Book Review: "The MASH Up" by Laura Marie Meyers

This was all kinds of adorable. Definitely put a smile on my face!

Ruby lives her life according to plans and rules. She doesn’t deviate from the path she’s set for herself, and luckily, her boyfriend is the exact same way. But her carefully choreographed plans go awry at her 35th birthday party, when her boyfriend tells her he’s moving to New York for a job opportunity. It’s the biggest risk he’s ever taken—and she can’t take it with him.

When she wakes up the next morning, she discovers that she’s living inside a game of M.A.S.H. that she played in 7th grade. She wears brightly colored clothes, drives a tie-dye jeep, and owns a roller-disco diner. It’s all exactly as she dreamed back then, before her life became regimented. The only part of her dream that hasn’t manifested itself is her “other half,” which is supposed to be Penn, her twin brother’s best friend.

In this version of her life (as in real life), Penn knows how to get on her every nerve. It’s been that way since they were kids. But has he always been this sexy? Or this annoying?

Having to live such a spontaneous life is very unsettling for Ruby. But she figures that the only way she’ll get back to the “real world” is to make Penn fall in love with her. What if, once that happens, she doesn’t want to leave? What if she realizes she likes this side of her—and Penn?

This was a really fun debut novel. Penn is definitely a crushworthy book boyfriend, and the banter between him and Ruby was top notch. I loved that this had a bit more emotional depth than a typical rom-com, and I think I want a tie-dye jeep!

Book Review: "The Bookstore Keepers" by Alice Hoffman

“…aloneness breeds loneliness, and loneliness will come between you and your beloved before you know it and drive you apart.”

I have been loving this series of stories Alice Hoffman has written! The first two stories, The Bookstore Sisters and The Bookstore Wedding, were packed with so much emotion and beauty, and the newest one is just as exceptional.

Sisters Isabel and Sophie run a bookstore together in their hometown of Brinkley’s Island, Maine. Both have weathered major upheavals in their lives and were apart for a number of years, only to find their way back to one another. And while their lives are intertwined, they each have carved out their own space.

One morning, Isabel’s husband Johnny awakens from a dream, crying. What he saw in the dream, and how it manifests itself in real life, has a significant impact on both him and Isabel. Sometimes, when the one you love is struggling, the best thing you can do for them is be a safe harbor when they need you.

Meanwhile, Sophie’s daughter Violet returns to the island after college, and everyone expects that she will take over the bookstore at some point. Yet she has dreams of her own, but how do you know if it’s the right time to live for yourself?

Hoffman’s writing is so beautifully poetic and full of heart. I love the way she creates a fully realized world in a short number of pages, and I’ve been carrying these characters in my heart. I always say that the mark of a good book is one that makes you wish you knew the characters in real life. That’s definitely the case here.

Book Review: "Until Next Summer" by Ali Brady

Summer camp is a part of my soul. For 10 summers I went to a sleepaway camp up in the Catskills Mountains, as a camper, counselor, and group leader. I’m still close with people I met all those years ago, still remember all of the camp songs, and have some pretty amazing memories.

With that background in mind, I am Jessie, the main character in Ali Brady’s newest book. Jessie first attended Camp Chickawah when she was young, and it was the best part of her life. (Some may call it "Chick-amazing.") She lived 10 months of the year for the 2 months she would get to go to camp.

Jessie and her best friend from camp, Hillary, planned on becoming counselors together, but when Hillary backed out to take an internship, their friendship ended. But Jessie kept on going and is now the director of the place she loves so much.

When the camp owners tell Jessie they plan to sell, she is devastated. This is her home, her life. So she decides that for the last summer, she’ll invite all past campers to experience the camp once again, yet as adults. Hillary is one who returns for the last summer. She hopes to rebuild her friendship with Jessie and in the process, learn about what’s been missing in her life.

I absolutely loved this book. It captured my heart from page 1 and never let go. It’s sweet and funny and pretty steamy in places, and just amazing!!

