Darlene

I saw this book on NetGalley, and the description piqued my interest. I didn't know what to expect from this author, but I can say I am pleased with my decision to request this book. The story is charming and fun with likeable characters and a sweet romance.

Mia is a self-proclaimed geek who has moved to Manchester to escape a bad relationship. Luke owns the bar attached to Mia's apartment building, and he lives in the flat across the courtyard from Mia. Mia enjoys watching him workout every morning from her window. After they meet in the bar, they start sharing messages in their windows. Because of Mia's past bad relationship, she is reluctant to form a romantic connection with Luke, so they become friends. However, the chemistry is undeniable, and Luck is determined to woo Mia.

I really enjoyed the characters in this book. Mia is very down to earth and comfortable in her skin. She does not feel the need to impress other people with the way she dresses or behaves. Luke is also very likeable. Though he is a bit of player, he does not deceive anyone about who he is or motives. He is a single dad devoted to his daughter. I found his kind-hearted nature very endearing. There are several side characters that are also quite likeable and charming. Even the “villain” of the story ends up being a decent person in the end.

The “friends to lovers” trope is done well in this book. It is not a trope I often enjoy, but the relationship between Mia and Luke is fun to read about. As with many romances, there are moments that annoyed me because of characters being stubborn or letting past situations cloud their judgment. Even so, I really enjoyed watching the romance develop.

Overall, I think this is a solid contemporary romance. I would recommend it to fans of the “friends to lovers” trope.

I think this is my favorite Ruth Ware book so far. It was a very enjoyable, suspenseful read. Although I had pretty much figured it all out halfway through, it was still fun to read and see how it unfolded.

Hal receives a letter that her grandmother has died and left her an inheritance. The only problem is Hal is not Mrs. Westaway's granddaughter. Or is she? The story is about Hal's journey into a past she never knew she had with a family that may actual be her blood relatives. We follow Hal as she learns bits of information along the way that reveal her true origins.

I found this mystery to be very engrossing. I was never bored. The old house in which it is set is just creepy enough to keep the reader on edge. The characters each have some element of mystery about them that leads to a lot of speculation from the reader. I found it fun to try to solve the mystery, which I did pretty early on. It was still fun to continue reading to see if I was correct.

I would definitely recommend this Ruth Ware book to other readers. I would actually suggest starting with this one as I feel it is the best.

I am a sucker for a good, fast-paced crime thriller, and this one completely fits the bill. Maldonado has created a strong female protagonist who casts off her troubled past and renames herself Nina Guerrera, which means “warrior girl.” The name fits her fighting spirit. In this book, she must confront the man who abducted her and almost killed her as a teenager. She and her FBI team must solve the Cipher's puzzles to end his killing spree.

The plot of this book is gripping from page one. Nina and the Cipher are compelling adversaries whose lives are intertwined due to the Cipher's obsession with her. She got away from him once, and now he has lured her into the investigation of his current victims. Ultimately, he wants to finish what he started with her. She is also determined to finish things by catching him. The puzzles and clues make the chase for the Cipher more difficult, but they add an interesting layer to the plot. Readers are able to try to solve the puzzles along with the characters, pulling them into the action of the story.

The characters are memorable and mostly likable. Obviously, the Cipher is despicable and completely unlikable, but the team hunting him includes characters that each have qualities that the reader can embrace. Nina is strong and uses her traumatic past to fuel her fight for justice. Wade at first seems rigid and unfeeling, but he proves to be a supportive colleague for Nina. The other members of the team are also supportive and genuinely care for each other. Overall, it's a strong cast of characters.

This book reads quickly and keeps the reader engaged throughout. There are no dull moments. I highly recommend this one to fans of crime thrillers.

The Soulmate Equation is a really enjoyable contemporary romance about a single mom and a seemingly unfriendly scientist who are matched by a DNA-based dating app. The story follows the two as they begin a fake dating experience that could become more.

