NEW BOOK REVIEW

                                              Love, Life, and the List ... By Kasie West

                                 
What do you do when you’ve fallen for your best friend? Funny and romantic, this effervescent story about family, friendship, and finding yourself is perfect for fans of Sarah Dessen and Jenny Han.
Seventeen-year-old Abby Turner’s summer isn’t going the way she’d planned. She has a not-so-secret but definitely unrequited crush on her best friend, Cooper. She hasn’t been able to manage her mother’s growing issues with anxiety. And now she’s been rejected from an art show because her work “has no heart.” So when she gets another opportunity to show her paintings, Abby isn’t going to take any chances.
Which is where the list comes in.
Abby gives herself one month to do ten things, ranging from face a fear (#3) to learn a stranger’s story (#5) to fall in love (#8). She knows that if she can complete the list, she’ll become the kind of artist she’s always dreamed of being.
But as the deadline approaches, Abby realizes that getting through the list isn’t as straightforward as it seems . . . and that maybe—just maybe—she can’t change her art if she isn’t first willing to change herself.

MY REVIEW

This is going to be the most unusual review that I have ever done...why? Because I'm reviewing Love, Life, and The List by Kasie West without reading the end as of yet...why?...read on.

Will this story effect you the same as it did me, probably not as we are all in different places in our lives at different times, feeling the ups and downs that befall us. Ms. West  doesn't need to write with a ton of descriptions, as what she does give us through the story plays as a movie in my head with my own visions of the characters.

I absolutely loved the character development which I could easily relate too. (although they are young adult and I am not) My emotions were stirred as Cooper and Abby grew and changed, and how Abby's depth of feelings made her step out to become bolder and stronger and to take her rightful place in the art world. I also could see a new Cooper emerging even though it might not be a better one...we'll see at the end of the book.

I stopped at a particular point in the book (not giving any spoilers) where Abby and her new friend make a plan to claim what she thinks she really wants, to step forward and realize the person she really is and what to do about it.

I myself realized what a new found freedom can come from just looking inside yourself to find the real you (as Abby did with her List) and to see what you are made of. Confusing?  Not really! When I come home tonight after using MY new found freedom and rightful place, I plan to curl up with Love, Life and the List and see how their ending turns out, no matter which way it goes, hoping they will be as happy as I plan mine to be.

So...strange as this review is, this is an amazing read for all ages...full of fun, youthfulness and great insight.




                                        Amazon Review



 

NEW BOOK REVIEW

                                             Bridgers: A Parable ... Angie Thompson


Three boys. One choice. No turning back.

Peyton is a rising star in the church who is well on the way to reaching his biggest dreams. Levi is a pastor's son struggling to live up to his faith under pressure from all sides. DaVonte is a kid from the wrong side of town who would be content if he and his friends were just left alone.

When an act of violence presents a sudden decision, each boy's answer will shake the community to its core and shape its future forever. Love and truth face off against fear and pride in this modern extension of one of Jesus' best-known parables.


OUR REVIEW

"I guess I look like the kid you wouldn't want to meet in a dark alley, ..." With an opening like this, I knew the young adult  Bridgers: A Parable by Angie Thompson was going to tell me a story that would hold conflict and most likely trouble.

The Parent's Note in the beginning give parents the option of reading the book first, explaining the reason why Thompson used the references she did. 

I found the story to be extremely realistic, the fact that it could have taken place in any major city or small town was right on spot. Thompson's characters were true to life and surprisingly I understood their actions although they were a bit shocking at the beginning, as you would never have thought Christians would act the way they did.

The story takes two version of one incident and intersects them at a surprising point. What happens next should make Christians dig deep in their hearts and open their eyes to what God has taught us as opposed to what the world has taught us.

I loved the name of the book and the explanation of how it came about bringing in the meaning of the cover. This is an excellent read for all ages, as we find that the power of God can overcome any prejudices developed over the years.


                                                Amazon Review

NEW BOOK REVIEW

                                            The Golden Locket ... By Aurora Manderville





Rose and her brother Ferdinand receive scholarships to the most prestigious college in the whole country, only to find themselves caught in a strange turn of events.







OUR REVIEW

I was in for a real surprise while reading The Golden Locket by Aurora Manderville. The adventure started out giving me a feeling that I already felt comfortable with the setting of this story without author Manderville  even describing it yet. Loved the simple descriptions of the main characters...Rose with her dark chocolate curls, Ferdinand being "stubborn" as a mule, and best of all Maria, a strong mother determined to see her children make the best of their lives.

As Rose and  Ferdinand accept their letters of entrance to prestigious Tolken University, the tone of the story blossomed before me...it was a different genre then what I was expecting!

As I found out the meaning of the title, the story zipped along in a fast pace, enjoying the flow of the adventure.

A simple, sweet, and clean read book, I could recommend this to middle school level and up. Love to have a sequel to see what happens to the main characters.

                   Amazon Review

NEW BOOK REVIEW

                                            Eden on the Frontier by Cheryle Williams

A time of new beginnings brings out the best and worst in any family.

Spring 1772 on the colonial Pennsylvania frontier. Eden Anna Blair, age seventeen, travels with her family of Scots-Irish pioneers via packhorses to search for land near the Forks of the Ohio. A ten-day walk in a long caravan of farmers and traders can test anyone’s mettle.

During the trek, Eden finds friendship with three impressive young men. Daniel and Donovan Briggs are brothers who labor as tree cutters and proudly push a cart of their own tools. Solomon Redding, educated but poor, is headed to a plantation where he’ll tutor a rich family’s sons.

