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Katie Parker Productions #3
The Big Picture
Katie Parker's life teeters on a fine line between comedy and tragedy.
Bobbie Ann Parker, released from prison, wants to start a new life with her daughter—in a new town. Katie is forced to walk away from In Between, leaving the family she loves, an endangered town drive-in, and a boyfriend who suddenly can't take his eyes off his ex.
As life with her mom takes a serious nosedive, Katie must rely on her faith to keep it together. Yet God seems to be nowhere around. Can she trust him to see her through, and will her big picture ever include a happily ever after?
Bobbie Ann Parker, released from prison, wants to start a new life with her daughter—in a new town. Katie is forced to walk away from In Between, leaving the family she loves, an endangered town drive-in, and a boyfriend who suddenly can't take his eyes off his ex.
As life with her mom takes a serious nosedive, Katie must rely on her faith to keep it together. Yet God seems to be nowhere around. Can she trust him to see her through, and will her big picture ever include a happily ever after?
384 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2008
313 people are currently reading
1101 people want to read
About the author
Jenny B. Jones
33 books2,213 followersFour-time Carol Award winner Jenny B. Jones writes contemporary romance with wit, sass, and Southern charm. Since writing for both women and teens leaves her with very little free time, she believes in spending her spare hours in meaningful, intellectual pursuits, such as watching E!, going to the movies and inhaling large buckets of popcorn, and writing her name in the dust on her furniture. www.jennybjones.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
May 26, 2013
Like usual, my daughter snatched Jenny's book before I could get my hands on it. That's when the torture began--hooting and guffawing erupting from the other room for hours while Her Royal Highness refused to tell me a single joke!
When my turn to read The Big Picture finally came, I laughed at Jenny's snarky humor till I cried. Katie Parker and her wacky foster grandma, Maxine, walked off the page and into my kitchen till I fed them pizza with the rest of the teen fixtures around here. When Jenny's next book comes out, I'm buying two copies--make that six--one for me, one for Her Royal Highness, and the rest for the kids who have pizza smudged my whole series.
When my turn to read The Big Picture finally came, I laughed at Jenny's snarky humor till I cried. Katie Parker and her wacky foster grandma, Maxine, walked off the page and into my kitchen till I fed them pizza with the rest of the teen fixtures around here. When Jenny's next book comes out, I'm buying two copies--make that six--one for me, one for Her Royal Highness, and the rest for the kids who have pizza smudged my whole series.
July 19, 2020
I like this book but not as much as the rest of them. What I really hated about this one was the back and forth and how every time Charlie tried to explain to Katie what was going on he got interrupted. I didn't like how Katie was with Charlie one moment then with Tate the next. I hated hated how Charlie and Katie DIDN'T get together. otherwise it was pretty good book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2020
I have read this one before but TOTALLY forgot about Bobbie Ann Parker! Ohmyword. This is why this series is so good--it's not just a random High School girl crushing on a guy. There is REAL stuff happening, too.
I also loved Tate. I might be Team Tate, y'all.
All the heart eyes.
I also loved Tate. I might be Team Tate, y'all.
All the heart eyes.
June 23, 2019
Love it
Whenever I’m feeling down. This book doesn’t fail to lift me up .. so inspiring and motivating. Makes me feel like I can get through anything and everything will be okay
Whenever I’m feeling down. This book doesn’t fail to lift me up .. so inspiring and motivating. Makes me feel like I can get through anything and everything will be okay
April 2, 2022
i love these books so much but my sole complaint is these awful covers😫😫they’re painful to look at
April 11, 2014
********* SPOILER ALERT *********
Okay so if you are reading this you either are reading these reviews for fun or you are just really curious about this book and are reading this to see if the book is worth your time. Well, it is. "The Big Picture" is the third of the series.
