#42-After Ever After by Jordan Sonnenblick

(260 pgs) Another title from the Texas Lone Star list for 2011 - 2012. About two friends, Jeff and Thad, who help each other through school because they are both cancer survivors and no one understands things quite like they do. A powerful story about friendship and starting high school, and even a 'peaceful revolt'. Have some kleenex handy when you read this one....I really liked it A LOT! Apparently this is a sort of sequel to Sonnenblick's Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie where Stephen is first introduced to us as his brother Jeffery gets a lukemia diagnosis. Got to go find that one to read next.....

#41-The Darlings Are Forever by Melissa Kantor

(352 pgs) Well, since the Baxter family books were done, I grabbed one of my daughter's books for a return to YA lit instead of 'adult' fiction. This is a cute story of friendship and 3 BFF's all begin high school at separate schools. Victoria's dad is running for office and she isn't sure she likes all the attention that goes with that. And are her friends intersted in her, or her dad's campaign? Natalya begins her really hard school, and isn't sure who she wants to be here, much less who she wants to be friends with. And Jane auditions for a play at her school, even though she's told Freshmen almost never get parts! Who enjoys their Freshmen year and can their friendships survive being at different schools? Read it to find out. Cute story and I will read the sequel, Darlings In Love when it comes out!

#40 - Sunset by Karen Kingsbury

(336 pages) #4 in the Sunrise series and the final book with the Baxters? I don't know if I like that...in fact I know I don't. I finished this book awhile ago and I miss them! It's like when a favorite TV show goes off the air and you wonder how the characters are doing? I'm glad the characters finished up the way they did. YEAH Dane and Katy! I'm glad that the Bailey Flannigan series has 2 books now so I can catch up on some of the characters and what they are up to. Here is the review for Sunset from Karen's site:
"Sunset is about the power of family love, and the healing miracle of redemption. As John Baxter makes plans to marry Elaine, one of the Baxters enters into the most trying season of all. During a time of renewed love and hope for the future, the Baxters try to come together to establish the sacred ground of marriage and to chart a course for the future. Memories of times gone by meet with the changes of today in a story that proves only the support of faith and family can take a person into the sunset years of life."

Such happy endings for everyone! GREAT series of books....all of the Baxter family books were fabulous!!

#39-Someday by Karen Kingsbury

( 352 pgs) This is #3 in the Sunrise series and naturally, I loved this one as well. I really feel like I know these characters! Here is what her site says about Someday:

A Desperate Situation
Pressures of celebrity lifestyle weigh heavily on Dayne and Katy Matthews as they take on separate movie projects.

A Heartbreaking Loss
The Flanigan family recognizes the deep loss of the Christian Kids Theater, and they lead an effort to keep it from demolition.

A Season of Hope
John Baxter takes the next step in his relationship with Elaine, giving him a season to contemplate selling the Baxter house—and losing a lifetime of memories.

As the rest of the family considers the future, they must pull together like never before. Only their undying love for each other can help them overcome today’s trials for a life they know is possible…someday.

I want Dane and Katy to make it...and love following Ashley and Landon. Such good books!

#38-Summer by Karen Kingsbury

(368 pages) This is #2 in The Sunrise series and the stories just continue from book to book with the great characters and storylines. I love these books! Here is what her website says about Book #2:

Hollywood actor Dayne Matthews and Katy Hart are married and living in Bloomington, Ind., where Dayne has found a solution to his on-camera love scenes—he wants Katy to star in his next film.

The Baxter family learns that Ashley and Kari are both pregnant, but an ultrasound reveals that something is wrong with one of the babies. As the summer progresses, the sisters pray for a miracle while trying to face the unthinkable.

The Flanigans continue to draw closer to their only daughter, yet Bailey struggles to find her way amidst the turmoil of adolescence. She has always made good decisions, but she wants to experience more of life. Her friendship with Cody Coleman—the young border staying with the Flanigans—continues to blossom in this summer after his graduation.

Can't wait to read the rest!!