Thanks to the authors for the traveling ARC!! The book publishes 7/9. #greenteam

Book Review: "The Breakup Tour" by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka

Riley Wynn might be the most famous singer/songwriter at the current time. Her natural charm, her beauty, and her talent have garnered her countless fans, and her romantic relationships keep her in the public eye.

When her marriage to a handsome actor ends after only a few months, she chooses to put her pain into her music. She writes what is essentially an album of breakup songs, each one inspired by a different relationship. The lead single, “Until You,” becomes an instant hit, with her ex-husband publicly discussing how he inspired the song.

The truth is, though, the song is about her college boyfriend Max, a fellow musician who decided to stay home and run his family’s retirement home instead of pursue their romantic and musical dreams together. Now 10 years later, Riley shows up to ask Max if she can tell the world that he inspired her song. His counteroffer is to play the song on tour with her.

As they travel across the country, the song sounds great but it’s not authentic because there’s no connection between them. Both are fighting to keep their feelings in check, afraid if they pursue love again, it could shatter them forever.

I’ve seen many people refer to this book as the “Taylor Swift story”; even one of the blurbs on the back cover says, “This one is for the Swifties.” For me, knowing these things made it difficult for me to separate the main character from her alleged inspiration.

This character isn’t particularly likable. She’s immensely cynical and seems to view love—its beginning and ending—as nothing more than musical inspiration. Obviously there is more to her than meets the eye, but while I enjoyed the book, I found it hard to get fully absorbed by Riley’s story.

Book Review: "Georgie, All Along" by Kate Clayborn

This is a heartfelt, poignant, and charming story about overcoming your past and finding yourself.

Georgie couldn't leave her small Virginia hometown fast enough. She got a waitressing job in Richmond, which led to an opportunity to become a personal assistant to a filmmaker, and the next thing she knew, she moved to Los Angeles. There, she worked nonstop as the PA to a famous screenwriter and director. It was crazy, unpredictable work, but she loved it and felt she had purpose and control.

But when her boss decides to retire, Georgie finds herself jobless and homeless. She moves back home to plan for her future and help her pregnant best friend Bel out, who also moved back home recently.

And then Georgie remembers that there’s no escaping your reputation in a small town. Everyone still thinks of her as a flake, a spontaneous prankster who never was serious about everything. As she tries to figure out what she wants to do with her life, she finds a notebook that she and Bel wrote when they were in 8th grade. This “friendfic” was full of all the things they were going to do to conquer high school.

Is it too late to live your 8th grade dreams? With the help of Levi, who knows all too well how hard it is to outrun your reputation, she’ll try to recapture that youthful enthusiasm. Yet as she tries to figure out what’s next, it may be what has been missing is right near her.

I’ve been a fan of Kate Clayborn for a while and I love the heart, charm, and romance she brings to her books. This is really good!

Book Review: "One Last Gift" by Emily Stone

Sometimes the best gifts in life are the ones you don’t expect. That's the idea behind Emily Stone's newest book following Always, In December.

After their parents died when they were young, Cassie’s older brother Tom has always looked out for her. The two of them and Sam, Tom’s best friend, have always been a trio, although as they’ve gotten older, Cassie’s feelings for Sam have complicated things a bit. And then she realizes Sam isn’t the person she thought he was.

And then tragedy strikes, leaving her more alone than ever. But when she is given an envelope with Tom’s handwriting on it—horrible handwriting she always teased him about—she realizes this is the first clue in his annual Christmas treasure hunt that he always did for her. He had promised this year’s hunt would be truly epic.

If she follows the treasure hunt Tom planned, will it bring her closer to him, or will it hurt more in the end, because it’s the last one he’ll ever do? What if she can’t even figure out the clues without him?

Cassie realizes that she’s less alone than she thought. And more than that, she realizes that Tom wouldn’t want her to live a life of grief and fear—he’d want her to pursue her dreams and never settle. But when she gets to the end of the hunt, what will be the treasure she finds?

