Blog Tour and review: Banned Together

 

Title:  Banned Together 

Author: A Variety

Genre:  YA anthology

Publisher:  Holiday House

Publication Date:  March 4, 2025

Rating:  💥💥💥💥💥

About The Book 

A dazzling YA anthology that spotlights the transformative power of books while equipping teens to fight for the freedom to read, featuring the voices of 15 diverse, award-winning authors and illustrators.

Books are disappearing from shelves across the country. 

What does this mean for authors, illustrators, and—most crucially—for young readers? 

This bold collection of fiction, memoir, poetry, graphic narratives, essays, and other genres explores book bans through various lenses, and empowers teens to fight back. From moving personal accounts to clever comebacks aimed at censorship, fifteen legendary YA authors and illustrators confront the high-stakes question of what is lost when books are kept from teens. 

Contributors include Elana K. Arnold, Nikki Grimes, Ellen Hopkins, Kelly Jensen, Brendan Kiely, Maia Kobabe, Bill Konigsberg, Kyle Lukoff, MariNaomi, Trung Lê Nguy?n, Ashley Hope Pérez, Isabel Quintero, Traci Sorell, Robin Stevenson, and Padma Venkatraman; the collection is a star-studded must-read that packs strength and power into every last word. 

Striking illustrations from Ignatz-nominated artist Debbie Fong pair perfectly with the searing, impactful narrative. Resources include tips from the Vandegrift Banned Book Club and other teen activists, as well as extensive recommended book lists, a How to Start Your Own Little Free Library flier, and more.

My Thoughts.  

Although it's geared for a young audience, alone who supports equality and our freedom to be able to choose what to read should get and read this book.  There are a variety of thoughts,  and not one of them with a bad take.  This is the perfect resource for anyone who is truly fighting for human rights.  And it uses a variety of graphics and essays for anyone and is powerful and educational. 

Book Review: A Sky Full Of Love by Lorna Lewis

 Title:  A Sky Full Of Love

Author:  Lorna Lewis

Genre:  Women's Fiction

Publisher:  Union Lake Station

Publication Date:  June 1, 2025

Rating: 💥💥💥💥💥

About The Book

Following a harrowing disappearance, a woman returns home to her family—and a life-changing secret in a powerful novel about betrayal, resilience, and love’s unbreakable bonds.

After fifteen years in captivity, Nova Lefleur is free, back home, and reunited with her Louisiana family. Through her ordeal, she never forgot them. They never forgot her either. But things have changed since Nova’s been gone.

Nova and her encouraging seventeen-year-old daughter, Skye, are getting to know each other for the first time. Her husband, Quinton, is rebuilding a relationship with a wife he thought was gone forever. And Nova’s sister, Leah, is overjoyed—and overwhelmed.

Leah shares a secret with Quinton neither can bear to tell the woman they cherish. Not yet. Five years ago, bonding over grief and finding a reason to smile again, Quinton and Leah were married. When it’s time for the truth to come out, they could lose Nova all over again.

As Nova is eased back into a life both familiar and unfamiliar, she and her family must confront their deepest fears, the choices they made, and the choices to come that will reshape each of their lives forever.

My Thoughts

After finishing this book, I don't know what the author put in this book, whether it was crack or some other kind of addictive substance, because this story was truly that addictive.  I did not want it to end nor did I want to put it down, although there were times I had no choice but to.  The story was mesmerizing and captivating and took me on a roller coaster ride like no other.  I was a complete emotional wreck.  I have been reading her books since the beginning of her career, and she just keeps getting better and better.  So exicted to see what she comes up with for her next book.

About The Author

Lorna is gifted at turning characters’ dreams into drama and crafting stories rich with emotion while exploring the complexities of real-life situations such as marriage, infidelity, fertility struggles, betrayal, and the power of forgiveness. In addition to being an author, Lorna is also an educator. She believes in using her creativity to inspire and teach others both in the classroom and through her writing. A native of Varnado, Louisiana, a small town much like the ones she loves bringing to life in her stories, Lorna’s southern roots influence the sense of community, culture, and warmth in her work. When she’s not writing her next novel, Lorna enjoys spending quality time with her husband and their two beautiful children, finding joy in family life, and drawing inspiration from her own experiences to enrich her writing.

Blog Tour and Review: Beneath The Sunshine by Smardline S.

 Title:  Beneath the Sunshine

Author:  Smardline S.  

