Kissing the Blarney Stone: 7 More Irish Heroes

So every year, in honor of Saint Patrick’s Day, I do a post on 17 awesome Irish heroes and heroines.

So this year, I tried to get 17 more Irish heroes and heroines from books, film, and TV (like I did for years 2013-17), but I wasn’t able to get that many. So instead if 17, I only have 7.

Aw, man.

Maybe next year I’ll be able to reach 17 again! But as for today:

7) Jimmy O’Brien from Fashion Model (1945)

Jimmy O’Brien is just your normal stock boy in a huge department store. He is dating one of the models and they are talking about getting married. Another model flirts with him, and a fight breaks out. Later, he finds her dead, along with another model, and the store owner. Being around so many dead bodies-the police are after him as they think he is a deranged killer. It up to him and his fiancé, Peggy, to prove his innocence and solve the crime.

Why Jimmy is Awesome: 

Jimmy is just a sweet, bumbling, goof-but an all around nice guy that is just adorable. He wouldn’t hurt a fly, flirt with another girl, or do anything wrong. He’s incredibly sweet, unfortunately-just has rotten timing. Above all-he is hilarious.

For more on Jimmy and Fashion Model, go to Wrong Place at the Wrong Time: Fashion Model (1945)

6) Marvin “Mouth” MacFadden from One Tree Hill

One Tree Hill is a small town in North Carolina where basketball is everything. The town is divided into the wealthy and poorer sections, in one lives Nathan Scott-captain of the basketball team, wealthy, dating the hot/punkish cheerleader; and Lucas Scott-plays the river court, raised by a single mom, spends his time reading classics, and being nonexistent in school. These two are half brothers, their father’s choice of one over the other impacting their lives and choices.

Why Mouth is Awesome: 

Mouth is a nerdy guy, from the river court and one of Lucas’ best friends. Mouth stays friends with him through thick and thin, big egos and shattered dreams. He always there to lend a hand, give advice, and hangout.

For more on One Tree Hill, go to We Will Fandom You

5) Bridget from An American Tail

A family of mice, the Mousekewitzes, are immigrating to America. On the ship ride over, a storm occurs and Fieval is washed ashore, believed dead. The family continues, grief stricken over their loss, while unbeknownst to them, Fieval floats to New York City. Fieval tries to find his family and gets caught up in all kinds of adventures along the way.

Why Bridget is Awesome: 

Bridget is an amazingly kind and caring mouse. She is a suffragette, political activist (speaking out against the attacks of cats against mice), and takes Fieval in until he can find his family. When Fieval comes up with a plan to fight the cats, she not only supports him, but rallies all her friends to join in.

4) Flynn O’Malley from Veil of Secrets, Choices Video Game

Veil of Secrets is a choose your own adventure type of video game. You play the main character and decide what to do next in the story. In Veil of Secrets you are visiting your best friend and roommate from college, Kate O’Malley, as she is marrying the wealthy son and heir to the Sterling empire. However, she doesn’t show up to the wedding, and you team up with her brother Flynn, deputy Naomi, and criminal defense lawyer, Grant; to discover what happened. Will you find out the truth? Or be the next victim?

Why Flynn is Awesome: 

Once a con, (although he really should have gotten off with a lighter sentence-the judge being a friend of the Sterlings gave him a much harsher one than he deserved) now all he cares about is helping to find his missing sister. He will go through anything and do anything for his baby sis, even a car accident doesn’t slow him down as he will gladly roll through the pain to find her. If you decide he will be your partner in solving the case, he will protect you through everything and everyone to the best of his ability (although you are the main character so you will be doing the actual taking down). Also if you choose he can be your boyfriend and you can inspire him to continue down the straight and narrow path

3) Caitlin O’Koren from Dreamland by Sarah Dessen

It is Caitlin O’Koren’s 16th birthday, but instead of waking up to cake and presents, she instead wakes up to police and panicked parents as her older sister has run away. This was supposed to be Caitlin’s year of being out of her perfect sister’s shadow, instead she finds herself stuck in it even more. She and her best friend join cheerleading, but through a series of events she ends up dating drug dealer bad boy, Rogerson Biscoe. This takes her in an incredibly different direction than her sister, as she has always wanted, but into another world and an incredibly different romantic relationship.

Why Caitlin is Awesome: 

Caitlin is a 16 year old girl trying to navigate her way, especially in the midst of all these transitions and changes. She is a good friend, there for anyone who needs her, and a powerful character, as she encounters serious abuse and is able to do the steps to heal and come through it. An amazing story and character-that I STRONGLY recommend.

For more on Caitlin and Dreamland, go to Plot Twist

2) Katie Callahan DeMaio from The Cradle Will Fall by Mary Higgins Clark

Katie Callahan DeMaio is a widowed county prosecutor. Katie has a rare condition which causes her to lose too much blood on her period, causing lightheadedness, blackouts, etc. One day she is driving home from work and this causes her to crash-she becoming a patient of the Dr. Edgar Highly. She is given medication, but doesn’t take all of it and awakes in the middle of the night-seeing a man move a dead body?

Meanwhile, celebrated physician and miracle birth, Edgar Highly, is facing a very large problem. One of his patients is unhappy with his care and going to go to her former physician. He has to take care of her quick, or else all will be uncovered. He prepares to take her dead body to her house, did someone spot him in the window?

Katie hears of the suicide and starts investigating, will she uncover the truth or be the next victim?

Why Katie is Awesome: 

Katie is a wonderful person who cares about her family, friends, and coworkers. She has encountered a lot of tragedy, but remains a powerful person who looks ahead at the future. She is smart, fun, and cares about bringing justice to all. She will not let an innocent person go to jail, but continues to bulldog it and search out the truth.

For more on Mary Higgins Clark, go to That Face-I’ve Seen Her Before…: Let Me Call You Sweetheart (1997)

1) Michael “Crocodile” Dundee from Crocodile Dundee (1986), Crocodile Dundee II (1988), and Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles (2001)

Michael “Crocodile” Dundee is living his life in Australia, his reputation being built up by a friend, and making his living by taking tourists out on tours. He is strong, tough, battles any beast, and is friends with an aborigine clan-who actually raised him. When a beautiful New York reporter, Sue Charlton, writes a series of articles on him, he becomes so popular, that he joins her in New York. He’s a regular fish out of water, but his sweet nature wows Sue. The two return to Australia in the sequel, taking down drug dealers/smugglers and saving a friend of Sue. In the third film, the two and their son head off to Hollywood-also getting into crazy shenanigans and solving crime.

Why Crocodile Dundee is Awesome: 

He is such an amazing man. He is kind, caring, protective, supportive, and always there for Sue. When she wants to stay in New York, he stays too even though there isn’t much for him to do. When she has the amazing opportunity to go to L.A., even though he’ll be separated from Australia and the land he loves, he wants her to take every opportunity that comes her way-along with wanting their son to see both cultures so that he can decide what he ultimately wants to do with his life (when he is older). He a great guy, and I can watch all three films a thousand times and never get tired of them.

So that ends my list for this year. You all know what I’ll be doing with the rest of my day. Eating some soda bread made by my sister blog, MysteriousEats.wordpress.com. And my yearly tradition, watching the Disney Channel Original Movie: The Luck of the Irish.

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For the 2013 Saint Patrick’s Day post, go to Pot o’ Gold: 17 Irish Heroes 

For the 2014 Saint Patrick’s Day post, go to At the End of the Rainbow: 17 More Irish Heroes

For the 2015 Saint Patrick’s Day post, go to Lookin’ Over a Four-Leaf Clover: 17 More Irish Heroes

For the 2016 Saint Patrick’s Day post, go to The Wearing of the Green: 17 More Irish Heroes

For the 2017 Saint Patrick’s Day post, go to With a Little Luck of the Irish: 17 More Irish Heroes

For the 2018 Saint Patrick’s Day post, go to Top O’ the Morning: 7 More Irish Heroes

Plot Twist

I am getting a divorce.

Yes my husband turned out to be abusive. He abused me physically only a few times-mostly financial, verbal, and so on. We were only together a little over a month when I left.

I never realized how many facets there were to abuse of what it really meant until my counselor showed me this wheel. I had always say it just as someone hitting you, or like what they show in the media.

People always ask why do women stay with people like that and going through it there is a lot more to it than meets the eye. Most of the time I was in shock like I couldn’t believe it was really happening to me, that it was my life.

Help me! I’m confused!

The way that keeps you off guard is how they change so quickly. They can be one way and then a couple hours later, completely different. Making you question yourself as to what is going on. And of course they never doing that in front of other people. also kind of makes it almost unbelievable that it is real.

I think Sarah Dessen described it best in her book Dreamland. Like I can’t believe I stayed with him as long as I did. I can’t believe I even married someone who treated me so wrongly. I see things now that should have been flags, but I never ever imagined that he would abuse me. And being apart from him I feel as if I woke from a dream. And just like Caitlin, I had to put the pieces of my life back together again.

