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.

Outspoken by Lora Richardson

                Today I have a book that I was contacted by the author about her book.  She was looking to spread the word on it and asked if I would be interested in having a read.  I read the summary and was interested.  I do really enjoy a good contemporary book they can bring you back to earth when lost in tons of wonderful fantasy.  A copy of this book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.  So here are my thoughts on Outspoken by Lora Richardson.

Rating:  5 Stars

                Outspoken is a story of Penny, the girl who like many say yes when she really means no.  She keeps to herself, follows rules, and is a good girl.  After an eye opening experience she is determined to change her ways.  She wants to build a back bone and be the strong woman she dreams of and the best way to do that is to practice.  So moving cross-country to check on her grandpa she decides to try out her whole bolder and more outspoken attitude when she meets the strangers of the town.  Practice saying and doing what she wants without worrying what anyone else thinks.  That’s the plan.  Practice on practice people who don’t count because who cares what they think.  Until she does care.  Can she stick to her guns?

                I am much more outspoken now but even in middle school and high school I always spoke my mind even when I was beyond shy.  I might not jump right in but I never let anyone push me around.  Still I did like pleasing people, still do in some ways I do bake for my work people all the time after all, but there is a limit to it.  I have known people through life that remind me of Penny, who let others take advantage of them and their disinterest in any type of conflict.  Some do it by accident truly not knowing and others count on it to get what they want.  I was invested in Penny from the start and had hope for her after having the courage to move cross-country.  That’s a huge thing to leave your comfort zone. 

                 The story was a quick read and I enjoyed Penny and her little adventures.  It has a small town vibe also which was charming.  All the new characters, practice people, where fun and entertaining.  I could see the interactions and conversations playing out naturally before me.  Each one offered the story something different and helped Penny along on her journey.  Penny doesn’t instantly become a different person, she is still her but she is able to think things through.  I like that and she is still open to things even if her first thought is no she isn’t rigid in that. 

                I really enjoyed how Richardson handled the issues in the story.  Facing sick family and what it means for their life.  Making a bad decision that you regret, something you can’t take back, and living with it afterwards.  Finding your own place separate from that of what you came from. Family issues in several different aspects and how it effects you in different ways.  Confusion after school of knowing what you want to do with your life.  All of this was handled beautifully.  I just adored this story and would recommend it to everyone. 

                 This story has really made me think of things in my own life and how there are some things I just go along with just to keep things calm and not rock the boat, like work.  I’d love to hear your thoughts on the book and on the idea itself.  Are you more of a people pleaser or do you always speak your mind and do only what you want, or have you found the happy middle group?  Share in the comments below so we can discuss J

                Until next time…