Customer Reviews

So Over It (The Reinvention of Skylar Hoyt)

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I've read a lot of young adult fiction, both Christian and general market. Even though I'm not a complete expert on the subject, I feel that I am one of the few readers who has read both kinds and can do a fair comparative. Sometimes general market YA has too much sex, language and drinking for Christian readers. Sometimes Christian YA is too clean and unrealistic for general market readers. I like reading books that have a balance between the two, where a Christian teen can read a YA book and still be able to relate to real life issues without sugarcoating.

Stephanie Morrill's series The Reinvention of Skylar Holt has manage to capture both worlds in a wonderfully written story. In the conclusion of the series, the reader finds Skylar still struggling with getting rid of her past and being able to move on with her life. A family vacation in Hawaii might do the trick..or it might not as her grandmother tries to fix her up with the cute next door neighbor boy. Skylar is still not completely over her ex boyfriend Chase so her feeling with new guy Justin become severely conflicted. Plus she is also having to deal with her teenage single mom sister and all the feeling and conflicts that go along with her situation.

Skylar has to tackle many things that a lot of Christian teens are carefully sheltered from. Since becoming a Christian, she's been able to stay away from her past life but it keeps following her around. There's a lot of boy drama in this book but it's handled realistically and that I feel a lot of girls will be able to relate to. Since this is the third book in the series, I HIGHLY recommend reading the other two books before delving into this one. While it could possibly be read as a stand alone, it is much better to read the other two books as you will be able to understand Skylar, her family, her situation and all the characters a lot better.

My only qualm about the book was that I felt it ended a little abruptly. I was a bit disappointed that the resolution to Skylar's problem (which had been plaguing her throughout the series) was only resolved literally at the very end of the book. I actually turned the page hoping to see more but alas the book was over. I just felt that a little bit more to the story might have helped.

Other than that, I thought this was a good conclusion to the series. Overall, I have really enjoyed these books as I felt that they have been a good portrayal of realistic teen life as well as introducing audiences to a multicultural family. I honestly feel that a lot of teens, whether Christian or not, will be able to relate to Skylar and her feelings, emotions, wants and needs. Morrill has done wonders writing this book and I will look forward to reading whatever she has coming up in the future.

Morrill wrote a group of stories that felt real. The issues weren't sugar-coated and the characters acted like real high school seniors, then graduates. There was no pretense, no Christianese, no flowery stuff to cater to what people think Christian teens need to read. This story was real in every way. Skylar was like most girls... indecisive when it came to boys, often gullible, and very misunderstood. Her sister's issues were well-portrayed as well, especially when it came to teen pregnancy and parenting. Never before have I read more realistic descriptions of backsliding behavior with new Christians. This series showed that better than any book out there, too. I loved that!

I adored everything about this last book in the series. Like the first two books, the writing was flawless. The characters were so genuinely written that I forgot I was reading fiction. And let's face it, Connor was just the hottest Christian teen hero I've read about who happens to be a decent guy and friend to Skylar. It was his heart attitude that made him so lovable. That, and the fact that he wasn't perfect and willing to admit it.

I loved that Morrill showed a flawed Connor who had a rescuer complex, so the reader had to sort through things emotionally along with Skylar. Again, the author knows how to write it like it really is. The guilt, the shame, the holding things inside, not trusting, etc. It's all very real emotional "teen" baggage. Given the way the majority of Skylar's friends were, too, she had every reason not to trust them. And the way they all at one time or another used a guy or girl to get over another relationship was realistically portrayed. The author did an excellent job of showing how wrong that is without saying it.

The part where Skylar ran off to Hawaii was well done. It always seems easier to start over where no one knows you or about your past, but it's not the healthiest way to go about this and it's not an effective way to heal and grow as an individual. This story showed that very well. I loved the conclusion and how Skylar had to deal with the demons (figurative for painful memories) that haunted her for all three books. I loved how Skylar grew so much over the course of this series. There were so many things to like about it, I could go on all day. If you are looking for realistic teen fiction with characters that could easily be your friends (or the friends of your kids,) and and if you want honesty in novels but with a faith curve, you'll love this series. Highly recommended.