Genre:  Billionaire Romance

Publication Date:  May 27, 2025

Rating: 💥💥💥💥💥

About The Book:

She ran from him once. Now, he’ll do anything to keep her.

Beautiful. Bold. Guarded.

Rylee Queen del Sol has spent years keeping her heart locked away, convinced love isn’t meant for her. But when she takes a dream job in Paris, she never expects her new French billionaire boss to be the man she ghosted a year ago-the only man who ever made her want more.

Charming. Rich. Possessive

Lucien Kingley has everything: wealth, power, control. Everything except her. So when the opportunity to bring her back into his life presents itself, he takes it. Hiring her as his new marketing director.

Lucien needs a wife to secure his CEO position before his 30th birthday. Rylee needs a way to gain custody of her sister.

A marriage of convenience is the perfect solution... until the lines between business and desire start to blur. The longer they pretend, the more real it becomes.

But when Lucien’s secrets come to light, Rylee is ready to walk away.

Now, he has to convince her to stay.

Because the only thing more important than his CEO role... is her.

My Thoughts

This is my second book from this author, and I am enjoying her stories more and more with each one.  Lucien and Rylee were perfect for each other. It has become one of my favorite billionaire stories.  And the chemistry they had for each other made me so happy and giddy.  And the supporting characters added so much to the story. Riley's strength made her one of my favorite FMC's.   I really enjoyed this book and can't wait for the author's next story.  

About The Author:

Smardline is a passionate Black author with a passion for reading for as long as she can remember. She writes heartfelt stories with a touch of magic (because what’s life without a bit of wonder?), and she's planning to explore the fantasy genre soon. Nature holds a special place in her heart—especially waterfalls. Her dream? A cozy home in the countryside, ideally with a waterfall view, but she’d settle for a small river in the background. Add a garden, a few goats, and chickens, and she’d be living her best life.

Blog Tour and review: Out Of Step Into You by Ciera Burch

 Title:  Out Of Step Into You

Author:  Ciera Burch

Genre:  YA Sapphic 

Publisher:  Farrar, Straus and Giroux

Publication Date:  May 20, 2021

Rating: 💥💥💥💥

About The Book

You can’t outrun love.

Taylor and Marianna were each other’s whole world – best friends, running partners, practically sisters – until Marianna moved away and Taylor promptly ghosted her. When the former best friends turned rivals end up on the same cross-country team three years later, everything is a competition… and a reminder of old feelings, as well as blossoming new ones.

Marianna runs because she’s angry.The oldest child of a single mother, she knows all about responsibility – for her siblings, at her part-time job. She just has to stay focused and be faster than the past nipping at her heels if she wants to secure a new, brighter future. With or without Taylor.

Taylor runs to prove herself. The only child of a Divison 1 athlete, she’s no stranger to high expectations. With enough effort, she knows she can immortalize herself with a state record and make her parents proud. Then, she can discover her own passion. She definitely doesn’t have time to untangle her feelings towards Mari.

Can this pair figure out a way to work together before their past catches up with them?

My Thoughts

This was such an endering and emotional story.   The characters were authentic and i appreciated reading how they handled life's circumstances as well as the transition from enemies/rivals to lovers.  The Author did a great job with showing emotions from both characters.  I will be looking for more books from the author in the future.

Blog tour and review: Flying In Colors by Padma Prasad Reddeppa

 

Title:  Flying in Colors

Author: Padma Prasad Reddeppa

Genre: Middle School

Publisher: Lee and Low

Publication Date:  May 6, 2025

Rating:  💥💥💥💥

About The Book

Aunties tell nine-year-old Pavi that she's asking too many "big women" questions, but she's tired of grown-up secrets. How are babies born? And why do people die? A beautiful debut about family, tradition, and the healing that comes from finding the answers.

It's 1975, Tamil Nadu, South India, and nine-year-old Pavi is living a carefree life with her large intergenerational family. Everyday is an adventure. Why not steal 233 mangoes from the neighbor's tree? Or make up grand stories that take her to Jupiter? If only there wasn't a sadness lingering over the family. You see, her uncle Selva died just five months after she was born.

Pavi may have been just a baby when Selva died, but she feels close to him, as if he's watching over her, helping her when she needs it. But she has so many questions about Selva's death. And why does anyone die when they do?

