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Chasing the Stars
Melanie Hooyenga
2022 Finalist
250 Pages
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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.
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Complex Solutions
Susan Dalessandro
2022 Honorable Mention
330 Pages
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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.
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Cherokee Summer
Susan Antony
2022 Bronze Medal
332 Pages
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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
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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
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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.
Recommend this book:
 by Jordan Ford is a thoroughly entertaining and evocative YA romance novel. The author brings us well-drawn characters that come across so real that you feel like you know them. Michael and Annie are a couple that will capture your imagination and emotions. Michael has secrets and reasons to keep his distance, but ...){kind=link}
The Runaway
Barrett Boys Book 1
Jordan Ford
2021 Finalist
418 Pages
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Young Adult - Romance
Reviewed by Tammy Ruggles for Readers' Favorite
The Runaway (Barrett Boys Book 1) by Jordan Ford is a thoroughly entertaining and evocative YA romance novel. The author brings us well-drawn characters that come across so real that you feel like you know them. Michael and Annie are a couple that will capture your imagination and emotions. Michael has secrets and reasons to keep his distance, but Annie is in need. The question is whether he is willing to risk everything to help her. His mistakes and his heart could be his undoing. He wants to turn the page and keep going, but he's reluctant with the pain Annie is going through. They love each other, but will it be enough to help them escape?
You will get caught up in Ford's characters. This romance has something for everyone who loves the genre. It is a cut above some YA romances in that it doesn't seem formulaic even though you'll recognize a few tried and true themes. Michael is a natural hero but he has a lot on his plate, and it may be too much. There is only so much a man can take. He is torn between leaving and helping Annie, and this is an enticing dynamic to use for the plot. I like that the characters are multi-dimensional, have inner and outer conflict, goals, obstacles--all the elements you find in a well-written story. I like how the characters change and grow, as well as their backstories. The characters are imperfect, which makes them even more believable, and creates a curiosity in the reader as to what could be coming next because they aren't always predictable. There is a good balance of action and drama, the story is evenly paced, and the alternating POV lends a personal, immediate feel to the narrative. When it comes to choosing your next YA romance, make it The Runaway (Barrett Boys Book 1) by Jordan Ford.
The Runaway (Barrett Boys Book 1) by Jordan Ford is a thoroughly entertaining and evocative YA romance novel. The author brings us well-drawn characters that come across so real that you feel like you know them. Michael and Annie are a couple that will capture your imagination and emotions. Michael has secrets and reasons to keep his distance, but Annie is in need. The question is whether he is willing to risk everything to help her. His mistakes and his heart could be his undoing. He wants to turn the page and keep going, but he's reluctant with the pain Annie is going through. They love each other, but will it be enough to help them escape?
You will get caught up in Ford's characters. This romance has something for everyone who loves the genre. It is a cut above some YA romances in that it doesn't seem formulaic even though you'll recognize a few tried and true themes. Michael is a natural hero but he has a lot on his plate, and it may be too much. There is only so much a man can take. He is torn between leaving and helping Annie, and this is an enticing dynamic to use for the plot. I like that the characters are multi-dimensional, have inner and outer conflict, goals, obstacles--all the elements you find in a well-written story. I like how the characters change and grow, as well as their backstories. The characters are imperfect, which makes them even more believable, and creates a curiosity in the reader as to what could be coming next because they aren't always predictable. There is a good balance of action and drama, the story is evenly paced, and the alternating POV lends a personal, immediate feel to the narrative. When it comes to choosing your next YA romance, make it The Runaway (Barrett Boys Book 1) by Jordan Ford.
