Asking for Trouble

London Confidential #1

by Sandra Byrd

When her family moves to London, 15-year-old Savvy Smith has to make her way in a new school and a new country. She just knows the school newspaper is the right place for her, but she doesn’t have the required experience, and the cute editor-in-chief is not looking to train anyone. She has to come up with a way to prove herself and nab the one available position on the newspaper staff at Wexburg Academy.

London Confidential is a new series where British fashion, friendships, and guys collide, and where an all-American girl learns to love life and live out her faith.

Genres: Young Adult, Christian Fiction, Christian, Contemporary, Fiction, Teen, Middle Grade

266 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2010

About the author

The author of more than fifty books, Sandra’s work has received many awards, nominations, and accolades, including a starred review-PW Pick from Publishers Weekly and multiple starred reviews and Best Book selections from Library Journal. Other awards include the Historical Novel Society’s Editor’s Choice, two Christy Awards nominations, a BookPage Top Pick for Romance, and inclusion on Booklist’s Top Ten Inspirational Books of the Year list.

A dedicated foodie, Sandra cooks through the topic and location of every book she writes. In addition, she collects vintage glass and service ware in her free time, loves long walks with her husband, and Sunday Suppers with her growing family.

Reach Sandra Here: https://linktr.ee/sandrabyrd

Reviews

[Tarissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book probably more than I expected. A teenage American girl has just made the move to England with her family. She's ready to embrace all new experiences and see where God points her in this new country that has fantastic accents and fashion. Her heart (and circumstances) are leading her to the school newspaper, even though there doesn't seem to be a place for her there.

What I like? The spiritual content makes for quality, godly fiction for teen girls to be reading. Savannah's faith fits right in to her lifestyle, it's perfect. What a role model she is for the girls reading this series! Savannah truly cares about when her family is going to find the right church to attend, and how each of her family members are transitioning in life; she's figuring out how to best spread “good cheer” at Christmastime, and she ponders about the type of ministry she'd like to participate in... I was blown away by how focused this girl is in various areas of her life. Plus, she's attempting to start a career in journalism? My, my.

What else do I like? Oh my goodness. The British phrases, combined with the good-hearted humor... it makes my heart happy while I read. The British stuff you can pick up from this story is gold.

It's clean teen fiction. You'll find no bad language or mature content here. Even tweens could enjoy it.

Just a story about an average-but-amazing sophomore high school girl attempting to fit in to “year eleven” with the students at her new British school.

[Mikayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really cute book. I loved the light message, with good advice that can be applied to real life without coming on to strong.
Savvy was a relatable character, with struggles even I, a homeschooling girl, could relate to. I loved that she didn't get the job she wanted originally because she had lied. It was awesome to see that the lie did not work out, and she knew it, and it was bittersweet. It really made me root for her even more later on when she had another opportunity to join the paper
I really look forward to reading the next book!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very cute and I would highly recommend it for teens. Unlike most things written for teens, this was very clean, not about romance, and not over dramatic. Savannah/Savy is a nice American girl that finds herself in London.
If you are tired of the normal books for teens where everything is about romance and drama, this is a great pick.

[Melissa (So Behind) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very cute series from Sandra Byrd, perfect for the tween/YA audience. Savvy moves to London and tries to get on the newspaper staff. Excellent faith content for Christian readers.

[Gabs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Savvy is trying to adjust to moving to England, where she is very lonely. She hopes that working on her high school newspaper will help her make friends, but she is just the delivery girl. Savvy turns to God through her troubles.

This book takes place in England. That alone made me want to pick up the book. And when I did, I wasn't disappointed. I really did enjoy it. I could relate to Savvy trying to adjust and knew what she was going through when she was sad that her old friends had moved on. She was a strong christian girl, but was not a stuck up, 'I'm so much better than anyone else' christian girl. And I was so mad when Hazelle was acting like a complete snob towards her!

