Adamo’s Not Like Other Girls pairs the emotional power of Speak with a mystery full of plot twists a la A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder. This would be a great pick for teen book clubs.
Not Like Other Girls by Meredith Adamo, (List Price: $19.99, Bloomsbury YA, 9781547614004, April 2024)
Reviewed by Jill Hendrix, Fiction Addiction in Greenville, South Carolina
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This is a poignant about family and all the ways those closest to you can do the most harm. Jess knows her mother for who she is, a woman who deserted her family for a con artist recently met. One so infamous he is the subject of a popular podcast. Jess has first-hand experience with her Mother’s priorities and knows her daughters are low on the list. What Jess doesn’t know is that her sister Tegan, whom she has raised, is determined to find their Mother. So much so that she has been communicating with a podcast host who wants to tell the story. By the ways Tegan has been communicating as Jess, an adult. The pressure to keep Tegan safe and not destroy their relationship is a desperate struggle for a “surrogate Mother” who is really just a sister. An obnoxious and pushy podcast host is not a benefit to Jess, nor the host’s handsome and kind assistant. This is a sweet story of finding family through love.
The Other Side of DisappearingThe Other Side of Disappearing by Kate Clayborn, (List Price: $17.95, Kensington, 9781496737311, March 2024)
Reviewed by Jackie Willey, Fiction Addiction in Greenville, South Carolina
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Alex is the son of the first woman POTUS. Henry is a prince of England. Alex has considered Henry to be his archenemy pretty much since they met, and he’s convinced that Henry feels the same. Until one night at a party when Henry kisses Alex, and Alex has to reconsider all of his feelings. But as the children of powerful world leaders, they have to consider their image and decide what damage they could cause and whether it’s worth it to them to pursue a relationship. This is such a fun book, and I found myself laughing out loud in so many places. The world can be hurtful to people who are “other”, but this book is the hope that counters that.
Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston, (List Price: $16.99, St. Martin’s Griffin, 9781250316776, May 2019)
Reviewed by Melissa Oates, Fiction Addiction in Greenville, South Carolina
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This is an action-packed book, no one page can be skipped without missing an important tidbit. The angst of teenage life can be a sad reality, exacerbated by social media. This book manages to convey that without letting it become the focus of the book. That is clearly the twisted relationship between Margot, Lucy, Nicole, and Sloane. All very different and under the influence in some fashion by the mercurial Lucy. Even Margot’s deceased high school friend Eliza is not spared from the manipulation. The book paints a tale where you can believe that given the right circumstances, anyone can resort to the most extreme actions of self-preservation. This is not a heart-lifting book of survival, more a spine-chilling book of survival.I truly was captured by this book and had no idea how it would end. I can’t imagine any reader of mystery, suspense, or psychology not appreciating this book.
Only If You’re Lucky by Stacy Willingham, (List Price: $29, Minotaur Books, 9781250887931, January 2024)
Reviewed by Jackie Willey, Fiction Addiction in Greenville, South Carolina
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This book is absolutely gorgeous. It is a gentle introduction to the concept of why conservation is important. Perfect for Earth Day readalouds.
The Wild by Yuval Zommer, (List Price: $18.99, Doubleday Books for Young Readers, 9780593708989, February 2024)
Reviewed by Jill Hendrix, Fiction Addiction in Greenville, South Carolina
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Shelbi has resisted making friends at her new school since she’s had bad experiences in the past. But when she witnesses Andy at a low point, she can’t help but reach out to let him know she knows what it’s like. And like that, despite Shelbi’s best efforts, a friendship is born. But both Shelbi and Andy have demons, Shelbi’s in the form of bipolar disorder that has impacted relationships in her past, and Andy’s in the form of alcoholism that started after his sister died. This is a moving story of two teens, both together and individually, as Shelbi learns the maybe she can rely on other people, and Andy learns to prioritize himself and his mental health.
Chaos Theory by Nic Stone, (List Price: 18.99, Crown Books for Young Readers, 9780593307700, February 2023)
Reviewed by Melissa Oates, Fiction Addiction in Greenville, South Carolina
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In The Caretaker, set in 1950s Appalachia, acclaimed Southern author Ron Rash examines the power of love and how it can drive us to reckless actions or can transform us into stronger versions of ourselves. Rash’s title character, Blackburn Gant, will stay with you long after you’ve closed the book and I’m campaigning for a sequel.
The Caretaker by Ron Rash, (List Price: $28, Doubleday, Wednesday Books, 9780385544276, September 2023)
Reviewed by Jill Hendrix, Fiction Addiction in Greenville, South Carolina
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Tilly and Oliver first meet on an international flight, and their first impression is not great on either side. So it seems like the worst luck when Oliver shows up at Tilly’s sister’s place to start work as an intern with Tilly…and they’ll be spending the summer traveling together. Working together. Staying in hotel rooms together. Tilly struggles with her ADHD, as always, but Oliver’s autism allows him to understand her in ways no one else has, and the two grow close. Readers of Eddings’s adult romances will adore this story about Tilly growing into herself, and her relationships that grow with her, and Oliver’s enthusiasm for colors and for Tilly. Eddings has obviously put a lot of herself into this book, and it’s paid off.
