Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

 Title: The Best of Me


Author: Nicholas Sparks


Release Date: October 11th, 2011


Description: In the fall of 1984, high school students Amanda Collier and Dawson Cole fell deeply, irrevocably in love. Though they were from opposite sides of the tracks, their love for one another seemed to defy the realities of life in the small town of Oriental, North Carolina. But as the summer of their senior year came to a close, unforeseen events would tear the young couple apart, setting them on radically divergent paths.

Now, twenty-five years later, Amanda and Dawson are summoned back to Oriental for a funeral. Neither has lived the life they imagined . . . and neither can forget the passionate first love that forever changed their lives. Forced to confront painful memories, the two former lovers soon realize that everything they thought they knew-about themselves and the dreams they held dear-was not as it seemed. And in the course of a single, searing weekend, they will ask of the living, and the dead: Can love truly rewrite the past?

This sounds so good!! Please comment below I would love to know what you guys are thinking and what book you are "waiting on" this week!

Review of Inside the Mind of Gideon Rayburn by Sarah Miller

Title: Inside the Mind of Gideon Rayburn


Author: Sarah Miller


Description: What if you could see inside the head of the guy you love?  Know his every thought?  Feel his every dream and fantasy?  The mystery girl who'sInside the Mind of Gideon Rayburn can. She tells us the intoxicating story of her beloved Gideon, an adorably clueless boy who flukes his way into New England's fanciest prep school. 
 
Gideon's naïve compared to the wolves at Midvale Academy, especially Cullen and Nicholas, his charming, morally ambiguous roommates.  They welcome Gid by trashing his music and betting big on when he'll lose his virginity. Will he lose it with the cute and feisty Molly McGarry? Or Pilar Benitez-Jones, the most beautiful girl Gid's ever seen? Gid actually likes Molly and hooking up with her might be possible. But winning Pilar would be legendary. Gid is torn--he wants to prove himself to his roommates, but he also wants love.
 
Through it all there is one hysterically funny girl sharing every thought in Gid's conflicted little mind. But who is she?

Review: When an unknown girl from Midvale Academy finds her way into Gideon Rayburn's mind, she is shocked by what she finds. Through her, the reader experiences Gideon's first year at Midvale Academy. Sarah Miller is totally open in detailing all the drugs and sex are part of Gideon's life. I was sort of put off by this book, and I think the author may have exaggerated the male mind slightly, at least I hope so! Nevertheless, Gideon's thoughts and actions do make for an interesting plot line, although it is a bit predictable.

Bottom Line: I would not recommend this book to others because although the idea of being inside a teenage boy's mind is good, the author exaggerates private school life too much. I found many things too hard to believe and I was often disgusted by Gideon's behavior. 

Rating(1-5): 2

Review of Clarity by Kim Harrington

Title: Clarity


Author: Kim Harrington


Description: When you can see things others can't, where do you look for the truth? 
This paranormal murder mystery will have teens reading on the edge of their seats. 
Clarity "Clare" Fern sees things. Things no one else can see. Things like stolen kisses and long-buried secrets. All she has to do is touch a certain object, and the visions come to her. It's a gift. 
And a curse. 
When a teenage girl is found murdered, Clare's ex-boyfriend wants her to help solve the case - but Clare is still furious at the cheating jerk. Then Clare's brother - who has supernatural gifts of his own - becomes the prime suspect, and Clare can no longer look away. Teaming up with Gabriel, the smoldering son of the new detective, Clare must venture into the depths of fear, revenge, and lust in order to track the killer. But will her sight fail her just when she needs it most?

Review: Usually I would further explain the plot of the book in my review but I believe the description sums it up perfectly, after all, I wouldn't want to give anything away. When I read the description for this book, I knew I had to read it. I am not usually drawn to the paranormal/fantasy type books but I really enjoyed this one. Kim Harrington manages to keep the reader fully engaged through the entire plot. I was constantly changing my mind about who the killer was and I couldn't put the book down until I found out. This book has a satisfying conclusion despite the fact that it is the first in a series. It gives you closure, but still leaves you wanting more. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I would recommend it to anyone that enjoys a good mystery.

