The Blue Castle

The Blue Castle, by L. M. Montgomery, is a rare gem to be found. One of Montgomery's later books, it reveals a side of romance, adventure, and independence much deeper than that of Montgomery's earlier works, such as Anne of Green Gables. The story begins with Valancy on her 29th birthday, all alone and without a husband. With her rude, pressuring family and empty heart, it seems that Valancy has nowhere to go. Until a letter arrives that changes her entire view of the world, and how she lives it. Filled with passion, beauty, and the philosophical question of life, this is a classic that should not be missed. In a cluster of stars, The Blue Castle would most surely stand out as the moon.

Rating: 5/5 * * * * *

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, by J.K. Rowling, is the last book in the epic series of Harry Potter. From their first year at Hogwarts, many have followed the lives of Harry, Hermione, and Ron through all their adventures and struggles. Now, the end has finally come, and the time for the fight between good and evil is upon them. The three must find the horcruxes and destroy them to destroy Voldemort, before it's too late. Throughout it all, love is revealed, hearts are broken, and lives are ended. Yet can the famous three fight, and win, against the largest battle in wizard history? This thrilling last novel is addicting and intriguing, leaving each reader with the yearn for more, and with pain and joy in their hearts. J.K Rowling's exit will be remembered in this book, and all its glory. From beginning to end, this is the final chapter of the famous stories, and one to most definitely remember.

Star rating: 5/5 * * * * *

Miles To Go

Miles To Go, by teen sensation Miley Cyrus, is the story of her life before Hannah Montana. It tells of her middle school experiences, her family, her hard struggles, and her accomplishments. She takes her readers with her into the casting office for Disney, and across the country from Tennessee to California. In this book, you learn the real side of Destiny Hope, who later legally changed her name to Miley and became one of the most famous teen singers and TV stars in the world. It is filled with drama and goals, and is the perfect book for any fan. Miles To Go also includes sixteen pages of photos from her childhood to her life now. This book is interesting, entertaining, and a full look into the private life of one of this century's pop princess.

Star rating: 4/5 * * * *

The Cupcake Queen

The Cupcake Queen, written by Heather Hepler, is the story of Penny, who was forced to move to Hog's Hollow to live with her grandmother and mother while her parents are "taking a break." There, her mother opens a bakery, featuring only cupcakes. Penny works out there to avoid socializing during the summer, but as school starts, she's forced to interact in the town she promises herself to get out of. She becomes acquainted with Charity, the resident mean girl who seems to hate Penny for no reason, and Marcus, the adorable boy who lives with his mourning dad and seems to like her, yet also seems to like Charity. Then Penny meets Tally, the original, quirky girl who also wants to leave the small town and go on tour with her dad. Together, they plot against Charity, and try to get Marcus. Finally, Penny begins to accept her new life, her new friends, and her new job at the Cupcake Queen. But suddenly, it seems Penny must make a decision that can get her what she always wished for, but is it what she still wants? This book is charming, sweet, and a great read. Hog's Hollow is a quaint old town you'll find yourself pulled into, and the characters are each unique and entertaining in their own way. This story explores the concept of fitting it, and fitting out.

Star rating: 5/5 * * * * *

Dark Visions

Dark Visions, by L. J. Smith, is the mystical, romantic story of five psychics. Kaitlyn Fairchild can predict the future by drawing. Sometimes, she'll get an urging itch in her fingers, and they speed off painting without Kaitlyn knowing what will result. The only problem is, she can never figure out what her warnings mean until it's too late. She joins with four others, as they go to the Zetes Institute in California to help expand research on their powers. Yet the Institute isn't as friendly as it seems, nor is the owner, Mr. Zetes. And Kaitlyn is suddenly torn between two guys; Rob, the sweet, charming healer, and Gabriel, the aggressive, rude psychic vampire, who feeds off of humans energy. Then, the five students get linked telepathically, and the only way to break it is for one of them to die. Can they deal with the link and escape Mr. Zetes before one of them must die? This book is mysterious, mystical, and full of adventure and romance, the perfect combination. Readers won't want to put it down, and will be kept captivated until the last word.

