Forever My Girl by Heidi McLaughlin: Sweet read, with a Rockstar!

Book #1 of The Beaumont Series

I was never supposed to be a rock star. I had my life all planned out for me. Play football in college. Go to the NFL. Marry my high school sweetheart and live happily ever after.

I broke both our hearts that day when I told her I was leaving. I was young. I made the right decision for me, but the wrong decision for us. I've poured my soul into my music, but I've never forgotten her. Her smell, her smile.

And now I'm going back.

After ten years.

I hope I can explain that after all this time.

I still want her to be my forever girl.

Loved Liam & Josie's story. Without revealing too much, Liam left 10 years ago to pursue his dreams, leaving his high school sweetheart behind, without even an explanation.
Fast forward years later, their paths cross as Liam has come back to town and soon realizes what he has missed out on.
I really liked that Liam realized the errors of his ways and wanted to make things right with Josie. I laughed out loud sometimes at Josie trying to deny her feelings for him.
I thought the story flowed well, but thought the ending...ended a little too fast for me, although I wouldn't change anything. I will definitely read more from this author! :-) 4.95 stars

One Night With a Rock Star by Chana Keefer LOVE! LOVE! LOVE! this book!!!

It's Anne of Green Gables Meets Rattle & Hum. Worlds collide. 

When Esther was a young teen with frizzy hair and too-skinny legs, Sky’s music soothed her through awkwardness and pain. During the Glam-Rock 80s, Esther is a College Journalism student and fledgling Print Model. One chance meeting with her Superstar crush rocks both their worlds. Will Esther's deep roots in Family and Faith keep her feet on the ground when a tornado named Sky blows her world apart? 

One Night With a Rock Star is a rich, satisfying Saga filled with multi-dimensional, lovable characters, sigh-worthy Romance and a tale that will carve itself onto your soul. 

Explores themes of spirituality, modern morality, relationship with God versus religion, how to aim for vibrant, lifelong love and how one can "have it all" yet still long for meaning and purpose in life. 

While the tale includes sexy situations, it is not gratuitous. Appropriate for and enjoyed by young teens and young-at-heart of all ages. 

Includes a Study Guide for individuals and groups regarding crucial life choices, vital relationship with God, and investing in long-term, healthy, romantic love that gets better with time.

*sigh* I don't even know where to begin.

I found this book through my Bookbub emails and the title captured my attention immediately!
What can I say without giving away too much?

What is a 20 yr old Christian girl (Esther) to do when she literally meets the ROCKSTAR (Sky) of her dreams and they actually form a connection? How does faith play into all of this? How does she walk away or does she? ;-)

I laughed, I cried, I got angry and even yelled out loud at Sky! lol and oh the ANGST!! I was like "are they going to kiss or what?!?!?!?" lol

This writing transported me back in time, to place where I could vividly see myself as Esther.

I loved how their relationship grew and how it was not just some insta-love, but it had the ups & downs, even if at one time it seemed too good to be true.

I LOVE the Christian/inspirational references and feel it was well blended into the story and appeared at all the right places at the right times. I loved Sky's transformation...if that's the word I'm looking for.

WHAT I DID NOT LIKE??? THE CLIFFHANGER!!!!!!! OH. MY. STARS!!!! 

HOW ARE WE SUPPOSED TO WAIT UNTIL 2015 FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENS!!! AGHHHH!!!

It was so real to me, I hated when this book came to an end.
I'M having major book hangover right now!!!!
With all that said, AWESOME read Mrs. Keefer!
This one is now one of my all-time favorites!! :)
I think I will just have to re-read over and over until the 2015 released ;-)

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick: Ahhh, to be young & falling into that "first love"

A gorgeous debut about family, friendship, first romance, and how to be true to one person you love without betraying another

The Garretts are everything the Reeds are not. Loud, numerous, messy, affectionate. And every day from her balcony perch, seventeen-year-old Samantha Reed wishes she was one of them . . . until one summer evening, Jase Garrett climbs her terrace and changes everything. As the two fall fiercely in love, Jase's family makes Samantha one of their own. Then in an instant, the bottom drops out of her world and she is suddenly faced with an impossible decision. Which perfect family will save her? Or is it time she saved herself?





I LOVED this book all the way until I got to the end..
I feel like I was left hanging... Kinda hoping for a part 2...soon?

-With that said, it was an excellent debut novel!!
-Love the cover!
-Loved that I connected with the characters so quickly!! Lessons on friendship, loyalty & family :-)
-Love the realness of Jase & Sam's relationship, and loved falling in love at the same time they did **swoon**
-Loved Tim's character, love how he turned himself around and actually began to think of others instead of himself

Only con: besides that it ended too abruptly for me, wish we could get more on how things end with Sam & Nan, unless that's another story ;-)

Great read! 4.95 stars!!!! 

HOT by Laura L. Smith: Great read for older teens.

Lindsey feels alone, like no one truly understands her. That is, until she meets Noah, who possesses a calm self-confidence that Lindsey craves. But what price will she pay to escape to the comfort of Noah’s soft words and strong arms?This novel uses the power of story to challenge teens to discover the relevance of faith. Young adults will identify with Lindsey’s feelings of insecurity and uncertainty. Promoting a personal trust in God, this story awakens the imagination through personal discovery, dynamic characters, and unexpected plot twists.

I read this book with the mind-set of a 14-16yr old and thought the book was well done. I agree with others that this is a great discussion starter for teens & parents. It was realistic to issues teens face in everyday life, thus readers can relate. I too, wished the ending was a little different between Lindsay & Noah. I think some closure & discussion between the two is what I was seeking. I love that the story shows that christians struggle with their choices and aren't perfect. I also would liked to have seen more regarding Lindsay and her parents relationship regarding her decisions. Otherwise, great book, I would definitely recommend!
My rating: 4 of 5 stars