The grown-ups in Pavi's life are hiding something. They dismiss her questions. For instance, when Pavi and her cousins ask about babies, all anyone says is "Little women are asking big women questions." And when she asks about Selva, there are no answers either. Why is talking about life and death so hard? Pavi is tired of grown-up secrets!

But what if those answers can hurt, or bad things happen? Can prayers and traditions really protect those we love? Pavi is determined to find out.

My Thoughts 

This was such an emotional and adorable read. TBH, This was me at 9, always asking questions then being told to stop talking or being "grown folks business". I do wish parents did better with those of us that happen to be inquisitive (or nosey, as some of the elders would say). I loved her character and some of the antics that she found herself involved in. Perfect read for those who have Littles in their lives

Blog Tour and Review: It's you every time by Charlene Thomas

 

Title:  Its You Every Time

Author:  Charlene Thomas

Genre:  YA Romance

Publisher:  Scholastic Press 

• Publication date: May 6, 2025
• 
  
• Rating:  💥💥💥💥

About The Book

A story about self-discovery, grief, and destiny that begs the question: How do you keep going when your world has stopped spinning?

When Sydney Michaels stops for breakfast in order to put off scholastic ruin a little longer, she never expected to-quite literally-bump into cute-boy stranger, Marcus Burke.

When Marcus invites her to have breakfast with him instead of going to class, she can't ignore the urge to get to know him better-or the fact that this charming new acquaintance seems just as interested in her.

After a magical day together in their hometown of New York City, Sydney is finally willing to believe that maybe-just maybe-after years of loss and heartache, she's finally reached the good part.

But when it comes time to say goodbye, as they linger in a crosswalk, something happens. An accident? Sydney isn't sure-all she knows is that, after screeching tires, blinding headlights, and a moment of searing pain, she opens her eyes and is back in her bed. On September 24-the morning of her big exam-again

My Thoughts 

This was a cute story with Groundhog Days vibes (The Movie).  It was fast paced and such an enjoyable read.  I loved the short chapters.  There are also themes of grief as well as lessons and social themes throughout the book.  And I enjoyed the dual POV..  I think my favorite part was their visit to one of my favorite cities.  The author showed the beauty of it that those of us that live there or near by see often.  And some parts brought straight tears to my eyes, with what they both had to endure.  Especially Marcus.  But the way the author handled their individual grief situations was nothing short of emotional.   I will be looking for future stories from this author 

About The Author

Charlene Thomas started writing when she was a little girl because she has a tendency to love telling stories just as much as she loves living them. She was sixteen when she wrote a manuscript that won the National Novel Silver Award from Scholastic Books, and went on to minor in creative writing at North Carolina State University. She writes books about the world we live in, inspired by her experiences growing up in Montgomery County, MD. She believes a lot in people and what all of us are capable of, and maybe that’s why she loves creating big characters who are steadfastly determined to change their own little parts of the world.

When Charlene isn't writing, she's also a marketer. She earned her MBA from Emory University, a Certificate in Digital Marketing from Cornell University, and a Certificate in Teaching Creative Writing from The University of Cambridge.

Blog Tour And Review: 52 Weeks, A Party Of One by Bianca Pensy Aba

 

Title:  52 Weeks A Party Of One

Author:  Bianca Pensy Aba

Genre: 

Publisher:  Bianca Pensy ABA

Publication Date:  April 23, 2025

Rating: 💣💣💣

About The Book

Aisha isn’t known to hold her tongue, but that’s until she finds out her boyfriend and her best friend are having an affair on New Year’s Eve. This sends her packing. She leaves Denver and moves to Dallas to have the time and space to process the betrayal.

Spending time alone also spotlights other issues she has been trying to conceal: her broken relationship with her mother, her growing apart from her brother, and the impact of her late absentee father on her life.

Aisha is overwhelmed by everything, so instead of using her time away to “do the work,” she spends weeks putting it off and indulging in every possible distraction—until she hits a wall.

Aisha will have to either confront the ghosts from her past before the year ends or continue to pretend they aren’t there and let them haunt her until the very end.

My Thoughts

NGL, the start of the book, had me excited to read the book, but after the first couple of chapters, I struggled with the story.   Although everyone's journey to helimg is different, the FMC didn't really take any step to actually start healing, in my opinion.  It did seem to become more enjoyable at the halfway mark.  I normally don't have a problem with slower paced stories, but this one felt much more slower and parts seemed to drag.  And Aisha's character frustrated me through the story.  But my feelings could be because I've been in and out of slumps recently.  I would still read future books from this author.

