C. Lee McKenzieReseñas

Reviewed by Carla Trueheart for Readers' Favorite

The Great Time Lock Disaster by C. Lee McKenzie is a charming, fast-paced middle grade novel with lots of magic and mayhem. Pete Riley is not a very good wizard. He has trouble with spells, and during a magic lesson with a witch named Harriet, he has so much trouble that he accidentally unlocks a Time Lock. Pete and his friend Weasel end up in England around the time of Queen Victoria’s coronation, and from there, they have to find out how to fix the spell and get back to their own modern time period. They also meet many fun characters in Victorian England, such as the determined and brave Margaret, and Dr. Dread Wraith, who bounds off the page with his electric personality. There’s also a talking alligator named Fanon, a witch named Mattie, and some interesting boys at The Spike, a home for children that Pete describes as stinky with bad food.


The Great Time Lock Disaster is the sequel to Alligators Overhead, which I did not read. In lieu of weaving backstory into the first chapter, C. Lee McKenzie took a creative approach by having Weasel, Pete’s best friend, provide some helpful information about the characters. After that, the book moves along at a fast pace, never straying from the plot and Pete’s quest to fix the Time Lock spell and get back home with Weasel. The writing is smooth and fun, and stays true to the intended age group. Pete was believable as a clunky wizard, and his friends all had unique personalities to the point where I could hear each character’s distinct voice. The initial landing in Victorian England via the graveyard gave a spooky edge to the story, especially right in the beginning. I knew from there I was in for a treat! I recommend the book to fans of children’s literature who enjoy fun, magic, and quirky characters.

Disappointment and finding new courage weave with touches of romance and a bit of mystery to create an exciting read with tons of heart.

Libby is on her way to the finals, and then, to the Olympics. It's her dream coming true, but during a last run to quiet her nerves before flying to Europe, a snowboard broad sides her, and she wakes up in a hospital room. She has no feeling in her legs, and it the hopes of recovery slip away day by day. Others, even some like her, offer their support in various ways, but it all boils down to she, herself, finding the will to go on, first, and that isn't easy, especially when the one responsible for the destruction of her dreams and future still hides in the shadows.

When I picked this one up, I did expect more of a thriller but was pleasantly surprised at how it digs into a more emotional direction of overcoming a huge setback and rediscovering meaning in life. The writing is gripping, comes across naturally, and rides along smoothly as Libby first suffers the accident, recovers, and then, goes on a journey to rediscover herself. It's easy to understand her feelings and reactions. She isn't all sunshine, but rather, holds remorse, disappointment and frustration close. The attitude is realistic and draws in.

There is a wonderful pool of support around Libby from family to new friends. I was a bit surprised that she didn't have any close friends before the accident, but the new ones are amazing and vivid. There also family problems woven in, which snuggle in nicely with Libby's plot and offer great messages on that end as well. As to the romance, it is there but is as unsettled as Libby's main plot theme and slides along more disconnected and never draws away from the main plot.

Thrilling moments also exist as the chapters flip from Libby's point of view to those of the ones behind her accident. This adds a nice level of tension and side-plot, but still allows the main theme to remain on Libby's healing.

This was an easy read, which I read in one sitting and enjoyed every page. I do recommend it to those who like a bit of mystery and thrills with dabs at romance, but are more into emotional struggles and tales of finding inspiration to continue on.

Author's guest post at my blog:
https://bookfare.blogspot.com/2022/01/foodfic-please-welcome-c-lee-mckenzie.html

Some Very Messy Medieval Magic is the third book in the Adventures of Pete and Weasel series by C. Lee McKenzie. This one picks up right where The Great Timelock Disaster left off. Pete and Weasel are called to a meeting and told they must go back in time to fix something that changed when Pete accidentally opened the time lock in their last adventure. Unfortunately they don’t have much time to prepare before they’re sent back, and they can’t even pack proper clothes to help them blend in. When they end up in medieval times, daily life gets a little tricky. Pete’s never ridden a horse and Weasel’s not allowed to wear his glasses because they haven’t been invented yet. Neither Pete nor Weasel can figure out what's going on, and they don’t have the slightest clue what important event they're supposed to make sure happens. How will someone get in touch with them? Who can they trust? Pete’s even more confused now that Weasel can hear everything he’s thinking. Why can Weasel do that all of a sudden? And what about the horse, Mellie, who Pete can communicate with in his mind? Will Pete and Weasel be able to set things right and get back to their time? Is there any way to stop more changes from happening and impacting the future? You’ll have to read this fast pace story to find out!

