Adult Review: On Second Thought

Two sisters' lives change on the same night. What's supposed to be a celebration of Eric being cancer free turns into a tragedy. Kate's husband of four months dies in a freak accident. Eric, who was about to propose to Ainsley, takes it as a sign and breaks up with her.

After spending eleven years with Eric, Ainsley is blindsided. Since their neither the house nor the finances are in her name, she's in serious trouble. Not knowing where to turn, she shows up at Kate's door.

Kate's been dealing with her own grief. She didn't get enough time with her husband; they were still learning about each other. She's living in a house that isn't hers and she's lonely.

Even thought Kate and Ainsley aren't close, they need each other now more than ever. 

My Thoughts: I Loved this book. It's sent in the same town as If You Only Knew, so it was nice to see some old favorite characters. I enjoyed the relationship between the sisters. Being 10 years apart and half siblings, it's easy to see why they were never close. But I love how they lean on each other through their tough times and get to know each other better. I felt terrible for Ainsley dealing with all the fallout from her Eric's choices. There were times I wanted to smack her, but that worked itself out. I enjoyed her moments at work, her being late and her talking back to the boss. I felt bad for Kate as she dealt with grief, knowing her grief wasn't as much as other people in her husband's live who had known him longer. I loved the humor and the sweet moments. Most of all I loved the journey from the ashes to the phoenix and I think it was even sweeter because they helped each other. Another fantastic book from Kristan Higgins that I devoured. 

Cover Thoughts: Subtle, but effective
Source: Purchased

Library Recommendation: Public Libraries: Grab this one immediately for your adult fiction section if you don't have it already.

Where I Read This: I saved it for vacation reading, poolside in Vegas.

Adult Review: Lost and Found Sisters

After bumping into a strange at the coffee shop, Quinn's stunned to discover that woman is her birth mother. She didn't know she was adopted. Nor did she know about her younger half sister.

Quinn lost her sister two years ago and she's still healing. To discover she has another sister makes her heart happy - even if her sister doesn't want her. Quinn takes time off from her job to visit her half sister and see where she lives.

Wildstone is a small town where gossip spreads faster than wildfire. But it's also sweet and charming. Quinn now owns a house and a cafe. Could she have found a second chance?

My Thoughts: I loved how Quinn met her younger sister and respected her wishes, but didn't give up either. I loved Tilly. Their moments together were amazing. Of course Cooper stole the book for me, as dogs tend to do. I loved Mick. I especially enjoyed the first two meetings with Quinn.But I love his big heart and how his hometown still held a part of his heart. This was a classic Jill Shalvis book - full of sweet moments, funny moments, and romantic moments. I loved it all and can't wait to return to Wildstone!

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

Library Recommendations: As the start of a new series, grab this one for your public 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

Upcoming Review: When My Sister Started Kissing

Claire and Abigail have been going to their cabin every summer -but this year it's different. This year, Pam, their new pregnant step-mother is joining them and their mother's things have been moved from the cabin. Clarie's not sure what to expect, but she's not looking forward to this summer, especially with her sister acting strange and a new baby arriving.

Her sister's wants to be called Abi now. She's sneaking out to meet her new friends. She doesn't want to spend the beach days with her sister. Instead she wants to hang out with Broc. Claire isn't ready for boys just yet, but she does want to be included. How can she make sure her family isn't leaving her behind?

My Thoughts: When My Sister Started Kissing is a novel in verse told through the perspectives of Claire, Abi, and the lake. I love the play of the verses - and how certain poems have different messages. I love that the lake had a perspective. I loved the sister angle - it was perfect with one sister growing older and pulling away and the younger sister clinging to the past. I love how their two paths came back together. I liked the new traditions and how their family is changing. A fantastic middle grade novel about sisters, change, and growing up.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: ARC sent for review
Release Date: March 14th

Library Recommendation: Get this one for your middle graders - both in schools and public libraries

Christmas Picture Book Review: Maple and Willow's Christmas Tree

Named after trees, sisters Maple and Willow can't wait to have their first ever real Christmas tree. They cut it down and bring it inside. They couldn't be more excited to decorate it - until they realize that Maple is allergic to pine trees. Will Christmas be ruined?

My Thoughts: I adore this series. The sisters are charming and even though they fight a bit in this book (what sisters don't?), they come back together for a sweet ending. The pictures are amazingly fun. Just a wonderful Christmas story for readers of all ages.

