LOST CROW CONSPIRACY is everything you could want in a sequel and so much more. It is action-packed, edge-of-your-seat exciting, suspense-filled, and LOST CROW CONSPIRACY is everything you could want in a sequel and so much more. It is action-packed, edge-of-your-seat exciting, suspense-filled, and full of surprises. Magical beings, spell-casting and spell-breaking, hidden agendas, manipulation, betrayal, injustice, fierce battles, and a touch of romance make this installment riveting.
The story picks up shortly after the events in the first book in the series. And while things may seem to have settled down following the rebellion, the reality is quite different. The shift in magic has left many uneasy or angry. The fear of the unknown and of the praetheria has the decision-makers on edge. The now-free Hungary has caused power struggles among the countries looking to expand their empires and has presented opportunities for those looking to lead. And a new, even deadlier threat is on the horizon.
Anna thought she made the right decision when she chose to break the Binding, releasing the magic and freeing the praetheria. Even with what it cost her and with the secrets she had to keep. But her Hungary wasn’t as free as she thought it was. The beings she unleashed on the world might not be as benevolent. The Congress wasn’t as open-minded as she would have hoped. And she may have put herself in a position where she’d have to choose duty, responsibility, country over love.
Author Rosalyn Eves did not let up on the intensity in this second book in her series. She added more battles, more chases and escapes, more fascinating beings, more magical abilities, and many more threats and dangers. She continued to make a connection to the events, people, and climate of the time. She touched on issues of women’s rights and equality. She developed Anna into even more of a strong female lead.
LOST CROW CONSPIRACY is the perfect follow-up to BLOOD ROSE REBELLION. It has a faster pace. It has a whole host of new and interesting issues and characters. It advances the storyline in different and unexpected ways. It offers dual points-of-view that give a peek at very separate and distinct parts of the world. And it sets things up and teases things to come in the third installment in the series.
Thrilling, nail-biting, at times inciting, and completely all-consuming, LOST CROW CONSPIRACY is an absolute must....more
THE SCIENCE OF BREAKABLE THINGS is a charming and delightful, emotional, meaningful, and thoroughly engaging read. It is full of hope and heartache anTHE SCIENCE OF BREAKABLE THINGS is a charming and delightful, emotional, meaningful, and thoroughly engaging read. It is full of hope and heartache and humor, clever footnotes, adorable illustrations, and a plethora of broken eggs.
Ever since Natalie’s mom all but disappeared from her life, Natalie’s been looking for answers and for a way to fix things so that the mom she knew will return and replace the not-there version who spends most of her days in bed.
Her new, overly enthusiastic science teacher’s suggestion that she participate in the local egg drop competition might not be such a bad one. It will give her just the opportunity she needs to help - that is, if she can win.
Going it alone she doesn’t stand a chance, but with her best friend Twig and new friend Dari on her team, winning is a real possibility - even with drop ideas that contain glitter, marshmallows, and chocolate.
Tae Keller created a sympathetic, relatable, likable, funny, flawed, and real character in Natalie. She put her character in a situation that forced her to grow up, to learn things she might not have wanted to learn, to adapt, to become more aware, more thoughtful, more understanding. But she didn’t make her go it alone.
The author did an incredible job of keeping her story at just the right amounts of serious and fun. It is moving and heart-rending. But with a hashtag happy teacher, a friend who doesn’t know the meaning of a whisper, and a dad whose idea of fun is running errands, it is equally as lighthearted and hilarious as it is affecting.
Aimed at a middle grade audience, THE SCIENCE OF BREAKABLE THINGS can be just as easily enjoyed by a young adult readership, as well as readers of most ages. It incorporates science in a way that is amusing and educational. It tackles emotionally tough issues. It introduces a bit of cultural diversity. It offers food for thought. It has some sweet and wonderful characters. And it is witty and smart and an amazingly great read....more
A multitude of battles and skirmishes, oceans of bloodthirsty creatures, a seemingly impossible quest, a golden prince, and a cold-hearted princess arA multitude of battles and skirmishes, oceans of bloodthirsty creatures, a seemingly impossible quest, a golden prince, and a cold-hearted princess are just some of what make TO KILL A KINGDOM unputdownable. Powerful magic, vengeful and ruthless killers, deception, lies, betrayal, stolen hearts, and romance make it unforgettable.