Jessica Davis is a single mom who has decided not to focus on dating until her daughter gets older. Her priority is being a good mom. River Pena is an innovative scientist behind the new dating app GeneticAlly, which claims to be able to match people to their soulmates via DNA analysis. When Jess submits her DNA on a whim, she learns that she is a 98% match with the River, who she knows as an unfriendly, rude café patron that she sees every morning. When the company offers to pay her to explore the match, she begins a fake relationship with River. The focus of the story is whether the two of them actually are compatible. Will they fall in love?

The characters in this book are extremely likable. Jess is a funny, down to earth protagonist. Her independence and dedication are admirable. River, though he seems standoffish, is actually a genuine, likable man. Their chemistry is believable. Secondary characters in this book are perfectly complementary to the main characters. Jess's best friend is hilarious, and her grandparents are so sweet and compassionate. The characters really stand out as an asset to this story.

In terms of plot, the book does a good job of taking subject matter that is a bit unbelievable (matching through DNA) and making it seem realistic. There are some moments when the science and math talk is a bit much, but it is necessary to make the events believable. The conflict that arises to possibly derail the romance is completely believable in the context of the plot. It is not overdone and exaggerated, which I appreciate.

Overall, this is one of Christina Lauren's best books in a while for me. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and look forward to what they create next!

When I sat down to read this book, I wanted a light, cozy, fun Christmas read. This book definitely delivered on that. Set in a small town in England during Christmas, this story is perfect for a cozy Winter read.

Kate Turner had yet to find her Mr. Right, so her best friend convinces her to sign up for a dating service's “Twelve Dates of Christmas” event, which will send her on twelve dates with different men. Her childhood friend Matt, owner of the town's cafe, thinks these dates are risky, but Kate is open to having fun and possibly meeting someone she would want to pursue a relationship with. The story follows Kate on these dates, some disastrous and some promising, while also exploring her friendship with Matt.

Honestly, the plot line is pretty predictable. I knew from the beginning who Kate would end up with. This did not, however, ruin my enjoyment of the story. The dates are often funny, even though sometimes complete failures. The characters are entertaining, especially Kate's married best friend. The town is charming with lovable residents. It is just plain fun to read.

I do not love the ending. I feel that much of the story is well-developed, but the ending feels rushed. It ends the way I predicted it would, but it would not have bothered me so much if the resolution had been given enough time feel complete. That being said, I still ended the book feeling happy that I read it.

I would recommend this book to readers looking for a cozy and fun Christmas read with small town vibes. It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience for me.

This story about a vacation in a small town in Alaska is just the right amount of charm and romance. It is a thoroughly fun and engaging read.

Zoey Caldwell takes the trip of her dreams when she joins her wealthy friend Lana on a vacation to Moose Springs, Alaska. Moose Springs is a small town that does not like tourists much, even though tourism is the backbone of their economy. Graham Barnett is especially unwelcoming of tourists. That is until he meets Zoey. Graham breaks his strict “no tourists” policy and falls for Zoey's charms. But Zoey's time in Alaska is limited, so they have to ask themselves if it is worth risking their hearts when their time together will end so quickly.

The characters in this book are completely lovable. Graham is the perfect mix of grumpiness, humor, flirtation, and charm. It's hard not to love him. I mean, the guy considers a moose that is in love with his truck as one of his best friends. Sounds crazy, but it's actually super cute. And Zoey is perfectly clumsy, down to earth, sweet, and feisty. She falls in love with Alaska, and her excitement is contagious. I want to go to Alaska now! The two of them together are one of the cutest couples I've encountered in my reading.

I would have given this book 5 stars if not for the ending. I found it to be a bit too cheesy and formulaic for me. That being said, I still loved this book. I can't wait to read the next one in the series.

After enjoying The Whisper Man by Alex North, I was excited to read this next novel by him. Like The Whisper Man, The Shadows mixes mystery thriller and paranormal horror. It seemed like the perfect read for October. Unfortunately, I did not enjoy this one the way I did the previous book.

