Posts Tagged 'family'

So, This is Christmas by Tracy Andreen

Published December 13, 2025 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Holiday Romance

When Finley decides last minute to go home to her hometown of Christmas, Oklahoma from boarding school she finds that everything has changed and not for the better. Her parents have separated and her mother has been out of town for weeks and her father moved into her grandmother’s inn. Meanwhile her best friend is now dating her ex-boyfriend. It doesn’t help that she doesn’t feel like she has fit in at all in her new school. She has been bullied and struggled to keep up academically. She just doesn’t belong anywhere. Meanwhile, she had spruced up her town’s website so that her classmates wouldn’t realize how run down it has gotten and that led to a classmate and his aunt coming for the Christmas holiday. Arthur was none too pleased when he figured out that much of what she bragged about was unfounded as he is from England and was hoping to show his aunt a traditional American Christmas. Finely promises to do her best to plan some wholesome Christmas activities, but she isn’t sure how she is going to pull it all off. Plus, Arthur doesn’t seem as annoying as he had at school. Is there a chance they have anything in common? Is there any chance she can reconcile her parents? Should she return to school?

This holiday romance is a fun treat for romance lovers. Finley is a very relatable girl just trying to find her place in the world and feels like everything is just going wrong. The characters are all charming and developed, especially Arthur (the love interest), and her grandmother (who runs the inn). Even people who have never been to a small town at Christmas will be enchanted by the adventures they have because it feels right out of a Hallmark movie. The ending is satisfying and realistic, but with a lot of Christmas magic. Recommended for anyone looking for a fun holiday read.

Five Total Strangers by Natalie D. Richards

Published December 5, 2025 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Suspense/Mystery

Mira is desperate to get home to her mother for Christmas since it will mark the one year anniversary since her mom’s twin, Phoebe, passed away. Unfortunately, there is a terrible snow storm and she gets stuck on her layover with no end in sight. A friendly person she met on the plane, Harper, said she was going to rent a car and invites Mira to join. By the time they hit the road, there are five strangers all hitching a ride together to get home for Christmas. Almost immediately things start to go south as some of their items go missing, they are met with weather and traffic problems, and Mira starts to distrust the others in the car. Meanwhile, the story has letters interspersed that indicate someone has been watching Mira for awhile and believes they are meant to be together. Is Mira’s stalker in the car with her? Are the other passengers really strangers or are they all in on some elaborate plan to kidnap Mira? Will Mira make it home safely to her mother for Christmas?

Fans of thrilling mysteries will enjoy this title. The premise is very straightforward and believable, but yet it all screams red flags in a way that it is hard to believe Mira doesn’t see it too. The other people in the car all have their quirks which makes it hard to determine who is being honest and who is definitely not trustworthy. As mishaps continue to befall them, Mira starts to wonder if her instincts were all wrong from the start. The ending is very exciting and dramatic and will satisfy readers who love a suspenseful story. Also recommended for reluctant readers who like a quick read.

Ghost Girl and the Ghost Giant by Andrew R.H. Quinn

Published November 21, 2025 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Fantasy

** Special Review ** This exciting story will captivate both the avid readers and the reluctant readers alike. The story is primarily a fantasy, but with some mystery elements thrown in that really keep the action moving throughout. Olivia has been tormented by a ghost for awhile and she has had trouble getting anyone to believe her, but when she is attacked yet again and her mother is taken she knows that she needs to do something to stop this ghost once and for all. Unfortunately, she still has trouble finding any adults to help her. Her father does believe her, but is not in a position to help a lot despite his desire to. When a vigilante is caught by the police, Olivia gets caught up in the investigation and she realizes that there are others who have seen the ghost as well. They all work together in order to find a way to stop the havoc this ghost has caused once and for all. Can they stop the ghost before more people get hurt? Will Olivia be able to save her mom? How will Olivia be forever changed from this?

The characters are really the heartbeat of this novel. They are each unique and charismatic in a way that makes the reader care about them and their success. Olivia must also come to terms with the fact that she must become a super hero (complete with powers) in order to truly tackle this frightening ghost that has come for her and her family time and again. She must realize that she does in fact have the power to battle something that seems so much stronger and more powerful. Young readers will really resonate with Olivia because of the many feelings and doubts she has throughout this process. All young people question their abilities, goals, and future at one time or another, just as Olivia does, but it’s important to never stop trying to reach your goals. All in all, the story is fun, dramatic, exciting, and has a very satisfying ending. Highly Recommended.

The Singular Life of Aria Patel by Samira Ahmed

Published October 10, 2025 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Fantasy

Aria Patel loves to study science because it is precise and predictable. Therefore, she is confused when her physics teacher gives the class a poem to study about different realities. More confusing still, is when she begins getting terrible headaches and proceeds to start waking up in different realities for herself. In each reality she lives in a different place, her family looks different, and even her interests seem to vary. However, that poem from her class and the boy, Rohan, she recently broke up with appear in each reality. As she desperately tries to get back to the life she knows she ends up staying in one reality for longer and begins to really fall in love with the family and Rohan she has in this reality, but as attached as she is getting she knows she does not belong here and must find her way back. Can she get back to the world she knows, even if it is not the most perfect universe of herself? Will she ever learn how she is sliding between realities? Will she ever find her way back to her beloved Rohan?