And a lot of women can’t leave, they don’t have the money or support. I was blessed that I had support and he tried to use up all my money, in fact have a bunch of his debt as he took my credit card and just charged it up. But I am free (or will be when the divorce finalizes).

And it is so much better being away from him. I still have times of grief over how he treated me and what he did to me but now there is hope.

Just moving on and moving forward.

And I want to share this wheel to help others:

The Strange Case of a Fangirl and Her Fandoms

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Fandoms…they just start out as one thing to read, watch, listen to. But before you know it they have sucked you in and you are on a lifelong journey of loving them and spending time with them and trying to get others to join in.

the-grady-twinsPride&Prejudice Elizabeth Jane come play with us the shining

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Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons

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So yesterday’s post on December, 1933 (Oh What A Night), made me realize something. I had totally skipped over this band in my earlier fan posts. How could I forget the wonderful Frankie Valli?

What can I say about Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons? Their music is amazing! I absolutely love it and could listen to it again and again.

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I think my love for the group started when I heard Big Girls Don’t Cry in Dirty Dancing. From there my favorite songs grew to Candy Girl, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, Grease, Let’s Hang On (To What We Got), Sherry and Working My Way Back to You.

I just love Frankie’s voice. It is not perfectly melodic, but so musically interesting and beautiful that I love it.

For more on Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons, go to Oh What A Night

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Sarah Dessen

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I am a huge Sarah Dessen fan. I started reading her books when I bought a copy of Someone Like You from the library bookstore. From there, that was it. I was in the Dessen fanclub and owner of practically every book she has written. They became a huge part of me.

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Something that Sarah Dessen does that is unique to her writing, is that she likes to connect all her work together. Make small little briges through all the novels. One summer I went through, reading with a fine tooth comb and finding every possible connection.

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That Summer- This is one of my least favorites in her collection. It isn’t a horrible book or anything, but not as strong as the other novels, in my opinion. That Summer is the story of 15 year old Haven living in a world that is rapidly changing. Her father has divorced her mother and is remarrying the weather girl. Her fun-loving, always out there sister is marrying a boring guy and going to set out on a boring, bland life. Haven’s best friend has just returned from camp boy-crazier than ever and with a long distance boyfriend. And Haven can’t stop growing, being almost six-feet tall. All she wants is to go back.

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Then an old boyfriend of Ashley’s comes back into the picture; maybe he can take things back to how they used to be?

These are the things I’ve found so far that refer back to That Summer

Someone Like You:
One of Ashley’s old boyfriends dies in a motorcycle accident just like Scarlett’s boyfriend Michael does.
Sumner works at a market with Kiwis just like Michael Sherwood does.
Also set in Lakeview

Keeping the Moon:
Haven’s family spent a whole summer at a beach in the past, which is just what Colie does.
Ashley dated a guy named Frank and Isabelle dates one in Keeping the Moon.

Dreamland:
Ashley was a cheerleader just like Caitlin becomes.
Also set in Lakeview
Corrina drives a VW bug. In That Summer Sumner drives one too.
Cass spends a whole summer at the beach. Haven’s family spent a whole summer at the beach in the past.
In Caitlan’s dream she goes to the Lakeview Mall. Lakeview Mall is where Haven had her first job at.

This Lullaby:
Set in Lakeview
Casey sends Haven letters on pink stationary with silver ink. Lissa’s soon-to-be roommate writes to her on pink stationary with silver ink.

The Truth About Forever:
Lorna MacPhail, Haven’s stepmother, is the weather woman who had no idea that the freak storm would occur. This freak storm disturbs Macy’s mom’s plans to have a big house selling party outside forcing her to have a nervous breakdown.
Set in Lakeview

Just Listen:
Also set in Lakeview.
Gwendolyn was one of the orginal Lakeview models, something Annabelle becomes later.
Annabelle and family would go to the beach a lot for summer. Haven’s family used to spend summers at the beach.

Lock and Key:
Ruby gets a job at a mall kiosk. The mall is where Haven had her first job.
Set in Lakeview

Along for the Ride:
Haven’s family spent a whole summer at a beach in the past, which is just what Auden does.

Whatever Happened to Goodbye:
McLean goes on beach trips with her mom, much like Haven’s family used to do.
McLean’s mom cheats on her dad, and gets remarried. She gets pregnant too soon. Haven’s dad cheats on her mom and he remarries. His new wife gets pregnant too soon too
The Moon and More:
Haven’s family spent a whole summer at a beach in the past, Emmaline lives in a beachtown.

Someone Like You- Ever since Scarlett moved across the street from Halley the two have been best friends. The summer before their junior year, Scarlett starts dating Michael Sherwood, the most popular guy in school. When he dies in a motorcycle accident, the two stand through it together.

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But when Scarlett discovers that she is pregnant and decides to keep the baby, will the two be able to handle all of life’s changes?

Halley also has been having issues with her mother. It seems that she wants to control her more and more, making her the perfect example for one of her psychology books. Things become even more strained when Halley starts dating Macon, Michael’s best friend and one of the popular kids. But things are not always what they seem, and the things we want may not always be the things we truly desire.

This is one of my favorites as it was my gateway into Dessen’s work. I just love the characters and the story and still read it once a year.

These are the things I’ve found refer back to Someone Like You.

That Summer:
One of Ashley’s old boyfriends dies in a motorcycle accident just like Scarlett’s boyfriend Michael does.
Sumner works at a market with Kiwis just like Michael Sherwood does.
It is set in Lakeview

Keeping the Moon:
Haley buys Macon a pair of Ray Bans. In Keeping the Moon, Norman has a pair of Ray Bans in his sunglasses collection.

Dreamland:
Set in Lakeview and Caitlin goes to Jackson High like Haley and Scarlett do.
Rogerson lives in the Arbors, the fancy area where Ginny Talbot lives in Someone Like You.
Grandma Haley goes to the Evergreen Care Center, the same place Cailtin is sent to Dreamland.
Caitlan goes to Topper Lake, just like Haley does in Someone Like You
Ginny’s family lives near the golf course. Rogerson’s family does too in Dreamland.
Scarlett and Haley frequent the Quick Zip. Dave works there for a while in Dreamland.
Macon is always buying Halley cokes and candy. In Dreamland, Rogerson does this after he hits Caitlan.

This Lullaby:
Remy goes to a party in the Arbors; the fancy area where Ginny Talbot lives in Someone Like You.
Remy works in the Mayors Village Shopping Complex; the place where Milton Market is. Milton’s Market is where Scarlett and Haley worked in Someone Like You.
In Someone Like You, Scarlett and Haley go to Zip Marts all the time. Remy and her friends frequent the Zip Marts too.
Scarlett Thomas used to date Remy’s brother Chris. Remy’s boyfriend Dexter’s friend John has a crush on Scarlett. Scarlett is the manager at the place he works at.
Set in Lakeview

The Truth About Forever:
Set in Lakeview
Macy goes to Jackson High like Scarlett and Haley do.
Outside the Mayors Village Shopping Complex, Wes sells his sculptures. Milton’s Market is in the Mayor Village; the market being were Scarlett and Haley worked in Someone Like You. Macy and her sister also go inside Milton’s to buy greens for a salad.
Wes girlfriend, later ex, is at Evergreen being treated for a drug problem. It is the same place Grandma Haley is sent to in Someone Like You.
Macy also goes to the Quick Zip like Scarlett and Haley.

Just Listen:
Set in Lakeview.
Annabelle goes to Jackson High like Scarlett and Haley did
Mooska, the modeling place, is in the Mayor’s Village Shopping Complex. Milton’s Market is in the Mayor Village; the market being were Scarlett and Haley worked in Someone Like You.
Annabelle and Owen have a radio show like Haley’s dad Brian.
Annabelle lives in the Arbors, the fancy area where Ginny Talbot lives in Someone Like You.

Lock and Key:
Also set in Lakeview
Before Ruby attends Perkins Day, she used to go to Jackson High like Scarlett and Haley.
Ruby has a friend that lives in the Arbors, the fancy area where Ginny Talbot lives in Someone Like You.
Ruby goes to Mayor’s Village Shopping Complex. Milton’s Market is in the Mayor Village; the market being were Scarlett and Haley worked in Someone Like You.
In Someone Like You, Scarlett and Haley go to Zip Marts all the time. Ruby also frequent the Zip Mart.

Along for the Ride
Scarlett and Haley went to Jackson High. Auden went there for a while before transferring.

Whatever Happened to Goodbye:
McLean goes to Jackson High like Haley and Scarlett do.
Also set in Lakeview

The Moon and More:
Emmaline’s mom gets pregnant in high school, just like Scarlett.

