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popthebutterfly
Disclaimer: I received this book from Netgalley and the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: March 12, 2019
Genre: YA Contemporary
Recommended Age: 16+ (language, sex/mature scenes)
Publisher: Swoon Reads
Pages: 272
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Smart and unflinching, this #OwnVoices debut contemporary novel stars an ambitious college student who refuses to be defined by her central auditory processing disorder.
Edie Kits has a learning disability. Well, not a learning disability exactly, but a disability that impacts her learning. It isn't visible, it isn't obvious, and it isn't something she likes to advertise.
And for three semesters of college, her hard work and perseverance have carried her through. Edie thinks she has her disability under control until she meets her match with a French 102 course and a professor unwilling to help her out.
Edie finds herself caught between getting the help she needs and convincing her professor that she isn't looking for an easy out. Luckily for Edie, she has an amazing best friend, Serena, who is willing to stitch together a plan to ensure Edie's success. And then there's Hudson, the badly dressed but undoubtedly adorable TA in her French class who finds himself pulled into her orbit...
Chosen by readers like you for Macmillan's young adult imprint Swoon Reads, Meet Me in Outer Space is a sweet, heartachingly real story of love and college life by debut author Melinda Grace.
Review: Another book that I completely devoured! I loved how cute this book was. The meet cute was… cute lol. The main character has a disability. The book is fast paced and is the perfect quick read to move you from one heavy read to another one. The main characters are developed and the world is developed amazingly well.
However, as the book progresses we hear less and less about the main character’s disability. I feel that’s a double edged sword, the book shouldn’t have totally focused on the main character’s disability but I feel that it shouldn’t have completely dissolved either. The book boils down to a simple love story during that process, which is good and bad at the same time. The book also has a really abrupt ending. I feel that this book really deserves an epilogue.
Verdict: A cute, quick read to keep you out of a slump.
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: March 12, 2019
Genre: YA Contemporary
Recommended Age: 16+ (language, sex/mature scenes)
Publisher: Swoon Reads
Pages: 272
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Smart and unflinching, this #OwnVoices debut contemporary novel stars an ambitious college student who refuses to be defined by her central auditory processing disorder.
Edie Kits has a learning disability. Well, not a learning disability exactly, but a disability that impacts her learning. It isn't visible, it isn't obvious, and it isn't something she likes to advertise.
And for three semesters of college, her hard work and perseverance have carried her through. Edie thinks she has her disability under control until she meets her match with a French 102 course and a professor unwilling to help her out.
Edie finds herself caught between getting the help she needs and convincing her professor that she isn't looking for an easy out. Luckily for Edie, she has an amazing best friend, Serena, who is willing to stitch together a plan to ensure Edie's success. And then there's Hudson, the badly dressed but undoubtedly adorable TA in her French class who finds himself pulled into her orbit...
Chosen by readers like you for Macmillan's young adult imprint Swoon Reads, Meet Me in Outer Space is a sweet, heartachingly real story of love and college life by debut author Melinda Grace.
Review: Another book that I completely devoured! I loved how cute this book was. The meet cute was… cute lol. The main character has a disability. The book is fast paced and is the perfect quick read to move you from one heavy read to another one. The main characters are developed and the world is developed amazingly well.
However, as the book progresses we hear less and less about the main character’s disability. I feel that’s a double edged sword, the book shouldn’t have totally focused on the main character’s disability but I feel that it shouldn’t have completely dissolved either. The book boils down to a simple love story during that process, which is good and bad at the same time. The book also has a really abrupt ending. I feel that this book really deserves an epilogue.
Verdict: A cute, quick read to keep you out of a slump.
Disclaimer: I received this book from LBYR and The Novl! Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: April 23, 2019
Genre: YA Contemporary/Magical Realism
Recommended Age: 15+ (TW suicide, gore, TW rape, and language)
Publisher: Little Brown Books for Young Readers
Pages: 304
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Magpie Lewis started writing in her yellow notebook the day her family self-destructed. That was the night Eryn, Magpie's sister, skipped town and left her to fend for herself. That was the night of Brandon Phipp's party.
Now, Magpie is called a slut whenever she walks down the hallways of her high school, her former best friend won't speak to her, and she spends her lunch period with a group of misfits who've all been socially exiled like she has. And so, feeling trapped and forgotten, Magpie retreats to her notebook, dreaming up a place called Near.
Near is perfect--somewhere where her father never cheated, her mother never drank, and Magpie's own life never derailed so suddenly. She imagines Near so completely, so fully, that she writes it into existence, right in her own backyard. It's a place where she can have anything she wants...even revenge.
Review: I thought overall this was a very thought provoking book. It’s emotional and raw and it really encapsulates how divorce and family scandal and rape really affect a teenager. I really felt for Magpie and I wanted just to give her a hug. I feel like this book is well developed and the plot is interesting throughout the novel. The book is also well written.