Bottom Line: Kim Harrington gets you hooked and you just can't seem to put the book down. The ending has a surprising twist and no matter how hard I tried, I could not figure out who the killer was until it was revealed. I recommend this to anyone that loves a good mystery or just wants a great new series to read.

Rating(1-5): 4

Review of Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler

Title: Twenty Boy Summer

Author: Sarah Ockler


Description: "Don’t worry, Anna. I’ll tell her, okay? Just let me think about the best way to do it." 
"Okay."
"Promise me? Promise you won’t say anything?"
"Don’t worry.” I laughed. “It’s our secret, right?" 

According to Anna’s best friend, Frankie, twenty days in Zanzibar Bay is the perfect opportunity to have a summer fling, and if they meet one boy every day, there’s a pretty good chance Anna will find her first summer romance. Anna lightheartedly agrees to the game, but there’s something she hasn’t told Frankie–she’s already had her romance, and it was with Frankie’s older brother, Matt, just before his tragic death one year ago. 

TWENTY BOY SUMMER explores what it truly means to love someone, what it means to grieve, and ultimately, how to make the most of every beautiful moment life has to offer.

Review: Twenty Boy Summer is the fantastic story of two best friends, Anna and Frankie, and their journey to come to terms with the death of their best friend, who also happened to be Frankie's brother, Matt. When Matt and Anna reveal that they have feelings for each other one fateful summer night, their once special friendship turns into something more. The only problem is, how do they tell Frankie?Matt wants to tell her when they take their annual family trip to California, and he makes Anna promise not to tell. But life takes a tragic turn the day before Matt and Frankie leave for California, and Matt is dead. This leaves Anna with a terribly broken heart and a decision: should she tell Frankie about her relationship with Matt? Or should she keep her promise? Anna decides to keep her promise to Matt, which works fine until a year later. Frankie's family asks Anna to come on their annual family vacation to California, and the girls decide they have a mission, meet twenty boys while they are there. And even though they hoped having a twenty boy summer would help them cope with the horrible feeling of knowing Matt is not coming with them, when they arrive it feels like he is all around them. The girls can't avoid thinking about him in this place he loved. Anna wants to tell Frankie about her relationship with Matt, but something is holding her back. As their trip goes on, Anna and Frankie's friendship is put to the test. And the twenty boy summer becomes one they will never forget. Sarah Ockler's writing creates so much emotion inside you and you can feel your heart hurting for these girls. I repeatedly got goosebumps from this book because it just feels so real.

Bottom Line: This book is written in a way that makes it feel so raw and real. My heart went out to Anna, Frankie, and their families. I felt their loss and got tears in my eyes a few times. I would definitely recommend this book if you like raw, natural emotion, and a book that will give you goosebumps over and over.

Rating(1-5): 5

Review of The Summer of Firsts and Lasts by Terra Elan McVoy

Title: The Summer of Firsts and Lasts

Author: Terra Elan McVoy

Description: Three sisters. One life-changing summer.

Calla loves summer because summer means Duncan. They’ve been best friends for years, but Calla has never worked up the nerve to tell him how she really feels. This summer, the summer before college, is Calla's last chance.

Violet isn't much of a rule breaker in real life. But this isn't real life, this is summer, and Violet is determined to make the most of it. Besides, a little sneaking out never hurt anyone. And sneaking out with James is 100% worth the risk...even though James is completely off-limits.

Daisy has never been the sister that boys notice, but when sparks fly with Joel at the first bonfire of summer, it seems so easy and right. So why is being his girlfriend so complicated?

Review: The Summer of Firsts and Lasts is the story of three sisters, Calla, Violet, and Daisy, and their adventures at summer camp. This is not quite what I predicted. From the description, I thought it would be the story of three friends, and I did not know that the setting would be summer camp. Honestly, I was a little disappointed that it wasn't written like I thought. Other than that, the storyline is pretty good. Each sister has her own summer romance and they all end in surprising ways. I found some parts a little predictable but overall not that bad. I must confess I did find myself skimming at some times.