The Sea Queen’s mandate that every siren must add a heart to her collection only once a year, on her birthday, must be followed. Even by her daughter, Princess Lira. But when the chance to steal a prince’s heart a few weeks early presents itself, she can’t resist.
She knew that breaking the rules might incite her mother’s wrath. But she never thought her actions would ultimately lead to the punishment her mother chose to inflict - one that turned her into her enemy, leaving her weak, vulnerable, and separated from her home.
Determined to impress the Sea Queen and prove just how valuable and clever and brutal she could be, Lira set her sights on the heart of the Midasan prince, Prince Elian. Even in human form she would show her mother that she was the Prince’s Bane and had no shred of humanity that would render her unworthy of reigning when the queen stepped down.
Prince Elian never wanted to take the throne and be forever trapped in Midas. He was only ever happy when at sea, hunting down the sirens that lured ships’ captains and crews to their deaths, and pursuing the siren known only as the Prince’s Bane.
When he learned of an object that had the power to destroy the Sea Queen and every last siren, he would do whatever it took to find it. Even if it meant trusting in fairytales. Even if it mean entering a soul-crushing bargain. Even if it meant relying on someone he knew he should never trust.
Alexandra Christo penned a most delightful, fierce, action-packed, vicious, captivating, and immensely entertaining tale. Her monsters are monstrous. Her heroes are deadly. Their adventures are enthralling. Their quest is formidable. The fights are savage. The romance is unlikely. The outcome is unpredictable.
And with one enemy in the dark, another filled with uncertainty, and two kingdoms on the line, TO KILL A KINGDOM is guaranteed to be a gripping, thrilling, and all-consuming, tentacle-filled read....more
THE TRAITOR’S GAME is instantly and completely riveting, immeasurably intriguing, and filled to the brim with action, deception, secrets, lies, betrayTHE TRAITOR’S GAME is instantly and completely riveting, immeasurably intriguing, and filled to the brim with action, deception, secrets, lies, betrayal, and heartbreak. The dual POV both reveals and teases. The world is elaborate and interesting and dangerous and thrilling. The characters are captivating, mysterious, challenging, defiant, and a bit untrustworthy. The story grips and twists and surprises and leads to a phenomenally astonishing ending that hints at just some of the amazingness to come in the sequel.
Kestra knew the Dallisors had enemies. With her father willing to do Lord Endrick’s bidding, there were bound to be those who despised her family. She just never imagined how many or who she’d have to protect herself against. And she never thought a time would come when she could be coerced into helping them.
Simon took an oath to stand with those looking to take back the throne, those seeking to defeat Lord Endrick. The rage he felt toward Kestra Dallisor for her betrayal was just fuel on a fire already burning. He never imagined his allegiance would be questioned or that he’d be the one to question it. He never dreamed he might one day have to protect the person he hated most in the world.
Jennifer Nielsen went so far above and beyond with this first book in her new series. Her world and characters stand out - corrupting magic, remarkable and deadly creatures and weapons, an alluring myth, exciting and treacherous and conniving friends and foes. The plot is electrifying and jam-packed with harrowing chases, lethal assaults, intricate plans, difficult choices, shaky alliances, unanticipated outcomes, devastating losses. The pace is fast, the writing suspenseful and engaging and detailed, and the ending worth every nail-biting moment leading up to it.
If you like your heroines fierce, your heroes protective, their loyalties divided, their missions complex, their motivations hidden, their lives full of secrets, THE TRAITOR’S GAME is an absolute must....more
Filled with pictures and journal entries and correspondence to and from Madeleine L’Engle, BECOMING MADELEINE gives readers an intimate peek at this aFilled with pictures and journal entries and correspondence to and from Madeleine L’Engle, BECOMING MADELEINE gives readers an intimate peek at this award-winning author’s life. It has just the right amount of depth to make the read substantial and interesting without being weighty, reveals more than enough about Madeleine to learn who she was at various points in her life, and includes a heartfelt and heartrending introduction and conclusion by the authors - Charlotte Jones Voiklis and Léna Roy, L’Engle’s granddaughters.
It is a captivating and delightful and inspirational read that shares pivotal moments in Madeleine’s life up to the moment when A WRINKLE IN TIME was accepted for publication. It tells of a girl who always had a passion for writing, who was determined and tenacious and ambitious, who was often socially awkward but who thrived nevertheless, who was confident yet shy, who was brave yet fearful, who was by no means perfect but who strived to be better, and who understood that who she was encompassed every version of herself.