However, at some parts I was a tiny bit bored. And sometimes, the author would overexplain the English words--for example, I already knew what the loo was, and smart as well. But, all together, I enjoyed Asking For Trouble. Now, I have to go and find the next London Confiential book!

[Raechel Lenore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was very good! Geared for a bit younger than me, but I still enjoyed it, and am looking forward to starting the next book!
Great book for young teens (and old too for that matter), with good, godly lessons woven gently throughout. :)

[Olivia · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun read of an American girl living in England. I loved how many British terms were used, even if some of them I haven't heard yet myself! I have to say that a lot of words I hardly notice anymore because I've lived here for several years, but as a newbie you definitely would realize the difference. I'm looking forward to reading the others in this series!

[Lindsey (Books for Christian Girls) · Rating 3 out of 5]

About this book:

“When her family moves to London, 15-year-old Savvy Smith has to make her way in a new school and a new country. She just knows the school newspaper is the right place for her, but she doesn't have the required experience, and the cute editor-in-chief isn't looking for someone to train. She has to come up with a way to prove herself and nab the one available position on the newspaper staff at Wexburg Academy.”


Series: Book #1 in the “London Confidential” series.


Spiritual Content- Matthew 6:4 at the end; Prayers & Blessings over food; Scriptures are read & mentioned; Church going & going to a Christmas Eve service; Talks about God; ‘H’s are capitalized when referring to God, but not with Jesus; Mentions of God & Jesus; Mentions of prayers & praying; Mentions of Bibles, Bible reading, Bible studies, & Scriptures; Mentions of churches, church going, youth groups, services, & pastors; Mentions of Christians; Mentions of Christmas; Mentions of praise music, singers, songs, & worshiping.


Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘blimey’, a ‘blooming’, a ‘duh’, and two ‘stupid’s; Some eye rolling; Savvy lies about being an experienced journalist (but she does tells the truth); Mentions of lying & lies; A couple mentions of a historical figure that was beheaded; A couple mentions of dog poo & urine; A couple mentions of passing gas; A mention of crime; A mention of smoking; A mention of a man’s beer belly;
*Note: Mentions of TV shows, singers, songs, celebrities, & books; Mentions of a few designer names; A few mentions of magazines; A mention of Jack the Ripper; A mention of Girl Scouts; A mention of Starbucks; A mention of slasher movies.


Sexual Content- Mentions of super cute boys (Savvy kisses a picture of one before deleting it); Mentions of crushes & blushes; A couple mentions of flirting & winking; A mention of boyfriends;
*Note: A couple mentions of guys and girls being in the same health class & looking at pictures of the body (with nothing personal at all).

-Savannah “Savvy” Smith, age 15
1st person P.O.V. of Savvy
261 pages

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Pre Teens- Two Stars
New Teens- Three Stars
Early High School Teens- Four Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars (and a half)
This really is a fun start to a new series about a girl moving to England. I truly think junior high girls would like it the best, but I found it an enjoyable read this read through as well. It’s a light book but has good messages with fun characters. I look forward to reading the second book soon! :)


Link to review:
http://booksforchristiangirls.blogspo...


*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever wonder what it would be like as a teen if your family moved to Great Britain? Sandra Byrd, the author of the 4-book London Confidential series, takes the reader on such a venture in her newest tween/teen novels. Asking for Trouble and its sequel, Through Thick & Thin introduce 15-year-old Savannah Smith (Savvy for short) from Seattle, Washington whose family relocates “across the pond.”

Amidst adjusting, Savvy has a heart to please God, which makes these stories genuine page-turners. How far will she go to fit in? Can she be accepted by the other kids at Wexburg Academy without losing her own identify? Will she fudge the truth in order to land her dream job on the school’s newspaper staff?

Asking for Trouble and Through Thick & Thin are full of the sights, sounds and ways of British life as translated through an American teenager. In a little over 260 pages per each book, Savannah (and reader) ride the thrill of shopping in downtown London to the agony of having her sister’s dog eat her important checklist.

