Back To Life by John Carson

July 21, 2021 By Leave a Comment


Back To Life by John Carson
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Fern

It looked like a simple murder case. But the victim’s false identity is just the beginning…
Edinburgh DCI Harry McNeil’s dangerous job wasn’t made for relationships. So when a female officer’s mutilated remains wash up in a canal, it feels like proof he was right to leave his long-time girlfriend. But the investigation takes an unexpected turn when he discovers the corpse was carrying a police ID belonging to a cop already dead and buried.

Digging deeper, McNeil learns the woman was actually a software engineer nosing around high-tech, classified projects and poking into murky government corners. So when a second body surfaces, he fears the truth lies in the darkest corners of greed and corruption. And someone is determined to make certain those secrets never come to light…

Can McNeil catch the killer before the deadly tables are turned on him?

BACK TO LIFE is the second book in the gritty DCI Harry McNeil Scottish crime thriller series. If you like hardboiled detectives, dark humor, and snappy banter, then you’ll love John Carson’s unputdownable tale.

I really enjoyed this second story featuring DCI Harry McNeil and DS Alex Maxwell. While there is an interesting and decent plotline surrounding a new Artificial Intelligence company involved in making driverless cars and the complicated murder of a police officer – Linda Smith, who oddly actually died more than three months ago yet her police warrant card was found on this new body – I actually mostly really enjoyed the growth in both Harry and Alex’s characters.

While both were enjoyable in the first story (Sticks and Stones) in this second outing I really feel the author had the time and space not just to allow us as the reader to spend more time with them, but also helped flesh out their working relationship to a greater degree. I admit that each character felt more three-dimensional this time around and I became a lot more attached to them both. Harry is dealing with his recent break-up and complications arising from extracting his life from his ex – who still lives just around the corner and they frequent many of the same places. I also feel Alex really comes out to be her own character, I got a better understating of who she is and enjoyed the fact her personality shone through a lot better and she wasn’t just the underling learning from a decent boss and trying to grow her career.

Readers looking for a strong romance in their mystery story probably won’t find this fits their needs. While there is certainly more dancing around Alex and Harry’s feelings in this story there is no overt motion on either side to instigate a romance. That said, there did feel to me like some chemistry might be bubbling away in the background and I feel the author might be leaving their options open in that regard as the next few stories progress.

What I did really enjoy though was the deepening of the working – and friendship – dynamic between Alex and Harry and by the end of this story they each felt a lot more “real” to me and I was committed to seeing a lot more of this series through. The plot was strong and well-woven, but in some respects I feel it actually took a back seat in this book to the relationship and character growth of the two main characters. And for a series like this, having a book where the focus is on the characters and their growth isn’t a bad thing. Particularly since I didn’t feel the plot suffered in any meaningful way.

For a well written police-procedural mystery with some deeper than usual and interesting character this is a great book to try.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,

I Can Be Kind by Rainbow Gal

July 21, 2021 By Leave a Comment


I Can Be Kind by Rainbow Gal
Publisher: Fat Cat Publishing
Genre: Children’s (0 – 6 y.o.), Contemporary
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

When a headstrong goldfish stands up to a Piranha and shows him what it is like to be kind, caring and generous, it enriches and transforms his life forever.

This hilarious picture book about a Piranha who is always in a terrible mood is perfect for young children learning how to deal with confusing anger, making friends and standing up to bullies.

Throughout this remarkable short story, Oscar the Piranha will learn what kindness means and understand what it is like to be sensitive, caring, and generous.

Oscar, the Piranha, has a bad temper, bad manners, and a bad attitude. But when one bold little goldfish named Marla decides to confront Oscar and even goes to the extent of befriending him, the outrageously bitter Piranha starts to feel happy for the first time in his life.

This Rainbow Gal’s charming short story, which includes dazzling illustrations, and delightfully practical LARGE PRINT, is a funny yet touching tale that reminds us of the classic “Beauty and the Beast” with the remarkably transformative potential of willpower, acceptance and friendship.

I can be kind — proves that positive changes are possible for each one of us.

Love is a powerful force even for mean piranhas.

I enjoyed the sections of this picture book that talked about how much someone can change if they’re shown kindness and genuinely want to improve. This was such a hopeful message, and it was one that’s important for little readers to learn early on. It’s definitely a good thing to treat others with compassion and be forgiving of them if they make mistakes along the way.

