Mysterious Saturday Review: Murdered, My Sweet

Jenny's mother, Madeline Jakes, is a famous mystery writer.

They're traveling to hear the will of wealthy cousin Arnold Harmony. Arnold owns the famous Harmony Chocolate company - and he's not dead. He's made some changes to his will and wants his family to know.

After dinner, right before the reading of the will, news comes that Mr. Harmony died. Only it's not Arnold Harmony - it's his son Porter.

All of the guest for the reading of the will are suspects. Madeline Jakes thinks she can solve this crime. Jenny, however, knows that while her mother can plot out a great mystery book, solving a real crime isn't the same thing. When Madeline voices her willingness to help the police, Jenny groans.

She knows that she'll have to help out behind the scenes to make sure her mother doesn't ruin her reputation.

My Thoughts: I read this for a middle school book club for the library. I've always thought it looked good and this gave me the perfect excuse to read it! I loved reading about Madeline Jakes - the great writer, but not so great at uncovering real clues. I loved Jenny's frustration with her mother, especially while she finished her mother's sentences and clarified her mother's thoughts. The cast of characters was great and kept me entertained. A fun read!

Cover Thoughts: I like it - I like how it connects to the story.

Source: My Library

Quick Reviews from Otis Library Teens

It's A Mall World After All by Janette Rallison
8 Stars
This book is a comedy and romance combines. It has a lot of twists and turns, so you won't know how it ends.
~ Rena, age 15

Hadassah by Tommy Tenney
10 Stars
A biblical book that tells the story of a peasent girl Hadassah who becomes Esther, Queen of the mighty empire of Persia. A story filled with adventure and suspense as well as love and gold. It gives the age old bible story of Esther a new life.
~ Liliana, age 13

8th Grade Bites by Heather Brewer
10 Stars
It's a perfect book with vampires!
~ Adrien, age 12

Gimme a Call by Sarah Mlynowski
9 Stars
It's unusual and unique and highlights the theme of the book.
~ Rena, age 15

Girl Named Disaster by Nancy Farmer
7 stars
The book's storyline is pretty interesting. However, about halfway through, it grew flat. Still since I liked the beginning, I continued to read and was very much pleased by the ending.
~ Liliana, age 13

The City of Glass by Cassandra Clare
10 Stars
This book was very interesting and very thrilling. I couldn't put the book down!
~ Rena age 15

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
8 Stars
The book grabbed me right from the start and then I read nonstop until I finished the book.
~ Cameron age 14

My Life Undecided by Jessica Brody
8 Stars
I never read a book with this kind of concept and the book was not too predictable.
~ Rena age 15

Adult Review: Beach Lane

Susie and Mack have been "not dating" for years. They spend all their free time together, but insist they are just friends.

Each wants something more, but they are both afraid to say anything that could destroy their friendship.

Then Mack loses his job. He's not sure of anything at the moment - including his future in Chesapeake Shores. He's pushing everyone close to him away - especially Susie.

Susie's annual doctor's appointment turns into something serious. She's keeping her information between herself and her mother until she knows more.

Can the two of them admit their secret longing for each in the midst of all life throws at them?

My Thoughts: This one hit a little too close to home for me with the illness, but it's still a great story. I loved how this book had Susie as the main character - she's a cousin to Jess, Abby, and Bree. The meddling doesn't stop just with daughters and sons. The O'Briens are known for their love, loyalty, friendship, and inability to keep secrets. I absolutely LOVE this series.

Cover Thoughts: It's adorable - but it's supposed to be Fall and this looks like Spring

Source: my Library

Up Next: An O'Brien Family Christmas (takes place in Ireland)
Out September 27th.

Book of the Month: July edition

Wishful Thinking by Alexandra Bullen - you can read my review here

Adult Review: Moonlight Cove

Jess O'Brien's been the screw up her family - but no longer. She made the Inn at Eagle Point a success. She's ready to tackle her personal life.

Will's always had a crush on Jess. He's ready to take the next step, if only he can convince her that his feelings are true.

Jess shies away from relationships with people in general, especially men. She's been hurt by her parents' relationship. She also shies away from Will because of his profession - she doesn't want him analyzing her the way he does his patients.

With all the relationship meddling from her family - will she be able to stand her ground or will she begin to see Will in a new light?

My Thoughts: This is the 6th book in the Chesapeake Shore series and I love them! They're the perfect book to read for escapism and relaxation. I love the big family - how they're all connected to each other, how they all meddle in each other's lives, and how they can't keep secrets. I love the small town life. Chesapeake Shore seems like a great place to live. I love the friendship and the romance.

Cover Thoughts: I love it, but it looks really similar to

Source: My Library

Tween Tuesday Review: Who What Wear

The Allegra Biscotti label is so new, the designer's been offered a spot in a hot designer boutique that will pop up for one weekend. Six outfits are needed to display in the show/boutique. Major fashion players will be watching. It's the perfect opportunity for Allegra.

Unfortunately, it's hard for Emma, the real Allegra Biscotti. She needs to create new pieces in a short amount of time.

Her life gets even more complicated when an It-girl from the high school hires Allegra Biscotti to create her Sweet Sixteen dress. Rylan wants an amazing dress - but it's her mother who's paying for it. Her mother has very strong opinions about this dress. Emma knows Rylan would be more comfortable in the dress of her choosing. Will she create the best dress for her client - or for the person paying for the dress?

With all of these pieces to create and finish, there's little time left over for Emma's personal life. Her best friend Holly's getting annoyed with her. Emma longs to tell Holly the truth about her identity, but she's sworn to secrecy.

Will keeping secrets from her BFF, her fashion emergencies, and her struggle to please her first paying customers ruin fashion for her?

My Thoughts: The second book in a cute series about fashion, friendship, and a little romance. I love the sketches on the sides of the pages. They're super cute and help explain the fashions in Emma's mind. I loved the struggle between Allegra and her employer and trying to create the best possible dress for her client. I loved the friendship between Holly and Emma. I'm so looking forward to more in this series.

Cover Thoughts: Cute! And goes very well with the previous book.

Source: The library

Review: Bite Club

During a lab, Claire realizes that the professor is having the students run properties on vampire blood. Her partner seems to know a little too much information about vampires. When he takes some blood at the end of the session, Claire tries to stop him.

She's unsuccessful. Claire and her friends go to his dorm room later to try to reason with him. They find him dead - with his throat ripped open. Claire knows something's not right.

She soon discovers that Bishop has escaped and he's ready for revenge.

This revenge might have something to do with the way Shane's been acting lately. He's so angry all the time. Claire and Shane rarely spend any time together and when they do, they're always fighting.

Can Claire figure out Bishop's agenda before Shane breaks her heart into a million little pieces?

My Thoughts: This book was a little different because Shane had a point of view in this book. It was interesting (and disturbing) to read his thoughts. I love this series for the danger, the relationships (both friendship and romantic) and the action. I really liked the addition of the girl who can see the future. I hope to see more of her.

Cover Thoughts: I love the purple and the black combination.

Title Thoughts: I love this title!

Source: my library

Up Next: Last Breath out in November