Bern's Bookcase: Girl Made of Stars Book Review

4.5 Poignant, Emotional & Thought-Provoking Stars for Girl Made of Stars! 

This book was beautifully written. Rape, abuse, and sexuality are not easy topics. Blake did an amazing job of telling this all too important story. It was told with hope, love and healing. It doesn't sugar coat life after abuse. Yet, it was powerful in its message that victims are worth the telling. That despite a culture that often places blame on the victim they are worth believing. That there are people who will listen. That they are not simply victims - they are survivors.

This is the story of Mara. Mara is such a complex character. There was simply no way I could not adore her. She was both broken and brave, scared and strong. Mara is struggling with trauma. A secret she has kept for years that is eating away at her. It causes panic attacks, PTSD and anxiety. The silence, shame and trauma she suffered were heart wrenching to read about.

Mara is a twin. Mara & Owen are as close as twins can be. That makes it all the more complex when one of her best friends, Hannah, accuses Owen of rape. Hannah and Owen were dating. They had been sexually intimate in the past. Hannah said no, in the heat of things. Owen didn't stop. What I truly appreciated was that Blake didn't sugar coat how difficult this was for Mara. She struggled with her belief. This was her brother. How this rape affected her family, her friendships and ultimately her own truth were written with such honesty and vulnerability that it made my heart ache.

"Some parts of me are gone. Some others have come alive, woken by the need to fight, to matter, to be heard. Some parts are wary, others angry, others heartbroken. But I'm still me. I'm still moving. We all are, in some way or another." 

This is YA that transcends its label. It's a book that should be read, experienced and felt by all ages and genders.

Bern's Bookcase: The Death and Life of Eleanor Parker Book Review

4 Death Shattering Stars for The Death and Life of Eleanor Parker

The Death and Life of Eleanor Parker is a YA thriller with a paranormal twist. Eleanor Parker wakes up in the local river - cold, half-dressed, water spraying from her mouth and no idea how she got there. 

"The memories are still just out of reach but there are two things of which I'm certain. I didn't fall into the river - I was drowned in it and, somehow, despite the fact I'm still here, I died last night." 

I'm pretty good at suspending my disbelief and stretching my imagination which is a requirement in order to enjoy a read like this. If you can do that - this book is quite an enjoyable whodunnit. Eleanor was an extremely likable lead character. She was an average teenager with all the problems and drama that come with that age. Except of course that she is technically undead! 

I have to admit that I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. The supernatural element was interesting and we never fully quite know what to make of it all. I liked that Wilkinson left it open to the reader's interpretation. 

"If a person believes in something, really believes, then it doesn't matter what others say." 

The mystery was well paced and I didn't have it figured out - WIN! The whole vibe of the book was unique and enjoyable. This is one that will definitely keep you turning the pages. 

Bern's Bookcase: Good Luck With That by Kristan Higgins

4.5 Stars for this sensitive, compassionate and emotional read on body image, eating disorders, self-worth and ultimately self-love and acceptance. 

"Life was kind and full of chances. Sometimes we didn't take them. Sometimes we hid our truth and acted out of fear. Sometimes we turned away and closed the door." 

For me, Kristan Higgin's Good Luck with That was an emotional read. Georgia, Marley & Emerson met at Camp Cooperbrook in their teens. This wasn't your typical summer camp - it was a weight loss camp. These three friends struggled with their weight throughout their lives and all the physical and emotional issues that go with that. 

Higgins did not shy away from difficult topics here. She tackled body image, eating disorders, obesity and was honest and frank about the mental and physical health issues that play a role in them. Each of these women battled her own "demons" so to speak as they struggled with their weight. It was difficult not to identify with them in some way. I don't know anyone who hasn't looked in the mirror at some point and was plagued by insecurities, self-doubt and a litany of self-criticism. 

The bulk of the book involves Marley and Georgia in the wake of Emerson's death due to obesity related health issues. Through Emerson's journal entries we get a peek at how she ended up morbidly obese and it was heart wrenching. It was too late for Emerson to make changes in her life, but she didn't want the same ending for her two best friends. So on her deathbed, Emerson gives Marley and Georgia a letter to be read after her funeral. Enclosed is a "Things We'll Do When We're Skinny" list they made during their final summer at Camp Cooperbrook. Emerson's dying wish is that her friends promise to complete this list. Why? They didn't see the point but because they had made a promise, they agree to try to see it through. 

The list ends up being a life changing experience for Marley and Georgia. As they cross off items, they face fears, make peace with their pasts, learn to trust and love themselves and ultimately find that ever elusive feeling of self-acceptance. 

"Good luck, I imagined the universe saying kindly, infusing the phrase with gentleness and faith. Good luck with everything."

For a book that was definitely emotionally heavy in what it covered, it left me feeling both positive and hopeful. Thank you Kristin Higgins for writing and sharing this compelling and emotional read.

Bern's Bookcase: The Child Finder Book Review

The Child Finder - "Each child she found was a molecule, a part of herself still remaining in the scary world she had left behind. Eventually they would all come together and form one being, knitted together in triumph. We are not forgotten, her action told her. You will not put us aside." 

