Category Archives: Contemporary

Review: Caterpillar Summer by Gillian McDunn

By | | , , ,
Comments Off on Review: Caterpillar Summer by Gillian McDunn

Caterpillar Summer by Gillian McDunn - cover shows a girl holding a bait fishing pole standing back-to-back with a younger boy holding a shark toy on a beach.

Caterpillar Summer
Gillian McDunn
Bloomsbury USA Children’s
Published April 2, 2019

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

About CATERPILLAR SUMMER

Cat and her brother Chicken have always had a very special bond–Cat is one of the few people who can keep Chicken happy. When he has a “meltdown” she’s the one who scratches his back and reads his favorite story. She’s the one who knows what Chicken needs. Since their mom has had to work double-hard to keep … Continue reading →

Review: The Truth About Romantic Comedies by Sean McMurray

By | | , , , ,
Comments Off on Review: The Truth About Romantic Comedies by Sean McMurray

The Truth About Romantic Comedies cover shows a cartoon image of a boy playing guitar, singing to a cartoon girl.

The Truth About Romantic Comedies
Sean McMurray
Anaiah Press
January 15, 2019

Amazon | Book Depository | Goodreads

About The Truth About Romantic Comedies

Sixteen-year-old Timothy Gephart’s life is a chronicle of loser-hood. Trapped by the decaying walls of his family’s trailer and saddled with the responsibility of caring for a grandmother stricken with a wicked combination of Alzheimer’s and cancer, Timothy isn’t exactly thriving in the teenage chapter of his life. To make matters worse, his girlfriend inexplicably dumps him … Continue reading →

Review: In Another Life by C.C. Hunter

By | | , , , ,
Comments Off on Review: In Another Life by C.C. Hunter

When Cash meets Chloe, all he can think is that someone’s out to con the family he loves again by pretending to be the daughter they lost 15 years ago. Review and content notes. Continue reading →

Review: Running Strong by Diana Sharples

By | | , , ,
2 Comments

Running Strong by Diana Sharples

Running Strong
Diana Sharples
Published on June 29, 2018

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

About Running Strong

Races are won in the turns.

Flannery Moore rides motocross bikes and can’t remember the last time she wore a dress. She’s also in love with one of her riding friends. Although nothing else could make her do so, Flannery decides to redefine herself into the kind of girl Tyler Dorset might fall for.

Despite his mother’s desperate efforts to keep Tyler close to home, he has dreams of his own. Dreams that will take him far away from sleepy and safe Bentley, North Carolina. Will Flannery understand how … Continue reading →

Review: Silent Days, Holy Night by Phyllis Clark Nichols

By | | , , ,
Comments Off on Review: Silent Days, Holy Night by Phyllis Clark Nichols

Silent Days, Holy NightSilent Days, Holy Night
Phyllis Clark Nichols
Gilead Publishing
Published on October 30, 2018

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

About Silent Days, Holy Night

The sounds of Christmases past echo through a silent house . . .

Everyone in town knows Emerald Crest, the green granite mansion atop the highest hill: the legendary, lavish Christmas festivities that used to light up the nights— and the silence that followed when the parties abruptly stopped many years ago. And everyone has heard whispers about the reclusive, mysterious master of the manor, Henry Lafferty the Second . . .

When eleven-year-old Julia Russell steps into the great house for the first time and meets Mr. Lafferty, … Continue reading →

Review: Speechless by Adam P. Schmitt

By | | , ,
Comments Off on Review: Speechless by Adam P. Schmitt

Speechless by Adam P. SchmittSpeechless
Adam P. Schmitt
Candlewick Press
Published on November 6, 2018

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads
About Speechless
As if being stuffed into last year’s dress pants at his cousin’s wake weren’t uncomfortable enough, thirteen-year-old Jimmy has just learned from his mother that he has to say a few words at the funeral the next day. Why him? What could he possibly say about his cousin, who ruined everything they did? He can’t recall one birthday party, family gathering, or school event with Patrick that didn’t result in injury or destruction.

As Jimmy attempts to navigate the odd social norms of the wake, he draws on humor, heartfelt concern, and … Continue reading →