So we left off with Katie at the personal spring dance on her front porch. That's not the end of Charlie. Things are kind of confusing at the beginning so let me kind of clarify. Charlie really likes Katie and Katie really likes him, but he can not stay away from Chelsea. That's right. This is not a typo. Charlie is hanging out with Chelsea again. When Katie tries to confront him about this he says that Chelsea is going through some hard times and she really needs a friend right now. This may not sound bad but two things about this really ticks Katie off. First, he can't tell her what's going on with Chelsea so all Katie can think is this girl probably just lost her Prada bag or something like that. Second, Chelsea is bringing this upon herself because she is constantly complimenting Charlie and calling him sweetie and all this other stuff. She also told Katie that Charlie wasn't Katie's type and Chelsea was more qualified to date him. So basically what's going on here is total teenage girl drama. Charlie is bringing Katie home and she is still very upset so they are fighting, but everything goes quiet when there is a phantom car in the driveway. Thoughts are flying all over the place until the front door opens. This lady comes running down the porch steps and throws her arms around Katie. She says that she is Bobbie Ann and she has come to take Katie home. Did I mention that this lady's last name is Parker? May I introduce Katie's mom? That's right Bobbie Ann Parker is out of jail and in In Between.
How many more twists can Jenny B Jones throw at us? You'd be surprised. I hope she is writing a fourth Katie Parker Productions because this book ends with one big fat cliffhanger. If she isn't I will personally go knock on her door and tell her to get writing. I have fallen in love with these stories and the characters and I just want to be Katie. I love Charlie and I love Tate. ( You will hear more about Tate later.) Thank you Jenny B Jones for giving me an inside look on how hard life can really be. If you think your life is hard, leave it to Jenny B Jones to prove you wrong.
Long story short this is a great book and I recommend it to everyone.
Okay so if you are reading this you either are reading these reviews for fun or you are just really curious about this book and are reading this to see if the book is worth your time. Well, it is. "The Big Picture" is the third of the series.
So we left off with Katie at the personal spring dance on her front porch. That's not the end of Charlie. Things are kind of confusing at the beginning so let me kind of clarify. Charlie really likes Katie and Katie really likes him, but he can not stay away from Chelsea. That's right. This is not a typo. Charlie is hanging out with Chelsea again. When Katie tries to confront him about this he says that Chelsea is going through some hard times and she really needs a friend right now. This may not sound bad but two things about this really ticks Katie off. First, he can't tell her what's going on with Chelsea so all Katie can think is this girl probably just lost her Prada bag or something like that. Second, Chelsea is bringing this upon herself because she is constantly complimenting Charlie and calling him sweetie and all this other stuff. She also told Katie that Charlie wasn't Katie's type and Chelsea was more qualified to date him. So basically what's going on here is total teenage girl drama. Charlie is bringing Katie home and she is still very upset so they are fighting, but everything goes quiet when there is a phantom car in the driveway. Thoughts are flying all over the place until the front door opens. This lady comes running down the porch steps and throws her arms around Katie. She says that she is Bobbie Ann and she has come to take Katie home. Did I mention that this lady's last name is Parker? May I introduce Katie's mom? That's right Bobbie Ann Parker is out of jail and in In Between.
How many more twists can Jenny B Jones throw at us? You'd be surprised. I hope she is writing a fourth Katie Parker Productions because this book ends with one big fat cliffhanger. If she isn't I will personally go knock on her door and tell her to get writing. I have fallen in love with these stories and the characters and I just want to be Katie. I love Charlie and I love Tate. ( You will hear more about Tate later.) Thank you Jenny B Jones for giving me an inside look on how hard life can really be. If you think your life is hard, leave it to Jenny B Jones to prove you wrong.
