Something Strange and Deadly is the first novel in Susan Dennard’s Something Strange and Deadly series. The tale takes place in Philadelphia, PA in the year 1876. I loved this steampunk zombie novel, featuring the feisty, sleuth protagonist Eleanor Fitt. I easily finished this novel in two evenings and look forward to reading more.
Big Sky Mountain by Linda Lael Miller
Big Sky Mountain is the second novel, in Linda Leal Miller’s, Swoon-Worthy Cowboys series. We find ourselves back in Parable, Montana. This time she shares Hutch and Kendra’ tale. This was a funny, sweet, small town romance. I enjoyed visiting Parable again and the characters who reside there. Each of these novels can be read as a standalone, but I like getting to know all of the characters and recommend reading them in order.
What A Boy Wants by Nyrae Dawn
What A Boy Wants by Nyrae Dawn was my first ever YA contemporary experience. Are you shocked? Excluding Harry Potter and TwilightI am basically a YA newbie. I began reading them in earnest a little over six months ago. My YA drug of choice has been; dystopian, paranormal and urban fantasy. I am not a huge contemporary fan to begin with -with the exception of small town series and anything with a cowboy *swoons*..but I digress. I could not have picked a better book to try. This was a fun, hilarious, sweet and touching tale of first love. I was able to connect; simply from remembering that first crush, that first kiss and that first love.
The Sandcastle Girls by Chris Bohjalian
“How do a million and a half people die with nobody knowing? — You kill them in the middle of nowhere.” –Chris Bohjalian, The Sandcastle Girls
The Sandcastle Girls by Chris Bohjalian is one of the most beautiful and touching novels that I have ever had the pleasure to read. I just finished reading this and I sit her with puffy eyes and a heavy heart. This was both an epic family love story and a look …
Article 5 by Kristen Simmons
Kristen Simmons debut novel Article 5 blew me away. Set in the United States this post apocalyptic dystopia was gripping and the romance bittersweet. I consumed this book in a few hours and it left me wanting more, wrought with emotion and completely convinced I could never be compliant.