*RA Genre: Fantasy/Fairy tale retelling Summary: Years ago, the irresponsible fairy Lucinda gave new born Eleanor a special fairy "gift"--that she would be forever obedient. Now, this spunky girl is doomed to grow up as a pawn to everyone's bidding, although she does manage to figure out ways to make her feel less like a puppet. Teenaged Ella is devastated at the death of her mother, and at her absentee father's choice of a new bride: Madame Olga and her horrid daughters Hattie and Olive. Then she meets Prince Charmont. Spending time with Prince Char makes her happy, but this cannot go anywhere unless she breaks her curse. The future king would be too easy a target if his wife were told to stab him in the back. Can she break her curse, or will this fairy tale not have a "happily ever after"? Other: I enjoyed this book the most out of those written by Levine (I don't recommend Fairest). It's funny, quirky, and has very good characters, with fiery Ella, evil Hattie, clueless Olive, despicable Olga, and dependable Char. The setting in a fairy tale world with centaurs, trolls, elves, and giants, as well as the curse, give a delightful twist to this Cinderella retelling. There is romance, but not in a bad way. It is a Newbery Honor book. (Ages 9+) ~Amy
Once Upon a Marigold/Twice Upon a Marigold (Sequel)--Jean Ferris
Genre: Fantasy Summary: Christian ran away from his "boring" life years ago and ended up being raised by a cave troll with two loyal dogs. Marigold is the kindhearted, bright princess of the kingdom whom Christian falls madly in love with while watching her from afar through his telescope. He eventually works up the courage to send her notes through "p-mail" (read it to find out) and later, to become a castle servant to be near her. What follows is a rollicking fairy tale with humor, twists, magic, an evil queen and her ferret, mix-ups, daring rescues, a rudely interrupted wedding, and some very bad jokes. ("Can you get fur from a skunk? Yes, a fur away as you can!") Will Christian and Marigold be able to stop the wicked queen from carrying out her dastardly plans, or will their hopeful love be forever just a wish on the horizon? Other: In terms of mixed-up fairytales, this one reins supreme. The characters are fun, the romance is cute in a fairy-tale type way, and the plot is just dangerous enough to bring the story along, although the real thing that keeps readers going is the humor mixed into the ridiculous quirkiness of the story. That said, there are a few parts to be aware of; there is magic, one very sweet dog is (for some strange reason) named Beelzebub or Bub for short, and the ending to the second one is a little interesting. Although the second one is good, I liked the first one better. They're good books to read when you feel like a fun, light read. (Ages 9+) ~Amy
Dragon Slippers (Trilogy)--Jessica Day George
Genre: Fantasy/Romance Summary: Creel is a poor farmer girl who lives on a farm with her atrocious aunt, subservient uncle, little brother, and way too many cousins. When her aunt hears that a dragon lives nearby, she has a brilliant idea. Creel, though freckled and skinny, would make a wonderful damsel in distress, so if she sent Creel the dragon cave and then went blubbering to the castle with some sob story of the girl being carried off to be eaten, then some dashing prince was bound to ride off and save the fair maiden. A royal wedding and royal privileges would undoubtedly follow. Needless to say, Creel herself is not too keen on the idea, but with no other choice, goes anyway. Thus a ridiculous plan catapults the clever girl into a new life, where she finds dragon friends, independence, wars, and a friendly prince. Other: Although not the most profound trilogy out there, it is a great light, fun fairy tale. There is alchemy (or what is usually called magic in other books) and the people believe in a made up triunity of gods, but these are presented in a fairy tale way and are not too troublesome. There is just enough danger, just enough weight, and just enough clever plans to make these books fun. I enjoyed them. (Ages 9/10+) ~Amy
A Friend at Midnight--Caroline B. Cooney
