It was just a kiss. A simple kiss, a quick kiss, an innocent peck because they were saying good-bye and no one was watching. But someone was watching them—me. Not that I’d meant to. I didn’t know why the kiss troubled me, but it did. I hid it well, though. Or so I thought.As Savvy Smith settles into her first year at a new high school in a new country, she discovers yet another new English tradition: the May Day Ball. And as luck would have it, everyone has a date to the dance . . . except Savvy. That is, until she meets a guy with a reputation for trouble. What will she do? Follow her heart? Follow the crowd? Or follow her own advice?London Confidential: Where British fashion, friendships, and guys collide, and where an all-American girl learns to love life and live out her faith.
This one is a little outside of my box. All right, a lot outside of my box. I don’t recall ever reading juvenile fiction even when I was a juvenile. But as a mom of an almost thirteen year old, I’m constantly on the hunt for good, pure fiction, and Sandra Byrd does not disappoint.
I began reading the book with the idea that it would be easy to set aside while I switched laundry over or any of that other household stuff that tends to take precedence in my life. Boy, was I wrong. I couldn’t put the book down. Don’t Kiss Him Good-bye is that engaging.
Savvy is a typical teenager with Christian values at her core. The only difference, she’s been uprooted from her American culture and replanted in the United Kingdom. Secretly, she runs an advice column for her school newspaper. Savvy seeks the scriptures for answers to other people’s problems. When her own relationship dilmmas occurr with her peers she must decide whether or not to take her own advice.
There are so many positives in this book. Savvy is not only a gifted writer, she also has a gift with music and although she is nervous she is not afraid to use it to glorify God.
I’m very impressed with Byrd’s ability to add an awesome message for young girls in a way that is not off putting to them. As a mom of four children the following excerpt (from Savvy’s mom) is my favorite part.
“This has to be your decision Savvy,” she said. “But I want you to think hard about it. When you go out with someone, dress up, or even just become friends with him, you are giving away a precious piece of yourself. Make sure that each person you give a piece of Savvy to deserves it.”
It does not matter if you’re from a Christian home or not, that bit is sound advice for children and adults alike!
Although Don’t Kiss Him Good-bye is the third book in Byrd’s London Confidential series following Savvy’s life, I did not feel as if I missed a beat. But, I can promise you I will be on the hunt for the previous books and I very much look forward to future books.
For more information about Sandra Byrd’s teen series please see her website. Oh, and she also has a place for adults here.
Come back Friday for my daughter’s review.
ISBN:978-1-4143-2599-6
Trim Size: 4 3/16 x 6 7/8