Review of Nantucket Blue by Leila Howland

Title: Nantucket Blue

Author: Leila Howland

Description:  For Cricket Thompson, a summer like this one will change everything. A summer spent on Nantucket with her best friend, Jules Clayton, and the indomitable Clayton family. A summer when she'll make the almost unattainable Jay Logan hers. A summer to surpass all dreams. 

Some of this turns out to be true. Some of it doesn't. When Jules and her family suffer a devastating tragedy that forces the girls apart, Jules becomes a stranger whom Cricket wonders whether she ever really knew. And instead of lying on the beach working on her caramel-colored tan, Cricket is making beds and cleaning bathrooms to support herself in paradise for the summer. But it's the things Cricket hadn't counted on--most of all, falling hard for someone who should be completely off-limits--that turn her dreams into an exhilarating, bittersweet reality. A beautiful future is within her grasp, and Cricket must find the grace to embrace it. If she does, her life could be the perfect shade of Nantucket blue.

Review: Nantucket Blue is your classic summer romance and coming of age story, with a twist. Cricket's plans for an unforgettable summer with her best friend on the beautiful island of Nantucket change abruptly once her best friend Jules loses a family member. Suddenly Cricket is left somewhat stranded without a best friend and a place to stay on Nantucket. Still holding out hope for an unforgettable summer, Cricket finds a job at an Inn and takes fate into her own hands. Along her summer journey of finding herself, she also finds love from someone you never would expect and also discovered that she and her mother may be more similar than she originally expected.

Bottom Line: A good summer read that I couldn't put down.

Rating(1-5): 4

Review of One Lonely Degree by C. K. Kelly Martin

Title: One Lonely Degree

Author: C. K. Kelly Martin

Description: Finn has always felt out of place, but suddenly her world is unraveling. It started with The Party. And Adam Porter. And the night in September that changed everything. The only person who knows about that night is Audrey—Finn’s best friend, her witness to everything, and the one person Finn trusts implicitly. So when Finn’s childhood friend Jersy moves back to town—reckless, beautiful Jersy, all lips and eyes and hair so soft you’d want to dip your fingers into it if you weren’t careful—Finn gives her blessing for Audrey to date him. How could she possibly say no to Audrey? With Audrey gone for the summer, though, Finn finds herself spending more and more time with Jersy, and for the first time in her life, something feels right. But Finn can’t be the girl who does this to her best friend . . . can she?

Review: In One Lonely Degree, Finn is a seemingly average high school girl, but under the surface, she is deeply affected by a scarring event that happened one night at a party. She has pushed it back in her mind for almost a year, denying to herself it ever even happened. But then her childhood friend Jersey moves back to town, and Finn develops feelings for him. However, these feelings are interrupted when her best friend Audrey dates him. She plays the supportive friend role until Audrey is shipped away for the summer and she finds herself running to Jersey with her problems. They grow closer and with Audrey gone the gap between friends and more than friends starts to fade. This brings memories of that terrible night flooding back, and Finn is forced to deal with these memories in order to move on with her life. I really enjoyed the plot line of this book, however the ending was a bit disappointing for me.

Bottom Line: I was pleasantly surprised by this book because I was a bit skeptical as to whether I would like it but I was pleasantly surprised until the ending which i feel is a bit of a let down.

Rating(1-5): 3

Review of The Six Rules of Maybe by Deb Caletti

Title: The Six Rules of Maybe

Author: Deb Caletti

Description: When Scarlett Hughes's sister returns home from school pregnant and surprisingly married to a sweet man she has no interest in, Scarlett is forced to take a look inward for the first time. She discovers the necessity of dreams as well as the necessity of facing reality and speaking the truth.

Review: The Six Rules of Maybe is the wonderfully written story of Scarlett, a caring, incredibly kind girl who feels the need to help everything and everyone even when it's not her place. When her older sister Juliet returns home for the summer revealing she is pregnant and married to a man her family has never met before, as always Scarlett feels it is her duty to take care of and help Juliet. Soon, things get complicated as Juliet seeks out one of her former boyfriends and loses interest in her seemingly perfect husband, Hayden. Meanwhile Scarlett finds herself falling head over heels for him. Eager to help everyone and fix everything as usual, Scarlett stumbles her way through summer, realizing you can't control everything no matter how hard you try. I really love the kind character that Scarlett is and she inspired me to do more random acts of kindness in my life. I was also in awe of the mysterious character that is Juliet, wondering what it is about her that makes her so irresistible. 

Bottom Line: I am in love with the wonderful characters in this book and I had a hard time putting it down!

