Review: Winterborne House for Vengeance and Valor

April knows her mother's coming back for her. She isn't interested in settling down for the long haul in her foster houses. When she accidentally starts a fire in a museum, she's sure she's in serious trouble. Instead, someone wants to take her in.

At first she isn't sure about the Winterborne house, but it grew on her. Even if there is something creepy going on. April isn't scared; she's determined to uncover the truth about her past, the truth about the house, and the truth about the ghost haunting it.

She just might need a little help from her new housemates.

My Thoughts: I love Ally Carter's books. I was super excited to hear that she was going to write a middle grade - dare I hope to say series? I loved this book from the characters to the house to the secrets. I couldn't put it down and I seriously hope there are more coming, especially after that ending!

I loved April and how she started to learn the history of Winterborne. I loved her new family and how they each had their secrets and talents. I loved the Rube Goldberg machines. Lots of action, danger, secret passageways, and plot twists that you'd expect in an Ally Carter book. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: A must have book for your school and public libraries.

Review: Ana of California

Ana's running out of options; at fifteen she's been in foster care for years. She doesn't last at any of the houses or the group homes. Her case worker has one option left - she can travel north to a farm that needs help.

Ana agrees, although she knows nothing about farming. She lives on the farm with a brother and sister. Abbie's happy to have her, but Emmett doesn't believe she'll be of any help.

She makes several costly mistakes, but she works hard. She begins to enjoy the work and learn to love the farm. Just when she allows herself to hope, trouble finds her once again.

My Thoughts: I really loved this Anne of Green Gables inspired story. I loved being on the farm with Ana and the crew. I enjoyed their chatter and their banter. I loved Abbie and my mouth watered at all her baking. Emmett grew on me too. I love how Ana found herself a friend. I liked the forbidden romance. I liked learning about Ana's past and her time in the foster care system. Reading this one made me want to revisit Green Gables.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: Gifted from my #OTSPsecretsister
Library Recommendation: Grab this one for school and public libraries - not because of the Green Gables inspiration (although adult readers will grab it because of that) but because of the foster family aspect.