Blog Tour: Miracle on 5th Avenue by Sarah Morgan

Author: Sarah Morgan

Publisher: Harlequin

Date of publication: November 2016

It will take a Christmas miracle for two very different souls to find each other in this perfectly festive fairy tale of New York! 

Hopeless romantic Eva Jordan loves everything about Christmas. She might be spending the holidays alone this year, but when she’s given an opportunity to house-sit a spectacular penthouse on Fifth Avenue, she leaps at the chance. What better place to celebrate than in snow-kissed Manhattan? What she didn’t expect was to find the penthouse still occupied by its gorgeous—and mysterious—owner.

Bestselling crime writer Lucas Blade is having the nightmare before Christmas. With a deadline and the anniversary of his wife’s death looming, he’s isolated himself in his penthouse with only his grief for company. He wants no interruptions, no decorations and he certainly doesn’t appreciate being distracted by his beautiful, bubbly new housekeeper. But when the blizzard of the century leaves Eva snowbound in his apartment, Lucas starts to open up to the magic she brings…This Christmas, is Lucas finally ready to trust that happily-ever-afters do exist?

Miracle on 5th Avenue is the third in the "From Manhattan with Love" trilogy.  This is Eva's story.  I have really mixed feelings about this book.  I was hoping that it would replace the second book as my favorite of the three, but in the end it didn't.  Don't get me wrong, I did ultimately enjoy the book, but I just didn't love it as much as I was hoping.

I loved Lucas,  I was really rooting for him to realize that love can be a good thing.  I even loved Eva and Lucas together.  I liked how even though their fall into love was fast, it made sense.  They spent a lot of time together over 4 weeks and really got to know each other.  Eva was a bit too much of a "Mary Sue Sunshine" at times, but not enough for me to dislike her character.

So, why didn't I love it?  The first thing is a nit picky issue for me.  I ended up listening to the audiobook to be able to finish in time for the tour.  The narrator made Eva sound like a brainless, ditsy blond. You know the breathy bedroom voice that I'm talking about? It was really grating and made her seem so different from the way her character appeared in the previous books.  I know it was just a voice, but it was hard to take her character seriously at times   The other thing that I missed was Eva's friends.  Where were they?  They didn't make much of an appearance in the story which was disappointing.The camaraderie and fun banter between the friends was something I loved about the first two books.  Their absence made the story have a much different feel.

Overall, I did like the story.  The HEA was really sweet and almost made up for the issues I had.  I do recommend this trilogy as a whole. Watching the three girls find their HEAs was fun.

About Sarah Morgan

USA Today bestselling author Sarah Morgan writes lively, sexy contemporary stories for Harlequin.

Romantic Times has described her as ‘a magician with words’ and nominated her books for their Reviewer’s Choice Awards and their ‘Top Pick’ slot. In 2012 Sarah received the prestigious RITA® Award from the Romance Writers of America. She lives near London with her family.

Connect with Sarah

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Sarah Morgan’s TLC Book Tours TOUR STOPS

Monday, November 28th: The Sassy Bookster

Tuesday, November 29th: Book Reviews and More by Kathy

Tuesday, November 29th: Books and Bindings

Tuesday, November 29th: Susan Walters Peterson 

Wednesday, November 30th: A Splendid Messy Life

Thursday, December 1st: View from the Birdhouse

Monday, December 5th: BookBub Blog  – “5 Snowy Romances to Put You in a Holiday Mood”

Monday, December 5th: Kritter’s Ramblings

Tuesday, December 6th: The Reading Date

Wednesday, December 7th: Snowdrop Dreams of Books

Thursday, December 8th: Why Girls are Weird

Friday, December 9th: Becky on Books

Monday, December 12th: Chick Lit Central

Tuesday, December 13th: From the TBR Pile

Tuesday, December 13th: Thoughts on This ‘n That

Wednesday, December 14th: Walking with Nora

Wednesday, December 14th: Reading Lark

Friday, December 16th: Not in Jersey

Monday, December 19th: Bewitched Bookworms

Tuesday, December 20th: Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers

Wednesday, December 21st: Books and Spoons

Thursday, December 22nd: A Chick Who Reads

A Study in Charlotte by Brittany Cavallaro

Author: Brittany Cavallaro
Publisher: Katherine Tegan Books
Date of publication: March 2016

The last thing Jamie Watson wants is a rugby scholarship to Sherringford, a Connecticut prep school just an hour away from his estranged father. But that’s not the only complication: Sherringford is also home to Charlotte Holmes, the famous detective’s great-great-great-granddaughter, who has inherited not only Sherlock’s genius but also his volatile temperament. From everything Jamie has heard about Charlotte, it seems safer to admire her from afar.