About The Author

BIANCA PENSY ABA was born on May 27, 1993, in Yaoundé, Cameroon. She lived in her native country until she turned eighteen. She graduated from Graceland University in 2017. She was a college athlete who played sports most of her life. Her second love was basketball. Her first was writing. She is the author of ACROSS BOTH SIDES OF THE MIRROR and 52 WEEKS A PARTY OF ONE. She lives in Allen, Texas, where she enjoys picnicking, reading, hiking, watching terrible dating shows, sipping a glass of wine on her balcony, and doing whatever else she is in the mood for

Blog Tour and Review: Pritty and Togetha by Keith F. Miller

 Title:  Pritty

Author:  Keith F. Miller

Genre:  LGBQIA+ YA

Publisher:  Harper Teen

Publication Date:  November 14, 2023

Rating:  💥💥💥💥💥

About the Book

On the verge of summer before his senior year, Jay is a soft soul in a world of concrete. While his older brother is everything people expect a man to be—tough, athletic, and in charge—Jay simply blends into the background to everyone, except when it comes to Leroy.

Unsure of what he could have possibly done to catch the eye of the boy who could easily have anyone he wants, Jay isn’t about to ignore the surprising but welcome attention. But as everything in his world begins to heat up, especially with Leroy, whispered rumors over the murder of a young Black journalist and long-brewing territory tensions hang like a dark cloud over his neighborhood. And when Jay and Leroy find themselves caught in the crossfire, Leroy isn’t willing to be the reason Jay’s life is at risk.

Dragged into the world of the Black Diamonds—whose work to protect the Black neighborhoods of Savannah began with his father and now falls to his older brother—Leroy knows that finding out who attacked his brother is not only the key to protecting everyone he loves but also the only way he can ever be with Jay. Wading through a murky history of family trauma and regret, Leroy soon discovers that there’s no keeping Jay safe when Jay’s own family is in just as deep and fighting the undertow of danger just as hard.

Now Jay and Leroy must puzzle through secrets hiding in plain sight and scramble to uncover who is determined to eliminate the Black Diamonds before someone else gets hurt—even if the cost might be their own electric connection.

My Thoughts:  

This book was Poignant, heartbreaking and lyrical. If you’re looking for an emotional read, this one needs to be on your radar. I could not get enough of this story and it took me on an emotionally roller coaster ride from beginning to end. I could not put this book down. This is one of those books that needs more attention than it’s gotten. In the midst of heartbreak and tears, there is joy and healing. It is such a beautiful story and I can’t wait to see what the author comes up with next.

Title:  Togetha

Author:  Keith F. Miller

Genre: LGBQIA+ YA

Publisher: Harper YA

Publication Date:  January 7, 2025

Rating: 💥💥💥💥💥

About The Book:

After finally reuniting, Jay and Leroy have never been in more danger. Caught in the crosshairs of the affluent Bainbridge family, who they’ve learned is determined to reshape Savannah in their own image, the duo has only just survived a series of near-death experiences before reaching the safety of the Black Diamonds. But the BDs’ ability to protect the Black neighborhoods of their city is slipping….

Missing the key piece of evidence that could have broken the Bainbridges’ hold over Savannah, everyone is scrambling for options. But when one of their own is kidnapped, Jay and Leroy realize they can’t rely on anyone but themselves to save them. Recruiting old friends, former enemies, and their most risky ally, Jay’s once-upon-a-time crush, Will, they set out to do the impossible: find the evidence they lost in order to finally expose the Bainbridges’ corruption to the world, by any means necessary.

But even as their plans bring them closer to revealing the Bainbridges’ treacherous endgame, Jay and Leroy’s own secrets from each other threaten to pull their love apart, just as old feelings between Jay and Will begin to blossom again. And as the battle for a brighter future boils over into the streets, to save their homes—and everyone they love—Jay, Leroy, and Will must decide: When the cost of justice might be each of their happiness, will they be able to make the sacrifice togetha? 

My Thoughts:

With returning characters from Pritty as well as some added new characters, Togetha gives us a conclusion like no other, and has the same emotional roller coaster ride of Pritty.  It had so many lessons throughout both stories, I might have to do a re read one of these days.  Without giving away too much, these were some of the most enjoyable Queer Books I've read this year, and I can't wait to see what the author comes up with next.  They are now officially on my autobuy list.

