Archive Page 2

After Life by Gayle Forman

Published October 3, 2025 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Realistic Fiction

One day Amber rides her bike home from school feeling like it’s any other day, but when her mom sees her she starts screaming because Amber died seven years prior in a hit and run. Amber does not remember anything about the accident and hasn’t aged at all, but everyone around her has moved on including her sister, Melissa. Melissa is Amber’s younger sister, but now she’s officially older than Amber ever was. Strangely, Melissa is the one person who does not seem that surprised by Amber’s appearance and seems genuinely pleased to see her despite the fact that Amber was very mean to her when she was alive. Amber’s father, who was never religious, has declared her appearance a miracle and wants to tell everyone, but Amber’s mother is scared of what is happening and does not want to get her hopes up. As Amber comes to terms with the fact that she was never able to do any of the things she dreamed of with her life, she also learns that many unfortunate things have happened since her death, including her parents’ separation. Why is Amber back now? Is there any way she can resume her life, even if in a different way? Can she find closure with those she left behind? Will she ever find out who hit her and ran away to leave her to die in the street?

This story really makes you think about life and how to make the most of it. Amber thought she had time to do all the things she wanted with her life and she also thought she had time to fix her relationship with her sister. Amber also struggles watching how much her family has suffered, but seeing her does bring them some peace and the strength to make some changes in their lives instead of being forever burdened by her untimely death. Forgiveness is a major theme in this story and most readers will connect with one of the characters because they are all justified in their feelings but also need to find ways to forgive and move forward. Recommended for anyone dealing with a loss, but everyone will find themselves thinking about the characters even after the story is done.

By Invitation Only by Alexandra Brown Chang

Published September 23, 2025 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Realistic Fiction

Every year a select group of young ladies goes to Paris for the elite La Danse Debutantes Ball. This year one of the debutantes faces a scandal and must withdraw, which leaves the ball organizers scrambling. That is until they see an article in a magazine about a young scientist taking the world by storm with her new invention. They decide to break the tradition of only inviting wealthy, famous debutantes and take a chance on Piper Woo Collins. Piper has recently been dealt a setback when the benefactor of her college scholarship pulls his funding due to a disagreement with the university. As much as she would love to go to Paris, her late mother’s dream, she can’t afford school let alone a trip to Paris. The owner of the ball agrees to pay for her trip and her first year of school if she comes and doesn’t bring any bad headlines. Meanwhile, Chapin Buckingham, the daughter of a rockstar and movie star, is feeling the pressure to be named Debutante of the Year even though she couldn’t care less about the title. When her and Piper get stuck rooming together she can’t help but feel bad for Piper who was thrust into this world very unexpectedly. As they start to get closer, however, it becomes clear that someone doesn’t want Piper in the competition. Can Piper figure out who is trying to sabotage her before it’s too late? Will Chapin ever get over the fact that Piper and her older brother clearly have chemistry? Will Chapin ever find common ground with her mother?

Fans of The Selection and Project Runway will enjoy this title set in a modern day setting. The fashion and glamour of Paris is on full display along with all the drama that would come from a highly publicized debutante ball. The book has a nice combination of old school expectations for the young women, while also acknowledging their very modern and aspirational dreams. The relationship between Chapin and her mother is very relatable to many readers as they try to get on the same page while also not offending the other. Piper’s situation is also relatable as college costs keep rising and becoming an issue for many young people. This was a fun, exciting, and unique story that will pull in readers and leave them wanting to know more about these characters.

