Upcoming Mini Review: Hello, Goodbye, and Everything In Between

Claire and Aidan have one last night together before they leave for college and everything changes. In this one night, they must answer the question concerning the future of their relationship - should they stay together or break up?

The Good:
I loved that the book took place mostly in the course of one night
I loved that we saw the town the important moments in their relationship
I loved that it tugged at my heartstrings - I laughed, I cried, and I finished the book happy.
I loved how the night unfolding
I loved the nostalgia of saying goodbye and being excited about the future.
I enjoyed the angst, the fights, and the memories made for one final night.

The Bad: More, I always want more from Jennifer E Smith because I adore her books

Final Thoughts: Another masterpiece from Jennifer E. Smith - add this one to your TBR list pronto! 

Also very happy to meet Jennifer E. Smith at BEA

Cover Thoughts: Love it! Matches the rest of her covers
Source: BEA book
Release Date: Look for this one in September

Summer Time Book Review: Since Last Summer

Books perfect for the beach or to read by the pool

Rory's now the guest for the summer at the Rule house, instead of being the errand girl. She and Isabel are hoping to have the best summer ever.

Rory has an art internship, which leave Isabel alone. The days stretch endlessly before Isabel. She's annoyed with Rory for spending her free time with Connor instead of with her.  She when she meets a boy, who works at a cafe in need of another waitress, she takes the job. She still thinks about Mike from last summer, but Evan could change that.

Rory's having trouble with Connor. They give off the appearance of a happy couple, but the relationship's full of hurt feelings and misunderstandings.

Can Rory and Isabel save their summer?

My Thoughts: I really liked this sequel - set one year later. I loved the feel of summer from the book - the moments on the beach with the waves crashing, the hot sun, and then freedom. I liked seeing both Rory and Isabel working and how their jobs differed.  I liked the summer romances, but more importantly, I loved the friendship between the two girls.

Cover Thoughts: Great

Source: My Library

Tween Tuesday Review: Cleopatra Queen of the Nile

* Book 3 in the Time Traveling Fashionista *

Louise loves vintage clothes, especially going back into the past and living the history. She's had two close calls on board the Titanic and at Versailles. Now, she travels back to the best time - Old Hollywood.

When Louise wakes up this time, she finds herself on the movie Cleopatra starring Elizabeth Taylor. She has a job in the costume department and it's the perfect place for her. While searching for a belt, Louise finds a necklace.  As she slips it over her head, she realizes that it's an ancient necklace. She ends up going from the movie set to ancient Egypt.

While there, Louise is stunned to learn about Cleopatra: her intelligence, her confidence, and her crazy competitive family. Once again, Louise find herself in major trouble.

My Thoughts: Another fun book in this great series about fashion, history, and discovering yourself. I feel bad for Louise who is struggling to keep this secret from her BFF and still be close.  She hates keeping secrets, and sooner or later it's bound to blow up in her face.  I love how Louise went from Old Hollywood to the ancient world. I loved Cleopatra - how she had the strength to survive her cutthroat family. I love how her beauty was described - it's simply perfect. I can't wait to see where Louise travels next.

Cover Thoughts: Great
Source: My Library

Review: First Love

Axi's always been the good girl - but she's tired of it. So she decides to take control o her life instead of waiting. She skips class (for the first time) and meets her BFF. She tells him or her road trip plans and asks if he'd like to join her.

Rosbinson doesn't hesitate in saying yes. Of course Axi has the trip all planed out, but nothing ever goes according t plan. From the moment Robsinson hot wires a motorcycle, everything changes. Now they're on the run, enjoying the planned stops - until the worst thing imaginable happens. 

My Thoughts: I really liked this book. I loved the relationship between Axi and Robsinson - the banter and the depth. I wasn't expecting the twist at the end. I liked how Axi let go of herself and lived instead of being so rigid and perfect. I like how frustrated she felt with her BFF and how they started to talk about more meaningful things. I love how she planned out the trip for both of them - including his interests in the planning. A great novel about love, loss, friendship, and family drama.

