Cici Reno: #middleschoolmatchmaker by Kristina Springer

Cici Reno: #MiddleSchoolMatchmaker by Kristina Springer -- A modern take on Cyrano de Bergerac. Cici's best friend has a crush on a guy, but is too shy to actually talk to him. Cici comes up with a plan: she will pretend to be her friend and chat with the guy online. Complications ensue as Cici realizes that she also likes the guy.

Cyrano is my favorite play, so I gravitate toward retellings and riffs on the theme. This one is cute and fluffy -- fun for the target audience, but not something I'd recommend across the board.

(Reviewed from an advance copy, courtesy of the publisher.)

Massive Mini-Review Catch-Up

I'm so far behind, you guys.  It's ridiculous.  So, while I still have a short stack of really excellent books that will get full review treatment, these books (ranging from okay to very good) get briefer consideration.  Better than nothing, right?

Space Dumplins by Craig Thompson features a trio of young misfits on an adventure in deep space. I liked the story well enough, but the artwork is what really sells this book. Recommended for graphic novel fans. (Reviewed from an advance copy, courtesy of the publisher.)

 Sunny Side Up by Jennifer Holm and Matthew Holm describes Sunny's adventures at her grandfather's retirement complex while she comes to terms with some of the serious things that have happened in her family over the past year. This gently realistic story will appeal to readers who enjoy Raina Telgemeier's books. (Reviewed from an advance copy, courtesy of the publisher.)

 Moonpenny Island by Tricia Springstubb is the story of Flor and the tiny island where she lives. When Flor's best friend is sent away to school on the mainland, Flor discovers various secrets about her friend, her family, her island, and herself. This is a sweet and well-written story, and I'd recommend it to readers who enjoy realistic juvenile fiction focusing on friendship and family issues, as well as anyone who likes to keep an eye on possible award contenders, as I imagine this book will crop up in discussions of noteworthy titles this fall. (Reviewed from a copy borrowed through my library system.)

Enchantment Lake by Margi Preus is a mystery set on a remote lake shore. Quirky characters abound as 17-year-old Francie (who isn't a detective, but played one on TV once) tries to discover if someone really is bumping off members of her great-aunts' neighborhood. This fun story will appeal to readers who enjoy (or are nostalgic for) Nancy Drew and her ilk. (Reviewed from a copy borrowed through my library system.)

 Forget-Me-Not Summer by Leila Howland is the story of three California sisters spending part of their summer vacation on Cape Cod. For me, this book didn't quite measure up to other tales of summer and sisterhood (the most obvious comparison is The Penderwicks, and nothing's going to measure up to that, I'm afraid). I found the characters annoying -- Marigold was too snotty, Zinnia was too needy, and Lily was too bratty for any of them to engage my sympathies. That's not to say that this book didn't have its pleasant moments, and I think kids who can't get enough of this sort of gentle, realistic family story will gobble it up -- but it just wasn't the book for me. (Reviewed from an advance copy, courtesy of the publisher.)

 A Night Divided by Jennifer Nielsen is a suspenseful story of a family divided by the Berlin Wall. Gerta's father and one of her brothers were on the western side of Berlin the night the wall went up, and now she, her mother, and her other brother are trapped in a restrictive regime where any neighbor or co-worker might be reporting to the authorities. Gerta would do anything to be reunited with her father, but if she and her family are caught trying to escape, it could cost them their lives. I've read several of this author's fantasy books, and was curious how she would do in a different genre. The results are excellent: this is a fascinating, gripping read that will definitely appeal to fans of historical fiction as well as fans of Nielsen's earlier works. (Reviewed from an advance copy, courtesy of the publisher.)

 Dumplin' by Julie Murphy is a tale of beauty pageants and body image, among other things. Willowdean has always been okay with her plus-size figure, but a secret romance with a co-worker has shaken her self-confidence. She doesn't want her size to hold her back from living her life, so she decides to make a statement by entering the local beatuty pageant -- the one that her mother won as a teen, and has been involved in organizing pretty much ever since. What Willowdean doesn't expect is that other nontraditional pageant contestants will rally around her. She also doesn't expect the pageant to come between her and her long-time best friend. Though it contains more strong language than I generally appreciate, this is a great YA read with complex characters, plenty of humor, and a solid plot -- recommended. (Reviewed from an advance copy, courtesy of the publisher.)

