Fresh Reads, Honest reviews, Educator-approved
Farm life meets family drama. As the family taps maple trees for syrup, Jen struggles to define her place among her step-siblings. With cozy, expressive art and a detailed look at the reality of farm work, and learning to navigate the messy, sweet dynamics of family.
In the Vossen house, every move could be your last. Fourteen-year-old chess whiz Ruby must navigate a “deliciously dysfunctional” family to solve a crime at her grandmother’s estate. Combining the tension of a high-stakes chess match with a modern Cinderella twist, this gripping story explores the power of choosing your own allies and outsmarting the “villains” in your own home.
“Protect her.” Those two words launch Hannah Hall into a whirlwind of secrets. Part high-stakes investigation and part emotional family drama, this novel explores the fragile bond between a stepmother and daughter as they uncover the truth about the man they both loved. A gripping, well-paced mystery about the lengths we go to for family.
Step back into the labyrinth of Hawthorne House. This offers fans a deeper look into the romance, secrets, and high-stakes puzzles of the Hawthorne brothers. While best read as a companion to the original trilogy, these stories provide a fascinating psychological look at family expectations and the drive for approval.
Royal Scandal ramps up the intrigue as Evan Bright navigates danger, family tension, and nonstop media scrutiny inside the palace. Reviewer Sara Tripp shares that the twists, attempted assassination, and shifting loyalties keep readers guessing until the final pages. With royal drama, suspense, and a cliffhanger ending, this sequel delivers high stakes and fast paced mystery. A great pick for teens who enjoy modern royalty, scandal, and gripping whodunits.