Bottom Line: I would recommend this if you want a fun summer read with sweet characters and traditional romances, as long as you don't mind a little skimming.

Review(1-5): 3.5

Review Policy

Thank you for taking the time to check out my review policy!

How to contact me about reviewing your novel: I am currently accepting novels for review (ARCs or finished copies) from authors and/or publishers. I would also be happy to have a contest, or hold an interview with an author. If you are interested in any of the above, please contact me at kbetterbooks@aol.com

Please understand that my reviews are always honest, and  reflect my personal  opinions. By sending me a book to review, you are saying that you have read and agree with my review policy, and realize that my review may be positive or negative.

The type of books I enjoy: I try to review mostly YA/Teen books but I will accept Middle Grade and Adult books as well. Usually, I  gravitate towards realistic fiction, romance, and mystery type novels but I am open to trying other genres.

When I accept your novel for review: I cannot guarantee I will write a review. Please understand I do not have anything against you or your novel, I just may not have the time to read it or it may not be my type of novel.

If I feel a novel is one that I would not typically read on my own, I will usually read 30-40 pages to try it out. Sometimes books I receive for review just don't appeal to me, in which case I will choose not to review it on my blog.

If you have any further questions you can contact me at kbetterbooks@aol.com

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.
Title: Shut Out

Author: Kody Keplinger


Release Date: September 5th, 2011


Description: Most high school sports teams have rivalries with other schools. At Hamilton High, it's a civil war: the football team versus the soccer team. And for her part,Lissa is sick of it. Her quarterback boyfriend, Randy, is always ditching her to go pick a fight with the soccer team or to prank their locker room. And on three separate occasions Randy's car has been egged while he and Lissa were inside, making out. She is done competing with a bunch of sweaty boys for her own boyfriend's attention.

Lissa decides to end the rivalry once and for all: She and the other players' girlfriends go on a hookup strike. The boys won't get any action from them until the football and soccer teams make peace. What they don't count on is a new sort of rivalry: an impossible girls-against-boys showdown that hinges on who will cave to their libidos first. And Lissa never sees her own sexual tension with the leader of the boys, Cash Sterling, coming.


This book looks good and branches out from the type of realistic fiction I am usually drawn to. I am excited for it to come out and luckily we wont have to wait to long...only a few weeks.




I am really sorry about my lack of reviews over the past couple of weeks. I promise to have lots up this coming week.

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Title: Torn

Author: Cat Clarke

Release Date: January 5th, 2012

Description: Four girls. One dead body. A whole lot of guilt.
Alice King isn’t expecting the holiday of a lifetime when she sets off with her classmates on a trip to the Scottish wilderness, but she’s not exactly prepared for an experience beyond her darkest nightmares…

Alice and her best friend Cass are stuck in a cabin with Polly, the social outcast, and Rae, the moody emo-girl. Then there’s Tara – queen of mean. Powerful, beautiful and cruel, she likes nothing better than putting people down.

Cass decides it’s time to teach Tara a lesson she’ll never forget. And so begins a series of events that will change the lives of these girls forever...

A compelling story of guilty secrets, troubled friendship and burgeoning love.

This book looks really good! I can't wait for it to come out!

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Title: Breaking Beautiful

Author: Jennifer Shaw Wolf

Release Date: April 24th, 2012

Description:  Allie lost everything the night her boyfriend, Trip, died in a horrible car accident—including her memory of the event. As their small town mourns his death, Allie is afraid to remember because doing so means delving into what she’s kept hidden for so long: the horrible reality of their abusive relationship.

 

When the police reopen the investigation, it casts suspicion on Allie and her best friend, Blake, especially as their budding romance raises eyebrows around town. Allie knows she must tell the truth. Can she reach deep enough to remember that night so she can finally break free? Debut writer Jennifer Shaw Wolf takes readers on an emotional ride through the murky waters of love, shame, and, ultimately, forgiveness.

 

I love realistic fiction books like this that have a twist of mystery added. I can't wait to read this!

