When tragedy follows Katie to college, she’ll face the test of a lifetime.
Katie Parker never dreamed she’d make it to college. But here she is, a freshman, ready to take on cafeteria food, play auditions, and pretending she’s read that ancient novel for English Lit. Already filled with angst over saying goodbye to her family, Katie is so not okay to learn an unexpected housing change lands … change lands her in the honors dorm. Especially when one of Katie’s nerdy new roommates decides to major in making Katie’s life completely miserable.
To escape the dorm room drama, Katie needs her boyfriend Tate more than ever. But when he gives all his attention to his fraternity, their relationship begins to quickly unravel. She wonders if they’re going to survive this first year of college. Or if she even wants them to.
As tragedy rocks her family, Katie finds herself drowning in grief and losing her grip on academic life. When ex-boyfriend Charlie Benson unexpectedly calls, Katie will cling to an old trusted friendship…that might become something more. As her life implodes, will Katie walk away from college and step back into the arms of the one who got away?
A KATIE PARKER PRODUCTION SERIES
Book One: In Between
Book Two: On the Loose
Book Three: The Big Picture
Book Four: Something to Believe In
Book Five: Can’t Let You Go
Book Six: Forever Your Girl (Coming Soon)
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‘All my life, I’ve been the recipient of people’s pity.’
Jenny B. Jones takes us back to her Katie Parker series with this addition. I read this series years ago and loved it. Although it’s designated as Young Adult, it’s really good and totally interesting to this old lady. (smile) Jones’ trademark humor and ability to delve into serious life situations are more than evident here and this one packs a huge emotional wallop.
‘Some of the best things are on the other side of fear.’
Katie Parker is a newly minted freshman at college an hour away from In Between, where she lives with her adoptive parents, James and Millie Scott, whom she dearly loves. She soon finds out that her dorm is not available and she’s been assigned to the honors dorm with two roommates she doesn’t much care for and one that is really iffy as far as getting along is concerned. I mean, the gal is totally unable to relate to a human being at all. Then there’s Katie’s relationship with Tate, her boyfriend, or maybe her non-relationship with him, as she barely sees him, despite the fact they go to the same college. Then a situation arises that throws her totally into disarray mentally and Katie worries she can’t cope or even want to cope. And there is Maxine! Boy, do I love that woman! She makes every book she is in just totally pop! What a character.
‘Shame is a nasty foe, and it wants nothing more for you to shove it in the back of your closet.’
Jones never disappoints me when I read her books. Never. One I’ve read three times. And will read yet another time. And another. If I live long enough. Her ability to charm us with her wit, then turn around and delve into our hearts is one thing I love about her writing. I can’t wait for the next one in this series. I recommend this book!
*My thanks to the author for a preview copy of this book. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
I’ve been a fan of Jenny B. Jones for years, so I was thrilled to find out she was adding to the Katie Parker series. Something to Believe In fills in a bit of the gap between books 1–3 (high school) and Can’t Let You Go (Katie is around 24). Side note: definitely read the other books in the series! Everything will make more sense, but more importantly, it’s a highly enjoyable way to spend your time!
In this book, Katie is heading off to college, where she has to suddenly handle unexpected roommate and dorm changes, a relationship with her boyfriend who was previously long-distance, having to start over and work her way up in the theater, and some personal loss. I really liked seeing the ways that Katie grew throughout the book, and the way that her various relationships evolved. There was a faith element in this book as well, and I felt that it was handled well (it didn’t feel preachy, which I really don’t like).
It was fun to revisit characters who appeared in the series: Frances, Tate, crazy Maxine, and of course Charlie Benson. As with all the other Jenny B. Jones books, this was filled with witty dialogue, entertaining characters (and scenarios) and was hard to put down. Actually, once I finished this, I had to go straight to a reread of Can’t Let You Go.
I was provided with a preview copy of this book, but all opinions are my own.
I have loved Katie Parker since the very first page of book one and her wit, sass, and snark have kept me laughing ever since!
When I found out that Jenny B. Jones was planning to write about about what happened between The Big Picture and Can’t Let You Go I was excited! I will take more Katie Parker anyway I can get it!
It’s a time of big transitions for Katie and Jones did a good job of articulating that and showing the emotion while still giving us the humor and attitude we’ve come to expect!
Mad Maxine was as crazy as ever and her antics kept me laughing!
I love all the family dynamics between the Scotts, Katie, and Maxine so it was fun to see them together again!
And the little glimpses of Charlie Benson made me smile and had me anxious to reread the next book!
Katie Parker fans you won’t want to miss out on this fun new adventure!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Jenny B Jones’s books make me happy. So glad to have a new one to enjoy! Her characters continue Jenny’s tradition of witty banter, hilarious situations (I’m looking at you Maxine!), life lessons, heartwarming relationships and moments to pause for some introspection. How she does it while entertaining us all at the same time shows her talent as an author. I love Katie Parker and In Between and completely enjoyed a new installment to the series. I couldn’t put this book down.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. Thanks so much to the author/publisher!
Y’all this book was perfect. Such a well done “In Between” (pun intended) novel.
Something to Believe In takes place between The Big Picture and Can’t Let You Go. After the gaps left between the two, it is just the addition we needed. This book follows Katie as she begins her college career and deals with the sickness and eventual death of her biological mom, alongside everything else a normal college freshman handles on a daily basis.
I love how it explored the relationship between Katie and her mom and then the eventual death of Katie’s only biological parent. Parents and their children are not always close and many people do not look at the fallout that comes when the parent in the relationship passes away. It is a topic that should be talked about. It also explores grief and how it affects existing relationships.
Secondly I will forever love Jenny’s work for the ways they make me laugh and for their sarcasm. In this book, it really helps to balance things since it does deal with some heavy topics.
Also, as always, Mad Maxine. She never disappoints. I want one of her!
My only critique would be that I felt like a few of the minor characters fell a bit flat. I felt like Tate’s character did a 180 and we didn’t get to see quite enough of James and Millie. Other than that, I have zero complaints.
This was a wonderful book that I will definitely be recommending!
From the moment I read In Between book 1 in the Katie Parker series I knew I had found home! These books hold the most special place in my heart and the NEW book 4 just adds to the love even more!
We truly see Katie at the crossroads of her life! Everything is her choice! It’s up to her which path to choose and to decide who is Katie Parker!? With her loving family, her wild but wise grandmother, new friends and faith Katie will take on college and decide what comes next!
Yes I did say new book 4 so hey if you haven’t started this beautifully amazing series START RIGHT NOW! It’s worth it and you get to read this series with it’s amazing new order! I am even going to start over again because it’s that amazing!
You will meet an amazing cast of characters that will have you laughing, crying and screaming with fury! This story and these characters are relatable in every way! There is something in this series for EVERYONE!