Review: Princesses, Inc

When their favorite YouTube star announces plans to visit their state, Hailey and her friends would do anything to see him. But the trip to the local comic-con is expensive and their parents aren't willing to pay for it. So the girls come up with a plan - they will become princesses and babysit the neighborhood kids. Babysitting is easy right?

Hailey has another reason for going to the comic-con; she wants to enter a writing contest. She loves writing, especially the fanfiction starring a certain YouTube star. But she needs something more impressive to enter.

In between school work, babysitting, and writing Hailey barely has time to sleep. Can she and her friends pull off their plan or will it be a complete failure?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. I felt bad for Hailey because of all the pressure she was under and how she didn't have any time for herself. I enjoyed the babysitting moments - both the sweet and the crazy ones. I loved the magic show in the hospital and how that worked out for the friends. I really liked the writing moments - even the accidental email. The writing advice was great; I loved the different between the fanfiction and the more literary writing. I loved how Hailey and her friends have so many interests: writing, video games, cosplay. And that they get excited about them. Another fun novel from Mari Mancusi.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library
Fun Fact: I just saw on Facebook that Mari and I have been social media friends for 9 years. I've been reading and loving her books for a long time!

Library Recommendation: Grab this one for both public and school libraries. Hand it out to everyone with a fandom.

Tween Tuesday Review: Lost in Hollywood

Ginger feels like the only normal person in her family. She's happy to have a BFF with her same goals - become a doctor and move to a big city to open a practice together. They're even getting started with this year's  Science Olympics.

But when her great aunt is having trouble, the whole family plus Payton flies to Hollywood to help out. Aunt Betty used to be a Hollywood actress, but now she sits at home waiting for the phone to ring.

Something happened to all her money and her Oscar statue. She asks Ginger to help her recover the missing money, giving her a map (of sorts) to help her out. Betty swears she hid the money from the bank. If Ginger can't find it, the bank will foreclose on her house.

My Thoughts: A really cute book. I love how the author explores cities in her novels. I loved trekking all over Hollywood with Ginger and Payton and Margot. I enjoyed the stunts the trio pulled trying to get a behind the scenes look at some of the places where they thought the money might be hidden. (I guessed the location very early on, but I realize I'm not the target audience for this book). Plus I loved the journey the girls took to get to their realization of the true potential location.  I loved Leo and his crazy burrito taxi. I loved Ginger's brother and how he thought he was an alien. He added some humor to the story. I loved the walkie talkies, I loved ABJ. Another fun novel from Cindy Callaghan. Can't wait to see where we get lost next!

Cover Thoughts: Adorable
Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Recommended purchase for public and school libraries

Tween Tuesday Review: Queen of Likes

Karma's wildly addicted to Snappypic - she loves posting pictures and interacting with her thousands of fans. But her family isn't thrilled with all the time she's spending on her phone. After her mom catches her on it during an event, she decides it's been one too many times. Her parents take Karma's phone away and delete her account.

Now Karma feels like a part of her is missing. She no longer has the ability to take pictures. Plus she was almost asked to be chair of publicity for their grade's spirit week by the popular girls. What's a girl to do?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this read. I love Karma's interactions with her brother and her family. I like how she branched out from taking photos with her phone to using a digital camera. I loved reading about her taking photos; it made me want to take more photos. I really enjoyed her volunteering at the historical society. She had a lot of friendship drama and it was hard to read them treating each other so badly, but I'm glad it all came together in the end.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: Gifted by my #otspsecretsister

Final Thoughts: A really fun book that's perfect for anyone addicted to their phone! Recommended for public and school libraries.

Tween Tuesday Review: Sleepover

Meghan's never spent the night away from home, but this time she's excited to have an adventure with her two best friends and Anne Marie's almost step-sister.

Meghan's friends want it to be an EPIC adventure.

And it is.

When Meghan wakes up the next morning, the basement is is destroyed. But Meghan and her friends don't remember anything about the night before. Worse, the birthday girl Anne Marie is missing.

