REVIEW: Margot & Me by Juno Dawson

Margot & Me is story of Fliss, taken to the country to help her mum recover from cancer, and Margot, her grandmother with a secret wartime diary.

Even though Margot & Me is very different from Juno’s other books, I really enjoyed it. It took me a while to warm to Fliss, but Margot’s diaries made up for that. Her story of a war spent in the countryside was one I couldn't put down. By the end I was in tears for Fliss and Margot, but for very different reasons. The perfect read for a Sunday afternoon, and one I highly recommend.

Stars: ★★★★☆

REVIEW: We Come Apart by Sarah Crossan and Brian Conaghan

We Come Apart is the story of Jess and Nicu, two very different teens whose paths cross by chance on a Reparation scheme.

What an incredible story We Come Apart is. I wasn't sure at first but I really warmed to Jess and Nicu as they told their stories. Their story is one of two teens battling the odds stacked against them, and heart broke for them throughout the story. A critical read in our current political climate, but also a devastating love story. Excellent.

Stars: ★★★★☆

REVIEW: Wing Jones by Katherine Webber

Wing Jones just wants to disappear so Heather leaves her alone. That is, until an accident helps her find her running feet and sets her free.

Wing Jones can only be described as inspirational. The strength Wing and her family show, even in the darkest of times, are something to aspire to. The story is beautifully written and really captures the heartache Wing goes through, as well as the joy of first love. A thoroughly stunning debut from Katherine Webber, and I can't wait to see what the future brings.

Stars: ★★★★★

REVIEW: Unconventional by Maggie Harcourt

Everyone is a fan of someone, and I am most definitely a fan of Maggie Harcourt. Unconventional is the story of Lexi and Aidan, as they get to know each other at the conventions Lexi helps run.

Unconventional is the perfect read for anyone missing the sticky heat of summer that can only mean one thing: YALC (it’s not long to go now, right?) It's great fun for a book worm to read and reminisce, as well as look out for mentions of their favourite authors, and has the greatest slow burn romance I've read in a long time.

 Stars: ★★★★★

I was sent a copy of Unconventional by Usborne in exchange for an honest review.

REVIEW: Paper Butterflies by Lisa Heathfield

Paper Butterflies tells June’s story of abuse at the hands of her stepmother, a father who won’t acknowledge the truth, and Blister, the boy from the woods.

Despite the beautiful way in which the story is told, I found Paper Butterflies is a tough read. The scenes of abuse were painful, and more than once I had to take a break. Thankfully there are also moments of reprieve in the time June spends with Blister. The book culminates in a plot twist you won’t see coming, and will keep you reading for hours (just make sure you have some tissues!).

Stars: ★★★★★

REVIEW: A Quiet Kind of Thunder by Sara Barnard

A Quiet Kind of Thunder is a beautiful teen love story in the face of Steffi's selective mutism and Rhys' deafness.

Sara has really excelled herself with AQKOT. It had a lot to live up to following Beautiful Broken Things, as well as the pressure to write about topics such as selective mutism and hearing impairment and get it right. However, the characters are believable and their stories well researched. You learn about the world they inhabit and become a part of their story. By the time I finished reading, I felt like I was saying goodbye to friends.

Stars: ★★★★★

I was sent a copy of A Quiet Kind of Thunder by Pan Macmillan in exchange for an honest review.

REVIEW: The One Memory of Flora Banks by Emily Barr

Flora Banks has amnesia, which means she can’t form new memories. However, that all changes when she kisses her best friend’s boyfriend at a party one night.

I was blown away by Flora Banks. Emily has built a world that is truly realistic and gives the reader an insight into the lives of those with amnesia. The story seems repetitive at times but it makes sense in context, and gives a sense of the confusion Flora would face. This is a truly stunning YA debut and I can’t wait to see what Emily writes in the future.

Stars: ★★★★★

I was sent a copy of The One Memory of Flora Banks by Penguin Random House in exchange for an honest review.