The book follows two points of view, a detective investigating a recent murder and a man who lived through a traumatic experience 25 years before. Paul Adams was once part of a group of boys who sought to control and escape into their dreams. Charlie Crabtree, the leader of this group, and another boy commit a heinous murder, and Crabtree disappears without a trace. In the present day, other boys are mimicking Crabtree's crime, which leads to the present day investigation. Could Crabtree still be alive and instigating these new murders? That question leads both the detective and Paul down a path that threatens lives.

The setting of the book is perfect for the story line. The town is rundown and desolate, which fits with the desperation of the characters. The woods, or The Shadows as the townsfolk call them, are massive, dark, and creepy. It feels completely possible that a ghost or other paranormal being could be roaming its depths.

I found the first half of this book very entertaining. The possible paranormal/supernatural element adds a spookiness to the book that I found enjoyable. The mystery of whether Crabtree is alive was also engaging. I was invested in finding out what was going on. However, when some things began to be revealed, I did not like the direction the story took. I found the reveal of the murderer to be un satisfying. The plot became to complex and convoluted for me. I would have preferred a more straightforward resolution.

In the end, I found the book to be just okay. I didn't care for the ending, so that lower my rating. However, I would recommend it as a dark and somewhat spooky read. It made for fun Halloween reading.

Part amateur sleuth story, part ghost story...all around entertaining. I liked this book a lot more than I expected to after reading some of the other reviews. The two timelines and the mystery aspects of the book kept my interest, so I read through this one really quickly.

In this story, 20 year old Carly has come to Fell, New York to uncover what happened to her Aunt Vivian, who mysteriously disappeared from the Sun Down Motel in 1982. Fell is an odd town where young women tend to go missing or wind up dead. Both Viv and Carly get sucked into the mystery of the Sun Down Motel and all its secrets. I enjoyed reading about their amateur investigations, even if some of it seems a bit unrealistic. It was fun to watch them discover the details and play along with their sleuthing.

The ghost story aspect of this book is well done. It has just the right amount of creepiness without going over the top. The ghosts of the Sun Down Motel are injected into the story just often enough to make it interesting without consuming the whole story line.

Overall, I feel this story is well crafted and enjoyable to read. If you like a good mystery disappearance and a bit of creepiness, this book is for you.

I really wanted to love this book because I love the other Christina Lauren books that I have read. However, this book is just okay for me.

Let's start with the premise of the story. Carey and James work for home renovation stars, Melissa (Melly) and Rusty Tripp. The Tripps are experiencing trouble in their relationship, so Carey and James are given the difficult task of keeping the couple from revealing their troubles to the public. My first issue with the plot is that the Tripps are written in a way that they are too similar to a particular real life home renovation couple. I do not like the close comparison at all. Additionally, the story line of the two assistants having to basically parent the older couple is annoying to me. It is clear at the start of the book that these two people are not going to fix the relationship.

The characters of Carey and James are likable enough. Their blooming relationship is fun to watch. They are cute together, and their banter is sweet and funny. There is a lot of dysfunction in the relationships in this book, though. It is a little hard to understand why Carey allows herself to be used by the Tripps for so long. Her relationship with Melly is highly dysfunctional, with Melly taking credit for work that Carey does. It is also odd that James, an engineer, actually allows himself to be treated like a personal assistant.

The writing style, as always with a Christina Lauren book, is very easy to read. The story flows at a nice pace. It is a pleasant, enjoyable read. I just do not love the plot and characters as much as I usually do with books by these authors.

Wow! I absolutely love this book. I was expecting a romance novel, but I was surprised by how much historical fiction is involved in this story. I learned a great deal about Cuba that I didn't already know, so that makes this book a great historical fiction read for me.

