A Secret Wish

Sorry I haven’t posted in a while… I’ve been planning (and recovering from) a very special little boy's 4^th birthday party!  His Dino-Mite dinosaur party was a huge success; and now this mommy has time to blog again. J

I just finished A Secret Wish by Barbara Freethy.  It was a little on the short side and made for a perfect weekend read!  I loved that this was really three separate stories that belong to three different women; all varying in age, but sharing a birthday.  They don’t know each other, but are connected through their birthday wishes. 

Let’s break it down…

Liz
Liz is celebrating turning thirty all alone on the rooftop of the hospital where she works.  All she wants is someone to share her life with… when a mysterious man shows up on the rooftop, could her wish be coming true?

Angela
Angela never imagined she’d be childless at thirty-five; when reality hits and she realizes she may never feel the flutter of a child in the womb, it’s too much and she leaves the surprise party she never wanted.  Could this be the year her wish is finally granted? 

Carole
On the outside, Carole seems to have it all.  She’s married to a wealthy man and has two children.  She’s celebrating her fortieth birthday surrounded by people at a fancy hotel.  She’s so busy being a corporate wife, she has no time to be a mother to her children.  Is this the life she really wanted?  Or will she wish for something more?

RATINGS

Writing Style      8/10
Characters          8/10
Storyline              8/10

OVERALL              8/10

I’m a fan of Barbara Freethy and once again, she didn't let me down!  A Secret Wish is the first book in her Wish Series.  If you enjoy it, be sure to check out book two, Just a Wish Away!

Get your copy here!

I've expanded my blog!  Please take a moment to check out the new tab,  Very, Very Pinteresting... Experiments in Food.  Thanks! :)

Gone Girl

I have read a lot of books since I started staying home again.  Some of them were good.  Some of them were terrible.  A few of them I couldn't even finish.  Gone Girl… THIS is the book I’ve been waiting for!  It is so cleverly written and keeps you guessing page after page.  Every time I thought I had it figured out… BAM!  I had to start all over. 

Nick and Amy had a seemingly perfect romance.  Two writers, living in New York with Amy’s trust fund to fall back on.  When they both lose their jobs and Amy’s parents are forced to borrow money, things begin to really go sour.  They move to Missouri to help care for Nick’s parents and things only get worse.  On the morning of their fifth wedding anniversary, Amy disappears.  There are signs of a struggle and Nick’s alibi is suspicious, at best.  His in-laws and even his own sister begin to wonder, is Nick a murderer?

Let’s break it down…

Nick Dunne
The saying “those who can’t do, teach” becomes Nick’s reality when he begins instructing a college course after losing his job as a writer.  Nick has made mistakes and told many lies over the last year, even lying to the police during the investigation; but is he really a murderer?

Amy Dunne
The star of her parents’ hit children’s book series, Amazing Amy, Amy Dunne is a very smart, likable nearly-middle-aged woman.  She seems to have it all:  brains, beauty, trust fund… and she’s oh-so-clever.

Rand & Marybeth Elliot
Parents of Amy and creators of Amazing Amy, Rand and Marybeth are used to having money and live accordingly.  When book sales became nonexistent, they were forced to borrow a large sum of money from Amy while they “decided what to do with the rest of their lives.”  They never imagined they would be spending their time searching for their only daughter. 

Margo “Go” Dunne
Nick and Go aren’t just twins.  They are the kind of twins that have that special connection.  They love each other, look out for each other, and trust each other, no matter what… until one of them is accused of murder.  Go just wants her brother’s name cleared, but he’s certainly not making it easy. 

RATINGS

Writing Style    8/10
Characters       8.5/10
Storyline           9/10

OVERALL   8.5/10

Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl is a must read!  I couldn't put it down!  However, I do want to mention that it has a lot of language, mature themes, etc. and should be read by adults only.

Get your copy here!

I've expanded my blog!  Please take a moment to check out the new tab,  Very, Very Pinteresting... Experiments in Food.  Thanks! :)

Pretty Little Liars

First of all, let me say that you should not read these books just because you like the show!  I am a fan of the show (don’t judge me ;) and I enjoy the books; but they are VERY different. 

Pretty Little Liars tells the story of five best friends who share a horrible secret.  After one of the girls, Alison, goes missing and is later found dead, the remaining four begin receiving messages from “A.”  A knows their secrets and the girls can’t help but wonder, is Ali still alive?

