Going Geek by Charlotte Huang

Going Geek by Charlotte Huang
Published by Delacorte Press in September 2016

"It wasn’t supposed to be this way. Skylar Hoffman’s senior year at her preppy East Coast boarding school should have been perfect:
amazing boyfriend
the coolest friends
the most desirable dorm
But it’s far from it. To her dismay, Skylar’s not going to rule senior year because she’s stuck in Abbot House, a tiny dorm known for, well, nothing. Living with a group of strangers everyone thinks is lame is bad enough. Worse is that Skylar wasn’t exactly truthful about how she spent summer break in Los Angeles—and her little white lie is causing her once rock-solid romance to crumble fast. And when it turns out that Skylar’s best friend is the one responsible for having her booted from Lincoln? It’s an all-out war.

Stepping out of her comfort zone never felt so scary—or necessary. But everything is different now. Including, maybe, Skylar herself . . . " - From Goodreads

Will you like it?
This was a book that I pulled off of the shelf from the library, and was pleasantly surprised by the story.  Skylar grew so much over the course of this story.  She was very snobbish and very standoffish from her new roommates.  Eventually she learns to step outside of her comfort zone, and finally find herself.  This would be a nice beach read.

Disclosure: I borrowed a copy of this book from my local library.

The Hammer of Thor by Rick Riordan

The Hammer of Thor by Rick Riordan
Published by Disney-Hyperion in October 2016
Magnus Chase & the Gods of Asgard #2

"Thor's hammer is missing again. The thunder god has a disturbing habit of misplacing his weapon--the mightiest force in the Nine Worlds. But this time the hammer isn't just lost, it has fallen into enemy hands. If Magnus Chase and his friends can't retrieve the hammer quickly, the mortal worlds will be defenseless against an onslaught of giants. Ragnarok will begin. The Nine Worlds will burn. Unfortunately, the only person who can broker a deal for the hammer's return is the gods' worst enemy, Loki--and the price he wants is very high."

Will you like it?
Any book written by Rick Riordan is an automatic must-read for me.  I love listening to them because the narrators are always fantastic and Riordan's words are so funny!

As much as I love Riordan's books, they have become a little formulaic.  Hero goes on quest.  Hero gets into a few scrapes.  Hero goes into last battle and against all odds, wins.  BUT.  I always learn about the Gods that Riordan features.  I am always learning and laughing, and that is what makes me come back to his books time after time.

I will be sorry to see Magnus Chase go after the next book, but I can't wait to find out what else Riordan has up his sleeve.

Disclosure: I borrowed a copy of the audiobook from my local library via Overdrive.

Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller

Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller
Published by Feiwel & Friends in February 2017
Debut Author 2017

"A 17-year-old pirate captain intentionally allows herself to get captured by enemy pirates in this thrilling YA adventure.

Sent on a mission to retrieve an ancient hidden map—the key to a legendary treasure trove—seventeen-year-old pirate captain Alosa deliberately allows herself to be captured by her enemies, giving her the perfect opportunity to search their ship.

More than a match for the ruthless pirate crew, Alosa has only one thing standing between her and the map: her captor, the unexpectedly clever and unfairly attractive first mate, Riden. But not to worry, for Alosa has a few tricks up her sleeve, and no lone pirate can stop the Daughter of the Pirate King." - From Goodreads

Will you like it?
I wasn't entirely sure how to feel about this book.  There was a lot of telling vs. showing about the background of Alosa, and I'm not entirely sure it's my favorite way of finding out the backstory.

The action was awesome!  The last 1/3 of the book made up for the dancing Riden and Alosa do.  I loved how smart and strong Alosa was to get out of all of her scrapes.  She never let anything get in the way of what she wanted.

Overall, this book would be perfect for someone who likes a lot of action mixed with their romance.

Disclosure: I received an electronic galley of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

King's Cage by Victoria Aveyard

King's Cage by Victoria Aveyard
Published by HarperTeen in February 2017
Red Queen #3

"Mare Barrow is a prisoner, powerless without her lightning, tormented by her lethal mistakes. She lives at the mercy of a boy she once loved, a boy made of lies and betrayal. Now a king, Maven Calore continues weaving his dead mother's web in an attempt to maintain control over his country—and his prisoner.

As Mare bears the weight of Silent Stone in the palace, her once-ragtag band of newbloods and Reds continue organizing, training, and expanding. They prepare for war, no longer able to linger in the shadows. And Cal, the exiled prince with his own claim on Mare's heart, will stop at nothing to bring her back." -- From Goodreads

Will you like it?
As we could expect, the third book in the Red Queen series was jam-packed full of action.  I enjoy this series immensely, and I can't wait to see how the series finally ends.