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Carried Away
A E Brouhard
2021 Honorable Mention
232 Pages
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Young Adult - Romance
Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite
Carried Away is a romance novel for young and new adults written by A.E. Brouhard. Leila Thomas was no stranger to experiencing memories powerfully evoked by scents, or scenes, or songs. She rather enjoyed traveling back into her past; sometimes, those memories felt more real than reality itself. One day, while sitting in her car, the 28-year-old was transported back, ten years earlier, to the summer before her senior year in high school. Actually, she went a bit farther back to the last day of school. It was a day of excitement and promise -- and disappointment. She learned that just about everyone except her was aware of her boyfriend Kyle cheating on her, but she found dumping him was surprisingly easy and rather painless. Meanwhile, she and her best friend, Trin, were bubbling over with their plans for the summer. Leila did have to work a summer job, unlike her more privileged friend, but the first few days of summer vacation were theirs alone to enjoy.
A. E. Brouhard’s Carried Away is a well-written and engaging story about that special last summer before senior year in high school. I loved how the author uses the present day as a frame for her main character’s nostalgic look into the past and found the romance she builds between Leila and Leo to be profoundly sweet and moving. Brouhard adroitly conveys the insecurities and aspirations of teens on the verge of adulthood, and the tensions she creates between the best friends over Leo give the story heft and dimension. Her characters are beautifully detailed and authentic, and her plot kept me interested and involved in their lives. Carried Away is highly recommended.
Carried Away is a romance novel for young and new adults written by A.E. Brouhard. Leila Thomas was no stranger to experiencing memories powerfully evoked by scents, or scenes, or songs. She rather enjoyed traveling back into her past; sometimes, those memories felt more real than reality itself. One day, while sitting in her car, the 28-year-old was transported back, ten years earlier, to the summer before her senior year in high school. Actually, she went a bit farther back to the last day of school. It was a day of excitement and promise -- and disappointment. She learned that just about everyone except her was aware of her boyfriend Kyle cheating on her, but she found dumping him was surprisingly easy and rather painless. Meanwhile, she and her best friend, Trin, were bubbling over with their plans for the summer. Leila did have to work a summer job, unlike her more privileged friend, but the first few days of summer vacation were theirs alone to enjoy.
A. E. Brouhard’s Carried Away is a well-written and engaging story about that special last summer before senior year in high school. I loved how the author uses the present day as a frame for her main character’s nostalgic look into the past and found the romance she builds between Leila and Leo to be profoundly sweet and moving. Brouhard adroitly conveys the insecurities and aspirations of teens on the verge of adulthood, and the tensions she creates between the best friends over Leo give the story heft and dimension. Her characters are beautifully detailed and authentic, and her plot kept me interested and involved in their lives. Carried Away is highly recommended.
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Dead Sea
Mia Kerick Story Ballads Book 2
Mia Kerick
2021 Bronze Medal
274 Pages
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Young Adult - Romance
Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite
Dead Sea by Mia Kerick is a coming-of-age novel with strong characters and meaningful themes of friendship, love, and human connection. There is only one thing that Kyle and Lenny have in common — they are both loners. Kyle is the meanest bully on campus. Lenny prefers self-effacement. When Lenny has had enough of the bullying, he decides to commit suicide by drowning, so he swims out into the ocean, determined to be carried away by the riptide. Kyle, who just wants a good swim, is stunned when he sees Lenny drowning and makes a desperate, instinctive move to save his life. This heroic act transforms the two young men and establishes a strong bond between them. But can Kyle break the inner barriers of Lenny’s heart and uncover what troubles his soul? Can Lenny find in Kyle to reason to live?
Mia Kerick’s novel is emotionally engaging and fast-moving, a novel that will keep the reader’s attention from the beginning to the end. It is character-driven and I enjoyed the way she develops the humanity of the key characters, who are genuinely flawed and appealing to the reader’s sense of sympathy. They are two people who are broken and it is in their brokenness that they discover a connection that brings meaning to their lives. An almost tragic event is all it takes to set them on a path towards self-awareness, personal growth, and strong love. Dead Sea is a beautiful story that explores the growth of two troubled teens and their love is something that gives each of them shelter. It is interesting to notice the transformations taking place in Kyle, who suddenly realizes that being strong is being compassionate and instead of being a bully, he becomes a protector. The conversations are enlivening and emotionally touching. I also enjoyed how the author writes the family dynamics in this story. It is one of the best coming-of-age stories I have read in a while.