 

Madison Culver disappeared in the woods one snowy day as her family searched for a Christmas tree. One moment she was there, the next she was gone. The snow swiftly covering her tracks. Madison was presumed buried in the snow or scavenged by animals. How could a 5 year old girl survive for long in the cold, snowy woods? 

Love and hope go hand in hand. After 3 years, Madison's mother still believed someone had taken her and that she was alive. Desperate but unwilling to give up on her daughter she contacted Naomi, a private investigator known as the Child Finder, for help. 

Naomi had a special talent for finding missing children. There had been a time when Naomi herself was a lost child. There are many questions in regards to Naomi's past. The trauma she endured is buried deep within her. Fragments of memories inevitably coming to the surface in her dreams. Is her mind protecting her from what had been done to her or from her own terrible guilt? 

The story unfolds from various perspectives giving us different insight at various points in the story as it switches from the past to the present. We get a first hand account of Madison's captivity and it was heartbreaking. It literally broke my heart to read those parts. Denfeld wrote with sensitivity, her words almost poetic in their blending of Madison's nightmarish reality with her magical fairytale like fantasies. Yet there was no mistaking the imagery - the moments were still dark, terrifying and horrible. She endured horrors no child should ever have to endure.

It feels almost impossible to explain how a book seeped with such darkness and sorrow was also full of love, hope and bravery. Yet it was. I look forward to reading more from Rene Denfeld and seeing what happens with Naomi in the future.

"No matter how far you have run, no matter how long you have been lost, it is never too late to be found." 

Bern's Bookcase: The Broken Girls by Simone St. James

4 Haunting Stars for The Broken Girls 

The Broken Girls is part paranormal story, part mystery and I enjoyed how Simone St. James blended the two together. I was actually surprised by how much I enjoyed the ghost aspect of the story.

The story unfolds via two separate storylines, set decades apart. At the center of each storyline stands Idlewild, a home for troubled girls. In 1950, a girl gets off a bus and goes missing. The only people who are convinced something is wrong are her roommates. Fellow troubled girls, Katie, CeCe and Roberta, know Sonia didn't just run away but no one cares enough to really investigate.

Years later in 2014, Idlewild is set to be reopened. Journalist, Fiona Sheridan is drawn to the land as it is where her older sister was found murdered 20 years before. She decides to write about the restoration for a local paper and uncovers so much more than she bargained for.

I was engrossed by the storyline and all its secrets. The mysteries of the deaths of these two girls with the added layer of a ghost haunting Idlewild kept me turning the pages. I really enjoyed the 1950's storyline and found each of the girls' backstory interesting. Their bond was touching and I appreciated their friendship in light of all the hardship they suffered.

There were several plot twists here and some I definitely didn't see coming! The Broken Girls was a suspenseful and haunting read that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Bern's Bookcase: Beasts of Extraordinary Circumstance

 5 Extraordinary Magical Stars for Ruth Emmie Lang's Beasts of Extraordinary Circumstance 

I LOVED this book so much more than I ever expected. I stayed up into the wee hours of the morning because I couldn't bear to put the book down. Then I was genuinely disappointed when the final page was turned, to find that it was done. I will genuinely miss these characters and the whimsical, magical world contained within the pages of this extraordinary story. 

This is not my typical kind of read and I'm so grateful to have branched out and read it. Beasts of Extraordinary Circumstance is a character driven story with characters that seep into your heart and burrow in - making a space for themselves for the longterm. 

"Weylyn is a mystery to me. A strange, intriguing, oddly charming mystery." 

The story centers around the extraordinary life of Weylyn Grey who was orphaned as a boy when his parents died in a blizzard. Weylyn was raised by wolves for some years. Having a strong connection to both nature and animals, the wolf pack becomes his family and the woods his home. Weylyn completely stole my heart! For someone who had endured such tragedy in his childhood he had such an amazing life. I don't want to give much away but I will say that I absolutely loved how he always ended up with people who needed him just as much as he needs them. Everyone he met, was touched in some way by having spent time with Weylyn. He is pure innocence & unspoiled goodness with a sprinkle of magic. 

"I feel like...before, I had one way of looking t things, and now, I have a million possibilities, and I get to choose." 

There were numerous characters in the story as it spanned almost 50 years of Wylen's life. Each section shared a special relationship/time in his life. Each was magical in its own way but my favorites were the relationships between Wylen and his foster sister, Lydia, and the relationship between Weylyn and Mary. They had such special bonds. Both of these women simply embraced Weylyn for who he was. They understood his restless need to roam and his desire to be both part of a family while also still being free. 

"Don't leave anything you can't come back to." I know I can come back here and I will be welcomed, and that brings me more comfort than anything else in this world." 

Bern's Bookcase: Rust & Stardust by T. Greenwood

"The world was a terrifying and dangerous place, a world that could convince you to offer up your own child to the devil without even thinking twice." 

