Avery Kohl is going insane. Just like her mother, she is starting to see visions and she fears the men in crow masks will come and take her away. AverAvery Kohl is going insane. Just like her mother, she is starting to see visions and she fears the men in crow masks will come and take her away. Avery's mother was taken several years before and now languishes in the asylum known as the Tombs. But do the visions make Avery crazy or something else entirely? I loved everything about the setting Deborah Schaumberg created. I love that it was steeped in true American history with children working in factories and the building of the Brooklyn Bridge. I also loved the fantastical elements and the sense of mystery. There were moments when I was confused, but the story pulled me in and I didn't mind those moments. The Tombs is an excellent debut from Deborah Schaumberg....more
Pippa has always wanted to visit Italy, but being shipped off for an art program she has zero interest in? Not what she had in mind. When she arrives Pippa has always wanted to visit Italy, but being shipped off for an art program she has zero interest in? Not what she had in mind. When she arrives in Rome, she puts off going to Florence so she can take in the sights while she has the chance. It’s while eating gelato before dinner that she meets Darren who takes her on a trip to the Colosseum and helps change the course of her trip. The question is: will she meet him again?
Wish You Were Italian is a charming novel. It centers around Pippa's journal in which her best friend left her challenges to complete in Italy. This made the trip extra fun for Pippa and for me. I loved Pippa's awkwardness, her artist's eye, and her desire to really live every moment. She made great friends along the way. Chiara is so sweet and takes great care of Pippa, and Darren knows so much of the history that it's like having a personal tour guide.
I especially enjoyed that it felt like I was in Italy with Pippa, truly sharing in her adventure and wonder. It was great to see the sights with her fresh eyes and through her camera lens. Kristin Rae has created a beautiful journey through Italy with romance, intrigue, and joy. It was so much fun, I read it in two days.
Wish You Were Italian is a great debut novel by Kristin Rae and it has increased my desire to go to Italy....more
Torrey is a new face in a new town trying to figure out how to regain her popularity, both in high school and through her fashion vlog. Since her sistTorrey is a new face in a new town trying to figure out how to regain her popularity, both in high school and through her fashion vlog. Since her sister's death, Torrey hasn't posted a single vlog and she knows her interest in Luis and his family's morgue aren't earning her any points in school. However, it's because of Luis and his family that Torrey learns about Day of the Dead and the offerings given to honor them. It's there she begins her path to healing. I enjoyed Can't Look Away. I liked that Torrey found her own path to mourning her sister and became a person who thinks for herself. I liked the quirky characters like Luis's grandmother and Raylene. Donna Cooner has created a book that seems simple, but deals with deep and real emotion....more
When life changes in Russia and the aristocracy has to flee, Anna finds herself in need of employment. She becomes a house maid in the estate of the EWhen life changes in Russia and the aristocracy has to flee, Anna finds herself in need of employment. She becomes a house maid in the estate of the Earl of Westerholme. She charms all she meets. I've read this before and think it is such a sweet story. I found this time through that there were things I understood better (thanks to Downton Abbey) and that was a fun element. I truly enjoy Eva Ibbotson's writing and I enjoyed revisiting A Countess Below Stairs....more
Maisie Danger Brown dreams of becoming an astronaut. But during her time at astronaut camp, she becomes a super hero. I appreciated Maisie's strugglesMaisie Danger Brown dreams of becoming an astronaut. But during her time at astronaut camp, she becomes a super hero. I appreciated Maisie's struggles of having one arm and being home schooled and how that affected her time at camp. Shannon Hale gave Maisie very strong parents which is unusual in young adult and children's literature. Maisie is a great character and I cheered her on throughout Dangerous....more
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