Let’s break it down…

Aria
Artsy with a very unique style, Aria has returned to Rosewood after being in Iceland for her father’s job.  She often fantasizes about her English teacher and has been keeping a secret about her parents for far too long.

Spencer
Spencer strives for two things:  to be perfect and to beat her older sister, Melissa… at everything.  She has a history of stealing boyfriends and just may know a little more about Ali’s death than the other girls.   

Emily
After being confused about her feelings for Ali for so long, it all becomes clear when Emily begins having the same feelings for the new girl at school.  Ashamed and afraid of what everyone will think, Emily’s worst fears come true when “A” decides to out her… to everyone at her swim meet.

Hanna
Once shy and overweight, Hanna is now one of the most popular and beautiful girls in school.  Like the other girls, Hanna has plenty of secrets and she’d do just about anything to keep them from being exposed. 

RATINGS

Writing Style    5/10
Characters        6/10
Storyline           7/10

OVERALL   6/10

Pretty Little Liars will keep you guessing chapter after chapter.  Trying to solve the mystery of Ali and “A” makes this a fun read that will keep you turnin’ those pages!

*Pretty Little Liars should be read by adults and mature teenagers only.*

Get your copy here!

I've expanded my blog!  Please take a moment to check out the new tab,  Very, Very Pinteresting... Experiments in Food.  Thanks! :)

Very, Very Pinteresting... Experiments in Food!

I'm expanding my blog!  Please take a moment to check out the new tab,  Very, Very Pinteresting... Experiments in Food.  Thanks! :)

Porch Lights

I have a little confession to make…  Porch Lights was my first read by Dorothea Benton Frank.  I know, I know; I’m a little behind.  My mom recommended this one, so I thought I’d give it a try!

Porch Lights follows a mother and son back to her hometown of Sullivans Island.  After losing her husband, Jackie hopes that the heartbreak that she and her son, Charlie, share can be cured by family and the salty air. 

Let’s break it down…

Jackie
Jackie is an Army nurse, daughter, and grieving widow; but above all else, she is a mother.  She fears that her son won’t recover from the loss of his father and takes him on an extended vacation in South Carolina.  Is the Lowcountry the cure for her heartache, as well?

Charlie
At ten years old, the loss of a parent can completely consume you.  After spending so much time in a state of depression, can Charlie become the happy-go-lucky kid he once was?

Annie
Annie is determined to see her daughter and grandson happy again.  She welcomes them into her home and does everything she can to talk them into staying… even if it means bringing her estranged husband into it.  How will she juggle her feelings for her husband and her need to feel loved and appreciated?

Buster
Jackie’s father and the aforementioned estranged husband, Buster means well, but has a knack for saying the wrong thing at the wrong time.  Will he be able to return to the life he didn’t know he’d miss?

Steven
Steven, a physician, is Annie’s neighbor and secret (much younger) crush.  When he and Charlie become fast friends, can Annie and Jackie control their conflicting feelings for him?

RATINGS

Writing Style    7/10

Characters        8/10

Storyline           6/10

OVERALL   7/10

Fans of the Lowcountry will definitely want to give this one a try!  While it is a bit predictable, it does have a lot of fun information and the characters are well developed and likable.  

Get your copy here!

Don't forget to like The Book Brieview Facebook page! :)

Why Aren't You Sweet Like Me

I know I’ve been gone for quite some time, but now that I’m a stay-at-home mommy again, I hope to be able to devote more time to reviewing.  I’ve read a LOT of good books over the last year and I can’t wait to share them with you!

 I’m going to kick off this new phase of blogging with a GREAT read!  Why Aren’t You Sweet Like Me is based on a true story and will have you hooked on the first page.  Carrie Nyman tells her grandmother’s WWII love story with so much emotion that you’ll feel like Honey herself as you flip through the pages.  You’ll laugh and cry along with her, feel her anger and, occasionally, feel anger towards her.  This story is a bit of an emotional rollercoaster, but it’s a ride you’ll never forget.

Let’s break it down…

Honey

Living in a time when women were only expected to get married and have children, Honey was a strong young woman that knew what she wanted.  She took the opportunities that were set before her and made the most of them; but like most young women, she still longed to be truly loved.  Can Honey put aside some of her wants to be with bullheaded Don?  Is she strong enough to be with a military man?