Long story short this is a great book and I recommend it to everyone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 23, 2013
In this final Katie Parker book, Katie's life continues to be chaotic...from problems with Charlie, to Maxine getting engaged (then breaking it off), Millie's chemo, and finally, her mom getting out of prison. After two months, Bobbie Ann Parker finally contacts Katie and is determined to get her back. Katie is torn - In Between has become her home and she can't imagine her life without these people, yet she also desperately wants a relationship with her mom but has a hard time believing that her mom has actually turned her life around. Halfway through the book, Katie moves to Middleton to live in a trailer park with her mom. After a year of being loved and taken care of (and being able to be a normal teenager), Katie is back to taking care of herself and worrying about her mom. She is determined to hold on to her faith and finds a church a new group of friends, but it is short-lived, as her mom relapses and Katie ends up in In Between permanently.
This book was more emotional than the others. Katie deals with some pretty crazy intense issues involving her mom and we get a glimpse into what Katie's life was like before moving in with the Scotts. Maxine provides plenty of comic relief, as usual (as does Frances), but the drama with Charlie was annoying and seemed unnecessary. I really loved this world of Katie Parker and I'm sad to be done reading about her life. I loved how the character developed and Jones once again created a masterpiece.
This book was more emotional than the others. Katie deals with some pretty crazy intense issues involving her mom and we get a glimpse into what Katie's life was like before moving in with the Scotts. Maxine provides plenty of comic relief, as usual (as does Frances), but the drama with Charlie was annoying and seemed unnecessary. I really loved this world of Katie Parker and I'm sad to be done reading about her life. I loved how the character developed and Jones once again created a masterpiece.
May 22, 2009
I read all three Katie Parker books back to back, and was sorry to see the series end. There is a lot of potential for a fourth book, and I hope someday that will happen. Jones does a great job of showing the complicated relationship Katie has with her mother, the heartbreak of being taken from her foster parents (who she has grown to love) and the roller coaster relationship she has with Charlie. Thoroughly entertaining fiction for both young and old; highly recommended for all high schoolers (and beyond).
September 24, 2010
I loved this book as well as the first two.
I'm just finishing rereading the series.
The entire series is cute, funny, dramatic, sassy, kinda sad in parts, sweet, Katie is really sarcastic which i love! And Mad Maxine is just funny! Katie and Maxine are definitely drama queens!!:)
I'm just finishing rereading the series.
The entire series is cute, funny, dramatic, sassy, kinda sad in parts, sweet, Katie is really sarcastic which i love! And Mad Maxine is just funny! Katie and Maxine are definitely drama queens!!:)
May 30, 2013
I loved this book! Loved it! I laughed and cried (more laughing) glad the part with her bio mom was short (that's all I'm saying on that) I'm really going to miss Katie and mad Maxine :( what a delightful series this is!
May 23, 2011
This is a good christain book, and being a teenage christain myself its hard to find books like these.
October 12, 2011
I think one is my favorite out of the whole series! It deals with some more serious issues all the while keeping the laughs coming!
And Katie's new friend Tate is amazing!
Highly recommended :)
And Katie's new friend Tate is amazing!
Highly recommended :)
December 16, 2020
Love this series - so funny but also made me cry...
September 18, 2024
Oh my gosh.
First book that literally made me cry. I read this in March of 2024, after my sister spending weeks trying to get me to read it. When I finally did, I didn't put the books down until I finished the last one.
First of all, Katie. I love her. So much. She's funny, relatable, and just a really attractive seeming person despite her childhood circumstances. I was furious (spoiler) when she went to live with her mom. Its been a while since I've read so please forgive me but COME ON! I also love Millie and just all the characters. Chelsea being an exception. Honestly there was one book that I kind of skipped but I don't remember it. (it wasn't this one)
Charlie was NOT my favorite, even though I was on his team throughout the book. Tate honestly treated her better than any of the other guys but I still liked Charlie. He just seemed like a good fit. I don't have much to say about him though lol.
THE PLOT TWISTS>>>>
I cannot with them. they're so good. This book has the perfect plot. It seems like a dumb tween novel but trust me it will make you cry. I cant bring myself to reread it because I loved it too much. (I know that doesn't make sense lol)
Anyways, I would recommend this book to read over a break, or if you have time because its LONG. Don't skip this one!
First book that literally made me cry. I read this in March of 2024, after my sister spending weeks trying to get me to read it. When I finally did, I didn't put the books down until I finished the last one.
First of all, Katie. I love her. So much. She's funny, relatable, and just a really attractive seeming person despite her childhood circumstances. I was furious (spoiler) when she went to live with her mom. Its been a while since I've read so please forgive me but COME ON! I also love Millie and just all the characters. Chelsea being an exception. Honestly there was one book that I kind of skipped but I don't remember it. (it wasn't this one)
Charlie was NOT my favorite, even though I was on his team throughout the book. Tate honestly treated her better than any of the other guys but I still liked Charlie. He just seemed like a good fit. I don't have much to say about him though lol.
THE PLOT TWISTS>>>>
I cannot with them. they're so good. This book has the perfect plot. It seems like a dumb tween novel but trust me it will make you cry. I cant bring myself to reread it because I loved it too much. (I know that doesn't make sense lol)
Anyways, I would recommend this book to read over a break, or if you have time because its LONG. Don't skip this one!
June 30, 2018
4.5 stars. You THINK this book is about a teenage foster kid and her sort of coming-of-age story replete with boys, friends, school, and more boys, which it is...sort of. Jenny Jones does a marvelous job in these Katie Parker books. She somehow manages to bring depth to every book in the series. In this one, when Katie's mom reappears, she explores the topic of addiction and family and how addiction affects family. She weaves this theme into the book in a way which doesn't seem strained or contrived.
Maxine, her foster-grandmother, returns in the book. She has become one of my favorite characters in fiction. She is hilarious and always getting into something crazy. This time she ends up stuck on a water tower while dragging poor Katie along in an attempt to impress the love of her life, Sam, which she does, but not in the way she had hoped. She really steals the show in this book, just like she did in the others.
My wife and I listened to this book while driving home from North Carolina and chuckled all the way to Michigan. Good book.
Maxine, her foster-grandmother, returns in the book. She has become one of my favorite characters in fiction. She is hilarious and always getting into something crazy. This time she ends up stuck on a water tower while dragging poor Katie along in an attempt to impress the love of her life, Sam, which she does, but not in the way she had hoped. She really steals the show in this book, just like she did in the others.
My wife and I listened to this book while driving home from North Carolina and chuckled all the way to Michigan. Good book.
November 10, 2018
I loved this book! Katie's mother comes to find 17 year old Katie and put her in her custody and leave the Scott's family forever. Then her mother robs the pharmacy and is reported by the police by her own daughter. Like, courage goals people? When Kate is taken back into the Scott's care things with her and Charlie take a nosedive. Charlie 'dumps' Katie (under Katie's words not his) and gets back with his ex-girlfriend Chelsea Blake. Katie then gets into a serious relationship with her friend from her mother's town, Tate. I am seriously so confused and upset over this relationship situation and can't wait to see what happens when they're adults in the next book. I may reread this series again. I recommend for ages 11+
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2019
This book was a very fun and interesting novel full of drama and excitement that you would never expect. The first two books definitely help you know what is going on in this book. In the book we find out that Katie’s mom gets out of jail after getting in there cause she sold drugs and drive under the influence. After her mom gets out of jail she thinks right away she will get Katie back from the millers(her foster parents) and we find out that Katie’s foster mom has cancer and Katie really loves the millers and doesn’t want to leave them but she wants to get to know her mom again
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2023
I loved this book. It dealt with a darker topic, drug abuse and child neglect. My heart really broke for Katie, who just wanted her mother to love her and choose her over the drugs. I did get a bit aggravated at Charlie, for him wanting to date Katie, but still hanging onto Chelsea. Then there is comic relief in the form of Mad Maxine, Katie's foster grandmother who is not your typical grandma. The scene that was most funny was Maxine encouraging Katie to scale a water tower to put a sign up to win Sam back, as well as breaking Sam's window at night, throwing rocks at it and serenading him.
