Middle Grade Review: Goodbye French Fry

 

Ping-Ping's having a hard time. At school, there's a boy bullying her. Her father might get a new job - in Korea. Her little brother Xy is worried about moving. She's 100% American but doesn't feel like it. She doesn't feel Chinese either. Why can't life be easy for once?

My Thoughts: There's a lot of drama in this book - friendship, family, and school. I felt really bad for Ping-Ping and all her troubles - especially the bullying. I wanted to wrap her and Xy in big hugs. But I admired the way they handled themselves. 

Cover Thoughts: Powerful

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your school and public libraries. 

Review: Heart Check

 

Harper hates the hockey team; they're just a bunch of cocky sports guys. They get all the funding, and the rest of the school gets close to nothing. When the hockey coach gets fired, rumors fly that Harper's responsible. Now her jewelry making business is in jeopardy. 

Dawson knows he's a hockey superstar. But that won't mean anything if he can't get a scholarship to play hockey. He doesn't want to end up like his father, reliving his glory days while stuck in town. The loss of his coach and all his contacts is stressing out Dawson. The new coach isn't interesting in making him feel special. He's giving other guys on the team a chance. Dawson doesn't like his odds.

Harper and Dawson get thrown together. They start talking and realize that first impressions aren't always right. As they catch feelings for each other, they have to learn to trust each other. Or their new relationship just might be over before it started.

My Thoughts: I loved this book. It totally made me cry. I loved the slow burn between Dawson and Harper as they fought against their feelings. I loved Harper's jewelry business and I want to see pictures of the jewelry described. I loved Dawson's sister. I loved Sabrina. The hockey moments were great. I loved watching the team come together. This debut novel impressed the heck out of me and I can't wait read what Emily Charlotte writes next. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

Why I Read This Book: I love sports romances

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your school and public library collections.

Mini Review: The Correspondent

1. My sister told me about this book

2. I LOVE epistolary novels

3. I couldn't put this book down

4. The ending made me cry

5. This gave me a book hangover

6. This debut author is one to watch

7. I loved the characters - they had so much pain but also hope

* this seems like it would make a great book club book

Review: Eliza from Scratch

 

Eliza's two semesters away from being Salutatorian. But there's a problem with her schedule. Instead of an AP class, she's been placed into a culinary arts class. While Eliza's mother is a fantastic cook, Eliza herself is terrible. She's nervous that this class will allow the next person to pass her in class standings. 

When the teacher assigns her partner for the semester, Eliza can't believe her misfortune. She's stuck working in with Wesley. He knows his way around the kitchen and he's just as unhappy at being paired with her. The mix together like oil and water. Can they learn to work together?

My Thoughts: I really loved this one. I felt bad for Eliza's mother who is struggling with grief, but I loved the moment of cooking between her and Eliza. I loved how it became a place for her to share stories with her daughter. And for Eliza, it became not only helpful in her class, but also helpful connecting to a culture and person that she didn't really know. I loved the cooking mishaps. I love how Eliza grew during the year from being so focused to allowing herself to have some fun. I do love her banter and her cooking moments with Wesley. I love how they started to get to know each other and push through their first impressions. This is Sophia Lee's debut novel, and she nailed it. I would give her a handshake. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your school and public library

Why I read it: I love cooking books

Hand it to: Those who love cooking shows

Middle Grade Review: Bea Mullins Takes a Shot

 

Bea Mullins had trouble with basketball. When gym is canceled, Bea needs to figure out a sports credit. She reluctantly joins the hockey team, secretly hoping they won't have enough girls to make the team. When the team start practicing, Bea isn't great at skating. She's nervous that she will make a fool of herself.

The first game doesn't go well; they're forced to play the best team in the league. Bea skates away from the puck, rather than embarrass herself further. She has a hard time passing the puck. Unfortunately, one of her classmates films their games. They create a video compellation of all their mistakes. Bea is so embarrassed, but the other girls lean into the videos, even creating some of their own. 

