Ari’s Aria by Nadine C. Keels is a book I put at the top of my TBR when it released. Nadine C. Keels stories always capture my interest and I usually end up learning something too!
About Ari’s Aria
Author: Nadine C. Keels
Genre: YA, Historical (circa 1940s)
Series: Malt Shop Milestones Book 3
Young lives. First loves. And a classic American period enlivened by jukeboxes and chocolate malts.
Ever since seventeen-year-old Ari moved to the thriving Black community of West Hill this past fall, she’s been well-known around the neighborhood. Granted, that doesn’t mean that she and her family are popular, exactly. Even so, this summer, Ari wishes to join other teenage girls in West Hill’s annual pageant: a pageant where Ari would possibly look out of place as the only biracial contestant.
On a different note, she’s been at a loss about how to handle a growing crush of hers. The guy she cares for is athletic, comical, and well-liked, but he doesn’t seem to see Ari as anything more than one of his pals.
Being the new and different girl in the area hasn’t been easy. So, what might it take for Ari to begin feeling like she’s truly at home with the people of West Hill—and that perhaps it’s good for her to be different?
Come along on a memorable milestone journey—here in this nostalgic nod to the bygone era of “malt shop” books.
Find it on Goodreads, Amazon, and Bookbub.
My thoughts on Ari’s Aria by Nadine C. Keels
Ari’s Aria by Nadine C. Keels was different than the first two books in the Malt Shop Milestones series, in the best of ways. It felt more like we scratched the surface of these characters, yet it was still profound and made me swoon at the same time; no easy feat. So, happy we got Ari and Bam’s story!
“There’s no fear in love, you know.”
One of my favorite things about this story was the characters’ playfulness. Layered with the deeper themes Nadine C. Keels weaves into her stories so seamlessly. I rarely highlight quotes, but you wouldn’t know it from my reviews of Keels’ books; there are always numerous quotes that touch me. It felt like every chapter, the characters did or said something that I NEEDED to remember.
“We all deserve to be ourselves. To feel sure and good about who we are.”
I enjoyed Ari’s sense of self, her creativity, and her hidden talent. I’m glad we got more of her backstory in this book. Bam’s ability to make people laugh while still coming across as a bit bashful was a cute combo. They made a good pair, gave me several smiles, and tugged at my heart.
They were such a gentle couple navigating the last year of high school:
“Reaching up to gently take his face into both of her hands, not letting go until her thumbs had finished wiping the dampness from beneath his softening eyes. Although she released her hold on his face then, she didn’t step away as she asked him, “Well, what if something goes right?””
I wish everyone could find a friendship like Bam and Ari.
Plus, I always enjoy the historical notes that Nadine C. Keels leaves at the back of her books. This one was a fascinating look at old movies shown during the 1940s. Keels showcased her research on the movies that would have been shown at the time, and it was such a neat tidbit of history I hadn’t heard before.
Great edition to the series! Looking forward to reading what Nadine C. Keels has in store for us next.
About Nadine C. Keels
Nadine. A French name, meaning, “hope.”
With her lifelong passion for life-enriching fiction, Nadine C. Keels enjoys reading and writing everything from short stories to novels. Her fiction works include Love Unfeigned and The Movement of Crowns Series, and select pieces of her lyrical poetry can be found on her spoken word album, Hope. Lyricized. As the founder of Prismatic Prospects, her communication company, Nadine has served as editor for a number of titles, and through her writing, from her books to her blog posts, she aims to help spark hope, inspiration, and genius in as many as she is privileged to reach.
You can find more information about Nadine C. Keels on her website https://prismaticprospects.wordpress.com
[…] “Ari’s Aria is a gentle teenage romance, [a] historical musical moment, and an honest exploration of the race issues facing Black Americans in the late 1940s.” ~Novels Alive “A powerful exploration of love, identity, and the struggle to fit in… I enjoyed this so much.” ~Inksip “Ari’s Aria by Nadine C. Keels is full of charm, heart, humor, and depth, and I enjoyed it so much that I wasn’t ready for it to end.” ~Reading Is My SuperPower “One of my favorite things about this story was the characters’ playfulness. Layered with the deeper themes Nadine C. Keels weaves into her stories so seamlessly.” ~Travelers Wife 4 Life […]
Thanks a bunches, Kimmie! So glad you enjoyed Ari’s turn in the Malt Shop Milestones spotlight. Now pardon my corny Happy Dance! (*shuffle-shuffle clap-clappitty shuffle*)