankfully, it paid off.
After Finley's dad, a huge movie star, passes away and she is jerked out of the home she lives in with her mother and brother due to abuse, Finley ends up living with her Godparents. She has been there for several years, but she still feels like she doesn't quite belong. She is always doing everything to show her appreciation to her family, and prove to them that she is worth it. Oliver, their son, is her best friend in the world, and the only one besides her brother who makes her feel safe.
Oliver has loved Finley from the minute she moved in. He wants to help Finley see how wonderful she is, and to help her overcome her past and her fear. So he hides his feelings for her down deep, to protect her. He is also trying to figure out what HE wants in life, and if the expectations from his family override his own dreams.
When two young movie stars move in next door, everything simple gets thrown out the window. New relationships form, and Finley and Oliver's relationship changes into something new. Finley is becoming more assertive every day, starting to realize her worth. And Oliver is happy with Emma, more than he ever thought he could be. He is starting to realize that his desires matter. So why do they both sometimes wish for something different?
I really enjoyed this book. I actually really liked the little tid-bits of acting and plays thrown into the mix. There are all the right kinds of emotions, some laughter and definitely some tears. The characters are very well-rounded and relateable, and easy to care fore. The story is a little on the slower side as far as pacing, but that never made my interest wane. I was invested until the end, and I really enjoyed the ending a lot.
All in all, Seeking Mansfield is a great romance. I love the themes of friendship in the story. I might not be a Broadway Baby, but this book definitely made me curious to know what else might be out there in this realm. And the cover is really pretty, too! Definitely have no problem recommending this one.
Jaime Lynn