With that being said, I was concerned about the concept of Marla the goldfish being put in danger in order to see if Oscar truly had changed. He had a long history of eating goldfish, after all! I believe we can have compassion for people or piranhas who have a history of harming others while also teaching kids to protect themselves. It would have been helpful to have stronger examples of him beginning to change for the better before Marla was tossed into his tank. Her safety and comfort was important, too.

The ending made me smile. Obviously, I can’t go into detail about it here, but I liked the fact that the narrator tied up all of the conflicts so nicely. That gave me a strong sense of closure for these characters. It was rewarding to see where they ended up when it was all said and done. There was space for a sequel if the author ever decides to read one, but I was also satisfied with everything the audience learned about these characters.

I Can Be Kind was a thought-provoking read.

Filed Under: Reviews, YA/Middle Grade/Children's Tagged With: , , , ,

Witness to Slaughter by K. A. Lugo

July 20, 2021 By Leave a Comment


Witness to Slaughter by K. A. Lugo
Publisher: Tirgearr Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller, LGBTQ
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Ginger

Jack has coped through previous holidays, but this one feels different. It’s been four years since he lost his family, and clues to finding those responsible have dried up. Hopelessness has him so tightly wound that he’s often driven out of his claustrophobic apartment before the ever-present black dog of depression drags him to a place where there’s no coming back from.

Jack wants to be left alone with his sorrow, but when he’s offered double his fee by the wife of one of the city’s most elite families, how can he refuse? She wants him to follow her husband, Franklin, as she suspects he’s cheating and needs photos to get around the strict prenup. Franklin leads Jack across the city to The Majestic Lounge, the Castro District’s most popular gay nightclub. By the time he finds Franklin, Jack is forced to break up a heated argument between him and club owner, Chad Lucas.

Lucas approaches Jack the following day, wanting to hire him for added security during the club’s popular annual Drag Queen Extravaganza. The event’s usual excitement is marred by the deaths of several of Lucas’ friends that authorities are calling suicides. Lucas convinces Jack something more nefarious is going on and agrees to the job.

Does the city have another serial killer on its hands, one who’s targeting the LGBTQ community? Can Jack find a witness? Surely in the crowded nightclub, someone must have seen something.

I enjoyed this installment of the Jack Slaughter series. The plot was engaging and intensely moving. The twist in the story was unexpected. I enjoyed the friendship and love between Jack, his previous partner Ray and Ray’s wife.

It’s the holiday season and Jack is trying to live a normal life participating in the yearly toy drive and attending holiday functions but unfortunately, he is still coping with the loss of his wife and daughter. It’s been 3 years since his wife Leah has gone missing and Jack is no closer to solving the mystery. The story here didn’t allow time for Jack to investigate his daughter’s death and wife’s disappearance. I would liked to have read more about Jack’s personal case. It’s understandable the case he was hired to do took priority but since hardly anything was mentioned about Jack’s personal case until the very end it makes me think this series could drag on forever. Jack is a nice guy and he deserves closure, but would closure for Jack mean an end for Jack the private investigator?

I don’t like that Jack contemplates suicide. I would hope he would fight and search until the very end to know what happened to his family and that he’ll be able to heal by helping other families that this may happen to. I see Jack as a strong guy that has a lot of fight and him giving up doesn’t fit his character. Helping people is what he does and I hope someone can offer him the same help.

It’s an interesting coincidence that I read this book during LGBTQ Pride month, June. Ginnie, the wife of Franklin Whitney-Cumming, the Third, hires Jack to follow her husband for proof that he is cheating as evidence that he broke the prenup agreement. It’s during this investigation that he meets the club owner Chad ‘Marilyn’ Lucas who hires Jack for security during the Drag Queen Extravaganza.

I got a little confused when the author switched names during the second half of the book. The first part of the book the name Chad was used and then during the 2nd half, the name Lucas was used.

I like how the fellows on the police force work together, and I enjoyed their humor, especially dealing with cases that could work on their mental health in a bad way. The author allows readers to see that we all heal in different ways and in various time spans and that some require a little more patience for healing after a loss. Jack’s strength to carry on each day despite how heartbroken and hopeless he feels is uplifting. I like that the author gives the details of the investigation but still leaves the reader with questions and suspense. Book 2 is an enjoyable read and I can’t wait to read book 3.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,

Our Subway Baby by Peter Mercurio

July 19, 2021 By 1 Comment


Our Subway Baby by Peter Mercurio
Publisher: Dial Books
Genre: Children’s (0 – 6 y.o.), Non-Fiction, LGBTQ, Contemporary
Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

Voted BoM by LASR Readers 2013 copy

This gentle and incredibly poignant picture book tells the true story of how one baby found his home.

