Love and Gelato gets 4 Stars {ya lit, contemporary fiction, romance}

Tuscany. Romance. Sweet story. Delicious bakeries. Gelato.  

Seriously, there's not much you can't like about this sweet young adult book.  

Love and Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch is a fun book that any teenage girl would enjoy.  There's romance, mystery, great character development, and some deep subjects, like cancer, as well.  A fun book with some depth in topics is hard to find.  There's a lot to love with Love and Gelato, and therefore it's well deserving of it's 4 out of 5 stars rating.  

This novel is a quick read, and even though the story line was almost completely predictable, I'm pretty sure only adults reading this ya book would care about that.  I did feel the growth Lina experienced in the story was great.  I loved seeing, in a glossed over way I believe, how Lina dealt with her mother's death from cancer.  I loved seeing Lina find a father-like figure.  I believe there's a good chance this book could benefit others who have to deal and work through a death in the family especially a parent. 

Overall, this book was the light fun read I was looking for after a heavy book like Ghost Boy. 

If you pick this YA book up, enjoy! 

Happy Fun Light Romance in Tuscany YA Reading!  

Love and Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch
Rating: 4/5 stars
Best For: 13-18 year old girls, 7th grade and up 
Clean Read: Yes, a little language.   
Worth a Check Out: Yes, when you are looking for a fun light read.
Buy It or Not: Yes if you like chick-lit, Meg Cabot, or Ally Carter type of books.  
Book Club Discussion: Did Lina feel obligated to go to Tuscany b/c it was her mother's wish, or her mother's death-bed wish?  Why do you think Lina felt like it was difficult to be social after her mother's death? Cancer is always tough, but do you think it was tougher on Lina b/c she was a teenager?  Would you consider this story a "coming of age" story, if so why?

Did you read Love and Gelato?  What did you think? 

A quote I loved from Love and Gelato: 

"You know, people come to Italy for all sorts of reasons, but when they stay, it's for the same two things." 
"What?"
"Love and gelato."

Not If I Save You First gets 3.5 Stars {ya lit, action, romance, contemporary lit}

Ally Carter has written A LOT of books, and I always enjoy the action, girl power, and slight romance found in them.  Not If I Save You First  is no different.  

This book is short, aka fast read, sweet, aka fun story with a touch of romance, and perfect for the teenage girl, even the reluctant reader, to pick up and read.  

Not If I Save Your First gets 3.5 out of 5 stars in my review.  I enjoyed the flash back letters, and Maddie's humor through out the story.  I love that Maddie, a teenage girl, saved the day over and over again with her wit, brains, and wilderness survival skills.  I enjoyed this lighthearted book with great pacing.  Though, the story and the characters lacked depth, and there were more than a couple unrealistic moments which caused me to knock off a star and a half from my rating.

Overall, Not If I Save You First is another fun read by Ally Carter. Which Ally Carter book is your favorite? 

Not If I Save You First by Ally Carter
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Best For: 12-18 year old girls.
Clean Read: Yes.  There's action and kissing.
Worth a Check Out: Yes.
Buy It or Not: No.
Read Aloud: Possibly, depending on the class.
Lesson Ideas: Alaska, Wilderness Survival, Foreign Relations, Letters.

This short and sweet YA book had my favorite line in the author's acknowledgements when she discussed the research that went into this book. "To the end, I went where people should always go for reliable answers: to librarians!"

Happy YA Easy, Fun, Clean Love Story Reading!  As always, I love hearing your thoughts on the book. 

Love and Secrets at Cassfield Manor gets 4 Stars {regency romance}

I 💓 Jane Austen.  My first year living in Denver after grad school, I was living by myself, which was awesome.  However, b/c I had no roommate to share expenses I couldn't afford cable or internet on a teacher librarian salary.  

I watched the entire Felicity series, checked out from the library, on my laptop, and went through a serious Jane Austen phase.  I read all of her books more than a few times, and I even threw some books by the Bronte sisters in there.  It was a great year.  

The past couple days I flew threw Love and Secrets at Cassfield Manor by Sarah L. McConkie, and was reminded of my love for Austen.  To be honest, the Regency Romance genre is not my go to genre, but I adored this debut book by this new author and it's well deserving of its 4 out of 5 stars rating.     

