So Over My Head by Jenny B. Jones

Published: May 4^th, 2010 (Thomas Nelson Publishers)

Pages: 326

Rating: 4/5

Goodreads ~ Amazon

Newly single, stalked by a killer, and in desperate need of some chic clown shoes--Bella is one skinny mocha frapp away from total meltdown. When the Fritz Family Carnival makes its annual appearance in Truman, Bella's keen reporter instincts tell her the bright lights hide more than they reveal. Her suspicions are confirmed when one of the stars is murdered. Though the police make an immediate arrest, Bella doubts this case is quite that simple. She needs her crime-solving boyfriend, Luke, more than ever. Problem is, his ex-girlfriend has moved back to town, giving Bella some murderous thoughts of her own. Then again, there's no time for a relationship crisis when Bella's doing her best to derail her father's wedding and stay one step ahead of a killer. Is God sending her a message in all of this madness? With a murderer on the loose and her boyfriend's ex on the prowl, this undercover clown has never had more to juggle--or more to risk.

(Description from Goodreads)

Being the Thanksgiving season and all, I’d just like to say that I’m thankful for authors like Jenny B. Jones who toss hilarious, fun, clean Christian YA fiction at teen girls like me. What would I do without them?

That said, Bella Kirkwood really takes it hard in So Over My Head. Her family is suffering from not having her stepdad around due to his reality-show wrestling gig, and the fact that Bella caught Luke in a lip lock with none other than his ex- girlfriend Barbie Doll doesn’t make matters any rosier.

Oh, and did I mention that a magician-turned-murderer is after her?

Bella must go undercover as a circus act to reveal the truth and save the day- yet again.

I adore Bella and her hilarious crime-solving schemes. She never fails to make me laugh. Even her sarcasm Especially her sarcasm. This last installment was just as hilariously entertaining as the last two. This time, instead of uncovering the football team’s psychotic rituals or saving prom from sheer destruction, Bella’s gotten herself wrapped up in the Fritz Family Circus. But more is going on than just clowning around.

(I promise not to embarrass you with another one of those awful puns ever again. Promise.)

I’m not going to lie. So Over My Head seemed a little slow at parts. I think I was just a little tired of it all: the crime-solving, Bella’s irrational jealousy of Luke’s ex Ashley, etc. There wasn’t anything wrong with all those things, I was just sorely in need of a break from Bella.

There. I said it. I hated saying it, but it needed to be said. *sigh of relief* Aside from getting a little weary of the series, I loved everything else. I honestly could sit and read this book all day. It will make you laugh. I don’t care if you’re a snotty, stiff, hater of fun. It will make you cry tears of laughter. I’m so glad I bought my copy so that I can pull it out whenever I need a laugh. Just a page or two will do. I suggest you follow suit- it’s quite a smart idea, no?

In conclusion, I’ll just say what I said in my reviews for the last two books (I mean, how original do you expect me to be? A writer can only rephrase the same thing oh so many times!): Pick it up. I loved it. So should you.

Quick Content Review: *may contain spoilers*

Language: None

Violence: Mild-Moderate (A murder, a kidnapping, some grave digging, etc. Nothing described. Offset with humor.)

Sexual: Mild (Some kissing).

I’m So Sure by Jenny B. Jones (The Charmed Life #2)

Published: November 3^rd, 2009 (Thomas Nelson Publishers)

Pages: 312

Rating: 4/5

Goodreads ~ Amazon

"Think you're having a rough week? Bella's stepdad, a semi-pro wrestler, just signed the entire family up for a reality TV show. Bella's first thought: Kill. Me. Now."
Living in Truman, Oklahoma wasn't 100% miserable for Bella. Sure, she misses Manhattan, couture clothes, and her dad. But she was making new friends at Truman High and almost enjoying her work at the school newspaper. Then the whole stepdad-wrestler-reality-show issue hit and her life is now being splashed across weekly tabloids and broadcast news. As if having a camera crew following her around isn't bad enough, Bella soon discovers a conspiracy against the Truman High prom queen candidates. And the closer she gets to the answer, the more danger she's in.
As her relationship with Luke teeters between friendship and romance, Bella's ex-boyfriend Hunter reappears and vies for Bella's attention. Denying allegations of a love triangle, working to solve the prom queen mystery, and trying to keep her cool on national television finally motivate Bella to start talking--and listening--to God more.
But what comes next has Bella once again screaming: "I'M. SO. SURE."

