Fifteen Candles (Amigas #1)

Alicia Cruz has it all. She lives in Miami, Florida and just got a prestigious internship. Then she runs into Sarita, who's quinceanera--traditional fifteenth birthday party--is coming up. Alicia gets all her friends together to help plan the 'perfect' quinceanera. But she doesn't realize how much planning is involved. She gets way over her head and starts to turn into the quince-zilla. She almost loses it all. Will she be able to still get the quinceanera together? Or better yet, will she still have her amigas at the end?

I really love the whole premise of Latinas who work together to plan the perfect quinceanera. This is the traditional fifteenth coming of age part in the Latino community. The author does a great job of showing what is all involved in this. How I wish I'd had one when I was fifteen!

What didn't work for me is the first two chapters of exposition writing. I wanted to know more about Alicia and her friends. I almost put this book down. I'm glad I didn't as starting with chapter three the book comes to life. I loved Alicia and how she tries so hard not to be the stereotypical rich Latina who forgot about her culture. Some of the things she does to make the party work are hilarious. I especially loved how she tried to make a quinceanera cake with disastrous results.

I also loved the Spanish woven throughout the book. I really loved following Alicia and her friends. I just wished the first couple chapters had either been taken out or woven throughout.

A fun fast-paced tale of Latinas working together.