Author Archives: Leah O.

Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate

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Before We Were Yours focuses on a part of history that is not always mentioned: adoption scandal. This topic was new to me, but I learned a lot from this novel.

Wingate’s writing jumps between the life of a young girl, Rill Foss, in the 1950s and her struggle to keep her family together, and a successful woman in the present, Avery Stafford, who takes an interest in the Foss family history.

It delves into a time when children are taken from their homes, loving or not, and sold to wealthy families, under the supervision of Georgia Tann.

The Foss family is one of the Tennessee Children’s Home’s Society’s victims. Rill fights to keep her family together, even when she knows it is impossible. I was shocked and sad to learn that children really did endure these events.

I like the way the author develops Rill’s fierce, unrelenting personality: standing up to bullies at the children’s home, clinging to the dream of being with her parents again, and refusing to stop singing nursery songs that her mother taught her.

Seeing how quickly Rill’s younger siblings’ memories of their biological family fade is definitely the most heartbreaking part of the novel. Rill scorns her sister for showing affection to their new parents, and she is the one who cleans up the sheets when her sister wets the bed. Her dedication to ensuring that her siblings know where they come from is admirable and compelling.

Another crucial part of the story is the setting. The depressing, dark home they are brought to is the origin of their pain, betrayal, and sadness. There are some events where the Foss children are put in harm’s way and suffer in cruel living conditions, but they are necessary to shape the Rill’s strength and character.

In Avery’s life as the mayor’s daughter in the present, she is uncovering the truth about the Foss children and becoming more connected with her own past. The novel narrates her life in the public eye and the pressure to give the best answer to every interview question; digging up the past gives her new ambition and understanding.

In the end, Before We Were Yours ties all the characters together and is a powerful message of unity, hope, and healing.

Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

Glossy by Marisa Meltzer

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Glossier is one of the most well-known brands of our generation. It is known for its minimalistic products that prioritize skincare first and makeup second. I love their unique packaging and modern, artistic approach to beauty routines.

When I first saw this book, I worried that I would learn about a dark side of the brand and wouldn’t want to continue to buy their products. Thankfully, the dirt on Glossy is nothing to the extremes I feared. Its purpose is to enlighten readers about the difficulties Glossier endured to rise to the top, stay on top, and ultimately become the name they are today.

Glossy focuses on the founder, Emily Weiss, and the start of her career. Early in her life, she was recognized for her fearless, memorable personality and fashion sense. It was interesting to read about how Weiss went from a Vogue intern, model, and beauty blogger with revered style to the daring founder of a wildly popular “start-up” brand.

The book also talks about another key component of Glossier’s journey: its fall from grace. An Instagram account called Outta The Gloss (a play on Weiss’ Into The Gloss, the blog that started it all) publicized issues of poor work conditions, pay, and inclusivity. Glossier also struggled during the pandemic when other brands posed a threat to their success. Glossy explains how Glossier managed to come out on the other side.

To be honest, while I was reading, my interest would go up and down as I was bored by professional, business terms and excited by each new big event in the plot and mentions of Glossier products. If you’re interested in entrepreneurship or anything in the business realm, I think this book will provide insight into one woman’s experience with creating a sensation—building connections, funding the brand, and advertising through media. Glossy told me about all of these crucial aspects of inventing a revolutionary brand.

The author of this book, Marisa Meltzer, is a journalist who has written for many famous publications. Glossy includes a few interviews with Emily Weiss herself, and hearing the voice of a journalist recount those interviews was entertaining. Meltzer’s writing was factual, but could also be poetic; I admire her writing style and how she makes regular topics fun to read.

Glossy brings up the definition of “girlboss,” the lipstick theory, the iconic millennial pink, and even some politics. Overall, this fresh and honest book is a great read.

Glossy by Marisa Meltzer is available to download for free from Libby.

The Queens of New York by E. L. Shen

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Glamor, hearts of gold, summer, dumplings, Broadway, scholarships, this book has it all.

