Soul in Love

by Vone Savan

Amber and London are young and in love. Nothing can touch them or their perfect lives.

Nothing, that is, until a car accident causes London's untimely death. Shortly after the accident, Amber begins to hear whispers of his voice, and sees apparitions.

Is it truly London reaching out from beyond the grave, or is something far more sinister playing with Amber's mind? Find out what it really means to be a soul in love in this exciting new book!

Vone Savan's debut novel starts off slow, with somewhat cliched dialogue that reads far from sincere. He redeems himself a few chapters later, though, with a gripping storyline and characters that are more believable. At times the dialogue can feel commonplace and repetitive, but the shocking twist of an ending makes up for any flaws!
 

Nascha and the Medicine Man: Book One, Return of the Chindi

by Leah Leonard


After a series of tragedies leaves her without a place to call home, Sasha is sent to live with a father she had believed to be dead. Her father, Red Feather, lives on a Navajo reservation in New Mexico, where he is the tribe's medicine man.

Still pained by the hurt of losing her mother and grandmother, Sasha feels like an outsider because she is also half African-American. With the help of her father, Nacsha, as she is now called, learns to hone her ability to see dead people, as well as to develop her skills as the next Navajo healer.

Will she stick around New Mexico with her Shaman father, or will Nascha follow in her mother's footsteps and return to New York as soon as she can?

Leah Leonard gives readers an inside look at the world of the Navajo in this heartwarming story of hardship and the importance of family. Teens will be engrossed by Nascha's dramatic transformation, and entertained until the very last page.

 

Maybe Now, Maybe Never

by Kimberly Joy Peters

Still reeling from her abusive relationship with her ex, Tyler, Caitlyn is struggling to regain normalcy in her life. But when the opportunity arises for her to travel to Quebec on a French language exchange, she reluctantly takes it.

With her friend, Connor, by her side and a new host family, can Caitlyn heal the scars of her past, and find the courage to look towards the future?

Kimberly Joy Peters' talent is showcased once more in this heartwarming sequel to the novel PAINTING CAITLYN. Readers will sympathize with Caitlyn as she navigates the rough waters of new love and the heartbreak from her past. This novel is unique and good to the last drop.
 

Book Review Trauma Queen

Trauma Queen
by Barbara Dee


Attending three schools in four years isn't easy, so try adding a performance artist mother into the mix. For Marigold, this nightmare is her reality as she begins 7th grade at Samuel J. Crompton Middle School.

Her new school seems to be filled with one disaster after another, like wearing pj's to school on the very first day. Things go from bad to worse when her mother decides to teach an improv class at her school.

Can Marigold and her friendships survive her mother? Find out in TRAUMA QUEEN!

Barbara Dee presents readers with a fun and fluffy novel that proves how true the statement "you can't pick your family" is. Using likeable characters and mortifying, embarrassing circumstances, this novel will resonate with middle school girls and their mothers alike.

Reviewed by: Monica Sheffo

Book Review Strings Attached

Strings Attached
by Judy Blundell

Gold Star Award Winner!

Kit Corrigan is an eighteen-year-old from Providence who moves to New York City in the 1950s to break into show business. But her dreams of Broadway stardom aren't as attainable as she had hoped.

Instead, she finds herself working as a chorus girl, practically homeless, and desperate to forget the misfortunes that seem to follow her family everywhere.

One night during a performance, she spots a piece of her past better left forgotten - the father of her former love. He's wealthy and dangerous, and offers her a luxury apartment for free, no strings attached. It seems too perfect to be true. And it is.

Kit soon finds herself trapped in a web of lies that threaten to consume her. Will she make it out of Nate Benedict's claws?

Just as with her debut novel, WHAT I SAW AND HOW I LIED, Judy Blundell brilliantly captures the essence of the time period while providing the reader with easily relatable characters. She taps into the mob mentality that was so crucial to the 1950s, and creates a story as intoxicating as any Broadway show.

Judy Blundell is one of my favorite authors, and will easily become a favorite of yours, too!

Reviewed by: Monica Sheffo

Book Review Chime

Chime
by Franny Billingsley


Briony deserves to be hanged. Or so she desperately believes.

