Review: Meet Me in Italy

 

Charlotte Williams-Jackson is having a rough go of it. Her NBA husband decided he no longer wants to be married and asks her to leave their house. He offers no explanation. She goes back to her parents where she learns she is adopted. She has a half-sister. Their mother just died. Her sister is only 11 and needs a guardian. Lilly is currently in Italy.

Charlotte decides to rent a house on the Amalfi Coast. There she can hopefully get a handle on the book she's supposed to writing and hasn't started. She's worried that the success of her book is due to her husband's fame.

Her childhood best friends decide to accompany her. Sloane doesn't want to be a mother, but her husband is dying to kids. They're at a crossroads in their marriage. She's looking forward to time apart to figure out what she wants. Her twin brother Julian has a secret that he's not willing to share. It's life changing. The twins are happy to have Charlotte back in their lives. Lily isn't sure what to think of her sister. She hasn't had the easiest life. It's hard for her to trust, but her she's learning. Can they all relax in Italy and find themselves?

My Thoughts: I Loved this book. I loved how all the characters connected. And this book makes me want to travel to Italy and the Amalfi Coast. The house and the town seemed amazing. I felt really bad for Lilly. She had such a hard life and didn't know who to trust. I just wanted to give her a giant hug. I love how she thawed out. The NBA part was entertaining. I enjoyed the writing part of the story. This book was all about healing, love, friendship, and family.

Cover Thoughts: Gorgeous

Source: My library

Library Recommendation: A must have book for your fiction 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

Middle Grade Monday: Art Attack

* Book 3 in the Sherlock Society series * 

Ever since their last case got media attention, people have been asking The Sherlock Society for help with their cases. They set up a website and start going through the proposals. The case they decide to take comes with a giant prize tag - if successful.

They're to unmask the vigilante graffiti artist Funky Monkey in hopes that the artist will paint a mural for a local business. The group decides that they will bring the proposal to the artist and Funky Monkey can decide from there.

Of course, there is a deadline, and other teams might be working on the same goal. Can the Sherlock Society figure out this newest mystery?

My Thoughts: I love this series and this book was an excellent addition to the series. I'm glad the FBI guys were back - but I would have liked more with them. They are so funny. The spirit week was kind of funny. I loved learning about graffiti and artists. I really love Alex and Zoe's grandfather. He's a gem. The banter between him and Lina about technology is adorable and funny. It does make me miss my grandfather. The nod to TOAST was great - readers of the Framed trilogy will get a kick out of that. All the twists and turns made me want to keep reading and not put the book down. Looking forward to many more books in this series!

Cover Thoughts: I love how the flashlights highlight the art

Source: Book sent for review

Library Recommendation: The Sherlock Society series is a must have series for your school and public library! 

Publication Date: September 8

Middle Grade Monday: Wilderness Hacks

 

Sadie and Silas have had a tough year. They lost their father to cancer. Silas became gluten free and Sadie changed diets too. She wants to help cheer him up, which is why she agrees to create a video to enter a contest to win an experience with a survival influencer.

She never imagines that she'll win. She can bring a guest, but Silas is too young to participate. She brings him along anyways to meet Radley. First impressions on both sides aren't great. They film a little bit - fishing, creating a fire, and cooking the fish. 

Then they go white water rafting. That's when everything changes. What starts out as a fun trip turns into a nightmare after disaster strikes the region. Sadie and Radley must find a way to work together in order to survive. 

Why I Read It: I Love Survival Books

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. I liked how Sadie and Radley didn't like each other at first. Their first impressions were not great, but I also liked how they talked it through. I liked Radley's impressions of being an influencer and how life changed for him once he became more famous. I loved Sadie's relationship with her brother and how she wanted to make happy memories for him. I loved the survival moments (although there is a bad scene with some chipmunks and another with a mountain lion). I did love the ending. 

Cover Thoughts: Great

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A must have book for your school and public library

Review: Faraway Inn

 

Calisa travels to Vermont to spend the summer with her great aunt at her B&B. She needs to get out of New York City and away from the boy who just broke her heart. When she arrives, the B&B is more rundown than she imagined. Worse, her aunt isn't interested in her help. In fact, she's only allowing Calisa to stay for three days. 

Calisa is determined to make herself useful in hopes that it will prolong her stay. There aren't many guests, but she begins with making pancakes, cleaning rooms, and bringing back the afternoon tea time. 