One Last Gift is a sweet, emotional, friends-to-lovers romance about finding your way to the life you were meant to live, not the one you’re expected to. Like most romances, it’s predictable, but that’s part of the appeal. And while you expect a reasonable amount of push and pull in romances, there was a little too much of it in this book, plus one-sided miscommunication. But it still made me tear up!!

Book Review: "Dream On" by Angie Hockman

Sometimes our dreams seem so real…and they actually may be.

“Most people wake up from a coma with memory loss. I woke up with memory surplus—specifically, countless memories of a man named Devin Bloom.”

When Cass Walker awakens from a six-day coma after an accident, she doesn’t remember what happened that night. But she does have vivid memories of Devin, the guy she’s been dating for three months. Only one catch: Devin doesn’t exist.

A year later, as she’s attempting to restart her life and her law career, Devin remains a memory. So when Cass meets the actual Devin in a flower shop, she’s completely thrown for a loop. He’s never met her before yet all of the things she knows about him are inexplicable. As the two explore what possible connection they could have had, or whether it’s fate that brought them together, they embark on a real relationship.

Isn’t it funny, though, when you get all you want, it’s not quite what you wanted? Do you follow the path of your dreams, the one fate seems to have led you down, or do you carve your own path?

This is a sweet story. It has dashes of While You Were Sleeping in it but it’s also very different. I loved the concept and thought the romance part was sweet, but things tied up a little too neatly for me.

Book Review: "Grown" by Tiffany D. Jackson

Boy, did Tiffany D. Jackson's Grown pack a punch!

Enchanted Jones dreams of being a singer, of being a superstar. But dreams like that are hard to come by, especially when you’re one of only a few Black girls growing up in suburbia.

When she’s spotted at an audition by R&B legend Korey Fields, everything changes. Suddenly her career takes off and she’s thrust into the spotlight, getting access to all she’s ever dreamed of.

But that dream comes with a steep price. Korey may be able to make her dreams come true, but it’s all under his control. She’ll do what he says or she’ll pay the price, in more than just her career opportunities. It’s a frightening, disturbing time for her, but how can she jeopardize all she's dreamed of?

When Korey winds up dead, and Enchanted wakes up covered in blood, immediately she’s the suspect. Could his actions have led her to kill him, or is someone else to blame? Her life depends on answers, and she has none.

Grown is a thought-provoking, emotional, searing look at what young women—particularly those of color—often go through in their search for stardom. There are lots of triggers—rape, sexual abuse, assault, and addiction to name a few—but it’s a story that’s all too real.

I won this from a giveaway months ago, but I held off reading it because I knew it would be tough. It’s such a great book, though.

Book Review: "Donuts and Other Proclamations of Love" by Jared Reck

How's this for a title? Donuts and Other Proclamations of Love is an excellent story about love, family, following your dreams, and lots of food.

If he had his way, Oscar would work during his senior year of high school, so he and Farfur, his Swedish grandfather who raised him, can take their food truck to the next level, maybe even turn it into a cafe someday. But no matter how many people love their Swedish kebabs, munkar (donuts), and other delicacies, Farfur is determined that Oscar complete his education and maybe even go to college.

When Lou, senior class president and all-around academic cyborg, sabotages Oscar’s independent culinary study at school to rope him into a project, he’s irritated with her at first. But it’s not long before he not only enjoys spending time with her, but he loves what they’re (well, mostly he's) accomplishing. And little by little, Lou becomes part of the food truck team with him and Farfur.

As they get ready for festival season and Lou waits to get accepted to the Ivy League college of her choice, suddenly everything changes, which leaves his friendship with Lou and his entire future in question. Will it be up to Oscar alone to make his dreams a reality?

From this description you could assume this is your typical YA romance, albeit one that might make you hungrier than others. And while there certainly are those elements, Donuts and Other Proclamations of Love is much more than that because of the nuances Jared Reck gives his characters, particularly Farfur and his relationship with Oscar.

This was just so good!! And I must have donuts.

Book Review: "To Sir, With Love" by Lauren Layne

No, it's not an adaptation of the classic late 1960s movie with Sidney Poitier. But Lauren Layne's new novel is an adorable, emotional rom-com that’s almost a modern-day take on You’ve Got Mail.