Cover Thoughts: Cute - though now in the book
Source: My Library
Similar Read: A YA version of a Nicholas Sparks Book

Adult Review: Breakfast at Darcy's

Darcy's Aunt Molly died leaving her a choice. In her will, she left Holly an island - where she has to live for a year with 15 other people. Only after the year is complete will she earn the rest of the inheritance.

Her aunt wants Darcy to recapture the magic from her childhood. Darcy feels terrible that she neglected her aunt the past couple years. So she decided to throw caution to the wind.

With the help of her lawyer and handyman, she advertises the island getaway to gain people. With an odd assortment of people, Darcy begins her year, but will she make it through? 

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. I liked Darcy and her attitude and how she lived up to the challenges. I liked her lawyer who was kind and eventually a little bit funny. I enjoyed the description of the island - the beauty of it and while I might go there for a vacation, I'm not sure I could live there. I really liked Dermot and his gruffness, but also his sweet side.  His daughter was a breath of fresh air too as well as the puppies. Another great read from this author - so looking forward to more of her books.

Cover Thoughts: DOESN'T match the book at all. I thought this was a winter romance based on the cover, which is adorable.
Source: Purchased

Contest: Diviners

To Celebrate the paperback release of the Diviners, I have a contest!

About the book: 

Do you believe there are ghosts and demons and Diviners among us?

Evie O'Neill has been exiled from her boring old hometown and shipped off to the bustling streets of New York City--and she is pos-i-tute-ly ecstatic. It's 1926, and New York is filled with speakeasies, Ziegfeld girls, and rakish pickpockets. The only catch is that she has to live with her uncle Will and his unhealthy obsession with the occult.

Evie worries he'll discover her darkest secret: a supernatural power that has only brought her trouble so far. But when the police find a murdered girl branded with a cryptic symbol and Will is called to the scene, Evie realizes her gift could help catch a serial killer.

As Evie jumps headlong into a dance with a murderer, other stories unfurled in the city that never sleeps. A young man named Memphis is caught between two worlds. A chorus girl named Theta is running from her past. A student named Jericho hides a shocking secret. And unknown to all, something dark and evil has awakened....

And there’s going to be a second book next August so stay tuned!

Book Trailer:

More Info:

Visit the official website

Like the book on Facebook

Visit Libba’s author site

Follow Libba on Twitter

Prizes:

SHOW OFF YOUR LOVE FOR THE DIVINERS!

One (1) winner receives:

·         An exclusive The Diviners tote bag and a copy of the book!

Prizing and samples courtesy of Little, Brown.

Giveaway open to US addresses only.

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Giveaway: I Funny and I Even Funnier

Earlier today I reviewed I Funny. And if you think it sounds good, here's your chance to win a copy for yourself. It makes a great holiday gift - it's on my list for Book Gifts for Teens!

Read a little bit of the sequel I Even Funnier.

Link up!

Visit the Official Site

Follow author James Patterson on Twitter and Facebook

Follow author Chris Grabenstein on Twitter

Prizing for your site

Laugh out loud with James Patterson!

One (1) winner receives:

        Copies of I FUNNY and I EVEN FUNNIER!

Prizing courtesy of Little, Brown

Giveaway open to US mailing addresses only

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Review: Roomies

Elizabeth opens an email with her room assignment for next year. She'll be living with Lauren, from San Francisco. Without thinking too much, she shoots Lauren off an email about packing, appliances, her father, and her excitement about Berkeley.

Lauren's response isn't very chatty. Elizabeth's trying to figure out if it's rude or just straightforward.

Lauren has a lot going on right now, but she feels the pressure to get a microwave as a peace offering for her emails. It's clear that Elizabeth wasn't thrilled with her response. Once she does, she writes back to Elizabeth - including a few details of her life - with a tiny explanation to the previous email.

That starts them emailing back and forth. Soon things in their lives are crumbling around them and they start relying on each other more and more. Will they be BFFs before college even starts?

