Stay Sweet by Siobhan Vivian // The BEST Summer Read

Stay Sweet, by Siobhan Vivian
Publication: April 24, 2018, by Simon Schuster Books FYR
Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Contemporary, Romance
Pages: 368
Format: Hardcover
Source: Purchased
Rating: 

Summer in Sand Lake isn’t complete without a trip to Meade Creamery—the local ice cream stand founded in 1944 by Molly Meade who started making ice cream to cheer up her lovesick girlfriends while all the boys were away at war. Since then, the stand has been owned and managed exclusively by local girls, who inevitably become the best of friends. Seventeen-year-old Amelia and her best friend Cate have worked at the stand every summer for the past three years, and Amelia is “Head Girl” at the stand this summer. When Molly passes away before Amelia even has her first day in charge, Amelia isn’t sure that the stand can go on. That is, until Molly’s grandnephew Grady arrives and asks Amelia to stay on to help continue the business…but Grady’s got some changes in mind…

My Thoughts:

Stay Sweet was adorable, beautiful, scrumptious and practically everything I could've ever wanted in a summer read. For the entire summer, I have been reading contemporary book after contemporary book, searching for that perfect read that I will never forget about and make my summer, however, prior to reading this newbie by Siobhan Vivian, I had not found it. In the midst of springtime, the cover for this book was released and I fell in love instantly, knowing that there's no better book to describe summer than one about ice cream and falling in love. Additionally, it's about friendship and family, and a mix of all of those topics that are sure to leave you shedding some tears.

What is extra special about this story is the fact that it includes a historical aspect; the founder of Meade Creamery, Molly Meade, lived during the WWII era, and we readers get to take a look into her life and discover her greatest secrets through her diary entries (which, not to be picky about, but were difficult to read due to the font choice) which were a delight nevertheless. I saw many relations between Amelia, our protagonist, and Molly, showing that one's passions and ambitions can carry from one generation to another. *dabs at the tears streaming down my face*

Essentially, this novel is about Amelia, who is spending her last summer in her small town, Sand Lake, before she heads out to university far away. As she has done every summer in high school, Amelia is working as a scooper for Meade Creamery, an ice cream stand set up by Molly Meade, a woman who decided to make ice cream for her and her friends to forget about the fact that their boyfriends and fiancees were fighting in the Second World War. This year, Amelia has gotten promoted to Head Girl, giving her all of the major responsibilities it takes to work in the stand. Before the stand even opens for the summer, Molly passes away and Amelia is left unsure if the stand will continue, until Molly's grandnephew, Grady, comes into their lives, wanting to use the stand as a business investment.

This book just screamed out 'feminism,' and it's a perfect time and age to show it. I loved the fact that Vivian used such a clever idea and job for the girls in the book: ice cream scooping, to show a message: that everyone has the capability to do anything, even girls. In the novel, we get to see our protagonist, Amelia, managing a business and earning respect from Molly's grandnephew. And the romance was A-D-O-R-A-B-L-E. I cannot digress how much I adored Grady and Amelia. It was one of the most respected relationships ever.

Stay Sweet was gorgeous. I certainly will never forget about it due to its memorable characters, setting, and ending. I have never read anything like it; it truly changed my life. This was certainly Siobhan Vivian's best.

What is the best summer book you've read this year?

Bring Me Back by B.A. Paris // THE BEST BOOK I'VE EVER READ

Bring Me Back, by B.A. Paris
Publication: June 19, 2018, by HQ
Genre: Adult Fiction, Thriller, Mystery
Pages: 384
Format: Hardcover
Source: Purchased
Rating: 

