We Used to Be Friends by Amy Spalding

 Not only is this title the same as one of my favorite iconic songs from the OC it is also just as fantastic! 

This dual narrative involves to besties Kat and James who are going through their senior year. It is an authentic story of what happens sometimes in friendships when we don't listen to words unspoken and hidden cues from our loved ones. Kat becomes involved with a female Quinn who she adores and James feels like an outsider. Kat can't quite wrap her head around James feelings and actions. James is currently dealing with her decision to break up with her wonderful boyfriend as she struggles with her parents' divorce. In this high school tale of friendship and coming into adulthood these two ladies unravel the truth about their differences as senior year comes to a close. 

A bit confusing to read as an  audio book but entertaining just as well. 

Romantic February Reads

 It's February! Time for romantic reads, Galentine's and all the good feels (or 'situationships' ?) Here are a few of my pics on the list for the month:

Juniors by Kaui Hart Hemmings 

Author of "The Descendants" brings us a teen read about romance and social class set in the islands of Hawaii. Lea Lane, a witty and strong junior must gauge how much she is willing to change to fit in with Hawaii's elite. Her move to the "upper east side" of the island, living in the guesthouse of  a popular classmate, has her world turned upside down. As her friendship with her housemate and her handsome brother grows, she must learn to trust her instincts in regards to risky behavior- both in love and friendship. Readers will love how this story does not down play adult themes in young adult fiction. 

Paris is Always a Good Idea by Mckinlay

Our heroine, still grieving the loss of her mom takes a trip to Paris and other romantic cities to settle herself and "find her mojo" again. As she travels, she rekindles old romantic friendships each giving her a new perspective on life. Although not a teen book, older teens might fun this romantic read light and full of self discovery.  

January Reads 2022

 This month I came across two very different books that hooked me in. Both titles are for middle school readers and hold different topics for this age group. 

Pumpkin Spice Up Your Life by Nelson

On a lighter note, I also read another title from the beloved Wish series. Nadine and Daniel have been best friends since they were little and have a love of creating coffee concoctions. Daniel, the barista and Nadine the cello star who loves to sample his delights. Just as  her feelings for him are starting to surface, Daniel falls in love with the new coffee shop owner's daughter Kiya.  At first, Nadine starts to help him woo over his crush as she plans her audition for an important music summer camp. Then things start to crumble as her mom resurfaces again into her life . Just when Nadine needs him the most he starts to focus all his attention on this new girl, while she must struggle to map out her feelings before its too late. Readers will be taken for an emotional ride with this touching story of first love and friendship. 

When You Know What I Know by Solter 

One day, afterschool Tori's uncle does the unforgiveable and touches her inappropriately. She tells her mom immediately, but her mom does not believe her. As Tori learns to find her voice, goes through therapy and feels her emotion and pain; she learns that he has done this to other children too. The author gives us a look at the emotional trauma of abuse through prose and careful imagery. This is such an important book. I loved that the author included resources at the back of the book for families experiencing trauma and abuse. 

Hot Cocoa Hearts by Nelson

    Hello fellow readers! I am ending the year with a  sweet book from the ever popular Wish Series. 

    This is a charming tale of first love, friendships, and dealing with grief. Emery Mason, our main character hates  Christmas. Ironically, she works at her parents' photo booth in the mall as an elf every holiday and her house, known as the Holly Jolly House in the neighborhood is always decorated with lights and plastic animals for all of the neighborhood families to enjoy. This year however, Emery is trying to impress  her  crush Sawyer, who hates the stereotypical winter season. She is torn between her authentic self and impressing him as memories spent with her late grandmother come back to haunt her during this time. She learns to share the past with a trusted friend, Alex. He is always there with a lending ear and a hot cup of cocoa. 

 Readers will enjoy finding out which crush Emery chooses this holiday season. It will be between staying true to what she knows or coming to terms with the past. 

Holiday Picks

 Tis the season for fun teen books and romance novels! I know it has been a minute since I have posted and let's not beat around the bush... since I have completed a book. I just finished Jennifer Yen's, A Taste for Love. This book is perfect for fans of Sarah Dessen and Jenny Han as we follow a young bright protagonist who has aspirations of becoming a famous baker much to the dismay of her strict mother. It is a timeless tale with a Jane Austin vibe that will have you well engaged. 

I am also hoping to get my hands on " So this is Christmas," for the holiday season. It sounds like the perfect book to cozy up with this winter. Let me know your thoughts and your favorite holiday reads in the comments below. 