About the Author

Keith F. Miller Jr. is an award-winning educator, artist, and researcher who studies healing literacies and their role in supporting BIPOC communities in healing, growing, and thriving through trauma. He is the founder of Healing By Any Means, LLC, which powers people, projects, and healing-centered research in service of systems and narrative change through the arts. He is an executive producer of Pritty: The Animation and an MFA degree candidate in creative writing at St. Francis College in New York City.

Blog Tour and Review: The Life of Herod The Great by Zora Neale Hurston

 

Title:  The Life of Herod The Great

Author:  Zora Neale Hurston

Genre:  Historical Fiction 

Publisher:  Harper Collins

Publication Date:  January 7, 2025

Rating:  💥💥💥

About The Book

A never before published novel from beloved author Zora Neale Hurston, revealing the historical Herod the Great—not the villain the Bible makes him out to be but a religious and philosophical man who lived a life of valor and vision.

In the 1950s, as a continuation of Moses, Man of the Mountain, Zora Neale Hurston penned a historical novel about one of the most infamous figures in the Bible, Herod the Great. In Hurston’s retelling, Herod is not the wicked ruler of the New Testament who is charged with the “slaughter of the innocents,” but a forerunner of Christ—a beloved king who enriched Jewish culture and brought prosperity and peace to Judea.

From the peaks of triumph to the depths of human misery, the historical Herod “appears to have been singled out and especially endowed to attract the lightning of fate,” Hurston writes. An intimate of both Marc Antony and Julius Caesar, the Judean king lived during the first century BCE, in a time of war and imperial expansion that was rife with political assassinations and bribery, as the old world gave way to the new.

Portraying Herod within this vivid and dynamic world of antiquity, little known to modern readers, Hurston’s unfinished manuscript brings this complex, compelling, and misunderstood leader fully into focus. Hurston shared her findings about Herod’s rise, his reign, and his waning days in letters to friends and associates. Text from three of these letters concludes the manuscript in an intimate way. Scholar-Editor Deborah Plant’s "Commentary: A Story Finally Told" assesses Hurston’s pioneering work and underscores Hurston’s perspective that the first century BCE has much to teach us and that the lens through which to view this dramatic and stirring era is the life and times of Herod the Great.

My Thoughts

Growing up as the daughter of a preacher, we were always taught the Bible version of King Herod.  Now because of my gender, I was always in trouble for asking questions growing up.  I always wondered if that portrayal was his real life.  Although this book does not necessarily answer that, it does give a different viewpoint into what his life might have been life.  Although i did struggle with some parts and aspects of this book, it did seen to get more enjoyable and exciting at about 75% of the way through.  I especially enjoyed the commentary at the end. 

Blog tour and Review: Before you climb Any Higher By Jonathan McReynolds

 

Title:  Before You climb Any Higher 

Author:  Jonathan McReynolds

Genre:  Christian Nonfiction 

Publisher:  Thomas Nelson 

Publication Date:  February 18, 2025

About The Book

We long for mountaintop experiences, but they’re difficult to achieve and impossible to maintain without the rest, nourishment, and strength found in lush, life-giving valleys. GRAMMY Award winner Jonathan McReynolds shows us why having a valley mindset is not what you think—it’s about receiving God’s grace, love, and encouragement as His beloved child. 

Life is full of mountains to ascend, driven by our dreams, ambitions, and callings. But it doesn’t take much for even the strongest climbers to grow weary or lose their way. It’s important to have a “mountain mindset” to help us establish goals, to make steady progress, to achieve success, to do big things for God. A great mission requires from us a little grind, a little hustle, a little competition. But also plenty of time in the valley.

Most people equate valley moments with difficulty and pain, but a “valley mentality” is different according to Jonathan McReynolds. He’s reached the mountaintop—GRAMMY Award, nationwide tours, millions of followers, and more—but he experienced more refreshment, rest, and encouragement from the Lord off the mountain. He writes, “The valley is not about finishing anything, studying anything, or doing anything, but simply being a child of God.” In Before You Climb Any Higher, readers will discover: 

• Taking breaks from climbing is necessary for your mental health
• Ways to find rest, renewal, and authentic community in the valley
• Identity should never be wrapped up in success and accolades
• How to prepare for the mountain climb with lessons learned in the valley
• It’s possible to live abundantly in the valley and on the mountain

 

We are more than our accomplishments, more than our mountaintop accomplishments. We are sons and daughters of God, who is calling us to rest in the valley, to replenish our souls, to be formed by the Spirit, to discover abundant life that is found only in Him.

