Review: The Opposite of Here

The Opposite of Here by Tara Altebrando
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Natalie’s parents have decided that she should have a seventeenth sail-a-bration. Natalie, her parents and three of her closest friends will take a cruise to celebrate her birthday. It has only been a few months since her boyfriend died in a car accident and everyone wants her to find peace and maybe move on. What better place than on a floating hotel? Natalie has an instant attraction the first night, but then there seems to be some confusion about the boy and she is wondering if it is all a game. The mystery behind this boy becomes even more complicated as Natalie learns about his past.

The Opposite of Here is a stand-alone novel that leaves a lot to be desired. Many times throughout the book I found my mind wandering and had to back up a few pages. This book is relatively short, so it would make a good car or beach read. With that said, The Opposite of Here would be a good distraction if choices were limited, but I do not recommend everyone read it. Altebrando has shined with her other books and I look forward to her next novel.


View all my reviews

Review: The Broken Vow

The Broken Vow by Scott Westerfeld
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Addison was changed after getting too involved in the Spill Zone. She soon finds out that she is not the only one. Don Jae also was changed, but he is from North Korea. There are people who are interested in Addison and Don Jae, because they want the same powers that they seem to have gained. Will Addison and Don Jae be able to keep the secret of their change from these people? Why has this happened twice in different parts of the world?



The Broken Vow is the second book in the Spill Zone graphic novel series. Although the primary story has been wrapped up nicely, Westerfeld has also left an opening for additional stories in this fantastic world. I was really looking forward to this book, since I gave the first book five stars, but I finished it feeling deflated. It is still a good book, but not as wonderful as the original. The Broken Vow should only be read by those who have read The Spill Zone already.



View all my reviews

Review: Save the Date

Save the Date by Morgan Matson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Charlie Grant is focusing on finishing high school, choosing which college she will attend and enjoying her sister’s wedding. It has been years since all of her siblings have been home at the same time and Charlie is hopeful that they will fill the house with fun and laughter. But life usually doesn’t go as planned and Charlie’s weekend is shaping up to be full of obstacles. The wedding planner cancels last minute, a dog is dropped off without any notice, their house alarm keeps going off and their neighbor wants to get back at her father for having a better garden. Let’s not even talk about the relatives! What will Charlie have to deal with to help her sister have the perfect wedding?

Save the Date is a stand-alone romantic comedy that will have readers laughing out loud throughout. As the pages progressed I kept wondering what would happen next to this young girl. If this was my wedding (or my daughter’s), I probably would have cut my losses and eloped, yet Charlie kept persevering and hides most of the turmoil from her sister for her big day. Matson has created a wonderful story that I will be excited to recommend to my students and review readers. Save the Date is a definite read if you like a good rom-com!


View all my reviews

Review: All the Little Lights

All the Little Lights by Jamie McGuire
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Elliott Youngblood has been watching Catherine since he was a boy. It isn’t meant to be creepy. He loves to take pictures and he believes she is the most beautiful thing he has ever seen. During one summer they become close friends and life is perfect; until tragedy hits Catherine’s life and Elliott is forced to leave her behind. Now it is their senior year of high school and Elliott has returned to town. He is the star of the football team, yet he wants Catherine to forgive him. Although Catherine is starting to get close to Elliott, she still has secrets she can’t share with anyone. What really is going on at her mother’s bed-and-breakfast?

All the Little Lights is a stand-alone novel that defies a single genre. Of course, McGuire has created a young adult romance, yet she has also included a mystery that is hinted at throughout. Readers will try and figure out Catherine’s secret and will be surprised that it isn’t what they first thought. Since this is a stand-alone novel, readers will find that it is a perfect escape read for any time of the year. All the Little Lights may not appeal to male readers but should be added to the TBR list of everyone who enjoyed McGuire’s other books.


View all my reviews