I have read many books by C. Lee McKenzie and enjoyed all of them. I was excited to read the latest adventure of the characters that have come to hold a place in my heart. Some Very Messy Medieval Magic showed how much Pete and Weasel have grown throughout the series. Not only is their friendship stronger, but they have each learned important things about themselves in the process. It was interesting when they were in medieval times because it made me realize how hard it would be to blend in with another time period; mistakes could give everything away. I recommend this book to kids in third grade and up who like magic or getting into a little mischief. I've found the series to flow smoothly from book to book, but also believe that each story can be read as a standalone.

Although I have read books by C. Lee McKenzie before, this was the first YA book by her that I’ve read. I didn't have any idea what to expect with The Princess of Las Pulgas, and I was completely thrilled with my reading experience. Carlie is a character who is in a new situation trying to figure out how to act and how to not get on people's bad lists. She's also piecing together what happens to friendships that might not have been as strong as she thought they were. I liked seeing how Carlie learned who and what was important to her and also what really didn't matter. She may not have been a princess, but she definitely had a pampered lifestyle before she moved to Las Pulgas. Readers get to watch Carlie grow and learn. I could relate to her because she was misunderstood by many people because of the wall she put up to protect herself from her own feelings about her father's death. This book made me laugh and cry. I couldn't put it down until I finished because I had to know how everything turned out for Carlie and her family. If you haven't read this book- I highly recommend you grab a copy.

After reading Alligators Overhead by C. Lee McKenzie I was excited to read the second book in the series, The Great Time Lock Disaster. Pete and Weasel’s story picked up right where they left off in the last book, which made it very easy to follow along. I liked traveling back in time with them and learning about what life was like in the 1800s. I definitely wouldn’t have wanted to eat the food they were given. I enjoyed the banter between Weasel and Pete, because Weasel seems a little unhappy with most of Pete’s decisions, and it was great to see that their relationship had not changed. I was glad that Weasel likes history, so he had some interesting things to see firsthand in the 1800s, even if he didn’t want to be there. This is a suspenseful book that also includes an underlying message about the trouble you could get into when you don't follow directions. This is a fun story for kids who like a good mystery and those who sometimes break the rules will be able to relate to Peter. I hope Pete and Weasel will have another adventure soon!

What a fantastic story!

Pete and Weasel have an affinity for finding trouble. Over Spring Break they find some major trouble. The Hadley Mansion that had mysteriously disappeared a century earlier has reappeared! After finding themselves trapped in its ceiling, they learn that Pete's Aunt Lizzie and 11 others of the town's elder ladies are actually witches. And it appears Pete is beginning to harness some magick of his own. In this adventure, Pete, Weasel, and the Hadleyville witches need to save the Ornofree swamp and it's alligators from commercialization.

This is a great choice of book for any middle grade reader who enjoys fantasy tales. It will especially appeal to those who enjoy A Series of Unfortunate Events.

*I won this book from a Goodreads giveaway. The review is my own,honest and unsolicited.

This is a exciting mix of magic, time travel, history, adventure and—not to be forgotten—tons of humor.

Pete is not exactly excited about heading out on another adventure through time, but he doesn't have a choice. Someone important has gone missing, and it's his job to make it right. With Weasel and his alligator familiar in tow, he heads back to the 1100's and finds himself between castles, dukes, hunts, horses, druids and a plan which will alter the history between France and England if he doesn't figure out how to stop in.

I did not read the first two books in this series but had little trouble diving into this one. Still, I'd recommend reading the first two books first, since there are some things which remain unclear about Pete, his friends and his situation. Plus, this book was so much fun, I'm sure the other two are also a treat to read.

There's never a boring moment in these pages. Either Pete finds himself in some impossible situation, deals with ridiculous people or has to act brave and take care of things. He's not extremely self-assured in his position as a beginning wizard, but if he's going to get the job done, he has to give his best. Which he does even when he's in way above his head. Pete's never arrogant, kind hearted, and determined to do the best he can. In other words, he's a great hero to cheer for.

The rest of the characters add all of the right spice and spunk. Each one has their quirks—huge ones—but they also have their own priorities and desires. Some are easy to like, while others are fun to hate. It's a fun mixture which guarantees tons of smiles even when the situations grow difficult at times.

The historical side flows in without hesitation or stumbles, and melds right in with Pete's adventure. Not only are the dates, places and names informative (without coming across so), but the daily life and other details show the time period with natural grace.

