“Not like other girls” Meredith Adamo

Rated 5 stars ***** ARC. ebook. Bloomsbury YA. To be published April 30, 2024. (Includes “Author’s note.”)

For years Jo-Lynn and Maddie were BFF’s until Maddie’s boyfriend sent nude photos of Jo-Lynn to everyone on his contact list. Jo-Lynn had taken those photos for herself at home, to feel pretty, but no one was interested in the truth. Everyone, including Maddie, thought she was a skank. It was her senior year, a year that was supposed to be full of fun but, with everyone shutting her out, Jo-Lynn’s year was done.

One day Jo-Lynn was shocked when Maddie, crying and distraught, told her she was in trouble, and Jo-Lynn was the only one she trusted. Given the circumstances of their ex-friendship Jo-Lynn wasn’t keen on listening but couldn’t leave her so upset. They agreed to meet later that afternoon, but Maddie didn’t show and was soon reported missing.

Because of that encounter Jo-Lynn didn’t think Maddie had run away but was certain something had happened to her. Hudson, a friend from her former crowd, felt the same so they decided to pretend to be boyfriend/girlfriend to spy out the truth from Maddie’s friends. Once again Jo-Lynn becomes part of the crowd that shut her out, laughed and spread her nudes across the internet, and called her names.

As events clash with memories from the past Jo-Lynn wants to bolt. Hudson’s strength and belief in her, as well as the friendship she once had with Maddie, drive her forward. Neither of them knew the enemy they sought was much closer than they’d realized, as Jo-Lynn finally comes to grips with what happened to her the summer she and Maddie stopped being friends.

This book will keep readers on the edges of their seats, wondering what happened to Maddie. The ending is a shocker, reminding me of Laurie’s Halse Anderson’s “Shout.”

Recommended for ages 16 and older.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

“The daughters of Block Island” Christa Carmen

Rated 5 stars ***** ebook. Thomas & Mercer. Published 2023.

Blake had grown up in an orphanage, and felt abandoned, so used drugs and alcohol to forget her past. It wasn’t until she was an adult that she was able to trace her mother to Block Island. Though she had been struggling to stay sober for years, she was determined to find her mother. Blake headed to the island where she booked herself into White Hall, an ancient mansion with a history of murder and intrigue which was also a B&B. That night she was haunted by a long-dead relative of the owners and, as the days passed with more hauntings, Blake was terrified. Despite the ghost, constant rain, and gloomy atmosphere, she had leads on her past from a friendly local. She didn’t know her time on the island would be cut shorter than she had planned.

Talia had grown up on Block Island and left many years ago. She and her mother had a toxic relationship and she found island life stifling. One day she received a letter from someone who claimed to be her sister, found dead on Block Island after mailing it. Despite misgivings, Talia was anxious to talk to her mother and find out about this sister. After booking herself into White Hall, Talia soon found out its ancient secrets were tied in with very modern ones. Someone didn’t want her finding out about them and, if she wasn’t careful, there would be another body in the B&B.

The more I read the more I couldn’t put it down, reading in one sitting until 2:30 A.M. to find out what was going to happen. Though it was night, and the book was getting creepy, the suspense was killing me. I couldn’t sleep until the mystery was solved. The author did a great job hiding the murderer’s identity, throwing in red herrings to keep readers off the track. Well done, Christa!

Highly recommended for Adults.

“The storm we made” Vanessa Chan

Rated 5 stars ***** ARC. ebook. Marysue Rucci Books (Simon & Schuster). To be published January 2, 2024.

Malaya had been a colony of Great Britain for many years, treating its people like second class citizens while exporting its iron-ore and rubber. By 1934 Cecily had grown tired of the race and class divides between her people and their conquerors. Over the years her husband Gordon had worked up to a high position in the British administration. Through his connections she met General Fujiwara. Cecily was thrilled to learn of Japan’s hopes for a united Asia, where Asians wouldn’t be judged by the color of their skin. It would be a dream come true if Malayans could rule themselves.

Bored with her life, Cecily found excitement in her role as a spy and in her amorous feelings for Fujiwara. Gordon’s work provided them with plenty of material which helped Japan force out the British. Instead of a united Asia Malayans found themselves in terrible situations. The Japanese forced young girls into sexual slavery, boys were kidnapped and sent to railroad slave camps, while traitors were tortured and killed. As terrible things happened to Cecily’s family over the next 10 years, she blamed herself. She had given Malaya over to their enemy, so she had to pay the price of her betrayal.

This is the first time I had ever read about Malaya’s conquest, and the crimes of Japan in that country during World War II. Cecily, her daughters, and her son share the narratives from 1934 through 1945 through flashbacks and real time. Through them readers learn of the brutality of war, and the strength of its survivors. “The storm we made,” is an excellent choice for a book club as themes of good versus evil, relationships, sisterhood, and more will lead to important discussions.