Review of Imaginary Girls by Nova Ren Suma

Title: Imaginary Girls

Author: Nova Ren Suma

Description:  Chloe's older sister, Ruby, is the girl everyone looks to and longs for, who can't be captured or caged. When a night with Ruby's friends goes horribly wrong and Chloe discovers the dead body of her classmate London Hayes left floating in the reservoir, Chloe is sent away from town and away from Ruby.
But Ruby will do anything to get her sister back, and when Chloe returns to town two years later, deadly surprises await. As Chloe flirts with the truth that Ruby has hidden deeply away, the fragile line between life and death is redrawn by the complex bonds of sisterhood.
With palpable drama and delicious craft, Nova Ren Suma bursts onto the YA scene with the story that everyone will be talking about.

Review: Imaginary Girls tells the story of two sisters who have a complex relationship. Chloe and her older sister Ruby have an intense bond and because of their absentee mother, Ruby feels it is her job to protect Chloe, at whatever cost. As the story goes on, Chloe becomes more aware of how Ruby seems to have a lot of power over their town and all its people. Chloe learns more about the reservoir and what may lurk beneath the surface. The book is written through Chloe's perspective, but is greatly focused on Ruby's life, which can make it confusing at times. For a lot of the book, I was very confused about what was real and what Ruby was making up. I continued reading because I was hoping it would all make sense but the ending still wasn't very convincing.

Bottom Line: I really wanted to like this book, but overall it was just a let down. I continued reading in the hope that it would get better but that didn't happen for me. I think the problem was that everything was too realistic to have the element of fantasy thrown in. The setting and characters seemed like they could be real and from the description I thought it was just going to be a realistic fiction/mystery type book. Instead it was a realistic fiction book with a twist of fantasy thrown in and that didn't work for me. I think it would be better if it were written like the hunger games where the entire story is just fictional. All in all, I would not recommend this book.

Rating(1-5): 2.5

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Title: Lola and the Boy Next Door

Author: Stephanie Perkins

Release Date: September 29th, 2011

Description: Budding designer Lola Nolan doesn’t believe in fashion . . . she believes in costume. The more expressive the outfit -- more sparkly, more fun, more wild -- the better. But even though Lola’s style is outrageous, she’s a devoted daughter and friend with some big plans for the future. And everything is pretty perfect (right down to her hot rocker boyfriend) until the dreaded Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, return to the neighborhood.

When Cricket -- a gifted inventor -- steps out from his twin sister’s shadow and back into Lola’s life, she must finally reconcile a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door.

 I have heard great things about this book and I can't wait to read it!

Review of Something Like Fate by Susane Colasanti

Title: Something Like Fate

Author: Susane Colasanti

Description: Lani and Erin are lifelong best friends — and total opposites. Lani’s a down-to-earth Taurus; Erin’s a fiery Leo. Lani likes to do her own thing; Erin prefers an entourage. They’ve always had wildly different tastes, from pizza toppings to guys.
That is, until Erin starts dating Jason.
From the minute Lani meets Jason, she can’t deny the amazing connection she feels with him. It’s like they’ve known each other their whole lives. She’s not sure if he feels it, too — but even if he does, he’s off-limits. Lani’s determined to ignore her feelings for Jason, no matter how powerful they are, rather than hurt her best friend.
Then Erin goes away for the summer — and Jason seems to appear everywhere Lani turns. How long can she keep running from the guy who just might be the love of her life?

Review: In Something Like Fate, Susane Colasanti tells the classic story of a girl falling in love with her best friend's boyfriend. When Lani meets Jason, she emidiately notices that they have a connection. As she gets to know Jason better, Lani realizes what they have is something special. A strong believer in fate, Lani is left wondering what to do when you meet someone who seems to be your soul mate, but he just happens to be dating your best friend. When Lani's best friend Erin goes off to summer camp, she gives Lani and Jason the perfect opportunity to get to know eachother better. And the more time they spend together, the more they realize that they are meant to be together. This further complicates life and leaves Lani with an important decision-Should she choose her best friend, or the love of her life?