December 16, 2017
I would say about 4.5 only because I was disappointed about her and Charlie...the whole time you are rooting for them in the other books and this one does that...not that I dislike Tate or anything..but still...I know the 4th book Charlie comes back and hopefully they end up together which I will be reading next
But other than that I have enjoyed the series so far and now onto the final book of the series!!!
But other than that I have enjoyed the series so far and now onto the final book of the series!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 19, 2020
Let god write your story
Oh!!! You know you’ve read a good book when it makes you feel all kinds of real things, all in one story. I think addicts need to read this book because it shows exactly how hard it can be for their kids. God helped Katie through her crazy adventures and through the hard times too. I can’t wait for the next story!!! Very well done!
Oh!!! You know you’ve read a good book when it makes you feel all kinds of real things, all in one story. I think addicts need to read this book because it shows exactly how hard it can be for their kids. God helped Katie through her crazy adventures and through the hard times too. I can’t wait for the next story!!! Very well done!
November 6, 2020
This is the third book the Katie Parker series. And so far, it has so many elements that make it so interesting and wonderful to read! While Katie struggles with guys and her mom and everything in between, she trusts God despite all of the hardships. That is something I can respect about this considering all of the hardships everyone has. 5 stars!!
December 2, 2021
I have to say, I was disappointed in how this one ended. Anyway, I am on to book 4, and am still loving everything about this series. Here's to hoping for a happily ever after!
October 18, 2022
I love Katie Parker. She reminds me so much of my daughter Charis.
Jenny B. Jones has to be inspired by the whippet and sarcastically quick Gilmore Girls. I love the inner dialogue that has me laughing and shaking my head yep. And Maxine and Katie’s bff relationship between “foster granny” and teenage girl has me literally laughing out loud.
Jenny B. Jones has to be inspired by the whippet and sarcastically quick Gilmore Girls. I love the inner dialogue that has me laughing and shaking my head yep. And Maxine and Katie’s bff relationship between “foster granny” and teenage girl has me literally laughing out loud.
May 9, 2017
Katie's mom gets out of prison and throws Katie's world upside down. It is eye-opening to see all the things that Katie went through including uncertainty. Katie has grown as a character over the last three books.
April 13, 2019
An Amazing Witty Enjoyable Novel
This book is satisfying on multiple levels. The storyline is superb. The characters are fully developed and as real as you and me. The prose is witty and entertaining. It's just a hard to put down book! I highly recommend it!
This book is satisfying on multiple levels. The storyline is superb. The characters are fully developed and as real as you and me. The prose is witty and entertaining. It's just a hard to put down book! I highly recommend it!
September 3, 2019
So charming, so engaging, so life affirming
Ms. Jones knows exactly how to pull out heart strings.....this series has a very Christian theme but you truly never feel intimidated by it, it only brings the characters and story closer together.
Ms. Jones knows exactly how to pull out heart strings.....this series has a very Christian theme but you truly never feel intimidated by it, it only brings the characters and story closer together.
January 23, 2020
I really enjoyed this book--the whole series, actually. Katie is a fun characters, and although the comedy is often over the top, the story is excellent. I love the friendships and realistic teen romances.
February 15, 2020
Still great
Katie gets reunited with her mom and has to say goodbye to the Scott’s and all of her friends. There is still the same humor but there’s a lot of angst too, and we see a glimpse of what it was life for Katie before the Scott’s took her in. A very worthy sequel.
Katie gets reunited with her mom and has to say goodbye to the Scott’s and all of her friends. There is still the same humor but there’s a lot of angst too, and we see a glimpse of what it was life for Katie before the Scott’s took her in. A very worthy sequel.
August 5, 2020
July 2020 - a re-read. This book is a little deeper than the first two with some possible triggers. Katie goes to live with her mom and it is not a good scenario. But there is always redemption and hope.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews