Upcoming Review: From Twinkle, With Love

Twinkle believes if she could date her longtime crush Neil, her life would infinity improve. Her best friend would enjoy her company again, people would listen to the stories she wants to tell, and she wouldn't be invisible.

As an aspiring filmmaker, Twinkle has a small YouTube channel, but longs to make it big. She wants to crush glass ceilings.

When Neil's twin brother approaches her with an idea to create a movie together for Midsummer Night Arts Festival - Twinkle can't help but agree. It's even better when Maddie agrees to star in the movie. Now Twinkle can do what she loves while hanging out again with her bff. Maybe this movie will help catapult Twinkle into a new life - the one where she's not invisible and people want to talk with her.

My Thoughts: I adored When Dimple Met Rishi and needed this book. When it came in a box of librarian preview books, I squealed and then rushed home to read it. And it was everything I imagined it would be. I loved it; I'll read anything that Sandhya Menon writes.

I loved that Twinkle wrote letters to famous lady filmmakers. I love how she was determined to make it in the film industry and how she started her career off with a bang. I felt terrible for Twinkle and how her friendship with Maddie fizzled. I loved her closeness with Dadi. I loved her growing friendship with Sahil and how they opened up to each other and understood each other. I didn't always agree with her choices but I love how the book ended. 

Cover Thoughts: Brilliant
Source: ARC sent for review
Release Date: May 22nd

Library Recommendation: A must have book for high school and public libraries

Upcoming Review: Prince in Disguise

Dylan isn't thrilled at giving up her winter vacation to spend it in Scotland for her sister's reality TV show wedding. She hates being on camera, but she has no choice.

Scotland is freezing. Dusty's almost mother-in-law isn't thrilled with her son's choice for a bride. But, Dylan enjoys her time with the equally shy groomsman Jamie.

Together, they vow to get through this wedding. But when they begin to have moments of their own, Dylan wants to keep new relationship away from the cameras. But of course...everything is fair game in this mansion.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book- for the setting, for the behind the scenes look at Reality TV, for the sister relationships, and for the romance. I loved exploring the old home, especially the secret passage ways. I loved the moments between Dylan and Jamie. I really loved the moments between Kit and Heaven - they added some humor to the book. Their banter was highly entertaining. The ending was sweet. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: BEA Arc
Release Date: December 19, 2017

While you're waiting for this one, read Something Real (also about reality TV)

Library Recommendation: Great for high school libraries and public libraries! Grab this one for your reality TV loving teens!

Upcoming Review: The New Guy

Jules wants it all. She wants to be editor in chief of the school newspaper and she wants early admission to an Ivy league college (Brown). She doesn't care if she misses a little fun if she can lock up her future.

Nothing ends up the way she planned it.

And then Alex enters the picture.

Now her world's been turned upside down. One minute Jules had all the answers and the next minute she's left wondering what the heck happened. Alex betrays her and she vows to get revenge. 

My Thoughts: I really liked Jules - even though she wanted to be perfect. I liked her attention to detail. I liked how she volunteered walking dogs. I liked how she learned from her mistakes and came out the other side with more balance in her life. 

I liked her interactions with Alex - their banter and truth telling. I liked how Alex used to be a member of a huge boy band and how that changes his perspective of life.

I loved her two moms - they were funny, intelligent, and sweet. 
I enjoyed her relationship with her teacher - and how he lived next door and socialized with her moms. 
I liked the rivalry with the newspaper vs TALON
Donuts.

Cover Thoughts: I like this one much better
Source: ARC from Librarian Preview
Release Date: April 5th

Final Thoughts: Add this book to your TBR pile, you won't want to miss it!

Upcoming Tween Tuesday Review: Girl in the Tower

Violet has never known life outside the tower -except for a few stolen moments in the garden. She's always hungry and cold, but she never lets her misfortunes shape her.

When the queen learns about her stolen moments in the garden with the hummingbirds flocking around her, everything changes for Violet. She's offered a place in the palace and a chance to become a Princess.