It's a fun series with tension, action, adventure and loads of quirky moments which is sure to even pull in more reluctant readers.

Cleo lives with her rather eccentric family, her mother and grandfather, after the death of her little sister. Her father has left the country to escape his pain and when her mother moves her to a new house, she feels more alone than ever before. When she sees movement in the house opposite, the mystery draws her in. Along the way she makes new friends and attempts to put her family back together. Well written, with a great main character, this book kept me hooked. I would definitely recommend it.

Do you enjoy meeting witches, wizards, familiars, and other interesting characters? Do you like to travel back in time and meet people from centuries ago? If you answered yes, then I have the book for you. Author C. Lee McKenzie’s latest novel for middle grade readers, SOME VERY MESSY MEDIEVAL MAGIC, gives you all of the above and more. And you may be familiar with the main characters. Yes, Pete and Weasel are back. What? You haven’t met them yet? Well, you’re in for a treat.

In SOME VERY MESSY MEDIEVAL MAGIC, Pete and Weasel have to journey back in time to help a young page, Peter of Bramwell, get where he’s supposed to be when he should be there to prevent history from being changed. Since everyone blames Pete for the mix up, he and Weasel are responsible for correcting the problem. And time is limited. Will the boys succeed in their mission? Or will they fail and be responsible for changing history? Things are not always what they seem, and surprises await Pete and Weasel, and the reader too.

C. Lee McKenzie has created characters that will keep you guessing who the good guys are and who are the bad. Don’t be so sure you think you know. There’s plenty of action, never a dull moment, and also a guess as to what Pete and Weasel will be up to next. The story is perfect for middle-grade readers who should enjoy trying to solve the boys’ problems before the boys find the answers.

Pete and Weasel, along with the reader (this reader anyhow), learn a bit of history too. SOME VERY MESSY MEDIEVAL MAGIC would make a great addition to middle school classrooms and libraries, as well as your own private library. Recommended for teens and for adults who enjoy adventure and time travel as well.
###

How to you deal with painful memories? This family ran away. They relocated from Buena Vista to Morgan Heights. Cleo’s mom selected an old (as in ‘needs a lot of work’) Victorian that reminded her of her mom’s house where she had many fond memories. Cleo just saw the ‘work’ part. Cleo’s dad, Derek, was on an extended work opportunity in Afghanistan. She had no idea when he’d return home but she missed him and felt they all needed him now. So, Cleo, her mom, Grandpa Zack, and three pets move into their new (old) home. Aziza is missing. She was Cleo’s little sister who died in a horrific accident. She’s the reason … the memories they hoped to escape.

Cleo is a junior high student and is actually looking forward to the fresh start in school, a new place where people won’t look at her and judge her. The first night, she realizes the ‘vacant’ house across the street doesn’t appear to actually be ‘vacant’ after all. She meets and befriends Ethan Gallagher, the junior class president, Stacy , Ethan’s girlfriend, and Rudy Krantz, his best friend. Ethan takes an obsessive interest in the house across the street. Rudy takes an obsessive interest in Cleo.

I liked Cleo, and felt her pain for the loss of her sister. I fell in love with Rudy who went out of his way to prove to Cleo that he really was interested in her. Grandpa Zach was an odd character who loved Clyde, his pet boa constrictor. He didn’t have a lot to say, but when he did, it made me giggle. I liked that the stereotypical picture of Stacy was broken. Cleo had assumed she was a high maintenance prima donna, but she discovered they actually had a lot in common. Finally, I really liked the mystery surrounding the house across the street. My only concern is the ending. There was an epilogue, but even still I found it to be rather abrupt. This is for teen and young adult readers. I tend to agree — there was no inappropriate content. Rating: 4 / 5.

Have you ever wanted to travel back in time or ahead to the future? What if you managed to do so but did not know the magic words to return back to your time? Well, Pete and Weasel, from ALLIGATERS OVERHEAD, are back and in trouble, again.

In THE GREAT TIME LOCK DISASTER, sequel to ALLIGTORS OVERHEAD, by Author C. Lee McKenzie, twelve-year-old Pete Riley thinks that he’s not a good wizard and he’s not a good kid. He seems to find trouble no matter what he does. When he accidentally unlocks a time lock, Pete and his friend Weasel find themselves in 1837 England with no clue how to return home.