Not Quite Dead Yet by Holly Jackson

Published September 5, 2025 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Mystery

Jet is a 27 year old woman who is still trying to find her path in life. In the meantime, she is living with her parents and trying not to fight with her brother too much on how he is running the family business. Jet does suffer from a kidney condition that she inherited from her father and lately, she has noticed that his symptoms seem to be getting worse. On the night of the Halloween carnival, Jet returns home early to an empty house and is attacked from behind by someone who had been waiting for her. She is struck three times in the head with a hammer and left for dead. She does not die, but after waking up many hours later she learns that the hammer damaged her skull in a way that an aneurysm will kill her in less than a week. She realizes she has the rare opportunity to solve her own murder and sets out to do so with her good friend and longtime neighbor. As her symptoms start to worsen, she becomes more frantic to find out why someone would want her dead. Can she solve her murder before it is too late? Are there other shady things going on with her family that will also come to light? Can she ever find peace with the fact that her life was cut so short?

This mystery story is every bit as exciting as Holly Jackson’s other titles. As Jet investigates she finds out so many secrets that those around her never wanted to come to light. She also slowly starts to realize that she could not trust many of the people she has known for years, which is very disheartening to learn. The ending is fresh and exciting and will leave readers surprised (and that is saying something considering some of Jackson’s other titles). There are a few people introduced quickly at the beginning that can get confusing to keep straight, but ultimately each character has a purpose. Highly recommended for fans of mystery authors such as April Henry and Harlan Coben.

We Were Warned by Chelsea Ichaso

Published July 22, 2025 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Suspense/Mystery

Eden grew up hearing about the terrible things that have happened at the abandoned beach resort on the edge of her town. It started years ago when the owner allegedly killed her own teenage son and then killed herself in prison. Years later, teens started sneaking in there and it led to two more suspicious deaths. Eden herself has struggled living in this town after her father swindled all of her friends’ parents and skipped town leaving her and her mother to fend for themselves. She has never gotten over how mean her friends were to her throughout her high school years. She does need money, though, so she agrees to be the assistant to a classmate who is an aspiring filmmaker. He wants to do a documentary on this resort and needs someone to come with him to haul equipment on the night the seniors plan to sneak in for their annual party. Eden is pretty sure she sees a mysterious woman in white, but can’t be sure if she really saw it or not. Meanwhile, the filmmaker says some truly bizarre things before rushing away to get some footage of one of the cottages. Shortly after he is found dead at the bottom of the beach cliff and it is ruled a suicide, but Eden knows there is more to the story. Her old group of friends is convinced something sinister is going on as well, with one even claiming that he has been followed by a mysterious figure and believes they are all going to be killed. Can Eden get to the bottom of it before they all start dying? Can she get them to really investigate the death of her friend? Is this place haunted or is there another explanation for why people keep dying on this property?

Readers looking for a suspenseful, spooky story will enjoy this title. It begins with Eden already being at the resort so the action picks up quickly and maintains throughout the story as more unusual things begin to happen. The truth about Eden’s past with her friends slowly comes to light as it becomes clear why they were mad, but also the lengths they would go to in order to keep her from ever forgetting what her father did. The ending is very exciting and satisfying, including a very unexpected final revelation once it seems all has been explained. Very entertaining and recommended for all types of readers, but especially reluctant ones.

The Meadowbrook Murders by Jessica Goodman

Published July 1, 2025 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Mystery

Amy and her best friend, Sarah, have been looking forward to senior year (and more specifically) the week prior to the rest of the students coming where they get to set up their room, go to parties, etc. Things don’t go as planned, however, when Amy wakes up to find Sarah and her boyfriend stabbed to death in Sarah’s room. Quickly, things spiral out of control as Amy must account for how she could have slept through such terrible murders while she was in the same suite. Meanwhile, Liz, the outcast newspaper editor wants to be the first to break the story, but finds herself blocked everywhere she turns. She has never felt more like the scholarship kid/outsider than she does as she watches everyone close ranks around these terrible events. Eventually, Amy and Liz decide to try to work together in order to find out what truly happened that fateful night. Can they find out the truth? Will they ever find anyone who can truly be trusted? How well did Amy really know her best friend?