Highly recommended for Adults.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

“Wild, beautiful, and free” Sophfronia Scott

Rated 5 stars ***** ebook. Lake Union Publishing. 2023.

Jean Bébinn loved a slave more than Madame, his wife. After she died, he raised their child alongside his daughter Calista. The two grew up as sisters on his 50,000-acre plantation, where they learned to read, write, and love the land. Despite the hatred she felt from Madame, Jeannette was loved by her papa and sister. In 1851, when she was twelve, he fell ill and died. Though he had promised that she and Calista would inherit Catalpa Valley, Madame had other plans. She had always seen Jeannette as nothing better than a slave, so immediately sold her into slavery.

Jeannette had to learn to travel the painful path her mama had travelled before her, while missing her Papa and the happy life she’d known. As the years passed thoughts of returning home kept her going forward when life seemed darkest. Her only chance to return is to escape, but everyone knows the fate of runaways. Jeannette must chance it, as it’s her only hope.

From the beginning I was caught up in Jeannette’s story, as the author did a good job presenting her as a believable character and as a strong woman.

Recommended for Adults.

“One summer in Savannah” Terah Shelton Harris

Rated 5 stars ***** ARC. ebook. Sourcebooks Landmark (Sourcebooks). To be published July 4, 2023.

Sara was almost 18 years old when she was raped. It seemed as if no one believed her, but David testified against his twin brother and Daniel was sent to prison. When Sara found out she was pregnant she fled, fearful Daniel’s mother would take away her child. She spent eight peaceful years in Maine as beautiful Alana grew older but was devastated when she learned her father had a heart attack. She knew she had to go home but was determined to keep Alana’s parentage secret and leave town as soon as possible.

Years earlier David left Savannah, changed his name to Jacob, and tried to forget the devastation that had befallen his family after his little sister died and Daniel was sent to prison. His mother insisted on Daniel’s innocence and blamed him for ruining the family because his father committed suicide after the trial. After years of running, he decided to return home to stitch together the only family he had left.

When Jacob accidentally met Alana, he was astonished because she looked exactly like his dead sister. Though Sara was reluctant for him to spend time with her she allowed him to do so if he promised not to tell Daniel or his mother of her existence. As time passed, they grew to trust one another as each wrestled with how to forgive the people who’d hurt them the most.

The author says her goal was to “challenge readers on the definition of forgiveness and what it truly means to forgive.” Based on that goal it’s up to readers to decide if Sara and Jacob took the correct path, or if should they have taken a different one.

Highly recommended for Adults.

I received a digital advance reading copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

“Las Madres” Esmeralda Santiago

Rated 5 stars ***** ARC. ebook. Borzoi Books (Alfred A. Knopf). To be published August 8, 2023.

Luz is 57 years old and is a shadow of the vibrant girl and star ballerina she used to be when she was fifteen and lived with her loving parents in Puerto Rico. After a car accident killed them and left her with a devastating brain injury, life forever changed. Over time her brain healed enough to allow Luz to regain many functions, but an inability to remember her past and regressing into daily coma-like fugues became her new norm.

Luz’s memories appear in flashes she quickly forgets. After the accident she was taken care of by her grandparents as well as Ada and Shirley, two women who worked for her grandfather. When both grandparents died, they cared for her as if she was their daughter. When she was 16 years old, they moved to New York where she later married and had a daughter. When Marysol was 5 years old her father was killed and Luz was shot, so Ada and Shirley took care of her just like they’d done for her mother.

“Las Madres” is a story of love and strength from 1975 to 2017. It’s a woman desperately trying to remember who she was. It’s a daughter trying to connect to a mother with attacks that render her almost comatose. It’s an unbreakable bond between Ada, Shirley, their daughter Graciela, and Marysol. It’s the story of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. Their stories, and what it means to be Puerto Rican, will resonate with readers long after the last page is turned.

Highly recommended for Adults.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

“Only the beautiful” Susan Meissner

Rated 5 stars ***** ARC. ebook. Berkley (Penguin Random House). To be published April 18, 2023.

In 1938 sixteen-year-old Rosie lived on a vineyard with her parents and little brother. Her secret of seeing colors in her mind whenever she heard sounds was safe with them, until they were all killed in an accident, and she became an orphan. With nowhere to go she began working as a maid for the couple who owned the vineyard. At first things went well but, when she became pregnant against her will, she was sent to a mental institution instead of a home for unwed mothers. At the institution she was forced to endure painful shock therapy and was sterilized after the birth of her child. Rosie felt as if her life was over when her daughter and ability to have children was taken away but vowed to one day create a new life for herself.

Interspersed with Rosie’s story is that of Helen who worked as a nanny in Vienna for a family with an eight-year-old handicapped daughter during World War II. When the child was killed in a Nazi euthanasia program Helen vowed to protect other handicapped children from sharing the same fate.

