It’s Boba Time for Pearl Li

About the Book:

It's Boba Time for Pearl Li! by [Nicole Chen]

Title:It’s Boba Time for Pearl Li
Author: Nicole Chen
Publisher: Quill Tree Books
Release Date: February 28th, 2023
Genre: Children’s Fiction

erfect for fans of Kelly Yang and Jessica Kim, this joyful, moving middle grade contemporary follows a big-hearted Taiwanese American girl as she aims to gain her family’s acceptance and save her favorite boba tea shop by selling her handcrafted amigurumi dolls.

Pearl Li is ready to spend the summer before seventh grade hanging out with her two best friends, crocheting the cutest amigurumi dolls, and visiting her favorite tea shop, Boba Time. Its quirky owner, Auntie Cha, is the only adult Pearl can confide in about her art—if only her tech-obsessed family would understand her love of crafts!

After Pearl learns of Boba Time’s financial troubles, she decides to sell her amigurumi to raise money for the shop. But as she navigates the ups and downs of running a business, Pearl realizes that monetizing her passion is more complicated than she could’ve ever imagined. Can Pearl save Boba Time before it’s too late?

Book Review:

I’m so excited for this new wave of diverse middle grade fiction! I would have loved to read these books as a kid, and it’s incredibly important to see representation on the page. I also really loved how It’s Boba Time, Pearl Li does not focus on racism. Instead it’s about a normal American girl who is Taiwanese. It’s important to normalize MC of different ethnicities instead of shoving them into a box where their books can only be about racism.

It’s Boba Time for Pearl Li is about a seventh grade girl who discovers her favorite boba shop is about to close. She’s determined to help the owner, Auntie Cha, and decides to start her own business and sell amigurumi dolls. But running a business is more complicated than she thought. What happens when her friend and family drama get in the way of saving the boba shop?

I felt like Pearl was very relatable especially for middle school girls. She’s still trying to figure herself out and stand up for herself. She was also relatively selfish at times. I think that it was frustrating, but it also made sense for her age. She had to learn how to think about and consider others, and I loved watching her grow and mature. I think Chen did a great job of showing Pearl’s growth in her friendships and showing the importance of saying sorry when you mess up.

I loved her friends! I love the diversity in their group and also I loved watching them learn how to interact. Friendships are so hard especially in middle school, but it was cool to see a solid group of girlfriends with no romance! Definitely a fan of romance, but I think in middle school friendships are more important. Pearl also had to learn how to deal with family relationships.

I like learning about Pearl’s family and how different they all were. But I didn’t love how the family aspect was handled. Pearl ends up lying to her parents in the book, and in the end, her fault is glossed over. Chen focuses more on how her mother should have been more supportive of her crafts. I think there were definitely communication issues on both sides, but I would have liked to see equal responsibility taken from both sides. And it was odd to me how the dad in the story didn’t really have a role. He seemed to be there simply to be there, and while I admire the strong female relationships, I wanted to see his part in the family.

However, I did enjoy seeing the different dynamics. It felt really real, and I think it showed the importance again of good communication. There were a lot of great lessons in this book including one about business and entrepreneurship. However, the lessons felt natural, and they weren’t shoved down your throat.

I would definitely recommend this book to any tween girl! It’s a fun, clean, read about family, friends, and talking to your loved ones.

Highlights:

Strong female friendships

Sisterly bonds

Not judging others

Importance of communication

Racially diverse characters just going through life

Business/entrepreneurship lessons

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.

The Last Chance Cowboy

About the Book:

The Last Chance Cowboy (Colorado Cowboys Book #5) by [Jody Hedlund]

Title: The Last Chance Cowboy
Series: Colorado Cowboys #5
Author: Jody Hedlund
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Release Date: February 14th, 2023
Genre: Historical Christian Romance

With danger drawing ever closer, their only hope of saving their futures lies in each other.