Cover Thoughts: Charming

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Highly Recommended for all school and public libraries.

Tween Tuesday Review: Forget Me Not Summer

Three sisters visit their aunt for a few weeks in Cape Cod. When they arrive, they realize they won't have the distraction of either the internet or cable. Plus, they have to share a room.

Marigold can't believe it. She's finally got her big break with an agent and now she's shipped off for a month without being able to audition for a blockbuster movie.

Zinnia and Lily adjust a little better. Soon the three of them find their way. The two older girls spend their mornings at the beach, discovering new things the island has to offer. It might not have been the summer they had in mind, but it's still a fantastic summer.

My Thoughts: I loved this book. It's perfect for summer with spending time at the beach, eating seafood, and hanging out in the sun.

The sisters are wildly different, but sweet in their own ways. Lily is hilarious and charming as she always finds herself in trouble. Zinnia gets lost in the shadow of her older sister, but I love how she break free. Marigold gets caught up in the world of Hollywood and doesn't behave in the nicest manner. Even through their differences, these girls have a tight sisterly bond that nothing can break.

I love the freedom and sense of peace that comes over their days; it seems like the perfect summer vacation to me especially since the girls have to unplug and go exploring to find adventure. I love that the girls take chances and dream big.

Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: The Library
 Fun Fact: Leila Howland also wrote the two YA books Nantucket Blue and Nantucket Red

Final Thoughts: Gobble this one up in the sun, you won't regret it! 

Tween Tuesday Review: Ava and Pip

Ava and her family like playing with words.  She thinks about entering a writing competition, but she's not sure what to write about until her sister's birthday party is canceled.

Ava writes about the girl who had a party on the same day, causing those invited to attend her party and not Pip's party. As a consequence, her sister's birthday was ruined. Ava wins an honorary mention and her story's printed in a booklet.

When Bea confronts Ava, Ava begins to see things from a different perspective. After Ava apologizes, they become friends. Ava and Bea work out a plan to break Pip out of her shell? Will Pip agree to their plan or will she dismiss the idea?

My Thoughts:  I loved this book about sisters, family drama, writing, and friendship. I felt bad for Pip who's terribly shy. I felt bad for Ava because she often felt neglected in parental attention. I liked how she a Bea became friends and were able to put this whole mess behind them. I loved how Bea wanted to help Pip and came up with a plan. I loved the relationship between the sisters and how it changed as they both grew from this experience. A moving fun novel filled with hope and humor. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: my Library

Review: To All The Boys I've Loved Before

When Lara Jean falls out of love with a boy, she write him a letter. She has no intention of ever mailing them, the letters are for her.  Then something happens and five letters are mailed. 1 is returned address unknown, 1 boy moved away, 1 is an old friend, 1 is an old crush, and the last is to her sister's ex-boyfriend.

Josh is the boy next door and they've been friends for ages. Lora Jean had a crush on him that ended when he kissed Margot.

Margot and Josh broke up right before she left for college. Nothing is the same without her sister, but Lara Jean knows that nothing can ever happen between her and Josh - which is why she decides to fake date one of the boys who got her letter. He has his own relationship drama. Plus if you're fake dating than nothing can go wrong.

My Thoughts: I DEVOURED this book, loving it so much. At the end of the book, I realized that it reminded me of a modern day Little Women. I loved the relationship between the sisters - the close fighting, the loyalty, and the sweetness. Since their mother died, the girls have become even closer and have stepped up to pitch in more around the house. I love the moments of household chores that fail - they're entertaining. Their father tries really hard and although he's busy, he makes time for this daughters. It still isn't the same for the girls, who at times need a mother figure. I loved the fake relationship and how it brought Lara Jean out of her comfort zone. I can't wait to read more about her relationship and her time with her sisters.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library.

Adult Review: Apple Orchard

Tess finds lost treasures and restores them to their owners. She's a workaholic who loves her job - which doesn't leave her much time for a social life.

She's stunned to learn that she has a grandfather, nevermind that he just took a nasty fall and is currently in a coma. Her mother never told her the identity of her father. Tess has been named in her grandfather's will. Even though he's still alive, his fall set wheels into motion.

Now Tess travels to Bella Vista, the apple orchard she stands to inherit half of upon his demise. There she comes to know her half sister Isabel. Both girls are shocked to learn the truth about their past, but both are happy to find each other.