BECOMING MADELEINE’s authors have penned a loving and respectful and incredibly endearing telling of the story of Madeleine’s life. They left in many of the hardships the author faced as a child, young, and not-so-young, adult. They shared her mistakes, her successes, her failures, her disappointments, her setbacks. They showed her journey as a writer - from poet, to novelist, to playwright, to published author - as well as the side trips that took her away from and brought her back to writing. And they allowed a glimpse into some of the more personal aspects of her and her family’s life.
Madeleine L’Engle’s biography can be enjoyed by readers of many ages. It is a quick read, that flows beautifully, even interspersed with images and other lovely distractions. It has more of a story-like quality than that of a typical biography, allowing readers to easily connect with and become charmed by Madeleine. It promises a happy ending, just like Madeline L’Engle wanted for her stories - although its epilogue, divulging just how cherished L’Engle was by her granddaughters, will tug on the heartstrings.
Whether a new or lifelong fan of author Madeleine L’Engle, BECOMING MADELEINE is a must, must, must....more
There is a lot to love about Laurie Devore's WINNER TAKE ALL. It is an exciting, emotional roller coaster of a read. It sheds light on a number of issThere is a lot to love about Laurie Devore's WINNER TAKE ALL. It is an exciting, emotional roller coaster of a read. It sheds light on a number of issues - the disparity between the rich and those less fortunate and between women and men, boys and girls. It shows how striving to be the best is not always a good thing, and can cause one to lose sight of who they are and what’s really important. It has a strong, if flawed, heroine. And it has romance, and humor, and drama, and heartbreak.
Nell Becker wants to be the best. And she would be if Jackson Hart weren’t standing in her way. With his looks, his charm, his money, and his gender, everything comes easy to him. Which only makes Nell want to beat him all the more.
But in order to win she will have to do whatever it takes. Even if it means playing dirty and becoming someone she never thought she could be. And she will have to decide whether her reputation, her friendships, her health and her heart are worth destroying if that’s what it means to defeat her nemesis.
Author Laurie Devore packed a lot into her novel of rivalry gone awry. It wasn’t just a fiery but toxic romance. It wasn’t simply a story of secrets, lies, betrayal. There was much food for thought about economic and gender inequality, hypocrisy, infidelity, alcoholism, obsession, competition.
And while many of these issues were woven seamlessly into the story, there were a few instances where they felt inorganic or heavy-handed and it became more about the issue than the characters or the story itself.
The most interesting, intriguing, maddening, fascinating part of the story was the author’s choice of heroine. Nell is not the most likable of characters - to put it mildly - and isn’t the most obvious choice to be a paragon. At times her behavior is downright appalling. She’s driven, ultra competitive, judgmental, selfish, stubborn, reckless and arrogant. But she is strong - her mistakes and failures do not make her pitiable or turn her into a victim. She goes after what she wants - even if a bit too ruthlessly. She’s a fighter. And she does, eventually, learn from her mistakes - which, for some, might be too late for her to earn her redemption.
Whether you champion Nell or despise her, WINNER TAKE ALL is a compelling, thoroughly entertaining, and emotionally-charged read that sparks and sizzles and will keep readers riveted.
A note about the cover: I have some major cover love for WINNER TAKE ALL - and not just because I did notice exactly which match is raised....more
Marissa Meyers’ RENEGADES is action-packed, thrilling, elaborate, exciting, and absolutely riveting. The world-building is incredible. The characters Marissa Meyers’ RENEGADES is action-packed, thrilling, elaborate, exciting, and absolutely riveting. The world-building is incredible. The characters are interesting, so well-developed, have fascinating abilities, and are adorable, likable, lovable, detestable, despicable, or just plain creepy. The story offers much to think about. And deciding on who are the heroes and who are the villains isn’t always so easy.
Nova had one goal in life and that was to end the Renegades. With their parades, their trials, and their bureaucracy, she couldn’t stand to see them in power. Their promises were lies. Their sense of justice was skewed. And she would do whatever it took to ensure their destruction.
Adrian was tired of helping out the Renegades from behind the scenes. He wasn’t just a Renegade by virtue of his birth or because of his family. With his ability he could do so much to help take down the Anarchists. He just needed to prove himself by uncovering the real identity of the villain called Nightmare.
The Renegades appeared to have the advantage with their superior numbers, their seemingly endless resources, the support of the people. But their overconfidence, smugness, and self-righteousness, all but guaranteed that their enemies would work that much harder and be more clever, ruthless, and relentless.