Gracie Cooper has always been a dreamer. But when her father dies, she puts aside her dreams of becoming an artist and begins running the family’s champagne shop. She isn’t prepared for how precarious the store’s financial position is, or just how time-consuming running a business can be, but she’s fulfilling her father’s wishes. Shouldn't that count for something?

She’s also a romantic—she’s always known exactly what her dream man will be like. But since he hasn’t materialized, she’s been finding herself increasingly drawn to a man she’s been corresponding with on a blind dating app, a man she only knows as “Sir.” She's never met him or exchanged photos or descriptions, so she doesn’t know what he looks like but she feels a connection through their banter.

One day she has a meet-cute with a handsome man—and soon after she realizes that he’s Sebastian Andrews, the arrogant businessman whose family’s company owns the building her shop is in. He wants to buy Gracie out so they can tear down the building and replace it with something more expensive. But Gracie is determined not to close the shop—even if it might ultimately be the best thing for her.

As her encounters with Sebastian make her vacillate between hatred and attraction, she realizes at the same time she’s falling head over heels for Sir, yet what if he’s not the person she thinks he is? Of course, she finds herself torn between a man she knows and one she doesn’t, but she has no idea just how much Sebastian and Sir have in common.

I’m a total sap; we’ve established this before, but I just loved To Sir, With Love. It’s sweet and funny and thought-provoking and emotional, even though I knew everything that was coming. I’d love to see Lauren Layne turn this into a series using some of the supporting characters, as she's done with other books!

Book Review: "With Little Means" by Raimo Strangis

Raimo Strangis' debut novel, With Little Means, is a thought-provoking book about the things we dream of and how far we’d go to make them come true.

“So, I ask you, would you give up all you have to go back and live the life you’ve always dreamed?“

Rai Starr once dreamed of being a musician. He and his band were on the verge of hitting it big when illness sidelined him. After a while, he was able to move on, and he found happiness as a chef, and built a beautiful family with his wife, Rachyl.

But years later, the dream he never achieved still resides in his memories. When he learns about Remarkable, a new reality show that uses special technologies to give people a second chance to go back into their past and actually achieve their dreams, he cannot wait to audition.

Of course, given his story, Rai is a natural for the show. But as he realizes the technologies the show uses may be more dangerous than he ever imagined, and he meets an actress along the way, he has to decide what is more powerful—the opportunity to finally become a star or having the life he’s come to love.

With Little Means was really thought-provoking and very creative. There are definitely paths in my life I wish I’d taken (or hadn’t taken), and I wonder what would’ve happened to me had things changed. Of course, that might mean other things might never have happened, so who knows?

Raimo Strangis provided me a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review. Thanks so much for making it available! You’ve given me so much to think about and created a great story!!

Book Review: "Twice Shy" by Sarah Hogle

Twice Shy, the new rom-com by Sarah Hogle, is a sweet book which tackles some emotional issues and warms the heart.

(Fans of 80s music, I couldn’t get the song “Once Bitten Twice Shy” by Great White out of my head when reading this. You’re welcome.)

Maybell is a dreamer, because her dreams are better than the reality she’s living. She’s lived out romantic scenarios with her dream man in her head many times, but at the end of the day, she’s still stuck in a job she hates and she’s not treated well by anyone.

When she finds out she’s inherited a house in the Tennessee mountains from her Great-Aunt Violet, she thinks she may have hit the jackpot. But of course there’s a catch—two of them, actually.

First, the house should be condemned. The glorious house Maybell remembers from childhood is falling apart and is filled from top to bottom with things her aunt hoarded. And second, apparently Violet also left the house to her groundskeeper, Wesley. Wesley isn’t happy about sharing this inheritance with Maybell, and he has very different ideas about what to do with the property.

Maybell has nowhere else to go, so can they peacefully coexist and come to some agreement on what to do? And just maybe, will Wesley stop hating her? (Rom-com fans, what do you think?)