Finn and Layla are young, in love, and on vacation. They’re driving along the highway when Finn decides to stop at a service station to use the restroom. He hops out of the car, locks the doors behind him, and goes inside. When he returns Layla is gone—never to be seen again. That is the story Finn told to the police. But it is not the whole story.
Ten years later Finn is engaged to Layla’s sister, Ellen. Their shared grief over what happened to Layla drew them close and now they intend to remain together. Still, there’s something about Ellen that Finn has never fully understood. His heart wants to believe that she is the one for him...even though a sixth sense tells him not to trust her.
Then, not long before he and Ellen are to be married, Finn gets a phone call. Someone from his past has seen Layla—hiding in plain sight. There are other odd occurrences: Long-lost items from Layla’s past that keep turning up around Finn and Ellen’s house. Emails from strangers who seem to know too much. Secret messages, clues, warnings. If Layla is alive—and on Finn’s trail—what does she want? And how much does she know?
A tour de force of psychological suspense, Bring Me Back will have you questioning everything and everyone until its stunning climax.

My Thoughts:

Bring Me Back was honestly the best book I've ever read. Before picking this up, I classified B.A. Paris' other two books, Behind Closed Doors and The Breakdown as my ultimate favourites, but this time around, this has stolen the prize. This was a book that kept me guessing and intrigued for the entire ride. It's the type of the book that leaves you making hundreds of predictions to find that you were completely wrong. Whatever I thought would occur did not. If it did, then I definitely would not be raving this much about the novel. I instantly fell in love with the book after the twentieth page or so, and felt that I wouldn't be able to put it down. I read this in a few sittings, but in the same day, from morning to night.

This isn't your typical missing persons case story. In fact, there's nothing typical about B.A. Paris' ideas and books; everything is as original as it can be. The story revolves around Finn, Layla, and Ellen, our three protagonists. Finn and Layla were together, in love, and on vacation skiing in France, and as they were returning back to England, they made a rest stop. Layla stayed in the car, and when Finn returned, she was gone. Ten years later, Finn is engaged to Ellen, Layla's sister, and Finn still struggles to let go of the past and the love he had for Layla. Suddenly, Finn gets a phone call from someone in his past saying that they saw Layla, and weird occurrences begin to escalate. 

Basically, the main questions surrounding this story were: is Layla alive? Is she back? Will Finn choose her over Ellen? Forget about that; there were millions of questions surrounding this complex story. I cannot even imagine how much work was put into deriving this story; there are so many clues and hints that all make sense in the end when everything is cleared up. Well, actually, the magic of B.A. Paris' stories is that everything is never perfectly cleared up. She always leaves readers off wanting more from the last few pages of suspense. 

Although I mentioned that there are three main protagonists, Finn is the most prevalent in the story. We constantly learn almost everything from his perspective, and we as readers get to see what he was like ten years prior with Layla and in the present with Ellen. It sounds impossible, but even he, the character telling everything from his perspective, is hiding secrets. I was so shocked in how everything was revealed at the perfect moment. He was both a likeable and unlikeable character, depending on the moment and decision he made. But this was not a flaw whatsoever; it's important for thrillers to have characters who are the best of both worlds, if you know what I mean.

This was just such a complex story. The most complex I've ever read. There's a grand importance to every hint, secret and symbol laid out by Paris; when you read about some scenes or moments in the story, you may view them as unimportant, but surely they hold a great importance; every single word, sentence and moment in this story is important, which really shows that B.A. Paris is the master of psychological thriller writing. In fact, she is the master of modern day literature and entertainment. I really am eager to see films sprout from her fantastic story.

If I could possibly rate books with a ten-thousand star rating, this would be the only book to deserve all of those stars. Bring Me Back shocked me, especially with that UNBELIEVABLE ENDING I will never forget about, and with all of those mini shocks and revelations shown throughout the story. Every psychological thriller writer should look at these stories and see how it's done. And every single psychological thriller reader and lover such as myself should grab this instantly.

What is the SINGLE best book you've ever read?

