The Ugly Stepsister Strikes Back/Sariah Wilson

Synopsis:

   "Quirky, artistic and snarky Mattie Lowe does not lead a charmed life. Her mother is constantly belittling her on Skype. Mercedes, the school mean girl, has made it her personal mission to torment Mattie. But worst of all? Her stepsister Ella is the most beautiful, popular girl in school and is dating Mattie’s secret longtime crush, Jake Kingston.

Tired of being left out and done with waiting for her own stupid fairy godmother to show up, Mattie decides to change her life. She’ll start by running for senior class president against wildly popular Jake.

Ella can keep her Prince Annoying. Mattie’s going to rule the school.

And no one, not even a cute and suddenly flirty Jake, is going to stop her."

Review:

    This YA novel was absolutely fantastic! I have always been a fan of Cinderella stories (Ask anyone who knows me, that Cinderella is my favorite princess). This story takes it to an all new level.
    Mattie has loved Jake Kingston for years but when Ella, her step-sister starts dating him, Mattie's whole world seems to crumble around her. Her mother is no help either. Her Father loves her but spends most of his time in his art studio. When Mattie gets an up close encounter with the love of her life, she comes to question why she ever fell in love with this jerk. But things aren't as they seem and things around her start changing drastically. With the help of Ella, things start looking up, and she doesn't even have to blow out the candles on a birthday cake for her wish to come true!
    I laughed a lot while reading this book. I found myself Fighting alongside Mattie while she underwent changes as a senior in High School, and outside of school. This book had romance, comedy, drama, and courage. Even though this book was written for young adults I read it in a few hours cause I didn't want to put it down. If you are a fan of Cinderella and romance, this is a book for all ages!
    Sariah also has other books out as well that are great, so check those ones out too!

Castles On The Sand/E.M. Tippetts

Summary:

   "Madison Lukas knows her place in the world. She's not pretty, not interesting, and therefore easy to forget. John Britton is serving his mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and has been praying for fifteen years to find the sister he lost in his parents' divorce. She is beautiful, talented, and makes kindness a fine art.
    When John and Madison cross paths, he recognizes her at once, but Madison is certain that he's got it all wrong. Even if she is his long-lost sister, she can't possibly be the exceptional, amazing girl he thinks she is, can she?"

Review:

    So Madison has to deal with High School and all the drama that goes with it. Her best friend Kailie I found to be a bit crazy, but who doesn't have one or more friends like that? Being a good friend Madison sticks by Kailie no matter what predicament she finds herself in. Madison is faced with lots of peer pressure, but to me handles it well. Her long lost brother shows up whom she didn't even know existed, and finds out she has two other older brothers as well.
    John helps Madison realize how special she really is when those around her make her feel useless, when the truth is, she is always there for everyone but herself. John is an angel sent to her and will not give up trying to make his little sister realize what a wonderful and beautiful person she is.
    She also has 3 different guy's in her life. There's JP, Carson, and Alex. They all bring something different and I truly believe she ends up with the right guy!
    Another great book from Emily! She always brings something new with each book she writes. I cant wait to see what the next one will bring!