Dead Sea by Mia Kerick is a coming-of-age novel with strong characters and meaningful themes of friendship, love, and human connection. There is only one thing that Kyle and Lenny have in common — they are both loners. Kyle is the meanest bully on campus. Lenny prefers self-effacement. When Lenny has had enough of the bullying, he decides to commit suicide by drowning, so he swims out into the ocean, determined to be carried away by the riptide. Kyle, who just wants a good swim, is stunned when he sees Lenny drowning and makes a desperate, instinctive move to save his life. This heroic act transforms the two young men and establishes a strong bond between them. But can Kyle break the inner barriers of Lenny’s heart and uncover what troubles his soul? Can Lenny find in Kyle to reason to live?
Mia Kerick’s novel is emotionally engaging and fast-moving, a novel that will keep the reader’s attention from the beginning to the end. It is character-driven and I enjoyed the way she develops the humanity of the key characters, who are genuinely flawed and appealing to the reader’s sense of sympathy. They are two people who are broken and it is in their brokenness that they discover a connection that brings meaning to their lives. An almost tragic event is all it takes to set them on a path towards self-awareness, personal growth, and strong love. Dead Sea is a beautiful story that explores the growth of two troubled teens and their love is something that gives each of them shelter. It is interesting to notice the transformations taking place in Kyle, who suddenly realizes that being strong is being compassionate and instead of being a bully, he becomes a protector. The conversations are enlivening and emotionally touching. I also enjoyed how the author writes the family dynamics in this story. It is one of the best coming-of-age stories I have read in a while.
Recommend this book:
Saoirse Berger's Bookish Lens In La La Land
Nicole Schubert
2021 Silver Medal
311 Pages
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Young Adult - Romance
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
If coming-of-age romantic comedies are your forte, grab yourself a copy of Saoirse Berger's Bookish Lens In La La Land by Nicole Schubert. The only single teenager amongst her group of friends, eighteen-year-old BookTuber and blogger Saoirse Berger has romantic fantasies of being swept off her feet. While working for her uncle's film, she develops a burgeoning crush on a twenty-three-year-old directorial prodigy named Leo Landis. However, his on and off relationship with his girlfriend and Saoirse's insecurities make her hesitant to pursue a potential long-term relationship. To complicate things further, Saoirse finds a kindred spirit in the form of Hector Rojas. Hector is a mural artist who mistakenly becomes infatuated with Saoirse's cousin Sadie, a talented actress who acts as the face of Saoirse's BookTube channel.
Author Nicole Schubert writes Saoirse's tale in a personal diary style, making the narrative highly accessible and providing it with a contemporary feel that makes it so much more entertaining to read. Most of the characters are typical teenagers on the verge of adulthood, trying to cope with their changing environments. Saoirse is a likable protagonist, and her relationships with her friends and family form the backbone of the narrative. I particularly enjoyed her dynamic with Hector and Sadie. This is a character-driven story, and as such, the plot moves at a relatively slower pace. But the story feels all the more immersive because of that. I would recommend Saoirse Berger's Bookish Lens In La La Land to readers who enjoy young adult romance novels.
If coming-of-age romantic comedies are your forte, grab yourself a copy of Saoirse Berger's Bookish Lens In La La Land by Nicole Schubert. The only single teenager amongst her group of friends, eighteen-year-old BookTuber and blogger Saoirse Berger has romantic fantasies of being swept off her feet. While working for her uncle's film, she develops a burgeoning crush on a twenty-three-year-old directorial prodigy named Leo Landis. However, his on and off relationship with his girlfriend and Saoirse's insecurities make her hesitant to pursue a potential long-term relationship. To complicate things further, Saoirse finds a kindred spirit in the form of Hector Rojas. Hector is a mural artist who mistakenly becomes infatuated with Saoirse's cousin Sadie, a talented actress who acts as the face of Saoirse's BookTube channel.
