How to Tell a True Story

This middle grade story about a teen girl losing everything but her family in a house fire is heartbreaking and full of hope. Amber Price is used to having to worry about studying for math or if the cute boy in her class has noticed her, but when a fire upends her life she hardly knows what to think. Her older brother Gage rushed into the house to save her from the attic and suffered sever burns. Everyone is calling him a hero and wants to help their family. But some things can't be helped. Their dad's stress about the insurance, their parent's deteriorating relationship, the lack of cute clothes to wear. This contemporary novel will make teens think twice about what kindness and the truth mean. 

The Paradise Problem

Christina Lauren books just keep getting better. I don't know how, but let me tell you I am here for it. The premise is borderline absurd, unbelievable, yet works SO GOOD! Anna and West got married in college so they could get cheap lodging. It was never consummated and as roommates they hardly ever saw each other. When they graduated Anna signed the divorce papers and they moved on their happy separate ways. That is until five years later. Anna has just been fired from her crappy convenience store job when West shows up asking for a favor. Turns out they had never actually been divorced and he needs her to pretend to be his wife for a tropical 10 day wedding. Oh and by the way his family is worth billions. Of course she says yes because he is willing to pay her 100,000 and that will pay off so much of her medical debt. What could go wrong? She's a broke adult who has no idea what it's like live with wealth, she can pretend to be a rich bitch.... right? Things start to go sideways when West's brother gets suspicious and when she starts to develop feelings for West. Over the top, witty, and wonderful. Christina Lauren at their best! 

Death in the Jungle

This book was so compelling and so heartbreaking. I was riveted. I knew about Jonestown, the Kool-Aid, Jim Jones, and the works. Or at least I thought I did. After reading this compelling narrative nonfiction title, I realized that it was so much worse than I ever realized. I only knew the broad strokes and author Candace Fleming did an amazing job of connecting the dots and focusing on a few key survivors to tell the story. Obviously the story starts with Jim Jones, but it goes so much more deep than that. This title is geared towards teens, but really I think it's a perfect place to start if you want to know about this tragedy. It is SO in depth and uses the testimonies of some key survivors to help set the scene and make readers understand how normal people could find themselves caught up in the web of deceit. Very well written and includes photos (none of the massacre itself thankfully). Truly moving, a fitting tribute to the survivors and a glimpse into something truly terrifying. 

A Curse Carved in Bone

The shield maiden Freya discovers that not all is what it seems. After Bjorn's betrayal in at the end of the last book, she is more than pissed. She wants answers and she wants them know. She goes with Harald and Bjorn to Nordeland so she can meet Saga and hear from her what the prophecy is and if there is a way to change it. The story definitely floundered the first half of the book and there were so many missing pieces. When the pieces all fit together it was quite a shock. A fitting conclusion to this duology. It's made me want to learn more about Norse mythology. The ending was great and I will be sad to let these characters go. 

Devotions from the Garden

This devotional has been a wonderful way to start each morning. Not only is it filled with beautiful reflections, but the accompanying garden photos showcasing the Lord's beauty is breathtaking. Each devotional opens with a piece of scripture, is followed by a devotional and ends with a prayer. I love how perfectly it tied into gardening!

Monsters in Your Head

Percius is sick and tired of being bullied. He gets it, he is an outcast. But liking monster movies, the local haunted house, and monster magazines isn't that strange. Why can't people just leave him alone?! With no friends and emotionally absent parents; Percius turns to his monsters for comfort. While at his lowest he creates three fictional monster friends and they make him feel stronger and more in control. When he decides to confront his bully, Marcus at school, he takes comfort in their presence, no mater how imaginary. But later that night when Marcus comes seeking vengeance, Percius discovers that there may be more to his imaginary friends then he realizes. Fast paced and well written, this horror novella is a love letter to every kid who was bullied. A new and inventive monster story! 

Year One

This may have been the first Nor Robert's book that I really enjoyed! Year One very much reminds me of Stephen King's, The Stand. It's a dystopian novel about the end of civilization from a plague and the battle for good and evil. There is a lot more magic in this book however. Lots of people who survive the doom (the plague) have found themselves blessed with powers. Many are witches, wizards, elves, and fairies. Not all though were blessed. Some are just ordinary people and they don't take kindly to those with powers. They call them the uncanny and blame them for the plague. Lana and Max along with some others, flee New York City to get away from the raiders and those that wish to use their powers for evil. Along the way they pick up many other people and look forward to starting a community of their own. One that will be safe. How safe can anyone be in a world like this though? A good story, but I may wait a while before I dive into the other two books in the series! 

Wild and Wrangled

I am so heartbroken that this series is over. I want more!!!!! Wild and Wrangled is the 4th and final installment in the Rebel Blue Ranch. It covers the romance between Cam and Dusty. I have been waiting to hear their story for forever! Cam and Dusty were high school lovers who went their separate ways. Cam has grown up a lot, she has a child and is a lawyer. She is also engaged. When Dusty moves back to town he is drawn to Cam like a moth to a flame. But she is off limits. However, when she is jilted at the alter she is back on the market. But is her heart open to romance again? Can they resolve their issues and start again? A heartfelt conclusion to a fantastic romance series.