This book is interesting and fast paced as Aria’s reality changes so quickly. It becomes clear that she needed to see these different realities in order to give herself some perspective rather than only focusing her life on things that are probable or predictable. There are many things in life that do not always make sense, but feel right anyway. Aria needs to learn to focus on more than just the science behind everything. The ending is satisfying, but does not explain everything and might leave readers wanting a little more closure but that is really the point.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Where the Library Hides by Isabel Ibanez

Published February 18, 2025 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Historical Fiction/Romance

In this sequel to What the River Knows, Whit and Inez get married to avoid her getting sent home by her uncle,Ricardo. This causes quite a stir when her Ricardo finds out, but they are so focused on finding Inez’s mother and the artifacts she stole that it overshadows everything else. When they receive word that Ricardo and his partner have been betrayed by the man they hired to secure their excavation of Cleopatra’s tomb, Whit and Ricardo immediately head to the tomb only to discover it has been completely stripped of everything, including Cleopatra’s mummy. Upon return to the hotel, Ricardo and his partner, Abdullah, who has been injured, are both arrested for keeping the discovery of Cleopatra’s tomb a secret from the government. Inez knows that the only way to save them is to find her mother and the artifacts from Cleopatra’s tomb. Meanwhile, Isadora, the daughter of the man who betrayed them, arrives and claims to be an innocent victim with a surprising story to tell. Can she trust Isadora? Will she ever find out what happened to her father? What will she do if she’s ever faced with her deceitful mother again? Will her and Whit be able to make their marriage work despite the many difficulties they face?

The conclusion of this story is exciting, powerful, and action packed. The characters are all so multi-dimensional that it is very difficult to decipher who Inez can really trust. There are many questions left after the first novel concludes, but this one does a commendable job getting answers and illustrating the true intentions of the characters. The final resolution will satisfy readers and also leave them wanting more about this setting and these characters. Recommended for readers looking for something unique with a romantic twist.

What the River Knows by Isabel Ibanez

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

Inez lives in Buenos Aires with her aunt and cousins. Her parents spend half the year in Argentina and half in Egypt where they work with archeologists. Inez has longed to go with them since she can remember, but her parents have always told her she must remain in Argentina. Suddenly, her father sends her a package that only contains a gold rings. When her parents are lost and presumed dead she goes against everyone’s wishes and makes the long journey to Egypt. She is met by her uncle’s employee, Whit, who has been told to put her on the next boat back to Argentina. However, Inez cannot be handled that easily and decides she isn’t ready to go home yet. She manages to make it to the hotel her parents stayed at and finally sees her Uncle. Her Uncle is not happy to see her and tries over and over to send her back home, but Inez feels she can be useful to the work they are doing, especially since she can now detect items that belonged to Cleopatra after trying on the ring her father sent her. Could he have sent her Cleopatra’s ring? Why did he send it when he believed so strongly in keeping artifacts where they originated? Did he know his life was in danger and is that why he sent her the ring? Will she and Whit ever get along or will he always see her as a nuisance?

This historical fiction story is fun and full of adventure. Readers will enjoy the unusual setting for a historical fiction novel and become invested in Inez and her quest for the truth. There are several supporting characters and there’s definitely a feeling of unease about who can be trusted, but even at the end of this first novel it remains unclear whose motivations are honest and who might be waiting to betray Inez. There is a touch of romance as well, so anyone who enjoys romances set in unique time periods will also like that aspect of it. The ending feels exciting and not too rushed, while also leaving the door open to a very exciting sequel.

Heist Royale by Kayvion Lewis

Published December 17, 2024 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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In this sequel to the Thieves Gambit, Ross Quest must work with Devroe for an entire year due to the outcome of the Gambit. This is tricky because Ross felt she had feelings and trust for Devroe and then he completely betrayed her in the end and she now knows that his family has a huge vendetta against hers. Devroe is trying to make amends and claims he had no choice, but Ross will not let him in again. Meanwhile, her mother (who also betrayed her) is also trying to get back into Ross’s good graces, but Ross has seen her mother’s antics one too many times. When Ross finds out that someone is making a play to take control of The Organization she sees a chance to earn her freedom back, but who can she really trust, if anyone? Is there any way to get out of the clutches of The Organization without having to compromise who she is?

This sequel is just as thrilling and exciting as the first one and will leave readers wanting more. The entire host of characters are colorful and memorable, so when they come back in this book they are easy to place from the first book. There are many surprises as they come up with an elaborate scheme to try and beat those trying to deceive them and it’s always unclear who is on which side. There is still a lot of story to tell with these characters so hopefully there will be more installments into this series. Recommended for reluctant readers.

The Thirteenth Child by Erin Craig

Published December 10, 2024 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Fantasy

Hazel, the thirteenth child born in her family, is promised to Death at birth and as such her family often treats her as if she is already gone and working with Death. In reality, Death comes to collect Hazel on her 12th birthday and immediately moves her to a new house in the Between where she is expected to study all she can about illnesses and the human body so that she can become a great healer. She is gifted the ability to see exactly what ails a person, but this includes seeing if she is unable to heal someone. She quickly becomes renowned and people come from far away to seek her help. However, when the king’s men come looking for her she knows it is very serious and she isn’t sure what she’ll do if she can’t save the king. Upon arriving, it appears she will not be able to save the king from this horrific disease, but she also fears what might happen to his children and the kingdom if she does not. Meanwhile, Death has made it very clear that he does not support her bending the rules of life and death to save anyone, even if it is the king. What is Hazel willing to do to save someone? What is she willing to give up in the process?

This update to the Grimm tale, Godfather Death, does a nice job of explaining why Hazel feels so torn in her quest to heal those around her. She has faced impossible tasks, but she definitely struggles to find a cure for the terrible disease that has started spreading through the country. She feels for the king’s family, but is also concerned about the total loss they will face if she cannot stop it. If she is forced to guide someone to Death she is then haunted by that person’s decaying ghost. Her relationship with Death is complicated as he does seem to care for her, but often leaves her alone when she is struggling with obstacles in her path. The supporting characters are all memorable so that when they come back into the story, even if they have been absent for several pages, they fit seamlessly back into the action. Recommended for fantasy readers.

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