This mystery story is fast paced and exciting all the way through. The setup is described well so it is believable how this could have happened while Amy was so close by. The motivations of all the characters are also understandable and it is easy to see why it takes so long for all of the pertinent facts to come out. Senior year carries a lot of the stresses, insecurities, and questions about the future no matter if you go to a local public school or a fancy boarding school and this book does a nice job of showcasing that. The final reveal is very satisfying and exciting which will leave mystery lovers wanting to see more from this author. Recommended for those who enjoy April Henry or liked The Counselors by the same author.

The Rose Bargain by Sasha Peyton Smith

Published June 17, 2025 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Fantasy/Romance

Ivy has come to the age where all young women in her town can ask the Queen, who is a conniving fae, for a wish. All wishes come at a price, however. For example, her older sister does not remember her wish, but it has forever changed her and she now she is despondent and rarely leaves her room. This is the same occasion that young ladies come out as available to be married, but when Ivy and the others go to be presented before the Queen they learn that this year the fae prince will be looking for a bride. There is a catch to trying to make a match with the prince, however, and that is that each girl must sign her name in blood to a binding contract that states if the prince does NOT choose her then she cannot marry anyone else. Ivy is the first to step up to sign under these conditions, because she’s hoping if she could become a princess then she might be able to save her sister. None of the girls who sign know what is in store for them as the Queen puts them through cruel and terrible challenges in order to gain her favor. As Ivy gets closer to the other girls still left in the competition it becomes clear that no one will really win in this situation and she needs to find a way to help her family while she still can. The other prince (the one without magical abilities) tries to get Ivy to join his secret plan to unseat the queen and undo all of her “wishes.” Ivy agrees, but isn’t sure how they can best such a powerful figure. Plus, she isn’t sure who will stand with them and who will betray them. Can Ivy save her sister from her secret fate? Can Ivy find happiness in such a dire situation? Is there anyone Ivy can truly trust?

This fantasy series will thrill fans of The Hunger Games and the Selection series. The trials the Queen puts the girls through are cruel, but also clever in how they are planned out. There are occasionally moments when the reader gets to learn more about the other bachelorettes to see what each girl’s motivations and dreams are which becomes helpful as the ending unfolds. The growing relationship between Ivy and the other prince continues to grow as the story develops and they both know that Ivy has agreed to never marry another should the prince not choose her. The ending has many surprises and revelations (which readers will love), but there is still more to come with these characters as not everything has been revealed yet. Highly recommended for fans of fantasy romance series.

Happy Head by Josh Silver

Published June 3, 2025 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Realistic Fiction/Futuristic

Seb and his family are thrilled when he is chosen for the pilot program of Happy Head, designed to curb teenage unhappiness. He desperately wants to make his family proud and tries his best to do well on the challenges, but he does start finding himself drawn to the bad boy Finn. Eleanor, a very competitive girl form his small group, decides if they work together and pretend to be a couple then they can rise to the top of the competition. Seb doesn’t particularly care for Eleanor, but sees that she seems to know a lot about how to do well here. As you rise up the ranks you are rewarded with a nicer room and other perks, but these challenges are no joke and seem designed to break them physically as well as mentally. As things begin to escalate, Seb wonders if he should be resisting some of these challenges, but those who do are punished severely. Not to mention he is worried his family would never believe him when he told him what has been going on here. To make things even worse, the woman who created the program seems to be under some kind of physical control by those in charge and does not seem able to actually influence things as they get out of hand. Should Seb rebel against the increasingly unethical program that has labeled him a rising star? Is there any way out of this program? How can teenagers expose a program when everyone around them desperately wants to believe it is a program designed for good?

Fans of the Program series will enjoy this story as there is a lot to unpack. There are many secrets in this new program and it is very difficult to see who Seb can trust and who he can’t. The overall program itself is very challenging and seems to be designed to humiliate and humble those participating. The adults in charge mostly seem to believe they are doing good and it is rare for any of them to have second thoughts about what they are doing to these teens. Seb’s feelings are easy to identify with because he knows things they are asking him to do are wrong, but he’s being told to do it by those with authority and therefore it makes him feel conflicted. Plus, there is always the severe threat of punishment if he refuses to comply. This story really makes the reader think about society and the things people do to be successful and fit in. Highly Recommended.

