Concrete Rose (The Hate You Give, #0) by Angie Thomas

Concrete Rose by Angie Thomas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Dion Graham awesomely narrates this stunning, authentic novel about Maverick Carter's teen life (he is Starr's father from THUG) as he deals with fatherhood, loss of his cousin, life with the King Lords, dealing drugs, his father in prison, his mother holding down 2 jobs. As Maverick tries life without dealing drugs, he works for his neighbor in his store and his garden. He learns so much but he feels like he is working for the lowest wages and his old life comes calling again. I loved Dion Graham's narration, it was so powerful catching Mav's insecurities, heartache and frustrations. I also loved his girlfriend, Lisa, who wanted more and did not ever give up hope. This is a must read for teens as they find out what life is really like for African American teens who have parenthood forced on them in high school, their decisions and how they proceed in life. Highly recommended!!!

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Repeat (The Larson Brothers #1) by Kylie Scott

Repeat by Kylie Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This audiobook was converted into a book which I totally enjoyed as part of the Larsen Brothers series. this book will be enjoyed by adults as well as new adults. Clementine has been attacked and has no memory of her relationship with tattoo artist; as she tries to find out information--she is met with anger by Ed and all of his employees because she is the reason they broke up. When she tells Ed she has no memory of their relationship and she would really like answers; almost everyone warns her away from Ed (even her cop sister!) and it is up to the new Clementine to ask the questions - what will happen to Clementine as she realizes she is falling for Ed as the new person she is. I could not stop reading this romance but even more the mystery aspect-- is someone after her?

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Sold on a Monday by Kristina Morris

Sold on a Monday by Kristina McMorris
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thanks to my neighbor, Cara McBrien, for this thrilling historical fiction mystery that captured the time period and characters perfectly for a real page turner. Taking place in 1931 depression era, reporter Ellis Reed takes a picture that is heart wrenching. Lily sees this picture and shows it to her boss. When the picture and story are ok'd, a mistake in the developing room, destroys the original and Ellis must stage the picture with 2 other children---setting into motion, very devastating results. As Lily and Ellis together and separately try to find out what happened, they realize they must rush to make this right for all involved. It was upsetting to see the rigid roles women were pushed into, the struggling families and what they were forced to do to survive, and finally the rich who seemed above it all but struggled with their own issues. I will certainly be reading more of McMorris' books, the pace was breakneck and the psychological suspense had me turning those pages & rooting for Ellis and Lily to help the 2 children! A must read!

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The Sixth Wedding by Elin Hilderbrand

The Sixth Wedding: A 28 Summers Story by Elin Hilderbrand
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This novella takes us back to all of the particpants in a last Labor Day get together in 2023. Jake returns without Mallory, and Leland and Fray, Cooper, Link and Bess. I could do without the Ursula part. A nice quick and easy look into the lives of those we loved in 28 Summers.

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The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Awesomely Narrated by Frazer Douglas, I loved this story of Patroclus and Achilles, both princes who becomes friends and companions for life. The prophecy that haunts Achilles hangs over his life while his mother a sea goddess tries to manipulate Achilles while undermining Patroclus. I could not stop listening to this saga of two lives and souls intertwined and I was very happy with the ending. Miller did tireless research and brought a new light into the time of Helen and Troy.

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We'll Fly Away by Bryan Bliss

We'll Fly Away by Bryan Bliss
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Many thanks to Jenn LaGarde for recommending this Purposeful Prose Summer Reading Exploring Inequity in the US Criminal Justice System. My heart continued to break as I read more and more about Luke and Toby, their friendship and yearning to break away from their miserable lives. Through Luke's letters to Toby from jail and interspersed with their past and present lives BEFORE, the reader is gripped with the harshness of their lives and their unwavering need to escape these lives. But it seems many things will keep presenting to Luke and Toby their senior year, testing their friendhsip and loyalty. I kind of did not like that 2 girls pit Toby and Luke against each other...yes there are many more things like family, abuse, violence, and bad choices that test their friendship but Annie and Lily pit the 2 best friends against each other resulting in chaos. A must read for teens giving an honest look at the juvenile justice system.

