Category Archives: Merit Press

January 1, 2017 · 11:58 pm

Review: If You Were Here by Jennie Yabroff

Title: If You Were Here by Jennie Yabroff
Publisher: Merit Press
Genre: Contemporary, Young Adult, Magical Realism, Mystery
Length: 272 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through Edelweiss

Summary:

Tess used to be normal–or at least, she knew how to fake it. Then her mother started showing up at her fancy prep school and acting crazy, which turned Tess into social cyanide. Now, her days at school, once almost tolerable, are unbearable. She longs for summers at her grandmother’s lake house, binging on old movies and Oreos, and weekends with her best and only friend, Tabitha. Until then, Tess just tries to survive, with long runs through Central Park to keep the anxiety down by day, although her nights are increasingly haunted by strange, dreamlike visions that fill her with dread. Then Tabitha drops Tess without warning, switching her allegiance to the school’s clone-like popular girls, and leaving Tess without a friend in the world. Before Tess can even cope with losing Tabitha, a horrific tragedy happens one night at school, and Tess is blamed for it. Now, she must fight to find out the truth about that night, and to clear her name, all the while wondering if her visions were really a prophecy, or if she is going to end up in the grip of an uncontrollable mental illness–just like her mother.

Review:

With a cast of realistic characters, a touch of magical realism and an imaginative plot, If You Were Here by Jennie Yabroff is a riveting young adult novel that touches on some sensitive topics such as mental illness, teenage friendships and loss.

Social outcasts at their exclusive private school, Tess Block and Tabitha Smiley have been best friends for the past five years.  The summer before their junior year, Tess goes to visit her grandmother like she usually does but when she returns home, she is puzzled when Tabitha ignores her texts.  When school resumes, Tess’s puzzlement turns to hurt once she realizes that over the summer break, Tabitha has transformed herself into one of the popular girls.  Tess feels more isolated and alone than ever now that Tabitha is best friends with mean girl Amanda Price and perfect Zoe Haley.  When the unthinkable happens, Tess tries to comes terms with a devastating loss while at the same time trying to learn the truth about what happened to Tabitha.

Tess was once popular and well-liked by her classmates but after her mom’s struggle with mental illness  became public knowledge, all of her friendships dwindled away.  Five years later, she and best friend Tabitha spend all of their time together eating contraband snacks while watching their favorite movie, Sixteen Candles.  Tess’s home life is overshadowed by her mother’s bouts with depression and manic episodes and she escapes to Tabitha’s as often as possible.  Although Tess is relatively content with the status quo, Tabitha wants nothing more than to become a part of the popular crowd.

While Tess is spending the summer with her grandmother, Tabitha is busy reinventing herself.  Tess barely recognizes her friend but she is stunned when Tabitha snubs her in favor of Amanda and Zoe. Angry and hurt by Tabitha’s behavior, Tess keeps a vivid and prophetic  dream about her friend to herself.  After a horrible accident, Tess feels guilty and ashamed about keeping the dream to herself and she is haunted by the last bitter and hurtful argument between her and Tabitha.  When questions arise about the circumstances of Tabitha’s accident, Zoe and Amanda’s revelations cast suspicion in Tess’s direction.  Can Tess uncover the truth about what happened to Tabitha?

The subplot that deals with Tess’s mom’s mental illness is a little uncomfortable since Tess is not exactly sensitive when referring to her mom.  While it is a realistic representation of how insensitive and tactless a teenager can be, it is not easy seeing Tess continually refer to her mom as “crazy”.  The portrayal of the effects her mom’s illness have on the family and their home life is absolutely heartbreaking.  Tess’s dad is trying hard to give his daughter as normal a life as possible and while he sometimes falls short, Tess appreciates his efforts.

If You Were Here by is a compelling young adult novel with an intriguing storyline.  Jennie Yabroff’s depiction of teenagers struggling to fit in is poignant yet true to life.  The characters are brilliantly developed with relatable flaws and imperfections.  A clever  story with a hint of mystery and a dash of magical realism that will appeal to readers of all ages.

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Filed under Contemporary, If You Were Here, Jennie Yabroff, Magical Realism, Merit Press, Mystery, Rated B+, Review, Young Adult

· 11:57 pm

Review: Snowbirds by Crissa-Jean Chappell

Title: Snowbirds by Crissa-Jean Chappell
Publisher: Merit Press
Genre: Contemporary, Young Adult
Length: 272 pages
Book Rating: C+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through Edelweiss

Summary:

Every year, Lucy waits eagerly for the arrival of the “snowbirds,” the Old Order Amish who come trundling into Florida on buses from the north, bringing Lucy’s best friend Alice, with whom she’s spent every winter she can remember. This winter is different. At sixteen, Alice is in the middle of “Rumspringa,” a season in which Amish teens try out forbidden temptations, in order to get them out of their system. Lucy is part of a different sect, in which teens aren’t allowed such bold experimentation, and she’s fighting to keep up as Alice races from one wild party to the next. Then, one night after just such a party, Alice vanishes. Wracked by guilt, Lucy knows that she should have been watching out for Alice, but instead, she was kissing Faron, an Older Order boy shunned by his society. Now, Lucy plunges into a search for her best friend–while also hiding her own secret, which could put her in even more danger.