The book has two storylines that take place in different time periods. In present day, Marisol is returning to Havana to spread her grandmother's ashes in her homeland. In the 1958 timeline, Marisol's grandmother Elisa, then a young woman, is living through the revolution that leads to Fidel Castro's reign in Cuba. Marisol's visit to Cuba is eye opening for her. She learns much about the still tumultuous political climate in Cuba after Castro's death while also discovering the truth about Elisa's romance with a revolutionary.

Both storylines involve a romance. For me, the romance from the past storyline is more interesting and engaging. Elisa's relationship is both inspiring and heartbreaking. Marisol's romance in the present day timeline develops a bit quickly for my likely. It feels less authentic. However, it is through that relationship that the reader learns a lot about the current climate of Cuba.

My favorite part of this book is the history that it teaches. There is a lot to learn from the events depicted in this story. I appreciate that it is written by someone whose family lived through some of the events described in the book. After reading this story, I want to research more about Cuba's history.

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I didn't expect to love it as much as I do. I would highly recommend it any reader who enjoys historical fiction and wants to learn a bit more about Cuba's culture and history.

After reading and enjoying Donna Tartt's The Secret History, I went looking for another book with a similar setting and plot. This book was recommended by several Booktubers, so I decided to give a go. This book ranks as one of my favorites of the year. I absolutely love it. The characters, plot, setting, conflicts, themes - it's all top notch. It's dark academia at its best.

In this book, the main character Oliver is just being released after serving ten years of a prison sentence for murder. He was convicted of murdering a fellow acting student, but the cop from the case has doubts about his guilt. Upon his release, he returns to the school where the murder occurred and tells the true story of what happened there ten years before.

There are so many things that are done well in this book. I'll start with the setting. The story takes place at a prestigious art college where aspiring actors study and perform Shakespearean plays. Shakespeare becomes a constant player in their lives, so much so that they quote him in their daily conversations. I love this aspect of the novel because I am a huge Shakespeare fan. The seven fourth year students also live together and spend all their time together, which contributes to the complex relationships and the conflicts that develop.

Rio's characters are expertly developed in this book. While they appear to fit the mold of Shakespeare's characters (hero, villain, seductress, sidekick, etc.), they are much more complex than they seem. The relationship between Oliver and James is especially well-written. Each character has just enough mystery surrounding him/her to make it plausible that any one of them could be a murderer. It makes for a very interesting dynamic.

The plot structure is probably the best aspect of this novel. The story is structured like a Shakespearean tragedy with five acts. Each act has a prologue that is set in the present day after Oliver's release from prison. The act then flashes back to the events of ten years prior, the acting students' senior year. Anyone who knows about the structure of a Shakespearean tragedy (plot elements in each act) will enjoy how well Rio mimics that structure.

This book is intelligent and original. It captured my interest immediately and never let go. M.L. Rio deserves a standing ovation for this one!

I chose this book one day while browsing NetGalley because I was drawn to the cover, and the description of the story intrigued me. The book tells the story of Tatum Vega who in her 20s develops a relationship with a famous author, Mateo Domínguez, whose work she admires. When the book begins she is in her 30s when she is contacted by a reporter who wants to include her in an investigation against Domínguez, who has been accused of assault by another woman. The book mostly consists of Tatum writing a letter to Domínguez that details her experience in their relationship and how it has impacted her.

This debut novel has an interesting writing style. In much of the book, the author writes in an epistolary style that uses second person point of view, giving the story a very personal feeling. It seems that the author is intelligent and well-versed in art and literature. She sometimes shifts to Spanish or Japanese, immersing the reader a bit into the language of those cultures. My only wish is that she had more often provided translations for the things said in these languages.

The power balance in relationships is at the center of the narrative. Tatum is infatuated with an older, more established man. This relationship is unbalanced, and Tatum struggles to find her own identity and move forward with her life. The book also explores other important topics such as personal and cultural identity and sexual orientation.