Rust & Stardust is based on the 1948 kidnapping of 11 yr. old Sally Horner by Frank LaSalle. This story was heartbreaking for me to read as my youngest daughter is 11 yrs. old. Even knowing that this was a work of fiction I couldn't read about Sally's years with her captor and not feel it emotionally. It gutted me, imagining what horrors this girl must have endured at the hands of this vile pedophile. 

In T. Greenwood's work of historical fiction we are given her imagined renderings of the years Sally spent on the road with her captor. The events were fictional dramatizations, the relationships constructions of her imagination - this is not true crime & it never claims to be. Honestly, as I was reading I wished the whole thing were fictional and that it had never happened to little Sally. This poor lonely girl walked into a Woolworth's to steal something on a dare/initiation from a group of girls she desperately wanted to accept her. Little did she know that there was an ex-con & pedophile watching her who saw his perfect opportunity. Sally was young, gullible and vulnerable. Frank was despicable and preyed on her innocence. 

This book is not an easy, light hearted read. Yet, Greenwood did add elements of hope to balance out the despair. I enjoyed the elements of hope and love she sprinkled into the book with the people that helped and came to love Sally along the way - Lena, Ruth & Sister Mary Katherine. I couldn't help but hope that the real Sally had some of that in her life during her ordeal. 

It was beyond frustrating to read how Frank LaSalle always seemed to keep a step ahead of the law. I kept asking myself, how can no one see there is something wrong between them? Why won't Sally say anything? Yet, this really happened and he truly did get away with it for 2 years. So as implausible as some of the scenarios might have seemed - reality is sometimes just as farfetched isn't it? The mental manipulation, threats and physical harm victims are forced to endure in essence make them too afraid to flee or ask for help. 

The book unfolds via various characters' point of views. We see first hand not only what Sally endures but also the devastation that her kidnapping causes her family. I found the book to be captivating and I spent quite a bit of time googling the real kidnapping so that I could relate what I was reading to what actually occurred. I'm not sure if that was a good or bad thing as it made the book seem all the more real. I was having trouble holding it together at various points while reading. 

While the book was heart wrenching and even disturbing at times it was also undeniably moving. I was wholeheartedly invested in Sally and wanted nothing more than to be able to save her myself. Even knowing the outcome, I couldn't put the book down. I had to finish it and see it through. 

One last note that I have to mention - that pin & red ribbon on the cover - it isn't just meant to be eye catching. Once you read the book, you will see it is a meaningful symbol. It broke my heart! I absolutely love the symbolism of the cover. This is definitely a book that will remain with me for a long time. 

Bern's Bookcase: Big Woods Book Review

Can you solve the mystery 

of the missing children in Big Woods?

It’s 1989 and ten year old Lucy disappears from small town Texas. The story is told in alternating POVs between Leah (big sister, age 14) and Sylvie a nurse who seems to know something about the missing children. 

The book starts off BIG with Lucy’s disappearance and an eerie line about “who will save the children”. Her disappearance is tinged with talk of satanic rituals and other bodies recovered in Big Woods. The police have no clues and search of the woods only turns up Lucy’s coin purse. The book quickly turns into more of a slow burn read as the weeks tick by. It kept me turning the pages because I needed to know what happened to Lucy and how Sylvie was connected to it all.

One of the things I really enjoyed was the connection between the two sisters. It was obvious that they had a powerfully strong bond. Leah refused to give up on finding Lucy, even when the adults around her seemed to accept that she was most likely dead and would never be found, including her parents. The sisters’ bond/connection was so strong that Leah was having visions/dreams that she felt certain were communications from Lucy trying to aid her in finding and saving her. The adults in her life worried about her visions but she carried on (getting into a few hair raising situations), filled with hope that she would uncover what happened to Lucy.

I connected with Leah's character the most. Her emotions, pain and struggle were well crafted. Sylvie was also a dynamic character for me. As her story unfolds and we see the twists & turns her life has taken her part in the story begins to make sense. I couldn’t help wanting to shout at someone to just listen to her! 

Unfortunately, I wasn’t a big fan of how things simply tied up neatly at the end. There were so many different elements brought up in the book - satanic rituals & devil worshippers, black roses being delivered at the high school, the church communities in an uproar, psychics, corrupt law enforcement officials, etc and those things were simply swept to the wayside and never mentioned again. I enjoyed how Cobb tied in all these aspects which were relevant in the 80s but it felt unfinished to me. 

Overall, I definitely enjoyed Big Woods by May Cobb and in some ways it was a great read. Yet, in others is was a bit lacking for me. This is May Cobb’s debut and as such I can see lots of potential but I also feel like she might have tried to do too much at once here so there were parts that were left undeveloped in my opinion. It was a good read, just not one that I think will remain vividly with me over time.

Bern's Bookcase: Starry Eyes by Jenn Bennett Book Review

Starry Eyes by Jenn Bennett was a fun, sweet contemporary YA/NA read. 