While I thought that Mare's imprisonment was important to the overall story, her time spent with Maven could have been cut down page wise.  It felt like I was just waiting for her to escape.  I knew it was going to happen, so why couldn't it happen sooner rather than later?

The ending was very interesting too.  Of course Cal has issues choosing sides.  He's had issues choosing sides ever since the first book.  I can't wait to see how that's going to play out.

Disclosure: I borrowed a copy of this book from my local library.

By Your Side by Kasie West

By Your Side by Kasie West
Published by Harper Teen in January 2017

"When Autumn Collins finds herself accidentally locked in the library for an entire weekend, she doesn’t think things could get any worse. But that’s before she realizes that Dax Miller is locked in with her. Autumn doesn’t know much about Dax except that he’s trouble. Between the rumors about the fight he was in (and that brief stint in juvie that followed it) and his reputation as a loner, he’s not exactly the ideal person to be stuck with. Still, she just keeps reminding herself that it is only a matter of time before Jeff, her almost-boyfriend, realizes he left her in the library and comes to rescue her.

Only he doesn’t come. No one does.

Instead it becomes clear that Autumn is going to have to spend the next couple of days living off vending-machine food and making conversation with a boy who clearly wants nothing to do with her. Except there is more to Dax than meets the eye. As he and Autumn first grudgingly, and then not so grudgingly, open up to each other, Autumn is struck by their surprising connection. But can their feelings for each other survive once the weekend is over and Autumn’s old life, and old love interest, threaten to pull her from Dax’s side?" -- From Goodreads

Will you like it?
This book was a little heavier than Kasie West's normal chipper rom-coms.  By Your Side deals with foster parents and anxiety.  I also really liked that the entire novel wasn't set in the library.  They leave halfway through and have to deal with their problems in the real world, not the isolated library.

I liked that the problems were real, not just ones that could be pushed under a rug and forgotten.  When Autumn finally has her first panic attack in front of her friends, the circumstances that brought it on also made my hands clammy.  Kasie West did a great job portraying anxiety and how crippling it could be.  I already have Kasie West books as must-reads, and this book solidified that for me.

Disclosure: I purchased my own copy of this book.

The Last of August by Brittany Cavallaro

The Last of August by Brittany Cavallaro
Published by Katherine Tegen Books in February 2017
Charlotte Holmes #2

"Jamie Watson and Charlotte Holmes are looking for a winter break reprieve in Sussex after a fall semester that almost got them killed. But nothing about their time off is proving simple, including Holmes and Watson’s growing feelings for each other. When Charlotte’s beloved uncle Leander goes missing from the Holmes estate—after being oddly private about his latest assignment in a German art forgery ring—the game is afoot once again, and Charlotte throws herself into a search for answers.

So begins a dangerous race through the gritty underground scene in Berlin and glittering art houses in Prague, where Holmes and Watson discover that this complicated case might change everything they know about their families, themselves, and each other." -- From Goodreads

Will you like it?
I was totally shocked by the ending of this book.  I don't want to spoil anything, but a match is finally thrown on the Moriarty/Holmes feud.

Otherwise, Charlotte and Jamie are now navigating their own relationship.  There is almost too much angst with their relationship, and I had to keep reminding myself that they are only 16 in the book.  In a lot of the book, Jamie mopes around because he feels like he is unwanted.

Overall, this book was darker than the first.  I can only assume that the conclusion to this trilogy will be darker yet, and I really hope everyone does not end up dead.

Disclosure: I received an electronic galley of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Windwitch by Susan Dennard

Windwitch  by Susan Dennard
Published by Tor Teen in January 2017
The Witchlands #2

"In this follow-up to New York Times bestselling Truthwitch, a shadow man haunts the Nubrevnan streets, leaving corpses in his wake—and then raising those corpses from the dead. Windwitch continues the tale of Merik—cunning privateer, prince, and windwitch."

Will you like it?
I think I enjoyed this book slightly more than the first one.  I tend to enjoy second books, but not fully fall in love because they're just prolonging the action until the end of the series.  I think Dennard made a wise decision by choosing to shift her focus to Merik as the main character.  Of course, we still get time with the other characters, but we spend a lot of time with Merik.

