Holiday Book Review: Snow in Love

Four Holiday short stories featuring a road trip, a job as an elf, a Christmas present surprise, and a scavenger hunt inside an airport - by four awesome YA authors. 

My Thoughts:  I really loved this collection of short stories. I loved the diversity of the stories - from Christmas to Hanukkah from straight to lesbian romances and from characters of different races. I also loved how each story stood out.  I hope there are more holiday stories coming from these authors because I'm already looking forward to book 2!

Cover Thoughts: Cozy
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Grab this romance for your school and public libraries.

On Your Radar: Truly Madly Royally (26)

Title: Truly Madly Royally 

Author: Debbie Rigaud

Publisher: Scholastic

Release Date: July 30, 2019

Why It Should Be On Your Radar:
* Summer Romance
* A Prince
* Zora's after school program
* The kids in the after school program
* Taking college classes in high school
* Taco Tuesdays
* Banter between Zora and the Prince
* Men in Black
* Being True to Yourself
* Interracial Couple
* Stolen Moments on Campus
* Meghan Markle inspired


** I adore royal romances, so this was a must read for me. And it was everything I wanted it to be.

Cover Thoughts: Amazing. Captured the feel of the book completely

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

Review: Listen to Your Heart

As far as Kate is concerned, there are two types of people in this world: lake people and everyone else. She loves spending time on the lake and letting the wind rush through her hair when out on the boat. She's not crazy about the rest of the world.

When her best friend talks her into taking a podcasting class, she figures she'll be behind the scenes. Instead, she's thrust into the job of co-hosting the show. And she couldn't be more annoyed.

The first episode doesn't go well - but then she starts to relax and create a different persona. It doesn't hurt that there's a boy calling him for love advice. And it might be someone Kate recognizes...

If only he was talking about her, but she's pretty sure he's talking about her best friend

My Thoughts: I adored this book. I loved the idea of the podcast class - and I liked reading more about the behind the scenes of the production. I thought Kate and her co-host were entertaining. I liked the friendship between the two girls. I normally don't like books about best friends liking the same guy, but this one really worked for me. I loved Diego. I even liked Frank. I loved Kate's large and noisy family and how they got together for cousin night - that sounds charming. More than anything I wanted to be reading this book while at the late or a even poolside - sadly that did not happen. A fun flirty read that I gobbled right up!

Cover Thoughts: Adorable
Source: my Library

Library Recommendations: Perfect for school and public libraries.

Review: P.S. I Like You

Chemistry is the worst subject ever, until Lily writes song lyrics on her desk. She's stunned the next day to get a reply - from someone who knows the song. This starts a fury of letters back and forth.

It's freeing to write to someone and not know their identity, it allows you to tell them all sorts of secrets. But soon enough, Lily learns the identity of her secret note passer - and it's not someone she expected.

How could someone be two completely different people? And how can she justify falling for him now? Should she stop writing?

My Thoughts: I adored this book, I devoured it. I loved reading the letters between Lily and the other person. I loved how they unfolded and become more and more personal as time went on. I like how they interacted outside of the letters too. This was my first Kasie West book, but it won't be my last.

Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Get this one for your library!

Challenge:

Blog Tour: Two Summers

Get with the BEAT: TWO SUMMERS, TWO PLAYLISTS

Summer in France

Leaving on a Jet Plane – Peter, Paul, and Mary

Moi Je Joue—Brigitte Bardott

Don’t Leave Me (Ne Me Quitte Pas) – Regina Spektor

Kill Em with Kindness- Selena Gomez

La Belle Et Le Bad Boy — MC Solaar

I Really Like You—Carly Rae Jepsen

 Miles Away—Madonna

Quelqu'un m'a dit — Carla Bruni

 Girl—Beck

 Modern Art—Black Lips

 Kiss Me—Sixpence None The Richer

 La Vie En Rose—Edith Piaf

 Firework—Katy Perry

 Love the Way You Lie—Eminem feat. Rihanna

 Summertime Sadness – Lana Del Ray

 It Hurts to Say Goodbye—Francoise Hardy

 Je Ne Regrette Rien—Edith Piaf

 Safe and Sound – Capital Cities

 Counting Stars—One Republic

 Summer at Home

 In the Summertime – Mungo Jerry

 The Suburbs—Arcade Fire

 Cruel Summer—Bananarama

 French Navy—Camera Obscura

 Electric Feel – MGMT

 The Boys of Summer –The Ataris

 Kodachrome – Paul Simon

 Bad Blood—Ryan Adams

 Summer in the City – The Lovin’ Spoonful

 Snap Out Of It—Arctic Monkeys

 Crazy in Love – Beyonce

 Birthday—The Beatles

 Photograph—Ringo Starr

 Daughter—Pearl Jam

 Hello—Adele

 Roar—Katy Perry

 You’re My Best Friend—Queen

 Dancing on My Own—Robyn

 Home—Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

About the Book:

Title: TWO SUMMERS

Author: Aimee Friedman

Pub. Date: April 26, 2016

Publisher: Point

Pages: 368

Formats: Hardcover, eBook, audiobook

Find it: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iBooks, Goodreads

ONE SUMMER in the French countryside, among sun-kissed fields of lavender . . .

ANOTHER SUMMER in upstate New York, along familiar roads that lead to surprises . . .

When Summer Everett makes a split-second decision, her summer divides into two parallel worlds. In one, she travels to France, where she’s dreamed of going: a land of chocolate croissants, handsome boys, and art museums. In the other, she remains home, in her ordinary suburb, where she expects her ordinary life to continue — but nothing is as it seems.

In both summers, she will fall in love and discover new sides of herself. What may break her, though, is a terrible family secret, one she can't hide from anywhere. In the end, it may just be the truth she needs the most.

From New York Times bestselling author Aimee Friedman comes an irresistible, inventive novel that takes readers around the world and back again, and asks us what matters more: the journey or the destination.

I LOVED this book - it was the perfect summer read! Check out my review here. And I'm super happy to be part of the tour! 

About Aimee:

Aimee Friedman was born and raised in Queens, New York, in an apartment filled with books and different languages. She wrote her first story at the age of five, and was off and running from there. Aimee wrote all through her years as a student at the Bronx High School of Science and then Vassar College. After graduating from college in 2001, she became a children's book editor, a job she still does, and loves, to this day! Aimee published her first novel, the New York Times bestseller, South Beach, in 2005, and is now the author of several novels for young adults, the latest being Two Summers. Aimee lives in New York City, where she can usually be found writing in cafes, window-shopping, or searching for the perfect iced latte.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Goodreads

Giveaway Details:  You know you want a copy! 

3 winners will receive a signed finished copy of TWO SUMMERS and TWO SUMMERS travel bag

(US Only)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule: Check out the rest of the tour!

Week One:

6/27/2016- Novel Novice- Guest Post

6/28/2016- Page Turners Blog- Review

6/29/2016- The Cover Contessa- Interview

6/30/2016- Just Commonly- Review

Week Two:

7/4/2016- Here's to Happy Endings- Review

7/5/2016- Andi's ABCs- Guest Post

7/6/2016- A Dream Within A Dream- Review

7/7/2016- Curling Up With A Good Book- Guest Post

7/8/2016- Margie's Must Reads- Review

Review: Two Summers

Just as she's about to board the plane, a phone call pulls away Summer's attention.

If she answers the phone, it's her father canceling her trip to France at the very last minute. Now she's stuck in her small town with a best friend who isn't thrilled at having her back. Summer feels lost and alone. She takes her aunt's college photography class and begins to look at the world in a new light until her world comes crashing down.

Or

If she ignores the phone, she travels to France. There's no one to meet her at the airport. Her artist father is in Berlin for the next two weeks. Summer stays at his house with artists, At first she's scared but soon she starts exploring with her new boyfriend. Until her world comes crashing down. 

My Thoughts: A YA version of the movie Sliding Doors where either path could be the true path. I adored this book. 

I love how in both scenarios Summer grew and changed, allowing herself to let go. I like how she explored her world, both in New York and in France. I loved reading about her taking pictures and how she realized that she too was an artist.

In both scenarios the moment that rocked her world changes everything and I like how it happened. I liked her aunt and her mother. I liked her interactions with Hugh and Wren. Even Eloise grew on me. This book made me want to travel to France and take more pictures. 

Cover Thoughts: Fun
Source: I won an ARC

Final  Thoughts: This summer read is perfect to read by the water. Be sure to grab it this summer.

Review: We Can Work It Out

 * Sequel to Lonely Hearts Club *

Penny needs more time in the day to devote to her club and to her new boyfriend. She's trying to juggle everything, but in giving nothing her full attention, she feels like she's letting everyone down.