Following the sudden death of her beloved stepmother, Briony and her mentally disturbed sister, Rose, find themselves under the scrutiny of the villagers in the Swampsea. But Briony has a secret. She is a witch, forbidden to go into the swamps she loves so much.

When young Eldric moves into her home, she finds herself with a new friend and secret keeper. Can Briony keep her powers at bay, or will they lead to her demise?

Franny Billingsley provides readers with an enchanting story of a young witch struggling to come to terms with her powers. While at times the plot line can be confusing, fans of paranormal and fantasy novels will consider CHIME a treasure.

Reviewed by: Monica Sheffo

Book Review Moochi's Mariachis

Moochi's Mariachis
by Mary Ann Hutchison



Moochi is a daughter of the desert, living in Arizona along with her best friends Chico, Ladybug, and Turo. Together, they form the mariachi band Los Mariachis del Desierto Sonora.

When the opportunity arises for them to take part in the Annual International Mariachi Conference, the four friends immediately begin to save money. But will unforeseen problems on the horizon threaten their friendship and keep the mariachis from their dreams?

You'll have to pick up a copy of this delightful read to find out.

Richly rooted in Hispanic culture, MOOCHI'S MARIACHIS is a rare gem. Mary Ann Hutchison peppers her characters' dialogue with Spanish terms, enveloping the reader in her desert world. This one is a must-read treat.

Reviewed by: Monica Sheffo

Book Review Dogtag Summer

Dogtag Summer
by Elizabeth Partridge


Tracy has never felt like she belonged. In Vietnam, she was con lai, half breed, because her father was an American GI. Life with her new family in America isn't much different.

When she and her best friend, Stargazer, stumble upon her father's old ammo box and war dogtags, they bring on a slew of questions without answers. She is flooded with memories from her past in Vietnam during the war, and she discovers more about herself than she had ever known.

Elizabeth Partridge bravely delves into the complications war has on families. Those who have ever felt as though they were strangers in their own homes will connect with Tracy's struggles to find herself. Alternating between the past and present, the author takes readers on an unforgettable journey.

Reviewed by: Monica Sheffo

Book Review The Kissing Game:Short Stories

The Kissing Game: Short Stories
by Aidan Chambers


THE KISSING GAME consists of 16 short stories, all centered around love and relationships.

In one story, a girl attempts to break out of the shadow of her sister, only to find that the key to self-worth lies within. In another, a boy believes that he has rescued a girl from a fiery tower, and then discovers that the same event occurred 100 years ago.

Aidan Chambers proves himself to be a master storyteller in this collection of provocative tales dealing with matters of the heart. Each story has its own distinct flavor, and with sixteen in all, every reader will be left feeling satisfied.

Reviewed by: Monica Sheffo

Book Review Song of the Silk Road

Song of the Silk Road
by Mingmei Yip


Lady Luck hasn't always smiled down on Lily Lin. At just 28, she has lost both of her parents and is working at a dead end job in a Chinese restaurant.

But that all changes when a letter from a mysterious distant relative names her as the sole heiress of a 3 million dollar fortune.

All she has to do is retrace the steps this relative took along the famed Silk Road and complete a series of tasks. So she packs up her life and leaves for an adventure that will bring her more fortune and heartbreak than she had ever imagined.

Mingmei Yip weaves a story as intriguing as the Silk Road itself, filled with passion and self-discovery. The interesting story concept ties together the old ways of China with its bright future. Readers and history buffs alike will find themselves immersed in this captivating novel with rich cultural roots.

Reviewed by: Monica Sheffo

Book Review Finding Family

Finding Family
by Tonya Bolden

Delana has never known her parents. Raised by her Grandpa and Aunt Tilley, she has very few clues to her past. And when Aunt Tilley suddenly dies, she fears that the last bit of her mother died, too.

An unexpected visit from a relative leads Delana to discover that everything she had been told about her parents was a lie. Can she piece together her mysterious past to discover who she truly is? Find out in FINDING FAMILY.

Tonya Bolden creates a story rich in Southern history in her latest novel. Using the perfect blend of unique characters and photographs from the time period, she leaves the reader feeling completely satisfied from beginning to end.

