Review: Checking You Out

 

Lizzie is the biggest booknerd you will ever meet. She volunteers at the shelter where she helps take care of abandoned kittens. There she meets Dylan, a very cute boy her age. 

She thinks she could have a crush on him - until he claims he's not a reader. That's a non-starter for Lizzie. Even her best friends are readers - even though they all claim different genres as their favorites.

But Dylan lied - he's a huge fantasy reader. Or at least he used to be. He was bullied for reading and enjoying fantasy novels. So, he stopped sharing him love of books and started working out. Now he's a tennis player who switched schools senior year. He keeps that fantasy nerd part of him locked away until he can go to college and finally be his true self.

My Thoughts: This was a great romance for booknerds. I loved all the bookish references. I loved the moments in the library - and the librarian. I loved how Lizzie and her friends had a book club where they all read what they liked. I loved their bookish moments. There were so many cute kitten moments here - it made me want to volunteer too. Although I confess, I'm more of a dog person. I loved the letters in the books too - and the fact that both brought in their friends for help. I hated the Dylan had to close off parts of himself because of all the bullying. I wanted to give him a giant hug. But I did love the message of this book. I also loved that most of this book is set during the summer before college. 

Cover Thoughts: Adorable

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A booknerd romance that's perfect for your teen romance collection 

Middle Grade Review: Blood in the Water

Kaylani's having a hard year. Her father's is in prison. Her friends have dropped her. Now it's summer. She's been invited to Martha's Vineyard for the summer with family friends. She's never been there before and she's not sure she really wants to go. But she goes for her father.

Oak Bluffs is nice; there are a lot of wealthy Black people with summer homes. Kaylani's staying with the Watsons and their two granddaughters. She's sharing a room with London. London is not thrilled with the idea, but she does show her guest around. 

The two girls run into London's older sister Cassie sneaking out to a party. They beg to go. The party gets busted up by the cops. Kaylani and London end up separated from Cassie on the way home. 

The next day, they learn about the death of a boy at the party. His death was made to look like an accident, but someone killed him. 

My Thoughts: I almost didn't read this one because it's described as a horror novel. And it's not. It's a thriller. I'm so glad that I read it because I tore through this book. I loved it. I loved that it was summer on Martha's Vineyard. I wanted to give Kaylani a hug for all the struggles. She was brave and strong; I admired her. I didn't like London or Cassie; they were jerks. But I did like Miles. I loved the cameo from the library. 

Cover Thoughts: So good!

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended thriller for your middle grade school and public library collection. 

Middle Grade Review: The Best Worse Summer of Esme Sun

Esme has two sisters who have their talents. Esme isn't good at anything, but maybe this summer can change that. When her friend is away for the summer, Esme is happy to be swimming at the pool. She grew over the last year. She has to learn to turn again. At the qualifying meet, Esme and her friends each come out near the top during the races. Could Esme finally be good at something?  

Her new friends are "cooler" than Esme. Esme promises the coolest girl that she will be more chill. But Esme can't help being excited about swimming and maybe breaking a pool record.  Can she and her new friends remain friends throughout the summer?

Will this summer be the best or the worst?

My Thoughts: I loved this book. There's so much friendship and family drama. I wasn't Tegan's biggest fan or a huge fan of Esme's mom. Esme isn't ready to grow up yet and I loved that she figured that out. She found things and people that made her happy. I loved the moments about swimming and being part of the team. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your school and public library 

Review: The Love Haters

 

Katie's gotten herself into a pickle. Her company is laying off people, but her boss asks her to go film a promotional video for the Coast Guard. Katie can't swim. But she takes the job anyways: fake it until you make it. Right?

She doesn't realize that the hero she will be filming is her boss's brother. 

Hutch can't believe his brother sent someone else to film the promo video after all the work he put in making sure his brother's company won the bid. He's determined to just get through it, but life has other plans.

Katie gets swept up by his Aunt Rue and swept off her feet (literally) by Hutch's great dane. Life didn't used to be so complicated, but everything spirals out of control. Can Katie sort everything out before it's too late?