Bella’s at it again. That is, when she’s not lusting over the newest spring fashion line for Burberry. I’m talking about her awesome crime-busting skills. With her amazing(ly hot) editor-in-chief, Luke, by her side, Bella’s ready for anything Oklahoma could possibly throw her way.

That was before her step-dad turned wrestler signed up to have their lives broadcasted via reality TV. 

Just as she was finally getting adjusted to life in Truman, a camera crew swipes the rug out from under her. Now, as she tries to 1) get a job for an article in the school paper, 2) figure out the male population, and 3) find out who’s out to turn prom into a nightmare, she can smile at the camera while she’s doing so.

Not.

I really enjoyed this second book in the Charmed Life series. Some parts were so laugh-out-loud hilarious. Like more hilarious than usual. *grin* A particular scene involving a disaster at a maxi-pad factory had me rolling on the floor. *coughcough* But I’ll let you find out the details of that little incident.

In So Not Happening, I wasn’t really all that impressed with Luke. I mean, his and Bella’s playful banter was interesting, but I just wasn’t very captivated with him. My reaction to him was completely different in this second book. Suddenly, Luke is hot. And I really liked it. J Looking forward to seeing how their little romance turns out in the third book.

The one and only thing that irritated me a little was the fact that this book seemed a little ridiculous at points. Jenny specializes in humor, sometimes the ridiculous kind, but some parts were just downright silly. As long as you can get past it and not focus on it too much, it shouldn’t really be a big deal.

In conclusion, I’m So Sure was a fantastic sequel to So Not Happening. I doubt I’ll ever get tired of Jenny’s humor. I can’t seem to get enough of it! Hopefully So Over My Head (book three) will prove to be just as entertaining.

Quick Content Review: *may contain spoilers*

Language: None

Violence: Mild (A nerdy maniac tries to blow up the prom queen.)

Sexual: Mild (A kiss or two and some harmless flirting)

So Not Happening by Jenny B. Jones

Published: May 5^th 2009 (Thomas Nelson Publishers)

Pages: 329

Rating: 4/5

Goodreads ~ Amazon

Bella Kirkwood had it all: A-list friends at her prestigious private school, Broadway in her backyard, and Daddy's MasterCard in her wallet. Then her father, a plastic surgeon to the stars, decided to trade her mother in for a newer model. When Bella's mom falls in love with a man she met on the Internet--a factory worker with two bratty sons--Bella has to pack up and move in with her new family in Truman, Oklahoma. On a farm, no less.

Forced to trade her uber-trendy NYC lifestyle for down-home charm, Bella feels like a pair of Rock & Republic jeans in a sea of Wranglers. At least some of the people in her new high school are pretty cool. Especially the hunky football player who invites her to lunch. And maybe even the annoying--but kinda hot--editor of the school newspaper.

But before long, Bella smells something rotten in the town of Truman, and it's not just the cow pasture. With her savvy reporter's instincts, she is determined to find the story behind all the secrets. [Description from Goodreads]

Credit card? Check. Prada heels? Check. Gucci purse? Check. Major attitude? Check.

This is what makes up Bella Kirkwood. Only problem? She went from shopping at Barney’s to waking up in a dinky little town in Oklahoma, complete with roosters, cows, and a diner (with a waitress that reminds me of Dolly Parton). She now has two very odd brothers (understatement of the year, right there) and a suspicious stepdad. Her mom has apparently flown off the handle (considering she married said stepdad), and all Bella wants is a one-way flight back to Manhattan. I’ll just go ahead and relieve your suspense, here.

She gets anything but.

Jenny B. Jones

I loved this book. It wasn’t exactly what I expected, but my surprise was definitely more pleasant than repulsive. I loved Bella as a character. She must have been so much fun to write (spoiled rotten brats usually are). Honestly, she annoyed me for a while, but it was a good kind of annoyance. The tolerant kind. *grin* But she’s also hilarious. One thing that’s so funny about her is that she’s completely unaware that she’s so selfish and rude. Completely. Unaware. I’m currently reading the second book, and she does get a little less arrogant, but my advice to you is: enjoy her attitude while you can. It’s priceless.

