Review: Away

 

* companion novel to Alone * 

In the middle of the night, people in Colorado are rounded up and told to evacuate. They are loaded up on buses after gathering one bag to take with them. They're not told why they're being forced to leave.

They're bused to former camp, not in use since the Cold War.  They're forced to give up their cell phones and electronics. There a journalist meets a film maker meets a future doctor meets a teen who grew up on a ranch. The four teens form a bond between them. They interview people in the camp. 

Time passes. They still haven't been told the reason behind their evacuation, only that it's not safe for them. Their homes are in the contamination zone. But to the teens, nothing makes sense. They start questioning what they know - but more importantly what they don't know. Could there be something more to the story?

* While this is a companion novel, readers who pick up this book first won't miss out on any story. There is a nod to ALONE, that readers will enjoy if they have read that book.

** There is a cow that dies after giving birth, but all the other animals are fine.

My Thoughts: I loved this book. The formatting was different - poems, media announcements, newspaper write-ups, letters, and screenplay. While this book is long, it's a short read. First because of the format and second because of the tension. I'm so glad Megan Freeman wrote this book - it's all about friendship, big government, and uncovering the truth. I love how these characters gravitated towards each other and became friends. I love how they helped each other through the tough moments and didn't back down. Popcorn is adorable! Make time to read this one!

Cover Thoughts: Awesome

Source: ARC sent for review

Library Recommendation: A must have middle grade novel for your school or public library collection

Release Date: February 11, 2025

Review: Wait for It

 

Stuck in a dreary Boston winter, Annabelle Martin would like nothing more than to run away from her current life. She's not even thirty years old, twice-divorced, and has just dodged a marriage proposal... from her ex-husband. When she's offered her dream job as creative director at a cutting-edge graphic design studio in Phoenix, she jumps at the opportunity to start over.

When she arrives in the Valley of the Sun, Annabelle is instantly intrigued by her anonymous landlord. Based on the cranky, handwritten notes Nick Daire leaves her, she assumes he is an old, rich curmudgeon. Annabelle is shocked when she finally meets Nick and discovers that he's her age and uses a wheelchair. Nick suffered from a stroke a year ago, and while there's no physical reason for him not to recover, he is struggling to overcome the paralyzing fear that has kept him a prisoner in his own home.

Despite her promise to herself not to get involved, Annabelle finds herself irresistibly drawn to Nick. And soon she wonders if she and Nick might help each other find the courage to embrace life, happiness, and true love. - Summary from the Publisher 

My Thoughts: I really loved this book. I enjoyed seeing Phoenix through the eyes of a New Englander. And I adored Annabelle and her quirks. I loved her notes with Nick and how she finally got to meet him. I enjoyed their banter and how they started to become friends. And then of course, something more. I felt bad for Annabelle being stuck in a work battle - but I admired her determination to see it through and the prove herself to the rest of her team. I liked the team bonding moments.  I really liked learning more about Nick, his past, and his moments with his sister. Another fun read from one of my favorite authors!

Cover Thoughts: Wish I was there right now

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your library's romance collection. 

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. 

Middle Grade Review: Keys to the City

Lindy isn't thrilled about her homework for the summer. She's supposed to figure out her true passion in hopes of making things easier when it comes time to pick out high schools. Lindy doesn't know her passion and she's jealous of some of her friends who seem to have it figured out.

Plus, her parents moved across town to open and Bed and Breakfast. They're fighting all the time because no one has booked a reservation.

Lindy's new friend Tyler is visiting his grandmother for a month because his parents are going through a rough patch. Meeting him makes Lindy worry about her parent's future. 

My Thoughts: I really liked this one, which isn't a surprise because I love this author. I liked that Lindy is adopted. It adds to the drama about discovering her passion, making her wish she knew more about her birth parents. I love how Lindy looked around the city for her passion with the help of a family friend. I loved her friendship with Tyler and of course his dog. I loved Lindy's journal writing. I liked how Lindy doubted herself, but came to realize her strengths. Another great middle grade read.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library
Companion to MY SECRET GUIDE TO PARIS

Library Recommendation: Grab this one and hand it to kids who are unsure of their passions or filled with self doubt. 

Tween Tuesday Review: Sealed with a Secret

 * Companion Book to My Secret Life in Paris * 

While she was in Paris, Phoebe found a vintage compact. Inside, she discovers a letter to a sister. With relations at an all time low with her sister, Phoebe's intrigued. When the letter mentions a secret spell to bring people closer together, Phoebe knows that she has to complete the spell - even if it takes a few lies.