Star rating: 5/5 * * * * *

How To Ditch Your Fairy

How To Ditch Your Fairy, by Justine Larbalestier, is the hilarious story of a girl named Charlie. In New Avalon, every person has a person fairy, though no one can see them. Steffi, Charlie's crush, has a get-out-of-trouble fairy, so he never gets caught. Rochelle, Charlie's best friend, has a clothes-shopping fairy, so she'll always find the perfect outfit for almost 100% off! And Fio, Charlie's sworn enemy, who has the best fairy of all, an all-the-boys-will-like-you fairy. But Charlie is stuck with a stupid parking fairy, meaning that she'll always find a parking spot, and she's sick of it. She tries to avoid cars to make her fairy go away, yet still, it goes so slow. Finally, she joins up with Fio, the single person she has sworn against, to swap fairies. Charlie is beyond excited for Fio's fairy, despite the warnings that it isn't at all what it seems. However, with this new fairy, Steffi can't show his real feelings, and Charlie has the entire sports teams chasing after her and fighting over her. Now Charlie is desperate to get rid of the fairy she's always wanted. But how can she? This book is funny, captivating, and magical. It has a great story line, and its readers will finally believe in fairies! And maybe, if you pay close attention, you'll even find out what kind of fairy you have.

Star rating: * * * * * 5/5

Emily of New Moon

Emily of New Moon, by L.M. Montgomery, is the timeless tale of a young girl, Emily, sent to live with her aunt's and uncle's of New Moon after her father dies. Now she must get used to her new family, the strict, heartless Aunt Elizabeth, the loving, sweet Aunt Laura, and the odd, poetic Uncle Jimmy. Her classmates are horridly mean, and her teacher despises her so. At first, it seems as though Emily will never be happy again, until she meets Isle, a short-tempered Atheist, Teddy, a shy artist, and Perry, a rambunctious work boy. Slowly, Emily comes to love New Moon, her new friends, and her secret gift of poetry. This story is charming in every way, a grand tale of growing up and belonging. It is a sweet book that readers will love and cherish, from start to finish. From the author of Anne of Green Gables, comes this truly pure and fascinating novel, one you won't ever want to put down.

Star rating: 5/5 * * * * *

The Door In The Hedge

The Door In The Hedge, by Robin McKinley, is the retelling of four classic fairy tales; the Stolen Princess, the Princess and the Frog, the Hunting of the Hind, and the Twelve Dancing Princesses. The Stolen Princess is about a town on the edge of Faeryland, where girls go missing on their seventeenth birthday, stolen away by the fairies. Princess Linadel has never worried about the fairies, until now. Her seventeenth birthday is tomorrow. The Hunting of the Hind is about Korah, who's brother was enchanted by the golden hind, searching off to find the mystical hind and beg for forgiveness for her brother. Yet she soon discovers the golden hind does not work alone. The Princess and the Frog is about Rana, a princess determined to save her kingdom from falling into the hands of Aliyander, the evil prince who is sought to marry her. Is it possible the one to save her is a frog? The Twelve Dancing Princesses is about twelve sisters cursed to dance every night until their shoes are worn through. Determined to figure where his daughters dance each night, the kind offers a reward to the man who can find out. For a long time, no one can. But then the soldier comes along. Within each story, Robin McKinley has added her own twists and charms, creating a fresh look on these timeless tales.

Star rating: * * * * * 5/5

The Golden Compass

The Golden Compass, written by Phillip Pullman, is the exhilarating story of a young, curious girl named Lyra. While hiding in a closet during a secret meeting of the scholars, Lyra first hears of a mysterious thing called Dust. Filled with curiosity, Lyra begs her uncle to take her to the north. Yet when he refuses, the rapturous Mrs. Coulter takes Lyra under her wing, bringing her on amazing travels to meet all the elegant people. Yet Lyra discovers the gruesome truth soon enough, that Mrs. Coulter is part of the Gobblers, a terrible group of people who tear apart children and their deamons. Lyra doesn't take extreme notice at first, until her friend Roger is kidnapped. Escaping Mrs. Coulter, she and her own deamon, Pan, run to the North, hiring an armored bear to assist them. Yet when they get there, nothing is as they expected. And the alethiometer Lyra was given to keep secret is suddenly the greatest power. This novel is a thrilling, adventurous story, filled with mystical and magical ways. It grasps the reader's attention and pulls them into this story of truth, lies, and everything in between.