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The Rose Cose by Kate Quinn

The Rose Code by Kate Quinn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this for my Albright College Book Club Zoom & Kate Quinn has once again floored me with a historical fiction book that I could not put down! I did not know about the code breakers of Bletchley Park and OMG I could never take a secrecy oath like Mab, Beth and Osla did--much less everyone else who worked there. I loved these 3 women---their individual Lives before they met and their time as billet mates during the war. They were so very different women but once they meet, they are such fiercely close friends. Quinn did tireless research and I enjoyed her author notes so much---they gave background, and why she changed/added to stories and characters. I also loved their relationships with the men in their lives and Beth's love of her dog, Boots and her single-minded devotedness to her boss, even after he passed (her conversations with him as she imagined her in the room with her solving the puzzles and codes. There was much heartbreak and betrayal and that was so tough to read but WWII took no prisoners and life was not easy in the Huts for these girls who wanted to prove themselves during war time and help their countries. A must read!!!

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Paola Santiago and the Forest of Nightmares (Paola Santiago #2) by Tehlor Kay Mejia

Paola Santiago and the Forest of Nightmares by Tehlor Kay Mejia
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Disney Publishing Worldwide and Rick Riordan Presents for the advance reader copy, Paola Santiago and the Forest of Nightmares by Tehlor Kay Mejia in exchange for an honest review. This second in the Paola Santiago series was thrilling with heart pounding adventures for Paola, her nightmares now in a forest and it seems her father is involved somehow. Is this good or bad? My heart ached for Paola in this second book as she experienced friendship drama, mother and new boyfriend issues, and trusting her scientific mind over and above her new reality. As Paola is plunged into new nightmares, her best friend Dante seems to be angry with her all the time and won’t let her come over to his house and visit with his abuela. When Dante is at soccer practice she sneaks over and what happens sends shockwaves through her! Dante’s abuela addresses her as Maria (her mother!!!) and warns her against the bad men in her life. When his abuela passes out, Paola is devastated and reaches out to her friend, Emma, for help. I could not stop reading this suspenseful sequel that packs so many punches and psychological dilemmas for Paola as she revisits the missing boys and their leaders, monsters with green eyes and powers from the Highwayman that are beyond brutal. As Paola valiantly tries to wade through the mysteries, disappearing friends, and vanishing family, the reader will be plunged into her world of doubt, betrayal, lies, and mysteries. This is a must read, highly recommended for middle grade mystery lovers!

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The Summer of No Attachments (The Summer Friends, #2) by Lori Foster

The Summer of No Attachments by Lori Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this latest romance by Lori Foster! Ivey and Hope work together at Ivey's veterinary hospital and enjoy a special friendship. Hope asks Ivey to come with her to see a new house she wants to rent and it is instant chemistry for Ivey and the owner, Corbin and his 10 yr old son, Justin. With lots of pets too in the mix, I could not put down this fun, romantic romp as a scared and scarred Hope also meets and falls for Lang, Corbin's brother! Readers will enjoy this story as it unfolds with not one but 2 female protagonists and their love interests!

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Circe by Madeline Miller

Circe by Madeline Miller
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Awesomely narrated by Perdita Weeks, this saga of Circe's life among the Gods and mortals was beautiful, fantastic, and compelling. Circe's life was not easy, always being misunderstood/threatened by her parents and the Gods who were not nice at all (evil creatures); constantly tearing Circe down and when she is banished to an island forever, I enjoyed listening to her thoughts and feelings as she navigates her isolated life and populates her house with wild animals who are tame to Circe, beginning her practice of witchcraft- learning the many herbs and plants that will sustain her life. I enjoyed the many people and gods who grace her door, her son, and the life she finally chooses to live. I can't wait to listen to The Song of Achilles now!

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The Boy Who Failed Show and Tell by Jordan Sonneblick

The Boy Who Failed Show and Tell by Jordan Sonnenblick
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jordan Sonneblick's memoir about his middle school years was funny but also achingly sad. His asthma medicine gave him so many side effects that really affected him in school. In addition, he had an awful teacher who really did not like him, took perverse pleasure in blaming him for everything, and caused him to really dislike school. His many stories about what happened to him during this time will provide humorous stories, anecdotes, and insight into the time he went to school (parents did not really support their children but listened to the teacher, which was so wrong in Jordan's case). I loved when Jordan had people he cared about---he appreciated and enjoyed a caregiver, his drum teacher, his new teacher at his new school; best yet was his dedication at the beginning of the book to a beloved teacher! Enjoyable and very insightful from Jordan's point of view- the reader gets the good Jordan and the bad Jordan experience!

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