Juniper Skies (Juniper Series #3)

                Hello happy readers.  So diving right into it here this book is the 3^rd book in the companion series, Juniper Skies by Lora Richardson.  I have reviewed the previous books here:  The Edge of Juniper & Juniper Limits as well as her other stand-alone title Outspoken.  I was lucky enough to be provided a copy in exchange for an honest review but honestly as soon as I found out little Abe was getting his own story as he grew up I knew I had to read it!  Again this is a companion series so the other books are necessary but this will spoil those for you and they are great so start from the beginning!

Rating:  5 Quarts Rocks

                As I said I read the previous books about the other characters in this small town and I really enjoyed them.  I knew Abe as he was young going through some things that no child should have to deal with but still grabbing hold of your heart.  Now we have seen the stories from his cousin and sister but now it’s his turn, years after the last book when he is working hard in the summer before his senior year.    We also meet Delphine, who has spent her whole life on the road traveling with her gram from place to plan in an RV.  It's an interesting life for sure but she has a desire to settle down in one place for at least a little while and so her gram decides Juniper will be her home for all of her senior year.

                Abe and his life has changed quite a bit since we last saw him.  He isn't the happy easy going kid.  He is a loner with a bit of a reputation.  He doesn't want to be around people but keeps to himself.  This books, series as a whole really, manages to tackle some really deep and real issues.  With his father in prison for the past few years about to get out and the emotional upheaval that brings up, to the way he has struggled with his fathers history as he grew into a young man.  I loved reading his parts as we saw what was going on for him and how everything impacted his life and his choices to this point.  I loved seeing him with his family both his mother and sister but more with the family he made with Faye/Malcolm and his mom.  He still has a support system and you are rooting for him to take their advise. 

                 Delphine has never really had any real friends.  Moving too often to make any lasting friendships.  She has a whole list of things she wants to accomplish in fact including kissing a boy.  She reminded me a lot of how Abe used to be with a special helping of determination.  She wants to make new friends and form her own opinions and not let others shape her view of someone.  I loved her chapters as she got to know others around town and even when she wanted to be liked and included she didn't succumb to the pressure and change who she is. 

                There are several foot in mouth moments as these town begin to know and understand one another.  It is slow burning and beautiful.  I was so in awe of this story and how it weaved such emotionally powerful moments dealing with real emotion and issues into such an overall sweet and uplifting story.  It amazed me from start to finish.    I loved the romance between them some of the moments written for them had me swooning something fierce.  Seriously this is where book boyfriends are made! This was a story all about Abe and Delphine but one added benefit is we also got to check in on our other couples from the previous books because of their closeness to Abe in this one big mixed up family!  I love it all.  I'm sad this is supposed to be the end of Juniper but thrilled to know they have each other.

                Until next time…

Busted

                Hello happy readers!  I am super excited to share with you todays review of a cute fun contemporary.  I missed the signing for this because I had to work and this transition to night shift has kicked my butt to the point I didn’t even get to call in to order a book to be signed to pick up next week.  Sigh.  After finishing this book I am even more disappointed because it was so much fun to read.  The book in question, Busted by Gina Ciocca.  I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this from NetGalley and the publishers for an honest review.

Rating: 5 Stars

                Marisa was just a normal girl getting some supplies on her way to see her bestie for a night in when she finds her besties boyfriend up to no good.  After some snooping she confirms he is a cheater and somehow she is now being asked to snoop on purpose for an ex-frenemy, Kendall, who has been back in town and might just have changed her ways.  Kendall wants Marisa to spy on her boyfriend, TJ, as he may have a mystery girl, only to find that as she gets to know TJ to try and get the dirt that she is crushing on him and she might be the mysterious girl….yikes.  There is a lot of snooping to be done and it might be more than a two-timing boy that ends up busted.

                This story first and foremost made me think of Veronica Mars which is a show I absolutely adored.  So win there.  Marisa starts out in a solid win from me because she not about to let someone hurt her friend if she can help it.  Her relationship with Charlie (BFF) reminds me in ways of my own relationship with my bestie.  All the characters really come to life as you read the story and find out the dish on each of them.  Digging into the lives and lies of others is not as fun as one might think and it leads to its own set of problems.  I love the dynamic between the different characters and how it is clear that each one has motives and personalities that make the decisions they make seem legit and true to them.  No one is perfectly blameless or flawless. 

                The story is very character driven and moved pretty fast for me.  I liked the drama that came with the story and I was eager to see how things would play out for everyone.  I had a good time reading this and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a light hearted contemporary or has ever dreamed of being a on the sly PI when in school. 

                Until next time…

P.S. I Still Love You (To All the Boys I've Loved Before #2)

                Hello happy readers!  I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and weekend.  Mine was a bit chaotic but good.  I finally got to watch Netflix The Punisher, which I really enjoyed and see Bad Mom's Christmas.  That said I didn't get a ton of reading done, though I did get an hour or two into my current car audiobook driving to and from my parents place so that's a win.  That said last week I reviewed To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han here and as soon as I reviewed it I started on book two P.S. I Still Love You right away and finished it that same day and as I am eager to get to book three I have to review this one first so here we go.  Spoilers for book one…duh.

