The Hating Game

The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

Laugh-out-loud funny. Good beach read.

Bambi

Bambi: A Life in the Woods by Felix Salten
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is not the cutesy Disney Bambi. The real Bambi is beautifully descriptive, full of tough situations and real-life meaningful lessons. I enjoyed studying this with my kids, ages 10 and 12.

One True Loves

One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

While this book presents an interesting dilemma to noodle over, I was disappointed with how the main character chose to figure out what she wanted. The ending was wrapped up way too neatly for such a messy situation.

Christmas Wonders

Christmas Wonders by Robyn Buttars
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Strong start, but the ending was flat for me.

The Christmas Shoes

The Christmas Shoes by Donna VanLiere
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

So I knew this was going to be a tear-jerker, but I didn't think it would be a sobbing-in-public-40-pages-before-the-end-of-the-book-tear-jerker.

The Story of the Other Wise Man

The Story of the Other Wise Man by Henry Van Dyke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A sweet story of the journey of a life well-lived.

The Mansion

The Mansion by Henry Van Dyke
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A perfect cozy Christmas tale, one I'm glad to have finally read.

The Crossover

The Crossover by Kwame Alexander
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Yes, this WILL get tween/teen boys to read poetry, but it has mass appeal. I loved it.

Saint Anything

Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Not a standout Dessen book, but I liked it.

The Last Time We Say Goodbye

The Last Time We Say Goodbye by Cynthia Hand
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

So sad, but so good.

Golden

Golden by Jessi Kirby
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Quick summer read. But too many clichés, forced themes, and elements that were somewhat far fetched.

P.S. I Like You

P.S. I Like You by Kasie West
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Really cute.

When You Reach Me

When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Re-read this out loud to my family. Still 5 stars from me!

My prior review can be found here.

Heart of a Shepherd

Heart of a Shepherd by Rosanne Parry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A sweet, touching story.

The One and Only Ivan

The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My 12 year old has been begging me to read this all year. I loved it as much as he did.

We Were Liars

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Perfect summer read for those that enjoy the mystery associated with unreliable narrators and plot twists.

Devil's Cub

Devil's Cub by Georgette Heyer
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

Completely over-the-top, even for Heyer. But this had me laughing out loud and happily entertained.

Where She Went

Where She Went by Gayle Forman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Perfect beach read. Read it in one day, the same as If I Stay.

The Enchanted April

The Enchanted April by Elizabeth von Arnim
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A lovely, gentle, humorous character-driven novel. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with this one. (I'm off to watch the movie on Netflix.)

Out of the Storm

Out of the Storm by Jody Hedlund
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sweet historical romance novella.