My Thoughts: I loved this book. I love how Katie became more relaxed as she spent more time with Hutch and Rue. I loved Rue and her friends and how they included Katie in their plans. The brothers' relationship was interesting - but I felt badly for Hutch and I wanted to shake Cole. The dog was adorable and a scene stealer. Funny and charming, this book was the perfect summer read. 

Cover Thoughts: Charming

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your romance collection.

Review: If We were a Movie

 

Rochelle needs a job this summer - for her application. She has great grades and extra-curricular activities. But her application to her dream school is missing something. She can't afford to not boost her college application. 

When a job opportunity comes up at a nearby movie theater, she takes it even though she knows her arch nemesis works there. What she doesn't realize is that Amira is in charge of the workers. That's not ideal, but Rochelle is willing to try.

She goes home exhausted from work. Rochelle realizes how much she likes her job but then discovers that the theater isn't making enough money. How can she help save the theater? 

My Thoughts: I really loved this romance. I like reading about summer jobs. And I love the enemies to lovers trope. I loved the friendship moments and the romance moments. The banter was fun. There was a sabotage element to the book - which added another element to the story. I loved how everything turned out for the theater. This was such a fun summer romance. 

Tropes: Enemies to Lovers 

Source: My Library

Library Recommendations: Highly recommended for your school and public library collection

Mini Review: I Can't Even

 

Julia's called home because her mother is dying (again). She leaves her two cats in the hands of her friends and returns home. She hasn't been home in years. she tends to avoid home since she got in a HUGE fight with her mother and she left for New York City. 

Then there is the matter of the stipulations of the will. Julia and her sisters have to live together for the entire summer. And we haven't even talked about the boy next door - Julia's first love.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book - I loved the sisters and their relationship. I loved the surfing bits. There was so much drama in this book - especially with the horrible cousins. I admired Julia - how resilient she is after all the family secrets come to light. This is a great read for Hallmark watchers; it would make a great movie.

I would be happy reading two more books about the other sisters.

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: Purchased

Library Recommendations: Highly recommended for your romance collection

Picture Book Review: Today

Time can take forever or fly by in a blink. Summer is finally here and it's time for cousins and family and fun. 

The illustrations are charming. I can feel the summer sun as I look through them. I want to be at the lake with this family too. There is a note at the end from author about being in the present and mindfulness.

Top Ten Tuesday: Summer Books

This week's topic is all about summer. Here are some books set in summer that I'm looking forward to reading.

Any of these on your list too? 

Summer Love in SLJ

 

The most recent SLJ (School Librarian Journal) came out last week and inside includes an article I wrote about Summer Romances.

I LOVE summer romances and there have been so many great YA ones.

You can read my article here even if you don't get the magazine.

Middle Grade Review: Speak Up Santiago

First in a new graphic novel series

Santiago is spending the summer with his grandmother. Everyone on that side of the family speaks Spanish, but he's just learning. His grandmother doesn't speak English that well. He's nervous that they will have trouble communicating. 

Santiago loves playing soccer and found a group of friends. Together, they hope to enter a tournament at the end of the month. But they all speak Spanish too. 

Santiago does pretty well for most of the summer, but he worries about being enough. When he overhears people talking about him and his language barrier, he shuts down. Will it cost him his happiness over the summer?

My Thoughts: I really loved this graphic novel. I love how Santiago was nervous in the beginning, but he found his footing. I loved the moments between him and his grandmother. This graphic novel had a lot of Spanish and English together. It's not an entire bilingual graphic novel, but it's close. I felt bad for Santiago and wanted to wrap in him up in a hug when things went sideways for him. But I did like how everything turned out. I also love that this series is continuing with one of the friends as the main character next. I can't wait to read what happens. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Highly Recommended for your school and public library

Review: Beg, Borrow, or Steal

 

* Book 3 in the When in Rome series * 

Emily loves teaching, but this summer, she's letting loose. Her nemesis moves next door. He's working on renovating the house, but Emily makes it difficult. She's not thrilled about him moving back to town. She declares him persona non grata to the townsfolk. Jack's always charmed everyone, but he understands that the town is loyal to Emily. They run into each other all over town. The more time they spend together, the more their chemistry shows. Could they just need a little flip?