My Thoughts: I read this book ages ago as I grabbed an ARC at book preview. I devoured it! I loved how LOand EB started off rocky, but grew to depend on each other for advice: family, friendship, and relationship. I love that it takes place during the summer before college. I love the email correspondence interspersed with the story. I felt bad for both girls and their family situations, but I like how it made them grow. A fantastic novel about moving on from high school and learning to embrace a new chapter in your life. 

Cover Thoughts: Love it!
Source: ARC from Little Brown

Little Brown Spring Preview 2014

Last week, I was lucky enough to attend the Spring Preview and boy are there some great upcoming books this Spring. Here's a few that I'm most excited about. For more info, check twitter under #lbyrpreview


This book looks fun for anyone!  I'm a dog person! Here's my dog as a puppy.
The pictures are fantastic and it's a time where stereotypes are welcome. It's time to choose a side.

A director wants to film an average Moose - but this moose and his friends are far from average. 

Lemony Snicket's new book come between books 2 and 3 in his series All the Wrong Questions. It has 13 short mysteries (roughly 4 pages). Solutions to the mysteries are at the back of the book.

Justina Chen has a new book and it talks about photography and a global romance.

I'm excited about the sequel to Boy Nobody! 

And of course for the new book by Jennifer E. Smith. We also heard that Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight might be made into a movie - deal is in the works.  

Wildflower is about a girl who gets thrust into the limelight of country music. The book will also feature sheet music. Great for fans of Taylor Swift or Nashville.

The author of this book wanted to make Lord of the Flies more real - where teens can work together. Everyone not going through puberty is killed. And Teens in NYC must learn how to survive. There's also a cameo by the NYPL.

Set in a Medieval World (but no fantasy) comes a political tale with Welsh background. Think Game of Thrones without the sex.

The Special Guest Star was Peter Brown who has a new book coming out  My Teacher Is a Monster! (No, I Am Not) in July 2014. He signed a print where the student meets the teacher in the park and the teacher is reading a book. He was funny and sweet -just what you'd expect. 

Review: Confessions: Private School Murder

 * sequel to Confessions of a Murder Suspect*

It's been a few months since the death of Tandy's parents. She hasn't gotten used to be normal and having feelings. And it's about to get worse.

Her brother's on trail for the murder of his girlfriend and unborn son.  There's no evidence against him except he doesn't have an alibi and he has motive.  Tandy knows she has to do something to help.

When a girl is murdered in her neighborhood, Tandy itches to look into it.  When more girls appear die, she's convinced there's a serial killer on the loose.

On top of the investigations, her memories are starting to come back. She knows James is real and her first love, but why is it so hard for her to remember?

As the days go on, things become more clear. Can Tandy solve three mysteries - one for her family, one for the neighborhood, and one for herself.

My Thoughts: I confess like the sequel better than the first book. I devoured this book.  I found Tandy more likable and enjoyed her thought process and know-it-all tendencies. I loved the introduction of Jacob and what that means for the family. I found Mathew's story line - it was sad and heartbreaking. What horrors this family has gone through.  I found Hugo sweet and a little crazy. I liked the blooming relationship between Harry and Tandy's friend. I liked the set up for the next book; especially the potential location.

Cover Thoughts: I like it.
Source: Arc Sent for review

Sounds good? Check out my contest where you could win both books plus goodies.

BEA: Little Brown Cocktail Party

The Little Brown Cocktail Party featured authors as bartenders - an unique and awesome idea! Each featured author at a table with their own drink. The line up included: Paolo Bacigalup, Holly Black, Peter Brown, Kami Garci, Daniel Handler, Megan McCafferty, and Jerry Pinkney.

I made a beeline for Megan McCafferty because I adored Jessica Darling's It List #1. It was really great  meeting her. We talked about her book, the new cover, and how she doesn't really look at reviews. I then chatted with  Daniel Handler, who was funny and had a really strong drink. I caught up with Holly Black, who was awesome at the SLJ Day of Dialog. Plus I got to meet several librarians/bloggers.

The room was packed and everyone was chatting = a very fun night!  

