Wings of Ebony (Wings of Ebony, #1) by J. Elle

Wings of Ebony by J. Elle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Awesomely narrated by Bahni Turpin, I loved listening to all her voices and this pulse pounding story of Black teen, Rue, whose life is turned upside down when her mother is murdered. Her father who is a god wisks her away to his magic world Ghizon. Going back and forth from her short time in Ghizon to the present where all hell is breaking loose. Rue is never to go back and see her sister, Tasha but she sneaks back on the anniversary of her mother's death and when she touches her sister (which she should never do) her sister becomes a target. Now Rue must come to a decision on how to save her sister and neighborhood --can she use magic and her wits? I loved all the drama and Rue's doubts, allegiances, and smarts. I can't wait for Book 2!

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The Last Time We Say Goodbye by Cynthis Hand

The Last Time We Say Goodbye by Cynthia Hand
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have so enjoyed listening to Cynthia Hand's Lady Janes series!!! Boy was this book sad, devastating, but redemptive as Lex suffers heart stopping grief after her younger brother shoots himself. She breaks up with her boyfriend (and they really worked as a couple), she does not hang out with her girlfriends anymore, and she She sees a therapist who also asks her to write about it and then gift it to someone to read. Since their father left, her brother has never forgiven him for leaving. As Lexie sinks further into her depression, the reader will root for her to finds answers in the many ways she tries---an old friend reappearing, the ghost of Ty visiting her, and getting into MIT---and I wish Lexie forgives herself, moves forward with her brother's blessing, and chooses life over grief. A must read for its authentic, stunning portrayal of the effects of suicide on family, friends and society.

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Bad Apple by Elle Kennedy

Bad Apple by Elle Kennedy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book--the plot was awesome-way busy girl, Maggie has a standing date crazy, sex, sleeping with Tony (he is just as busy too) but when she gets to the hotel room---she jumps into bed NOT with Tony but a sleeping Hollywood movie STAR, bad boy, Ben Barrett! I loved their relationship, their chemistry, and the slow burn as they get to know each other better. Elle Kennedy throws in some great curveballs that keep you turning the pages, a real sizzler!

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The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah

The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MANY SPOILERS so do not read if finding out about the awful ending! I loved this audiobook so much; tremendously Narrated by Julia Whelan. but oh did I hate the ending... it says in the Goodreads summary it is a book about hope---certainly the ending with Elsa's death--shot by a Welty hired gun, had no hope for this reader at all!!! I loved Kristin Hannah's books and find them all redemptive, BUT NOT THIS ONE!!! Taking place before the Dust Bowl and then going into horrid Dust Bowl--her husband has left her, then beacuse her son Ant becomes so ill the doctor recommends leaving Texas because he has sand and dust in his system and it will kill him if he stays. Once Elsa and her children head toward California which is being touted as a land of hope with lots of jobs (Rafe's parents were going but decide at the last minute to stay with their farm) another devastating reality hits---the mass migration to California has produced Hoovervilles, tent towns that breed disease and death as well as the town people calling them Oakies and driving them away all the time. Yes Elsa has many issues since her family raised to her with no love, telling her she was sick and ugly, and did not want to hear from her---she tries to be brave like her grandfather told her but more often she tries to be invisible hoping everyone understands where she is coming from. We all know this does not work---her daughter hates her, blames her for her father leaving and blames her for not becoming a Communist and fighting for better pay. Along comes Jack who is a union organizer and over hard times and conversations they fall in love and she becomes this woman who will speak her mind, fiercely protective of her children, but wanting better for them all. As the situation on the Welty cotton farm becomes desperate Elsa with her daughter's pushing becomes a spokesperson for her friends in the fields. I felt like I was eating dust the whole time and crossing my fingers for Elsa, rooting for her and what does Kristin Hannah do? Kills her off---I would have loved so much more of the new family unit they were becoming with Jack---why not kill off someone else or wound Jack or Elsa but they recover?!? So no hope at all with this ending---this key protagonist was needed---a redemptive, hopeful ending was needed, not what poor Loreda, Ant, Jack and Rafe's parents have to live with-- a deep aching hole for Elsa's absence. Again, I loved the book, hated the ending---it could have been better and different!


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Paola Santiago and the River of Tears (Rick Riordan Presents) by Tehlor Kay Mejia

Paola Santiago and the River of Tears by Tehlor Kay Mejia
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

With a rip roaring introduction by Rick Riordan, this 1st book in Rick Riordan Presents by Tehlor Kay Mejia was nonstop tension, adventure, ghosts and friendship as Paoala and her two friends, Dante and Emma, become involved in a mystery of missing children. But this is so far out of Pao's world because she is a scientist believing in facts but what this mystery involves is so out of reality---but involves sinister forces, evil gods and goddesses. These are what her mother has believed in since Pao's childhood with her scary tales of La Lorona, who lures children into the river. I held my breath with all the awesome Latinx food, culture, religion, and beliefs author Tehlor Kay Mejia weaves seamlessly and suspensefully in this first book about a fierce protagonist and her 12 year old nightmares, insecurities and friendship woes. A must read!!! Highly recommended!

