Her Royal Highness by Rachel Hawkins - ESSENTIAL

Her Royal Highness by Rachel Hawkins, 288 pages. Putnam’s (Penguin), 2019. $18.

Language: G (5 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (bar fight)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

After being ghosted by her summer girlfriend, Milli Quint escapes Texas for a boarding school in the Scottish Highlands.  What she doesn’t expect is that her roommate will be an actual princess.  Or that after a very rocky start the two of them might become friends – and maybe more than friends. 

Complete with a high drama big gesture romantic ending, get ready to swoon. Interesting that Hawkins wrote this one with virtually zero swears since the first hurt my eyes a bit. But even better she wrote a great romance!

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

Prince Charming by Rachel Hawkins - OPTIONAL

Prince Charming (Royals, #1) by Rachel Hawkins, 296 pages.  Penguin, 2018.  $11.  

Content: Language: PG-13 (72 swears); Mature Content: PG-13; Violence: PG.  

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS – OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE  

Daisy is a typical 16yo girl who enjoys hanging with her best friend and working as a grocery store cashier, but her life changes drastically when her sister becomes engaged to the Prince of Scotland.  Quickly Daisy finds her summer plans reconstructed to include a trip to Scotland to meet her sister’s soon-to-be in-laws.  The good news is there are a lot of hot royal teen boys in Scotland, the bad news is that the press likes to alter the real story to always look like a scandal.  Daisy has to be on her best behavior, but what happens when she might really fall for a Scottish boy.  

This book is a fun light read with humorous dialogue and cute characters.  This book was previously published under the title: The Royals.  The content includes a make-out session, some crass comments, same sex relationship, fist fight and underage drinking.  Although a second book is coming, this book can stand on its own.  

Reviewer, C. Peterson

Royals by Rachel Hawkins - OPTIONAL

Hawkins, Rachel Royals, 304 pages.  Putnam (Penguin), 2018.  $

Language: R (72 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG (same sex relation, off page); Violence: G.

When Daisy’s older sisters starts dating the Scottish prince she met at her London school, life became weird enough.  So weird that Daisy’s long-time boyfriend actually sold their prom pictures to a tabloid – instant break-up!  But now Ellie and Alex are actually getting married.  In a show of unity, the family heads from their small Florida town to Scotland for a summer meet-up.  Alex’s younger siblings are a pair of gorgeous twins – Sebastien and Flora – who are always on display in the tabloids.  How can Daisy measure up?

What are the odds that two books about younger sisters with older sisters marrying Scottish princes would come out in the same season?  (See Prince in Disguise by StephanieStrohm).  I love Daisy’s spirit inherited from her former rock star father and that she doesn’t allow herself to be manipulated.  I am still dismayed by the unnecessary swearing – what could have been a super cute addition to any library falls short.

HS – OPTIONAL.  Cindy, Library Teacher

Ruby and Olivia by Rachel Hawkins - OPTIONAL

Hawkins, Rachel Ruby and Olivia Pgs. 240. G. P. Putnam’s Sons (Penguin Random House), 2017. $16.99. Language: G, Mature Content: G; Violence: G.

Olivia and Emma are twins. Ruby is Emma’s former friend, who Olivia is sure has led Emma astray. When Olivia takes the fall for Emma’s shoplifting stunt, she can’t believe she is going to be stuck in detention camp all summer with Ruby while her sister gets to spend her summer at the “fun” camp. Olivia never expects to become friends with Ruby, but when the detention director puts the kids on clean-up duty at the old Live Oak mansion, that’s exactly what happens. Oddly, Ruby and Olivia seem to be the only ones who can detect the mysterious things going on at the mansion. After one boy gets hurt, they realize they must work together to solve the mystery, even if that means Olivia must commit a crime for real.

This is a book about friendship set within the context of a mystery/ghost story. Ruby and Olivia both think there is little chance of them ever being friends. In the beginning, they both judge one another and find the other annoying. As they spend more time together, they realize there is a lot to like in the other. This can teach kids about looking for the good in people and not pre-judging. The ghost story aspect will also appeal to kids who like a mystery. The ending is a little far-fetched, similar to the movie Monster House, but most kids will like the extreme paranormal ending. Chapters alternate narration between Ruby and Olivia. It’s fun to see the developing friendship from both girl’s perspective.

EL – OPTIONAL. Reviewer: Valerie McEnroe, Media Specialist

Rebel Belle by Rachel Hawkins -- ESSENTIAL

Hawkins, Rachel Rebel Belle, 352 pgs. Putnam Juvenile, 2014.  $17.99. Violence: PG-13; Mature Content: PG-13; Language: PG-13 (49 swears; 0 'f').

Southern belle Harper Price is smart, poised, organized, pretty, and never flustered. She's a shoe-in for homecoming queen, and she's going to ace her upcoming cotillion. But when she walks in on a deadly fight in the school bathroom, she suddenly finds herself imbued with a supernatural ability to kick serious booty -- in heels and poofy dresses, no less. Only problem? Her ability comes with the obligation to protect the one boy she detests most in the world.