“Some babies are born into their families. Some are adopted. This is the story of how one baby found his family in the New York City subway.”

So begins the true story of Kevin and how he found his Daddy Danny and Papa Pete. Written in a direct address to his son, Pete’s moving and emotional text tells how his partner, Danny, found a baby tucked away in the corner of a subway station on his way home from work one day. Pete and Danny ended up adopting the baby together. Although neither of them had prepared for the prospect of parenthood, they are reminded, “Where there is love, anything is possible.”

Every child deserves a happy, loving family.

I was delighted by the fact that the author included a scene talking about why he and his life partner were a little hesitant to adopt little Kevin when the topic first popped up. Their reasons were sensible, and yet I couldn’t help but to hope they’d figure out a way to make it all work.

There were a few moments of unexpected humor in the beginning that made me giggle. Danny clearly wasn’t expecting to find a newborn baby lying on the floor in the corner of a subway station, but he leapt to action immediately. The way he described this discovery to Pete only grew funnier each time I reread it.

My favorite scene happened after Kevin was sent to a temporary foster home while the court system tried to figure out where this child should grow up. Danny and Pete were given permission to visit him there. Something remarkable happened during that visit that I can’t wait for other readers to discover for themselves. It was as heartwarming as it was delightful.

This was such a sensitive and thoughtful tale. It explained topics like foster care, adoption, and infant abandonment in honest but completely age-appropriate ways. Small children can understand more than they’re sometimes given credit for, especially when everything is laid out for them clearly and with plenty of compassion for everyone involved. The author excelled at all of this.

Our Subway Baby brought a tear to my eye. I can’t recommend it highly enough!

Filed Under: Non-Fiction, Reviews, YA/Middle Grade/Children's Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Verses For the Dead by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child

July 19, 2021 By Leave a Comment


Verses For the Dead by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child
Publisher: Hachette Book Group
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Fern

In this #1 New York Times bestseller, FBI Agent Pendergast reluctantly teams up with a new partner to investigate a rash of Miami Beach murders . . . only to uncover a deadly conspiracy that spans decades.

After an overhaul of leadership at the FBI’s New York field office, A. X. L. Pendergast is abruptly forced to accept an unthinkable condition of continued employment: the famously rogue agent must now work with a partner.

Pendergast and his new colleague, junior agent Coldmoon, are assigned to investigate a rash of killings in Miami Beach, where a bloodthirsty psychopath is cutting out the hearts of his victims and leaving them with cryptic handwritten letters at local gravestones. The graves are unconnected save in one bizarre way: all belong to women who committed suicide.

But the seeming lack of connection between the old suicides and the new murders is soon the least of Pendergast’s worries. Because as he digs deeper, he realizes the brutal new crimes may be just the tip of the iceberg: a conspiracy of death that reaches back decades.

Agent Pendergast finds himself sent down to Miami, Florida in charge of an unusual case – where a young woman was brutally murdered and her heart removed, only to be placed on the gravesite of another young woman who committed suicide more than a decade ago. The letter indicates the heart is a gift, but clearly a lot more than meets the eye is going on. Can Pendergast and his new partner, Agent Coldmoon discover what’s really going on?

I’ve been a long-time fan of Preston and Child’s and followed along the many ups and downs of their Agent Pendergast series. I’ve been particularly enjoying their more recent work – both City of Endless Night (the story directly preceding this) and this book. In many ways I feel it is Preston and Child returning to their roots with Pendergast – in that the main focus of the story is on the central the mystery and the complications that arise with Pendergast’s unusual but highly effective investigative mannerisms. I really enjoyed this addition to the series.

Indeed, this and the previous book (more than many others in the series) could perhaps even be read as a stand alone. While for sure a reader having read the numerous previous installments will have a far greater understanding of Pendergast and his foibles – unlike a number of the previous books in this series, the plot and majority of aspects to this story can be read just by themselves as the plot is contained within the story and not linked directly either to previous books nor left open-ended in a trilogy or sequenced manner.