 Third Grade Angels by Jerry Spinelli is a prequel to Fourth Grade Rats. In this book, Suds tries to be the best student in the class and win his teacher's approval, but he finds that being good is harder than he expected. I'm sure this book will be enjoyed by its target audience, though there's not much depth here for the adult reader. (Reviewed from an advance copy, courtesy of the publisher.)

 The Spy Catchers of Maple Hill by Megan Frazer Blakemore is a juvenile historical novel. Hazel is the daughter of the town's graveyard caretakers, and a bit of a quirky outsider. She's convinced that there are Communist spies somewhere in their small town -- maybe right under her nose! But when she befriends Samuel, a newcomer who may be the only kid in town even odder than Hazel, she learns that compassion and friendship may be more important than being right about everything. I enjoyed this read, though I'm not sure how well some parts of the story will work for young readers with no prior knowledge of the McCarthy era. For kids, this may be one of those books best suited to a classroom setting. (Reviewed from an advance copy, courtesy of the publisher.)

Winterling by Sarah Prineas is the first book in a juvenile fantasy trilogy. Jennifer, who has always felt as if she doesn't fit in, is drawn through a portal to the land of Faerie, where her parents disappeared years ago, and where an evil queen rules in place of the true Lady of the realm. Something about this book just didn't click, for me -- I think the characterization could be stronger. I wanted to like it, but I probably won't continue with this series. (Reviewed from my personally purchased copy.)

Crimson Bound by Rosamund Hodge is an imaginative retelling of "Little Red Riding Hood." Rachelle stepped off the path, and now she must pay the price. Her aunt had been training her to be a woodwife, but now Rachelle is Bloodbound, one of the king's trained killers, doomed to eventually join the heartless Forestborn. But until then, she works as hard as she can to fend off the Destroyer. That mission is thrown off track, however, when the king assigns her to be a bodyguard to one of his sons. I really liked Cruel Beauty, Hodge's first book, but I didn't like this one quite as much. Part of it could be that I've never loved Red Riding Hood, part of it could be that there was a lot of religious weirdness in this story that just didn't work for me, and part of it could be that I didn't find the love triangle very convincing or appealing. That makes it sound like I really hated this book, and I didn't -- I think that other readers might enjoy it more than I did, but I still read the whole thing in a couple of days. It's not a favorite, but I'll still be keeping an eye out for other fairy tale retellings by this author.  (Reviewed from an advance copy, courtesy of the publisher.)

Paperboy by Vince Vawter is the story of a shy, stuttering boy who makes new friends -- and enemies -- when he takes over a friend's paper route for a month during one hot Memphis summer. I listened to the audiobook, which was well done, though this book is not the fast-moving sort that makes for an exciting listen. Still, it kept me engaged with its excellent atmosphere and depth of characterization. I can see why the Newbery committee deemed it worthy of an honor. (Reviewed from an e-audiobook borrowed through my library system.)

The Tapper Twins Go to War (With Each Other) by Geoff Rodkey is a funny tale of sibling rivalry and an escalating practical joke war. I listened to the audiobook and the narration was well done by a team of voice actors, which made it easy to differentiate between characters. I can see this as a good choice for family listening, on a long car trip, for example. (Reviewed from an e-audiobook borrowed through my library system.)

 To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han is a fun romance that starts out with an embarrassing mishap. When Lara Jean wrote those letters to her former crushes, she never intended for them to be read by anyone but herself. When the letters are somehow mailed out, chaos ensues. This is a nice, light, and fluffy YA romance, but the best part of the book is the relationship between the three sisters. (Reviewed from a copy borrowed through my library system.)

Colonial Madness by Jo Whittenmore

Colonial Madness by Jo Whittenmore is a cute and fluffy romp, bound to appeal to tweens.

Tori Porter and her mom lead a fun, rather haphazard life: Tori's mom has never lost her youthful spirit, to the point that sometimes Tori feels like she has to be the adult in their relationship. When a financial crisis looms, a surprising way out emerges in the form of a contest set up in the terms of Great-Aunt Muriel's will. Tori and her mom, along with various aunts, uncles, and cousins, will spend two weeks on Great-Aunt Muriel's farm, living a colonial lifestyle: no modern conveniences allowed. They will face various challenges, and the family to survive to the end with the best score in the challenges will inherit. The competition is steep, and Tori and her mom are not exactly used to roughing it -- but of all the contestants, they need the money the most. Of course, there are some unexpected distractions for Tori along the way, such as the surprisingly cute son of the estate's groundskeeper. . . .