Don

Sweet and hateful.  Loving and unkind.  Don was a walking oxymoron!  His mood swings could give a girl whiplash; but I truly believe he loved Honey.  Can Don prove to Honey that his love is true?  Is love enough to hold them together through the war?

RATINGS

Writing Style    9/10

Characters        9/10

Storyline           9/10

OVERALL   9/10

After you’ve finished the book, be sure to check out Carrie Nyman’s blog!  She posts lots of neat info about Honey and Don, as well as excerpts from the real letters!  

You can get your copy here!

Don't forget to like The Book Brieview Facebook page! :)

Beautiful Disaster

When I picked up this book, I didn’t expect it to be anything special.  When I turned the last page and flipped off my Kindle at 2 a.m., I realized how wrong I was! This book was definitely not what I expected!  The overused adage, “never judge a book by its cover” holds true once again.  (This cover completely threw me off!)   Jamie McGuire shares a tale of college fight nights, gambling, the Mob, tattoos, drinking, love, and a girl whose only wish is to not turn out like her parents.

Let’s break it down…

Abby

After moving to escape her past and attend Eastern University, Abby tries to be the good girl and turn her life around.  When she meets the campus bad boy, can she stay on the right track?  

Travis

Possessive, gorgeous, tattooed, and practically worshipped, Travis “Mad Dog” Maddox is the bad boy every girl dreams about.  Known for his underground fighting and one-night stands, everyone is surprised when Travis begins showing real interest in Abby.  

Parker

A rich fraternity boy, Parker is determined to win Abby over.  Only time will tell if Parker will give Abby the life she thought she wanted.  

America

As Abby’s best friend, America felt it was her duty to follow Abby and make sure she stayed true to who she wanted to be.  When the unexpected transpires, she tries to help Abby understand that sometimes, it’s better to follow you heart instead of your plan.

Shepley

America’s boyfriend and Travis’ cousin, Shep is always stuck in the middle.  This time, Travis may inadvertently ruin his one true chance at love.

RATINGS

Writing Style    8/10

Characters        9/10

Storyline           8.5/10

OVERALL     8.5/10

I highly recommend this title to those who enjoy a young adult read!  This is a fabulously, albeit overly dramatic, written romance with surprises at every corner!

*This book is for mature readers*

*Kindle users:  Get it here*  

Every Last One

I recently started a new business (The Tasty Cupcakery).  Although I always find time to read, I have not been able to find the time to blog!  Things will settle down soon and I promise I'll get back to reviewing!  Until then, here is a short one to hold you over ;)

When I started this book, I randomly chose it and I had no idea what it was about.  It didn't take me long to finish the first half and I really enjoyed it... then BAM!  Like a slap in the face!  Half the characters I had grown to love were gone!    I wasn't even sure I wanted to finish the book... but I can't not finish a book.

And, I am SO glad I did.


I'm not going to "break this one down" like I normally do because I don't want to give too much away.  But, I will say I highly recommend this book.  Every Last One is a very sad tale about tragedy striking an average family.  It is beautifully written and sure to make you think.  I know I've said this in the past about books, but this story made me want to hold my babies and never let them go.  (Needless to say, if you're in the mood for something light and funny, this is not the book for you.)   

RATINGS

Writing Style    9/10
Characters        9/10
Storyline           9/10

OVERALL      9/10

*Kindle users:  Get it here*   
*Prefer a hard copy?  Get it here*

Something Borrowed

In the interest of full disclosure, I should start off by saying I don't really enjoy reading this type of book.  I don't care who wrote it or how funny/sad/awesome/well written/etc it is.  I don't care if it is the number one best seller for a year.  If it's about an affair, it's just not my cup of tea.  With that being said, I can now tell you it took me longer than usual to read Something Borrowed.  It just seemed to go on and on and on...  Her writing is decent; however, she went off on rants about things that really weren't crucial to the plot and only made for a long read. 

Emily Giffin weaves a tale of lies, deception, best friends, new friends, and lovers.  Rachel is the maid-of-honor in Darcy's upcoming wedding.  She spends her time picking out gowns and favors, planning a bachelorette party, and... stealing the groom. 

Let's break it down...

Rachel
A thirty year old lawyer, Rachel lives and works in New York City.  She spends all her free time being the best friend, never getting to be anyone's first choice, the prettier one, or even the smarter one.  Darcy always has to be in the spotlight.  When Rachel and Dex (Darcy's fiance) have a little too much to drink one night and end up alone in her studio apartment... Rachel finds out she may be someone's first choice after all. 