Author Marissa Meyer took her superheroes and villains story beyond that next level. She didn’t skimp on detail. Her characters had pasts as well as presents. She challenged definitions of good and evil. She teased secrets. Her battles were complex and explosive and electrifying. Her society was extensive and captivating. She delivered twists and turns and surprises. And she made what some might consider a lengthy novel a lightning-fast read.
The story transitions smoothly between Nova’s and Adrian’s point of view. It allows readers to get to know both of these unique characters very well and to see the good and the bad within both the Renegades and the Anarchists. And it expands the world.
RENEGADES is not your ordinary superhero versus villains tale - things are not so cut and dry. The stereotypes do not align with expectations. It is as thought-provoking as it is enthralling. It has weight to it but does not feel heavy. And with so many secrets to keep readers intrigued, it promises to be unputdownable....more
THINGS I’M SEEING WITHOUT YOU is thoughtful and heartbreaking and amusing and melancholy, and more than a little bit romantic, all at once. It’s a stoTHINGS I’M SEEING WITHOUT YOU is thoughtful and heartbreaking and amusing and melancholy, and more than a little bit romantic, all at once. It’s a story about life and death, love and loss, about finding a way to let go, and about figuring out how to keep going. And while there are a number of heavy issues, they are lightened through humor, celebration, and ideas that will make readers think.
Tess couldn’t deal with the loss of her long-distance boyfriend Jonah. So she ditched school and went to live with her Dad who wasn’t exactly her favorite person in the world. Not after he spent her college fund and had no real way to earn the money back.
But better her Dad than trying to cope with school, her roommate, her recently enlightened mother - even if it meant she’d be tasked with helping him out with his latest scheme.
And when she discovers something about her relationship with Jonah, something that changes everything she thought she knew and felt, having something else to focus on, like planning a pre-death funeral party for a former burlesque dancer, might just be enough of a distraction to keep her from feeling totally devastated.
Peter Bognanni created a main character in Tess who has a tough exterior but who is also emotionally fragile. She is grief stricken, shocked, hurt and angry. She’s in pain but she has not given up, no matter how much life threw at her. And she is blunt and to the point, but can also be kind and caring.
The author gives readers a lot of food for thought about how to best honor someone’s life and their memory. He touches upon issues involving family, friendship, depression, sorrow, deceit, betrayal. And he creates a love story that is challenging and complicated, yet sweet.
THINGS I’M SEEING WITHOUT YOU is a beautiful and moving story, peppered with moments that can’t help but make you laugh or smile. It offers an adventure, a secret, a disturbing mishap, a couple of absentee parents, an eye-opening funeral, and a love story whose outcome is not set in stone. And for those looking for a read that is contemplative and gorgeous and original, it is a must....more
A SHORT HISTORY OF THE GIRL NEXT DOOR is an unassuming title for a story that packs such a very large punch. It is sweet and funny and moving and hearA SHORT HISTORY OF THE GIRL NEXT DOOR is an unassuming title for a story that packs such a very large punch. It is sweet and funny and moving and heartbreaking. It introduces an authentic and relatable character with a wildly entertaining inner monologue. It is an intensely emotional, gut-wrenching read that will not be so easy to recover from.
Matt Wainwright knows exactly when he fell in love with his lifelong best friend and neighbor, Tabby. If he were someone else, he probably would have told her how he felt. But he wasn’t confident enough or starry-eyed enough to think that things would work out like they did in the movies. And he didn’t want to risk losing his friend.
But when Tabby starts dating Liam, he can feel her slipping away from him anyway. And instead of doing everything in his power to keep their friendship intact, he lets his insecurity, his jealousy, and his anger drive her away.
To get Tabby back in his life he’d had to get over himself, bury his feelings, and just be a friend - things he should have done in the first place. Maybe if he had, he wouldn’t have lost all that time they could have spent together. A regret that didn’t seem so deep when he thought they had a lifetime of memories ahead of them, but felt bottomless when he learned there wouldn’t be any.
Jared Reck’s debut is nothing short of brilliant. It is the perfect mix of light and weighty, heartwarming and devastating. The wry humor will make you laugh. The raw pain will destroy you. His character, Matt, will make you cringe at some of his bad decisions, chuckle at some of his poetic masterpieces, smile at just what he’s willing to do for his family, sigh when he gets in a mood and lets the expletives fly, ache for his loss, and sympathize with his plight.