From the moment they meet, there’s a tense energy between them, and they seem more destined to be rivals than anything else. But when a Sherringford student dies under suspicious circumstances, ripped straight from the most terrifying of the Sherlock Holmes stories, Jamie can no longer afford to keep his distance. Jamie and Charlotte are being framed for murder, and only Charlotte can clear their names. But danger is mounting and nowhere is safe—and the only people they can trust are each other.

I thought A Study in Charlotte was an interesting twist on the Sherlock Holmes story.  Charlotte and Jamie are descendants of the original detective duo, Holmes and Watson.  Charlotte is much like her ancestor, Sherlock.  She is obsessive, observant and has struggled with a drug habit since an early age.   All Jamie wants is to find a best friend and make it through Rugby season at his new prep school.  When he finds out Charlotte is also a student at the school, he believes it's fate.

As I said, I liked this twist on the Sherlock Holmes story.  It was a great way to bring it into the 21st century.  Imagine what Sherlock could have accomplished with today's technology.  It was a good solid mystery with a solution that made sense.  As with most Sherlock Holmes mysteries, I didn't guess the ending.  I liked the characters, especially Jamie.  The book is told through his point of view. 

There were just a couple of things that bothered me about the book.  I did question the need to make Charlotte a drug addict.  She is so young and has been struggling for years.  I wasn't sure if it was really necessary.  It might be nice to read one Holmes character who isn't addicted.  The other thing is the way Charlotte's date rape was kind of glossed over. I really feel like it should have been addressed more.

This is a YA book, but because of some of the content, I'd keep it to the over 15 crowd.  It's the first in a trilogy and I'm looking forward to the next book, The Last of August.  It comes out in February 2017.

Beneath These Lies by Meghan March

Author: Meghan March
Publisher: Meghan March LLC
Date of publication: March 2016

Look, but don’t touch…she might as well wear a neon sign that says it. It just makes me want her more.

She might be above me in every way, but I still want her under me.

I’ve got no business touching her rich-girl skin, but that won’t stop me from stealing a taste. Because rules were meant to be broken—especially when the prize is so fine.

In a world where nothing is as it seems, what's buried beneath these lies?

I've read all of the books from this series and have really enjoyed them so far.  Unfortunately, I can't say the same about Beneath These Lies.  I think the real problem is that it wasn't the story I thought I was getting.  I was expecting it to be Hennessy and Valentina's story.  But it wasn't.  Instead, it was Valentina and Rix's story.  That was a surprise.  I wouldn't have minded too much if there wasn't an attempt at a love triangle.  I didn't enjoy that.  It felt half-hearted at best.  


The other reason this story didn't do it for me was Valentina's choice.  Rix is gangster and a drug dealer when she meets him.  Yet, she falls for him anyway.  In lust or love...who knows?  I just didn't buy it.  Her character just wasn't someone I saw falling for a person who was reported to be so "bad" as Rix.  I mean he was a serious alpha, but I couldn't ignore the person he was supposed to be. Don't get me started on her friends who didn't seem to have an issue with it either.   The twist in the end wrapped it up nicely, but it was almost too nice for me.  Just, no....

So, I'm sad to say, this was my least favorite of the series.  I hope Hennessy gets his own story in the future.  I felt bad for him all around.  

Under Pressure by Lori Foster

Author: Lori Foster
Publisher: Harlequin
Date of publication: January 24, 2017

Leese Phelps’s road hasn’t been an easy one, but it’s brought him to the perfect job — working for the elite Body Armor security agency. And what his newest assignment lacks in size, she makes up for in fire and backbone. But being drawn to Catalina Nicholson is a dangerous complication, especially since it could be the very man who hired Leese who’s threatening her.