Darcy
All things in life come easily for Darcy, a late twenties, high maintenance, beautiful, and bossy city girl.  She enjoys being in charge of everyone around her and despite what she does to others, she never suspects someone close to her would ever betray her. 

Dex
Rachel's friend from law school and Darcy's fiance, Dex is a very handsome and extremely confused man.  He likes Darcy enough to put a ring on her finger, but apparently not enough to remain faithful.   
 
Hillary
After meeting at work, Hillary and Rachel quickly become the best of friends.  Although she initially encourages Rachel's escapades with Dex, she later gets annoyed when Dex doesn't seem to have plans to call off the wedding. 

RATINGS

Writing Style    5/10
Characters        5/10
Storyline           5/10

OVERALL      5/10

Honestly, if I had it to do over, I would likely skip this one.  BUT, if you're into this kind of story, you may want to add it to your poolside reading list. 


*Kindle users:  Get it here*   
*Prefer a hard copy?  Get it here*

Don't forget to like The Book Brieview Facebook page!  Invite your friends! :)

Room

Told through the eyes of a five year old, Room is a disturbing story of a woman kidnapped and held against her will.

Jack is born in an 11 foot square shed.  He spends his first five years of life there and is led to believe that shed is the entire world.  His friends are spoons and eggshells and books.  His Ma is only trying to protect him, but in the grand scheme of things, she only makes his life far more confusing.

 
Let's break it down...

Jack
Extremely intelligent in some ways and far behind in others, Jack is a sweet, befuddled, and often scared child that will surely steal your heart.  In his small world, the most important things are "having some" (breastfeeding), Phys Ed (exercising), and Dora (picked up on a small TV with bunny ears).  His days are so full; he never even realizes they are being held in captivity. 

Ma
Despite having conceived and birthed Jack under far less-than-perfect circumstances, she loves him so completely.  Her only goals are to keep him safe and find a way for them to escape.  When Jack starts asking questions (and refusing to believe the answers), she knows she must tell him the truth and begin devising a plan. 

Old Nick
The man who is holding them captive, Old Nick is the grocery getter, trash man, and bed creaker to Jack.  When things don't go exactly his way, he punishes Ma and Jack in cruel ways, such as cutting the power to the shed.  When Ma finds out Old Nick has been laid off, she is terrified of what will happen next and knows they must find a way out.   

RATINGS

Writing Style  9/10

Characters      9/10

Storyline         9/10

OVERALL      9/10

Emma Donoghue's Room is both brilliant and terrifying... A must-read novel!

*Kindle users:  Get it here*   
*Prefer a hard copy?  Get it here*

Don't forget to like The Book Brieview Facebook page!  Invite your friends! :)

This Fine Life

A story that showcases not only the relationships between husband/wife and parent/child, but also the love God has for his children, This Fine Life is a magnificent exhibit of Eva Marie Everson's writing abilities.


The narrator, Mariette, tells her husband’s story of falling in love, working hard, and being called to the ministry in this tale that is sure to keep you turning page after page.  Throughout the chapters, you also read her firsthand account of the struggles of being a pastor’s wife while still searching for the deep-rooted faith she saw in others.  I was pleased to find the ending to be one of the more satisfying of any book I’ve read recently!

Let’s break it down…

Mariette
After graduating from a boarding school in 1958, Mariette must decide what to do with the rest of her life.  Her father, a wealthy businessman, wants her to continue her education, while her mother, a housewife, insists that no man wants to take a wife that may very well be smarter than he is.  Mariette is torn, but promises her daddy she’ll have an answer for him by summers end.  When Thayne walks into her life, she instantly knows what she wants… and that her parents will never let it be.   

Thayne
A part time college student and worker at Fox & Hound Manufacturing Company (owned by Mariette’s father), Thayne has been sent to live with his aunt after some rather troubling high school years.  He never expects to fall in love with the boss’s daughter or for God to call him to the ministry.  Both of which bring him great happiness and sadness in their own ways.  

RATINGS

Writing Style        8/10 
Characters            8/10
Storyline              8/10

OVERALL     8/10

 Be sure to have plenty of free time when you start this one…  You won’t want to put This Fine Life down until you flip the last page!