I love the characters Pete and Weasel. They’re so real. Like normal kids, they make mistakes. Oh, as a wizard Pete is a bit different to most boys, adding more complications to his life. And, although I’m not normally a fan of alligators, Fanon is an exception. I wouldn’t mind having him for a pet. Descriptions of the places the boys visit are so vivid the reader, at least this reader, feels like she’s there, meeting the characters along with Pete and Weasel.

THE GREAT TIME LOCK DISASTER would be perfect for middle school libraries as well as your own library. I recommend this novel for readers that enjoy a good adventure story, with a bit of magic and characters you’d like to have as friends.

###

Sometimes a tragedy occurs in a person’s life, a tragedy so heartbreaking they want to keep it a secret. They try to run away from it, perhaps by moving to a new town, hoping to start over again. But the secret haunts them, and they can’t forget. They shouldn’t forget, for it’s a part of their lives, forever.

SUDDEN SECRETS, Author C. Lee McKenzie’s latest novel for YA readers, is a story the reader won’t forget for a while, at least this reader won’t forget. It’s the tender story of a family falling apart. High school junior Cleopatra Brown, her mother and grandfather, along with Tut, a Great Dane, Nefertiti, a cat, and Clyde, Grandpa’s pet boa, move into a dilapidated old house in a new town. They hope to put the past behind them. Cleo’s father is in Afghanistan “saving pieces of history” rather than being with his family that needs him, especially Cleo. Cleo is supposed to go to a new school and live, like everything is normal. But her life isn’t normal. It never will be again because of the secret she carries with her. Even handsome hunk Ethan, funny Rudy and gorgeous Stacy, her new friends, cannot help Cleo forgive herself. My favorite character is Rudy, with his mostly positive attitude that brightens the darker scenes. Then there’s the house across the street that appears to be empty, except for the occasional light Cleo sees through the window and the van that arrived every Saturday morning.

C. Lee McKenzie has woven a tale of mystery and suspense in SUDDEN SECRETS. The effect of the tragedy on the family is believable, and I was hoping they’d resolve their problems and be a family again. Then the author threw in an unexpected surprise, at least to me. And I’m not saying what. Looking back I can see the subtle hints Ms. McKenzie planted along the way. Very nice.

SUDDEN SECRETS may bring tears to your eyes. It did mine. I felt the pain of the family, especially Cleo, as they struggled to survive the past. An enjoyable read that I highly recommend.

###

If life were fair, all children would have parents that loved and cared for them. Parents that helped them with their homework, made sure they had good food, and who listened to their troubles. Unfortunately, the world does not work that way. Many children’s mothers or fathers or both are drunkards, abusers, neglecters, and they just don’t care about their young ones.

Author C. Lee McKenzie’s YA novel, DOUBLE NEGATIVE, is the story of sixteen-year-old Hutch McQueen, one of the kids that gets by the best he can without the support of his parents. Hutch’s story will have you crying, wanting to shake some sense into him, and wishing you could help the boy all at the same time. At least it did me. He’s not a bad kid; he just does dumb things, like many teens. He has a lot of decisions to make, decisions that will affect his future. Will he listen to his true friends and make the right choices? In Hutch, C. Lee McKenzie has created a character that many young readers will likely relate to. He’s tough and uncaring on the outside, but inside he wants family and friends. When he’s given a chance to change his life, will he take it or will he end up like many of his friends, either dead or in prison?

Every high school, college, and public library should have a copy of DOUBLE NEGATIVE because, sadly, the novel is so true to life. We read about these teens in the newspapers every day. I think that Hutch’s story will stay with you for a long time as you wonder if teens like Hutch and the other characters can be helped, or are they beyond hope.

An ARC of the book was provided by the author for my honest review.

This was fantastic. SO touching and beautifully written.

More thorough review to come.

I think MG students will enjoy this novel. The protagonist, a boy who is living with his aunt after the death of his parents,is both mischeveous and courageous. The plot is engaging. Voice is solid and humorous. Rich word choice-I especially loved the creative names! A quick, easy, fun read.

If you’ve ever lost a family member, you know how devastating it is and how your whole life changes. Then, if circumstances cause you to have to leave the home you’ve grown up in and live in a new place totally different to what you’re used to, it’s understandable that you’ll be bitter and hate your new life. At least at first.

