Holiday Book Review: Recommended For You

 

For Shoshanna, the bookstore is her happy place. She works at Once Upon and it's her own away from home. With the holidays approaching, things have gotten very busy in the indie book store. When she's asked to show a new employee around, she can't help but be disappointed that he's not a reader. How is he going to recommend books to shoppers?

When her boss announces a  competition between all the staff to see who can generate the most sales, Shoshanna knows she's a shoo-in to win. Her reader's advisory skills are off the charts. But she wasn't expecting Jake, the new guy. to give her a run for her money. 

The bonus that comes with winning the competition will help her fix her run down car and solve her transportation problems.  But the more time she spends with Jake, the more she begins to understand him. Maybe she was too quick to judge him...

My Thoughts: I really liked this book about two Jewish teens working in an indie bookstore over the holidays. I loved the banter between Shoshanna and Jake. And how they took time to warm up to each other but did become friends. Of course I loved the mentions of books and the reader's advisory scenes. I felt bad for Shoshanna as she struggled with doing the right thing (which rarely happened) with her friends and her family. I loved all the moms in this story. A heartwarming read that soothed my bookish soul.

Cover Thoughts: Adorable

Source: My library

Library Recommendation: A fun romance story with books! Highly Recommended for your school and public library collections. 

Review: Serious Moonlight

After an awkward first encounter, Birdie and Daniel are forced to work together in a Seattle hotel where a famous author leads a mysterious and secluded life in this romantic contemporary novel from the author of Alex, Approximately.

Mystery-book aficionado Birdie Lindberg has an overactive imagination. Raised in isolation and homeschooled by strict grandparents, she’s cultivated a whimsical fantasy life in which she plays the heroic detective and every stranger is a suspect. But her solitary world expands when she takes a job the summer before college, working the graveyard shift at a historic Seattle hotel.

In her new job, Birdie hopes to blossom from introverted dreamer to brave pioneer, and gregarious Daniel Aoki volunteers to be her guide. The hotel’s charismatic young van driver shares the same nocturnal shift and patronizes the waterfront Moonlight Diner where she waits for the early morning ferry after work. Daniel also shares her appetite for intrigue, and he’s stumbled upon a real-life mystery: a famous reclusive writer—never before seen in public—might be secretly meeting someone at the hotel.

To uncover the writer’s puzzling identity, Birdie must come out of her shell…discovering that the most confounding mystery of all may be her growing feelings for the elusive riddle that is Daniel. - Summary from the Publisher

My Thoughts: I really liked this book. I loved the references to Clue, Mystery Mansion, and Nancy Drew. I love how the mystery brought Birdie and Daniel together. I enjoyed the moments in the diner and of course my mouth drooled while they were eating pie. I liked how their relationship started off quickly but then they became friends and shared confidences. But they both held back from each other - emotionally and with secrets that of course eventually came out. I love how Birdie gained independence. I loved her attempts at swearing. I enjoyed the different family dynamics and how that made the characters more fleshed out. I loved Mona and her relationship with Birdie. A sweet romance with a side of mystery. 

Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation:  Grab this one for your romance collection, but hand it out to your mystery readers too. 

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: Starry Eyes

Zorie and Lennon haven't been the same since the disaster of the homecoming dance. When Zorie agrees to go glam camping with her friend, she has no idea that Lennon (or boys) will be there. And she's not thrilled at the idea either. Her father hates his family and he's not shy about it.

Zorie and Lennon never really hashed out what happened the night that broke their relationship. But when the rest of the party ditches them in the middle of nowhere - they have more than enough time to address it. That is if they can make it out of the woods alive - after storms, wild animals, and getting lost.

Could their relationship be on the mend?

My Thoughts: I adored this book. I loved Lennon's moms. I loved the banter between Zorie and Lennon. I felt terrible for Zorie and learning about her father. I also hated her friends; they were terrible to leave her in the middle of nowhere. But I did love the adventure that came out of it. This book made me long to go hiking and see more of the outdoors, despite all the disasters that happened to them along the way. I loved that Zorie had a passion for the stars. Her astronomy friends were great. I didn't want this to end. I loved the romance, the stars, and the family dynamics. Another fantastic book by Jenn Bennett. I can't wait to read what she writes next!

Cover Thoughts: Love it
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: A must have for public libraries!

Review: Lucky in Love

Maddie's got her life planned out; she studies hard to earn a college scholarship. After a lackluster birthday, she buys a lottery ticket. She's shocked when she discovers she's won. All of a sudden her life changes; she's no longer concerned about money. She has enough to pay for college. She can give money to her parents and her brother. Maybe it will turn their luck around.

She's also throwing money around by hosting a party on yacht one night, a clothing shopping spree, and a diamond necklace. Soon she's realizing that people are talking to her because of her money. Maddie's not sure who her real friends are after an article appears about her spending habits.

Her only solace is her job, working at the local zoo and hanging out with Seth, who doesn't know anything about her recent windfall. Sooner or later, she'll have to tell him. When she does, will everything change?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. I liked the study parties, especially the snacks. There were times when I wanted to yell at Maddie about her decision, but I like how it all played out. I loved the moments at the zoo. I adored Seth and his banter with Maddie. Of course this made me think of all the things I would do if I won the lottery. There are a lot of ideas!

Cover Thoughts: Adorable - it sold me on the book before I knew what it was about.
Source: My Library
Final Thoughts: A fun cotemporary romance perfect for the summer

Upcoming Review: From Twinkle, With Love

Twinkle believes if she could date her longtime crush Neil, her life would infinity improve. Her best friend would enjoy her company again, people would listen to the stories she wants to tell, and she wouldn't be invisible.

As an aspiring filmmaker, Twinkle has a small YouTube channel, but longs to make it big. She wants to crush glass ceilings.

When Neil's twin brother approaches her with an idea to create a movie together for Midsummer Night Arts Festival - Twinkle can't help but agree. It's even better when Maddie agrees to star in the movie. Now Twinkle can do what she loves while hanging out again with her bff. Maybe this movie will help catapult Twinkle into a new life - the one where she's not invisible and people want to talk with her.

My Thoughts: I adored When Dimple Met Rishi and needed this book. When it came in a box of librarian preview books, I squealed and then rushed home to read it. And it was everything I imagined it would be. I loved it; I'll read anything that Sandhya Menon writes.

I loved that Twinkle wrote letters to famous lady filmmakers. I love how she was determined to make it in the film industry and how she started her career off with a bang. I felt terrible for Twinkle and how her friendship with Maddie fizzled. I loved her closeness with Dadi. I loved her growing friendship with Sahil and how they opened up to each other and understood each other. I didn't always agree with her choices but I love how the book ended. 

Cover Thoughts: Brilliant
Source: ARC sent for review
Release Date: May 22nd

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

Review: More than We Can Tell

* companion book to Letters to the Lost *

Emma loses herself in the gaming world that she built, but keeps hidden from her parents. She's having a hard time dealing with her parent's constant fighting, her mother's disapproval, and her relationship with her best friend. On top of all that, an online troll threatens her one source of escapism. Luckily for her, she meets a boy unexpectedly and find herself able to open up to him.

Rev's father tortured him as a child. Now that he's turned 18, his father has contacted him. Rev doesn't know how to tell his adoptive parents. He doesn't know how to respond to his father. Rev believes there's a monster inside of him - just like his father. But he doesn't want to let it out. Talking with Emma helps - a great deal. But the two of them will have to confront their demons.

My Thoughts: I adored this book; I had a hard time putting it down. I loved the dual perspectives. I felt heartsick for both characters, but especially for Rev and what he endured during his childhood. I loved seeing Juliet and Declan again! I love how Emma and Rev find each other - and keep noticing each other until they become something significant to each other. I adored Texas. I loved Emma and her game building/coding skills, I like seeing STEAM in books. I enjoyed the moments between Matthew and Rev - even the tense moments and how they worked through them. This book gave me ALL the feels, but most of all it gave me hope. I can't wait to read what Brigid Kemmerer writes next!

Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: ARC sent for review
Library Recommendation: A must have for school and public libraries - along with Letters to the Lost. 

Review: Turn it Up

Lidia and Sydney aren't just best friends, they're the new co-captains of the Nightingales, the high school a cappella group. The group hasn't won a competition in years and Lidia and Sydney have big plans for this year; they can't wait.

One day before work, they plan to meet at a coffee shop. Lidia's a few minute late and when she arrives, she spies the boy she's been crushing over forever kissing her best friend. She flees.