My Thoughts 

I had to remove my deconstruction mindset before diving into this book.  It's relatable and honest.  Not only does the author give Biblical examples, he gives real life examples.  And one of the great things about it is how he didn't always mention names, but situations we as regular people can get caught up in.  I learned a lot about it.  You're going to want to make sure you have a physical copy, so you can go back and reference when needed.

Blog tour and review: Some Kind Of Forever by Layna James

Title:Some Kind Of Forever 

Author:  Layna James 

Genre: NA Interracial Romance 

Publication Date:  August 1, 2024

Rating:  💥💥💥💥

About The Book

Kayla Harris doesn’t have the time. A past heartbreak has pushed her to keep busy during college and as she enters her final year, one last job-filled summer stands between her and the internship of her dreams. When a cute tourist crashes into her life, Kayla has to reconcile her fear of another broken heart, and her determination to keep him at arm’s length with her growing attraction.

Chase Wilmington is ready to relax. Finished with college, he’s excited to take it easy before jumping into the family business. Summer vacation is exactly what he needs and he’s ready to unwind… until he meets Kayla. All he wants is a moment of her time, but she won’t give him the time of day.

Chase is captivated, and Kayla is trying to stay focused. When her world comes crashing down around her, Kayla has to rely on the very guy she’s tried to keep at a distance.

Can Chase reach the girl who seems immune to his charm, or will Kayla’s fears keep her from letting someone new into her life?

Summer vacation only lasts so long and life, like love, can be complicated.

My Thoughts 

This was such a cute read, and a pretty good job for it being the authors debut.  I especially loved Kayla and her personality.  And Chase was the right one to bring different perspective and personality to her life.  This was my first time reading a book from this author and it won't be my last.  Can't wait for the next book

About The Author 

Layna James lives in Texas with her family, an anxiety-ridden Rottie named Ruby, and way too many ideas about future projects.

A romantic at heart, her stories feature diverse characters who navigate the complexities of life while falling in love. Witty banter and swoon-worthy moments are her favorite things to write.

Layna loves fuzzy socks, most types of dessert, and all genres of music.

Blog Tour and Review: Harlem Rhapsody by Victoria Christopher Murray

 

Title:  Harlem Rhapsody

Author: Victoria Christopher Murray 

Genre: Historical Fiction

Publisher:  Berkley Publishing

Publication Date:  February 4th, 2025

Rating:  💥💥💥💥💥

About The Book

She found the literary voices that would inspire the world…. The extraordinary story of the woman who ignited the Harlem Renaissance, written by Victoria Christopher Murray, New York Times bestselling coauthor of The Personal Librarian.

In 1919, a high school teacher from Washington, D.C arrives in Harlem excited to realize her lifelong dream. Jessie Redmon Fauset has been named the literary editor of The Crisis. The first Black woman to hold this position at a preeminent Negro magazine, Jessie is poised to achieve literary greatness. But she holds a secret that jeopardizes it all.

W. E. B. Du Bois, the founder of The Crisis, is not only Jessie’s boss, he’s her lover. And neither his wife, nor their fourteen-year-age difference can keep the two apart. Amidst rumors of their tumultuous affair, Jessie is determined to prove herself. She attacks the challenge of discovering young writers with fervor, finding sixteen-year-old Countee Cullen, seventeen-year-old Langston Hughes, and Nella Larsen, who becomes one of her best friends. Under Jessie’s leadership, The Crisis thrives…every African American writer in the country wants their work published there.

When her first novel is released to great acclaim, it’s clear that Jessie is at the heart of a renaissance in Black music, theater, and the arts. She has shaped a generation of literary legends, but as she strives to preserve her legacy, she’ll discover the high cost of her unparalleled success.

My thoughts

Wow.  This is another one of those stories that will be hard to put into words on how much I've enjoyed this story.  At some point, I want to read it again and annotate and research ( and I don't really annotate my books).  This story was extraordinary and very much well written.  Many times I gave Jessie the side eye (and trust,  Mr. Man was getting them as well.) and at other times, i felt sorry for her as well.  And I also plan to look up her works as well.  And the tea made it all that much more enjoyable and entertaining.  Notsurprisingly, this has turned into one of my favorite stories of this month and of the year

About The Author

Victoria Christopher Murray is the New York Times bestselling author of more than 30 novels. Her novels, The Personal Librarian and The First Ladies, which she co-authored with Marie Benedict were both Instant New York Times bestsellers and her novel, Stand Your Ground won an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work - Fiction. Four of her novels, Lust, Envy, Wrath and Greed have been made into TV movies for Lifetime. Visit her at www.victoriachristophermurray.com.