For the first time, she's warm enough, she has a cozy bed to sleep in, and she has a enough food to fill her stomach. What she doesn't have is her mother. And she doesn't know the queen's secretly plotting against her.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book! I'm such a fan of the authors that it was a must read for me. I liked the dreamy aspect of it, it reminded me of The Little Princess. I enjoyed the multiple perspectives from Violet, the birds, Violet's parents, and even the queen.

I loved Violet's character and how nothing (not even the luxuries) changed her thoughts on the world. She's still sweet and kind.

I loved the two servants of the queen who attempted to make Violet and her mother's life better - even though it went against the queen. 

I love how her father kept looking for her even though he was under a spell and how her mother tried to make the best life for her daughter out of a bad situation. 

Spells, secret identities, true friendship, love, and good hearted characters make for a winning combination!

Cover Thoughts: Sweet and enchanting
Source: ARC sent for review
Release Date: March 29th 2016
Illustrations appear throughout this book.

Final Thoughts: Readers of fairy tales will take delight in this enchanting charming read. Add this one to your reading list!

Upcoming Mysterious Saturday Review: Fogged Inn

* Book 4 in the Maine Clambake series *

Julia and Chris have their new adventure up and running - until one foggy night. A car crash blocks the street, keeping diners in their restaurant longer than normal. In the morning, Gus discovers a stranger in the walk in fridge - murdered.

Julia and Chris identify him as being in the restaurant last night. But they're not aware how he manged to get back inside or how he died.

Still the death effects their business and Julia can't help but look into the murder. She realizes that all the couples at the restaurant that night paid with a gift card. Could someone have wanted them all in the room at the same time?

Julia's not resting until she solves this murder and things go back to normal.

My Thoughts: I really love this series - it makes me long to visit Maine and to eat good food! I really like how things have evolved with Chris and Julia. I love their new adventure into the restaurant business.

I love how the story wove together between the past and the present. Those past summers sounded magical - great friends and lots of fun. But the horrors the group went through was really very sad.

I like how the fog rolls into town and everything seems a little quieter without the summer tourists. It's fun reading about a small town throughout the seasons. 

I'm quite looking forward to what happens next in Busman's Harbor...

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: ARC sent for review
Release Date: March 2016

Final Thoughts: A fantastic slice of life in Maine with great food and good friends - you can't go wrong with this cozy series!

Upcoming Review: This is Where it Ends

At 10 am, the principal ends her welcome to the new semester speech. Two minutes later, the students get up to leave. That's when they discover the doors won't open.

The bullets start flying.

54 minutes later, it's all over. But what happens in those minutes will forever change the lives of everyone involved. 

My Thoughts: What a powerful book! I couldn't stop reading it despite the tears rolling down my cheeks. I have to say, I hate that we live in a world where this happens. This book captures the terror of what I imagine the situation to feel like...and I hope that no one has to go through this again.

I liked the different perspectives of the book at different places in school at the time of the shooting. I liked the diverseness of voices. 

I felt the fear. I felt the heartbreak. I felt the emotional pull of this story. I can't say I liked this book because it's such a terrible type of story - but it was a good book and a story that needs to be told.

Cover Thoughts: Powerful
Source: ARC sent for review
Release date: January 5th

Final Thoughts: Pick this up and read.  Then pass it on. A very important book for all. 

Upcoming Review: Passenger

 * First in a new series *

Etta Spencer is set to play her "soft launch" - a month before her debut as a violinist concert soloist. Everything is ready, except her instructor is missing.

On edge, Etta goes to locate her. She hears Alice arguing with her mother. They're discussing her; how she's not read for tonight. Etta feels heartsick.

But the show must go on. When she attempts to play, Etta hears terrible feedback. After fumbling her notes, she stops playing altogether. Embarrassed, she rushes off stage.

Another girls tries to help her, but in an instant everything changes. Etta's rushed through a wormhole, traveling through time.  She has no idea what just happened or how to make it back. The longer she stays in the past, the more secrets she uncovers.

