Nothing Else But Miracles by Kate Albus Historical Fiction Review #1 * * * * Stars (Great!) Named for the sea, since, after all, both of their parents are. Fish (Fisher) Byrne, Dory (Doris) Byrne, and Pike Byrne are siblings living in Manhattan at the time of World War II. This is nothing new, yet there is something very distinct about these siblings. 1) Their father is away, fighting in the war. 2) They are … Read more
Emily of Deep Valley by Maud Hart Lovelace Historical Fiction Realistic Fiction Romance Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) It’s at the end of the school year, and all of the exciting events are occurring. There’s the Junior-Senior dance, dresses to be made, the parade, and of course, Commencement day in which orations are given, and the seniors are officially graduated. Emily Webster is a quiet, shy, and socially awkward girl who … Read more
A Very Large Expanse of Sea by Tahereh Mafi Historical Fiction Realistic Fiction Romance Review #1 * * * * Stars (Great!) “A Very Large Expanse of Sea” tells the story of a teenage Muslim American girl dealing with racism and Islamophobia after 9/11. The story follows the protagonist, Shirin, and takes place in 2002. Shirin is tired of being stereotyped and is never surprised by how horrible people can be. She endures many comments … Read more
Go Set a Watchman sequel to To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee Historical Fiction Review #1 * Star (A Waste of time) “Go Set a Watchman” is the sequel to the iconic novel, “To Kill a Mockingbird,” by Harper Lee. Featuring many of the same characters from TKaM, this book follows Scout Finch, who is now grown up. It is set in the mid-1950s in Maycomb, Alabama. Jean Louise Finch returns home to Maycomb … Read more
Ranger’s Apprentice series by John Flanagan Adventure Fantasy Mystery Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) This series follows the adventures of Will, an orphan who is chosen as an apprentice Ranger, one of the skilled archers, trackers, and warriors of the King of Araluen. Will strives to keep the Kingdom safe from intruders. This book is an exceptional start to a thrilling series with vivid imagery, compelling character development, and impressive storytelling. … Read more
Pie in the Sky by Remi Lai Realistic Fiction Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) An adjusting eleven-year-old boy, Jingwen struggles to get used to his new home in Australia and deal with his annoying little brother Yanghao. Still trying to deal with the loss of his dad, Jingwen finds a way to cope by baking cakes with his father, just like his father used to make with him. With a heartfelt … Read more
Iron Widow Iron Widow #1 by Xiran Jay Zhao Dystopian Fantasy LGBTQ+ Romance Science Fiction Review #1 * * * Stars (Pretty good) 18-year-old Zetian’s sister has just been killed during one of the fights against the plague of aliens that lurk outside the Great Wall. Her sister, like many others, was a concubine to a male mech pilot and her consciousness was sacrificed for the sake of the male pilot. Zetian vows to seek … Read more
Lock and Key by Sarah Dessen Romance Review #1 * * * Stars (Pretty good) Ruby Cooper has just been hauled off to live with her sister, Cora and her husband Jamie after 10 years of not a peep from her. All she did was live in a house by herself since her mom had left her, but she was doing fine! Even though the yellow house was infested with bugs and the water didn’t … Read more
Bad Romance by Heather Demetrios Realistic Fiction Romance Thriller Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) This is personally my favorite book ever, and talks about how Grace always wants out of her small town and away from her controlling stepdad and mom who force her to clean. Gavin, a local rock star, seems like he can give her that. When they finally get together, though, he seems extremely toxic and Grace feels … Read more
Wildfire Maple Hills series, book #2 by Hannah Grace Romance Review #1 * * * * Stars (Great!) In this book, Russ and Aurora have a great one-night stand after meeting at a party, but Aurora suddenly leaves after because she is used to not wanting much from men based on the strained relationship she has with her father. Then when they both get to camp, they realize they are both counselors and first start … Read more