BookAwards.com
Award-Winning Books from Today's Best Authors
A Free Resource for Book Lovers, Authors, Agents, Publishers and Journalists
Recommend this book:
Lara's Story
Diane Merrill Wigginton
2023 Finalist
299 Pages
Check current price
Young Adult - Romance
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Lara’s Story is a work of young adult historical fiction and drama, written by author Diane Merrill Wigginton. In a story set initially in the beautiful landscape of Ireland in the mid-nineteenth century, we first met our heroine Lara Flannigan when she is a young child surrounded by a loving family. But when tragedy strikes and Lara finds herself alone, a childless American couple rescues the girl and takes her back to the big city of Philadelphia. Here, Lara must forget her brash roots and try to grow and fit in with the high society of America’s finest, posing as the couple’s new daughter. But it’s hard to let go of the past when it won’t let go of her.
This was a gripping and emotional journey from start to finish, and Diane Merrill Wigginton really knows how to tap into her audience’s hearts. Lara’s Story is a superb novel of class divides, fitting in and self discovery from any angle at all, but what really adds the cherry on top is the vivid and engaging period of history in which it is set. Philadelphia in 1840 is a fabulous world of high society and appearances being put first, very far from the life Lara and most ordinary people of the time would know. Lara’s sense of being an outcast and keeping secrets is highly empathetic and makes her a great heroine to follow as she tries to navigate her own identity within this strange and beautiful new world. Overall, Lara’s Story is a highly recommended read.
Lara’s Story is a work of young adult historical fiction and drama, written by author Diane Merrill Wigginton. In a story set initially in the beautiful landscape of Ireland in the mid-nineteenth century, we first met our heroine Lara Flannigan when she is a young child surrounded by a loving family. But when tragedy strikes and Lara finds herself alone, a childless American couple rescues the girl and takes her back to the big city of Philadelphia. Here, Lara must forget her brash roots and try to grow and fit in with the high society of America’s finest, posing as the couple’s new daughter. But it’s hard to let go of the past when it won’t let go of her.
This was a gripping and emotional journey from start to finish, and Diane Merrill Wigginton really knows how to tap into her audience’s hearts. Lara’s Story is a superb novel of class divides, fitting in and self discovery from any angle at all, but what really adds the cherry on top is the vivid and engaging period of history in which it is set. Philadelphia in 1840 is a fabulous world of high society and appearances being put first, very far from the life Lara and most ordinary people of the time would know. Lara’s sense of being an outcast and keeping secrets is highly empathetic and makes her a great heroine to follow as she tries to navigate her own identity within this strange and beautiful new world. Overall, Lara’s Story is a highly recommended read.
Recommend this book:
Operation Mom
My Plan to Get My Mom a Life...and a Man
Reenita Malhotra Hora
2023 Honorable Mention
220 Pages
Check current price
Young Adult - Romance
Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite
Operation Mom: My Plan to Get My Mom a Life...and a Man by Reenita Malhotra Hora is a perfectly accomplished coming-of-age story with a nerve-jangling twist. Ila is a teenager who grows up in Mumbai and her overprotective, almost domineering single mother doesn't allow her to explore life and wants her to meet a guy who is family oriented. Ila plans to change all of that. Enlisting the help of her best friend Deepali, her mom's best friend Maleeka, and Dev, who attracts her interest, Ila sets out to find a man for her mother by setting up profiles on dating apps. What follows is a rollicking ride filled with laughter and fun.
Reenita Malhotra Hora plots cleverly and introduces a first-person narrative voice that draws readers from the very first page. Ila's voice reveals an intricate inner world as the story explores the world of teenagers growing up in Mumbai, virtual dating, and the complex landscape of contemporary dating. The quirkiness in the narrative voice rubbed off on me from the outset and I was so hooked that I kept looking out for Ila's next move. This plot is twisty and features characters that are complex and elaborate. The setting is vividly drawn and the beautiful prose adds a layer to the entertainment that awaits readers on these pages. Operation Mom is a beautiful story that is heartwarming and exciting. The author captures the hearts of readers in this engaging tale that explores the relationship between a daughter and a single mother, highlighting its complexities while being rooted in realism and humanity.