Star rating: 5/5 * * * * *

Orwell's Luck

Orwell's Luck, written by Richard Jennings, is the charming story of a magic rabbit. When a 12-year-old girl finds an injured rabbit in her front yard, she decides to take it in and name it Orwell. This girl is an avid horoscope reader, and bases each day solely off her horoscope. Yet, as time progresses with the rabbit, the horoscopes begin to change, no longer the broad, general messages, but deeper and more personal. Could it be Orwell? While all the pieces fit, there is still the mysterious question: how can a rabbit do it? The girl begins to look forward to each new message, until her father cancels the newspaper subscription. Upset, the girl believes it's over, until new messages begin popping up in new places. The story follows the life of the 12-year-old as she learns about life, faith, and hope, all from a mysterious rabbit named Orwell. This book is a rustic tale, filled with coziness and warmth. It is a quick read, and a great story, as well as proof that miracles can happen.

Star rating: 4/5 * * * *

Elsewhere

Elsewhere, by Gabrielle Zevin, is the story of a teenage girl named Liz, who dies in a bike accident and goes to Elsewhere. In Elsewhere, Liz meets her grandmother, Betty, and a famous rock star, and a man named Owen. In Elsewhere, Liz learns of the portal in the ocean, the way to connect to the still living, and the mysterious aging. Instead of getting older, Liz gets younger, until she is a baby ready to be sent back on Earth again. But Liz doesn't want this life, or rather death. She wants to grow old and have children, and to get all the experiences of an adult. When she first came to Elsewhere, she was sure she needed to find a way out to do such things, but with Owen there, is it possible she might want to stay? Only one problem. Owen's waiting for Emily, his true love wife, to come and meet him in heaven. This book explores the imagination and the ideas of love, and life after death. Funny, joyful, and entertaining, this book is a great read for anyone.

Star rating: * * * * * 5/5

A Great and Terrible Beauty

A Great and Terrible Beauty, written by Libba Bray, is the story of Gemma Doyle, whose wish is to go to boarding school in London. She does get her wish, but only because her mother was murdered and she had no other place to go. At Spence Acadamy, Gemma makes new friends, and yet harbors a deep secret, she saw her mother being killed in a vision; visions that keep appearing to her. Led by a young girl in the forest, Gemma finds the diary of Mary Dowd, who also claimed to have visions and visit strange places with her power. She belonged to a group called the Order, which Gemma realizes her mother was a part of, and so is she. The Order is her destiny, yet she can't yet believe it. Under the watch of Kartik, a mysterious boy who seems to also know about the Order, Gemma discovers her true past and future, and the secrets it holds. This book is captivating and filled with adventure and mystery. It is a great read and a wonderful story.

Star rating: * * * * * 5/5

The Immortals

The Immortals, written by Alyson Noel, is the 3 part series of the tales of Ever and Damon, two people destined to be together. Ever was in a car crash with her family, and she was the only one to survive. Yet that was no coincidence. Damon, an immortal living forever, saved her. She is his true love from centuries before, but kept getting killed by Drina, who is in love with Damon. Also, Roman, another immortal turned by Damon, is in love with Drina, and wants to kill Damon for her. Together, Ever and Damon must fight the power of the evil ones, and for their destiny to be together, forever. This book is suspenseful, exciting, and romantic. It pulls the reader into this other world, and really captivates the essence of each character. The writing is beautiful, as is the story.

Star rating: * * * * * 5/5

The Carrie Diaries

The Carrie Diaries, written by non other than Candace Bushnell, is the story of Carrie Bradshaw before Sex and the City. Carrie is a senior in high school, in a town much smaller than New York. Since senior year, Carrie and her friends were inseparable. However, when Sebastian Kydd arrives, the fun, flirty story becomes one of betrayal, that makes Carrie unsure of everything. Join her in this rich telling of the time when Carrie was not Sex and the City star, but a senior questioning life after a friend's misleading trust. This story is exciting, emotional, and a blast to read, bringing all the qualities of Sex and the City to a much younger story. This pre-story is full of fun and drama, one of the most perfect combinations in a tale.