My Thoughts: I loved this book. I felt so bad for Emily for all that she had been through. I wanted to give her a giant hug. I loved the banter between Emily and Jack. I loved Jack's support about her writing career. I didn't want to put this book down. I'm so looking forward to the last book in this series. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My library

Library Recommendation: A must have series for your library

Review: Love & Lattes

 

Anna's super happy to be accepted into the Arrowmile labs, especially since she lied on her application about her age. If she works super hard this summer, everything will fall into place for her. She's trying hard not think of the horrible girls she lived with in college. She's trying not to think of the family vacation she's missing this summer. She's trying not to think about that guy she met at the pub, whom she kissed, who turned out to the be the son of the founder of Arrowmile labs!

It doesn't really matter that she can't stop thinking about Lloyd, he clearly isn't spending time thinking about her. In fact, he acts like he's never met her. There are moments during their interactions that Anna spies a glimpse of the boy she hung out with that night, but all too often, that's the not the person he presents to the world.  Anna's not about to blow up this opportunity of a life time for some guy...but those feelings could be very real.

My Thoughts: This is * technically * a New Adult book as the main characters are in college. I really enjoyed this book - and the message of letting go and being in the present. Anna works really hard - too hard sometimes that she forgets to stop and take in the moment. She's hyper-focused on what's next. I like that she allowed herself to spend more time with her friend friends and with LLoyd.  I wanted to know more about what they actually did at Arrowmile labs - did they design scooters? That was my take-away from it. It felt like this internship was a massive opportunity, but I didn't really understand what the company did or why it was so important. I did like the moments in the office. And of course the moments between Anna and Lloyd - the snark and the banter. I loved the coffeehouse/cake date. I liked getting to know Lloyd's brother too. This was a such a fun summer romance with the enemies to lovers trope. 

Cover Thoughts: SO CUTE!

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A great book for your public library's collection

Review: Summer Romance

 

Ali's mom died, sending her into a grieving spiral. Her husband decided he couldn't handle it and asked for a divorce. Ali was devastated. She' taking care of their three kids and attempting to piece her life back together. 

She meets a man at the dog park. Her dog pees on him and he's not mad about it. Ali becomes intrigued. She starts putting on real pants again and goes back the next day looking for him. He's not there but she does bump into him again.

Could this be the start of a summer romance? Sure, the rest of her life is a hot mess, but she deserves a little fun too.

My Thoughts: This was a fun read. I loved how Ali was into organizing but her own home was a hot mess. That makes sense to me. I also just wanted to give her a giant hug. Her husband was such a jerk, but I appreciate how he started getting better. The kids were super cute. I do wish there had been more friendship moments. I felt terrible for Ethan too - how everyone looked at him, especially his parents. I loved Ethan's lawyer moments - those were funny! Ethan is so supportive and opposite from Ali's ex-husband. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A great book for your romance collection - highly recommended.

Cozy Review: Chain of Pearls

 

* First book in a new series * 

The last thing she wants is to dig up the past…

When the body of a celebrated journalist is fished from the Edgartown Harbor, the official report rules his death accidental. But why was he alone on a senator’s yacht during a nor’easter? That’s only the first question London-based lawyer Kyra Gibson has when she arrives on the idyllic island of Martha’s Vineyard to settle her estranged father’s affairs.

She’s not looking for closure. She’s not seen him in decades since he left her with her aunt following her mother’s death. But as Kyra delves deeper into her father’s life, she learns he had many regrets and wasn’t as retired as she believed. The more Kyra discovers, the more questions she has. With the help of world-weary detective, Tarek Collins, they uncover a web of intrigue and corruption involving a powerful senator, a dubious energy company, and brutal murder.

