Review of There You'll Find Me by Jenny B. Jones

Rating: 5 Stars

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Synopsis from Thomas Nelson: 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?

Review:   Are you a young adult?  Do you enjoy vampire films? If you answered "yes" to either of these questions, you will love Jenny B. Jones' latest contribution to young adult fiction, There You'll Find Me.  If, like me, you answered "no" to one or both of the questions, you will still love There You'll Find Me.  When a book is a worthwhile read, it should not be boxed into just one or two categories, and Jenny B. Jones proves just that as she introduces her readers to Finley, an older teen, whose personal growth is being smothered by the overwhelming loss that she feels since the death of her older brother.  With bits of the trademark humor found in Jones' previous novels, like Save the Date, readers experience the wonders of Ireland, teenage relationships, and self-discovery along with Finley.  In past novels, Jones has tackled issues, like changing family dynamics, illness, and foster homes, but this novel presents the effects of grief and other challenges that many young women battle each day in a realistic manner.  You do not need to be a young adult to identify with both Finley and Beckett.  They struggle with fears and insecurities that are felt by both the young and old alike.  

Jenny B. Jones' beautifully demonstrates the bridge between generations by introducing Mrs.  Sweeney.   While Mrs. Sweeney is a supporting character in this novel, her story and its impact on Finley adds a depth to the novel that is emotionally stirring.   In the acknowledgments of There You''ll Find Me, Jenny B. Jones writes, "this book kicked my tail,"  but I believe that it is her best work to date.   Only the most talented authors can successfully craft a novel that incorporates romance, humor, grief, illness, and family relationships that remain relevant to any age group. It is clear that Jenny B. Jones knows and understands teens, but she also knows that we always remain part of who we were yesterday.    

I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from NetGalley, courtesy of Thomas Nelson Publishers.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

On the Loose by Jenny B. Jones

Rating: 5 Stars

Synopsis from NavPress: Six months into her stay with her foster parents, Katie Parker is finally adjusting to her new family. But after a tornado rips through the town of In Between, nothing is ever the same again.

When her foster mom, Millie, is diagnosed with cancer, Katie begins to doubt if God really does care. What will happen to Katie? Could she possibly have to leave In Between and the family she's come to depend on? Things spiral even further out of control when Katie juggles a science fair project, a malfunctioning best friend, spring break plans, and holding the attention of her own Prince Charming. It's going to take more than a glass slipper and some fairy dust to fix Katie Parker's problems. But will help come in time?

Review: After reading In Between, the first book in A Katie Parker Production, I was excited to read On the Loose.  One of the benefits to discovering books after a series is complete is that you don't have to wait for the release of the sequel! Although the series is designated as young adult, you do not have to be a teen to relate to Katie's struggles and to laugh at the infectious humor.  Katie is a great example for teens who are trying to find themselves in the face of pressure and doubts.

Jenny B. Jones never fails to completely draw me into her novels with the wit, sarcasm, and quirkiness that are unique to her work.  She balances such traits with relatable problems, touching moments, and infusions of faith.  On the Loose is a shining example of this balance.  There are some extremely funny scenes throughout the novel; but there are also very tender moments, especially at the end of the book. Jones' writing is so engaging that I can clearly visualize each situation and empathize with the characters.

 I love the cast of characters in A Katie Parker Production. Katie is the star of course, but the supporting stars shine as well. Maxine, Katie's foster grandmother, is particularly humorous, and her interactions with Katie and the rest of the family offer plenty of comedic moments. James and Millie, Katie's foster parents, are heart-warming examples of sacrifice and unconditional love.  I look forward to catching up with Katie, her family, and the rest of In Between in the last book The Big Picture.  I whole-heartedly recommend losing yourself "in between" the pages of A Katie Parker Production or any other novel by Jenny B. Jones.

So Not Happening by Jenny B. Jones

Rating: 5 stars

Publisher's Synopsis: 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.

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.

How can a girl go on when her charmed life is gone and God appears to be giving her the total smackdown?

B Squared's Review: I decided to read the first novel in Jenny B. Jones' acclaimed young-adult series, The Charmed Life, after reading two of her adult novels. Although there are teenage elements to the plot, I found the novel very enjoyable and relatable. Bella Kirkwood is a self-centered and somewhat spoiled girl at the beginning of the novel, but she has a good heart which makes her likable.  Over the course of the novel, Bella re-evaluates her priorities, while maintaining her wit and humor.

On the surface, So Not Happening looks like a light read.  How seriously can one take a book with a cover featuring a designer handbag an a cute pink pig?  Yes, the cover is quirky, as well as the plot in some places.  Jones balances quirks and humor with infusions of faith, suspense, and drama.  Together, these elements create an engaging and steady plot.  I highly recommend So Not Happening to both teenagers and adults.  Will I read the next two books in The Charmed Life series.  Of course...that is so happening!

Save the Date by Jenny B. Jones

Rating: 5 stars

What would you do if someone asked you to pose as their fiancee?  Depending on the situation, that may be a tough, or an easy, question for you to answer.  In Save the Date, Lucy Wiltshire is faced with that decision when she meets Alex Sinclair, a former professional football player and high school classmate.  He is running for a seat in Congress and needs to present an image that proves to voters he is settling down and embracing family values.  Despite Lucy's dislike of Charleston's wealthy, upper-crust society and Alex's arrogant attitude, she cannot deny that she relies on them to support the non-profit home for young women that she runs.

Facing the loss of Saving Grace, her home for girls, Lucy accepts Alex's offer, and the sparks begin to fly.  Lucy and Alex belong to two separate worlds, and she is determined that she will be immune to Alex's charms.  By spending so much time together, Lucy soon begins to see a different side to Alex. Will the cost of posing as a fake fiancee include her heart?

Save the Date is a fun and light-hearted read that I highly recommend!  When I read contemporary inspirational fiction, I sometimes feel that I lack a connection to the main characters, but Jenny B. Jones' writing has that magical "IT" factor for me.  She masterfully infuses Save the Date with just the right mixture of sarcasm, quirkiness, and serious moments that gives the story depth and keeps you turning the pages for more.  The characters are like real people, with flaws and weaknesses.  I could relate to some of Lucy's insecurities, and I was emotionally pulled into the story as she worked to resolve issues that she faced from her past and present.  The supporting characters add life and dimension to the story, and I especially loved Clare, a matriarch of Charleston society, and her assistant Julian. Reading Save the Date was like watching a fun romantic comedy that makes you want to watch it again.  In this case, Save the Date has a secure place on my shelf so I can re-visit Lucy and Alex. 

I am eagerly anticipating Jenny B. Jones' next novel.  I recently read Just Between You and Me, which is another five-star read, that I highly recommend as well.  Although I usually do not read many young adult fiction stories,  I plan to check out her Carol Award-winning young adult series in the near future (So Not Happening, I'm So Sure, and So Over My Head).

I received a complimentary copy of this book from BookSneeze through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”