Bottom Line: This is a really good book about making decisions and realizing sometimes you can't have everything you want. Susane Colasanti is good at making you want to read on and I can happily say I did not have to skim any pages.

Rating(1-5): 3.5

Review of The Decoding of Lana Morris

Title: The Decoding of Lana Morris

Author: Laura and Tom McNeal

Description:  Sixteen-year-old Lana Morris wishes her life were different, that she were somewhere else, someone else. Her foster mother wants her gone, she's stuck taking care of the other kids in the house, she longs to become closer to her foster father, and the only cool people around refuse to acknowledge her. Then Lana stumbles into Miss Hekkity's mysterious shop, and she begins to realize that she might actually have the power to change things—to make some of her wishes come true. But wishing isn't always as harmless as it seems. . . .

Review: The Decoding of Lana Morris is a great book about a girl named Lana, learning life lessons and growing up. She lives in a foster home that is full of kids with mental problems, a cruel foster mother, and an alluring foster father. When she first gets there, she begs her caseworker to send her anywhere else. Finally, she realizes that's not going to happen and she must deal with what life has given her. After and unplanned trip to Miss Hekkity's unusual shop, Lana realizes she now possesses the power to change things and make her wishes come true. As she stays longer in the foster home, she bonds with her fellow foster children and realizes they need her and she needs them. Life gets complicated and Lana must use her wishes wisely, after all, what she wishes for will determine the fate of many people.

Bottom Line: This book keeps you interested and you feel as though you have to keep reading to see what happens to Lana and the rest of the foster children. By then end of the book I felt like I knew Lana and all of the foster children and I loved their unique traits.The ending leaves you satisfied and it is an overall good book.

Rating(1-5): 4.5

Waiting on Wednesday

Title: The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer

Author: Michelle Hodkin

Release Date: September 27th, 2011

Description: Mara Dyer doesn't believe life can get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there. It can.                                                                                                                                                  

She believes there must be more to the accident she can't remember that killed her friends and left her strangely unharmed. There is.                                                                                                       

She doesn't believe that after everything she's been through, she can fall in love. She's wrong.

I am really intrigued by this description and I already want to know more!

Review of Moonglass by Jessi Kirby

 

Title: Moonglass

Author: Jessi Kirby

Description: When Anna was little, she and her mother used to search for sea glass, but since they looked at night, they called it moonglass. Now, ten years after her mother's mysterious death, her father is working as head lifeguard on the same beach where her mother grew up and her parents first met and fell in love.
Reluctant to get close to anyone (including her father) and not pleased about having to start at a new school, Anna begins to spend more time alone, running the length of the beach and wondering about who her mother really was. After meeting a lifeguard named Tyler, she slowly lets her guard down and together they start exploring the abandoned houses that dot the beach.
But when learning more about her mother's past leads to a painful discovery, Anna must reconcile her desire for solitude with ultimately accepting the love of her family and friends.

Review: Moonglass tells the captivating story of Anna, a girl whose mother commited suicide when she was very young. Anna has developed this hatered for her mother over the years, because she believes her mother abandoned Anna and her dad. When her father suddenly decides to take a promotion and move to the place where he and Anna's mother met and fell in love, Anna is not happy. But when they arrive, she soon notices what a special place it is. Many people in the beach community were close to Anna's mom and the longer she stays, the more she learns about the woman her mother really was. In the end, Anna decides to remember her mother as she would want her to, and accept the fact that she cannot change the past. She finally accepts what life has delt her, and has a better life because of that. I was really moved my this book and I had a very hard time putting it down.

Bottom Line: This is a book about love, loss, and growing up. I absolutely loved this book and it entertained me the entire way through. Jessi Kirby has written a wonderful story line and I cannot believe this is her first novel!