Tess stays at Bella Vista, letting the place warm her heart. She's heartbroken to discover that financial woes make it likely that the bank will take possession of it - and soon. Their banker and the manager of her grandfather's will, Dominic, does everything in his power to stop that from happening, but it might not be enough.

Now that Tess has found herself a family and her heart has loosened, she refuses to let go. She digs in trying to find something that will change the fate of Bella Vista. 

My Thoughts: A beautifully written novel, perfect for the start of summer and the start of a new series. I want to travel to Bella Vista as it sounds simply perfect. I loved Tess's job - it sounds amazing. I love how Tess felt about her new family; I liked how Tess and Isabel became close.  I liked learning about Tess's past.  I love how Tess found her way. I really liked Dominick and his kids, they added humor to the book. While I liked the multiple perspectives, I wished for a perspective from Isabel. I felt like for most of the book she was in denial about the likelihood of leaving her home and I wanted to know what she was thinking while going through this difficult time.All in all, a wonderful book on families, second chances, and love. 

Cover Thoughts: Beautiful
Source: My Library

Review: Guardian of the Gate

*READ only if you've read PROPHECY OF THE SISTERS as this review contains SPOILERS*

Lia made her way to London after the tragedy of her brother's death. She knows that Alice is now truly her enemy. Lia continues to hunt for the missing keys while discovering how to gain power amongst the planes. She's no where near as strong as Alice and that thought frightens her.

When she receives word that her Aunt Abigail, guardian of Altus, lay dying, Lia must travel to her to discover the location of the hidden pages. These pages will tell Lia how to use the keys to close the gate once and for all.

However, traveling to Altus will be a dangerous journey. During the trek, Sophie begins to turn on Lia. The Souls have captured her and force her to tempt Lia into opening the Gate. Lia refuses, but the betrayal deeply griefs her.

Through her journey, she meets a man Dimitri. At first, he's a friend, but soon, he captured her heart. Lia doesn't know how to choose between him and James. Unfortunately, the in wake of Lia's disappearance, Alice has been comforting James. The thought of her twin with her childhood love, makes Lia sick. She vows to straighten out everything after she accomplishes her mission. Until then, she finds comfort with Dimitri.

The journey to uncover the pages will be extraordinarily dangerous. Dimitri will accompany her along with several riders along the way - each only knowing part of the journey. Will Lia and Dimitri escape with the pages unscathed and the secret knowledge or will Alice and the Souls intervene?

My Thoughts: I loved the second book in this trilogy - and I can't wait for the third book and the showdown. I enjoyed the tension between Lia and the rest of the characters as she pulls away from everyone due to the weight on her shoulders. I like the introduction of Dimitri and then now love triangle for Lia.

The Cover: I like it, it goes together with paperback cover of Prophecy of Sisters

Source: Arc from the publisher

Fun Fact: Michelle Zink will be visiting Otis Library with author Jessica Verday as part of the Ghost and Graves tour on Monday!

Review: Prophecy of the Sisters

Lia and Alice are twins. Their father has just died - making them orphans. On the day she's to bury her father, Lia discovers a mark on her wrist.

She soon discovers she's one half of an ancient prophecy that could save or end the world. Lia discovers an ancient text in the library. upon translation, it reveals that one sister is the guardian and one sister is the gate. The devil's trying desperately to come back into the normal world and wreck havoc. There are four keys to the gates that must be used to protect the world.

At first, Lia believes that she is the guardian of the gates. As her world becomes more tangled and more dangerous, she realizes she's wrong. Due to the order of her birth, she's the gate. her life takes a wild turn. She's not sure what to do or who to trust.

She knows that she can't trust Alice - her twin, her sister, her enemy. Lia must uncover the rest of the prophecy and decode it's meaning if she hopes to stop her sister. Is it too late?

My Thoughts: I love the sister plot - even though these sisters are deadly enemies. I love the sense of danger and the other worlds. I like uncover the mystery and the secrets along with Lia. It's so haunting. I can't wait to see where the next book takes me.

The Cover: I like this cover and the first cover - with the two stone statues of girls. Although neither cover really symbolizes the book.

Source: my Library

Fun Fact: Michelle Zink is part of the Ghost and Graves Tour coming to Otis Library! Including fabulous door prizes along with Ghost and Grave cookies. I can't wait to meet her.