Can they retrace their steps from the night before to recover their memories and find their friend?

My Thoughts: I loved this book. The tagline: tween version of the Hangover comes across flawlessly. It's funny, sweet, entertaining, and hits all the right notes. I love how Anne Marie and Veronica come together. I love the small romance plot. I love how Meghan  comes out of her shell. I even enjoyed the little brother's antics - as a younger sibling myself, I can understand them to a degree. I love how this book tackles important issues while surrounded by a super fun premise.

Cover Thoughts: Love the idea, not crazy about it though
Source: Book won from Twitter
Library Recommendation': highly recommended for Children's or Tween collection

Final Thoughts: Entertaining and a whole lot of fun. Just perfect for reading during the summer.

Tween Tuesday Review: Kitchen Chaos

* First in a series * 

Liza and Frankie have been best friends forever. But their social studies group project requires three people. They team up with the new girl Lillian. Liza's excited to befriend Lillian, but Frankie's unsure about it. She doesn't want to mess up their friendship dynamic.

Liza comes up with an idea for their project - discovering new foods. It's perfect because her favorite chef is offering cooking classes. She gets Lillian and Frankie to also sign up with their moms.

But not everyone's excited about cooking classes. Can Liza steer this project into a win-win for everyone?

My Thoughts: Super fun read! I loved this book. I loved the look at friendships when a new friend comes into the picture and how it changes everything. I loved seeing the girls interact with their mothers at the cooking classes. I loved Chef Antonio. I loved how each of the girls had their own perspective in the story. I liked the diverseness of the three girls and how they started to learn about their backgrounds for their project. Lots of drama, lots of food, and great friendships. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!

Cover Thoughts: Fun
Source: My Library

Tween Tuesday Review: Lost in Rome

Lucy and her sister can't wait to return to Rome during the summer. Lucy's excited to help out her grandmother is the family pizza joint. But when she arrives, she learns that business is down - way down. Lucy has some creative ideas that just might help bring business back to normal.

Unfortunately, some of the ideas go against her grandmother's wishes. She wants to play matchmaker to customers based on their favorite pizza toppings. When she first tries it, everything works out.

Soon a reporter comes by and wants to do a story. Lucy concocts a scheme to get her grandmother to leave the restaurant. When the article comes out, business picks up again. Could it be enough to save the business?

My Thoughts: I love Cindy Callaghan's Lost in books (Ireland, London, and Paris) and this book is no different. Super cute, super fun read. I loved the moments in the pizza shop, my mouth watered when reading about all the great pizza and sandwiches that were being made. I really liked Lucy's ideas on how to update and market the pizza joint. I loved learning about the matchmaking through pizza slices. I loved how she created stories and exaggerated history. I liked Lucy's sister Gianna and her fashion and DIY ideas. The secondary characters were fun. There's a small romance plot line.

Cover Thoughts: Fantastic
Source: My Library

Final Thoughts: A wicked fun read filled with family, friends, great food, and matchmaking.

Tween Tuesday Review: At Your Serivce

Chloe Turner wants to be just like her dad - a concierge extraordinaire.  She and her dad live at the Hotel St. Michele in New York City. Chloe loves the perks of loving in the hotel and she loves helping guests, especially those closest to her age.

In fact, after a successful trial run, Chloe's proven herself, becoming a Junior Concierge. So when a royal family comes to town, Chloe's excited to show them around her city.

Unfortunately, all her plans aren't interesting to the royal kids. As much as Chloe attempts to plan something for each of them (2 princesses and one prince), no one ends up happy. The youngest princess has a habit of slipping away. When determining where to go next, the group realizes that she's missing. Instead of telling their detail, they slip away themselves desperately trying to find the princess before something happens and before their father finds out and everyone gets into massive amounts of trouble. Will this be the first epic fail in Chloe's career?

