Rate this book

Holly's Heart, Collection 3: Freshman Frenzy/Mystery Letters/Eight Is Enough/It's A Girl Thing (2008)

by Beverly Lewis(Favorite Author)

4.23 of 5 Votes: 4

ISBN

0764204602 (ISBN13: 9780764204609)

languge

English

genre

Young Adult Fantasy & Science Fiction

publisher

Bethany House Publishers

review 1: Holly-Heart is finally in high school. Freshman Frenzy--Holly is shocked when she learns that her school board is forcing her ninth-grade class to be transferred to the high school, where pranks and initiations are done by the senior class. Holly's best friend, Andie, is also running for class president. She enlists Holly's help, but Holly is enraged when she discovers that Andie is going around her back concerning the campaign. She soon encounters and decides to help Tina, a new student who is blind. Holly has to deal with changing frienships, new friendships, and adjusting to life in high school.Mystery Letters--Holly is about to make her debut with her writing column in the school paper. However, she keeps receiving letters from a secret admirer--and they are driving he... morer crazy. Meanwhile, Holly is shocked when Andie tries to get her to ditch her guy writing pal in California, Sean, thinking that she will somehow lose Holly. She pushes Billy Hill toward Holly, who apparently has a crush on her now. Holly is also failing algebra, and is repulsed at the idea of her younger brousin, Phil, tutoring her. I loved the mystery letters in this, but very much missed Tina. I am still not a huge fan of Andie, and thought she acted rather immaturely in this one. People aren't perfect, but Andie's mood swings make it hard to like her. I do like that things kind of worked out in the end. I can't believe Jared is going back after Holly again. I hope she keeps Sean in her life--he really does seem like a cool guy. I liked how Ryan redeemed himself in this one.Eight is Enough--Holly cannot believe her ears when she learns that her mother is having a baby in a few months. She believes that eight people is enough for one family. She freaks out further when she learns that her bedroom might be used for the nursery, while she has to room with her little sister, Carrie, and little step-sister/cousin, Stephie, the biggest snoops in the house! Holly decides to consider joint custody, thinking of all the space that her dad has. Unfortunately neither of her parents like the idea of this. Her friends are just as sour about the possibility of her moving to California for part of the time. Holly finds herself rebelling not only against her family and friends, but God as well. To make matters worse, Jared keeps flirting with her. I could sympathize with Holly easily in this chapter. It's never easy to have to share a space that was once yours with a sibling. At the same time, I felt everyone (Holly included) wasn't being very ideal about the situation. I didn't much care for the plot, but I did like how Holly showed her rebellious side.It's a Girl Thing--Holly is set to go to Washington, D.C., with her school choir, but when she learns that her baby sister might be coming earlier than planned, Holly's hopes are deflated when she discovers she may have to stay home to take care of her little sister and step-siblings. Even though her brousin, Stan, is sixteen, he refuses to take on the responsibility, insisting that taking care of family is "a girl thing." Holly also reads a book about letting God select her future husband.I didn't like much of this one. For one, I thought it was a bit ridiculous for Holly's mother and stepfather to expect her to take care of her siblings rather than join her school choir, especially when Stan is older. I hope if I ever have more than one child that I will not always make the older siblings be in charge just because I decided to have another child. This was a very preachy book, especially concerning how young girls shouldn't date and should wait for the guy God brings around. Maybe it's just me, but I don't see anything wrong with dating and the tone of this book suggested that dating should be out of the question for serious Christians. Holly even felt bad about her former crushes. Former crushes is one thing I look back on fondly, even if the crush was silly. The book redeemed itself though, and I enjoyed the last part of it. It just got a little too preachy for my taste.Overall, I didn't like this book as well as the two before. I was disappointed in the first part of the last story as well as the fact that Tina never re-appeared. I would have liked to see more of her and am a bit confused on why she was even introduced if we were only going to have her as a character for one book. Holly doesn't even mention keeping in contact with Tina. I really wish that there were more of these collections--up until Holly graduates, and then maybe a book about what happens to her as an adult. Holly is such an interesting and unique character that I've really grown attached to her. I've also grown attached to her hometown, family, and friends. What I like about the Holly's Heart series is how some real-life topics are approached that are sure to happen in the life of a young Christian.
review 2: Holly's problems are definately realistic issues, and some important lessons are taught throughout this book. I think one of most important lessons is in the very last story. I would highly recommend that people read the last one. It would save a lot of broken hearts. I love the religious aspect of these books, and how her faith helps here to overcome all her obstacles. It is a worth-while Christian read. less

Download links for: Holly's Heart, Collection 3: Freshman Frenzy/Mystery Letters/Eight is Enough/It's a Girl Thing

Advertising