Author Nicole Schubert writes Saoirse's tale in a personal diary style, making the narrative highly accessible and providing it with a contemporary feel that makes it so much more entertaining to read. Most of the characters are typical teenagers on the verge of adulthood, trying to cope with their changing environments. Saoirse is a likable protagonist, and her relationships with her friends and family form the backbone of the narrative. I particularly enjoyed her dynamic with Hector and Sadie. This is a character-driven story, and as such, the plot moves at a relatively slower pace. But the story feels all the more immersive because of that. I would recommend Saoirse Berger's Bookish Lens In La La Land to readers who enjoy young adult romance novels.
Recommend this book:
A Kiss Beneath A Strawberry Moon
Daydreams & Dragonflies Rock 'N Sweet Romance 3
Tamara Ferguson
2021 Gold Medal
147 Pages
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Young Adult - Romance
Reviewed by Kristy Volchko for Readers' Favorite
A Kiss Beneath A Strawberry Moon by Tamara Ferguson is the third installment of the captivating Daydreams & Dragonflies Rock ‘N Sweet Romance series. It began at the peak of Crystal Rock with a sweet song, long before these two young souls ever crossed paths. And when they do, it’s as if young Drew had been singing that melody expressly for Marielle forever and ever. But love and life are sometimes far from smooth sailing and will mercilessly test the waters of even the rarest kind of true love. Would Drew and Marielle somehow be torn apart and lose that precious, melodic connection forever? Or would they have the strength to weather life’s storms, somehow drift back to one another, and sail the sea of love beneath the Strawberry Moon?
A Kiss Beneath A Strawberry Moon by Tamara Ferguson is an enchanting lovers' delight! Brimming with the kind of poetic, timeless love that romance readers adore, this beautifully written story about handsome, talented Drew Kendall and lovely Marielle McKinnon is an engaging one. It is bejeweled with beautiful music, friendship, longing, passion, life’s complicated ups and downs, and well as the Strawberry Moon. With its loveable, relatable characters and descriptive scenes, this dreamy novel was a pure joy to read. I turned the last page feeling as if I’d stepped out of a very special, magical kind of love story and didn’t want it to come to an end. Drew and Marielle are simply delightful! I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a feel-good, heartwarming story as much as I do.
A Kiss Beneath A Strawberry Moon by Tamara Ferguson is the third installment of the captivating Daydreams & Dragonflies Rock ‘N Sweet Romance series. It began at the peak of Crystal Rock with a sweet song, long before these two young souls ever crossed paths. And when they do, it’s as if young Drew had been singing that melody expressly for Marielle forever and ever. But love and life are sometimes far from smooth sailing and will mercilessly test the waters of even the rarest kind of true love. Would Drew and Marielle somehow be torn apart and lose that precious, melodic connection forever? Or would they have the strength to weather life’s storms, somehow drift back to one another, and sail the sea of love beneath the Strawberry Moon?
A Kiss Beneath A Strawberry Moon by Tamara Ferguson is an enchanting lovers' delight! Brimming with the kind of poetic, timeless love that romance readers adore, this beautifully written story about handsome, talented Drew Kendall and lovely Marielle McKinnon is an engaging one. It is bejeweled with beautiful music, friendship, longing, passion, life’s complicated ups and downs, and well as the Strawberry Moon. With its loveable, relatable characters and descriptive scenes, this dreamy novel was a pure joy to read. I turned the last page feeling as if I’d stepped out of a very special, magical kind of love story and didn’t want it to come to an end. Drew and Marielle are simply delightful! I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a feel-good, heartwarming story as much as I do.
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