Foe by Iain Reid // Unbelievably Mind-Warping

Foe, by Iain Reid
Publication: August 7, 2018, by Simon and Schuster
Genre: Adult Fiction, Thriller
Pages: 224
Source: Publisher
Format: ARC
Rating: 

We don’t get visitors. Not out here. We never have.
Junior and Hen are a quiet married couple. They live a comfortable, solitary life on their farm, far from the city lights, but in close quarters with each other. One day, a stranger from the city arrives with surprising news: Junior has been randomly selected to travel far away from the farm...very far away. The most unusual part? Arrangements have already been made so that when he leaves, Hen won’t have a chance to miss him at all, because she won’t be left alone—not even for a moment. Hen will have company. Familiar company.
Foe examines the nature of domestic relationships, self-determination, and what it means to be (or not to be) a person. An eerily entrancing page-turner, it churns with unease and suspense from the first words to its shocking finale.

My Thoughts:

Foe by Iain Reid was a surprise. It was a surprise because it randomly showed up in my mailbox (I never knew that it was going to be released, or even that Iain Reid was writing a second novel that'll be also a psychological thriller), and a surprise because it was amazing. If you're looking for another book that will mess with your mind just like I'm Thinking of Ending Things did, read this. I've been noticing that some of the other early reviews are skeptical of this book being classified as a 'psychological thriller,' however, I feel like it can be. THIS IS A THRILLER. It will absolutely thrill you to the core. Whatever you take away from the summary is not what the book's even close to being about. There's much more to the story, many more details and events that will scare the heck out of you, and make sure that you will not sleep at night, or trust the people around you.

Without spoiling anything, Foe is about a happily married couple, Hen and Junior, who are living in the countryside, far away from any nearby homes or people. One night, they receive an unexpected visitor from an internationally famous company who states that Junior has been selected, through a random lottery system, to travel far away from their farm. In return, Hen would be taken care of while Junior sets off on this 'life-altering experience.' This book focuses on the journey towards Junior's 'instalment' into this new phase of his life, and the struggles he faces as he comes to terms with this new part of his life.

From the start of my reading experience, I was obsessed. I couldn't stop reading, and I knew that this is the kind of book that should be finished in a maximum of two sittings. And that's how I was able to complete my reading experience. This is an approximately 200-paged story that kept me intrigued in every moment. The chapters are relatively short, and the dialogue is written in a way that sends chills down my spine. There are so many hidden aspects in the story that, by the time your reading experience is over, will show you that they were added by Iain Reid for a reason. I love these kinds of books, because every part is important; there's no random junky writing that solely appears to take up pages. Iain Reid's writing is beautiful, and features important details that make the story even more terrifying than initially suspected.

What I loved most about the story was its ending. If it had a mediocre ending, I would've probably given this book a 4-star rating. However, the ending did everything for me. It contained such a drastic plot twist that I felt my heart palpitate. If you're looking to be shook, please read this story and see what I'm talking about. I am in love, and this is one of the best books of the year.

Foe changed the way I look at psychological thrillers; it moved me, and introduced a new idea to my favourite book genre. Iain Reid, you are the master of scaring readers. 

*A review copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for a honest review. Thank you so much!*

Who is your favourite author who writes books that are consistently well-written?

A Map for Wrecked Girls by Jessica Taylor // WHAT A READ!

A Map for Wrecked Girls, by Jessica Taylor
Publication: August 15, 2017, by Dial Books
Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Contemporary, Romance, Adventure
Pages: 368
Format: ARC
Source: Publisher
Rating: 

We sat at the edge of the ocean—my sister Henri and I—inches apart but not touching at all. We'd been so sure someone would find us by now.
Emma had always orbited Henri, her fierce, magnetic queen bee of an older sister, and the two had always been best friends. Until something happened that wrecked them.
I'd trusted Henri more than I'd trusted myself. Wherever she told me to go, I'd follow.
Then the unthinkable occurs—a watery nightmare off the dazzling coast. The girls wash up on shore, stranded. Their only companion is Alex, a troubled boy agonizing over his own secrets. Trapped in this gorgeous hell, Emma and Alex fall together as Emma and Henri fall catastrophically apart.
For the first time, I was afraid we'd die on this shore.
To find their way home, the sisters must find their way back to each other. But there’s no map for this—or anything. Can they survive the unearthing of the past and the upheaval of the present?

My Thoughts:

A Map for Wrecked Girls is a tale of sisterhood, survival, friendship, love, and forgiveness, and can surely be classified as the best book I've read in 2018. For months, I've been certain that I would not read any good (or 5-star worthy) reads this year, however, in the past few weeks, I have discovered quite a few 5-star reads that I will never forget. Jessica Taylor's story is surely one of those unforgettable ones that needs more publicity and attention! If you're seeking a contemporary story that steers away from the typical premise authors tend to focus on (girl meets boy, and they fall in love), this is the book for you. In fact, even if you're usually reading those cheesy stories, I am certain that you will love this one, too. I am just so obsessed with the story and everything about it. I think that can be proved based on the fact that I read this in one sitting, on an eight-hour long road trip. If this book had the potential to catch my attention for that long, then I am sure that it can be deemed worthy of reading and publicizing.

This story follows the lives of sisters Emma and Henri, who are only a year apart in age, though completely different in personality. They are best friends who hang out with the same people, and tell each other everything. When they head on vacation with their mother to Puerto Rico, the girls expect to spend their time suntanning, drinking cocktails, flirting with boys, and attempting to forget about their own personal problems. Little do they know that they will be stranded on a deserted island with only one other boy, forcing them to attempt to survive in conditions they never experienced previously. 

This book moves between the past and the present. By the past, I mean the events leading up to the big dispute between the sisters, causing their relationship to deteriorate and their past friendship to dissipate. In the present, the girls are trapped on the deserted island, attempting to make contact with passing planes or ships, and trying to tend to themselves to survive. I believe that this is my first time reading a story about being stuck on a deserted island, and I loved every part of it. It seemed as if Jessica Taylor had an abundance of knowledge about the subject, and I honestly felt as if the characters had no other options to try to survive. The author covered every single possibility, not leaving any room for speculation and criticism by readers. This was just a roller coaster of a plot, with so much suspense and mystery woven in between the lines that I really couldn't stop reading. It was not physically and mentally possible for me to stop reading. 

What readers must be aware of is that the entire story does not solely focus on the survival aspect. It obviously is there too, however, it also focuses on the sisters' pasts, and how easy it was for them to live a worry-free life where they were given everything they wanted. Henri, for example, was more of the rebellious, wild sister who was boy-crazy and spent her weekends partying hard. Emma, on the other hand, was dragged to these parties where she strove to be just like her sister. It obviously did not work out, as they couldn't be the same kind of person, and Emma's struggle was evident throughout the whole novel. I kept wishing for her to learn to become her own person, independent of her sister and her sister's attitude. By the conclusion of the story, I felt that it was the author's intention for us readers not to adore her characters, but to grow with them and see their development as individuals after being deserted and forced to look upon their flaws and pasts. This is a coming-of-age story that shows how people are affected by trauma, and the mistakes they have made in their pasts.

Ultimately, this story contains romance. Specifically, the romance between Emma and Alex, the boy they are stranded with, in the present, and this was the relationship I fully supported and adored. It was the first step Emma took to become her own person and be independent of Henri. Since I was not the biggest fan of Henri's character (was anyone, really?) I was super excited for this relationship to blossom as it made Henri jealous that she was not being given any attention. 

The best part of this story was the ending, and how it all came together. Jessica Taylor successfully showcased that all humans are flawed, and especially in our teenage years, we are unable to see this. We all need to work hard to make our relationships work, whether they are sibling ones, romantic ones or parental ones. It also shows that life doesn't always go as planned—which is why we should always strive to tackle the obstacles that are before us.

A Map for Wrecked Girls was life-changing. Its premise, pacing of the plot, characters, romance, themes incorporated and writing were all beautiful, and it was surely one of the best books of the year. Go fall in love with it; you will not be disappointed.

*A review copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for a honest review. Thank you so much!*

What is the best book you've read this year?