*Kindle users:  Get it here*    CURRENTLY ON THE KINDLE TOP 100 FREE LIST!
*Prefer a hard copy?  Get it here*

Don't forget to like The Book Brieview Facebook page!  Invite your friends! :)

Between Friends

I sat down with my Kindle last night and couldn't decide what to read.  I randomly chose Debbie Macomber's Between Friends... and, boy, do I wish I had gone with something else.  A compilation of letters, announcements, newspaper articles, etc., I found this book to be very repetitive and quite exhausting to read.  Although I appreciate a friendship that lasts a lifetime, I could've done without the sadness that plagued practically every page.

Let's break it down...


Lesley
Born to a poor family in 1948, Lesley is the product of an alcoholic father and a mother who won't stand up for herself.  She and Jillian become best friends early in life.  While everything around them changes and people come in and out of their lives, their friendship always stays the same.  Lesley must cope with her father's disapproval, multiple unwanted pregnancies, and a cheating husband... and that's just the tip of the iceberg! 


Jillian
Also born in 1948, Jillian is the only child of a wealthy lawyer and a housewife.  While Jillian has no need to want for anything material, other things don't come as easily and she is forced to endure great sadness multiple times throughout her life.  As a young woman, she only wishes to be in love and start a family.  She has limited luck with both and as a result, she doesn't want to give her heart away.  Her relationship with her parents becomes strained in the midst of all her woes and Jillian has trouble deciding where she belongs.

RATINGS

Writing Style        2/10 
Characters            4/10
Storyline              3/10

OVERALL     3/10

It is quite possible that you will enjoy this scrapbook style story... but this isn't the book to pick up if you're in the mood for a good, old-fashioned novel!!

If you decide to give it a try anyway...
*Kindle users:  Get it here*
*Prefer a hard copy?  Get it here*

Don't forget to like The Book Brieview Facebook page!  Invite your friends! :)

Smokin' Seventeen

Stephanie Plum is at it again...  crazy grandma, suffocatingly involved parents, two men and a crappy job.  In the latest installment, Plum is having some extraordinarily bad luck (even for her).  Between Morelli's grandma giving her the eye and all the people that are out to kill her, Stephanie stays pretty busy!

Although I will be the first to say I'll be sad when Evanovich ends this series, I also have to admit the stories are getting very repetitive.  Inside of the first few chapters, I knew who the killer was, which made for a bit of a boring read.  However, there were still plenty of laugh-out-loud funny moments to make up for it!

Let's break it down...

(To see the usual recurring characters, click here.)

Mooner
A stoner from way back, Mooner doesn't have many brain cells left.  ;)  He is always very random, but ends up saying just the right thing at just the right time!

Nick Alpha
Jimmy's brother is out of jail and looking for revenge.  

Dave Brewer
An old friend from high school, Dave and Stephanie reconnect when their meddling parents try to set them up.

Regina Bugle
After failing to appear in court, Stephanie and Lula must track Regina down.  Turns out she's more than a little crazy...

RATINGS

Writing Style    9/10
Characters        6/10
Storyline          6/10

OVERALL       7/10

Although it's far from being my favorite, fans of the Plum Series are likely to enjoy Smokin' Seventeen!

*Kindle users:  Get it here*
*Prefer a hard copy?  Get it here*

Don't forget to like The Book Brieview Facebook page!  Invite your friends! :)

The Swan House

Wow.  I loved this book.  Follow Mary Swan Middleton through a year of great sadness, soul searching, and faith finding.  Elizabeth Musser has such a way with words; her characters come to life in your mind's eye as you feel their highs and lows (and everything in between) right along with them.  The Swan House will make your troubles seem small while also filling your heart with much hope.  This is a must read (currently on the Kindle Top 100 Free List) for the summer!

Let's break it down...

Mary Swan
After losing her mother in the Orly plane crash of 1962, Mary Swan is lost.  While grieving and searching to find the person her mother truly was,  Mary Swan, who comes from "another fine Atlanta family,"  makes many unlikely friends, accepts Jesus as her Savior, and even discovers a little about herself. 

Rachel
Mary Swan's best friend, Rachel, is learning the hard way what it's like to be Jewish in a WASP community.  However, she often forgets her own troubles to help her best friend through hard times.  After being picked as her first assistant for a special school project, Rachel and Mary Swan embark on an adventure that reveals more than they ever expected. 

Ella Mae
The Middleton's maid for many years, Ella Mae becomes a second mother to Mary Swan and her brother.  Though she remains faithful to the wishes of JJ and Sheila, she finds ways to show Mary Swan the heartache and hard times of others, rather than letting her dwell on her own. 