Book Tour and Review: Love on Paper by Danielle Parker

 

Title:  Love on Paper 

Author:  Danielle Parker

Genre: Young Adult Contemporary Romance

Publishing Date: January 21, 2025

Publisher:  Joy Revolution

Rating: 💥💥💥

About The Book

From the author of You Bet Your Heart comes a heartfelt romance about two aspiring teen novelists finding love, good food, and a little bit of mystery at an exclusive writers’ retreat. Perfect for fans of K.L. Walther!

The daughter of two prestigious writers, Macy Descanso has decided to take her own writing seriously. So what if her mother pulled some strings to get Macy into a prestigious writing retreat? Macy belongs here. But when she arrives, she learns that the theme has been changed to romance, per the bequest of the late, prolific romance author Betty Quinn. Though a cynic, Macy lives for a challenge.

What she’s not prepared for is to be partnered with Caleb Bernard, also the child of two prestigious writers. The Descansos and Bernards notably have beef—a rivalry that has lasted generations. With something to prove, Macy and Caleb decide to put their family squabbles aside to work together as critique partners.

But this retreat is anything but ordinary. According to lore, every year, authors leave easter eggs behind for new students to find. Macy and Caleb are eager to solve Betty Quinn’s mystery. And in the process, Macy and Caleb find that they have a lot in common. Still, will their connection be enough to surpass their families’ feud? Can the relationship they’ve built continue after the retreat?

Content Warning: trauma, loss of parent, grief

My Thoughts

This was a cute palate cleanser of a read.  And it gives off Romeo and Juliet/ Hatfield and McCoy Vibes (with a not tragic ending).   I especially loved how both came from parents who were also writers.  Some of the things I read, including non fiction and historical fiction can be heavy, so it was nice to read something that was cute, light , fun and fluffy.  And it contained cozy mystery elements as well.   It was a solid read and I will be reading from this author in the future.

Book Links:

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/213197075

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0593565312/

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/love-on-paper-danielle-parker/1145579936

IndieBound: https://bookshop.org/p/books/love-on-paper-danielle-parker/21480827About The Book

From the author of You Bet Your Heart comes a heartfelt romance about two aspiring teen novelists finding love, good food, and a little bit of mystery at an exclusive writers’ retreat. Perfect for fans of K.L. Walther!

The daughter of two prestigious writers, Macy Descanso has decided to take her own writing seriously. So what if her mother pulled some strings to get Macy into a prestigious writing retreat? Macy belongs here. But when she arrives, she learns that the theme has been changed to romance, per the bequest of the late, prolific romance author Betty Quinn. Though a cynic, Macy lives for a challenge.

What she’s not prepared for is to be partnered with Caleb Bernard, also the child of two prestigious writers. The Descansos and Bernards notably have beef—a rivalry that has lasted generations. With something to prove, Macy and Caleb decide to put their family squabbles aside to work together as critique partners.

But this retreat is anything but ordinary. According to lore, every year, authors leave easter eggs behind for new students to find. Macy and Caleb are eager to solve Betty Quinn’s mystery. And in the process, Macy and Caleb find that they have a lot in common. Still, will their connection be enough to surpass their families’ feud? Can the relationship they’ve built continue after the retreat?

Content Warning: trauma, loss of parent, grief

Book Links:

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/213197075

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0593565312/

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/love-on-paper-danielle-parker/1145579936

IndieBound: https://bookshop.org/p/books/love-on-paper-danielle-parker/21480827

About the Author:

Danielle Parker is a young adult author from California. Danielle holds degrees from U.C.L.A. and U.C. Berkeley. A high school English teacher for a decade, Danielle’s talent was helping reluctant readers find their favorite books. When she’s not writing, she’s at the park with her young son. Danielle, her partner, and their toddler now live in the Pacific North West where she is always thinking about dessert.

Author Links:

Website: https://danielleparkerbooks.com/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@novelsshewrote

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/novelsshewrote/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21972914

Tour Schedule:

https://tbrandbeyondtours.com/2024/12/17/tour-schedule-love-on-paper-by-danielle-parker/