As a midwife, Catherine Remington is successful in bringing new life into the world, but she’s failed one too many times in finding true love. When she’s accused of a murder she didn’t commit, she’s forced to flee to Colorado to honor a patient’s dying wish by delivering a newborn infant to his father.

The repentant prodigal Dylan McQuaid is finally back in Fairplay. As sheriff, he’s doing his best to prove to the town he’s a changed man and worthy of their trust. When a woman shows up with an infant son he didn’t know he had, Dylan is left with only complicated choices on what to do next.

Having grown attached to Dylan’s son, Catherine doesn’t want to part ways with the infant, but what she doesn’t bargain for is how easily she’ll fall for the charming sheriff, or how quickly the past will catch up with her and put their love and lives in danger.

Book Review:

Oh my goodness, this was just an amazing ending! I have been eagerly waiting for the next books to release in this series each year and it did not disappoint. The Last Chance Cowboy is the fifth and final book in Jody Hedlund’s Colorado Cowboys series.

Dylan needed his own book and boy was it good! Poor Dylan, he had made a lot of mistakes and he had a lot that he needed to work on. Dylan had to learn from his past, amend his mistakes, and give everything to God. I adored getting to read about Dylan and learn more about him. He was learning. It was so sweet to read about him falling for Catherine and Austin. He wanted to be a good father and husband but he had to learn to trust that God was in control even when life felt crazy.

Catherine was another great character! She was so sweet and she fell for Austin at first glance, loving him as her own. Catherine was so interesting to read about and it was sweet to see her falling for Dylan. She didn’t have the best opinion of him but as she learned more about him, she saw past her prejudices. Catherine was running from her problems but she had to learn to face them. Catherine had to learn to trust Dylan and to rest in God’s plan.

I loved getting to read about Catherine and Dylan falling in love! They were so cute together! It was sweet to read about them interacting, Dylan was such a sweetheart. I also adored Austin and read about them coming together to care for him. The side characters were fun, I just loved Trudy and Stu, it was fun to have an older no nonsense couple. Seeing the family again was wonderful and I love how Hedlund is able to weave faith into her stories so well.

I would definitely recommend The Last Chance Cowboy! I am so sad to see this series end, but I believe Hedlund did a great job. The Last Chance Cowboy needs to be on your TBR. It is a clean historical christian romance, I would recommend it to those who are at least 13 years old.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.

Winning His Trust

About the Book:

Winning His Trust: An Uplifting Inspirational Romance by [Toni Shiloh]

Title: Winning His Trust
Author: Toni Shiloh
Publisher: Love Inspired
Release Date: February 21st, 2023
Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance

To build a future together

They must both let go of the past…

Returning home after a bad breakup, Jordan Wood is eager to prove she can run her family’s store. Setting up a partnership with Declan Porter’s struggling adventure business might do the trick. But the handsome single dad is set in his ways—in business and in love. Can winning his—and his son’s—heart help them all heal?

Book Review:

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. Winning His Trust is by Toni Shiloh and it is a companion story to Her Christmas Redemption. I was excited to see how this book would turn out and read about Jordan’s story. The concept was cute and the cover looks so sweet.

Jordan was a strong woman but she was trying to find her footing again. Jordan had returned home but she couldn’t seem to find her place. She wanted to use her degree but how could she tell her brother that when he didn’t even know that she had gone back to college. Jordan was a fun character. She could come off as a bit standoffish but she was kind and she worked hard. Jordan had to learn to see that God was in control and that he loved her for who she was.

Declan had River to worry about and his business. He wasn’t looking for love especially since his ex wife had left him and he was trying to care for his son. But God seemed to have other plans. I loved Declan, he was just trying his best and it was sweet to read about him interacting with his son. He really loved River and he just wanted the best for him. Declan had to learn to trust God’s plan.

It was cool to read about Joran interacting with her siblings and building back up her relationship with them. The family relationship was so sweet and made the book. I adored River! He was so cute and I really enjoyed reading about Joran interacting with River.