However, I am so confused by what I just read about this book. I’m still thinking about whether it’s really a book about escapism or if it has moments of real magical realism. I feel like this book, which is supposedly set in the modern time, reaches a bit to remain modern. A lot of the issues could have been solved by simple new technological advancements. I also have a hard time believing that in a time period where kids are glued to their phones the liars are getting called out by simple things that can be solved by filming the event or photos. The ending is also sour, I feel like we were supposed to feel sympathy for this victim blamer and slut shamer because her life got a little hard, but not nearly as hard as the main character. I don’t know, I’m just overall confused.
Verdict: I’m still thinking about this book and I’m not sure if that’s good or bad.
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: April 23, 2019
Genre: YA Contemporary/Magical Realism
Recommended Age: 15+ (TW suicide, gore, TW rape, and language)
Publisher: Little Brown Books for Young Readers
Pages: 304
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Magpie Lewis started writing in her yellow notebook the day her family self-destructed. That was the night Eryn, Magpie's sister, skipped town and left her to fend for herself. That was the night of Brandon Phipp's party.
Now, Magpie is called a slut whenever she walks down the hallways of her high school, her former best friend won't speak to her, and she spends her lunch period with a group of misfits who've all been socially exiled like she has. And so, feeling trapped and forgotten, Magpie retreats to her notebook, dreaming up a place called Near.
Near is perfect--somewhere where her father never cheated, her mother never drank, and Magpie's own life never derailed so suddenly. She imagines Near so completely, so fully, that she writes it into existence, right in her own backyard. It's a place where she can have anything she wants...even revenge.
Review: I thought overall this was a very thought provoking book. It’s emotional and raw and it really encapsulates how divorce and family scandal and rape really affect a teenager. I really felt for Magpie and I wanted just to give her a hug. I feel like this book is well developed and the plot is interesting throughout the novel. The book is also well written.
However, I am so confused by what I just read about this book. I’m still thinking about whether it’s really a book about escapism or if it has moments of real magical realism. I feel like this book, which is supposedly set in the modern time, reaches a bit to remain modern. A lot of the issues could have been solved by simple new technological advancements. I also have a hard time believing that in a time period where kids are glued to their phones the liars are getting called out by simple things that can be solved by filming the event or photos. The ending is also sour, I feel like we were supposed to feel sympathy for this victim blamer and slut shamer because her life got a little hard, but not nearly as hard as the main character. I don’t know, I’m just overall confused.
Verdict: I’m still thinking about this book and I’m not sure if that’s good or bad.
Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the publisher and RockStarBookTours. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: April 2, 2019
Genre: YA Contemporary/Thriller
Recommended Age: 15+ (TW for kidnapping, TW for potential rape, PTSD, sex, and I think there was some small language in this book)
Publisher: KCP Loft
Pages: 506
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Grace Carter's mother --- the celebrity news anchor GG Carter --- is everything Grace is not. GG is a star, with a flawless wardrobe and a following of thousands, while Grace --- an aspiring astrophysicist --- is into stars of another kind. She and her mother have always been in different orbits. Then one day GG is just ... gone. Cameras descend on their house, news shows speculate about what might have happened and Grace's family struggles to find a new rhythm as they wait for answers. While the authorities unravel the mystery behind GG's disappearance, Grace grows closer to her high school's golden boy, Mylo, who has faced a black hole of his own. She also uncovers some secrets from her mother's long-lost past. The more Grace learns, the more she wonders. Did she ever really know her mother? Was GG abducted ... or did she leave? And if she left, why?
Review: For the most part I liked this book. I thought it was well written and it was great to see a tragedy from the perspective of a family effected by it instead of from the viewpoint of the victim. It was realistic and raw. I felt that the character development was great.
However, I did have some issues. I really didn’t like all the misinformation in the book. At one point in the book the father mentions how you had to wait 3 days to report a missing person. This is entirely false. The book is set in Canada and according to the websites I went to, including a government website, it advises people to report missing persons ASAP no matter their age. I usually hear of a 24 hour rule, which is a complete myth and here is why: The first 24 hours in a missing persons case is the most crucial to a case and to the victims life. Your chance of survival and of being rescued decreases significantly after 24 hours is up. I feel it is essential to inform people of the correct times to report missing persons as this can easily mean the difference between life and death for someone you saw/suspect getting kidnapped. The fact that the father waited three days to report the mother missing was very annoying as well. If you think a loved one is in danger or you don’t know where they are PLEASE CALL 911. Another misinformation in the book is that the children in this book were allowed to be interviewed without parental consent. While I’m not exactly sure of the ages of the children as well as the age of majority in Canada, this is a complete falsehood as well. Children have to have a parent or guardian present, even if one of their parents is a suspect.
The back and forth of the time is confusing at first and it takes a bit to get used to. The length for this type of book is really long too, but I’m unsure of how the author could have reduced it. I felt like the book needed to be that long, but it also felt like it was too long as well? It’s a confusing feeling.