Rating(1-5): 5

Review of What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen

                                                                      Title: What Happened to Goodbye



Author: Sarah Dessen


Description: Since her parents' bitter divorce, Mclean and her dad, a restaurant consultant, have been on the move - four towns in two years. Estranged from her mother and her mother's new family, Mclean has followed her dad in leaving the unhappy past behind. And each new place gives her a chance to try out a new persona: from cheerleader to drama diva. But now, for the first time, Mclean discovers a desire to stay in one place and just be herself - whoever that is. Perhaps her neighbor Dave, an academic superstar trying to be just a regular guy, can help her find out. Combining Sarah Dessen's trademark graceful writing, great characters, and compelling storytelling, What Happened to Goodbye is irresistible reading.


Review: What Happened to Goodbye is a story about growing up and learning who you are. Sarah Dessen builds the characters well and you really feel like you know and love them. However, I do not think this is Sarah Dessen's best books. It did not really wrap me up or pull me in as much as I would have liked and I had to do some skimming. If you are willing to skim a little, What Happened to Goodbye has a good plot and satisfying ending.


Bottom Line: At times it gets boring and you have to skim a bit, but overall the plot is well-written and the end is satisfying.


Rating(1-5): 3.5

Review of Something, Maybe by Elizabeth Scott

                                                                     
                                                                       Title: Something, Maybe

Author: Elizabeth Scott

Description: Everyone thinks their parents are embarrassing, but Hannah knows she’s got them all beat. Her dad made a fortune showcasing photos of pretty girls and his party lifestyle all over the Internet, and her mom was once one of her dad’s girlfriends and is now the star of her own website. After getting the wrong kind of attention for way too long, Hannah has mastered the art of staying under the radar . . . and that’s just how she likes it.
Of course, that doesn’t help her get noticed by her crush. Hannah’s sure that gorgeous, sensitive Josh is her soul mate. But trying to get him to notice her; wondering why she suddenly can’t stop thinking about another guy, Finn; and dealing with her parents make Hannah feel like she’s going crazy. Yet she’s determined to make things work out the way she wants-only what she wants may not be what she needs. . . .
Once again, Elizabeth Scott has created a world so painfully funny and a cast of characters so heartbreakingly real that you’ll love being a part of it from unexpected start to triumphant finish.

Review: I really enjoyed this book because its easy to relate to. Not necessarily the part about having a dad with a party lifestyle who pretends you don't exist, but the part about trying so hard to be someone you're not just to get noticed. Often it doesn't work and when you just start being yourself, life is so much easier. I thought this book was good, not extremely thought provoking, but I would still recommend it.

Bottom Line: Something, Maybe is a good book about growing up, and living life.

Rating(1-5): 4

Waiting on Wednesday

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill of Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming relases that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.


Title: The Probability of Miracles

Author: Wendy Wunder

Release Date: December 8th, 2011

Description: Dry, sarcastic, sixteen-year-old Cam Cooper has spent the last seven years in and out of hospitals. The last thing she wants to do in the short life she has left is move 1,500 miles away to Promise, Maine - a place known for the miraculous events that occur there. But it's undeniable that strange things happen in Promise, everlasting sunsets; purple dandelions; flamingoes in the frigid Atlantic; an elusive boy named Asher; and finally, a mysterious envelope containing a list of things for Cam to do before she dies. As Cam checks each item off the list, she finally learns to believe - in love, in herself, and even in miracles. A debut novel from an immensely talented new writer, The Probability of Miracles crackles with wit, romance and humor and will leave readers laughing and crying with each turn of the page.

This looks really good! I can't wait to read it!

Review of Waves by Sharon Dogar

Title: Waves


Author: Sharon Dogar


Description: “Where is she? And what was she doing out on the waves that night?”

For Hal, now, this summer is different. Sure he’s spending it, as always, with his family at their cottage on the wild west coast of England. But this summer he meets Jackie, beautiful, impetuous Jackie. Lying with her on the beach while she sculpts mermaids from wet sand–it’s paradise. Or would be, if only he didn’t keep hearing the desperate pleas of his lost sister Charley in his head . . .
For Charley, then, last summer was different. Pete, the impossibly gorgeous surf god, wanted her, she couldn’t believe it! To lick the sand off his lips, to let the sun tan the outline of her hand over his heart–she’d do anything to be with him. Even if it meant sneaking out and leaving her tagalong brother Hal behind. Just for one night. How could she have known what would happen by dawn?
Set at a beach where growing up goes wrong, Waves is a coming-of-age mystery about first love and tragic loss. About a family drowning in sorrow, and the courageous son struggling against the tide to save them.