Rating(1-5): 4

Review of Love, Cajun Style by Diane Les Becquets

Title: Love, Cajun Style

Author: Diane Les Becquets

Description: It’s the summer before Lucy’s senior year in high school, and life in her sleepy Louisiana town is about to be turned upside down. Her mama’s flirting with the dark stranger who runs the art gallery, her best friends Mary Jordan and Evie have boys on the brain, the drama teacher is sparking some powerful (if very, very wrong) feelings in Lucy, and a new boy has moved to town—Dewey, whose gentle ways captivate her. With everyone, including herself, so embroiled in affairs of the heart, it is any wonder the town of Sweetbay is fixin’ to have itself one sweltering summer?

Review: Love, Cajun Style, is the captivating story of Lucy and those close to her as they navigate their way through love and life one particular summer. It is filled with twists and turns the reader would never expect, leaving you with and ending that makes everything feel complete, and right. I was enthralled with this book and found myself longing for the homey atmosphere of Lucy's cajun life. 

Bottom Line: I absolutely love the way everyone's lives enter twine in Love, Cajun Style, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys a sweet story with a touch of southern flair.

Rating(1-5): 5

The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson

Title: The Sky is Everywhere

Author: Jandy Nelson

Description: Seventeen-year-old Lennie Walker, bookworm and band geek, plays second clarinet and spends her time tucked safely and happily in the shadow of her fiery older sister, Bailey. But when Bailey dies abruptly, Lennie is catapulted to center stage of her own life—and, despite her nonexistent history with boys, suddenly finds herself struggling to balance two. Toby was Bailey’s boyfriend; his grief mirrors Lennie’s own. Joe is the new boy in town, a transfer from Paris whose nearly magical grin is matched only by his musical talent. For Lennie, they’re the sun and the moon; one boy takes her out of her sorrow, the other comforts her in it. But just like their celestial counterparts, they can’t collide without the whole wide world exploding. This remarkable debut is perfect for fans of Sarah Dessen, Deb Caletti, and Francesca Lia Block. Just as much a celebration of love as it is a portrait of loss, Lennie’s struggle to sort her own melody out of the noise around her is always honest, often hilarious, and ultimately unforgettable.



Review: When Lennie's older sister Bailey dies, she is left feeling lost. She has no identity when she is no longer one of the Walker sisters, no longer Bailey's sidekick.  Bailey was always the passionate, wild, spirited force in Lennie's life and without her Lennie doesn't know what to be. She returns to school to find the new boy in town, Joe, filling in for her in band. Like just about every other girl in school, she is fascinated by his wide smile and stunning musical talent. At the same time, she finds herself looking to Bailey's boyfriend Toby, for comfort. He seems to be the only one who truly realizes her pain and by being with him, she feels Bailey's presence. When Joe reaches out to her, she finds herself caught between loving Joe, and wanting to feel Bailey around her. As she struggles with this emotional tug of war, she realizes who she truly is and was all along, a spirit within her that was simply hiding in Bailey's shadow that has now been set free. From the beginning of this book I was enchanted by the essence that is Bailey and Lennie, as they are both those mysterious girls you just can't get enough of. I was really moved by this book and the pain, but also love that it contains.

Bottom Line: This book is very raw and real and I recommend it to anyone who can tolerate a little grief, as it is not a completely sunny and happy book, but also to anyone who likes the heartwarming feeling of first love and self discovery.

Rating(1-5): 5

Review of Circle the Soul Softly by Davida Wills Hurwin

Title: Circle the Soul Softly

Author: Davida Wills Hurwin

Description: An elite school. Glamorous students who have fancy cars and mansions for homes (and all the haughty attitude to go with it). This is Katie O'Connor's fabulous new life since her family's recent move to Brentwood -- a perfect opportunity for a fresh start, at least in theory.

The only time she can overlook the hostility of her classmates is when they share the stage for plays. Onstage, directed by her awesome drama teacher, Tess, she has the confidence and talent that she cannot seem to muster in her everyday life. And it doesn't hurt that one of Katie's fellow actors is smart and cute and interested in her. But beneath the glossy surface, there are secrets buried deep, even in Katie's own past.

Nightmares and dark memories continue to plague Katie's consciousness, and in order to deal with the present, she needs to come to terms with the past. If only she could remember it.

Review: Circle the Soul Softly is the story of Katie O'Connor's journey to discovering her past. Ever since she can remember, Katie hasn't quite fit in. She feels awkward, and stupid, like something just isn't right with her, if she could only figure out what. As she reinvents herself at a new school in a new town, and people begin to accept her, Katie begins having flashbacks of things she long ago locked away in her memory, buried so deep even she had no idea they existed there. She slowly begins to piece together her past, realizing it is in fact much darker than anyone knew. This book is beautifully written and keeps you absorbed in the story until the very end.

