Book Reviews- Teens/Cozy Mystery/ Romance

I have read some fabulous books tthe last couple of weeks. Since it is getting close to back to school time, I have read some fabulous teen books. My students love to read Realistic Fiction books so that is what I have been spending my time reading. You know, they can be really depressing...it is just amazing how depressing they can be especially if you have to keep reading and reading them. So without further typing....on to the reviews:

First Category: Cozy Mystery - Bookmarked for Murder by Lorna Barrett

This is the second book in the Booktown Mysteries. Trish, who owns the Haven't Got a Clue Bookstore, is hosting a book signing by award winning author Zoe Carter. This is a rare signing because Zoe does not like publicity and has refused to participate in any promotions of her writing. Haven't Got a Clue was overflowing with fans who were excited to finally get to meet the author and her sign their novels. Even in attendance was Zoe's very cranky and outspoken niece who didn't have a problem yelling at her Aunt in public.
After a disagreenment with Kimbery, Zoe stepped out to get some air...or so everyone thought. Unfortuantely, she met her untimely demise in the bathroom, very similar to the way Elvis left this world.
This sets Trish to solving who killed Zoe and why. There are so many twists and turns that I didn't figure out who the killer was until it was actually revealed. I had no idea who did it...and was I shocked!!
You know, I still want to slap her sister, Angelica. She is such a witch to everyone!! I felt so sorry for poor Ginny and Mr. Evertt for everything that woman put them through. Russ sounds like such a nice guy which are very far and few between. I have to say that even though it isn't right, I can see why the Sheriff would be jealous of Trish and try to get even with her...it sin't nice but I can see why.
I give it 2 thumbs up...a definite read if you love cozy mysteries!!

Review #2 - Romance: Me and Mr. Darcy by Alexandra Potter

Jane Austen is one the most well loved authors to this day. Her most beloved male character - Mr. Darcy, still makes women swoon, including myself!!! So when I read the title, I just knew I had to read the book!!

Emily is a manager of a book store in New York. Emily is just your everyday girl. She is not much fashion and dreams of meeing Mr. Right. Now her best friend Stella is a completely different story. She is wilder than a March Hare and would you believe she is married to a guy named Freddie, this isn't a love match however, it is a green card marriage. Stella asks Emily for a week in Mexico with the girls, however, Emily cringes at the thought of this idea. She does a quick internet search and finds a tour over Jane Austens life in Europe. She quickly books the tour and spends her Christmas with a bunch of little old blue haired ladies, not to mention the one very hot journalist. The Hot Journalist is there to find out why woment love Mr. Darcy- he just can't figure out why women still go Ga-ga over this fictional character.
This trip is great for Emily. She finally takes the time to look at herself and the people she surrounds herself. However, there is one glitch. She actually keeps seeing and conversing with the real Mr. Darcy. Somehow, someway Mr. Darcy becomes real to her . She finally figures out what she is looking for in a man and her relationships.
If you are a Jane Austen fan then you will love this book.

Teen Read: It happened to Nancy - by Beatrice Sparks

This is a very graphic, emotional read. I would recommend all teens read this however, the parents should read it along with them so they will be able to answer their questions.

Nancy is your typical 14 year old girl. She lived with her mom who has divorced Nancy's dad. Nancy loves hanging out with her friends and even gets the chance to go to a Garth Brooks concert. She manages to get separated from her Aunt and meets up with this "wonderful" eighteen year old college boy named Colin. He was so kind and considerate. He sat and talked with her and then gave her a ride home when she couldn't find her aunt.

Colin kept calling and talking with her, meeting up with in public, just being a nice guy. That is until he fills her up with a couple of bottles of win and then rapes her.

Nancy is just sick and after a while tells her mom what happened. They do contact the police and try to find this guy. However, the damage has been done. Nancy started getting sick and gaining weight. They thought she was pregnant...however that would have been a blessing. Colin gave her HIV and thus starts her story. We go through her time at school with having HIV, how her friends react, how Nancy learns to live this horrible disease.

The book was written in the early 1990's so HIV and AIDS was still a somewhat new disease. This is a very powerful book. It is graphic and I do warn parents they might want to read the book first.