School Library Journal Review
Gr 9 Up-Five friends on a European vacation uncover secrets about one another, including long-hidden love and lies. As time approaches for Aubrey and her friends to say goodbye to London and leave for college in other countries, Aubrey has planned an unchaperoned Grand Tour for them all. Only Jonah, her boyfriend, will accompany her to New York City in the coming year, and she hopes to spend a little more time with him in the European cities she's always dreamed of visiting. But traveling in close quarters creates opportunities for secret crushes to reveal themselves. A stolen kiss with Gabe ignites trouble for Aubrey. Meanwhile, her best friend Rae has problems keeping her crush on artsy Clara hidden from the group. As the trip flies by, fears of the unknown surface for the friends, and they wonder if their future plans are certain at all. Readers who enjoy art history are in for treat with this book. The story's setting takes on the part of a sixth character and gives worn tropes a fresh new spin. Older teens will relate to Rae and Aubrey as they are likely making some of the same life choices. The emotions play out perfectly with the backdrop of romantic monuments, gritty bars, and elegant cafes. Unfortunately, Vinesse takes her time keeping her characters apart almost to the point of tedium, but it's satisfying when each plotline finally reaches its resolution. -VERDICT Recommended for realistic fiction -collections.-Sandi Jones, Wynne High School, Wynne, AR © Copyright 2018. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
Vinesse (Seven Days of You) takes readers on a tour of Europe in this novel about five friends who travel from London to Paris, Amsterdam, Prague, and Barcelona. In alternating points of view, best friends Aubrey, an American expat, and Rae describe their excitement as they embark on what seems the ideal summer trip before college, when they and their friends Jonah, Gabe, and Clara will go their separate ways. Soon, though, the trip turns rocky. Aubrey and Rae are both harboring secret crushes; Aubrey likes Gabe, even though she is already dating Jonah, and Rae likes Clara, though she doesn't know if Clara is straight or bi. Vinesse never lets her story fall into melodrama, relying on solid character development and conflict rather than unlikely plot twists to heighten tension. Crisp prose, quick dialogue, and vivid descriptions of the friends' travels add to the novel's appeal. YA readers who fantasize about a summer of train-riding through Europe will enjoy the vicarious view through Aubrey and Rae's eyes in this engaging romantic novel about the ups and downs of changing relationships. Ages 14-up. Agent: Molly Ker Hawn, the Bent Agency. (June) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.