They say you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but in this case, you totally should. This book delivers exactly what the cover promises: tween fare, light on the historical accuracy, heavy on the innocent flirting. It's not always particularly realistic, but it's cute and fun, great for girls who are ready for just a little romance but not quite up to the stuff in the young adult section yet.

(Reviewed from a copy borrowed through my library system.)

My Faire Lady by Laura Wettersten

My Faire Lady by Laura Wettersten is a cute and fluffy YA romance.

When Rowena's boyfriend dumps her, she decides she needs a new summer plan -- fast! The thought of spending the summer working at her mall job, where she will see her ex and his new girlfriend nearly ever day, is unendurable. So, with few options and little time, she answers a rather vague and sketchy newspaper job ad, and finds herself hired to do face painting at a Renaissance Faire. Her co-workers are a colorful crew, and she immediately develops a crush on one of the knights, forms a friendship with the tavern wench she bunks with, and develops more confidence in her skills as an artist as she improves on the basic face painting designs she is given. Ro realizes that art makes her happy and that she would like to study it in college, but how can she explain that to her parents, who expect her to leverage her ren faire experiences to write a stellar admissions essay for business school or law school? Also, will she ever get that hot knight to notice her?

If you're looking for a fun summer YA romance, this is a good one to consider. Yes, it's obvious which guy Ro should end up with, but as I may have said before in other reviews, the 'who' is rarely the point in a romance novel; it's all about the 'how.' This particular book has a lot of strengths beyond the romance, as well: lots of colorful and interesting characters, a vividly described setting, and great interpersonal issues that crop up as Ro develops friendships and discovers her own biases and prejudices. I was looking for a light, fun read when I picked this book up, and it fit the bill perfectly.

(Reviewed from a copy borrowed through my library system.)

And Both Were Young by Madeleine L'Engle

And Both Were Young by Madeleine L'Engle is a YA book from the time before there really were YA books.

When Philippa's father leaves her at a Swiss boarding school, she feels a bit as if her life is over. Philippa, or Flip, as she likes to be called, is an introverted, artistic girl, fiercely devoted to her father and still mourning the fairly recent death of her mother. Boarding school, with its points and sports and complete lack of privacy, is a nightmare for her -- and since she spends her time feeling sulky and sorry for herself, she doesn't make friends among her fellow students, who take to calling her "Pill." Flip befriends the art teacher, a woman who is sympathetic to Flip but also not afraid to call her out on her self-pitying behavior. But apart from art classes, Flip's only recourse is to escape the school on free afternoons -- and it's during those free times that she meets Paul, a boy of her own age, who lives in a nearby chateau. Paul has seen his own share of tragedy, and the two teens bond over their similar experiences and dispositions. But Paul also has a mysterious past, one that even he doesn't fully understand. Will Flip and Paul's friendship help both teens to blossom?

This was a favorite of mine from my early teen years. I actually liked it better than a lot of Madeleine L'Engle's more well-known works, possibly because it's a simpler, more straightforward story, but more likely because I saw myself in Flip's introversion and social awkwardness. Now, encountering it as an adult, it remains a gentle, enjoyable read. Flip and Paul both undergo some painful, realistic character development, and the alpine setting is as lovely as I recall from those first times reading it. The romance angle is very slight, compared to what you see in more recent young adult literature, making this book perfect for young or conservative teens.

(Reviewed from my personally purchased copy.)

My True Love Gave to Me, edited by Stephanie Perkins

My True Love Gave to Me: Twelve Holiday Stories is a holiday short story collection edited by Stephanie Perkins, featuring stories by some of the hottest names in YA right now: Holly Black, Gayle Foreman, Laini Taylor, Rainbow Rowell, and more. Though, naturally, some stories are better than others, the overall quality of this anthology is high.

