6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Trouble With Boys, May 31, 2009
Young Adult edgy Christian fiction is fast becoming one of my new favorite genres. I am enjoying reading about teens in real situations who act like how teens really would act. I sometimes get tired of reading about Christian teens who are always doing the right thing. Yes, we are supposed to stand out and not be a part of the world but at least show how hard it is to confront your peers. This series continues to show that very struggle that happens within a boarding house modern day setting. Taylor keeps shocking me with her everything she does. She is the girl who you hated in high school because she could get away with everything and never got caught. DJ's grandmother is really starting to get on my nerves. I cannot understand what is going on in her head. She seems to care way too much on appearances and favoring those who hide their true intentions and suck up to her. Those that are true to themselves either get ignored or reprimanded. I'm hoping for the day when she finally decides to open her eyes and grows up.
Some people might complain about how this book focuses too much about boys and dating and is inappropriate for young teens. I feel however that this book is targeted at older teens who are dating and experiencing the same thing the Carter House girls are going through. For fans of Gossip Girl and other secular teen lit, this is an example of the perfect alternative for them. It's Christian fiction, but it's not preachy, it's fun and hip, and has characters and situations they will be able to relate too. Liking boys is a natural part of a teen girl's life and this book shows the negative consequences of what happens when you let them take over your life.
I've also been hearing that this series is in talks to be optioned as a TV show. I think this will be an excellent idea if it happens and as long as they keep the story and characters intact, I will be eager to watch it. I hope it will be able to introduce more readers to Melody's books as well.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A good book that will steal your attention!, August 16, 2010
This review is from: Stealing Bradford (Kindle Edition)
I got Stealing Bradford along with its prequel Mixed Bags while both books were free for a limited time. After being entertained with Mixed Bags, I headed off to camp and came back home a week later, finding myself bored with nothing to do. So I figured I might as well start on Stealing Bradford.
Just like Mixed Bags, I finished Stealing Bradord within a few hours. Believe me when I tell you that this a VERY short book, which makes me wonder whether it is really worth the $7.99 it is now. When I pay that much for a book, I like it to last at least a few days. I guess I'm just happy that I didn't have to pay anything for it.
I'm also happy, however, with the book itself. Although short, Melody Carlson seemed to pack in a lot more tension in Stealing Bradford than she did in Mixed Bags, especially in the ending, which kept me on the edge of my seat (Don't worry, I won't tell you what happens. I'll let you find that out for yourself!).
I also loved how the books Christian theme was more evident here than it was in Mixed Bags. In Mixed Bags, I didn't even know that this was a Christian book series until the very end (Surprise!). But in Stealing Bradford, Carlson blended in messages from the Bible throughout the entire book, instead of just the ending, which really seemed to make the book much better.
But the thing I liked best about Stealing Bradford was that I got to see a different side of Taylor. I started the book thinking that Taylor was the "evil one," like she was in Mixed Bags, where I pretty much hated her guts for being so mean to DJ. But toward the end of the book, I really didn't know what to think of her. In this book, she starts to appear less like the strong girl she was before as she opens up to DJ, and by the end of the book I was starting to wonder whether Taylor or DJ's old friends, like Eliza and Casey, were the mean-girls in the Carter House. I applaud Carlson's writing after reading this book. Only a really good author can make you change your thoughts about one of their characters so easily.
However, I can't say that I will be purchasing the rest of the Carter House Girls series anytime soon. With each book being such a short read, I just don't see a point in paying $7.99 per book, when I still have to buy six books to finish the series. Maybe if price is lowered, or if more books in the series are offered free for a limited time, I will continue the series. I'll definately be checking for said price cuts often. Meanwhile, if you are bored and looking for a good, short book with a good message (and you don't mind paying the $7.99), then don't let me stop you from enjoying Stealing Bradford and the rest of the Carter House Girls series.
This is Kindle Obsession, signing off.
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3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
2nd books in series more YA drama, June 16, 2008
Stealing Bradford by Melody Carlson is the second book in the Carter House Girls series. The personalities of the girls have been well established in the first book, now we get to see how they react to high school. Rhiannon and long time boyfriend Bradford seem perfect for each other until Taylor sets her sights on him, setting up the title of the book. When they split up, all of the other girls of Carter House set their sights on bringing Taylor down. Taylor is an over-the-top witch with a b, but as DJ spends more time with her, her vulnerability begins to show through, and it forces DJ to step forward in her faith. DJ's growing faith is refreshing and makes a nice addition to the series. Because she didn't grow up in a Christian home, everything about Christianity is new to her, and some of the toughest lessons for teens (or anyone): judge not, lest ye be judged, and love your neighbors and your enemies are struggles for her. My one disappointment for this book was the ending. Having recently read I Heart Bloomberg, I was surprised to find that Carlson had used an almost identical plot device in that book. While the two books have different audiences, it's not a good practice for an author.
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