This is book #3 in The Reinvention of Skylar Hoyt series and both my daughter and I have been anxiously awaiting its arrival to see how the series would end. I liked both of the first two books and yet wondered where Stephanie would take this third one to wrap things up. She handled it expertly. This series deals with some heavy subjects (Skylar is given a roofie at a party and wakes up not knowing exactly what happened; her sister Abbie has a baby at 15; her parents separate and then work on reconciliation) but they are handled in a fashion by the author that I really admire. Normally I wouldn't let my daughter read books dealing with these subjects yet, but for this series I did. I love that Skylar turns to God to change her after the party and she realizes that just maybe she is headed down the wrong path. I also love that even after that she isn't perfect. She stumbles and makes more mistakes, but she keeps trying. She struggles with forgiveness but finally realizes that to move on she has to let go and let God. So this third book really deals with a lot of forgiveness and also finding the truth. It is a great finish to this series and I enjoyed each of the books

I devoured every book in The Reinvention of Skylar Hoyt series. The characters are so real! I came to care about each one of them, and I couldn't wait to see how their story ended. Stephanie Morrill did not disappoint.

In So Over It, Skylar falls back into her party life style. However, she soon realizes that her old habits no longer satisfy. Not after she's had a taste of what a life with God can be like. Skylar wants to move forward in her transformation, but it seems impossible for her to do so at home where reminders of her former life are around every corner. Skylar's solution? Move to her grandparent's house in Hawaii for a fresh start.

This solution quickly backfires. Skylar realizes that she can't run from her problems or her past. In order to finish her reinvention and gain true freedom, Skylar must confront old friends and talk about the horrible night that set her on this journey. But will she have the courage to open up? Can Skylar finally forgive others and herself? Get your copy of So Over It to find out.

If you are like me and been following the saga of Skylar Holt , you know that over the past two books that she has been through so much and that the journey of re-inventing herself has been such a struggle and if you are joining for the first time - I suggest you read Books #1 and #2 before starting Book #3 as this is a novel that rounds the trilogy off perfectly. Remember in Book #1 the event that changed Skylar's life and the one that made her decide that she was going to give up her worldly ways of partying , drinking and follow God and become a christian . It was an event that caused her to be drugged and not remember a thing except the feeling of frightfulness and awfulness - it was a feeling she never wanted to feel again EVER. In Book #3 , Skylar is off to Hawaii for what may turn out to be a Summer filled with realisations of who she really is and what path she is taking. Before the trip Skylar was SO OVER IT and wanted a fresh start away from her feuding family , boys, her old friends -everything that she felt was wrong in her life but as the trip to Hawaii turns out , she starts to think about her future more in perspective and realises that maybe running away from her past isn't the right decision after all. After the vacation Skylar returns to Kansas City hoping to find her way back to God , but in order to do this she must revisit the night that changed her life , an event that causes her to believe she needs fixing . Can Skylar turn to her loved ones and find out what really happened that night or will they judge her ? Is Skylar's memory of what happened that night exactly what happened or has someone lied to cover their tracks ?
Find out in Book #3 of The Re-Invention of Skylar Holt - All together now - I'm "SO OVER IT".

Review by Jill Williamson

After all the drama that went down at the end of her senior year, Skylar is ready to move on. She jumps at the chance to visit her grandparents in Hawaii. She only plans to stay a few weeks, but perhaps Hawaii would be a good place for a fresh start, where she won't run into her old friends everywhere she goes. But will she be strong enough to be who God is calling her to be?

Whew! I am thrilled with how everything came together in this third and final installment of the Reinvention of Skylar Hoyt series. There is still some drama going on in Skylar's life, even though she tried to get away from it. But she's finally learning that no one is perfect and that true forgiveness is an awesome, freeing experience. I loved how everything came together, and certain characters matured and were able to do the right thing, even when they wanted to do the selfish thing. I'm being vague because I don't want to spoil it. J

This is a great series for teen girls. There is romance drama, friend drama, and what do to with my life drama, but it's fun, realistic, and entertaining. You won't be able to put them down until you've read all three. I highly recommend!

