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Amigas and School Scandals Reviews
Fun and Enjoyable Read
"Amigas and School Scandals was a fun and enjoyable read.
This novel has all the petty jealousies and dramas seen in popular
teen series such as Gossip Girl and The Elite as well as deeper family
scandals and potential friendship rifts that gave the story a more
dramatic and suspenseful
flair. Overall I thought Amigas and School Scandals was a great guilty-pleasure
about friendship and family.
I recommend this novel for readers who liked its prequel Amor and Summer Secrets.
I look forward to the release of the third in this series, Adíos to
All the Drama
in January '09."
-The Book Muncher
Entertaining Teen Drama
"This is an entertaining teen drama as Mariana struggles with balancing her loyalty to her friends with welcoming her cousin, as Lilly did for her in AMOR AND SUMMER SECRETS. Mariana’s difficulties ring true with her being pulled in several directions. Fans will appreciate her return home as AMIGAS AND SCHOOL SCANDALS is an engaging contemporary."
-Harriet Klausner
Will Keep You Hooked Until The Last Page
"Amigas and School Scandals picks up right where Amor and Summer Secrets left off, as Mariana leaves Utuado and her summer fling, Alex. But although summer is over, new dramas and tensions are just heating up.
Teens will easily relate to Mariana’s struggles to include her cousin Lilly into her circle of friendship, while doing all she can to keep her best friends, even if it means passing up a hot guy. Amigas and School Scandals will pull you into Mariana’s world and keep you hooked until the last page. I look forward to reading the final book in this series."
-Bergers Book Reviews
Amor and Summer Secrets Reviews
Will be Appreciated by Fans of Young
Adult Drama and Romance
"This book is a quick read that would likely be appreciated by
any teenage girl who enjoys romance and young adult drama. Older
brother Vince is featured in a few humorous scenes that would be
enjoyed by males and females
alike, and Mariana is able to confront some of her own character
flaws throughout the events that unfold in a very believably human
way. The end of story cliff-hangar definitely leaves one curious as to what
happens
next. Fortunately, Mariana fans won’t have to wait to find out."
- Damian Daily
 A
Fantastic Story
"Diana Rodriguez Wallach tells a fantastic story that I reminded
me of some of the challenges I had growing up multi-ethnic and all the sacrifices
that my family made just so I could be where I am today. I laughed
and cried
and I even learned a few things about myself. I was so touched by
the sincerity of the story. I highly recommend reading this book and following
up with
the next two in the series: "Amigas and School Scandals" & "Adios to All The Drama."
-Goodreads
A Fun, Well-Written Novel
Amor and Summer Secrets is a fun, well-written novel about exploring your heritage, secrets, and friendship.
Mariana and her two best friends seem exceedingly conceited at the beginning of the novel. All they seem to care about is spending thousands of dollars on their Sweet Sixteens. But, as the novel continues on, their personalities become more distinct. Mariana, especially, becomes a truly unique character, and not just because of her ancestry. Lilly, too, is a great character to read about.
Once you get going, the plot flies by fast, but not to the point where it feels rushed. With all of the party-planning, dating, and family drama, there’s hardly a place for boredom.
- Harmony Book Reviews
Great Summer Story
"Amor and Summer Secrets was a cute and well-written story. I really liked Mariana's character; sure, she was spoiled and annoying at times, but she knew her flaws and genuinely tried to be a good person. I could easily relate to her struggles, especially the ones involving her family, friends, and boys. I also liked how Mariana grew to accept and love her cultural identity. And of course, there's enough romance, drama, and secrets to keep the plot interesting. I definitely recommend Amor and Summer Secrets and can't wait for the sequel, Amigas and School Scandals. "
-The Book Muncher
A Tale for Women of All Ages
"I loved this book! "Amor and Summer Secrets" is a story that will be enjoyed by women of all ages. Diana Rodriguez Wallach has written a tale that teenagers will be able to relate to and enjoy, however, she also gives it a depth that allows it to reach out to older women. I found myself reminiscing about my own teen angst years. I also think that the aspect of the story that involved the heroine learning to accept an important part of her heritage is extremely important for teens today. They need to be proud of who they are. That is so much more important than how much they have. I highly recommend this book!"