Rating:  5 Stars

                When we left off Lara Jean had realized she still loved Peter and wanted to fix things.  She had written five love letters and had received word from all but one.  As she starts something real with Peter it becomes a bit more complicated as her other love and letter come into her life as Peter makes some decisions that don't sit well with Lara Jean.  We see everything for the first time through the very distinct and quirky Lara Jean.

                Now this story has me hooked.  I want to know what will happen next for Lara Jean so badly.  She is such a sweet and innocent girl who has all these dreams and ideas but is also happy in her comfort zone and afraid to really step outside of it.  This story really makes her step forward in a lot of ways.  She is forced to be bolder than she has and take charge of her life.  She is experiences many different emotions all at once and for the first time which for anyone would be confusing.  The way it is written is just so sweet and enduring that you get caught up in the whole of it and feel it all like it was happening to you.  Also can I just say how much I adore that she’s a baker because I do love that aspect of her character.  She has mentioned so many ideas that have now been added to my list to try.

                There were times when I was back and forth on what I wanted to happen.  I admit to wavering at points given the information available at the given time.  I wanted Lara Jean to find happiness and was caught up in every moment of this heartfelt story.  I enjoyed this story so much that as I lay listening to this story around 80% through I had to go and buy the third book right then.  Yep no waiting for an extra credit to be available or anything I just knew that when I finished this one I was going to want to continue ASAP.  And while things did resolve in the story enough that I had to start the next one right away I still am looking forward to starting it this week.  There is just so much going on with Lara Jean between her love life, family, and friends I am excited to see where things go for her. 

                I can’t really discuss too much about the story because you should enjoy it as it progresses but the characters were there.  I got to see more with the sisters, the always late coffee spilling neighbor, the boys, and my favorite to learn more about were the residents at the retirement community. They had such diverse backgrounds and fun stories to explore plus being at their age they are set in their ways and able to say/do whatever they want because why not.  I loved the play off of them.  I can’t wait to see how Lara Jean’s journey ends in the next book. 

                Until next time…

To All the Boys I've Loved Before

                Hello happy readers!  I hope you all had a great weekend.  I did a night shift rotation this weekend and got a bit off schedule but being close to the holiday I had lots of free time and got to catch up on this season of Outlander so it was a win!  That said today aside from doing some baking I am pleased to share my thoughts and feelings on a book that has been on my shelf for a very long while that I just now am getting into, To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before #1) by Jenny Han.  I have been wanting to read this series since day one but it always got pushed back but after I snagged the first two books on audible for a 2 for 1 credit deal I couldn’t hold off any longer. 

Rating:  5 Love Letters

                I couldn’t help myself.

                To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before is a sweet story of Lara Jean who keeps her love letters in a hatbox her mother gave her.  She hasn’t received love letters, no these are the letters she has written each time she has fallen for someone.  She is able to pour her heart into them and seal them away giving herself a sense of closure knowing no one will ever see them.  Until one day her letters are sent out and her love life goes a bit crazy.

                The concept for this alone had me hooked.  I know I would be mortified if someone ever read my journal, be it my high school one or my current one.  There is just something about knowing no one will ever read it that lets you be brutally honest.  It’s cathartic.  I was instantly drawn into this world with sweet Laura Jean and her sisters.  I loved their bond.  It has ups and downs which I think most families have.  I also enjoyed the way it dealt with someone being close with the whole family breaking up with one and how it leaves the uncertainty with the rest.  It really has a lot of heart to it.

 “I’m always wondering about the what-its, about the road not taking.”

                The chapters were all super-fast and I listened to it in just a couple of short sittings and each time I never really wanted to turn it off.  I was on the fence at times as to what I wanted to happen for the characters as Lara Jean is thrust into this new world.  Stuck between everything being a first and new and also fake but also good that in between feeling.  I could feel for her even when she blundered many things because I could see where she was coming from and it endured her to me.  This book just hit me in the feels and had me ‘aweing’ A LOT!  I also randomly busted out laughing many times, one HP moment in particular reminded me of me and my friends. 

“If love is like a possession, maybe my letters are like my exorcisms.”

                My only complaint is the ending was a bit complicated.  I had to go back and listen to a small part to make sure I got it and it also left off with many things unresolved.  Yes I understand there is another two book for which I am diving into ASAP (already have book 2 ready to start but had to get my thoughts to paper on book 1 first so I didn’t risk mixing them up) but some of the things that seemed somewhat resolved to Lara Jean were still a bit iffy for me.  I’m still rating this 5 Stars and in love with it and all the feels but I am hoping that those iffy things are resolved in the books to come and don’t hold me back.  Well that is it off to start P.S. I Still Love You.

                Until next time…

Geekerella

                Hello happy readers!  Happy Halloween!  Normally I would do a Top Ten Tuesday but I am drawing a blank for the Halloween freebie and I have a review and giveaway to post and thought what better time than to add a treat on Halloween!  To get into the spirit I spent the weekend doing Halloween items like a haunted corn maze, a haunted trail, and a Saw movie marathon to prepare to see the new Jigsaw movie.  All and all it was a good weekend.  I also spent Friday with family celebrating my moms’ birthday and then stayed up much too late one night finishing up a super cute audiobook, Geekerella by Ashley Poston, which was totally worth the lack of sleep.  I have been excited to dive into this book since I went to the signing for it a few months back and heard how much of a fangirl the author was.  While I was at the signing I also snagged a second copy that I got signed to use as a giveaway!  The details will be at the bottom of the post, but first my thoughts on this book.