The summer after her senior year, Skylar Hoyt is ready to start over. She's looking for someplace she can begin with a clean slate, someplace where no one will know about the bad choices she made, someplace like... Hawaii. Instead of the escape she dreamed of, the summer trip to stay with her grandparents uncovers more of Skylar's past. Phone calls from home pull on her heart, reminding her of all the things she'll miss if she stays on the island, but going home means facing events and people she badly wants left behind. Which is worse?

From beginning to end, So Over It details the internal and external struggles of a girl trying to figure it all out. Skylar is thoughtful, upbeat and quirky - the kind of friend every girl dreams of having. As any Skylar Hoyt series reader has come to expect, author Stephanie Morrill delivers prose and dialogue that's both witty and poignant. I devoured this story in one sitting. Fantastic read, and a great closing to the series.

High school graduation, a trip to Hawaii, and a cute neighbor sound like the perfect way to spend the summer, but Skylar Hoyt finds things can go really wrong in the course of a few decisions in Stephanie Morrill's "So Over It".

In the third book of the Reinvention of Skylar Hoyt series, we follow Skylar as she graduates from high school trying to live the Christian life she's committed to, and shed herself of relationships that have become too complicated. In Skylar's mind, she's just "so over it"--the drama, the pettiness, the past. But if that's true, then why can't she get thoughts of her ex-boyfriend out of her mind and why can't she be the girl she wants to be? As Skylar makes some difficult decisions, and others are made for her, she begins to realize that sometimes the dreams you hold in your heart and the same ones God wants to fulfill in you.

Teenagers will recognize themselves in the choices, struggles, and sacrifices Skylar faces and celebrate with her victories. A great YA novel on finding your dreams and becoming the person you were meant to be.

The long anticipated third book of the reinvention of Skylar Hoyt does not disappoint.

Have you ever wanted to move somewhere no one knows you? I know that I have. Skylar has her chance to move to Hawaii with her grandparents. It is perfect. It's a great place to live, beautiful weather, and a chance to make anew.

The journey begins. Skylar is staying in Hawaii for the summer. She meets new friends and a cute guy to boot. Her family is with her but her old boyfriend is not. What could be better? The time comes for her family to leave. She must make a final decision to stay in Hawaii or leave. She can leave the old life behind. But, then there is a part of the old life that she still wants to hold onto. Skylar realizes that you cannot have it both ways.

The theme of the book is forgiveness. It's difficult to forgive someone and ultimately confront another person if necessary to heal. To forgive oneself can seem virtually impossible. I'm not perfect and I've made mistakes. Big ones. I can be forgiven but I can never take away my part. Only Jesus can take it away from me. I have to be willing to hand it over.

If you haven't read the first two books, I recommend reading them to get the full effect. Each book can be a stand-alone novel. Stephanie provides enough information that you would not be lost.

I'm looking forward to future novels by Stephanie Morrill.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. 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
[...] "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

So Over It concludes the Skylar Hoyt series with a nicely tied up package of three. I didn't read book #1, but #2 and #3 are suitable for almost any teen. You may disagree if you don't want kids reading what normal American teens do, such as drinking and smoking and partying while they get their act together. The author does not assume that every teen does these things, but Skylar and her friends and sister indulge if they are in a backslidden state.

Connor is the perfect hero, with his faults and foibles, and a strong, sincere love for Skylar. Her sister Abbie presents the down side of teen sex--a darling baby boy, Owen, skillfully presented to show the reality of having a baby at age 16. Owen even influences the type of car Abbie receives for her birthday!

Stephanie Morrill does a great job showing teen angst and joys, decisions that must be made, and average teen behavior. Skylar and Abbie's parents also present real-life issues their daughters have to deal with.

Will Skylar be able to rise above the gossip and live the life God wants, even in Hawaii?You'll like the ending of this book much more than #2, Out With The In Crowd.

Review by Audrey Hebbert, M.A., author of Green Light Red Light