What Catalina knows could get her killed. But who’d believe the sordid truth about her powerful stepfather? Beyond Leese’s ripped body and brooding gaze is a man of impeccable honor. He’s the last person she expects to trust — and the first who’s ever made her feel safe. And he’s the only one who can help her expose a deadly secret, if they can just stay alive long enough...

What can I say about Under Pressure, other than I absolutely loved it? Well,it's the first book in the new Body Armor series by Lori Foster.  It's a spin-off from the Ultimate series where we first met Leese.  He has left the MMA world to become a security guard for Body Armor.  He is assigned to keep Catalina safe from an unknown threat.  Catalina has been trying to live her own life out from under her step-father's thumb.  But when she hears the wrong conversation, her life is in danger.

I loved Leese and Catalina. Their romance is quick, but just really feels right.  I loved watching Leese trying to resist Catalina.  Catalina was a breath of fresh air.  I loved watching them together.  I won't talk about the plot, there are a lot of things that could get spoiled.  I'll just say it's a wild ride from beginning to end.  New characters and fun, familiar faces make the story a real treat to read.  

I highly recommend this one.  It comes out on January 24, 2017.  Why not go and pre-order it today. While you are waiting, make sure to check out the "Ultimate" series starting with No Limits.  You won't be sorry!

A Madness so Discreet by Mindy McGinnis

by:  Mindy McGinnis
published by:  Katherine Tegen Books
publish date:  October 6, 2015

Grace Mae knows madness. She keeps it locked away, along with her voice, trapped deep inside a brilliant mind that cannot forget horrific family secrets. Those secrets, along with the bulge in her belly, land her in a Boston insane asylum.

When her voice returns in a burst of violence, Grace is banished to the dark cellars, where her mind is discovered by a visiting doctor who dabbles in the new study of criminal psychology. With her keen eyes and sharp memory, Grace will make the perfect assistant at crime scenes. Escaping from Boston to the safety of an ethical Ohio asylum, Grace finds friendship and hope, hints of a life she should have had. But gruesome nights bring Grace and the doctor into the circle of a killer who stalks young women. Grace, continuing to operate under the cloak of madness, must hunt a murderer while she confronts the demons in her own past.

This book is a reminder of the terrible history of mental asylums.  Women could be committed for nearly any reason.  Once inside, conditions were terrible.  Mental illness was not well understood and doctors at the time did not know how to treat their patients.  

Grace Mae was from a very well to do family, but she was being sexually abused by her father.  When she gets pregnant, her family forces her into an insane asylum to have the baby.  In that time a fellow inmate helps her escape with the help of a doctor that specializes in psychology.  He recognizes her intelligence and takes her on as an apprentice while he studies crime scenes for clues into the psychological picture of the killer.  

I really enjoyed this book.  I'm a big fan of historical fiction and with the psychological thriller aspect thrown in, that just made it so much better.  I'm secretly hoping that this will be the first book of a series with Grace Mae continuing to solve murders.  

Throwback Thursday: The Regatta Mystery and Other Stories by Agatha Christie

Author: Agatha Christie
First published in 1939 by Dodd, Mead and Company

A diamond worth several fortunes is stolen as a dinner party trick, and then stolen from the thief...How lucky that Mr. Parker Pyne is also a guest at the party. The incomparable Hercule Poirot proves that a crowd is the best place for a murder. And Miss Marple solves a crime that stumped the police without ever leaving her fireside. This superb collection assembles all of Agatha Christie's top detectives to solve the most challenging cases of their careers.

This short story collection contains the following: The Regatta Mystery, The Mystery of the Baghdad Chest, How Does Your Garden Grow?, Problem at Pollensa Bay, Yellow Iris, Miss Marple Tells a Story, The Dream, In a Glass Darkly and Problem At Sea.

Anthologies are always a nice change from novels when you want something quick to read.  After not reading much that has excited me lately, I was looking for a change of pace, The Regatta Mystery and Other Stories is a great set of short mysteries by the queen of mysteries.  