Tilly in Technicolor by Mazey Eddings, (List Price: $20, Wednesday Books, 9781250847065, August 2023)
Reviewed by Melissa Oates, Fiction Addiction in Greenville, South Carolina
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Elodie was going to be queen, until her youngest sister was born. The third daughter of a third daughter has been prophesied as the second coming of their deity. But there’s tension between the crown and the church, and Elodie, wanting to save her kingdom, accidentally puts her sister into an eternal sleep. The apothecary who sells her the potion, Sabine, is the only one who can help Elodie save her sister and the country, and the two set off to do just that. But while Sabine and Elodie grow closer, secrets have a way of coming out, and all is not as it seems among the clergy. An emotional adventure full of court intrigue that’s sure to appeal to fans of other YA royal reads like Three Dark Crowns and Dance of Thieves.
The Third Daughter by Adrienne Tooley, (List Price: 18.99, Christy Ottaviano Books, 9780316465694, July 2023)
Reviewed by Melissa Oates, Fiction Addiction in Greenville, South Carolina
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I really enjoy books about secluded mountain towns and the people who live there. The traditions are so rich, the community and family connections so strong. Like any town, especially one somewhat isolated from the outside your fate and reputation might be established before you are born. Cheyenne was an Ashby and the Ashby’s held a relationship with the forest. Rituals were established to keep children safe from the forest, silver in your pockets and dirt in your shoes. The rituals became more extreme when more children continued to disappear. Cheyenne cannot take the constant stress and leaves home. Called back five years later to care for her Mother by the only man she trusts after another child goes missing. She arrives to a Mother she barely recognizes and the animosity of Natalie and Jackson, her two best friends she left behind. Old friendships are tested and many secrets are uncovered. Sometimes you learn you really can’t rely on those you have trusted forever.
The Woods are Waiting by Katherine Greene, (List Price: $28.99, Crooked Lane Books, 9781639103805, July 2023)
Reviewed by Jackie Willey, Fiction Addiction in Greenville, South Carolina
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David has lived with regret for the past two years, ever since his middle school best friends’ band hit it big right after he walked away from them. Now one of the Darkhearts duo is dead, and frontman Chance is back in town and back in David’s life. David isn’t sure he’s ready to forgive Chance for the part he played in David’s FOMO, but as they open up to each other, they start to rebuild their friendship, and maybe something more. Fans of LGBTQ romance will adore David and Chance’s budding relationship.
Darkhearts by James L. Sutter, (List Price: 20, Wednesday Books, 9781250869746, June 2023)
Reviewed by Melissa Oates, Fiction Addiction in Greenville, South Carolina
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Dylan and Jonah have a long history of despising each other. Their friends have long insisted that the boys secretly have the hots for each other, though. So Dylan and Jonah agree to fake date for a while, and then they can break up and go about their lives without their friends trying to get them together. Except while they’re ‘dating’, they get to know each other — that Jonah works too much because his sisters are everything to him and he doesn’t want them to be taken away, and that Dylan has a brother he hasn’t even talked to in years because of something that happened in their past. And as they open up to each other, they find that maybe friendship — or more — could actually be there after all. This is a poignant story that is as much about Dylan and Jonah’s separate trials as it is about their romance, which makes it that much more satisfying when things work out for them.
They Hate Each Other by Amanda Woody, (List Price: 18.99, Viking Books for Young Readers, 9780593403099, May 2023)
Reviewed by Melissa Oates, Fiction Addiction in Greenville, South Carolina
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Dylan’s life revolves around his family — helping his aunt in their Chinese-Singaporian takeout restaurant, spending time with his cousins, remembering his mom. Then Theo comes into his life, with his private school and Ferrari and uber-wealthy family. The two are nothing alike, made even more obvious when Theo convinces Dylan to be his fake date at a family wedding and Dylan gets a look at the drama in Theo’s family. But there’s something real between them, and Dylan finds it harder and harder to ignore it. A super-cute romance with big YA Crazy Rich Asian vibes. And you’ll want to be sure to have snacks handy because the food sounds amazing, and you’ll definitely get hungry!
Fake Dates and Mooncakes by Sher Lee, (List Price: 10.99, Underlined, 9780593569955, May 2023)
Reviewed by Melissa Oates, Fiction Addiction in Greenville, South Carolina
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The Soulmate is about two couples, Pippa and Gabe and Amanda and Max. It is a story of family, mental illness, and what it means to truly love someone. The riveting thriller is told from the viewpoints of the two wives, both in the past and the present. Pippa, who is very much alive, is trying to understand what has happened and what she can do to protect her family. Amanda, who is dead is trying to discover exactly what happened that led to her death. One of the best domestic thrillers I have read in ages, the short chapters make you want to read “just one more” so you can find out what has happened and what is going to happen.
The Soulmate by Sally Hepworth, (List Price: 28.99, St. Martin’s Press, 9781250229700, April 2023)
Reviewed by Nancy McFarlane, Fiction Addiction in Greenville, South Carolina
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Any child who has ever been teased will relate to this delightful picture book about a young girl who at first feels embarrassed for being perceived as different and then learns to celebrate her own uniqueness. It also has lovely themes of family and friendship. Interestingly enough, my name Jill inspired a very similar schoolyard rhyme as the one that Anjali experiences in the story.
Always Anjali by Sheetal Sheth, (List Price: 18.99, Random House Books for Young Readers, 9780593648834, April 2023)
Reviewed by Jill Hendrix, Fiction Addiction in Greenville, South Carolina
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