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Colt (Guthrie Brothers Novella) by Lori Foster

Colt by Lori Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this novella in the Guthrie Brothers series! Charish and Colt were such great characters; animal lovers and lovers from the past and oh so sizzling as the present looms---Colt is next door when his old flame Charish moves in and what a surprise! He has been plagued for 6 years while Charish was gone from Clearbrook with memories that plague him with good thoughts and anger for why she left him in the first place. This was such a great book with Diesel, Colt's dog and finding a dog stuck in thorns, and as both Charish and Colt find one another again, I could not stop turning the pages!

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I Want to Grow Hair, I Want to go to Grow Up, I Want to Go to Boise by Erma Bombeck

I Want to Grow Hair, I Want to Grow Up, I Want to Go to Boise by Erma Bombeck
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My mom gave me this awesome book to read---how Erma Bombeck turned a humorous light on cancer through interviews with the children who shine through their challenges with cancer. She also takes on the women- Moms and the men-Dads and doctors and how cancer has affected them. A must read, lots of information but even more the strength and resilience of kids and their families fighting a disease, which still has no cure.

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The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave

The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this suspenseful mystery for my Albright College Zoom Book Club and I loved the way author Dave had it set up---I could not stop turning the pages! Hannah receives a stunning note from her husband, Owen, with the words Protect Her and with that Hannah's world as she knew it ends---but as she tries to find her husband, the chapters jump back and forth (with great titles) with great titles and the mystery mounts. Hannah tries to figure out what is happening--she has been married to Owen for 18 months, his daughter Bailey hates her, the US Marshal's and the FBI want information from her (which she does not have). I loved the romance of Hannah and Owen, their life together BEFORE, and the kind of people they were separately and together. As Hannah and Bailey try to figure out what is going on, the company and owner he worked for is front pages news, with Hannah hopelessly fighting to save her marriage, which is falling apart as she and Bailey put the puzzle pieces together. The suspense was awesome although I did not like the ending (how could you) the reader knows this is the only possible resolution. I can't wait for our discussion!

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Let Me Hear a Rhyme by Tiffany Jackson

Let Me Hear a Rhyme by Tiffany D. Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Awesomely narrated by Korey Jackson , Nile Bullock , Adenrele Ojo , Adam Lazarre-White; I loved this book- the characters were so real, likable, funny, and dealing with their own issues. Steph, Jasmine's big brother and all around good guy has been murdered; Jasmine and his 2 best friends, Quadir and Jarrell feel keenly Steph's music needs to be heard and hatch a plot to get everyone listening to Steph as if he is alive but they call him The Architect. When each of them begins delving into Steph's life their are mysteries and secrets Steph was keeping and now the 3 friends are keeping secrets. Loved the music world aspect look into the making of a demo, learning the history of music, of rappers, being represented by a label and fame. The narrators were so good; I enjoyed the authenticity they brought to the teens' language, dress, social status and racism. Jackson's book was awesome; teens will love the 90s portrayal of the music scene, the loyalty of friends, and the grief after a loved one dies.

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Grace and Glory (The Harbinger, #3) byt Jennifer L. Armentrout

Grace and Glory by Jennifer L. Armentrout
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh did I love the relationship between Trin & Zayne; they were so there for each other, always and all the time and deeply. Most important is getting rid of the Harbinger BUT Trin cannot accept Zayne's death & when he FALLS for her and returns as a Fallen Angel, Zayne is harsh and wants to kill demons and hurts and threatens Trin as well---but when she kisses this Fallen Angel to see if Zayne is inside, SHE DOES know he is still in there and she goes to the Crone to get the old Zayne back. Only wanting Zayne, she doesn't care about the danger...and when she gets him back----OMG I loved their deep attachment and love for one another---but now the real getting down to business and going after Gabriel----I loved seeing Roth and Layla, Cayman, Bambi and Thumper and their bringing Lucifer into the mix to take down Gabriel. There was suspense, excitement, fingers crossed but I LOVED this series so much!

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Bad Boys After Dark: Dylan (Bad Boys After Dark #2) by Melissa Foster

Bad Boys After Dark: Dylan by Melissa Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hunky Dylan Bad falls for Tiffany Winters the minute he sees her at his brother's wedding mad texting oblivious to everyone. I enjoyed following this romance as Dylan falls for the opposite kind of girl he goes for---submissive, dark hair, short. Tiffany is the opposite- bombshell blonde, harshly honest but she has skeletons that she keeps hidden. As Tiffany keeps seeing Dylan, "her one night stand" Dylan works his magic as he quickly figures out accepting Tiffany with phone and all will win him more "time alone" with Tiffany without totally freaking her out that she is missing big sports deals. Both family stories, her father in the hospital and Dylan's visits to the kids cancer ward were integral and authentic to the plot. I can't wait to read the other books in this series!

