Live Out Loud (Toronto Collection)

Ah, another Heather Wardell book on the blog. Im happy to announce I have read and reviewed all of her books, and she is at the top of my Favorite Authors list. Live Out Loud captures the story of Amy, hobbyist songwriter with a heavy goal on her mind - honor the memory of her late childhood friend. Amy thinks the way to do this is to start a support center for teenage girls, but when Amy suddenly catapults to fame thanks to a video of her singings blows up the internet, Amy is faced to realize that maybe the center isnt meant to be. Amy - now posing as Misty Will, hit pop star - has fame at her door and teenage girls following her every move. Can Amy really give up being Misty - or is the call of fame too strong for her to ignore? Another book I highly enjoyed from Wardell. Amy is such a confused character, so sure that she knows what she wants just unsure how to reach it, but at the same time - shes hopelessly lost. She knows she wants to honor her friend, but its fairly obvious that she has no idea how to go about the center. I loved the pop culture twist in the book - how to become an overnight sensation with just an uploaded video, the pressures celebrities have on them when their considered to be role models, and the great content that gets delivered in each book from Wardell. There are some hard hitting topics discussed - from teen death to abortions - but the story is very touching and I would definitely recommend Live Out Loud.

Reading these book just makes me feel good. They are funny and can take you into the characters lives as if they were your real friends. Ive really enjoyed feading each one. I am reading them in order as a series. Some of the people come back in other books , which is so fun to me! These books also help to lean about yourself, what I like about me and what Id like to change. I see this as the characters live out their daily lives. I very much recommend! ! Its great reading, deep and touching- as well as care free, Enjoy!

When I first read Planning to Live, I didnt think that I would ever love a Heather-book as much or identify with a character more than Rhiannon. Live Out Loud completely blew me away from the first chapter. It is a beautifully written, eye opening tale of a woman (Amy) torn between living the life she wants and the life she thinks she should want. The truth is, sometimes we dont know how much we want something until its within our grasp and all pretenses are dropped. Misty Will learn to live her dreams, if she can forgive herself and let go of the past.

this entire series is an incredibly fun, light read to put you into good spirits. i definitely recommend them all!

Amy has always been a big dreamer, not just her own dreams, but the dreams of her childhood friend who tragically died. But never in her wildest dreams did she think she would become a singing sensation, yet that is exactly what happens. Amy becomes the pop princess Misty Will. But the biggest question is.... Misty will what? Once again Heather Wardell gives us a winner. Wardell has a way of creating characters and situations to which her readers can relate wholeheartedly. I just love watching Amys character catapult to fame, and to watch her flounder when fame is a little too much for her to handle. I liked that this story has a modern feel to it. Typically, I dislike a lot of pop culture in literature, but in this story it just fits. This is a story that we can imagine happening in todays world of pop music. I could totally imagine a singer like Misty rocketing to fame thanks to youtube. And as a lover of social media, I really enjoy how it factors into Mistys situation. I was a little surprised at some of the more serious themes at work, dealing with abortion, teen death, and teen sexuality. I liked that this story had this meat to it, yet was still able to remain so positive. Well done.

I really like the Toronto series, and would recommend anyone to read it. I applaud Heather for keeping the story-lines fresh and different, while still tying them together. Out of all the books Heather has written and Ive read really a favorite but she is consistent with what I admire her for...variety in story-lines and still tying them together through locations and people. Having said that, Ill probably read it again! I really enjoy this authors talent in writing. Becky Welter

Once again, Heather Wardell did not disappoint me. I just loved this story. I love the way she inserts characters from other books into new books, even if the stories arent connected. Theyre all Toronto residents. I do the same thing. I loved Misty, especially because she didnt let her fame taint her values (too much). Imagine becoming a pop star overnight, having people screaming when they hear your name, and crying when they see you because they are so desperate to touch you. Then imagine how great it must feel to know that your songs reach out and touch young people in a good way. Well done. Although I have never been to Toronto, I am in love with the city--thanks to Heather Wardell. Carole McKee, author

As always Heather has written a book that puts you in a position where your life has to stop because you have to know what will happen next... I couldnt put this down and actually read it in one day... I love that her stories never go in the direction you assume but off on a totally different angle... If you are looking for a good read that will make you think what would I do in that situation then make sure you grab this one...

I read before I go to sleep at night and this book kept me reading way longer than i should have. It was just a fun little story.

This was a fun read. I enjoyed the characters and I enjoy reading stories about the music industry. I have bought 2 more of Heather Wardells Toronto series books and I am looking forward to reading them also.