Words cannot describe how much I fell in love with this story. Pure amazingness!

A vividly imagined story, readers will fall in love with Paintbrush from the first page!

I normally am not a huge fan of rom com books with a happy ending. However, this one was just so sweet and the characters were incredibly realistic-- in my opinion. I can definitely understand the two sides of high school graduates-- "let's get the hell out of Dodge" and "I love where I grew up" and they were perfectly displayed in the titular characters, Mitchell and Josie. Overall, a charming, fun read about growing up.

Paintbrush

by Hannah Bucchin

Blaze Publishing

Pub Date 11 Jul 2017

I am voluntarily reviewing PaintBrush through Blaze Publishing and Netgalley:

In this book we are introduced to Josie Sedgewick, and Mitchell Morrison, at one time they were close but not so much anymore. They live in the Indian PaintBrush Community a commune with colorful characters tucked in the mountains of North Carolina.

Josie and Mitchell both love to read. In time something deeper than a friendship develops between Josie and Mitchell. Mitchell's Mother announces that she has fallen in love and leaving, while Josie's Sister starts to make bad decisions.

PaintBrush will take you on an unforgettable journey, of love and loss.

Five out of five stars

Happy Reading!

4.5 stars (still doubting if it's not one of my favourites)
I recommend it to everyone who loves YA contemporary romances, especially Morgan Matson fans.

I requested this book on NetGalley (and I so glad I did).

This book was just so nicely paced story with realistic, likeable characters.
It is just another version of the YA contemporary romance formula but I found it so well written.
The dual narration is also handled very well. <spoiler>You get the answers to Mitchell's questions about Josie in Josie's chapter and vice versa.</spoiler>
Furthermore, I could really relate the problems which Josie and Mitchell are facing. Especially with Josie's, being the older sister myself.
<spoiler>Even the cliché miscommunication moment, which is present in almost every romance story, was relatable since both Josie and Mitchell had realistic doubts about their own futures. </spoiler>

When I read the blurb of this book, it didn't really seem that interesting or captivating, but I went into it anyway knowing that I could surprise me, and it really did. Paintbrush is Hannah Bucchin's debut novel and she broke into the world of YA with a bang. This is a truly remarkable debut that will stay in my heart forever.

Mitchell Morrison and Josie Sedgwick have spent their whole lives at the Indian Paintbrush Community Village, a commune full of colourful characters tucked in the mountains of North Carolina, and they aren't particularly close--at least, not anymore. Josie wishes she could spend all of her time at Paintbrush planting tomatoes, hiking the trails, or throwing giant communal birthday parties, while Mitchell can’t wait to escape the bizarre spiritual sharing and noisy community dinners. Luckily for both of them, high school graduation is just around the corner.

But when Mitchell’s mother makes a scandalous announcement that rocks the close-knit Paintbrush community, and Josie’s younger sister starts to make some dangerously bad decisions, the two find themselves leaning on each other for support – and looking at each other in a whole new light. Their childhood friendship blossoms into something more as they deal with their insane families, but as graduation approaches, so does life in the real world, forcing Josie and Mitchell to figure out what, exactly, their relationship is – and if it can survive their very different plans for the future.

Now, this book isn't going to stay in my heart because it's emotional, or because it's special, it's brilliant because the storyline just seemed honest. A girl who doesn't want to leave home because she loves everyone there. Normally in YA, I read about characters who can't wait to get out of their house and leave their parents to go on to 'bigger and better things', but it was refreshing because Josie recognised how good she had it at home. She knew that there was no real rush to go off to college. She wanted to stay with her mom, her sisters and the rest of her community and just be with her family. However, alongside the girl who doesn't want to leave, is the boy who can't wait to get out of there and dreams of the world outside of the Paintbrush community. 

I loved the idea of the community that Bucchin came up with. It was just so free from everything and even though I couldn't imagine living there myself, it did seem like such a perfect, picturesque place that I would love to visit! I also loved how this book wasn't insta-love. Sure, the characters had known each other their whole lives but this story is about the two individuals realising that they could be something more and them going through the motions of 'do I?', 'don't I?'. And this didn't really start til about 40% of the way through the book. The beginning of the novel was building up the environment of the community and just conveying the friendship between Josie and Mitchell, but it also built upon the friendship between individuals within Paintbrush and also highlighted family dynamics. 





"I'm ready to be done. I'm ready for a change. I'm ready to move on."