While I enjoyed the writing style and found the characters to be well developed, there are some aspects that frustrated me. The pace of the book is sometimes too slow, and I found myself losing interest. I usually like a slow pace, but I found Tatum frustrating as a protagonist, so I did not relish living in her head for 300 pages. She has the advantage of an elite education, but wastes it for much of the story. I cannot connect with that kind of lack of ambition and drive. She is also a bit of a literary and art snob judging others for their lack of knowledge. The isolation she feels is often of her own making, so it is hard to feel sympathy for her.

Overall, I have to admit that this book is just okay in my estimation. It was good enough to continue to the end, but I am not likely to remember it months in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley and Celadon Books for providing me with an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this mystery/thriller from start to finish. I did not expect it go in the direction it did, which makes a good thriller.

This story begins with the main character, Amber, in a coma unable to remember how she got there. She can hear everything going on around her but cannot move or speak. Through flashbacks and diary entries, the truth is slowly revealed, and it is a shocking truth.

I think I like this book so much because it's dark and disturbing. The inner workings of the Amber's mind are intriguing. The reader sees all the other characters through the lens of Amber's mind, and she admits in first lines of the book that she lies. Therefore, the reader does not know what or who to trust. Are her memories truthful? Are the other characters really how she portrays them? The author makes great use of this unreliable narrator.

Alice Feeney has proven her skill in this debut novel, and I look forward to reading more of her work.

In this highly entertaining installment of The Thursday Murder Club series, the club members are all back, and they have a new mystery to solve.

Elizabeth's ex-husband, who also happens to be a member of MI5, turns up looking for a place to hide because some very violent men are threatening his life in relation to some stolen diamonds. When dead bodies start turning up, Elizabeth and the rest of the Thursday Murder Club (Joyce, Ron, & Ibrahim) begin investigating and become entangled in the search for the diamonds, which puts their lives at risk.

This book was such a delight to read. I found it to be better than the first book in the series. I was laughing from the very first page to the end. I will forever adore the members of the Thursday Murder Club. They are a great example of a found family. They are there for each other, even if it might mean death. The witty banter between these elderly individuals is so entertaining that I often found myself laughing out loud.

The plot is fast-paced and the stakes are often high. However, you almost forget the danger because the conversations between the characters make it seem like every situation is just another fun outing for the gang and not a big deal. This contrast is what makes the story so enjoyable and light-hearted in spite of the content (murder, spies, theft, etc.). While a lot of the action is unbelievable, I am not bothered because it is all just so much fun.

I would recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a murder mystery, but also wants a light-hearted laugh and lovable characters. I will definitely be continuing the series.

William Kent Krueger writes novels that always impress me. This mystery set in 1958 is masterfully written with beautiful description of the landscape of Minnesota and strong development of an interesting cast of small town characters.

The story is set along the fictional Alabaster River, in which a prominent citizen of the small community of Jewel, Minnesota is found floating dead from a shotgun blast. The investigation leads to Noah Bluestone, a Dakota Sioux, who worked for the victim with whom he had a long-standing antagonistic relationship. While most of the town condemns him as guilty due to this Native-American ancestry, a few members of the community question the evidence and search for an alternative suspect. Through the investigation, many personal secrets are revealed.

This book is very character driven, which I love. The reader gains much insight into the histories and the motivations of these small town characters. Many of them are dealing with trauma from WWII while others are trying to cope with difficult events in their personal lives. Strong bonds are creates between characters during the course of events in the book.

The book explores themes on topics such as prejudice, trauma, coming of age, abuse, and redemption. Krueger handles these topics with sensitivity, but does not shy away from the ugliness and hard truths associated with them.

I highly recommend this book, along with Krueger's other historical fiction novels Ordinary Grace and This Tender Land. All three are excellent.

What a charming book! I really enjoyed this one. I had never heard of this author, but when the publisher sent me access to an early copy and I read the synopsis, I was excited to read it. The concept of a teenage girl releasing a balloon with a message and a boy in another country finding it and beginning a friendship is just lovely. It hooked me.