It will be at least a year before Eden is free to marry anyone. As oldest daughter, her family needs her help while they buy land and build a cabin. Eden is confident she can face any hardship but the heady experience of falling in love.



OUR REVIEW

As I was reading Eden on the Frontier by Cheryle Williams I was so thankful that I live in this day and age. Just so there is no misunderstanding about what I'm going to say, I gave this book a whopping 5 star review!

Author Cheryle Williams story line was complete with just enough detail to immerse me into the time period of the 1770's, but still keep it fresh as a young adult book, with main character Eden Anna Blair struggling to help support her working class family.

Linda    

Family loyalty was of the utmost importance, even making this relationship a pivotal point of survival. After extreme decisions were made, family disputes kept arising to hinder the marriage match that was decided upon by the head of the family.

The women of those days were treated as the lower class, but Eden was strong and her faithfulness and work ethics stood out as a shining star, but working class families and rich families knew their places in the order of life which lead to difficulties in getting along and trusting one another. Still, love blooms but at what cost? A wonderful novel that makes you fully understand hardships that we take for granted now days.


                           Amazon Review

NEW BOOK REVIEW

                                                                       A Life to Live ... By Toni Shiloh




Mia is headed to the famed Nottingham for a month long vacation. She never imagined she’d run into her high-school sweetheart thousands of miles away from her home town. Why would God throw them back together?
Caleb always regretted the way things ended with his high-school girlfriend, Mia. After a chance encounter in the streets of Nottingham, Caleb feels God is giving him a second chance to right the wrongs he committed. Unbeknownst to him, Mia has secrets that may require his forgiveness. Will her past overshadow his wrongs?
As Mia and Caleb work through old hurts and broken hearts will they let the blessing of forgiveness redeem their relationship?


OUR REVIEW

I have to say this book cover actually called out to me. The tone of the blue background infused with rain made me wonder if this couple really had a once in a lifetime chance. A Life To Live by Toni Shiloh had already set the feeling of this romantic fiction.


Shiloh's prologue details the reason behind the title, and explains why Mia is taking a wonderfully planned out vacation, but does it really turn out how it was planned? Placing her trust in God and depending on His help in important decisions, Mia's life takes on amazing twists including secrets that have been hidden for years.

Linda      

I enjoyed the easy flow of this story having enough detail to picture the lovely Mia, her passion for purple and the lush setting of the country side of Britain. A wonderful story encompassing God's grace and forgiveness.



                                                Amazon Review

NEW BOOK REVIEW

                                       World of the Innocent ... by Nadine C. Keels





Jhoi: she’s poetic. She’s guarded. And she couldn’t imagine having much to do with a guy like Marcas. Sure, Marcas is a brilliant fellow artist, admired by plenty of fans. But he’s so remarkably...strange.

Still, Marcas touches Jhoi’s soul. And through the counsel of a shrewd old neighbor, Jhoi will discover a link between intimate friendship and becoming a steward of an era.

A tale of love, enduring belief, and the meaning of innocence—based on a true story.


OUR REVIEW

World of the Innocent by Nadine C. Keels impacts us with the honest emotions of a young woman transitioning from young girl to womanhood. Jhoi (pronounced Joy) is asking us to sit and listen to her story of how she is learning to manage her newly developed femininity.

Linda     

Keels has written a lovely, blossoming romantic story between Jhoi and Marcas in a style that I found very comfortable, as if she personally was sitting next to me and sharing a part of her life. Keels gave just enough detail for me to picture what these characters looked like and how they were feeling inside along with their trust in God.

Flirting, discovering awaking feelings with the trending dialogue of young adults unsure of themselves but discovering their way was spot on. Packed with emotions, this was a heartfelt read.

                  Amazon Review

NEW BOOK REVIEW

                                  In Case You Missed It ... Sarah Darer Littman


Sammy Wallach has epic plans for the end of junior year over: Sneak out to the city to see her favorite band. Get crush-worthy Jamie Moss to ask her to prom. Rock all exams (APs and driver's).

With a few white lies, some killer flirting, and tons of practice, Sammy's got things covered. That is, until the bank her dad works for is attacked by hacktivists who manage to steal everything in the Wallach family's private cloud, including Sammy's entire digital life. Literally the whole world has access to her emails, texts, photos, and, worst of all, journal.

Life. Is. Over.

Now Sammy's best friends are furious about things she wrote, Jamie thinks she's desperate, and she can barely show her face at school. Plus, her parents know all the rules she broke. But Sammy's not the only one with secrets -- her family has a few of its own that could change everything. And while the truth might set you free, no one said it was going to be painless. Or in Sammy's case, private.


OUR REVIEW


Hoping to find a more developing upbeat flow In Case You Missed It by Sarah Darer Littman never really came about. The bickering between daughter Sammy and her mom only escalates throughout the book as dad's business is exposed to hackers then moves on to bursting into their private cloud to reveal everything that was typed on any and all devices in their home.



Linda     

I did like the idea of diversity of characters, although it felt like they were inserted into the story just as social reminders of how todays prejudice can be used against each other.

As different levels of tragedy unfolds, the story presents many problems that need to be solved within family and friends. I felt dad was never given a clear reason why he did what he did or any workable answer to solve his dilemma. In the end, nothing seemed to mesh together, only the most unimportant event was highlighted. I love Scholastic Books with their young adult themes and I did pick up on the inspirational undertone in this story, but this was a miss for me.


                                     Amazon Review