I like this series, as typically not my type of book; however, enjoyed the first book Belles, so wanted to catch up with the southern belle characters, their families, rivals, and new guys. All the teens are engaging and fun - lots of drama, southern belle fun, politics, backstabbing, fashion, society, and new romances. (reminds me of a younger GCB series)!

Glad to see Mira develop her character into a fun artsy gal with her new down to earth guy who shares her love of art and a simpler lifestyle. Also glad to see Izzy and Mira tag teaming to help those less fortunate as they work towards rebuilding their family. From cotillion, initiations, lies...Winter White is an engaging sequel to Belles and look forward to hearing from Izzy's Aunt Zoe who appears at the end of Winter White in the next book in the series "The Grass is Always Greener" April 2013.
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If you read my review of Belles ( see it here ) you'll know that I really enjoyed the story. There was one technicality that irritated me, but I'm over it, and I have nothing but good things to say about Winter White

The secret's out, and everything is right in the world as Mr. Monroe continues with his senatorial campaign. Haha, yeah right. They may be keeping up appearances, but how long will it be before the cracks begin to show? Isabelle and Mirabelle are trying to keep it together, but they are having a hard time forgiving their dad for the major, life changing lie. But with cotillion season among them, they may just have other problems. Escorts, dresses, and what's this about a secret initiation?

This book is just so much fun. My favorite parts surrounded the extremely lavish cotillion, the initiation assignments never fail to make me laugh. Mira really turns into a new person in this installment, but her struggle is evident as little pieces of the past her come peeking out. Izzie is the same old Izzie, but she comes to the realization that maybe it is time for a new Izzie as well. She girls are both struggling with their new social standings, friends (or lack there of), boyfriends (or boys that are friends?) and their new position in the family. The novel is extremely well paced, with comedy balancing out the drama, and romance balancing out the tears.

If you loved Belles , go find yourself a copy of Winter White . Once you read this one, you'll understand why I can't wait for The Grass is Always Greener . Calonita loves her cliffhangers. ( )

The secrets are out... or are they???

Who would have thought that Izzie and Mira would finally have something in common - and not only with what has been revealed, but also sharing the same feelings towards the same person. The media is all over it, but the girls know how to handle themselves in front of the cameras. Or at least, they thought they did.

In Winter White, Izzie and Mira are trying to get along. They are trying to lead as normal a life that they can in Emerald Cover and get ready for their cotillion. Mira has dreamed of cotillion since as long as she can remember. And is so excited to be able to share everything, even the initiations, alongside Izzie. Izzie has no intentions in doing cotillion, but seeing how much this means to Mira and her aunt, she decides to go along with it. And soon discovers that their is more to cotillion than just a pretty white dress.

In between the drama, twists and turns, Izzie and Mira are learning from one another, becoming friends and also discovering themselves. And there is never a dull moment in Emerald Cover - new characters to add some extra spice to the story-line, I could not put this book down.
Jen Calonita's writing is so spot on and captivating. Everyone is so relatable and enticing - I cannot wait to see what they'll be doing next.
AND, Winter White has one of the best cliff-hangers I have read in a long time! Seriously! I don't like being left like this, but it was one that was totally unexpected and exciting - it is going to be another wonderful installment to this series! I cannot wait to read THE GRASS IS ALWAYS GREENER! ( )