Review: My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century, Rachel Harris

On the precipice of her sixteenth birthday, the last thing lone wolf Cat Crawford wants is an extravagant gala thrown by her bubbly stepmother-to-be and well-meaning father. So even though Cat knows the family’s trip to Florence, Italy, is a peace offering, she embraces the magical city and all it offers. But when her curiosity leads her to an unusual gypsy tent, she exits . . . right into Renaissance Firenze.

Thrust into the sixteenth century armed with only a backpack full of contraband future items, Cat joins up with her ancestors, the sweet Alessandra and protective Cipriano, and soon falls for the gorgeous aspiring artist Lorenzo. But when the much-older Niccolo starts sniffing around, Cat realizes that an unwanted birthday party is nothing compared to an unwanted suitor full of creeptastic amore.

Can she find her way back to modern times before her Italian adventure turns into an Italian forever? Goodreads 

This was a really fun read from Rachel Harris. I'm struggling with how to describe why I liked it so much without giving too much of the plot away. While Cat wasn't the most relate-able character for me, I grew pretty attached to her, and I respect most of her choices. She's fun and strong, even though she carries her family history around like a weight, and occasionally a shield. 

The lessons she learns from the 16th century are very important for her 21st century life, and I think she will grow from them in the sequel. The romance is sweet and fun, Cat's cultural faux pas are entertaining,  Alessandra is an awesome "sidekick" and the story line will pull you in fast. In short, if you like history, romance, art, magic, or laughing, you should pick this one up!

Rating 5/5 stars