Rating:  5 Stars

                Geekerella is a the story of Elle and Darien.  Elle is a huge geek/fangirl for her beloved Starfield which was something her parents loved, to the point of creating a con, ExcelsiCon which holds a coseplay contest for it.  Now the odd man out living with her step mother and her twin girls and treated like the help and working at the vegan pumpkin food truck she is beyond excited for the revamp and interest her favorite show is getting with the new movie coming up.  Only down side…Darien Freeman, teen heart throb and not who a fan wants playing the lead role of Carmindor.  Darien is thrilled for this role as his favorite character on a show he loved.  Before becoming the teen heart throb he lived for conventions and getting to see all the splendor they hold, now he’s on the other side of the table.  But to keep his image he has to keep his geek status hidden, making him feel more like a fake than ever before until a wrong number turns into something more.

                This book is FILLED with fun references and Easter eggs from different fandoms.  I constantly found myself laughing at finding them.  The characters were fresh and fun.  I loved Elle and her story.  Her history with her father.  I felt for everything she has been and goes through.  She is someone you root for and instantly understand.  I wanted her to win at so many things in life and things to go well for her.  I wanted her as our Cinderella to have her dreams come true.  Then you add in Darien who is sweet and likeable being separated from life in a different way with people planning and marketing everything you do.  While I couldn’t relate to it personally, so few can, I felt for him.  I could see how your path in life could isolate you and how being anonymous could be the best release. 

                I also adore the idea of making a friend by accident of a wrong number.  It’s so random and fun.  As many of us make friends over the internet via blogs, forums, etc. it’s easy to see how you could start connecting with someone you’ve never seen before and just get along with them.  That is normal but the pure act of coincidence that you would get a wrong number and connect with them is special. Plus there is something to be said for the joy of having someone like you for only your wit and conversation having no idea what you look like. 

“I suck at being social.  I think one thing and my mouth says something completely different, like I’m possessed.  By a whole lot of stupid.”

                Overall the story has lots of cute moments, great characters, and life lessons all in a modern day retelling.  Yep this is a retelling and I love it.  It has elements but for most of the book I did forget that part.  This book flew by and the audiobook format was fantastic (score Audible daily deals) but the book itself has such pretty end pages full of fangirl stuff.  Among all the fan nods in the book I lost track but they will instantly bring a smile to any fans face when they find them peppered in the story.  I highly recommend this to any reader because you can enjoy it on every level!

                Now for the giveaway.  I had the pleasure of meeting the author at her event at Little Shop of Stories some months back.  I knew I would love this book after seeing the cover, title, and summary.  But hearing her talk about it I had to snag an extra copy to do a giveaway with because I wanted to spread the fangirl love!  So you can enter in the widget thingy below.  Open to anyone.  I will leave this open until November 14th/15th @12:00AM EST  Enjoy and fangirl on!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Juniper Limits (Juniper Series #2)

                Hello happy readers!  I hope you had a fantastic weekend.  If you missed it Friday I had the opportunity to host an interview with debut author Hannah Bucchin about her book Paintbrush so head over and check it out.  The rest of the weekend I mostly worked but last night with the season finale of Game of Thrones…..OMG! Seriously thought that I have to wait for 2019 is a night mare.   On a much different note I have some thoughts on a contemporary story I recently finished.  Not much of a segway but I’m taking it.  I read The Edge of Juniper (review)earlier in the year and really enjoyed the story and its characters and felt there could still be more story to tell.  Well author Lora Richardson did as well as she turned it into a duology with JuniperLimits where we follow book one but focus the cousin and best friend of our MCs from the first book.  I was excited to hear about this book and eager when I was provided a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Rating:  5 Stars

                When we left off Fay was returning to live in Juniper with her mom and things had started to get better with Celia’s dad having had a confrontation.  Fay and Malcom are in love and inseparable and totally in love.  Celia is happy to have her cousin back and to see things on an upswing with her dad, and the blooming of something real with Paul but she isn’t one to accept things easily.  She is always prepared for the next crisis unable to trust in anything good.  Paul is also happy to have Fay back in town to make his best friend Malcom stop mopping around but he knows Celia is happy to have her back.  He’s been interested in her for a long time but this is the first time she’s ever given him any type of chance to really show her.  Even as his own family life isn’t the best he tries to break through her walls and constant trepidation and see if they can have something real or will her inability to trust in anything good keep them apart.

                Where to start off.  Celia was interesting for me in the first book, a bit aloof and rough around the edges for sure.  Sometimes she came off as disinterested in everything and uncaring and self-destructive.  While you did grow to understand some of her actions and her attitude within the book through Fay seeing things from her POV made her come to life in a whole new way.  I not only understood her but I related to her much more than I did in the past.  Seeing not only how things felt for her in the present but in the past as well, how things circle back.  As close as she and Fay were she didn’t let her in on everything.  Also being dual POV with Paul I got to know so much about him from the optimistic and happy go lucky best friend.  He has so much more going on for him, there is much more to him than the happy attitude.  I loved seeing that depth.  His take and outlook on life seriously inspired me.  He, like his best friend is serious book boyfriend material.

