ADIOS TO MY OLD LIFE
CARIDAD FERRER
MTV Books
Contemporary Young Adult
Trade
$9.95
ISBN-10: 1-4165-2473-8
Rating: 4.5 Enchantments
Alegria "Ali" Montero is a strong seventeen year old who knows exactly what she wants in life – to seriously pursue her music, just not in the same way her music professor father did. While he loves teaching, Ali wants to be on stage, performing her music, her way. She just needs him to see that. Auditioning for the hot new reality show, Oye Mi Canto, that's looking for the next Latin Superstar might just be the way to accomplish that. But when Ali unexpectedly makes the show, she's thrown into a world she couldn't have even imagined, let alone dreamt of being a part of.
Dealing with being the only underage contestant on the show and her father's reluctance for her to compete to having to put up with the resident wicked witch in pop star wannabe in Fabriana, make Ali's journey from audition to finale a must read.
I loved this book! Ali is a wonderful character, who does what she has to in order to make her dreams a reality. Several interesting plot twists had me gasping out loud. This book will have you staying up past curfew to keep the pages turning.
Ms. Ferrer's debut is a wonderfully written entertaining read.
Reviewed by Lisa
YA Director
Enchanting Review
Monday, December 31, 2007
Enchanting Review: It's Not About The Accent
IT’S NOT ABOUT THE ACCENT
CARIDAD FERRER
MTV Books
Contemporary Young Adult
Trade
$9.95
ISBN-10: 1416524916
Rating: 4 Enchantments
Caroline Darcy always wanted a life as exotic as her beloved great-grandmother's. Tired of being her boring old self, Caroline's got the perfect plan, when she goes off to college for the summer session, she's going to adopt a whole new persona. As vivacious Carolina, a half-cuban aspiring actress, Caroline is ready for adventure. But sometimes you should be careful what you wish for.
Things at school start off well. Carolina seems to be a hit with everyone, especially the guys. At her first party, she meets Erik, your typical frat boy. Their connection is almost instantaneous. Then there's Peter, the cute guy she meets at the same party who lives just down the hall. And the way he calls her Caro makes her smile.
It seems like Carolina is a success, but maybe too much of one. As her and Peter become good friends, her relationship with Erik heats up. Between studying with Peter and partying with Erik, her days are full. But when things suddenly go bad and Caroline finds herself in a dire situation, its Peter who bursts in and rescues her from the brutal attack.
This book is darker in tone then Ms. Ferrer's debut, but it's just as engrossing a read. Caroline's journey is filled with a number of twists and surprising turns, that take her from small town Ohio, to her summer on campus to Miami and back to Ohio as she discovers her own life might be just interesting as her beloved Nana’s.
Reviewed by Lisa
YA Director
Enchanting Reviews
CARIDAD FERRER
MTV Books
Contemporary Young Adult
Trade
$9.95
ISBN-10: 1416524916
Rating: 4 Enchantments
Caroline Darcy always wanted a life as exotic as her beloved great-grandmother's. Tired of being her boring old self, Caroline's got the perfect plan, when she goes off to college for the summer session, she's going to adopt a whole new persona. As vivacious Carolina, a half-cuban aspiring actress, Caroline is ready for adventure. But sometimes you should be careful what you wish for.
Things at school start off well. Carolina seems to be a hit with everyone, especially the guys. At her first party, she meets Erik, your typical frat boy. Their connection is almost instantaneous. Then there's Peter, the cute guy she meets at the same party who lives just down the hall. And the way he calls her Caro makes her smile.
It seems like Carolina is a success, but maybe too much of one. As her and Peter become good friends, her relationship with Erik heats up. Between studying with Peter and partying with Erik, her days are full. But when things suddenly go bad and Caroline finds herself in a dire situation, its Peter who bursts in and rescues her from the brutal attack.
This book is darker in tone then Ms. Ferrer's debut, but it's just as engrossing a read. Caroline's journey is filled with a number of twists and surprising turns, that take her from small town Ohio, to her summer on campus to Miami and back to Ohio as she discovers her own life might be just interesting as her beloved Nana’s.