Gabi, a team member, starts helping Bea with her hockey skills. The hockey team doesn't have much funding, so they have to fundraise. Bea and her best friend Celia brainstorm ideas to help earn some cash. Could she find herself happy being on the hockey team?

My Thoughts: I loved this book; it was five-star read. I love girls sports books. This book was such a good read with all the drama: sports, friendship, and a little bit of romance. Bea's family were fun and supportive. I loved her Dad, and the hockey moments. I felt bad for Bea and how she struggled sharing her feelings. I understood her lack of enthusiasm for being on camera making a fool out of herself. I loved the romance between Bea and Gabi. This is Emily Deibert's debut novel and it was amazing. I can't wait to see what she writes next! 

Cover Thoughts: Perfect

 Source: My Library

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

Mood Board: Brewing with Love

 Earlier this month, I participated in a blog tour for BREWED WITH LOVE.

I didn't have a chance to finish the book before posting, but I was already hooked.

Now that I've finished, I decided to make a mood board for it.

It was a five-star read.

It was part a love story and part investigation

With a little magic and some paranormal elements. 

It was a cozy read that reminded me a Hallmark movie, even though its YA

So looking forward to the author's next book! 

Blog Tour: Brewed With Love

Brewed with Love - out January 14

About the Book:

Plant witch Sage Bishop intends to run her family’s apothecary one day. The doors just have to stay open until she can take over from her nana. That’s why she spends all her time perfecting a tonic that’ll put Bishop Brews on the map.

She certainly doesn’t need their latest hire—and her ex–best friend—Ximena Reyes causing any distractions. Alas, at the first sight of Ximena’s cheeky smile, Sage flees the shop, allowing someone to break into Bishop Brews and steal the tonic she’s been tinkering with, one that wipes their high school cheer captain’s memory.

With Bishop Brews now at risk of being shut down, Sage reluctantly partners with Ximena to find the culprit. As the mystery deepens, so do pesky old feelings. Their first kiss and Ximena’s subsequent ghosting keep replaying in Sage’s mind. Will she be able to resist Ximena’s charm, or will she let it work its magic for a second chance at love?

My Thoughts: I just started this book and so far it's delightful. I'm excited to see where this book goes. I love that Sage is forced to spend time with her ex-best friend and crush. To be honest, I was hooked from the very beginning.  It's one of those books that once you pick it up, you won't want to put it down. So set aside a chunk of time to devour this one! 

About the Author:

Shelly Page is a young adult contemporary fantasy romance and horror writer. By day, she’s a practicing attorney representing homeless LGBTQ+ youth. By night, she’s writing stories about love, magic, and mystery—all with the hope of providing genuine representation for queer readers of color. Shelly lives in Los Angeles with her dog, Toby, and a collection of half-dead plants. Brewed With Love is her debut novel. She can be found online at shellypage.com or @shelly_p_writes.

Follow the Tour: 

January 13th — Jill's Book Blog

January 14th — Candid Cover

January 15th — Utopia State of Mind

January 16th — YA Book Nerd

January 17th — Confessions of a YA Reader

Grand Prize Giveaway:

- 5 winners will receive a finished copy of Brewed With Love by Shelly Page

- We will select the winners and ship directly

- The giveaway starts at 12:01am ET on January 13th and ends January 26th at 11:59pm ET

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Tok Review: The Last Love Song

If you like:

 

You're going to love this book that takes place immediately after high school graudation.

 

@yabooknerdlibrarian Ok #booktok if you like #eastereggs and #taylorswift and #music and #whatagirlwants - this book is for you!!! Its super good and a little emotional and has a great romance! 🥰@Blackstone Publishing #Inverted ♬ original sound - Jennifer @YA Book Nerd 📚📚📚

Review: It's Only a Game

 

Marina's meets her online best friends for the first time. They's been playing video games together for a while, but they're happy to finally meet. 