A SHORT HISTORY OF THE GIRL NEXT DOOR is a tragic, unrequited love story that promises to be a tearjerker. But it’s not all darkness and despair. Its amusing chapter titles, its likable main character, and its positively adorable moments throughout, infuse happiness and levity into this exceptionally well-written tragedy.
It is clever, it is captivating, it is absolutely outstanding. And with much to think about and a few life lessons to learn from, it proves itself a meaningful story that is not to be forgotten.
Original GR comments.
This book is amazing. It had been a while since I'd read the description and added it to my TBR list. So it was totally unexpected what happened. And of course I sobbed my way through much of the read. The author did an incredible job of making the character real - his emotions, reactions, actions. I felt every moment of his pain and anger.
ANTISOCIAL is a fascinating and compelling and unputdownable read that sheds light on what can happen to friendships and to lives when “private” data ANTISOCIAL is a fascinating and compelling and unputdownable read that sheds light on what can happen to friendships and to lives when “private” data becomes public. It shows just how hungry for gossip everyone is, how quick to spread the word, how riveted to the scandal, how hasty to point fingers, and how vicious we can become. But it also reminds us that not everyone is all good or all bad, that we are more than the negative things we say or that are said about us, and that for most of us the positive outweighs the negative. It is a riveting, addictive, at times chilling, a little bit heartbreaking, and absolutely thrilling debut.
The unraveling of Alexandria Prep is shown from Anna Soler’s point of view. Her world had already come undone when her boyfriend dumped her and she lost her connection to the elite in his world. Having ditched her friends for him and his during the three months they’d gone out, she didn’t think things could get much worse for her.
But when a vulnerability in a school scheduling app causes search data to be leaked, the information goes viral and soon hackers are accessing and revealing more personal and harmful information. Chaos ensues. Friendships are destroyed. Futures are ruined.
And through it all, Anna can’t help but watch, read, listen, and wait. Because while she might not be one of Prep’s most envied or be the most social online, it’s only a matter of time before her secrets are exposed - the things she’s done that she can’t take back and the things she’s said that can’t remotely be called nice.
Jillian Blake did a fantastic job at showing the many facets of this complicated issue. She gave readers a lot to think about and a different way of looking at a situation that might appear to be only negative. She alerts people to the danger of saying and sharing too much, she points out that it’s a problem that doesn’t just affect those who overshare, and she reminds us that no one is perfect, that everyone is flawed.
ANTISOCIAL is more than just a wickedly scandalous story, though the dirt that is revealed about the many students at Alexandria Prep will make readers feel as voyeuristic as the characters as they devour each shocking piece of news. It has substance. It has a bit of a mystery. It has a fast-pace, entertaining if not entirely likable characters, and a positive message. It is an exciting story that is not to be missed....more
Captivating and sad and hopeful. Flora Banks is such an inspiring and interesting character and someone you root for from the very start. Many secretsCaptivating and sad and hopeful. Flora Banks is such an inspiring and interesting character and someone you root for from the very start. Many secrets are revealed which I don't want to spoil here, but they make this read even more engaging.
WITCHTOWN is a fun, engaging and lightning-fast read that offers a touch of romance, an ethical dilemma, a devious scheme, a cantankerous poltergeist,WITCHTOWN is a fun, engaging and lightning-fast read that offers a touch of romance, an ethical dilemma, a devious scheme, a cantankerous poltergeist, and a girl with secrets. While there are moments that are sad, dark, and bittersweet, it is predominantly a light, humor-filled, and satisfyingly sweet story that can easily be devoured in one sitting.
After a lifetime of moving from place to place, and leaving behind the only boy she ever cared about, Macie was hopeful that Witchtown would be a place she and her mother could finally call home. But Aubra had other ideas.
The exclusive, witch-only haven was supposed to be the wealthiest haven in the country and Aubra was not about to settle down when the possibility of a huge score existed. With Macie’s help, her plan to rob the town would ensure they’d be set for life. And if Macie wasn’t willing to do her part? Aubra had no problem doing whatever it took to make sure she was.
Cory Putman Oakes imagined a world where witches live openly, but are largely confined to havens as they are seen as a threat. She gave a few of her witches incredible powers, but most have lesser abilities, and a few have none. She set her story in a haven beleaguered from within and without. And she introduced characters who ranged from kind and helpful to mischievous and curmudgeonly to intriguing and secretive to self-centered and vile.