Operation Mom: My Plan to Get My Mom a Life...and a Man by Reenita Malhotra Hora is a perfectly accomplished coming-of-age story with a nerve-jangling twist. Ila is a teenager who grows up in Mumbai and her overprotective, almost domineering single mother doesn't allow her to explore life and wants her to meet a guy who is family oriented. Ila plans to change all of that. Enlisting the help of her best friend Deepali, her mom's best friend Maleeka, and Dev, who attracts her interest, Ila sets out to find a man for her mother by setting up profiles on dating apps. What follows is a rollicking ride filled with laughter and fun.
Reenita Malhotra Hora plots cleverly and introduces a first-person narrative voice that draws readers from the very first page. Ila's voice reveals an intricate inner world as the story explores the world of teenagers growing up in Mumbai, virtual dating, and the complex landscape of contemporary dating. The quirkiness in the narrative voice rubbed off on me from the outset and I was so hooked that I kept looking out for Ila's next move. This plot is twisty and features characters that are complex and elaborate. The setting is vividly drawn and the beautiful prose adds a layer to the entertainment that awaits readers on these pages. Operation Mom is a beautiful story that is heartwarming and exciting. The author captures the hearts of readers in this engaging tale that explores the relationship between a daughter and a single mother, highlighting its complexities while being rooted in realism and humanity.
Recommend this book:
The Kiss List
Sara Jo Cluff
2023 Bronze Medal
292 Pages
Check current price
Young Adult - Romance
Reviewed by Ankita Shukla for Readers' Favorite
Written in the young adult romance sub-genre, The Kiss List by Sara Jo Cluff is about a high school student Camille Collins and her favorite activity: kissing. She enjoyed kissing her boyfriend Dylan so much so that it became her ultimate pastime. However, Dylan wanted more from her. Since Camille wasn't ready for the next step, Dylan decided to break up. Camille didn't mind the dumping part; what she did mind was the rumor that Dylan spread about her being a bad kisser. To discredit the rumor, she came up with the perfect solution: a Kiss List. Although the plan was simple, the sloppy execution created a social media fiasco that neither she nor her best friends (Hayley and Kaitlyn) could have imagined. To add to her ever-growing list of emotional setbacks, her mom had gone back to work and was rarely ever available. When Camille realized her first love was softball, she was shocked to discover that the whole softball team hated her for reasons unknown to her.
Inspired by Easy A and To All the Boys I've Loved Before, The Kiss List by Sara Jo Cluff is a fast-paced novel with enough twists to keep YA readers hooked. Camille, like many other romantics, lost herself in her boyfriend and, without even realizing it, changed her personality to suit her love interest. Sara Jo Cluff has very cleverly weaved the message of not losing one's real personality in a relationship in the plot. Camille's growth from a kiss-obsessed, boyfriend-immersed high school student to a well-rounded person with dreams, hopes, and passion was commendable. The plot has a range of engaging characters, each with their own unique qualities that set them apart. A delicious combination of family drama, smart comebacks, and fascinating writing makes The Kiss List by Sara Jo Cluff an absolute page-turner.
Written in the young adult romance sub-genre, The Kiss List by Sara Jo Cluff is about a high school student Camille Collins and her favorite activity: kissing. She enjoyed kissing her boyfriend Dylan so much so that it became her ultimate pastime. However, Dylan wanted more from her. Since Camille wasn't ready for the next step, Dylan decided to break up. Camille didn't mind the dumping part; what she did mind was the rumor that Dylan spread about her being a bad kisser. To discredit the rumor, she came up with the perfect solution: a Kiss List. Although the plan was simple, the sloppy execution created a social media fiasco that neither she nor her best friends (Hayley and Kaitlyn) could have imagined. To add to her ever-growing list of emotional setbacks, her mom had gone back to work and was rarely ever available. When Camille realized her first love was softball, she was shocked to discover that the whole softball team hated her for reasons unknown to her.