- Hannah Bucchin, Paintbrush





I'm allowed a small vent, right? Like, a little one? Because it really wouldn't be one of my reviews without one, would it? Ok, so Mitchell's mother annoys the hell out of me. She can't just do what she did and expect everything to be ok, Libby is a self-centred arrogant 14-year-old who gets on my last nerve. I know she's a teenager and everything and she's growing up but she just takes everything for granted and her attitude was just awful! There was also zero diversity within this book. Sure, you had old people, young people, blah blah blah, but there was no DIVERSITY and that's one of the things that really let this book down. However, the Paintbrush community does have a different kind of diversity, you have an old-weed-smoking-grumpy man,

However, the Paintbrush community does have a different kind of diversity, you have an old-weed-smoking-grumpy man, a old man who sits on the porch and polishes his rifle every morning, a couple with seven children, the woman who does naked yoga every morning on her front lawn, the single mother raising three kids and Myra - who is the 'leader' of the community. There's obviously more people but I can't remember all of them. The different age groups coming together to become an 'extended family', the celebrations they have, the way that they sort out issues within their community; that's a different kind of diversity, and each family household brings a different vibrancy to the story.

Overall, this is a really enjoyable book that had me completely hooked. When I wasn't able to read because of work and other commitments, I was hankering to get back to the book so that I could read it some more. I can't wait for it to come out so that I can get my hands on a finished copy!

Disclaimer: this book was sent to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Released 11th July

This book was a really quick easy enjoyable read, I found both main characters really likeable and even found myself caring for sweet Myra! By the end I was even considering how peaceful living in community like Paintbrush must be.

I also love the cover, I have to admit that's what originally drew me to this book but I was pleasantly surprised by a heartwarming and sweet storyline. Definitely recommended for anyone looking for a easy going enjoyable read.

A sweet clean ya romance. It's a quick light read just perfect for a sunny day read! It's a friends becoming maybe more story and nothing really new with the story, but the extra characters made the story more special. I loved the community of paintbrush and I think it would be great to see more of the other stories.

This felt like your average teen romance with a Reservation and a very shocking announcement from Mitchell's mom that I didn't even see coming. But nothing felt really stand-outish about the book

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Blaze Publishing and NetGalley, as I absolutely loved this! I couldn't put it down, I read it in almost one sitting. It was such a sweet contemporary romance. And can we talk about the beautiful cover? The cover is what interested me, the description drew me in, and after the first couple of chapters I was done for. That's saying alot as I don't read a ton of contemporary books. There was just something about this one. Hannah Bucchin did such a wonderful job on this.

The story follows the alternating perspectives of Josie and Mitchell, who live in the Indian Paintbrush Community Village. It is a commune named after a flower founded by leader Myra who keeps the community running smoothly, but unlike those with a cult following, its just a group of people from all over that have kind of settled together to make a sort of community family. Some people have traditional jobs, some just work at the village, everyone kind of looks out for one another, and there is no weird religion or anything strange going on. It is a place for people who are down on their luck or who have lost their way and need a place to call home. That is how Josie's family came to live in Paintbrush. Josie grew up with Mitchell and they've always been friends but as they got older they kind of grew apart after they stopped homeschooling together. Mitchell wants to get as far away from Paintbrush as possible after graduation, while Josie can't imagine herself anywhere but a part of the community she loves. Both of their lives are filled with family drama, which happens to be the thing that brings them closer together and rediscover the bond they once had. They realize that they may have deeper feelings for each other, and I really appreciated the development of their relationship and the real world problems they faced. Their emotions were raw, ugly, and very realistic and very appropriate for 18 year-olds facing the situations they were in. Their relationship leaves them both reconsidering what they thought they wanted for their futures.

I loved the supporting characters, the family members, the members of the community, the best friends were all well written and I felt like I was part of the story not just and outsider reading about them. I love that in a book. This book left me wanting more, what happens to future Josie and Mitchell? I wanted to know more about Josie's sisters, and Mitchell's parents, and everyone else in the story. I also liked that I could imaging any future I wanted for them left with a huge smile on my face and hope in my heart. The humor was well placed throughout the book and there were many times I laughed out loud while reading this book. I also really appreciated a YA where there is no sex, there is kissing, swearing, and some mature situations discussed, but sex is not something that is a necessary part of their relationship or a necessary part of the plot development.

An ARC has been kindly provided by Blaze Publishing, via NetGalley.com, in exchange for an honest review.

4 charming stars

Charming: : ˈtʃɑːmɪŋ :adjective: charming: very pleasant or attractive. Synonyms: delightful, pleasing, pleasant, …

Well, this story is the epitome of charming. There is just this “little something” that kept me interested and immersed in this sweet story of coming of age.