Reviewed by: Monica Sheffo

Book Review Summoning

Summoning
By Debi Faulkner

After being sold into slavery by her desperate parents, Meredith Pennyfather finds herself at Raewald Castle. As a servant to the Vicar Grimsditch, she encounters a dark force summoned by the Vicar himself - a force named Legion.

An exchange is made, one which threatens Meredith's very soul, as well as that of the Vicar's. Overwhelmed by fear and curiosity, she finds herself at the center of a dark ritual with a potentially deadly outcome.

Debi Faulkner presents readers with an intriguing novel about dark magic and a young girl who discovers it. Meredith is a character unlike any other, and her strength to power through obstacles will inspire young readers. With a suspenseful plot line and unique storytelling style, SUMMONING is a sure-fire hit.

Reviewed by: Monica Sheffo

Book Review The Circle Cast: The Lost Years of Morgan Le Fey

The Circle Cast: The Lost Years of Morgan Le Fey
by Alex Epstein


Anna is the young daughter of a British warrior governor just growing into her extraordinary powers when a terrible event changed her life forever. With her father dead and her mother under the control of a nefarious ruler, this would-be peaceful Wiccan transformed into a scorned woman, desperate for revenge.

At her mother's urging, Anna flees to Ireland, where she would take a new name, Morgan le Fay. Extreme misfortune follows her, as she becomes a prisoner of war, sold into slavery to an elderly wise woman. As Morgan learned the craft, she managed to escape slavery for refuge in a Christian colony.

But can Morgan master her powers and finally get her revenge?

Alex Epstein gives readers a whole new perspective on one of medieval history's most infamous women. By exploring Morgan le Fay's mysterious childhood years, readers' previous conceptions will be easily swayed. History buffs and paranormal/fantasy fans alike will all find a hidden treasure in THE CIRCLE CAST.

Reviewed by: Monica Sheffo

Book Review Revenge of the Geek

Revenge of the Geek: A Geek High novel
By Piper Banks
At Geek High, being extraordinary is ordinary.

For Miranda Bloom, junior year hasn't quite started off on the right foot. Her boyfriend, Dex McConnell, is off at a Maine boarding school, and her best friends seem too preoccupied to care.

When she meets new girl Nora Lee, Miranda thinks she's finally found a friend who really understands her. That is, until Nora begins to imitate everything Miranda does, from her outfits to her love of writing. And when this begins to effect her relationships, Miranda realizes she needs to end their toxic friendship - and fast.

Miranda, Charlie, and Finn are back and better than ever in this latest addition to the GEEK HIGH series. Piper Banks once again brings readers a story about a geeky girl working through changing friendships and dealing with revenge. The author's multi-dimensional characters play off of one another with a sense of realism that hits close to home for any high schooler.

REVENGE OF THE GEEK is the perfect read for the nerd in all of us!

Reviewed by: Monica Sheffo

Book Review The Ruby Notebook

The Ruby Notebook
by Laura Resau

Laura Resau shines again with this stunning sequel to the captivating novel THE INDIGO NOTEBOOK.

Zeeta's back and on another exciting adventure, this time in France! Aix-en-Provence is just like a fairy tale, and with her boyfriend, Wendell, coming to visit for the summer, life seems just about perfect.

But when a mysterious CD from a secret admirer ends up in her bag at a marketplace, she is determined to find out his identity. Unfortunately, the fantome and his gifts are the least of her problems, as Zeeta finds herself falling for fellow wanderer, Jean-Claude.

Will her relationship with Wendell last, or is she destined to be with Jean-Claude? Her fantome isn't the only mystery on her mind, though. She soon finds herself on a hunt for the legendary Fountain of Youth. Can Zeeta find an answer to all of her questions? Only time will tell.

Laura Resau has created another captivating tale with heart and insight! You'll fall back in love with Zeeta and find yourself cheering her on as she struggles to adjust to a new country, new friends, and possibly a new love.

For both fans of THE INDIGO NOTEBOOK and newcomers alike, THE RUBY NOTEBOOK won't disappoint.

Reviewed by: Monica Sheffo