ISLA AND THE HAPPILY EVER AFTER

So we all waited for a long time for this one and I am happy to say that in my opinion it was worth the wait. I loved this from the very first page and I LOVED returning to beautiful Paris for another year of higher education.

I loved Isla, I loved Josh, I just enjoyed this. It isn't as perfect as Anna and the French Kiss, but it was great in it's own way. It is a more mature book than both Anna and Lola content wise just to give readers a heads up. 

BOOK BLURB:

From the glittering streets of Manhattan to the moonlit rooftops of Paris, falling in love is easy for hopeless dreamer Isla and introspective artist Josh. But as they begin their senior year in France, Isla and Josh are quickly forced to confront the heartbreaking reality that happily-ever-afters aren’t always forever.

Their romantic journey is skillfully intertwined with those of beloved couples Anna and Étienne and Lola and Cricket, whose paths are destined to collide in a sweeping finale certain to please fans old and new.

Read more about it HERE. 

FANGIRL: RAINBOW ROWELL

I have been so excited for this release, and folks it did not disappoint. This is just as delightful but completely different from Rowell's last book, Eleanor & Park. I loved them both and I can now officially add Rowell as an author to watch. Try not to get too excited but here in the pages of Fangirl you will find a story about a girl in college who doesn't act trashy, meet the hottest guy ever, and have crazy sexy times while she falls in love to said hottest guy who tends to be a bit abusive all wrapped up in a terribly written book! (Ugh! So sick of those!)

I don't know if I can say enough wonderful things about this book. It has amazing quotes galore, it has the most satisfying believable sister (twin) relationship I have ever read, it is freaking swoony and wonderful, and our heroine...she is terribly awesome! She's a self proclaimed nut but you love her, you just love her.

The only thing that pulled me from this was the inserted Fanfic moments. They are well done but, for me, I just wanted to get back to Cath's story. A story that honestly consumed me from beginning to end. Why? Because Rowell paces this perfectly revealing little by little the story of Cath's new and old life making it such a full and enjoyable read.

BOOK BLURB:

Cath is a Simon Snow fan.

Okay, the whole world is a Simon Snow fan . . .

But for Cath, being a fan is her life — and she’s really good at it. She and her twin sister, Wren, ensconced themselves in the Simon Snow series when they were just kids; it’s what got them through their mother leaving.

Reading. Rereading. Hanging out in Simon Snow forums, writing Simon Snow fan fiction, dressing up like the characters for every movie premiere.

Cath’s sister has mostly grown away from fandom, but Cath can’t let go. She doesn’t want to.

Now that they’re going to college, Wren has told Cath she doesn’t want to be roommates. Cath is on her own, completely outside of her comfort zone. She’s got a surly roommate with a charming, always-around boyfriend, a fiction-writing professor who thinks fan fiction is the end of the civilized world, a handsome classmate who only wants to talk about words . . . And she can’t stop worrying about her dad, who’s loving and fragile and has never really been alone.

For Cath, the question is: Can she do this?

Can she make it without Wren holding her hand? Is she ready to start living her own life? Writing her own stories?

And does she even want to move on if it means leaving Simon Snow behind?

When I received this through NetGalley I did a little happy dance, so thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this read. I'm going to have to buy a hard copy though as well so I can hold it close as I fall asleep. Read more about it HERE. Read my review and love for Rowell's first YA release, Eleanor & Park HERE.

SUMMER GIVEWAY HOP: SIGNED COPY OF ON LITTLE WINGS

I have shared this book before, back when it was a little self published book on Amazon. Since then it has won the Amazon Breakthrough award which means now it is a beautiful published book. I was excited to meet Regina this past month when she came through Utah to sign some books. She was a really wonderful, humble, well spoken person. I enjoyed meeting her very much and also loved getting a signed book for me and one for my blog.

If you ever wanted to spend summer in Maine with your long lost aunt and meet people who will change your life in unexpectied ways then you'll love this read.

BOOK BLURB:

Jennifer is an only child, and so were her parents—at least that's what she thinks, until she finds an old photo in the back of one of her mother's books. The woman in the photo looks just like Jennifer, down to the smattering of freckles across her nose. And her mother refuses to talk about it.