Genre: Drama Summary: Ever heard that verse from the Bible, "Which of you, if your sons ask for bread, would give him a stone.... How much more will your Father in heaven give...."? Well, what if your father did give you a stone? Actually, what if your father said that you aren't what he wants in a son, and without any warning, literally dumped you at the airport with only the clothes on your back? That's what Lily's father did to her little brother Michael..... And Lily has to keep it secret. Michael made her promise not to tell anyone because he doesn't want anyone preventing him to see his father again. It's tearing Lily's life apart. Life's tough enough with her parents divorced, her mother remarried, a new annoying baby brother, and her sister off in college. Lily's family can't understand the hatred that Lily has coursing through her, and Lily can't tell them why she's so upset... and she most definitely can't tell her pastor's goody-two shoes son. Where's God when she really needs him? Where's Jesus when she's asking for help? He's supposed to be the person who's always there, someone to rely on, her friend at midnight. How's Lily supposed to expected to deal with this on her own? Other: A Friend at Midnight is a pretty good book. Though clearly Christian, this book isn't preachy at all. You can understand all the characters and their mistakes and choices they choose to make throughout the book. The ending was very satisfactory. Ages 10+ ~Faith
The Twelve Dancing Princesses (Trilogy)--Jessica Day George
Genre: Fantasy/Romance/Fairy tale retelling Summary: In a faraway kingdom recovering from war, twelve princesses are shrouded in mystery. Rumors spread throughout the kingdom. Why do the princesses always wake up so tired sometimes? Why are their dancing slippers so worn? It's a mystery that befuddles the entire kingdom and throws the king into grief, and the stakes seem to be getting higher. Can a lowly but determined soldier turned gardener figure out what nine princes before him had failed to discern? Or will he die trying, dooming the princesses to a lifetime of suffering? Other: Although their is magic involved, this fairy tale retelling trilogy is clever and fun. The romance isn't too heavy, and there is just enough danger to add excitement to the story. The characters are pretty good, and the way George weaves in the more familiar tales into her stories is interesting. It's an enjoyable set of books for a light day of reading. (Ages 10+) ~Amy
Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball--Donita K. Paul
*RA Genre: Light Romance/Fantasy Summary: Cora Crowder is a slightly calloused young woman whose past familial relationships make her reluctant to get into the spirit of Christmas. Simon Derrick is a busy, no-nonsense boss who doesn't even know Cora's name. Who would have thought that they would be a perfect match? It takes a mysterious side street that sometimes isn't there, a Wizard's Christmas ball that sounds like a dream come true, and a whole street full of quirky matchmakers who reach out to anyone in need to bring the two lonely people together in time for Christmas. Other: This is a short, sweet book that is good to read when Christmas comes around. The romance is minimal and not too mushy, taking into consideration that it's a romance novella. It's a fun, almost-Cinderella story. (Ages 10+) ~Amy
Heist Society (Series)--Ally Carter
*RA Genre: Thriller/Romance Summary: Katarina Bishop is part of possibly the most successful family of thieves in the world. She's been trained in the light-fingered business from the tender age of three. And she's very good at what she does. She can case joints, devise strategies, pick locks, and lie like nobody's business. She also wants out of it. Determined to leave the family's life, and, consequently, the family, behind, Kat cons her way into an illustrious boarding school, where she stays until her best friend and co-conspirator for the past two years, Hale, comes to break her out. Now she must figure out a way to find and steal paintings for a very bad man, or her father, the only suspect on the list, might be in big trouble. In order to do so, she must use her wits and her friends to pull off the most daring job the world has ever seen, and in the process realize the importance of what she left behind. Maybe there is a way to be good and not turn her back on her family at the same time.... Other: This is a book with ingenious plots, bad guys (and gals), a tight-knit family, and very talented teenagers. Sometimes, it's more fun than Carter's Gallagher Girls, if not more funny (although there are plenty of chuckle-times in these books as well). There is romance to be prepared for (although it's definitely not as much as GG), but the thrill of the plans and the quirkiness of the characters are very entertaining. (Ages 12+) ~Amy
Gallagher Girls (Series)--Ally Carter
This is the first book.