Rebel Belle is a whole lot of fun, and I found myself cheering for Harper throughout. I especially loved that she could be deadly and feminine. Hawkins's voice is hilarious, with many laugh-out-loud lines, and the action and plot twists kept me involved in the story. The slow-burning romance may have been predictable, but it was still satisfying, and it unveiled itself nicely throughout the course of the book. All in all a great read.

HS -- ESSENTIAL. Reviewer: Caryn

School Spirits by Rachel Hawkins-ADVISABLE

Hawkins, Rachel, School Spirits. Pgs. 297. Disney Hyperion, 2013. $17.99. Language: G, Mature Content: G, Violence: PG

As a hunter of Prodigium, Izzy Brannick feels more at home with a wooden stake than with kids her own age. When a ghost begins attacking the students at a high school in Ideal, Mississippi, Izzy and her mom head to the town to save them. As part of her cover, Izzy has to fit in amongst kids her age and get them to talk to her about what’s haunting the students. Dating, homework, friends, and high school, however, are unfamiliar to her. Can Izzy save the students of Ideal, Mississippi or will Izzy find herself above her head?

A funny, fast-paced ghost mystery for fans of paranormal. The characters are likable and entertaining as well as well-developed. The plot is engaging and keeps the reader wanting to read more. Readers who like fantasy, adventure, mystery, and paranormal investigation-type books will enjoy reading this book. EL, MS. ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Kira M, Youth Services Librarian, WHI Public Library.

Author Awesomeness!

If you weren't at The King's English Bookstore tonight, then you definitely missed a real treat.  From left to right in the photo, Ally Condie, Stephanie Perkins and Shannon Hale came as backup for Margaret Stohl on her Icons book release tour.  Margaret is a HOOT - and she egged on all of the ladies as they answered audience questions and mugged for each other.  I so wish I could get Margaret for a school visit, because she is a born comedian.  It was a really great evening and full of so many jokes I just can't get into, because you should have been there to hear them.  Shame on you for not coming!

See you next week at TKE when Rachel Hawkins talks about her newest - a spin off in her Hex Hall universe!

Spell Bound by Rachel Hawkins - ESSENTIAL

Hawkins, Rachel Spell Bound (Hex Hall), 326 p. Disney Hyperion, 2012.  $18.  Violence: PG; Language: PG-13 (18 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: G.  

Stripped of her demon powers, Sophie doesn’t know where to go in the next step to stop a huge battle that could destroy her family and her friends.  One day she is in the clutches of the evil, demon-hunting Brannicks (who also happen to be her relatives???!!!!) and the next Sophie and her friends are back at Hex Hall – the new power base for the Casnoffs – and they are just supposed to go to class and pretend that nothing happened?  Sophie will not take all of this lying down – in fact she will kick some major butt to save everyone she loves.  But she will also be forced to make a choice that could very well break her heart.  

LOVED IT!  Totally stunned and happy by the ending – I can’t wait until you get a chance to read it!  

MS – ESSENTIAL.  Cindy, Library Teacher

Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins - ADVISABLE

Hawkins, Rachel Demonglass (Hex Hall #2), 359 p. Hyperion (Disney), 2011.  Sophie has had a pretty intense year at Hex Hall, but summer isn’t going to be any better.  The Dad she has never met has come to take her to England for the summer – into Thorne Abbey – the Council headquarters.  Surprises abound for Sophie.  Not only is she a demon (thanks Dad), she is also betrothed to Cal (since birth, basically) and she and her dad are not the only demons.  Not only has someone else has been creating demons, but the Eye is operating pretty heavily in England and Archer Cross has been seen close by.  Sophie has a full on mess on her hands.  I really like Sophie, but this is at least third series I am currently reading that has almost the exact same basic story plot:  Girl, boarding school, magic powers, secret enemies, hot guy as the adversary/love interest.  Oh, I like them – I’m just starting to confuse them.  And what is with the cat on the cover?  Again?  No mention of cats in the books – except that Sophie doesn’t like them.  Weird.  MS, HS – ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library Teacher

Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

Hawkins, Rachel Hex Hall, 323 p. Hyperion, 2010. $16.99. Language: PG -13 (25+ swears, 0 “f”); Violence: PG (fighting, blood). Sophie Mercer has cast one too many bad spells – now she has been exiled to the Prodigium (witchy) world’s equivalent of reform school. While Sophie has never met her father, she now knows that he is the being responsible for each of the kids (and most of the teachers) presence at the school – not a great way to start her year. Her vampire roommate seems happy to have Sophie around, but the gorgeous dark witch coven is not – especially when it looks like the lead witch’s boyfriend may have more than a passing interest in Sophie. Death awaits, however, and Sophie may be the next victim. Hawkins has created a wonderful new world that I can’t wait to revisit. Dark and creepy and ready to entertain – your vampire lovers will easily move on to this series. MS, HS – ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library Teacher.