My personal favorites were "It's a Yuletide Miracle, Charlie Brown" by Stephanie Perkins, "Welcome to Christmas, CA" by Kiersten White, "The Girl Who Woke the Dreamer" by Laini Taylor, and of course "Midnights" by Rainbow Rowell. "Polaris is Where You'll Find Me" by Jenny Han struck me as the weakest of the lot, and I didn't particularly care for "Krampuslauf" by Holly Black, though that's more a matter of taste than of quality (Holly Black is a hit-or-miss author for me). Also, because I used to live in Oklahoma, I spent more time while reading "Star of Bethlehem" trying to pinpoint the geography than I did actually enjoying the story. I'm not convinced that Ally Carter has ever been to Oklahoma. My main issue with the book as a whole was that it led off with the story that should have been saved for the grand finale. That's obviously a minor issue, because on the whole I found this collection an enjoyable read, and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a light, seasonal story or twelve.

(Reviewed from a copy borrowed through my library system.)

Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins

Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins is another sweet love story from the author of Anna and the French Kiss.

Isla has had a crush on Josh ever since she was a freshman at the School of America in Paris. When she has a chance encounter with him in a Manhattan cafe just before their senior year, she dares to dream that a relationship might be in the cards for the two of them. Sure enough, they go from swapping smitten stares across classrooms, to hanging out together at the comic shop, to making out in school broom closets and anywhere else that provides a modicum of privacy. Theirs is an unexpected pairing: Josh has carefully cultivated a bad-boy image, while Isla is the responsible, studious one who is likely to be valedictorian. In a classic case of opposites attracting, they are both head over heels with each other. But when a disastrous choice puts an ocean between them, Isla's doubts begin to surface: does Josh really love her, or was he just going out with her because she was there?

As with Perkins' other books, there's a lot to like here. Isla is sweet and funny, and her insecurities and concerns about her future make for a convincing teenage character (it's okay not to know what you want to do with your life at age 17). Isla and Josh's relationship is a lot more steamy and physical than Anna and St. Clair's or Lola and Cricket's, but it's described in that same delightful way that will have readers swooning. Also, I would really like to read Josh's graphic novel memoir now! There are cameos by Anna and St. Clair and Lola and Cricket, too, which are lovely but brief. All in all, I found this a satisfying romance, and it made me want to go back and reread the other two to see all the ways the three books fit together -- though I think that readers new to Perkins can start with any of the three books without missing too much.

(Reviewed from a copy borrowed through my library system.)

Don't Call Me Baby by Gwendolyn Heasley

Don't Call Me Baby by Gwendolyn Heasley is the story of a teen struggling to step out of the spotlight her blogging mother constantly shines on her.

Imogene has been known online as Babylicious since before she was born. Her mother started a mommy blog as soon as she found out she was expecting, and she's chronicled Imogene's life ever since, from potty training to bed-wetting to Imogene's first period. But now Imogene is starting ninth grade, and she longs for privacy. She doesn't feel that she can confront her mother about the invasive aspects of the blog, especially since it's one of their household's primary sources of revenue, but when a school assignment leads to Imogene starting a blog of her own, she hatches a plan to serve her mother a little of her own medicine.

This is a quick read and poses some interesting ideas about the prevalence of the Internet in people's daily lives, but I can't really recommend it. The book's problems start with the cover and title, neither of which serves the actual book well. And then there's the content: clunky dialogue, unrealistic and inconsistent characterization, and a tone and plot better suited to a much younger audience -- more tween than teen. Imogene and her friends are frustratingly immature, "Mommylicious" is a caricature of a mommy blogger, and secondary characters are likewise flat. The ending wraps things up a little too neatly, as well. While I read through it to see how things would turn out for Imogene, I feel it's not successful as a YA novel.

(Reviewed from a copy borrowed through my library system.)

Landline by Rainbow Rowell

Landline by Rainbow Rowell is a sweet, mysterious story about a foundering marriage and a magical telephone.

It's finally happened: a major network has expressed interest in the show that Georgie and her writing partner Seth have been working on since their college days. The problem is that the network executive wants to meet with them on December 27th . . . and Georgie and her husband and daughters have plane tickets for a Christmas visit to Omaha. When Georgie breaks the news to her husband Neal, she proposes rescheduling the trip.  Instead, Neal and the girls go to Omaha without Georgie, leaving her to write scripts with Seth and contemplate whether her marriage is in danger of disintegrating. She'd feel better if she could just talk to Neal, but she's having a hard time getting to him on his cell. In a fit of desperation, she tries the land line (she memorized the number for his mother's house years ago, though she hasn't used it in years). Neal finally answers the phone, but not the Neal who packed himself and the girls off to the airport two days ago. Instead, Georgie finds herself talking to Neal of fifteen years ago, from the last Christmas they spent apart. The Christmas when Georgie thought that he had broken up with her. The Christmas when he turned up on her doorstep after a week of silence with an engagement ring. Now Georgie is inexplicably connecting with this past iteration of Neal. Is she being given a second chance? Is she supposed to save their marriage? Or is she supposed to save Neal from their marriage?