#authorjenniferyen #authortracyandreen

#teenholidaybooks 

Summer Constellations by Sevigny

 What a summer it has been! With a blink of an eye, we are knee deep into fall. I wish the weather would catch up, but in Southern California we are here facing a 97 degree afternoon in mid September. 

I just finished a fun, quick read titled Summer Constellations by Alisha Sevigny. Our fierce protagonist, Julia looks forward to another summer working at her family's resort. Her summer fling Dan returns to the resort each year and she hopes they can rekindle their flame into something permanent. Much to her surprise, Dan brings his new girlfriend and she soon learns that the resort is in jeopardy of being sold. She befriends Dan's cousin in hopes that he can help her as a friend and maybe more. With spirit, spunk, a younger brother who suffers a serious illness and summer romance... this book is a great one to add to your list. 

Other titles I'm trying to finish...

Happy reading! 

Glitter Gets Everywhere by Clark

 Hope, sorrow and grief fill the pages of this title as we witness Kitty navigate the everchanging waters of grief. She longs for things to return to normal but they never will, leaving her sister and father trying to cope as a family. Her dad uproots the family to New York due to his work and we follow Kitty along as she tries to make the best of things and understand her grief. 

As a woman who just lost her own Mom, I found this book to give me hope, sorrow and many memories. 

The Retake by Jen Calonita

     It is so exciting to be back in the library exploring new books. I ran across a newish title from Jen Calonita and it did not disappoint. 

    Zoe has just started seventh grade and with that comes problems! Her and her best friend Laura have not been connecting on the same level as she had hoped. Zoe longs for their friendship to stay the same, but Lara has other people and things on her mind that don't include her. As our protagonist struggles to hold on tight to her friendship she comes across a mysterious app on her phone that allows her to "retake" scenarios in her life. She goes back in time to manipulate her circumstances surrounding the lost friendship only to find that fate still has its own agenda. Mixed with emotion, lessons on female friendship and middle school drama, this book is a must read for both contemporary fiction and fantasy readers. By the way.... who wouldn't want to "retake" the bad moments in their life? 

Books for Healing and Other Soft Reads

Hello fellow readers! I know it has been quite some time since I have blogged. 2020 was quite a year for me with many changes, and 2021 has quickly become a year of growth, healing, and then some! I have been reading and working on my own young adult fiction novel as many of you may already know, but if you're looking for some fresh reads... check out these books perfect for a year of healing: 

Broken Hearts, Fences, and Other Things to Mend by Katie Finn

Gemma's heart is broken at the beginning of summer by the love of her life. Rejected in a parking lot by her perfect guy and spotting him with a flirty tattooed girl was not quite how she pictured her season of fun to begin. She is sent off to the Hamptons with her father and pushed into a past that she must now come to terms with. As Gemma tries to get over her heartbreak and make amends with an old best friend, she is caught between telling the truth and finding a new love that may last. Fans of light romantic fiction will enjoy this read and may learn a lesson or two on revenge and love. I can't wait to finish off the series and share it with you.  

How to Be Calm by Anna Barnes

This easy to follow guide book focuses on ways we can input calmness and peace into our lives. The chapters include beautiful quotes and ideas which include changing our diet, scenery, and home for a peaceful life. Young adult will find the writing practical, inspiring and easy to follow. 

The Velvet Room by Snyder

This week, I re-read an old favorite from my childhood, The Velvet Room, and it was just as beautiful as I recall. What are some of your old favorites that you are reading during quarantine? Share them below. Also, if you love mysterious old mansions, historical fiction, and wanderlust characters... The Velvet Room is for you! 

She also wrote the fantastic novel, The Egypt Game, which is a fantastic story for middle schoolers depicting the time of Ancient Egypt. 

I'm also trying out a new hot pick from Barnes and Noble.... I'll be posting the review next week so stay tuned! 

#JessicaPennington #teensummerreads

Old Favorites for Teens - Blue is for Nightmares by Stolarz

I have been working on adding favorite titles to my home book shelf and came across "Blue is for Nightmares" by Laurie faria Stolarz at Book Off. As stores slowly start to open up during this COVID-19 pandemic, I was excited to finally walk into a bookstore! I finished off the first title in the series. Remember, some libraries in California are starting to do curbside pickup with a valid library card.
Title: Blue is for Nightmares
Author: Laurie faria Stolarz 
Summary: Hillcrest Boarding School is home to Stacey Brown, a teenager who utilizes her Wiccan powers and premonitions to ward off a killer. When her roommate starts to receive creepy phone calls, Stacey must use her powers and images from her nightmares to find the killer and keep her friend safe. Will she make it on time or will she lose friends over keeping this and other things a secret?


More in this series:
White is For Magic
Silver is For Secrets
Red is For Remembrance