Hello Sunshine by Leila Howland

Hello, Sunshine by Leila Howland
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Release Date: July 11, 2017

Synopsis: Becca Harrington is a reject. After being rebuffed by every college on her list, she needs a fresh start, so she packs up everything and moves to LA, giving herself one year to land an acting gig or kill herself trying. 

Unfortunately, not everything turns out as planned, and after a few grueling months, LA is looking like the worst idea ever. As hard as she tries, Becca can’t land an agent, she's running out of cash, and her mom is hounding her to apply to more schools. In an act of desperation, Becca and her friend Marisol start posting short videos online—with the help of their adorable filmmaker neighbor, Raj—and the videos catch the attention of a TV producer. Could this be it? Her big break? Or will she have to move back home with nothing but some bad head shots and a monstrous credit-card bill? 

Review:

This book was so much fun to read, though Becca's rising credit card bill made me anxious along with her. Even though a lot of it didn't take place during summer, its summery beginnings and LA weather made it feel like one of your favorite summer reads. This book would make a perfect beach read because while it had its heavier moments, it was lighthearted and really enjoyable. I read the beginning of it slowly which is mostly due to my busyness but then once I could, I read most of it in one night and finished it the next morning.

While Marisol and Becca's friendships had its issues throughout the book, I loved their bond and how their respective love interests don't create a divide in their relationship. Girl-on-girl competition is a common theme, but it doesn't come up in their friendship which is refreshing to see. They're both actresses and while they both feel occasional jealousy toward other actresses, they root for each other and encourage each other to work toward their goals. 

I loved all the characters, except maybe Alex. Miscommunication is a common theme in books with a romantic plot and while that theme does occur in this book, it's nowhere near as infuriating as that trope generally is. We're all familiar with that cringe of secondhand embarrassment and frustration, but this book didn't give me that feeling. If you're looking for a fun read, especially for a vacation Hello, Sunshine, would be a great choice.