Verdict: I recommend this for the mix of contemporary and thriller.
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: April 2, 2019
Genre: YA Contemporary/Thriller
Recommended Age: 15+ (TW for kidnapping, TW for potential rape, PTSD, sex, and I think there was some small language in this book)
Publisher: KCP Loft
Pages: 506
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Grace Carter's mother --- the celebrity news anchor GG Carter --- is everything Grace is not. GG is a star, with a flawless wardrobe and a following of thousands, while Grace --- an aspiring astrophysicist --- is into stars of another kind. She and her mother have always been in different orbits. Then one day GG is just ... gone. Cameras descend on their house, news shows speculate about what might have happened and Grace's family struggles to find a new rhythm as they wait for answers. While the authorities unravel the mystery behind GG's disappearance, Grace grows closer to her high school's golden boy, Mylo, who has faced a black hole of his own. She also uncovers some secrets from her mother's long-lost past. The more Grace learns, the more she wonders. Did she ever really know her mother? Was GG abducted ... or did she leave? And if she left, why?
Review: For the most part I liked this book. I thought it was well written and it was great to see a tragedy from the perspective of a family effected by it instead of from the viewpoint of the victim. It was realistic and raw. I felt that the character development was great.
However, I did have some issues. I really didn’t like all the misinformation in the book. At one point in the book the father mentions how you had to wait 3 days to report a missing person. This is entirely false. The book is set in Canada and according to the websites I went to, including a government website, it advises people to report missing persons ASAP no matter their age. I usually hear of a 24 hour rule, which is a complete myth and here is why: The first 24 hours in a missing persons case is the most crucial to a case and to the victims life. Your chance of survival and of being rescued decreases significantly after 24 hours is up. I feel it is essential to inform people of the correct times to report missing persons as this can easily mean the difference between life and death for someone you saw/suspect getting kidnapped. The fact that the father waited three days to report the mother missing was very annoying as well. If you think a loved one is in danger or you don’t know where they are PLEASE CALL 911. Another misinformation in the book is that the children in this book were allowed to be interviewed without parental consent. While I’m not exactly sure of the ages of the children as well as the age of majority in Canada, this is a complete falsehood as well. Children have to have a parent or guardian present, even if one of their parents is a suspect.
The back and forth of the time is confusing at first and it takes a bit to get used to. The length for this type of book is really long too, but I’m unsure of how the author could have reduced it. I felt like the book needed to be that long, but it also felt like it was too long as well? It’s a confusing feeling.
Verdict: I recommend this for the mix of contemporary and thriller.
Disclaimer: I bought this book!
Book Series: Once Upon a Con #1
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: April 4, 2017
Genre: YA Contemporary Romance/Retelling
Recommended Age: 14+ (domestic violence/slight abusive home life might be a little triggering)
Publisher: Quirk Books
Pages: 320
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Geek girl Elle Wittimer lives and breathes Starfield, the classic science-fiction series she grew up watching with her late father. So when she sees a cosplay contest for a new Starfield movie, she has to enter. The prize? An invitation to the ExcelsiCon Cosplay Ball and a meet-and-greet with the actor slated to play Federation Prince Carmindor in the reboot. With savings from her gig at the Magic Pumpkin food truck and her dad's old costume, Elle's determined to win - unless her stepsisters get there first.
Teen actor Darien Freeman used to live for cons - before he was famous. Now they're nothing but autographs and awkward meet-and-greets. Playing Carmindor is all he has ever wanted, but Starfield fandom has written him off as just another dumb heartthrob. As ExcelsiCon draws near, Darien feels more and more like a fake - until he meets a girl who shows him otherwise. But when she disappears at midnight, will he ever be able to find her again?
Part-romance, part-love letter to nerd culture, and all totally adorbs, Geekerella is a fairy tale for anyone who believes in the magic of fandom.
Review: Holy shit why haven’t I read this book before now? This book is absolutely amazing! The story was well written and, while it keeps to the original Cinderella tale, it manages to weave in this wonderfully original take on the tale. The book made my little geek heart happy and, by the end, I was rooting for Elle and Darian to get together. Definitely recommend this for anyone who loves romances or retellings or needs a book between tough reads.
However, I do think that the ending could be better. It felt like the book suddenly ended, but I might be biased as I want more Elle and Darian. Sequel please Ash?
Verdict: A must read for any geek.
Book Series: Once Upon a Con #1
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: April 4, 2017
Genre: YA Contemporary Romance/Retelling
Recommended Age: 14+ (domestic violence/slight abusive home life might be a little triggering)
Publisher: Quirk Books
Pages: 320
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Geek girl Elle Wittimer lives and breathes Starfield, the classic science-fiction series she grew up watching with her late father. So when she sees a cosplay contest for a new Starfield movie, she has to enter. The prize? An invitation to the ExcelsiCon Cosplay Ball and a meet-and-greet with the actor slated to play Federation Prince Carmindor in the reboot. With savings from her gig at the Magic Pumpkin food truck and her dad's old costume, Elle's determined to win - unless her stepsisters get there first.