Here are the book cards

They feature the drink of the night on the back:

Review: Grass is Always Greener

 * 3rd Book in the Belles trilogy *

Izzie and Mira have had a rocky start - their secrets have been splashed over the newspapers, their friends have stabbed them in the back, and the family drama just keeps happening.

Izzie's aunt has secrets from her mother's past - but Izzie isn't sure she can trust her aunt after Zoe abandoned her twice. She's not sure she wants to give up the opportunity to talk with her especially since Izzie's still reeling her from her grandmother's death.

Mira's trying to hold it all together. She's worried about Izzie. Her boyfriend's moving. Plus she's dying to plan her sweet sixteen party.

Can the girls recover from all their ups and downs and just enjoy life?

My Thoughts: I"m sad that this trilogy is over because I'm come to love the characters. I love watching Izzie adjust to her new life, without leaving her old self behind. In this book, I liked how she tries to blend her group of friends - even though it's a major struggle. I love the romance, the family drama, and watching the sisters interact. Mira's grown with the influence of Izzie and with her art. I love reading about her painting; it softens her. A fantastic conclusion to the trilogy! I can't wait to see what Jen Calonita writes next!

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library

Tween Tuesday Review: Jessica Darling's It List

* New Middle Grade novel featuring Jessica Darling (from Sloppy Firsts - out in September *

The day before she starts 7th grade, Jessica's sister drops by with a list on how to achieve popularity. Until then, Jessica wasn't nervous at all. but now she's wondering if Bethany's right and 7th grade decisions can change the course for the rest of your life.

The list is short, but Jessica attempts to achieve the goals. On her first day of school, she wears something different - a vintage t-shirt of The Who. She tries out for the cheer team, even though she's terrible. She earns a secret place of the school mascot - a seagull.

She doesn't have a boyfriend - there's no one remotely close to becoming her boyfriend either. She's friends with some popular girls but she almost can't stand them. Is the list really working for her or should she give up?

My Thoughts: I loved Sloppy Firsts, so it's great to meet 7th grader Jessica Darling. I love meeting Hope and seeing their relationship develop. Marcus Flutie makes an appearance in an adorable but funny way.  As a reader of the previous series, it's great to see these characters again, but of course new reader will enjoy meeting them for the first time. A funny look at life in middle school - finding new friends, discovering your strengths, and laughing off your mistakes. I devoured this book in one sitting - looking forward to more snarky yet sweet Jessica Darling.

Cover Thoughts: It's not the final cover - but I like it!
Source: from the publisher

Recap: Little Brown Preview

On Thursday, I had the good fortune to attend the fall preview for Little Brown books. It's always an exciting day. I headed out on the train with a great book (Starting Now by Debbie Macomber - review coming later this week). At the event, we heard about great upcoming teen, tween, and picture books. These are some of my favorites:

Picture Books:

You Were the First by Patricia MacLachlan and illustrated by Stephanie Graegin
A sweet looking book on the first child of the family - the little elephant on the cover is in all the illustrations. Perfect for older siblings with babies on the way or just a nice family story. I got a chance to look at it, but I want to read it and take a closer look at it.

The First Drawing by Mordicai Gerstein
Could the very first drawing have been created by a child? A historical imagining...that starts and ends with a modern child.

Mr Tiger Goes Wild! by Peter Brown

Can a tiger be too wild? Looks really cute with proper clothes and...not so proper attire. 

Easy Reader:

Ling and Ting Share a Birthday by Grace Lin

Twin girls have a birthday where they shop for each other, share a special outfit, and exchange gifts. Looks really cute and something that my niece would enjoy!

Tween/Middle Grade:

Jessica Darling's It List by Megan McCafferty

A new middle school series about Jessica Darling from Sloppy First (and others)! This was my train book on the ride home and I devoured it (review coming soon). She meets Hope and Marcus Flutie. Perfect for fans of the book or introducing middle grade readers to a new series. 

Teens:

Pretenders by Lisi Harrison

At the end of the year, five high school freshman were named most outstanding - someone didn't agree and that someone stole their journals as proof that they were pretenders.

