Tricks (YA) (4.5/5)

Tricks (YA) (4.5/5)

Even though I knew to expect grit and hard to read content, since I've read all of her books, Hopkins tricked me with Tricks as it was more gritty and horrific than I expected. Told in alternating narration, this book investigates how teenagers end up in the world of prostitution. Horrific to read at times, this book is extremely powerful. I look forward to her new book in the fall.

I own this book.

Max and Maggie cuddled on the couch

High Heels are Murder (4.5/5)

High Heels are Murder (4.5/5)

Second in a cozy mystery series, Josie returns in this book to continue mystery shopping while trying to clear her mean neighbor's daughter of being a murder suspect. Cheryl is accused of murdering Mel, a shoe salesman with a foot fetish. I enjoy this series and will continue with it.

I got this book from paperbackswap.com

Beanball (YA) (4.5/5)

Beanball (YA) (4.5/5)

A verse novel, this book tells the story of Luke, a good high school baseball player and how he is hit in the head with a pitch. Alternating narrators (Luke, his parents, his teammates, the opposing team etc) tell the tale of that itch and the aftermath. A good, quick read.

I borrowed this book from the public library.

All the Broken Pieces (YA) (4.5/5)

All the Broken Pieces (YA) (4.5/5)

A verse novel, this book tells the story of Matt Pin, a teenager whose childhood was in Vietnam during the Vietnam War. He faces prejudice in school, hurt feelings of his mom sending him away, and guilt about leaving his younger brother behind. Matt begins to participate in a Vietnam Vets support group and his caring adoptive parents, baseball coach and music instructor help him sort out his feelings about things. A good read.

This Full House (YA) (4.5/5)

This Full House (YA) (4.5/5)

The third book in the series that began with the book Making Lemonade. This verse novel has LaVaughn accepted into an advanced Science program that help her chances of getting into college and starting a new life. Jolly and her children play a pivotal role in this book. I don't think it is necessary to have read books 1 and 2 before this one.

I borrowed this book from my public library.

The Coven (YA) (4.5/5)

The Coven (YA) (4.5/5)

Second in a ya series. Morgan is 16 and has recently found out she is a witch. In this book, she continues to discover more about her heritage and her parents. This was a quick read and I will continue with this series. There are 13 or 14 books in this series, I believe.

I borrowed this book from our public library.

My Name is Memory (4/5)

My Name is Memory (4/5)

Daniel and Sophia are connected to each other and Daniel literally spends lifetimes trying to get Sophia to remember that--no matter what her name is, what language she speaks or what the time period is. This book reminds me a little of The Time Traveler's Wife, which I loved. Brashares is a much more sophisticated writer with this book than she was with her Traveling Pants series, though I loved them too. This book shows the depth of her writing. Chapters are alternating time periods/lifetimes with either Daniel or Sophia/Lucy telling the tale.

Because I am Furniture (YA) (5/5)

Because I am Furniture (YA) (5/5)


A verse novel which details life for teenager Anke in her abusive household. Dad beats up her brother and sister but basically ignores her existence. Anke begins to find an outlet in volleyball and begins to also find her strength. A good read.

BooBoo in a box

This is BooBerry Radley, our blue point Ragdoll. He loves cardboard--he started to chew on this box immediately.

Hannah's List (4.5/5)

Hannah's List (4.5/5)

Macomber is one of my comfort authors--I enjoy her writing style a lot. This book was no exception. Michael's wife Hannah died a year ago of cancer. Hannah's brother gives Michael a last letter from Hannah--describing three women she wants Michael to meet and check out as potential wife material. Michael does it for Hannah and in the process, finds love. A nice read, with some Blossom Street series thrown in for good measure.

I borrowed this book from the public library.

The Man Who Loved Pride and Prejudice (4.5/5)

The Man who Loved Pride and Prejudice (4.5/5)


Calder and Cassie's love story begins very much like Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth's does. This modern take on Austen's classic is just different enough to keep readers interested in it in its own right. Calder is from a rich family and Cassie is a biologist from a somewhat different upbringing. The two meet, connect, disconnect and overcome obstacles.

Reynolds has a good writing style and keeps true to Austen's themes. She develops characters that are well developed and interesting. Readers will care about these characters, even with their flaws.


As a huge Austen fan, I enjoyed this book and thinks it gives proper homage to a classic. This was my first book by Reynolds but I would read more of her work.

I received this book from Sourcebooks for review.

The Girl Who Chased the Moon (4/5)

The Girl Who Chased the Moon (4/5)

I love this author, though this was my least favorite book by her so far. I enjoy the magical realism she writes. In this book, Emily returns to her mother's hometown and finds a different version of the mother she grew up knowing. I enjoyed Julia and Sawyer's storyline the most. A good read.

I borrowed this book from my public library.

Chess Rumble (YA) (4/5)

Chess Rumble (YA) (4/5)

A good, quick verse novel about a teenage boy dealing with his sister's death and his father's leaving with anger. That anger eventually gets channeled into the game of chess, where he begins to learn about the game of life. I could see MS boys liking this book a lot.

I borrowed this book from my public library.

Gone (YA) (5/5)

Gone (YA) (5/5)

Third in a ya series. Janie is a dream catcher--one who gets sucked into people's dreams and tries to help them with their issues while they're in a dream state. This book is said to be the last in the series. In this book, Janie meets her father finally but it's not exactly a happy reunion. A good, quick read.

Rumor Has It (4.5/5)

Rumor Has It (4.5/5)

Good British chick lit. Tilly gets a job as Max's assistant and she is instantly attracted to Jack, Max's business partner and good friend. Given Jack's reputation as a playboy, Tilly decides it would be smarter to not get involved with Jack. This is proving to be easier said than done.


This was my first book by Mansell and I will try to find more books by her. I enjoyed her writing style--good characters, humor, romance and a nice job tying all those elements together. I would recommend this book.

I received this book from Sourcebooks for review.