E. L. Shen’s Queens of New York revolves around Jia Lee, Ariel Kim, and Everett Hoang. The trio each being their own specialties to the group: Everett is the future Broadway star, all shiny lights and melodic voice. Ariel is the genius, brainy scholar who just recently lost her sister to a drowning incident she strangely knows nothing about. And Jia, she’s like the skin of dumpling, keeping them all together.

When the three best friends split up for the summer—Ariel to San Francisco to pursue her STEM interest, Everett to a performing arts school in Ohio, and Jia remaining back at home, all of the problems in their lives become apparent.

Without each other for constant support and distractions, the girls are forced to face their fears head-on. With their leaps of faith come new discoveries and closure.

This novel shines a light on Asian-American representation, racism, and economical disadvantages. For one, the offhanded racist comments that Everett experienced from an authoritative figure at her academy. Jia’s family’s dumpling house restaurant responsibilities that restrict her from bringing up her dreams of college and an education that her family can’t afford.

I appreciated how these very real concepts did not detract from the storyline, only added to the characters and the reader’s understanding of them.

Overall, The Queens of New York was a novel that I enjoyed reading. It proves that there is more than just flashy skyline buildings, unrelenting crowds, and bustling taxis to New York; There are big hearts and even bigger dreams.

The Queens of New York by E. L. Shen is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library.

You & Me at the End of the World by Brianna Bourne

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Imagine being the only person in the world, with time suspended for some unknown reason, until you finally stumble upon someone. A very affable, music-aficionado someone, in Hannah’s case.

Hannah Ashton and Leo Sterling are the only people in the world. They are completely isolated in an alternate reality without people, problems, or expectations. They take the opportunity to discover their true selves and each other.

I really enjoyed seeing perfect, rigorous, ballet-dedicated Hannah Ashton realize that she also loves feeling wind blowing through her hair and Leo Sterling’s guitar playing.

In real life, Hannah is a driven ballet dancer with high aspirations and Leo is a laid-back rock guitarist. They knew each other from school, but they would never talk to one another. In this dimension, they are given the chance to truly get to know each other.

The entire mystery of the reason for this apocalyptic event kept me in suspense throughout the novel. The instances where Leo and Hannah’s true connection shone, I was expecting a blackout, or a glitch in the matrix of some sort to eventually drive them apart, but it never really came.

The setting of the novel felt almost dream-like. I wondered if Hannah was only imagining Leo or if his personality was a figment of her imagination. Without the confinements of their regular lives, they are free to be whomever they choose.

Eventually, towards the end of the novel, their blissful world takes a turn of events. In the center of the chaos, they find each other.

The Deepest Roots by Miranda Asebedo

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Miranda Asebedo’s The Deepest Roots is a powerful novel that proves that friendship is an unbreakable force.

Rome, Lux, and Mercy are three girls of Cottonwood Hollow, born with magical abilities that seem to only attract evil. Rome is a Fixer—she can repair broken objects and understand mechanisms well, Lux can charm men into believing they love her, and Mercy’s magic conjures up an abundance of any item.

Rome is the main character of the story. She and her single mother struggle to pay the rent in their shabby, run-down trailer. Money is hard to come by and each day is a struggle. The support she receives from Lux and Mercy give her the strength to help her through these challenging times.

I enjoyed reading this book because of its realistic events and obstacles. Rome’s difficulties and responsibilities are authentic and add to her character’s budding independence. Mercy and Lux are two incredible friends to Rome that support her through thick and thin, even though they may not always get along.

This novel was a definite page turner. I enjoyed reading each page. However, throughout the book, there were a few crude concepts; Lux’s Mom’s abusive boyfriend and the unwanted attention Lux receives with her powers. Even in the dark times of Lux’s life, Rome and Mercy were there to rescue her—The hardships Lux faces only strengthen the girls’ bond.