Strange things start happening that Calisa can't explain. No one is answering her questions. In fact, her great aunt told her not to ask questions. But Calisa can't help but wonder if something more is happening here...

Why I read this book: I love Sarah Beth Durst's books and come on, look at that cover!

My Thoughts: I loved this book. I loved that it's set in Vermont. I love the setting and the description of nature. I enjoyed getting to know the guests, the quirks of the B&B, and the magic behind it all. I loved the relationship between Calisa and Jack, the groundskeeper's son. I couldn't put this book down, but I also didn't want it to end. This was a cozy read that wrapped you up like a warm hug.

Cover Thoughts: Charming and gorgeous

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A must have book for your school and public teen library section

Middle Grade Monday: Offside

With the World Cup happening, I'm highlighting a soccer graphic novel out tomorrow

The soccer team at the middle school has gone co-ed and not everyone is happy about it. 

1. Nicky fought for the opportunity to try out. Her friends are mad that she left the girls' team. She wants to play professionally.

2. Al, the team captain, is NOT happy to play with girls. 

3. His father makes a bunch of comments to his family about how girls shouldn't play soccer. 

4. Palmer gets injured off the field and it out for the season

5. Fabiola and Seba are new to school and speak Spanish but not much English

6. Their coach is excited about this team

Can they find a way to play together?

My Thoughts: This graphic novel has a lot going on. There is both Spanish and English text, which is cool. I loved the coach and how he was inspired by Ted Lasso. The misogyny and bullying in this book made me angry - but I did enjoy how it all worked out. The characters made a lot of mistakes. I didn't agree with many of the choices, but I enjoyed their problem-solving skills. I really liked the storyline with Palmer as a journalist and meeting an adult journalist. There wasn't one central character, which I enjoyed. This graphic novel is perfect for any reader; there's something for everyone here. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: Book sent for review

Library Recommendation: This is a great sports graphic novel with ALL the drama - a must have book for school and public libraries.

Review: Like We Were in Paris

 

Ben is super excited for the school's French Trip in Paris. He's been wanting to go to Paris forever. It's the city where his parents fell in love. After the death of his father, it's more important than ever. He created a list of things to do in the City of Love - one of them is to get over his ex-boyfriend.

But Paris doesn't go as planned. On the first outing to the Louvre, his phone is stolen. He ends up chasing the phone with the chaperone missing the famous art museum - and the Mona Lisa. He can barely eat his dinner. When the free time rolls around for the evening, his teacher insists he stay with Tyler. 

Tyler used to be Ben's best friend before he moved away. Then he moved back and barely spoke to Ben. Ben doesn't understand. Did Tyler forget all the memories they made. Is Tyler mad at him? Either way, Ben is NOT spending his time in Paris with Tyler. He goes his separate ways, but without a phone, he loses track of time.

The hostel where they are staying lock the doors precisely at 10:00 pm. The boys are supposed to be back before. But he's one minute late and the doors are locked. No amount of knocking is working. Ben can't believe he has to spend the night on the streets and will most likely be kicked off of the trip. He's stunned to learn that Tyler is also locked out because he was looking for Ben.

Now they have the night to figure things out, cross off items from Ben's list, and to have the time of their lives.

My Thoughts: I really loved this book. I loved that we wandered through the streets of Paris with Ben and Tyler. I loved that it took place (mostly) within 24 hours. I loved how to relationship changed between the two boys and that we saw their friendship from the past. I really liked the other students on the trip. I loved the Ben had a list of all that he wanted to accomplish in Paris - and how even though most of them didn't turn out the way he imagined, he did check them off. I love that this book had me looking up item mentioned. I didn't want this book to end! 

Warning: the book make cause you to want to go wander the streets of Paris.

Cover Thoughts: Charming

Source: Book sent for review

Library Recommendations: A must have book for your school and public library. 

Middle Grade Review: Stealing the Score

Best friends Sasha and Ethan meet Mateo. All three kids are huge soccer fans. They're excited to participate in the contest to attend the Men's World Cup. Their favorite play is hosting a scavenger hunt. At first, Ethan and Mateo butt heads, but Sasha sees another side of Mateo and tells Ethan to give him a chance.

When their favorite soccer player's cleats are stolen, they're sad to see him play so poorly. He's devastated at the loss of his cleats - his magic touch. He can't believe it. In a series of videos, he's worse in each one - until the world believes he's been kidnapped.