She convinces her good friend Ned to help her. After all Alice is leaving for college soon, if they don't solve their problems, Phoebe's afraid she'll lose her sister.

My Thoughts: I love the at Phoebe wants to become closer to her sister and I love the fact that she traipses all over London to do it. I enjoyed reading about the past sisters and how Phoebe discovered clues to the spell. I enjoyed the tie in with Nora. I really liked the moments between Alice and Phoebe - both the fighting and the good times. Of course it made me want to travel to London. 

Cover Thoughts: Adorable
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Recommended for all tween sections

Review: The Boy Most Likely To

* Companion to The Boy Next Door *

Alice has everything under control - except maybe her own life. When her family needs her, Alice does everything she can to help them. But will that include giving up her future too?

She thought she would stay home and take the apartment over the garage, but her brother just told Tim he could move in. Tim has his own parental troubles. His life is out of control and he needs to start thinking about his future. And then his past comes back at him.

As Alice spends more time with Tim, she begins to fall for him. He's not the kind of guy she imagined falling for, but she did. Can the two of them make a relationship work or was it doomed from the start?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this companion novel.

I loved seeing more of the Garrett family. I love Alice's brothers and sisters. They added humor to the story.

I liked seeing Alice be able to let go for a little while -especially during her interactions with Tim. She took so much responsibility upon herself that she needed a break. 

I felt bad for Tim - dealing with his family. Yes he made some bad choices, but that didn't mean they should throw him out. I liked how he stepped up and took responsibility for his actions. 

Of course I liked seeing more of Sam and Jase too.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library

Final Thoughts: If you haven't read this one yet, what are you waiting for?

Review: Perfect Lies

 * Companion novel to Mind Games *

2 sisters in trouble and each trying to save each other. They've been put into impossible situations by the Keane Foundation. Now they've desperately trying to get out - but they have to go about it separelty and without each other's knowledge. Both of them think they're going about it the right way, but is there only one right answer?

My Thoughts: Told in alternate timing and perspectives, this book's filled with action, danger, friendship, and sisterly love. I love the idea of the future changing with different actions and how it's so hard to pinpoint the future (and the truth). While love plays a huge part in this novel, I loved how sisterhood seemed to be in the forefront of each sister's mind. A thrilling book that was hard to put down.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library 

Review: Summer State of Mind

 Harper used to be normal - before her father made it big in the music industry. Now he's concerned she's become too materialistic. He's ruining her summer by sending her to summer camp - the same camp he went to as a kid.

Harper's NOT the outdoorsy type and it shows. Her brother nicknames her Camping Barbie and the name sticks. Harper learns the hard way that you can't bring candles, hair styling tools requiring extra electricity or makeup to camp.

While she does make one friend in her bunk, the rest of the cabin despises her - and they aren't afraid to show it.
Can Harper pull things together enjoy any of the summer?

My Thoughts: I'm a huge fan of the authors and loved this companion novel to Sleepaway Girls. I love the camp setting - although I confess to being a little like Harper and not liking to camp (I like beds and running water.) I love how she embraces her nickname - that's meant to torment her. I love how she tires to fit in and how she hangs out in the kitchen with the  book. I love her determination, her loyalty, and her generous heart. I do wish there was an epilogue showing what happens after summer. A fantastic summer reading filled with the warmth of the sun, the great outdoors, s'mores, summer friendship, and summer romance. 

Cover Thoughts: Love it
Source: ARC sent for review.
Comes out: April 22nd

Review: Just One Year

* The companion novel to Just One Day*

The story of the aftermath where Willem meets Lulu. He wakes up in a hospital with a foggy brain. He knows he's supposed to meet someone, but he's not sure who or where.

As he struggles to get back home, he realizes that he's lost something valuable that day. As gains his memory back, he tries hard to track down Lulu - but with so little clues, it's virtually impossible.

He's not giving up - even in his darkest days. Some friends and family help him along the way. Accidents happen that lead him to discover truths about himself; sometimes not exactly what he wants to hear.

Willem finds himself at a crossroads in life - on the brink of something important when fate knocks on the door.

My Thoughts: I didn't read too much about this book - so I just thought it was a sequel, but instead it was the next year from Willem's perspective. It look me a bit to get used to him. There were times when I wanted to shake him for his decisions. But his way actually worked - he found himself and discovered his dream. I really liked this book - but I confess I wanted a little more at the ending, just an epilogue or a chapter. Maybe it's it better to imagine the accidents that come their way.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: Library