My Thoughts: I really liked this book - it's a super cute read with great characters. I loved Chloe - for trying to make the hotel guest happy. I loved the moments in the hotel - and Chloe being able to use it as her playground. I really liked her best friend Paisley. I liked how the royal siblings took Chloe out of her element, but how she fought back to make them see how great New York City can be. The two siblings and the two best friends running around New York City was entertaining and I learned a little bit more about the great city. Friendship, a little romance, trying to do the right thing, and chasing your dreams all add up to make this book a winner.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library  

Tween Tuesday Review: Lucky Me

Meghan believes in luck - and now thanks to the forwarding of a chain letter through email, she's cursed. With bad luck following her around, she's determined to break it. Her BFF tells her the only way to break the bad luck is to explain what happened to everyone in the chain and ask their forgiveness. If they say it's no big deal, than a double handshake is in need. Once that's completed the curse will be lifted.

The chain letter came from Ireland - luckily Meghan and her family are headed there on a family vacation. While her family makes it, they're luggage doesn't.

Meghan can't wait to sneak away from her family and track down the people from the chain letter and change her luck. Could it all really be that easy?

My Thoughts: I loved Cindy's previous books (They're now on the Summer Reading List for the the 6th graders), so I wasn't surprised at devouring this book. While the bad luck that descended upon Meghan wouldn't be funny in real life, it was amusing in book life. The poor girl had too many things go wrong for just one day. I love how she and her family traveled to Ireland to visit newly discovered family members. I loved how Meghan took off with two guides to track down the senders of the chain letter - it was a great way to see Ireland. I loved the descriptions of the country-side and the people. It made me long for green mountains and close-knit communities. Travel, luck, family drama, friendship, and a little romance make this book hard to put down. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: Sent for Review

About the author: 

Cindy Callaghan is the author of the middle-grade novels Just Add Magic (2010) and 2013’s Lost in London (Simon & Schuster). She is a full-time writer, animal advocate, and supermom. A native of New Jersey, Cindy lives, works, and writes in Wilmington, Delaware, with her family and numerous rescued pets. She loves hearing from fans, speaking at schools and conferences, and zip-lining.

Connect with the Author:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cindycallaghanauthor

Website: http://www.cindycallaghan.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CindyCallaghan

Tween Tuesday Review: Lost in London

Jordan's tired of being boring. So she's excited when her parents agree to a foreign exchange program in London. Finally she gets to leave her small town behind and have an adventure.

She does have to create school project when she gets back, but if she takes tons of videos and pictures, that won't be hard at all. And there's so much she wants to see in London. When she arrives, she's surprised that only a driver is there to meet her.

When she arrives at the house of her mother's friend, Caroline doesn't seem thrilled to host her. Caroline makes it clear that she'd rather hang out with her friends and go shopping like usual. She allows Jordan to tag along on the first day.

When a twist leaves Caroline and Jordan overnight in the store, it could lead to the two girls becoming friends. But fate has a different idea in mind when they're secret is discovered and things get a little out of hand.

My Thoughts: I loved this book - it made me want to travel to London so badly. I liked Caroline's friends -the smart and quirky Ellie, the sweet boy who loves food in Sam, and Gordo who alwaya seemed up for an adventure. I did grow to like Caroline as the book progresses. Mostly I envied Jordan at getting to see London. I've never been there, but this book captured a great city and great beginning of friendships. I didn't want this book to end.

Cover Thoughts: Love it!
Source: My library

Tween Tuesday Review: Famous

 *Book 18 in the Canterwood Crest series*

Lauren's BFF from home surprised her by transferring to Canterwood.  Now both Brielle and Taylor will be at school with her. Lauren's beyond happy. Brielle's rooming with Clare and things couldn't be better.

Until Clare catches Brielle acting strange. She mentions it to Lauren, but Lauren dismisses it. Clare mentions her fears to Khloe. Khloe talks to her roommate until Lauren has no choice but to bring it up with Brielle.

What she learns changes EVERYTHING. Now, Lauren's shell-shocked and buries herself in school work and riding. There's a new girl from Sweden who could rule the upcoming riding competition. Can LT get her emotions under control in time for the competition? 

