In Between

I was going to say that this seemed like it was geared toward the younger set of YA readers, but since I am nowhere near that age group (*cough* painful admission *cough*) and I enjoyed it, I guess it really could be for anyone! If you're looking for one of those traditional YA love triangle books where the heroine MUST-MAKE-CHOICE-BETWEEN-TWO-GORGEOUS-GUYS - this is not that book. This story is about 16-year-old Katie Parker who, because her father is absent and her mother is in prison, is being taken from the group home she's been in to live with her new foster parents. New guardians, new home, new town, new school, new clothes, new everything - and Katie is not so sure about any of it. In fact, she's pretty sure she's going to be show more sent back before too long. Katie's story shows how your decisions and choices really have a profound effect on your life and on the people around you - a lesson she learns the hard way after getting into trouble when she chooses the wrong crowd to hang around and succumbs to peer pressure while trying to fit in. The novel is written in first person - and Katie is a witty and sarcastic narrator - which is something I always enjoy! It's a quick read - the pacing is handled very well and there are several memorable characters, including her foster grandmother, Mad Maxine, who is definitely NOT the stereotypical cookie baking, craft making, practical granny. Katie's foster parents are a preacher and his wife, so there is an element of faith in the story, but it isn't preachy at all. The novel is not like reading a sermon or anything - the religious aspect of some of the characters' lives adds to the story without slowing it down or feeling forced or artificial. This is a contemporary, slice of life kind of story and I like the growth Katie shows by the end of the novel. She realizes the difference between accidents and choices, learns that she can succeed if she puts in the effort, learns what real friends are and what family is, and discovers where she belongs. I would have liked to have learned a little more about Katie's back-story and a little more about Amy, Katie's foster parents' daughter. I also would have liked to have seen more of Katie and her foster parents getting to know each other and learning each other's stories, but this is a series, so maybe that will come. In all, I really enjoyed this - it's a quick, fun, light read! show less

Unexpectedly funny and enjoyable to read! I found myself laughing out loud from page 1 with the perfectly-worded quips that were as sarcastic as I was at the age of 16, just like the main character, Katie Parker. So even though I'm a middle-aged mom, In Between was nonetheless entertaining for me from start to finish. Jenny B. Jones does a great job of weaving together a multi-level story, as seen from the eyes of a teen.

Sent to live with a preacher and his wife for foster parents, Katie has her doubts as to whether or not things will work out. And then there's the issue of their faith - which is foreign to her. Through her many misadventures, I was reminded of just what it was like to grow up feeling awkward, defensive, and judged, show more especially when having to be in a new school and trying to fit in. It was a fast-paced plot with never a dull moment. It was interesting to me to see how Katie's views on life were not negated in any way, but enriched, throughout the course of the book. I am definitely going to hunt down the rest of the series, if nothing else than to relate better to my teen daughter. I heartily recommend this book and am looking forward to more work by Jenny B. Jones! show less

I wasn't sure what to think about this one going in. Books that incorporate religion, that tend to be labeled as "clean" and "for everyone" often have really boring plots - or the way things solutions are presented can be just a little bland. So I was really glad to see that this story wasn't bland, and Katie had real issues that she had to deal with and that weren't mystically solved. It made the plot more believable.

I downloaded this free for my Kindle. It's teenage American Christian fiction, but very well written. Katie Parker is sixteen, and narrates the story. She's on her way to a new foster home, but convinced she will be rejected. So she becomes antagonistic and sullen, despite a deeply caring and ethical nature underneath.

The story moves at a good pace, and while Katie's new foster parents seem to good to be true at first, they have a secret that threatens their marriage. Moreover they become quite unforgiving when Katie falls in with a bad crowd and disaster ensues. The Christian themes are strong but not pushy or overdone, at least in my view.

All in all, I enjoyed this very much. Recommended to teenagers or adults who like this genre.

Pretty decent read. Very funny, if also cheesy, and not preachy at all in spite of being Christian YA. Of course, seems kind of shady to not present it as such.

This is a really fun, light read. I adored the MC, and found myself laughing at her clever remarks. Maxine has to be the best book grandmother ever.

This is in the Christian category; so I wasn't sure if I would like it. Some Christian books tend to be too fluffy and out of touch with reality for me. I did enjoy this book and the real life trials and tribulations of a teenager placed in a new environment. Cute and humorous, I found myself laughing at Katie's thoughts and antics. I can remember being a teen through her eyes. Although this read is geared more toward older teens and young adults (I'm 46!), I found it to be a great read!