-P. Lovitt, Amazon
A Fun Read
"It has romance and drama all surrounding a great cast of characters. The best part is that Mariana is likeable, relatable and you can’t help but enjoy joining her on her summer adventure. This book really hooks you in and then at the end leaves you hanging with an amazing cliffhanger. I can’t wait to join Mariana in the sequel, Amigas and School Scandals in October."
-Tempestt
Charming and Entertaining
"Amor and Summer Secrets is a charming and entertaining coming-of-age story. The characters are entertaining, and I enjoyed spending time in Puerto Rico with them all. I am looking forward to Diana Rodriguez Wallach's next novel, which picks up where this one leaves off: Amigas and School Scandals, coming in November from Kensington.
"
-Connie Harris, MyShelf
A Wonderful Book
"Readers will enjoy reading this book and will devour the book cover from cover; it really does capture your attention. The author's writing and fast-paced storyline pulls you in from the start,add Mariana's strong, easy to relate to character, you will find an excuse to put everything off and finish the book. Being the first in the series, readers will eagerly await the sequel due November 2008."
-BookLuver Carol
A Fantastic Debut
"While the voice of Mariana is very much chicklit, there's still
another layer there that makes it more than just a novel about summer
love, and that mainly has to do with the aforementioned secrets
and the rich details that fill this novel. Much of the action takes
place in Puerto Rico, which almost becomes a character in its own
right with the way Wallach describes it all- the weather, the customs
of the people, the simplicistic lifestyle, etc. The ending leaves
the reader wanting more, but not in a huge cliffhanger way, and
to quench that thirst for more, there's a small excerpt of the second
book, Amigas and School Scandals, included in the back. Definitely
recommended."
-Book Chic
Strong, Entertaining, Contemporary
"The characters, especially Mariana, make for a strong entertaining contemporary tale… The story line contains a strong cast that provides deep insight into Puerto Rican extended families with a divide between those living on the island and those residing in the States. Diana Rodriguez Wallach provides a superb intelligent tale about how friendships make a place feel like home."
-Harriet Klausner
Harriet is the #1 ranked reviewer of books on Amazon.com.
Click
here to read the entire review at BarnesandNoble.com. Click
here to learn more about Harriet in Time Magazine.
COMPELLING - Page-Turner
"Wallach's debut novel is fresh, engaging and witty, with
the awareness of one who truly lived the life of her characters.
Her anecdotal sensibility makes the characters real and relatable,
as well as full of flaws and foibles, but they are endearing and
contemporary in a way that will attract young and adult readers
alike."
-Romantic Times
"This fast-paced and tension-filled story pulls the reader into Mariana's world, as she experiences her first adventure off her own turf and finds love. Amor and Summer Secrets is an enjoyable read, and once you pick this book up, you won't be able to put it down. The first of three books, it will leave you wanting to read more from this talented new author."
-Bergers Book Reviews
"Amor and Summer Secrets is a fun summer read. Mariana's feelings are realistic, and I love how she deals with her irresponsible older brother. I think a lot of girls can relate to the situations she finds herself in."
-Mrs. Magoo Reads
News
| 11.14.2008 |
Random Interview: Diana Rodriguez Wallach, Part ‘Dos’
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| 11.13.2008 |
Diana's Guest Blog on Harmony Book Reviews: What Does a Recently Published Author Do All Day?