Compelled to find answers, Jennifer embarks on a quest that takes her from the wheat fields of Nebraska to the fishing town of Smithport, Maine, home to the one person who can help her solve this family secret—the woman in the photo. But Jennifer learns that it takes the entire village of Smithport to piece together the story of her mother's hidden past. She needs help from Nathan, the genius with the reluctant smile from across the cove; Little, the elderly town matriarch and former movie star; and The Jacks, three weathered fishermen who dabble in pyrotechnics. As Jennifer discovers the lost chapters of her mother's life, she unwittingly begins to write a few chapters of her own.

Elegantly written, On Little Wings is an evocative debut novel about self discovery, first love, and the power of family

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THE LUCY VARIATIONS: SARA ZARR

Oh Sara Zarr how you take ordinary words and make each one feel important and needed. Words should throw you a freaking parade!

I was lucky enough to attend the launch party of The Lucy Variations and was able to hear Sara share the very personal story of how this book came into being. She is an exceptional speaker because she speaks like she writes. Open, honest, and with heart.

The first time I met Sara, she was in the process of writing this book. She shared how she chose to write in third person and how she was already deciding that this might be the big flop of her career. I don't normally like third person but had just read and loved The Probability of Miracles which is a very well done third person YA book, so I knew it could be done well and I kind of assumed Sara Zarr could do it.

This book is so stinking beautiful and it makes you ask so many questions about your own life. My favorite question asked in the book is: What do you love? Because what we really truly love is life itself. One thing I love? Sara Zarr's simple, perfect prose. And how she seems to makes her stories seem effortless even though you know her whole heart and soul went into the pages...the very opposite of effortless.

BOOK BLURB:

Lucy Beck-Moreau once had a promising future as a concert pianist. The right people knew her name, her performances were booked months in advance, and her future seemed certain.

That was all before she turned fourteen.

Now, at sixteen, it's over. A death, and a betrayal, led her to walk away. That leaves her talented ten-year-old brother, Gus, to shoulder the full weight of the Beck-Moreau family expectations. Then Gus gets a new piano teacher who is young, kind, and interested in helping Lucy rekindle her love of piano -- on her own terms. But when you're used to performing for sold-out audiences and world-famous critics, can you ever learn to play just for yourself?

National Book Award finalist Sara Zarr takes readers inside the exclusive world of privileged San Francisco families, top junior music competitions, and intense mentorships. The Lucy Variations is a story of one girl's struggle to reclaim her love of music and herself. It's about finding joy again, even when things don't go according to plan. Because life isn't a performance, and everyone deserves the chance to make a few mistakes along the way.

Read more about it HERE. Has a teeny tiny bit of swearing, but is noticeably clean.

ONE PERFECT SUMMER: PAIGE TOON

Paige Toon has done it again, she has delighted me from front cover to back in her newest book. Our MCs are in college for most of this book. It used to be very had to find books with characters of this age, now there is the growing genre of New Adult and you can now find college age characters in abundance. However, so many of those books aren't really very polished and just seem to me to be drawing readers in with scandalous sex scenes. (That is my opinion anyway...) 

Toon's One Perfect Summer isn't like that at all. Since I am always on the hunt for great college reads this book is a perfect little gem of a find for me. It is probably my favorite of her books (and I have read them all now), and it is one amazing story of first love. The book spans almost a decade and it is a wonderfully absorbing journey just like all of this author's books. (Can you tell I am a fan?) 

BOOK BLURB:

'And you still love him?'
'Every second of every minute of every hour of every day…'

While on holiday in Dorset one summer, Alice meets Joe, a guy working at the local pub. She's eighteen and on the brink of starting university, while Joe's life is seemingly going nowhere. But despite their differences, the pair fall hopelessly and desperately in love. And then summer comes to an end and they are dramatically torn apart.

Alice heads off to university in Cambridge where she gets a part-time job punting on the River Cam and slowly picks up the pieces of her broken heart. One day Lukas - a gorgeous golden boy from Cambridge University - spies her and it's not long before Alice falls for his charms.

