Read our latest staff reviews and recommendations featured in The Southern Bookseller Review.
This may be the most beautifully written book I’ve ever read. I need to process and come back, but this made me feel all the feels. There are so many insanely gorgeous lines I would love to quote here. Suffice it to say, I about ran out of ink in my highlighter. If you liked Addie LaRue, you will like this book. Even if you didn’t, you will probably like this book. Another note: I It doesn’t remotely read as YA. More like literary fiction.
Our Infinite Fates by Laura Steven, (List Price: $20, Wednesday Books, 9781250333889, March 2025)
Reviewed by Kelley Dykes, Main Street Reads in Summerville, South Carolina
This was a stunning sequel to arguably the best YA romcom, Better Than the Movies. After facing the sudden death of his dad during his first year of college, Wes breaks up with Liz, believing he is holding her back. Now, two years later, Wes is more determined than ever to win her back. Lynn Painter always manages to build real characters and relationship dynamics and this book is no exception. This is a must-read!
Nothing Like the Movies by Lynn Painter, (List Price: $19.99, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 9781665947138, October 2024)
Reviewed by Makayla Summers, Main Street Reads in Summerville, South Carolina
Surrounding the unsettling mystery of the death of an infamous high school tattler, One of Us is Lying focuses on the 4 suspects in the murder of Simon Kelleher. A thrilling “whodunnit”, One of Us is Lying will leave you guessing until the very last page and make your blood run cold at every unexpected turn. This chilling novel is both unpredictable and impossible to put down, keeping you engaged through the twists and betrayals of the story.
One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus, (List Price: $12.99, Delacorte Press, 9781524714758, February 2023)
Reviewed by Makayla Summers, Main Street Reads in Summerville, South Carolina
I loved this sweet cozy fantasy! It had me from the first page with the tantalizing descriptions of the smells and tastes of the tearoom. I was totally invested in the lives of the three sisters. This is the perfect book to distract you from real life!
The Crescent Moon Tearoom by Stacy Sivinski, (List Price: $18.99, Atria Books, 9781668058398, October 2024)
Reviewed by Kelley Dykes, Main Street Reads in Summerville, South Carolina
Can I just live in this book please? A perfect book boyfriend, lovely world-building, just the right amount of spice….what more can we ask for? There is a reason it’s the most beloved book in the fantasy realm.
A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas, (List Price: $19, Bloomsbury Publishing, 9781635575583, June 2020)
Reviewed by Kelley Dykes, Main Street Reads in , South Carolina
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