I also admit to greatly enjoying seeing Pendergast do what he does best – solve murders, piece together complicated parts to a plot and forge his own path. Even more exciting for me was seeing a really great partner for Pendergast (though no one can outside D’Agosta, of course) in Agent Coldmoon. Left of center, I feel this character was an excellent support character for Pendergast. Highly intelligent, stable and not prone to leaping before carefully looking I felt in many ways Agent Coldmoon was a suitable and indeed worthy match to work with Pendergast. The two men also thaw to each other as they work and I believe come to respect and enjoy working together – something I would love to read more of.

This story was at last a really good, interesting and complicated murder mystery, but I feel a lot of the flair comes from Pendergast and Coldmoon’s characters in particular. Working with the new dynamic growing between these two men and having Pendergast taken out of his usual element of New York was lovely to read and while I didn’t initially have high hopes for Coldmoon (all too often there are significant flaws and/or failings in newly introduced FBI or police characters in this series) I was really impressed and, in the end, thrilled with his character and I really hope to see more of him again someday.

With the vibrant backdrop of Miami and the Florida surrounds, a really interesting and complicated murder case spanning the past and present day and a number of strongly written and intelligent characters this was a great book and an excellent addition to the series. I feel readers could certainly pick this up as a stand alone novel (though admit they might not find it quite as exceptional as I did) this is a fast-paced and excellent mystery/suspenseful read. Recommended.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,

Not the Killing Type by Lorna Barrett

July 16, 2021 By Leave a Comment


Not the Killing Type by Lorna Barrett
A Booktown Mystery, Book 7
Publisher: Berkley Books
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

It’s November in Stoneham, New Hampshire, and time for the Chamber of Commerce elections. The long-standing Chamber president is being challenged by a former lover—Tricia’s own sister, Angelica. Also throwing his hat in the ring is small business owner Stan Berry. Unfortunately, Stan isn’t in the race for long.

When Stan is found murdered, his political rivals become suspects. Angelica is going to need more than a vote of confidence from her sister—she needs Tricia to clear her name so she can win the election.

Tricia soon uncovers a ballot box full of lies and betrayals, and a chamber full of people who had grudges against the victim. But were they serious enough to lead to murder? It’s up to Tricia to pull the lever on a killer before it’s curtains for someone else.

A cute read with mystery and a little bit of mayhem.

Angelica is running for mayor. Her sister Tricia is sort of helping, but sort of staying out of the way. Angelica’s major opponent is found dead by Tricia. Hijinks will ensue.

This is a cute read. The writing flowed well and it was hard to put it down (I had to sleep sometime). I wanted to know what would happen next and how it all shook out. I like these cozy mysteries and like knowing there will be resolution at the end. It might not happen the way I expect and that’s good. I have to admit there is a lot going on in this book. It’s almost overwhelming just how much is going on, but I didn’t mind. Other readers might take note and it might not be their cuppa, but that’s okay.

If you’re in the mood for a mystery that’s got a neat ending and will leave you feeling cozy, then this is the book for you.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,

Change of Heart by Joan Wolf

July 16, 2021 By Leave a Comment


Change of Heart by Joan Wolf
Publisher: Untreed Reads
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

Gil Archer was a man of the world—the high-pressure, high-society world of international finance and diplomacy. Cecilia Vargas, his daughter’s riding instructor, was a woman outside that world, but he saw in her the warmth and love his grand estate lacked, and he took it for himself. She had married him for love—he taught her the meaning of ecstasy. But Gil still hadn’t learned that love was not something to be acquired and ignored—and the price of the lesson might be the loss of Cecilia.

I have a new author to add to my “favorite author list”, Joan Wolf.  I don’t usually add an author after only reading just two books by her; Joan Wolf is one of the exceptions.  The first book I read, The Pretenders, received a “Best Book” rating from me.  This book, Change of Heart, is also very good.

I find her writing to be engaging. It’s a deep connection thanks to her superior writing style. It’s more compelling when the scenery she’s describing turns out to be a place that was part of my childhood. Riverside Amusement Park’s last’s season was 1999. That was my go-to place with friends as a teenager.   I was astonished when I read that location in the plot. My dad, uncle and grandfather used to race at Riverside. I believe that there could be a possibility that I knew the hero’s, Gil Archer’s, daughter, Jennifer – that is if she was a real person of course.

