Review: The Lucy Variations by Sara Zarr

Review: The Lucy Variations by Sara Zarr

Last updated on March 2, 2025

The Lucy Variations by Sara Zarr is such an emotional rollercoaster. This book about grief and self-discovery has so many layers. The main character is a piano prodigy who quits and struggles to figure out who she is. I found the writing absolutely beautiful and recommend this book to everyone. Continue reading

Book Review: The King Slayer by Virginia Boecker

Book Review: The King Slayer by Virginia BoeckerTitle: The King Slayer (The Witch Hunter #2)
Series: The Witch Hunter #2
Author: Virginia Boecker
Also by this author: The Witch Hunter (The Witch Hunter #1)
Publisher: Little Brown Books for Young Readers
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult Fiction
Publication Date: June 14, 2016
Rating: four-stars
Series Rating: four-stars

Summary (from Goodreads):

An action-packed and suspenseful sequel to The Witch Hunter, perfect for fans of Graceling and the Grisha Trilogy.

"I think, in time, you'll either be my greatest mistake or my greatest victory."

Former witch hunter Elizabeth Grey is hiding within the magically protected village of Harrow, evading the price put on her head by Lord Blackwell, the usurper king of Anglia. Their last encounter left Blackwell ruined, but his thirst for power grows stronger every day. He's readying for a war against those who would resist his rule--namely Elizabeth and the witches and wizards she now calls her allies.

Having lost her stigma, a magical source of protection and healing, Elizabeth's strength is tested both physically and emotionally. War always means sacrifice, and as the lines between good and evil blur once more, Elizabeth must decide just how far she'll go to save those she loves.

Amazon “iBooks” “Blackwell’s”

❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃


Last updated on January 21, 2025

Book Review: The King SLayer

The King Slayer by Virginia Boecker is such a different book than The Witch Hunter. This sequel seems to be even more thrilling than the first with its epic battle scenes and the introduction of new powers. What is really intriguing is Elizabeth’s character, as she really transforms after losing her stigma. Continue reading

Review: My Best Everything by Sarah Tomp

Review: My Best Everything by Sarah TompTitle: My Best Everything
Author: Sarah Tomp
Publisher: Little Brown Books for Young Readers
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult Fiction
Publication Date: March 3, 2015
Rating: four-stars

Summary (from Goodreads):

You say it was all meant to be. You and me. The way we met. Our secrets in the woods. Even the way it all exploded. It was simply a matter of fate.

Maybe if you were here to tell me again, to explain it one more time, then maybe I wouldn’t feel so uncertain. But I’m going back to the beginning on my own. To see what happened and why.

Luisa “Lulu” Mendez has just finished her final year of high school in a small Virginia town, determined to move on and leave her job at the local junkyard behind. So when her father loses her college tuition money, Lulu needs a new ticket out.

Desperate for funds, she cooks up the (definitely illegal) plan to make and sell moonshine with her friends, Roni and Bucky. Quickly realizing they’re out of their depth, Lulu turns to Mason: a local boy who’s always seemed like a dead end. As Mason guides Lulu through the secret world of moonshine, it looks like her plan might actually work. But can she leave town before she loses everything – including her heart?

The summer walks the line between toxic and intoxicating. My Best Everything is Lulu’s letter to Mason – though is it an apology, a good-bye, or a love letter? 

Amazon “iBooks”

❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃


Last updated on January 15, 2026

Review: My Best Everything by Sarah Tomp

My Best Everything by Sarah Tomp is unlike anything I’ve ever read. When I read the first page, I had some doubts, because the ingredients for moonshine are listed right there on the page. I actually read somewhere that this book is Breaking Bad for teenagers. However, as I continued reading, I discovered that My Best Everything is quite an engaging read. The book isn’t all about moonshine, it’s about a small-town girl whose father loses her college fund while gambling. The story line is very unique! Continue reading