But while picking up the lingo added to the series’ flair, it’s though the character of Savannah Smith that these books come to life. It’s easy to enter Savvy’s world and care about the things she cares about. Even if she does have a hard time making friends, the reader is sure to love her. She’s fashion smart and has an easy spirit.

The tone Sandra writes with is lighthearted and fun, a fresh change from the dark fiction that permeates bookstore shelves. Once you step into Savannah’s world, you’re hooked. Though Sandra writes from Savvy’s point of view, you’ll come to love the rich palette of other characters she creates, like Aunt Maude and FC (Father Christmas).

I must warn you. By the time I’d finished book 1, I could not wait to plow into book 2. My advice: Save yourself a turn-around trip to the bookstore and buy the set. And be sure to keep your eyes peeled for books 3 & 4 due out later this year.

For the older reader, check Sandra’s other books, Let Them Eat Cake (a Christy Award finalist), Bon Appetit, and Piece de Resistance that follow the life of a recent college graduate.

[CatherineMorland · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book, I really did. I'm also a writer, I also moved to a completely new country at a young age, I also know what's it like to not fit in and be lonely. But Asking for Trouble fell flat in so many ways and I couldn't relate to it.

The entire book just seemed silly to me. An immature heroine, multiple cliches (the hot school editor. Check! The popular mean girls. Check! Stereotypical English behavior--I'm pretty sure people don't say chockabloc as often as the author suggests--check! A preachy faith message. Check! And the list goes on), a weak plot, and amateurish writing.

I could maybe see girls in the 10-12 age group liking this. It's marketed as a teen book, but I'm a teen and it felt like a book I should be reading to my young niece instead. To be honest, I'm sick of these fluffy teen books. Most of the teens I know, myself included, are going through tough situations and they have more important things to worry about than the cute boy in school. Christian YA fiction needs a good dose of realism. Teens need to be reading about real-life situations, things they can either relate to or learn from (divorce, abuse, losing a loved one, having an accident or getting a chronic illness, financial problems, losing their house from a storm, depression, having a loved one overseas fighting in a war, eating disorders... c'mon, authors, use your imagination!).

To give a fair review, there were a few things I liked. I actually liked the part with Father Christmas (even though I find it unrealistic that he would "preach" the way he did in a few scenes) and the way it tied in with the ending. I liked Aunt Maude (I think that was her name?) and thought she provided a tiny bit of interest. I liked how Savvy's family seemed pretty normal, they had their arguments but also loved each other.

All things said, I'm being generous and giving it a two star.

[Mandy J. Hoffman · Rating 4 out of 5]

BOOK OVERVIEW:

When her family moves to London, 15-year-old Savvy Smith has to make her way in a new school and a new country. She just knows the school newspaper is the right place for her, but she doesn’t have the required experience, and the cute editor-in-chief is not looking to train anyone. She has to come up with a way to prove herself and nab the one available position on the newspaper staff at Wexburg Academy.
London Confidential is a new series where British fashion, friendships, and guys collide, and where an all-American girl learns to love life and live out her faith.

MY REVIEW:

Asking For Trouble is a fun and fast read about friendship and faith. While being the first book of the London Confidential Series it also stands alone to make for a great book for 12 to 15 year old teen girls.

I enjoyed the realistic characters of Savvy Smith and her family and the troubles she encounters in her new life in London. While being a fun and easy read, it is also a book with a spiritual message woven through out the story line that teen girls will be easily able to relate to.

While I think that it could have had a "heavier" message, I am pleased with it for what it is and the fact that it does not contain material I would not want girls to read. So I give it 4 stars and recommend it as an encouraging book for younger teen girls.