Twice Shy took a while to get going but once it did, it was sweet. I liked the way it dealt with social anxiety and I liked what happened when the characters—especially Wesley—let their guard down. Distinguishing Maybell’s dreams from reality was a bit confusing at times, but you could see why she preferred dreams.

I loved Hogle’s first book, You Deserve Each Other, so I’m becoming a real fan!!

Book Review: "Bright Burning Stars" by A.K. Small

Drama and angst and jealousy at a Parisian ballet academy? Sign me up for A.K. Small's Bright Burning Stars!

Marine and Kate have been roommates and best friends for years at the Paris Opera Ballet School. They’ve both weathered moments of emotional and physical exhaustion, backbiting rivalries, and constant pressure to be at the top of their game dance-wise or be sent home.

But as they enter their final year, the desire to win the ultimate prize becomes even stronger. Only one female dancer will be asked to join the Opera’s legendary ballet company. It will make that girl a star.

How far will Marine and Kate go to win that prize? Are they willing to lie? Cheat? Sabotage? Seduce the most handsome and gifted male dancer at the school, whom they've nicknamed "The Demigod"? Sacrifice everything, including their friendship? As both struggle with issues that could end their time at the school prematurely—and perhaps even their careers or their lives—they must decide if ballet and winning are the most important things for them.

Along the way there will be flirtations and romantic dalliances, accusations, and lots of tension, but lots of dancing as well. If you’re a fan of movies like Center Stage, then you know what kinds of issues the characters confront. (They’re actually adapting this book into an Amazon Prime movie called Birds of Paradise later this year.)

A.K. Small was a dancer, so this book definitely feels authentic. At times you forget that these characters aren’t adults, but quickly something brings you back into focus. I love dramas like these and couldn’t get enough!

Algonquin Young Readers allowed me to be part of the blog tour for Bright Burning Stars and sent me a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review. Thanks for making it available!

Book Review: "The Long Road Home" by Braden Hofeling

Braden Hofeling's The Long Road Home is a beautifully written and heartfelt collection of poems, prose, and personal essays.

So, what’s your feeling on poetry? Do you read any? Do you read it occasionally or are you a big fan? Is it a genre that you know you’d like to read more of but there never seems to be enough time?

I definitely fall into that latter category. When i read poetry I often marvel at how much it touches and/or moves me, but it’s not a genre I gravitate toward frequently. But when my friend Braden Hofeling asked if I’d be interested in reading his new collection, I jumped at the chance.

This is a fairly short book, and many of his poems are very brief, so there are a good number of them. I can’t tell you how often I marveled at his use of language, emotion, and imagery to draw the reader in. There were so many poems that made me say, “YES!”

These are poems about love, relationships, family, dreams, nature, fears—and they are punctuated with beautiful artwork from Madison Bird.

There were too many poems to choose a favorite from, so here’s a brief one I really enjoyed, called “Slippery”:

When I tell you I’m falling
I don’t mean in love
I mean I’m slipping through your fingers

If you enjoy poetry or are curious about it, The Long Road Home is a beautiful collection to try. Braden Hofeling provided me with a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review. Thanks for making it available!

Book Review: "Charming as a Verb" by Ben Philippe

In Ben Philippe's new book, Charming as a Verb, making it look like everything comes easy for you is often really hard work.

At first glance, Henri Haltiwanger (otherwise known as “Halti” or “HH”) seems to have life in the palm of his hand. He’s first-generation American, the son of hard-working Haitian immigrants; he’s a good student at the prestigious FATE Academy, where he’s well-liked; and he runs a dog-walking business for upscale New Yorkers.

The one thing he wants more than anything is to go to Columbia University. It’s also his father’s dream for Henri, so there’s added pressure and worry about whether he’ll get in.

But one person isn’t impressed with Halti—his fellow student and neighbor, Corinne Troy. Super-smart and “intense,” she discovers the scheme Halti has been running with his dog walking business, so she blackmails him. She wants him to help her become more likable and appear to be less driven to her peers.