Teen actor Darien Freeman used to live for cons - before he was famous. Now they're nothing but autographs and awkward meet-and-greets. Playing Carmindor is all he has ever wanted, but Starfield fandom has written him off as just another dumb heartthrob. As ExcelsiCon draws near, Darien feels more and more like a fake - until he meets a girl who shows him otherwise. But when she disappears at midnight, will he ever be able to find her again?
Part-romance, part-love letter to nerd culture, and all totally adorbs, Geekerella is a fairy tale for anyone who believes in the magic of fandom.
Review: Holy shit why haven’t I read this book before now? This book is absolutely amazing! The story was well written and, while it keeps to the original Cinderella tale, it manages to weave in this wonderfully original take on the tale. The book made my little geek heart happy and, by the end, I was rooting for Elle and Darian to get together. Definitely recommend this for anyone who loves romances or retellings or needs a book between tough reads.
However, I do think that the ending could be better. It felt like the book suddenly ended, but I might be biased as I want more Elle and Darian. Sequel please Ash?
Verdict: A must read for any geek.
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from Quirk Books and Netgalley! I got an e-arc from Netgalley and the physical from Quirk Books! Thank you guys so so much! All opinions are my own.
Book Series: Once Upon a Con #2
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: April 2, 2019
Genre: YA Retelling/Contemporary Romance
Recommended Age: 13+ (slightly mature romance scenes, slight sexual assault, sexual harassment, some language, and a naked cat)
Publisher: Quirk Books
Pages: 320
Amazon Link
Synopsis: The Prince and the Pauper gets a modern makeover in this adorable, witty, and heartwarming young adult novel set in the Geekerella universe by national bestselling author Ashley Poston.
Imogen Lovelace is an ordinary fangirl on an impossible mission: save her favorite character, Princess Amara, from being killed off from her favorite franchise, Starfield. The problem is, Jessica Stone—the actress who plays Princess Amara—wants nothing more than to leave the intense scrutiny of the fandom behind. If this year's ExcelsiCon isn't her last, she'll consider her career derailed.
When a case of mistaken identity throws look-a-likes Imogen and Jess together, they quickly become enemies. But when the script for the Starfield sequel leaks, and all signs point to Jess, she and Imogen must trade places to find the person responsible. That's easier said than done when the girls step into each other's shoes and discover new romantic possibilities, as well as the other side of intense fandom. As these "princesses" race to find the script-leaker, they must rescue themselves from their own expectations, and redefine what it means to live happily ever after.
Review: Holy cow Batman! How can I sum up how much I loved this side story/sequel to Geekerella? I loved it so freaking much. The story was well thought out and I loved how it was a Prince and the Pauper retelling. The writing was incredible, Ashley Poston is a force to be reckoned with, so watch out SJM! The characters were well developed and this book just made my little geek heart happy. I also loved how Poston drove home the injustice of fan-people when it comes any strong female character. It’s hard to be a female in the fandom world and I’ve read more than a dozen comments discussing the actress’ breast size and how she’d be better if she supported this male character and how the exact color of her hair does not match the characters and blah blah blah. But you remake Spiderman 40 times and no one complains (except me. I complain. Shameik Moore as Miles Morales is better than Tobey Maguire any day and don’t even get me started on how much we need a Gwen Stacey movie). I think the sexism among some of the fandoms is really sad. We can have the strong female character and the strong male character and the even stronger non-gender conforming character. We don’t need to have these archaic notions of what men can do compared to women and, in my opinion, if you choose to keep those beliefs then you won’t progress as a person in the future. The future is inclusive and we see success and strength in all, not just some.
If I had to choose a working point of this book I’d have to say that I think it’s great, but I wish that the relationships were expanded a bit more. Poston had enough material to go another 100 pages easily and I would have enjoyed them. As is the book is great, but I just want more of the couples.
Verdict: A definite must read!
Book Series: Once Upon a Con #2
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: April 2, 2019
Genre: YA Retelling/Contemporary Romance
Recommended Age: 13+ (slightly mature romance scenes, slight sexual assault, sexual harassment, some language, and a naked cat)
Publisher: Quirk Books
Pages: 320
Amazon Link
Synopsis: The Prince and the Pauper gets a modern makeover in this adorable, witty, and heartwarming young adult novel set in the Geekerella universe by national bestselling author Ashley Poston.
Imogen Lovelace is an ordinary fangirl on an impossible mission: save her favorite character, Princess Amara, from being killed off from her favorite franchise, Starfield. The problem is, Jessica Stone—the actress who plays Princess Amara—wants nothing more than to leave the intense scrutiny of the fandom behind. If this year's ExcelsiCon isn't her last, she'll consider her career derailed.