The romance was sweet and it did not feel forced. Both Jordan and Declan were still recovering from past hurts, but they bonded with each other. I like how they became friends first and then it grew to more. It fits the characters.

Winning His Trust was a great book and I would recommend it to those who enjoy contemporary Christian romances. It is a clean contemporary romance.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.

I’m Not Charlotte Lucas

About the Book:

I'm Not Charlotte Lucas by [Kasey Stockton]

Title:I’m Not Charlotte Lucas
Author: Kasey Stockton
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Release Date: February 7th, 2023
Genre: Contemporary Romance

orthern California girl Charlotte “Charlie” Lucas has two great loves: Diet Coke and Pride and Prejudice. But her passion for Regency classics is tempered by a very real fear: Charlie is terrified of having to endure the fate of her namesake—spinsterhood. Despite her best attempts to maintain a modern sensibility, she can’t say no when an elderly neighbor asks Charlie to attend a charity ball with her grandson. Blind date or not, Charlie is powerless to resist the allure of a real-life ball. Soon it’s clear that she will struggle to resist the charms of her blind date too.

Liam Connell is every bit the swoon-worthy leading man, straight out of Charlie’s daydreams. But he’s completely unattainable—his last girlfriend was a gorgeous actress and a far cry from Charlie’s world. So after a magical evening with Liam, Charlie is ready to get back to reality, even if her best option right now is a former boyfriend who wants to give it another shot. Unfortunately, despite imagining she’ll never see Liam again, he seems to be everywhere. How is a lady to move past a fantasy when life suddenly seems to be imitating fiction to an alarming degree?

Book Review:

I loved this book! It was just the perfect sweet and romantic read that I needed. I’m Not Charlotte Lucas is written by Kasey Stockton and it was just a great read! This was a sweet contemporary read with wonderful and engaging characters!

Charlotte was such a wonderful character! I loved how relatable she was. She was trying to find herself and she feared making mistakes. Charlotte was in a rut. She was stuck in a life cycle and she didn’t know what to do with her life. Charlotte had to learn to let go of the past and look towards the future. She had to learn to hope again. I loved reading about Charlotte growing. Liam helped her see that she was perfect just the way that she was. Charlotte had to work on herself and realize that she didn’t need to fit a mold. Charlotte learned to reach for the stars.

Liam was a sweetheart. He was just trying his best and I loved him. I loved his relationship with his brother and how he was down to earth. I liked how Liam wasn’t perfect but he had his own things to work through. He was trying to raise his brother and he just didn’t know what to do. It was also cute to read about him with Charlotte, he really fell hard. Liam had to learn how to love Charlotte and show her that he cared.

Liam and Charlotte were just a perfect couple. I loved their interaction and banter. It was so fun. They really complemented each other and it was sweet to read about them falling in love. They had to work through exes, meddling grandmothers, and social status but it was worth the journey. I really like the way Stockton wrote her characters, they felt so real. I also really liked the side characters and I hope that Charlotte’s best friend, Beth, gets her own book.

I adored I’m Not Charlotte Lucas and I would definitely recommend it! You need to add it to your TBR! I want to read more of these characters and I hope that Stockton writes more books to add to this one. I’m Not Charlotte Lucas is a clean contemporary romance with hints of Pride and Prejudice sprinkled within, hence the name.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.

Scotland’s Melody

About the Book:

Title: Scotland’s Melody
Author: Katie Stewart Stone
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Release Date: January 8th, 2023
Genre: Regency Romance

Melody Foster has been granted every luxury available, save one: the ability to love whom she chooses. When her father reveals that she is to marry a wild Scot she’s never met, Melody defies him and declares she will never marry without affection. Her choice to marry Richard, a footman in her father’s household, prompts her family to disown her, and she goes to London to risk everything for love. But she is blindsided. Without a penny to her name, her love is worthless to Richard, and he decides to change tactics. Perhaps she could still serve a purpose―after all, her family can’t sit idly by while she is held for ransom . . .