Most of the characters in the book are sweet and lovable. Emmie Blue had a difficult childhood, but her friendship with Lucas Moreau has carried her through her toughest times. Now, Lucas is getting married, and Emmie is conficted because she thinks she is in love with him. Through the course of the story, we see Emmie come to terms with several aspects of her life. She learns what love really is, and it isn't what she expected. I particularly enjoyed reading about her growing friendship with Eliot, Lucas' brother. Eliot is a great character because he is compassionate and genuine. He might just be my new book character crush! There are several other side characters in this book that add depth and enjoyment to the plot, especially Emmie's landlord Louise.

The plot has some moments that are frustrating because characters are completely misunderstanding each other. I get a bit tired of female characters getting so caught up in their own insecurities that they misread the motives of the men in their lives. However, that minor annoyance does not detract from the overall enjoyment of this book.

I would definitely recommend this book to others. I thoroughly enjoyed my time inside this story line. Emmie Blue is a character that is endearing and memorable.

This book is much more than a romance. There is plenty of romance, but the book is mainly about a woman who learns how to love and support her family while also asserting herself.

Fixie Farr's name is appropriate. She feels compelled to fix things, whether it be a coke stain on a chess board or her family's financial issues. She just can't help herself. The only problem is she does not know how to stand her ground and say what really needs to be said to the people in her life. She's a bit of a “doormat.” However, through her interactions with a new man in her life, Seb, she begins to develop a backbone.

I really enjoyed some things about Fixie's character, while other aspects annoyed me. I love how much Fixie loves her family and how devoted she is to the family business. I also love her willingness help others. On the other hand, I found myself often frustrated by how easily she allows herself to be manipulated by those who supposedly love her. She is often ridiculously naive, and she tends to misread situations. As a reader, I was constantly wanting to knock some sense into her.

The romance in this book is okay. I don't particularly care for either of the love interests, to be honest. However, the other aspects of the story kept me engaged and satisfied.

Overall, I am giving this one 4 stars because I enjoyed the read and I found the main character interesting.

In her follow up to The Night Olivia Fell, Christina McDonald crafts an intricate, engaging mystery/thriller centered around an unreliable narrator. Eva wakes up in a hospital after getting struck by lightning and cannot remember what happened the night before. She is informed that her mother was murdered, and she is the main suspect in the crime. Her journey to find the truth about that night takes her to another country and leads to some shocking discoveries.

The plot of this book is interesting, but sometimes overdone. There are many characters and subplots that feel unnecessary to the main plot. I found myself frustrated sometimes by the introduction of character or event that I couldn't really connect to the mystery of the night Eva cannot remember. My experience was not all frustrating, though. I like the fact that I was never quite sure about Eva's guilt or innocence. McDonald kept me guessing and doubting my judgments, which is a necessity for me in a mystery/thriller.

In terms of characters, I found Eva to be a bit annoying at times. It is difficult to sympathize with her dependence on her fiance and her paranoia. I found myself rolling my eyes at some of her decisions. On the other hand, I really like the character of Kat. She seems like a cold person, but when you see beyond the surface there is so much more to her.

Overall, I rate this book a 3.5 out 5 stars. I enjoyed reading it, but I probably won't remember much about it after a while.

What can I say? Frederick Backman has done it again. This book is superb! Backman's writing is flawless. He is a master of his craft. But let me stop gushing and get to specifics.

In this novel, the main character Britt-Marie has left her husband after learning of his infidelity and taken a job as the caretaker of a recreation center in the small village of Borg. She reluctantly becomes the coach (in name only) of the local youth soccer team. Her experience in this small, rural area changes her for the better.