I loved getting to know the characters more, and I think it will be interesting what roles some characters will play in the third and fourth books.  I know it seems very random now, but the threads that bind these characters will become clearer later in the series.  I just love putting together the pieces of the puzzles.

Overall, I can't wait to read more of this series.  I have loved how unique this series has been in terms of magic.

Disclosure: I borrowed a copy of this book from my local library.

Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalo

Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco
Published by Jimmy Patterson in September 2016
Stalking Jack the Ripper #1

"Seventeen-year-old Audrey Rose Wadsworth was born a lord's daughter, with a life of wealth and privilege stretched out before her. But between the social teas and silk dress fittings, she leads a forbidden secret life.

Against her stern father's wishes and society's expectations, Audrey often slips away to her uncle's laboratory to study the gruesome practice of forensic medicine. When her work on a string of savagely killed corpses drags Audrey into the investigation of a serial murderer, her search for answers brings her close to her own sheltered world." - From Goodreads

Will you like it?
If you like murder, Victorian London, mysteries, mayhem, or horror, you will love this book.  I listened to the audiobook version, and I loved the narrator's accent.  She made the whole book come alive for me.

There was one part that mostly gave away who Jack was, so that wasn't as entertaining as I thought it was going to be.  Also, the ending was not entirely realistic.  I think Audrey would have been bound by society's rules for learning about the forensic sciences.   I still really enjoyed this book, and I will add the rest of the series to my to-read shelf on Goodreads.

Disclosure: I borrowed the audiobook from my local library via Overdrive.

How to Break a Boy by Laurie Devore

How to Break a Boy by Laurie Devore
Published by Imprint in January 2017
2017 Debut Author Challenge

"Olivia Clayton has mastered the art of tearing others down to stay on top. She and her best friend, Adrienne, rule their small southern town like all good mean girls do--through intimidation and manipulation.

After Olivia suffers a family tragedy and catches Adrienne sleeping with her boyfriend, Olivia is over it. She decides to make a change--but it's impossible to resist taking Adrienne down one last time. Up to her old tricks, Olivia convinces golden boy Whit DuRant to be her SAT tutor and her fake boyfriend. But when it starts to feel real, Whit gets caught up in Olivia and Adrienne's war.

Olivia may ruin everything she touches, but this time she won't go down without a fight--not if it means losing Whit.

And definitely not if it means losing what's left of herself." - From Goodreads

Will you like it?
I loved this book.  I struggled with this book.  Olivia and Adrienne are total mean girls.  They enjoy breaking down other people, and take pleasure in humiliating others.  Until Olivia's brother dies, and that event gives Olivia a wake-up call.  She knows wants to go away to college, but without a great SAT score that's not going to happen.  Whit DuRant comes in and helps her, but then becomes the focus of Adrienne's wrath.

I was astounded by the lengths that each girl would go to one-up the other.  I was flabbergasted by the lengths they would go to to get back at people.  Everything that happens in the book is because of grief.

I would recommend this book to anyone that loves contemporary.  I can't wait to devour anything else Laurie Devore writes.

Disclosure: I received an electronic galley of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Wayfarer by Alexandra Bracken

Wayfarer by Alexandra Bracken
Published by Disney-Hyperion in January 2017
Passenger #2

"All Etta Spencer wanted was to make her violin debut when she was thrust into a treacherous world where the struggle for power could alter history. After losing the one thing that would have allowed her to protect the Timeline, and the one person worth fighting for, Etta awakens alone in an unknown place and time, exposed to the threat of the two groups who would rather see her dead than succeed. When help arrives, it comes from the last person Etta ever expected—Julian Ironwood, the Grand Master’s heir who has long been presumed dead, and whose dangerous alliance with a man from Etta’s past could put them both at risk.

Meanwhile, Nicholas and Sophia are racing through time in order to locate Etta and the missing astrolabe with Ironwood travelers hot on their trail. They cross paths with a mercenary-for-hire, a cheeky girl named Li Min who quickly develops a flirtation with Sophia. But as the three of them attempt to evade their pursuers, Nicholas soon realizes that one of his companions may have ulterior motives.

As Etta and Nicholas fight to make their way back to one another, from Imperial Russia to the Vatican catacombs, time is rapidly shifting and changing into something unrecognizable… and might just run out on both of them." -- From Goodreads

Will you like it?
I had a hard time with this book.  Without spoiling too much of the book, Etta and Nicholas find themselves separated by time.  Again.  They are apart nearly the entire book, which I found to be a complete drag.  Etta and Nicholas have amazing chemistry when they're together but they're complete Debbie Downers when they are apart.  Bracken has them do a lot of internal self-reflection, and it was getting to be a bit too much in this book.