As they chase down clues, Kyra and Tarek flirt with danger and race against time to solve the murders and uncover the dark secrets lurking beneath Martha’s Vineyard’s picturesque façade of old money wealth and privilege. - Summary from the publisher

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this start of a new series. I've visited Martha's Vineyard before, I've heard of a few places. I really liked Kyra's neighbors - Grace and Charlie. I enjoyed Krya and how she started finding a home on the island. I enjoyed the dynamics of the islanders and the outsiders. I felt bad that Kyra and her father never got the chance to reconnect. I'm looking forward to the next book from this debut author. 

Cover Thoughts: This is a cozy story, but it has the cover of a thriller

Source: Book sent for a blog tour

Library Recommendation: A great book for your public library

Review: Liar's Beach

 

Linden's the scholarship kid at school, but he tries to hide his lack of wealth. His roommate's family owns a house on the vineyard. He's invited for a week during the summer.

First, it's not a house, it's mansion. Second, everyone is wealthy. Third, there's LOTS of drama. Friendship drama, family drama, and romantic drama spill out all over the place. 

But it all blows up when the morning after the teens throw a house party, someone's found in the pool. He's unconscious.  Linden's not sure who to trust. Everyone seems to have a motive. Secrets start coming out and Linden wonders if he should even be there...

My Thoughts: This was a good thriller. From the cover and the title, I was excepting something different. Also, I'm not an Agatha Christie fan, so I didn't realize this was a modern retelling. It's hard to like any of the characters and I didn't empathize with any of them, but I had to keep turning the page to uncover the truth about that night.

Cover Thoughts: Cute, but doesn't match the book

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A fun summer thriller - hand this to folks who love Cruel Summer. 

Review: The Matchbreaker Summer

 

Camp Seabrook has been in the family for years and Paisley can't imagine a summer without it. This year, she and her friends are finally counselors. But Paisley knows a secret, this summer is the last summer the camp will be in her family. 

Her mom is selling the camp and they are moving. Ever since her father died, it's been a struggle to keep the camp open. Paisley's mom's boyfriend is moving back home to care for his mother. Paisley and her mom are going with him. 

But that's not what Paisley wants. She shares her thoughts with Hayden. Paisley doesn't like Hayden and the feeling is mutual. But he's there when she needs to spill her secrets. Telling him doesn't mean anything because he's not in her life. 

Until he gets pulled into be a counselor at the camp this summer too. And he has an idea that could change everything. What if Paisley broke her mom and Dave up? That would fix everything...

My Thoughts: This was a cute story - but it did have some characters making terrible choices. My heart hurt for Paisley and her troubles. I felt badly that she was fighting with her mom and her best friend. But I did really enjoyed her interactions with Hayden. I liked the camping and the activities, seems like a fun place to be in the summer. And I did like the ending. I read this on the plane and didn't want to put it down. 

Cover Thoughts: Adorable

Source: My library

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your school and public library collections. This is a super cute one for the summer. 

Also Annie Rains writes adult romances, which are also quite good. 

Like books about Camp? check out my Book List from last year.

Book List: Camps

While my library isn't doing the summer reading program theme of camp, I thought it would be fun to take a look at some camp books.

Pictured:

Camp by Kayla Miller (Not my favorite in the series)

LumberJanes series by Noelle Stevenson

Chiggers by Hope Larson

Things I Can't Forget by Miranda Kenneally

Just a Boy and a Girl in a Little Canoe by Sarah Mlynowski (Reviewed for SLJ)

Honor Girl by Maggie Thrash

Sleepaway Girls by Jen Calonita

You Have a Match by Emma Lord

Five Summers by Una LaMarche 

Not Pictured:

Camp by L.C. Rosen

No Place Like Here by Christina June

Nothing Happened by Molly Horton Booth

Hope and Other Punch Lines by Julie Buxbaum

Mother-Daughter Book Camp by Heather Vogel Fredrick

Season of You and Me by Robin Constantine 

Being Sloan Jacob by Lauren Morrill

Goddess Boot Camp by Tera Lynn Childs

Never Cry Werewolf by Heather Davis

Wildfire by Rodman Philbrick

Secrets of Camp Whatever by Chris Grine

Children's Books

Secret Cookie Club by Martha Freeman

Picture Books

And my childhood favorite:

Review: Best Worst Summer

Peyton's not thrilled about summer this year. Her parents just moved their family. She doesn't know anyone in town. And she desperately misses her best friend. When he father suggests weeding their new garden, Peyton discovers a time capsule buried in the backyard.