My Thoughts: This is the last book that take places at Canterwood before the Super Special that ends the entire series. It's set up perfectly for the next book, which will take place in LT's hometown. I loved the ending of this book and the moment between Lauren and Sasha Silver. I liked the addition to Brielle to the group - even though it forced Lauren to work through some major issues. I wasn't all that surprised when the secret came out, but she handled it pretty well.  As sad as I am that this series will be ending, I can't wait to read the final book!

Cover Thoughts: Amazing as always
Source: My Library

Tween Tuesday Review: Medusa the Mean

 * the 8th book in the Goddess Girls series *

**Tween Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted at GreenBeanTeenQueen to highlight great reads for tweens. Join the fun! **

Medusa wishes she were immortal - like her sisters. Instead, she's a mortal with green skin and thanks to a spell gone wrong snakes instead of hair. Medusa also believes in telling the truth. She doesn't think about the consequences of hurt feelings.

As a result, she doesn't have a lot of friends. She'd love to hang out with Athena, Aphrodite, Persephone, and Artemis. Being one of the only immortals at the school and not connected with a god/goddess, she's insecure. Could the Goddess Girls really want to be her friends? She has so many secrets, she's not sure if she has time for friends, but she's also lonely.

With Zeus and Hera's wedding coming up, Medusa might have a chance to be in the wedding. She only wants to walk down the aisle next to Poseidon, her secret crush. Could she win his contest and gain his attention? All her hopes and wishes just might be in reach with the purchase of a necklace. Will all her wishes come true?

My Thoughts: I love this series! The series changed course with Medusa as a new narrator. I liked seeing the softer side of her and reasons for her abruptness form the previous books. Her sisters are horrible to her simply because they're goddesses and she's not. Thus Medusa feels insecure most of the time. She doesn't believe that anyone would be nice to her.  Medusa spends the bulk of her time studying, which keeps her away from social activities. A great addition to a fabulous series. I look forward to learning more about Medusa and hope to see her blossom more.
Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: Inter-Library Loan

Tween Tuesday Review: Cleared for Takeoff

*This is the 3rd book in the Liberty Porter, First Daughter series*


** Tween Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted at GreenBeanTeenQueen to highlight great reads for tweens. Join the fun!  **


Liberty Porter will be getting her first stamp in her passport. She's not sure where's she's going yet as her parents are keeping the location a surprise. Liberty does know that she's required to take a manners class.

Luckily she convinces her whole class to brush up on their manners. Learning manners has never been more fun as Miss Crum has the students demonstrate what NOT to do.

Now that she knows how to behave, she can't wait until they're on the plane. That's when she learns they're going to Georgia. Soon she's worried if she's going to make a good impression and how to best represent American kids. What if she makes a huge mistake?

My Thoughts: I really like this series. I find Liberty to be refreshing and full of mischief. I love her antics, like the chocolate pudding competition. 


I like the illustrations. I really enjoy James who's a little polite, but can let himself relax around Liberty. I really like SAM, Liberty's Secret Service Agent and the way he interacts with her.


I like learning about Georgia and the country's customs. I also like how it connected with the author's personal life. 


Cover Thoughts: Super Cute!


Source: Inter-Library Loan


Fun Fact: I wonder if the Captain Tonya Stone on Air Force One is connected to the author?

Tween Tuesday Review: Popular

Tween Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted at GreenBeanTeenQueen to highlight great reads for tweens. Join the fun!  

* book 14 in the Canterwood Crest series *

Lauren Towers needs to come clean about her past. She's not the same girl. She's grown both as a person and as a rider. However, now that her secret's out, she must deal with the consequences.

Mostly everyone's ok with her news. After all, she's only been at Canterwood Crest for a week. Most people wait longer than that to spill their deepest darkest secrets.

The one person who's still acting strange is Khloe. Khloe says she's fine, but something feels off. Could she secretly be mad at Lauren? Could their relationship be in jeopardy? Lauren doesn't know what she's do if she didn't have Khloe's friendship!

My Thoughts: Oh - those pesky cliff hangers! 