Desperate to escape the man she thought she loved, Melody finds allies to aid her: first, her old governess and then Cameron Findlay, a handsome stranger who is startled by the distraught young woman who catapulted into his life. Cam finds himself sympathetic to the young woman’s plight, so he and his sister agree to take her on as a servant in their household. Cam and Melody are powerfully drawn to each other, but can Melody ever trust her heart when it was so terribly wrong before?

Book Review:

This was a sweet and fun book! It is the first book that I have read by Katie Stewart Stone but I really enjoyed it! I am definitely going to be reading more of her books. Scotland’s Melody is written by Katie Stewart Stone.

Melody was a complicated character. There were times when I was so frustrated with her and her decisions. However she grew on me throughout the book and I love getting to see her grow and mature. Melody was young and in love but she made a mistake however she ended up paying for her mistake.

Cameron was a lovely character. He was so interesting to read about and I loved getting to know him more. He was so complex. However Cameron was kind and I loved how he cared and teased his sister. Cameron had to come to grips with his feelings and learn how to interact with Melody. She was not what he had expected and had changed things.

I adored the romance that grew between Melody and Cameron. It was sweet to read about them connecting and getting to know each other. I love how they became friends first and then they grew to love each other. The plot was interesting and I was really engaged in the story. I wanted to see how Melody and Cameron were going to overcome their differences. There were so many surprises along the way and I loved it!

I love Cameron’s sister and I saw hints of a second book which I am super excited for. Sibling relationships are one of my favorite things to read about and I adored their relationship. I liked the family aspects in this book.

Scotland’s Melody was a wonderful sweet book! I really enjoyed it and I definitely want to read more by this author. Scotland’s Melody is a clean historical romance.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.

Yesterday’s Tides

About the Book:

Yesterday's Tides by [Roseanna M. White]

Title: Yesterday’s Tides
Author: Roseanna M White
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Release Date: January 24th, 2023
Genre: Historical Christian Romance

n two world wars, intelligence and counterintelligence, prejudice, and self-sacrifice collide across two generations

In 1942, Evie Farrow is used to life on Ocracoke Island, where every day is the same–until the German U-boats haunting their waters begin to wreak havoc. And when special agent Sterling Bertrand is washed ashore at Evie’s inn, her life is turned upside down. While Sterling’s injuries keep him inn-bound for weeks, making him even more anxious about the SS officer he’s tracking, he becomes increasingly intrigued by Evie, who seems to be hiding secrets of her own.

Decades earlier, in 1914, Englishman Remington Culbreth arrives at the Ocracoke Inn for the summer, never expecting to fall in love with Louisa Adair, the innkeeper’s daughter. But when war breaks out in Europe, their relationship is put in jeopardy and may not survive what lies ahead for them.

As the ripples from the Great War rock Evie and Sterling’s lives in World War II, it seems yesterday’s tides may sweep them all into danger again today.

Book Review:

This book was engaging and interesting to read! I have really enjoyed Roseanna M White’s books, but I haven’t really read a lot of her standalones so I was excited to try this one out. Yesterday’s Tides is a dual storyline historical romance

It was fun to read about the different couples and see how their lives were intertwined. There was so much going on and so much to keep track of. I was a little confused at the beginning, but I was able to get my bearings as I read more. The romances were cute and it was sweet to read about the characters falling in love.

I adored Rem and Louisa. Their interactions were just the cutest to read and I enjoyed reading about them falling in love. They both weren’t looking for love, but God had other plans. However there were a lot of obstacles that stood in front of Rem and Louisa. They had a lot to overcome especially since they were facing the start of World War I.

Evie and Sterling were also interesting to read about. They were set in a different time and yet they were also facing a war. It was fascinating to read some of the parallels in the story.