Paintbrush is Hannah Bucchin’s first published work and I must confess I swooned over the pretty cover. I’m a cover junkie and this was the first trigger.
The second reason why I requested this book was the blurb. It mentioned “a commune full of colorful characters tucked in the mountains of North Carolina”. I love stories talking about tight knit communities and colorful characters. I can read books without bog plot as long as the characters are so well portrayed and interesting that they are the stories. I also love “feel good” books from time to time. They give me hope and energy for days! Just to compensate for all the gloomy news we are drowned in every day.
I can now honestly say Paintbrush fit the bill to the T.

Paintbrush is not an action packed/fast paced/intricate plot/high angst read.
No.
Paintbrush is a charming story built around the budding romance between two childhood friends Josie and Mitchell. They know each other since they were toddlers and live in the same community filled with quaint, earthy characters.
“People watching is a prime activity at the Indian Paintbrush Community Village for Sustainable Living”

A few weeks before graduation Mitchell’s mom will make a scandalous announcement that will turn Micthell’s world upside down.
So far Josie and Micthell were just friends but Mitchell’s ordeal will change perceptions.

The authenticity of the story was what I loved most. It broaches topics we all encounter at one point in our lives:
- the path we have to choose for our future;
- the choice to blend in or remain true to who we are;
-forgiving people who hurt us with the hope to heal and not become bitter;
- accepting diversity and respecting other in their choices
-how to raise your children either letting them make mistakes or controlling their every moves,…
I could go on and on.

Mitchell has always wanted to blend with his school’s crowd. To be “normal” and not some freak living in a “hippie” community. At school he is the Golden Boy, captain of the swimming team, joking with everyone, easy going. He can’t wait to finish high school and leave for college. Leave the community life behind. Even if he loves his people he wants to be “normal” whatever normal is.
“It’s not that I’m embarrassed I like to read books. Or that I’m embarrassed to be seen with Josie. It’s just that I’ve spent my entire life working so hard to be normal. I’m captain of the swim team, I plan pep rallies and dances, and I take as many advanced classes as my schedule will allow.”


Josie was totally different from Mitchell.
She loves her community, loves the lifestyle and does not hide where she comes from. She does not wear make-up has her hair in a braid and outdoor work clothes are her favorite right alongside flowing gowns.
“High school is where people can find their place, when they can find out how to fit into the puzzle. But I don’t have a place, and I don’t have a thing. All I know is that when I’m inside the school walls, the only place I really want to be is outside in the sunshine, gardening with my hands in the dirt, breathing in the fresh air. “
She loves her family, her neighbors, her mountains and does not know what to wish for her future. Would it be so bad to stay at Indian Paintbrush Community? This indecisiveness was a stress in itself when Josie witnessed all her friends preparing to depart for a new beginning.

And when Mitchell’s mom does something shattering his world to pieces he is so angry with her. Here comes the path to forgiveness. Do we know why others make some choices? As long as we did not walk in their shoes we can’t judge. It is also easier to hold a grudge than forgiving but is it the better choice?

I relished in the characters gallery all very well portrayed and adding layers and colors to the story. Between our two main characters you have Josie’s sisters with Libby being the typical rebel teenager. You have the nature freaks practicing naked yoga every morning for all to see. Grumpy old men smoking weed or polishing their rifle or the couple with seven kids etc. They all help to make the story so vibrant and interesting.

Last but not least the budding romance was very sweet. Mitchell and Josie were touching, both somewhat clumsy in their first love. You’ll have no-dates-dates under starry skies, at the lake, eating junk food in the middle of nowhere. Beating hearts and heads filled with “what if”.

Oh and Mitschell's speech at graduation day made me really, really want to listen again to "Long Live" by Taylor Swift <a href="https://youtu.be/5ptritFluOs"> Long Live </a>

This is one of those perfect stories to charm you when on holiday at the beach or in the mountains.

I hope you’ll give this book a chance.

*Thank you Blaze Publishing for providing me with a free copy of this book through netgalley.com*

Recently I have felt like a lot of young adult books have the same storyline, if you're looking for something new, then this is the one to read. I had it read in one sitting; it was that good. I can't remember the last book I was able to sit down and read in one go.
I enjoyeed the characters in this novel, they appeared so realistic and well drawn out which drew me into the book. The writer has done a fantastic job in addressing love towards family and friends. The author does not rely on the plotline that seems completely unrealistic in real life; the novel appears to stay grounded and true to real life while managing to be relatable to the reader.