Keeping the Moon– Colie has always been overweight like her mother. She liked the extra bundles as it made her feel as if she had a shield against the attacks of the world. She and her mom, Kiki, drove from place to place, job to job; always moving where they wanted to. That all changed when her mom hit a car in a gym parking lot and and had to work off the debt. She joins in the workouts, loses tons of weight, becomes an instructor, and from there a millionaire with Kiki Sparks videos and products going across the country. Colie is now stuck in a town she doesn’t like, in which the girls pick on her everyday; even though she no longer is overweight. This summer her mother is going on an international tour to spread the Kiki Spark’s gospel, and Colie will be spending it with her aunt she hasn’t seen in years. At first Colie hates living with her fatty food loving aunt, in a house where everything is broken down as they only need some TLC, and where a strange artist/handyman, Norman resides. But as Colie starts working with Norman and two other girls, Morgan and Isabelle, at the Last Chance Cafe; she may just discover more about herself and what beauty and confidence really mean.

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This is another one that I absolutely love. The character, story, and just everything about it is really great. I read this one at least once a year as well.

These are the things I’ve found refer back to Keeping the Moon. This one is a bit harder as it takes place away from Lakeview, and some might be a bit of a stretch, but they do connect.

That Summer:
Isabelle dates a Frank, Ashley dated a Frank in That Summer. Haven’s family spends a whole summer at a beach just like Colie does

Someone Like You: Haley buys Macon a pair of Ray Bans. In Keeping the Moon, Norman has a pair of Ray Bans in his sunglasses collection.

Dreamland:
Boo wears her hair up in chopsticks just like Mira does in Keeping the Moon.
Colie’s family lives near the golf course. Rogerson’s family does too in Dreamland.
Cass spends a whole summer at the beach. Colie does too.
Norman has an older brother who is living up to his father’s expectations. Norman is the black sheep in the family and picked on by his father. In Dreamland, Rogerson has an older brother who is living up to his parents expectations, the black sheep of the family, and abused by his father.
Norman has a huge dissertation on sunglasses; one may hide behind them, accessorize with them, etc. In Dreamland, Caitlan uses them to hide behind and Rina to accessorize.

This Lullaby:
Colie lives in VA with her mom. Truth Squad announces that they have just come from VA.

The Truth About Forever:
Macy’s family has a beach house in Colby. The waitresses at Last Chance restaurant know him by name.
Macy also celebrates the 4th of July.
Norman walks with a slow loping gait. So does Wes in The Truth About Forever.

Just Listen:
Annabelle and family would go to the beach a lot for summer. Colie is sent to the beach for a summer.

Lock and Key:
Ruby’s friend Olivia’s cousin Laney takes place in a 5K. She was inspired to after she watched a Kiki Sparks infomercial. Kiki Sparks is Colie’s mom.
Nate is a runner like Colie.

Along for the Ride:
Auden goes to visit her Dad and Stepmom in Colby. Colby is where Colie visited for the entire summer in Keeping the Moon.
Auden eats at Last Chance where Colie worked at in Keeping the Moon.
The cashier that takes Auden’s order at Last Chance is a dark haired girl with a lip ring. Colie is dark-haired with a lip ring.
Heidi, Auden’s stepmom, two best friends are Morgan and Isabelle. Morgan and Isabelle are Colie’s next door neighbors in Keeping the Moon.
Auden passes a women with long hair in an orange jumpsuit on a bicycle. This is Mira, Colie’s aunt.

Whatever Happened to Goodbye:
Peter bought McLean’s mom a house in Colby. Colby is where Colie spends the summer with her Aunt Mira.
McLean’s dad walks in a slow gait like Norman.
Like Colie, McLean becomes a waitress.
Heather’s dad loves moon pies. Norman loves moon pies too.

The Moon and More:
Both stories take place in Colby.
Eats at Last Chance a few times, also where Luke broke up with her. Colie is her waitress.
Norman walks with a slow loping gait. So does Morris.

Dreamland-Caitlan has always lived in her older sister Cass’s shadow. Cass has done it all and excelled at everything. This year Cass is off to Yale and Caitlan believes she can finally have something that is her own. It is her birthday, but instead if celebrating Caitlan it is once again all about Cass. Cass has run away with her boyfriend and not going to Yale at all. Caitlan sets out to start her next year, in an even bigger shadow; Cass’s missing one. Caitlan then joins cheerleading and dates Rogerson Biscoe, all very different from anything Cass would ever do. Being with Rogerson makes everything better as she finally has something that is hers and focused on her. But what happens when Rogerson becomes the problem instead of the answer.

This is one of Dessen’s best. I have never read anything that so clearly described why women become attracted to men who abuse them, and why they stay when they know they should leave. It is amazingly poignant and a real page turner.

These are the things I’ve found refer back to Dreamland.

That Summer:
Ashley was a cheerleader just like Caitlin becomes in Dreamland.
Set in Lakeview too.
Corrina drives a VW bug. In That Summer Sumner drives one too.
Cass spends a whole summer at the beach. Haven’s family spent a whole summer at the beach in the past.
In Caitlan’s dream she goes to the Lakeview Mall. Lakeview Mall is where Haven had her first job at.

Someone Like You:
Scarlett and Haley went to Jackson High. Caitlan goes there in Dreamland.
Set in Lakeview too.
Rogerson lives in the Arbors, the fancy area where Ginny Talbot lives in Someone Like You.
Grandma Haley goes to the Evergreen Care Center, the same place Cailtin is sent to Dreamland.
Caitlan goes to Topper Lake, just like Haley does in Someone Like You.
Ginny’s family lives near the golf course. Rogerson’s family does too in Dreamland.
Scarlett and Haley frequent the Quick Zip. Dave works there for a while in Dreamland.
Macon is always buying Halley cokes and candy. In Dreamland, Rogerson does this after he hits Caitlan.

Keeping the Moon:
Mira wears her hair up in chopsticks just like Boo does in Dreamland.
Colie’s family lives near the golf course. Rogerson’s family does too in Dreamland.
Cass spends a whole summer at the beach. Colie does too.
Norman has an older brother who is living up to his father’s expectations. Norman is the black sheep in the family and picked on by his father. In Dreamland, Rogerson has an older brother who is living up to his parents expectations, the black sheep of the family, and abused by his father.
Norman has a huge dissertation on sunglasses; one may hide behind them, accessorize with them, etc. In Dreamland, Caitlan uses them to hide behind and Rina to accessorize.

This Lullaby:
Corinna and Dave rent a little yellow house. In This Lullaby, Truth Squad rents it.
Dave works at the Quick Zip Mart with friends. In This Lullaby, Remy and her friends are always at the zip mart.
Set in Lakeview
Boo and Stewart teach at the U, while Caitlan’s Dad is dean of students. U is where Lissa is going to college.
Rogerson was a pot dealer, Chris used to sell pot in This Lullaby.
Rina moved to Lakeview from Boca Raton. Lissa’s to be roommate Delia is from there.
Remy goes to a party in the Arbors; Caitlan does in Dreamland too.
Caitlan plays quarters, Remy does too.

The Truth About Forever:
Macy went to Jackson High. Caitlan goes there in Dreamland.
Wes girlfriend, later ex, is at Evergreen being treated for a drug problem. It is the same place Caitlan goes in Dreamland.
Caitlan goes with Rogerson to deliver some pot. They go out far in the country on a rode full of potholes. Same road Macy travels on her way to Delia’s house.
Set in Lakeview.
Caitlan and her friends play quarters. Macy plays quarters in The Truth About Forever.
Stewart and Boo teach at U and Caitlan’s dad is the dean of students. Caroline went to U.
Macy also goes to the Quick Zip, Dave used to work there.
Just Listen:
Annabelle went to Jackson High. Caitlan goes there in Dreamland
Set in Lakeview too.
Will Cash, Sophie’s boyfriend, the guy who rapes Annabelle goes to Perkins Day. Perkins Day is where Rogerson Biscoe goes in Dreamland.
In Caitlan’s dream she goes to the Lakeview Mall. Annabelle is a Lakeview Model and spends a lot of time at the mall.
Male model who gives Annabelle his number goes to U. Boo and Stewart teach at U. Caitlan’s dad is also the Dean of students.
Annabelle lives in the Arbors, Rogerson lives there as well.
Rogerson loves classic rock, so does Annabelle’s sister Kristen

Lock and Key:
Ruby went to Jackson High for a while. Caitlain goes there in Dreamland.
Ruby transfers to Perkins Day. Perkins Day is where Rogerson Biscoe goes in Dreamland.
Set in Lakeview.
Ruby is physically abused by her mom, and Rogerson’s dad is physically abusive to him.
In Caitlan’s dream she goes to the Lakeview Mall. Ruby works at a jewelry kiosk in the mall.
Ruby used to buy pot from Rogerson
Ruby’s somewhat boyfriend Marshall’s roommate is Rogerson.
Ruby has a friend that lives in the Arbors, the Arbors is where Rogerson used to live.
Boo and Stewart teach at the U, while Caitlan’s Dad is dean of students. Cora and Jamie went to U; Ruby, Gervais, and Nate are going to U

Along for the Ride:
Boo and Stewart teach at U. That is where Auden mom teaches as well.
Cass starts reading about Buddhism. In Along for the Ride, Auden is reading about it too.
Caitlin went to Jackson High. Auden goes to Jackson High for a bit in Along for the Ride.
Rogerson Biscoe goes to Perkins Day. Auden goes to Perkins Day for a bit in Along for the Ride.
Cass spends a whole summer at the beach. Auden does too.
Caitlan’s Dad is Dean of students at the U. Auden’s mom is a professor at the U.

