Puddin' (Dumplin' #2) by Julie Murphy

Puddin' by Julie Murphy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved Julie Murphy's 2nd book in the Dumplin' series- the story, the characters all resonated as real and authentic. Humorous, serious and containing the drama of high school students- Millie & Callie are 2 very different girls- one fat and one a cheerleader and one act of anger and damage brings them together and oh what a great story! You will root for Millie's dreams and the way she can bring together people by her niceness. A feel good book, so enjoyable!

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Sadie by Courtney Summers

Sadie by Courtney Summers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press and Wednesday Books for the advance reader copy Sadie by Courtney Summers in exchange for an honest review. Summers’ Some Girls Are and Cracked Up To Be were always being passed around and constantly checked out by students. Sadie is a compelling, tense novel detailing Sadie’s self-hatred for failing to keep her sister safe. After her sister, Mattie, is murdered, the reader follows this tense mystery from Sadie’s point-of-view and through a podcast, The Girls, narrated by famed journalist, West McCray, as he searches for Sadie. I could not put this book down; Sadie’s life is hell; her mother is drug addicted and derelict. Sadie has a severe stutter and suffers from abuse; I rooted for her as she used her wits to follow clues. Mattie was the center of Sadie’s life and when her mother takes off; Sadie takes over the care of her little sister. With the police no help, and an absent mother, will Sadie find her sister’s murderer? Will McCray find Sadie? Courtney Summers has written an explosive, riveting novel.

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Mr. November by Lori Foster & Riding the Storm by Brenda Jackson

Mr. November & Riding the Storm: Mr. November by Lori Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This bestselling author collection featured Mr. November by Lori Foster and a second romance by Riding the Storm by Brenda Jackson. Amanda Barker has all the firemen she needs for the calendar fundraiser except Josh Marshall, who has consistently dodged her calls and requests. Getting into the locker room gets Josh's attention, what will it take to get him to pose for the calendar. I really liked Josh, how he cares for Amanda and tries to help her overcome her fears. A quick read, I loved this beach read!
Riding the Storm by Brenda Jackson was an exciting read because the sparks flew immediately between Storm and Jayla, but since they want no commitments, sparks fly when they meet in New Orleans, will this be the beginning of a relationship or just a short affair? I loved the sparks between Jayla and Storm!!!

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Real Friends by Shannon Hale

Real Friends by Shannon Hale
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I just loved Shannon Hale's graphic novel depicting her horrible years in middle school, being bullied by her brother and sister, having fairweather friends (bullies too) and feeling totally insecure. A must read!

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Dance of Thieves (Dance of Thieves #1) by Mary E. Pearson

Dance of Thieves by Mary E. Pearson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group and Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) for the advance reader copy Dance of Thieves by Mary E. Pearson in exchange for an honest review. From the first page, Mary Pearson had me with her drama, daring do and taut suspense! Just as I loved her Remnant Chronicle Series, I am captivated by Dance of Thieves which has characters appearing from the original series! Not only is the plot full of intrigue, tension, and political drama, the characters are strong and believable---lying, cheating, and being protective of family and determined to investigate Vendan land settlement atrocities. Kazi is one of three Rahtan, an elite guard of the queen, who must steal a killer and bring him to stand trial. Jase is just recently become, Patrei, the head of the Ballenger Dynasty which has not been recognized by the Queen. When Jase and Kasi cross paths, first there is a knife to a throat, just as quickly followed by being captured by trade hunters and chained together. Forced to work together to survive, they begin to learn about each other through riddles, folklore, lies, and humor, only to become further intrigued (romance ensues). How will they remain true to themselves and each other? Pearson enthralled me from page one as conflict, family, politics, and danger throw Kazi and Jase together- an action-packed fantasy and adventure I did not want to end. I am so excited about the next book in this series! Highly recommended!

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The Ransom of Mercy Carter by Caroline B. Cooney

The Ransom of Mercy Carter by Caroline B. Cooney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A brutal read based on actual events about the forced kidnapping and march of captured Deerfield residents for 300 long, cold, merciless miles. Mercy and her brothers and others are scared to death but the brutal march, hunger and cold vie with memories of her family and the now horror of just trying to survive. Cooney showed how the children are sold, assimilated into Indian culture, some adopted into families, others to the French BUT the older children suffer from angst (only Ruth shows anger the whole time) as they leave their Deerfield families behind (some hope for ransom) and forge a new life. It was sad, sad, sad but true, true, true.

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The Fates Divide (Carve the Mark #2) by Veronica Roth

The Fates Divide by Veronica Roth
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this final book in the duology! There was danger, secrets, political sparring, oracles, fates all kinds of exciting drama once again but I have to say my favorite part(s) were Cyra and Akos, their relationship and arguments on fates, family, and saving their world. I totally enjoyed the ending, kudos to Veronica Roth for a great storyline, characters, and awesome worldbuilding!

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