Review:

Snowbirds by Crissa-Jean Chappell is an intriguing young adult novel about a teenager’s disappearance following a party on a beach.

Sixteen year old Lucy Zimmer lives with her father in Pinecraft, FL and although they are members of the Mennonite church, she is close friends with Alice Yoder, an Old Order Amish girl from Maine.  Lucy is eagerly awaiting the yearly arrival of Alice, who spends the winter in Pinecraft with her mom.  Lucy is surprised at the differences in Alice whose rebellious behavior coincides with her “Rumspringa”.  Lucy is alarmed at Alice’s plans to run away with her boyfriend Tobias and after the two girls have an argument at a party, Lucy leaves her friend at the party to view the sunrise on another beach with a “shunned” Amish young man, Faron Mast.  The next morning, Lucy learns Alice is missing and she cannot help but blame herself for her friend’s disappearance.

Although Lucy is a member of the less strict Mennonite Church, she and her father lead a fairly simple, technology free life.  While she is aghast at some of Alice’s choices, she is also a little jealous at her friend’s brief period of freedom during Rumspringa.  Lucy is chafing against her dad’s expectations for her future and unable to go against his wishes, she is giving in without fighting for what she wants.  After Alice vanishes without a trace, Lucy is determined to find out the truth about what that night, but will she ruin her relationship with her dad in the process?

The information Lucy uncovers about Alice’s activities in the preceding months is rather shocking and since she has such a sheltered life, she does not fully grasp what her friend has been up to.  This does not stop her from investigating Alice’s disappearance but when she reaches a dead end in Florida, she knows she must go to Maine in order to find out as much as she can about what Alice was doing before she and her mom traveled to Pinecraft.  She turns to Faron for assistance and the two embark on a somewhat perilous journey in order for her to discover what happened to her friend.

While the premise of the novel is quite interesting, some parts of the story are a little disjointed and repetitive. Lucy is somewhat impulsive and considering that she has no idea what happened to Alice, the decisions she makes are risky and lead her into dangerous situations.  The truth about Alice’s disappearance is quite unexpected and just the tiniest bit disappointing.

Snowbirds by Crissa-Jean Chappell offers a fascinating peek into  the differences between the Amish and Mennonite religions.  In spite of the very different worlds they live in, Alice and Lucy are typical teens as they begin to doubt their faith and struggle to escape parental expectations in favor of their choices. An engaging young adult novel that readers of the genre will enjoy.

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Filed under Contemporary, Crissa-Jean Chappell, Merit Press, Rated C+, Review, Snowbirds, Young Adult

October 30, 2016 · 11:58 pm

Review: Aftermath by Clara Kensie

Title: Aftermath by Clara Kensie
Publisher: Merit Press
Genre: Contemporary, Young Adult, Mystery/Suspense
Length: 288 pages
Book Rating: A

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through Edelweiss

Summary:

Charlotte survived four long years as a prisoner in the attic of her kidnapper, sustained only by dreams of her loving family. The chance to escape suddenly arrives, and Charlotte fights her way to freedom. But an answered prayer turns into heartbreak. Losing her has torn her family apart. Her parents have divorced: Dad’s a glutton for fame, Mom drinks too much, and Charlotte’s twin is a zoned-out druggie. Her father wants Charlotte write a book and go on a lecture tour, and her mom wants to keep her safe, a virtual prisoner in her own home. But Charlotte is obsessed with the other girl who was kidnapped, who never got a second chance at life–the girl who nobody but Charlotte believes really existed. Until she can get justice for that girl, even if she has to do it on her own, whatever the danger, Charlotte will never be free.

Review:

Aftermath by Clara Kensie is an emotional novel of courage, survival and hope.

Four years after she was abducted by a pedophile, sixteen year old Charlotte Weatherstone is finally rescued from her kidnapper and she wants nothing more than to pick up her life where it left off. Her happy homecoming is marred by the discovery that her twin sister Alexa is now a rebellious, defiant and troubled teenager and her parents’ once idyllic marriage fell apart due to the strain of her disappearance.  Despite her best efforts to convince her family (and herself) that she is fine, Charlotte is often paralyzed by her memories of the torment she endured at the hands of her “Keeper”.  As her perfect life fails to materialize, Charlotte becomes obsessed with uncovering the identity of the young girl the Keeper kidnapped and murdered before he abducted her.  Once she figures out the Keeper’s type, she searches the faces of other missing children in hopes of identifying potential victims. Wanting to spare this girl’s family the agony of never knowing the truth about their daughter, Charlotte hopes FBI Agent Rick Lindo can help recover the girl’s remains.  At the same time, navigating her way back into “normal” life is a heartrending journey that is oftentimes quite painful for Charlotte and her family.