Whatever Happened to Goodbye:
Caitlan’s dad is a huge fan of college sports. McLean’s stepdad is a college basketball coach.
Guy next door to McLean goes to U; McLean herself attends U. Boo and Stewart teach at U. Caitlin’s dad is also the Dean of students
McLean goes to Jackson High like Caitlan.

The Moon and More:
Rachel Gertman, friend of Emmaline’s sis Amber, was in a bike accident had to go to rehab. Caitlain had to go to rehab for her drug and emotional/physical abuse from her boyfriend.
Cass spends a whole summer at the beach. Emmaline lives in a beachtown.
Boo and Stewart teach at the U, while Caitlan’s Dad is dean of students. U is where Emaline is going to college.

This Lullaby- Remy’s mom is a romance writer, and Remy leaves all that mushy stuff to her.

romance

Remy is strictly a numbers girl and has been counting down the time in which she will be able to leave her home and journey to CA for college; using money from the guy that set up all others to surely fail, her father. She has a checklist for how the rest of the summer should go until she’s in the golden state; but that all changes when Dexter literally crashes into her life. Nephew of her mother’s sixth husband and in the band playing for their wedding; he propels into her life and changes everything; showing her an unscheduled, unplanned path. But will Remy be able to handle something off the page?

These are the things I’ve found that refer back to This Lullaby.

That Summer:
Also set in Lakeview
Casey sends Haven letters on pink stationary with silver ink. Lissa’s soon-to-be roommate writes to her on pink stationary with silver ink.

Someone Like You:
Remy goes to a party in the Arbors; the fancy area where Ginny Talbot lives in Someone Like You.
Remy works in the Mayors Village Shopping Complex; the place where Milton Market is. Milton’s Market is where Scarlett and Haley worked in Someone Like You.
In Someone Like You, Scarlett and Haley go to Zip Marts all the time. Remy and her friends frequent the Zip Marts too.
Scarlett Thomas used to date Remy’s brother Chris. Remy’s boyfriend Dexter’s friend John has a crush on Scarlett. Scarlett is the manager at the place he works at.
Also set in Lakeview

Keeping the Moon:
Colie lives in VA with her mom. Truth Squad announces that it has just come from VA

Dreamland:
Corinna and Dave rent a little yellow house. In This Lullaby, Truth Squad rents it.
Dave works at the Quick Zip Mart. In This Lullaby, Remy and her friends are always at the zip mart
Also set in Lakeview.
Boo and Stewart teach at the U, while Caitlan’s Dad is dean of students. U is where Lissa is going to college
Rogerson was a pot dealer, Chris used to sell pot in This Lullaby.
Rina moved to Lakeview from Boca Raton. Lissa’s to be roommate Delia is from there.
Remy goes to a party in the Arbors; Caitlan does in Dreamland too.
Caitlan plays quarters, Remy does too.

The Truth About Forever:
Stella reads the romance novel, The Choice. This is the one Remy’s mom, Barbara Starr, is writing in This Lullaby.
Also set in Lakeview
Macy plays quarters, Remy does too.
Sherman from Shreveport is supposed to be Macy’s date, but a drunk loser. A drunk loser named Sherman hits on Remy.
Jason’s parents are professors just like Lissa’s parents.
Jason and his dad talk about the recent elections in Europe. In This Lullaby, Jennifer Anne tries to talk to Remy and Chris about them.
Lissa’s going to U, Caroline went there too.
Macy goes to the Quick Zip like Remy and Co.

Just Listen:
Annabelle goes to the club Bendo with Owen. Truth Squad is playing, and Remy happens to be there too.
Clark and Rory wear Truth Squad shirts.
One of the CDs Owen gives to Annabelle has the Truth Squad’s songs on it.
Also set in Lakeview
Annabelle is raped, Remy was too.
Male model who gives Annabelle his number goes to U. Lissa is going to attend U.
Mooska, the modeling company is in the Mayor’s Village Shopping Complex. This is where Remy’s work is also located.
Remy goes to a party in the Arbors; the fancy area where Annabelle lives.

Lock and Key:
Remy and her friends are always at the Zip Mart. In Lock and Key, Ruby goes there as well.
Heather Wainwright has a Jump Java coffee. Jump Java is where John Miller worked at.
Cora helped Barbara Starr with her last divorce.
Also set in Lakeview
Reggie sells vitamins in the mall. In This Lullaby an old boyfriend of Remy, Anton, sold vitamins in the mall.
Truth Squad rents a little yellow house. In Lock and Key, Ruby and her mom are living there.
Ruby has a friend that lives in the Arbors, the Arbors is where Remy and Co go to a party
Lissa is is going to U. Cora and Jamie went to U; Ruby, Gervais, and Nate are going to U
Nate has a “No Eating in the Car” rule like Remy.

Along for the Ride:
Auden’s parents are both PhDs. In This Lullaby, Lissa’s parents are PhDs. as well.
Auden’s mom teaches at the U. U is where Lissa is going to college.

Whatever Happened to Goodbye:
Guy next door to McLean goes to U; McLean herself attends U. Lissa is going to U.
Dave takes classes at the U. Lissa attends U.
McLean gets a coupon for Jump Java. Jump Java is right across from Remy’s work and where Scarlett and John Miller worked.
McLean’s mom reads romance novels. Remy’s mom writes them.

The Moon and More:
When Emmaline was feeling stressed out over Theo, she goes to Jump Java to clear her mind. Scarlett and John Miller worked at Jump Java in This Lullaby.
This Lullaby takes place the summer before Remy goes to college, just like Emmaline.
Lissa’s going to U, Emmaline will be going there in the fall as well.

The Truth About Forever-Macy Queen is not looking forward to having a good summer. She saw her father die a year before, and drew away from the rest of the world. She started dating the braniac Jason, who never likes PDA or any affections. This summer he’ll be gone and she’ll be bored out of her mind, although at least she has Jason’s job at the library. But when she throws out some affection in her email and doesn’t fulfill Jason’s expectations at the library, she finds herself single again. After a chance encounter, she finds herself working for a catering group full of characters she never would have thought would become her friends. From Delia, the owner who believes imperfections are needed in life; Wes the former juvenile delinquent turned artist; Bert the serious Armageddon fan; Monica the one that never talks, and Kristy,  scarred but survivor of a fatal accident and always out to live life.

I love this book. Macy is someone you just connect to, the friends are people I wish were my pals; and oh, Wes. If only you were real.

ISawHimFirstFictional

These are the things I’ve found refer back to The Truth About Forever.

That Summer:
Lorna MacPhail, Haven’s stepmother, is the weather woman who had no idea that the freak storm would occur. This freak storm disturbs Macy’s mom’s plans to have a big house selling party outside forcing her to have a nervous breakdown.
Also set in Lakeview.

Someone Like You:
Set in Lakeview
Macy goes to Jackson High like Scarlett and Haley do.
Outside the Mayors Village Shopping Complex, Wes sells his sculptures. Milton’s Market is in the Mayor Village; the market being where Scarlett and Haley worked in Someone Like You. Macy and her sister also go inside Milton’s to buy greens for a salad.
Wes’ girlfriend, later ex, is at Evergreen being treated for a drug problem. It is the same place Grandma Halley is sent to in Someone Like You.
Macy also goes to the Quick Zip like Scarlett and Haley.

Keeping the Moon
Macy’s family has a beach house in Colby. The waitresses at Last Chance restaurant know him by name.
Norman walks with a slow loping gait. So does Wes in the Truth About Forever.

Dreamland:
Macy went to Jackson High. Caitlan goes there in Dreamland.
Wes girlfriend, later ex, is at Evergreen being treated for a drug problem. It is the same place Caitlan goes in Dreamland.
Caitlan goes with Rogerson to deliver some pot. They go out far in the country on a rode full of potholes. Same road Macy travels on her way to Delia’s house.
Caitlan and her friends play quarters. Macy plays quarters in The Truth About Forever.
Also set in Lakeview.
Stewart and Boo teach at U and Caitlan’s dad is the dean of students. Caroline went to U.
Macy also goes to the Quick Zip, Dave used to work there.

This Lullaby:
Stella reads the romance novel, The Choice. This is the one Remy’s mom, Barbara Starr is writing in This Lullaby.
Also set in Lakeview.
Macy plays quarters, Remy does too.
Sherman from Shreveport is supposed to be Macy’s date, but a drunk loser. A drunk loser named Sherman hits on Remy.
Jason and his dad talk about the recent elections in Europe. In This Lullaby, Jennifer Anne tries to talk to Remy and Chris about them.
Lissa’s going to U, Caroline went there too.
Macy goes to the Quick Zip like Remy and Co.

Just Listen:
Annabelle, Rory, and Owen go to World of Waffles. While they are there they see Macy and Wes at a nearby table
Also set in Lakeview.
Macy goes to Jackson High like Annabelle.
Mooska modeling company is in the Mayor’s Village Shopping Complex. This is where Wes sells his artwork.
Annabelle’s dad designed the house they live in. Macy’s mom did the same thing with theirs.

Lock and Key:
Ruby, Cora, and Jamie live in Wildflower Ridge. The very place Macy’s mom designed in the Truth About Forever.
One of Nate’s clients is Macy’s mom. He creates gift baskets for her with little chocolates in the shape of houses.
Kristi is at the mall helping Bert find a gift for his girlfriend. She like Ruby’s necklace, which inspires Harriet to create a bunch to sell at her kiosk.
Macy and Wes run the 5K. Ruby’s friend Olivia’s cousin Laney tries to run the 5K.
Also set in Lakeview.
Macy goes to Jackson High like Ruby did for a bit.
Macy goes to the Quick Zip like Ruby does.
Nate is a runner like Wes.
Caroline went to U. Cora and Jamie went to U; Ruby, Gervais, and Nate are going to U
Gervais is a tutor like Bert.

Along for the Ride:
Macy went to Jackson High. Auden went there for a while in Along for the Ride.
Macy’s ex-boyfriend Jason Talbot goes to Kiffeny-Brown. Auden goes there in Along for the Ride.
Jason Talbot was supposed to be Auden’s date for the prom, but he cancels last minute. He is also her date in the prom boardwalk party Heidi throws, but cancels last minute once again.
Macy and Wes are always going to World of Waffles. In Along for the Ride, when Maggie, Leah, and Esther go there, Esther’s car breaks down.
Auden’s mom is a professor at U. Caroline went to U.
Auden is a tutor in Along for the Ride. Bert also tutors.

Whatever Happened to Goodbye:
Guy next door to McLean goes to U; McLean herself attends U. Macy’s sister Caroline went to U.
McLean goes to Jackson High like Macy does.
McLean’s dad walks in a slow gait like Wes.
Dave takes classes at the U. Macy’s sister Caroline went to U.
Peter bought McLean’s mom a house in Colby. Colby is where Macy and her family have a beach house.
Jason is the chef at Luna Blue. Jason is Macy’s ex.
Dave, like Wes, also has a tattoo that is in remembrance of someone he loved that died.
The Moon and More:
The caterer Robin says “everyone loves meatballs” just like Delia always said in The Truth About Forever.
Underage Morris is a bartender for the event, such as Wes.
Story takes place in Colby, Macy’s family has a beach house there.
Emmaline has the same Us and Them mentality; its her and Clyde against Ivy and Theo. Macy expresses the same idea in The Truth About Forever regarding the caterers against the eaters.
Luke, Emmaline’s ex, is Wes and Bert’s cousin.
Emmaline and Luke play Gotcha! They were taught by Wes and Bert.
Like Macy, Emmaline always wears an elastic on her wrist.
The waitresses at Last Chance restaurant know Macy’s father by name. Emmaline goes to Last Chance all the time.
Wes walks with a slow, loping gait; just like Morris.
In the beginning of The Truth About Forever Macy helps out with the catering because a server moves so slow and not doing well. Emmaline helps out with a catering when Morris is moving too slow and not doing anything.
Caroline went to U, and it is where Emmaline is attending in the fall.

Just Listen- Last year Anabelle was the “girl who had everything”, or at least she played her in the Kopf’s Department Store commercial. And last year she did have everything; two best friends; dates; healthy sisters; etc. But this year she is friendless, her mother is controlling her every move, her older sister has an eating disorder, etc. Life is glum. Then she meets Owen, musical enthusist.

music

His brash and truthful ways; may just be the help she needs to face what happened a year ago, the even that changed everything.

This is a truly great book. I remember my friend Bela had borrowed it from the library, and I borrowed it from her. I had one school day to read it and completed it in a few hours because I just loved it.

These are the things I’ve found so far that refer back to Just Listen.

That Summer:
Set in Lakeview.
Gwendolyn was one of the orginal Lakeview models, something Annabelle becomes later.
Annabelle and family would go to the beach a lot for summer. Haven’s family used to spend summers at the beach.

Someone Like You:
Set in Lakeview.
Annabelle goes to Jackson High like Scarlett and Haley did
Annabelle lives in the Arbors, the fancy area where Ginny Talbot lives in Someone Like You.
Mooska, the modeling company, is in the Mayor’s Village Shopping Complex. Milton’s Market is in the Mayor Village; the market being were Scarlett and Haley worked in Someone Like You.
Annabelle and Owen have a radio show like Haley’s dad Brian.

Keeping the Moon:
Annabelle and family would go to the beach a lot for summer. Colie is sent to the beach for a summer.

Dreamland:
Annabelle went to Jackson High. Caitlan goes there in Dreamland
Set in Lakeview too.
Will Cash, Sophie’s boyfriend, the guy who rapes Annabelle goes to Perkins Day. Perkins Day is where Rogerson Biscoe goes in Dreamland.
Boo Connell, the neighbors in Dreamland, is leading a talk on menstruation, which Mallory and Owen’s mom are attending.
Male model who gives Annabelle his number goes to U. Boo and Stewart teach at U. Caitlan’s dad is also the Dean of students.
Annabelle lives in the Arbors, Rogerson lives there as well.
Rogerson loves classic rock, so does Annabelle’s sister Kristen

This Lullaby:
Annabelle goes to the club Bendo with Owen. Truth Squad is playing, and Remy happens to be there too.
Clark and Rolly wear Truth Squad shirts.
One of the CDs Owen gives to Annabelle has the Truth Squad’s songs on it.
Annabelle is raped, Remy was too.
Male model who gives Annabelle his number goes to U. Lissa is going to attend U.
Mooska, the modeling company, is in the Mayor’s Village Shopping Complex. This is where Remy’s work is also located.
Remy goes to a party in the Arbors; the fancy area where Annabelle lives.

The Truth About Forever:
Annabelle, Rory, and Owen go to World of Waffles. While they are there they see Macy and Wes at a nearby table
Annabelle is a Lakeview mall model. Macy can see it from her window.
Annabelle goes to Jackson High like Macy.
Mooska, modeling company, is in the Mayor’s Village Shopping Complex. This is where Wes sells his artwork.
Annabelle’s dad designed the house they live in. Macy’s mom did the same thing with theirs.

Lock and Key:
Annabelle goes to Jackson High, that is where Ruby goes for a little while.
Ruby listens to Annabelle’s radio show one day on the way to school.
Owen’s sister Mallory and her friends come to Harriet’s kiosk to look at the key necklaces.
Male model who gives Annabelle his number goes to U. Ruby, Gervais, and Nate attend U; Cora and Jamie went there too.
Ruby has a friend that lives in the Arbors, the fancy area where Annabelle lives.
Ruby, like Owen likes Led Zepplin
Owen helps Jamie find Cora’s favorite songs.

Along for the Ride:
Annabelle went to Jackson High. Auden went there for a while in Along for the Ride.
Will Cash, Sophie’s boyfriend, the guy who rapes Annabelle goes to Perkins Day. Auden goes to Perkins Day for a bit in Along for the Ride.
Annabelle, Rolly, and Owen go to World of Waffles. In Along for the Ride, when Maggie, Leah, and Esther go there, Esther’s car breaks down.
Male model who gives Annabelle his number goes to U. Auden’s mother is a professor at U.
Annabelle and family would go to the beach a lot for summer. Auden spends a summer at the beach.
A girl named Esther emcees the poetry and other readings at the coffee shop, Jump Java. Whitney goes there to read her memoir. In Along for the Ride, Auden’s friend Esther, loves to go to coffee shops to hear readings.

Whatever Happened to Goodbye:
McLean was on the soccer team at one point. Annabelle’s friend Clarke played soccer.
McLean goes to Jackson High like Annabelle does.
McLean is told to transfer to the Fountain School. Rolly attends the Fountain School.
McLean sees Annabelle and Owen arguing about music during her first lunch at Jackson High.
Male model who gives Annabelle his number goes to U. McLean is going to attend U too.
The Moon and More:
Annabelle and family would go to the beach a lot for summer. Emmaline lives in a beachtown.
Male model who gives Annabelle his number goes to U, Emmaline will be attending there in the fall.
A girl named Esther emcees the poetry and other readings at the coffee shop, Jump Java. Whitney goes there to read her memoir. In Along for the Ride, Auden’s friend Esther, loves to go to coffee shops to hear readings. Esther films the art show for Emmaline and Ivy.
Heather Wainwright has a Jump Java coffee. Jump Java is where Emmaline goes to clear her head when Theo distresses her.

