The Sound of Us

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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.

 

Saving April

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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.

Hearts, Fingers, and Other Things to Cross

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Hearts, Fingers, and Other Things to Cross by Katie Finn is a roller coaster of emotions! The relationship ins and outs of the characters become pretty tangled along with the hurricane scare. This is the shortest and final book of the Broken Hearts and Revenge series and also the most intense!

Revenge, Ice Cream, and Other Things Best Served Cold

Posted on by lynndellwatson

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Revenge, Ice Cream, and Other Things Best Served Cold by Katie Finn delivers intense revenge. The story begins with a recap of past events. Hallie seems to be bent on revenge even though everything came to a head already. The revenge pit just keeps getting dug deeper and deeper. Both Gemma and Hallie go all out with their vengeful acts towards each other and the people around them suffer too. Interesting, heartbreaking and sometimes touching, this book was difficult to put down and the cliffhanger ending makes me want to dive into the next book in the series.

 

The Problem with Forever

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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.

 

What I Read for National Readathon 2016

Posted on by lynndellwatson

I thoroughly enjoyed Saturday, May 21st, which was this year’s National Readathon Day.  Besides taking care of my home and family, I dove into the following books:

The Problem with Forever by Jennifer Armentrout 29962853-_uy200_  ;

Saving April by Sarah A. Denzil  project_cover_image_2-_sx800_ ;

and two books by Katie Finn – Revenge, Ice Cream, and Other Things Best Served Cold   22019274  and Hearts, Fingers, and  Other Things to Cross  512x2bgbmyll-_sy344_bo1204203200_  .   Reviews to follow!

The Last Boy and Girl in the World

Posted on by lynndellwatson

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Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the arc of The Last Boy and Girl in the World. This story revolves around the analysis of Keeley and her relationship with those around her just as much as it deals with the man-made and natural disasters of her town. This intriguing balance kept my interest because the characters were dealing with more than just their own relationships. They were all trying to decide whether to evacuate or stay in the small town that was becoming more flooded by the day. Keeley learns a lot about herself along the way and she loses friends and gains others. She also matures, even though it is a huge struggle for her. The community emergency brings out the best and worst in the town’s residents and also brings to light people’s true characters. A realistic fiction book that will make readers smile and cringe and will ultimately pull on their heartstrings.