* * * * *

This review copy was provided courtesy of Tyndale House Publishers.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an adorable book about 15-year-old Savvy Smith whose family has moved to a village outside of London during her high school years where they all pretty much have to start over. The book shows that starting over isn't easy, whether it's for Savvy, her mom, her little sister or even for her dad. It's very entertaining and I love Savvy's outlook on things. She never gets too down and in her times of deepest need she turns to the Bible and to God in a very realistic way.


I also felt this book was very realistic as Savvy tries to find her place. Things are not completely resolved over night and Savvy has lessons to learn and that is what makes it interesting. Savvy has a lot of character building moments that are interesting and not too over-the-top. I think it will be helpful for tween/teen girls that are going through a lot of the same things as Savvy. I feel that Ms. Byrd has a great handle on the teen/tween readers she is seeking (as well as their moms because I found this book wonderful).


I laughed and was touched in this book. It's well-written and I look forward to the next book, Through Thick and Thin, which is also available now from Tyndale House.


Rating: 4.5/5.0

[April Nichole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really cute story of Savannah (Savvy) trying to find her place in not just a new school but on a new continent. Her dad has gotten a new job and it is a hard adjustment for the whole family.
The story is told through Savvy’s POV. I like how Sandra Byrd was able to incorporate good life lessons for the readers through the things that Savvy went through and the scripture that Savvy used.
The characters are pretty likeable. It was cool to see some of the words that they really would use in London. It isn’t just a book with the author saying yes they are in London but I’m going to go ahead and use American words. Using words that would be said in London helped with the connection. By the end of the story I really felt for Savvy and her family and wanted things to work out for them.
It is a sweet story of a girl finding her way and learning what really is and is not important around her and learning to be okay with the things that she can’t change. This is the first in the series and I will be picking up the rest of the series because I want to know what else is going to happen with Savvy and spot that she accepted for herself on the school newspaper.
(Thanks to the publisher for the advance copy)

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

In my teen years I read lots of Sweet Valley High books. I don't think there's anything wrong with them, but I do wish I had known of books like these! I would have gotten so much more out of them, along with just having fun reading. I would have been more encouraged to read of other teen girls praying and studying their Bible. I did have encouragement in other ways, but my reading material could have been better.

Asking for Trouble is definitely geared towards teen/tween readers, but I had fun reading it, too. I don't like when authors "dumb down" their writing for young adult books. I guess I've gotten to the age where I just can't tolerate those books. Sandra does such a wonderful job of capturing the voice of a teenager without without making me feel too old! ;)

Savvy is such a lovable character! She doesn't always do the right thing immediately, but she does come through. And, I love that Sandra wrote her parents likable, too. So many times in teen books, parents just aren't what they should be.

If I had a teen/tween daughter, I wouldn't hesitate to buy these books for her! Asking for Trouble was a wonderfully sweet, encouraging book, and it's my favorite Christian Teen book I've read so far!

[Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t usually read YA, but I was pleasantly surprised with ASKING FOR TROUBLE.
Savvy Smith has just moved to London with her family and feels totally out of place. Vying for a spot on the school newspaper, she finally lands it- as the delivery person. Will she get the column she craves and a place with friends?
What I enjoyed about this book, was it doesn’t have the typical teen talk that just makes them sound like “cool” is the only word in their vocabulary. Savvy is a sensitive person, with a heart to obey God and do what is right. I admired her honesty even when it hurt and the lessons she learned that are essential to the Christian walk.
This short novel is not filled with heart pounding adventure or even much worry for the character, but it is a fun story set in a different country with its own quirks that Savvy must adapt to and in the process learn some important lessons. I enjoyed the uniqueness of what she had to learn, great lessons for today’s girls that aren’t always covered in today’s fiction.
ASKING FOR TROUBLE is a fun, fast read, perfect for the 12 to 16 year old crowd.
Thanks to Tyndale Publishers for my copy of this book to review.

[Reading Vacation · Rating 4 out of 5]

REVIEW

This adorable series was quick and fun to read. Savvy is the type of teen girl that I hope to be like. She is spunky, funny, and she never gives up. Savvy is a great role model for other girls to follow and I could relate to her.

