Waiting On Wednesday: When We Collided by Emery Lord

“Waiting On Wednesday” is a weekly event hosted by Jill over at Breaking The Spine, and it gives you a chance to spotlight a book that you are eagerly waiting to be released.

This week, I picked:

When We Collided

By Emery Lord

Publication Date: April 5, 2016

From Goodreads:

Meet Vivi and Jonah: A girl and a boy whose love has the power save or destroy them.

Vivi and Jonah couldn't be more different. Vivi craves anything joyful or beautiful that life can offer. Jonah has been burdened by responsibility for his family ever since his father died. As summer begins, Jonah resigns himself to another season of getting by. Then Vivi arrives, and suddenly life seems brighter and better. Jonah is the perfect project for Vivi, and things finally feel right for Jonah. Their love is the answer to everything. But soon Vivi's zest for life falters, as her adventurousness becomes true danger-seeking. Jonah tries to keep her safe, but there's something important Vivi hasn't told him.

Why I picked it:

I'm excited for this one, because I've enjoyed the other books by Emery Lord. But I'm also kind of nervous because this one seems like it will be sadder than the others.... If you want to find out if this one is awesome or sad... or both. Click here to put your name on the hold list.

Monday Meme Spotlight: Summer Reads

     Unlike Grumpy Cat here, you may love the summer. Do or don't, there are a ton of great summer reads out there to soak in while you're enjoying the sun or on a trip to the beach. Summer is a time of endless opportunities- why not use some of the time to enjoy a relaxing book with your toes in the waves? Here are a few summer-themed books to set the mood.

1. My Life Next Door- Huntley Fitzpatrick: This is a fun read, mostly light and all about that summer life. And yet, it doesn't feel empty. There's a bit of mystery in there, and an political intrigue that doesn't overpower the main theme, but adds a surprising twist that keeps the book captivating right up to the last page. I love this book, and Ms.Fitzpatrick's other book, What I Thought Was True, carries the same sort of theme and I liked it almost as well. Unfortunately, the library's copy of My Life Next Door is missing, but you can request What I Thought Was True here.

2. Open Road Summer- Emery Lord: Although I haven't personally read this one, it comes highly recommended by a fellow contributor, kwatanabe, and she featured Lord's upcoming novel in a past Waiting on Wednesday post. It's on my to-read list- a novel of music and cross-country touring with drama along the way sounds like just the thing to read on a warm summer day with lots of sun. You can grab a copy here.

3. Boys, Bears, and a Serious Pair of Hiking Boots- Abby McDonald: This one is a summer read, although it doesn't take place on a sunny beach. This one's for the woodsy, the ones who prefer to spend their summer exploring a forested trail with a survival guide. No matter who you are, it's a fun read with a satisfying conclusion. We can all use a good pair of hiking boots. Check out the library's copy here.

4. Second Chance Summer- Morgan Matson: This one also comes highly recommended, by the Young Adult librarian here ay KHCPL. It's the story of a family coming together for one last summer at the lake- and I've read the author, so I know it's got to be a good one. Matson is a master of the emotional spectrum, and her books are always worth reading. Check it out here.

     Whether you love summer or you hate it with a passion, you'll love these summer themed books. And whichever side you're on, remember...

And there's nothing we can do about it.

Waiting On Wednesday: The Start of Me and You By Emery Lord

“Waiting On Wednesday” is a weekly event hosted by Jill over at Breaking The Spine, and it gives you a chance to spotlight a book that you are eagerly waiting to be released.

This week, I picked:

The Start of Me and You

By Emery Lord

Publication Date: March 31, 2015

From Goodreads:

Following her pitch-perfect debut Open Road Summer, Emery Lord pens another gorgeous story of best friends, new love, & second chances.

Brimming with heartfelt relationships and authentic high-school dynamics The Start of Me and You proves that it’s never too late for second chances.

It’s been a year since it happened—when Paige Hancock’s first boyfriend died in an accident. After shutting out the world for two years, Paige is finally ready for a second chance at high school . . . and she has a plan. First: Get her old crush, Ryan Chase, to date her—the perfect way to convince everyone she’s back to normal. Next: Join a club—simple, it’s high school after all. But when Ryan’s sweet, nerdy cousin, Max, moves to town and recruits Paige for the Quiz Bowl team (of all things!) her perfect plan is thrown for a serious loop. Will Paige be able to face her fears and finally open herself up to the life she was meant to live?

Why I picked it:

I absolutely adored Emery Lord’s first novel, Open Road Summer. I thought she did a great job creating realistic characters that I could relate to. And I am really interested to see how the relationship between Paige and Max works out. Plus, who doesn’t love a good Quiz Bowl?? If you think this book looks interesting, or if you are a fan of Sarah Dessen and are looking for books that are similar to hers, click on this link to put your name on the hold list.