Inspired by Easy A and To All the Boys I've Loved Before, The Kiss List by Sara Jo Cluff is a fast-paced novel with enough twists to keep YA readers hooked. Camille, like many other romantics, lost herself in her boyfriend and, without even realizing it, changed her personality to suit her love interest. Sara Jo Cluff has very cleverly weaved the message of not losing one's real personality in a relationship in the plot. Camille's growth from a kiss-obsessed, boyfriend-immersed high school student to a well-rounded person with dreams, hopes, and passion was commendable. The plot has a range of engaging characters, each with their own unique qualities that set them apart. A delicious combination of family drama, smart comebacks, and fascinating writing makes The Kiss List by Sara Jo Cluff an absolute page-turner.
Recommend this book:
The First Buds of Spring
Woodlanders Tetralogy #1
Hermione Lee
2023 Silver Medal
427 Pages
Check current price
Young Adult - Romance
Reviewed by Cecelia Hopkins for Readers' Favorite
The First Buds of Spring: Woodlanders Tetralogy #1 by Hermione Lee centers around the character of Azalea who survives the toxic social scene at Lakebay High by copying the mean kids. Azalea is instantly drawn to new boy Bruce Green and rises to his defense when Dean Landon chooses to harass him. Content to be ostracized by Dean and Suzanna, Azalea continues her friendship with Bruce. She shows him her drawings and he shows her his creative writing. Azalea is thrilled when Bruce confesses he loves her, but wonders why strangers attack the school and what the unusual tree growing in the Green home signifies. Is Azalea ready to make a life-changing commitment to her boyfriend?
The First Buds of Spring by Hermione Lee is an enchanting maturation story combined with paranormal romance. I liked seeing Azalea reject the bullies and begin to live as her real self. I enjoyed seeing her getting to know Bruce and bonding with his parents and their siblings. I also liked seeing busy Aunt Cecilia slow her pace to make more time for Azalea. The narrative hinted that Bruce was special and aroused a curious urge to discover exactly why he was different from the other teenage boys. I was surprised by the battle scenes and enjoyed the direction the story was taking as a new realm opened up in the narrative. The book underlines the importance of honesty and authenticity in relationships even as it transposed the action from the jurisdiction of the normal to the paranormal.
The First Buds of Spring: Woodlanders Tetralogy #1 by Hermione Lee centers around the character of Azalea who survives the toxic social scene at Lakebay High by copying the mean kids. Azalea is instantly drawn to new boy Bruce Green and rises to his defense when Dean Landon chooses to harass him. Content to be ostracized by Dean and Suzanna, Azalea continues her friendship with Bruce. She shows him her drawings and he shows her his creative writing. Azalea is thrilled when Bruce confesses he loves her, but wonders why strangers attack the school and what the unusual tree growing in the Green home signifies. Is Azalea ready to make a life-changing commitment to her boyfriend?
The First Buds of Spring by Hermione Lee is an enchanting maturation story combined with paranormal romance. I liked seeing Azalea reject the bullies and begin to live as her real self. I enjoyed seeing her getting to know Bruce and bonding with his parents and their siblings. I also liked seeing busy Aunt Cecilia slow her pace to make more time for Azalea. The narrative hinted that Bruce was special and aroused a curious urge to discover exactly why he was different from the other teenage boys. I was surprised by the battle scenes and enjoyed the direction the story was taking as a new realm opened up in the narrative. The book underlines the importance of honesty and authenticity in relationships even as it transposed the action from the jurisdiction of the normal to the paranormal.
Recommend this book:
 by Krysten Lindsay Hagar is a story full of romance and suspense. Cecily Taylor dreams of being in the spotlight, and when she finally gets a real chance of fulfilling that dream, she grabs it, not knowing what consequences may follow. Cecily is put into difficult situations as she tries to navig...){kind=link}
Cecily in the City
The Cecily Taylor Series Book 3
Krysten Lindsay Hager
2023 Gold Medal
308 Pages
Check current price
Young Adult - Romance
Reviewed by Amy Louise Hill for Readers' Favorite
Cecily in the City (The Cecily Taylor Series Book 3) by Krysten Lindsay Hagar is a story full of romance and suspense. Cecily Taylor dreams of being in the spotlight, and when she finally gets a real chance of fulfilling that dream, she grabs it, not knowing what consequences may follow. Cecily is put into difficult situations as she tries to navigate her new life in New York whilst also trying to keep her relationship with her pop star boyfriend strong. In the end, will Cecily have to choose between her two loves? Or will she find a way to make it work and live the life she's always wanted? Find out in this book!