With the help of a boy, she attempts to make sense of it all. At first she just wants her old life back, but the more time she spends with Nicholas, the more time she imagines at future with him.

My Thoughts: It took me a little while to get into this book, but once in, I was hooked. I didn't realize it was part of a series until the very ending. I really liked the snapshots in history. I liked learning more about the powerful families. I liked learning how Etta fit into that plan - and what she was going to do about it. I enjoyed the love story, even though it seems doomed from the start. The horrors of the book come from the villain - and the social issues of each time period. The villain is a terrible bully who looks down upon everyone and uses people to further his desires. I confess I can't wait to read about his downfall. I feel badly for Sophia and yet part of me roots for her. She's a complex character swept up in the need to succeed, the need to belong, and the need for praise. I'm looking forward to the next installment of this series. 

Cover Thoughts: Intriguing!
Source: ARC sent for review
Release Date: January 5th

Final Thoughts: If you're looking for a time-travel romance, stop looking. It's here. And it has lots of kissing - naturally.

Upcoming Review: Tell Me Three Things

Jessie's life took a terrible turn. Her mother died a long painful death. Her father came home from a supposed business trip to announce that he's now married and they're moving to L.A.

It's a far cry from Chicago and her best friend.  Jessie's forced to attend the same prep school as her step brother. It's a nightmare. Everyone comes from an uber rich background - except for her.

It's clear that she doesn't fit in. Jessie's going through a horrific time and has no one to lean upon. Then out of the blue, she receives an email from a friend.

This friend, refuses to tell her his identity, but wants to offer her advice on the social scene. Jessie refuses his help, but then reconsiders after a horrible day. Now, thanks to him, she finds a friend. The email worked, but now she and her mysterious supported start IMing and soon she begins to rely on him too.

The more they talk, the more she depends on him. But she still doesn't know his identity. Will they ever meet?

My Thoughts: I Loved this book. On one hand, it's a charming story similar to You've Got Mail but on the other hand, it's about family, bullies, moving, and friendship. There's so much packed into this story. I devoured this one, wanting to know what happened and know the identity of the mystery friend.

My heart broke for Jessie - for dealing with the death of her mother, for trying to understand her new life without much help from her father, and for navigating through the waters of a new school with horrific mean girls. 

I really liked how going back helped her gain some perspective and how she took back control. 

I LOVED the three things.

In that aspect: I'm going to share three things
1. I'm so glad that I'm not in high school with today's technology. The possibility of evil is so high.

2. I married a boy from high school - although we didn't talk much to each other then

3. He's the only person I really talk to from my high school class with the exceptions of a few facebook comments. If it wouldn't change my future, there are a few relationships I'd go back in time to change. 

Cover Thought: Love the heart waffles
Source: ARC sent for review
Release Date: April 15th 2016

Final Thoughts: Add this one to your TBR list pronto! Trust me, it's that good.

Upcoming Review: Hello?

Tricia's grandmother dies leaving a hole in her heart. She can't contemplate living with out. Tricia and her longtime boyfriend break up after months of her depression. One night, in despair, she calls her grandmother's old phone number.

A boy picks up the phone. Tricia and Emerson have a great conversation about everything and nothing. He gives her courage and hope - enough to pull herself back into the land of the living.

Can strangers come together and change each other's lives?

My Thoughts: I really loved this book. I loved the set-up: five characters and their stories woven together in an amazing way.  I was surprised by the format of this book. Some of the characters wrote in prose, others in screenplay format or poetry. It worked really well and will entice reluctant readers.

Each of the five characters deal with drama: lies, secrets, abuse, grief, break-ups, secrets, friendship troubles. But they all seem to have hope and change in their lives.

Cover Thoughts: Love it!
Release Date: November 10th 2015 by Spencer Hill Contemporary
Source: ARC signed at BEA

Final Thoughts: If you like books with connections (think Love, Actually) - this is the perfect book for you.  Drama runs deep in these characters lives, along with hope. Pick this one up, you won't regret it!

