Hey YA Readers!
It’s one of those newsletters where I am writing to you in the future from the past. I decided for a number of reasons to take off the latter half of the week — what is now last week — and one thing I’m looking forward to between other tasks is basking in some books. It’s been a while since I curled up on the couch to read all day and I plan to do that for at least part of my long weekend. My brain and soul need it.
And I’ll need it more after talking all about YA books with you now. Let’s dive into this week’s hardcover releases and talk about a couple of books set in New Orleans, where this week Mardi Gras celebrations are well underway (do I plan on finding some King Cake in Chicagoland during my time off? You betcha, and I know it will never be as good as what you can get there).
Bookish Goods
Bookworm Candle by AnchoredNorthwest
I love a good candle, and not only is this one scented just right for book worms, it comes in such a cool can, with a lovely wooden wick. $25.
New Releases
Let’s dive on into this week’s new hardcover releases. I’ve pulled out two that sound fabulous. Want more? You can peep the entire roundup of new YA books out this week here.
Last Chance Dance by Lakita Wilson
It’s senior year and with graduation on the horizon, Leila is especially crushed when her long-time boyfriend Dev breaks up with her. Has it all been a big waste? Maybe…or maybe this is a big chance.
The school hosts an annual Last Chance Dance. Students submit a list of three crushes to the committee and if there is a match, those students get paired up and can decide whether or not to attend the big shebang together. So when Leila gets matched with all three of her crushes, including her semi-enemy from chemistry class, she’ll have to decide who is her perfect fit for the dance…and maybe more.
Where Darkness Blooms by Andrea Hannah
There’s a very interesting microtrend with YA book covers and that’s sunflowers. And, as the case is with this book, those sunflowers aren’t exactly, err, sunny.
Bishop is a town known for three things: terrible windstorms, sunflower fields, and women who go missing. So when three women disappear one night, three daughters are left without mothers, without answers, and alone with no one but each other and their grief.
At the memorial for all of their mothers, the wind is at it. Now, secrets have come to the surface and all three of the girls who are now motherless must confront their own truths…and the truth of the eerie town which might be desperate for their blood, too.
I’m getting a little bit of the vibes from Robin Wasserman’s utterly creepy The Waking Dark with this one.
For a more comprehensive list, check out our New Books newsletter.
Riot Recommendations
It’s Mardi Gras this week, and in honor of the big celebration happening in New Orleans, two YA book set in that fantastic city. What I love about these two books is that they are completely different and yet, they showcase the stories that make the city the magical, mystical place that it is.
Both include carnival celebrations, so we can really lean into things with our reading.
The Beautiful by Renée Ahdieh
Vampires? Check.
First in a series that you can read three of the four books in right now, with book four coming in December? Check.
In late 19th century New Orleans, the city is one ruled by those who are no longer living. Celine finds the city to be a safe place though; she had to leave her life in Paris quickly and landed in the city during the carnival season. She’s taken in by the Ursuline convent and finds herself quickly involved in the underground glitzy world of La Cour des Lions and is enraptured by the group’s leader, Sébastien’s.
But one, then two, then three girls are murdered and the city believes there to be a serial killer on the loose. That bloodthirsty murderer is now interested in Celine. Not only does she have to keep herself alive and away from the danger, but she’s got to confront a secret haunting her, as well as the nagging suspicion that Sébastien may be involved in these murders. Even if Celine struggles to end her attraction to him.
Even If The Sky Falls by Mia Garcia
Set over the course of 24 hours, this book follows Julie, who decides to escape her tough home life to volunteer with a youth group in New Orleans. But when that project doesn’t actually help her escape, she dips out and decides to check out the Mid-Summer Mardi Gras.
Of course, she meets a very attractive guy named Miles.
Julie is usually a rule follower, but she figures she’s already here and she might as well have fun. So instead of going back to the youth group, Julie follows Miles, who offers her a true trip through the magical city.
But what neither of them anticipated on this adventure is the hurricane barreling down on the city.
As always, thanks for hanging out. We’ll see you on Thursday for some excellent paperback releases.
Until then, may you enjoy some time on your loveseat or chair or other comfy furniture with a good book.
— Kelly Jensen, currently reading a totally not YA book that is really interesting, Momfluenced by Sara Petersen.