If you are a fan of on-the-edge-of-your-seat romance novels, then Cecily in the City (The Cecily Taylor Series Book 3) will satisfy your craving. From the moment I began reading Krysten Lindsay Hagar's book, I felt like I was immediately transported into the story. I could see each scene clearly and imagine the conversations between the characters as if these were happening right in front of me. I felt what Cecily felt. I was angry about certain situations with Andrew, and then the next minute I was tearing up with how romantic he was being. This shows just how talented an author Krysten is. Her writing is flawless and has been perfectly done to keep you wanting more. Keep writing such awesome content, Krysten. I honestly can't get enough. I look forward to reading more from this author soon.
Cecily in the City (The Cecily Taylor Series Book 3) by Krysten Lindsay Hagar is a story full of romance and suspense. Cecily Taylor dreams of being in the spotlight, and when she finally gets a real chance of fulfilling that dream, she grabs it, not knowing what consequences may follow. Cecily is put into difficult situations as she tries to navigate her new life in New York whilst also trying to keep her relationship with her pop star boyfriend strong. In the end, will Cecily have to choose between her two loves? Or will she find a way to make it work and live the life she's always wanted? Find out in this book!
If you are a fan of on-the-edge-of-your-seat romance novels, then Cecily in the City (The Cecily Taylor Series Book 3) will satisfy your craving. From the moment I began reading Krysten Lindsay Hagar's book, I felt like I was immediately transported into the story. I could see each scene clearly and imagine the conversations between the characters as if these were happening right in front of me. I felt what Cecily felt. I was angry about certain situations with Andrew, and then the next minute I was tearing up with how romantic he was being. This shows just how talented an author Krysten is. Her writing is flawless and has been perfectly done to keep you wanting more. Keep writing such awesome content, Krysten. I honestly can't get enough. I look forward to reading more from this author soon.
Recommend this book:
Chasing the Stars
Melanie Hooyenga
2022 Finalist
250 Pages
Check current price
Young Adult - Romance
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Chasing the Stars is the second book of the Campfire Series by Melanie Hooyenga. Seventeen-year-old Naomi McGinnis runs a popular podcast with her younger twin brother Theo. But she finds herself unwittingly committing to a camping trip with her family to Salt Lake when her mother, Nancy, books a 'stay-outdoors' with her best friend Margo and her kids. Hunter, Margo's son, is primarily focused on becoming a book editor in New York but finds himself forced to join his mother and twelve-year-old sister, Melody, on their adventure in the wild. As Naomi and Hunter spend each day together, sparks fly, and soon the two start falling for each other. But with Hunter's unwillingness to date and Naomi's tempting contract offer, will the lovebirds reveal their true feelings?
A cozy romance novel for young adults to enjoy, Chasing the Stars is as much a coming-of-age story as a tale of star-crossed lovers. The protagonists are witty, confident, and focused on their careers and their families to the point where they are sometimes willing to sacrifice their own desires. Author Melanie Hooyenga tells a charming love story full of heart, humor, and warmth that makes the narrative a breeze to go through. Both Naomi and Hunter have likable personalities, and their palpable chemistry makes you want to see them end up together. Even their respective siblings, Theo and Melody, charm their way into your hearts and make for an entertaining dynamic you can't help but enjoy. Recommended to young adult romance lovers.
Chasing the Stars is the second book of the Campfire Series by Melanie Hooyenga. Seventeen-year-old Naomi McGinnis runs a popular podcast with her younger twin brother Theo. But she finds herself unwittingly committing to a camping trip with her family to Salt Lake when her mother, Nancy, books a 'stay-outdoors' with her best friend Margo and her kids. Hunter, Margo's son, is primarily focused on becoming a book editor in New York but finds himself forced to join his mother and twelve-year-old sister, Melody, on their adventure in the wild. As Naomi and Hunter spend each day together, sparks fly, and soon the two start falling for each other. But with Hunter's unwillingness to date and Naomi's tempting contract offer, will the lovebirds reveal their true feelings?
