ASHLEY SCHUMACHER is a young adult author with a degree in creative writing from the University of North Texas. She lives in a small town with her antisocial but lovable husband and more books than is strictly necessary.
Our Cursed Love (2023) Julie Abe "Our Cursed Loved is a perfectly modern fairytale of adventures in Tokyo, charms that might be curses, and a heroine determined to win back her longtime-best-friend-turned-prince-charming from the jaws of fate. Readers will fall in love with Remy and Cam as they learn that the only thing better than magic is the love that makes it worthwhile - and perhaps the confidence (and snacks!) they discover along the way."
Artifacts of an Ex (2023) Jennifer Chen "A book for anyone who has ever wanted to spin the prickly straw of grief into gold. Artifacts of an Ex reminds you of your favorite Taylor Swift song: Picture perfect descriptions of hearts breaking and hearts healing set to a catchy beat you're not going to forget anytime soon."
Things I'll Never Say (2023) Cassandra Newbould "All at once heart wrenching and heartwarming. The pages can't turn fast enough. An intimate portrayal of grief and all the love and confusion that comes with it, Things I'll Never Say is a must-read for readers who love big feelings books!"
The Half-Life of Love (2023) Brianna Bourne "Every once in a while, you read a book so perfectly devastating that the only thing to do is shove it into the hands of all your friends and beg them, 'READ THIS.' This is that book. Flint and September's unique story is filled with the kind of joy and heartache that reminds you what it is to be human, to love, to grieve, and--best of all--the kind that reminds you why you read to begin with."
Dream to Me (2023) Megan Paasch "Fans of swoony-spooky fantasy rejoice! Paasch's debut is one of those engaging books that sinks its teeth into readers before they have a chance to run. With shadowy small-town lore, secret family history, and the poignant explorations of grief mixed with the mysteries of Eva's emerging powers, Dream to Me proves that the best kind of dreaming happens when you're awake."
Salt and Sugar (2022) Rebecca Carvalho "Salt and Sugar has everything you want in a love story: enemies to lovers, generational feuds, a beautiful setting that will make you want to book a ticket to Brazil, amazing food, and a Romeo and Juliet-esque romance that will leave you swooning. Carvalho's writing nourishes your soul while teasing your senses, and I can't wait to read whatever comes next!"
You, Me, and Our Heartstrings (2022) Melissa See "You, Me, and Our Heartstringsis a heartwarming debut that combines romance, disability, music, mental health, and family into a symphony of pitch-perfect emotions."
This May End Badly (2022) Samantha Markum "Markum takes no prisoners in this stunning debut about fighting for what's right, even if it means growing up... a little."
Never Saw You Coming (2021) Erin Hahn "Erin Hahn's Never Saw You Coming is a balm of comfort. Readers will fall in love with the refreshing honesty of Meg and Micah, two teens who are heartbreakingly genuine in their struggles as they navigate questioning religion, faith, hypocrisy, and the true meaning of love and forgiveness. With her familiar humor and extraordinary prose, Hahn has created a world in which readers are invited to be still and know that they are more than enough just as they are. No conditions. No exceptions."
Trouble Girls (2021) Julia Lynn Rubin "With twists, turns, and a prickle of unease that follows the reader from beginning to end, Trouble Girls promises to keep the pages turning."