Reviewed by Lisa
YA Director
Enchanting Reviews
Enchanting Review: Revenge Of The Homecoming Queen
REVENGE OF THE HOMECOMING QUEEN
STEPHANIE HALE
Contemporary YA
Berkley Jam Trade
Trade Paperback
ISBN# 10 0425216152
Price: $9.99
Rating: 4.5 enchantments
Aspen Brooks has spent her entire life waiting to be named Homecoming Queen. But when the envelope is ripped open in front of the entire school, it’s not her name that's read. Instead, Comfort High's Homecoming Queen is Angel Ives, Aspen's sworn rival. And even weirder, the school geek Rand Bachrach is named Homecoming King, an announcement made possible by Aspen's 'supposed' boyfriend. What kind of boyfriend sabotages his chance at being Homecoming King?
That's only the start of the weirdness. Between the vicious lipstick messages about Aspen scrawled on the mirror in the girl's bathroom, her tires being slashed and then Angel mysteriously -- or as Aspen sees it, conveniently - disappearing, things are getting plain weird. Not to mention the fact Rand keeps coming to her rescue, and horror of horrors, he's not all that geeky. In fact, he's kinda cool. And he's making her feel things she never thought possible. When Aspen's mom suddenly goes missing and all signs are pointing that Aspen's next to disappear, she decides to turn detective and find out who’s behind all the disappearances.
This was such a fun book to read, a great combination of humor, romance and mystery that wraps up with a surprising twist to the mystery that made it hard to put down. Debut author Stephanie Hale sets up her Aspen series in a winning way. Can't wait to read what happens to Aspen next.
Lisa
YA Director
Enchanting Reviews
STEPHANIE HALE
Contemporary YA
Berkley Jam Trade
Trade Paperback
ISBN# 10 0425216152
Price: $9.99
Rating: 4.5 enchantments
Aspen Brooks has spent her entire life waiting to be named Homecoming Queen. But when the envelope is ripped open in front of the entire school, it’s not her name that's read. Instead, Comfort High's Homecoming Queen is Angel Ives, Aspen's sworn rival. And even weirder, the school geek Rand Bachrach is named Homecoming King, an announcement made possible by Aspen's 'supposed' boyfriend. What kind of boyfriend sabotages his chance at being Homecoming King?
That's only the start of the weirdness. Between the vicious lipstick messages about Aspen scrawled on the mirror in the girl's bathroom, her tires being slashed and then Angel mysteriously -- or as Aspen sees it, conveniently - disappearing, things are getting plain weird. Not to mention the fact Rand keeps coming to her rescue, and horror of horrors, he's not all that geeky. In fact, he's kinda cool. And he's making her feel things she never thought possible. When Aspen's mom suddenly goes missing and all signs are pointing that Aspen's next to disappear, she decides to turn detective and find out who’s behind all the disappearances.
This was such a fun book to read, a great combination of humor, romance and mystery that wraps up with a surprising twist to the mystery that made it hard to put down. Debut author Stephanie Hale sets up her Aspen series in a winning way. Can't wait to read what happens to Aspen next.
Lisa
YA Director
Enchanting Reviews
Enchanting Review: Love Thy Sister, Guard Thy Man
LOVE THY SISTER, GUARD THY MAN
KIMBERLEE R. MENDOZA
The Wild Rose Press
Contemporary Inspirational Young Adult
ISBN: Print ISBN 1-60154-104-X
Paperback
PRICE: N/A
Rating: 5 enchantments
Meet Melena Russell, a shy 18 year old young woman who has always stepped down and
backed away from any type of serious relationship, except that of her love and devotion to
God. Now meet Dylan Hart. He is the first guy in a long time to intrigue Melena since her
unrequited feelings for Rick. Melena and Dylan begin something wonderful at a Christian
Summer Camp and though the future looks bright for them, Cassandra, Melena’s younger
sister, has other ideas.
