Customer Reviews

The Spring of Candy Apples (Sweet Seasons Novel, A)

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The Spring of Candy Apples by Debbie Viguie is the fourth and final (no! say it ain't so!) book in the Sweet Seasons series about high school senior Candy Thompson. Candy is back working at The Zone, an amusement park, but now she's a long term employee and learning the ropes as a referee. She's on pins and needles waiting to see if she wins a scholarship from The Zone, and her relationship with Kurt is on the rocks. I have really enjoyed following the adventures of Candy and The Zone gang. Viguie has really brought to life the entire amusement park and filled it with a vital and interesting cast of characters. Candy's faith and trusting in God has grown throughout the series as she also learns to trust herself and let herself shine. She finally figures out what fans have always known about her and Josh, and the series ends on a high note. I do hope that Viguie isn't finished with Candy and will follow her through her college years. This is one character I'm not ready to say good-bye to.

The Sweet Seasons series has been one of my favorite YA series from the time I picked up the first book. Debbie Viguie writes in a perfect teen voice and really gets you into the story. There's no label dropping and teens come across as very real. It's also one of the funniest and just plain enjoyable YA series that's out there. It's Christian YA but it's not preachy at all.

This book features Candace in her last season working at The Zone amusement park. She's been working there for almost a year and it's about time for her to leave not only the park but make plans to leave for college as well. This time the mission for the park's employees is to put on a talent show. While this may sound boring, the results definitely are not and it's a hoot watching Candace's group perfect their talent. And then of course, there are new things to discover about the The Zone which is always really exciting to read about. I think that these kids have the best job a high schooler could ever have.

I don't want to spoil the story about who Candace ends up with but let's just say I was super geeked and it was done absolutely perfect. Honestly I really can't find any fault with this book other than I'm really sad that this is the final book of the series. I've grown to love Candace and the gang at the Zone. I loved reading about their adventures in the park and seeing how the characters have grown and matured over the past year. I totally wish that The Zone amusement park existed in real life. It is pretty much the theme park of my dreams. If you're looking for some fun light YA reading, this series is definitely for you. HIGHLY recommended.

Perfect for : The young adult in your life.

In a nutshell: This is a wonderfully inspirational series written for teen girls - but is even a fun read for adults! This is the fourth book of the Sweet Seasons series by Debbie Viguie - now that all four seasons have been covered, I hope Debbie finds a way to continue following Candy and her friends as they go off to college. In this book, we return to see more of Candy's life as she experiences all the teen things: friendships, romance issues, school (and dealing with college applications and scholarships), work, thinking about the future and faith!

Extended Review:
Characters: I have really enjoyed reading about Candy, Tamara, Kurt, Josh, etc. I love that Debbie has given them REAL teen-sounding dialogue, I can see my niece relating to them with no problem!

Story-Line: There is no preaching in this book, but rather, Candy is gently guided through life with a focus on values and faith. She is a typical teen, facing many challenges (Is Kurt the right boyfriend, could she go to school far away)

Readability: A fun and easy read that will hold your attention and provide inspiration.

Overall: A wonderful addition to an already great series. I highly recommend this book to any parents looking for some good reading for their teen daughters (nieces, grand-daughters, etc).

Book four of the Sweet Seasons Novel series is a delicious treat. It can be easily read and appreciated on its own. The story grabs the heart of teens as two high school teenagers, Candice and Tamara--best friends solve problems as only teens can. The characters are slightly flawed and therefore, quite believable. The plot includes college applications, boyfriends, work at The Zone, Man of La Mancha, and a talent show. The author has teen dialogue down pat; I enjoyed the parts where the kids text.

As in book three, parents, teachers, and employers are respected. There's a bit of romance, a time of tension between two opposing viewpoints, a sad scene that causes the need for a tissue, and a delightful ending. The real meaning of Easter is covered. If you have a teenager or know one, this teen fiction is a good idea for them! I'm passing my copy along to my granddaughter.

The Spring of Candy Apples is one out of a set of four written by Debbie Viguie. The story takes place at The Zone, an amusement park, where Candy is the main character. She has made friends while working there when she discovers someone has turned her name in for a college scholarship.

Candy has been dating the same boy for quite some time, but knew deep in her heart he was not the one. Through different situations and circumstances she comes to find out that the boy she calls her friend is the one she falls for. This novel takes you through Candy's life and to the point when she finds out what college she will be attending. This is a book that will grab your teenager and keep them reading to the end. It shows the importance of friends, family, relationships & God. Great read for any teen.

Diane Viguie's Sweet Seasons series is a dream come true for the parents of teenaged girls! My daughter absolutely FLIPS for these books! We're sad that all of the seasons have now passed and the series that follows Candace and her many teen adventures through the jobs she's held as an amusement park snack vendor.
I am thrilled that there are wholesome books out there that tackle real teen drama. And I love that my daughter is motivated to READ VOLUNTARILY! I can't wait to see what Diane Viguie comes up with next. Neither can my 14-year old.