Review: The Girl in the Sunflower Dress by Katie Montinaro

 Looking for a young adult contemporary that is heavy hitting, but also part coming-of-age? Look no further, Katie Montinaro’s debut, The Girl in the Sunflower Dress is one to look for. Focusing on Chelsea Roberts, who just finished high school, and her family and friends. There’s a stakeout of sorts, a crazed ex, and scandals that rocks Chelsea’s world - what more could you want?! 

When I was Chelsea’s age, I was also in a mess because life was about to be changed up. Whilst mine was a positive, starting uni at somewhere I knew noone, Chelsea’s summer before starting uni was changing way too fast for her, that even I felt the whiplash in my mind! I loved Chelsea as a character, and her best friend was also a whirlwind of activity. Chelsea hit me as a worldy, curious young person, and someone I could have seen myself being friends with - if she was a real person.

Another character, Noah was interesting to read about - depicted as Chelsea’s crush, finished at the same high school a few years beforehand. He was what Chelsea regarded as hot - the hair, the tattoos, and being there for her when she saw something suss happen with one of her parents. The crazy plans Chelsea and Noah execute, the raw emotion that was written in, and the scandals that both witness throughout the story drew me in from page one, and I definitely stayed up past my bedtime to finish this one!

A character you’ll learn to hate is Chelsea’s ex, portrayed as this manipulative human being - and very jealous that Noah is getting Chelsea’s attention, and is always scheming to get her back. The gall to try and pit two best friends against each other in one plan, surely he would’ve known better than to try and do that (obviously didn’t). It doesn’t help that Noah was initially very hot and cold towards Chelsea, honestly! The way Chelsea handles her the secret affair sounds absolutely realistic, and I would honestly hate to be in her position. Internalising problems and life-changing secrets is something I can relate to a lot, and it was kind of nice seeing that being portrayed in a book.

The writing was engaging, and I genuinely enjoyed each page! The description of the sunflower dress Chelsea so dearly loves makes me want to make my own - perhaps I shall one day! The pacing was spot on for a contemporary coming of age, and it even felt more relatable as it was distinctly Australian! The scenery Katie described reminds me so much of visiting my aunt in Mornington Peninsula (meaning a giant trip across Melbourne for me), and genuinely it brought me joy to see that replicated (albeit in reverse) in this book! The storyline was something I also haven’t come across in a while, which was definitely a positive in my books, and it was absolutely done so very well in my eyes. Whilst I devoured the book so much, I felt like the book genuinely hit different for me, and is definitely one of my new favourite books.

Overall, a great contemporary coming of age book, for those that want something more realistic than a happy summer break. This one is definitely one for those who want some scandal and heartbreak too. I’m personally super excited to see more books from Katie Montinaro, as this is a spectacular first book!

Rating: 5/5

Thanks to the author, Katie Montinar for giving me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. This review first features on The Nerd Daily (link)