When a case of mistaken identity throws look-a-likes Imogen and Jess together, they quickly become enemies. But when the script for the Starfield sequel leaks, and all signs point to Jess, she and Imogen must trade places to find the person responsible. That's easier said than done when the girls step into each other's shoes and discover new romantic possibilities, as well as the other side of intense fandom. As these "princesses" race to find the script-leaker, they must rescue themselves from their own expectations, and redefine what it means to live happily ever after.
Review: Holy cow Batman! How can I sum up how much I loved this side story/sequel to Geekerella? I loved it so freaking much. The story was well thought out and I loved how it was a Prince and the Pauper retelling. The writing was incredible, Ashley Poston is a force to be reckoned with, so watch out SJM! The characters were well developed and this book just made my little geek heart happy. I also loved how Poston drove home the injustice of fan-people when it comes any strong female character. It’s hard to be a female in the fandom world and I’ve read more than a dozen comments discussing the actress’ breast size and how she’d be better if she supported this male character and how the exact color of her hair does not match the characters and blah blah blah. But you remake Spiderman 40 times and no one complains (except me. I complain. Shameik Moore as Miles Morales is better than Tobey Maguire any day and don’t even get me started on how much we need a Gwen Stacey movie). I think the sexism among some of the fandoms is really sad. We can have the strong female character and the strong male character and the even stronger non-gender conforming character. We don’t need to have these archaic notions of what men can do compared to women and, in my opinion, if you choose to keep those beliefs then you won’t progress as a person in the future. The future is inclusive and we see success and strength in all, not just some.
If I had to choose a working point of this book I’d have to say that I think it’s great, but I wish that the relationships were expanded a bit more. Poston had enough material to go another 100 pages easily and I would have enjoyed them. As is the book is great, but I just want more of the couples.
Verdict: A definite must read!
Disclaimer: I received this book from SparkPress. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book Series: standalone
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: April 9, 2019
Genre: Historical Fiction
Recommended Age: 15+ (sexual assault, TW suicide, TW abuse)
Publisher: SparkPress
Pages: 300
Amazon Link
Synopsis: In 1937, Mary Margaret Joyce is born in the Tuam Home for unwed mothers. After spending her early years in an uncaring foster home, she is sentenced by a judge to an industrial school, where she is given the name Peg, and assigned the number 27. Amid one hundred other unwanted girls, Peg quickly learns the rigid routine of prayer, work, and silence under the watchful eye of Sister Constance. Her only respite is an annual summer holiday with a kind family in Galway.
At the tender age of thirteen, Peg accidentally learns the identity of her birthmother. Peg struggles with feelings of anger and abandonment, while her mother grapples with the shame of having borne a child out of wedlock. The tension between them mounts as Peg, now becoming a young adult, begins to make plans for her future beyond Ireland.
Based on actual events, The House Children is a compelling story of familial love, shameful secrets, and life inside Ireland’s infamous industrial schools.
Review: I thought this book was moving and poetic. It was raw and it gave an unashamed look at Ireland’s unfair laws regarding unwed mothers and their out-of-wedlock children. The children, and the mothers, were victims of a system that was so focused on stomping out any and all “sin” that it forgot about the people it left behind in its wake. In my personal opinion, this is a good example of what happens when you have a country that is ruled by a lot of people who think the same way. They don’t have that devil’s advocate to suggest/argue the opposite view and so laws like these get passed. I’m sure it worked some to help statistically take down unwed mothers and “bastard” children, it probably also helped in raising secret abortions and infanticide. I grew up in a very conservative county and being a teenage mother was always (and still is) heavily frowned upon. A girl that went to my school found herself pregnant. She wore baggy clothes and didn’t tell her parents. She had the baby in secret and, from what I heard from friends who knew her, tried to kill the child to hide her “sin”. While having a child at a young age or outside a solid relationship isn’t ideal, the mothers and children shouldn’t fear being punished by others for existing. And, if I’m so frank, teen/unwed sex has happened since the dawn of time. As long as there has been people, there has been sex. You’re never going to create enough laws/policies to rid pregnancy from those society deems “undeserving” of the miracle. It happens and the sooner we all realize it and work to help all pregnant women without prejudice in whatever they need or desire, the better in my opinion.
If I had to say some negatives about the book, it would be the abrupt end of the book and some of the mysteries of some of the other characters. I also wish that the book didn’t play it safe with one character. I wish that the main character was in a bit more danger and that her life wasn’t so coincidental.
Verdict: A marvelous read!
Book Series: standalone
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: April 9, 2019
Genre: Historical Fiction
Recommended Age: 15+ (sexual assault, TW suicide, TW abuse)
Publisher: SparkPress
Pages: 300
Amazon Link
Synopsis: In 1937, Mary Margaret Joyce is born in the Tuam Home for unwed mothers. After spending her early years in an uncaring foster home, she is sentenced by a judge to an industrial school, where she is given the name Peg, and assigned the number 27. Amid one hundred other unwanted girls, Peg quickly learns the rigid routine of prayer, work, and silence under the watchful eye of Sister Constance. Her only respite is an annual summer holiday with a kind family in Galway.
