Pictures of Lily [Paperback]

I was lucky enough to receive all four of Toon's novels through a contest on a website, and they were sent to me from the publisher. I finally sat down and read through Pictures of Lily on the FIFTH day after starting Toon's first novel, Lucy in the Sky. her books are just THAT addicting and readable. These characters that she has brought to life; i feel like i know them. I feel like they're real, and it just pains me that i finished the last book already, and will probably have to wait another year before getting a chance to read her next one. Now i know how her fans who were lucky enough to discover her earlier feel.

First off, i just want to comment that i LOVE the cover of this book. I think it's my favorite by far.

We meet Lily in the prologue who is being proposed to by her boyfriend Richard (who in true Toon fashion, we have met in a previous novel) and with the question, comes reservations and a flashback that leads to those reservations. When Lily was a teenager, forced to move to AUstralia with her mother from London, she falls in love with Ben. Ben is an animal keeper at a conservation park, who is 12 years her senior. yikes... i know what you're thinking. I know what I was thinking! the whole time i was reading the flashback i kept thinking, there's NO way that Toon can pull this off. SUrprise, surprise... of course she does. It may seem odd to you, but honestly, the whole thing just exuded romance. Ahh... unrequited love. The one that got away. THAT is what this book is about. ANd it will steal your heart away.

The thing about chicklit is that it tends to be over the top fluff, as you blissfully read your way towards the end that you pretty much know is coming. With Toon, that never seems to be the case. You THINK it will end one way, but then you second guess yourself and think that she might just surprise you in the end. I loved RIchard in this novel too. He was absolutely wonderful. He was sweet and kind and adoring. Whichever way Lily chose, i knew that my heart was going to break with her, and with the guy who she didn't choose. ANd i know that in my heart, i didn't know if Lily was going to pick Richard or Ben... or maybe Josh?
I loved all the characters in this book. sidenote... i REALLY liked Josh! mmm. I wish he had more time in the book! I'm hoping that someone will let Toon know and maybe make him into a leading man in a future book. oh Josh.... =)

i adored this book. I read it from the afternoon and finished it after dinner. This book is not one to miss.

It was about a year ago when I first discovered Paige Toon, and since then I've devoured all of her books. They're fun, fresh, and completely unpredictable. A far cry from simple chick lit, they give the reader something to think about long after the last page is turned. Thankfully, Pictures of Lily, her newest release, is just the same.

When Lily was 16 years old, she fell in love with someone she shouldn't have fallen in love with. Now, 10 years later, she's engaged to her boyfriend and although she should be happy, she can't get her first love out of her head. When her past comes back, she has a serious decision to make.

Once again, Toon fills a book with beautiful visuals (the natural side of Australia) and deep, personal drama. Written from Lily's perspective, Toon does an excellent job balancing inner monologue with action. While there is much contemplation, it never gets to be too much. Lily is a terrific narrator; her voice is strong and although unsure, it always has a hint of what she really wants. It's extremely honest.

Like her other books, Toon introduces us to memorable characters. Both male counterparts (I don't want to give away too much, as the dynamics are quite interesting) are extremely likable, which makes Lily's decision that much harder. And when she finally makes it in the end, you're relieved, and a bit worried for the one who doesn't get her. He's part of you - you don't want to see him hurt. (Interestingly enough, I cheered on the guy she didn't' chose, although I understood why she went the other way. It made sense, but I love that I was so conflicted. I actually debated it in my mind - embarrassingly often).

The writing is beautiful and addictive. Like her other books, I devoured this one in three days, hardly ever putting it down. The story is relatable, and extremely entertaining - never a dull spot, and full of ongoing leaps. It pushes the boundaries and makes you wonder what, exactly, you would do given the situation?

Like Lucy in the Sky, this one takes place in Australia, and the beautiful outback and city becomes a character in itself. If it wasn't so expensive, I'd fly there right now, just to see the koalas and Opera house. And hopefully the characters.

My absolute favorite part is that, once again, there are many references to her previous books. If you haven't read them, it won't matter, but if you have, you'll enjoy the re-appearance of Lucy and Nathan (Lucy in the Sky), Johnny Jefferson (Johnny Be Good), and Daisy and Luis (Chasing Daisy). I love that they're brought back - it's as if their stories haven't ended; they're still going on at the same time.

Pictures of Lily is a fantastic read, one that takes you on a journey through 10 years. You see the characters age and change - they become someone new, and yet sometimes, quite the same. If you haven't read any of Toon's books yet, definitely check this one out.

I absolutely loved Pictures of Lily- the perfect summer holiday read! Paige keeps raising the bar in her writing and manages to get the reader hooked from the very start! I was so addicted I didn't want my tube journey to end!
Some of the scenes in Paige's books are set in Australia, for those that have been, it will bring back memories; those who haven't - you'll want to be booking your ticket to Sydney (or Adelaide) tomorrow! - it's incredible how you can truly imagine the characters and surroundings.. like all Paige's books, this will captivate you from page 1.
Enjoy!!!
Pictures of Lily

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