                The chemistry between Celia and Paul is there from the start.  They are both dealing with a boat load of stuff that someone in high school shouldn’t have to.  Neither want everyone to know the depth of the problems but they have went about things differently.   I loved the dynamic in the story.  This book focused on some serious and hard hitting issues and I think it gave them justice.  It felt very real in having to deal with the issues with the ups and downs showing the pain and damage they can cause to not only the person dealing with the struggle but everyone close to them and to them.  It's a domino effect that continues to radiate out. 

                This book is all about the emotions and connections between people.  I loved seeing so many relationships.  Both the romantic, which yes was my favorite because come on again Paul is a dream boat but the others as well.  We focused on relationships between friends.  Between family both good and strained.  Relationships in all stages both healthy and negative.  Juniper Limits really managed to capture so many moments of such emotion that it really pulls you in.  I really enjoyed this story and seeing more that Juniper had to offer.   I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a good story focused on characters with a healthy dose of sweetness.

                Until next time…

Paintbrush

                Hello happy readers!  So on a Tuesday normally I participate in the weekly Top Ten Tuesday posts, however, they are taking a break for a few weeks so but I will resume when they do.  Today though it worked out beautifully because with my internet at the house acting up last week I had to push my Friday review to Monday and so on.  So that means instead of posting my review Friday I can post it today, on release day!  The book in question is Paintbrush by debut author Hannah Bucchin.  I received a copy from NetGalley for an honest review.

Rating:  4 Stars

                We follow Josie and Mitchell seniors a few weeks from graduating.  They have spent their whole lives together and used to be the best of friends which is easy to see being the only kids at the time at Indian Paintbrush Community Village-AKA Paintbrush.  Josie loves Paintbrush and is content to spend her time there while Mitchell is ready to get as far away as possible.  The live separate lives in school but as Mitchell’s mother makes a huge announcement it rocks everything he knows while Josie’s younger sister is acting out in dangerous ways.  Both of them need support and find it in one another, having shared so much.  They see one another in a new light and something more than old friendship starts up, just as they are about to go down separate paths for the future. 

                I read through this in one day.  It was such a quick and sweet read.  I was so caught up in the story and the idea of this community.  I like how they both saw different sides of Paintbrush.  I’m not even an outdoorsy type of person, okay honestly I avoid it like the plague, but this made me wish I was.  It made me want to go out and just enjoy nature.  I loved the whole concept of the place as a whole and how it played its own character in the story.  The concept and idea of the place was explained simply as it was and that was that. A place that takes in all sorts and creates a diverse and colorful community that works together.  I could see the positives that Josie loved and the negatives that Mitchell was ready to escape. 

                Paintbrush is all about the characters and relationships.  Between Josie and Mitchell.  Between families. Between friends.  Between the community.  I like that while Mitchell and Josie had been best friends for most of their life and were still friendly as they grew apart they found their own grove and new friends.  Mostly because I loved Leah and Cord.  Leah though, she had some of the best moments for sure.  She is a great friend and so many of the things I love about her are things I see in my own friend!  Cord and Mitchell, they are so different but they just have this type of acceptance that is so nice.

                This story takes place in such a short time frame when compared to many other books but it manages to pack so much feeling into that time.  It tackles so many issues that I think anyone can relate to and this makes the story that much more real.  I am so pleased by this debut book!

                Until next time…

Everything, Everything Book & Movie

                Hello happy readers!  Okay so today I am doing a book and movie review.  I finally got to read Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon which I have been excited to read since it came out but kept getting pushed back on my TBR.  So with the movie coming out I knew I had to get on it and read it before.  So I read it quickly the weekend it came out and then couldn’t wait to see the movie even more.  So I’ll fire review the book then the movie.

Book Rating: 5 Stars

                This book is all the feels!  We follow Maddy, a girl with a rare and famous disease that I can’t remember how to spell but is commonly known as bubble boy syndrome.  Allergic to everything, allergic to the world.  She turns 18 having lived her whole life in this house only seeing her mother and her nurse Carla regularly.  Her circle of people is limited until one day a moving truck arrives for the house next door and Maddy locks eyes with Olly.  Becoming friends with her isn’t easy given the restrictions, but as she begins to really understand how small her world is and what she will risk to live rather than survive. 

                First I have to say this book was such a quick read.  I would have finished it in one day had I not started it with only an hour before having to leave for a prior engagement.  I was so interested instantly I wished I didn’t have plans and I could stay and read.  The chapters are short and compelling and many times even include drawings and such which really added something extra to it.  Plus as Maddy is kept apart many of the conversations happen over IM and read quickly and the different medias in the book really helped to bring focus on all the ways one can have to communicate with the world and yet still be separate from it. 

                Maddy is a sweet girl who is happy with her life and stays positive.  She wants desperately to be normal and be able to go out into the world and experience things she can only read about or watch but she is thankful for what she has.  She loves her mother and Carla, he nurse, and books.  Considering her situation she keeps a pretty positive outlook on life which is impressive.  This helps put things in perspective when you get upset about things in your life knowing others are staying positive despite their problems.  She has struggled with depression in the past, which is only natural, and tries to stay above it.  Olly moves in next door and sees her through the window but hasn't been able to see her in person so he works to entertain her through the window for a while.  He is sweet and funny and I adored him.  He had his own struggles in life but he always treated Maddy normally, special to him but like a normal person.  Their connection and interactions are so cute and sweet it just made my heart swell.