Her heroine, Macie O’Sullivan, is likable and sympathetic. Raised by a mother who puts her own interests first and last, Macie’s sense of right and wrong is skewed. And when she’s finally in a position to make her own choices she’s confused, conflicted, and frightened, and doesn’t always choose right. But she is still worth rooting for.
Equal parts delightful and addictive, WITCHTOWN promises to keep readers hooked as they uncover Macie and Aubra’s secrets, discover the truth about potential love interest Kellen and about potential bff Talya, ferret out what’s really going on with the ghost that’s taken up residence in the Depot, learn more about all that is Witchtown, and find out which witch will end up a winner.
Original GR comments: Such a fun read and a super cute story. I was rooting for Macie from the very beginning, hoping she'd find a way to get out from under her mother's influence.
I enjoyed the light romance, the bit of mystery, and especially the poltergeist.
Charming and delightful, THE GOLD-SON reads like a classic fairytale but with a modern day twist. From its traditional opening, to its quaint setting,Charming and delightful, THE GOLD-SON reads like a classic fairytale but with a modern day twist. From its traditional opening, to its quaint setting, to its folkloric characters, to its heroic protagonists, to its evil antagonist, to its innocent romance, it is an enchanting and magical and whimsical tale that will immediately grab hold and will keep readers captivated.
Tommin Kelly had no idea why he was so consumed with the need to steal. Had he known the true circumstances of his birth he might not have felt so guilty. He might have been more suspicious of the unpleasant stranger who came to town. And he might not have made a deal that would take him away from his home and his granny and put him on a path to becoming a Leprechaun.
Escaping the cruel and scheming Lorcan Reilly would be challenge enough, but breaking the curse that drove him to take, filled him with intense need, and left him debilitated would be impossible. And if he couldn’t do it before he’d be forced to take the third and final step in the transition process, he wouldn’t want to.
Carrie Anne Noble invites readers into a world beneath, full of strange yet fascinating creatures who are motivated by greed and selfishness above all else. She takes them on an adventure as her characters fight against the lure of the curse and the magic that binds them. She gives them both a hero and a heroine who prove that love and kindness and generosity and sacrifice can triumph over evil. And she throws in a surprise that changes everything.
THE GOLD-SON is a fun, imaginative, and well-written story told in two parts, from two characters’ perspectives. Its hero is kind-hearted, conflicted, cute, clumsy, and cursed. Its heroine is strong, clever, determined, and crafty. And its villain is brutish, arrogant, power-hungry, greedy, selfish.
It offers a bit of a love story, a touch of humor, interesting lore, the possibility of a happily ever after, and the unexpected, as well as an eccentric leprechaun king, malodorous trolls, Irish chapter titles that are thankfully translated into English, the mention of a triple rainbow, a stick named Gladys, and so much more. It is a story that’s just so easy to fall in love with and is a must for anyone looking for a read that will take them back to once upon a time....more
Really liked Reggie's voice. I actually found her to be a very likable character. And I loved the ending to the story - how Reggie came to realize cerReally liked Reggie's voice. I actually found her to be a very likable character. And I loved the ending to the story - how Reggie came to realize certain things about life and about her depression. But I didn't necessarily get a sense of/feel for either Reggie or Snake's depression, aside from the fact that I was told they were depressed and that Reggie felt empty, etc. Perhaps the author purposely downplayed the depression to make it seem less relatable, the darkness less alluring, or to focus on the positive. But, for me, Reggie came across as snarky, moody, but endearing and Snake came across as cocky and charming - and I just didn't get a real sense of their battle with depression.
Enjoyable read with a positive/uplifting message and outcome. Just maybe not as heavy as I might have expected from a story about a girl suffering from pretty severe depression....more
Inspiring, heartwarming, and Incredibly moving, WINDFALL is a story about love and loss, and about good luck, bad luck, and no luck. It’s about being Inspiring, heartwarming, and Incredibly moving, WINDFALL is a story about love and loss, and about good luck, bad luck, and no luck. It’s about being true to oneself, about taking chances, about moving forward, and about making a difference. It’s an utterly enchanting and totally addictive read that is sure to make every reader smile and make them wonder how their lives might change with a windfall.
Alice never imagined that the lottery ticket she bought for Teddy, her best friend and secret love, on his birthday would change everything. It was supposed to be a gag gift from one very unlucky person to another. But when it turns out to be one of three winning tickets for over 140 million, it’s not only Teddy’s circumstances that will be radically altered, her entire world is at risk of being turned upside down.
