Short & Sweet Holiday Review: A Christmas to Remember

A Christmas to Remember by Jenny Hale
Length: 318 pages
Genre: Adult/Holiday/Romance
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Source: I bought an ebook copy.
My Rating:

Goodreads Summary: Everyone loves Christmas – don’t they? Carrie Blake loves her job as a nanny but, while her friends are settling down, all of Carrie’s spare time is spent with other people’s families. Though it breaks her heart, her New Year’s resolution is to embark on a new career and fix her love life. As Carrie starts her last job, she’s sure she’ll be going out on a high – the house is amazing , the kids are adorable, and she’s in charge of decorating the tree! The only problem could be her boss… single-dad Adam Fletcher might be both handsome and successful, but he’s always working. Doesn’t he realise he’s missing out on precious moments with his son and daughter? As Adam’s family arrive for Christmas including his sensitive sister, Sharon, and his fun-loving elderly Grandpa, Walter, Carrie realises that she might just have found the perfect allies in her quest to persuade Adam to loosen up. There’s still time for Carrie to make this the best Christmas ever… after all, Christmas is the time for miracles, isn’t it? Let the festivities begin!

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My Review

I have been in the mood to read ALL the holiday romance books this December. I don't know why, but I have been craving them. So I just jumped right in. This was my second book of the season, and it was pretty good.

A Christmas to Remember has an interesting cast of characters and adorable children. It will give you warm feels and make you smile, which is exactly what I am looking for in my holiday books. Even though I liked Carrie the nanny, and the sexy single-dad Adam, I was really hoping for more interactions between the two! We spend so much of the story inside Carrie's head that we don't get nearly enough dialogue between the two main characters. This was a big bummer and the reason I gave the book three stars instead of four.

Although this book wasn't perfect for me, I am sure many will enjoy this holiday romance. A Christmas to Remember was sweet. If you are looking for a book full of Christmas feels, then this one is a good choice.

A Straight to the Point Review: Finding Audrey by Sophie Kinsella

Finding Audrey by Sophie Kinsella (June 2015)
288 pages
Genre: Young Adult/Contemporary
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Source: The library.
Purchase: Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository | Amazon
My Rating:

Goodreads Summary: From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Shopaholic series comes a terrific blend of comedy, romance, and psychological recovery in a contemporary YA novel sure to inspire and entertain.

An anxiety disorder disrupts fourteen-year-old Audrey’s daily life. She has been making slow but steady progress with Dr. Sarah, but when Audrey meets Linus, her brother’s gaming teammate, she is energized. She connects with him. Audrey can talk through her fears with Linus in a way she’s never been able to do with anyone before. As their friendship deepens and her recovery gains momentum, a sweet romantic connection develops, one that helps not just Audrey but also her entire family.

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My Review

I loved Finding Audrey. Loved it. You should read it. You should read it right now. 

Here is why...

Finding Audrey has a cast of wonderful, creative, crazy, sweet, and memorable characters. I loved adorable Audrey and her whole family. Her mom may have been a little tiny bit annoying at times, but I still loved the whole family drama. 

First love is always sweet. 

I think teens and adults should give this book a chance simply because it deals with social anxiety disorder and how hard it can be for someone who has it. I don't think mental illnesses are taken as seriously as they should be still today and this book shines a light on that. It also talks about the important subject matter of bullying. Even though Kinsella tackles those tough subject matters in this book, she still manages to fit in humor (many LOL moments) in what I thought to be a respectful way. 

I closed this book with a smile on my face.

Review: The Cost of All Things by Maggie Lehrman

The Cost of All Things by Maggie Lehrman (May 2015)
416 pages
Genre: Magical Realism, Young Adult
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Source: I bought a copy.
Purchase: Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository | Amazon
My Rating:

Goodreads Summary: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind meets We Were Liars in this thought-provoking, brilliantly written, and totally original realistic contemporary debut about three teens who must deal with the consequences of spells cast on them in the wake of their classmate’s sudden death.


“The most creepily awesome cautionary tale ever. Magic—or hekame—does exist, and wishes can be granted…but always at a cost. Brilliant, provocative, and absolutely spellbinding.”
 — Lauren Myracle, New York Times bestselling author of The Infinite Moment of Us



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My Review

I knew after only one page in that The Cost of All Things was going to be good. It grabbed my attention right away. The suspense was already building and I was already begging for some answers. Although I had a hard time really connecting with the characters, I still was interested in their lives. Anyway, I think the best way for me to review this book is to show you my goodreads updates. Here you go.

The Bottom Line: It did have a We Were Liars feel to it so if you loved that book like I did you will probably love this one too. I recommend it.

Side Note: The author, Maggie Lehrman, actually came to do a signing and a presentation at one of the libraries I work at! I had a lot of fun and she was very sweet. I'm so glad I got to meet her and get a signed copy of her book.