A cozy romance novel for young adults to enjoy, Chasing the Stars is as much a coming-of-age story as a tale of star-crossed lovers. The protagonists are witty, confident, and focused on their careers and their families to the point where they are sometimes willing to sacrifice their own desires. Author Melanie Hooyenga tells a charming love story full of heart, humor, and warmth that makes the narrative a breeze to go through. Both Naomi and Hunter have likable personalities, and their palpable chemistry makes you want to see them end up together. Even their respective siblings, Theo and Melody, charm their way into your hearts and make for an entertaining dynamic you can't help but enjoy. Recommended to young adult romance lovers.
Recommend this book:
Complex Solutions
Susan Dalessandro
2022 Honorable Mention
330 Pages
Check current price
Young Adult - Romance
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Complex Solutions is a young adult drama and the debut novel of author Susan Dalessandro. Lexi Thompson is a high school junior who suffers from regular bouts of anxiety and depression, leading her to perform self-inflicted cuts upon herself. Feeling guilt-ridden after her parents' deaths in a car crash, all Lexi wants is to go unnoticed through life. However, the past comes back to haunt her once again when she receives a letter from the Atlantic Math Center, asking her to provide copies of her parents' research on one of the oldest unsolved math theorems. With the help of her classmate Joe Biondi -- a fellow math enthusiast and her crush -- Lexi sets off to find her parents' research. But her secret continues to alienate her from her friends and family.
Susan Dalessandro explores some serious issues faced by high school teenagers and crafts an engaging story that incorporates them seamlessly. Complex Solutions highlights topics such as bullying, anxiety, depression, and self-harm in a thoughtful and nuanced manner that provides the narrative with an added sense of depth and authenticity. The characters feel genuine and relatable. Lexi's feelings of insecurity and isolation make her realistic and human, which is thoroughly riveting to read. Her relationship with Joe, and to a lesser extent Sarah, keep her grounded and act as anchors to a normal life. I found myself intrigued by the mathematical theorems mentioned in the book. Overall, I found Complex Solutions to be a stellar debut novel. If you're a fan of young adult books, you should definitely check it out.
Complex Solutions is a young adult drama and the debut novel of author Susan Dalessandro. Lexi Thompson is a high school junior who suffers from regular bouts of anxiety and depression, leading her to perform self-inflicted cuts upon herself. Feeling guilt-ridden after her parents' deaths in a car crash, all Lexi wants is to go unnoticed through life. However, the past comes back to haunt her once again when she receives a letter from the Atlantic Math Center, asking her to provide copies of her parents' research on one of the oldest unsolved math theorems. With the help of her classmate Joe Biondi -- a fellow math enthusiast and her crush -- Lexi sets off to find her parents' research. But her secret continues to alienate her from her friends and family.
Susan Dalessandro explores some serious issues faced by high school teenagers and crafts an engaging story that incorporates them seamlessly. Complex Solutions highlights topics such as bullying, anxiety, depression, and self-harm in a thoughtful and nuanced manner that provides the narrative with an added sense of depth and authenticity. The characters feel genuine and relatable. Lexi's feelings of insecurity and isolation make her realistic and human, which is thoroughly riveting to read. Her relationship with Joe, and to a lesser extent Sarah, keep her grounded and act as anchors to a normal life. I found myself intrigued by the mathematical theorems mentioned in the book. Overall, I found Complex Solutions to be a stellar debut novel. If you're a fan of young adult books, you should definitely check it out.
Recommend this book:
Cherokee Summer
Susan Antony
2022 Bronze Medal
332 Pages
Check current price
Young Adult - Romance
Reviewed by Cheryl Schopen for Readers' Favorite
In Cherokee Summer by Susan Antony, Ace and her family are spending the summer in Cherokee, North Carolina. She just tries to take it day by day, taking care of her autistic brother and dealing with her alcoholic mother and absent father. Then, she meets John, a Native American Cherokee Tribe member on the nearby reservation. John has his share of family drama as well. His mother hasn’t exactly been a mother to him and his grandmother, while loving and just wanting the best for her grandson, is also very traditional, stubborn, and set in her ways. When Ace and John meet, there is an instant connection. They almost instantly fall in love, but their families and other circumstances try to keep them apart. Is their love strong enough to keep them together, especially when Ace mysteriously disappears?