Under the Same Stars by Libba Bray

Published May 20, 2025 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Historical Fiction

This story is set over three different time periods: 1941 Germany, 1980 Berlin, and 2020 NYC. All three stories weave together as they go on and eventually their connections become clear. In 2020 two best friends, Will and Chloe, are home during Covid when Chloe’s grandmother sends a package that starts them on a journey investigating two teenage girls who disappeared in Germany in 1941. Then, in 1941 two best friends, Sophie and Hanna, grow up believing a magical tree in the forest can help romantics find true love. When the Nazis show up to invade their town, however, everything changes and it becomes unclear who they can trust as propaganda spreads lies and mistrust amongst their town. In 1980 Jenny goes to Germany with her family when her father is transferred there for his job. As an aspiring photographer, she wants to see the real Berlin and eventually makes friends with some punk kids who live in an abandoned warehouse and have a punk rock band. Everyone feels very strongly about the Berlin wall and many have loved ones on the other side. As these three stories unfold the parallels going on around them become clear and eventually the stories start to intertwine. Will Will and Chloe ever find out what happened to the two girls who mysteriously disappeared in the woods in Germany in 1941? Will Jenny ever feel like she can truly be who she is despite a very traditional family? Will Hanna and Sophie ever feel safe in their own town again?

Fans of historical fiction will absolutely love this story and want to read it again and again. The characters are all so engaging and powerful as they each go through times of unrest and uncertainty. As the stories unfold it becomes obvious that although they are all living in different times with different obstacles, the basic human nature of those around them remains the same. They all must find the courage to stand up for themselves and others who are being judged unfairly due to the political climate. Even the supporting characters will leave the readers thinking about them long after the story is over. It’s a very powerful story that will be enjoyed for years to come.

Honeysuckle and Bone by Trisha Tobias

Published May 6, 2025 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Suspense/Mystery

Carina is looking to start over after a mysterious incident left her a social pariah back home. She takes the opportunity to be a nanny for a wealthy and powerful family in Jamaica. Her mother originally comes from Jamaica but for some reason has never wanted Carina to go so she must keep her whereabouts secret. The moment she steps foot into the beautiful house where she will be working she notices mysterious things, such as the scent of honeysuckle, and begins to wonder if there is a ghost haunting her. Other workers also believe there is a mysterious force that keeps renovations from progressing, items getting destroyed, and extreme heat, amongst other things. One friend even offers to take Carina to a local woman who claims to be able to help with such supernatural occurrences. Meanwhile, Carina starts to realize that the perfect family she works for has some dark secrets of their own. Is there someone out to get her? Is there anyone she can trust at this estate? Can she get to the bottom of who is haunting her before it is too late?

This suspenseful supernatural story will keep readers guessing until the end because there is so much going on. Carina is clearly running away from something at home, but what that is and how she came to be in Jamaica remain mysterious for much of the book. The Hall family and their beautiful estate also harbor some secrets of their own, which is why Carina often feels a supernatural presence. Is the presence someone from Carina’s past or the Hall’s past? Does it mean to harm them or reveal inconvenient truths? Fans of supernatural mysteries will love the setting and vast array of characters and will find the ending exciting and satisfying.

Wicked Darlings by Jordyn Taylor

Published April 22, 2025 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Mystery

Noa’s sister died tragically the summer before Noa’s senior year and, although there is sadness there, she also felt relieved in some ways because she is no longer in Leah’s shadow. No matter what Noa was interested in, somehow Leah would be better at it and get all the attention. For example, Noa has wanted to be an investigative reporter for a long time so she was devastated when she heard Leah had gotten an internship reporting on society for a Manhattan newspaper. Leah tried to reach out to Noa shortly before her death, but Noa was still angry and did not connect with her. After Leah’s death, Noa learns there were some suspicious circumstances and she feels she owes it to her to investigate. As she tries to get in with the NY elite, it becomes very clear that these people do whatever they want and get away with it. She also learns she isn’t sure whom she can trust. Could one of them really have hurt her sister? Why would anyone want to murder someone over a society column? Is there a way to find the truth before they discover who she really is?