Cassandra is selfish, angry, and spiteful, but most of all she is lost. Can Melena with God’s
help break the barrier between them, and will her brother Nick ever recover from the
accident that hurt him and killed his girlfriend?
The only real hope besides God for Melena and Dylan are their best friends Chad and April.
April knows what Cassandra has done to Melena throughout the years, and with Chad’s
help, they continually bring Dylan and Melena together.
LOVE THY SISTER, GUARD THY MAN by Kimberlee R. Mendoza is a wonderfully refreshing treat and glimpse into the life of a Teenage Christian trying to find her way in the world. Though Melena’s life has its ups and downs, her faith in God is inspiring. Thank you Ms. Mendoza for bringing us Melena and all the wonderful and very real characters of LOVE THY SISTER, GUARD THY MAN
BrandyWine
Enchanting Reviews
2007
KIMBERLEE R. MENDOZA
The Wild Rose Press
Contemporary Inspirational Young Adult
ISBN: Print ISBN 1-60154-104-X
Paperback
PRICE: N/A
Rating: 5 enchantments
Meet Melena Russell, a shy 18 year old young woman who has always stepped down and
backed away from any type of serious relationship, except that of her love and devotion to
God. Now meet Dylan Hart. He is the first guy in a long time to intrigue Melena since her
unrequited feelings for Rick. Melena and Dylan begin something wonderful at a Christian
Summer Camp and though the future looks bright for them, Cassandra, Melena’s younger
sister, has other ideas.
Cassandra is selfish, angry, and spiteful, but most of all she is lost. Can Melena with God’s
help break the barrier between them, and will her brother Nick ever recover from the
accident that hurt him and killed his girlfriend?
The only real hope besides God for Melena and Dylan are their best friends Chad and April.
April knows what Cassandra has done to Melena throughout the years, and with Chad’s
help, they continually bring Dylan and Melena together.
LOVE THY SISTER, GUARD THY MAN by Kimberlee R. Mendoza is a wonderfully refreshing treat and glimpse into the life of a Teenage Christian trying to find her way in the world. Though Melena’s life has its ups and downs, her faith in God is inspiring. Thank you Ms. Mendoza for bringing us Melena and all the wonderful and very real characters of LOVE THY SISTER, GUARD THY MAN
BrandyWine
Enchanting Reviews
2007
Enchanting Review: Don't Get It Twisted
DON’T GET IT TWISTED
PAULA CHASE
Dafina
Paperback
$9.95
ISBN-10: 0758218613
Rating: 4 Enchantments
DON’T GET IT TWISTED is the sequel to the first book in the Del Rio Bay Clique series, SO NOT THE DRAMA.
Mina Mooney’s been asked to one of the hottest parties of the year, the Frenzy, by one of the hottest guys at school. Craig Simpson. Only one little problem -- she’s not allowed to date until she’s fifteen. And her parents aren’t exactly willing to let her go to the party, date or no date.
That’s where the Clique comes in, they’re going to have her back. Her girls are going to be her perfect cover to get to her to Frenzy and more importantly, to her big date with Craig.
But things are never that simple. Aside from the boy drama, Mina now has to tryout for the school newspaper, competing with another student to write a column that was her own idea. Not to be outdone, her clique has their own drama going on. Jacinta has boyfriend problems; JZ’s got issues with his schoolwork that could cost him his spot on the basketball team; Kelly’s interested in Angel, the hottie hustler from The Cove and the hot new basketball player Brian keeps flirting with Mina, even when she keeps telling him she has a boyfriend.
DON’T GET IT TWISTED shows what high school is like for a lot of teens, the struggle to fit in and make it through the year as unscathed as possible which in Mina’s case is pretty impossible.
Readers would probably benefit from reading the first in the series before reading DON’T GET IT TWISTED as I did feel a little lost with the characters at times.
I look forward to reading the continuing stories in the Del Rio Bay Clique series.
