Reviewed by Karlene Shippelhoute

Do you want to be popular?  Well, everybody wants to be – or at least Steph Landry does.  Ever since the “Super Big Gulp” incident in 5th grade, Steph has been the least popular person in her class.  But things are about to change?

Steph has brought in her secret weapon, a hand-me-down book called How to Be Popular!  She is sure that after her master plan is through, no one will ever say, “Don’t pull a Steph” again.  Who knows, she’s even hopeful she’ll get the guy too!

Reviewed by Karlene Shippelhoute

Jane Harris wants to know “what could possibly go wrong.”  She has only decided to follow her friends Holly & Mark to Italy to help them elope.  Jane, a cartoonist, couldn’t be more delighted that she’s going to Europe.  But when Jane hears that Mark’s best friend Cal is coming along too, she couldn’t be more disappointed.  Not even the beautiful Italian countryside can bring them out of their hate-at-first-sight relationship.  Little does Jane realize she may be forced to suck it up & deal with Cal if it means saving her best friend’s wedding.  Who knows, Jane may even find love of her own during this whole fiasco and learn that every boy’s got one (a heart that is!).

Reviewed by Karlene Shippelhoute

Kate Mackenzie works in the Human Resources department of the New York Journal.  Her boss, the T.O.D. (Tyrannical Office Despot) has put Kate in the most tough position of firing the most popular staff member in the senior dining room.  Aside from having to carry out this tedious deed, Kate is also struggling with her love life.  Her high school boyfriend is still sleeping on her couch and refuses to commit to a serious relationship.

Just when Kate believes things can’t get any worse, they do!  She finds herself wrapped up in a lawsuit for wrongful termination of an employee.  But the worst thing that happens is Kate realizes she may have just fallen in love, with the type of man she believes she despises most!

Also look for the third book in the “Boy Series” Every Boy’s Got One.

Reviewed by Karlene Shippelhoute

If You are looking for a romantic book with a lot of variety then The Boy Next Door is for you!  Mel Fuller works for the New York Journal, one of the city’s leading newspapers.  She is faced with many problems after her 80-year old neighbor is mysteriously beaten in her own apartment. Mel is forced to walk Paco (her comatose neighbor’s 135 lb Great Dane) while still trying to get to work on time.  Aside from other things, Mel has to deal with celebrity photographers, annoying human resource reps., and a friend desperately trying to fit into her wedding dress.  If that’s not enough for you this book also has: Humor, Romance, Cooking Tips, Great Danes, Dolphin Shaped Driftwood Sculptures, and lots of interoffice emails. Also look for the 2nd book in the “Boy Series” Boy Meets Girl.

5 stars

Reviewed by Karlene Shippelhoute

For Katie Ellison, telling the truth doesn’t come very easy. She wishes all the time that she could tell the truth (But let’s face it, sometimes the truths hurts.) Especially when the truth is that she’s cheating on her football hottie boyfriend for the leading man in the drama club. She also wishes that she could admit to everyone that even though she’s running for this years Quahog Princess (clam princess) she hates clams! But then she would just be letting everybody down! But most importantly Katie wishes she could tell everyone what really happened the night “Tommy Sullivan is a Freak” was painted on the Gym wall. “God that would be a relief”, But when Katie gets that chance to make things right will she? Or will she keep being a “Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire!”

Reviewed by Karlene Shippelhoute

“Just ask Annie.” This is what everyone at Duane Country High School says.  The problem is that “Ask Annie,” the local advice columnist, is Jenny Greenly. This high school Junior is in the middle of everyone’s problems. But what will happen when Hollywood sensation Luke Striker comes to town? Can she stay level headed while managing everyone else’s problems? Still find true love? Or will she be doomed forever?

4 Stars

Reviewed by Karlene Shippelhoute

Has anyone ever told you, “It’s what’s on the inside that matters?”  Well, that’s what Emerson Watts always thought, until a twist of fate one day.  Em didn’t even want to go to the opening of the new Stark megastore, but her little sister Frida wanted to get an autograph from Gabriel Luna, the British singer, who was performing at the store’s opening.  Little was Em to know that a disaster would strike, leading to an accident that would change this tomboy into a pampered supermodel forever!  Em learns the lesson that it’s what’s on the outside that matters.

Look for the sequel:  Being Nikki, coming out in May 2009!

Karlene gives the book 4 out of 5 stars.