Months turns into years, but then Joe comes back into Alice's life again in a way that she could never have imagined. While Alice lives her ordinary life with Lukas, she has to watch from the sidelines as Joe's life becomes evermore extraordinary. She never stopped loving him, but he's out of her reach now, surely? And what about Lukas?

One thing that is consistent in all of Toon's writing is her talk of sex, and great swoony scenes without graphic sex scenes. She always has a little bad language skittered throughout, but never anything distracting. If you haven't ever read one of her books, I obviously highly encourage you to do so.

There is a short story called One Perfect Christmas available on Amazon that adds a bit more to the original book, I bought it even though it took me no time at all to read it. I think it was too much money for what I got, however I love Toon so much, I don't mind throwing $3.99 her way. 

Read more about it HERE.

DREAMING OF SUMMER GIVEAWAY HOP: THE BLUE BISTRO

I'd say most of the books I read could be described as light "beach reads", so it was kind of tricky to pick a book to feature for this giveaway. The Blue Bistro is so summer! I am re-reading it now and I am currently sucked into a wonderful Nantucket setting surrounded by food I wish was real.

BOOK BLURB:

Adrienne Dealey has spent the past six years working for hotels in exotic resort towns. This summer she has decided to make Nantucket home. Left flat broke by her ex-boyfriend, she is desperate to earn some fast money. When the desirable Thatcher Smith, owner of Nantucket's hottest restaurant, is the only one to offer her a job, she wonders if she can get by with no restaurant experience. Thatcher gives Adrienne a crash course in the business...and they share an instant attraction.
But there is a mystery about their situation: What is it about Fiona, the Blue Bistro's chef, who captures Thatcher's attention again and again? And why does such a successful restaurant seem to be in its final season before closing its doors for good? Despite her uncertainty, Adrienne must decide whether she'll move on, as she always does--or finally open her heart.

I'm gonna give away one copy to one lucky winner! Enter for your chance to be that winner...

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A LITTLE WANTING SONG: CATH CROWLEY

I could drown in this book. It is masterfully poetic without seeming like it is trying to hard. It celebrates the ties of  romance, friendship,  and family. If I made movies I would make a movie of this book. The characters are so alive and full. This is one of my favorite books of all time. I recommend, I recommend, I recommend!

BOOK BLURB:

A summer of friendship, romance, and songs in major chords. . .

CHARLIE DUSKIN loves music, and she knows she's good at it. But she only sings when she's alone, on the moonlit porch or in the back room at Old Gus's Secondhand Record and CD Store. Charlie's mom and grandmother have both died, and this summer she's visiting her grandpa in the country, surrounded by ghosts and grieving family, and serving burgers to the local kids at the milk bar. She's got her iPod, her guitar, and all her recording equipment, but she wants more: A friend. A dad who notices her. The chance to show Dave Robbie that she's not entirely unspectacular.

ROSE BUTLER lives next door to Charlie's grandfather and spends her days watching cars pass on the freeway and hanging out with her troublemaker boyfriend. She loves Luke but can't wait to leave their small country town. And she's figured out a way: she's won a scholarship to a science school in the city, and now she has to convince her parents to let her go. This is where Charlie comes in. Charlie, who lives in the city, and whom Rose has ignored for years. Charlie, who just might be Rose's ticket out.

Told in alternating voices and filled with music, friendship, and romance, Charlie and Rose's "little wanting song" is about the kind of longing that begins as a heavy ache but ultimately makes us feel hopeful and wonderfully alive.  

Read more about this HERE.

CARTER FINALLY GETS IT: BRENT CRAWFORD

Last year, after delightedly laughing to myself during my first read of Carter Finally Gets It, I wondered this: Who else is going to like this book? It is irreverant, crude, and kind of offensive, so anyone who I share this book with is going to think I'm nuts. But at the same time, it is all those things while also being hilarious, smart, sweet, and touching. In the end I had to admit it: I freaking fell in utter love with Carter. As I have shared this book with a few trusted friends, I have found that I am not the only one falling for his charms.