I wasn’t really expecting this book to turn out the way it did. I was envisioning a glittery, girly ending, but the book took a darker turn than I imagined it would. I kind of liked how it ended, though. Unforeseen suspense is always a nice thing. I don’t want to spoil anything, but let’s just say I have an irrational fear of high school football players now. Even the buff ones. The more competitive, the worse they are. And just to irritate you, I’m not going to say anything else about it and let you read the book yourself to find out what on earth I’m talking about.

So, in conclusion, I’d have to say that I really, really liked this book. I can’t say it’s my favorite by Jenny, though, because her newest book, There You’ll Find Me, takes the prize for that. But So Not Happening was hardly lacking in Jenny’s usual hilarity and mirth, and it proved to keep me smiling the whole time I was reading it. Between shaking my head at Bella, laughing to myself, and swooning over Luke (that’s another story for another time), I couldn’t find one thing I didn’t like about So Not Happening. It’s both a girly read as well as one that’ll grip you as it nosedives toward the ending. And it’s one you should read reeealll soon (as they would say in Oklahoma).

Quick Content Review: *may contain spoilers*

Language: None.

Violence: Mild- Moderate (Several incidents mentioned of football players encountering “accidents” that resulted in their deaths. A girl is forced to overdose on pills.)

Sexual: Mild (some kissing)

Just Between You and Me by Jenny B. Jones

Published: September 1, 2009

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Pages: 316

Rating: 5/5

Maggie Montgomery lives a life of adventure. Her job as a cinematographer takes her from one exotic locale to the next. When Maggie's not working, she loves to rappel off cliffs or go skydiving. Nothing frightens her. Nothing, that is, except Ivy, Texas, where a family emergency pulls her back home to a town full of bad memories, painful secrets, and people Maggie left far behind . . . for a reason.

Forced to stay longer than she intended, Maggie finds her family a complete mess, including the niece her sister has abandoned. Ten-year-old Riley is struggling in school and out of control at home. The only person who can really handle the pint-sized troublemaker is Conner, the local vet and Ivy's most eligible bachelor. But Conner and Maggie keep butting heads--he's suspicious of her and, well, she doesn't rely on anyone but herself. As Maggie humorously fumbles her way from one mishap to another, she realizes she's going to need to ask for help from the one person who scares her the most.

To save one little girl--and herself--can Maggie let go of her fears and just trust God? [Book Description from Amazon]

Review:

            I had no doubt in my mind that I would enjoy this book. After reading Jenny’s YA novel, There You’ll Find Me, I knew I was lethally hooked. Her use of humor to offset the heavy issues she deals with delights me beyond words, but at the same time touches our souls with heart-felt stories of renewal and grace. I just can’t get enough of it!

            Maggie likes to think she escaped Ivy, Texas. She likes to think she loves her job, and that she’s not avoiding her father or her deranged sister. She likes to think she’s not afraid of anything. So when life calls her back to Ivy, back to her father and sister, back to the place her mother died, where memories haunt her and her past has yet to be forgotten, she’s anything but thrilled. And then there’s Riley, her wild and tough-on-the-outside-but-hurt-on-the-inside niece. Oh, and then Connor shows up. The kid (or one of them, at least) that she tormented in high school. But he’s no math nerd anymore. Nope. He’s Ivy’s number one (or only one) veterinarian. Not to mention, he’s hot and eligible. And he and Maggie hate each other’s guts, pretty much. Well, until they start to fall in love (that’s NOT a spoiler- you knew it would happen the minute you read “hot and eligible.” Don’t deny it. *wink*). Returning to Ivy forces Maggie to open her eyes to all the things she’s been running away from and makes her realize surrendering to God is the only way to true freedom.

            I loved this book to pieces. I think I’ll like every Jenny B. Jones book I ever read. I just love her use of humor and her unique style- it keeps you entertained but when you’re finished, you realize how touching the story was and how God reveals new truths to you through it. I highly recommend this book and all of Jenny’s others (even though I have yet to read her Charmed Life series…that’s coming soon, I promise! I’m sure it’s just as good as this one, though). Just Between You and Me will make you laugh, cry, and blush (yes, the romance is amazing! And Connor is just about as hot as they come). Its humor offsets its spiritual intensity, making for a perfect summer read.

