Format: Paperback
If you are – or have – a younger sibling (or even if you don’t), you will relate to the story of April Grace Reilly, an 11-year-old who is part spitfire, part know-it-all, and 100% charming. April, her parents, and her sister, Myra Sue, live in the Country in rural Arkansas. (In fact, she could very well be a neighbor!) This does not mean they are *simple* or *stupid*, as April Grace loves pointing out, it just means they do things differently than in the big city. Her father is a dairy farmer, and her mom takes care of the house and garden.
It’s the summer of 1986, and the family is turned upside down with the arrival of new neighbors: snooty Isabel and Ian St. James, who have been forced to leave the big city and live in the country (to “get back to their roots”, according to Ian, though drama-queen Isabel would rather not). Throw in Grandma and her new boyfriend, April’s mistrust of him, and Myra Sue’s new obsession with glamor, and you’ve got a very funny book.
The author has a marvelous way with words. You feel like you’re bouncing along in the truck next to Grandma, sitting at the dinner table with all the characters, and digging in the vanity for the first aid kit.
One of the things I like best about this book is that although it is Christian-based, it does not scream or preach at you. The Reilly family lead by example – by being beyond kind to their neighbors, by sharing, by showing tolerance and respect, by being patient. They invite the St. James’ to church, but they don’t try to proselytize them – they simply live their lives in the best way possible. The author also handles some weighty subjects – particularly teen eating disorders – with kindness and compassion. April learns a lot of lessons, particularly about not being judgmental, lessons that all of us can use!
A note: although the publisher has marketed the book to tweens, adults will thoroughly enjoy it too. (Trust me, I’m waaaay beyond tweenage!) I can’t wait for Book 2! Also, be sure to visit the author’s website, […],to read a special April Grace confession and the author’s blog.
***
By Monica on May 24, 2011
Format: Paperback
In Front of God and Everybody: Confessions of April Grace by K.D. McCrite details highlights from 11-year old April Grace’s summer vacation, told from the often-hilarious perspective of April Grace herself.
April Grace seems older than her 11 years in her thoughts and observations. The book is geared toward Tweens, but as an adult, I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed reading April Grace’s musings and antics!
I did feel that at times the author tried a little bit too hard to make April Grace funny, but there were also quite a few parts where I laughed out loud. April Grace says (or thinks) what everyone else is thinking, but is too polite to say!
The story line was quite enjoyable. April Grace deals with snooty new neighbors, an older sister who things she is Queen Bee and her beloved Grandma trying to impress the new man in her life.
The new neighbors are as rude as can be, yet April Grace’s parents do the Christian thing (for entirely too long in my opinion) and take them in. I thought the author did a good job of slowly allowing those two characters to grow and develop. And, of course, it took April Grace telling it like it is for part of that to happen.
April Grace’s sister worships the new neighbors, and takes emulating Isabel St. James a little too far. I did like the irony that her sister wants to be seen as fashionable, proper and elegant … while being saddled with the decidedly country name of Myra Sue.
April Grace can’t wrap her head around her grandma dating, wearing makeup or … gasp … kissing her boyfriend, which makes for a very amusing subplot of the story. Not to mention, this man is extremely loud, extremely obnoxious and seems to be hiding something – which April Grace picks up on, but no one believes her. I really liked the mystery woven into the latter half of the story.
All in all, an enjoyable book I would recommend to others!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <[…]> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
***
By meme on August 26, 2013
Format: Paperback
Even though this book and the other two in the series are in a category for more youthful readers, I, as a 57 year old Mom found them delightful! April Grace will take you back to your own years as a girl and you can totally see and hear your own aunts, grandmas, neighbors, etc., in the wonderful cast of characters, especially if you are from or are familiar with lovely Southern charm.
Good lessons on how to treat others, how important it is to really REALLY listen to each other and to forgive. All done with great humor and love.
You will laugh at April Grace and Myra Sue’s antics and really enjoy Grandma!
I loved all three books in the series and hope there is a fourth!
(Cliques, Hicks and Ugly Sticks!) and ( Chocolate Covered Baloney ) are the second and third in the series
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I am in love with this spunky red-head
By A.J. on July 7, 2014
Format: Kindle Edition
I am in love with this spunky red-head! I have never laughed so hard while reading a book. Recommended for all ages!
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By The piano guy on May 22, 2014
Format: Kindle Edition
This book is really good!! For young girls and it’s hilarious!!!! It is a must read! Hope you enjoy! 🙂 REALLY GREAT!!!!
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By Allison Gray on April 8, 2014
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
interesting
assume
cool boring A little kinda good boring boring good assume a little weird cool fun long really long
***
By Camie on March 29, 2014
Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
Ooooooommmmmmmmmmggggggggggg that was the best book ever
I loved it so much . It is the best book ever yaw
***
Great clean read for teeny-boppers
By BeckyD on March 28, 2014
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
Purchased this whole series for Christmas break reading for my 11 year old daughter – she loved it. Read straight through. I could hear her chuckling at some of the characters and circumstances, so I knew it was a good find, even before she started staying up late to read “just one more chapter.”
***
By Mandy Pyle on March 16, 2014
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
This book is a definite good read. I definitely recommend it! Anyone looking for a good book read this!!
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By Elaine LeDoux on March 14, 2014
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
This was the first April Grace book I read by KD McCrite, and I became an addict. I immediately read Cliques, Hicks and Ugly Sticks and Chocolate-Covered Baloney. The writing is wonderful….you will laugh hard at this 11 year old’s take on life. This is a terrific series for adults and teens alike. You will be a better person for having read them and find yourself wanting more!
***
By meghan coyle on March 13, 2014
Format: Kindle Edition
Not exactly what I usually read but still a cute book. I’m more into fantasy adventure books. the grammar got on my nerves. I have a habit of correcting grammar. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in realistic fiction. I never liked Mr. Rance.
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By evelyn rollins on February 25, 2014
Format: Kindle Edition
I loved the plot and the basic moral of the story. It’s such a good lesson to be learned and relearned. Even while using improper English it read much more smoothly than say “Huckleberry Finn”. I believe this is a great story for anyone 10 and older. One thing is for certain. You’ll finish this book with a big heartwarming smile plastered on your face.
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By Darrell A Naeger on January 10, 2014
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
a great book April Grace is funny and nice in the book it is like you met her in person!!!
five stars
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By Amazon Customer on January 9, 2014
Format: Kindle Edition
There was always so many things going on it was awesome. It had a good ending tiring all of it together.
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By Quilter Ton October 30, 2013
Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
I read this book a year ago and loved it. It is slap your leg funny, written in true to life language, and has a good message without being sappy. I enjoy reading good books aloud to my mother when we get together for lengthy visits and this is the one I’m going to be reading her next. I’m looking forward to reading more books by this author.
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By Shannon on October 14, 2013
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
This is a beautiful story of love and acceptance, a must read! It will warm your heart and remind you to judge not lest you be judged!
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In front of God and everybody (the confessions of April grace
By Matthew John lewis on August 28, 2013
Format: Kindle Edition
This was great you need to read this book. I reads this in a week it was so great. Bye
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By Choosy Shopper on July 21, 2013
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
As a library aide I try to read many of the books that our students will be reading. This is definitely one that I will encourage them to read! Characters are believable and relatable.
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By Janet Damon on July 11, 2013
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
I enjoyed this. It was refreshing to read the story from the perspective of a young girl, and I liked that humor was employed throughout. Sometimes it’s good to read something light-hearted.
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By Tori Akins on June 20, 2013
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
This is a really great book it’s perfect for everybody!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I’m not over-exaggerating . If that’s how you spell it.
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By Amazon Customer on May 27, 2013
Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
I loved this book! Made me think of Junie B. Jones when she is in 5th grade. I hope this book wins the Mark Twain Award (for 2013-2014).
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By FACS instructor on May 24, 2013
Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
Super book for girls. Very realistic and believable- entertaining and wholesome! Look forward to more titles by this outstanding author.
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By cfl on April 15, 2013
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
I have just been introduced to KD McCrite and found out she is a writer. I bought all three of her books on April Grace. I know they are ment for teens, but this adult enjoyed them too.
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By Catgirl0711 on February 2, 2013
Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
I cannot believe how much I LOVED In Front of God and Everybody. A friend of mine recommended the book, and I am so glad she did. The book is categorized as Young Adult/Teen, but believe me, adults will enjoy this charming story just as much. You will be drawn into the story from the first chapter. April Grace is an 11-yr old firecracker whose story makes you laugh out loud. She is a proud-to-be-from-the-country girl who does not understand why anyone would want to live any other way. Her family consists of her loving parents who try to be friends to everyone, her sister Myra Sue, April Grace’s exact opposite, who thinks city life is glamorous, and her Granny who I am pretty sure is where April Grace gets her spunk. The story begins with the arrival of the new neighbors, Ian and Isabel. Ian grew up in the area and moved his city wife and him from California to the Ozarks so he could return to his roots. Other neighbors consist of Temple and Forest who are hippies that April Grace is sure never shower. Lastly, Granny has a new boyfriend, Mr. Rance. You can only imagine what her favorite granddaughter thinks about that! K.D. McCrite does a wonderful job of introducing the cast of characters, developing them, and describing the Ozarks locale. Growing up in the ’80’s, I especially enjoyed all the little mentions of music and TV from the era. Reading the confessions of April Grace will not only put a smile on your face but also in your heart. I have read all three books in the series. They are all fantastically funny.
***
By Amazon Customer on February 1, 2013
Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
I’ve been wanting this book for ages. It’s one of the rare books that I buy and I’m so happy I don’t have any regrets. This is a Christian fiction book. I have not read one in a while. I’ve only read two in total so that’s not saying much. Now before you stop reading because you read “Christian fiction” let me just say that it’s not that bad. There’s only like one moment where if you weren’t really religious and don’t like to read about the stuff that you might not like. Other than that just think of it as a good children’s southern read.
April Grace tries to be kind to others like her Mama wants her to be but she can’t help not liking her new neighbors. She hasn’t had much great experience with new neighbors before. The last time she had a neighbor she met the parents and other family members of this nice girl she hung out with. Then they all started making fun of her right to her face. Ugh. You know when she starts off her story like that you know that her new neighbors are just going to be exactly the same. April Grace is a spunky girl who’s always saying funny things whether anyone else agrees. She’s very smart and quick witted. She was a pleasure to read about. Her new neighbors on the other hand… The man, Ian, seemed to become a better person but his wife, Isabel, just kept on being her rotten self.
April Grace’s mother is a saint. She’s always talking about being nice. She goes so far as letting the new neighbors live at their house while they are fixing up their home. Ian is originally pretty rude especially to his wife. They both fight a lot but he gets better as the book progresses. Isabel was a former dancer and she can’t stand the country. She really just wants to go home but that’s impossible and I wish she’d just get over it. She’s this skinny little thing that hardly eats. She’s always rude to April Grace’s family. I don’t know how her mother can stand it. I would have thrown her out when she first criticized my cooking. You are a guest at someone else’s home. Act like it.
April Grace’s sister, Myra Sue, worships the ground that Isabel walks on. She’s just so glamorous… She gets an even bigger attitude when Isabel starts staying over. I couldn’t stand both of them together. They needed to be separated as well as her grandmother and her new boyfriend that April Grace knew was no good. She tried telling everyone but would they listen? No. Her mother doesn’t like her attitude either. She keeps on talking about being nice but April Grace is realistic and once again because she’s just a kid she isn’t taken seriously.
April Grace’s life is just one crazy drama after another. Her life feels like a soap opera. I love watching soap operas so it’s a good fit for me. I really want to read more of her. I want to read what happens next. The ending was amazing and I want to read how the author tops this book. I haven’t read many southern family books. This was a real treat. It gets serious towards the end and I like that. It was a fun read but it deals with real life situations. I think a lot of girl’s will like reading about April Grace like I did. It’s a family values type of book but with April Grace it feels like a book that’s perfect for anyone.
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By internetgenius on January 26, 2013
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
This book is so amazing! April Grace has a fun way of looking at things in life, and the other characters she finds herself facing are interesting as well. If you’re a parent or guardian and want a character that would be a good influence in life, April Grace does say some nasty things about her older sister, Myra Sue. She learns fabulous life lessons that everyone should keep in their hearts forever, and that’s a great thing in life, is it not? I recommend this book to all tween girls, especially those who find things being “not fair” all the time. April Grace learns that life isn’t fair, but if you keep a good attitude towards it, it’s most definitely not boring.
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By Laura Pol on September 28, 2012
Format: Paperback
I love this book! The author is so funny and reminds me a lot the author Jenny B. Jones! A great read if you want something to cheer you up! Looking forward to the second book!
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By dsfan1968 on March 26, 2012
Format: Paperback
This is one of the funniest books I have read. At the beginning of the book, when the new neighbors arrive, I was literally in tears from her descriptions of them. I loved this book! Could not put it down. I think it took me maybe a week to finish. Think I may start it all over again….
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By Carla J. Pantelakis on January 30, 2012
Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
April Grace Reilly is the Nancy Drew/Pippy Longstocking for this generation. I just love her spunkiness and deep love for her family – oh, and I can most definitely relate to the older sister gig. Been there, done that. I cannot wait to read Cliques, Hicks, and Ugly Sticks!
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By Nanan on January 22, 2012
Format: Paperback
I loved reading this book! It made me laugh, feel disgust, and humbled me in the end, as well as bringing me to happy tears. I didn’t want to put it down, not knowing how April Grace was going to handle the next ordeal that she had to meet head-on. Reading this took me back to my young teenage years and the familiar chores of living on a farm. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story and can’t wait to read the next. Thank you K. D. McCrite.
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By Katherine C. Griffith on January 15, 2012
Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
Bought this as a Christmas present for my 11-year old daughter. She loved it! She carried it around with her everywhere until it was finished. She’s been asking for the next book by K.D. McCrite.
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By donnamagic on January 4, 2012
Format: Paperback
I bought this book for my 10 year old niece. I decided to read it first although I was certain I’d only skim it because it would be too boring for my age group. Well, was I ever wrong!! I got so interested in what was going to happen to the characters in the book that I had to keep reading!
At the beginning, April Grace seemed to be a brat…until I realized she was a child and this was her viewpoint of people…and perhaps I remembered being a bit like April Grace myself!! Brat and all!!
The book transcends ages. It is good for my 10 year old niece as well as her, um, slightly older aunt! It is a lively, entertaining story that makes you care about the characters and leaves you wanting the next book because you have to know what happens next in their lives.
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By Marie Borthwick on January 2, 2012
Format: Kindle Edition
I found the light-hearted moments in the book not too sweet and *gag* like some books I have read over my many years. I also was very impressed with the skill and tact that my friend demonstrated when touching on more delicate subjects. Don’t get me wrong, I love the gore, the grit and the down-down of some books, but not every book has to be that way in order to get the point across – even when it includes subjects of a sensitive nature.
I could relate to Isabelle St. James – her anger, her sadness and her pain. I admired how Lily (April Grace’s mother) handled herself while trying to take care of everyone else. I also found myself disliking a character (but I believe that was the point). The book’s title may give some, it did for me anyways, the wrong impression that it is a strongly Christian book – while there are religious themes in it, I wouldn’t consider it a “bible thumper” book. In fact, thinking on the matter now, I believe that the title itself is part of a lesson you can only learn if you are brave enough to open the book and begin reading the words within.
I strongly encourage you to read this book – don’t judge it by the title like I did and if you do, don’t let that stop you from reading it. There are lessons in this book, lessons April Grace can teach you no matter your age.
***
Fresh, snarky, innocently comical
By Valerie Haight on December 29, 2011
Format: Paperback
April Grace is a character anyone of any age can relate to, connect with, and be entertained by. She provides a fresh look at every young girl’s problems and her comical solutions will keep you in stitches until the very last page.
McCrite ingeniously captures familial trials, twists them in a swirl of innocent snark and comedy and gives us the best of April Grace, teenage extraordinaire. This book delighted me from the very first page and I couldn’t put it down. Can’t wait to read the next installment of the April Grace series, Cliques, Hicks, and Ugly Sticks (The Confessions of April Grace)!!
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By Jeff on December 28, 2011
Format: Paperback
This book was recommended by a friend as a good Christmas gift for an almost-10-year-old girl in my family, so I got it. I was told that I’d enjoy the book too, so I decided to read it before I presented it at Christmas. As a 49-year-old man, I don’t usually read books targeted toward pre-teens and young adults, but I was very pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it. K.D. McCrite has written a book full of well-developed characters. I really liked the likeable characters, and really despised the unlikeable ones. Best of all, there were enough references to my young adulthood that it was like astral travel back to 1986. I almost didn’t want the story to end. It’s high praise to an author’s skill when the reader wants the story to go on and on. I liked In Front of God and Everybody enough to want to give the sequel to the same little girl when her 10th birthday arrives in early January.
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Delightful Read with a Positive Message
By Shay Y. West on November 26, 2011
Format: Paperback
I started reading Confessions of April Grace around two in the afternoon and finished around eleven o’clock that night! I literally couldn’t put it down, even though eleven is way past my bedtime! 🙂
I was wrapped in the book from the very first page. April Grace is a sassy little thing who is proud to be a “hick” from the Ozarks and lets her snotty new neighbors know it (on more than one occasion). She adores her parents, idolizes her grandmother, and dislikes her older sister Myra Sue (as every eleven-year-old girl does at some point!). Her parents go out of their way to be kind to their neighbors who have been forced to move from their opulent lifestyle in California out to the backwoods. Needless to say, they are NOT happy about it and have no problems telling everyone within earshot that how ignorant the people are and how better off they had been in California. I wanted to slap the couple on more the one occasion! 🙂
But throughout the book, April’s mother and father, by being kind, are teaching her an amazing life lesson: treat others with kindness, regardless of how they treat you. And let’s be honest, how many of us really do that? Someone makes us angry and we simply lash out, which makes them lash out, and nothing ever gets solved.
McCrite creates characters you love and hate, and yet by the end of the book, she had given you insight into their behavior such that you find yourself feeling sorry for the ones you hated and becoming angry with the characters you loved. I found myself laughing (quietly, mind you, since the hubby was asleep) and then crying by the end. McCrite’s use of Bible verses and Christian values as a teaching tool is such a breath of fresh air! And the lessons don’t just happen for April Grace, they happen to everyone in the book, the reader included.
I am looking forward to reading the next installment of the April Grace series! Hats off to KD MCCrite for this amazingly charming novel!
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By quilter girl on October 31, 2011
Format: Paperback
From the Publisher: If God wanted April Grace to be kind to her neighbors, He should have made them nicer!
Growing up in the country is never easy, but it sure is funny–especially if you happen to have a sister obsessed with being glamorous, a grandma just discovering make-up, hippie friends who never shower, and brand new neighbors from the city who test everyone’s patience. From disastrous dye jobs to forced apologies and elderly date tagalongs, you’ll laugh `til you cry as you read the Confessions of April Grace!
Here are just a couple of April’s thoughts: On her sister, Myra Sue: “How anyone can be that dumb and still be able to eat with a fork is beyond me.” On senior citizen lovebirds: “What if they started smooching right at the table In Front of God and Everybody?”
In spite of all the loony characters in her life, April Grace is able to learn from her parents as they share the love of God–to even the craziest of characters!
My two cents:
April Grace learns through the example set by her parents to share the love of God with others, no matter how badly they behave which is a perfect reminder for the teens reading this book. I thought the book to be funny and inspirational at the same time. April Grace is a well-developed, philosophical character and I thoroughly enjoyed her crazy thoughts and fierce loyalty. I love the growth she shows and her determination to do God’s will.
Disclosure: This book was provided to me by Thomas Nelson Publishing through BookSneeze.com. All opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
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By Itzabitz on August 30, 2011
Format: Paperback
In Front of God and Everybody (Confessions of April Grace)
I recently had the pleasure of reading In Front of God and Everybody: Confessions of April Grace, written by K.D. McCrite. First and foremost, this was a fun book.
The book is written from the perspective of April Grace, an 11 year-old girl from Arkansas on her summer break. The story is about trying to learn to live with Christ-like attitudes while dealing with the stereotype of a dumb hick from the new “big city” neighbors. As April Grace likes to point out, just because you’re from the sticks doesn’t mean you are dumb.
The multiple story lines are easy to follow as April Grace is trying to adjust to a sister who is becoming anorexic, a grandmother who wants to start dating again, and live-in neighbors who refuse to accept the house rules. April Grace tries to emulate her parents in the grace she gives, but it’s a hard road to learn when everything seems to be against her.
This story is extremely funny. It’s well written and comical at times and is an easy read. I read it quickly, partly because of the easy read, partly because I just couldn’t put it down. I definitely recommend this book to anyone with preteen girls in their life.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the […] book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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By J Ross on August 16, 2011
Format: Paperback
I read this book from cover to cover in one day. April was a funny little spitfire of a girl and I felt like I could see a bit of my adolescent self in her. I did not feel like I was reading a kid’s book, nor did I feel like the book was “too adult” for the kids. It’s a great read for people of all ages.
The author has a way of describing things, it makes you feel like you are right there…you can almost smell the chicken frying in the kitchen while you read this tasty southern book.
As a fellow gal from the south, I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of this book and cannot wait for the sequel, Cliques, Hicks and Ugly Sticks. See you soon, April Grace and friends!
***
By S. Kilpatrick on August 2, 2011
Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
To tell you the truth, I was prepared to give this book 3 stars because I think some of the plot points drag on a little and then end up with a seemingly speedy and overly neat resolution. Then, I decided I quite like that in a book. It’s nice to not have everything you read be totally depressing.
The book is told from the point of view of preteen April Grace who, as a narrator, can get under your skin a bit. I can overlook that bit of irritation, though, because she has an important revelation AND because she genuinely cares for the other members of her family. As a country girl myself, I think that some character reactions (Isabel’s at times) were overwrought, but other parts were spot on.
Not my favorite plot, but the story is easily carried by excellent pacing and a strong voice. While some of the characters irritated me at the outset, I grew to love all of them–but one–by the end. My favorite character? Grandma.
In general this is a well written character-driven piece of southern fiction. I enjoyed it, and my hat’s off to the author.