Crossed (Matched #2) | By Ally Condie

 

Crossed is the second installment in the Matched series. Cassia leaves the society behind despite knowing she might never seen her family or Xander again. She heads out into the outer providences to find Ky. Along the way she discovers more about the society and herself. 

This book feels completely different from Matched. It moves rather slow but action starts to take place in the 2nd half which saves the book. I had high expectations of this book which resulted in me being disappointed. The book is told in dual POV and has much needed new character's. 

This book suffers from the much known second book syndrome and I'm not sure if I like any of the main characters anymore. I was also left wanting to know more about Xander since so much of the focus is on Cassia and Ky. There are quite a few plot twists and while I didn't love this book I am too invested in the series and will have to re-read the third.

I did read this book back in November of 2011 and while looking at that review I discovered that I remain consist on my thoughts regarding this book. I find it interesting that I didn't remember much of this book but I after rereading it I can see why. 

Dawn on the Coast (A Graphic Novel: The Baby-Sitters Club #23) | By Ann M. Martin

 

Another fun installment in the Baby-Sitters Club Graphic Novel series. Dawn is the focus of this one. She is going back to California where she is from to visit her dad and brother. California is turning out to better than she remembered. Her friends, the food, the weather and the beaches are calling her name. She's part of baby-sitters club in Cali and it's run with more ease and fun then the one back in Stoneybrook.

Dawn misses her mom and new friends in Stoneybrook but the familiar life in Cali makes her want to live there. Dawn has to make a decision on where she is going to live. This is fairly true to life feeling about being a child of divorce and trying to decide which place feels more like home. 

The pages are beautiful and made me miss my life in So Cal. Excellent read for these hot summer days.

Our Perfect Storm | by Carley Fortune

 

Frankie and George have been best friends since they were 8 years old. They grew up as next door neighbors became roommates and then kept in touch as they went separate ways due to their careers. Recently their friendship has been a bit off and Frankie isn't sure if George will show up but much to her relief he does. 

She doesn't know it yet but this is going to be her saving grace because the next morning her fiance calls off the wedding. Franke is confused and hurt. Her life is falling apart, she moved back in with her parents and is trying to get her life back on track. George convinces Frankie to go on her already paid for honeymoon. 

They both go out of their normal comfort zone and reconnect while rediscovering themselves.  This book is predictable but fun.  Easy read. Perfect for fans of the friends to lovers trope. 

Gone Before Goodbye | By Reese Witherspoon and Harlan Coben

 

Maggie McCabe's medical license has been revoked. She is a retired Army combat surgeon and deep in grief. Maggie's services are requested by an uber wealthy man in Russia. It's an opportunity that Maggie can't bypass but this mission is going to prove to be more complex and dangerous than she ever imagined. 

The characters are well developed. I was impressed with the action and suspense created in the audio version of this book. Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine and the rest of the cast bring this book to life. I could easily imagine it on the big screen.

Expect to be entertained by this book full of twists and turns.

The Wish by Heather Morris

 

First Published: May 5, 2026

Jesse is a 15 year old girl who is battling cancer. Alex is a reclusive game designer. Their worlds collide when Jesse makes a wish and Alex is tasked with making it happen. 

Jesse's wish is rather complex and hasn't been done before. Alex isn't sure he can make it happen or if he wants to but the more he leans about Jesse the more motivation he has to make it come to fruition. Complications arise but Alex is determined to get past them regardless of the cost.

The Wish is emotional and deals with the reality of love and grief. The book feels off and reads more like a movie script which makes it a bit difficult to fully immerse yourself into. I struggled to continue reading it but pushed forward based on Jesse's character. The first and last quarter of the book make the read worth it but the middle is sluggish. 

** I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 

Matched (Matched #1) by Ally Condie

 

I read Matched back in 2011. I recall enjoying the Matched but not caring much for book 2 or 3. I decided to revisit the series and I still like the book.  

Condie creates a world that is seemingly perfect but you just know that underneath it all lays something sinister. As things unfold  and our main character Cassia leans truths about the society she lives in and has to decide how she will handle them.

Matched is about a young girl name Cassia who lives in a society that provides food, shelter, jobs and she is preparing for two major life events. One of these is her matched ceremony. This ceremony will match her with ideal mate. Cassia is not only surprised by her unexpected match but by a glitch in the system that makes her start to doubt the society she thought she loved.

Jessi Ramsey, Pet-sitter: A Graphic Novel (The Baby-Sitters Club Graphic Novels #18) Ellen T. Crenshaw (Adapter) , Ann M. Martin

Jessi Ramsey is a member of the Baby-Sitters Club but this baby sitting job doesn't deal with children. She will be watching the Mancusis's pets. They have dogs, hamsters, snakes and so many other types of pets! It's like their own personal zoo! There is chaos at pet sitting gig  and within the baby sitters club. 

The illustrations are adorable and this is a short read that can be done in under a few hours. 

Mallory and the Trouble with Twins: A Graphic Novel (The Baby-sitters Club #17) | By Ann M. Martin (Author)

 

Mallory has been tasked with babysitting the Arnold twins. The twins wear matching outfits, are hard to tell apart and look cute but once they are alone with Mallory they become terrors. Mallory has to figure out how to get past their naughty antics and make her job easier and fun.

The illustrations are beautiful and help tell to tell the story. I am incredibly surprised at how much I am enjoying the graphic novels of a beloved childhood series. I think it's an excellent way to bring books that might be outdated to current day. It might also be a way to encourage reading for younger generations while creating nostalgia for past ones. 

Reminders of Him | By Colleen Hoover

 

Kenna Rowan has just been released from prison. She has returned to scene of the crime in hopes that she can reconnect with her four year old daughter and make amends. This is going to prove to be difficult or nearly impossible.

The difficult meter increases when she meets Ledger. The last thing she wants is romance and more she learns about Ledger the more complicated her life gets. Ledger is an overall good guy and wants to help Kenna. Kenna fights against it despite wanting his help.

 Ledger has a connection with Kenna's daughter and she doesn't want to risk losing or ruining her only chance by entering into a relationship with him. 

Kenna's story unfolds and the more you learn about her the more you like her. You will find yourself rooting for her while also hurting for the other parties involved. 

Reminders of Him is a super easy read about second chances. Expect sadness and grief. 

This Story Might Save Your Life | By Tiffany Crum

 

Benny and Joy host a popular podcast. It's based on survival stories, against all odds and near death experiences. 

Benny and Joy have been best friends for decades. They are the type of people you want to befriend. Their ability to tell stories and entertain listeners all over is what makes them popular. Xander, Joy's husband manages the podcast which helps to contribute to their success but their popularity is about to soar when Joy and Xander go missing. They just might become one of their own stories. 

A massive search takes place keeping you entertained and intrigued. This debut novel is character driven and hooks you in. 

The New Girl: First Crush: A Graphic Novel (The New Girl #2) Book 2 of 2: New Girl | by Cassandra Calin

 

Cassandra Calin has done it again! The 2nd book in the New Girl  series is a hit. The art work is creative and the storyline shows true struggles young women go through. 

Lia is navigating periods, crushes, family and friendships. She's learning how to be a friend and find herself. 

This is a perfect book for preteens and teens. It deals with acceptance, different perspectives and owning personal mistakes. This novel is believable and true to life. 

The artwork is beautiful and eye catching. I love each panel and how it highlights the story.