When the club blows up beyond her wildest dreams, Penny Lane starts thinking bigger. The Lonely Hearts Club wants to hold a local event for other clubs to share their stories and to inspire other clubs.

Except that in putting so much time into her club, she's letting down Ryan. When things start going badly for Ryan, Penny Lane can't help but think she's the cause of his troubles. Can they work out their problems or will she need a little help from her friends to heal her broken heart?

My Thoughts: I Loved the first book, so I was surprised to love the sequel. I loved visiting old friends again and learning more about the Lonely Hearts Club. I love the idea of the club - of the sisterhood that looks out for each other, helps each other, and has each others' backs. Bullies, bad dates, and guys who take advantage of the situation need not apply for boyfriends. I like how the girls thought bigger than just the club at their high school and how they help other groups start their own clubs.

I adore Penny: she's smart, strong, and not about to let people tear her down. I felt bad for her for being pulled in so many directions and wanting to devote all her time to everything. Balance is key in life between work and play and relationships. 

 I really liked Ryan: he's sweet, thoughtful, and understanding. He gives Penny Lane the space that she needs, while showing her that he cares about her too. I really liked Tracey and her dramatics, Diane for being there in the tough times, and Penny's crazy Beatles loving family for their support and antics.

Cover Thoughts: Perfection
Source: My Library
Fun Fact: I started listening to my favorite Beatles album immediately after reading

Final Thoughts: If you haven't read either of these books, read them now. They're the perfect books about friendship and sisterhood with a dash of romance.

Review: Manor of Secrets

Lady Charlotte knows she's destined for marriage, but she longs to marry for love and not duty. Her mother's trying to match her with a Lord, but he seems as dull as dish soap.

Lady Charlotte longs for adventure. During a garden party, she and a friend discover a servant girl sneaking towards the lake. They follow her and are shocked to discover her wading. After Janie leaves, Charlotte decides to follow her example. She wants to be brave and to feel freedom.

This desire for adventure leads her to seek out the kitchen maid and strike up a friendship with her. As they begin to share confidences, trouble starts brewing. Can a friendship between upstairs and downstairs really last? 

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this historical fiction set in the Downton Abbey era. I felt bad for both girls - each stuck in their respective rolls and each wanting something more from life. I like how they came together and made each other stronger and different. Scandal, intrigue, betrayals, judgmental friends, family secrets, and romantic plots kept me turning the pages fast to find out what happened next. 

Cover Thoughts: I really like it, although I wish Janie was in the background
Source: My Library

Review: Awaken

*Final book in the Abandon Trilogy*

Pierce and John have been through a lot together in a short amount of time. Now they have to face the biggest test of all.

Something's happening in the Underworld - things aren't running as smoothly as they should be. Maybe John has taken a few breaks to go with Pierce to the real world, but those breaks wouldn't cause the havoc. His actions might have though...

The balance of life and death has been thrown off. If they can't fix it and soon, things in the Underworld and the real world won't exist much longer.

My Thoughts: I really have come to love these characters -they're sassy, funny, and loyal to each other.  I don't want to say too much in case of spoilers, but I really enjoyed the last part of the trilogy. I loved the part where John met Pierce's parents. I liked Pierce's interaction with the dead who were waiting for the ferries. I love how Pierce can make the best of a bad situation and gather people around her who are happy to help. I loved the ending!

Cover Thoughts: Dreamy
Source: ARC from BEA

Review: Revenge of the Girl with Great Personailty

** This Book is Out March 1st **

Lexie is great. She's a great friend, a great girl, and a great sister. But she's never the center of attention, especially when it comes to boys. She's tired of it all.

When she makes a bet with her friend, she never dreams that changing her look will change her life. She's wearing clothes that fit her. She's putting on makeup. She's fixing her hair. And she's loving the attention it gets her. Suddenly, it's a brand new Lexi.

But does this new girl have the same set of problems?

My Thoughts: I ADORE Elizabeth Eulberg! I've loved her three previous books and this one is great too. Lexi's unhappy as she has a terrible mother who's more concerned with the pageant world than either of her daughters. I liked the peek into the pageant world - it was both enlightening and amusing.  Lexi's father is mostly absent.  I love Lexi's friends - the sassy Cam and the sweet Benny. They both want what's best for her, but not at the expense of her happiness or having to pretend she's someone else.   I love the way Lexi attempts to make her dreams come true instead of waiting on the sidelines for life to find her.  Eulberg writes a wonderful story about self-worth, self confidence, and standing up for your true self.

