Love on the Lifts by Rachel Hawthorne

      About the book: Winter Break super-secret perfect cocoa recipe:
      8 oz steamed whole milk (no skim! doesn't work!)
      2 tbsp. dark cocoa powder (big scoops)
      1 tbsp. sugar (can't be too sweet)
      4 dried, crushed mint leaves (or 1 tbsp. mint syrup)
      Stir thoroughly. Add mint swizzle stick. Combine with cute ski instructor, or brother's cute best friend, or cute guy you never noticed was cute...Enjoy.

      Quote of the Book: "No tears now, Katie. I've had other guys in my life, just none like Michael. The important thing is for you to go out and enjoy life. Get cozy with a ski instructor or Sam's friend. Don't wait for life to tap you on the shoulder. Go out and tap it." -Aunt Sue

      My thoughts and opinion: This book was really a pleasant read and I'm not just saying that. Also, it suits this month perfectly. Gosh, Nancy, did you plan this out? Did you intentionally choose a wintery read? Why, yes I did. I'm glad I chose to read this book because it was cold outside and it's nice to be able to relate to the book a bit. Speaking of relating, I could seriously relate to Kate, it was too strange. I could picture every character being someone I know. Just a name switch and it would be my life. Except the one difference between Kate and me is the fact that I don't know how to ski. 
      Kate was quite a character because she was feisty and witty but also she was clueless. She calls her brother Clueless Sam, but I would call her Clueless Kate. Or maybe Klueless Kate to have that alliteration pattern. Seriously, it took way too long for her to realize that hey! Joe had a crush on her! And maybe she has a crush on him, too! And Brad is totally not worth it! Also, I loved the petty spats she has with Sam. Oh the silly sibling fights! 
      Joe is such a cutie! Argh! One cannot have enough Joe Foster in one's life. The connection and bond Joe had with Kate is really hard to find and I just love them together. Poor guy, though. His hints did not work at all. Joe should have just confessed to Kate sooner. I really admired how he truly cared for Kate unlike Brad who cannot remember Kate's name even if it was tattooed on her forehead. 
      AUNT SUE is the coolest book character ever! Man, I wish she was my aunt! I would love to just talk to her about everything. Therefore, I have to say Aunt Sue was my favorite character. I thought it was hilarious how she played matchmaker. Oh, she's just so wise and still so clever and smart and awesome! 
      Overall, I enjoyed this book and thought it was a quick and easy read. I didn't read this while sipping mint hot chocolate, but I will definitely remember to do so if I read this book again. This book was warm, funny, and ab-snow-lutely adorable. 

Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen

      About the book: Ever since her parents' divorce, Auden has been unable to sleep. She's built a routine that gets her through each night; but when the opportunity comes for her to spend her summer at the beach with her father and his new family, she jumps at the chance to break out of her rut.
      Life at the beach proves more challenging than Auden expects. In addition to trying to figure out how she fits into her father's new life, she also has to navigate the girls at work with their gossip and friendship and crushes. And then there's Eli, a fellow insomniac who becomes her nocturnal tour guide. With an endless supply of long summer nights between them, almost anything can happen....

      Quote of the Book: "'Hot dogs!' Adam burst out excitedly. "We've got hot dogs! Tons of hot dogs! Here! Have one!"" -Adam.

      My thoughts and opinion: I loved this book because the characters just clicked and there were so many little moments that came together in the end. I noticed I seem to be on a roll of reading books that include the main male character having green eyes. Maybe that's fate telling me I need to meet a guy with green eyes pronto. 
      Let's talk about Auden. I like the fact that she was more into numbers and calculating because numbers were easier to deal with than feelings and emotions. High five! I could relate to that. Numbers never lie and you can always trust them. Oh my gosh, but Auden should not have let Eli slip away like that. I thought I was going to pass out before I could get to the part where they finally come together again. 
      Eli is so mysterious! And cool! I seriously need to be friends with this guy. I don't care that he's a book character. Haha. I thought his history was depressing but I am so glad that Auden made it better for him. They totally are meant to be. It's also really awesome how Eli can do bike tricks and I can barely ride a bike so flipping and jumping on a bike is terrifying. 
     I really, really liked how Auden and Eli's friendship/relationship developed! All those late nights, it almost makes me want to become an insomniac and find some guy who's an insomniac as well and just go on quests with him. I also agree with Auden that everything is different after sundown. Things change and there are many possibilities that could happen at night. 
      Oh, Sarah Dessen does it again. Although I like This Lullaby better, Along for the Ride is a terrific book, too. It's the perfect summer book, but it is still a good book to read in the winter too. This book took me along on a very cute ride. :-)