Lock & Key- Ruby has been living on her own for a few weeks after her mom just took off one day. When the water is turned off, the jig is up. Ruby is taken into CPS as they track down Ruby’s older sister, the sister she hasn’t seen since she walked out on them as she decided to start a new life at college. Ruby finds herself in a strange, new world as Cora not only is someone she hardly recognizes; but she is married to Jamie, the most down-to-earth and boyish millionaire she’s ever met. But as Ruby is trying to find herself in this new family and fancy home; she discovers that not everything is as it seems. Even this side of town can have its ugly secrets; sometimes as close as the neighbor’s.

These are the things I’ve found refer back to Lock and Key.

That Summer:
Ruby gets a job at a mall kiosk. The mall is were Haven had her first job.

Someone Like You:
Also set in Lakeview
Before Ruby attends Perkins Day, she used to go to Jackson High like Scarlett and Haley.
Ruby has a friend that lives in the Arbors, the fancy area where Ginny Talbot lives in Someone Like You.
Ruby goes to Mayor’s Village Shopping Complex. Milton’s Market is in the Mayor Village; the market being were Scarlett and Haley worked in Someone Like You.
In Someone Like You, Scarlett and Haley go to Zip Marts all the time. Ruby also frequent the Zip Mart.

Keeping the Moon:
Ruby’s friend Olivia’s cousin Laney takes place in a 5K. She was inspired to after she watched a Kiki Sparks infomercial. Kiki Sparks is Colie’s mom.
Nate is a runner like Colie.

Dreamland:
Ruby went to Jackson High for a while. Caitlain goes there in Dreamland.
Ruby transfers to Perkins Day. Perkins Day is where Rogerson Biscoe goes in Dreamland.
Corinna and Dave rent a little yellow house. In Lock and Key, Ruby and her mom are living there.
Ruby is physically abused by her mom, and Nate’s dad is physically abusive to him. In Dreamland, Rogerson’s father is physically abusive to him.
In Caitlan’s dream she goes to the Lakeview Mall. Ruby works at a jewelry kiosk in the mall.
Ruby used to buy pot from Rogerson
Ruby’s somewhat boyfriend Marshall is roommates with Rogerson.
Ruby has a friend that lives in the Arbors, the Arbors is where Rogerson used to live.
Boo and Stewart teach at the U, while Caitlan’s Dad is dean of students. Cora and Jamie went to U; Ruby, Gervais, and Nate are going to U .

This Lullaby:
Remy and her friends are always at the Zip Mart. In Lock and Key, Ruby goes there as well.
Heather Wainwright has a Jump Java coffee. Jump Java is where John Miller worked at.
Cora helped Barbara Starr with her last divorce.
Reggie sells vitamins in the mall. In This Lullaby an old boyfriend of Remy, Anton, sold vitamins in the mall.
Truth Squad rents a little yellow house. In Lock and Key, Ruby and her mom are living there.
Lissa is is going to U. Cora and Jamie went to U; Ruby, Gervais and Nate are going to U
Nate has a “No Eating in the Car” rule like Remy.

The Truth About Forever:
Ruby, Cora, and Jamie live in Wildflower Ridge. The very place Macy’s mom designed in the Truth About Forever.
One of Nate’s clients is Macy’s mom. He creates gift baskets for her with little chocolates in the shape of houses.
Kristi is at the mall helping Bert find a gift for his girlfriend. She like Ruby’s necklace, which inspires Harriet to create a bunch to sell at her kiosk.
Macy and Wes run the 5K. Ruby’s friend Olivia’s cousin Laney tries to run the 5K.
Macy goes to the Quick Zip like Ruby.
Nate is a runner like Wes.
Caroline went to U. Cora and Jamie went to U; Ruby, Gervais, and Nate are going to U
Ruby lives on Wildflower Ridge like Macy.
Gervais is a tutor like Bert.

Just Listen:
Annabelle goes to Jackson High, that is where Ruby goes for a little while.
Ruby listens to Annabelle’s radio show one day on the way to school.
Owen’s sister Mallory and her friends come to Harriet’s kiosk to look at the key necklaces.
Male model who gives Annabelle his number goes to U. Ruby, Gervais and Nate attend U; Cora and Jamie went there too.
Ruby goes to the Arbors at one point, the fancy area where Annabelle lives
Ruby, like Owen likes Led Zepplin
Owen helps Jamie find Cora’s favorite songs.

Along for the Ride:
Ruby dates Nate Cross. Auden talks about awkwardly flirting with him in Along for the Ride.
Ruby’s brother-in-law created the website Ume.com. In Along for the Ride, Auden goes on it.
Ruby went to Jackson High for a while. Auden went there for a while in Along for the Ride.
Ruby goes to Perkins Day. Auden goes to Perkins Day for a bit in Along for the Ride.
Ruby wears a necklace with a key on it. Harriet makes a ton of these to sell at her kiosk in the mall. In Along for the Ride, Heidi sells these at Clementine’s.
Ruby, Gervais, and Nate attend U. Cora and Jamie used to go to U. Auden’s mom is a professor at U.
Gervais is a tutor like Auden.
Ruby applies for Defriese but doesn’t get in. Auden and Maggie attend Defriese.

Whatever Happened to Goodbye:
McLean is named after a Defriese University coach, she used to live in Tyler, the town Defriese University is located, and her stepdad is the Defriese University basketball coach. Auden and Maggie go to Defriese University. Ruby applies to Defriese University
Dave is friends with Gervais
McLean has multiple UME.com pages
Guy next door to McLean goes to U like Ruby and Nate do. McLean herself attends U.
McLean goes to Jackson High like Ruby did before she transferred.
Dave takes classes at the U. Ruby, Gervais, and Nate attend U.
McLean gets a Jackson High Spirit Sticker from Deb. Ruby has one on her notebook
Heather Wainwright has a Jump Java coffee. McLean gets a coupon to Jump Java from Deb.
Dave makes Smoothies. In Lock and Key, Harriet tries to quit drinking coffee by switching to Smoothies.
McLean, her dad, and mom love Led Zepplin. Ruby does too.
Moon and More:
Benji and Emmaline’s grandma are putting the realty on UME so people can like the page. Emmaline and others have UME pages. Ruby’s brother-in-law created UME.
Emmaline’s mom gets pregnant in high school, just like Ruby’s mom.
Cora and Jamie went to U; Ruby, Gervais, and Nate are going to U. Emmaline is going to U in the fall.

Along for the Ride- Auden has never been a child. The daughter of two professors, who are children enough, Auden was always expected to be an adult. She’s studied hard and is going to go off to university. However, when she decides to head out and stay with her father for the summer, and his wife and new baby; she is off to a summer that will be different in every way imaginable. She starts working for her stepmom, she is introduced to girls and their world, a place she has never been before. One day when she is out with them; she meets Eli, a guy who has been so wounded he hasn’t been able to be around anyone. But as the two are insomniacs, Auden and Eli team up to be the most unlikely pairs; as Eli teaches Auden how to be a kid, and Auden sets out to ride her first bike.

I just love this book. It surprised me because at first I didn’t think I would, but I absolutely fell in love with it and its message. A major winner. Plus Eli is perfection, if only he existed in real life.

PeopleIWant2Marry

These are the things I’ve found refer back to Along for the Ride.

That Summer:
Haven’s family spends a whole summer at a beach just like Auden does

Someone Like You:
Scarlett and Haley went to Jackson High. Auden went there for a while in Along for the Ride.

Keeping the Moon
Auden goes to visit her Dad and Stepmom in Colby. Colby is where Colie visited for the entire summer in Keeping the Moon.
Auden eats at Last Chance where Colie worked at in Keeping the Moon.
The cashier that takes Auden’s order at Last Chance is a dark haired girl with a lip ring. Colie is dark-haired with a lip ring.
Heidi, Auden’s stepmom, two best friends are Morgan and Isabelle. Morgan and Isabelle are Colie’s next door neighbors in Keeping the Moon.
Auden passes a women with long hair in an orange jumpsuit on a bicycle. This is Mira, Colie’s aunt.

Dreamland:
Caitlin went to Jackson High. Auden goes to Jackson High for a bit in Along for the Ride.
Rogerson Biscoe goes to Perkins Day. Auden goes to Perkins Day for a bit in Along for the Ride.
Boo and Stewart teach at U. That is where Auden mom teaches at as well.
Cass starts reading about Buddhism. In Along for the Ride, Auden is reading about it too.
Cass spends a whole summer at the beach. Auden does too.
Caitlan’s Dad is Dean of students at the U. Auden’s mom is a professor at the U.

This Lullaby:
Auden’s parents are both PhDs. In This Lullaby, Lissa’s parents are PhDs. as well.
Auden’s mom teaches at the U. U is where Lissa is going to college.

The Truth About Forever:
Macy went to Jackson High. Auden went there for a while in Along for the Ride.
Macy’s ex-boyfriend Jason Talbot goes to Kiffeny-Brown. Auden goes there in Along for the Ride.
Jason Talbot was supposed to be Auden’s date for the prom, but he cancels last minute. He is also her date in the prom boardwalk party Heidi throws, but cancels last minute once again.
Macy and Wes are always going to World of Waffles. In Along for the Ride, when Maggie, Leah, and Esther go there, Esther’s car breaks down.
Jason’s parents are professors just like Auden’s parents.
Auden’s mom is a professor at U. Caroline went to U.
Auden is a tutor in Along for the Ride. Bert also tutors.