I definitely love it. I think the story of Josie and Mitchell is so cute. I also love Myra, Ned and all the colorful characters of Paintbrush. I really wish Paintbrush exist so we could come and visit.

YES!!! FINALLY!!!

Finally a young adult book that doesn't have a whiney teenage girl in it. Josie is strong physically and mentally and can hold her own while still being feminine, likable and REALISTIC!! Mitchel is also very likable and real.

It addresses love for family and friends and what Mitchel and Josie must do in order to keep everyone together while still learning how to be independent.

This book surpassed my expectations and I did not want it to end. I would highly recommend this book. It is an easy quick feel good read. The world needs more people like Josie and Mitchell in it.

A sweet clean ya romance. It's a quick light read just perfect for a sunny day read! It's a friends becoming maybe more story and nothing really new with the story, but the extra characters made the story more special. I loved the community of paintbrush and I think it would be great to see more of the other stories.
There is a little physical abuse talk from the past and some issues with drinking, but it was managed well. Just thought I'd drop that in there if anyone has those triggers.
Cute, likable characters and clean, can't wait to see more from Hannah Bucchin.
Thanks to Netgalley and Blaze for the book in return for my honest review.



(Will be posted on blog next week)

This was a sweet YA contemporary. The kind of book that ends on a positive note and makes you smile at the end.

Thank you to NetGalley and Blaze Publishing for providing me with an advanced copy to review.

I really enjoyed reading this book.

It's senior year. Mitchell is the popular boy in school with an image to protect who can't wait to leave the Indian Paintbrush Community Village for Sustainable Living right after graduation. Josie loves Paintbrush and would be perfectly happy spending the rest of her life there gardening - she thinks. The two long-time childhood friends begin to unknowingly take a more serious step in their relationship after "Mitchell's mother makes a scandalous announcement" (from official book summary) and Josie starts to become fed up with one of her younger sister's reckless behavior. Now they must navigate through the uncertainties of the present, figure out what they mean to each other, and decide what path their lives will take.

What first caught my eye about Paintbrush was its cover. It's so simple and pretty and I love the soft colors of purple, pink, orange, blue and green beautifully shaped into a flower against a white backdrop. I think it's a perfect symbol for what the book is about.

The plot summary is what made me request this title. It sounded really interesting and just the right book for me.

Mitchell and Josie were great characters to get to know. All the characters were great - the Paintbrush community is full of all kinds of people you'll just love. But these two just had something particularly refreshing about them that I haven't seen in YA in a while. Their struggles and experiences, their growing relationship felt so real and relatable. They're both 18, heading off to college soon, and trying to figure out life after graduation which is approaching fast. It's such stressful and exciting time in a teenager's life and I think the author perfectly captures this milestone of youth. The progression of Mitchell and Josie's relationship - though rocky - was as lovely as the entire book.

The scenery in and around Paintbrush is gorgeous and vividly expressed. It made me long to see such landscapes and walk around in nature.

Hannah Bucchin's debut novel, Paintbrush, was a delightful story that had me falling in love with the characters, on the edge of my seat with its plot, and feel all the feels with its touch of romance. This was a big win for me. And I look forward to reading more from her.

Paintbrush is set to be released July 11, 2017. You can learn more about the book and Hannah Bucchin author here.

I love the cover, I honestly want to take out my watercolors from the drawer and doodle something.
This is beautiful YA romance, I think the author has captured the essence of feeling and self-esteem issues that people that age might go through, at the same when anyone start relationship from the very start.

This is novel where two main characters Josie and Mich live in commune called Paintbrush with their families and many others. There are side events that develop and fall apart - but the main focus is for them both. How do you express when you realize you want to spend with your childhood friend all the free time you have? How do you formulate this? How do you....what to do...when you think your world is falling apart with so much stress around you -school graduation, somewhat exams, future, and family issues?

It was interesting to read, the story had unexpected turns and a beautiful romance of two people.

Contemporary isn't always my favorite but this one rocked my world,.

<i>Paintbrush</i> by Hannah Bucchin is a harmless, fluffy summer YA read. It's a nice start for a new YA writer, but treads a well worn path of YA romances. The main characters of the novel Josie and Mitchell are high school students who happen to grow up together in a commune just outside of town. Both find themselves at a crossroad as they are about to graduate high school and figure out their places in their families and the world. The characters are cliche but not annoyingly so, and there are too many side characters that add little to the plot (for example, Josie's sister Mae is completely flat & unnecessary to the plot) Ultimately, it's a cute read that entirely forgettable once it's over.

Thanks to Blaze Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange of a honest review!