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Liar's Bench by Kim Michele Richardson

Liar's Bench by Kim Michele Richardson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Loved this historical fiction debut and Muddy's fight for answers when her mother is found hanged and is then ruled suicide. Muddy can't believe it and searches for answers with her love interest friend, Bobby (who passes for white but is black and Indian) as they fight racism, bigotry, and secrets in small town and small minded Kentucky. What will happen to Muddy? A great mystery and thriller taking place in 1972 with flashes back to the history of Bobby's people.

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A Good Neighborhood by Therese Anne Fowler

A Good Neighborhood by Therese Anne Fowler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Using a Greek Chorus to ask and raise questions, this was a story of what a good neighborhood and what it became when a new family moved in. Valerie has raised her biracial son in Oak Knoll, she knows everyone, is a professor, hold book clubs and has set opinions about ecology. When the Whitman's an upwardly mobile family moves in next door, trouble begins when Brad Whitman assumes Xavier is hired help, both parents keep a tight lock on their daughter, Juniper with a purity pledge and many restrictions. It really gets problematic when Xavier and Juniper become romantically involved and Valerie sues Brad Whitman over his destruction of an old oak tree. Delving into many themes and issues such as class, race, environmental concerns, love, lies, secrecy, consequences, family dysfunction and lawsuits this character driven book is heartbreakingly real. A must read!

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Every Last Breath (Dark Elements, #3) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Every Last Breath by Jennifer L. Armentrout
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The final book in The Dark Elements series awesomely narrated by: Saskia Maarleveld was awesome! Layla must decide between Roth or Zayne before the world is destroyed by the Lillin who happens to be Layla's brother (she found out her mother was Lilith and Warden Elijah was her father) and he has been haunting her high school. I could not stop listening to this nail biter! Layla, Zayne and Roth along with Stacey and Sam are in the evil sight of the Lilin. All the while Layla has thought that she was 1/2 demon and 1/2 human she now finds she is something else! This book was haunting because so many bad things happened and in trying to save the world, save Layla when she was injured, and save Sam, ---deals are struck and consequences are devastating. LOVED this series so much!!!

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Unsettled by Reem Faruqi

Unsettled by Reem Faruqi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Nurah's story of her family moving from Pakistan to Georgia contains some autobiographical elements of author Reem Faruqi's life when she moved to America. In the Author Notes, her experiences are explained. This novel in verse was about finding your place in a new place, making friends, dealing with racism and bullies, and finding your voice and using it for good. My heart broke for Nurah as she struggled to adapt to her new life, it broke further when her brother was attacked and Nurah feels responsible, but my heart began to feel joy as Nurah learned and grew from her new experiences in America---school bus problems, bullies, parental abuse into friends helping each other, Nurah's mom helping Stahr's mom, learning to swim competitively, Owais learning tennis, her father having Breakfast Club friends, learning and expressing in art class, and found her own special voice.

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Wild Child (Soul Sister, #1) by Audrey Carlan

Wild Child by Audrey Carlan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved Simone, now all grown up---she was a foster child (along with her sister) in a caring home run my Mama Kerrighan with 8 feisty, supportive girls and foster mother. After losing her parents she didn't think anything worse could happen in her life. When The Backseat Killer is lying in wait, Simone is stopped by a hunky FBI guy, Joan Fontaine---their connection is immediate and when he saves her, Simone does not let go --she is thankful, she is interested in getting to know Jonah more and that happens because she needs to hide from this ruthless killer who will do anything (killing those close to her and Jonah) to get to Simone. There was so much to like about this story--Simone known as the wild child has a carefree, forgiving outlook on life and this is something Jonah needs because he is suffering loss from his past. She doesn't take no for an answer, she is outgoing and carefree but also has the wonderful sisters in Kerrighan Home to look out for her and each other. But she is trying to finish school, working 3-4 jobs and not making enough money ---and with the backseat killer taking all her money, credit cards, keys and car---Simone has every reason to give up. But she pushed forward and with the help of Jonah and her family---Simone works hard to help all close to her.

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Dirty Little Promise (Forbidden Desires, #2) by Kendall Ryan

Dirty Little Promise by Kendall Ryan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the 2nd book after Dirty Little Secret in the Forbidden Desires series and continues with Emma and Gavin's relationship, Emma learning about Gavin's past love, Cooper leaving the company, Forbidden Desires, and someone threatening Emma. I really enjoyed this book---Emma and Gavin are in sync, definitely bonded to each other, listening, loving and caring for each other.

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