They're getting an exclusive tour of a video gaming company. Marina doesn't take many chances. She's worried that someone might discover her true identity and her past. But this is too good of an opportunity to miss.

But it might have been better if she did. The tour sets up a horrific "game" for Marina and her three friends. When the owner of the video game company is murdered in front of them, they're given an option. Play the game or terrible consequences will happen to someone they care about. The person in charge has uncovered all their secrets. 

Now the four friends scramble to beat the game and try to uncover who is setting them up. Marina knows more than she's sharing. She's never been good at trusting people. This game could ruin everything.

My Thoughts: This debut novel knocks it out of the park. There's so much in this book - action, danger, secrets, and betrayals. There's an adorable dog. The timeline jumps between present day and Marina's childhood. I felt badly for Marina and all that she went through - I just wanted to give her a hug. The villain in this story is impressively evil. I enjoyed the moments of research and the moments of playing video games. I devoured this book - I couldn't wait to see how it all played out. 

Cover Thoughts: Perfect

Source: ARC sent for review

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your school and public library's collection. Hand this out to fans of video games and thrillers

BookTok: Seven Percent of Ro Devereux

Vacation Read:

 

@yabooknerdlibrarian When a childhood game comes to life in a cute book! #booktook #mash #yabooks #yabooktok ♬ original sound - Jennifer @YA Book Nerd 📚📚📚

Review: Escape from Grimstone Manor

 

Three friends are going on one last ride together before the amusement park closes. But the ride breaks down. One by one, they get out of the car. When the ride resumes, they can't scramble back to the car in time. Unfortunately, they are locked in the manor house for the night. The ride required them to leave their phones in lockers outside the ride. 

The three friends search for an exit, but nothing opens - including the emergency exit and the windows. Matteo discovers a secret passageway. And that's where things go sideways...

Could the creepy stories about local legend Hezekiah Crawly be true?

My Thoughts: Confession time: I wasn't sure I was going to like this because I'm not much for scary stories. BUT I needed to try it after meeting the author. And it was a great story! Of course, I didn't read it after dark, which might have helped. I'm a huge chicken.

But it wasn't too scary - a little gruesome with some creepy moments. 

I loved this debut novel. I loved the friendship. They were very different people and they bickered, but they also saved each other. They were brave when the moment came. 

The monsters were fun, creepy, and icky. Lots of action meant I kept turning the pages quickly. I would not want to be staying overnight in that mansion! Looking forward to the next book in the series. 

Cover Thoughts: Creepy and wonderful 

Source: Book sent for review

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

Blog Tour: Live Your Best Lie

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the LIVE YOUR BEST LIE by Jessie Weaver Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

 

About The Book:

Title: LIVE YOUR BEST LIE (Volume 1) (Like Me Block You)

Author: Jessie Weaver

Pub. Date: January 24, 2023

Publisher: Melissa de la Cruz Studio

Formats: Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook

Pages: 368

Find it: Goodreads, https://books2read.com/LIVE-YOUR-BEST-LIE 

Sometimes the prettiest Instagram feeds mask the darkest, and bloodiest, secrets.

Social media influencer Summer Cartwright leads a very charmed life: millions of followers, the hottest designer and vintage clothes at her fingertips, a newly minted book deal, the coolest friends, and, until recently, the hottest boyfriend at her über-elite prep school. Every moment of her life has been carefully planned and cultivated to complement her “imperfectly perfect” social media persona. She is truly #LivingHerBestLife.

But when Summer goes missing during her annual Halloween party and then an unscheduled post appears on her feed stating that she’ll be dead within the next five minutes, those closest to Summer know something isn’t quite right―or on-brand. Grace, Summer’s camera-shy best friend; Adam, Summer’s gamer ex-boyfriend; Laney, Summer’s moody camp roommate; and Cora, an influencer wannabe, all decide to investigate. And when they come upon Summer’s lifeless body, they soon realize that no filter is strong enough to mask the lies we tell ourselves.


