Where People Like Us Live by Patricia Cumbie

In 1978, when her restless father moves the family to Racine, Wisconsin, fourteen-year-old Libby quickly becomes friends with neighbor Angie, but there is something strange about Angie's stepfather and when Libby learns the truth, she must make a very difficult choice.

This book has a creepy (as in uncomfortable, not scarey) factor that will be appealing to teenage girl readers. Like Libby, everyone wants to belong...to have a good friend--what price do you pay to keep a friend?

Rating: 8 of 10.

The Perfect Christmas by Debbie Macomber

Thirty-three-year-old Cassie wants a husband and children for Christmas and decides to hire a professional matchmaker to help her dreams come true, but Simon Dodson demands Cassie complete three tasks before he introduces her to her perfect mate.

OK, this isn't great literature--think lite Danielle Steel; however it was a pleasant (if predictable) read.

Rating: 8 of 10.

While My Sister Sleeps by Barbara Delinsky

Molly is shocked to learn that her  sister Robin, a world-class runner, has had a heart attack and may never regain consciousness, and while the rest of her family seems to be crumbling, Molly is left to make the big decisions.

I really identified with Molly & her family. The struggle of doing the right thing (whatever that may be) and the family dynamics were interesting to observe...and they felt real to me--at least the mother & Molly did.

Rating: 9 of 10.

Front and Center by Catherine Gilbert Murdock

Sequel to: The off season. D.J. Schwenk finds her life taking an unexpected turn just as she was thinking things were finally calming down, and as she tries to make important decisions about her future, she discovers romance and adventure in the unlikeliest places.

D.J. is a strong female character; it has been a treat watching her mature. Whether it is her rural background, her tom-boy tendencies, or her personality, she comes off as real. Loved the earlier books and liked this conclusion to the series.
 
Rating: 9 of 10.

Blood Secret by Kathryn Lasky

Fourteen-year-old Jerry Luna, mute since her mother's disappearance, is sent to her great-great aunt Constanza's house, where she discovers a trunk that draws her into the world of her ancestors during the Spanish Inquisition.



This story had so many things going for it: the setting, the wonderful old aunt, Jerry with all her problems...but the whole trunk thing seemed contrived and the story strugged to fit it in. This is close to being a good book--but just not quite there.

Rating: 7 of 10.

Love You Hate You Miss You by Elizabeth Scott

After coming out of alcohol rehabilitation, sixteen-year-old Amy sorts out conflicting emotions about her best friend Julia's death in a car accident for which she feels responsible.


Elizabeth Scott is one of my favorite authors to recommend to my high school girl readers. This has all the things that the girls will want to read about....grief, sadness, wild actions, etc. Although this is not my favorite Elizabeth Scott book (Bloom probably is), I will be recommending it to my readers.
 
Rating: 8 of 10.

Play Me by Laura Ruby

Disappointed when he does not get the MTV production deal he wants, high school senior Eddy leaves his girlfriend and takes a road trip to find the mother who has left him and his younger stepbrother, who has taken a bit part in a television show.

I was definitely too old to read and enjoy this book. I didn't understand the many movie references, I felt no sympathy (or empathy) for the main character and I just didn't care what happened to him...I felt like slapping him around and tell him to "get a grip". The little brother was a great (and sad) character. This is a book where the supporting characters are more developed than the main character. I have liked this author in the past; but this one just didn't work for me.
Rating: 7 of 10