And they don't talk about it, leaving the wounds to fester. They both handle it badly until Lidia blows up at the first Nightingales meeting. Their dirty laundry comes out. Will they let one boy affect the group?

My Thoughts: If you're a fan of Pitch Perfect, you're going to love this book. I felt badly for both girls as they struggled with their feelings. I loved the moments with the group singing - as they struggled to find their identity. I loved Julianna and how she overcame her stage fright and found her voice. I liked the pranks between the Kingfishers and the Nightingales. I loved Lidia's family and their singing moments. I enjoyed her dancing and her determination. I loved the moments with Jack, especially in the moments in the candy shop. I liked the moments between Griffin and Sydney. I really liked how the girls came back together and how they moved forward. 

Cover Thoughts: Super Cute
Souce: ARC sent for review

Library Recommendations: Grab this one for your schools and public library.

Review: Love and Gelato

Lina's mom died, leaving Lina alone in the world with one wish. She wants Lina to go to Italy - just like she did as a teen. She hopes that Lina will fall in love with the country.


When Lina arrives, she's staying with the father she's never known. He works in a cemetery. Lina can't wrap her head around living in a cemetery, especially so soon after losing her mother. Plus, she's curious as to why she's never known about her father.


When her mother's friend gives her a diary, Lina starts learning about the past and her mother's choices. What she learns will change Everything.

My Thoughts: I'd been wanting to read this book forever after hearing so many great things about it, but it's always checked out at my library. I went to check the shelf before I left for vacation, but it wasn't there. But luckily I checked the return cart and there it was!

And it didn't disappoint, I couldn't put this book down. I lost myself in the pages of Italy - the sights, the relationships, and of course the gelato. I loved Lina trying to navigate life after her mother's death, especially in a new country. I loved reading her mother's journals and discovering the truth about the past. I love how that changed everything and yet it didn't. 

Cover Thoughts: Perfection
Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your library if you don't already have it.

Upcoming Review: Prince in Disguise

Dylan isn't thrilled at giving up her winter vacation to spend it in Scotland for her sister's reality TV show wedding. She hates being on camera, but she has no choice.

Scotland is freezing. Dusty's almost mother-in-law isn't thrilled with her son's choice for a bride. But, Dylan enjoys her time with the equally shy groomsman Jamie.

Together, they vow to get through this wedding. But when they begin to have moments of their own, Dylan wants to keep new relationship away from the cameras. But of course...everything is fair game in this mansion.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book- for the setting, for the behind the scenes look at Reality TV, for the sister relationships, and for the romance. I loved exploring the old home, especially the secret passage ways. I loved the moments between Dylan and Jamie. I really loved the moments between Kit and Heaven - they added some humor to the book. Their banter was highly entertaining. The ending was sweet. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: BEA Arc
Release Date: December 19, 2017

While you're waiting for this one, read Something Real (also about reality TV)

Library Recommendation: Great for high school libraries and public libraries! Grab this one for your reality TV loving teens!

Review: Once and For All

Louna's mom owns a wedding planning business with her best friend. Louna's seen it all - couples that won't last, couples that argue over the silliest things, and couples that just might stand a chance. Combined with that knowledge and the fact that Louna's first love ended in tragedy, she's not sure she believes in love.

When the annoying brother of a bride Ambrose worms his way into the planning business, Louna isn't thrilled. Ambrose, a serial dater, flirts with everyone.

The two of them come up with a bet. Louna needs to go on lots of first dates, but only first dates while Ambrose needs to date only one girl for seven weeks. Both of them think it will be easy - but both are wrong.

My Thoughts: I adore Sarah Dessen books and this one was amazingly good. I love few easter eggs I saw and I'm sure there are more that I missed. I liked the banter between Ambrose and Louna. I loved William and the dog. Both of them added humor to the story. I liked learning more about Louna's first great love and how that changed her. I loved the terrible first dates. I loved the writing, there were many spots where I went back to re-read the sentences because they packed a punch both in sentiment and in craft. Another winner from Sarah Dessen.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library
Fun Fact: My boss got me a signed copy at ALA!

Library Recommendation: Buy this one for all libraries. It's a must have. 