As much as she wishes he had never won, she is just as thrilled that he had. But it complicates things. For him. For her. For them. And with just how difficult her life has been already, she’s not really sure she can roll with the changes or deal with the fallout that comes along with such a big payout. Especially when it seems like her relationship with Teddy is what’s on the line.
Jennifer E. Smith didn’t write a simple good luck, happily-ever-after love story - WINDFALL was so much more. The money didn’t magically erase all of Alice and Teddy’s problems. It didn’t rewrite their pasts. It provided opportunities, but it also created problems where none had existed before. And it forced them both to confront things they’d managed to avoid for a long while.
What she did write is a story that has depth and emotion and complexity. A story that is uplifting, that provokes thought, that is achingly sad and beautiful and is also heartfelt and hopeful. She introduces two characters who are connected because of the tragedies in their pasts, but whose current good fortune could tear them apart. She writes about family, and friendship, and generosity, and second chances, and difficult choices, and possibility, and unrequited love.
And she puts it all together in a story that is meaningful and romantic and endlessly readable.
WINDFALL is an absolute must for those who believe in luck over fate, who are curious to meet someone who would contemplate turning down millions to avoid upsetting the status quo, who love stories that offer ideas for consideration, and who prefer a story they can devour in one sitting....more
JOURNEY ACROSS THE HIDDEN ISLANDS is an absolutely wonderful, magical, and heartwarming tale that takes readers on an epic, perilous, monster-filled aJOURNEY ACROSS THE HIDDEN ISLANDS is an absolutely wonderful, magical, and heartwarming tale that takes readers on an epic, perilous, monster-filled adventure with two sisters and a winged lion. It is exciting and enchanting and amusing and imaginative. It delivers a number of positive messages about conquering fear, growing up, letting go, being understanding, and being responsible. It is a gripping and enthralling story that can and will be enjoyed by readers of any age.
Ji-Lin missed her sister desperately. As much as she loved training to become a warrior so that she could protect Seika, she wished they didn’t have to be separated for so long. So when she first learned that she would get to go home for a visit, she was thrilled. But when she discovered that the reason for the visit was so that she could accompany Seika on the Emperor’s Journey, her excitement turned to anxiety. Because she wasn’t quite sure she was ready for such an important task.
Seika followed every rule and did everything she was asked, unlike her sister, Ji-Lin. But when her father, the emperor, told her that it was time for her to do her duty for Himitsu and take the journey to the island’s guardian to renew their bargain, she wasn’t certain she was adequately prepared to honor tradition. She was told the path would be easy, but she had never been away from home before. And she certainly never had to come face-to-face with a dragon.
Sarah Beth Durst created a story that is delightful and interesting and fun and funny. She introduces two very likable twin sisters with very different personalities, strengths, and weaknesses. She tests their fortitude, their ingenuity, their compassion, and their loyalty. And she takes them on a trek through a world that is fraught with danger - but she doesn’t make them go on it alone.
They are joined by Alejan, Ji-Lin’s friend and protector, an incredibly adorable winged lion who is equally as interested in sharing stories about his idol, Master Shai, as he is in talking about his next meal. And by a boy who they can’t decide whether he’s more of an interloper or a valuable traveling companion.
Sea monsters and pirate-like ships, earthquakes and abandoned villages, bargains and betrayals, heroes and princesses, JOURNEY ACROSS THE HIDDEN ISLANDS has it all and then some. And with a few unexpected twists thrown in, it promises to be a thoroughly engaging and immensely entertaining read....more
HELLO, SUNSHINE is a fun and hopeful, sweet and also bittersweet, thoroughly engaging, and incredibly entertaining read. Its heroine, Becca, is both oHELLO, SUNSHINE is a fun and hopeful, sweet and also bittersweet, thoroughly engaging, and incredibly entertaining read. Its heroine, Becca, is both optimistic and anxious, lovable yet maddening, completely relatable, and absolutely adorable. And with an adventure in Los Angeles that is full of highs and lows, successes and failures, financial and emotional challenges, and challenging and interesting and odd people, it promises to be a captivating and utterly delightful, one-sit read.
Becca Harrington wished she could put a positive spin on her decision to move to Los Angeles to spend a year pursuing a career in acting. But she would much rather be going to college like everyone else in her class, even if it meant going to school in the same city as her rival, Brooke.
