Sandra C. Lopez

Single Chicas by Sandra C. Lopez is a fabulous anthology full of heart warming, heart breaking and funny stories about latina women!

This is one of those gems you don't find too often - a series of stories that you can relate to, even if it's not about you. The collection ranges from stories about a brother getting married and changing, to a woman trying to figure out why she wasn't "perfect" enough since her boyfriend dumped her, to a studious girl nicknamed "Virgin Mary" as a joke. The stories tell many different views of a woman's life, and it was just so fantastic! Even when I couldn't relate fully to one of the story's, it felt like it matched many of my friends.

I highly recommend this collection! The stories are short yet sweet, and can easily be binged or taken one piece at a time. It's a feel good series of stories that make will make you proud to be a woman (or know strong women)!

My favourite was definitely the first story, where the sister is wondering why Benny (her brother, Benito) is marrying a girl he barely knows. It feels like the relationship could be not only siblings, but when you question a close friend's choicest since you know them so well.

All of the stories ranged from a 3 star to a 5 star rating (the ones I related to obviously being higher) but they all were fabulously written and a delight to read. I was never bored and never wanted to put the book down! There were definitely some Latina/Latino themes within this book, and I think they were addressed well! I don't fit into that community, but reading the stories gave me a real insight into some of the traditions (and sometimes issues) that come from their lives. Seeing the rebellion and the changes in the women was relatable even if you aren't in that community. I think it approaches the themes in a mature fashion, and it's easy to read, relate to and understand.

You'll want to pick up this series if you like - comedy, a splash of romance, drama, women's fiction, or general fiction. The stories are rather sweet and thoughtful, and won't bring your day down at all. I highly recommend it, and it is a definite must read in my mind!

Five out of five stars! I will definitely be on the lookout for more books and pieces of work by Sandra C. Lopez in the future!

I received a free copy of this book from the author Sandra C. Lopez in exchange for an honest review.… (meer)

It's been awhile since I read a coming-of-age novel, which came across as authentic as this one, and this makes it more than a treat to dive into.

Fourteen-year-old Esperanza just finished eighth grade and has to survive a very hot summer before high school begins...and she's promised her mother hundreds of times that she is going to finish her schooling no matter what. It's not like her past has been easy. Raised by a single-mother, caring for younger siblings, abused by a drunken father, related to only drug-addicts and criminals...her life has been rough. When high school starts, she's excited to start a new chapter but finds herself at odds, right away, with another girl. Add the constant nagging of her best friend to get together with their twin brother, a mother who seems to be loosing it, and a relative with a drug problem moving in, and things aren't going to get any easier than before.

This novel is a little different than many young adult novels, in that there isn't really a single problem Esperanza has to work through. This book is about several years of her life, the problems she faces, and how she deals with them. During the first chapters, the reader learns about her past, gets to know her family and friends, and discovers who Esperanza is. There's isn't really a steady threaded plot, but the reader is simply drawn into her every day life. It's a read which dives into the character, allowing the reader to get to know her inside and out. Because of this, her experiences hit a more personal level and allow the emotions to touch the heart.

Esperanza comes across as a young girl, who has things under better control than she thinks. Life gets rough, and she makes mistakes, but she's a strong character with a good moral compass and a ton of heart. Her determination, even when things threaten to pull her under, is inspiring and is something many young adult readers can easily identify with. But then, every scene, character, and even the problems come across very realistic. (There are a few triggers—family abuse, drugs, mental health issues, etc. )

I received a complimentary copy and found the character depth more than well done.… (meer)

Reviewed by Kira M for TeensReadToo.com

It's Esperanza's first year away from home as she starts college. With a rich girl with a good-looking boyfriend as a roommate and trouble finding a job, things can get tough.

Things look up, though, when she meets Jake, a mechanic hottie who's a total bookworm like her, and he starts showing interest. Towards the end of the year, however, her best friend from the barrio shows back up in her life and wants her to be his girlfriend.

Will Esperanza be able to choose between the two boys?

BEYOND THE GARDENS is a tale filled with humor and romance. The characters are easy to relate to and the plot is well done. Readers who like romance, school stories, and comedy will all enjoy this novel.… (meer)