Before long, “Cori” is actually pleasant to be around, and she and Halti start to lean on each other more and more, and share their personal challenges and fears. She helps Halti see what his dreams could be instead of what he thinks they must be, and they both let down their guard to let each other in.

But when Halti cracks under the pressure, things fall apart. It's time for him to prove that he’s more than just a charming guy, and that he is deserving of the opportunities he so desperately seeks.

I really liked this book. I enjoy Ben Philippe’s storytelling (I enjoyed his first book, The Field Guide to the North American Teenager) and thought these characters were terrific. (I especially loved Halti’s bromance with his best friend, Ming.)

Charming as a Verb really captured the pressures that teenagers face, particularly the children of immigrants. I’ll admit I was annoyed by one thing Halti did and it almost made me stop reading, but after a bit I realized how someone in his position might do the same.

Philippe is so talented, so I can’t wait to see what he does next!

Book Review: "Little Wishes" by Michelle Adams

Michelle Adams' newest book, Little Wishes, is sappy and romantic, just how I like it.

I mean, I’m not crying, you’re crying.

One day every year for the last 49 years, Elizabeth wakes to find a small blue crocus and a romantic note on the porch of her English cottage. The notes say things like, "I wish that today we could lounge in bed all morning, listening to the sound of the waves.” Although the notes aren’t signed, she knows they’re from her first and only real love, Tom, to mark the anniversary of their first kiss.

But today, on the 50th anniversary, there is no flower, no note from Tom. What could have happened? Despite the fact that they’ve had no actual contact in 50 years, Elizabeth leaves the small village where they grew up and heads to London to find out what might have kept Tom from delivering his annual gift.

When the two are finally reunited, Elizabeth discovers that Tom is terminally ill and he didn’t have the strength to keep their tradition going this year. But now that they are together, they’re determined to take advantage of every last second, and try to fulfill as many of the wishes Tom left for her through the years.

Given their love for each other, why did it take 50 years to get together? What secrets have been kept, what assumptions were made, what obstacles stood in their way?

Alternating between past and present, Little Wishes is a story about second chances and enduring love. I knew how the story would unfold but I was utterly captivated by it. I stayed up super late to finish it and, yes, I got a little weepy a few times.

Thanks to William Morrow Books for the complimentary copy in exchange for an unbiased review!

Book Review: "A Very Punchable Face" by Colin Jost

A Very Punchable Face, Colin Jost's memoir, is both funny and introspective.

I don’t read a lot of memoirs, particularly those written by celebrities, but when I was in the airport the other day looking for a backup book for a cross-country flight, I saw Colin Jost’s face staring at me and I decided to pick this one up. While I watch Saturday Night Live rarely, I do enjoy the "Weekend Update" segment that Jost does with Michael Che. I also think he and Scarlett Johansson make a great couple. (Plus, I will admit that his face may be punchable, it’s also handsome.)

In this memoir, Jost touches on many different aspects of his life. He recounts his childhood growing up in Staten Island and his immensely accident-prone nature (he’s had numerous stitches and broken bones). Of course, the bulk of the book follows the trajectory of his comedy career, from writing for the Harvard Lampoon to his 15 years (and counting) with SNL.

While most of the book is told in a sarcastic and self-deprecating style, there are times when Jost is surprisingly sensitive and introspective, including a chapter about his mother and her activities during 9/11. Don't go looking for gossip about SNL or his relationship with Johansson, though; this is more a recounting of events and his feelings about them than a tell-all.

A Very Punchable Face was a very enjoyable read. It’s not shocking or mean-spirited; it’s just as fun as Jost appears to be. And that hit the spot!

Book Review: "Well Played" by Jen DeLuca

The crew from Well Met returns for another renaissance faire season and another fun love story in Jen DeLuca's new book.

Stacey has been part of the Willow Creek Renaissance Faire since high school, and it’s the time she looks forward to most each year. But as much as she enjoys playing the role of the bawdy serving wench, flirting with patrons, and hanging out with her friends, she’s tired of seeing all of her friends with fabulous lives while she feels she's stuck in place. She's starting to want more out of her life and wants to figure out what her future holds.

