Friday, April 15, 2016

"Just Claire" by Jean Ann Williams ... and a GIVEAWAY!


In celebration of her latest release, Jean Ann has graciously offered to give away a copy of the book (US Only). To enter, see the Rafflecopter box at the bottom of this post. (Contest ends April 22, 2016.) If you are the randomly chosen winner, I'll contact you and pass on your information. Good luck!



A Word from the Author...

My own mother became depressed after one of my siblings was born. I was ten years old. As time went on, we lost one of my other siblings to a house fire and my mother descended into mentall illness, and she never recovered. As a tween, I could have benefited from a book like Just Claire. This is what gave me idea of Just Claire, so my hope is this story will help young readers as they go through own losses.


My Review...

Thirteen-year-old ClaireLee Monteiro is left to care for her siblings after their mom gives birth and is rushed to the hospital. They are new in town, and Claire just wants to fit in at school, particularly with the popular girls (the “Lavender Girls Club”). Her new friend Belinda Cruz is poor and unpopular but loyal. When Mama returns home, it is clear to Claire that she is not the same person. Claire must take on additional, and new, responsibilities, though she just longs to be a kid. Will Mama ever be the same again? Will Claire choose popularity over true friendship?

This is a middle grade, clean reads, coming-of-age book which takes place in California in the 1960s. Williams writes in an easy, relatable style. Claire’s inner struggles, particularly with high expectations from her parents, will be relatable to many. Strong dialogue and steady pacing combine to make this book a great one for mothers and daughters to read together. Some difficult issues, such as postpartum depression, are skillfully handled. Claire is a strong character who learned early on to look to God for her strength and support, which is encouraging to see in a character.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.




About Jean Ann Williams...





Author Jean Ann Williams, the eldest in a large family, enjoys digging into her fascinating childhood to create stories for children. Having written over one hundred articles for children and adults, Just Claire is her first book. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, and Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, and she writes regularly on her blog. Jean Ann and her husband live on one acre in Southern Oregon where they raise a garden, goats, and chickens. Her favorite hobbies are hiking through the woods and practicing archery with her bow.

Downloads available at Amazon: http://ow.ly/XmCJ5



a Rafflecopter giveaway

17 comments:

  1. If the cover is inviting and interesting and this one looks amazing!!

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    1. I agree. The cover is great, and it's a wonderful fit for the story.

      Thanks for stopping by, Jennifer. Good luck!

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  2. Leslie, thank you for featuring me and Just Claire! I like the colors on the post and how nicely you pulled this together. Last but not least, I really appreciate the review.

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  3. Jennifer, I'm glad you like the cover. A wonderful lady, Opal, designed it and I was shocked at the girl on the cover. From behind, she looks exactly like my granddaughter, Carley Rose, who has given me many suggestions as I wrote the story. Opal did not have a picture of Carley before she created the book cover. But when we did the book trailer, Carley does the voice-over and is the first photo in the book trailer. Amazing right?

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  4. That's a pretty cool connection. I've seen her work, and Opal does a wonderful job!

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  5. I'd love to read this and I'm guessing that my twelve-year-old granddaughter would too.

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    1. Oh, Bonnie, I think it would be perfect for your granddaughter! This is something you guys could enjoy reading together.

      Thanks for stopping by, and good luck!

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  6. As a teen I too would have benefited from a book like this. My mother had a child when I was 12 and for 2 years I was his caretaker. He was my responsiblity when she came home and on weekends all day. When I was 14 I moved in with my father.

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    1. Kim,

      That's certainly a lot for a 12 year old to take on. I'm glad you were able to move in with your father at 14. I believe there will be things you'll be able to identify with in this book.

      Good luck, and thanks for visiting my blog!

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  7. Kim, you and I had similar experiences. You know, Just Claire is being well received by the adult readers. I'm really glad about this. Thank you for stopping by!

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  8. Replies
    1. Thanks for stopping by, Joanne. It really is a great read. Good luck!

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  9. Great cover and storyline. Glad someone could write about this topic because in realitu it happens alot. Would be interested in reading this book.

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    1. You're correct, Heather. This book is definitely filling a need in today's society.

      Thanks for stopping by, and good luck!

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  10. This is so true, Heather. And being a child witnessing your mother change and become a stranger is frightening. Even though this book is for tweens/YA, I'm amazed at how many adults are reading Just Claire. Thank you for stopping by.

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