At the tender age of thirteen, Peg accidentally learns the identity of her birthmother. Peg struggles with feelings of anger and abandonment, while her mother grapples with the shame of having borne a child out of wedlock. The tension between them mounts as Peg, now becoming a young adult, begins to make plans for her future beyond Ireland.
Based on actual events, The House Children is a compelling story of familial love, shameful secrets, and life inside Ireland’s infamous industrial schools.
Review: I thought this book was moving and poetic. It was raw and it gave an unashamed look at Ireland’s unfair laws regarding unwed mothers and their out-of-wedlock children. The children, and the mothers, were victims of a system that was so focused on stomping out any and all “sin” that it forgot about the people it left behind in its wake. In my personal opinion, this is a good example of what happens when you have a country that is ruled by a lot of people who think the same way. They don’t have that devil’s advocate to suggest/argue the opposite view and so laws like these get passed. I’m sure it worked some to help statistically take down unwed mothers and “bastard” children, it probably also helped in raising secret abortions and infanticide. I grew up in a very conservative county and being a teenage mother was always (and still is) heavily frowned upon. A girl that went to my school found herself pregnant. She wore baggy clothes and didn’t tell her parents. She had the baby in secret and, from what I heard from friends who knew her, tried to kill the child to hide her “sin”. While having a child at a young age or outside a solid relationship isn’t ideal, the mothers and children shouldn’t fear being punished by others for existing. And, if I’m so frank, teen/unwed sex has happened since the dawn of time. As long as there has been people, there has been sex. You’re never going to create enough laws/policies to rid pregnancy from those society deems “undeserving” of the miracle. It happens and the sooner we all realize it and work to help all pregnant women without prejudice in whatever they need or desire, the better in my opinion.
If I had to say some negatives about the book, it would be the abrupt end of the book and some of the mysteries of some of the other characters. I also wish that the book didn’t play it safe with one character. I wish that the main character was in a bit more danger and that her life wasn’t so coincidental.
Verdict: A marvelous read!
Disclaimer: I received these books from JustRead Tours. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book Series: #1 of the Beauty in Flight series
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: January 22, 2019
Genre: Suspense
Recommended Age: 15+ (sex, crime)
Publisher: JDO Publishing
Pages: 201
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Her beauty once opened doors, but the felony conviction now slams them shut.
Harper Cloud used to love the gilded glamour of Las Vegas, but on the far side of prison, she sees the cracks in the veneer. These days, she keeps her head down and focuses on the elderly patients in her care. Even her new wealthy east-coast boyfriend, Derrick, can't entice her away. She's trusted men before, and look where that got her.
She tries to brush off the feeling that she's being watched. She won't allow a baseless paranoia to derail her life. But when she's followed home one night, her pursuer gets within a hair's breadth of grabbing her. She knows it's time to get away from Las Vegas.
Maybe Derrick can be trusted. Maybe his job offer—to care for his aging grandfather in Maryland—will be the second chance she needs.
But Derrick has secrets of his own, secrets that could take him down--and take Harper with him.
Can there be a second chance for someone like her?
Buy Beauty in Flight today , Book 1 in a 3-book-series that’ll keep you guessing until the very end.
Review: I felt that the book did really good with character development and the writing was well done. The book is also really well paced and it’s not a very stress-inducing suspense novel, so if you want to read something suspenseful but can’t bring yourself to do so with most novels this would probably be a good one for you.
However, I felt that the book didn’t really go anywhere. There wasn’t much of a story here and the climax is at the end of the book. It feels like the book is mostly just background and story setting up, it’s really off-putting for a first book.
Verdict: If you can deal with story setting this book would be good for you.
Book Series: #1 of the Beauty in Flight series
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: January 22, 2019
Genre: Suspense
Recommended Age: 15+ (sex, crime)
Publisher: JDO Publishing
Pages: 201
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Her beauty once opened doors, but the felony conviction now slams them shut.
Harper Cloud used to love the gilded glamour of Las Vegas, but on the far side of prison, she sees the cracks in the veneer. These days, she keeps her head down and focuses on the elderly patients in her care. Even her new wealthy east-coast boyfriend, Derrick, can't entice her away. She's trusted men before, and look where that got her.
She tries to brush off the feeling that she's being watched. She won't allow a baseless paranoia to derail her life. But when she's followed home one night, her pursuer gets within a hair's breadth of grabbing her. She knows it's time to get away from Las Vegas.
Maybe Derrick can be trusted. Maybe his job offer—to care for his aging grandfather in Maryland—will be the second chance she needs.
But Derrick has secrets of his own, secrets that could take him down--and take Harper with him.
Can there be a second chance for someone like her?
Buy Beauty in Flight today , Book 1 in a 3-book-series that’ll keep you guessing until the very end.