Review: Truly Madly Famously

* Book 2 in the Famous in Love trilogy *

Paige is slowly getting used to fame from her new status as a movie star, but press tours are exhausting. Being half of a famous couple is even more taxing. She needs a break.

One night in a club, she and Rainer have a fight. He leaves but she decides to stay and have more fun. She drinks to much and calls a friend for a ride.

It seems logical, but the friend she called is her other co-star Jordan. She was forced to make a choice between the two boys and she did. But feelings still linger.

Now there are pictures circulating of Jordan and Paige leaving the club together. The pictures make it look like something more.

Now her relationship with Rainer is history - and her career might be too.

My Thoughts: I've noticed a small trend about Hollywood lately in YA books - and I'm really loving it. I tore through this sequel loving the insider information about Hollywood. I liked watching Paige deal with the press. She made poor choices and they blew up in her face, but I liked watching her handle the pressure. I liked seeing Paige fight for roles that she believes in

I liked Alexis - she was smart and knew how to play the game. I love how she shares her secret in a very powerful way. She takes control over her own life and inspires others to do the same. 

I didn't like the drama with Paige and Cassandra, but I loved their time together at her sister's wedding. I liked watching more of Paige and her family interact, especially with her parents. 

Clearly this book still have the love triangle between the three main character - but it works in very best possible way. I can't wait to see what happens next. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: ARC from BEA

Release Date: Look for this book coming out in October 

Final Thoughts: Picking yourself up after being knocked down with romance, family, and friendship drama surrounding you equals one delicious read that you don't want to miss.

Tween Tuesday Review: Blackthorne Key

Christopher works for his master, preparing medicinal items for the neighborhood. But with murders happening throughout the apothecary guild, his master's acting suspicious.

Then one afternoon after wrecking havoc in the shop, Christopher's mast beats him and sends him on a useless errand. When he returns, his master is lying on the floor - murdered. The the apothecary shop trashed. Someone was looking for something.

As Christopher puts the store back together, he finds a clue. Someone is desperately looking for something. And the police are looking for him. With the help of his best friend, Christopher manages to hide from the police who certainly have more questions for him.

Christopher follows the clues his master left behind in hopes of figuring out what really happened that night.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this middle grade debut - it was entertaining and mysterious. I loved learning about Christopher's life as an apprentice. I really loved his friendship with Tom - how they were mischievous, daring, and how they had each other's backs.

I loved this historical pieces of this book, I wanted to soak it all in.

I loved the secrets, the clues, the puzzles, the ciphers, the danger, the mystery, and the alchemy of this book. I turned the pages quickly on this because I wanted to know how it all worked out!

Cover Thoughts: LOVE
Source: BEA arc
Release date: September 1st

Final Thoughts: This book sucked me in and never let go. A fantastic debut novel.

Upcoming Review: Court of Fives

Jes wants the freedom not allowed to her. She wants to race in the Fives. She trains in secrets and plans to run in the next games.

But the day she's set to run, her father unexpectedly returns.  Everything changes now that he's home. Jes can't sit on the sidelines or she'll forfeit her enrty fee.

She runs in secret, winning the race in everything but name. She pulls up at the last moment so she doesn't have to reveal her identity.

That night, her father's patron dies. Her world come crashing down. Her family's torn apart for her dream for training for the Fives comes true. Dreams have a way of disappointing you though.

My Thoughts: I've heard that Kate Elliot's adult fantasy novels were really good, so I was really looking forward to this book and it did not disappoint.

I liked Jes, how she ran and trained in secret. I hate how her family was torn apart by society's rules. My heart broke for what her family had to endure. 

I hate how Kal can't be free to train either. His birthright also brings upon him a social status that doesn't allow for training of the Fives. 

I like how Jes and Kal's relationship grows.

I loved the training montages and learning more about the games. The games were cleverly made and exciting to read. I love how Jes could puzzle her way though the elements, finding the fastest way possible.

