Books with author Sydell Voeller

Fifteen-year-old Deanna Lambert is miserable. She can't find her niche with the popular kids at school and believes she is ugly. Then too, after her mother deserted the family to pursue an acting career in New York City, Deanna's father has grown distant and embittered. Now Deanna is saddled with most all the chores at home—and she and her dad barely communicate.Yet Deanna's one happy escape is her volunteer work at the nearby Children's Hospital. There the activities director convinces her to get back into her ventriloquism, a creative skill Deanna's grandfather had taught her years earlier. Deanna and her puppet, Ramblin' Roy, entertain and delight the young hospital patients, but Deanna is worried. What if the kids at her school discover what she's doing? Will they think she's just “a baby” who still plays with dolls?Deanna takes the risk, but one problem soon leads to another. Can she ever gain true acceptance at school, especially from Jason, the guy whom she has a major crush on? And most of all, can Deanna embrace her gift of ventriloquism, and in so doing, come to terms with her mother's leaving?Find all Sydell Voeller's BWL books by searching Books We Love

Jessica Williams wishes she were anywhere other than her small town in Oregon. All the kids there are the same except for the few skateboarders her father cannot stand. Life is pretty dull for Jessica until Cam Easton moves into her neighborhood. But when Cam teaches Jessica how to skate, and her father runs for mayor of Preston, her involvement with the skaters poses a threat to her father's campaign. Can the skateboarders prove themselves worthy of the community's support? And most of all, can Jessica and Cam resolve their differences and discover the true meaning of love? Reviews:SKATEBOARD BLUES is a spirited young adult romance book that is sure to grasp any young teenage girl's attention. Ms. Voeller has captured the art of suspension, realistic dialog, as well as well-established characters. Her entertaining story teaches the reader the responsibilities that teenager's have regarding family, friends, the law, and themselves. Review by Jennifer LB Leese, A STORYWEAVER'S Book Reviews"The best thing about this book was the characters. They acted like themselves all the time; their emotions, their speech, the list goes on. Adults and young adults will like this one." ~ Mandy Ramaglia, age 10MOM'S NOTE: I found the story charming and believable, reminding me of a favorite movie from my own teen years-a 2000 version of FOOTLOOSE, with skateboarding exchanged for dancing. Your daughters will enjoy this, mine did, and with all the skateboarding and such, the boys just might like it too, despite the "mushy girl/boy stuff." 4-1/2 Stars! ~ Scribes World Reviews"SKATEBOARD BLUES is a story of young love, believing in oneself and others. There is teenage angst and joy sprinkled throughout. The characters are believable in their struggle to get the community to listen to them. The reader comes away knowing that anything is possible when people listen to each other and work together. Sydell Voeller's SKATEBOARD BLUES is an uplifting story and one I would highly recommend for young readers!" ~ Carol Durfee, Romance Communications“Skateboard Blues shows how kids can overcome adult biases. The romantic relationship between Jessica and Cam gets a little shaky at times, due to a misunderstanding, which adds suspense and realism to the book.” ~ Review by Elle, Young Adult Books Central

Also Available seasonally as Merry Christmas MarcieMarcie's attraction to Ivan sparked the very moment they met. But they lived in totally different worlds. She was a local high school student leading an everyday life and working after school for the local veterinarian. He was a dashing trapeze artist traveling with his circus family, and he would soon be back on tour.Was it only a fleeting romance? A romance that would vanish the moment Ivan left town? Had he fallen for her, or would he always remain an elusive dream? (previously Merry Christmas Marcie)This is a great book for teens. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it. It has it all--from information on how to help an injured bird, to being taken backstage to find out what happens when the circus is in its winter quarters. And a touching romance is woven through almost every page. What more can a YA reader ask for? Norma Davis StoyenoffThis sweet, heartwarming story with a touch of suspense will bring a smile to your face and joy to your heart--any time of year. Luv Books

When Logan Becker’s family embarks on a summer “house swapping” vacation in a beach town in Oregon, Logan is overjoyed. Similarly, Tricia Merrit, the daughter of the other family, is thrilled to be in the farm belt of Minnesota. Logan falls in love with the beach boy surfer of her dreams, but soon she discovers he’s Tricia’s boyfriend. Logan’s dreams are shattered. Meanwhile, there’s another boy who is attracted to Logan—the totally uncool Grant Duncan who is busy trying to launch a campaign to clean the local beaches. Can Logan come to realize that true love often reveals itself in unexpected ways?Editorial Reviews“A wonderful story of a summer romance with interesting twists and turns...” Reviewed by Michelle Poulson-vick at Sharpwriter Reviews“Ms. Voeller’s talent is superb, and I was impressed with her ability to write as if she were the actual teenager in the book. Sandcastles of Love is a light-hearted young adult romance that’s attention grabbing, well-written, and charming.” Reviewed by JB Leese, A Story Weaver"Charming story of young love and summer romances. Perfect for a lazy day in the sun." Judith Pittman

When Logan Becker’s family embarks on a summer “house swapping” vacation in a beach town in Oregon, Logan is overjoyed. Similarly, Tricia Merrit, the daughter of the other family, is thrilled to be in the farm belt of Minnesota. Logan falls in love with the beach boy surfer of her dreams, but soon she discovers he’s Tricia’s boyfriend. Logan’s dreams are shattered. Meanwhile, there’s another boy who is attracted to Logan—the totally uncool Grant Duncan who is busy trying to launch a campaign to clean the local beaches. Can Logan come to realize that true love often reveals itself in unexpected ways?Editorial Reviews“A wonderful story of a summer romance with interesting twists and turns...” Reviewed by Michelle Poulson-vick at Sharpwriter Reviews“Ms. Voeller’s talent is superb, and I was impressed with her ability to write as if she were the actual teenager in the book. Sandcastles of Love is a light-hearted young adult romance that’s attention grabbing, well-written, and charming.” Reviewed by JB Leese, A Story Weaver"Charming story of young love and summer romances. Perfect for a lazy day in the sun." Judith Pittman

When her fiance calls off their engagement, veterinarian assistant Lisa Prentice joins the circus in hopes of escaping the everyday grind. But life under the big top isn't quite what she expected. None of the veterinarian's former assistants managed to please their short-tempered boss, and Lisa fears that her days are numbered, too. Michael Figaro, a dashing young trapeze artist, is also caution about whether Lisa can stay, and because of that, he tries to keep his distance. Still, Lisa finds herself overwhelmingly attracted to him. Although Michael is the aerialist, it is Lisa who is flying on an emotional high wire. What happened to her safety net? Will their love survive?