​Ramón Lopez lives along the US-Mexico border in Brownsville, Texas.  He often accompanies his dad on many entrepreneurial tasks that involve crossing the border.  Ramón's mom spends her day taking care of Rubén, Ramón's disabled younger brother.  Chasing the American Dream, Ramón's parents enrolled him in private school, where he excelled. However, when the family's finances diminished, Ramón decided to stay with his Grandma Fina in the US and attend public school while his parents and Rubén moved to Mexico. Although the public school faced challenges, Ramón excelled in art and won a scholarship to study in New York for his senior year.  Ramón's life moves quickly in New York, and he faces new challenges as he becomes an artist whose subject is the Mexican-American experience. When circumstances change at home, Ramón must pivot and return to the border town where he grew up.


The Border Between Us is an emotional story about family, identity, and the challenges of navigating life between two cultures. Ramón's life is always a dichotomy.  In childhood, he experienced not only life in Mexico and the US but also a hardscrabble existence with his family and the opportunities he received at school.  Following Ramón's life from age nine through adulthood provides a well-rounded perspective on how he perceives his family, circumstances, and home. Ramón's feelings about his father fluctuate throughout the story from those of a hero to a failure, and from support to enemy.  All the characters in the story are very realistic and multidimensional.  Ramón's mother caught my attention as she sacrificed to care for Rubén, constantly cheered on Ramón, and started a business to buoy the family in times of need.  Ramón's experience in New York and return to Brownsville forced him to examine his life, the meaning of his experiences, and how they would shape his future. Overall, an amazing story of a life on the border. 

This book was received for free in return for an honest review. 

Elaine Gillies is a high schooler whose family owns the funeral home in her small town.  As a family-run business, Elaine pitches in by playing piano, greeting guests, and ensuring details are correct, earning her the title of "Funeral Girl." However, Xander, a new student, loves that Elaine lives in a funeral home.   Xander is a ghost hunter and is keen to investigate Gillies Funeral Home.  Against her better judgment, Elaine allowed for a ghost hunt.  Amazingly, a full apparition appears to Elaine. In researching the apparition, Elaine finds that a former proprietor's daughter may have fought similar battles to those she faces now. Meanwhile, Elaine faces challenging decisions regarding her friendships, relationships, and future. 

Grave Things Like Love is a young adult paranormal romance that focuses on Elaine's coming of age.  Elaine's home, which functions as a funeral home, is an intriguing setting.  Elaine dutifully helps her parents run the funeral home, often forgoing friends and her personal life. Elaine finally begins to do things for herself after meeting Xander.  Xander's influence makes Elaine push her boundaries, and she allows a paranormal investigation in the funeral home.  I enjoyed Flossie's presence and learning about her past.  I wish she had reached out to Elaine more.  As Elaine's world breaks down around her, she figures out what she wants to do with her life, rather than what her parents expect. Elaine's love triangle with Xander and Miles forced her to examine what she really wanted and come to terms with her long-ignored feelings.  

This book was received for free in return for an honest review.