Review: I read this book two years ago so I can only give a very vague description, but I do remember this as a great book, so great that I thought wow I have to do a review on this! Waves, by Sharon Dogar, tells the story of Hal and his mission to discover what happened one tragic night that landed her in the hospital in a coma. This book is really moving and it pulls on your heartstrings. It pulls you in and you feel like you are with Hal trying to find out what happened to Charley. I was wrapped up from start to finish and I read this book in only a couple of days because I couldn't put it down. 

Bottom Line: If you like to connect on a deep emotional level with a book, then read this!


Rating(1-5): 5

Review of We'll Always Have Summer by Jenny Han

Title: We'll Always Have Summer

Author: Jenny Han

Description: Belly has only ever been in love with two boys, both with the last name Fisher. And after being with Jeremiah for the last two years, she's almost positive he is her soul mate. Almost. Conrad has not gotten over the mistake he made when he let Belly go even as Jeremiah has always known that Belly is the girl for him. So when Belly and Jeremiah decide to make things forever, Conrad realizes that it's now or never—tell Belly he loves her, or lose her for good.
Belly will have to confront her feelings for Jeremiah and Conrad and face a truth she has possibly always known: she will have to break one of their hearts

Review: This book was the perfect ending to the series! It leaves you with closure and you feel very satisfied with the outcome. We'll Always Have Summer is about Belly and her decision to marry one of the Fisher boys...the question is, which one? After much confusion and heartache, a decision is made, and everything turns out as it seems it was meant to all along.

Bottom Line: I love this book so much! If you have read The Summer I Pretty and Its Not Summer Without You, you NEED to read this as soon as possible. Also if you have not read the The Summer I turned Pretty series yet, I highly recommend it, they are all great books.

Rating(1-5): 5

Review of Life As It Comes by Anne-Laure Bondoux

Title: Life As It Comes

Author: Anne-Laure Bondoux

Description: Sisters with nothing in common? That's Mado and Patty.
Studious and responsible, 15-year-old Mado is the family brain. Patty, on the other hand, is a carefree 20-year-old party girl who lives on her own and has plenty of boyfriends. The two are following divergent paths . . . until their parents die in a car accident and a family court judge reluctantly appoints Patty as her sister's guardian.
Now these two improbable siblings face the challenges of growing up together—but it's Mado who quickly assumes the big sister's role. And it's not a role she particularly wants—especially after Patty announces that she's several months pregnant. . . .
Anne-Laure Bondoux writes with insight, humor, and poignancy about the bonds between sisters—and the challenges of everyday life.

Review: This is a great book that tells the story of two very different sisters who have to bond and bring their family back together...after all they're all each other has. It's about love, loss, and growing up but most of all, its about dealing with life as it comes.

Bottom Line: This is one of those books you think about long after you have reached the final page. I highly recomend it to anyone and everyone.

Rating (1-5): 5

Summer Reading Reccomendations

1.The Summer I Turned Pretty, then Its Not Summer Without You, then We'll Always Have Summer by Jenny Han
2.Shug by Jenny Han
3.The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen
4.Someone Like You by Sarah Dessen
5.Along For The Ride by Sarah Dessen
6.True Confessions Of A Hollywood Starlet by Lola Douglas
7.The Unwritten Rule by Elizabeth Scott
8.Perfect You by Elizabeth Scott
I recommend all these books for fun, light summer reading. These are all realistic fiction books that are great for reading at the beach or by the pool. Enjoy!

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If you would like to contact me about reviews, recommendations, or general questions, email me at: kbetterbooks@aol.com

I love giving book recommendations and would gladly do so, just email me. Also if you have a book you would like me to review, or any other questions about my blog feel free to contact me!