The character of Britt-Marie is now one of my favorites. She is obsessively clean and neat, brutally honest and blunt, stubbornly adherent to routines, and completely socially inept. I absolutely adore her! With her love of window cleaner (Faxin, preferably) and lists (written in pencil, of course) and her polite conversations with a rat (over a plate of Snickers), she works her way into the heart of the reader. I found myself laughing out loud after some of her totally inappropriate statements. In spite of her flaws, she is a lovable character. She stands by the people she cares about and forms a heartwarming relationship with two children in need of support and their troubled older brother. Her development from a woman completely lost without the anchor of her marriage to the self-assured "coach" of the village soccer team is a wonder to witness.

The setting of this book serves as the perfect backdrop for the story of Britt-Marie's evolution. The village of Borg is falling into shambles. The people are mostly out of work and the council is shutting down buildings left and right, but there is a spirit of survival in the village that matches Britt-Marie's spirit. The soccer team is definitely the underdog when competing, but the whole village rallies around them and is revived through the excitement of the team playing for the regional cup. Her time spent with this team and the rest of the villagers softens Britt-Marie's rough edges and helps her to see that she can be a part of something beyond her marital experience. She gains a passion for something other than her mundane daily routine of cleaning and organizing.

This book gets 5 stars from me. Frederick Backman is now an auto-buy author for me. I cannot wait for his next novel.

This book surprised me. I didn't think I would enjoy it much because it is a YA book, but I was pleasantly surprised. I thought the author dealt with the topic of rape in a sensitive, yet honest manner.

The main character of this book, Eden, is raped in her own bedroom by her brother's best friend, who is four years older than she is. It is brutal and traumatizing. She does not tell anyone out of fear, and the event has lasting, negative effects on her. It alters her attitude and personality, changing her from who she used to be into someone even she doesn't like. It impacts her relationships with everyone around her because she cannot trust anyone. It is sad to see Eden's struggle. It is even frustrating at times because there are people who love and care about her, but she does not see past her pain and distrust.

This book made me cry at times because I felt so much sympathy for Eden. The book is emotional and poignant. I would highly recommend it.

William Kent Krueger has a great talent when it comes to writing a coming of age story. Ordinary Grace is one of my favorite books, so I was excited to read another story about a young boy facing adversity that shapes him into the individual he will be. Krueger's depiction of America during the early 1930s is vivid and informative. I was completely immersed in Odie's world and the adventure he is forced to take to find a life in which he and his friends could be free and find a home.

This book tells the story of Odie, his older brother Alfred, his best friend Mose, and a little girl named Emmy. They are orphans who bond together to escape tragedy and abuse at the hands of those who run the Lincoln Indian Training School. The story follows them as they flee their pursuers in search of family and safety. Many unfortunate events occur along the way that challenge their faith in people and each other.

The plight of these children is heartbreaking to read, but their persistence is inspiring. Despite all the obstacles in their path, they push onward and do what they can to protect each other. Krueger's character development is top notch. I felt for these characters as if they were real. Each of them inspired compassion for different reasons.

Krueger takes great care to create a vivid setting in all of his novels. He describes the landscapes in detail without it becoming tedious. The river in this story becomes as important to the story as the characters. It is their lifeline, their escape route, their adventure.

I cannot recommend Krueger's books enough. Any reader who appreciates a descriptive, immersive setting and rich, complex characters will enjoy this book.

This YA dystopian by Neal Shusterman is a fast-paced, enjoyable read for readers of all ages. I am not usually a YA reader, but I am glad I gave this book a chance. The concept of a world where death has been conquered and an organization is needed to “glean” the population is intriguing.

This book is set in a futuristic world where people are now immortal. In order to control the population, the Scythedom must kill a certain number of individuals each year. The two main teenage characters have been chosen to become scythes because of their compassion and strong wills. However, their journey toward the goal leads them both to some harsh realizations about themselves and the world around them.

I like both of the main characters. They each take a different journey in this book, and I like how they evolve into stronger individuals with very firm beliefs. I like that the book does not involve a lot of romance but stays focused on the characters' growth. The older scythes that are training them are also interesting characters, some good and some bad.