I loved the complexity of the story and how beautifully it was woven together.  I enjoyed Christine, her sister Lizzy, their parents, and their friends Meg and Ivory; as characters they are fun, likable, and relatable.  I loved the happy ending even though you weren't always sure how the happy ending would come about.  I overall loved the fun ending, and that there was more to it than just a clean romance.    

I enjoyed as Christine grew, matured, and had real worries and fears she worked through.  Though, at times I felt her development was a bit abrupt, and a tad confusing.  I was also confused with the Mr. Greenville's France story, and didn't see how it added to the story.  

I truly enjoyed how the story transported me to what seemed to be Loughbourn and Pemberley, but to be honest I felt that there were too many similarities to Pride and Prejudice.      

Overall, Love and Secrets at Cassfield Manor is a well woven story that is a captivating.  The love story is perfect, and the intrigue with the characters and their stories were fun.  If you enjoy Jane Austen then you should most definitely pick up this book. 

Love and Secrets at Cassfield Manor by Sarah L. McConkie
Rating: 4/5 stars
Best For: Adults and teens that enjoy romance/regency romance books
Clean Read: Yes. 
Worth a Check Out: Yes.
Buy It or Not: If you love Edenbrooke or Jane Austen books then buy it.
Read Aloud: No.
Book Club Discussion Ideas: What are the similarities to Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice? Which of the 4 girls do you relate to the most?  How does class play a role in who you can become?  Does present day have similarities to the struggles to the "class" you are in?  

Are you a Regency Romance fan? Which romance is your favorite?  

Just a quote/thought I loved from Love and Secrets at Cassfield Manor:

"She realized she had a choice to make. She could either let her old fears haunt her- and stop her.  Or she could move forward, choosing to hope, believing that her future would work." 

Happy reading!  As always, I love to hear your thoughts on the book. 

The Hearts We Sold gets 4 Stars {ya lit, romance, fantasy, thriller}

I got The Hearts We Sold by Emily Lloyd in my August 2017 Owlcrate box.  I enjoyed the boxes, but have since stopped my subscription.  Though, I still get to enjoy all the books I got in the boxes.

The Hearts We Sold is relatable with the problems Dee has with her parents and family, and the anxiety she feels.  It's exciting and a thriller b/c of the monsters, that I could've never imagined, and the action that goes along with those monsters. "If magic was real, then so were monsters" (pg 189).  The book is sad (seriously heart breaking) but happy too.  

This easy to read book has a unique and interesting story line, with a Rumpelstiltskin aspect, and is something you should definitely check out.  

My nerdy librarian heart did a little cheer when Dee skipped school, and of all the places she could go she wanted to go the library.  My heart was happy when Dee truly grew as a character and really came into her own as a strong and confident young woman.  It's a great coming of age story with a twist and a storyline you'd never expect.   

My heart broke b/c of gallantry.  My heart broke when Dee's parents were abusive and not supportive.  I was so sad Dee had to deal with such adult issues, but I loved her drive to succeed and make a better life for herself in spite of her parents.        

The Hearts We Sold is creative and fun and worth the 4 out of 5 stars it earned in my book review.  My only qualm with this novel is some parts, including the beginning, don't grab the reader and take it for a ride that so easily could've happen with this thriller like storyline.   Some readers may struggle getting into the story; it may not be the best book for reluctant readers. 

Have you read this newer young adult novel?  What did you think?  

Happy Young Adult/Teen Romance, Fantasy, Thriller reading!


The Hearts We Sold by Emily Lloyd - Jones
Rating: 4/5 stars
Best For: 14 - 18 year olds, 9th grade and up.
Clean Read: No, there is sex, underage drinking, language, homosexuality
Worth a Check Out: Yes
Buy It or Not: Not for a personal library, but great for a high school or public collection.
Read Aloud: No. 
Lesson Ideas: Abuse, Alcoholism, Anxiety, Boarding School, What's it worth. 

Kiss of Deception gets 4 Stars {ya lit, fantasy, series: remnant chronicles #1}

On Instagram there is a pretty cool #bookstagram community.  It was in that community that I was introduced to The Remnant Chronicles.  This YA (young adult) fantasy series is fun and enjoyable.  I flew through all three books. 

Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson gets 4 out of 5 stars from me.  I'm not a high fantasy (like Book of Three) fan.  Kiss of Deception had the perfect amount of magic with just a touch, fun story, likeable characters, relatable, and even a bit inspiring.   This clean read, with just a touch of violence, was well done.  I loved seeing Lia grow as a character in who she is and what she's capable of; the character development was well done.  I also feel Pearson did a great job helping you truly feel for the characters and their struggles.  I was happy and excited for Lia, but sad at times too.  Overall, the writing and story well done.  

This book had a few areas of disappointment.  There were parts of the story that were completely predictable.  When her brother showed up I knew exactly the issues that would come from that.  However, there were a couple parts of the book that surprised me as well.

My only other qualm with Kiss of Deception is the fact that some of the action and intense parts of the story seemed rushed.  Action is tough to write, but it's frustrating for a reader to have to go back and read a section over b/c the author rushed through.  

Kiss of Deception was a great first book to a fun series, and I always love a good strong female character.  I find reading about women doing cool things is inspiring to the teenagers as well as adults.  

Besides Harry Potter, do you have a favorite series? 


Happy Fun Young Adult Fantasy reading!

Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson
Rating: 4/5 stars
Best For: 14 and up, 8th grade and up.
Worth a Check Out: Yes.
Buy It or Not: Yes, if you are a fantasy fan
Read Aloud: No.
Book Club Discussion Topics: Arranged marriages, good or bad? As a princess is your obligation to your heart or your kingdom?  Was the story too predictable, or did you just enjoy the ride?  


As always, I'd LOVE to hear your thoughts on this read. What did you think? 

Once and For All gets 3 Stars {YA Lit, Contemporary Fiction}

I love Sarah Dessen's writing.  I love that she is a contemporary fiction writer with a touch of romance.  I love that her books have depth and cover deeper issues.  I love that she is from Chapel Hill North Carolina.  I've read many of her books, if not all of them, and have enjoyed most of them.  I think Just Listen is one of my favorites.  

I love most of Dessen's books, but I didn't love this book.  I feel Once and For All lacked the depth and the character development that young adults and high school students need.  Besides the lack of character development I think the storyline and plot were lacking.  

Once and For All is an okay read, but I definitely don't think it's even close to being Dessen's finest work.

3 out of 5 stars is my official book review rating.  I was disappointed with the character development, lack of depth, and a weak plot.  I was disappointed that Louna didn't show any growth.  I was disappointed she had sex on a beach with someone she barely met, even if it was "true love" and they had expressed their enduring love for each other.  I was disappointed that Ambrose had no real great redeeming qualities.  I guess there were a lot of things that I was disappointed with, and I probably scored this book higher b/c I like Dessen.  

Though, there were a few things that I did like.  I thought her mom being a wedding planner was fun.  I thought her mom's relationship with her business partner was enjoyable as well as showed more diversity than other Dessen books had.  I thought Ben was a decent guy.  I liked that Louna, the main character, was going to college.  Sad though, that a character getting an education reaches the things I liked.  

To be honest there was a lot of disappointment in an already somewhat boring read.  If I didn't already have a love for Dessen's books I probably wouldn't have finished it.  I can say that I will not recommend this book.  I guess I learned that even your favorite authors have bad days/books.  It's a hard lesson to learn sometimes.   

Are you a Sarah Dessen fan?  What's your favorite book of hers? Am I far off your views of this book?  
  
Happy Young Adult Contemporary Lit Reading! 


Once and For All by Sarah Dessen
Rating: 3/5 stars
Best For: 14-18 year olds, high school and up
Worth a Check Out: If you like contemporary lit
Buy It or Not: Not
Sex/Violence/Language: Sex is mentioned but little detail.  Violence is referred to. Some language in context.
Read Aloud: No
Lesson Ideas: Honestly, I wouldn't use this for any lessons. 

Caraval gets 4 Stars {ya lit, fantasy, subscription box}

What do you get when you mix the books Night Circus and Mr. Lemoncello's Library?  Caraval by Stephanie Garber is most definitely the answer.

This fantasy young adult fiction novel has the magic of a traveling circus of sorts, but a scavenger hunt type of a game.  It's a fun read, and earns 4 out of 5 stars in my book review.  

I felt Caraval was a well written story, with a complex storyline, and good character development.  There were many aspects of the story that surprised me; I find myself feeling this novel was creative, fun, and unpredictable story with a happy ending.  It was definitely a fun read.   