Author C. Lee McKenzie’s latest novel for young adults, The Princess of Las Pulgas, deals with such a situation. When Carlie Edmund’s father dies, she loses not only the father that she loves but also her home and her friends. Unable to afford their expensive beach house any longer, Carlie’s mother sells it and they move to Las Pulgas, the worst place in the universe Carlie can imagine living. Even the cat, Quicken, is upset and runs away. Carlie and her younger brother, Keith, also have to attend a new school where Juan, the boy with the big smile, gives her the nickname Princess because she acts like royalty. Carlie has a lot to learn about the students in her new school as well as her old friends from Channing. And along the way little whispers in her heart remind Carlie of advice her father gave her. To me, these whispers show how close Carlie and her father were and how she is hurting for him.

Ms. McKenzie has written a touching story about love and loss, family and friends, and how we can misjudge people when we don’t really know them. This book would make a great addition to school libraries to help students that may be going through a situation similar to Carlie’s and also for your own personal library.

###

"Shawna Stone, sixteen, has learned to handle anything from a Las Vegas hustle to skipping out on the rent. Scarred inside and out, she's survived with a tough, hardened attitude. When her mother abandons her in Vegas, with only a bus ticket and the name and number of a stranger to call, this troubled, desperate teen finds herself on a California horse ranch with Kay Stone, the steely, youngish grandmother she's never known. Kay overwhelms Shawna with rules and daily barn chores, and Shawna baffles Kay with her foul-mouthed anger and shrugging indifference to everything--except the maltreated horse on the ranch next door. But it's worse than even Kay suspects: Shawna's driven to cut herself by Monster, that strange voice inside her head. Kay struggles to keep the ranch going and fears that unless she helps this girl, she could lose her last living family member. As the unlikely pair struggles to co-exist, will they overcome their innner suffering and transcend the past?"

-Summary from book jacket

My Review:

The novel switches between Shawna and Kay's POV. I really enjoyed reading Shawna's chapters more than Kay's. I thought Shawna had a genuine voice, even if she did have a bit of an attitude. Shawna's thoughts and behavior were completely understandable, though, considering how her life had been and how her mother treated her. Her mother was a very selfish woman, putting her own needs ahead of her daughter's every time, and verbally (sometimes even physically) abusing Shawna. I thought the relationship between Shawna and her mother was one of the most interesting aspects of the novel and I would have liked the author to explore Shawna's feelings about her mother more than she did. There was so much going on there, but it was barely touched on. Instead, the novel focuses mainly on the new realtionship between Shawna and her grandmother Kay.

Kay was such an enigma to me. I didn't really have her figured out until I had nearly finished the book, and even then she didn't quite grow on me. Kay had a lot of problems herself and I believe she may have been even more messed up than Shawna. But even though I could understand Kay's reasons for her withdrawal and depression and could tell that she did truly care about Shawna when I was reading from her POV, I didn't like how Kay remained so cold and distant on the outside. She didn't ever show any love or concern for Shawna for months after Shawna moved in, yet she was confused as to why Shawna never warmed up to her or the ranch.

I thought the novel ended too abruptly and I would have liked more closure. I still had a lot of questions about Shawna, and I was disappointed that the book ended right when Shawna and Kay started to actually get along and open up to one another. Honestly, with how complicated both Shawna and Kay's lives were, this book could have been twice as long. I thought it was a good read though. Well-written and thought-provoking.

*I won this book from Goodreads giveaways

Poor Carlie. After watching her father slowly die of cancer, a move across town might seem trivial; upsetting, but trivial. Fights with her mom, not getting asked out, rude neighbors, or a "pushy" English teacher (in the Tina Fey Mean Girls way) might also seem trivial. But all together? Carlie is helplessly watching her life fall apart around her.

Carlie's main problem with her new life in Las Pulgas is all the "poor people," as she sees them. Almost everything she dislikes about the people around her can be attributed to, in Carlie's mind, the fact that they are poor, or at least more poor and classless than the people she used to know. Even though Carlie and her family are in Las Pulgas because of financial problems, she doesn't see anything that she could have in common with her new neighbors and classmates. She puts on a tough front, but it's pretty obvious (to everyone) that she's just scared. She holds herself apart both because she feels she's better than those around her and also because the kids at her high school terrify her, something they pick up on all too easily. Eventually she makes a couple friends, but there is no Big Lesson about class consciousness. ::sigh of relief::

And through all of this growing and learning on Carlie's part, there are play rehearsals. The junior class is putting on Othello, and Carlie has been cast, against her will, as Desdemona. Opposite smokin' hot Juan. And Juan, very sweetly, refuses to take Carlie's crap. He calls her out on her assumptions about her classmates and about him. He drives her nuts (in good and bad ways), but he also protects her from some of her other, scarier, problems at Las Pulgas High.

