Remember in previous posts when I said I had no memory of some of the Sweet Valley stories? That all changed with SVH Book 4—Power Play. Robin Wilson wants to join Pi Beta Alpha, Sweet Valley High's highly selective sorority. She may not be beautiful or popular, but she's friendly and smart. So when Elizabeth nominates her for the sorority, Jessica is less than thrilled. She is determined to find a way to keep Robin from Pi Beta. But Elizabeth is just as determined to make Robin a sorority ...
Playing with Fire, Book 3 / Sweet Valley High review
Jessica Wakefield has gotten a taste of her own medicine. That was what went through my head as I read Playing with Fire, SVH Book 3. If you've been reading my reviews of the Sweet Valley High series originally written by Francine Pascal, you'll know that I've not been thrilled with Jessica. Initial Thoughts Playing With Fire began with action right away. The girls prepared for another dance. Jessica still had her eyes set on Bruce Patman. Her crowning of Homecoming Queen with geek Winston ...
Secrets, Book 2 – a Sweet Valley High Review
Secrets is the second book in the Sweet Valley High series. I reviewed the first novel, Double Love, and any subsequent reviews of the series can be read {here}. Beautiful and ruthless, Jessica Wakefield is determined to be chosen queen of the fall dance at Sweet Valley High. If she can win the contest, she's sure to win Bruce Patman, the most sought after boy in school. The only person standing in Jessica's way is Enid Rollins. When Jessica discovers the truth about Enid's past, she knows ...
The Melody of the Soul – Giveaway & Facebook Live
The Melody of the Soul Series: Music of Hope (Book 1) Paperback: 320 pages Publisher: Gilead Publishing (January 16, 2018) Language: English ISBN-10: 1683700406 ISBN-13: 978-1683700401 Introduction Violinist Anna Zadok and her grandmother were the only ones remaining in their family who hadn't been transported to a labor camp. Their being Christian didn't matter, because by birth they were Jews, so their fate was sealed. Eventually, they would get their deportation ...
Double Love – a Sweet Valley High Review
Introduction It's been a long time since I read the Sweet Valley High books--over 25 years, I'm sure. I don't remember exactly how I began reading them. One of three things is a possibility: My Mamaw literally hoarded books. She had multiple genres, multiple age ranges, and she loaned me hundreds of them. Mom and I frequently visited the local library, and I borrowed lots of books there. I also frequented my middle school library and bought books at the Scholastic Book Fairs ...
Hope Travels Through – review and giveaway
Introduction While looking at the description of Hope Travels Through, I was interested when I found out that it is based on real events that took place in December 1977--a tragic plane crash of the University of Evansville men's basketball team. I had never heard of that tragedy, and I'm surprised since that happened around the time that I was born. So, intrigued, I wanted to read this novel. Hope Travels Through is cut from a different mold from other stories I read, and I like that. Loni ...
The Gift of Christmas Past – a Litfuse Review
Introduction Cindy Woodsmall is well-known for her Amish fiction. I used to read Amish fiction regularly, but I've taken a break from the genre. When I saw that she and her daughter-in-law co-authored a contemporary novel, I was interested! The Gift of Christmas Past quickly introduces the reader into the worlds of teenage foster child Hadley and rich teen Monroe. Hadley finds herself in a position that no foster kid wants to be, and she relies on Monroe to help her escape. When the situation ...
Many Sparrows by Lori Benton – a review
Many Sparrows is an Early American History novel written by Lori Benton. It takes me back to twenty years ago when, as a teen, I was fascinated with my Native American ancestry. It all began with having watched the movie The Last of the Mohicans in high school. What spawned was a deep interest in learning about the different tribes of Native Americans. I next read the novels The Last of the Mohicans and Follow the River, and my love for these stories runs deep. When I received the opportunity ...
Acing the ACT – a review
Acing the ACT--a perfect, catchy phrase for this tool book! Is the ACT approaching for someone in your family? If you're a homeschooler like I am, you're likely familiar with ACT preparation. If not, you soon may be. The ACT can seem daunting to parents and kids. Parents likely remember having taken it themselves. Some take it multiple times, while some are lucky to take it once-and-done. If you're like me, you likely have multiple ACT prep books at your disposal. The big, huge guides with ...
True To You – a Netgalley Review
True to form, Becky Wade has utterly drawn me in with another ridiculously well-written story. She amazes me. I've long been a fan of Becky Wade's writing, and in the past I've checked out her books at the library. She's an author whose books I eventually want on my bookshelves. :) Introduction First, I have to tell you that True to You is part of a series called the Bradford Sisters. Prior to this novel, there's a prequel/novella entitled Then Came You (which is CURRENTLY--as of ...
Reunited by Danger by Carol J. Post – a review
It goes without saying that I thoroughly enjoy a good mystery. When I was a kid, my mom read them like crazy and always encouraged me to try them. Nope. I was all into the Sweet Valley High craze (which, in their defense, had SOME mystery from time to time), Beverly Lewis' Amish fiction, and Robin Jones Gunn's (and a smattering of other authors!) books. All of those were loaned to me by my grandmother (who was, to my joy, a hoarder of multiple genres of delightfully good books!). It wasn't until ...
The Writing Desk – a Rachel Hauck Team Review
This summer has been insane. This review is coming late, late, late, late. I had everything in the world happen at the time I was supposed to review The Writing Desk. Car accident happened. Then Ocular rosacea--corneal inflammation, affected vision--couldn't read without getting a migraine. Both vehicles needed repairs (not at once, though!) and went to the shop. Braces for one child. Four wisdom teeth surgically removed for another child. In five weeks. The last two weeks, I've been working on ...