Reviewed by Lisa
YA Director
Enchanting Reviews
PAULA CHASE
Dafina
Paperback
$9.95
ISBN-10: 0758218613
Rating: 4 Enchantments
DON’T GET IT TWISTED is the sequel to the first book in the Del Rio Bay Clique series, SO NOT THE DRAMA.
Mina Mooney’s been asked to one of the hottest parties of the year, the Frenzy, by one of the hottest guys at school. Craig Simpson. Only one little problem -- she’s not allowed to date until she’s fifteen. And her parents aren’t exactly willing to let her go to the party, date or no date.
That’s where the Clique comes in, they’re going to have her back. Her girls are going to be her perfect cover to get to her to Frenzy and more importantly, to her big date with Craig.
But things are never that simple. Aside from the boy drama, Mina now has to tryout for the school newspaper, competing with another student to write a column that was her own idea. Not to be outdone, her clique has their own drama going on. Jacinta has boyfriend problems; JZ’s got issues with his schoolwork that could cost him his spot on the basketball team; Kelly’s interested in Angel, the hottie hustler from The Cove and the hot new basketball player Brian keeps flirting with Mina, even when she keeps telling him she has a boyfriend.
DON’T GET IT TWISTED shows what high school is like for a lot of teens, the struggle to fit in and make it through the year as unscathed as possible which in Mina’s case is pretty impossible.
Readers would probably benefit from reading the first in the series before reading DON’T GET IT TWISTED as I did feel a little lost with the characters at times.
I look forward to reading the continuing stories in the Del Rio Bay Clique series.
Reviewed by Lisa
YA Director
Enchanting Reviews
Enchanting Review: Project Paris
PROJECT PARIS (The Fashion-Forward Adventures of Imogene)
LISA BARHAM
Contemporary Young Adult
Trade Paperback
Simon Pulse
ISBN-10: 1416914447
$9.99
Rating: 4 Enchantments
Imogene is back. This time she gets to spend the summer in Paris, working again as an intern at HAUTELAW and covering the much anticipated Couture Week. Well that is, until the models go on strike and all the fashion shows are cancelled. Imogene panics, knowing if there’s nothing to cover, there’s nothing to keep her in Paris - that is, until she stumbles upon a hidden stash of designs. She and Evie concoct a scheme to keep Imogene in Paris, covering the hot, new and not to mention elusive designer, Monsieur X.
The only problem, Imogene’s not sure Monsieur X really even still exists and now her whole summer depends on that little piece of info not being found out.
I have to say I loved this book. It picks up a year after A GIRL LIKE MOI left off and Imogene is a little more mature and a little more experienced. Finally her dream of spending the summer in France is coming true. But when her dream summer is threatened, she’ll do anything she can to convince Spring Sommer to keep her in Paris, overseeing the Parisian operation of HAUTELAW - which at the moment, doesn’t amount to much more then checking in on the renovation of the houseboat that will serve as their offices.
Add in the appearance of Brooke and the rest of her Wolfe pack and Imogene’s summer has the potential for disaster.
Lisa
Enchanting Reviews
December 2007
LISA BARHAM
Contemporary Young Adult
Trade Paperback
Simon Pulse
ISBN-10: 1416914447
$9.99
Rating: 4 Enchantments
Imogene is back. This time she gets to spend the summer in Paris, working again as an intern at HAUTELAW and covering the much anticipated Couture Week. Well that is, until the models go on strike and all the fashion shows are cancelled. Imogene panics, knowing if there’s nothing to cover, there’s nothing to keep her in Paris - that is, until she stumbles upon a hidden stash of designs. She and Evie concoct a scheme to keep Imogene in Paris, covering the hot, new and not to mention elusive designer, Monsieur X.
The only problem, Imogene’s not sure Monsieur X really even still exists and now her whole summer depends on that little piece of info not being found out.
I have to say I loved this book. It picks up a year after A GIRL LIKE MOI left off and Imogene is a little more mature and a little more experienced. Finally her dream of spending the summer in France is coming true. But when her dream summer is threatened, she’ll do anything she can to convince Spring Sommer to keep her in Paris, overseeing the Parisian operation of HAUTELAW - which at the moment, doesn’t amount to much more then checking in on the renovation of the houseboat that will serve as their offices.
