Clockwise by Elle Strauss

Clockwise by Elle Strauss

Source: ebook

Pages: 259

Publisher: ESB Publishing

Release Date: April 11th 2012

Series: Clockwise; Book 1

Verdict: Buy

Summary: Casey Donovan has issues: hair, height and uncontrollable trips to the 19th century! And now this --she's accidentally taken Nate Mackenzie, the cutest boy in the school, back in time. Awkward. Protocol pressures her to tell their 1860 hosts that he is her brother and when Casey finds she has a handsome, wealthy (and unwanted) suitor, something changes in Nate. Are those romantic sparks or is it just "brotherly" protectiveness? When they return to the present, things go back to the way they were before: Casey parked on the bottom of the rung of the social ladder and Nate perched high on the very the top. Except this time her heart is broken. Plus, her best friend is mad, her parents are split up, and her younger brother gets escorted home by the police. The only thing that could make life worse is if, by some strange twist of fate, she took Nate back to the past again. Which of course, she does.

Review: Time travel is always fun, and this book is no different. Casey Donovan is your typical teenager. She experiences insecurities, struggles of high school, and unrequited crushes. Normal, right? Here's the thing, though. She can also travel back in time. So, maybe not so normal after all. 

The thing about her ability to time travel is that she has no control over it. Makes being a teenager a bit more complicated than it already is... Fortunately, she always knows where she'll be going, so she has friends and supplies ready at hand... back in the 1860s of course. 

Casey is amazing. I mean, what a trooper. When she discovers that she's travelled back in time, she's efficient and strong. And when she discovers that she's travelled back in time with Nate, long time crush extraordinaire, she still manages to stay poised... kind of. 

Casey's knowledge of everything in regards to the weirdness of the time traveling situation is endearing, and she's sassy and charming. I found it impossible to dislike her. Her edges and quirks made her hilarious and fascinating. It was so fun reading about her two different lives, one in her own time, where she stays on the down low, a regular teenager, and another in the past, where she's the belle of the ball, a not so regular teenager, being pursued by an older suitor. 


Nate turned out to be a pleasant surprise. The way he treated Casey changed as the book went on, and I'm so glad, because they are just so cute together. Their banter and awkwardness was a captivating quality of this book, and it made everything ten times more fun.

Clockwise made me wish time traveling was a real thing. Even though time traveling had its downsides, it definitely had upsides that made everything worth it. This book was lighthearted, fun, and delightfully sweet. I'm so happy this book found its way to me, and I can't wait for more time traveling adventures with Casey and Nate. 

Really enjoyed

★★★★☆

It's a Mall World After All by Janette Rallison

It's a Mall World After All by Janette Rallison

Source: Library

Pages: 240

Publisher: Walker Childrens

Release Date: October 3rd 2006

Series: Standalone

Verdict: Borrow

Summary: It's too bad they don't give out diplomas for what you learn at the mall, because I  could graduate with honors in that subject.  No really.  Since I've worked there, I've become an expert on all things shopping-related. For example, I can tell you right off who to distrust at the mall:

1) Skinny people who work at Cinnabon.  I mean, if they're not eating the stuff they sell, how good can it be?

2) The salesladies at department store makeup counters.  No matter what they tell you, buying all that lip gloss will not make you look like the pouty models in the store posters.

3) And most importantly--my best friend's boyfriend, Bryant, who showed up at the food court with a mysterious blonde draped on his arm.

Yeah, I saw it, and yeah, I told my best friend all about it.

You would think this would mean trouble for Bryant, but you would basically be wrong.  Somehow, the evil boyfriend turned everything around, and now I'm the one who has to prove myself!  But I will. Even if Bryant--and more importantly his best friend, Colton--keep trying to stop me. 

Review: It's a Mall World After All was an unexpected find. It's lighthearted and silly and just pure fun. If you're looking for a quick and witty read, this one's for you.

Charlotte, the main character, works at the mall and is extremely skeptical of all people around her. Thinking that her best friend's boyfriend is cheating, Charlotte embarks on a journey filled with twists, turns, and... most unexpectedly, love. 

I suppose the content of this book could be labeled as cliche, but I thought it was done quite nicely. There was lively banter, which I loved. While reading this, I laughed a lot. Charlotte is definitely a character, and seeing her deal with all the problems and people is a treat.

