BLOGWORDS – Saturday 5 December 2020 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY-on-SATURDAY – BOOK REVIEW – BEING WEST IS BEST by MONIQUE BUCHEGER

TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY-on-SATURDAY – BOOK REVIEW – BEING WEST IS BEST by MONIQUE BUCHEGER

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Being West is Best

Series: Ginnie West Adventure #4

Author: Monique Bucheger

Publisher: True West Publishing

Re-release Date: 2020

Genre: Middle-Grade Contemporary Fiction

THE BLURB

Twelve-year-old BFFs, Ginnie West and Tillie Taylor, are matchmaking geniuses.

Together, they maneuvered Ginnie’s widower-dad into proposing to Tillie’s divorcee-mom. Sweet! Certain they are well on their way to sisterhood, each girl is floored when Tillie’s lousy-excuse-for-a-father puts in an appearance after a six-year absence. Too bad “lousy dad repellant” doesn’t come in a can. Even though Tillie’s dad has sobered up and is determined to make amends, Tillie would rather he just disappear again. If he stays, “Operation: Secret Sisters” may need to be renamed “Operation: Not Gonna Happen.”

If that’s not bad enough, the biggest bully in seventh grade comes over often and wishes he could call the West’s farmhouse “home.” When the bully’s abusive dad shows up as well, Ginnie thinks it’s time to change her family’s motto from “When you’re here, you’re family” to “There’s no more room at the West’s.”

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon

THE AUTHOR

When Monique Bucheger isn’t writing, you can find her playing taxi driver to one or more of her 12 children, plotting her next novel, scrapbooking, or being the “Mamarazzi” at any number of child-oriented events.

Even though she realizes there will never be enough hours in any given day, Monique tries very hard to enjoy the journey that is her life. She shares it with a terrific husband, her dozen children, an adorable granddaughter, a son-in-law, three cats, and many real and imaginary friends.

She is the author of several books and plans to write many more. You can find more about Monique and her works on her website.

CONNECT WITH MONIQUE: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

MY REVIEW

I always enjoy a visit with the West Family, and Being West is Best is no exception! Ginnie is every bit as feisty as ever and Tillie is as skittish as ever. Especially when [SPOILER.]

Ms. Bucheger not only “knows” preteens (LOVE the lingo! “sugar beets” and “awesomesauce”) but she knows family dynamics and hasn’t shied away from tough issues. Like abuse, something that’s not easy to convey, especially in a middle-grade story. I appreciate the author’s courage and boldness to write with such depth of reality.

There are so many threads in this series, and Ms. Bucheger has twisted them together to form a lovely tapestry and cohesive story. The redemptive thread is a powerful one, and Tillie’s struggle to reconcile her past to her future, authentic and so very heart-wrenching.

Aunt Roni is a hoot! Jake is the fun uncle. Jasper the returning prodigal—I read with bated breath, wondering if his temper [SPOILER.]

And Uncle Ben. The steadfast patriarch. The calm voice in the storm. The peace in the middle of tense situations. The arms and heart of Jesus and the anchor of the West Family. Everybody needs an Uncle Ben in their life.

I did notice one unresolved detail, and I hope that means there’s another story (or few) in this series.

ROBIN’S FEATHERS

ALL | THE | FEATHERS!

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a $50 gift card to the winner’s choice of Amazon, Audible, Kobo, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway will begin at midnight December 1, 2020 and last through 11:59 PM EST on December 7, 2020. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links

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