This exciting mystery story follows an aspiring reporter as she tries to find the truth about her sister’s death. She doesn’t hide the fact that they were not close and she often resented her, but in the end she does want to do right by her. The wealthy, powerful people appear charming and accommodating at first, but quickly things turn as she starts to notice cracks in the façade. Everything seems so shiny and exciting at first, but she quickly learns that these people are only out for themselves. The big question is whether or not Leah found out something that got her killed or if she simply couldn’t handle the pressure. Recommended for fans of fast paced mysteries such as April Henry.

Royal Scandal by Aimee Carter

Published April 8, 2025 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Realistic Fiction/Romance

In this sequel to Royal Blood, Evan is still trying to adjust to royal life and it seems like people are both fascinated with her and aren’t sure she belongs. The media in particular has been very interested in everything they can find on Evan, especially her mother. As Evan’s father, the king, and other members of the family try to shield her there are definitely those who have not warmed up to the idea of a new royal daughter. When the family goes away for a planned hunting trip there is an attempt on Evan’s life, which shakes everyone up as they were supposed to be completely safe in this location. Which means, in Evan’s mind, that there is someone within the palace walls that wants to harm her. Despite everything, she is enjoying getting to know her father and sister so she is determined not to be chased away. Will the person trying to hurt her be found out before it is too late? Has her appearance changed the monarchy forever? Does she know who she can really trust?

This sequel is just as tantalizing at the first book. It’s easy to sympathize with Evan who has been put in a difficult situation that she did not create, but yet is trying to make the best of without compromising who she is. The other characters are very compelling as well because they are written with many emotions and motivations, which makes them seem real and human. There is still more story to tell with these characters as not everything was settled and fans will want to know more. Recommended for fans of the American Royals and the Selection series.

Everything I Promised You by Katy Upperman

Published March 25, 2025 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Romance

Lia and Beck have known each other their entire lives because their mothers have been best friends since long before they were born. When Lia’s mom was in high school she got a psychic reading on a dare and learned that she would have a daughter who would fall in love with her best friend’s son one day. Therefore, when Lia and Beck were born they were always aware that they were meant to fall in love one day. However, it didn’t happen until they were in high school. Due to the fact that both of their dads were in the army they weren’t always around each other, but whenever they were on the same army base they would continue to get closer until they couldn’t imagine life without the other. Right from the beginning the reader is aware that Beck died suddenly in his first year of college and that Lia is struggling to survive a year after it happened. She had to move to a new army base for her high school year and she does not know how to plan her future without Beck. Can she find a path forward without Beck? Should she stick to the plans she had set when Beck was alive? Can she ever let anyone in again?

This romance goes from present to past to show how the pieces of their romance came to be as well as how Lia is doing in the present. She does not have a good relationship with her parents at this time because although they are trying to help her cope, she does not believe they really can help her. She’s also let friends go in the past year as it is too painful to pretend like everything is normal and life can move on. As Lia begins life anew for her senior year she does make progress, but there are setbacks too as she tries to figure out who she is and what she needs to do in life. This romance is heartwrenching and beautiful at the same time and will find an audience with fans of Sarah Dessen, Jenny Han, and Nicola Yoon.