Just Listen:
Annabelle went to Jackson High. Auden went there for a while in Along for the Ride.
Will Cash, Sophie’s boyfriend, the guy who rapes Annabelle goes to Perkins Day. Auden goes to Perkins Day for a bit in Along for the Ride.
Annabelle, Rory, and Owen go to World of Waffles. In Along for the Ride, when Maggie, Leah, and Esther go there, Esther’s car breaks down.
Male model who gives Annabelle his number goes to U. Auden’s mother is a professor at U.
Annabelle and family would go to the beach a lot for summer. Auden spends a summer at the beach.
A girl named Esther emcees the poetry and other readings at the coffee shop, Jump Java. Whitney goes her to read her memoir. In Along for the Ride, Auden’s friend Esther, loves to go to coffee shops to hear readings.

Lock and Key:
Ruby dates Nate Cross. Auden talks about awkwardly flirting with him in Along for the Ride.
Ruby’s brother-in-law created the website Ume.com. In Along for the Ride, Auden goes on it.
Ruby went to Jackson High for a while. Auden went there for a while in Along for the Ride.
Ruby goes to Perkins Day. Auden goes to Perkins Day for a bit in Along for the Ride.
Ruby wears a necklace with a key on it. Harriet makes a ton of these to sell at her kiosk in the mall. In Along for the Ride, Heidi sells these at Clementine’s.
Ruby, Gervais, and Nate attend U. Cora and Jamie used to go to U. Auden’s mom is a professor at U.
Gervais is a tutor like Auden.
Ruby applies for Defriese but doesn’t get in. Auden and Maggie attend Defriese.

Whatever Happened to Goodbye:
McLean is named after a Defriese University coach, she used to live in Tyler, the town Defriese University is located, and her stepdad is the Defriese University basketball coach. Auden and Maggie go to Defriese University.. Auden and Maggie go to Defriese University.
Auden and Eli shop at Park Mart. So does Mclean
Guy next door to McLean goes to U; McLean herself attends U. Auden’s mother is a professor at U.
McLean goes to Jackson High like Auden did before she transferred.
Dave used to go to Kiffeny-Brown before transferring to Jackson High
Dave takes classes at the U. Auden’s mother is a professor at U.
Peter bought McLean’s mom a house in Colby. Colby is where Auden spends the summer with her dad and stepmom.
Jason is the chef at Luna Blue. Jason is the guy who stood Auden up twice.
Heidi is friends with McLean’s mom. She comes by with Thisbe and a bathing suit from Clementine’s.

The Moon and More:
Auden’s friend Esther film’s Clyde, Ivy, & Emmaline’s party.
Emmaline goes to parties at the Tip. The Tip was were Auden had her embarrassing first night.
Clyde hangs out with Emmaline. Clyde met Auden when she was on her “quest”. He made pie for her too in his laundromat.
Both stories take place in Colby.
Knows Wallace, who is friends with Auden.
Emmaline is a Gas/Gro fiend, just like Auden & friends.
Emmaline goes to Abe’s Bike, named for Eli’s friend and owned by Clyde.
They talk about Weymor college, where Auden’s dad teaches at.
Emmaline gets an ad for Tallyho, Luke cheats on her there, and they have the art show after party there. Tallyho was were Maggie, Esther, and Leah would go and promised never again to go.
Knows Maggie and Auden.
Emmaline’s friend Daisy works for Heidi, Auden’s stepmother, at her shop, Clemetines.
Auden goes to visit her Dad and Stepmom in Colby. Emmaline lives in Colby.
Auden eats at Last Chance so does Emmaline.
Auden mom teaches at U. Emmaline will be attending in the fall.
Along for the Ride takes place the summer before Auden attends college. So does The Moon and More.
Daisy & Emmaline win best dressed at the Beach Bash. Heidi throws the Beach Bash every year.
Heidi is friends with Emmaline’s mom, Emily.
Auden and Eli shop at Park Mart. So does Emmaline.
Adam and Wallace live down in the beach shacks. Wallace used to live in GULL’S CRY which is where Theo lives after he gets kicked out.

Whatever Happened to Goodbye-  Ever since McClean’s mother cheated on her father and went off with the guy; McClean has followed her father as he closed his restaurant and taken a job moving from place to place and fixing up restaurants that his boss is planning to take over. With every move, McClean reinvents herself. But in this new place that feels as if it could be home, who should she be? Who is she really?

I didn’t like this as much as the other books, but thought it was still pretty good and fresh.

These are the things I’ve found refer back to What Happened to Goodbye.

That Summer:
Also set in Lakeview
McLean goes on beach trips with her mom, much like Haven’s family used to do.
McLean’s mom cheats on her dad, and gets remarried. She gets pregnant too soon. Haven’s dad cheats on her mom and he remarries. His new wife gets pregnant too soon too.

Someone Like You:
Also set in Lakeview
McLean goes to Jackson High like Haley and Scarlett do.
Dave counted the exact amount of distance between the shed and McLean’s house. Scarlett and Haley used to do stuff like this.

Keeping the Moon:
McLean’s dad walks in a slow gait like Norman.
Like Colie, McLean becomes a waitress.
Peter bought McLean’s mom a house in Colby. Colby is where Colie spends the summer with her Aunt Mira.
Heather’s dad loves moon pies. Norman loves moon pies too.

Dreamland:
Caitlan’s dad is a huge fan of college sports. McLean’s stepdad is a college basketball coach.
McLean goes to Jackson High like Caitlan.
Guy next door to McLean goes to U; McLean herself attends U. Boo and Stewart teach at U. Caitlin’s dad is also the Dean of students
Also set in Lakeview

This Lullaby:
Also set in Lakeview
Dave takes classes at the U. Lissa attends U.
McLean like Lissa goes to U.
McLean gets a coupon for Jump Java. Jump Java is right across from Remy’s work and where Scarlett and John Miller worked.
McLean’s mom reads romance novels. Remy’s mom writes them.

The Truth About Forever:
Also set in Lakeview
Guy next door to McLean goes to U; McLean herself attends U. Macy’s sister Caroline went to U.
McLean goes to Jackson High like Macy does.
McLean’s dad walks in a slow gait like Wes.
Dave takes classes at the U. Macy’s sister Caroline went to U.
Peter bought McLean’s mom a house in Colby. Colby is where Macy and her family have a beach house.
Jason is the chef at Luna Blue. Jason is Macy’s ex.
Dave, like Wes, also has a tattoo that is in remembrance of someone he loved that died.

Just Listen:
Also set in Lakeview
McLean was on the soccer team at one point. Annabelle’s friend Clarke played soccer.
McLean goes to Jackson High like Annabelle does.
McLean is told to transfer to the Fountain School. Rolly attends the Fountain School.
McLean sees Annabelle and Owen arguing about music during her first lunch at Jackson High.
Male model who gives Annabelle his number goes to U. McLean is going to attend U too.
McLean, her dad, and mom love Led Zepplin. Owen does too.

Lock and Key:
Also set in Lakeview
McLean is named after a Defriese University coach, she used to live in Tyler, the town Defriese University is located, and her stepdad is the Defriese University basketball coach. Auden and Maggie go to Defriese University. Ruby applies to Defriese University
Mclean has multiple UME.com pages
Guy next door to McLean goes to U like Ruby and Nate do. McLean herself attends U.
McLean goes to Jackson High like Ruby did before she transferred.
Dave takes classes at the U. Ruby, Gervais and Nate attend U.
McLean gets a Jackson High Spirit Sticker from Deb. Ruby has one on her notebook.
Heather Wainwright has a Jump Java coffee. McLean gets a coupon to Jump Java from Deb.
Dave makes Smoothies. In Lock and Key, Harriet tries to quit drinking coffee by switching to Smoothies.
McLean, her dad, and mom love Led Zepplin. Ruby does too.
Dave is friends with Gervais

Along for the Ride:
McLean is named after a Defriese University coach, she used to live in Tyler, the town Defriese University is located, and her stepdad is the Defriese University basketball coach. Auden and Maggie go to Defriese University. Auden and Maggie go to Defriese University.
Auden and Eli shop at Park Mart. So does Mclean
Guy next door to McLean goes to U; McLean herself attends U. Auden’s mother is a professor at U.
McLean goes to Jackson High like Auden did before she transferred.
Dave used to go to Kiffeny-Brown before transferring to Jackson High
Dave takes classes at the U. Auden’s mother is a professor at U.
Peter bought McLean’s mom a house in Colby. Colby is where Auden spends the summer with her dad and stepmom.
Jason is the chef at Luna Blue. Jason is the guy who stood Auden up twice.
Heidi is friends with McLean’s mom. She comes by with Thisbe and a bathing suit from Clementine’s.
The Moon and More:
Knows Rachel Gertman who makes the Gert bracelets. McClean and her mom have a ton, they were a tradition when they went to Colby beach. Dave bought one too.
Peter bought McLean’s mom a house in Colby. Colby is where Emmaline lives.
McLean’s dad walks in a slow gait like Morris.
Guy next door to McLean goes to U, McLean and Dave also attend U. Emmaline will be attending U in the fall.
McLean goes to Jackson High like Caitlan.
McLean gets a coupon to Jump Java from Deb, Emmaline goes to Jump Jave to clear her head about Theo.
McLean and Emmaline shop at Park Mart.
Heidi is friends with McLean’s mom. Heidi and Emmaline’s mom are friends.