Through flashbacks and the present time Rosie tells readers about what it was like to live with synesthesia, while Helen enlightens us about the Nazi Euthanasia Program, the murder of thousands of children and adults with disabilities. This book will stay with readers for a long time after the last page is turned, especially about the fact that sterilization of “undesirables” was legal in the United States up until the 1970’s. It will also make a great book club book.

Highly recommended for adults.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

“I’m the girl” Courtney Summers

Rated 2 stars ** ARC. ebook. Wednesday Books. Published September 13, 2022.

Three years earlier wealthy Matthew Hayes, owner of the prestigious Aspera Club, had told Georgia she was beautiful and could come there when she was older. Now that she was 16 years old, her dream of becoming an Aspera girl was not going to get derailed because a thirteen-year-old was found drugged and brutally raped on the grounds. Once she started working at Aspera as a digital switchboard operator, she is even more fixated on becoming one of the gorgeous Aspera girls who ride a special elevator to assignments on the Executive floor. Matthew’s stunning wife Cleo had recently told her she could become anything and have anyone because her beauty is her ticket. Georgia is planning to figure out how to best use her ticket to get what she wants but, while she wrestles with what is just beyond her reach, she finds herself falling for Nora. Her sister was murdered, and she wants Georgia to help her look for clues. Georgia is torn between her feelings for Nora and wanting to live the life she believes is owed to her.

As I read, I found myself screaming at Georgia’s constant naiveté. How could she not see what was right in front of her? Every time she said or did something stupid, I got even more annoyed. The last straw was the ending. If I hadn’t been sitting in public, I would have thrown my kindle across the room. I was not impressed with the constant references to Aspera’s money and power and was not happy with Georgia constantly harping on beauty as her ticket out.

Though I didn’t like it, I will leave it up to readers ages 16 and older to decide if you want to read it or not.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

“Seton girls” Charlene Thomas

Rated 4 stars **** ARC. ebook. Published August 30, 2022. Dutton Books (Penguin Random House).

Aly is thrilled to be at Seton High with her boyfriend J, a member of the football team. As a junior he’s only the JV team’s quarterback but next year will be the quarterback for Varsity, which hasn’t lost a game in thirteen years. Though they’re not rich like everyone else at school, and have to take a 1.5-hour bus ride there every day, she feels as if they’re meant to be at Seton. Everyone on the team hangs out, parties and looks out for each other. Football is J’s ticket to a college scholarship and playing in the NFL, while being Editor of the school newspaper is Aly’s calling.

She and the other girlfriends have always been told the team wouldn’t be undefeated without them. For years being a Seton girl has been a point of pride, especially if you’re dating a football player. However things start to go awry when Aly befriends Britt, a popular girl who has fallen from her pedestal. Britt has a few things to say about Parker, the senior star quarterback, and the team’s 13-year winning streak. Aly knows if she takes Britt’s side it will ruin everything for J and for herself, but can she stay silent in the face of Britt’s accusations and still live with herself?

I had a hard time following the storyline as it kept jumping around from past to present, which was very confusing. It would have been easier to follow if the chapters had better titles and clearer timeframes. The conflict reminded me of Laurie Halse Anderson’s “Shout,” telling us why Britt was so courageous and why her story needed to be shouted to the rooftops.

Recommended for teens aged 16 and older.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

“Echoes of Grace” Guadalupe García McCall

Rated 5 stars ***** ARC. ebooks. Tu Books (Lee & Low). Published August 16, 2022. (Includes “Resources” for abuse against women).

Grace’s older sister Mercy blames her for the death of her young son who was hit by a car while on her watch. Ever since their mother was murdered when they were little girls she and Mercy had been close but, with Alexander’s death, there is now a chasm between them. She blames herself for not being more attentive, as echo-type memories often take her somewhere into the past. These echoes are a gift she inherited from her mother, but their appearances are usually unplanned and unwanted.

Three years earlier, in 2008, Grace was living with her maternal grandmother after running away to Mexico. There she dealt with unwelcome advances from a local, determined to get her to notice him despite her repeated rebuffs. Her echoes are filled with the tortures he put her through, as well as memories of her grandmother beating her and, ultimately, throwing her out of the house.

Between 2008 and 2011, echoes are interwoven as Grace tries to make sense of them. Though her mother’s untimely death seems to tie everything together, it will take a special kind of love for Grace to get the acceptance and help she needs to find out what really happened to her mother.

The back and forth narrative is a natural part of Grace’s story, as she needed to find out where she was going, but couldn’t do so until she knew from where she had come. The lessons she learned from her past will make her future even better.

I predict “Echoes of Grace” is going to be the Young Adult winner of the 2023 Pura Belpré award. You heard it here first!

Highly recommended for ages 16 and older.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.