Eventually, the three close friends learn that their powers are no curse rooting them to the ground; They are a precious opportunity to grow.

The Deepest Roots by Miranda Asebedo is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library.

The Best Lies by Sarah Lyu

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To Remy, Elise was everything—car rides in a bright pink Chevy, blissful nights away from arguing parents, and little bursts of support that made everything okay.

Until Jack.

Jack was the calm, steadying presence in Remy’s life. Rational and kind, sensible and compassionate, everything Remy ever wanted.

Remy and Elise lived on the wild side of life. Elise made days seem effortlessly thrilling. In fact, her favorite movie, Kill Bill, featured a fearless main character that she aspired to be: reckless in the face of danger, courageous when aiding others, and morally right when distributing punishments to those who wronged her.

If anyone came across her or Remy, Elise would make sure they got what they deserved. She exploded fireworks, released mice, and corroded cars, all in the name of justice.

What’s more, Elise was the person who guided Remy outside of her comfort zones, who helped her experience life without fear. Elise was, seemingly, an angel in the form of a rebellious teenage girl, sent just for Remy. When Jack cautions their behavior and disapproves of their ways, Remy has to choose between her two soulmates.

As Elise and Jack’s conflict turns deadly, Remy desperately wishes that she and Elise never met in the first place.

The Best Lies was an excellently crafted novel. Elise’s disobedient nature and Remy’s meek personality are the perfect blend of two entirely different characteristics to develop the plot.

The book was suspenseful and intriguing; I only wanted to discover Elise’s motive, just like Remy. The complicated relationship between Remy, Elise, and Jack was a definite page turner.

I really enjoyed reading Lyu’s writing style and experiencing the story alongside Remy. As her character learns to cope with struggles and eventually overcome them, I felt my own mood reflect Remy’s feelings.

Remy experiences the unimaginable throughout the novel. Love, friendship, betrayal, obsession. All of it. By the end of the novel, Remy learns that only the truth is the best lie.

The Best Lies by Sarah Lyu is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library.

Everless by Sara Holland

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Sara Holland’s Everless was a fresh perspective on time and living life to its fullest.

In the city of Sempura, time is exchanged for blood, and many of its citizens are constantly living in fear of displacement or death.

The main character, Jules Ember, is an audacious young woman who cares deeply for her father and their survival. All her life, he has sheltered her from the process of exchanging blood for money. When her father’s health declines, Jules must forge her own path and do what it takes to survive.

As a child, she was raised on palace grounds alongside the kingdom’s princes, until she and her father were suddenly forced to flee. When Jules begins work at Everless at the princes’ estate, she forms new bonds with them

Everless was a somewhat complex novel, as the realm was intricate and elaborate. As the reader understands Jules and how she perceives her life, reading the novel flows more easily.

Holland also presents the difference in social status and stereotypes in her novel. The contrast between the nobles and commoners are visible in the blithe actions of the nobility and the scrounging lifestyle of those in the streets.

Overall, Everless consisted of a thorough plot, exciting characters, and captivating ideas. This was a great book!

Everless by Sara Holland is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library.

If I Stay by Gayle Forman

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If I Stay by Gayle Forman was actually more meaningful and emotional than I initially thought it would be. I borrowed this book after reading the synopsis and found the idea of experiencing life through a comatose state intriguing.

Mia Hall has a promising path ahead of her filled with Julliard, standing ovation, and her skills as a cellist. After a terrifying car accident occurs and leaves her all alone in the world, she is able to see her own life unfold from afar—as a spectator.

She sees her body transported to a hospital and all the aftereffects of the traumatic event. Her friends and family are all there to support her as she remains in a hospital bed, broken and unconscious.

The times where she goes back into her memories and rediscovers the moments that she had forgotten made me realize just how fleeting life can be and how we must treasure what we have in the present with the people around us.

There were a few sections of the novel that made me tear up, because the encouragement and understanding that her friends and family showed her during their visits made me feel for them, too.