BOOK BLURB:

Meet Will Carter, but feel free to call him Carter. (Yes, he knows it's a lazy nickname, but he didn't have much say in the matter.)

Here are five things you should know about him:

1. He has a stuttering problem, particularly around boobs and bellybuttons.

2. He battles attention devicit disorder ever minute of every day...unless he gets distracted.

3. He's a virgin, mostly because he is not good at talking to girls (see number 1).

4. He's about to start high school.

5. He's totally not ready.

Join Carter for his freshman year, where he;ll search for sex, love, and acceptance anywhere he can find it. In the process he'll almost kill a trombone player, face off against his greatest nemesis, get caught up in a messy love triangle, suffer a lot of blood loss, narrowly escape death, run from the cops (not once but twice), meet his match in the form of a curvy drill teamer, and surprise the hell out of everyone, including himself.

Take a hilarious walk into the mind of the most real 14 year old male voice I have ever read. A boy who talks like he is a lot older than he is, but acts just his age. Carter is so darn endearing because he is so aware of what makes him uncool, which only makes him more popular in school and cool to the reader. 

I just re-read this because the third Carter book was just released. The two sequels are not as great as the first, but my friends who are true Carter fans still love them.

Read more about it HERE.

DAIRY QUEEN: CATHERINE GILBERT MURDOCK

I just finished re-reading one of my favorite reads of last year. Dairy Queen is the kind of book that makes you want to cheer at the end. I put off reading this for the first time for a while because I hate football and reading about a farm girl who is good at football sounded, like totally lame to me. So why did I end up absolutely loving it? Well, it is because Murdock completely masters voice in this. D.J.'s character is so clear to you, and her rambling hilarious voice is just so easy to love.

Dairy Queen is the first of a trilogy and I wish I could say I love the second and third books as much, but I don't think they have the same spark. (Although, I have had plenty of friends disagree and love the entire series.) After reading them again I feel like both books could have been combined into one. They are still great reads overall, it is just hard to be as awesome as Dairy Queen.

And can I give a shout out to good old Brian? He might be the most honest and real teenager boy ever. He isn't perfect or smooth or all that nice sometimes. But he is exactly what I remember boys being like at his age.

BOOK BLURB:

When you don't talk, there's a lot of stuff that ends up not getting said. Harsh words indeed, from Brian Nelson of all people. But, D.J. can't help admitting, maybe he's right. When you don't talk, there's a lot of stuff that ends up not getting said. Stuff like why her best friend, Amber, isn't so friendly anymore. Or why her little brother, Curtis, never opens his mouth. Why her mom has two jobs and a big secret. Why her college-football-star brothers won't even call home. Why her dad would go ballistic if she tried out for the high school football team herself. And why Brian is so, so out of her league. When you don't talk, there's a lot of stuff that ends up not getting said. Welcome to the summer that fifteen-year-old D.J. Schwenk of Red Bend, Wisconsin, learns to talk, and ends up having an awful lot of stuff to say.

Read more about this HERE.

NOBODY'S GIRL: SARRA MANNING

I'm kind of in love with Sarra Manning these days. In fact, I feel like I might be having some kind of one-sided book affair with her. I picked up my first Manning book on a whim, and devouring her past books has been ever so wonderful.

Nobody's Girl might be my favorite yet. A lot happens in this book, and it is one of the best coming of age stories that I have read in a long time. It might have been a bit slow going for me at first because I do not like mean girls and Bea takes some time to get a backbone, but after the big girl blow up things take a turn for the wonderful. Being in Bea's head is a delight, she is such a loveable, strong, vulnerable, real girl. Also, the love interest, Toph is so freaking adorable. He just might be one of my favorite male characters ever. 