The Merciless III: Origins of Evil by Danielle Vega // One of the Best YA Series Ever

The Merciless III: Origins of Evil, by Danielle Vega
Publication: July 11, 2017, by Razorbill
Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Horror
Pages: 304
Format: Hardcover
Source: Purchased
Rating: 

Brooklyn knows that there's no good without evil, no right without wrong. And when a helpless girl calls her teen helpline, whispering that someone is hurting her, Brooklyn knows that she needs to save her anonymous caller, even if it means doing something bad.
Her parents and friends assure her the call was probably a prank but Brooklyn has always had a tendency to take over, whether someone has asked for help or not.
She discovers the call came from Christ First Church and finds herself plunged into the cultish community of its youth group. She's especially drawn to Gavin, the angelic yet tortured pastor's son.
Torn between an unstoppable attraction to Gavin and her obsession with the truth, Brooklyn is forced to make a devastating choice to rid Christ Church of evil once and for all. . . . But the devil has plans for Brooklyn's soul.

My Thoughts:

I love reading series when I own all of the books personally. That way, I'm able to read one after the other, not forgetting what previously happened. There is also no chance of me changing my opinion of a certain genre, which, in this case, is horror. I LOVE HORROR BOOKS. Both horror books and movies, actually. There's no better way to fulfill this obsession and adoration I have than to be immersed in the gorgeous writing of Danielle Vega. Every book in this series has been amazing. When I read the first Merciless story a few years ago, I was ecstatic to read the others in the series, and I agree that it took me too long to do so. NEVERTHELESS, I did read them now, and I now feel that the reading slump I experienced a month ago is long gone. Thank you, Ms. Vega, for showing me what it is like to read an amazing story. 

From the start of the novel, we are introduced to Brooklyn, who is a girl trying to help others by starting a teen helpline. On her helpline's first night of debuting, she receives a phone call where she hears a girl calling for help, stating that someone is hurting her. Automatically, Brooklyn becomes interested in helping this girl (with asking for minimal aid from the police), and discovers that the call came from Friend, Mississippi's Christ First Church. While 'investigating,' Brooklyn meets Hope and Gavin, the children of the church's pastor, and becomes immersed in the cultish community of the church, even to the extent that she begins to fall for Gavin. Then, things get insane very quickly.

This third book in the series is actually a prequel to The Merciless, and I must say that it helps us readers truly understand how everything came to be. How the world the book takes place in was able to form, and how the cultish vibes came to be. The protagonist we deal with in this story is Brooklyn, who, in the first novel, is seen as the "weirdo" evil character. Through this story, the audience definitely was able to better understand Brooklyn's character, and partially form a character-reader relationship. I actually grew to like her as a character, even though she took too many risks and did not think rationally, which led her to become involved with the Christ First Church (the cultish church that basically began this series and affected all of the characters). Although she fell heads-over-heels a little too quickly for Gavin, the son of the pastor of the church, she can definitely be classified as a kick-butt character. Kudos to her (but too bad things went SO wrong in this story).

This was one of the most well-written stories I've read in a while. The major perk that allows me to say this is that it is that it practically made me nauseous. Why nauseous, you ask? THE GORE. Every single one of these stories involve some kind of traumatic experience for a character(s) and when these events occur, they will haunt you and give you nightmares. I'm not kidding or am even close to over-exaggerating this. While reading, you'll kind of feel as if what's happening to the characters is (almost) happening to you. Yikes. I also extremely appreciate the fact that every single book in this gorgeous series involves some romance. Because if they were just focused on the horror aspect, I would have to sleep with my lights on, every single night, to help me calm down. 

I don't think it's possible to recommend this book and series more. If you haven't heard of this series already, then I am very upset with you and would like to force you to head over to your local bookstore (or online bookstore, haha) and purchase all four (the fourth one just released!) of the books this instant. You will not be disappointed, and if you are, then you're an exception. *winks* Get ready to be scarred, in a good way.

What is a YA series you've read that has been consistently good?