Cherry Crush

Cherry Costello moves from Glasgow to Somerset with her father, who plans to start a chocolate-making business with his new girlfriend Charlotte. Upon arrival, Cherry must adjust to life with her four new stepsisters in the sprawling Tanglewood house. Cherry faces immediate challenges when she develops feelings for Shay Fletcher, who happens to be dating her new stepsister Honey. She attempts to navigate this complicated situation while trying to find her place in the newly blended family. The story centers around Cherry's efforts to establish herself in her new home, her father's chocolate-making venture, and the complex dynamics between stepsisters. She learns about honesty, family bonds, and accepting herself along the way. This middle-grade novel explores themes of family integration, first love, and self-discovery, marking the beginning of The Chocolate Box Girls series with a story about finding one's authentic place in a changing world.

Readers describe Cherry Crush as a relatable middle-grade story that handles themes of family changes and fitting in at a new school. Many reviews note it works well as both a standalone book and series starter. Readers liked: - The realistic portrayal of blended family dynamics - Cherry's authentic voice and personality - The inclusion of baking/cooking elements - Clear writing style for the target age group Common criticisms: - Some plot points feel predictable - Secondary characters could use more development - The story moves slowly in parts Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon UK: 4.5/5 (150+ ratings) Amazon US: 4.3/5 (50+ ratings) Multiple reviewers mentioned the book resonated with their own experiences moving to new places. As one reader noted: "The author captures exactly how it feels to be the new kid trying to make friends." Several parents commented that the book prompted good discussions about family changes with their children.

Scarlet by Jennifer Wolfe A young teen moves to a new town and navigates family secrets, identity, and first love while finding her place in a competitive dance academy.

Drama by Raina Telgemeier A middle school student discovers friendship, romance, and self-expression through her involvement in the school theater program.

The Chocolate Box Girls: Marshmallow Skye by Cathy Cassidy The second book in a series follows a twin sister who steps out of her sibling's shadow and finds her own path through art and friendship.

Real Friends by Shannon Hale A graphic novel memoir depicts the complexities of childhood friendships and social dynamics in elementary school.

All About Mia by Lisa Williamson A middle child in a family of achievers creates her own identity while dealing with sibling rivalry and family expectations.

🍫 The Somerset town where the story is set has a rich history of confectionery making, dating back to the 1800s when several prominent chocolate makers established businesses in the region. 🏠 Tanglewood, the house described in the novel, was inspired by real historical properties in Somerset that were once home to successful Victorian-era chocolate-making families. ✍️ Cathy Cassidy worked as a magazine editor and art teacher before becoming a full-time author, experiences that influence her authentic portrayal of teenage life and creativity in her books. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The book was partly inspired by Cassidy's observations of real-life blended families and their unique dynamics, gathered through her years as a teacher and advice columnist. 📚 "Cherry Crush" launched the successful Chocolate Box Girls series in 2010, which went on to become one of the UK's bestselling tween series with over 3 million copies sold.