BOOK BLURB:

Bea thinks she's the most boring seventeen-year-old in the world. She's not pretty or popular or funny, unlike her mother who had Bea when she was 17. The only glamorous thing about Bea is the French father who left before she was born and lives in Paris. She yearns for la vie Parisienne every moment of her dull existence. So when Ruby Davies, the leader of her school's most elite clique picks Bea as her new best friend and asks her to go on holiday with them, she's wary but delighted. If nothing else it's two weeks away from her over-protective mother . But when the gang arrive in Spain, Bea is crushed to realise that Ruby and her posse have simply been using her. Bea wreaks vengeance on her so-called friends, and plans to decamp to Paris to find her father. But when she falls asleep on the train and wakes up in Bilbao, she meets a group of American students who are backpacking around Europe and bonds with them straight away, especially the gorgeous Toph, who helps heal Bea's hurting heart. And though Bea has a shock in store when they finally get to Paris, the 'City of Lovers ' really works it magic on Bea and Toph, who spend a week wandering the sun-dappled streets of Paris, talking, holding hands and falling in love. When it comes time to go home to confront her Mum about her mysterious father, the new version of Bea is determined that she 'll never go back to her old, boring way of life - she's no longer Nobody's Girl; she belongs to herself and to Toph...But with an ocean between them, will he wait for her?

Thank you Sarra Manning for writing again and again the most amazingly real and loveable characters! 

Read more about this one HERE.

THE SUMMER I TURNED PRETTY TRILOGY: JENNY HAN

For me the books that best encapsulate the feeling of summer is The Summer I turned Pretty series. When I read them for the first time last year they kept me up late and woke me up early. A lot of books keep me up late, but a very small few wake me up early.

I just spent the last couple of days reading them again to kick off the summer spirit. And one thing I realized is how much I love the first book. It wasn’t my favorite the first time, but after you know how the books end the first book gets much better. Also I wish that there were actually four books to this series, but I’ll take what I can get. 

BOOK BLURB FOR BOOK ONE:

Belly measures her life in summers. Everything good, everything magical happens between the months of June and August. Winters are simply a time to count the weeks until the next summer, a place away from the beach house, away from Susannah, and most importantly, away from Jeremiah and Conrad. They are the boys that Belly has known since her very first summer--they have been her brother figures, her crushes, and everything in between. But one summer, one terrible and wonderful summer, the more everything changes, the more it all ends up just the way it should have been all along.

Even though I am older I still relate to the story, because the idea that my daughter might fall in love with one of my best friend's boys is one of my greatest dreams. (For now at four she says: I can't marry them, they are my boys!) I would love to share grand-babies with my best friend, so that is one of the reasons I love these books. But most of all I love all the love.

If you haven't read these yet, I tell you...you MUST. Seek them out for your ultimate fluffy summer romance, I doubt you will be disappointed.

Here is the first book on Goodreads.

THE DIARY OF A CRUSH TRILOGY: SARRA MANNING

I have discovered another favorite author and I have been found drowning myself in her British tales for some time now. After reading and loving Sarra Mannings' Let's Get Lost, I dug up a copy of one of her adult novels (which I will review here soon) and realized that I freaking love the way she writes.

But today I am going to chat about the Diary of a Crush series which first started out as something she wrote for a magazine and then after the end of the magazine run they were published into books. All three of these were desperately hard for me to put down. Especially since it is in a diary format and I kept thinking: "I'll just read another entry." Then that entry would turn into another one, and another one, and another one. It got a little out of hand at times.

BOOK BLURB: (From book #1)

When Edie and Dylan first see each other in photography class, an instant attraction draws them together. But true love never does run smoothly—the two spar as much as they can’t keep their hands off each other. Then comes the college trip to Paris: Edie’s willpower will be tested to the limit! In between furious arguments and trips to the Louvre, the two share some passionate moments—but will it last?

I think Manning's later stuff is more polished, but I'll tell you why these were so great to me. First of all I love Edie who is our voice for the three books. I love how she grows up and matures in the books. I love that she has the same weakness for moody art boys that I had when I was her age. I love all the kissing. I love the Britishisms that Edie uses in sassy ways to make me laugh. I love that this is a story about two people you cheer for, but aren't quite sure they are that good for each other either. 

Ok I am going to say it: I have a crush on these books. 

Check out book one HERE on goodreads.