I can't wait to see what happens next.

Cover Thoughts: I love the interlocking circle
Source: ARC for review
Release Date: August 18

Final Thoughts: If you're hooked on American Ninja Warrior, this is the book for you. Games, training, revenge, loyalty, duty, and possible death - this book has all the drama that keeps you turning the pages quickly. 

Upcoming Mini Review: Hello, Goodbye, and Everything In Between

Claire and Aidan have one last night together before they leave for college and everything changes. In this one night, they must answer the question concerning the future of their relationship - should they stay together or break up?

The Good:
I loved that the book took place mostly in the course of one night
I loved that we saw the town the important moments in their relationship
I loved that it tugged at my heartstrings - I laughed, I cried, and I finished the book happy.
I loved how the night unfolding
I loved the nostalgia of saying goodbye and being excited about the future.
I enjoyed the angst, the fights, and the memories made for one final night.

The Bad: More, I always want more from Jennifer E Smith because I adore her books

Final Thoughts: Another masterpiece from Jennifer E. Smith - add this one to your TBR list pronto! 

Also very happy to meet Jennifer E. Smith at BEA

Cover Thoughts: Love it! Matches the rest of her covers
Source: BEA book
Release Date: Look for this one in September

Upcoming Review: Jesse's Girl

Maya longs to become a musician in her own right. After the disaster at the talent show and getting kicked out of her own band, she’s ready to throw in the towel.

She still has to get through Career Shadow Day where she will be paired with country superstar Jesse Scott. Their first meeting went terribly wrong. Jesse’s ego can barely fit through the door; it’s clear he’d rather be anywhere but spending time with her.

Still, she gives it her best shot. Before long, defenses are broken down on both sides. What starts off as a nightmare could turn into a daydream. Can they help each other achieve their dreams?

My Thoughts: 

I Love Miranda Kenneally's book and this one is no different. I love that it branches out from sports books to a book about music and chasing your dreams.

I admit that I wasn't a huge fan of Jesse's at first, but he obviously won me over. I felt horrible for him and his family life. He had a terrible struggle with them and yet he is willing to throw away his happiness to keep his family close. It's admirable.

I really liked Maya - like Kenneally's other characters - she's strong, determined, and she has a dream. I liked watching her chase her dream to turn it into reality.

I loved the day they shared together and the outcomes from that day. 

Also I loved seeing favorite character again - like Jordan!

Cover Thoughts: Adorable

Source: Reviewed for VOYA magazine (review for blog is different)
Cover Quote: Don't you just love that quote on the cover - I wrote it in my VOYA review.
Release Date: July 7th

Final Thoughts: Jesse’s Girl is the perfect summer novel hitting all the right notes. Add this to your TBR pile - right near the top!

Upcoming Review: Powerless

* Book 1 in a new series *

Kenna wishes she wasn't normal. Everyone has a special power or talent except for her. She often stays late in the lab to help out her mother, but she also has her own agenda. An agenda she can't wait to see if it works.

Unfortunately tonight is not the night to work on it, after three guys with powers break into the lab. They're from the Villain side of the universe and they're after something. One of the boys attempts to protect her, mostly they raise lots of questions,

Questions Kenna can't answer. One of the villains saved her life - twice. With her whole world upside down, Kenna's not sure what to believe anymore. But she better pick a side and soon!

My Thoughts: I tore through this book - loving the action, the danger, and the romance. 

I really liked how everything changed for Kenna and she started to question her world - everything in her world. The world isn't black and white anymore, shades of grey start poking holes in her views on the world. She's smart, strong, and willing to do the right thing.

I loved the romance between Kenna and Draven - how it started, how Kenna fought against it, and how it seemed like the most natural thing in the world.

I loved the banter between the friends - it added some humor relief in tense situations. 

The twists and turns made me devour this book; I didn't want to put it down. I can't wait for the next book, especially after that ending.