The fun unpredictable story was great, but I also truly loved seeing Scarlett grow in confidence throughout the story.  Scarlett started as a girl that was afraid of her abusive father and throughout the story she began trusting herself more, standing up for herself, and even fighting for what she wanted.  Confidence is something I believe teens could definitely use more of, and a book that highlights how a character builds her confidence is definitely worthy of a check-out. 

Caraval is a mostly clean read.  There is no language, sex, or drugs, but there is violence related to action as well as sex being referred to tho it never happened.

In regards to the audience, this book is best geared for 8th graders and up.  It's a long book, and not a constant page turner therefore it is not for the reluctant reader.  However, reluctant readers, and all y'all that drive a lot or find life is too busy to read, will really enjoy the audiobook, which is well read, and gets you into the setting and suspense that much more.

A few aspects of the story that I wish was done better is in regards to the romance and the abuse.  Scarlett's romance with Julian was a bit too instant, but I guess that is the YA coming out.  Though, the romance just seemed too sudden and unbelievable.  I also felt the parent-child abuse Scarlett and Donatella experience by their father wasn't dealt with.  With abuse being a big aspect to the story, I feel Garber missed an opportunity to give her book more value and depth.

Overall, Caraval is a fun story.  It isn't amazing, but it's an enjoyable light fantasy read.  Definitely give it a check-out this summer. 

Just so you have a better idea of the storyline, Amazon had the following book description: 

"Scarlett has never left the tiny island where she and her beloved sister, Tella, live with their powerful, and cruel, father. Now Scarlett’s father has arranged a marriage for her, and Scarlett thinks her dreams of seeing Caraval, the far-away, once-a-year performance where the audience participates in the show, are over.

But this year, Scarlett’s long-dreamt of invitation finally arrives. With the help of a mysterious sailor, Tella whisks Scarlett away to the show. Only, as soon as they arrive, Tella is kidnapped by Caraval’s mastermind organizer, Legend. It turns out that this season’s Caraval revolves around Tella, and whoever finds her first is the winner.

Scarlett has been told that everything that happens during Caraval is only an elaborate performance. But she nevertheless becomes enmeshed in a game of love, heartbreak, and magic with the other players in the game. And whether Caraval is real or not, she must find Tella before the five nights of the game are over, a dangerous domino effect of consequences is set off, and her sister disappears forever.

Welcome, welcome to Caraval . . . beware of getting swept too far away."

I got this book in my February Owlcrate box, but it took me a couple months before I could get around to reading it. However, I felt the box was fun even though I don't use a lot of it. The tote bag does make an excellent piano lessons bag for my daughter, and the cotton candy chapstick is pretty fun. 

What did you think of Caraval? 

Happy Fantasy YA Lit Reading!  


Caraval by Stephanie Garber
Rating: 4/5 stars
Best For: 13 - 18 year olds, 8th grade and upWorth a Check Out: Yes!
Buy It or Not: Not.
Read Aloud: it's a great audiobook, so it could be a great read aloud, but I probably wouldn't.
Lesson Ideas: Confidence, Family relationships

The Sun is Also a Star gets 4 Stars {ya lit, printz honor, contemporary literature}

"What a difference a day makes." That alone is the perfect sentence to describe Nicola Yoon's new book, The Sun is Also a Star.  

A day can determine if you meet someone, go to college, be deported, enjoy a good book, or a myriad of other events.  A day really can make such a difference for good or for bad; the key is what we do with that day.  

The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon won a Printz Honor Award this year; basically she got 2nd place for one of the best books for young adults/teen that were published in 2016.  

This is the second Yoon book I've read, and her second book.  Everything Everything  was published almost two years ago, and I just found out a movie based on the book, that shares the title, is going to be out this year.  I love Book Based Movies; I guess that is probably why I wrote my thesis on it.

I really enjoyed Everything Everything, and I should probably write an official review of it since I read it over a year ago.  I thought the story line was creative, the character development was well done, and I really found myself cheering for Maddy.  If you liked The Fault in Our Stars you should definitely read Everything Everything. 

Sorry about that book review interruption.  Let me get back to the Printz Honor winner at hand.  I give The Sun is Also a Star 4 out of 5 stars.  I liked it, I really did.  I felt the diversity and the immigration/deportation issue to be poignant and relevant.  I felt the story line was fun, romantic, creative, pushed complex issues, and all around great.  I really think it deserved the honor award, and b/c of the complex issues it presented I see why it was awarded a Printz Honor.  