ANNA AND THE FRENCH KISS: STEPHANIE PERKINS

If you read YA at all, this is probably a book you already have read and maybe own. I have shared this book with so many people (mostly over the age of 30) and they usually love it. For me, it is an all time fave and I just felt like talking about it again. This is the first book I recommend to people who are hesitant to try a YA book. If they don't like it then I know that they probably won't like any more books about teens, because this one is so good.

Perkins does such a great job of making her characters alive. They banter adorably, but not unrealistically. They all have these little quirks that make them real and human. Plus in Anna, she nails the romantic tension. This is a book I can read over and over and over again and I still get giddy all over.

BOOK BLURB:
Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris - until she meets Etienne St. Clair: perfect, Parisian (and English and American, which makes for a swoon-worthy accent), and utterly irresistible. The only problem is that he's taken, and Anna might be, too, if anything comes of her almost-relationship back home. As winter melts into spring, will a year of romantic near - misses end with the French kiss Anna - and readers - have long awaited?

If you are one of the people who have not yet read Anna and the French Kiss, what are you waiting for? And also I am always jealous of the people who get to read it for the first time, and get to fall in love right along with Anna.

Read more about it HERE.

AMPLIFIED: TARA KELLY

This was my number one favorite read of 2011, and when you consider how many books I read last year that is one giant compliment for this book. When I originally reviewed it on goodreads I pleaded to Tara Kelly to "please never stop writing books". I re-read this today because I have been dying to revisit this story and I loved it yet again.

Kelly is a master at character voice. Her characters are authentic and so real it is startling. The first time I read this I felt like I was the main character Jasmine in a way that I have never experienced with any other book ever. Her highs were mine, as much her lows. It was especially impressive since I know so little about playing music and I was completely rocking out with the band. And man the sexual tension, suffice it to say it is a real treat. (But hey, what can I say? I love musicians.)

BOOK BLURB:
When privileged 17-year-old Jasmine gets kicked out of her house, she takes what is left of her savings and flees to Santa Cruz to pursue her dream of becoming a musician. Jasmine finds the ideal room in an oceanfront house, but she needs to convince the three guys living there that she's the perfect roommate and lead guitarist for their band, C-Side. Too bad she has major stage fright and the cute bassist doesn't think a spoiled girl from over the hill can hack it. . .

In this fresh new novel by critically acclaimed author Tara Kelly, Jasmine finds out what happens when her life gets Amplified.

BTW, there is nothing overly vulgar (like swearing for no reason) about this book, but it does take place out of HS and there is plenty of rock star life style stuff going on. But, um...did I mention I loved this book?

Read more about my number one favorite book of 2011 HERE.

I NOW PRONOUNCE YOU SOMEONE ELSE: ERIN McCAHAN

This is one of my all time favorites, and I am of the mind that not enough people have read this book. Why is it so great? I will tell you. First off McCahan's writing is sassy, smart, and sweet. Our main character Bronwen has some freaking values which makes her stand out in a crowd of silly heroines. She is still flawed though and has a lot to learn about love and life and she makes the journey a joy.

BOOK BLURB:

Eighteen-year-old Bronwen Oliver has a secret: She's really Phoebe, the lost daughter of the loving Lilywhite family. That's the only way to explain her image-obsessed mother; a kind but distant stepfather; and a brother with a small personality complex. Bronwen knows she must have been switched at birth, and she can't wait to get away from her "family" for good.
Then she meets Jared Sondervan. He's sweet, funny, everything she wants — and he has the family Bronwen has always wanted too. She falls head over heels in love, and when he proposes marriage, she joyfully accepts. But is Jared truly what she needs? And if he's not, she has to ask: What would Phoebe Lilywhite do?
I recommend this read all the time, and I keep having to buy more copies because I am always giving them away. I can't help but want to share the love of Bronwen and Jared...AND this book with everyone I can. This is also a very clean read BTW.Read more about it on goodreads HERE.

THE PROBABILITY OF MIRACLES: WENDY WUNDER

When you read as many books as I do, it is always a special surprise when you discover a book that is nothing like you have ever read before. The Probability of Miracles is an amazing treat. It is the kind of book that so easily could turn out to be emotionally manipulative or silly but it ends up being the kind of book that speaks to you and makes you no longer question the extraordinary.