I feel like the time traveling rules changed a bit from book to book.  I don't know if I could even put my finger on what felt different, but something felt off.

Honestly?  I'm glad I read this book.  I'm glad that I read Passenger and Wayfarer back to back, but I don't know if I would have finished Wayfarer had I waited more time.  If you like character driven stories, this one is for you.

Disclosure: I won the Kindle edition in a Twitter giveaway.

The Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna Gaines

The Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna Gaines
Published by Thomas Nelson in October 2016

"In The Magnolia Story fans will finally get to join the Gaines behind the scenes and discover: The time Chip ran to the grocery store and forgot to take their new, sleeping baby Joanna s agonizing decision to close her dream business to focus on raising their children When Chip buys a houseboat, sight-unseen, and it turns out to be a leaky wreck Joanna s breakthrough moment of discovering the secret to creating a beautiful home Harrowing stories of the financial ups and downs as an entrepreneurial couple Memories and photos from Chip and Jo s wedding The significance of the word magnolia and why it permeates everything they do The way the couple pays the popularity of Fixer Upper forward, sharing the success with others, and bolstering the city of Waco along the way." -- From Goodreads

Will you like it?
I loved hearing the stories of Chip and Joanna Gaines.  I am completely obsessed with their show, Fixer Upper!  It was wonderful to finally get a glimpse of the people behind all of the funny bits you see on television.  The love that they share for each other, their family, and their community shines through.  They have had a lot of lucky breaks in their lives, and they credit it all to their faith.  I found it refreshing that they talk about their faith but are not overly preachy.

Overall, if you love their show, you must read their book!  I would recommend the audiobook, because it is narrated by both Chip and Joanna.  Such a wonderful read!

Disclosure: I borrowed the audiobook and printed book from my local library.

The Princess in Black Takes a Vacation by Shannon and Dean Hale

The Princess in Black Takes a Vacation by Shannon & Dean Hale
Published by Candlewick Press in November 2016
Princess in Black #4

"After battling monsters all night, a sleepy Princess in Black decides that she needs a vacation. After all, the Goat Avenger, a new hero who looks oddly familiar, has offered to protect the goats while she takes a much needed break. The very next day Princess Magnolia rides her bicycle to the seaside, where the air is salty, the sun is shiny, and the sea is as blue as monster fur. But just as Princess Magnolia is about to take a nap on her hammock, she hears a "ROAR!" Seriously? A monster? On the perfect beach? Impossible! Could a sea monster really ruin this vacation for the Princess in Black?" -- From Goodreads

Will you like it?
Another favorite middle grade book!  I am always highly entertained by Princess in Black.  She is perfect for those who have just started reading chapter books on their own.  I'd definitely recommend this series to those who really like action and princesses.

Disclosure: I borrowed a copy of this book from my local library.

Things I Wish I'd Known Before We Got Married by Gary Chapman

Things I Wish I'd Known Before We Got Married by Gary Chapman
Published by Northfield Publishing in September 2010.

"With more than 35 years of experience counseling couples, Gary has found that most marriages suffer due to a lack of preparation and a failure to learn to work together as intimate teammates.

So he put together this practical little book, packed with wisdom and tips that will help many develop the loving, supportive, and mutually beneficial marriage they envision, such as:

What the adequate foundation for a successful marriage truly is.  What to expect about the roles and influence of extended family.  How to solve disagreements without arguing.  How to talk through issues like money, sex, chores, and more.  Why couples must learn how to apologize and forgive.  Ideal for newly married couples and those considering marriage, the material lends itself to heart-felt, revealing, and critical conversations for relational success.

Read this book and you’ll be prepared for—not surprised by—the challenges of marriage." - From Goodreads

Will you like it?
If this guy sounds familiar, it's because he's the one that wrote the 5 love languages book.  Each chapter is devoted to a certain topic: money, chores, or how to fight without really fighting.  I appreciated each chapter, and loved how each chapter had questions to ponder over with your significant other.  If you're in a relationship and thinking about marriage, I would definitely recommend this book to you.

Disclosure: I borrowed a copy of this book from my local library.

Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea by Ben Clanton

Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea by Ben Clanton
Published by Tundra Books in October 2016

"Narwhal is a happy-go-lucky narwhal. Jelly is a no-nonsense jellyfish. The two might not have a lot in common, but they do they love waffles, parties and adventures. Join Narwhal and Jelly as they discover the whole wide ocean together.
A wonderfully silly early graphic novel series featuring three stories. In the first, Jelly learns that Narwhal is a really good friend. Then Narwhal and Jelly form their own pod of awesomeness with their ocean friends. And finally, Narwhal and Jelly read the best book ever -- even though it doesn't have any words...or pictures!" -- From Goodreads

Will you like it?
I loved this cute book of short stories featuring Narwhal and Jelly.  I love the emphasis on friendship. It was a very fun read!  This would be very easy to use to introduce kids to easy books or to get them started on graphic novels.

Disclosure: I borrowed a copy of this book from my local library.

It Must Be Christmas by Jennifer Crusie, Donna Alward, and Mandy Baxter

It Must Be Christmas by Jennifer Crusie, Donna Alward, and Mandy Baxter
Published by St. Martin's Paperbacks in October 2016

"Hot Toy 
From New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Crusie comes a hilarious, sexy story about a determined shopper who grabs the last action figure off the shelf, only to find herself plunged into the arms of a sexy secret agent. Mayhem under the mistletoe ensues. Business as usual this Christmas season…right?

Christmas with the Billionaire Rancher 
Nate wants to stay away from all the women who want his money in Mandy Baxter’s story set deep in the heart of Texas. But when gorgeous do-gooder Chloe Benson comes knocking at his door—in search of funds for her charity—Nate can’t ignore the passion he feels for her. Maybe love is priceless after all?

Christmas at Seashell Cottage 
’Tis the season in Jewell Cove when local doctor Charlie Yang finds her quiet, steady life disrupted by both an abandoned baby in the nativity manger and ex-SEAL Dave Ricker. Are these turn of events too good to be true? Or is Christmas working its magic—for real— Donna Alward’s heartwarming holiday story?"  -- From Goodreads

Will you like it?
This was a good collection of Christmas short stories.  It has a lot of humor and just a little spice.  I think my favorite story was Christmas at Seashell Cottage only because they find a baby in the manger.  I love that slight mystery aspect as well.  Definitely a good book to enjoy during the busiest time of the year.

Disclosure: I borrowed this book from my local library.

Heartless by Marissa Meyer

Heartless by Marissa Meyer
Published by Feiwel & Friends in November 2016

"Catherine may be one of the most desired girls in Wonderland, and a favorite of the yet-unmarried King of Hearts, but her interests lie elsewhere. A talented baker, all she wants is to open a shop with her best friend and supply the Kingdom of Hearts with delectable pastries and confections. But according to her mother, such a goal is unthinkable for the young woman who could be the next Queen.

At a royal ball where Cath is expected to receive the king's marriage proposal, she meets Jest, the handsome and mysterious court joker. For the first time, she feels the pull of true attraction. At the risk of offending the King and infuriating her parents, she and Jest enter into an intense, secret courtship.

Cath is determined to define her own destiny and fall in love on her terms. But in a land thriving with magic, madness, and monsters, fate has other plans." - From Goodreads

Will you like it?
This was such a hard book for me to read.  I blame that fact on how I knew Cath was going to become bitter,  but I didn't want to know how she got there.  I loved the characters.  Cath was a dreamer, and had a hard time accepting that her parents wanted her to marry the King of Hearts.  It was also really fun to see all of the other characters that we have associated with Wonderland: the Caterpillar, Cheshire, the Hatter.  Everyone's fate was already decided.  I really hope that Meyer continues with her writing of origin stories; her take on the Queen of Hearts was splendid.

Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

The May Queen Murders by Sarah Jude

The May Queen Murders by Sarah Jude
Published by HMH Books for Young Readers in May 2016

"Stay on the roads. Don’t enter the woods. Never go out at night.

Those are the rules in Rowan’s Glen, a remote farming community in the Missouri Ozarks where Ivy Templeton’s family has lived for centuries. It’s an old-fashioned way of life, full of superstition and traditions, and sixteen-year-old Ivy loves it. The other kids at school may think the Glen kids are weird, but Ivy doesn’t care—she has her cousin Heather as her best friend. The two girls share everything with each other—or so Ivy thinks. When Heather goes missing after a May Day celebration, Ivy discovers that both her best friend and her beloved hometown are as full of secrets as the woods that surround them." -- From Goodreads

Will you like it?
Wow! I was pleasantly surprised with this book.  I loved the character development in this book.  Ivy and her friends weren't the only ones that were fleshed out; all characters that we came into contact with had some backstory.  I also factor into my ratings on mysteries how fast I can figure out "whodunit".  With this story, I was SHOCKED with every twist and turn that happened.  This is definitely a must read for those who really like mysteries and suspense.