I'm so addicted to this series for the friendship drama, the small touches of romance, the fashion, and most of all, the horses. I love reading about riding classes, training with the horses, and even grooming the horses.


I like how Lauren handled the situation. I admire how she explained to her friends and also to the rest of her teammates. She made it clear that she puts riding for fun and her horse first and foremost. Competition comes second.


I loved Drew and Lauren's first date. It was simply perfect! I can't wait to see how their relationship progresses. 


I enjoyed delving deeper into Lauren and Khloe's relationship. They bonded really quickly, but it seems as though there's some cracks in the foundation of their friendship. 


Can't wait to read more about Lauren and Khloe as well as Lauren's first showing since her accident.


Cover Thoughts: Fabulous


Source: my Library


Fun Fact: Jessica once again mentioned me in the acknowledgments! How sweet is that?


Up Next: Comeback - out August 7th

Pinterest: I created this Lauren Towers pin:
 http://pinterest.com/pin/147281850284155380/

Tween Tuesday Review: Artemis the Loyal

*Tween Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted at GreenBeanTeenQueen to highlight great reads for tweens. *

Artemis thinks the Olympics are unfair. She's not the only girl unhappy about the competition rule that only allows boys to participate.  She knows she could win the archery competition.

Artemis figures she can help her twin brother Apollo - so he might have the best chance at winning. But after she humiliates him in public, he's not interested in hanging out with her.

Still she worries about him entering the final game at the Olympics - defeating  the Parnassus Python. She hopes that he won't become injured in the process. It doesn't help that she visits the snake herself and might have spoiled his chance at winning.

Defeated, Artemis and her goddess girl friends create a petition against the sexist rules of the Olympics.  Will the godboys embrace her ideas or will they laugh at her?

My Thoughts: I loved how the girls stood up for themselves and how they wanted to participate in the Olympics as well. I'm so addicted to this series. I love the friendship drama, the school drama, and the slight romance drama. I love the strong female characters who are the perfect mix of strength and girly.



Cover Thoughts: Fabulous!


Source: Inter-Library Loan

Tween Tuesday Review: Double Feature

Payton and Emma have returned triumphant from New York City. They're both looking forward to things returning to normal when they're called into the guidance counselor's office.

They discover their names have been put forward to appear in a teen shampoo commercial. They leave for Hollywood the next morning.

Payton can't believe her good luck. It takes Emma a little while longer to get over missing the Geobee, but soon she's also excited about the trip.

When they get there, they realize there's more to shooting a commercial than they thought. First, one of them must have greasy hair and dress in comfortable clothes while the other dresses in cute clothes with shiny hair. Second, there are mean girls (including Ashlynn) in Hollywood who want to tear people down. Third, no one gets everything perfect while acting and sometimes taking directions proves too be difficult - especially when you're trying to pretend your someone else. Fourth, rumors are spread in Hollywood and in middle school.

Will Emma and Payton conquer Hollywood?

My Thoughts: The 4th book in this twin-tastic series is charming. I love the twins - and how they are both sisters and best friends. They stand up for each other. They support each other. They switch places to help each other. I loved their time in Hollywood- learning about the business, helping fellow actresses, meeting famous actors, and having the time of their lives. I love how the twins frustrate each other with their quirks. Just a fabulous series full of friendships, school issues, first crushes on boys, and drama.

Cover Thoughts: Adorable!

Source: My library

Tween Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted here at GreenBeanTeenQueen to highlight great reads for tweens. Join the fun

Tween Tuesday Review: Initiation

Lauren was so excited at being accepted into Canterwood Crest - now that she's here, she's nervous about fitting in. She has doubts the moment she meets her new roommate.

Quickly, she learns that her roommate's first words were an act. Khloe quickly becomes her new BFF and tour guide. She helps Lauren navigate through the buildings and more importantly the stables.

Soon, Lauren's meeting new friends. While she loves the social aspect of Canterwood, she still has her placement test to take.

One girl Lauren meets keeps trying to intimidate her. Lauren's not falling for Riley's mind games. She'd sooner not hang out with Riley at all, but she doesn't have much choice. Lauren's not about to become a doormat. She's not going to change. She's not ready to share her secret.