Sometimes you just need a fun contemporary YA/NA (I say NA due to some sexual content) read to lighten things up. This book did just that for me. It was a perfect summer read - camping, hiking, stargazing and a friends-to-enemies-to-lovers plot between Zorie and Lennon. Throw in family strife stemming from secrets and parental infidelity and you have a story that was relatable and engrossing.

Bennett's characters were very human and flawed. I really enjoyed that Jenn Bennett focused on nontraditional families. Zorie's relationship with her stepmother Joy was wonderful. It was a relationship built on love, mutual respect and support. The scene where Joy reassures Zorie touched me. It was perfect.

  "I am raising my own kid. You are mine. I didn't need to give birth to you to love you, sweet thing." 

Admittedly, I'm kind of a sucker for a friends to lovers story. Especially when it involves the adorable boy/girl next door. What can I say - I'm a cheesy romantic at heart! Zorie & Lennon's love story was just that and it was adorable. Amidst all the teen angst, misunderstandings, secrets and camping mishaps you could just feel their chemistry. I was rooting for Lennon from page 20 when he first appeared in all his side swept spiky hair, anime loving, teen goth glory. He was so snarky, witty and sarcastic. Luckily, he was also good out in the wild which comes in handy when their so-called friends leave them stranded out in the wilderness without a car or a way of getting home after an argument. Zorie and Lennon's story was adorable to watch unfold. It wasn't surprising in the least - more like you know it's coming and you're simply looking forward to it finally happening.

"A map of us. It's years in the making, and it's messy and convoluted, some of it even tragic. But I wouldn't change the route, because we walked it together, even when we were apart. And the best part about it is that it's unfinished. Uncertainty isn't always a bad thing. Sometimes it can even be filled with extraordinary potential." 

Zorie's dad - I have no words for him. He was despicable. Thankfully Zorie was surrounded by a strong support network with her stepmom Joy, her grandparents (Joy's parents), Lennon and Lennon's moms (yes moms - they were a lesbian couple!) and her friend Avani. Once again I have to mention how much I loved the strong family bonds presented, especially as they weren't related by blood but by choice.

Bern's Bookcase: You Were Made for This by Michelle Sacks Book Review

This was a dark, disturbing and dismal psychological thriller that's not for the faint of heart. 

I found You Were Made for This to be both enthralling and difficult to read. I don't think I have ever read a book where every character was so psychologically damaged, wretched and despicable. The story is told in 3 alternating point of views and there was no respite - not one of them had any redeeming qualities. Page after page, things went from bad to worse. The book was like a train wreck that I couldn't pull myself away from. I literally read pages with a feeling of revulsion in the pit of the stomach. Yet, I continued turning the pages. Drawn to the sadistic world these people had created for themselves.

There wasn't much backstory but I feel like that was deliberate. I don't think we are meant to fully understand why Merry, Sam and Frank are they way they are. Michelle Sacks drops hints here and there into the story and we know they were damaged in their childhoods but that's not the emphasis for this story. The story is deeply rooted in the tragic present. In the tangled web that is their current lives. There is almost a sadistic dependency on each other between Merry & Frank and Merry & Sam. So much hate intertwined with their dark need for each other. It's as if they fed off each other - for better or worse. Unfortunately, these relationships were nothing but destructive, taking the one good thing between them and ultimately destroying it.

 My momma heart could not bare to see how baby Connor was treated by these people. That poor innocent child did not stand a chance with these cruel sociopaths. The parts involving the baby left me feeling repulsed, angered and heartbroken.

The fact that Michelle Sachs was able to evoke so many emotions from me makes this an unforgettable read. I was pulled in from the onset and the story never let up. The last line - it will haunt me for a long time to come. 

Thank you to Michelle Sacks, Little Brown and Company, and Netgalley for the copy to review in exchange for my honest opinion.

Bern's Bookcase: A Long Walk to Water Book Review

A Long Walk to Water 

is a poignant, touching story for all ages. 

A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park is technically a middle grade book but in my opinion it is a story that everyone would benefit from reading. It's a short, quick read told as two alternating stories - that of a young girl Nya living in the Sudan in 2008 and a young man Salva from 1985. Both of their stories are unequivocally compelling, emotional and inspirational. 

Nya must walk hours each day to a far away well to simply get water for her family. Salva's story told in turn, is simply heart-wrenching. His village is attacked and he is separated from his family in the turmoil and chaos that follows. Salva's journey is fraught with loss and tragedy but also unwavering hope and courage. It was unimaginable to me to think about the horrors children face when they are displaced from their homes, separated from their families and forced to live in refugee camps. Salva's sheer will to survive was inspirational. I don't know how I'd cope in such a situation but his determination was admirable.  

I loved how these 2 seemingly unconnected stories intertwined poignantly in the end. For a such a short, quick read this book certainly makes an enormous impact. It is difficult not to feel empathy for these characters as we are touched by their stories. This is one story that I highly recommend reading & discussing with the children in your life.

Bern's Bookcase: The Fifth to Die Book Review

WOW! 

The Fifth to Die by J.D. Barker left me in a tailspin! 