I binge-read this book in one evening. It has all of the charming elements I've come to expect from Rowell's works: lovely writing, great characters, well-constructed plot, delightful touches of humor. This book doesn't have quite the emotional punch of Eleanor and Park, nor did I connect with Georgie on he same level as I did with Cath in Fangirl, but I still love it wholeheartedly and definitely recommend it!

(Reviewed from an advance copy, courtesy of the publisher.)

The Selection by Kiera Cass

The Selection by Kiera Cass is basically a dystopian version of The Bachelor set in a future nation on the North American continent.

America Singer is a member of the Artisan caste, fairly low in the country's class system. America is content with her life, though: she gets by using her vocal talent, and she's in love with a handsome boy from the caste below hers. When it's announced that the Selection will be held to find a bride for Prince Maxon, she's not even interested in entering. She does so because her family, and even her sweetheart, pressure her to enter -- and because she's sure she won't be chosen. But, of course, she is chosen, along with thirty-four other girls, to travel to the palace and try to win the heart of the prince. America is up-front with him: she's only there for the food (and for the stipend that her family receives while she is in the competition). But, as they interact with one another, America and Maxon become friends. Naturally, some of the other girls are jealous of what they see as America's favored position. There are dangers from the outside, as well: revolutionaries attack the palace, and the girls may be in danger of losing their lives, not just their hearts.

Okay, so it's a little bit reality-show cheesy, and the reasons for the downfall of the USA and the rise of this extremely different government are never quite explained. Even the motives of the revolutionaries are kind of murky. And nobody really believes that America isn't going to end up with the prince, right? But, despite all of that, I'll keep on reading, because it's fluffy and fun and a quick read, and I'm hoping some of the missing details will be filled in over the course of the next two books.

(Reviewed from a copy borrowed through my library system.)

Ask Again Later by Liz Czukas

Ask Again Later by Liz Czukas is a fun and fluffy YA book.

Heart has plans for a drama-free prom: she's going with a group of friends, and they've dubbed it the "No Drama Prom-a." Then Ryan from French class asks her to go "just as a friend," and her older brother asks her to go with Troy, one of his friends who has just gotten dumped. Heart's not romantically interested in either of the two guys, but there are good reasons to go with either of them, and she knows her friends won't mind if she backs out on their group. But which should she choose? Her best friend's Magic Eight Ball is no help. Heart decides to settle it by flipping a coin. That coin toss will result in her actually experiencing the prom from both standpoints simultaneously.

This book is plenty of fun, with lots of humor and snark. Heart doesn't take the whole prom thing too seriously, and there's a romance that readers will see coming but still cheer for as the story plays out. I wasn't sure how the "two proms at one time" thing would work, but I think it came together fairly well (there was some rapid-fire switching back and forth near the end of the book that kind of lost me), and I liked the way that certain key things happened in both timelines, but in slightly different ways. If you like this sort of light reading, you should give this book a try.

(Reviewed from an advance copy, courtesy of the publisher.)

Roomies by Tara Altebrando and Sara Zarr

Roomies by Tara Altebrando and Sara Zarr is a story of two girls in the summer between high school and college.

Elizabeth can hardly wait to go to college. She's going all the way across the country to UC-Berkeley, as far as she can get from her controlling mother. When she gets an email with her housing assignment, she immediately contacts her new roommate to coordinate things for their dorm room.

Lauren is less than thrilled to get Elizabeth's email -- she had requested a single. After sharing a room with two younger sisters, she was hoping for a little privacy. But being the oldest of six siblings means she is also able to adjust her expectations, so she writes back to Elizabeth, and a tentative friendship is formed.

Over the course of the summer, the two girls will get to know each other through email, sharing anecdotes about friendships, parents, and boys, and looking forward to what's ahead. But when their communication hits a rocky patch, it starts to look like the girls will not be friends -- or even roommates -- by the time fall rolls around.