Figuring out the time capsule leads Peyton to the public library for a cassette player. There she meets a boy, who confides in about the time capsule.  Inside the box, Peyton found an apology and one half of a best friend necklace. Something happened between these two best friends. Peyton's determined to uncover the secret in hope that what happened to those friends Doesn't happen to her and Lily. 

Her new friend agrees to help her figure out the story behind the box. Can they solve the mystery behind the box and the ruined friendship?

My Thoughts: I loved this book. I loved the dual timelines and the dual perspectives. I loved both summers - the one that was going to be the worst but ended up better AND the one that was going to be the best but turned out to be the worst. The time capsule (and the second timeline) are from 1989. I loved the 1989 references - to music, fashion, and slang. It put me right back in my childhood - probably around the same age as Jessica and Melissa. It was interested to see the town from both timelines - to see what changed and what remained the same. I loved the friendship moments and the parallels between the two friendships years apart. I'm a huge fan of the author's work, so I wasn't surprised to love this book. If you're a 90s kid, this book is for YOU!

Of course, I loved to NKOTB mentions. How can you not love these killer dance moves?

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My library

Library Recommendation: A great friendship story for your school and public libraries - Highly Recommended. 

Review: The Key to You and Me

 

Piper Kitts is happy to be spending the summer at her grandmother's house. First, she gets to spend the summer working with horses from an Olympian. Second, she gets to put distance between herself and her ex-girlfriend. She has no desire to see Judith with her new boyfriend. 

What she doesn't count on is being forced to learn how to drive. But she's slowly managing it - with the help from Kat. Her grandmother hired Kat to drive her to work but also to teach her the ropes of driving. It's a condition on her being their for the summer.

At first, Piper is happy because Kat is cute and she takes a good picture for social media. Kat has no idea why Piper is taking and posting her picture all the time. 

Kat's been wondering if she's into girls. Could Piper help her figure things out?

My Thoughts: I really loved this book. I had a feeling when I first heard about it on Twitter. Because yes, I'm a horse lover. I never grew out of that phase. I loved Piper for dreaming big, following her heart, and putting in the work. I loved Kat for figuring out her. I love Kat's family and how they were so close. I love Piper's Grandmother for wanting to give her the best but also wanting to make her earn it. I loved the flirty moments and the romance - all the questions and what-ifs. This a fantastic summer read.

Honestly, I wanted more. I want to know where the story goes next. Maybe there's a sequel/companion novel in the works. That's my hope.

Cover Thoughts: Super Cute

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: An excellent addition to your public libraries! Highly recommended. 

Review: One Summer in Paris

For their 25th wedding anniversary, Grace made reservations for a trip to Paris. But her husband surprises her when he asks her for a divorce instead. Grace's devastated, but decides to take the time in Paris for herself.

While walking near Notre Dame, Grace has her bag stolen. Everything, including her passport, is in there. Luckily, a young girl chases down the thief and recovers her items.

Grace can't begin to thank Audrey enough. Audrey's a teen from London who needed a break from her family. She traveled to Paris with no money, unable to speak the language, and a job lined up.

Once they meet, everything changes for both of them. Their opposite ways rub off on each other as they become fast friends. They support each other and teach other. Together, they're having one wonderful summer in Paris.

My Thoughts: I really liked this book. I felt terrible for Grace and her husband betrayal. I loved that she went to Paris anyways. This book made me want to visit Paris myself and stroll down the streets, drink hot chocolate in cafes, wander through the museums, and eat chocolate croissants. I loved the friendship between Audrey and Grace and how they both needed someone. I loved that they taught each other new things. I loved Audrey's romance, the moments in the bookstore, and Grace's grandmother. I know the ending seems realistic, but I wasn't a huge fan. 

Cover Thoughts: Perfect
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Sarah Morgan's books always circulate at my library. Grab this one for your travel book readers, your romance readers, and your summer book readers.