For a while, this pile-up of problems distracts Carlie from the pain of losing her father. It's not as though she forgets about him or even stops being sad. She's just dealing with all of this other things first. But her father's advice keeps sounding in her head telling her to be strong, something she doesn't know if she can do anymore. When she finally faces her feelings about her father (with the help the scene in which Desdemona must say goodbye to her father), it is so real.

The Princess of Las Pulgas is an honest look at how Carlie deals with huge upheavals in her life, both a huge change of lifestyle and the death of her father. It still manages to be a suspenseful, romantic, and uplifting read.

Book source: ARC provided by the publisher.

The Princess of Las Pulgas by C. Lee McKenzie
We are hit hard right from the start in Princess. Emotions are running high and they stay that way.
I really appreciate how the passing of time is dictated: with sorrow at the holidays; remembrance and grieving for what they lost.
Some of the wording is so lyrical- ‘wrapped in a cocoon of grief”, “when I read what I just wrote, some letters aren’t clear. Even though I’ve turned a new page, the tears have made the surface rough, so Oct 22nd has bled through to a new day.” It makes me feel even more connected with Carlie.
I haven’t lost a parent but I have felt like my whole world has turned itself upside down and my heart broken. I can identify with Carlie in that respect. Her voice is powerful, emotional, and heart-felt. She is sarcastic and throws in dark humor at the right moments. I could stay in her head all day.
I really adore the voice of her Dad as she is dealing with stuff. It really shows me without tons of back-story how he loved her, taught her things, and made a huge impact on her life. I also love seeing the moments with her mom. They do not have a perfect relationship but it is good and normal. Well, as normal as can be expected. They fight, but ultimately they love one another and are there for each other. It is nice to see a parent/child relationship that is functional and what you may see in the real world. It doesn’t dominate the book, but it is there. I like it.
I love the secondary cast of characters- K.T., Keith, Jeb, Mr. Smith, Anthony, Sean. They all have something wonderful and unique to bring to this story. They have their own personalities and they are wonderfully written. Juan is a man in disguise but I really like what is revealed underneath.
PoLP is a heart-wrenching tale of loss, recovery, self discovery, and love- familial, friendship and amore. It proves through several avenues that people and places are not what they seem at first glance. I was entranced from page 1 and I flew through, wanting to find out what turn of events would bring, and what Carlie would learn about herself and others next.

One of my favorite quotes:
“Do you remember what I said that day on the auditorium steps about taking the jouney? …What I didn’t say was that many journeys, often ones you didn’t plan to make, take you to an unexpected destination that turns out to be exactly where you want to be.”

Shawna is a troubled girl who has had to build a tough exterior due to how she grew up. Her Mom left her to fend on her own a lot, but when her Mom clears out their apartment with her boyfriend, a note telling Shawna to go to her Grandmother's house, to a complete stranger.
Under Kay (her Grandmother)'s love and structure, Shawna begins to open up. Kay runs a ranch with horses, who helps to open Shawna's heart as well. There is also a farm "hand" with personality and wise advice.

Shawna's journey was painful and raw, but I felt like I could connect with her, understand her reasons for acting the way that she does. I loved seeing her open up to Kay, Kenny and Casey as well as a girl at school, Marta who befriends her. I also love to read about her interactions with the horses. Her journey of healing has much to teach and gain.

This book is incredible! It is compelling and inspiring.

Shawna hasn't had it easy, and I can't relate to that, but I can relate to how she feels which made the story so real and extraordinary for me. It brought up so much personal stuff for me that I couldn't stop reading. It was an emotional roller coaster, and I felt like I was right there going through it with Shawna.

I am so happy that I got the opportunity to read this wonderful book.

I can not say enough good things about this book. I highly recommend it.

Shawna's mother abandons her in Las Vegas, leaving her with a bus ticket, a hundred dollars and the phone number of a stranger. The stranger turns out to be Kay Stone, the mother of the father Shawna never knew. Kay Stone is running her ranch and just trying to keep her head above water. She's not prepared to take on a sixteen-year-old that she's never even met, but she's willing to try.

The story was good, but it fell a bit flat. Shawna's attitude is dead on, but there are so many unresolved questions. Why did Shawna's mother lie to her about her father? Why, exactly, does Shawna hate to be touched? Who is Kenny, Kay's mysterious employee with a shady past and medical skills? Who is the woman with the long red braid? What happened to Kay's husband? Some of these things are pretty important to the plot, but in the end, are left unanswered.