Where do I begin? There was A LOT going on here but it's important to note that you can NOT dive in if you haven't read Book 1 - The Fourth Monkey. These books are highly intertwined and the storyline flows through each of them. You definitely need the backstory from the first book, in order to fully appreciate this one.

In Fifth to Die Detective Porter is still obsessed with pursuing serial killer Anson Bishop, even when it means putting his career and possibly his life on the line. Porter's team is faced with a new case - missing girls. The first girl is found frozen in a lake, wearing another missing girls clothes. Can these missing girls be connected to 4MK?

Porter decides to continue chasing Bishop unbeknownst to the rest of his team. Porter essentially goes rogue and things get complicated - very complicated. Bishop has an intricate network of associates adding to the twists & turns. Everyone continues to be several steps behind him as they work to put the puzzle pieces together. I honestly enjoy how his mind works - he is a brilliant sociopath! 

Overall, this was a solid continuation to the 4MK storyline. It definitely leaves you wanting the conclusion but also fills in some essential gaps.

Thank you to NetGalley, J.D. Barker and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review. The Fifth to Die will be officially released in US libraries and bookstores on July 10, 2018.

Bern's Bookcase: Forget Me Not Book Review (Middle Grade)

The brave, poetic and heartfelt story 

of a girl with Tourette's Syndrome

“I am Calliope June. I wish I could fly to the moon. There’d be no one there to laugh or to stare and no one to call me a goon.” 

This middle grade book is an amazing, poetic & heartfelt 5 star read! I initially bought this book for the Littlest Diva to read. She read it and we had such a wonderful conversation about it that I knew I had to read it for myself. I’m so glad I did. This book genuinely touched my heart.

Calliope (Calli) is a young girl with Tourette’s Syndrome. Forget Me Not is told in short, simple prose from two points of view - that of Calli and her neighbor/friend Jinsong. It was a quick read but also the kind of story worth reading irregardless of your age and its intended audience. Calli’s story is absolutely captivating. Her mother jumps from relationship to relationship, always packing up & moving on with the ending of each one. Calli tries hard to hide her tics to fit in but of course it’s extremely difficult for her. My heart ached for Calli as she dealt with endless taunts and teasing from classmates. Her own mother honestly did not seem to grasp her Tourette's. Thinking it was something Calli could just stop doing. Calli worked so hard to control her tics and time and time again her body betrayed her. This is such a misunderstood syndrome. I was awed and touched by Ellie Terry’s raw honesty in its depiction (she has Tourette’s herself). 

My heart broke for Calli so many times while reading this book. She is lonely, misunderstood, bullied and made to feel ashamed and embarrassed of herself. Yet, I was beyond touched by her strength, resilience and her innate goodness. Calli had a huge heart. She was sweet, funny and brilliant. The kind of girl anyone would be lucky to have as a friend.

I highly recommend this book for middle schoolers (its intended audience) but honestly I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to anyone looking for a heartwarming, inspirational read. There is much to be learned about friendship, life, resilience, acceptance and bravery from Calli & Forget Me Not.

Bern's Bookcase: The Last Time I Lied Book Review

5 Stars for Riley Sager’s campy summer mystery - 

The Last Time I Lied 

I was uneasy the entire time I read this book. Part of that was my own excited expectations/anticipation of the book but the other part was Sager’s writing. He knows how to create an elusive mood that leaves you full of dread, yet wanting more. You’re reading, turning page after page, just waiting for “that something” to happen. You know it’s coming. You’re creeped out and suspicious of everyone. You can’t put the book down because you simply have to know where its all going. That’s my reading experience with this book in a nutshell and I loved every minute of it.

Sager masterfully spun a tale that is told in two different times - the present & past (told via flashback from 15 years ago). It all began at Camp Nightingale 15 years prior when three girls disappear from Dogwood cabin. Emma, the youngest of the four girls rooming in the cabin was the only one left. She is deeply affected by the disappearance of her friends and is haunted by the girls throughout her life. Emma is unable to come to terms with the terrible tragedy because they never fully learned what happened to the girls that fateful summer night.

Flash forward 15 years and Camp Nightingale is once again opening its doors to campers. Emma has been invited to teach art at the camp for the summer and of course she accepts. It’s her chance to finally solve the mystery and hopefully put the events of that summer behind her.

Emma is a wonderfully sympathetic yet unreliable narrator. Can her memories be trusted when she herself admits to having had a nervous breakdown in the months after her first camp experience? There were so many secrets that it was nearly impossible to figure out what was true and what wasn’t. There were so many well crafted layers to this mystery! I literally suspected everyone, trusted no one & still had it all wrong in the end. I LOVE when I don’t see "it" coming. It was all there, the crumbs had been woven into the story but with Emma being such an unreliable narrator you simply don’t know what to think or who to believe.

The book had me riveted from beginning to end. I too was on a search for the truth with Emma amidst all the secrets, lies & guilt. I definitely recommend this read to fellow mystery fans and hope it will keep you second guessing just as it did me!