Can Lauren survive at Canterwood - with all the classes and homework, the riding lessons, and friendship drama. Will the pressure become too much for her to handle?

My Thoughts: I love Lauren's first few days at Canterwood! I loved getting to a whole new group of girls. I love the fashion and room descriptions. Canterwood seems like a cozy school - it makes me want to apply. I love how this new set of girls is so different than Sasha Silver's friends. I love how this new chapter continues and I can't wait to read more about Lauren Towers, especially after the cliff hanger ending!

Cover Thoughts: Cute!

Source: My Library

Fun Fact: Check the post here about my surprise inside the book!

Up Next: Popular - out May 1st - Luckily it's not long to wait until this one comes out

A Special Thank You

goes out to Jessica Burkhart. She's the author of the Canterwood Crest series, which I adore. They're such addicting books and I'm so happy they come out every few months because it's hard waiting for the next installment.

Yesterday I opened my the book on my lunch break. Isn't the cover gorgeous? I adore these covers



It just came up from the processing department. As always, as soon as the book has been ordered and the record made, I placed a hold on it. That way it comes to me first!

I opened the book and read the acknowledgements. I don't always do this, but sometimes it's really fun to see who's thanked in putting a book together. Imagine my surprise when I saw:

THANK YOU JESSICA FOR MAKING MY DAY, YOU'RE SUPER SWEET!!!
And I hope that one day, we'll meet.

I'm still reading the book, but so far, it's Fabulous! Look for a review soonish

Cover Reveal: Popular

This is the 3rd book in the Lauren Town series (or 15 in the Canterwood Crest series) It comes out May 1, 2012

I really LOVE this series - and all the covers are gorgeous!

Have you read them yet?

Review: Unfriendly Competition

When the headmistress of Canterwood Crest calls Sasha, Julia, Alison, and Heather into her office, they have no idea why they're signaled out. They soon discover the hp address for the blog is coming from one of their dorm rooms.

If one of them doesn't come forward with the truth about writing the blog - they will all be expelled within the week.

Sasha's dumbfounded. She can't believe one of the trio is writing the blog, especially when the blog writes up a nasty post about her talking with Eric. She's trying to not to focus on the blog and enjoy things.

She's loving her time with Jacob, getting along with the trio, enjoying her new roommate, attempting to heal the friendship with Paige, and doing her best with riding.

My Thoughts: The end of the series featuring Sasha. As usual, I loved the book. However, I didn't feel like the title/summary meshed well with the book. There's not much discussion of the new girl until the end of the book. While I hate saying goodbye to Sasha, I'm curious to see where Lauren will take Canterwood Crest. Plus I feel like we're leaving Sasha in a great place right now.

Cover Thoughts: I love the covers of this series - they're beautiful and eye catching and just perfect.

Source: My Library.

Up Next: Sasha passes the torch to Lauren - coming in May

Tween Tuesday Review: Front Page Face-Off

Delilah loves reporting the news and dreams about winning the prestigious Junior Globe Journalist award. However, as seventh grade starts, Delilah faces competition for the school's top reporting gig.

Delilah will do almost anything to win back her spot as the school's top reporter. She might even team up with the Debutantes, a clique she wrote about for the paper last year. The Debs aren't too sure about Ava either and they might be able to help Delilah scoop her.

It's an all out war, not just for the paper, but also for the cute editor's attention. Will Delilah proof herself worthy of the front page?

My Thoughts: A face-off that gets out of control crazy with fun and mayhem. Delilah firmly believes in using any means necessary to uncover a good story - including things a little bit shady. Her amusing adventures to make the front page land her in more scrapes than ever. I enjoyed her best friend, the surfer who competes with the boys for more competition. All in all, a cute tween read.

Cover thoughts: Cute - I Like the newspaper torn in two, but I'm a little unclear why it has Paige's name on the cover

Source: My Library and also reviewed for www.teensreadtoo.com