                Maddy and Olly are the point of the book they are the focus.  However, I really loved the connection between her and Carla as well.  I enjoyed how she was so close with her.  Her story with her mother as it hits ups and downs was really a highlight thought as things progressed and things happen that just had me stuck to the book like glue.  It was a cute and quick book that was all about relationships and hope and I adore it!

Movie Rating:  5 Stars

                So I saw the movie the first day it came out only six hours after finishing the book so it was very fresh in my mind.  I enjoyed the movie.  It was cute and sweet and had so many positives and I look forward to seeing it again.  They kept to the main part of the story and most things where the same and I like a movie who does that.  They cut some things here and there and added a few things but the vast majority of the book was there.  Also Olly wasn't wearing a black cap most of the time because he shaved his head which I totally appreciate because Olly was hot. 

                One of my favorite things about the movie and something they were able to do to add humor and visual interest was during the IM sessions (now texting) was to put the characters in her fantasy worlds to have the conversations instead of just reading them.  I adored this concept.  And the astronaut was perfect.  This is something the movie did well.  I also love how all of the doodles and drawings in the book are in the end credits!  That was a real treat to see!

                The only down side to the movie is that it didn't really mention Maddy's past bout of depression and how hard it was for her.  It didn't give some deeper context to some matters so in the end when I was discussing it with my friend who saw it with me having not read the book she didn't feel my outrage at certain characters as strongly.  Without the context and past issues the book explains looking at the movie I can see it as well.

                I think anyone can really enjoy this movie.  If you read the book you understand some things on a deeper level and might even, in my opinion, enjoy the movie a bit more.  If you haven't read the book you can still go in and see a sweet movie that makes you all warm inside.  I highly recommend it either way. 

                So in conclusions I LOVED both the book and the movie and hope you read/see them both.  I'd love to hear your thoughts on both or either in the comments below!  

~Waiting on Wednesday~ Lucky In Love

                “Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.  Basically books that are not yet out that we are dying to get our hands on.  This week’s pick is:

Lucky in Love by Kasie West

Out: 7/25

From Goodreads:

                In the new contemporary from YA star Kasie West, a girl who wins the lottery learns that money can cause more problems than it solves, especially when love comes into the picture.

                Maddie doesn’t believe in luck.  She’s all about hard work and planning ahead.  But one night, on a whim, she buys a lottery ticket.  And then, to her astonishment—

She wins!

                In a flash, Maddie’s life is unrecognizable.  No more stressing about college scholarships.  Suddenly, she’s talking about renting a yacht.  And being in the spotlight at school is fun…until rumors start flying, and random people ask her for loans.  Now, Maddie isn’t sure who she can trust.

                Except for Seth Nguyen, her funny, charming coworker at the local zoo.  Seth doesn’t seem aware of Maddie’s big news.  And, for some reason, she doesn’t want to tell him.  But what will happen if he learns her secret?

                With tons of humor and heart, Kasie West delivers a million-dollar tale of winning, losing, and falling in love.

Why I’m Waiting:

                ApollyCon!  I got to just chat and hang out with her for a while and we talked about all kinds of things so her personality alone makes me want to check out her work.  But this is also so adorable cute and I can just imagine some things since who hasn’t thought about what would happen if they won!  I’m still hoping and wishing I win.

                What are you waiting on?  Tell me below what you think of this title and leave a link to your WoW as well so I can check it out.

The Problem with Forever

                Hello happy readers!  I’ve been discussing my plans for ApollyCon next month for some time.  I’m thrilled.  It will be my first year attending this one but the other events I’ve been to in the past have been so much fun I am thrilled by the prospect.  There are several authors attending several whom I have read, others I own but haven’t picked up yet, and others I have never heard of but the covers/titles on their pages look amazing.  I’d love to know which authors you are most familiar with or recommend, a list of attending can be found here.  Jennifer L. Armentrout is actually the host, which is epic since she has so many books.  Seriously she puts out so many each year and I need to catch up.  I am working on one of her series but I also had to check out this stand-alone contemporary novel The Problem with Forever and that is what I want to review today.

Rating:  4.5 Stars

                The Problem with Forever follows Mallory “Mouse” as she tries to re-acclimate to everyday life in school after years of homeschooling from her adoptive parents after a traumatizing past that has kept her mostly silent.  Four years out of her nightmares in the best life she never could have imagined she is diving into public high school for senior year.  Already a terrifying experience being new in a huge unknown place for most of us, Mallory has much more pressure on herself to make it work.  Never did she expect to run into Rider Stark, her childhood protector she hadn’t seen for four years, on her first day.  They have a connection, share a past most could never fully understand, and have their own scars to deal with.  Mallory has always been silent but will she stay silent or speak out about what she sees and what she wants. 

                This books was a pretty quick contemporary and while it had some predictable moments for sure it was still a sweet journey.  I enjoyed watching Mallory go from being Mouse, quiet and shy to more confident with herself.  I also enjoyed how the story showed several people who have handled difficult situations in different ways.  Not everyone handles trauma the same and seeing how different people cope with it was nice. 