I did find that there was a lot going on, though. It could seem a bit scattered and unorganized, but I like to think that it reflects the character of Charlotte, who is a bit scattered and unorganized herself. But overall, it was pretty awesome, just like Charlotte.

Everything that happens is quirky and odd, but it works. There were characters that I could relate to, characters that I could dislike, and characters that had swoon-worthy charm. I'd definitely say that It's a Mall World After All is a cutesy teen novel, and I'd like to think that people of all ages would enjoy this funny, entertaining, and enjoyable book. Plus, what I think is the main message of this book really does ring true. It truly is a mall world after all...

Really enjoyed

★★★★☆

The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

Source: Library

Pages: 490

Publisher: Anchor Books

Release Date: March 28th 2006

Series: Robert Langdon; Book 2

Verdict: Buy

Summary: An ingenious code hidden in the works of Leonardo da Vinci. A desperate race through the cathedrals and castles of Europe. An astonishing truth concealed for centuries . . . unveiled at last.

While in Paris, Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon is awakened by a phone call in the dead of the night. The elderly curator of the Louvre has been murdered inside the museum, his body covered in baffling symbols. As Langdon and gifted French cryptologist Sophie Neveu sort through the bizarre riddles, they are stunned to discover a trail of clues hidden in the works of Leonardo da Vinci—clues visible for all to see and yet ingeniously disguised by the painter.

Even more startling, the late curator was involved in the Priory of Sion—a secret society whose members included Sir Isaac Newton, Victor Hugo, and Da Vinci—and he guarded a breathtaking historical secret. Unless Langdon and Neveu can decipher the labyrinthine puzzle—while avoiding the faceless adversary who shadows their every move—the explosive, ancient truth will be lost forever.

Review: I'm ashamed to say that this book became my bag book. You know, the book that you stick in a particular bag and that you only read when said bag is with you... 

Back in April, I read and reviewed Angels & Demons, which was the first Robert Langdon book. And I immediately wanted more, so I went and got The Da Vinci Code. But here's the thing... That was almost two months ago. Apparently, that's what happens when a book becomes a bag book. It takes forever to read it, even though you really want to know what happens, because other books get in the way, the bag with the book isn't always within reach, and it's just always nice to have a book on hand when out and about. I'm definitely guilty of demoting amazing books to bag books because of many reasons, but those reasons are just not okay. There are no excusable excuses for what I did to this book (and many other unlucky titles), because all books are created equal. Well, that's a lie, but seriously, whatever you do, don't make The Da Vinci Code a bag book. It just cannot happen again.

This book was fast-paced, action-filled, and all around awesome, just like its predecessor. Dan Brown has the ability to create different stories that connect to form one huge and amazing plot line. The amount of information in the book is mind-blowing, and while I can't say that I truly, fully understood everything, I can definitely say I tried my best.

The references to the higher powers, divinities, and exploration of ancient history is mind-blowing. The main topic in this book is The Holy Grail and its unattainable status. It was truly fascinating reading about the journey Robert Langdon embarks on, solving the unsolvable and finding the unfindable. 

More great relationships were built in this book, and they were certainly very memorable. Robert Langdon is man with character and passion, and it really shines through the pages. There is a definite creep factor that occurs throughout the book, but it is completely necessary and fantastic. The ending shocked the lights out of me and I was once again left speechless.

I found The Da Vinci Code to be slightly more enjoyable than Angels & Demons, but I think that's because of how things ended and how everything flowed. Maybe it was the relationships, the dynamics, the protagonists, or even the antagonists. I'm not sure, but I do know that I can't wait to sit back, relax, and enjoy the next of the Robert Langdon series... while clutching my hands in fists, hunched over, and reading intensely, because how else is one supposed to enjoy the works of Dan Brown? Just kidding... kind of. 

In all seriousness, The Da Vinci Code is exciting, adventurous, and suspenseful... basically everything that a bag book should not be. That's in the past, though. I'll make sure that the next Dan Brown book I read won't become a bag book. 

So, tell me... Have you ever had, or do you currently have, a bag book?

Pure perfection

★★★★★

Nantucket Red by Leila Howland

Nantucket Red by Leila Howland

Source: Library

Pages: 288

Publisher: Disney Hyperion

Release Date: May 13th 2014

Series: Nantucket; Book 2

Verdict: Buy

Summary: Cricket Thompson's lifetime of overachieving has paid off: she's headed to Brown University in the fall, with a spot on the lacrosse team and a scholarship that covers almost everything. Who knew living in the dorm cost money? An Ivy League education seems to mean living at home for the next four years.