Can the three kids come together and solve the mystery of the stolen cleats?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this one. I loved the sports element, the video games, the friendship moments, the family moments, and the moments with a superstar soccer player. There's something for everyone in this book. I liked how the two boys became friends because of Sasha. There were a lot of connections in this book that came together, which was fun to read. 

Cover Thoughts: Fantastic

Source: my Library

Library Recommendation: A must have book for your school and public library

Middle Grade Monday: Clock Hands

Vale and his family are having a hard time. He scrounges for work as best he can but without an appointment from the guild, he'll never make fair money. He can't get an appointment with the guild because he can't not purchase an entry fee.

When a stranger moves to town, he helps the family acclimate to a new town. Maestro Giuseppe wants to build a clock. His daughter will be helping him. He invites Vale to also help. Vale can't believe his good fortune. 

But he isn't sure the guilds will allow him to work. He's right to be worried. The guilds run everything and they aren't pleased. They make threats, but Vale and his friends aren't backing down. Who will win?

Why I read it: I loved Ink Girls and this is slightly connected. 

My Thoughts: I loved this book too. I love Vale and his new friends and how they stood up to the Guilds. The Guilds had too much power and they weren't using it for good. They were hurting many of the townspeople. This is a great book for a teaching tool - for historical fiction, but also unions/guilds. I loved the art in this book. I hope there are more coming in this companion series. 

Cover Thoughts: Perfect 

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A must have for your school and public library graphic novel collection

Review: Seyoon and Dean, Unscripted

 

Twenty years ago Dean and Seyoon's parents competed in a wilderness reality TV show. They were both betrayed by one of the friends and lost the show. Now the show is being rebooted with relatives of former contestants. 

When they arrive at the filming site, they have a meet cute moment. They exchange words. Before too long, all the contestants are sent through a course. Seyoon and Dean end up together. She saves him. They both end up making the team after four people are eliminated. Seyoon is the last one to make the competition. 

The contestants are encouraged the team up and form an alliance. It makes sense for Seyoon and Dean to team up given their family histories. But neither of them are prepared for how quickly everything changes. One minute, they are strangers, now teammates, now fake dating to outwit their competition. But will it?

My Thoughts: I love reality TV show books. And this one was fantastic. I loved how Seyoon and Dean had different skill sets. She had survival skills and Dean had strategy skills. Both Seyoon and Dean have baggage and reasons for wanting to win the million-dollar purse. But there are plenty of misunderstandings and miscommunication. There are secrets and betrayals. I loved the behind the scene moments. I loved the fake dating moments while filming and the private moments between Seyoon and Dean. I didn't want this book to end. 

Cover Thoughts: Fantastic:

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A must have romance book for your school and public library 

Review: In the Blood

 

Tessa was abandoned at the fire station when she was a baby. She's never known anything about her birth parents and always wondered. Not that her adoptive parents aren't great, but it just feels like a part of her is missing. 

When she turns 18, her best friend gives her an ancestry kit, hoping that Tessa will find some answers. She never imagines what she'll uncover and how that will change everything.

My Thoughts: I really love April Henry and was thrilled to have an ARC of her latest book. I love how Tessa's school work in science class mirrored her testing. I loved Tessa's friendship with El and her growing relationship with Victor. I loved the alternative perspectives. On the mystery side, I loved learning details about the Portland Phantom - from the documentary excerpts and the police officers working the case. I liked the perspective of the killer and learning details from him.  This one was a creepy addictive read that I didn't want to put down (classic April Henry) 

Cover Thoughts: Creepy -but good!

Source: ARC sent for review

Library Recommendation: A must have book for your school and public library

* Book comes out May 12 (Tuesday)

Middle Grade Review: Phoenix

First book in a new series

Harper's having a rough time. Her parents are getting a divorce because her dad and her best friend's mom are having an affair. Everyone at school is talking about it and her best friend won't look at her. Harper doesn't want to go back.

Harper and her mom move two hours away next door to a stable. They live in a tiny house. Harper's angry all the time, but she's happy to have her dog by her side. She's mad at her dad. She's mad at her best friend. But she is enjoying watching everything that's going on at the stable,

One day, a trailer pulls up with a horse that's almost dead. Everyone at the stable is at a competition. Harper takes control over the horse. Can they help heal each other?

My Thoughts: I felt so bad for Harper; I just wanted to give her a big hug and tell her everything will be ok. She's stronger than she gives herself credit for. She's so determined to help this horse. She sees herself in him. Harper makes friends with the kids at the stables, but she does snap at them when she's emotional. She has a hard time telling them about her past. However, she does apologize. She's learning and growing and healing. I'm eager to see what happens next and if the next book will also follow Harper or one of the other kids at the stable. 

Cover Thoughts:

Why I read it: Horse book

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A must have book for your school and public library.

Review: She Knows All the Names

 

* Book 2 in the Throne of Khetara trilogy *

Book 2 continues where the first book leaves of. The Princess, the rebel, the thief, and the priestess continue their quests. They all don't know about each other, but as the danger moves towards them all, they begin to suspect there's more to the plan. They have a higher purpose...if they don't die first.

My Thoughts: I loved this sequel. I don't want to say too much because of spoilers, but I love how everything came together. There were lots of moments of danger, secrets and betrayals, and action. There were moments of friendships and alliances. And snakes. There were snakes. I am eagerly awaiting the next book! 

Source: PLA ARC (for the panel)

Library Recommendation: A must have book for your public library

Book Published: May 5, 2026

Review: Roommate Agreement

 

Blair's excited about her summer experience with coding at college. She's going to be living with her two best friends and it's going to be amazing. Until she discovers last minute that they don't want to live with her. They don't want to be friends anymore.

Blair's devastated. This was supposed to be the perfect summer; they had it all planned out. She searching for any last minute housing, thrilled to discover an apartment that still needs a roommate. She's less than thrilled to discover that her brother's best friend is living there. 

She begs Jamie not to tell her brother as he will tell her parents and ruin everything. Jamie is not happy keeping a secret, but he reluctantly does, after blackmailing Blair. 

Blair struggles with her intensive class. The only bright spot in her life is her art class. But even that is stressing her out. Can she survive the summer?

My Thoughts: I really felt for Blair. She went through it this summer. But I loved her new relationships with her roommates. I love how she stood up for herself. Blair's fat and she owns it. Her family is terrible - her mother sides with the no nonsense step-father. Her computer class has a terrible teacher and terrible classmates. I hate how the class is set up for failure; that's no way to teach. All this drama made me cry at the end. But the book does have some bright spots. I love Blair's relationship with Jamie. Don't sleep on this one

Cover: Not my favorite 

Source: Book sent for review

Library Recommendation: A must have book for your public library teen collection

Review: Escape Game

 

Season four of the family friendly reality TV show ended with a murder. No one won the prize that season. 

Six months later, season five is kicking off. The surprise contestant is the sister of the murdered girl - the one many believe killed Alicia. 

Now Audi, Carter, and Beck have been thrown together with Sierra to create a team. While they're good at escape rooms, they're not the fastest AND another team is targeting them. Plus, someone is dropping clues about Alicia's murder. The truth will come out, but only IF Sierra's team makes it to the finals. Can Team Helsing stay in the game long enough to collect answers?

My Thoughts: I LOVED this book: for the puzzles, the friendship, the twists and turns, and the drama of reality TV. I barely watch reality TV shows, but I love reading about them. I've never been to an escape room, but it's on my bucket list. I'm scared I wouldn't be good at it. Although I have co-built a couple rooms for my library. I loved the discussion about online personal vs. person in real life in terms of Carter and Kick-it Carter. I loved how Team Helsing bonded, but still had their moments. Everyone had secrets here. I can't wait to see what happens next after that wild ending. 

Cover Thoughts: Perfect

Source:  ARC sent for Review

Library Recommendation: A must have book for your school and public libraries

Marissa Meyer was on my PLA panel (more on that later)

Middle Grade Review: Right Back at You

Mason's parents have separated. He's very angry at his dad. Guys at school are bulling him. His mom has checked out and drinks too much. He's at his wit's end. His therapist suggests he write a letter to someone. He chooses Albert Einstein because of the book he's reading. After he writes the letter, he places it in his closet so no one will find it.

However, the letter travels through a wormhole to a girl's closet in 1987. At first Mason doesn't believe Talia, but after they exchange more letters, he can't help but trust in this strange phenomenon.

Talia has bulling troubles of her own. The boys in her class are bullying her because she's Jewish. None of the adults are taking it seriously, except for her parents. But that just makes everything worse.

The more they write letters, the more they become a lifeline for each other.