Our heroine, Cam is hilarious and so likeable. Also you almost forget this book is written in third person because you feel so close to Cam and her world. I don't usually make notes of favorite quotes, but this one I loved:

"Cam hadn't gotten the gene that allowed you to flirt. She was convinced it was genetic. You either had the capacity for coyness, or you simply could not pretend to be stupid. Which was what guys really wanted." I have always felt that way about flirting, so Cam was definitely my kind of gal.

BOOK BLURB:
Dry, sarcastic, sixteen-year-old Cam Cooper has spent the last seven years in and out hospitals. The last thing she wants to do in the short life she has left is move 1,500 miles away to Promise, Maine - a place known for the miraculous events that occur there. But it's undeniable that strange things happen in Promise: everlasting sunsets; purple dandelions; flamingos in the frigid Atlantic; an elusive boy named Asher; and finally, a mysterious envelope containing a list of things for Cam to do before she dies. As Cam checks each item off the list, she finally learns to believe - in love, in herself, and even in miracles.

A debut novel from an immensely talented new writer, The Probability of Miracles crackles with wit, romance and humor and will leave readers laughing and crying with each turn of the page.

I am noticing that I read a lot of sad books with death often a big part of the story. It is funny but I don't cry very often when reading these sad books. It is like I am immune. So when a book, like this one, makes me cry for like 10 minutes after I finish the last line you know I am hooked. Thank you Wendy Wunder for creating a world that was based in reality but quietly tip-toed in the fantasy. It was a tremendous treat to visit a town where anything could happen.

I also do want to mention that I am glad that I still read this even though I seriously hated the cover. It honestly offends me. I am so glad I gave this book a chance because it was awesome despite the freaky pink feather theme.

Read more about this book HERE.

THE SKY IS EVERYWHERE: JANDY NELSON

This is the beautiful paperback cover for The Sky Is Everywhere, and it is much improved because the original hardback cover looked like a cover for a spiritual self help book and NOT a good one. I generally don't dig poems in books, but there are some poems in this one and and they are lovely and add a whole original dimension to this story.

BOOK BLURB:
Lennie plays second clarinet in the school orchestra and has always happily been second fiddle to her charismatic older sister, Bailey. Then Bailey dies suddenly, and Lennie is left at sea without her anchor. Overcome by emotion, Lennie soon finds herself torn between two boys: Bailey's boyfriend, Toby, and Joe, the charming and musically gifted new boy in town. While Toby can't see her without seeing Bailey and Joe sees her only for herself, each offers Lennie something she desperately needs. But ultimately, it's up to Lennie to find her own way toward what she really needs-without Bailey.

This book broke my heart and picked it right back up again. It is steamy and sweet and honest and lovely. And the prose is perfection...man it is such a beautifully written book.

Read more about it and see if you might love it to HERE.

HOW TO SAVE A LIFE: SARA ZARR

Sara Zarr doesn't mess around. I have loved all her books and this, her most recent book, is by far my very favorite. Zarr's writing is so clean and perfect I always feel like every word is important. I always find her characters to be completely different from me, but I relate to them always.

Book Blurb:
Jill MacSweeny just wishes everything could go back to normal. But ever since her dad died, she's been isolating herself from her boyfriend, her best friends--everyone who wants to support her. And when her mom decides to adopt a baby, it feels like she's somehow trying to replace a lost family member with a new one.
Mandy Kalinowski understands what it's like to grow up unwanted--to be raised by a mother who never intended to have a child. So when Mandy becomes pregnant, one thing she's sure of is that she wants a better life for her baby. It's harder to be sure of herself. Will she ever find someone to care for her, too?
As their worlds change around them, Jill and Mandy must learn to both let go and hold on, and that nothing is as easy--or as difficult--as it seems.
Critically acclaimed author and National Book Award finalist Sara Zarr delivers a heart-wrenching story, told from dual perspectives, about the many roads that can lead us home.

Sara Zarr, you seriously should be president, that is how good you are at understanding humanity, you could make us all see the good in others and make the world a happy place. For now though, I will settle for your amazing stories.

Read more about it at goodreads HERE.