Readers who enjoy realistic YA fiction dealing with these sorts of issues will enjoy this book. It's well-written and the characters are relatable, though readers may not always agree with their decisions or opinions.

I listened to the audiobook, and while it was a fairly good production, I thought the two girls sounded too much alike, despite being voiced by different actors. I don't think this was an issue in the writing, and each segment was set apart with the date and location so it was easy to follow when there was a change between characters, but the two did sound fairly similar, so if I paused in the middle of a segment and came back to it later, it sometimes took me a little while to remember who was speaking. But it wasn't enough to really lessen my enjoyment of the story -- just a minor quibble.

(Reviewed from an audiobook borrowed through my library system.)

The Chapel Wars by Lindsey Leavitt

The Chapel Wars by Lindsey Leavitt is a fun YA romance set in Las Vegas.

Think Romeo and Juliet . . . but with Las Vegas wedding chapels. Seventeen-year-old Holly's beloved grandfather has just died, and he left her an unusual legacy: his business. Holly is now the owner of the Rose of Sharon Wedding Chapel, which is about to be crushed under a mountain of debt. To make things worse, Holly's grandfather had a long-running feud with the owner of the tacky chapel next door . . . but Holly might just have a little bit of a crush on said owner's grandson Dax. Holly doesn't have time for a secret romance -- she's too busy finding ways to raise enough money to save the chapel (and dealing with friends and schoolwork, as well). But when Dax proves to be as interested in Holly as she is in him, it proves hard to resist his considerable charms. Can Holly save the chapel and keep her relationship with Dax a secret?

This is a cute and fun YA romance. It does deal with a few deeper issues, like Holly's grief at her grandfather's death, but the overall tone is fairly light. Readers who like books by Jennifer Smith and Stephanie Perkins, or who have enjoyed other books by this author, are likely to enjoy this.

(Reviewed from an advance copy, courtesy of the publisher.)

Diamonds and Deceit by Leila Rasheed

Diamonds & Deceit by Leila Rasheed is the second book in the At Somerton series. I had some issues with the first book in the series and didn't intend to read on, but I was given an e-galley by the publisher, so I figured I'd see if the series could redeem itself. I'm going to have to include spoilers for Cinders & Sapphires in the following review . . . you've been warned.

In this book, Rose is caught between two worlds: she is not made welcome in polite society despite her new status, but neither is she allowed to return to her comfort zone below stairs. When she meets and enigmatic, artistic peer, she finds him unconventional and attractive, but so far above her that there's no question of a romance between them. Can they at least be friends, despite a few initial blunders? Meanwhile, Lady Ada has determined to accept a socially acceptable (and lucrative) proposal, putting her love for the Indian student Ravi behind her in order to save her family from further disgrace. But can she really deny her heart?

I'm a little mollified by the events of this book -- there was some fallout from the stuff that bothered me in the first book, which made it a little more realistic than the happy-sappy ending of Cinders & Sapphires promised. However, there's still nothing that elevates the writing above the common run of period romances, and the plot is fairly predictable.  Readers looking for Downton Abbey readalikes may want to consider this series, but don't expect it to transcend its genre.

(Reviewed from an e-galley, courtesy of the publisher.)

The Reece Malcolm List by Amy Spalding

The Reece Malcolm List by Amy Spalding is realistic teen fiction, but on the lighter side. It deals mostly with family dynamics.

When Devan's father dies, she is sent to California to live with Reece Malcolm, the mother she has never even met. Reece Malcolm, a successful author, is so reclusive that Devan can't even find out much about her from the Internet, so she starts keeping a short list of the things she knows about Reece Malcolm. Upon arrival in California, Devan learns many things about Reece -- including that she is willing to give Devan a new wardrobe and get her into a performing arts school so Devan can follow her dream of a career in musical theatre. But no matter how much Devan learns about her mother, she can't help thinking that Reece didn't want her in the first place, and probably doesn't want her now. Will Devan and Reece manage to become a real family, or is sixteen years of separation too great a barrier to overcome?  Also cooking, Sondheim, and kissing.

This debut novel has a lot of good points -- the voice is spot on, the characters are well-rounded, and the pacing is good. The plot is so similar to One of Those Hideous Books Where the Mother Dies by Sonya Sones that I almost felt at times that I had read it before, but the style, characters, and secondary plot lines help differentiate it from that book. I think young teens will really enjoy this story, as will all readers who enjoy YA lit of this variety.