When Cricket is offered the chance to earn enough cash to afford a real college experience, she heads back to Nantucket for the summer. But the faraway island challenges Cricket in ways she hadn't anticipated. It's hard to focus on earning money for next year, when she finds her world opening up in entirely new ways-to art, to travel, and, most unexpectedly, to a future completely different from the one she has been working toward her whole life. A friendship blossoms with Ben, the gorgeous surfer and bartender who encourages Cricket to be free, even as she smarts at the pain of seeing Zack, her first love, falling for her worst enemy.

But one night, when Cricket finally lets herself break all her own rules, she realizes she may have ruined her carefully constructed future with one impulsive decision. Cricket must dig deep to fight for her future, discovering that success isn't just about reaching goals, but also about listening to what she's been trying to ignore-her own heart.

Review: After reading Nantucket Blue, I (mentally, of course) beat myself up because I didn't realize this was a two-book series. That meant that... I didn't have the second book. And oh my gosh, that was bad. Because once I came to the end and realized that there would be more, I googled. And, well, there was more. It came in the form of Nantucket Red, and I didn't have it. Obviously I had to put a hold at the library immediately. But then came the waiting. It wouldn't have been so bad had I not tortured myself by reading the summary over and over again, getting more and more excited that there was more Nantucket. But I did, and long story short, don't start the Nantucket series without having the whole series with you. Seriously, you'll thank me.

Anyway, I finally got my hands on this (hooray for libraries) and I kind of, sort of, definitely read this right away. I opened it and didn't close it until the story of Nantucket was over. It continues basically right where Nantucket Blue ends, so I just wanted to know how everything ended. This time I was certain that there were only two books in the series, so I was safe to just curl up and read. 

I'm definitely not disappointed in any way (this book was really fab), but I've got to say that I liked the first book more. That's not really a shocker to me, because I've realized that I tend to enjoy the first books of series the most. Perhaps because it's the first book that started it all? Or maybe it's just something altogether... I don't really know. But I do know that this series is so worth the read. Just, whatever you do, don't, under any circumstances, start this without having both books in your reach. It was seriously a rough wait.

In this book, all the characters have had time to deal with the rough, tough, bad, and sad times. This also meant that more happy times started appearing as everyone grew up and matured. It's always fun reading about characters that adjust, learn, and live. Discovering a character's huge change is always a defining and beautiful moment.

The writing was just so great. It had an effortless flow that draws you in and doesn't let you back out until the book has been eaten alive (gently and with kindness, of course).

This book was the perfect way to end the Nantucket adventures, because there was closure and new beginnings. The ending of Nantucket Red had the perfect amount of cuteness - not too little, not too much, but just enough. The characters all kept their charming (or sometimes not so charming) personalities, changed for the better, and grew into people I wish were real, because honestly, I'd love to meet a Cricket, a Jules, a Zack, a Liz, a George... and oh, the list goes on. All in all, this book was perfect, perfect, perfect.

I'm sorry to have to say goodbye to Nantucket, but I know that it will always be there for me. And I mean it. Because I plan on reading this again and again. The next times, though, I'll be better prepared and have both books with me. Live and learn, right?

Pure perfection

★★★★★

The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks

The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks

Source: Library

Pages: 398

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing

Release Date: September 17th 2013

Series: Standalone

Verdict: Buy

Summary: Ira Levinson is in trouble. At ninety-one years old, in poor health and alone in the world, he finds himself stranded on an isolated embankment after a car crash. Suffering multiple injuries, he struggles to retain consciousness until a blurry image materializes and comes into focus beside him: his beloved wife Ruth, who passed away nine years ago. Urging him to hang on, she forces him to remain alert by recounting the stories of their lifetime together – how they met, the precious paintings they collected together, the dark days of WWII and its effect on them and their families. Ira knows that Ruth can’t possibly be in the car with him, but he clings to her words and his memories, reliving the sorrows and everyday joys that defined their marriage.

A few miles away, at a local rodeo, a Wake Forest College senior’s life is about to change. Recovering from a recent break-up, Sophia Danko meets a young cowboy named Luke, who bears little resemblance to the privileged frat boys she has encountered at school. Through Luke, Sophia is introduced to a world in which the stakes of survival and success, ruin and reward -- even life and death – loom large in everyday life. As she and Luke fall in love, Sophia finds herself imagining a future far removed from her plans -- a future that Luke has the power to rewrite . . . if the secret he’s keeping doesn’t destroy it first.