Royal Blood by Aimee Carter

Published March 11, 2025 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Realistic Fiction with a touch of romance and mystery

Evangeline (or Evan) has known for awhile that she is the illegitimate daughter of the King of England, Alexander. However, she has never met him and very few people know of her existence. Due to her mother’s illness, she lived with her grandmother until she died and has been in boarding schools ever since. Unfortunately, she seems to find trouble wherever she goes and after getting kicked out of boarding school they reluctantly bring her to England where the Queen, Helene, and the legitimate princess, Maisie, are none too pleased. Everyone hopes to keep her identity a secret, but it leaks out shortly after her arrival and the media goes crazy. After failing to trust the right person one night, Evan finds herself assaulted and accused of murder, which she isn’t totally positive she didn’t do. Can she navigate this new public life without it completely destroying her? Will she ever connect with her father or half sister? Will she ever be accepted as her father’s daughter?

This book is fun right from the beginning and the intrigue keeps growing. The characters all behave in ways that seem believable with real emotions, motivations, and frustrations as life doesn’t turn out how they all planned. The pieces to the puzzle surrounding who is trying to frame Evan are there, but it takes awhile for them all to come together. Evan’s situation also seems very plausible once the entire story is explained. There is a little bit of mystery, romance, and family drama mixed into this truly engaging, fun story. Fans of the Selection series and the Inheritance Games series will enjoy this title and be eager to see more books in this series.

A Queen’s Game by Katherine McGee

Published March 4, 2025 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Historical Fiction Romance

This historical fiction book follows real figures throughout history, but puts a modern spin on their stories. Alix of Hesse is Queen Victoria’s favorite granddaughter and everyone who meets her is enamored with her as she is very beautiful and charming. She is expected to marry the heir to the English throne, but Alix isn’t sure that is what she really wants. She suffered a traumatic event when she was young and there are lingering side effects that she isn’t sure would be conducive to a very public life. Helene D’Orleans is the daughter of the exiled King of France, but many still regard her as a princess. She has come to realize that she does not have to uphold some of the stringent rules that active princesses do and she enjoys the freedom. However, when she does end up finding a suitable match for herself she is worried her past behavior might cause issues after all in her finding her happy ending. May of Teck has a troubled home life and would love to get married and find her own place in the world, but she has been unable to find a suitable match and her parents blame her for not being married yet. Will she be able to fine a husband before it is too late and she is considered an “old maid?” Will any of these young women be able to voice what they would like to do with their own lives?

This new series by the author of the American Royals is fun and engaging, but it will be interesting to see how if plays out since these characters were real people in history. Similar to McGee’s first series, the characters all have their reasons for doing what they do and it’s easy to see how miscommunications can occur. The rules of society in this time are finite and they all must abide by them if they want to participate. Modern issues such as mental health and women’s rights are touched upon and will no doubt be explored further in what is sure to be a series. Recommended for fans of American Royals and The Selection.

When Mimi Went Missing by Suja Sukumar

Published February 25, 2025 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Mystery

Tanvi went to live with her aunt and cousin, Mimi, when her parents died in a horrific car accident. Tanvi suffered from anxiety and nightmares as a result, but Mimi and her mom were always there for her. That’s why it was so hard for her when Mimi all of a sudden dropped Mimi for the most popular girl in school, Beth. Together, they were ruthless to Tanvi and made her life a living hell. She never told her aunt, however, because she was always hoping that eventually Mimi would want to rekindle their relationship and be like sisters again. Then, one day, Mimi disappears and Tanvi feels like she should know more than she does. She woke up with a huge bump on her head and bruises on her arms and legs, but no memory or anything after she went to sleep the night before. Meanwhile, Beth is telling everyone that Tanvi must have done something because there is “something wrong with her.” As Tanvi begins to spiral with worry she starts to wonder if it’s possible she could have done something to Mimi without remembering? If not her, then who would want to hurt Mimi?

This mystery moves along quickly and delves into the topic of mental health, bullying, and ptsd. There are many possible suspects for who might be responsible for Mimi’s disappearance and it isn’t until the very end that it all becomes clear. The ending is very dramatic and exciting, if maybe a bit too tidy. Fans of April Henry will enjoy the fast paced story and the satisfying ending.

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