(Reviewed from a copy borrowed through my library system.)

This Is What Happy Looks Like by Jennifer Smith

This Is What Happy Looks Like by Jennifer E. Smith is a sweet but not particularly memorable young adult romance.

When Ellie answers an email sent to her by accident, she doesn't have any idea that the person she's writing to is teen heartthrob Graham Larkin. The two teens fall into conversation, and there's definitely a spark of romance there, even though neither really knows who the other person is. But when Graham ends up filming in Ellie's small town, the teens meet face to face and Ellie has to deal with the realities of dating a celebrity -- even though she has her own reasons for wanting to stay out of the media.

This was a nice enough story, but not one that measures up to the promise of Smith's last YA romance, The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight. Teens who can't get enough of this genre will certainly enjoy this book, and there's certainly plenty to like -- it's just not quite as excellent as I was hoping it would be.

(Reviewed from a copy borrowed through my library system.)

A Lady of High Regard by Tracie Peterson

For a change of pace during the 48-Hour Book Challenge, I read A Lady of High Regard, an inspirational romance by Tracie Peterson.

Mia Stanley, a young woman from one of Philadelphia's elite families, has had everything in life handed to her on a silver platter -- but that does not mean that she is not deeply concerned for the welfare of the poor in her city. Writing for Godey's Lady's Book has opened Mia's eyes to issues of social justice -- but when she uncovers corrupt dealings among landlords by the docks, she finds herself in danger. More than once, she is rescued by her handsome neighbor -- a man she's often tried to match up with one of her friends, as she feels he would make some woman an excellent husband. But Mia is not ready to settle down, herself -- or is she?

Fans of the historical inspirational romance genre will probably enjoy this book, but I don't see it reaching a wider audience. Mia definitely has her Too Stupid To Live moments, and I found her hard to like. The romance is obvious from the beginning, and suspense is built only by numerous interrupted conversations, where one or the other of the pair was on the verge of declaring themselves. I also thought some of the actions Mia took, as well as some of the advice she was given by other characters, was a little out of period for the 1860s, though not glaringly so. All in all, a fine fluff read for those who like this sort of thing, but not something I'd recommend more broadly.
(Reviewed from my personally purchased copy.)

Just One Day by Gayle Forman

In Just One Day by Gayle Forman, Allyson learns how taking a risk and doing something a little bit crazy can completely transform her life, for better and for worse.

Allyson has always been "the good girl" -- a good student, responsible, not prone to going wild or taking chances. She's just finished high school, and her parents have sent her on a tour of Europe before heading off to college in the fall. At the end of the tour, Allyson and her best friend break away from the group in Stratford-upon-Avon to see an experimental, outdoor production of Twelfth Night. Ally feels an instant connection with Willem, one of the actors, but expects that she will never see him again. When she meets him again the next day on the train to London, they discuss her recent travels, including the fact that the tour group didn't get to see Paris because of a baggage handlers' strike. Allyson has one more day in London before going back to the USA, which she is supposed to spend with friends of friends. When Willem offers to take her to Paris instead, Allyson decides to step out of her comfort zone and take a chance -- to be "Lulu," the persona she associates with the quirky nickname Willem gives her. And, despite some moments of worry and doubt, it is a magical day. But then, after spending the night with Willem in an artists' squat, Allyson wakes up alone. Willem is gone, without explanation, and Allyson is alone in an unfamiliar part of an unfamiliar city, where she does not speak the language, without money (she spent the last of it the previous day) or a working cell phone. She feels like she's been played. She manages to get in touch with the guide from her tour company, who negotiates transportation back to her friends in London, but it's a harsh return to reality for Allyson. Over the following year, Allyson struggles with questions and doubts. She's back to being the repressed, almost robotic "good girl," doing what her parents expect, but it's making her miserable. Is there any of "Lulu" left, or did Allyson leave her behind after that one day in Paris? And what happened to Willem? Will Allyson ever get the chance to return to Paris and find out?