Star rating: * * * * 4/5

Camp Confidential

Camp Confidential, written by Melissa J. Morgan, is the series of a group of girls and there experiences together through their summers at Lakeview Camp. Each adventure and story is fun and exciting, and sometimes even educational. In Alex's Challenge, you can learn about diabetes, and in Jenna's Dilemma you learn to always think before you act. In all of them you can learn about love, relationships, and friendships. Each character has a distinct personality that allows every reader to relate with at least one of the characters. Natalie is full of style and fashion tips and New York glamour, while Jenna is the tomboy and always pulling pranks. Brynn is the biggest drama queen, while Valorie is chill and down to Earth. The twenty book series is a joy to read; charming, exciting, and funny! They are hard to put down, and always make you go back and read them again and again and again.

Star rating: * * * * * 5/5

Beauty

Beauty, written by Robin McKinley, is the retelling of the classic and beloved tale, Beauty and the Beast. Beauty, whose true name is Honour, has always thought her nickname unsuitable. Unlike her sisters, she is too thin and short, with large hands and feet. However, what Beauty has that her sisters do not is courage. On day, Beauty's father comes home with a story of an enchanted castle with a horrible beast. Her father tells his daughters about a promise he has made to the horrid creature. Determined, Beauty decides to go to the castle and tame the Beast. This is a story of adventure, romance, and elegance, showing that it is true beauty that matters in the end. This book is charmingly heartwarming, and a joy to read. Though it does relate back to the original version, this book takes its own path, bringing back the joy of the classic in a new way.

Star rating: * * * * * 5/5

A Northern Light

A Northern Light, written by Jennifer Donnelly, is the tragic story of a girl named Mattie Gokey. Mattie one day takes a job at a hotel named the Glenmore to earn the money that she needs. One of the hotel guests, Grace Brown, asks Mattie to burn a stack of letters for her. Yet when Grace's drowned body is fished from the lake, Mattie learns that the secret behind the murder is kept in the letters. This book intertwines mystery, romance, and even some history together into one compelling read, set in 1906. It is a tale of darkness, yet so rich with plot it seems to overflow. This book is a wonderful read, and the writing is beautifully done. It is unique it its own way, and contains a certain aura about it that pulls you in.

Star rating: * * * * * 5/5

The Goose Girl

The Goose Girl, written by Shannon Hale, is the new rewritten version of the classic fairy tale. Anidorio-Kiladra Talianna Isilee is the crown princess of Kildenree. She was born with a word on her tongue, and spends her younger years learning the language of the swans. Then, a horse is born and Ani finds the secret to his language. However, as Ani learns more of the horse's language, the mistrust of her begins to rise. Feeling she has no other option, Ani's mother sends her off to be the queen of a foreign land. Yet one journey can arise so many problems. This story is charming and dazzling with wonderment, romance, and the epic tale of one girl's soul journey. It is sweet and filling, taking the reader on his or her own journey along with Ani. It is one of the most exquisite retellings of its time, and a joy to read and encounter.

Star rating: * * * * 4/5

The White Darkness

The White Darkness, written by Geraldine McCaughrean, is the story of a young girl named Sym who is mesmerized by Antarctica and legendary Captain Oates. Captain Oates may be dead in real life, being part of the failing Scott's expedition, but he is alive in Sym's head. There he advises and mentors her, keeping her company through her fantasies. However, one day, Sym is taken by her uncle on her dream trip, to Antarctica. Yet once there, it is not so much as a dream then like a nightmare. Struggling to survive the frosted wilderness, Sym ventures across the ice plains, using everything she knows and treasures to stay alive. This book is gripping and exciting, chock-full of adventure and action. It keeps the reader on edge, wondering what will happen next. And with each twist and turn in the story, a new obstacle rises. It is fantasy mixed with reality, a perfect combination.

Star rating: * * * * 4/5

The Lady of Shalott

The Lady of Shalott, written by Alfred Lord Tennyson and illustrated by Genevieve Cote, is the absolute timeless classic of the old romantic tale of Lancelot and Camelot. Weaving a story, this book shows a new Romeo and Juliet love and death story, filled with beauty, soul, and magic. It forms its own pictures when read aloud, and the illustrations are more gorgeous that a new budding rose. Mystical fantasy ties in with the myth of Camelot, bringing to life the old knighting tale. The story spills like rose petals across each page, dappling the brush-stroked paintings. It is a book to treasure and keep, and to read on cold winter nights or warm spring days. It portrays our greatest search for imagination, and fulfills our largest quench for beauty in a world filled with curses and darkness.

Star rating: * * * * *

Nine Days a Queen

Nine Days a Queen, written by Ann Rinaldi, is the true story of Lady Jane Grey's short reign over England. Jane Grey had never wanted to be queen, and yet she had no choice to decide for herself. This intricate story weaves through the nine days that she was queen; from her betrothal to her death. It is full of passion, love, betrayal, and secrets, the writing is wonderful to read. It is one of those rare books that are impossible to put down, and it leaves you yearning for more. How was Jane Grey suppose to know that nine days after she became queen, she would become a legend, for her short reign and gruesome death?

Star rating: * * * * * 5/5

The Doll People

The Doll People, written by Ann M. Martin, is the timeless story of Annabelle's adventures as a doll in the human world. Annabelle has heard stories of her aunt Sarah; a great explorer of the human's world. However, Sarah has been missing for a long time, leaving many empty questions behind for Annabelle. One day, Annabelle finds her aunt's old journal, and decides to venture forth into the real people's house, to look for her lost aunt. On her quest, she discovers another doll family and her best friend, Tiffany. Together, the two use clues to lead them to the attic, where they believe Sarah is stuck. Yet they begin to realize the last few entries in the journals are not in the same writing. Has someone else been misleading them, or trying to help them? Or is it Sarah herself, giving false directions so she won't be found? This story is charming and full of fun adventure, including dodging the mean cat and avoiding being seen by the humans. Annabelle portrays a curious 8-year-old, and is a joy to follow through the pages of the book.

Star rating: * * * * * 5/5

Fever

Fever, written by Laurie Halse Anderson, is the dramatic story of a Mattie Cook, a girl in 1793 who flees her home and city to avoid the newly spreading fever epidemic. It sweeps the streets, killing many and completely destroying Mattie's world. Since her feverish mother insisted, Mattie goes searching for safety from the disease, soon realizing that the fevers are everywhere. Since they are unavoidable, Mattie struggles to learn how to survive the burning sickness, and how to deal with all of the deaths. This book is powerful and effective, bringing out the ugliest in all diseases. It shows compassion, sorrow, and love in a time of tragedy, and is a novel written close to heart. Set in the old days, it gives a taste of the past, and also an scary look at what can come.

Star rating: * * * * * 5/5

A Countess Below Stairs

A Countess Below Stairs, written by Eva Ibbotson, is the romance story of a young Russian countess named Anna. When the Russian Revolution threatens her life, Anna escapes to England, taking a job as a servant. She hides her background from all, showing only her determination. However, Anna begins to fall for Ruport, the handsome and wealthy Earl of Westerholme. As Ruport begins to fall for her too, Anna finds it harder and harder to keep her past life a secret. And of course she also must deal with Ruport's gorgeous yet mean fiancée. This book is a new classic, bringing romance and adventure together as one. The writing is lovely, as are the characters that will keep you guessing.

Star rating: * * * * 4/5

Coffeehouse Angel

Coffeehouse Angel, written by Suzanne Selfors, is the story of Katrina, who one day discovers a homeless man sleeping in the alley of her grandmother's coffee shop. She leaves him some warm coffee and treats to help him, yet this simple kindness act turns her life into something she could never have imagined. The homeless man, Malcolm, claims to be an angel between missions, and he wants to reward Katrina for her selfless deed. Malcolm is determined on granting Katrina her deepest wish for true happiness. However, what happens when Katrina lies about what she wants the most? This book is sweet and exciting, and very fun for the audience to read. It takes you on an adventure with Katrina, and shows you to always be careful what you wish for.

Star rating: * * * * 4/5

Anne of Green Gables

Anne of Green Gables series, written by Lucy Maud Montgomery, is the timeless classic of a little orphan girl Anne. Romantic Anne Shirley lives with Marilla and Matthew Cuthburt, who originally sent for a boy. Anne's adventures with her "bosom friend" Diana Barry, and her competition, Gilbert Blythe, are both exciting and hilarious, from green hair to broken chalk slates. Anne's dreamy and curious personality make her unique, and her yearn for reading and talking makes her an entertaining girl to listen to. As Anne grows up, she has children of her own, and she learns from all her past mistakes. Join Anne on her quests for romance and happiness in Anne of Green Gables, a rare book that can make the reader cry or laugh along with its characters. The book is truly a treasure, and Anne the rarest gem of them all.

