Title: Interference
Author: Kay Honeyman
Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books
Friday Night Lights meets Jane Austen’s Emma in this wonderful novel about a big election, big games, the big state of Texas, and a little romance.As a Congressman’s daughter in Washington, DC, Kate Hamilton is good at getting what she wants — what some people might call “interfering.” But when her family moves to West Texas so her dad can run in a special election, Kate encounters some difficulties that test all her political skills. None of her matchmaking efforts go according to plan. Her father’s campaign gets off to a rough start. A pro tip for moving to Texas: Don’t slam the star quarterback’s hand in a door. And whenever Kate messes up, the irritatingly right (and handsome) Hunter Price is there to witness it. But Kate has determination and a good heart, and with all her political savvy — and a little clever interference — she’ll figure out what it takes to make Red Dirt home.
Terrifically funny and sweetly romantic, with whip-crack dialogue and a wise perspective on growing up, Interference is the perfect next read for fans of Jenny Han, Huntley Fitzpatrick, Elizabeth Eulberg, or Sarah Dessen.
What I really liked about this book is that it takes place in a small town in Texas. Being from a small town myself (not from Texas though), I instantly felt a connection towards Red Dirt and its people. Small towns are great settings since they allow the reader to explore every nook and cranny and get to know the tight unit of citizens through the eyes of the main character. They often come with such colorful personalities and strong values, like Kate’s aunt with her animal shelter.
I could also understand Kate’s feelings of moving from a big city to such a small place where everyone knows everyone and everything. It’s a bit daunting to be the odd one out and Kate faces it all, from unwanted attention to jealousy from her peers.
Before reading this book, I had not caught the comparison to Jane Austen’s Emma, but yeah, it certainly reminds me of Emma when it comes to Kate’s whole matchmaking adventure at her new school. It’s funny how she gets everything horribly, horribly wrong and yet she never lets her errors bring her down. Some might think it annoying, but I found her personality highly entertaining and someone with good intentions.
There’s also a bit of romance inside this book that I found to be very sweet. Hunter is a great guy just like Mr. Knightley from Emma, and I was glad that his past wasn’t as problematic as other book boyfriends. His role is any less important as he grounds Kate from making further mistakes, and when she does, he’s there to soften her mind. I liked that about him.
The big focus of this book, however, was about Kate learning to embrace her knowledge of political life to achieve things that matter instead of trying to run away from it or use it as a way out. Her family goes through the same journey in fact, so it’s a nice message, even when you’re not that into politics.
Final Verdict:
Interference is a sweet, fun, and full of heart read that’s perfect to brighten any reader’s day and will leave you wanting to be part of a small town like Red Dirt! If you haven’t added this book to your TBR then, dear readers, I must push you incessantly until you do so!
I love love LOVE fluffy and sweet contemporaries and just by the cover alone I know this one is gonna be my kinda book. I haven’t read EMMA yet, but I don’t think it’s going to affect the way I read this one 😛 Glad that you liked it! Great review 😀
Noot having read Emma won't affect your reading at all! I didn't even notice that until I reread the summary. 😀
I was lucky enough to get a copy of this one so I'll be starting it soon! It sounds great <3
Yay! Hope you love it, Eileen! ♥
Digging the sound of this one!