There is plenty of London-speak in these books, and I could tell that Sandra Byrd had done her homework. The setting is so different from the United States, and I liked reading about Savvy’s school.

The plot moves nicely from one book to the other as Savvy adjusts to her new life in London. She works hard to get a job with the school newspaper, ponders a date for May Day Ball, and must overcome temptation.

The overriding theme of this Christian series is to be true to yourself. The message is delivered in a wonderfully fun story. Thank you to Sandra Byrd for sending these books for me to review.

RATING

4 Plot

4 Characters

4 Attention Grabbing

4 Girlie Meter

4 Ending


20 TOTAL


4 STARS

[MeghanM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Asking for Trouble was a great book. Sandra Byrd did a great job on letting the readers know how Savvy was feeling. You could really feel how desperately she wanted a friend. You could also feel how badly she want to be able to write in the school newspaper.

Savvy and her family had just moved to England from Settle. None of the members of her family was having a easy time fitting in or making friends, but for Savvy worst of all they couldn't find a new Church. Take a trip with Savvy and find out how it feels to be the new girl in school and wanting to write so badly for the school newspaper, the Wexburg Academy Times, but before Savvy could get into writing for the paper she had to find a way to get more people to read it. Will Savvy ever make any new friends? Will her family ever fit in and find a new Church and will Savvy ever be able to write in the Wexburg Academy Times?

I would highly recommend reading this great book. It was very interesting and was very easy to get lost in.

[JenniferJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this one more than I thought I would not to mention how many cool variations on words that we say here in America that are something different there. I got so tickled at some of Savannah's mistakes like when she was asked if she had trainers for the track team and she thought it kind of odd they were so serious about their sport when in fact they were asking her if she had tennis shoes. LOL It just was very interesting as well as entertaining to read.

There were a few parts that I felt so sad for Savannah and her family because they are trying so very hard to fit into this new place not to mention an entirely new country and it's just not so easy for them as they had hoped. They are having problems making new friends, finding a church they like, and other stuff but basically I found it was the lack of communication or knowledge of the different words that was the culprit.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first thought I had after finishing this sweet little read was how good it made me feel. It’s so unpretentious and full of sincerity. That’s something I rarely find with the characters in self-published books. Anyway, I loved everything about this novel. I especially liked the differences between the American and British way of living, which the main character kept highlighting. It was informative. My heart went out to Savvy and her family for how much they struggled to adapt to English life and how hard it was for her, her sister, and both their parents to make new friends. I also loved the family set-up, and the ending. It was such a perfect fit to the rest of the book. I also felt relieved that the author didn’t feel it necessary to add romance to the story for it to have a backbone. It did pretty well without it.

If Christian fiction isn’t your thing, then give this one a miss. But if it is, this is definitely worth the read. I finished it in less than a day.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I'm not in the target audience, I still, for the most part, enjoyed reading Asking for Trouble.
I thought it had some good messages - i.e. to be yourself.

There are a lot of British terms used throughout the book like "dustbins" (garbage cans), "the post" (the mail), and "Cheerio". Although I've never been to London, I find it hard to imagine teenagers saying things like "Cheerio" and "Jolly"!

Overall, I thought Asking For Trouble was a fun, easy read that I think most preteens and young teens would enjoy.

[Janet · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a cute young adult book about Savvy Smith who's family has just moved to London.

It's about adjustments for Savvy and her family, oh don't forget the dog. Savvy wants to write for the paper but because she doesn't have experience they won't let her although her interview article was great, so to be a part of the team she starts delivering the papers.

What happens next is really cool but you are going to have to read the book to find out. Love the God references in here as well.

I felt like I missed out on something although this is the first book in this series.

[Freda Mans-Labianca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great story for girls, aged around 12. It was easy to read, and had great values in it. I also really enjoyed the publishing/writing aspect of it.
I HIGHLY suggest, if you have a young girl or girls, you get them this book. They will love it too!