Star rating: * * * * * 5/5

Maximum Ride

Maximum Ride, written by James Patterson, is the story about a girl named Max. She lives with her "siblings" other orphans like her. They were all part of a special experiment, but escaped. What's so special about them? They can fly. Each one of the group members has a large pair of bird wings, which helps them get around. Above all that, each has another special talent. Throughout each book in the series, the clan must fight evil, escape their creators, and even question each other's trust. This novel is gripping and adventurous; a story of wonder and fantastical realism. It is a book that will carry you away with the flock of orphans; hiding, running, fighting. Amazing and so unreal it is believable, these books get you lost within the pages, awaiting each new scene.

Star rating: * * * * 4/5

Beautiful Creatures

Beautiful Creatures, written by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl, is the romantic and mysterious story about a boy, Ethan, who has dreams about a girl he has never met. In his dreams, he is always grasping her hand, but she always gets pulled away. Then a new student shows up in his school, the girl from his dreams. Recognizing him from her dreams as well, the girl, named Lena, and Ethan join together to fight the evil force, Lena's turned-dark mother. Lena's mother is convinced that Lena will turn dark as well, once she comes of age. Lena, with the help of Ethan, tries to prove her wrong. This book is filled with romance, mystery, and mystical elements, pulling the reader in to a gripping novel. This book, like only a few others, is the rare type that stay in your imagination even after you have finished reading it. It is the classic forbidden romance novel, with a new, juicy twist.

Star rating: * * * * * 5/5

L.A. Candy

L.A. Candy, written by former Hills star Lauren Conrad, is the story about two best friends who just moved to L.A. Scarlett, the mysterious beauty, is there for school, while her best friend, Jane, is there for an internship. What started out as a fun adventure turns full-blast fame and fortune, when scouts ask the two girls to be on a reality show, called L.A. Candy. Accepting, the girls find out there is more action behind the camera then they could have ever imagined, and everyone is not who they seem to be. This book is fun and exciting to read, pulling the reader into the lives of two girls trying to make it in L.A. With the secrets, scandals, and romance, this book is a rich delight, leaving you waiting for more.

Star rating: * * * * 4/5

Shiver

Shiver, written by Maggie Stievater, is a beautifully written book alternating from the perspectives of Grace and Sam. When Grace was a little girl, she was taken by the wolves and nearly killed. Yet one wolf saved her, and came to the edge of the woods every year to see her. The wolf is Sam, a werewolf not by choice. He remembers Grace as the girl he saved, and the girl he has fallen for. Yet when other humans start to go missing, and the werewolf population increases, Grace ventures forth to clear up the questions, and finds a shocking discovery. Mystical, magical, and dark, this story is everything it needs to be, and more.

Star rating: * * * * 4/5

Stolen Voices

Stolen Voices, written by Ellen Dee Davidson, is about a young girl named Miri on a quest for her Talent. Every year, a group of fifteen year olds are bonded and masked together, a ritual in the town of Noveskina to silence the option of conflict. But when Miri fails to show any signs of a Talent, she is left behind. Upset, she sneaks in to watch her friends being masked, and watches as the Masker in fact sucks her friends voices to gain power. Disgusted, she tries to leave, but is found by the Masker himself. He orders her to be masked as a house servant for punishment, but with help of one of his servants, Miri escapes to the Hidden Valley, where she learns the true secrets of her town, and the gruesome events that lead to the Masking. This book is full of adventure, magic, and fantastical wonder, exploring the coming of age story with a new twist.

Star rating: * * * * 4/5

Dear American Series

The Dear America series are written like journals in the point of view of a young girl. Each book is from a different time and event, like the Holocaust, Gold Rush, and Oregon Trail. It educates the reader on history, while also engaging them in a heartfelt and adventurous story. In the back of each book, there are actual pictures of people and documents, as well as paintings, that show real footage from the real-life event. Though the characters are fictional, they capture the essence of people who truly lived in that time. The series is an entertaining and informative read, making the reader get lost in the time and story.