It’s a bit early for me to be saying “in typical Joan Wolf fashion” that her writing was spectacular but I can share that her writing was consistent between her two books. It would be rare to read two “Best Books” in a row. It was quite close though, but I actually didn’t love the hero, Gil, enough to be classified as one of my “book boyfriends”.  The heroine, Cecilia, was a bit too much of a “Daddy’s girl” though we need to keep in mind that she was a young lady and Gil was quite a bit older than her. The dynamics of these characters’ relationships were a tad “off” for me and yet, they worked well enough to keep me interested from the beginning to the end of the story.

There are a few other developed characters presented throughout the plot that connected with me. I was pleased to see Cecilia remained strong and didn’t cave in completely to the demands of her father and Gil. Gil had a few things to learn about love and Cecilia was just the person to teach him. There were a few plot curves, though mostly it was predictable, but the quality of writing meant I didn’t really care.

I had high hopes when I started this story. Change of Hearts didn’t exactly hit all my feel good spots like the other book did, but it most definitely hit plenty enough for me to recommend reading this story without any hesitation. I’m considering both looking for Joan Wolf’s back list, and making her an auto buy. I already have another book by Ms. Wolf waiting in the wings, and I can hardly wait to start it!

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , ,

You’re Still the One by Erika Kelly

July 16, 2021 By Leave a Comment


*You’re Still the One by Erika Kelly
Publisher: EK Publishing, LLC
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Larkspur

Hot, inked, motorcycle-riding hero
✔️ Sexy wedding planner with a whole lot of explaining to do
✔️Steamy, small town romance
✔️Second chance romance
✔️And lots and lots of make-up sex

When Stella Cavanaugh gets the chance to come home after a seven-year, self-imposed exile, she takes it. She was born to be a wedding planner, and she hopes creating her sister’s wedding might just earn her the redemption she’s been hoping for.

The only thing holding her back is the fear of running into Griffin James, the love of her life. Because she not only hurt her family, she destroyed their relationship. Burned it right to the ground. And she just doesn’t know if she can bear to find out he’s moved on. She sure hasn’t.

Basil: It increases the rate of circulation, online cialis amerikabulteni.com helps to stimulate the sex drive and enhances the blood flow to the reproductive organs involved with an erection. A small study has found that canadian cialis no prescription the supplementation of this herb for three months has substantially improved erectile abilities in men. Your objective is to get relief from erectile dysfunction associated with their utilization of such psychotropic drugs as benzodiazepines reported a rise in arousal and also overall sexual satisfaction after they started out using purchase generic cialis amerikabulteni.com sildenafil citrate. Since perfumes are mainly marketed as a means to attract the opposite sex, the inclusion of pheromones makes for a perfect ‘scent’ object. buy cialis Griffin James has a roommate. The fourteen-year-old’s staying with him while his dad’s on deployment. Sounds simple, but the boy’s grandparents are looking for any excuse to pull him out of the clutches of the big, tattooed owner of a bike shop. If Griffin can just stay under their radar, everything should be fine.

But that’s just not possible when Stella bursts into their lives. Her sparkly spirit, her big, splashy ideas, and her impulsiveness always lead to disaster. He knew that…but he couldn’t resist her.

And now she’s on the run again, because…

The very things they love about each other are also what tear them apart.

You’re Still the One is a small town story filled with second chances and fake engagements and all wrapped up into one intoxicating story. Erika Kelly is one of my favorite authors and I especially love reading her Calamity Falls stories. You’re still the One is the ninth book in this series and I loved every minute of it. Each book is a standalone but all the characters are interconnected.

This story is about Griffin and Stella. Two people who have been in love with each other since they were kids, but haven’t seen each other in seven years, because of insecurities and misunderstandings. Griffin and Stella are the complete opposite of each other. Griffin is quiet, brooding and protective, while Stella is an impulsive, free spirit. Stella’s fun and outgoing spirit make her perfect for Griffin. Everything about Griffin and Stella just clicks, they are made for each other and their chemistry is off the charts.

When Stella returns to Calamity Falls after running away seven years ago, all of the feelings Griffin and Stella had for each other return. Stella is like a tornado and she shakes up Griffin’s tidy little world. It is fun watching these two reconnect.

Once I started reading their story, I couldn’t put it down. I was invested in Griffin and Stella and I needed to find out how everything would work out between them. They both have lessons to learn and some growing up to do, before they can be together and I loved being along for the ride.

I loved everything about this story. I fell in love with Griffin and Stella and immediately connected with them. I felt as though I was right there with them in Calamity Falls. Along with Griffin and Stella, there are also many engaging secondary characters in this story and they add even more entertainment. This enchanting second chance, small town romance is both heartbreaking and heartwarming and is a wonderful addition to the series. Perfection!

