Eight Keys by Suzanne LaFleur

Title: Eight Key


Author: Suzanne LaFleur

Length: 224 pages

Blurb: Elise and Franklin have always been best friends. Elise has always lived in the big house with her loving Aunt and Uncle, because Elise's parents died when she was too young to remember them. There's a;always been a barn behind the house with eight locked doors on the second floor.  When Elise and Franklin start middle school, things feel all wrong. bullying. Not fitting in. Franklin suddenly seems babyish. Then, soon after her 12th birthday, Elise receives a mysterious key left for her by her father. A key that unlocks one of the eight doors upstairs in the bar........ 

                                                                       
Ok, I'm going to be a mess by the time this review is over. I think I need some tissues right now.

                                                  


Cue in main character, Elise. Her mom died during pregnancy, and her dad died of cancer when she was little. She lives with her Uncle Hugh, and her Aunt Bessie. Her little cousin and her other aunt move in with them for a while. I connected this book to other books that have really touched my heart. Before her father died, he wrote letters to Elise to open on her birthdays, to ensure that he was still with her. OS,ll on her 12th birthday she opens one of the letters. The LAST letter, ever. In the letter, there are small messages that Elise doesn't notice. However, a key does appear in her barn, and it opens the doors to 1 of the 8 rooms upstairs. Now, I can't tell you what is in the rooms, but I sure can say that these rooms have messages we should always keep close to our heart, and these rooms just really make you WONDER.

Her best friend, Franklin is a nerd (in the good way). Like, Stuart Minkus from Boy Meets World

      

Her new friend Caroline is super nice. But there's a problem. Franklin doesn't like Elise hanging out with Caroline for reasons that will be told later. I mean, she's not bad, WOMEN UP!!

                           

                                           Yeah, what she said. 


This book also showed the struggles of middle school. Her locker partner, Amanda, has bullied Elise all year. And, so, well, Caroline was one of Amanda's closest friend, until she realized Amanda has changed.

Overall, this book was a beautifully worded novel that has many realistic points. 

Amazing!!

*Sobbing Really Bad*

A Mini Review

So, Wednesday is my book review day, but since we have exams coming up, I can only do mini reviews for a while. There will be more reviews though; don't worry. :)

My Mini Review today is Almost Home by Joan Bauer.  This is such a good book! It has a great meaning of family, friendship, and just a normal life. Well, not, really normal. You guys probably know that I love JOAN BAUER'S books, so I can't wait for this. I give 4 stars. So cute and fun. i actually took my copy to India, so I could read it. 

Tell me if you guys read this book, or any other books?

Forever Trisha <3

Finding Ruby Starling by Karen Rivers

 Title: Finding Ruby Starling


Author: Karen Rivers



Length: 288 pages




Blurb: When Ruth Quayle used a special app to find pictures of herself online, she found dozens of images of "Ruth Quayle"-- and one of "Ruby Starling." When Ruby Starling gets a message from Ruth Quayle proclaiming to be long-lost twin sisters, she doesn't know what to do with it -- until another message arrives the day after,  and another one. It could be a crazy stalker ... but she and Ruth do share a birthday, and a very distinctive ear... Ruth is an extroverted American girl. Ruby is a shy English one. As they investigate the truth of their birth, and the circumstances of their separation, they also share lives full of friends, family, and possible romances -- they realize they each may be the sister the other knew she needed. 

I had gotten this book from the library after realizing it was based off of one of my favorite movies: The Parent Trap. Fun Fact: Did you know that the movie was based off a book? Anyways, I loved the movie, and I felt like I should give the book a chance.

I especially loved their witty comments, and emails. Even the poems and letters had me gripping the book for more. The Ruth-Deliah moments were really sad, but created that Parent Trap vibe. Jedgar, Tink, Fiona, and Clophie (Chloe and Sophie; don't ask) were amazing friends. Honestly, Karen Rivers has made a great book!

                                                   

Though, there was one part I just didn't understand. Ruby's crush on Nate from the band STOP. It was like, he was part of something, but he wasn't. 

                                  

I just want to add that when both of them email each other in the beginning, it was a some-what river of denial. I understand that, but not that much. I'd be shocked, but I think I would come to accept it a little quicker. 

The Verdict?

5 Hearts!

                      I would certainly read this book again.

Forever Trisha <3