"Without forgiveness, we'd all be walking this Earth angry and alone, and I think that would suck."

Confession: I love collaborative books. I'd like to think that if I
write a book, it would be in alternating chapters with another author because the dynamic makes me so happy as a reader. Notes From The Blender by Trish Cook and Brendan Halpin is no exception.

Declan and Neilly are only children of single parents. Declan's mom died when he was young and Neilly's parents are divorced. Both teens are comfortable and as happy as an angsty teens can be--until their parents turn their lives upside down with the announcement that they are getting married AND having a baby. They are about to become part of a blended family.

Both shocked and mortified, Declan (who has a crush on Neilly) has to face the fact that his father is moving on from mourning his mother. Neilly, whose thick skin has already weathered the revelation that her father is gay, can't believe that her mother is pregnant.

Notes From The Blender is hilarious and irreverent--a great combination. I giggled out loud while Declan suffered the reality of Neilly becoming more of a sister than a love interest. However, I also loved the serious parts where both Declan and Neilly came to terms with some of the big issues that had previously held them back.

Notes From The Blender is available at your local bookstore or library today. Happy Book Birthday, Trish and Brendan!