Quick Content Review: *may contain spoilers*

Clean Read!!! (Though Just Between You and Me is an adult novel, it’s squeaky clean and in my opinion, is very suitable for young adults or any age group, in fact.)

Language- None

Violence- None

Sexual- Mild (a kiss or two).

There You’ll Find Me by Jenny B. Jones

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Published: October 4, 2011

Pages: 307

Rating: 5/5

Finley Sinclair is not your typical eighteen-year-old. She's witty, tough, and driven. With an upcoming interview at the Manhattan music conservatory, Finley needs to compose her audition piece. But her creativity disappeared with the death of her older brother, Will.

She decides to study abroad in Ireland so she can follow Will's travel journal. It's the place he felt closest to God, and she's hopeful being there will help her make peace over losing him. So she agrees to an exchange program and boards the plane.

Beckett Rush, teen heartthrob and Hollywood bad boy, is flying to Ireland to finish filming his latest vampire movie. On the flight, he meets Finley. She's the one girl who seems immune to his charm. Undeterred, Beckett convinces her to be his assistant in exchange for his help as a tour guide.

Once in Ireland, Finley starts to break down. The loss of her brother and the pressure of school, her audition, and whatever it is that is happening between her and Beckett, leads her to a new and dangerous vice. When is God going to show up for her in this emerald paradise?

Then she experiences something that radically changes her perspective on life. Could it be God convincing her that everything she's been looking for has been with her all along? [Book Description from Amazon]

Review:

Finley has been through more than the average teen’s troubles. While other girls her age are worrying about acne, fashion, and boys, Finley just wants her brother back. Or at least to forget him, to let go of his tragic death. While on her way to Ireland to spend some time on the island her brother fell in love with, she meets none other than the world famous hottie, Beckett Rush. Starring in a new vampire movie shot in Ireland, Beckett is all but ready for Finley’s reaction to him- or his reputation. As tension soars and pressure is increased, Finley must not only find peace with her brother’s death but with herself and God.

            This book had me hooked the minute I cracked it open. Jones weaves a sweet, touching tale of how a girl’s perspective of life is changed through the people she meets and the circumstances God puts her in. It had me laughing (out loud, at the kitchen table, no less, while my family munched silently and starred) and crying. Through Jones’s talented writing, I felt the awe that Finley felt as she experienced all the beauty of Ireland. I absolutely love books that give the reader a taste of another culture, and this one took me there. To Ireland. To the cool sea mist. To the rolling green hills. To the quiet quaintness of Abbeyglen.

            I’ve thought a lot about writing a book of my own like this one, with this same theme. The whole commoner-meets-hot-movie-star-and-the-two-fall-in-love theme has always fascinated me, but I know I couldn’t have pulled it off as well as Jones did. Carelessly, this type of theme could utterly ruin a book, but Jones did a marvelous job of not making it seem ridiculous in the least. Beckett’s movie role was laughable- I mean, fangs + ruffle shirts + castles in Ireland just makes for a laughing fit, if you ask me (apparently the author is a fan of Twilight, so I will restrain from making a rude comment about that particular movie in this review, but do note that I am snickering as I write this). Jones infused her touching story with just the right amount of humor, and the romance was fantastic. I could have gone for a little more (oh my word, Beckett’s going on my “fictional love interests” list) but it might have been too distracting from the true point of Finley’s story.

            *sniffle* Yes, I cried at the end. Not because it’s sad, but because it’s just so beautiful. I closed the book wishing for a sequel, but sometimes one is just enough. Too much of something good can ruin the goodness, if you know what I mean. I have, though, bought nearly all of Jones’s other books from Barnes and Noble, because this book convinced me that she’s an incredible author and I want more, to be honest. In summary, I will be reading this one again sometime. Go check it out. It will inspire, refresh, and entertain you until the very last page.

Quick Content Review: *Clean Read!*

Language: None

Violence: None (Finley’s brother was killed in a terrorist attack, but no details)

Sexual: None (a kiss or two between Finley and Beckett)