Two YA Reads

The Amaranth Enchantment

When Lucinda Chapdelaine was a small child, her parents left for the royal ball and never returned. Ever since, Lucinda has been stuck in perpetual servitude at her evil aunt’s jewelry store. Then, on the very same day, a mysterious visitor and an even more bizarre piece of jewelry both enter the shop, setting in motion a string of twists and turns that will forever alter Lucinda’s path. In this magical story filled with delightful surprises, Lucinda will dance at the royal ball, fall under the Amaranth Witch’s spell, avenge her parents’ death, and maybe—just maybe—capture the heart of a prince

A wonderful. magical debut novel by Julie Berry.  You will be swept up in the adventure and enchantment.  A great book for all ages.

Once Was Lost

Samara Taylor used to believe in miracles. She used to believe in a lot of things. As a pastor’s kid, it’s hard not to buy in to the idea of the perfect family, a loving God, and amazing grace. But lately, Sam has a lot of reason to doubt. Her mother lands in rehab after a DUI and her father seems more interested in his congregation than his family. When a young girl in her small town is kidnapped, the local tragedy overlaps with Sam’s personal one, and the already-worn thread of faith holding her together begins to unravel.

This story has a lot of things going on that are easy to follow and had me wrapped up for a couple of hours.  Sam struggles with so much in her young life and is a very relatable character. You feel her emotions and anxiety.   I also sympathized with her dad as I work for a Pastor and know their struggles. Sara Zarr is quickly becoming a favorite author.

•An ALA Best Book for Young Adults
•A Kirkus Best Book of 2009