The Moon and More:
Auden’s friend Esther film’s Clyde, Ivy, & Emmaline’s party.
Emmaline goes to parties at the Tip. The Tip was were Auden had her embarrassing first night.
Clyde hangs out with Emmaline. Clyde met Auden when she was on her “quest”. He made pie for her too in his laundromat.
Both stories take place in Colby.
Knows Wallace, who is friends with Auden.
Emmaline is a Gas/Gro fiend, just like Auden & friends.
Emmaline goes to Abe’s Bike, named for Eli’s friend and owned by Clyde.
They talk about Weymor college, where Auden’s dad teaches at.
Emmaline gets an ad for Tallyho, Luke cheats on her there, and they have the art show after party there. Tallyho was were Maggie, Esther, and Leah would go and promised never again to go.
Knows Maggie and Auden.
Emmaline’s friend Daisy works for Heidi, Auden’s stepmother, at her shop, Clemetines.
Auden goes to visit her Dad and Stepmom in Colby. Emmaline lives in Colby.
Auden eats at Last Chance so does Emmaline.
Auden mom teaches at U. Emmaline will be attending in the fall.
Along for the Ride takes place the summer before Auden attends college. So does The Moon and More.
Daisy & Emmaline win best dressed at the Beach Bash. Heidi throws the Beach Bash every year.
Heidi is friends with Emmaline’s mom, Emily.
Auden and Eli shop at Park Mart. So does Emmaline.
Adam and Wallace live down in the beach shacks. Wallace used to live in GULL’S CRY which is where Theo lives after he gets kicked out.

The Moon and More- Emaline and Luke have grown up together in Colby and joke around about how they will be getting married. However, Luke has different plans and breaks up with Emaline. Shortly after, she finds her life occupied by a film crew renting some of her parent’s beach houses. They are trying to make a documentary about the town’s reclusive artist. Theo, the film student and assistant, is from New York and seems sophisticated and exciting, and believes that Emaline is too good for her little town. With Emaline being pulled in all directions by her stepdad, father, mother, Theo, and friends…what choice will she make? Which of these is her moon?

This is my least favorite in the series. I felt like the characters weren’t as unique and developed. I also didn’t like how the girl broke up with her boyfriend of four years and was like an hour later I’m fine and over him. Seriously? It wasn’t horrible, but just not the caliber I expected.

These are the things I found that relate to The Moon and More. 

That Summer:
One of Ashley’s old boyfriends dies in a motorcycle accident. Rachel Gertman, friend of Emmaline’s sis Amber, was in a bike accident but just had to go to rehab. Doesn’t specify what type of bike for Rachel though.
Haven’s family spent a whole summer at a beach in the past, Emmaline leaves in a beachtown.
Someone Like You:
Rachel Gertman, friend of Emmaline’s sis Amber, was in a bike accident just like Michael, although michael died and Rachel just had to go to rehab. Doesn’t specify what type of bike for Rachel though.
Emmaline’s mom gets pregnant in high school, just like Scarlett.
Keeping the Moon:
Both stories take place in Colby.
Eats at Last Chance a few times, also where Luke broke up with her. Colie is her waitress.
Norman walks with a slow loping gait. So does Morris.

Dreamland:
Rachel Gertman, friend of Emmaline’s sis Amber, was in a bike accident had to go to rehab. Caitlain had to go to rehab for her drug and emotional/physical abuse from her boyfriend.
Cass spends a whole summer at the beach. Emmaline lives in a beachtown.
Boo and Stewart teach at the U, while Caitlan’s Dad is dean of students. U is where Emaline is going to college.

This Lullaby:
When Emmaline was feeling stressed out over Theo, she goes to Jump Java to clear her mind. Scarlett and John Miller worked at Jump Java in TL.
TL takes place the summer before Remy goes to college, just like Emmaline.
Lissa’s going to U, Emmaline will be going there in the fall as well.
The Truth About Forever:
The caterer Robin says “everyone loves meatballs” just like Delia always said in TAF.
Underage Morris is a bartender for the event, such as Wes.
Story takes place in Colby, Macy’s family has a beach house there.
Emmaline has the same Us and Them mentality. its her and Clyde against Ivy and Theo. Macy expresses the same idea in TAF regarding the caterers against the eaters.
Luke, Emmaline’s ex, is Wes and Bert’s cousin.
Emmaline and Luke play Gotcha! They were taught by Wes and Bert.
Like Macy, Emmaline always wears an elastic on her wrist.
The waitresses at Last Chance restaurant know Macy’s father by name. Emmaline goes to Last Chance all the time.
Wes walks with a slow, loping gait; just like Morris.
In the beginning of TAF Macy helps out with the catering because a server moves so slow and not doing well. Emmaline helps out with a catering when Morris is moving too slow and not doing anything.
Caroline went to U, and it is where Emmaline is attending in the fall.

Just Listen:
Annabelle and family would go to the beach a lot for summer. Emmaline leaves in a beachtown.
Male model who gives Annabelle his number goes to U, Emmaline will be attending there in the fall.
A girl named Esther emcees the poetry and other readings at the coffee shop, Jump Java. Whitney goes there to read her memoir. In Along for the Ride, Auden’s friend Esther, loves to go to coffee shops to hear readings. Esther films the art show for Emmaline and Ivy.
Heather Wainwright has a Jump Java coffee. Jump Java is where Emmaline goes to clear her head when Theo distresses her.
Lock and Key:
Benji and Emmaline’s grandma are putting the realty on UME so people can like the page. Emmaline and others have UME pages. Ruby’s brother-in-law created UME.
Emmaline’s mom gets pregnant in high school, just like Ruby’s mom.
Cora and Jamie went to U; Ruby, Gervais, and Nate are going to U. Emmaline is going to U in the fall.
Along for the Ride:
Auden’s friend Esther film’s Clyde, Ivy, & Emmaline’s party.
Emmaline goes to parties at the Tip. The Tip was were Auden had her embarrassing first night.
Clyde hangs out with Emmaline. Clyde met Auden when she was on her “quest”. He made pie for her too in his laundromat.
Both stories take place in Colby.
Knows Wallace, who is friends with Auden.
Emmaline is a Gas/Gro fiend, just like Auden & friends.
Emmaline goes to Abe’s Bike, named for Eli’s friend and owned by Clyde.
They talk about Weymor college, where Auden’s dad teaches at.
Emmaline gets an ad for Tallyho, Luke cheats on her there, and they have the art show after party there. Tallyho was were Maggie, Esther, and Leah would go and promised never again to go.
Knows Maggie and Auden.
Emmaline’s friend Daisy works for Heidi, Auden’s stepmother, at her shop, Clemetines.
Auden goes to visit her Dad and Stepmom in Colby. Emmaline lives in Colby.
Auden eats at Last Chance so does Emmaline.
Auden mom teaches at U. Emmaline will be attending in the fall.
AFTR takes place the summer before Auden attends college. So does M&M.
Daisy & Emmaline win best dressed at the Beach Bash. Heidi throws the Beach Bash every year.
Heidi is friends with Emmaline’s mom, Emily.
Auden and Eli shop at Park Mart. So does Emmaline.
Whatever Happened to Goodbye:
Knows Rachel Gertman who makes the Gert bracelets. McClean and her mom have a ton, they were a tradition when they went to Colby beach. Dave bought one too.
Peter bought McLean’s mom a house in Colby. Colby is where Emmaline lives.
McLean’s dad walks in a slow gait like Morris.
Guy next door to McLean goes to U, McLean and Dave also attend U. Emmaline will be attending U in the fall.
McLean goes to Jackson High like Caitlan.
McLean gets a coupon to Jump Java from Deb, Emmaline goes to Jump Jave to clear her head about Theo.
McLean and Emmaline shop at Park Mart.
Heidi is friends with McLean’s mom. Heidi and Emmaline’s mom are friends.

Now as for Saint Anything? I have yet to read the book, but when I do I will update this and let you know what I think.

For more on Sarah Dessen, go to It’s Not Old…It’s Vintage

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So I typically talk about 4-6 things, but after that Sarah Dessen review I’m a bit tapped out. So I will continue as normal next week.

LifeasaFangirl

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For the previous post, go to A Study in Fandoms

And Stay tuned for part 21

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For more Audrey Hepburn, go to I’m Putting You First: How to Steal a Million (1966)

For more book-filled posts, go to You’re My Best Friend