Genre: Spy/Romance Summary: Cammie Morgan's mom is the headmistress for the top-secret, first-rate spy boarding school for girls, the Gallagher Academy. Cammie and her friends know how to handle bombs, speak different languages, and take grown men down with martial art skills. It seems like nothing can faze Gallagher Girls, but Cammie finds out that it is indeed possible to stump one. What do you do when you really like a guy, and he's not supposed to know who you are? Later, she must face kidnappings, danger, and ancient, mysterious organizations. With her friends by her side, she knows she can get through--barely. Other: I enjoyed this series even though there is a good amount of teenage romance that can be a little over-the-top sometimes, especially in the first book. It is a funny series, and later on, there is more action and the story gets more serious. For this reason, I like the latter books better. It's also interesting to see what new ideas Ally Carter can think up for her extraordinary group of girls. (Ages 13+) ~Amy
Jane Eyre--Charlotte Bronte
Genre: Drama Summary: Jane Eyre is a plain, unfortunate girl, unloved by the relatives taking care of her. She is smart, however, and her struggles and heartbreaks as she grows from a teenager in a boarding school to a young woman in love with a much older man are chronicled in this literary classic. Other: Unlike Pride and Prejudice, Jane Eyre is a dark romance, with a mysterious, crazy lady up in the attic and her dark past adding an eerie feeling to the novel. Despite this, Jane's perseverence through her trials to the happy ending are well written. It's not my favorite, but it is engrossing and I enjoyed it. (Ages 14+) ~Amy
Pride and Prejudice--Jane Austen
Genre: Light romance Summary: Elizabeth is one of five very eligible sisters with a mother intent on marrying them off well. Mr. Darcy is a weathly man who initially does not think much of Elizabeth, but comes to admire her. Unfortunately, his pride and her prejudice keep this well-matched couple apart, and the events leading up to their marriage make up this well-known classic. Other: This was a cute story. It was a fairly clean, light romance, but the wording does demand a mature reader. (Ages 15+) ~Amy
Mark of the Lion (Trilogy)--Francine Rivers
A Voice in the Wind is the first book.
Genre: Romance Summary: Hadassah doesn't believe she should have survived the fall of Jerusalem at the hands of the Romans. Her whole family died, and her faith was the weakest. Why should she have survived? Atretes is the leader of a German clan that refuses to bend to Roman rule. But he is captured and forced to work as a gladiator, killing people for sport. Can he ever get out of the degredation that he is forced to endure? Can he ever forgive himself? Marcus Valerian is the successful son of a Roman businessman. He is rich and loves to indulge in all that decadant Rome has to offer. Hadassah, Atretes, and Marcus all find that they all have a purpose, and that God will not forsake them. He won't let even a bloodied warrior/murderer and a self-centered Roman who does not mind what he does, as long as it's for his pleasure, go easily. He won't let a lone, struggling girl crumple under the immense pressures of the sinful empire. His purpose is clear, and his love will give even the greatest sinners a second chance. Other: I loved this series. It's long, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I liked the first two books better than the last, but they were all good. Christianity shines in these books, the writing is beautiful, and the settings are vivid and realistic. I will caution strongly agaist letting younger children read these books. There is a lot of gory violence and other graphic immorality befitting the Roman Empire at its greatest strength. I read it when I was 16, and I'm glad I did. As always, it depends on the person (I bought a copy for my 15-year-old cousin and she loved it), but I strongly suggest that only older teens should read this series. Also, this is definetly a romance story. I usually don't like romance that much, but I made an exception for these. Keep these considerations in mind, but otherwise, read this series. They're amazing books. (Ages 16+) ~Amy
Redeeming Love--Francine Rivers
Genre: Romance Summary: When she was little, Angel was sold into prostitution. She tried to run away and ended up being the most desired lady working in a women-deprived mining camp. Her heart has hardened, and she can't imagine a different way of life. Then she meets Micheal Hosea. He won't let her go, and he takes her, a whore, into his home to be his wife. Even when she tries to run, he always brings her back. Eventually, his loving actions finally cause her to soften a little, but when guilt and self-condemnation set in, she finds that only One can truly set her free from the scars of her past, and He's not going to let her go. Other: This is a beautiful retelling of Hosea. The historical background is well portrayed, and the redemption is touching. At times, the scenes get even more graphic than in The Mark of the Lion, although unlike The Mark of the Lion, there is minimal violence. Because of this, I will give the same caution as I gave for The Mark of the Lion. However, the feelings that Angel has to endure caused me to mourn for those caught in modern sex trafficking and prostitution, and the story of God's redeeming love shines through the darkness. (Ages 16+) ~Amy