I really enjoyed this set of stories.  There is a mix of novellas featuring each of her three detectives.  I had never read anything with the detective, Parker Pyne.  That was a real treat.  My favorites of the bunch were The Problem at Pollensa Bay and In a Glass Darkly.  Both of them had a nice little twist that I didn't expect. The real interesting part was that neither one of them featured my favorite detective, Hercule Poirot.  If you haven't read this set, I highly recommend it.  

Blog Tour: Book Spotlight of The Darkest Torment by Gena Showalter

Author: Gena Showalter

Publisher: Harlequin

Date of publication: June 2016

New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter returns with her most explosive Lords of the Underworld tale to date, about a fierce warrior on the brink of sanity who will stop at nothing to claim the exquisite human with the power to soothe the beast inside him… 

Driven to his death by the demon of Distrust, Baden spent centuries in purgatory. Now he’s back, but at what cost? Bound to the king of the underworld, an even darker force, he’s unable to withstand the touch of another…and he’s quickly devolving into a heartless assassin with an uncontrollable temper. Things only get worse when a mission goes awry and he finds himself saddled with a bride—just not his own.

Famed dog trainer Katarina Joelle is forced to marry a monster to protect her loved ones. When she’s taken hostage by the ruthless, beautiful Baden immediately after the ceremony, she’s plunged into a war between two evils—with a protector more dangerous than the monsters he hunts. They are meant to be enemies, but neither can resist the passion burning between them…and all too soon the biggest threat is to her heart.

But as Baden slips deeper into the abyss, she’ll have to teach him to love…or lose him forever.

“Gena Showalter is a romantic genius.” -San Francisco Book Review

“Showalter writes fun, sexy characters you fall in love with!” -Lori Foster, New York Times bestselling author

“The Showalter name on a book means guaranteed entertainment.” -RT Book Reviews

Purchase Links

Amazon | Books a Million | Barnes & Noble

About Gena Showalter

Gena Showalter is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of over fifty books, including the acclaimed Lords of the Underworld and Angels of the Dark series, and the White Rabbit Chronicles. She writes sizzling paranormal romance, heartwarming contemporary romance, and unputdownable young adult novels, and lives in Oklahoma City with her family and menagerie of dogs. Visit her at GenaShowalter.com.

Connect with Gena

Website | Facebook | Twitter

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Gena Showalter’s TLC Book Tours TOUR STOPS:

Wednesday, November 30th: Reading Reality

Wednesday, November 30th: Reader Girls

Friday, December 2nd: Urban Girl Reader

Monday, December 5th: Read Love Blog

Tuesday, December 6th: Books a la Mode – excerpt

Wednesday, December 7th: From the TBR Pile

Wednesday, December 7th: Harlie’s Books

Friday, December 9th: Books that Hook

Monday, December 12th: Lampshade Reader – Gena’s Top 10 Favorite Quotes from The Darkest Torment

Monday, December 12th: Books Without Any Picture

Wednesday, December 14th: Mom in Love with Fiction

Friday, December 16th: The Romance Dish – excerpt

Monday, December 19th: Stuck in Books

Wednesday, December 21st: Snowdrop Dreams of Books – excerpt

Friday, December 23rd: Stranded in Chaos

Monday, December 26th: 100 Pages a Day – excerpt

Tuesday, December 27th: A Night’s Dream of Books

Wednesday, December 28th: Written Love Reviews

Wednesday, December 28th: Lovely Reads

TBD: Drey’s Library – excerpt

Blog Tour: Excerpt & Giveaway of Sweet Southern Bad Boy by Michele Summers

We are excited to share with you an excerpt from Sweet Southern Bad Boy, the latest romance from author Michele Summers.   Make sure to check out the giveaway below.  We have 1 copy of the book to give away (US & Canada only).  Good Luck!

Author: Michele Summers

Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca

Date of publication: December 2016

HE’S GOT SOMETHING SHE WANTS

When Katie McKnight gets lost location-scouting for her father’s TV studio, she stumbles upon the perfect setting for their angsty new teen vampire series—a remote barn house unfortunately occupied by a grouchy, disheveled, and incredibly sexy man who instantly mistakes her for the new nanny. Should Katie tell him the truth, or get her foot in the door?