One lonely night after the season has ended, she sends a drunk message to Dex, the sexy traveling musician from the Faire she hooked up with periodically. She’s embarrassed when she realizes what she’s done, but she’s shocked when she receives a surprisingly sensitive and thoughtful message from the guy with a “wench at every faire.”

The more they communicate, the more she realizes how drawn to Dex she is. Their messages turn to texts and their online relationship intensifies as he travels from faire to faire. And when it comes time for the Willow Creek Faire to start again, Stacey is ready for the possibilities with Dex. But she gets quite a surprise when they’re reunited.

This was a fun and poignant book about a young woman sad that her life is passing her by, but she feels afraid to start anew. It’s also a story about the ways we fall into a rut and fear making changes, and how that can be a roadblock to happiness. I gave away less of the plot than the book's blurb did, but I felt it seemed somewhat obvious anyway.

I love Jen DeLuca’s characters in these books. You can read this one first but you should read her first book, Well Met, too. (I thought that one was a little more fun and focused more on the renaissance faire angle.) She has a third book coming out next year and I'm excited!

Book Review: "The Invisible Life of Addie Larue" by V.E. Schwab

Believe the hype. V.E. Schwab's The Invisible Life of Addie Larue is really THAT good.

Adeline was always a dreamer, wishing for more than what was expected of young women in 18th-century France. When her parents plan to marry her off to a local widower, the thought of her life essentially ending is appalling to her, so she flees.

In that moment of panic, she meets a handsome, mysterious stranger, whose face she had envisioned many times in dreams. He offers her what she wants. “I want a chance to live. I want to be free.” He grants her wish, but it comes with a price—no one will remember her through the course of her life.

The stranger hopes that a year of this torturous life will be enough, that she will despair and surrender her soul to him. But he underestimates her, and through 300 years she makes her way through the world, making connections that fade, surviving tough times, and they will continue to circle each other, simultaneously drawn to and repelled by one another.

And then in New York City in 2014, she walks into a bookstore and her life changes. She finally meets someone who can remember her. This turns everything upside down. But what of her arrangement?

OMG, this book. The Invisible Life of Addie Larue is such a beautiful story—emotional, fantastical, gorgeous, and thought-provoking. What does a life consist of? Does a successful life mean being remembered? What is the price for happiness?

V.E. Schwab has created a masterpiece. This will easily be one of my favorites this year, if not the favorite. And I will definitely remember Addie long after.

Book Review: "Furia" by Yamile Saied Méndez

Yamile Saied Méndez’s new YA novel, Furia, is a powerful, poignant story about standing up for yourself and going for your dreams, no matter what others say.

Camila dreams of being a fútbol star but she lives in the shadow of her less-talented brother, who plays for a local team. When she plays, her teammates call her La Furia (The Fury), as she weaves her way back and forth across the field, scoring goals and bewildering their opponents.

When her team qualifies for the South American tournament, she hopes that this may be the chance to realize her dreams. But she knows her abusive father and her overprotective mother will never let a girl play fútbol.

Meanwhile, the boy she has always been in love with, Diego, has returned to town. He’s now an international fútbol star, which causes Camila’s father a great deal of jealousy and anger, since he wants those dreams for his son rather than Diego. Diego wants another chance with Camila, and wants to take her out of this abusive life so she can accompany him around the world.

But as much as she may love Diego, is that the life she wants? Or does she want the chance to see La Furia go as far as she can, maybe realize her dreams? Whatever path she chooses will require revealing her secrets, and she’ll need the courage and strength to fight for herself and prove that girls deserve every right that boys do.

This is a moving story, and I loved Camila’s character so much. You get to watch her come into her own and deal with the obstacles thrown in her way by her family and friends. She's a tremendously positive role model for young women.

There is some physical and verbal abuse in here, and the story also takes place against a backdrop of young girls getting abducted and murdered in Argentina, but ultimately the book isn’t a downer.

If you like strong female characters, check out Furia!