I thought this book was all right, but not fantastic. I didn't get a real sense of Willem's character (though I'm sure the sequel will clear that up, as it's the story from his point of view, basically), so I couldn't really appreciate Allyson's fixation on him. Also, I thought their day in Paris was pretty lame, honestly. I mean, I can understand not wanting to do touristy things after being on a long guided tour, but if I ever go to Paris, I want to see more than a nightclub, a cafe, an artists' squat, and a random park. I liked the Shakespearean bits, of course, but any book with scenes set in a college class has to be careful it doesn't come across as overly didactic. This book teeters on the edge of that line, for sure. I also got a little impatient with Allyson's angst. But not to be too critical, I did enjoy the book as a whole, and I liked the ambiguity of the ending (though I note that many reviewers did not). I will probably read the sequel when it comes out.
(Reviewed from a copy borrowed through my library system.)

Going Vintage by Lindsey Leavitt

Going Vintage by Lindsey Leavitt is a fun, chick-lit-ish young adult novel.

When Mallory discovers that her boyfriend is cheating with her via the Internet, she decides to swear off technology for a while. That same weekend, while helping her dad clean out her grandmother's house, she discovers a list in an old notebook, created when her grandmother was her age. If there's anything Mallory loves, it's a good list -- and this one, with its early-1960's simplicity, really appeals to her. Wasn't the world a better place when a 16-year-old girl's to-do list included things like running for Pep Squad secretary and sewing her own homecoming dress? (Never mind that her school doesn't even have a pep squad, and Mallory doesn't know the first thing about sewing.) As she continues in her quest for vintage perfection, Mallory discovers that going without technology is a lot more difficult than she bargained for -- and she learns some things about the 60s, and about her grandmother's list, that don't exactly jive with her romanticized ideas about going vintage.

I really enjoyed this story -- it's fluff, but enjoyable, occasionally thought-provoking fluff. The characters and relationships are well-written, and the plot is fun and moves along fairly briskly. Readers who enjoy a light young adult romance should definitely give this a try.

(Reviewed from an advance copy, courtesy of the publisher.)

Cinders and Sapphires by Leila Rasheed

Cinders & Sapphires by Leila Rasheed is set in the same post-Edwardian era as Downton Abbey (which I adore), and I was hoping for something along those lines. I also expected that there might be a Cinderella-esque quality to the story, going by the title. At first, this book seems to deliver . . .

Lady Ada Averley, her father, and her younger sister Georgiana are returning to England from India, with just the faintest whisper of scandal trailing behind them due to her father's abrupt resignation from his government post. One evening on the return voyage, Lady Ada ventures on deck for a breath of fresh air, and encounters Ravi, a handsome Indian student bound for Oxford. In their brief encounter, the two are instantly attracted to one another (and share a kiss! Scandalous!), but they are bound for different worlds. Though Ada dreams of studying at Oxford, she must begin looking for a suitable match in London's social scene. At Somerton, the Averley family's ancestral home, several surprises await: Lady Ada and Georgiana will soon gain a stepmother, stepsister, and two stepbrothers. Lady Ada carries on a secret correspondence with Ravi, who proves to have radical leanings. And then there's Rose, the housekeeper's daughter, who has just been promoted to the post of ladies' maid, and who has secrets that she herself doesn't know she's hiding. There's plenty of drama both upstairs and down, with a cast of characters as varied (though not as well-written or well-developed) as that of Downton. But then, near the end of the book, one particular plot twist had me going WHAT IS THIS I DON'T EVEN. Ada's father makes a decision to do something that would have engulfed the family in just the sort of scandal they've spent the whole book trying to avoid, except that it doesn't, and his actions are apparently accepted without question by polite society. I've looked at other reviews, and nobody else seems to be bothered by this, so maybe it's just me, but my understanding of societal rules of the period suggest that the ending of the book is massively unrealistic. Then again, this is the first book in a series, so it's possible that the author plans to deal with the fallout in the next book.

So, if it hadn't been for the ending I would have recommended this book to those who, like me, are dreading the Downton Abbey withdrawal that's about to hit USA viewers. As it is, if you are not very picky about accuracy in your historical fiction and just want something that evokes that era, this might be a good book for you (boy, does that sound like I am trying to insult you if you read this book and like it). But I'd love to hear from someone who has read the book and feels that the ending is supportable, because maybe I am blowing it out of proportion. I can tell you that if you are not a Downton Abbey fan you will almost certainly not like this book, as the pacing, the multiplicity of characters, and the scheming and plotting definitely owe a bit to the show.
(Reviewed from a copy borrowed through my library system.)