I can’t imagine how hard it must have been for Mia to lose touch with reality and to watch as the people she loves will her to keep living. She has to make a difficult decision: to stay in the world, where she doesn’t know if she can manage every day, or to let herself go and let down everyone she knows.

If I Stay was an eye-opening novel that made me see life differently. The unexpected can happen at any time, and I now know that one should not let life pass them by.

If I Stay by Gayle Forman is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

A Thousand Heartbeats by Kiera Cass

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A Thousand Heartbeats by Kiera Cass was a fantastical read. Princess Annika, who is much more than just a pretty face, and closed-off Lennox were an unplanned pair that reminded me of my childhood wonders of princesses and true love. But Annika and Lennox’s story is somewhat different than most fairy-tales.

I appreciated how Annika’s life as a princess did not change her brave, composed character. Throughout the story, Lennox’s softer side comes out when the narrations are told from his perspective.

This fiction novel was unlike the stereotypical fantasy story. Instead, Annika and Lennox almost entirely party ways and were initially unfriendly towards each other. In fact, the two met when Lennox and his band of men kidnapped Annika.

To add to the plot of the story, Cass included Nickolas, a practical man whom Annika’s father has chosen for her to marry for the better of their country. Annika and Lennox’s obvious feelings for each other are prevented by duty, fear, and family.

While Annika and Lennox have their own problems and pains, they both help each other through it all; Annika’s warm light helps the shadow of Lennox’s past fade away and Lennox’s encouragement gives Annika the hope she needs to lead.

In the end of the novel, after having braved many hardships that test their love for each other, Annika and Lennox’s love is sealed. The tender moments and intense times they have had together all come together in a beautiful ending. I especially enjoyed reading the epilogue of A Thousand Heartbeats, where the reader gets a glimpse of Annika and Lennox’s blissful futures.

A Thousand Heartbeats by Kiera Cass is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

The Dark Ascension Series: The Wicked Ones by Robin Benway

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“The sky was glorious that morning, so blue and sharp that it looked like it could shatter, raining shards down on all of them, but instead it stayed in place while the rest of their world fell apart.”

We all know the story of Cinderella, enslaved by her evil stepmother and ugly stepsisters when her beloved father passes. She wishes upon a star, and, poof! Her dreams become true and she can finally escape from her horrible stepsisters to a land of charming royalty.

But before the two sisters became wicked, what changed them? They had a father who left them one day, a callous mother with a terrible temper, and a feeble stepsister unable to protect herself from their mother’s wrath. Scrutinized and criticized by even their own mother and villagers, the two sisters were misunderstood and abandoned.

Drizella, the older of the sisters, is a sensible young woman who is almost entirely sure that life is meant to be difficult and struggled through. It’s not like life is perfectly mapped out and lined up like the constellations that secretly fascinate her. Besides, a woman’s expected duties are pointless without learning anything new.

Anastasia is a dreamer who sees the world not for the cruelty and struggles it forces her to endure, but as a vast place to explore and even find romance in. Unfortunately, her sympathetic nature is muted by despair.

Though they are determined not to let evil lead them down a forlorn, empty path, can they remain hopeful forever?

I found this novel pleasant and a change of pace from the fantasy-fairytale books I usually read. I do remember reading another book—Stepsister by Jennifer Donnelly—that was a more challenging read with a complicated storyline but had a similar idea to The Wicked Ones.

The stepsisters’ lives weren’t handed to them tied with a bow, it was paved through resentment and struggle. The reader can sympathize with the stepsisters and see their perspective and growth as characters.

Originally, I thought this book was simple and predictable, but it is really just a good novel to sit back and read. The fairytale sweeps you away and you can learn about the stepsisters’ detestable characters.

Through this novel of suffering and strife, the reader learns how the past of the stepsisters’ fostered the black-hearts that they have today.

The Wicked Ones by Robin Benway is available to download for free from Libby.