Review of Pilgrims Don't Wear Pink by Stephanie Kate Strohm

Title/Author: Pilgrims Don't Wear Pink by Stephanie Kate Strohm
Publisher/Date published: Graphia, May 8th 2012
How I got this book: received it from the publisher through NetGalley

Goodreads summary: "A story of crushes, corsets, and conspiracy
Libby Kelting had always felt herself born out of time. No wonder the historical romance-reading, Jane Austen-adaptation-watching, all-around history nerd jumped at the chance to intern at Camden Harbor, Maine’s Oldest Living History Museum. But at Camden Harbor Libby’s just plain out of place, no matter how cute she looks in a corset. Her cat-loving coworker wants her dead, the too-smart-for-his-own-good local reporter keeps pushing her buttons, her gorgeous sailor may be more shipwreck than dreamboat — plus Camden Harbor’s haunted. Over the course of one unforgettable summer, Libby learns that boys, like ghosts, aren’t always what they seem."

I just finished Pilgrims Don't Wear Pink and I'm still smiling! This book was amazingly cute and fun and it had me laughing so many times it was just incredible!

I LOVED the writing! It was the perfect mix of lighthearted and funny and it was serious when it needed to be, it was SO good! From the get-go I fell in love with the characters and the place and just the summery feel-good mood that it brough with it!

Libby is a really, really great and very lovable main character! She's a history nerd who's also a total shoe fanatic fashionista and is incrediby charming. Because of her Hello Kitty tendencies, other people assumed she probably wasn't all that smart and serious about history and about her job, which shows you can't go by your first impression, because Libby was very passionate about it all! I loved her and I was rooting for her. And while I abhor the popular thing that is putting your phone in your bra when you don't have pockets, I excused her for it because she was just so adorable.

So, admittedly, Libby doesn't have the best judgment when it comes to guys and the gorgeous sailor had SLEAZEBAG written on his forehad in big bright neon letters, but yeah, I could get how she could not get past the gorgeousness he's supposed to be. I mean, I feel old saying this, but: it wasn't all that long ago that I was a teenager. But gosh, the other guy! Be still my geek loving heart! I loved the scenes where he and Libby were together and their banter had me laughing out loud so many times! And hooray for the nerd who has the movie kiss down!

Also, I loved Libby's best friend Dev. Granted, he has the stereotypical gay going on, but yeah, I kinda adored him and his quirks! Also, I thought their friendship was very believable and not just something convenient to be added into the story.

In conclusion: this was a wonderful cute, feel-good read that left me smiling and giggling and sometimes laughing out loud while I was reading it! Pilgrims Don't Wear Pink is a fantastic debut and Stephanie Kate Strohm has an amazing voice that shone through Libby! Highly recommended!

My rating: 5 stars