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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Brethless by Jennifer Niven

Breathless by Jennifer Niven
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this book as part of the #BitAboutBooks Winter Reading Challenge for the One Word Title book. I love Jennifer Niven's books; they grab me, they dash me to the depths with sorrow and angst but always with hope, courage, and finding ones' self. Claude meets Jeremiah Crew after she and her mom run to seek solace from her father deciding to separate himself from Claude and her mom. Miah is an Outward Bound scout but he is so much more than that, as he honestly adores Claude (Captain is an affectionate nickname), sees the real Claude, accepts the real Claude and takes her on wonderful adventures that include so much more than sex; roaming the island historic homes, finding the ghosts, watching the tortoise's lay eggs, swim, ride bikes and so much more. Both are leaving in August for their future so they are very much aware they have no future; but what happens if they fall in love? Teens will love this book for the drama, summer fun, romance, family angst and so much more!

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Wayward Witch (Brooklyn Brujas Book3) by Zoraida Cordova

Wayward Witch by Zoraida Córdova
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As much as I loved the first 2 books in this series, I really enjoyed Rose's adventures in this 3rd series. On her Deathday, Rose confronts her Dad who has returned after 7 years, remembering nothing (or so he says). They are both captured and taken to the kingdom of ADAS and Rose must make a deal woth the king to get her father back and go home. The problem with this kingdom is that any human who eats or drinks their food forgets everything. Since Rose has on a bracelet with charms she is protected, and she begins as Lady Siphon to help other guardians cure the rot that is destroying their kingdom. you will be biting your nails as Rose valiantly tries to overcome and defeat this black rot that is killing and destroying ADAS. A compulsively great read!!! with nods to the importance of family, customs, food, brujas, and more!

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Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo

Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Once again, Elizabeth Acevedo has written a beautiful, timely story in her signature novel in verse style. Camino and Yahaira do not know each other but they share a father and a last name, Rios. When their father dies in a plane crash on his way to visit Camino (as he does every summer) in the Dominican Republic, their lives are shattered. In prose, that is haunting, authentic, and charged, two girls discover through grief that they have each other. Highly recommended!

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Rage and Ruin (The Harbinger #2) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Rage and Ruin by Jennifer L. Armentrout
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh did I love this 2nd book in The Harbinger Series; the heart stopping romance of Trinity and Zayne and also Layla and Roth were beautiful in their loyalty to one another. Armentrout's book was a lengthy 608 pages but I loved every word about the Wardens and Trueborns, ghosts, angels, demons, and the Harbinger killings and the plan for ending the world's domination. As the killings increased and the Harbinger was unidentified, I could not stop turning the pages. The paranormal fantasy and action and adventure make this a must read and talk about an ending!!! It will kill me to wait until the next book in the series is written and right now there is no book title, making me very sad! But I will wait patiently and read every book she writes both YA and adult!

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Go With the Flow by Lily Williams and Karen Schneeman

Go with the Flow by Lily Williams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A great graphic novel about friendship and dealing with female problems in High School!

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