With all of that said, I only gave it 4 stars b/c it was just good; it wasn't great in my mind.  I actually enjoyed Yoon's first book a tad more.  I enjoyed the reason for the title, The Sun is Also a Star, and how that was explained.  It was deeper, and perfect for an English paper analysis.

In the book, I thought the survey was cute.  I liked that it was a romance, but completely realistic.  I liked that the characters followed their dreams.  I liked the ending and that it wasn't your perfect unrealistic ending.  I liked the complexity of the relationships with the families situations and viewpoints as well as the interracial dealings.  I liked Daniel as a character and I liked Natasha as a character.  I thought Yoon did a great job writing this story, and I'm glad I read it.  

I would definitely recommend this book to boys or girls in high school, but probably only if they were readers.  I don't think this is a book for a reluctant reader.  I don't remember anything being highly inappropriate.  There wasn't any sex, but there was reference to it if I remember correctly.  There was some language, but I would say it was a pretty clean read.  

The Sun is Also a Star is a great story.  It wasn't amazing in my mind, and it didn't have the wow factor.  However, it was really great, and the realistic love story of sorts made it perfect for this week.  I just had to share it with you.  

Go check this one out, or give it a listen.  It's a good audiobook as well.  

Amazon has the following book review from School Library Journal: 

"It is Natasha's last day in New York City, where she has lived for 10 years. Her family, living as undocumented immigrants in a small Brooklyn apartment, are being deported to Jamaica after her father's arrest for drunk driving. Natasha is scouring the city for a chance to stay in the United States legally. She wants the normal teen existence of her peers. Meanwhile, poetic Daniel is on his way to an interview as part of his application process to Yale. He is under great pressure to get in because his parents (who emigrated from South Korea) are adamant that he become a doctor. Events slowly conspire to bring the two leads together. When Daniel and Natasha finally meet, he falls in love immediately and convinces her to join him for the day. They tell their stories in alternating chapters. Additional voices are integrated into the book as characters interact with them. Both relatable and profound, the bittersweet ending conveys a sense of hopefulness that will resonate with teens. VERDICT This wistful love story will be adored by fans of Rainbow Rowell's Eleanor & Park and by those who enjoyed the unique narrative structure of A.S. King's Please Ignore Vera Dietz."

Is young adult realistic fiction/contemporary fiction your cup of tea? It's my favorite genre so I gravitate to these types of books. 

Did you read The Sun is Also a Star? If so, do you think it was Printz Honor worthy?  As always, I love to hear your thoughts.  

Happy Diverse Complex Contemporary Fiction Award Winning reading!

  

My Lady Jane gets 4.5 Stars {ya lit, historical fiction, fantasy}

I wasn't sure if I was going a little crazy, hadn't had enough sleep, or the latest book I finished was captivating.  To be honest, it's probably a little of them all, but for sanity sake I'll just say that My Lady Jane by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows was a well writing fabulously fun story.  

It's not every day you look at a bird and think Edian, aka a person, that turns into an animal. However, after walking out of Physical Therapy one day last week Edian came to mind after seeing a bird on my car.  

I give My Lady Jane 4.5 out of 5 stars.  This book has great character development, the writing is funny and well paced, and the story is creative, interesting, and unique.  Plus, I am really baffled and impressed that three different authors wrote this story.  The writing seemed quite cohesive, and that is usually not the case when it comes to multiple authors. The only way I think they pulled it off so seamless was having each author write the different chapters from the different character viewpoints.  However, the writing style seemed all very similar.  Basically, I was impressed.  

Overall, this story is a fun read.  My Lady Jane is definitely a stretch to be called a historical fiction, but I actually loved the stretch and the creative twist on the history of the English Tudor time.  Any one high school age and up, boys and girls alike, could enjoy this story if they have an interest in fantasy and/or alternative history stories with humor and romance thrown in there as well.  

This is a clean read with no language, but there is a situation where characters are naked for a time after changing form from an animal.  They also mention love and sex, but the use the word "consummate" and refer to it being a "very special hug."