Happy thoughts of her family sustained Charlotte during her time in captivity so she is ill-prepared for the discovery that reality in no way resembles her fantasy.  Convinced Alexa followed their plans, she is stunned by her twin’s appearance and she is utterly shocked by her sister’s downward spiral.  Charlotte is also devastated to learn the truth about her parents’ marriage and she is left reeling by her father’s announcement.  Her reintegration back into her family is further tested by the media frenzy surrounding her rescue.  Charlotte is also troubled by Alexa’s stunning accusations and the realization that her mom blames herself for the kidnapping.  While she would like nothing more than to put her harrowing experience behind her, Charlotte’s memories often come rushing back when she least expects it and she is overwhelmed by feelings of powerlessness.

All of the characters are richly developed and their various reactions to Charlotte’s kidnapping are what one would expect a family to feel.  Charlotte’s mom never gives up hope that her daughter will return home, but she completely shuts down and turns to alcohol to cope with her guilt and unbearable loss.  Charlotte’s father needs closure to move on and he puts all his energies into running the charitable organization he founded that is dedicated to finding missing children.  Alexa eschews the hopes and dreams the girls planned for their future and turned her back on their group of friends.  No longer one of the popular crowd, her new friends are on the fringes and she begins experimenting with sex, drugs and alcohol.  Despite the torture she endured in captivity, Charlotte remains surprisingly upbeat as she tries to keep the worst of what happened to her from her family and she is laser focused on picking up the pieces of her life.  She is an incredibly brave young woman with amazing insight and an inordinate amount of compassion for others.

The story is multi-layered and extremely well-written.  Clara Kensie deftly handles delicate and dark subject matter with a great deal of sensitivity and care.  There is little doubt about what exactly Charlotte endured at the hands of kidnapper but these topics are lightly broached without many graphic details.  The storyline’s many layers are slowly peeled back as Charlotte goes through her recovery and just when it appears everything has been revealed, the plot takes yet another stunning turn.

Aftermath by Clara Kensie is a captivating story of healing that is deeply affecting yet surprisingly hopeful as Charlotte and her family attempt to recover from a truly horrific, life-altering experience.  The storyline is unique and brings to mind the real life kidnappings of Elizabeth Smart and Jaycee Duggard.  It is a hard hitting must read young adult novel that I highly recommend to older teenage and adult readers.

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Filed under Aftermath, Clara Kensie, Contemporary, Merit Press, Mystery, Review, Young Adult

September 25, 2016 · 11:57 pm

Review: Unlocked by Margo Kelly

Title: Unlocked by Margo Kelly
Publisher: Merit Press
Genre: Contemporary, Young Adult, Horror, Mystery, Supernatural Elements
Length: 304 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through Edelweiss

Summary:

Hannah is losing it. Everything. Her friends, her life, and probably her mind. Bugs crawling over her hands made her wreck the car and cause her friend’s death, but…were the bugs even real? Is someone moving Hannah’s things around, or is she imagining it? Why does her brain feels as though she’s not controlling it? She’s probably headed for a useless life in and out of the locked ward, like her dad. In desperation, she reaches out when the school’s self-proclaimed “occult” expert offers to help, and, through this supposedly weird kid, Hannah discovers shocking news that could mean she really is going crazy, or that someone misusing a terrible power.

Review:

Unlocked by Margo Kelly is a young adult mystery with supernatural elements.

For their last outing before their senior year begins, Hannah O’Leary, her boyfriend Manny and her friends enjoy a night at a local fair.  At the urging of best friend Lily Sloane, the teens not only attend but participate in a hypnotist’s demonstration.  Almost immediately afterward, Hannah begins experiencing strange visions, auditory hallucinations  and creepy sensations that no one else seems to see or hear.  On the way home from the fair, she crashes her car which leaves one of the teens dead and two others seriously injured.  When school begins, Hannah is ostracized by her friends but she befriended by a group of misfit teens who help her get to the bottom of her increasingly bizarre behavior.

Hannah is one of the most popular kids in her class with a bright future ahead of her.  All of that changes after the car accident and as she begins acting completely out of character, she becomes more and more isolated and frightened by the eerie things she is seeing and hearing.  Finding unexpected allies in classmates Eugene, Nick and Kyla, she tries to maintain her relationship with Manny, but he is not very understanding of her inexplicable behavior.  In the aftermath of another horrifying incident, Hannah can only count on her new friends to assist her as she tries to uncover the truth about what is happening to her.

