“Bellamy Rising” is the second YA book by A.E. Snow that I’ve enjoyed reading. Back in December, I read her novel “Meadow Perkins, Trusty Sidekick” and loved it. You can check out my Goodreads review of that book here.

Recently, I received an ARC for her new YA book, “Bellamy Rising” and I’m so happy I had the chance to sit down and read this one as well. “Bellamy Rising” sucked me in and held my attention from start to finish.

It’s no secret I love YA and I love mysteries. When I find a book that successfully combines the two, I’m a happy reader. “Bellamy Rising” treads on the darker side of YA dipping into the paranormal and psyche of a cold-blooded killer.

Bellamy Foster, age 17, lives in Louisa, a small town where her orange hair, lip ring, and delinquent behavior help label her as a misfit and an outcast. However, it’s not her appearance or behavior that really sets Bellamy apart, it’s the visions. Bellamy is plagued with visions of death. When a cheerleader disappears on New Year’s Eve, Bellamy is the last person to see her alive, landing her in the middle of a police investigation.

Mason Ellis just wants answers. It was his sister that disappeared on New Year’s Eve and he’s hoping Bellamy can shed some light on what may have happened. When a second girl disappears, Mason and Bellamy intensify their search for the truth. Can Bellamy trust Mason with the secret of her visions?

Author A.E. Snow takes readers on an intense ride as Bellamy desperately searches for answers. There is no shortage of suspects and the story will keep you guessing until the final chapters.

As a reader, I loved the creepy setting of the decrepit, abandoned house and the equally creepy Robert Browning poem. Bellamy is a kick-ass character with just the right amount of vulnerability and honesty.

“Bellamy Rising” offers suspense, action, strong characters, and witty dialogue. I highly recommend “Bellamy Rising” — put it on your TBR List today!

Want to know a bit more about author A.E. Snow? You can find her here at her author website. You can also find her at the Writing Wenches.

“The Truth about Broken Trees” is the third book in the Light Keeper series by author Kelly Hall. I like this series and book 3 did not disappoint, in fact, I’m once again anxiously awaiting the next installment. With a tumultuous teenage love triangle, ghosts, magical waters and several family secrets, “The Truth about Broken Trees” entertained from start to finish.

If you’ve been reading the Light Keeper series (and if you’re not, grab book 1 “The Legend of the Light Keeper” now) then like me, you’re invested in the Owen-Lily-Talon triangle. Should Lily be with Talon or with Owen? Personally, I’ve liked Owen from the start—he may be a smart-ass and have a bit of an ego, but he’s always looked after Lily, putting her first. Can’t say the same about Talon and “The Truth about Broken Trees” explores this more.

There’s a lot going on in this book. From exposed family secrets to deadly ghosts, lurking shadows—literally lurking in bedrooms, very creepy and a bit disturbing—to Owen and Lily learning how to work together to harness their powers into something more formidable. Yes, Owen has some special abilities as well, but that’s as close as you’ll get to a spoiler from me.

I enjoyed “The Truth about Broken Trees” and highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys paranormal YA. It’s well-written with likable characters, strong dialogue and a solid story. Plus author Kelly Hall used a real haunted road as the source of inspiration for Bragg Road. It’s true, check out the pic of the real “Ghost Road” in Saratoga, Texas on her site.

This YA series offers a good balance of action, romance and paranormal mystery. Check out “The Legend of the Light Keeper” and “The Secret of Strange Waters” and then dive into “The Truth about Broken Trees” for a story you won’t want to miss.

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My review of Book 1: The Legend of the Light Keeper on Goodreads.

My review of Book 2: The Secret of Strange Waters on Goodreads.

“Knotted” by Quenby Olson

Funny, charming and delightfully witty, Quenby Olson delivers a winner with “Knotted.”

I’m a huge fan of YA and because I’m a fan, I’ve also become more picky (maybe it’s old age) about the YA that I choose to read. I’d already read Olson’s “The Half Killed” (a wonderfully wicked paranormal novel) and her romantic novella “First Position,” so I’ll confess it—I’m a fan of author Quenby Olson, her writing style and “Knotted” didn’t disappoint, keeping me entertained from the first page to the last.

“Knotted” takes the age-old tale of teen getting a new step-mother and completely

flips it around into a fresh, funny and unique story. After 17 year old Olivia Davies receives a call from her dad telling her he’s getting married, she finds herself headed to England to meet her future stepmother and spend time with the dad she’s not seen in a long time. Olivia is stunned to discover her stepmom-to-be, Emmy, is young enough to be her sister! Has her dad lost his mind?

I loved the honesty in Olivia’s reactions and Olson writes fabulous inner monologues for her characters. Throw in Emmy’s brooding older brother, the flurry of wedding prep and a stately English manor home complete with a gaggle of servants plus a Lord and Lady, it’s all a bit much for Olivia. But, she’s the type of character to step up and help, putting her dad’s happiness before her own. I liked Olivia. She was real and I could relate to her, something I consider important when I’m reading.

I’m not going to give any spoilers. There are a lot of ups and downs in “Knotted” as well as witty dialogue and a bit of romance. I really liked Olson’s details, she has a knack for painting the scene so it’s zero effort to become immersed. “Knotted” was a fast read for me—I finished it in two sittings. I highly recommended “Knotted” by Quenby Olson for anyone who enjoys YA and if you’ve never picked up a YA novel, this would be a good first. You won’t be disappointed.