First Date by Krista McGee

I just finished reading First Date by Krista McGee and have to say that I was pleasantly surprised.  I received this book as part of the BookSneeze Blogger review program with Thomas Nelson Publishing.  This was a book that I looked over for some time because I didn't think I wanted to read another Teen Christian book, but it was really, really good!  I can't wait for the follow-up book by Krista McGee called Starring Me.


This book follows Addy as she goes on a journey as part of a reality show called Book of Love.  (The book is based on the book of Esther.)  The show is a mixture of The Bachelor, Miss America and Survivor and the winner gets to be the Prom Date of the President's Son, Jonathon.  Addy does not want to go, but she is picked to be her school's representative on the show.  She hopes to be the first one voted off.  She realizes soon that not everyone shares her Christian beliefs and she has a hard time fitting in with the other girls.  She knows that God has placed her in this environment for a reason, but she doesn't find that reason out until her journey on Book of Love is almost over.


I won't spoil the rest of the book, but it is definitely one to pick up.  It really tugs on your heartstrings and shows you how to share Christ with people who don't want to hear it.


Thank you Krista McGee for a wonderful book -- I can't wait for the next one!!!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Next Book Review

First Date by Krista McGee

Addy Davidson is the last girl in the country who wants to be on the new reality TV show to win a date to prom with the President’s son. She’s focused on her schoolwork so she can get a scholarship to an Ivy League college, uncomfortable in the spotlight, never been on a date, and didn’t even audition for it.
But she got selected anyway.

So she does her best to get eliminated on the very first show… right before she realizes that the President’s son is possibly the most attractive guy she has ever seen in person, surprisingly nice, and seemingly unimpressed by the 99 other girls who are throwing themselves at him.

Addy’s totally out of her comfort zone—but that may be right where God can show her the most about who she is . . . and who she was meant to be.

Cliques, Hicks, and Ugly Sticks by K.D. McCrite

I just finished reading the second book in the April Grace series by K.D. McCrite.  This book was titled "Cliques, Hicks, and Ugly Sticks".  This book series is geared toward a middle school reader (tween/teen), but given that it is set in 1986, it reminded me of how I grew up.  I am 30 years old (so I would have been 5 and starting kindergarten in 1986), but I grew up in a small country town in Alabama that reminds me of April Grace's hometown in rural Arkansas.

This book shows how April Grace is dealing with many problems: a crowded house that includes her mother, father, older sister, and new neighbors (Ian and Isabel), who are living with them while they work on their house; starting junior high and finding a new enemy, Lottie, who used to be April Grace's friend and has now started a clique called the "Lotties"; her mom's strange behavior; her snotty older sister, Myra Sue; and having a lead part in the church Christmas play, directed by Isabel.  This book has a lot of great moments, just like the first book and it was really a great, quick read.  It shows the tween/teen reader how to deal with all of these problems in a Christian way, but also shows that everyone makes mistakes and not to worry and dwell on them.  Even though this book is a "Christian" book, it is not overbearing and really does have a great story that should appeal to any mainstream tween/teen audience.  Please don't let the Christian reference throw you off of reading this book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://booksneeze®.com/> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”