Unbreakable by Kami Garcia

Love triangle - a powerful demon - murder -Illuminati combine in this book by one of the co-authors from the Beautiful Creatures series. There's also a movie deal in the works for this Da Vinci Codesque book

Roomies by Sara Zarr and Tara Alebrando

The summer before college - two girls from opposite sides of US meet over emails - sounds great! 

If you're on twitter, check out the #lbyrpreview for more info about other upcoming books!

Rules of Summer

* Comes out in early June - Look for this one!*

Rory needs to get escape her mother and her mother's new boyfriend. She finds the perfect summer getaway -working for the employers of her aunt in the Hamptons. She's going to be their errand girl. As soon as she steps off the train, she realizes that she's been transported into another world.

A world where the staff and the family don't mix. She's been warned not to mix with the family and to stay out of their way. After her first night where she spills sauce on Isabel's dress, she believes it. But there's something about Isabel.

Isabel Rule isn't sure where she belongs. She spent a year in California and feels out of touch in the Hamptons. She hates the catty behavior, the gossip, and the obsession with money. Isabel starts hanging out with Mike, a boy from town.

She needs help sneaking out to see Mike and it looks like befriend Rory just might be the answer. Two girls from different worlds for a friendship over the summer that will forever change them.

My Thoughts: The perfect summer book and the start of a new series! It's a mix of Judy Blume's Summer Sisters and the Melissa de la Cruz's Au Pairs series. A fantastic novel about finding yourself and what you're made of. I loved the feel of this book, I devoured it. Both have a summer romance that changes them and puts their friendship in a whole new light.  I loved how the friendship grew between Isabel and Rory - how horrible it started, but little by little, they began to understand each other and appreciate the other.  Put this on your to-read list, you don't want to miss it!!

Cover Thoughts: Very Summery! Love the feel
Source: ARC from the publisher
Similar Read: The Summer My Life Began by Shannon Greenland

Today...

I have the good fortune to be heading to the Little Brown semi-annual preview. It's one of my favorite events of the year.I'll be tweeting all about it from 12ish to 3ish at my twitter handle - Yabooknerd. Follow my tweets to learn of the awesome new books coming out next year!

Review: Winter White

 *book 2 in the Belles series- read my review of book 1*

Izzie and Mira were shocked to discover the big family secret. They're trying to cope from it and trying to show the world they're one happy family.

Izzie's trying to become more a part of Emerald Cove. She wants to do actual good with the Butterflies besides throw parties. Izzie knows real people who could use their help. She's tired of not taking action.

Mira's trying to pick up the pieces of her life. Her old friends aren't interested in her. She's happily working on her art, but could that get her into trouble too?

Both are are simply trying to put their best foot forward. Cotillion practice sessions and hazing heats up. Old rivalries, jealous feelings, and manipulations wreck havoc with relationships. Plus with someone leaking family information to the press, Izzie and Mira wonder if the only person they can trust is each other. 

My Thoughts: I LOVE this series. It's the perfect book filled with family drama, romances, and teen angst - just like all Jen Calonita's other books. While on the surface, it's a fantastic light novel, it also deals with heavy issues. 
I like Izzie's quest for helping others less fortunate than she is now and I feel her frustration at the other girls. I like how Mira's becoming less shallow and more...a person. I like reading about the politics, and the behind the scenes in a political aspiring family. I like reading about the different family dynamics in a rich town, in a way it reminds me of Gilmore Girls. 

I'm dying for the next book - Book 3 - The Grass is Always Greener coming out in April.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: Little Brown -Thanks!
Winter White comes out in October

Review: Sam's Letters To Jennifer

One afternoon after parting, Sam realizes that she needs to set the story straight with her grand daughter. She sits down and writes her life secrets to Jennifer. Jennifer won't read them until Sam slips into a coma and is in the hospital.

Jennifer rushes to Sam's side. She takes her work with her to Sam's house on the lake. Jennifer spent happy summers of her childhood on the lake and it's almost like coming home.

There Jennifer sees her grandmother's letters. She starts to read them, but forces herself to savor these moments. She learns that her grandparents did not have the happy marriage she imagined. She learns about life, about love, and about finding your own happiness.