Told in multiple POVs interspersed with social media posts and flashbacks, Live Your Best Lie has twists and turns that will keep readers turning the page and no one will be able to guess the ending.

 My Thoughts: I enjoy a good thriller - and this one is good. I like the multiple POVs. I like the social media posts. I like the flashbacks. I'm only halfway through it but I can't stop reading it. I need to know what happened. From the #toxic influencer's famous party to her famous death, secrets about to be spilled. Four people are named as suspects for the murder - and it looks like they all have motive. Plus, there's all dealing with their grief - each in a different way. I like that they team up to solve the murder - or at least has much as you can. There's no trust here. No real friendship. But there are some great one liners. This one reads like a movie - in the very best way. Head over to my Insta account to see my post there. 

I'm both excited to see what this debut author writes next AND to see where Melissa de la Cruz's publishing line goes. 

About Jessie Weaver:

Before writing about flawed, funny teens with big hearts, Jessie Weaver spent ten years teaching them English. She completed the Stanford University online novel writing program in 2019. Though she’s an East Coast girl at heart, originally from Baltimore, MD, she currently lives just outside Denver, Colorado with her husband and two daughters. Live Your Best Lie is her first novel.

Website |  Instagram | TikTok | Goodreads | Amazon

 

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a finished copy of LIVE YOUR BEST LIE, US Only.

Ends February 14th, midnight EST.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Follow the Tour:

1/16/2023	YA Books Central	Excerpt/IG Post
1/17/2023	Kait Plus Books	Excerpt/IG Post
1/18/2023	bookmama85	Review/IG Post
1/19/2023	pluvioreads	Review/IG Post
1/20/2023	YA Book Nerd	Review/IG Post
1/21/2023	Silkybookloverfun	Review/IG Post

Review: Salt and Sugar

 

Lari and Pedro's families own bakeries across the street from each other. They've been feuding for generations. But lately things have gotten worse - much worse. First, Lari's beloved grandmother dies. Second, there's a new box store in town taking away lots of business from both bakeries. They are both struggling to survive.

Lari is tired of her mom always fighting Pedro's mom. They need a plan before both of their bakeries go out of business. Could the answer be in working together? Can Lari trust Pedro with her biggest secret - that she can't bake?

My Thoughts: I loved this book - I was almost late for work twice because I lost track of time while reading it. I loved Lari's secret of no knowing how to cook. I felt terrible for both Lari and Pedro as their families didn't listen to their dreams - only the dreams they had projected for them. I was glad when both of them found their voice. I loved the community moments - but they were also sad too. I loved the friendship moments as Lari finally found herself.  It also made me miss my grandmother. I loved the bond between Lari and hers. This book also made me want to bake something amazing. I can't wait to see what the author writes next! 

Cover Thoughts: Charming

Source: Netgalley ARC / library book

Library Recommendations: Highly recommended for your school and library collections!

BookTok: The Jasmine Project

This debut novel was amazing!

 

@yabooknerdlibrarian My new favorite YA book that I could not put down! #YAbooks #fivestars #booktok #librariansoftiktok #amreading #debutnovel ♬ original sound - Jennifer @YA Book Nerd 📚📚📚

Review: Games in a Ballroom

 

About the Book:

She was forbidden to love him.
He only wanted her heart.
Can a childhood game bring them together?

London, 1815

Olivia Wilde has resigned herself to never finding a love match. Her father has insisted she marry a man with a title, but the men her father deems acceptable are either boring or are only interested in increasing their own diminishing coffers. With her future looking dismal, Olivia vows to enjoy the last few months of freedom with her childhood friends, including Emerson Latham. His devilish smile and flirtatious teasing stirs up feelings she knows she cannot entertain.

