This is the story of a group of "local girls" that meet a movie star at a local hangout in their town. The author makes no secret that this is the last life in his life in the star's life. Through the course of just one evening we learn about a series of ups and downs between the "local girls" through flashbacks of a series of practical jokes that leads one of their group to a year term in prison. This is a neatly constructed book with well developed characters and a fast pace. A very nice debut novel.. ( )

In my opinion, Local Girls by Caroline Zancan misses the mark. I think that the characters and their group dynamic could have easily and more effectively been illustrated in a short story or novella. Too many subtleties were overstated and/or drawn-out. Adding in Sam Decker, the Hollywood heartthrob, really could have been the knock-out punch to what could've been an excellent dark story. ( )

The summer night their lives changed forever Maggie, Lindsey and Nina had gone to the Shamrock bar in their boring town outside of Orlando Florida to torture Lila and her group of insignificant friends. Before they could get properly started on the insults they had planned for the night they met Sam Decker, the actor they loved in every one of his movies and who they drooled over in magazines.

Read the rest of the reviews on my blog: https://shouldireaditornot.wordpress.com/2015/07/01/local-girls-caroline-zancan/ ( )

I received access to this galley for free through the First to Read program. The premise and setting of this book are why I chose it. I enjoy novels about the enriching yet complicated nature of female friendships. Florida, specifically the outskirts of Orlando one summer, is the setting.

Maggie, one of a trio of friends who grew up together, is the narrator. The other two are Lindsey and Nina. One night at The Shamrock, their favorite bar, they run into Lila. She is the defector and former fourth member of their group. This chance encounter leads to flashbacks of their past together.

Celebrity magazines are both an obsession and an escape for them. Sam Decker, a movie star, in Orlando for an appearance, stops by The Shamrock. Not surprisingly, he is recognized by the group and they spend the evening drinking together.

The timeline shifted frequently, making it confusing and hard to follow. Max, a pivotal character and Lila's friend, was introduced. Sal, the owner of The Shamrock, has a minor role. The family members of the girls are only given mentions. The plot dragged and rambled in spots and sped up in others.

I found it difficult to get into this novel. I forced myself to finish it. I had hoped for a dramatic, satisfying ending, only to be disappointed. Compared to other books, I received through First to Read, this one was not nearly as compelling. ( )