All Sales Final

by Sarah S. Reida

What price would you pay for everything you've ever wanted?

11-year-old Anna has always wanted to be extraordinary, but she feels as ordinary as her sleepy Midwestern town of Longford. Then a secondhand shop opens in Longford – a shop full of magic that only Anna can see. When the shop’s owner, Ruth, offers Anna a job not just anyone can perform, Anna feels that her dream is finally coming true. Proudly, she spreads the news of the shop, charming others into visiting and helping match each person to the perfect item.

Then Anna sees what Ruth's bargains take away from her customers. Ruth's magic is darker than she let on, and so is the life she's offered Anna. Even worse, if Anna doesn't stop Ruth, Longford will be doomed. But what chance does one ordinary girl have against someone like Ruth?

Genres: Middle Grade

294 pages, Paperback

First published April 7, 2020

About the author

Sarah Schauerte Reida is a writer, lawyer, and ugly animal advocate. Growing up in the Midwest (Illinois, to be precise), she read everything she could get her hands on, as well as watched many, many movies during her parents' "camping" trips involving electricity and s'mores in a microwave. A member of The Sweet Sixteens, Sarah's debut middle grade novel, Monstervile: A Lissa Black Production, is slated for release in September of 2016 from Sky Pony Press.

A graduate of Saint Louis University (B.A). and Case Western Reserve University School of Law (J.D.), Sarah makes a living helping veteran business owners compete for federal contracts. She and her husband Scott live in the Atlanta area with their rescue cats. By the time you read this, they will probably have acquired another animal.

Reviews

[Veronica Canfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

All Sales Final (love the title) is about a little girl named Anna who yearns to feel special, something most kids her age can relate to. When Ruth rolls into town with a brand new shop, Anna is thrilled to find a new strange and interesting friend with equally strange and interesting merchandise in the exciting new shop. It's not long before Anna discovers that Ruth is drawn to Anna by her undeveloped magical skills. Ruth eventually proves to be more sinister than Anna could have imagined.

The story pulls you in right away. The plot is quick-paced, keeping interest high-perfect for reluctant readers. The fantasy elements are very well done, and Reida's writing creates a rich, believable, magical world. With a nod to Stephen King's Needful things, All Sales Final is a delightful fantasy with edges of darkness that middle graders, and even some older readers, will appreciate. A great book for kids to read during the COVID quarantine.

[Claire Fayers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a proof copy of this book in return for an honest review.

I enjoyed the author's previous book, Monsterville, and All Sales Final has the same touch of dark fantasy. The plot reminded me a little of Ray Bradbury's Something Wicked This Way Comes. The plot moves along quickly, and I enjoyed the 1950's America setting. It's a familiar theme - be careful what you wish for - and it's done very well as we see the effect of the people's wishes. Sometimes it's not good to get everything you want.

The magical shop with its creepy owners will appeal to young readers. The scares and spooky atmosphere are handled with a light touch. An enjoyable read with some serious themes.

[Michele Wolfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story is interesting and surprising. I never wanted to put the book down! It is about a girl named Anna who just wants to be extraordinary, like her best friend Carrie. A small shop opens up near her, and she finds out that it is filled with magic! She is one of the only people who can see it. She tells everyone to come, but it turns out that the store is not as happy and good as it seemed. Is Ruth, the store owner, playing with a darker kind of magic?

I loved this book because it is a new kind of story, and I think you will too!

[Cara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a super fun, quick read! Perfect for kids, but as an adult, I thoroughly enjoyed it myself. Creepy fun without being too scary. Would recommend or purchase again as a gift 😊