The Sound of Us

Posted on by lynndellwatson

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Thanks to Entangled Publishing for the copy of The Sound of Us by Julie Hammerle! I wasn’t sure how much I would enjoy this book about a classical musical competition and scholarships, but I am very pleasantly surprised! The Sound of Us is so much more than just music, but, at the same time, is engulfed in the musical students’ world. I like the musical and literary references throughout the book and I grew to care about the characters, who are very dynamic as they mature and learn through their struggles. I am very proud of Kiki and all that she accomplished. She learned valuable lessons about herself and others and moved forward with that knowledge. Kiki is a teenage girl that gets into the classical music summer camp that she has aspired to. The camp is cut-throat and each student is competing and fighting for one of seven scholarships (four-year, full-ride scholarships to the college). This story is engaging, fun to read, enjoyable, intelligent and has the perfect ending in which the future awaits!

 

The Broken Ones

Posted on by lynndellwatson

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The Broken Ones by Sarah A. Denzil is another great thriller full of suspense by the author of Saving April! A mystery dealing with a middle-aged woman living with her mother who has early onset Alzheimer’s. There is such a great twist in this book and I did not see it coming, especially to that extent. Sophie discovers a horrible secret, an act that her mother set forth. I can’t say more than that because I do not want to spoil anything for the potential reader. Sarah A. Denzil knows how to spin a tale of mystery, suspense and danger with creativity and intelligence. I look forward to reading more of her books!

Outrun the Moon

Posted on by lynndellwatson

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Outrun the Moon by Stacey Lee introduces Mercy Wong and her family living in Chinatown in 1906. Mercy wants to give her family a better life, so she studies and works her way into the St. Clare’s Boarding School for girls. Mercy has impressive maturity and wisdom for her age, probably due to the racism that surrounds her and her undying pursuit of future goals. The San Francisco earthquake strikes and some petty differences dissolve while others grow. Mercy Wong upholds her strong values and beliefs while still being open to others. She is perfect:) This wonderful historical fiction story contains some clean romance and a happily ever after feel.

A Totally Awkward Love Story

Posted on by lynndellwatson

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Thanks to First In Line for selecting me as a winner and giving me a free copy of A Totally Awkward Love Story by Tom Ellen and Lucy Ivison! The title is perfect for this story as the awkwardness continues throughout the entire book and throughout the relationship between Hannah and Sam. Young adult British humor made me laugh a ton! I enjoyed the humorous honesty and complete openness about everything, and I mean everything! Fun and fast read by clever authors.

 

After Obsession

Posted on by lynndellwatson

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After Obsession by Carrie Jones and Steven E. Wedel tells the story of a teenage girl and teenage boy that share a psychic connection. Aimee is psychic and has dreams. Alan has dreams also, his contain Aimee, even though he doesn’t know her yet. Aimee’s mother is gone and her friend Courtney’s dad is missing. People began to act more aggressively than they ever have before and no one can understand why. Courtney’s cousin, Alan, and his mother move in with Courtney and her mother to help support them, financially and emotionally. Alan is part Native American and has found his totem while on his vision quest. When Aimee and Alan meet, they immediately sense their connection and work together to solve the town’s mysterious change of behavior and missing people. The story grows more complicated as the supernatural comes to light and the townspeople have to work together to prevent more tragedy. This book is a clean read with a bit of romance and a taste of the supernatural! Enjoyable!

Saving April

Posted on by lynndellwatson

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Saving April by Sarah A. Denzil is a book I was asked to review. Alternating points of view with Hannah (a writer who doesn’t leave her house much and is a recluse) and Laura (a woman who just moved into the neighborhood with her husband and daughter, April). The story pulled me in and the riveting suspense wouldn’t let me go! Once I began reading Saving April, I couldn’t put it down and I finished it in one sitting. I enjoyed how the characters are pulled together, how secrets are slowly revealed and the intensity of the plot! The epilogue adds even more to the story. Impressive writing and reading Saving April made me want to read this author’s other works.

The Problem with Forever

Posted on by lynndellwatson

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The Problem with Forever by Jennifer Armentrout pulled me in from page one!  This complex book tells about the present situation of two previously abused teenagers and the protective relationship between the two of them. Mallory and Rider have known each other since they were small and living together in a foster home.  By page thirty-nine, the amazing way that Rider took care of Mallory when they were younger got to me and I began all-out crying because it was so touching.  The Problem with Forever deals with some tough issues and the author handles these issues with dignity and kindness.  After reading this story, I felt inspired and like my soul had been lightened.  It’s like therapy!

This is the first book of Jennifer Armentrout’s that I have read, but it will not be the last!  I am very impressed with her writing and I have a feeling that this realistic fiction book will stick with me for a very long time.