Cover Thoughts: Cute and awesome at the same time
Title Thoughts: Hilarious and perfect
Source: ARC from a librarian meeting

Review: Underworld

* sequel to Abandon*

Pierce and John fled to the Underworld to escape the dangers. However, danger still exists. Pierce isn't sure what to do in the Underworld. She's interested in how things work in this alternate universe, but she also misses her home.

She's not sure she wants to live here forever. Pierce doesn't want her mom to grow old with out her. She's worried about the rest of her family and her friends. She hated that she didn't get to say goodbye.

When she receives a disturbing message about the fate of her cousin, she's desperate to get back to her normal life. She needs to warn Alex and help save him. She has no way of knowing if what she saw has happened, is happening, or will happen. All she knows is that she'll do everything in her power from prevent that scenario from coming true.

My Thoughts: First off, I adore Meg Cabot and all her books. I devour them. It's impossible for me not to love them. However, it's been a long time since I read Abandon and I forgot most of the story. As a result, it took me a little bit longer than normal to get into the story. (I really do wish I had time to re-read books when sequels appear, but I don't.)


I loved the heat between John and Pierce. I enjoyed their banter as they tried to make each other understand their viewpoints. While at times, I found John controlling, after learning more about his life, I find myself able to understand his character better. 


I loved the descriptions of the Underworld - the gardens, the house, and how things needed appeared. I liked Hope - even her ironic name. I found her antics amusing as she judged everything and everyone around her.


I'm looking forward to the next book - the last book in this fantastic trilogy. 


Cover Thoughts: Great!


Source: my Library

Review: Prom and Prejudice

Lizzie hates her high school - Longbourn Academy. It's full of snobby girls who refuse to give her a chance because she doesn't come from their world. Lizzie's there on a musical scholarship. The other girls make her life miserable at every turn - all except Charlotte, the other scholarship student, and Jane her roommate.

During the second semester, everyone becomes obsessed with prom. The girls wear designer dresses and date only the best boys from Pemberley Academy. Jane hopes to go with Charles who just returned from a semester abroad. Jane can't wait to see him.

Soon they're together all the time. Jane persuades Lizzie to hang out with them, even though she and Charles's best friend Will didn't get off on the right foot.

When Lizzie meets Wick and Lydia, Jane's younger sister, makes a spectacle of herself an upperclassman party, Charles begins to pull away. Jane's devastated. Lizzie tries to console her, but she's involved in her own drama with Wick, Will Darcy, and the snotty girls who live to torment her.

My Thoughts: I'm a Jane Austen freak and I love prom novels so I was super stoked to read this. I also Loved Lonely Hearts Club, Eulberg's debut novel. Prom and Prejudice was amazing. I devoured it as soon as it arrived. I LOVED the book. I loved the differences and the similarities between Pride and Prejudice. I loved Lizzie and Jane's relationship. I loved EVERYTHING. As soon as I finished reading, I gave a happy sigh of contentment. It was simply...magical!

Cover Thoughts: Love it! At first, I didn't understand it, but after reading the book, it makes total sense.

Source: Publisher

Fun Fact: Stay tuned for an author interview and contest later next month

Review: Wish

Olivia doesn't know what to do anymore. She feels nothing, nothing since her twin sister died. She didn't feel anger when her family decided to move back to her mother's family home. She didn't feel sad when her parents drifted away in their own grief too tired to be there for her. She didn't feel excited, scared, or nervous to be the new girl at school and start her life all over again.

When she needs a dress for a welcome party, she takes her sister's dress to a seamstress to fix. Instead of fixing the dress, she gains a completely different dress - that grants wishes.

Olivia only wants one thing in the world - her sister back. Voila, her sister comes back as a ghost to help guide her through life. But is she living her life or the life that her sister might lead? Will she stop being scared and start wanting to life again and starting feeling emotions?

My Thoughts: I'd heard such good things about this book that I couldn't wait to read it. I loved the different layers. Yes, there was the layer of a death in the family and the family working through their grief. There was the layer of a new girl in school and a girl attempting to find a place for herself. There was a girl who fell for a boy who might be off limits. Finally, there was a girl looking for find her true identity - separate from her previous life and from her dead sister.

The Cover: I LOVE it!

Source: My Library