Thank you to NetGalley, Dutton, Penguin Books, and Riley Sager for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Bern's Bookcase: Her Pretty Face Book Review

3.5 Stars for Her Pretty Face - 

a suspenseful domestic thriller 

Her Pretty Face by Robyn Harding is told via 3 multiple, ambiguous story lines - Frances, Daisy & DJ. Frances Metcalfe is an outsider in the private school world of "perfect" moms. Enter Kate Randolph who is beautiful, funny, chic and the kind of woman all the moms want to be friends with. Surprisingly, Kate snubs the elite moms and befriends Frances. The women forge an immediate friendship. Too good to be true, right? Of course it is! Both women are hiding secrets about their past and one of them is actually a murdering sociopath named Amber.

"She's a master manipulator. A psychopath. She enjoyed playing with people, she gets off on it."

I'll be honest - there was no big reveal for me in this one. I pretty much had the story figured out early on and I knew who "Amber" was. I found the story entertaining and it was a quick read but I was expecting more twists & turns. I enjoyed the premise and the 3 separate storylines. I felt for Frances and was touched by her backstory. Yet for me, the story was missing something. I actually wish we had more from "Amber's" point of view. It would have been interesting to get a peek into her sinister mind. I know not having her perspective made things ambiguous which was the goal. We are left to ponder if people can really change. If they should be forgiven for the wrongs they have committed and paid for. Yet, for me it was pretty clear that "Amber" was a sociopath.

Her Pretty Face officially releases in the US on July 10, 2018. Thanks to NetGalley and Gallery/Scout Press for my early copy. All opinions are my own.

Bern's Bookcase: Before I Let You Go Book Review

A heartbreaking story of abuse and addiction 

and their lasting effects.

"There is no off switch to the love between sisters; 

no way to pause it, no way to destroy it." 

Before I Let You Go by Kelly Rimmer was both a heartbreaking and heartwarming tale of the love between two sisters. Annie is a drug addict facing the biggest problem of her life. She is strung out, pregnant and in premature labor. Not knowing what else to do or who to turn to she calls her big sister, Lexie, for help. Lexie has always been more of a mother than a sister to Annie. She has always been the one to step in to help her little sister throughout the trials of her life, with unwavering love and compassion.

"Addiction is, in that way, just like love—in the early moments, you don’t see the potential for it to bring you pain—it’s just something you slide into between laughs and smiles and moments of bliss. It’s something that feels like a shield, until you realize it’s actually a warhead, and it’s pointed right at you." 

Annie's addiction was fueled by her childhood trauma. The early loss of her father and the harsh, abusive years that followed led her down a dark path where drugs offered her the only escape she felt worthy of having. Now, she is faced with jail time and the possible loss of her newborn daughter if she doesn't complete a rehab program and finally remain sober.

The story is told in alternating voices between Lexie's perspective as she struggles to take care of her newborn niece and Annie's journal entries depicting her struggle. The journal entries offer us keen insight into how Annie ended up the way she did.  They are heartbreaking in their brutal honesty.

Aside from the obvious bond between the sisters another aspect I really enjoyed from the book was Lexie's fiance, Sam. What an amazing man! Honestly, I know he was fictional but he seriously made me swoon. He was so patient, loving and compassionate. Knowing that these girls hadn't lived an easy life, I was happy that Lexie had Sam in her life. He offered her compassion, stability and unconditional love.

On the other hand, I was so infuriated by Lexie & Annie's mother. I just wanted to shake her to knock some sense into her! She had her head in the sand for far too long and her daughter's paid the price for it.

"It’s funny how every single thing in your life 

can shatter with a single decision." 

Though I knew what the ending would hold it still utterly broke my heart. There were no surprises in the plot but the story was very well told. It was thought-provoking regarding the issue of drug addicted pregnant women & mothers. It was also an honest look at addiction, family, loss, secrets, love and forgiveness. This story definitely has triggers so go into it aware if those are sensitive topics for you but Kelly Rimmer handled these tough topics with compassion, hope and honesty.

Bern's Bookcase: Save the Date Book Review

A contemporary YA/NA novel 

about familial relationships in all their complexity.

"How was it that you only fully realized what you had when it was gone? And I knew there would be new friends, new experiences, maybe even amazing adventures ahead of me. But I felt like I needed, for just a moment, to appreciate what I was - what we all were - leaving behind." 

Save the Date by Morgan Matson was such an enjoyable, comfy YA (Young Adult)/NA (New Adult) read. The Grant family was the kind of family we'd all want to be a part of. They were funny, imperfect, loving and so heartwarmingly real. It felt like I was in their house, part of the family and  amidst the chaos the entire time I was reading. 

The book's plot revolves around Linnie's wedding and the weekend of festivities which coincide with her  mom's final installment of her famed comic strip which was loosely based off the family. It's impossible to sum everything up that happens in that 1 tidy sentence. There was lots of family drama, & wedding mishaps along the way but what really grabbed me was the sibling relationships in the story. The main character Charlie's love for her brothers & sister and her utter devotion to the Grant family shine through so vividly. It was hard not to fall in love with this bunch. 