Cherokee Summer is a beautiful love story between two teenagers from different worlds that will draw you in and get you hooked from beginning to end. Even though the pacing was a little too quick at times, I thoroughly enjoyed following their relationship. The romance was realistic and sweet, and I just couldn’t get enough. It may have been written for the young adult crowd, but as a woman in my 30s, I could easily relate to Ace and her relationship with John. It is young love, but it has its trials and tribulations just like any other relationship. With its relatable characters, exciting and suspenseful plot, and sweet, nostalgic romance, this book is perfect for teenagers and adults alike. I, for one, was on the brink of tears when it ended. I craved more. I wanted to keep reading about these characters that I grew to love. Susan Antony is definitely an author I will be following from now on.
In Cherokee Summer by Susan Antony, Ace and her family are spending the summer in Cherokee, North Carolina. She just tries to take it day by day, taking care of her autistic brother and dealing with her alcoholic mother and absent father. Then, she meets John, a Native American Cherokee Tribe member on the nearby reservation. John has his share of family drama as well. His mother hasn’t exactly been a mother to him and his grandmother, while loving and just wanting the best for her grandson, is also very traditional, stubborn, and set in her ways. When Ace and John meet, there is an instant connection. They almost instantly fall in love, but their families and other circumstances try to keep them apart. Is their love strong enough to keep them together, especially when Ace mysteriously disappears?
Cherokee Summer is a beautiful love story between two teenagers from different worlds that will draw you in and get you hooked from beginning to end. Even though the pacing was a little too quick at times, I thoroughly enjoyed following their relationship. The romance was realistic and sweet, and I just couldn’t get enough. It may have been written for the young adult crowd, but as a woman in my 30s, I could easily relate to Ace and her relationship with John. It is young love, but it has its trials and tribulations just like any other relationship. With its relatable characters, exciting and suspenseful plot, and sweet, nostalgic romance, this book is perfect for teenagers and adults alike. I, for one, was on the brink of tears when it ended. I craved more. I wanted to keep reading about these characters that I grew to love. Susan Antony is definitely an author I will be following from now on.
Recommend this book:
The Last Text You Sent
Elise Fender
2022 Silver Medal
220 Pages
Check current price
Young Adult - Romance
Reviewed by Amy Powers for Readers' Favorite
The Last Text You Sent by Elise Fender is a dramatic young adult romance that tells the story of one teenager's struggles to cope with the loss of her brother. Whit was the Nashville football star who held Avery's family together. When he unexpectedly passes away after a head injury, her home life just isn't the same. Avery recovers his cell phone only to discover texts to show that Whit was keeping secrets -- namely, a secret lover at the family vacation home in Black Mountain, North Carolina. She spends all of the winter break looking for clues to figure out who this mystery person is. She makes no progress, but she reconnects with Jack, the first boy she ever kissed. From separate states, the two of them continue to hunt for the person who stole Whit's heart, while Avery tries to put her life and her family back together.
Right from the beginning, The Last Text You Sent had me hooked into Avery's world, with unexpected twists and turns that were both beautiful and emotional. Elise Fender wonderfully portrays Avery with so many relatable emotions aside from just losing a sibling -- alienation at school and at home, survivor's guilt, and even guilt at finding her own happiness in the midst of her grief. I couldn't have asked for a more well-developed character nor a more smoothly woven-together storyline. The family relationships are just as beautiful as the innocently blossoming romance between Avery and Jack. I highly recommend The Last Text You Sent to fans of young adult books, and I will definitely be reading this one again.
