Out of the Easy - Ruta Sepetys

I was a little worried I wouldn't like this book as well as BSOG, but I had nothing to fear!! WOW...Ruta Sepetys has proven herself to be a master storyteller. I will pretty much read anything else she writes. I finished reading Out of the Easy about a week ago - I can't stop thinking about it! I just loved the characters, and I feel a loss at not being able to spend more time with them. I'm so glad there are writers of this quality writing for the YA audience. (Disclaimer - this is for a mature teen)

Etiquette and Espionage by Gail Carriger

A wonderful book for girls who love mystery and steampunk. Picture a cross between Gallagher Girls and Mean Girls that takes place in a dirigible. Simply fabulous!

Christmas Book Cafe

BE SURE TO STOP BY AND CHECK OUT A BOOK FOR THE HOLIDAYS! ENJOY A CUP OF WASSAIL AND SOME CHRISTMAS CHEER!

Tandem by Anna Jarzab

Tandem is unlike any book I have read. I'm not huge fan of science fiction, but this book didn't feel like a science fiction book to me. It's a quick read that starts out strong, slows down a little in the middle, and finishes with a bang! Sasha is our main character, and she is a normal teenage girl. I liked her right away. She's nice girl with nice friends, who is respectful of the grandfather raising her. And, Sasha likes to read! One day while reading in her favorite bookstore, her long time crush walks in. Grant has never shown interest in her before. Sasha is a little confused by his sudden interest but goes with it. There is a nice little romance, which ends abruptly, when Sasha wakes up in an alternate world and finds out that Grant is actually Thomas - Grant's doppelgänger! The pages turned quickly and the ending left me wanting more. I wish I didn't have to wait so long for book 2. I will definitely pick up this book for my library. This is a great book for girls interested in sci-fi.

The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater

First let me say, I LOVE Stiefvater. The Scorpio Races is probably my favorite one of her books. The Raven Boys was such an original idea, and I loved the story and the characters. Stiefvater's writing in The Dream Thieves is flawless, and her ability to weave a story is seamless. However, this book was a little dark for me. This will in no way keep me from continuing on with this series. Blue and The Raven Boys are like real people to me, and I have to know what happens!! I need to know if Gansey is Blue's true love. And, what's going to happen to Adam? Will they ever find Glendower? Will they be able to survive the waking of the ley line?

Q Road by Bonnie Jo Campbell

Q Road was written before Once Upon a River but takes place after. This story follows Margo's daughter Rachel. After reading Once Upon a River, I promised myself I'd read more by Campbell. I was not disappointed. She is a strong contemporary American author, and her books are as wild and unique as her characters and the land they inhabit. I will definitely be reading more by Bonnie Jo Campbell.

The Enchanter Heir - Cinda Williams Chima

I was so happy when I received this book from Net Galley. I discovered this series after the first three books had already been published. Is there anything better than finding a series you really like and knowing the sequels are ready and available if you want them? I love all things magical and finding this delightful urban fantasy series was a good discovery. Companion books are great. They allow you to catch up with your old friends from previous books, but also expose you to new characters and a whole new story. Enchanter Heir definitely told its own story. This story took some getting into. The first 1/4 of the book moved slowly. I found myself looking forward to hearing more about Emma. Emma is left an orphan when her grandfather, Sonny Lee, is found dead in his guitar shop. Sonny Lee leaves a letter that leads Emma to her father who is still alive and living in Ohio. Slowly, she learns more about her past and the magical guilds. Another story is unfolding simultaneously - the story of the survivors of Thorn Hill. Thorn Hill was a commune in Brazil, a sort of a refuge from the wizards and their oppression. A tragedy strikes Thorn Hill, and all the adults are killed. The children who survived are left damaged to different degrees, many of them becoming gifted in specific ways. These children are called savants. Jonah was a child at Thorn Hill and the tragedy left him gifted with the power to kill. The story really takes off when Emma and Jonah meet. They are obviously attracted to each other, but there are so many factors keeping them apart. If Jonah would just tell Emma the truth, she would probably throw herself in his arms and...wait she can't....hmmm.... I guess we will have to wait and see what happens. The ending is a bit of a cliff hanger.