The Forbidden Orchid by Sharon Biggs Waller Adventure Historical Fiction Romance Suspense Thriller * * * * Stars (Great!) Elodie Buchanan is the eldest of 10 daughters in a family that’s being torn apart by her plant collector father’s continued absence. Unspeakable things happened to him on his last trip to China and he remains haunted and broken in his apartment at Kew gardens. When his employer threatens to take everything they own to recoup … Read more
Thanks for the Trouble by Tommy Wallach Realistic Fiction * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) Parker Santé hasn’t spoken in 5 years when he meets the mysterious, silver-haired Zelda Toth, whom he’s attempting to rob in the dining room of the Palace Hotel. He’s so distracted by her presence that he leaves his notebook at the scene of the crime. When he returns to retrieve it, she’s reading it. Intrigued by what she’s read … Read more
The Seven Torments of Amy and Craig by Don Zolidis Historical Fiction Realistic Fiction Romance * * * * Stars (Great!) Craig and Amy are an unlikely couple – Amy is popular, outgoing, and a real class leader, while Craig has a few awkward nerdy friends who get together on Saturday nights to play D&D. But when Craig starts crushing on Amy, he finds a way for them to spend more time together – he … Read more
Holding Up the Universe by Jennifer Niven Realistic Fiction Romance * * * * Stars (Great!) Libby Strout was the girl who had to be cut out of her own house when she ballooned up to 653 pounds and earned herself the title of “America’s Fattest Teen.” Jack Masselin grew up across the street from Libby (before she moved) and has become the cool, suave guy. He’s also just discovered there’s a name for the … Read more
Wildcard sequel to Warcross by Marie Lu Mystery Romance Science Fiction Suspense Thriller * * * Stars (Pretty good) When Emika Chen learns that Hideo has created an algorithm that allows him to control the minds of anyone who uses his NeuroLink, she breaks off their relationship and turns to Zero, the mysterious entity who attempted to sabotage the Warcross Championships. He knew what Hideo was going to do, and now he has another plan … Read more
Fake Blood by Whitney Gardner Funny Graphic Novel Realistic Fiction Romance * * * * Stars (Great!) Now that AJ and his friends are in 6th grade, he’s hoping that something will change. Hunter and Ivy, who did fun things over the summer, have both grown several inches, but AJ, who stayed home and read all summer, is still short and boring. He does catch a break, however, when his new teacher pairs him with … Read more
I’m From Nowhere by Suzanne Myers Mystery Realistic Fiction Romance * * * * Stars (Great!) Wren’s journalist mother gets a once in a life opportunity to report on a story in Greenland for 6 months, but as a result, Wren has to go to Hardwick Hall – a boarding school on the east coast (very far away from her home in Ventura, CA) where her mom was once a student. Wren takes the opportunity … Read more
Heretics Anonymous by Katie Henry Realistic Fiction Romance * * * * Stars (Great!) Michael’s family has had to move 4 times so far to accommodate his father’s job, and they’re all pretty sick of the upheavals. Michael’s now attending a fancy private Catholic school called St. Clare’s (although, he’s an atheist), and looking for at least one other fellow outcast to befriend. He finds several and ends up joining their support group – Heretics … Read more
Bring Me Their Hearts by Sara Wolf Fairytale Fantasy Horror Romance Supernatural Suspense/Thriller * * * * Stars (Great!) When Zera’s family was murdered by bandits, she alone was saved – by a witch (Nightsinger) – who turned her “Heartless” by removing her physical heart and placing it in an ensorcelled jar. Heartless have some wonderful abilities due to their ties to their witches (they can’t die, and their wounds heal almost instantly), but they … Read more
Love and Other Foreign Words by Erin McCahan Realistic Fiction Romance * * * * Stars (Great!) Josie is part of a close-knit family who understand her even if they don’t always speak the same language. Josie is pretty particular about her likes and dislikes and when her older sister brings home her fiancé, Geoff, she takes an immediate dislike to him. He is SO obnoxious – talks far too much, makes ridiculous assumptions about … Read more