This was a perfect summer read - quick, light, funny & heartwarming. It does have some brief sexual content which is why I would rate this as NA - New Adult or older teens.  

Bern's Bookcase: The Perfect Mother Book Review

"This will be great. A few hours out. A slice of freedom...Nothing we'll regret. Just one drink."

The Perfect Mother by Aimee Molloy had me reading through the night. It was full of twists & turns and secrets & lies. Trying to unravel it all was difficult because the story is told via various (unreliable) points of view. At times it was difficult to tell where 1 character's thoughts began and another's ended. Things jumped from person to person but honestly, I felt that it added to the overall frantic pacing of the book.

The plot centers around a group of new mothers who form a friendship over the internet to share the joys & pressures of motherhood - the May Mothers. They decide to have a "Mom's Night Out" only to endure a mother's worst nightmare - one of the babies, Midas, goes missing.

One of the things I really enjoyed was the frank portrayal of motherhood. The sleepless nights, the uncertainty, the love, the hormones and the pressure to be the perfect mother. I also enjoyed the camaraderie between these group of women. It was portrayed realistically - the desire to fit in, the need to be accepted, wanting to have someone who gets it but also fearing being judged. These are all real emotions many new moms have & face in today's society with so much emphasis being placed on being the "perfect mother".

Molloy did a wonderful job layering this story. Everyone had secrets, told lies and added to the twists. I had suspicions about who was responsible but I hadn't figured it all out which I enjoyed. Overall, this was a suspenseful read that grabbed my attention from page 1 and kept it throughout.

Bern's Bookcase: Dark Matter Book Review

Dark Matter is a mind bending, 

reality altering reading experience

“It’s terrifying when you consider that every thought we have, 

every choice we could possibly make, branches into a new world." 

That quote from Blake Crouch's Dark Matter captures its essence. I am without reserve a Blake Crouch fan having enjoyed his Wayward Pines series. Being a fan, I expect out of the box thinking but this book takes things to a whole new level of sci-fi. It got crazier and crazier as it went on and was a pretty insane read - in the best way of course.

Are you happy with your life? 

Don't we all have moments where we wonder about the road not taken? I think that's simply part of human nature to wonder - what if.... Crouch did an amazing job exploiting (& exploring) that in this book and expanding the reader's mind and heart along the journey. Imagine if you could go back to one specific moment in time and choose a different path. Would you? 

Jason Dessen's love for his family was the glue that held him and them together - I LOVED that! Despite all the science and sci-fi the heart of this book for me was simply love. Jason's love for his wife and the life and family they built was his compass, anchor and drive. It's what kept me tethered to the book and unable to put it down. I had to see it through and find out what happened to the Dessens.

“We're more than the sum total of our choices, that all the paths 

we might have taken factor somehow into the math of our identity.” 

Dark Matter gets a solid 5 star rating from me. Blake Crouch took a unique idea and turned it into a thought-provoking, action-packed and intensely gripping read that literally shook me to my core.

15 Graphic Novels for Tweens (9-12 Yr. Olds) Not To Be Missed!

The Oldest Diva is a HUGE fan of graphic novels. It's definitely one of her preferred genre to read so I am always on the lookout for new finds for her to enjoy. We wanted to share a few of our NOT TO BE MISSED recent finds with you.

Nimona - Let me start by saying that the Oldest Diva sat down to read this book and never looked back up until she was done. It pulled her in immediately and wouldn't let go. We are hoping there is more in store for Nimona in the near future. The story is one of heroes & villains, magic and lots of heart and humor. Nimona is a shapeshifter. She is also sidekick to a villain. Not what you were expecting? That's the point! Baluster Blackheart isn't your average villain. I won't spoil the plot for you - you have to read it!



Bone Series - These books popped up often and I was always hesitant to even take a peek inside. The Oldest Diva came upon this one herself and wanted to read it so I caved. I'll be honest, I'm still not 100% sure what the Bones are but I think that's part of the charm. Either way, the Oldest Diva really enjoys the series and there are quite a few books to enjoy. She finds them very humorous and filled with adventure. The Bones are always up to some type of shenanigans with danger looming nearby (and monsters!). This series is not MY favorite but children will definitely enjoy it.



Awkward - Graphic novel meets realistic fiction. The characters and plot are exactly what you'd expect to see in a middle school setting. This one is definitely relatable to the age group it's intended for. It's full of diverse characters which I loved and goes beyond the typical cool versus nerd plot. Peppi and Jamie are in rival clubs (Science vs Art) each vying for a table at the school club fair. The story follows the evolution of their friendship through their competition.



Sunny Side Up - This one has undertones of some more serious content but I thought it was handled very well. Sunny is sent to spend the summer with her grandfather in Florida at his retirement home. We find out that her brother is having serious issues with substance abuse and things at home have been anything but sunny. The topic is handled delicately and is a great opportunity to open up discussion with children about drug use. Don't let it make you shy away from the book - it's only a small part of what happens here. The real story is Sunny and her friendships, feelings and transformation. This one is a gem and one of my personal favorites.