This story was such an intriguing story and I enjoyed reading it. The characters were endearing, I was cheering for them as I read the book. I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen. I needed to know how this book was going to end. Both of the stories were so interesting and I love how they were woven together.

Yesterday’s Tides is a great book. I enjoyed the characters and the story! I would recommend it to those who enjoy White’s other books or those who enjoy historical Christian romance. Yesterday’s Tides is a clean historical Christian time dual storyline romance.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.

Secrets of the Sonnets

About the Book:

Title: Secrets of the Sonnets
Author: Samantha Hastings
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Release Date: January 2nd, 2023
Genre: Historical Romance

Miranda Hatch is a scholar, and at the advanced age of twenty-six, she is undoubtedly a spinster. Her single-minded ambition leads her not to seek a husband but to find the lost manuscripts of William Shakespeare. So when she discovers a connection between the Bard and the local dashing marquess, she pens a letter requesting access to papers that might secure her academic triumph.

Lord Robert Hamilton is drowning in debt and must turn things around or risk losing his ancestral home. With the weight of the world on his shoulders, he has little time to bother with a letter from an M. Hatch requesting access to ancestral papers―until he realizes there may be some financial merit in granting the request. To his great surprise, M. Hatch turns out to be none other than the lovely Miss Miranda. The pair soon embarks on the trail of a centuries-old mystery, drawn together not only by their shared goal but by their growing attraction. However, someone else is seeking the priceless papers, and they will not hesitate to remove anyone in the way of glory.

Book Review:

An exciting historical romance with witty dialogue and charming characters, Secrets of the Sonnets is such a fun read! This is my first of Ms. Hastings books and it was such an enjoyable read. Miranda Hatch is a scholar, and unfortunately for her mother, at the age of twenty-six, a spinster. Her single-minded ambition to find the lost manuscripts of William Shakespeare has left her with little time to seek a husband. The connection between the Bard and a local marquess leads her to request access for papers that could secure her academic triumph. Lord Robert Hamilton has found himself drowning in debt and at risk of losing his ancestral home. The letter from an M. Hatch requesting papers from his ancestors seems small in comparison, until he realizes the financial merit it could bring. When M. Hatch turns out to be the lovely Miss Hatch, he soon finds himself following her as they seek out the trail of a century-old mystery. Their shared goal and growing attraction draws them together, but someone else is also seeking the papers and they will not hesitate to remove anyone else in their search.

This was such an engaging and interesting story! I really enjoyed the banter especially. Miranda was so fun! I loved her intelligence and confidence. She had some difficulty in her past experience with romance, so she was settling into her “spinster” status. Robert was a surprise to her. I enjoyed reading about them getting to know each other and how they connected. I also really loved her relationship with her parents. Miranda and her father were hilarious! I loved their bonding over Shakespeare and their game! I also really appreciated how even though Miranda and her mother were very different, they still got along and enjoyed one another’s company. Miranda was able to establish herself in a new way throughout the story. She learned about her place and how a new relationship could fit into her life.

Robert was struggling with all that had been dropped on him with the inheritance of his estate. I felt so much for him. From the financial aspect, to his new responsibilities to his family, his POV made me really feel like I understood him and could empathize with him. Watching him fall in love with Miranda was also so cute, I loved the way his friends and sisters teased him too! Their journey was really interesting to follow and I was really engaged in the story.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it to those who enjoy their historical romance with some adventure and history mixed in! This is a clean historical romance with some more exciting scenes of danger, but nothing graphic.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.

Giveaway:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/MzEwOTE3MWE5YjEzNjY5MzE3YjY5YjNiNWFmNTNjOjE=/?