I find it interesting how the world of this book is supposed to be a utopia free of politics and corruption, but the Scythedom has all of the problems associated with government. It is supposed to be above corruption, but we see power plays and manipulation in the organization. There are those who are attempting to corrupt the organization, just like one would expect of any group of fallible humans. The author is showing us that the old adage that “Absolute power corrupts absolutely” is a universal theme.

This is the first book in a series, and I am looking forward to reading the next one.

This book is such a fun read. The characters are just adorable and lovable, and you can't help but root for them. Tiffy and Leon are flatmates that share a bed but never cross paths. It is such an interesting concept for a story. Their correspondence through notes and texts is quirky and cute. I just really enjoyed reading their love story.

Most of the secondary characters are charming and entertaining. I especially enjoyed the relationship of Leon and his brother Richie. I think the portrayal of the ex-boyfriend is a bit overdone, but it serves it's purpose. It was necessary to bring in the commentary on abusive relationships.

Overall, I give this book 4.5 stars. I can't wait to see what Beth O'Leary writes next.

I always enjoy a Katherine Center book, and this one continues that feeling. In this book, Center not only writes an endearing love story but also explores an interesting topic, face blindness. It makes for a fascinating read.

The main character, Sadie, learns early in the book that she has a serious brain disease that requires a quick surgery that can fix the issue. The problem for Sadie is that after the surgery, which goes well, a new issue develops. Sadie becomes face blind, which is a major issue considering she is a portrait artist currently competing in a contest that could make her career. The story follows Sadie as she struggles with the face blindness while also falling for two new men in her life, both of whom she cannot see their faces.

The premise of the story is unique and interesting. I enjoyed that part of the book. Following Sadie as she learns how to recognize people without seeing their faces is quite engaging. On the other hand, I found the storyline involving her evil stepsister to be unnecessary and distracting.

The main love interest, Joe, is a very likable character. Sadie's judgmental critiques of his behavior and the assumptions she makes about him are frustrating, though. Sadie is a bit self-absorbed and does not often try to see things from the perspective of others.

Overall, the reading experience was enjoyable. While I do not love the main character, there is enough in this story that is original and interesting to make it a 4 star book.

This story of three sisters in a downtrodden, seemingly hopeless city is surprisingly uplifting and enjoyable. In One Two Three, Frankel explores what happens to the lives and the spirits of individuals when their city and their health are ruined by big industry. Despite the serious subject matter, Frankel injects love, humor, and hope into her story.

Mab, Monday, and Mirabel are triplets. They call themselves One, Two, and Three. Mae is an average teenager, while Monday and Mirabel both live with disabilities that are a result of a poisoned water supply. Belsum Chemicals released a toxic chemical into the river of the city Bourne back before the girls were born, which resulted in many illnesses, death, lost limbs, and disabilities for the citizens of Bourne. The company left Bourne and never compensated the citizens for the damage it caused. Now, Belsum wants to reopen the plant, and the young people of Bourne are not having it. The sisters seek to stop the company from reopening and further damaging their city.

The story is told from the perspectives of Mab, Monday, and Mirabel. The chapters alternate from one sister to the next and are titled One, Two, or Three depending on which sister is narrating. I have to admit, this structure was confusing at first, making it hard to tell how far along in the book you are. However, after you adjust to it, it flows well. Each sister has a distinct voice and view on matters. I particularly enjoy the perspective of Monday, who appears to suffer from some form of autism or Asperger's. Her blunt honesty is refreshing. Her observations of others brings some humor into the story at times.

The theme of big industry versus common citizens is developed throughout much of the novel. Belsum is the enemy of the people, but the people also need Belsum to bring jobs back to the city. It becomes a struggle between getting justice and just surviving. The young people of the town take up the fight for justice because the adults have to think about jobs and money. This “David and Goliath” theme is not unique, but it is presenting in a new way here.

Overall, I really liked this story. The characters are well-developed and interesting. They are likable, making the reader root for them. While the pacing is a bit slow at times, the plot line keeps the reader engaged and develops good themes.