On the Loose

I never thought that as a married, mom-to-be, I'd still love reading YA as much as I do - largely in part to Jenny B. Jones! This Katie Parker series of hers is beyond amazing. It brought back the typical angst of my own teen years, and showed me that some things really don't change regardless of if you're 15, 25, or 55. Each of the extremely witty and realistic characters were relatable in some form or fashion. In "On The Loose", I found myself laughing out loud and sometimes crying right along with the characters, upset when they were upset, sad when they were sad, and hysterical when they were being silly. I've noticed before that its easy for YA books to all read alike - but this series by Jenny is fresh and fun. DON'T miss out on this novel. It'll encourage, inspire, and challenge you. I ask you to read it, and I DARE you to pass it on to a teen in your life! =)

On the Loose is the second book in the Katie Parker Production by Jenny B. Jones. Just when Katie Parker is getting used to life with her foster family, a tornado blows the roof off Mad Maxine's house. Since her foster grandma has no place to go, guess who Katie's new roomie is? Then Millie is diagnosed with breast cancer. Katie can't believe God would allow such horrible things to happen to the Scotts. She worries constantly about her foster mom's health and is angry they seem to be hiding information from her about the treatments. Then Amy, the Scott's real daughter, shows up, sending everything into chaos. Amy's rude and insulting attitude causes Katie to doubt the Scott's true affections. Things aren't much better at school. Katie has been accused of stealing, her best friend and Max Maxine are completely against her dating the cute senior star of the school play, and her mom is being released from prison. With Amy back home and Katie's mom getting out, will the Scotts send Katie back to her old trailer-park life? Jenny B. Jones has written another amazing book. Between Katie's sarcasm, Mad Maxine's bizarre behavior, and Katie's hysterical letters to her social worker, Ms. Smartly, I couldn't put this one down. Very funny, very realistic, and very touching. Looking forward to book three! Highly recommended. Check out book three, The Big Picture: A Katie Parker Production, Act 3.

There's no such thing as sophomore slump for Jenny B. Jones. I wondered if she could write a sequel to In Between that was just as good. She did! In fact, On the Loose is even better than In Between. It's all here. The crazy antics (with Mad Maxine right in the middle), the heart-wrenching moments . . . all the struggles of being Katie Parker, the sixteen-year-old foster kid of a pastor and his wife. Some of the best moments occur between Katie & Maxine. Since a tornado has ripped through In Between and left Maxine's home a shambles, guess who gets to share her room with the woman? Yes. My thoughts exactly. The thing I love about this series is the way Jones is able to blend the serious with the silly. I don't know about you, but sometimes it annoys me when a book is only about the laughs. That's not the case here. The Katie Parker Production series is one of the funniest series' I've read, but Jones also isn't afraid to deal with some tough subjects. Teens and adults alike will find a lot to enjoy in On the Loose.

If you haven't discovered Katie Paker, you're missing a treat. In On The Loose Katie wants the lead in Cinderella, the latest project by the school drama department. It's not that she wants to be an actress, she has a crush on Prince Charming. Katie is a busy girl. Not only is she trying out for the play, her best friend, Frances, who is beautiful and brainy, is also totally clueless about romance. Obviously she needs Katie's help. Then Millie,her foster mother is diagnosed with cancer and life gets tough. And let's not forget Maxine, Katie's foster grandmother, who is loud, mouthy, and completely lovable. Jenny B. Jones has created a wonderful series, heartwarming, touching, and full of humor. Give me a new Katie Parker book and a bag of Lindor Assorted Truffles, and life just doesn't get any better. Highly recommended.

I loved the book "On the Loose"!! Seriously, where has this writer been all my life? I caught myself laughing out loud. It was a really fun book to read, I am super excited that there will be a 3rd book in the series. Buy this book, you'll love it!