There were many times in reading this story that I laughed out loud and truly enjoyed the creativity.  The narrator notes are fun and don't take away from the story.  Some of the notes told the reader that people could die, or them being the type of narrators that wouldn't kill a dog.  I like that Jane at the end picked a frying pan to fight guards and others in the tower; it reminded me of the movie Tangled.  I thought it was funny when the author wrote that Edward was the inventor of the arm stretch over a girl's shoulder.  I found it interesting how the author included why Mary was known as Bloody Mary got her name, and that she turned into a Donkey aka an Ass to never be seen again.  Really, the entire book was witty and fun, but yet it still taught me more about the English Tudors.  

The only reason I took off a half a star in my ratings was because I found a typo/editing mishap on page 458.  It says "who win will" when it should read as "who will win."  I feel that if I find an error in the editing that the editors went too fast and that does reflect on the story in my view.  

Amazon has the following book review from School Library Journal: 

"In real life, Edward VI and Lady Jane Grey died young in 16th-century England. Here, Edward and Jane get another chance at happiness thanks to the irrepressible imaginations of the authors. Adventure, intrigue, humor, and romance abound—so, too, does high fantasy. England is a place where people (including royalty) are either EÐians (those who can shape-shift) or Verities (those who cannot). Because many Verities believe EÐian magic is evil, they set about to obliterate it. EÐians retaliate. Also, someone keeps poisoning the king's food. The plot, then, involves Edward, Jane, and their allies trying to figure out how to keep peace in the kingdom, find out who is poisoning the king's food, and restore Edward to the throne (he is presumed dead and gads about incognito for part of the book). EÐian "facts" are woven in with such subtle assurance that they come across as a genuine part of English history. For instance, the year the volatile Henry VIII discovered his leonine animal form and devoured the court jester is known in the kingdom's collective memory as the Year of the Lion. Wisecracks are prevalent, which would be grating after a while if the characters did not fairly sparkle with the complete array of honest human qualities. Readers will need to know the basic backstory of Lady Jane Grey and Edward VI. VERDICT A great choice for those who enjoy lighthearted, alternative history adventures and romance."

Though, I disagree with the end.  Readers do not need to know any backstory; you may actually enjoy it more if you don't know the backstory.   

Have you read My Lady Jane?  What did you think? 

Happy Humorous Alternative History Young Adult reading!  

    
This book came with one of my Owlcrate boxes last summer.  For my review of that box click here. 

Trouble Makes a Comeback gets 4.5 Stars {ya lit, contemporary fiction}

I read Trouble is a Friend of Mine, the first book in this Trouble series a year ago.  I enjoyed the contemporary fiction/realistic fiction book with a touch of mystery, romance, and some action.  All in all, it earned 5 stars b/c I thought it was an all around creative and fun read.  

I just finished listening to (love Audiobooks for my commute, computer work at work, or even housework during nap time), Trouble Makes a Comeback by Stephanie Tromly and I have to say I found it fun, crazy, and a bit unrealistic at times (but that makes it fun).  It's a fun fast read with a touch of romance and mystery.  Some say it has a Breakfast Club or Veronica Mars feeling, but since I never really watched those movies/shows (I know, shame on me) I couldn't give feedback.  However, I will say this fun fast mystery like book reminds me of Meg Cabot's Size 12 is Not Fat or Ally Carter's Gallagher Girl Series. 

I give Trouble Makes a Comeback 4.5 out of 5 stars for my book review.  I thought it kept to the same crazy unrealistic story line of Digby and Zoe, and I loved that it was such a fast read/listen to.  I really liked that even though it had been a year since I read the first book I didn't feel lost during the beginning.  There seemed to be enough references to the first book to jog my memory, but it still didn't repeat too much of the first storyline.  Well done sequel!  Overall, I felt it was a good second book in the series and give accolades to Tromly for a job well done.  

The only reason the book didn't score with the perfect 5 star rating like the last one is b/c I didn't think the story line was as tight as the first book.  The high school drama seemed accurate, but the mystery part of the story didn't quite seem solid enough to make it even somewhat believable.  

All in all, I will definitely want to read the next in the series, but I won't go out to buy the book series for my personal collection.  However, public and high school, middle school even b/c it is a clean read, libraries should definitely have it in their collections.  It's a solid read, and perfect for fans of Ally Carter or Meg Cabot.  

Amazon has the following book description to give you a better idea of the story line. 