Sam's life lessons might be just what Jennifer needs to get over the loss of her husband and start living her life again. 

My Thoughts: I didn't read the cover flap on this book and the whole premise of the book through me for a loop. I was expecting more of a P.S. I Love You book and instead found something much different. I loved reading about the relationship between Sam and her grandmother. It was quite touching and reminded me of my grandmother. Needless to say, I read this one with a box of tissues.

I liked watching Jennifer learn to step out of the walled existence after her grief over Danny. I liked the quiet way she started a friendship with Brendan and how it became something much more. I liked learning about Jennifer's columns and how she learned to let go a little bit of her work. It's a lesson everyone needs at times and I'm in a similar spot. 

I liked going into this book one with idea but how it turned into something completely different. It sucked me in and I couldn't stop thinking about it. It's a bittersweet read that tugged at my heartstring

Cover Thoughts: I like the lake, but it's kind of dark to see. After reading it I understand the cover, but I would have liked something more upbeat to draw me in. My eyes see the cover, but immediately move on.
Source: My Library

Tween Tuesday Review: Time Traveling Fashionista at the Palace of Marie Antoinette

* book 2 in the Time Traveling Fashionista series. Read my review for this first book*

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

Louise's father just lost his job. With money a concern, Louise won't be going to France with her classmates. She's bitterly disappointed. 

A vintage sale cheers her up some, even though it's hard not telling her best friend about the sale. It's been even harder not telling her best friend about her adventure aboard the Titanic. 

As Louise looks through clothes, she spies the most amazing dress. She's not supposed to try it on, but she ducks into a dressing room with it. Immediately she's transported to France - to the court of Marie Antoinette.

At first, she likes the parties and the elaborate gowns. Soon she comes to remember that something bad happens to the young Princess. Louise attempts to steer the Princess in a different path. Can she leave France before the revolution starts?

My Thoughts: I liked the time travel concept through vintage clothes. I like how Louise made it to France, just not the time she intended to go. I like meeting Marie Antoinette and seeing her world from an outsider's perspective. She had so much pressure on her and so little knowledge of the world. I love how each stop in history leaves a mark on Louise and how she'll never forget those moments. I loved the information Louise discovers about time travel and I'm so interested to see how that ties into the next book!

I can't wait to see the final copy of the book complete with color illustrations.

Cover Thoughts: Cute!
Source: Little Brown  
Pub Date: This book comes out Sept 18th 

Review: Bunheads

Hannah's life isn't normal. She's a dancer. She's never had a life outside of ballet. At the age of 14, she moved to New York City alone to dance.

From that moment, dancing has been her life. Lately, she's wondering if it's all worth it. She's never been to prom, never had a real boyfriend, and never had friends who are pedestrians (non ballet girls).

When she meets Jacob, she realizes that in 5 years, she knows nothing about the city she calls home.

Hannah works out hard hoping to move from a senior corps dance to a soloist. Her next change could be just around the corner. But with the rigorous training, her constant diet, and the jealous friendships, she wonders if her sacrifice is worth it.

Hannah feels free while she's dancing, but has dancing stopped being fun?

My Thoughts: I was sold on this book from the moment I heard about it at a Little Brown event. I've always wanted to learn how to dance. I ADORED this novel. I loved the peek into the ballet world. I loved seeing the differences in friendship, food, freedom, and happiness. The work ethic seems crazy, the diet crazy, and all the injuries crazy. It's not a world I understand, but its fascinating. I loved Hannah's inner struggle. I love the passion for the dance and the questions it raises about one's future. I read this book weeks ago, and I'm still thinking about it...

Cover Thoughts: LOVE IT! It's unique and refreshing.

Source: Little Brown

Fun Fact: In the book, Hannah visits a museum with Jacob and is drawn to this painting, which was quite shocking at the time it's debut in 1884. Being fascinated with art (Art History minor), I looked up the piece.


I like it, but I think this is more my style:

I LOVE it when a book makes me look up something - it rarely happens.

Watch It: Center Stage shows off a love for dancing.