The Last Summer (of You & Me) by Ann Brashares

Memorial weekend found me browsing the aisles of the Goodwill for some good finds. While, I didn't score in the furniture area... I was lucky to find a great beach read...
Ann Brashares (Author of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants) brings to life a perfect summer novel set in a quaint island. Two sisters in their twenties, Riley and Alice spend every summer at their parent's beach house. The story also introduces Paul, a close family friend to both girls who grows up in the same town. After three years he returns to the island, but his return marks a season of change, unspoken feelings, tragedy and deep secrets that will mix into this trio's adulthood. Alice and Paul begin a deep felt romance without letting Riley in on their secret. One day, their happiness ends when tragedy strikes the sisters and the story becomes very bittersweet. This is a great book  for fans of Brashares and the author Emily Giffin. I think a lot of older teens who have just finished high school would enjoy this as a summer read.

New books for summer!

My wonderful niece shared a link to cool YA books for summer. Take a look here readers!
http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/books/2013/05/22/young-adult-summer/2352925/

Bittersweet by Sarah Ockler

I am going to post an unusual review by stating first that this is an awesome book. Ockler brings to her readers a delightful romance novel with a few twists. Hudson's world come to a towering turn when she finds out that her parent's are headed for divorce. Her life as an aspiring ice skater is no longer a priority, and she dives into helping out at her mom's diner creating delicious cupcakes. Although, Hudson enjoys baking she is pulled back into her natural world of ice skating and struggles with her future. While practicing at the outdoor lake, Hudson befriends a handsome hockey player who decides to make a deal with her. Things get interesting, when Josh sends Hudson mixed signals. As life begins to pull her in different directions; an ice skating scholarship opportunity, baking, friendships from the past, and family priorites... Hudson has to make a decision about who she really is and what she really wants. A must read for chick-lit fans! I was literally talking to Hudson outloud as I read.

Rocky Road by Rose Kent

Summer is almost here! With that said, I have been working through some chocolate themed books for our upcoming summer reading program. This year's theme is "Reading is So Delicious." Who would have known that there are so many tasty books with great food themes?
Rocky Road by Rose Kent, is a delightful read that deals with bi-polar disorder, being deaf, and learning how to pick yourself up time and time again.
Our heroine in the story is young Tess, who has just moved from Texas to Schenectady, New York with her mom and brother. Her mom's get rich quick schemes are always putting the family in hot water and Tess is tired of picking up the pieces. When her mom decides to open up an ice cream parlor, in a lonely part of town, Tess is reluctant and uneasy. Can the  family pull it together with helpful neighbors and a lot of hard work?  Find out in this great read by Rose Kent.This middle school delight will have you thinking about ice-cream, family, and friendship from beginning till end.