Review of Bumped by Megan McCafferty

Title: Bumped

Author: Megan McCafferty

Description:  When a virus makes everyone over the age of eighteen infertile, would-be parents pay teen girls to conceive and give birth to their children, making teens the most prized members of society. Girls sport fake baby bumps and the school cafeteria stocks folic-acid-infused food.
Sixteen-year-old identical twins Melody and Harmony were separated at birth and have never met until the day Harmony shows up on Melody’s doorstep. Up to now, the twins have followed completely opposite paths. Melody has scored an enviable conception contract with a couple called the Jaydens. While they are searching for the perfect partner for Melody to bump with, she is fighting her attraction to her best friend, Zen, who is way too short for the job.
Harmony has spent her whole life in Goodside, a religious community, preparing to be a wife and mother. She believes her calling is to convince Melody that pregging for profit is a sin. But Harmony has secrets of her own that she is running from.
When Melody is finally matched with the world-famous, genetically flawless Jondoe, both girls’ lives are changed forever. A case of mistaken identity takes them on a journey neither could have ever imagined, one that makes Melody and Harmony realize they have so much more than just DNA in common.

Review: This book is a science fiction type book and if you liked the hunger games you will probably enjoy it. Overall I thought it was a good read but it does get a little boring at times. You can also predict the whole twins trading places thing. Other than that its a great book with a new concept that I've never thought about before. The ending definitely foreshadows that there will be a sequel...can't wait! Megan McCafferty leaves you on edge wondering just what will happen next.

Bottom Line: Bumped is a pretty good book.

Rating (1-5): 3

Review of Lock and Key by Sarah Dessen

Title: Lock and Key

Author: Sarah Dessen

Description: Ruby is used to taking care of herself. But now she's living in a fancy new house with her sister Cora - a sister she hasn't seen in ten years - and her husband Jamie - creator of one of the most popular online networking sites. She's attending private school, wearing new clothes, and for the first time, feels the promise of a future that include college and her family. So why is she so wary? And what is Nate - the adorable and good-hearted boy next door - hiding behind his genial nature? As Ruby starts to see, there's a big difference between being given help, and being able to accept it. And sometimes, in order to save yourself, you've got to reach out to someone else.

Review: Sarah Dessen is a great author and I have read many of her books but I have to say this is my all time favorite. When Ruby's mom disappears, Ruby is left to fend for herself. When the authorities find out she is living in her house all alone, Ruby is sent to live with her sister Cora, who she has not seen in ten years. In a new unfamiliar place, Ruby is left feeling more alone than ever. Then she meets Nate, the alluring boy next store, who finally makes her feel loved. But Nate has a secret, and when Ruby finds out, she realizes she needs to help him. And by helping Nate, Ruby also helps herself.

Bottom Line: This is a great read to go to you local library or book store and pick this up!

Rating(1-5): 4.5

Review of All Around The Town by Mary Higgins Clark

Title: All Around The Town

Author: Mary Higgins Clark

Description: When Laurie Kenyon, a twenty-one-year-old student, is accused of murdering her English professor, she has no memory of the crime. Her fingerprints, however, are everywhere. When she asks her sister, attorney Sarah, to mount her defense, Sarah in turn brings in psychiatrist Justin Donnelly. Kidnapped at the age of four and victimized for two years, Laurie has developed astounding coping skills. Only when the unbearable memories of those lost years are released can the truth of the crime come out -- and only then can the final sadistic plan of her abductor, whose obsession is stronger than ever, be revealed.
Review: I just finished reading All Around The Town,by Mary Higgins Clark, yesterday and I was very impressed with it. All Around The Town is about a girl named Laurie who is abducted at a very young age but then returned to her family two years later. But during the two years she was kidnapped, Laurie suffered severe physical and mental abuse. The horrible things she went through during those two years caused her to develop multiple personality disorder. She is haunted by her memories and fear that if she tells what happened to her during those two years, and who did it, she will be punished.

Bottom Line:  I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a good book. It is very suspenseful and I had a very hard time putting it down. From the first page you are entertained and you never have to wait for it to get interesting. I highly recommend you go out and get this book as soon as possible.

Review(1-5): 5