Why I read this book: Loved the concept and I love epistolary novels

My Thoughts: I loved this book. It had so many important pieces. I'm so glad that Mason and Talia found each other. The time difference added some humor to the story. I wanted to give them both hugs for all they were going through with family drama and bullying. I really love how the two friends supposed each other. The antisemitism was hard to read, but I was proud for Talia and how she stood up for herself - even if her friends would not. I love how that storyline turned out. This is an important read that clearly still relevant today. as bullies are everywhere. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute - Love all the pieces of the keychain

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A must have book for school and public libraries 

Review: Might Macy

 

Macy got a book for her birthday and can't wait to read the next book. But when she arrives at school, she's stunned to learn that the library is closed. The library will only be open two days a week to save money. Macy knows that she needs to spread the word. She doesn't love speaking in public, but there is a school board hearing coming up. Macy doesn't know what she's going to say. She wishes her writer father could help, but he's away at the moment. Can she help save the library?

My Thoughts: This was such a fantastic book about real issues facing libraries today. Might Macy is a novel in verse making this a fast read, but there's a lot packed into the novel. I love how she came up with the speech for the school board and how everything turned out. Macy's working towards a violin recital. She's having trouble with it but keeps practicing. Macy has a lot on she shoulders, but she does find a way to make it all work. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A must have books for public and school libraries

Review: Cruel Summer

 

Their freshman year of high school is over and big summer plans are in the works:

TS is going to London with her posh girlfriend Gemma. Only, she doesn't realize just how posh Gemma really is or how rude her family can be.

Tay is performing with her band and hopefully getting an opening spot, if everyone in the band can agree on their set list.

Teffy is happy with her boyfriend, but once she tells her parents, the secret will be out. Is she ready for more people to know about them?

Taylor is heading to summer camp, but unfortunately so is her ex-boyfriend. What goes from a happy summer quickly becomes horrific....

My Thoughts: The sequel to Love Stories is just as drama filled as the first book. There is plenty of love for Taylor Swift, friendship drama, and romance. I love how these friends support each other through thick and thin. I didn't want to put this book down. I hope there are more in the works about this friend group.

And Easter Egg: Whispering Pines camp in from Jen Calonita's (The Taylor's 0.5) book:

Cover Thoughts: Adorable

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Must have books for your school and public library for your Taylor Swift fans.

Middle Grade Review: Europa

* Book 7 in the City Spies series * 

There's a chatter of a major attack coming. Tru asks her team to review the evidence. Her adult agents are looking at an attack on London, but the City Spies think it's happening in Paris. They have a way of looking at things a little bit differently. It helps that they're teenagers. Could this be the work of a threat they thought they contained?

My Thoughts: As this is book 7, I don't want to say too much. But I loved it! I loved the moments with Tru - and her puzzles, games, and history. I liked learning more about the history of spies in England. I even learned about art. I love books that make me research, and I did look up some of the art mentioned. This series is fantastic and honestly, I never want it to end. 

Cover Thoughts: Perfect

Source: Book sent for review

Library Recommendation: A must have series for your public and school library's collection. 

* this book comes out tomorrow

Middle Grade Review: Confessions from a Group Chat

Virginia has three best friends, but she doesn't always feel that they're friends. Virginia hasn't found her niche yet. Her friends pigeonhole her, making it hard for her to grow. In reality, Virginia hides her hobbies from her friends because she knows they won't "approve" because her hobbies are not cool. After a terrible fight, her friends leak her mean texts from the group chat on a school social media account run by students.

Viriginia knows it was wrong to make those comments. And most of them she didn't even mean. She felt pressured by her friends to be someone she doesn't want to be. Luckily, she has the help of her older sister and a new friend to guide her through this friendship crisis. 

My Thoughts: This one has ALL the friendship drama. I just wanted to give Virginia a hug. She had terrible friends (who were really bullies/mean girls). I loved her relationship with her new friend whom she texts when things go sideways.  They have great chemistry. I love the public librarian and how she tried to steer Virginia in different directions. I love how Virginia started playing around with photography and had conversations with her former friend about pictures. I loved the text messages in this one. This book was hard to read at times, but I also didn't want to put it down. Can't wait to see what Jodi Meadows writes next.

Cover Thoughts: Adorable

Why I Read This: I adored Bye, Forever I Guess by the same author

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A must have for school and public library collections