Enemies

About the Book:

Enemies (Berrybrook Middle School) by [Svetlana Chmakova]

Title: Enemies
Series: Berrybrook Middle School
Author: Svetlana Chmakova
Publisher: Yen Press
Release Date: September 27th, 2022
Genre: Children Graphic Novel

Felicity’s sure she’s going to do something big. Exactly what is still a mystery, but she’ll figure it out. Her sister, Letty, teases Felicity that she never finishes stuff, but that’s just because Letty is so perfect. Still, life is good with plenty of friends—drawing with the art club and playing games with her buddies keep her busy. But when she decides to join a contest to show Letty that she CAN get things done, Felicity begins to wonder if friends becoming enemies is easier than she thought. Are they really enemies, though…? What does it even mean to be enemies? And…who is it that she needs the most on her side…?

Book Review:

Another installment in the world of Berrybrook Middle school, Enemies follows Felicity’s story. A character you may recognize from previous books set here. Felicity is going to do something amazing, once she figures out what exactly she it will be. While her sister, Letty, may tease her about never finishing anything, it is only because Letty is so perfect. Felicity’s life is good with lots of friends, in art club and playing games. When she decides to enter a contest to show that she can get things done, Felicity begins to realize that friends becoming enemies is easier than she thought. But are they really enemies? And who does she really need on her side?

I was so excited for this book! We all read the previous books set in Berrybrook and I was excited to return. I love the variety of art styles that graphic novels have. This one leans toward cartoon/anime style, which is really fun and I think fits the story well. I am always so impressed by artists who produce such distinct and memorable stories and characters.

Felicity is an engaging and relatable character. When comparing herself to her sister, she feels like she doesn’t quite measure up. Her talents lean towards art and games. However, her desire to do something great began to negatively affect her friendships. She felt the pressure to do something great, to do something innovative and to do it well. I liked Felicity and really felt for her. Friendships are hard and adding the figuring out yourself that tends to start in middle school makes it even harder. I liked watching her grow and appreciated how she asked for help. I was glad that her parents were supportive and encouraging and that she was able to find resolution.

The story moved along at a pretty quick pace, but it fit the style and format. I think the ending was very fitting for the lessons that Felicity learned. Overall, I really enjoyed this story, thought the art was lovely, and appreciated the lessons Felicity learned.

Middle grade graphic novel:

No language

Very light mention of romance

Good relationship with parents

Sister relationship growth

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.

Just Between Us

About the Book:

Just Between Us (Just Us Book 2) by [Madison Wright]

Title: Just Between Us
Series: Just Us #2
Author: Madison Wright
Release Date: November 18h, 2022
Genre: Closed Door Romance

Ellie Bates is in big trouble.

When her parents, the owners of the apartment complex she manages, tell her she’s on her last strike, Ellie knows she can’t break any more rules or risk getting fired. She needs to tread very, very carefully or chance falling straight through this thin ice beneath her feet.

That’s easier said than done when Camden Lane moves into her complex and starts flipping her world upside down. But dating residents is off-limits and getting close to him is a rule she’s not willing to break.

Camden Lane can’t get Ellie out of his head.

He may be in town for work, but it’s Ellie that his focus keeps drifting toward. Between his impending departure date and her parent’s rules, he knows nothing can happen. Except, the more time they spend together, the harder and harder it gets to resist the pull they feel toward each other.

When the lines between them start to blur, Camden and Ellie have to decide where their priorities lie. Is what they have worth what’s at stake?

Book Review:

This is the first book that I have read by Madison Wright and yet I really enjoyed it! But I still need to read the first book, which is next on my list. Just Between Us is the second book In Madison Wright’s Just Us series.

Ellie was a work in progress but I still enjoyed reading about her. She was trying so hard to please her parents and make them proud of her, but she was losing herself along the way. I liked seeing Ellie’s growth in the book and watching her falling for Cam. Ellie was sweet but she had to learn to live her own life. Ellie had to learn to fight for what she wanted and what she believed in. Ellie had to decide if Cam was worth the effort or if she wanted to stay in the easy zone forever.