Emerson is struggling to rise to his responsibilities after his father's death. Though he is still learning his place, one thing he knows for certain is that he wants Olivia Wilde to be his wife. Emerson had long ago fallen in love with her quick wit, beauty, and passionate heart. Yet, without a title, he will never be permitted to court Olivia openly. But he has a plan that may give him a chance to court her in secret.

As the Season kicks off, Emerson proposes a playful game of tag. Olivia's friends are delighted by the idea, though Olivia is wary. After all, the game must be played in secret as they tag each other at dinners and balls. As the romance builds between Olivia and Emerson, so does the risk of being discovered. Not only are their reputations at stake, so is their safety if they are caught by Olivia's strict father.

Can their love find a happily ever after before the game ends?

My Thoughts: I really felt for Olivia and her mother - for dealing with such an abusive father/husband. And her poor clothes!  I'm glad that Olivia had friends to turn to for support. I really enjoyed Emerson's friends. They gave the book humor, especially the pig scene. I would enjoy reading books about their romances. 

About the Author: 

JENTRY FLINT is a bookworm-turned-writer with the propensity to try just about anything. She has a true love of history and believes a good quote can fix most things. She lives in southern Utah with her husband and two daughters—who, naturally, are named after characters from books.

Her favorite things in life are flavored popcorn, her grandmother’s purple blanket, and curling up on the couch to watch a movie with her husband. Games in a Ballroom is her debut novel.

Review: Starfish

 

Ellie's so tired of everyone not seeing her and only seeing her weight. She wishes she had support, but even her family criticizes and teases her.  To make matters worse, her best friend moves away. Ellie has her father, but even he turns on her, bringing her to a therapist. 

Ellie shares with the therapist her Fat Girl Rules - the rules she tries to live by. She just wants to live without shame, without ridicule, and with love. Is that really too much to ask?

My Thoughts: I heard really great things about this book - and it did not disappoint. I loved it! 

Some quick thoughts: 

* I wanted to hug Ellie so tight

* I loved her new friend Catalina (and how she made Ellie realize that everyone has their own fight to fight)

* I loved that the library (and the librarian) was her safe place

* I loved the moments with the therapist and how she worked with Ellie to understand her feelings

* I loved the mental health aspect

* I loved that this book is a novel in verse

* I really didn't like Ellie's mother (but I did understand her)

* Her siblings weren't great either (most of the time)

* I loved the new shop her father took her to

* Her father was great!

* I loved how Ellie just wanted to be herself and not be defined by her weight - a great look at weight and children (especially girls) and how damaging it is to value thinness above all else. 

* Debut novel  - I can't wait to see what Lisa Fipps writes next 

Cover Thoughts: Perfect

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your school and public libraries.

Review: Taste Test for Love

 

Liza Yang and her mother have a complicated relationship. Her mother's always trying to set her up with horrible boys. Boys that Liza would never consider dating. She dates boys on the sly - boys her mother would never pick out. She's not interested in dating Asian boys or her mother's traditional values. More than anything she wants to got to culinary school and bake. 

Liza often works in her mother's bakery. But her parents don't want that life for her. They want more for their children. Liza's older sister is perfect in her parents' eyes. Liza wishes she could be more appreciated instead for being molded into someone she's not.

It's the 5th annual baking contest at her parents' bakery. Liza isn't allowed to compete, but she and her parents have come to a comprise. She can be one of the judges for the contest. Little does she know, her mother's plan for the contest. And she's not pleased. The only way to get her mother off her back is to start dating an approved boy. But is she willing to do that?

My Thoughts: The tagline was Jane Austen meets Great British Baking Show. Which sold me on the book. And it was exactly that - and I loved it. I loved Liza. I loved the moments in the bakery and trying out new recipes. This book did make me want to bake. I loved her moments with her sister - who is a model. I especially loved their time together in New York City. I enjoyed her banter with James. I really loved the baking competition and how that turned out. I loved the friendships in this book. What a fantastic debut novel. I can't wait to read more from this author!

