Hello? by Liza Wiemer

Hello? by Liza Wiemer is a story about how one hello can change your life and maybe even save your life. Wiemer's story is about a highschool girl, Tricia, who lost her mom in a tragic accident and her dad lost himself in grief. Her dad dies and her grandmother raises her, but then her grandmother dies. Tricia is on the verge of killing herself when she makes a phone call. That call, that hello, creates a series of events that changes several peoples' lives. I loved the story!

Leaving Time by Jodi Picoult

Leaving Time by Jodi Picoult

I have read a few Jodi Picoult novels before, only to be crying my eyes out or being totally depressed. I thought I would give her another chance and I was not crying or depressed, I was held in suspense.

Leaving Time is about a young girl's quest to find out more about why her mom left her. Jenna wanted to know why her mom abandoned her when she was young. It is a riveting mystery full of suspense. After Jenna's mother disappears, her father ends up in a psychiatric hospital. Jenna's grandmother raises her, but never talks about her mom leaving. Jenna is driven to find out what really happened.

I enjoyed learning about elephants, which have a part in this novel. I was intrigued by the mystery behind her mom's disappearance, abandonment, leaving, whichever it would play out to be. This book is worth the time.

All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven

All The Bright Places by Jennifer Niven draws you into the story. Niven tells a story about two teens who are struggling, but for very different reasons. Both almost attempt to jump off a tower, but one of them saves the other and they become friends. The friendship grows and their bond is strong. This is not a happily ever after, but has a great message.

Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah is a historical fiction novel set in France during WWII. I love historical fiction and Hannah does an amazing job with creating a strong female protagonist. Vianne Mauriac's husband must leave to fight in the war. Vianne's sister, Isabelle, is a rebel. Combine the two, plus how a German Captain takes over Vianne's home and you have an interesting plot. The story has great hardship, strength, resistance, relationships, and love. If you enjoy historical fiction don't pass up this wonderful story.

The Girl in The Spider's Web by David Lagercrantz

I really didn't think that this series would continue to be as good as the original books, but I was surprised to see that I was as engaged in this book as I was in the first books. Lisbeth's character continued to grab my attention. I highly recommend The Girl in the Spider's Web if you want to continue the series.

Not If I See You First by Eric Lindstrom

Eric Lindstrom's Not If I See You First is a beautiful story about a teenage girl who is blind. She is coping with the death of her father and her aunt and family moving into her house to take care of her. Like any teenager, high school has its own issues and this book does not fall short on that. It's a great story about friendship, love, grieving, and healing. I highly recommend this one!

Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige

So we all love The Wizard of Oz, this is a follow up story line much different then the original. Dorothy takes over Oz, but she isn't the sweet, innocent girl who originally landed in Oz. There are a lot of magical forces in Oz, but they are not all good, or working together. I enjoyed the story, but would have liked more closure at the end. All the original characters are in this story, but with way different personality traits.