Due to her family history, Hannah’s mom believes her daughter is suffering from schizophrenia.  Hannah is initially uncertain what to believe but as her life continues to spiral out of control, she begins to think the diagnosis might be correct.  On the other hand, Eugene is convinced there is a much more malevolent reason for what is happening to her and their research into the occult offers a plausible explanation for some of her experiences.  However, Hannah and her friends soon discover there is much more going on than they previously imagined and she is in serious danger.  Will Hannah escape from this nightmare before it is too late?

With a well-rounded cast of characters and an imaginative storyline, Unlocked is a fast-paced and engaging young adult novel.  Expect the unexpected as Margo Kelly incorporates both horror and supernatural elements into this thrilling mystery that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the pulse-pounding and suspenseful conclusion.

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Filed under Contemporary, Horror, Margo Kelly, Merit Press, Mystery, Rated B, Review, Supernatural Elements, Unlocked, Young Adult

June 15, 2016 · 11:58 pm

Review: Local Girl Swept Away by Ellen Wittlinger

Title: Local Girl Swept Away by Ellen Wittlinger
Publisher: Merit Press
Genre: Contemporary, Young Adult
Length: 270 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through Edelweiss

Summary:

They are four best friends who’ve shared joy and secrets, love and memories, and since the beginning, Lorna was the one who held them all together. Then, the unthinkable happens. During a storm, Lorna is swept out to sea, leaving the three survivors with nothing to cling to except grief and questions. How did this happen? Why was Lorna in such danger, and was she alone? When her body is never found, the mystery deepens. Did Lorna really die? Or has she made a crazy bid for freedom? Inevitably, the dynamic of the four friends’ everyday life is changed forever. But the pain and confusion go deepest for Jackie, who must face her feelings of unrequited love for Lorna’s boyfriend as well as try to put to rest her own questions about Lorna’s presumed death. Does one of the boys in their inner circle know more than he’s letting on? Will Lorna’s fate ever be discovered? And how will Jackie become her own person in the wake of a wound that may never close? In this beautifully written, intense novel, one girl has to travel through loss and disillusionment to make sense of her own future.

Review:

Local Girl Swept Away by Ellen Wittlinger is a captivating young adult novel about a group of teenagers trying to cope with the loss of a beloved friend.

Best friends since the fourth grade, Jackie Silva, Lucas Baskin-Snow and Finn Rudolph are devastated when Lorna Trovato is swept out to sea during a storm. In the aftermath of her disappearance, Jackie and Finn console one another while Lucas avoids them then leaves town for the summer. Although deeply saddened by Lorna’s death, Jackie handles her grief much better than Finn and she renews her friendship with another childhood friend, Char. As Lorna’s boyfriend, Finn deeply mourns her loss until Jackie forces him to stop wallowing in grief.  Completely perplexed by Lucas’s reaction to Lorna’s death, Jackie continues trying to get in touch with him but she eventually gives up when her texts and e-mails go unanswered. Just as the three friends are moving on with their lives, Jackie makes a shocking discovery which forces her re-evaluate everything she thinks she knows about Lorna.

Jackie spends the most of her free time with Finn until an awkward kiss drives a wedge between them. She then throws herself into her job at a local art gallery run by Finn’s mother, Elsie.  Closely working with thirty year old Cooper Thorne, she falls under his spell as he encourages her to pursue her dream of becoming an artist.  She also welcomes his wildly inappropriate romantic interest despite the huge age difference between them.

Jackie is relieved when her relationship with Finn resumes but they do not see eye to eye when Lucas returns home and reveals some very troubling information about Lorna. After his shocking revelation, she begins to view Lorna a little more realistically but she still idolizes her vibrant, spirited friend.  Jackie remains troubled about the circumstances surrounding Lorna’s disappearance and she continues trying to make sense of what happened that fateful night.  A stunning discovery confuses her but her loyalty to her friend puts her in the uncomfortable position of keeping secrets from the people she cares about.  Jackie becomes even more conflicted when new information comes to light but will her conscience allow her to maintain her silence?

Local Girl Swept Away is an engaging young adult novel with a fast-paced and moving storyline.  The characters are interesting with realistic strengths and weaknesses and their reactions to the various situations ring true.  Ellen Wittlinger’s vibrant descriptions of Provincetown make it very easy to visualize the picturesque seaside town.  While some aspects of the plot are a little predictable, readers will be pleasantly surprised by the novel’s very unexpected conclusion.

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Filed under Contemporary, Ellen Wittlinger, Local Girl Swept Away, Merit Press, Rated B+, Review, Young Adult