She never thought every school she’d applied to would reject her for one mistake. She never thought her boyfriend would bail. And she never expected to be filled with such doubt and uncertainty about herself, her abilities, and her future.
Unless she can figure out how to support herself, learn to survive and get ahead in a city as cutthroat and temperamental as Los Angeles - without a car - and overcome her self-esteem issues - in an industry that is known for destroying confidence - she’ll have to go back home, reapply to college, and hope she doesn’t get turned down again.
Though with a plan, a little bit of luck, a few good ideas, a couple of friends to lend a hand, and the courage to take chances, she just might make it.
Leila Howland wrote a story that is uplifting, though not overly so. She put Becca on an emotional rollercoaster. She gave her a number of lucky breaks, but balanced them out with crushing losses. She introduced her to some wonderful people, but also those that weren’t nearly as nice or as normal. And she tested her strength, her resiliency, her adaptability, and her willingness to do whatever it takes to succeed.
HELLO, SUNSHINE is not a cotton candy read - super sweet, light and fluffy, and nothing more. While it has moments that are upbeat and hilarious, it has many more that are substantive. Becca learns a lot about what it means to be an adult, to rely on herself, to persevere, to choose her own path. She also learns what it’s like to wear a bear costume, to eat yogurt without a spoon, to get creative with shower curtains, and just how expensive juice can be in Los Angeles.
For those looking for a summer - or anytime - read that will make them laugh, keep them hooked, make them root for the heroine a bit more often than they’ll want to throttle her, and that will give them a taste of the life of an aspiring young actress in L.A., HELLO, SUNSHINE is a must....more
J.C. Geiger’s WILDMAN is interesting and thought-provoking and strangely compelling. With a remote setting, an unusual cast of characters, a melodic, J.C. Geiger’s WILDMAN is interesting and thought-provoking and strangely compelling. With a remote setting, an unusual cast of characters, a melodic, dreamlike quality to the writing, an unhurried pace, and an uncertain destination, it is a story that will draw you in, pique your curiosity, and make you think about choices and possibilities and friendships and labels and open roads and roads not taken.
Lance Hendricks had his near future mapped out for him. He would give his valedictory speech. He would spend his summer working at the bank. He would use his full ride at OSU to get a degree in business that would guarantee him a good paying job. He would earn enough money so that someday he would have the freedom to do what made him happy.
He did not plan for his car to break down hundreds of miles from home in the middle of nowhere. He did not plan to miss the party that would finally give him and his girlfriend, Miriam, some time alone. He did not plan to blow off his mom, his friends, his job, his school, his future.
But then again he hadn’t planned on saving a life, losing a bet, getting into a fight, making new friends, getting a nickname or a few, having an adventure. And he certainly did not plan on Dakota.
Author J.C. Geiger offers up a lot of food for thought throughout his story. He’ll make you think about luck and chance and what if. He’ll make you wonder about how much of a hand you’ve really had in the decisions you’ve made, how many clues the universe has given you that you might have missed, how often you’ve delayed gratification for the possibility of a better future instead of opting for the guarantee of a better now.
The author introduces a character who isn’t the easiest to get a read on or to connect with but who is captivating and intriguing. Lance is both predictable and a bit of a mystery. He is definable and indefinable. He is different things to different people. He knows what he wants and yet doesn’t have the first clue about what he wants. His thoughts are shifting, fluid, wavering, wandering, his moods mercurial, his actions unreliable. And still he is immensely likable.
WILDMAN is a beautiful and bittersweet and haunting and hopeful debut that will make you fall in love with the quirky inhabitants of the town, the middle of the night call of the train, a ’93 Buick, a boy who won’t be defined by stereotype, and the possibility that nothing is set in stone. It is a memorable and original and offbeat and outstanding summer must must read....more
This book was so much fun. I absolutely adored Bailey's "voice" throughout. She is funny, sweet, a little neurotic, a bit more fierce than she realizeThis book was so much fun. I absolutely adored Bailey's "voice" throughout. She is funny, sweet, a little neurotic, a bit more fierce than she realizes. Her interactions with Porter were always entertaining. Her Dad's love of all things geeky/nerdy was super cute. And the "mystery" of Alex made me smile. Perfect mix of romantic, sweet, hilarious. And with enough of a story to become invested in the characters and fully immersed in what's going on. Definitely memorable read.
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