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| 11.5.2008 |
Diana Featured as a Motivational and Inspirational Woman in Chica Girl Magazine
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| 11.2.2008 |
Liv's Book Reviews: Bits 'n Pieces with Diana Rodriguez Wallach
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| 10.29.2008 |
Teen Spirit: Diana Rodriguez Wallach's Bostonia Web Exclusive for Boston University
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| 10.28.2008 |
Ridley Grad Pens First Novel - Diana Rodriguez Wallach's Feature Article in the Delaware County Times
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| 10.24.2008 |
Amor and Summer Secrets has been nominated for the 2008 Cybils: the Children's and Young Adult Bloggers' Literary Awards!
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| 10.22.2008 |
Book Junkie: Interview- Diana Rodriguez Wallach, author of Amor and Summer Secrets
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| 10.21.2008 |
ChickLitGurrl™ Interview with Diana Rodriguez Wallach
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| 10.14.2008 |
Diana's Chica Lit Interview with author Mary Castillo
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| 10.10.2008 |
Book-Luver Carol's Interview with Diana Rodriguez Wallach
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| 9.23.2008 |
Motivos Magazine Interview with Diana Rodriguez Wallach
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| 9.22.2008 |
Mrs. Magoo Reads Movie Monday: Book Review Video of Amor and Summer Secrets
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| 9.20.2008 |
Mrs. Magoo Reads Saturday's Scribe: Interview with Diana Rodriguez Wallach
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| 9.16.2008 |
Into the Wardrobe Author Interview with Diana Rodriguez Wallach
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| 9.16.2008 |
Amor and Summer Secrets Book Trailer Featured on Into the Wardrobe
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| 9.15.2008 |
Amor and Summer Secrets featured in Main Line Magazine
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| 9.12.2008 |
What's Fresh with Diana Rodriguez Wallach's Amor and Summer Secrets
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| 9.10.2008 |
Hope's Bookself: Interview with Diana Rodriguez Wallach
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| 9.10.2008 |
Q&A: Sarah Burningham talks with YA Author Diana Rodriguez Wallach
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| 9.5.2008 |
Interview with Diana Rodriguez Wallach on Book Chic
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| 9.4.2008 |
Amor and Summer Secrets Book Trailer Featured on Book Divas
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9.3.2008 |
Main Line To Be The Setting For New Series Of Books
"“Amor and Summer Secrets pulls a classic move from the Pretty In Pink playbook: Girl from wrong side of the tracks masquerading as something else on the, er, “right” side of the tracks. The wrong side, in this case, is Puerto Rico, and the “right” side is — wouldn’t you know it — the Main Line!
…Pick this tome up, if only for the veiled references to Food Source and Ruby’s Diner.
DianaRodriguezWallach: XOXO Swarthmore Girl.”
-Philebrity |
| 8.29.2008 |
Random Interview: Diana Rodriguez Wallach
By the 5 randoms |
| 8.21.2008 |
Amor and Summer Secrets Book Trailer Featured on Cynsations
By Cynthia Leitich Smith, Author of Fiction for Young Readers |
| 7.10.2008 |
Kensington Grows Its Children's Offerings
By Sally Lodge, Children's Bookshelf -- Publisher's Weekly |
3.17.2008 |
New
Young Adult Series To Be Set in Philadelphia
Diana Rodriguez Wallach’s debut series features
a 15-year-old multicultural character from the affluent Main
Line |
Want to be the first to know more about Diana? Click
here to join her mailing list! |
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Upcoming Events
Creative Writing Workshop
November 13 and 25, 2008
Kensington International Business High School,
Philadelphia, PA
Creative Writing Workshop
November 19, 2008
RISE Program
Rosemont College
Rosemount, PA
Awards Ceremony Speaker and Signing
December 16, 2008
Kensington International Business High School,
Philadelphia, PA
PHILADELPHIA READS Book Fair
Featured Author / Panelist
December 17, 2008
6:00pm
Barnes & Noble
Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia
Adios to All the Drama Debuts
January 5, 2009
Everywhere!
Creative Writing Workshop
January 13, 2009
Springton Lake Middle School
Media, PA
Speaker and Signing
February 19, 2009
Upper Darby High School
Upper Darby, PA
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