"Now that the infuriating and irresistible Philip Digby has left town for a lead on his sister who disappeared years ago, Zoe Webster is looking forward to a quiet spring semester. She's dating a cute quarterback, hanging out with new friends, and enjoying being "a normal." Which is of course when Digby comes back. He needs Zoe's help, and not just to find his sister.

Zoe can either choose to stay on her current path toward popularity, perfect SAT scores, and Princeton, or she can take a major detour with Digby, and maybe find out what that kiss he stole from her really meant. Digby and his over-the-top schemes always lead somewhere unexpected and Zoe's beginning to learn she might just like jumping into the unknown. When it comes to Digby, for Zoe at least, the choice might already be made."

Do you have a favorite contemporary fiction author? Meg Cabot and Sarah Dessen are definitely near the top for me. 

Happy Fun Crazy YA Literature Reading with a Touch of Romance and Mystery! 

Win! 

Sisters' Fate gets 4 Stars {Fantasy, Supernatural} {YA} {Cahill Witch Chronicles #3}

I love finishing a series.  I love staying with characters for more than a book, and seeing the series tie up it's loose ends is satisfying.  

Sisters' Fate by Jessica Spotswood is the third and final book in the Cahill Witch Chronicles.  Born Wicked and Star Cursed were the first two books in the series. 

I gave Sisters' Fate 4 out of 5 Stars in my book review.  I liked the book, and I liked the series. The last book left me on such a cliff hanger (which I personally hate when authors do that, but maybe that is my personality) that I had to flip to the end of the book and find out what happened before reading the rest of the book. I am sure my cheating behavior is frowned upon by some, but I just had to know.  I was afraid of reading the entire book and being mad and/or bitter at the ending, but I like the happy and glad I read it.  If you have read the series you may know exactly why I felt I "had" to sneak to the end. 

Overall, the book is great.  There is a lot of action, and the action is well written for the most part.  I feel a middle school and/or high school girl would enjoy this series.  I think a reluctant reader could enjoy this series as well.

I did not enjoy the predictability of the story; however, only a critical reader will notice that and care about it.  A young adult reader will not bat an eye at the predictability, and they will love the clean romance in the story. 

Amazon had the following book description to entice you more to check this read out: 

"A fever ravages New London, but with the Brotherhood sending suspected witches straight to the gallows, the Sisters are powerless against the disease. They can’t help without revealing their powers—as Cate learns when a potent display of magic turns her into the most wanted witch in all of New England.

To make matters worse, Cate has been erased from the memory of her beloved Finn. While she’s torn between protecting him from further attacks and encouraging him to fall for her all over again, she’s certain she can never forgive Maura’s betrayal. And now that Tess’s visions have taken a deadly turn, the prophecy that one Cahill sister will murder another looms ever closer to its fulfillment." 

This is a really fun series.  I'm glad I read it, and I will be referring ti to the next girl who wants a fun new read.  

Have you read this fun series?!  Go check it out! 

Happy Fun Reading and Series Enjoying!

P.S. I Like You gets 4 Stars {YA Contemporary/Realistic Fiction}

Yesterday, I posted about OwlCrate's awesome August Subscription box.  This box was themed YA High and included the book P.S. I Like You by Kasie West, a young adult realistic/contemporary fiction. 

This fast read is a fun book that has everything a Meg Cabot or Sarah Dessen fan will enjoy. 

I give P.S. I Like You 4 out of 5 Stars. I enjoyed this quick clean read.  I enjoyed the clean romance, and the characters were fun and relatable.  I enjoyed that it was set in Arizona (where I'm at), and I enjoyed the character development of Lily.  I enjoyed how Lily's siblings and family life was full of love.  I love how Lily's siblings believed in her when she didn't, pushed her to reach new levels, and supported her in her endeavors and goals.  I loved how West portrayed Lily's home life.  It made me happy and was well done.  

I also loved the hilarious Arizona climate reference on page 194. "Arizona- the state that tried to kill its inhabitants every summer but made them forget about the attempt by being exceptionally kind every winter."  No statement was ever more true.  

What I didn't love, and the reason for the less than perfect rating, is how predictable the story was.  I knew from the very beginning who Lily was writing too, and I knew exactly how the story was going to end up.  I knew the exact moment the teacher, Mr. Ortega, was going to call them out on the letter writing.  The story was fun, but it was quite predictable.  However, a teenager is not going to notice or care about the predictability.  