Review: I felt that the book did really good with character development and the writing was well done. The book is also really well paced and it’s not a very stress-inducing suspense novel, so if you want to read something suspenseful but can’t bring yourself to do so with most novels this would probably be a good one for you.
However, I felt that the book didn’t really go anywhere. There wasn’t much of a story here and the climax is at the end of the book. It feels like the book is mostly just background and story setting up, it’s really off-putting for a first book.
Verdict: If you can deal with story setting this book would be good for you.
Disclaimer: I received this book from JustRead Tours. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book Series: #2 of the Beauty in Flight series
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: March 12, 2019
Genre: Suspense
Recommended Age: 16+ (romance, murder, crime, violence)
Publisher: JDO Publishing
Pages: 256
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Book 2 in the Beauty in Flight series:
Harper’s second chance at life will become a second stint in prison if anyone connects her to those two dead men.
Nutfield, New Hampshire, is as good a place as any to hide from the murderer Harper left behind in Maryland. All she has to do is lie low and make enough money to keep herself and Red alive until she can figure out who her enemies are.
Jack Rossi is mystified by his beautiful new tenant and her confused grandfather. Something's not right, but the love he sees between them and the care she takes of the old man convinces Jack they're trustworthy. As drawn as he is to Harper, she’s his tenant, so she’s off limits.
Derrick, Harper's ex-boyfriend and Red’s grandson, needs to find his grandfather and get his hands on the old man’s money before Derrick ends up with a bullet in the skull. And when he gets his hands on Harper, she’ll be sorry for what she’s put him through.
Harper and Jack grow closer, but so do her enemies. If the truth comes out, she may lose her freedom—or her life.
Don’t miss Beauty in Hiding, Book 2 in the Beauty in Flight series. Preorder it today.
Review: I feel that this book was better than the first one. We’ve gotten the introductions out of the way and the action really picks up in this one. The characters continue to develop really well and the pacing remains consistent.
However, I do feel that the story can get really confusing and it sometimes feels like it’s all over the place. The book is well written, but sometimes the book is just really hard to follow because of the confusion I felt while reading this book.
Verdict: Pretty good second book!
Book Series: #2 of the Beauty in Flight series
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: March 12, 2019
Genre: Suspense
Recommended Age: 16+ (romance, murder, crime, violence)
Publisher: JDO Publishing
Pages: 256
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Book 2 in the Beauty in Flight series:
Harper’s second chance at life will become a second stint in prison if anyone connects her to those two dead men.
Nutfield, New Hampshire, is as good a place as any to hide from the murderer Harper left behind in Maryland. All she has to do is lie low and make enough money to keep herself and Red alive until she can figure out who her enemies are.
Jack Rossi is mystified by his beautiful new tenant and her confused grandfather. Something's not right, but the love he sees between them and the care she takes of the old man convinces Jack they're trustworthy. As drawn as he is to Harper, she’s his tenant, so she’s off limits.
Derrick, Harper's ex-boyfriend and Red’s grandson, needs to find his grandfather and get his hands on the old man’s money before Derrick ends up with a bullet in the skull. And when he gets his hands on Harper, she’ll be sorry for what she’s put him through.
Harper and Jack grow closer, but so do her enemies. If the truth comes out, she may lose her freedom—or her life.
Don’t miss Beauty in Hiding, Book 2 in the Beauty in Flight series. Preorder it today.
Review: I feel that this book was better than the first one. We’ve gotten the introductions out of the way and the action really picks up in this one. The characters continue to develop really well and the pacing remains consistent.
However, I do feel that the story can get really confusing and it sometimes feels like it’s all over the place. The book is well written, but sometimes the book is just really hard to follow because of the confusion I felt while reading this book.
Verdict: Pretty good second book!
Disclaimer: I received this book from JustRead Tours. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book Series: #3 of the Beauty in Flight Series
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: April 9, 2019
Genre: Suspense
Recommended Age: 15+ (violence, crime)
Publisher: JDO Publishing
Pages: 137
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Book 3 in the Beauty in Flight Series:
The truth is out, but will it set her free, or will it land her in the grave?
The last thing Harper wants is to do is return Maryland to face the police and explain the mess she left behind, but with Red safe and the authorities waiting, she has little choice. At least Jack didn't abandon her, even after he discovered her lies.
Now that Jack knows the truth about Harper, his feelings for her are deeper than ever. Jack isn’t about to leave her side, and he'll protect her from anybody who tries to hurt her--or die trying.
But Derrick is on their trail, and he’s the least of their problems. How can they battle both Derrick and the killer who hides in the shadows?
Don’t miss the exciting conclusion of the Beauty in Flight series. Buy it today.
Review: I felt that this book was a pretty good ending to the entire series. It ended well and I felt like I got closure where I needed it. The writing was still well done and the pacing still consistent.