                I liked seeing through Mallory’s eyes and how there was the struggle between what she wanted to say/do and what actually happened.  She may have the best intentions and even mean to say things but fear is a legitimate and powerful thing that can freeze you in place in any type of spot.  Seeing it from her POV gave a real understanding to it.  How even simple conversations with people you do trust and know won’t hurt you are hard.  I also liked the dynamic of her adoptive parents and how it seemed perfect and that while grateful it put added stress on her to live up to expectations.

                Overall I really enjoyed this journey.  I did predict the majority of it but how the characters developed and got to where they were going was the real part of the story.  I enjoyed it and loved it was a single and complete story all in one.  I also liked how the title really played in.  The idea of making a promise as a child you know is impossible to keep because you have no concept of the idea of forever.

                Until next time.

The Edge of Juniper

                Hello happy readers!  So last year I read and reviewed Outspoken by Lora Richardson (review) and really enjoyed it.  When I was asked about reviewing her next book The Edge of Juniper I was more than happy to do so.  Things got a bit crazy and I’m more than a bit behind but I was finally able to read this book in pretty much one sitting.  Would have been one but I got off work and hard to drive home to finish it ;)  So here are my thoughts and feels on it.

Rating:  5 Stars

                Sixteen-year-old Fay is spending the whole summer with her Aunt, Uncle, and cousins in the small little town of Juniper, Indiana.  She is excited for the adventure having been close and loving her week long visits to spend with her cousin Celia.  Though she quickly discovers that things are not what they seem and far from the perfect way she imagined.  Her Uncle has a grudge with the Dearing family in town and no one is supposed to speak with them, off limits.  Not a problem.  Until Fay is left with lots of free time as Celia has a boyfriend keeping her busy most of the time.  Enter Malcolm, the sweet, warm, and attractive boy who caught her eye.  Only one problem, he’s Malcolm Dearing and off limits.  This only makes her think of him even more as the summer and all the happenings going on in Juniper.

                I really enjoyed this one.  It was super sweet in so many ways.  I just adore Malcolm.  Seriously book boyfriend material of the highest quality!  The story was also very real.  It tackled so much in handling so many issues from alcoholism, first love, and all types of relationships and loves both healthy and not so healthy.  Still while some items really tugged at your heart or upset you there was so many other funny or lighthearted scenes that all flowed so wonderfully together.  The story as a whole really came together and I just had such a good time reading it.

                I enjoyed being with Fay as she stayed with her family for eight months and learned so much but mostly about herself.  She came to really know who she is as a person and the self discovery was wonderful.  While I didn't always agree with Fay she had he reasons for things and she was willing to admit when she was wrong.  Malcolm was just wonderful in so many ways and what I think most would adore in a boyfriend.   Celia is so much different from Fay in many ways but at the same time you see the similarities as well.  Their relationship also had me turning the pages to see what would happen. The Edge of Juniper is a beautiful contemporary that you can fly through on a nice lazy day but that might also tear at your heart as well.  I know I got teary in parts.  Falling in and out of love, first love, and family love are just a few of the loves to love about this book.  I highly recommend it. 

                Until next time…

A Season for Fireflies

  

                Hello happy readers!  So today I wanted to share my thoughts and feels on a cute contemporary that I read some time back that I realized I never posted my review on.  Bad me.  The book in question is ASeason For Fireflies by Rebecca Maizel and the original review can be found on No BS Book Reviews as I received a copy for an always honest review.

Rating:  4 Stars

               This book was such a quick read.  I flew through it in one sitting which is a great feeling to start and finish a book so rapidly and have that sense of completion.

                That said this book hits one of those areas that I’ve seen pop up a bit more as of late, memory loss.  Whatever the circumstance the memory is lost to a point and how life has changed.  This always intrigues me and makes me wonder if I lost my memory and had to ask people what kind of person I was would I like the answer.  Penny didn't lose all of her memories just those from the last year when her life went completely upside down from what she was used to. 

                Penny is fun and quirky.  She always likes to make an entrance and she loves her friends and has her passion.  She is having a hard time with things at home though and it takes a toll.  I could relate to some of her decisions and her lack of desire to want to talk about things even with her closest friends.  When you've always thrived at being in the spotlight and now you need to step back and stay out of the light.  Sometimes it's easier to start fresh, rather than pull down the good in one's life with the bad.  She makes some pretty crappy decisions along the way.  She basically decides to change her entire life in one emotion filled night.  While it made an interesting concept but it was a bit harder to see her sticking to her guns like that.

                Two others who really caught my eye were Wes and new BFF Kylie.  I loved the dynamic after Penny loses her memory and pretty much doesn't remember Kylie but on the other end she always felt a connection to Wes.  There is something really great in those parts to read.  Maizel did a great job there. I enjoyed post memory loss the best part because it was like relearning things all over again and the emotions portrayed were so genuine.  Confused to find your life not as you remember….horrifying.  Thankfully for me my life doesn't change all that much so I wouldn't have much issue but it's still a scary thought.  I wish we had a bit more with her original drama friends before to get more of a feel for them and just have a bit more of a connection to them but for such a short read it gave me enough to imagine the depth of their connection. 

