phyllish
Written on May 1, 2020
My rating is 4.5 stars
I have been watching and waiting for more books by Jenny B. Jones. I just never dreamed the next would pick up with Katie Parker's life in college! After all, Can't Let You Go is her post-college story. But we needed to know what happened in college. Or at least needed another opportunity to see Katie in action with her grandmother/best friend, Maxine!
Something to Believe In is a great blend of angst and humor. Katie is such a snarky, tough girl, yet heading off to college, leaving her new parents is hard! Especially when her dorm arrangements got changed and instead of the compatible roommate and the beautiful room, she is stuck in a dorm with two nerds, one of whom is downright hostile. And then, when things begin to fall apart...
Fortunately, Maxine is also in the story. Maxine is up to her usual quirky self. Charming the college boys and practicing for the Ms. Silver Texas pageant. And roping Katie in on her clandestine activities. I couldn't help but laugh at her antics! And melt at her deep love for Katie and the sage advice she gives.
I loved the depths of these characters. The trials Katie faced were hard and helped to make her stronger. The lessons she learned were profound, especially how to love her biological mom, despite the pain she suffered while under her "care". And how Katie learned that she is not her mom, and her past doesn't define who she has to become.
It has been five or six years since I've read the other books in the Katie Parker Productions series. The author did a great job in this one by dropping the necessary reminders about what had happened without retelling the story. So if it has been a while for you, no worries, it is like riding a bike. Katie's story will come back to you naturally. However, this series is so great, whether you have read them or not, start from the beginning and read them all! (But save Can't Let You Go for later!)
Read my full review at Among the Reads
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.