SHE’S GOT EVERYTHING HE NEEDS

Bestselling author Vance Kerner doesn’t just have writer’s block—he’s been run ragged ever since he was saddled with taking care of his brother’s three kids, an adopted kitten, and a runaway mutt. The last thing he needs is a teen drama defiling his property, but with fascinating and unconventional Katie underfoot charming the entire Kerner household, Vance is finding it harder and harder to say no.

Buy Links:

Amazon

Books-A-Million

Barnes & Noble

Chapters

iBooks

Indiebound

Excerpt:

“My name is Katie McKnight and I have a proposition for you."

He was shoving his cell phone in his back pocket when he glanced up with a startled expression. “Proposition?” He looked interested, but not in the way Katie wanted. She had a feeling he had something more prurient in mind by the way his dark eyes roved over her, stopping at all her very, very hot points. J-Lo’s bootay. This was not going the way she’d hoped. 

Clearly this mostly sexy pirate/rock star/badass guy was in over his head. Time to take charge. Katie extended her right hand. “Katie McKnight. And you are?”

“Vance Kerner. I’m the kids’ uncle.” His big hand engulfed her small palm. And for the briefest second Katie felt connected…to what she had no idea. The feeling felt foreign and even a little frightening. He shook her hand slowly and gave her a piratical grin. Like he could chew her up and spit out her bones in no time flat.

“Is there a Mrs. Kerner?” she asked, needing all the decision-makers to be present and in agreement with her proposal.

“Only my sister-in-law. My mother died fifteen years ago,” he said in a matter-of-fact tone, but something flickered behind his dark eyes.

 “Oh, well, then I’m sorry, er, about your loss. Um, Mr. Kerner, I’d like to talk to you about using your house to film a miniseries.”

“Excuse me?” His dark eyes narrowed, sending a fissure of alarm down her back. This had to be karma or the perfect storm, because not only did he own the ideal house, but he could star in the horror series about disappearing teenagers in love.

“Yes, I’m from Santa Monica and I’m a location scout for McKnight Studios, and I’d like––”

He gave his thick black watch an irritated glance. “You’re not from the agency and you’re not a nanny.” He started buttoning his shirt in agitation. Disappointment washed over her; she hated seeing his glorious chest disappear behind clothing. She had no business dreaming about his chest or any other part of his anatomy. But she was female and at the moment everything female about her liked everything male about him. Think business, Katie. Not body.

“If you could give me five minutes of your time, I’ll be happy to explain and––”

“Look, Kat, I don’t have five minutes.” He started to dial his cell. Katie listened as he barked at some person at the nanny agency. From the gist of the conversation, she gathered no nanny was coming today and Mr. Kerner was not happy.

“Dammit. I can’t believe this bullshit,” he muttered, texting as he cursed. “Listen, I hate to cut this visit short, but I need to pack up Larry, Curly, and Moe, who are probably playing in the toilet this very minute, and rush to my meeting,” he said, shoving papers and folders into a brown leather satchel.

Katie’s timing sucked…again. He was in no mood to hear her offer and once he left, she wasn’t sure he’d let her back in again. This called for some quick thinking and a solution he couldn’t refuse.

“Uh, excuse me? Mr. Kerner, I understand that you’ve got somewhere very important to be and um…I don’t. So, I’d be happy to babysit your nephews while you attend your meeting,” she offered, hoping this would buy her some time and maybe win him over.

He looked up with startled eyes as he slipped his foot into a brown leather loafer.

“What’d you say you did again?”

“I’m a location scout, but I have experience with children. I majored in elementary education at UC Berkeley. He hesitated, warring with needing to go and being a responsible uncle. “I assure you, I’m normal as baseball, apple pie, and Chevrolet and the kids will be perfectly safe.” She reached inside her handbag and fished for her business cards. “Here. That’s all my information and my cell number. You can call the studio if you want to check.”

