Review: Meet Me Under the Lights

 

Eliza Crowley's known all over town - her family owns the baseball stadium. But there's another family with ties to the stadium. The Fultons and the Crowleys used to own it together. After some bad blood, there's been a feud between the two families ever since. But this summer, there's a bet in place. Whoever wins the season will win the stadium. 

Reed Fulton hasn't been back to town in years. But this year, he's playing on the baseball team and helping around the farm. He and Eliza used to be best friends. Seeing her again brings back a lot of memories. 

At first, they simply aggravate each other. But something changes between them. 

My Thoughts: I love how the family feud in this book echoes the play Eliza's working on. I loved Reed's grandparents. I wish they were a little more in the book. I loved the banter between Eliza and Reed. I felt terrible for Ben. I loved the small town moments - where memories happened and everyone knew everything about you. I really enjoyed this YA romance. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute but this scene doesn't happen in the book

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A fun sporty/theater romance for your YA collection

Review: The Secret to Belonging

 

There's a girl whose family is broken. They give everything they have towards her older brother who is an addict - even your college fund. But luck does find you, in the form of a scholarship to study abroad in Norway. 

There's nothing left for you at home, so you pack your bags. And your real life begins. You matter. Your choices matter. Your new family takes your thoughts and feelings into consideration. You're learning about their culture. You're learning their language. But more importantly, you're learning about yourself and where you fit in this world.

My Thoughts: This novel in verse is a heartbreaking emotional read. It captures the moment you find yourself - and refuse to let go. Life isn't always fair. I loved reading about the Norwegian culture.  This is Megan E. Freeman's first YA and I really hope it won't be her last. This powerful story made me cry but also gave me hope in the best possible way. It's one of those books you'll remember long after you close the pages.

Cover Thoughts: Emotional

Source: eARC sent for review

Library Recommendation: A must have book for your public library

* This book comes out on Tuesday September 15

Picture Book Review: Hattie the Happy Little Camper

Hattie's family had children who love spending summers in her. She kept them safe and warm. She loved their laughter and how happy they were. Until they grew up and moved away. Then Hattie had no one; she grew lonely.

This was a really sweet read about family, growing up, and how life changes. The ending was really sweet and the illustrations were charming.  

Top Ten Tuesday: Favorite Indie Bookstore

 This week's topic is ALL about indie bookstore.

Childhood Favorite: Northshire Bookstore

It's grown over the years!

Where I Met SO Many authors:

RJ Julia

A local- ish Bookstore: 

It's always nice to browse here - they've moved from the downtown area

Sherman's in Bar Habor (Where we visit often)

Montgomery and Taggert: CT's first romance bookstore

Photo from CT Insider: Sarah Borgnis-Tobin/ Contributed photo

And finally - local to work

Folklore & Fable: I've been to a few events here and hope to attend more!

What are your favorite indie bookstores?

Middle Grade Review: Dare You to Dance

 

Gracie's excited to dance at a fancy ballet school in New York City for the summer. But she's not sure she has what it takes. She decides to start a rivalry with the best dancer in the class - Sariah in hopes that she will push herself. But at what cost?

My Thoughts: I love reading ballet books - and this graphic novel was great. It takes during the entire summer - from class to final showcase. Of course there are mean girls in the class, but there are also friendships formed. Sariah's aunt used dance and that pushes Sariah forward. By the end of the summer, the two girls form a friendship. I loved how they challenged each other. I hope there's another book featuring next summer.

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A fantastic graphic novel for your school or public library collection - perfect for sporty girls. 

Vacation Photos: Florida Trip

 

We spent some time in Florida last week.

Here are some photos:

Reading in line - waiting for Discovery Cove to open.

This was the first time we had been here - and it was really cool. We added on the dolphin experience, and it was a magical time. We snorkeled with TONS of fish and stingrays. It was a very unique day.  

Getting kissed by a dolphin

Welcome Home

Mickey's Halloween Party

A View of the Castle

Some hitchhiking ghosts 

Window detail

Maleficent 

The Evil Queen

Holding the glass slipper

More views of the castle

The castle in orange

The host and hostess of the party 

Elephants on the safari ride

Rhinos

We had to wait for the giraffe to cross

Just a little snack for the giraffe 

Tiger!

This tiger was little more restless

On the carousel 

Discovered a little mouse door

In front of Snow White's cottage 

France at night 

Just hanging with Walt

The food and wine festival was happening

Recreating an old photo

We had a great time - more on all the at a later date.

Picture Book Review: More School Books

Just a few more picture books about school.

There's a boy who's nervous about being at school - and someone shows him some kindness.  There are a lot of ways to show kindness to someone new. And that ending is super cute. 

I loved this one! The moments of kindness are sweet and easy to accomplish. I love the twist at the end.

It's Lily-May's turn to show what's in her bag of Y-O-U. She's nervous. She has an almost empty bag, but there is a piece of paper with one word on it. 

I love the word on her paper. Not everyone understood the idea, but I love how that was resolved. And it's such a brilliant idea. I don't want to give it away, but it's a magical book. 

* book sent for review