Cover Thoughts: Perfection

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your school and public libraries

Review: The Comeback

Maxine loves skating; she's hoping to make it to the next level. After that, the Olympics. But it's a lot of pressure and a lot of work. Maxine's parents aren't sure she can handle it all - on top of school. Things at school aren't great with a racist bully making comments. Maxine isn't sure how to handle him, but she's not about to tell her parents. She also isn't about to tell them she feels intimated by the new skater at the rink. This skater has more grace than Maxine and she can jump. With everything combine, it's no one Maxine feels all the feelings these days. But can she block out all the feelings on the day of her competition?

My Thoughts: I'm a huge fan of figure skating and figure skating books. As soon as I saw the cover, I wanted to read this book. And it was really great. I loved the skating parts and learning more about the moves. I wish I could skate like Maxine. (I wish I could skate period - but it's been years and even then I wasn't very good.) I felt bad for Maxine and all that she had to deal with - but she handled it well. I wanted to give her a hug when she faced down her bully. I'm glad that she could speak up, even though it's difficult.  I love how she and Hollie bonded over 90s music. I admire how they came together and became friendship who were very supportive of each other. An #ownvoices story and a great debut! I'm looking forward to reading more by this author. 

Cover Thoughts: Charming

Source: My library

Library Recommendation: A great middle grade sports book for your school and public libraries - highly recommended. 

Review: Alone

Maddie hatches a brilliant plan to have a secret slumber party with her two best friends. She tells her mom that she's staying with her Dad and vice versa.  It's the perfect set up - until both of her friends back out. 

But everything changes in the middle of the night. There's an evacuation. But Maddie's phone battery is dead. The news doesn't reach her until the next morning and by then it's too late.

She's Alone. Maddie waits for information. When none comes, she realizes that she can only rely on herself. Maddie finds a companion in the neighbor's dog. Together they set about surviving. 

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. It was hard to put down. Alone is a novel in verse, which suits the story. Maddie is a very strong character - brave , resourceful, determined. I don't know how she managed, but she did. She faces so many challenges; I admired her. I adored George, the dog.*  I wanted a tiny bit of more information at the end. An impressive debut novel.

* George lives and thrives

There is a nasty death of a kitten. All the animals in the town are abandoned. 

Cover Thoughts: Love it

Source: Book sent for review

Library Recommendation: A wonderful survival story for your library. Highly recommended for both school and public libraries.

Other stories to read:

Cover Reveal: Awakened

 About the Book:

After losing her parents in an accident where only she survived, Hannah is desperate for answers. Haunted by the events of that tragic night, she struggles to move on and yearns for some deeper truth about her loss.

But when it comes time to turn a new page and move across the country for college, she vows to leave the past behind. After all, Bellcliff University is a thousand miles away from the ghosts nipping at her heels.

Yet when Hannah accidentally awakens a handsome witch from a hidden cave near campus, she realizes that he isn’t the only one stirring out of slumber. Hannah has roused all magic…including the devil herself.

As if spells, curses, and college jitters weren’t enough, this witch claims to know Hannah from four centuries prior—and their connection is intense.

Thrust into a world of sorcery and monsters, Hannah must fight to keep the magic she unleashed from claiming a price far too steep for her to pay.

About the Author:

Ciara Duggan is an author and screenwriter, born and raised in a small town in Northwestern Connecticut. She received her MFA from Boston University where she later taught undergraduate writing courses. Alongside placing as a finalist for the 1st Annual Book Pipeline Unpublished Competition, her debut YA Fantasy novel, Awakened, is set to be published in Fall 2021.

 

Ciara currently resides in Rocky Hill, CT with her fiancé, Australian Shepherd, and endless pile of books. When she's not writing, reading, or watching movies, she loves to travel (mostly to Ireland), indulge her sweet tooth, go hiking, and daydream. 

Cover Reveal:

Looks very interesting doesn't it?

I like looking at all the details and wondering what they mean.