            He took the card and read it. “Thanks,” he said, slipping it in his back pocket.

“Now, if you’ll give me your information, you can get to your meeting and I’ll tend to the kids.” Vance got busy scribbling his information on a piece of scrap paper. “I’m actually pretty good with kids,” she said, smiling, hoping to reassure him (and herself) as he handed her the piece of paper. “You, on the other hand, have the handwriting of a psychopath,” she murmured, trying to make out his chicken scratch. “Is that a five or an eight?”

            He chuckled. “Eight. Sorry. I’m a writer, but I do it all on the computer. Penmanship was never a strong suit. Are you sure you want to do this? I won’t be long, and I’ll pay you when I get back.”

            “That won’t be necessary. All I want in return is fifteen minutes of your undivided attention.” And the use of your house for the next eight months. She’d get to that later. Katie picked up his satchel and handed it to him, escorting him to the door, acting as if she owned the place. “Now, make that meeting and don’t forget to come home,” she half-teased but actually meant it.

“Call me if you need anything. Danny sometimes eats the dog food and drops the kitten in the toilet, so you might want to watch out for that.” Katie’s face must’ve registered shock. “Not to worry. No one has gotten sick and the kitten hasn’t drowned…yet. Thanks again. You’re a life saver.” And before she could react, Pirate Man cupped the back of her neck and pulled her in for a quick, hard kiss. Katie’s knees almost buckled and her mind went blank. This must be what it felt like to be kissed senseless before walking the plank.

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About the author:

MICHELE SUMMERS writes about small-town life with a Southern flair, and has her own interior design business in Raleigh, North Carolina, and Miami, Florida. Both professions feed her creative appetite and provide a daily dose of humor.

Blog Tour: Out of Love Blog Tour by RC Boldt

Author: RC Boldt
Publisher: RC Boldt Publishing LLC
Date of publication: December 6, 2016

Foster Kavanaugh, former Navy SEAL, knows what it’s like to be the top dog, the man in charge, the one calling the shots. Now that he’s running his own security consulting firm, not much has changed.

Except the curvy blonde he hired as his office manager.

Noelle Davis has been through the damn ringer. Swearing off men after escaping a toxic relationship, she’s grateful for a fresh start—new job included. Of course, her job isn’t tranquil and calm. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Because her boss is the most infuriating man on the planet.

And, not to mention, sexy as hell.

Foster has limits. Rules. No attachments allowed because he doesn’t do love—and Noelle Davis foiled that plan and took a red pen to his list of rules. With her smart mouth and quick witted banter, he found the woman beginning to creep past his defenses.

When circumstances put Noelle in a perilous position, the first person to come to her rescue is none other than Foster Kavanaugh. She gets to see the man in action—not as her aggravating boss, but the man who will stop at nothing to ensure her safety.

The same man who makes her want to reconsider her self-imposed embargo of men.

The man she wants to get to know now that she’s seen another side of him.

The man who makes her want…more.

But is more possible when you're OUT OF LOVE?

**Out of Love is a full-length, standalone novel that does NOT need to be read in conjunction with any other book. **

I have been waiting for this book since I was first introduced to Foster and Noelle in the "Teach Me" series.  The back and forth between them has shown promise of a huge explosion once they finally got together.  And I wasn't disappointed.  I thoroughly enjoyed this one!  What is better then an alpha male?  An alpha male who is a former navy seal!  I loved how everyone around them knew they belonged together, but Noelle and Foster fought it so hard.  I was really rooting for them to finally figure out they were meant to be.

It was nice to catch up with some of the other characters from the Teach Me series.  Especially Momma K, as she has always been a favorite of mine.  There are two "mysteries" in the book.  One involving Noelle and he stalker ex-boyfriend. The other involves Foster and the loss of his former seal team mate,  Foster's looks like it will be a story arc, so I am eagerly waiting to see how that all plays out.  I highly recommend Out of Love.  It's a sigh worthy love story and a great transition into her spin-off series.  