Ira and Ruth. Sophia and Luke. Two couples who have little in common, and who are separated by years and experience. Yet their lives will converge with unexpected poignancy, reminding us all that even the most difficult decisions can yield extraordinary journeys: beyond despair, beyond death, to the farthest reaches of the human heart.

Review: I'm ashamed to say that I am a Nicholas Sparks newbie. Why am I ashamed? Because I, book junkie, somehow haven't read one of this many, many books (and oh man, he's written a lot) until now. His work is renowned, many of his books have been turned into major motion pictures, and his storytelling abilities are constantly praised. And I'm a newbie. I am a silly, silly person. Let's just leave it at that, because now that I know what Nicholas Sparks is all about, there's no turning back. 

I've always thought that The Notebook would be the first Nicholas Sparks book and movie that I would read and watch respectively, but looks like I was wrong on both parts. No disappointment there though. I'm not sure which movie I watched first, The Last Song or A Walk to Remember, but both were great. Yet somehow, I still haven't watched (or read) The Notebook... Hm, I suppose I'll have to fix that movie and book situation soon.

Anyway, reading The Longest Ride was great, and I'm glad that this was my first glimpse at the world of Nicholas Sparks amazingness, because it's definitely left me wanting more. I've never read a book with more than two alternating POV's, so this was a nice surprise. It was so interesting reading a book that intertwined the three lives of three different people into one completely connected and whole story.

There's so much going on, but it's a good thing. It was really easy to follow, and I loved the authenticity. Ira was adorable, recounting his times with his departed Ruth with Ruth. Does that make sense? If you've read it, I'm guessing it does. And if you haven't, doesn't that little twist make you want to? As his health dwindles, the stories get cuter and cuter and I was transported. And I was just banging my head (internally, of course) because why wasn't anybody coming to save him? His side of the story was just so beautiful.

But then so are Sophia and Luke's stories. Gosh, this whole entire book was just so beautiful. As the love story of Ira and Ruth is revealed, the love story of Sophia and Luke is being lived. It's amazing how everything unravels. So many emotions will be brought on, and if I had just one word (other than beautiful) to describe this book, the individual stories, and Nicholas Sparks, it would have to be that everything is breathtaking. 

And the conclusion, oh, the conclusion. It brought on the feels, that's all I have to say. The way they connected at the end is both heartbreaking and life changing. I sort of saw the ending coming, but I never thought of how it would happen. Wowzers, I sure didn't see that coming, and let me tell you, it does not disappoint. I'm not kidding when I say that it's life changing, because it is literally life changing. If you read it, you'll see what I mean... Basically, read this book because it's awesome, wonderful, beautiful, amazing, and... quite frankly, I'm on a Nicholas Sparks newbie euphoric journey.

I think it's appropriate to say that I am officially a Nicholas Sparks fan. The only problem is, which one should I read next?!

Pure perfection

★★★★★

First There Was Forever by Juliana Romano

First There Was Forever by Juliana Romano

Source: Library

Pages: 400

Publisher: Dial Books

Release Date: April 14th 2015

Series: Standalone

Verdict: Borrow

Summary: Lima and Hailey have always been best friends: Lima shy and sensitive, Hailey funny and free-spirited. But Hailey abandons Lima to party with the popular kids and pursue Nate, her disinterested crush. As their friendship falters, Lima and Nate begin spending more time together. And before Lima knows what she’s feeling, she and Nate do something irreversible. Something that would hurt Hailey... if she knew it happened.

Lima thinks she’s saving her friendship by lying, but she’s only buying time. As the secrets stack up, Lima is forced to make a choice: between her best friend forever, and the boy who wasn’t meant to be hers.

Review: A coming of age story, First There Was Forever is a book about love, loss, and growing up. Nothing in life is predictable, and Lima shows that when something unexpected comes along, the best thing to do is to trust your own instincts, go for what you want, and let go of everything that's holding you back.

Two peas in a pod, Lima and Hailey have a friendship like no other. Even though they are complete opposites, with Lima and introvert and Hailey and extrovert, they have each other's backs. But then, like with all teenagers, superficial issues catch up to them. In high school especially, popularity is something that many people strive for. When Hailey decides to make new friends in order to up her social status and gain the interest of her longtime crush, Nate, it becomes clear that Lima isn't someone who will help Hailey achieve that.