Review: Alex Approximately

Mink moves out to live with her father after her mother's marriage hits the rocks. She's been communicating with the boy online who could very well be her soulmate, but she's scared to tell him about the move. Instead, she's determined to hunt him down incognito beforehand - just to make sure he's normal.

Mink's adjusting well to her new town, but she has yet to locate Alex. Her dad got her a job where she she works with the most aggravating boy ever - even though he is dreamy. They snark at each other intensely. Could there be sparks?

My Thoughts:  I adored this You've Got Mail inspired story. I loved the museum where Porter work. I love their banter. I love Mink's father and his new relationship. I really loved Porter's family - especially his mother. I felt terrible for all that they had been through. I really enjoyed Grace and her relationship with Mink. I really liked watching Porter and Mink interact. And I loved how they became friends. I really liked the moments they spend together outside of work. I adored the slow burn! I didn't want to put this book down! 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Great book with a fun romance and great parents. Highly recommended for public and school libraries.

Review: Someone Else's Summer

Most days, it used to be Anna, Storm and Cameron together. But then Anna grew tired of being the third wheel and sought out other opportunities. Now her sister, her best friend, is dead. And she's left to pick up on the pieces and move on.

One night while in her sister's room, she discovers a list. Her sister used to create lists all the time, but it's been a while since Anna and Storm completed a list together. Now Anna feels compelled to complete the list her sister will never get the chance to start.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. Since it's all about lists, here's 10 reasons why I liked this book:

I didn't see the end coming, but I liked it. It's realistic and understandable. Oh, I forgot about the camera when making my lists. I loved the picture part. Reading this book made me want to write my own list of summer moments. 

Cover Thoughts: Perfection - a moment captured in time with a Polaroid.
Source: ARC sent for review

On Your Radar (7)

Title: Perfect Ten

Author:  L. Philips 

Publisher: Viking Books For Young Readers

Publication Date: June 6, 2017

Why it Should be on Your Radar:
M/M Romance
Not an issue book
Wiccan spell
Frank about Sex
Bad relationships
Falling for people - easily
The list of 10 items to look for in a relationship
Friendship

Review: By Your Side

Autumn has big plans for the weekend - they include finally making a certain boy her boyfriend. They do not include being locked in the library for three days without any supplies. With her bag in Jeff's car, Autumn returns to the library to find a bathroom. All her friends believe her to be in a different car and leave without her. Autumn returns from the bathroom to discover no way out.

At first, she thinks she's alone, but then she discovers a classmate there. Only Dax isn't there by accident. Being in the library over the weekend is better than being in his latest foster home. Thankfully, he has supplies because it's cold there and the hunger pains don't go away any time soon.

To pass the time, Autumn and Dax play games, watch TV, and talk. As the weekend progresses, Autumn realizes that everyone's view of the resident bad boy is wrong. Before she knows it, Autumn cares about Dax. But will she revert back to normal once they escape the library and get back to reality?

My Thoughts: Of course, this one grabbed my attention as the characters were stuck in a library. It took me a tiny bit to suspend reality that the doors were locked from the inside too, but I loved the library scenes. I loved exploring the library. I loved the moments uncovering items in the staff room. I really loved the truths shared between Dax and Autumn. And their little moments together. I enjoyed the moments after the library too - even though they both returned to reality, they were still connected in someway. I felt terrible for Autumn as she struggled to find her equilibrium after that weekend with Jeff and his friends. Super cute romance!

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Who doesn't want a romance about getting locked into the library? Order this one! 

Review: My Unscripted Life

Dee thinks her summer will be super boring after her rejection from a summer fine arts program and her BFF attending her own dream program. But then a movie production company comes to town. Before she knows it, Dee is working behind the scenes of a movie - a movie starting a famous pop star.

When she first meets him, she's disappointed. She never really thought they would be best friends, but she expected someone a little...less rude.

The more time she spends on location, the more she realizes that Miles as a LOT of stuff going on and maybe nursing a broken heart. Plus he did laugh at her joke. Could friendship (or something more) be in the works?

My Thoughts: I adored this book. I really love Lauren Morrill. She's quickly becoming a must read author for me. And an auto buy for the library. I loved the Hollywood angle in this novel, how a movie set comes to town. I love that Dee took a chance and found herself working on the set. I loved reading about her on set and what happens during a movie shoot. I loved the banter between her and Miles. I loved Dee finding herself back in her art again, I love how she let herself be. I especially loved how she found the courage to chase her dreams. 

Cover Thoughts: Perfect
 Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Highly Recommended for all public and school libraries

Top Ten Tuesday: Holiday Gift Guide

This week's topic is the top 10 books to buy your YA contemporary romance fan. I'm choosing books I've read this year, because I've read some really good ones!

- meme from The Broke and the Bookish 

Review: Defending Taylor

 * A Hundred Oaks novel *

Taylor had it all, until one little lie tore her life apart. Now, she's enrolled in public school, playing for a soccer team who doesn't want her help, friendless, and her parents are annoyed at her actions. So long perfect life.

Now, she's struggling to be noticed by her family and struggling with her relationships. Her old friends have no time for her and she's not making any new friends at the school.

But an old friend is hanging around town - an old friend that Taylor used to crush over. He too has chosen a different path than the one set before him. He too is a disappointment to his family. The more time Taylor spends with Ezra, the more she wants a different life.

My Thoughts: So first off, I Loved this book. I love returning to Hundred Oaks and seeing old characters. I really liked the political aspect of the book. I really liked how Taylor's life shattered and wasn't perfect anymore, inspiring her to find out what she wanted from life vs what was expected from her. I loved her moments with Ezra. I enjoyed her moments on the soccer team - both the snappy comebacks and how she helped other players. I felt bad for her - for the lie she told that changed her life, for her parents' anger at her, and for the way the press ate her up. But I like how she didn't deny everything after she found out the consequences. Another wonderful book from Miranda Kenneally that I couldn't stop reading.

Cover Thoughts: Cute!
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Highly Recommended for all YA sections.

Review: Trouble with Destiny

Liza needs this trip to go well; the legacy of the band depends upon it. As their drum major, she decides not to tell their band that the future funding for them might be cut. Instead, she locates a potential way to earn the money - a talent show contest on a cruise ship.

Could there be a better way to spend their Spring vacation?

But from the start, nothing goes according to plan. First off, Liza realizes that her band will have to compete with her ex-BFFs singing group. Then there's the fact that she's stuck babysitting the football jock who got himself sent on this trip as punishment. Plus, Liza reunites with her former camp crush during the trip.

The more Liza's plans keep failing, the more tense she gets. Can she let anyone help her or will she single handily destroy the one thing she's desperately trying to save?

My Thoughts: I really liked this book. I really like Liza, although I felt bad that she took so much upon herself and refused to share the burden. 

I liked the pranks between Liza's band and Demi's singers. 

I liked the interactions between Demi and Liza - especially their views on their friendship dissolved. 

I loved mischievous fun loving Huck - his antics made me laugh. And he's such a great friend. 

I loved Sofia and her advice to Liza

I loved how everything went wrong and how the romance took Liza by surprise.

Cover Thoughts: Fantastic
Source: Book sent for review

Final Thoughts: A fantastic book on how nothing goes the way you planned, but everything has a way of working out.

Review: P.S. I Still Love You

 * Book 2 in the Love Trilogy *

Lara Jean isn't happy that her fake relationship ended with Peter. She misses him. So on New Year's Eve, she writes him a letter. The letter works like magic and they're back together. Lara Jean couldn't be happier.

Until a video of her a Peter in the hot tub goes viral. She's so embarassed that everyone knows. She's deveestated. Peter defends her. But they aren't saying awful things about him.

Lara Jean knows her ex best friend and Peter's ex-girlfriend is behind the video, but she can't prove it. Peter defends Gen. What starts out as friction between the two of them leads to drama.

Can a fake relationship turned real actually work?

My Thoughts: I loved this sequel.

I love the power of words and letters. I love that Lara Jean wrote on New Year's Eve, to create an understanding for the new year. I liked learning about Lara Jean's family cultural traditions for New Year's. 

I felt horrible for Lara Jean and dealing with the fallout from the video posted. I can't imagine going through anything like that. 

I like the game the old friends play and Lara Jean's chats with John.

I love Kitty -she's funny, sharp, and wildly entertaining. I love her schemes, especially trying to set up her father on date. 

I can't wait to see what happens next.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library

Final Thoughts: Jenny Han captures contemporary romance perfect - the highs and lows combined with drama, friendship, and family. If you haven't read this yet, what are you waiting for?