However, I felt like this book was a bit like the first one. It was a lot of non-action and explanation. I felt that the book could have done better by making this series into one book, then cutting out and trimming down some of the excess. I think this series could have been more suspenseful too, but it just feels like a lot like a amateur detective novel. Some of the misconceptions about criminal justice are displayed here and they continue to annoy me as much as always.
Verdict: I feel like this should have been one book.
Book Series: #3 of the Beauty in Flight Series
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: April 9, 2019
Genre: Suspense
Recommended Age: 15+ (violence, crime)
Publisher: JDO Publishing
Pages: 137
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Book 3 in the Beauty in Flight Series:
The truth is out, but will it set her free, or will it land her in the grave?
The last thing Harper wants is to do is return Maryland to face the police and explain the mess she left behind, but with Red safe and the authorities waiting, she has little choice. At least Jack didn't abandon her, even after he discovered her lies.
Now that Jack knows the truth about Harper, his feelings for her are deeper than ever. Jack isn’t about to leave her side, and he'll protect her from anybody who tries to hurt her--or die trying.
But Derrick is on their trail, and he’s the least of their problems. How can they battle both Derrick and the killer who hides in the shadows?
Don’t miss the exciting conclusion of the Beauty in Flight series. Buy it today.
Review: I felt that this book was a pretty good ending to the entire series. It ended well and I felt like I got closure where I needed it. The writing was still well done and the pacing still consistent.
However, I felt like this book was a bit like the first one. It was a lot of non-action and explanation. I felt that the book could have done better by making this series into one book, then cutting out and trimming down some of the excess. I think this series could have been more suspenseful too, but it just feels like a lot like a amateur detective novel. Some of the misconceptions about criminal justice are displayed here and they continue to annoy me as much as always.
Verdict: I feel like this should have been one book.
Disclaimer: I received this book from Swoon Reads and Netgalley. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 1.5/5
Publication Date: April 16, 2019
Genre: Mystery Romance
Recommended Age: 15+ (lots of dialogue and a murder)
Publisher: Swoon Reads
Pages: 352
Amazon Link
Synopsis: 1833. After young Lord James Ellerby witnesses a near-fatal carriage accident on the outskirts of his estate, he doesn't think twice about bringing the young woman injured in the wreck to his family's manor to recuperate. But then she finally regains consciousness only to find that she has no memory of who she is or where she belongs.
Beth, as she takes to calling herself, is an enigma even to herself. She has the rough hands of a servant, but the bearing and apparent education of a lady. Her only clue to her identity is a gruesome recurring nightmare about a hummingbird dripping blood from its steel beak.
With the help of James and his sister, Caroline, Beth slowly begins to unravel the mystery behind her identity and the sinister circumstances that brought her to their door. But the dangerous secrets they discover in doing so could have deadly ramifications reaching the highest tiers of London society.
Review: I felt that the characters in this book were really interesting and the premise behind the book was interesting.
However, that was all I found interesting about the book. The book was really flat. It was a struggle to read the book and the plot wasn’t there. There was a mystery here and while it was interesting in theory, it felt like there was never anything done to it. The whole book felt like there was nothing done to it. There’s zero action in this book and I felt like there was nothing really making it special from any other regency novel. The characters are never fully developed and I feel like I didn’t retain anything that I read from the book. Also, this is yet ANOTHER book where you have to read the synopsis to under the book.
Verdict: If you like light action and lots and lots and lots of dialogue, this is your book.
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 1.5/5
Publication Date: April 16, 2019
Genre: Mystery Romance
Recommended Age: 15+ (lots of dialogue and a murder)
Publisher: Swoon Reads
Pages: 352
Amazon Link
Synopsis: 1833. After young Lord James Ellerby witnesses a near-fatal carriage accident on the outskirts of his estate, he doesn't think twice about bringing the young woman injured in the wreck to his family's manor to recuperate. But then she finally regains consciousness only to find that she has no memory of who she is or where she belongs.
Beth, as she takes to calling herself, is an enigma even to herself. She has the rough hands of a servant, but the bearing and apparent education of a lady. Her only clue to her identity is a gruesome recurring nightmare about a hummingbird dripping blood from its steel beak.
With the help of James and his sister, Caroline, Beth slowly begins to unravel the mystery behind her identity and the sinister circumstances that brought her to their door. But the dangerous secrets they discover in doing so could have deadly ramifications reaching the highest tiers of London society.
Review: I felt that the characters in this book were really interesting and the premise behind the book was interesting.
However, that was all I found interesting about the book. The book was really flat. It was a struggle to read the book and the plot wasn’t there. There was a mystery here and while it was interesting in theory, it felt like there was never anything done to it. The whole book felt like there was nothing done to it. There’s zero action in this book and I felt like there was nothing really making it special from any other regency novel. The characters are never fully developed and I feel like I didn’t retain anything that I read from the book. Also, this is yet ANOTHER book where you have to read the synopsis to under the book.
Verdict: If you like light action and lots and lots and lots of dialogue, this is your book.