Review: Bridge From Me to You

Lauren's new to town, she just moved in with her aunt, uncle, and two cousins. Lauren's trying to put her past behind her and move on, but she can't move on if she can't find a place to call home.

Colby lives in the same small town, but has visions of escaping.  He doesn't want to be known for his football skills. In fact, he doesn't even want to play football in college.

Can the two of the figure out a way to belong?

My Thoughts: I really love the dual perspective of this book and how Lauren's voice is in verse while Colby is in prose. The combination works really well. I love the small town which has virtually no secrets, as gossip spreads like wildfire. Although I like how Colby and Lauren can confide in each other. The accident that rocked everyone's world made the future a harder place to find --with secret wishes and then guilt. The themes of friendship and family were woven in nicely to this book, but the important piece for both characters was finding yourself, letting others in, and living for the day and not for the future. Stop waiting and live the you want now. It's easier said than done, but good advice. A fabulous book of small town life and characters with big dreams. 

Cover Thoughts: I love the wrap-around cover - especially the football field and the bridge. I wish they had combined the two to make guys pick up the book too.

Source: My Library 

Review: Being Sloan Jacob

Sloan Emily Jacob can't deal with her family. She's also not happy to be going to figure skating camp, especially given that she purposely destroyed her career three years ago.

Sloan Devon Jacob has an anger problem and instead of getting benched at the beginning of next year (her senior year), she's chooses hockey camp.

The two girls meet at their hotel when they literally run into each other. In having the same name, their bags get mixed up. As they share dinner, trying to get over the luggage issue, Sloan Emily comes up with an idea to change places for the summer. As crazy as it seems, it just might work. Can they get through four weeks without getting caught?

My Thoughts: I loved this book - it reminded me of the Parent Trap minus the parental get together. I loved the dual perspective of hockey and figure skating. I love how the Sloans grew as they were trying to impersonate each other. The romance, the competition, and the family drama also added into my enjoyment.

Cover Thoughts: Cute, but I would have liked it to be on the ice
Source: My Library

Review: Roomies

Elizabeth opens an email with her room assignment for next year. She'll be living with Lauren, from San Francisco. Without thinking too much, she shoots Lauren off an email about packing, appliances, her father, and her excitement about Berkeley.

Lauren's response isn't very chatty. Elizabeth's trying to figure out if it's rude or just straightforward.

Lauren has a lot going on right now, but she feels the pressure to get a microwave as a peace offering for her emails. It's clear that Elizabeth wasn't thrilled with her response. Once she does, she writes back to Elizabeth - including a few details of her life - with a tiny explanation to the previous email.

That starts them emailing back and forth. Soon things in their lives are crumbling around them and they start relying on each other more and more. Will they be BFFs before college even starts?

My Thoughts: I read this book ages ago as I grabbed an ARC at book preview. I devoured it! I loved how LOand EB started off rocky, but grew to depend on each other for advice: family, friendship, and relationship. I love that it takes place during the summer before college. I love the email correspondence interspersed with the story. I felt bad for both girls and their family situations, but I like how it made them grow. A fantastic novel about moving on from high school and learning to embrace a new chapter in your life. 

Cover Thoughts: Love it!
Source: ARC from Little Brown