Cardboard - The story has a sad beginning - Cam has lost his mom, his Dad doesn't have a job and there is no money for birthday presents. So Cam gets a cardboard box for his birthday. Only, it's not just any cardboard box. It comes to life when they build a boxer. Adventure ensues when a spoiled neighbor steals some of the magical cardboard and creates evil monsters. The story has action, lots of heart and is definitely imaginative.




Ghostopolis - Written by the same author as Cardboard (see above). The Oldest Diva was pulled in by the creative story, great characters and amazing artwork. Garth finds himself sucked into the afterlife but he's still alive. The book centers around his journey to find his way home. Along the way he finds he has some amazing powers which come in handy as he faces off with Ghostopolis' evil ruler. This one comes highly recommended by the Oldest Diva! Just beware that sensitive children may find some of the images frightening - it is the afterlife after all.



Dream Jumper (Nightmare Escape Book 1) - Ben is a Dream Jumper - he travels into other peoples dreams to help them with their nightmares. The story was a quick, fast paced read and a promising start to the series. The Oldest Diva enjoyed it and definitely wants to see where it goes and what happens next.



The Popularity Papers - I definitely judged this book by its cover & I'll admit it - I was wrong. When the Oldest Diva showed it to me I tried to convince her to put it back on the library shelf because it looked silly (cheesy). She insisted she wanted to read it so I shrugged it off. Of course, she started reading it right away and all I could hear was her laughing - over and over again. Curious, I sat and read a few pages with her and found myself chuckling too. Lydia and Julie are the kind of characters you can't help but like. They are two 5th grade girls that are determined to crack the code to popularity. The book is their private notebook (the pages look like a handwritten diary). The story was touching and a powerful testament to friendship. The Oldest Diva can't wait to read the next one in the series! If you have a Dork Diaries or Wimpy Kids fan - they won't want to miss this series.



Space Dumplins - The artwork was definitely fun and the story was intriguing. Violet is on a mission to find/save her dad.  What the Oldest Diva really enjoyed - all the references to potty humor. It simply made her laugh to read about whale poop. There is a storyline here and most kids will probably enjoy it but this was not one of my personal faves as an adult reader.



Sidekicks - Captain Amazing is looking for a sidekick. Who better to help him than his own super power wielding pets! This was such a fast, fun feel good read. Who doesn't enjoy pets with superpowers? The story is a great blend of action, adventure, friendship and humor. I can see children having imaginative adventures with their own sidekick pets after reading this one.



Dragon Girl - There is just something magical and endearing about baby dragons. Alanna is an orphan who finds dragon eggs and steps in to be a surrogate "mom" to a baby dragon whose mom was killed. The story was a quick, fun read for the Oldest Diva. I must mention that the illustrations are in black and white which is a bit different.



Lumberjanes - The Lil Divas are Girl Scouts so I couldn't resist picking up this graphic novel about "scouts". The plot was a bit all over the place and filled with weird magical creatures supernatural elements but the Oldest Diva laughed out loud reading this one so it definitely worked for her. What I liked was that at it's core it was about a strong friendship. Friendship and lots of silly, adventurous moments at camp - basically what any young girl wants for her summer. It was a great summer read and the Oldest Diva has already requested the next novel in the series.



Rapunzel's Revenge - We love fairy tales and are always open to exploring a well known favorite with a new twist. That's exactly what we got from Rapunzel's Revenge. The tale is set in the west, with a spunky Rapunzel using her long braids to rope, lasso and wrangle. She is brave and curious and definitely not a damsel in distress. This novel was fun, full adventure and one you'll definitely be glad you read. We'll definitely be reading more by Shannon Hale.



Coraline - If you like creepy stories then this one is for you. You may have read the original novel but the graphic novel is perfect for a quick read or to entice reluctant readers who shy away from longer books. I think this book to comic adaptation was well done. It's definitely not for everyone - if your child is sensitive or scares easy you may want to read it first. The story of Caroline and the "Others" is creepy and can be downright scary for some.



If you enjoy the book be sure to check out the movie too.



Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures - This is a hybrid of sorts - it's not 100% a graphic novel, nor is it strictly a chapter book - it's a bit of both. It is also a fantastically clever book that children and adults who have a fondness for children's books will love. Flora is a precocious 10 year old girl.  Ulysses is a squirrel who was sucked by a vacuum cleaner and gains super powers. Together they are the perfect team! Who wouldn't want a super squirrel as their best friend? We genuinely laughed out loud reading this book which doesn't happen very often. Despite that, the book dealt with some very real emotional topics such as divorce and loneliness. There is also some advanced vocabulary in the book. I personally like when children learn new words in the midst of a good book. I'll admit even I had to look up a few of them - now that's something! Overall, we found this book funny, entertaining and heartwarming - you won't want to miss it.



Don't forget to check out our previously shared list 10 Graphic Novels for Girls (8-12 Years Old for even more amazing graphic novels, it includes some of her all time faves!

Happy Reading,

Bern