I definitely enjoyed P.S. I Like You, and I would recommend it to high school girls, or even those as young as 7th grade, looking for a fun clean read.  Those that enjoy music may enjoy this read even more.  

Amazon had the following book review from School Library Journal.  It helps give you a better teaser of the story line.

"Cade and Lily have been enemies for years: he's rude about her clothes, hair, and whole vibe; she thinks he's a snotty, stuck-up rich kid. Plus, she has her eye on shaggy hipster Lucas, who looks like he could totally be on her wavelength. But when Lily scribbles some graffiti on top of the desk to combat her boredom in chemistry class, she's surprised to find a reply the next day and even more surprised when the answers continue. Soon, she's corresponding through hidden notes and bonding with her secret pen pal over a mutual interest in indie music. Who's her mysterious new friend? Little by little, Lily whittles down the number of possibilities to one that makes absolutely no sense. Although it gets off to a slow start as the author sets up the various subplots, there's much to like about this sweet love story. West allows the sworn enemies to reexamine themselves in a believable way; Lily considers that the person she becomes around her nemesis Cade is not her best self—and that the same could possibly be true for Cade. There's plenty of kissing at the end, but nothing that renders this work unsuitable for middle school readers. VERDICT Hand this one to fans of tween romance and Jennifer E. Smith's books."  


I love realistic/contemporary fictions; it is my favorite genre.  What is your favorite genre? 


Happy Fun Clean Teen/Tween Reading! 

Owlcrate July Good vs. Evil YA Lit Subscription Box Review

Another month means another Owlcrate YA Literature subscription box to review. Good vs. Evil was this month's theme, and I got a Good box.  Some got Evil boxes with the Death Star and Voldemort, but I got the box I wanted.  

I've been doing Owlcrate for 4 months or so, and I am loving the fandom, bookmarks, jewelry, letters from the author, and the books of course.  I've actually been quite impressed that there hasn't been one item of any of the Owlcrates that I haven't liked.  I mean, I have really liked the books, and I'm a tough grader.    

If you are interested in trying them out they're about $36 (that includes tax and shipping) a month; click here and we both win.  In every box you get a hardback YA book, letter from the author, artwork, and usually 3 fandom items.  The 20th of August is the last day to order the August box which has the theme of YA High aka school setting.  There have been a lot of Harry Potter hints on Owlcrate's Instagram account, so I'm hoping there's some awesome HP stuff.  I will also say that this is not a sponsored post; I pay for my subscription.    

Check out all of the stuff that was found in the July Owlcrate box.  The little girl found in the picture above is a cute Alice in Wonderland magnet bookmark.  There in the back is a small coloring book of the book covers of the latest books they've sent.  Plus, there were letter's from the author and the Victoria Schwab's signature.  It was a great box!

This absolutely awesome Millennium Falcon wooden necklace may be my favorite fandom in this month's box.  I never knew I needed this necklace from VectorEngraving until I got it and LOVE wearing it with my Star Wars shirt.  Sure, I'm a total nerd wearing such fandom gear, but I'm also a librarian so I'm already in the nerd department.  I proudly wear it, and my daughter has worn it on more than one occassion as well. We both love it!   

The necklace and this Dobby Pop Funko may tie as my favorite items in this Owlcrate box.  I love building my PopFunko collection, and I love that Dobby is holding a sock.  So much love here.  

Also, if you haven't checked out the illustrated Harry Potter book, found behind Dobby in the picture above, you need to!  It's amazing! The illustrated book wasn't found in this month's box; I already own it and have pre-ordered Chamber of Secrets coming out in October. 

Finally, the whole reason I get this subscription box is b/c of the books.  Owlcrate chooses great books, and I am excited to read this newly released hilarious romantic novel.  The Salvage Song by Victoria Schwab is apparently set in a dystopian future with monsters and a Romeo and Juliet like love story.   Don't worry, I will review it as soon as I finish it. 

All in all, well done Owlcrate!  Another great box, and I look forward to August's box.  

Do you do any subscription boxes?  There are loads of book subscription boxes, and I'd love to do many of them.  I actually have an idea to start my own, but I just don't know how to do it.  If you want to collaborate give me a holler.  

Happy YA reading and happy book fandom fun!