Tangled Up in You by Christina Lauren

Hello everyone.  I hope you're having a great day.

You already know that I don't discuss politics here, that I believe the people of a country are separate from their government.  We all essentially want the same things. There are good and bad people everywhere. Sometimes my mental list of bad people grows based on the quality of Christmas gift, but that is another story. Now, let us all take a deep breath, especially if you are in the United States, and sing Kumbaya, My Lord (yes, I had to look up the spelling). I want to discuss Disney. I hear your gasping! Oooh, what a bold, brazen, edgy topic.  Okay, I'm mocking myself but seriously, the company has been an issue here.  Anyway, Disney World, the park in Florida, is an amazing place. I love handmade things, so the creativity there just amazes me. It is a complete escape. If you can afford to go, just once, swallow your pride, put your politics aside, and go.  We have been several times.  You can do it from a value point of view, a moderate cost, or deluxe.  We didn't take any children so have been able to go the deluxe route (that and the fact that we rarely go anywhere). The hotels, while unbelievably pricey (like $745 a night minimum for deluxe), are vacation sites on their own.  What hotel do you know of that has a huge waterfall and a geyser?  Or what about animals roaming freely, where you wake up, wander out to your balcony and are faced with a giraffe? Rides are rides, but a small part of the whole experience. There are great rides everywhere, although Pirates is my favorite. You won't be bored. Next, the food. The quick serve, for a theme park, the cost is reasonable and the choices, many.  Not all cheeseburgers and fries but grilled salmon, rice and green beans, or grilled shrimp, or turkey, or tacos.  Yes, at a theme park. Then there are the sit-down restaurants.  Some have James Beard nominated chefs. One restaurant even has a Michelin star. The best part is the people.  The employees, I'm certain, don't get enough thanks. I can't tell you the kind treatment we have received. Waiters, giving up their tips in turning the table because they wanted us to see the fireworks from the California Grill when we were celebrating our anniversary. An employee taking special care of a fragile real gingerbread house I had purchased, allowing me to go into the parks. The people that have roles to play, even as wait staff.  The server yelling at my husband from across the restaurant, calling hubby "elbows" and telling him to get them off the table (it is part of the schtick).  Even though they are at the job they do every day, they recognize that you are on vacation, perhaps the only one you'll have that year.  Kindness and caring...it goes a long way, and surely creates wonderful memories. To the employees, a sincere Thank You!

I recently read Tangled Up in You by Christina Lauren. This story is the loose retelling of Disney's Tangled. Ren, a 22-year-old with long beautiful blonde hair, was raised on a farm.  She has never experienced the things most young women have at her age.  She has never been to school, never had a cell phone, and never had a boyfriend.  Despite being well read, she is awkward with social situations. She lacks basic street smarts. When finally able to attend college, Ren jumps at the chance, despite her parents' stifling rules.  At school she meets shallow playboy, Fitz.  His wealthy, oppressive father holds tight reins on his son's activities.  Upset by something learned in a school experiment, Ren and Fitz travel across country.  As their horizons literally expand, so does their understanding of each other, leading them down unexpected paths.

This romantic comedy was enjoyable from beginning to end.  It grabs you from the first page and keeps the reader hooked and highly entertained throughout.  The characters are surprising yet well developed and the plotting is at a consistent pace.  Great when you need an escape and a chuckle, this book would make a great beach read. Very fun.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hyperion Avenue for the review copy and the smiles.