The Last Text You Sent by Elise Fender is a dramatic young adult romance that tells the story of one teenager's struggles to cope with the loss of her brother. Whit was the Nashville football star who held Avery's family together. When he unexpectedly passes away after a head injury, her home life just isn't the same. Avery recovers his cell phone only to discover texts to show that Whit was keeping secrets -- namely, a secret lover at the family vacation home in Black Mountain, North Carolina. She spends all of the winter break looking for clues to figure out who this mystery person is. She makes no progress, but she reconnects with Jack, the first boy she ever kissed. From separate states, the two of them continue to hunt for the person who stole Whit's heart, while Avery tries to put her life and her family back together.
Right from the beginning, The Last Text You Sent had me hooked into Avery's world, with unexpected twists and turns that were both beautiful and emotional. Elise Fender wonderfully portrays Avery with so many relatable emotions aside from just losing a sibling -- alienation at school and at home, survivor's guilt, and even guilt at finding her own happiness in the midst of her grief. I couldn't have asked for a more well-developed character nor a more smoothly woven-together storyline. The family relationships are just as beautiful as the innocently blossoming romance between Avery and Jack. I highly recommend The Last Text You Sent to fans of young adult books, and I will definitely be reading this one again.
Recommend this book:
Bacon Grief
Joel Shoemaker
2022 Gold Medal
153 Pages
Check current price
Young Adult - Romance
Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite
Joel Shoemaker’s Bacon Grief tells the story of two teens who are devoutly religious and deeply in love—with each other. Charlie is a 16-year-old teenager from Illinois who is well-versed in musical theatre. Tim loves The Lord of the Rings, computer games, singing, playing piano, pickles and olives. The two met online, where everything began with their fascinating discussion on food and fashion. They go to the same high school, and Tim, being the son of a Baptist Church pastor, invites Charlie to their church. Charlie then invites Tim to a drama club where Tim decides to try theater as a hobby. In the process, they discover that they are both in love with Jesus and with each other. Coming out proves easier for Charlie as he is surrounded by supportive people. Tim’s family, on the other hand, is hurt by this. His parents ask him to repent and attend counseling sessions for possible remedies. Will their love for each other weather the storm?
Charlie's and Tim’s differences and their common ground make up the message of this novella, a message that you may or may not agree with depending on where you stand. One thing is definite though, Joel Shoemaker doesn’t stop at good storytelling; he also wants you to think. The story is succinct and well-written with a pathos that cannot be ignored, and you might even appreciate it - even if you disagree. Shoemaker’s writing style is excellent and so intelligently done that it is worth reading this book. Apart from their sexuality, Charlie and Tim are realistic when it comes to their takes on religion, snacks, and fashion, which sound wickedly funny most of the time. Readers will find Bacon Grief highly entertaining in its argument that the most important thing about individuality is to be who you are.
Joel Shoemaker’s Bacon Grief tells the story of two teens who are devoutly religious and deeply in love—with each other. Charlie is a 16-year-old teenager from Illinois who is well-versed in musical theatre. Tim loves The Lord of the Rings, computer games, singing, playing piano, pickles and olives. The two met online, where everything began with their fascinating discussion on food and fashion. They go to the same high school, and Tim, being the son of a Baptist Church pastor, invites Charlie to their church. Charlie then invites Tim to a drama club where Tim decides to try theater as a hobby. In the process, they discover that they are both in love with Jesus and with each other. Coming out proves easier for Charlie as he is surrounded by supportive people. Tim’s family, on the other hand, is hurt by this. His parents ask him to repent and attend counseling sessions for possible remedies. Will their love for each other weather the storm?
Charlie's and Tim’s differences and their common ground make up the message of this novella, a message that you may or may not agree with depending on where you stand. One thing is definite though, Joel Shoemaker doesn’t stop at good storytelling; he also wants you to think. The story is succinct and well-written with a pathos that cannot be ignored, and you might even appreciate it - even if you disagree. Shoemaker’s writing style is excellent and so intelligently done that it is worth reading this book. Apart from their sexuality, Charlie and Tim are realistic when it comes to their takes on religion, snacks, and fashion, which sound wickedly funny most of the time. Readers will find Bacon Grief highly entertaining in its argument that the most important thing about individuality is to be who you are.
Contact Author -