Disclosure: I borrowed a copy of this book from my local public library.

Curious Minds by Janet Evanovich and Phoef Sutton

Curious Minds by Janet Evanovich and Phoef Sutton
Published by Bantam Dell in August 2016
Knight and Moon #1

"Emerson Knight is introverted, eccentric, and has little to no sense of social etiquette. Good thing he’s also brilliant, rich, and (some people might say) handsome, or he’d probably be homeless. Riley Moon has just graduated from Harvard Business and Harvard Law. Her aggressive Texas spitfire attitude has helped her land her dream job as a junior analyst with mega-bank Blane-Grunwald. At least Riley Moon thought it was her dream job, until she is given her first assignment: babysitting Emerson Knight.

What starts off as an inquiry about missing bank funds in the Knight account leads to inquiries about a missing man, missing gold, and a life-and-death race across the country. Through the streets of Washington, D.C., and down into the underground vault of the Federal Reserve in New York City, an evil plan is exposed. A plan so sinister that only a megalomaniac could think it up, and only the unlikely duo of the irrepressibly charming Emerson Knight and the tenacious Riley Moon can stop it." -- From Goodreads

Will you like it?
I love this new series by Janet Evanovich and Phoef Sutton.  As I was listening to the audiobook at work, I couldn't help but giggle.  A LOT.  I don't want to give away a lot of the plot, but I liked how Riley and Emerson had chemistry, but their characters were getting to know each other.  The flirtatious banter was exactly that, and we didn't have to worry that they were going to end up in bed together.  Will they eventually?  Probably.  But I love seeing the slow burn happen.

Disclosure: I borrowed the audiobook from my local public library.

Last Chance Rebel by Maisey Yates

Last Chance Rebel by Maisey Yates
Published by HQN Books in August 2016
Copper Ridge #6

"The man who ruined Rebecca Bear's life just strolled back into it with one heck of an offer. Years ago, Gage West's recklessness left Rebecca scarred inside and out. Now he wants to make amends by gifting her the building that houses her souvenir store. Rebecca won't take Gage's charity, but she's willing to make a deal with the sexy, reclusive cowboy. Yet keeping her enemy close is growing dangerously appealing…

He's the wild West brother, the bad seed of Copper Ridge. That's why Gage needs the absolution Rebecca offers. He just didn't expect to need her. After years of regretting his past, he knows where his future lies—with this strong, irresistible woman who could make a black sheep come home to stay…" -- From Goodreads

Will you like it?
I love any Copper Ridge novel!  The romances never seem too scripted, and it never seems like it's the same romance over and over.  If you like romances of any kind, then I would wholeheartedly recommend this series to you!

Disclosure: I borrowed this book from my local library.

Royal Wedding Disaster by Meg Cabot

Royal Wedding Disaster by Meg Cabot
Published by Feiwel and Friends in May 2016
From the Notebooks of a Middle School Princess #2

"Olivia Grace Clarisse Mignonette Harrison still finds it hard to believe that she's a real live PRINCESS OF GENOVIA. Not only does she get to live in an actual palace with her newly discovered family and two fabulous poodles (who all love her and think that she's anything but ordinary!) but she also gets her very own PONY!

Of course, things aren't going exactly like she imagined. Her half-sister Mia is very busy learning how to take over the country while trying to plan a wedding and her father is actually getting remarried himself-to Mia's mother!-and spends most of his time "renovating" the summer palace, although Grandmere says he is just hiding from the wedding preparations. Olivia hardly gets to see either of them.

Fortunately, Grandmere has her own plans for Mia's wedding, and needs Olivia's help to pull them off. Just when Olivia starts to think that things are going to work out after all, the palace is invaded by a host of new cousins and other royals who all seem to be angry at Olivia (although Grandmere says they are just jealous).

As the day of the wedding gets closer and closer, Olivia becomes more and more worried. For such a carefully planned event, it seems like a LOT of things are going wrong... Can Olivia keep this royal wedding from becoming a royal disaster?" -- From Goodreads

Will you like it?
I have a special place in my heart for Meg Cabot and any books that feature Princess Mia.  This one did not disappoint!  I love watching Olivia stumble through her middle school years.  I am excited to continue this series, while getting to watch my favorite characters in the background.

Disclosure: I borrowed a copy of this book from my local library.