Add in the appearance of Brooke and the rest of her Wolfe pack and Imogene’s summer has the potential for disaster.
Lisa
Enchanting Reviews
December 2007
Enchanting Review: Goddess Games
GODDESS GAMES
NIKI BURNHAM
Simon and Schuster
Contemporary Young Adult
Hardcover
$15.99
ISBN-10: 1-4169-2700-X
Rating: 3.5 Enchantments
GODDESS GAMES focuses mainly on the relationships between the three girls, all with totally different backgrounds who are forced to become room mates during a summer working at King's Crown resort in Juniper, Colorado.
Seneca could be the stereotypical poor little rich girl. She's harboring a secret - her mother's acting career is a mess, and her working in Juniper is part of her plan to help get her and her mom's life back on track.
Drew, the female jock, is on vacation from her mother after facing a terrible loss. Her focus is solely on training to become an even better runner.
Claire is the reforming party girl who's searching for a deeper relationship with God to help get her life on the right path.
Things aren't exactly smooth sailing for the three roommates, particularly with each other. In a tiny cabin it’s easy to for conflict to arise, especially when they don't exactly make the best first impression on each other. Drew and Claire see Seneca as fairly superficial, Seneca sees Drew as rude, and Drew and Seneca see Claire as quiet and somewhat withdrawn.
Conflict abounds when Claire can't be sure of the motive behind Seneca's interest in her L.A. boyfriend and Drew can't stand what she sees as Seneca's superficial ways. As the summer wears on, each girl is forced to deal with their own growing problems until one night forces the three to bond together and their friendship is finally cemented.
I really enjoyed this book, as the reader gets to see other sides to the girls that the characters don’t know about till later in the book. Each girl has their own point of view and it’s interesting to see what is actually going on with them and their misconstrued views of each other. I especially enjoyed watching Seneca fall for a guy who is so not her typical type.
GODDESS GIRLS is an enjoyable read, with a strong focus on the budding friendship between three girls as they search for themselves.
Reviewed by Lisa
Enchanting Reviews
NIKI BURNHAM
Simon and Schuster
Contemporary Young Adult
Hardcover
$15.99
ISBN-10: 1-4169-2700-X
Rating: 3.5 Enchantments
GODDESS GAMES focuses mainly on the relationships between the three girls, all with totally different backgrounds who are forced to become room mates during a summer working at King's Crown resort in Juniper, Colorado.
Seneca could be the stereotypical poor little rich girl. She's harboring a secret - her mother's acting career is a mess, and her working in Juniper is part of her plan to help get her and her mom's life back on track.
Drew, the female jock, is on vacation from her mother after facing a terrible loss. Her focus is solely on training to become an even better runner.
Claire is the reforming party girl who's searching for a deeper relationship with God to help get her life on the right path.
Things aren't exactly smooth sailing for the three roommates, particularly with each other. In a tiny cabin it’s easy to for conflict to arise, especially when they don't exactly make the best first impression on each other. Drew and Claire see Seneca as fairly superficial, Seneca sees Drew as rude, and Drew and Seneca see Claire as quiet and somewhat withdrawn.
Conflict abounds when Claire can't be sure of the motive behind Seneca's interest in her L.A. boyfriend and Drew can't stand what she sees as Seneca's superficial ways. As the summer wears on, each girl is forced to deal with their own growing problems until one night forces the three to bond together and their friendship is finally cemented.
I really enjoyed this book, as the reader gets to see other sides to the girls that the characters don’t know about till later in the book. Each girl has their own point of view and it’s interesting to see what is actually going on with them and their misconstrued views of each other. I especially enjoyed watching Seneca fall for a guy who is so not her typical type.
GODDESS GIRLS is an enjoyable read, with a strong focus on the budding friendship between three girls as they search for themselves.
Reviewed by Lisa
Enchanting Reviews
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)