It's hard to say what was really going through Hailey's mind, because one second she's hanging out with her bestie, Lima, and then the next second, she has a new best friend and bails on Lima all the time. What was so difficult to read was how Lima reacted to it all. She had no idea she was getting ditched, and that's something that is commonly seen in reality. The truth isn't accepted until it hits home, and it really hits home with Lima. 

It was interesting seeing Lima find herself, because she was able to discover that she had a lot going for herself. She didn't need to be Hailey's shadow because she had a magnetic personality when she really became just Lima, as opposed to the Lima in LimaAndHailey. 

I did get annoyed with Hailey because of how she treated herself and Lima. It seemed like she didn't respect herself enough to live life to its fullest. Hiding behind the pretense of outgoing and fierce, I found that she was really insecure and shy at times. It just goes to show that nothing is ever as it seems. Icing Lima out is something that I can never understand or justify, though. True friends are loyal, no matter what. Yet Hailey just drops Lima like they never had a friendship to begin with. And her obsession with Nate was overwhelming and unstable. Hailey became a person who would do anything to get the attention of a guy, even if it meant isolating her best friend. And that's just something that I cannot get behind.

Speaking of Nate... Nate was a bit of an enigma. He was brooding, intense, and surprisingly sweet. His interactions with Lima were so cute. He actually saw Lima for the good, kind, and whole person she was. Even though Nate caused a good chunk of the problems between Lima and Hailey in this book, I truly think that he's a good guy. 

Lima was a character that I could really feel for, because she was just so goodhearted, despite what some of the actions taken may have insinuated. Things happen, and that's the reality of life. But Lima was strong and capable and willing. Because of that, things turned around for the better, for Lima, for Nate, for Hailey, and for everyone.

I'm so glad the lovely ladies at Rather Be Reading recommended this book. First There Was Forever is a book that both entertains and teaches, which truly is one of the best kinds of books, really. With this stunning debut, I think it's safe to say that I'm going to be very excited for whatever Juliana Romano has coming up next. 

Really enjoyed

★★★★☆

Heartbreak River by Tricia Mills

Heartbreak River by Tricia Mills

Source: Library

Pages: 256

Publisher: Razorbill

Release Date: April 16th 2009

Series: Standalone

Verdict: Borrow

Summary: Alex thought she'd be spending the summer focused on her family's rafting business, burying the memories of her father's death last year, and leaving behind all the messes she made in its wake.

But when Sean returns to town, she is forced to reckon with her mixed-up crushy feelings for him - more powerful than ever before. It takes another tragedy to make Alex realize Sean has loved her, and forgiven her, all along.

Review: I seem to be making a habit of picking up books that take me on emotional roller coasters. Heartbreak River is literally heartbreak river. No joke. It is what it is, and that's what it is. Flow of emotions, squeezing of the heart, laughter, love, anger, sadness, angst, happiness, shock, honesty—heartbreak river. I basically became a person with a gazillion emotions. I never knew that I could feel so much in a few hours. But oh, I definitely can.

I don't think the summary really does the book justice. To me, it was deeper than what I had been expecting. Going in, I was expecting the typical teenage romance story, but that's not what I got. Instead, I got tragedy, insecurities, conflict, recklessness, dysfunction, and so much more. Even though it wasn't what I thought I was getting, what I got was no disappointment, that's for sure.

I enjoyed the dynamics that Alex had with everybody. Of course, her complicated relationship with Sean was by far the most interesting. I kept wondering what happened the previous summer, what was going to happen, and how everything would unravel. And wow, what I discovered, well, it was great. The duo of Alex and Sean is definitely not one to be messed with. They had a past, they have a present, and the future? Well, that's what's to be discovered by reading this book.

Everything was great about this book, but I did have one slight problem. I didn't really like what the tragedy was at the end. It seemed like it was sort of randomly thrown in, and I just didn't get why it had to unfold the way it did. But even with that minor break in flow, this book was the definition of smooth. 

Heartbreak River is a book that's definitely going to appeal to all the emotions that exist. There's a little bit of everything, and that's what makes it so great. Sure, it had some bumps along the way, but in the end, it kept flowing, just like a river. This is a story that you won't want to skip.

Really enjoyed

★★★★☆