Bottom Line: This book was a lot darker than I originally anticipated it to be, but I think it is a great plot line unlike anything I've read and I highly recommend it.

Rating(1-5): 5

Review of The Duff: Designated Ugly Fat Friend by Kody Keplinger

Title: The Duff: Designated Ugly Fat Friend

Author: Kody Keplinger

Description: Seventeen-year-old Bianca Piper is cynical and loyal, and she doesn’t think she’s the prettiest of her friends by a long shot. She’s also way too smart to fall for the charms of man-slut and slimy school hottie Wesley Rush. In fact, Bianca hates him. And when he nicknames her “the Duff,” she throws her Coke in his face. 

But things aren’t so great at home right now, and Bianca is desperate for a distraction. She ends up kissing Wesley. Worse, she likes it. Eager for escape, Bianca throws herself into a closeted enemies-with-benefits relationship with him.

Until it all goes horribly awry. It turns out Wesley isn’t such a bad listener, and his life is pretty screwed up, too. Suddenly Bianca realizes with absolute horror that she’s falling for the guy she thought she hated more than anyone.

Review: In The Duff, by Kody Keplinger, Bianca Piper is feeling lost. When her home life gets complicated and she doesn't feel like turning to her friends for help, Bianca finds another outlet, Wesley Rush. It starts off with a simple kiss at a party, but then Bianca realizes that kissing Wesley is a great distraction from her everyday problems and suddenly she's hooked. She soon finds her self head over heels for Wesley, and thats when things start getting complicated. Once feelings are involved everything becomes all too real again and Bianca finds herself running away from her problems again. This had me completely hooked from the beginning and I couldn't put it down.

Bottom Line: I love this book and highly recommend it.

Rating(1-5): 5

Review of The Karma Club by Jessica Brody

Title: The Karma Club

Author: Jessica Brody

Description: Madison Kasparkova always thought she understood how Karma works. Do good things and you'll be rewarded, do something bad and Karma will make sure you get what you deserve. 

But when Maddy’s boyfriend cheats on her, nothing bad comes his way. That’s why Maddy starts the Karma Club, to clean up the messes that the universe has left behind. Sometimes, though, it isn’t wise to meddle with the universe. 

It turns out Karma often has plans of its own.

Review: The Karma Club tells the story of high school student Madison and her experience with karma. When Madison's boyfriend cheats on her, her life goes into a downward spiral, leaving her hurt and confused. Everyone tells her he'll get what he deserves but Madison doesn't want to wait, and she and her friends decide to take matters into their own hands. Soon, she learns that for every action, there are repercussions and one should never mess with karma. I found this plot line to be a bit predictable, however, it was still fairly enjoyable.

Bottom Line: This book is a good, fun read that I would recommend to anyone that wants an easy and entertaining novel.

Rating(1-5): 3

Review of Peace, Love, and Baby Ducks by Lauren Myracle

Title: Peace, Love, and Baby Ducks

Author: Lauren Myracle

Description: Wealth, privilege, and way too many pastel-tinted opinions...that's Carly's life. And guess what? It's. Getting. On. Her. Nerves.

Carly wants to be real, and she's always counted on her little sister, Anna, to lover her and support her—and tell her how right she is. But when Anna turns "hot" over the course of a single summer, everything goes weird. Suddenly Anna's swimming in the deep end with the big girls—while Carly watches, hurt, from the kiddie pool. And of course there are boys involved, complicating things as boys always do.

With warmth, insight, and an unparalleled gift for finding humor even in stormy situations, beloved author Lauren Myracle dives into the tumultuous waters of sisterhood and shows that even very different sisters can learn to help each other stay afloat.


Review: Peace, Love, and Baby Ducks is the wonderful story of two sisters Carly and Anna, and the pressures that come along with growing up. Carly goes away to camp for a couple of weeks and when she comes back her sweet little sister Anna looks more grown up than she does. This doesn't bother Carly at first but when they go back to school and Anna is known as her "hot" sister, Carly starts to get jelous. As the story progresses the two girls find themselves in typical teenage dilemmas involving boys, parties, and responsibility. Lauren Myracle has a very accurate way of portraying teenage girls and their emotions and I was hooked immediately.


Bottom Line: I love the way this book chronicles the complicated relationship between sisters and I definitely recommend it.


Rating(1-5): 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: 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!