Star rating: * * * * 4/5

Mandy

Mandy, written by beloved actress Julie Andrews Edwards, is about a young orphan girl who dreams of a better life. Curious in nature, she one day discovers a small, abandon cottage in the woods behind the orphanage. Over time, she makes it her own, carrying for it and spending all her time there. Yet the people at the orphanage are getting suspicious, and Mandy refuses to tell anyone else of her secret hideaway, or the secret admirer who leaves her notes and flowers. But when she falls in and unable to make her way from the cottage to the orphanage, who will be able to find her? Will she be left alone in sickness, or has someone been watching her? This is a charming classic tale that captures the essence of love, determination, and dreams. It is one to have on the shelf to read over and over again.

Star rating: * * * * * 5/5

The Luxe Series

The Luxe series, written by Anna Godberson, includes The Luxe, Rumors, Envy, and Splendor. It follows the classic love tale poisoned with betrayal, secrets, and murder. Elizabeth is set to marry Henry, who both Diana, Elizabeth's sister, and Penelope, Elizabeth's best friend, are in love with. Only Elizabeth does not fall for Henry's wealth, charm and looks, instead falling hopelessly in love with the stable boy Will. Yet Lina, Elizabeth's maid, wants Will for herself, and will go to extreme measures to get him. As will Diana and Penelope for Henry. This series, set in old time New York, is the kind that is impossible to put down, capturing the interest of the reader. It is deep, entertaining, glamorous, and lovely, one of the best romance novels of our time.

Star rating: * * * * * 5/5

Lipstick Apology

Lipstick Apology, written by Jennifer Jabaley, is a story about a girl who's parents are in a plane crash. However, her mother leaves her a mysterious message written in coral lipstick on the tray table: Emily please forgive me. Now, along with finding new friends, moving to New York City, and getting used to living with her stylish aunt, Emily tries to uncover the secret message. But does she really want to know the truth? This book includes romance and mystery, and is a fun to read.

Star rating: * * * * 4/5

Sarah Desson

Sarah Desson has a collection of stories, including This Lullaby, Someone like You, Dreamland, Lock and Key, and Just Listen. Her stories take real life incidents and weave them with romance, adventure, and heartbreak. The books she has written can relate to any girl or boy, keeping the reader hooked. She makes her readers see the world for its not so pleasant happenings, but how in every pool of darkness, there is a burning candle.

Stars: * * * * * 5/5

East

East, written by Edith Pattou, is a gripping novel about a young girl named Rose. Rose is told she was born to the East, yet she discovers that she was in truth born to the North. Feeling betrayed by her family for keeping this secret from her, she decides to leave with a large white bear who shows up on the doorstep one night. The bear promises health and wealth for Rose's family, if she goes away with him. Rose is taken to a large castle in the mountains, and every night finds a visitor who comes into her room and sleeps. Curious in nature, she decides to find out who the stranger is, not knowing that her mere curiosity could lead to utter unhappiness for the white bear. She tries to go and find him, trapped in the land that lays "east of the sun and west of the moon" with a troll queen. This is a mystical fantasy that explores the depths of imagination.

Stars: * * * * * 5/5

Kiki Strike

This is a fairly new series, written by Kirsten Miller. The two books published now are Inside the Shadow City and The Emperor's Tomb. These books are about a group of girls, all different in their own unique way. In the first book, they find an underground city with their leader, Kiki Strike. However, there is something very different about Kiki. While trying to keep their discovery a secret, one tries to uncover the truth about Kiki, but does she succeed? In the second book, one of the girls learns her father is the "bad guy" and yet still wants to live with him. Can the other girls save their friend before something bad happens? This book is full of action and adventure, a great read.

Stars: * * * * 4/5

Study Series

This new series, written by Maria V. Snyder, includes three books: Poison Study, Magic Study, and Fire Study. The series is through the eyes of the twenty year old Yelena, who was kidnapped as a child and taken to the land of Sitia. There she becomes a laboratory rat, tortured until finally she takes action. In the second book, she becomes the Commanders food taster to escape the noose, and falls in love with her instructor, Valek. In the last book, she must learn to control fire, or be hunted by the Fire Warper and killed. These books provide great imagery and intense story lines. Publisher's Weekly said Poison Study "is one of those rare books that will keep readers dreaming long after they've read it."

Star rating: * * * * * 5/5