Book Review Monday

On Mondays I'm going to try and review the books I've read during the week. I've been in the habit of reading at least one chapter each night before I go to bed for the past 10 years. Usually this results in reading a lot more chapters!

This past week I read Sweet Valley Confidential: Ten Years Later by Francine Pascal, The Sweet Life Serial Novel Parts 1-3 by Francine Pascal, and Past Forward Serial Novel Part 1 by: Chautona Havig.

Sweet Valley Confidential picks up with Elizabeth and Jessica, the Wakefield Twins, ten years after graduation. Jessica is living in Sweet Valley and Elizabeth has fled to New York to work as a writer for an off Broadway guide. Elizabeth has left because Jessica betrayed her in a way that Elizabeth doesn't think is forgivable. The book starts 8 months after her move. I can't really add much more information without giving away the plot, but several of the characters from the old series are in the story including Todd Wilkins, Bruce Patman, and Lila Flower. The story is good and falls into the usual Sweet Valley formula. There are some mistakes, both with the Sweet Valley cannon, and with basic writing conventions. Overall it was a fast, enjoyable read that I finished in one evening. Fans of the series will enjoy visiting Sweet Valley again.

The Sweet Life Serial Novel picks up 3 years after Sweet Valley Confidential. Each Sunday Francine Pascal is releasing another part of this 6 part series. Being an insomniac I went through part 1 in one evening and parts 2-3 last night when I couldn't fall asleep until 4:00 am. The Wakefield twins are back in Sweet Valley. Jessica has her own green makeup company and Elizabeth is working as a reporter for the local newspaper. Jessica is married with a 2 year old named Jake, however her marriage is on the rocks. I don't want to reveal who her husband is because it will spoil Sweet Valley Confidential. Elizabeth is living with her boyfriend (again, as River Song from Doctor Who would say, "Spoilers!" Lila Flower is married to an NFL star named Ken, but they are separated for the time being. Lila has just agreed to be on The Real Housewives of Sweet Valley where chaos ensues. Steven Wakefield, Jessica and Elizabeth's older brother, is living with his partner Aaron Dallas and their baby daughter Emma. Questions about parenting go back and forth between the two well-meaning dads, while Emma has them both wrapped around her finger. Meanwhile a scandal threatens to ruin Elizabeth's relationship, and the life of a well known character in Sweet Valley. Each installment of the series leaves with a cliffhanger. I feel that this e-series is more true to the original Sweet Valley High. It's fun to see what the characters are up to at age 30, and the scandals and misunderstandings leave you wondering what will happen next.

Past Forward by Chautona Havig is a very interesting story. A young woman, Willow Finley, shows up at the local police station after her mother, Kate's death. Willow has led a very sheltered life with her mom, on their farm. Willow has never been exposed to using the phone, riding in a car, or even eating at a restaurant. At the police station she befriends a young cop, Chad, who can't help but become involved in her life. In part one we learn a little about why Willow and her mom lived like they did, and what kind of life she had. Now thrown into modern life, we read how Willow navigates her new life. This is a very unique story and I am looking forward to reading the rest of the story. Each Wednesday you can get the next part for free on Kindle. For more information about Past Forward and other books by Chautona Havig, visit her website at chautonahavig.com.

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