Abigail
Once from a wealthy family, Miss Abigail lives in Grant Park amidst great poverty, crime, sickness, and discrimination.  She is a good, Christian woman with a heart full of love.  She's always there to answer Mary Swan's questions throughout her journey to find Jesus Christ. 

Robbie
Robbie comes from a wealthy Atlanta family, but wants to do more with his life than just become another rich financial adviser  While vying for Mary Swan's affections, he discovers that following in her footsteps may just be where he finds his happiness. 

Carl
Although being a man of color in 1960s Atlanta was particularly hard, Carl holds on tight to his faith in the Lord and trusts him to bring him through his troubles. Mary Swan greatly admires Carl and even develops a crush on him despite the fact that she knows they can never be together. 

Trixie
As the Middleton's next door neighbor and Shiela's best friend, Trixie becomes the person that Mary Swan must turn to for answers about her mother's past.

RATINGS

Writing Style    10/10
Characters         9/10
Storyline            9/10

OVERALL       9/10

In case I wasn't clear... READ THIS BOOK!  ;)

*Kindle users:  Get it here*
*Prefer a hard copy?  Get it here*

For those of you who DO read The Swan House, here are a few links you may want to check out.  Although the story is a work of fiction, the Orly plane tragedy and the places are very real.
Buckhead, GA
The Swan House
Orly Plane Disaster


Don't forget to like The Book Brieview Facebook page!  Invite your friends! :)

Life's a Beach

I was super excited to see this on the Kindle Top 100 Free list last week.  I'm a huge Claire Cook fan. The Wildwater Walking Club...  Loved it.  Summer Blowout...  Loved it.  With that being said, I have to be honest; this book just wasn't quite up to par.  I enjoyed it, but I also didn't mind putting it down if the phone rang or I was a little tired.  (If I'm reading a great book, the ringer gets turned off and I'll stay up all night to finish it if I have to. ;)  While the ending isn't necessarily disappointing, it also isn't very exciting... only very predictable.  Life's a Beach is a typical coming-of-age novel with average characters and relationships.


Let's break it down...

Ginger
At the age of forty-one, Ginger is living above her parents garage with her cat, Boyfriend.  She spends her time babysitting her sisters children, making sea glass jewelry, and trying to decide what to do for the rest of her life.  

Geri
Ginger's older sister, Geri, is obsessed with turning fifty and addicted to work.  She constantly criticizes Ginger's life choices... especially when it comes to her less-than-serious boyfriend, Noah.   

Riley
This second grader is one of the things that made Life's a Beach worth reading!  Riley is quite the comedian.  After being cast in a locally filmed movie, Ginger must accompany him to the beach for filming.


Tim
A gaffer working on the movie set, Tim is persistent in trying to win Ginger's affections.

Noah
Noah is a part time boyfriend and full time glass blower that Ginger can't seem to change.

RATINGS

Writing Style  5/10
Characters      4/10
Storyline        4/10

OVERALL     4/10

Although I normally highly recommend Claire Cook, Life's a Beach is not a book I'll be pushing my friends to read.

Want to give it a try?
*Kindle users:  Get it here*
*Prefer a hard copy?  Get it here*



Don't forget to like The Book Brieview Facebook page!  Invite your friends! :)

What Happened to Goodbye

Sarah Dessen comes through yet again with this delightfully written novel!  Intended for young adults (but great for any age!), What Happened to Goodbye deals with a teenager’s complex feelings surrounding her parents’ getting divorced, moving from town to town for her dad’s job, making friends in a new place, and having an unexpected crush.  There is definitely plenty to keep you occupied!  

Let’s break it down…

Mclean

 After changing her name and personality in each new town, Mclean surprises even herself by using her true identity in Lakeview.  Can the real Mclean maintain a relationship with her father, forgive her mother, and possibly fall in love?

Dave

Geeky, funny, awkwardly cute, and recently grounded, Dave is your average teenager.  Likable as he is, it’s easy to root for him during this story.

RATINGS

Writing Style      7/10                      

Characters          7/10

Storyline              8/10

OVERALL              7.5/10

Although all of her novels can stand alone, I recommend reading Dessen's books in order.  You'll recognize the return of a character here and there; but, most importantly, her writing gets noticeably better in each book.  

*Kindle users:  Get it here*

*Prefer a hard copy?  Get it here*