                This book is full of complex dynamics between friends past and present and reconciling the different but it also touches on some serious family dynamics. Her mom is not mom of the year.  Her dad is sweet but distant, lost in his own world.  Throughout the book they both come into play and both factor into who she is and who she becomes because in the end it's a book of self discovery.  It only took a little lightening strike in a pool to help her put her priorities in order.  Side note here, apologize to my mother for all the times I rolled my eyes as she made me get out of the pool when it started to storm because yep nope this doesn't sound fun in the least.

                Overall I enjoyed it and for a couple hours of reading I had a great time.  I even liked the idea of the influx of fireflies because who doesn't remember being a kid and chasing after them to catch them.  In times much more innocent before things got all wonky and adulting took over.  

All the Feels

                Hello happy readers!  So today I wanted to share a review I did for No BS Book Reviews because it was so adorable and I loved it!  I had to share it here as well but you can find my original post in full here.  But yeah I have mentioned it a few times and wanted it on here as well!  That is All the Feels by Danika Stone.

Rating:  5 Stars

                This story is about a girl who is all about her fandom.  After the latest movie comes out and the lead, her hero is killed off she can't handle it and dives into her fandom for comfort.  Then an insane idea hits and with the help of her friend and her skills she plans to bring him back. She is juggling this epic task with school, family, and a pretty disastrous love life.  Oh and hanging out with her best friend. This book is full of feels!

                This book was just adorable.  Seriously.  Okay so it's about a major fangirl which I can totally relate to.  She's also a bit of a recluse and spends more time with online people than in real life, again I can relate to that. 

                Awesome factor:  The chapters all started with a quote from a movie/series/etc that has a huge fandom which only added to my desire to get to the next chapter to see what was picked next.  It was really something extra that just made me feel all the feels, pun intended.

                Liv was such a dynamic character because she had such passion for something and no one was going to deter her from it.  Liv was far from perfect and had some issues balancing things in her life but who doesn't?  I know I do.  Over time I've learned to adapt but she's still young and again something I think most can relate with.  But my favorite characteristic of Liv and what made her dear to me is her total acceptance of Xander and his steampunk cosplay lifestyle and was never embarrassed about it.  True friendship for sure.

                Xander is the same way.  He is there for her and always happy to listen to her and help her out.  He had some of the best lines that just had me grinning.  The things that came out of his mouth.  Plus he was sexy as all get out and not gonna lie I kind of dig the steampunk thing.

                Part of the book takes place at DragonCon.  I've heard nothing but amazing things about this event, which I am hoping to maybe be able to swing attending next year for the first time.  But to read a first time encounter from a fangirl just makes me want to go all the more.  It also made me want fast food at odd hours.

                That's it.  This book is all about the feels, the emotions and connections between people, fandoms, and everything in between.  Its super fast to fly through and totally worth the read!

Just a Few Inches

                Hello happy readers!  First announcement the giveaway for a SIGNED copy of The Winner’s Kiss by Marie Rutkoski closes tonight!  This weekend was pretty eventful for me, I spent all day Saturday with my family which was fun (my dad also hooked up my back-up camera so score!) and the other days were spent sleeping, reading, and baking/cooking.  I tried a couple new ideas for baking with grasshopper cookies and tiramisu cupcakes and they are currently being taste tested by my co-workers.  Some of the reading I did was to pick up Justa Few Inches by Tara St. Pierre.  I received a copy from the author for an honest review.

Rating: 4 Stars

                Just a Few Inches is a YA contemporary novel with a small sci-fi element that deals with body image, self-esteem, and teenage relationships with both friends and family.  Carrie likes herself well enough but she would like to be a little more or less in some areas; a bit larger chest and a bit less overall weight.  She’s a cheerleader and has a star basketball player boyfriend and two amazing best friends, her life is good.  But as her boyfriend’s ex starts to become more flirtatious with him again Carrie feels more pressure than before to find the perfect dress to the Valentine’s Day Dance.  She finds it.  THE dress is perfect, but she is a few inches away from it zipping and no amount of exercise or dieting will work in the time she has so she succumbs to an ad for weight loss pills promising a quick solution.  Just a few inches slimmer is the goal.  Dance day and all is perfect in life until days later she begins to notice she is no longer her usual size.  She wasn’t losing a few inches the way she imagined but instead was shrinking.  She much work with her doctors to find a cure while leaning on her family and friends and taking a hard look at what has happened to her.

                 I’m past my high school days and while I do accept my body much more now than I ever thought possible back in school I’m still not comfortable with it all the time.  I have a better understanding over time though and my feelings are based more on health than other things like in the past.  Just a Few Inches tackles the whole concept of body image in a way that forces one character to reflect on it in the most extreme way possible.  Carrie is shrinking and not how she’d hoped and also not stopping.  There are impossible standards put before us at such a young age these days from filters to airbrushing and more from magazines and TV/movies it’s all there.  Last night I even counted the amount of diet/weight loss ads I saw in only four hours: twelve different ads some playing multiple times.  I liked Carrie because she knew the ads were a joke and the media was manipulating her into thinking she needed them but even knowing that logically her brain and heart still were ready to do anything to fit into the perfect dress.  I could reflect back and think this book may have been even more impactful back when I was in school and was dealing with the issues in a more immediate way. 