Buy Links:

Amazon US➜ http://amzn.to/2czmF2b 

Amazon UK➜ http://goo.gl/vfa0o8 

Amazon CA➜ http://goo.gl/gHBMsk 

Amazon AU➜ http://goo.gl/DCLHfI   

B&N➜ http://goo.gl/1djEuJ 

iBooks US➜ https://goo.gl/ECqNDz 

iBooks UK➜ https://goo.gl/Qd1TMC  

iBooks CA➜ https://goo.gl/plFlO6 

iBooks AU➜ https://goo.gl/216JZL 

Google Play➜ https://goo.gl/1UlrPy

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the author:

RC Boldt is the wife of Mr. Boldt, a retired Navy Chief, mother of Little Miss Boldt, and former teacher of many students. She currently lives on the southeastern coast of North Carolina, enjoys long walks on the beach, running, reading, people watching, and singing karaoke. If you're in the mood for some killer homemade mojitos, can't recall the lyrics to a particular 80's song, or just need to hang around a nonconformist who will do almost anything for a laugh, she's your girl.

Website: http://www.rcboldtbooks.com/

Email: rcboldtbooks@gmail.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RC_Boldt

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rcboldtauthor 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14543027.R_C_Boldt

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rcboldt 

Amazon: http://goo.gl/jgT1vR

What Light by Jay Asher

by:  Jay Asher
published by:  Razorbill
publish date:  October 18, 2016

Sierra's family runs a Christmas tree farm in Oregon—it's a bucolic setting for a girl to grow up in, except that every year, they pack up and move to California to set up their Christmas tree lot for the season. So Sierra lives two lives: her life in Oregon and her life at Christmas. And leaving one always means missing the other. 

Until this particular Christmas, when Sierra meets Caleb, and one life eclipses the other.

By reputation, Caleb is not your perfect guy: years ago, he made an enormous mistake and has been paying for it ever since. But Sierra sees beyond Caleb's past and becomes determined to help him find forgiveness and, maybe, redemption. As disapproval, misconceptions, and suspicions swirl around them, Caleb and Sierra discover the one thing that transcends all else: true love.

So I was expecting something along the emotional lines of Thirteen Reasons Why.  This book is not that.  It's a sweet little Christmas story, but nothing as deep at TRW.  

Sierra lives 2 lives.  One in Oregon that she has 11 months of the year and one in California for a month at Christmas time.  Normally, she spends her Christmas missing home and she can't wait to get back.  Until, this year when she meets Caleb.  Rumor has it, Caleb attacked his sister with a knife.  However, Sierra wants to find out the truth and see if he's really the troublemaker everyone says that he is.  Everyone is against Sierra's relationship with Caleb, but she knows what she wants and will do what it takes to get it.

If you're looking for a nice YA Christmas story then this is it.  What Light is more of a love story than anything else.  I liked it, but I think I was hoping for a little more depth.  

The Memory Book by Lara Avery

by:  Lara Avery
published by:  Poppy
publish date:  July 5, 2016

Sammie was always a girl with a plan: graduate at the top of her class and get out of her small town as soon as humanly possible. Nothing will stand in her way--not even a rare genetic disorder the doctors say will slowly start to steal her memories and then her health. What she needs is a new plan.

So the Memory Book is born: Sammie's notes to her future self, a document of moments great and small. It's where she'll record every perfect detail of her first date with longtime crush, Stuart--a brilliant young writer who is home for the summer. And where she'll admit how much she's missed her childhood best friend, Cooper, and even take some of the blame for the fight that ended their friendship.

Sammie has a rare disorder.  She will gradually lose her memory over time.  For the longest time there are no symptoms of her disease.  However, they have begun to creep into her life.  To make matters worse, she gets into a love triangle with a hot writer guy and the boy next door.  

In order to keep her memories, Sammie decides to write a Memory Book.  She writes her stories.  She also gets her friends and family members to write special stories to keep her memories fresh.  This book is partly told from Sammie's viewpoint and through the stories in her memory book.

This story was interesting.  I couldn't even imagine going through something like that.  While the whole love triangle thing is really played out in YA, this one wasn't too terrible.  The Memory Book was well written and a decent read.  I don't know that I would tell anyone to rush out and read it, but it might be a good library check out if you happen to see it.