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
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/just-claire-jean-ann
williams/1123223218?ean=2940157880842
Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28482298-just-claire?from_search=true&search_version=service
See
the trailer: https://youtu.be/s8x5lJKZFHU
Jean’s
blog: http://jeanannwilliams.blogspot.com/
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/JeanAnnWilliams
a Rafflecopter giveaway