                 Relationships are one of the most important things in this book and something I really enjoyed.  Both with her family and friends there were ups and downs.  Carries family is a combo of her and her younger her step-sister and her half-sister and her mom and stepdad.  Siblings can be difficult on a good day and monsters on others I know and I liked the way the author captured that.  She really brought in how the matter not only effected Carrie but those around her.  She also has her two best friends Trish and Lauren who I loved and totally could see as some of my friends.  They both have their own different personalities that play off one another well and it’s easy to see why they are friends.  Another character I enjoyed was Evan and how he worked through the story, from her co-editor on the school paper who is constant.

                Another character and subplot I enjoyed was that of rival cheerleader and all around mean girl Janelle.  Around this time I also came to my slight issue.  Carrie was much more forgiving than anyone I ever knew.  Some of the things people do to her that she just moves on from with understand are things I would have lost my mind over.  I could see it showing as while she was getting smaller physically she was being a bigger person in whole and I like the symbolism there but personally some things that people got away with rubbed me the wrong way.  Even knowing the circumstances I had no sympathy.  I recently watched a movie I can’t remember the title of but it popped up on Netflix about a teen who is bullied and things around it and I remember at the end it was how the bully didn’t realize she was so mean and she had some issues of her own which while I understand I don’t think anything you go through gives you the right to bully others to make yourself feel better.  But I digress that could be a whole post in and of itself.

                The way things played out as she got smaller and smaller and the challenges she faced each and every day were something insane.  Some I thought of immediately being an issue but other things brought up I never would have thought of and now they make me think about The Borrowers or Thumbelina a bit differently.  I’m 5’7 and can generally reach most things without assistance but the idea of not being able to any longer is disconcerting. 

                Overall the book was a quick read and it was sweet and cheesy at times but it was good and more importantly it has a good message.  I think most can relate to the story and see some aspect of their current or past selves in her.  I would recommend this as a good perspective book and definitely for anyone currently in middle school or high school.  I am glad to have read this story.  I’d love to hear your thoughts on the book or the premises in the comments below. 

                Until next time…

The Last Time We Were Us

                Hello happy readers!  So this weekend has been semi-productive so score on adulting there.  First I have some news for you and that is to announce the winner of the giveaway for a signed copy of The Star-Touched Queen by Roshani Chokshi and that winner is: Wendy S.  Congrats!  I plan to have another giveaway running soon  so stay tuned for that but in the mean time I have the chance to review, The Last Time We Were Us by Leah Konen for No BS Book Reviews and my original review can be found here.

Rating:  4 Stars

                I went into this book having read the summary and wanting a nice contemporary.  Something to kind of bring me back to reality post lots of fantasy reads and this one sounded like a solid choice.  I enjoyed the read and surprised myself a little even.  It was a quick read for me and something I can see easily enjoyed on a relaxing summer day. 

                Liz is pretty relatable if a bit image obsessed at times.  She has some morals and beliefs she doesn’t want to give up but at the same time she is willing to give up a lot to be “popular” in the dream summer she’s planned out.  This includes becoming the girlfriend of the most popular guy in school, Innis Taylor, and she is already well on her way to making it happen.  Then her childhood and ex-best friend, Jason Sullivan, shows back up in town released early from juvie.  The guy her hopeful boyfriend hates.  The whole town hates really.

                Innis, I wasn’t sure what to make of him at first.  He came off a bit conceited and like a stereotypical rich guy jerk with anger issues.  He did grow on me at some parts but he is quick to temper and doesn’t have the best control and personally that doesn’t appeal to me.  He was a bit predictable at times but he also surprised me as well so it kind of evened off. 

                Now Jason I wasn’t sure if I’d like his character going in.  He is angsty for sure and cryptic about the truth.  They hadn’t been friends when it happened, he’d dumped her for the “cool kids” well before he ended up in juvie and at first he seemed to want to be her friend again like old times because he had no one else willing to give him a chance.  It seemed at first to me like a fall back option and I’m never a fan of being a second pick or back up.  Here again Liz shined for me because she called him out of just that.  She calls him out on a lot actually which might be why I liked her as much as I did. 

                There is plenty of drama though, not just with the forbidden friendship and love triangle type vibe but small town drama.  Southern small town drama to be more precise and as someone who was raised in a small town in the south where people had their mind made up about you prior to having met you I could see it all perfectly.  Once a reputation is tanked it’s hard to regain in.  And when it’s a “someone” in the town, you know the ones who own or have their name on everything, it blows up supernova style.  The truth isn’t always important only the most popular opinion of the facts that makes the rounds matters.  Perception is all that matters.

                Konen also manages to tie in the very real aspect of parents trying to live their child’s life for them.  There is a fine line between helping your child succeed and trying to force them down a path they want no part of for your own gain.  Face it parents aren’t free of peer pressure.  I know, peer pressure led to a very awkward and out of the blue conversation between my mother and I on ‘what boys want’ that never needed to happen at that time; though that memory is still a hilarious thing I look back on.  The story also displays sex and ones first time, in different lights, in a realistic yet not graphic way that I don’t see much when reading so kudos for that. 

                Overall the characters were fun for me, all flawed-seriously everyone was, but the pacing and writing style worked nicely to blend the characters and the plot along while including some genuine moments for the reader to relate to.  I enjoyed this and would recommend it for any contemporary lover looking for a quick read.