Cam was also a wonderful character! I liked him from the beginning and it was fun to learn more about him. He was burnt out from work and searching for a break, but he never expected to fall in love or feel settled in Nashville. Cam was just so sweet and it was cute to read about him falling for Ellie. Cam had to learn to hope for the best. He had to decide if he was willing to take the leap with Ellie.

I was drawn to the characters from the beginning and the story was really compelling. I love Cam and Ellie’s relationship. There were times when I was frustrated with Ellie but things worked out in the end so I was happy. 🙂 Ellie and Cam had to figure out how they were going to make their relationship work, but how to still reach for the stars. The side characters were so funny and really added to the story. I also adored the relationship between Ellie and her brothers, it was so sweet.

Just Between Us was a great book! I am so excited to see what Wright writes next! Just Between Us is a closed door contemporary romance.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.

12 to 22: POV you Wake Up in the Future

About the Book:

12 to 22: POV You Wake Up in the Future! by [Jen Calonita]

Title: 12 to 22: POV You Wake Up in the Future
Author: Jen Calonita
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Release Date: August 16th 2022
Genre: Middle Grade

A smart and funny modern day 13 Going on 30 from New York Times bestselling author Jen Calonita! A tween girl finds out it is like to be 22 when she jumps in time with the help of a mysterious TikTok filter.

Turning 12 1/2 shouldn’t be the most exciting birthday in the world. It’s a half birthday after all. But Harper is thrilled because she is getting the biggest gift of all: her parent’s approval to finally get social media accounts.

Except when she goes to post her first photo, there is a filter she has never heard of before. One that shows you what you will look like when you are older. Curious, Harper clicks on it…but ends up flash forwarding in time to when she is 22.

She will quickly find that being in her twenties means the freedom she always wanted, money for the glow up she didn’t know she needed and working for her idol! But Harper soon discovers a lot more has changed than she expected—including the person she wants to be. Will Harper be able to use the filter to get the life of her dreams? Or will there be more glitches?

Book Review:

This was a super fun, light book! I have to admit there’s something about middle grade that is just so satisfying. And this book was simply perfection! It’s not super angsty, but it still has some of that fun middle school drama 😉

I was honestly a little worried when I saw that this was based off of 13 Going on 30. That romcom was a lot of fun, but I thought that there would be some inappropriate and unnecessary content for kids. Thankfully, this is a super clean read with only a sweet, barely mentioned kiss. Now, on to the actual story.

Harper was a relatable protagonist. She was trying to learn how to stand up for herself and be herself. I think a lot of girls will relate to her desire to be popular, and I think in some ways important. She wants to be grown up, but as she goes throughout the book, she realizes being 22 is not what she thought it would be. I think it’s an important lesson for kids to learn especially since Harper’s really into social media. I love the fact that Calonita doesn’t totally hate on social media or even try to make a huge life lesson about it. But throughout the book, Harper realizes that no one’s life is perfect even when it looks tlike it, and she gets to choose how she lives her teens.

This is a fast paced book, and a lot of stuff happens quickly. But Harper has her little sister, Reese to help her along the way. I liked Reese, and it was sweet to see her help Harper. She definitely had a strong personality, and her honesty helped Harper be better. I was happy with how Ava and Zach came back too! It was sweet to read a middle grade book more about sisterhood and friendship rather than boys. Zach played a small role in the story, but Harper’s crush on him wasn’t the biggest deal.

Celia was definitely a piece of work. I would have liked a redemption arc for her, but this is a short book. I loved Saya’s arc though. I think it’s cool to see the stereotypical sidekick have a heart and a brain 🙂 I loved this book! I would totally recommend it to any tweenage girls. It was exactly the light, fluffy read I needed!

Highlights:

No language

Light romance (one sweet kiss)

No innuendos

Conventional family values

Importance of speaking up/learning how to communicate with authority

Sweet female friendships

Excellent redemption arcs

Positive but practical spin on social media

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.