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

My 8 year old daughter and I are reading this series together at night. I love the main character, Savy, and that her main focus is on God. It sends a great message to young girls. The London setting makes it even more appealing to my daughter.

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great, I'm so glad it was are book club book.

[Haley S · Rating 3 out of 5]

I most likely will do a review on this one soon!

[Clare O'Beara · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I don't attend an English school this story does seem to be in an American high school set out in the sticks in Essex, outside London. The whole setup is American. The nice American family has moved here and Savannah, or Savvy, wants to join the school paper, only partly because she likes the idea of journalism; more like nobody else is friendly or wants to sit with her. Stereotypes abound.

Generally teachers will make sure a classmate shows someone new around and chats to them. Unless the kids are extremely thoughtless they will invite the newbie to join in, and will ask what life is like where they come from. This book's description of being ignored and lonely may terrify some young readers who have to move. Teachers are also there to teach, everything from art to gym; if you don't know it they don't send you elsewhere, they take delight in earning their wages.

The big mistake is that Savvy is invited to do a basic job for the paper instead of a reporter's job, as she has no experience. And she says "I'll think about it." You grab that job and you do it well and learn as you go, and become part of the staff, and then you get promoted. The author gradually lets the reader see that Savvy does all this, but why not emphasise that Savvy should have grabbed the job?

I am not religious but I suppose some people are, and Savvy has a religious family who, however, don't reach out to find or help people in need. I have noticed before that American religious themed stories for YAs are quite self-centred. Savvy wants to 'help' people by writing advice for them based on the Bible, seeing her byline in the paper; not by helping in a soup kitchen, pet rescue or charity shop. Maybe think about that.

Oddest of all; why does it take two and a half months for the family even to think about going in to London? We all know that is where the sights are to be seen.

I liked the tale despite all the American transplants. Suitable for young teen girls. I downloaded an e-ARC. This is an unbiased review.

[Steve W · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story was touching and just a bit inspiring. Sandra Byrd has a comfortable, easy-going style to her writing, and makes for a quick read. Her character (Savannah) has her eyes set on a position at the school newspaper, but will she be able to penetrate the British-American culture barrier and get the chance to prove herself? The premise felt familiar from Ms. Byrd's French Twist series, though I enjoyed that series more than Asking for Trouble.

I would especially recommend this book to young adults (especially girls), who could probably most closely relate to what Savvy experiences in the story. However, I am far outside that demographic and I enjoyed it.

[Caleb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Savannah, or Savy, as she goes by, moved from the US to England with her family and life seems a bit uncertain. Being the new girl and being from the US it makes finding new friends difficult. There are school clubs and activities, but nothing really interesting. That is until she sees an ad for the help wanted on the school paper team, but would they accept her? Find out and see if this could be the start of something new in book one of this series. This book was very well written and funny to read. Full of ups and downs, but definitely a good book!

[Loraine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Savannah and her family have moved from the US to London England for her dad's job. As a high school student, Savannah has left her friends, her church, and her familiar surroundings. Like a duck out of water, she is trying to find her place in a new situation.

Savannah's attempts to find her spot at Wexford Academy among the cliques were both sad and humorous. Once she found her spot on the newspaper, Savannah found herself answering "Dear Abby" type letters that forced her to think about her own situations and to seek answers in God's word to how to deal with them. I think this book would appeal to both tween and early teen girls. Good lessons here on how everyone no matter their age can find answers to problems in God's Word.

[SANDYE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming story

Great story about a young teen trying to find her way in a new country. If you think being a teenage girl is rough by itself, try being one after moving from the U.S. to England with no friends, a bit of a language and customs barrier, and with your heart set on becoming a famous news journalist. With her religious beliefs firmly in place, you'll see how a young Savvy navigates her way through the many obstacles life throws her way.