The Story Sanctuary Book Reviews

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Upcoming Reviews for September 2015

By Kasey | September 2, 2015 - 7:00 am |September 8, 2015 Lists, Middle Grade 8-12, Young Adult/Teen 12-18

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September is my favorite month. It’s the peak of the season for afternoon thunderstorms in Central Florida, and reading is the perfect thing to do during a thunderstorm. It’s also the month when two important things happen – my wedding anniversary and my birthday. This September also happens to be a busy month for book reviews! Here are a few you can expect to see in the coming weeks at The Story Sanctuary.

Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon

Madeline is allergic to the outside world. Then she meets Olly, a neighbor boy, and the romantic tension ensues. I’m excited but nervous about reading this book. After being blown away by Because You’ll Never Meet Me earlier this year, I’m afraid I’ll compare the two, and I don’t know how … Continue reading →

Review: State of Grace by Hilary Badger

By Kasey | August 31, 2015 - 7:00 am |January 9, 2017 Book Review and Content, Fantasy, Young Adult/Teen 12-18

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State of Grace
Hilary Badger
Capstone/Switch Press
Published October 1, 2014

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Wren and her companions live in a beautiful utopian world where pleasure is the highest value. Dot has made all creation good and beautiful, and she’s left instructions for how to live. When strange flashes of another life begin plaguing Wren, she tries to hold on to Dot’s ways and be happy. But as piece after piece of her perfect world begin to crumble, Wren finds it harder and harder to believe.

At first glance, this is definitely a different book. The idea of reading a utopian story really appealed to me, and I think Badger really delivered on … Continue reading →

Review: Dream Things True by Marie Marquardt

By Kasey | August 28, 2015 - 7:00 am |June 6, 2016 Book Review and Content, Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult/Teen 12-18

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Dream Things True by Marie Marquardt
St. Martin’s Griffin

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Alma can’t wait to shake the dust off her small southern town from her shoes and make something of herself in college at a prestigious school. She has spent the last several years preparing and convincing her family. Now all she needs is a scholarship, and thanks to a dedicated guidance counselor, that goal is within reach. Then a handsome white boy turns Alma’s head the two begin a romance that jeopardizes everything Alma has worked towards.

Evan is the classic American rich boy. Alma isn’t sure he could ever understand her world – her strict father and large, close family. Her family’s … Continue reading →

Review: Scar Girl by Len Vlahos

By Kasey | August 24, 2015 - 7:00 am |June 6, 2016 Book Review and Content, Contemporary, Young Adult/Teen 12-18

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Scar Girl by Len Vlahos
Egmont USA

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

In the aftermath of Johnny’s accident, the Scar Boys regroup and begin performing as a band again. But too many members carry secrets that become barriers between them.

Cheyenne hides her pregnancy from Johnny. Harry buries his love for Cheyenne in the lyrics of a song. Johnny withdraws into his own vision for the band. Richie walks the fine line between keeping peace and staying out of the conflict.

Through answers to interview questions, the band members relate their experiences as the Scar Boys face bigger problems and more pressure than ever before. What began as Harry’s story now becomes the story of four teens bound … Continue reading →

Nine Books I Want to Pre-Order

By Kasey | August 22, 2015 - 7:00 am |October 8, 2018 Blogger's Favorites, Lists, Middle Grade 8-12, Young Adult/Teen 12-18

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I had this idea that blogging book reviews would actually reduce my spending on literature. You know, publishers send me books. I read great, current books for free and then recruit people to listen to my opinion on the internet. Heavenly.

And it is, but mostly what it does is educate me better on what’s coming soon. So now I have a list of must-have books that haven’t even hit the shelves yet. I’m not one to order a lot of books ahead of time, but I’m absolutely on pins and needles over these hot new titles. Here are nine books I want to pre-order: