Book Review: Dear Pen Pal (The Mother-Daughter Book Club, #3) by Heather Vogel Frederick

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Dear Pen Pal (The Mother-Daughter Book Club, #3)  by Heather Vogel Frederick  is the third book in a middle grade book series that is being rereleased. Chaos erupts in this third installment as the daughters in the book club get themselves into trouble. Each of the girls have big changes in their lives:  Jess is going to boarding school; Megan's grandmother comes to live with her; Emma starts a campaign against school uniforms; Cassidy has a lot of unexpected change coming to her family. Will the mother daughter book club stay together? I'd like to thank NetGalley, Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing, and Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers for an Advanced Readers Copy (ARC) of Dear Pen Pal  by Heather Vogel Frederick with it's upcoming rerelease to the public. I always love a good book that involves books, even if its target audience is children between the ages of eight and twelve. It wasn't until I reached the end of the book that I realized that it...
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Book Review: Too Scared To Sleep by Andrew Duplessie

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NetGalley ARC of Too Scared To Sleep by Andrew Duplessie
Too Scared To Sleep by Andrew Duplessie is a chilling collection of horror short stories that immediately brought to mind the eerie, unforgettable feeling of reading Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark. Each story delivers suspense, creepiness, and just enough unease to keep readers turning the pages late into the night. What truly sets this teen horror anthology apart is its interactive element: at the end of every story, there is a QR code that readers can scan to watch a short video connected to the plot. This creative feature adds a modern twist, enhancing the atmosphere and making the stories feel even more real and immersive.

I’d like to thank NetGalley for providing me with an Advance Reader’s Copy (ARC) of this horror collection in exchange for my honest review. The synopsis immediately caught my attention, and I was excited for the opportunity to dive into these scary short stories. When I found out I had been approved to read it, I couldn’t wait to experience how the stories would unfold.

The use of QR codes was a brilliant and memorable addition that elevated the entire reading experience. Being able to scan and watch parts of the story acted out added an extra layer of suspense and made the collection stand out from traditional horror books. It felt immersive and innovative, especially for younger readers who enjoy multimedia storytelling. While the themes and content lean toward a more mature tone, making it best suited for teens between thirteen and eighteen, adult horror fans will also find plenty to enjoy. The stories balance psychological tension, eerie scenarios, and unsettling twists that appeal to a wide audience of horror lovers.

I rated Too Scared To Sleep by Andrew Duplessie four out of five stars. This horror short story collection is an excellent choice for teens looking for spooky reads, especially during the Halloween season or on Friday the 13th when the mood calls for something creepy and entertaining. With its unique interactive format and engaging storytelling, it’s a memorable addition to the young adult horror genre and a fun, frightening read that horror fans won’t want to miss.

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