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A Darkness of Wolves by Nicole Bea

July 15, 2021 By Leave a Comment


A Darkness of Wolves by Nicole Bea
Publisher: Evernight Teen
Genre: YA (14+), Contemporary, Romance
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Lavender

One weekend changed everything for eighteen-year-old Wynrie Lowe, and she’s been on a downward spiral ever since. Her moods change from one extreme to the other, happiness to sadness, with nothing in between. Something is very wrong, and she doesn’t know how to fix it.

As Wynrie’s emotions grow dangerously unstable, her boyfriend, Ezra, struggles to weather the storm. But will he even still want her once he learns the truth about that weekend? And as her world is torn apart and rearranged, can Wynrie find the strength to reach out for the help she needs before it’s too late?

What would you do if one moment you were on top of the world and the next, crashing down hard? Wynrie (Wyn) goes through this regularly and without provocation. What could be the problem? True, she kissed her best friend even when she had a boyfriend, and true, she felt guilty about it, but there is more to the matter.

Things get worse. Something is definitely not normal. Wyn is trying to deal with the mood swings while also trying to figure out her feelings for both her best friend, Dawson, and her boyfriend, Ezra. These two story-lines support each other and tell a story of a young woman trying to find herself and lead a normal life.

Wyn’s ups and downs are described very well, so well that readers can gain an understanding of just how difficult of a struggle this is. Dawson and Ezra are quite likable characters. There is suspense about who Wyn will choose, and how she will live through her mood disorder.

The author has written a realistic story with characters readers will engage with. If you’re a fan of YA fiction, why not give this one a try?

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance, YA/Middle Grade/Children's Tagged With: , , , , ,

A Shot at Normal by Marisa Reichardt

July 15, 2021 By Leave a Comment


A Shot at Normal by Marisa Reichardt
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Genre: Young Adult (14 – 18 y.o.), Romance, Contemporary
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

Dr. Villapando told me to get a good attorney. He wasn’t serious. But I am. I’m going to sue my parents.

Juniper Jade’s parents are hippies. They didn’t attend the first Woodstock, but they were there for the second one. The Jade family lives an all-organic homeschool lifestyle that means no plastics, no cell phones, and no vaccines. It isn’t exactly normal, but it’s the only thing Juniper has ever known. She doesn’t agree with her parents on everything, but she knows that to be in this family, you’ve got to stick to the rules. That is, until the unthinkable happens.

Juniper contracts the measles and unknowingly passes the disease along, with tragic consequences. She is shell-shocked. Juniper knows she is responsible and feels simultaneously helpless and furious at her parents, and herself.

Now, with the help of Nico, the boy who works at the library and loves movies and may just be more than a friend, Juniper comes to a decision: she is going to get vaccinated. Her parents refuse so Juniper arms herself with a lawyer and prepares for battle. But is waging war for her autonomy worth losing her family? How much is Juniper willing to risk for a shot at normal?

Nobody wants to catch a vaccine-preventable illness, but not everyone agrees on the best way to avoid it.

This story took a balanced but painfully honest approach to the question of why vaccines are such a crucial part of modern healthcare. I appreciated the fact that the perspectives of Juniper’s vehemently anti-vaccine parents was represented so fairly. They were depicted as well-rounded humans beings who loved their children and honestly thought they were doing the best thing for Juniper and her siblings. With that being said, the narrator also went into explicit detail about how heartbreaking and dangerous it can be when vaccine-preventable illnesses are allowed to circulate freely in a community.

As much as I liked both of the characters who fell in love during the course of this novel, the romantic subplot felt out of place. There were so many other important conflicts and moments of character development happening in the storyline that I think it would have made more sense to save this for a possible sequel. It wasn’t needed here in my opinion. I would have chosen a much higher rating if these scenes had been replaced with ones that explored the main themes in greater depth.

Speaking of character development, it was well done. This was especially true for Juniper who matured beautifully after her terrible experience with contracting the measles and dealing with the physical and social repercussions of this disease afterwards. She definitely still felt like a teenager to me by the final scene, but I also saw so many indications of the brave adult she was going to become soon.

A Shot at Normal was a thoughtful book I’d recommend to any teens who would like to explore this issue in depth.

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance, YA/Middle Grade/Children's Tagged With: , , , , ,
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