Cover Thoughts: Cool - I like the explosion in the eye
Source: Sent for review
Tagline: Excellent
Release Date: June 2nd

Final Thoughts: This book is Perfect for Summer Reading: superheroes, super-villains, action, romance, and plot twists. Add this to your reading list!

Upcoming Review: Material Girls

Teens rule the fashion world, sitting on the superior courts holding power over the trends.  Marla holds a position on one of these courts where she fights for her favorite designs and dismisses those she dislikes.

Once she was on top of the world.  Except now, her opinions which once made her famous have gotten her fired from the court. Instead she’s moved from the high court to the drafters who design all the clothes without any glory. They are the bottom feeders in the system.

A group of drafters befriend Marla; they start whispering in her ear about the unjust system and their hopes for changing it. Soon Marla thinks about helping her new friends create a makeover for the fashion world.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book set in the future. I loved the idea that teens control the fashion industry. Consumerism and fashion trends strike at the heart of this novel. 

This book reminded me of So Yesterday from Scott Westerfeld and the world of consumerism. I wonder if it will make readers think about their purchases and their wardrobe and the fashion world. 

I liked the side story of the pop star who thrived in this environment, but who starts to question everything. I really like how Ivy Wilde pushed the boundaries of fashion as a game.

Final Thoughts: With the obsession of fashion and trying to look perfect in society, this book might help teens start to question the relevance of being comfortable in your own skin versus being popular and hiding your true self.  

Cover Thoughts: I really like it.
Book out in early May
Reviewed Book for VOYA

Upcoming Review: I'll Meet You There

Skylar can't wait to leave her hometown behind and spread her wings. She's headed to art school and she couldn't be happier.

Until her mother goes in a downward spiral and looses her job. Skylar tries to get through to her mother, but she's stuck in a deep depression and nothing works. Could her future plans be in jeopardy?

The only person who can take her mind off her troubles is Josh - a marine veteran who just returned home after losing his leg. Together they attempt to weather the ups and downs of their small town.

My Thoughts: I loved this book. It made me feel EVERYTHING. I felt horrible for Skylar - being stuck in a rut and desperately trying to escape. I felt horrible for her relationship with her mom - and growing up too fast and for having to play the role of the parent herself. I loved her creative outlet and her collages. I cheered her on as she fought for her freedom and her escape to create a better life for herself.

I loved her relationship with Josh - how they were drawn to each other, how they were friends first, and how the sexual tension built until you just wanted to them to kiss already.

I loved Josh - he was dealing with so much from coming back home. Not just his time away and how it changed him but how he was left to get away and was stuck back where he started. I felt horrible for him dealing with his sense of loss and survivors guilt. 

This book was inspired by the author's life and I"m so glad she shared her family's story with us. It was touching, heartbreaking, and hopeful all at the same time.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: Sent for Review
Release Date: February Third
Similar Reads:

Overall Thoughts: This is one of those books that people having talking about for ages. Believe the hype and get yourself a copy of this book. You won't  be sorry.

Review: Love Lucy

Lucy made a bargain with father; she’ll major in business instead of theater and she will be allowed to spend the summer before college touring Europe.  Her parents find her a traveling companion in the daughter of a family friend.

On their second to last stop in Florence, Lucy and Charlotte begin to bicker. Lucy meets a boy and before long, she’s spending her time with Jesse. After a vacation romance, Lucy returns home and back to reality but she’s not ready to give up on her dreams.

My Thoughts: I've never read Room with a View by E.M. Forester, but I loved this modern retelling. Probably more new adult than YA, I loved seeing Italy - some of the major tourist attractions and some off the beaten path.  The romance between Jesse and Lucy was sweet, mature, and realistic. At first I was sad when Lucy returns home and heads off to college, but I really enjoyed watching her face her future.  I love how she made choices to follow her dreams and to achieve her goals. A fantastic book with a perfect summer romance and the choice between a safe future and following your heart.

Source: Reviewed this book for VOYA
Release Date: January 27th