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Newbie
The housing market is crashing, and Sophie’s life is crashing with it. At twenty-four, her successful real estate career evaporates. She’s broke, can’t find a job, or pay her bills, leaving Sophie wondering how her successful lifestyle became so fragile.
At the urging of her roommate, Sophie accepts a job in her fallback career—teaching six-year-olds. She hopes it’s temporary. After all, how long can a tanking economy last anyway? The best part of the new job is Liam, another employee at Rio Grande Elementary. The worst part of the new job is, well, teaching.
Sophie has a surprise real estate closing from a contract she wrote months ago, leading her to a niche in the real estate market and to a new partner, Kevin. Sophie must choose between Liam or Kevin and between a lucrative career or recess duty.
Clean Romance
Intended Audience 15 years old +
At the urging of her roommate, Sophie accepts a job in her fallback career—teaching six-year-olds. She hopes it’s temporary. After all, how long can a tanking economy last anyway? The best part of the new job is Liam, another employee at Rio Grande Elementary. The worst part of the new job is, well, teaching.
Sophie has a surprise real estate closing from a contract she wrote months ago, leading her to a niche in the real estate market and to a new partner, Kevin. Sophie must choose between Liam or Kevin and between a lucrative career or recess duty.
Clean Romance
Intended Audience 15 years old +
360 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 16, 2014
37 people are currently reading
372 people want to read
About the author
Jo Noelle
47 books333 followersThis mother/daughter writing team writes “Sweet, Swoony Ever-Afters.”
Sweet Historical Western under the name Gemma Stuart
Sweet Victorian & Regency Time Travel under the pen name Jo Noelle, who a USA TODAY bestselling author
Sweet Contemporary under the name Evee Tuttle.
They write stories about the places they’ve lived, the places they’ve visited around the world, and the places still on their bucket lists.
Follow us on Amazon, Goodreads, and Bookbub to get notices for all our new releases!
Join our Facebook Groups and chat with us and other readers who love sweet and clean romance.
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Sweet Historical Western under the name Gemma Stuart
Sweet Victorian & Regency Time Travel under the pen name Jo Noelle, who a USA TODAY bestselling author
Sweet Contemporary under the name Evee Tuttle.
They write stories about the places they’ve lived, the places they’ve visited around the world, and the places still on their bucket lists.
Follow us on Amazon, Goodreads, and Bookbub to get notices for all our new releases!
Join our Facebook Groups and chat with us and other readers who love sweet and clean romance.
• Cowboys and Angels and The Matchmaker’s Ball
• Loving Sweet Historical Romance
• Sweet Kisses Readers’ Group
• Sweet and Sassy Books Facebook Page
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
March 20, 2015
I've never wanted to teach school for many reasons, but mainly because the thought of being responsible for so many little ones scares me to death, and that's exactly how Sophie feels. She has a lucrative job in real estate, but when the market crashes, so does her career and she can't even make ends meet. Desperate to pay her bills, she resorts to accepting a job teaching first grade. Fortunately, she has a teaching degree, but that doesn't do much in helping her set up her lesson plans for the year. Beth, another teacher, is a great friend and support to Sophie and her planning sessions go a long way in helping.
One of the biggest perks to teaching is the permanent sub, Liam. I love Liam! He's great with kids and he's at the school because he wants to be doing what he enjoys and not what will bring him the most money. I love how persistent he is. He's very thoughtful--having the kids pick dandelions for their teacher and things like that. I love the moments they have together and could picture the sparks flying.
A surprise closing comes up and leads Sophie into a part time real estate gig with a new, handsome partner, Kevin. He comes across as very smooth--almost too perfect--yet Sophie works really well with him. How can she decide between these two?
Sophie has a lot of big decisions to make and I love the way she changes and grows throughout the school year. She was more concerned with money and material things at first, but then grew up and realized there is more to life. I really enjoyed the blog she started and the insights she had about teaching. She had some crazy first year experiences, like being thrown up on, but she handled it all very well. One of my favorite things was the friendship that was forged with Ruby, an elderly woman in the retirement home next door, over playground balls.
Content: Mild romance (kissing); no religious elements, language, or violence. Clean!
*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*
One of the biggest perks to teaching is the permanent sub, Liam. I love Liam! He's great with kids and he's at the school because he wants to be doing what he enjoys and not what will bring him the most money. I love how persistent he is. He's very thoughtful--having the kids pick dandelions for their teacher and things like that. I love the moments they have together and could picture the sparks flying.
A surprise closing comes up and leads Sophie into a part time real estate gig with a new, handsome partner, Kevin. He comes across as very smooth--almost too perfect--yet Sophie works really well with him. How can she decide between these two?
Sophie has a lot of big decisions to make and I love the way she changes and grows throughout the school year. She was more concerned with money and material things at first, but then grew up and realized there is more to life. I really enjoyed the blog she started and the insights she had about teaching. She had some crazy first year experiences, like being thrown up on, but she handled it all very well. One of my favorite things was the friendship that was forged with Ruby, an elderly woman in the retirement home next door, over playground balls.
Content: Mild romance (kissing); no religious elements, language, or violence. Clean!
*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*
March 16, 2015
When I learned this book was about a brand new first-grade teacher, I knew I had to read it because I taught first grade for eighteen years. By the time I was halfway through the story, I wondered if Jo Noelle had placed a hidden camera in my classroom all those years ago to record my struggles (and triumphs) as a rookie teacher! I speak from experience when I say these authors are spot-on about the personalities, behavior, antics, quirks, and dialogue of first graders.
Here are some examples of true-life situations Sophie, the heroine in the story, and I both encountered as newbie teachers:
-- Student vomiting on teacher's clothes and shoes. √
-- Student wetting pants in class. (Way too many times to count!). √
-- Telling the students one of their classmates moved suddenly, and then dealing with the emotional fallout caused by the announcement. √
-- Breaking bad news to or sharing concerns with a parent as gently as possible, unfortunately resulting in the parent avoiding the teacher for the remainder of the school year. √
-- Having room parent fail to put together a Halloween Party for the class and
calling on husband and friends to save the day. {Best part was the kids never suspected anything was amiss.} √
Sophie publishes humorous posts on her 'Newbie Blog'. I loved that her blog posts were exactly like Sophie's thoughts and snappy dialogue. Some of the posts were hilarious--others were poignant and thoughtful.
Any way you look at it, Sophie was consistently doing her best to not only survive as a newbie teacher, but to make certain her students had a successful first grade year. She is a nurturing, conscientious, dedicated, kind woman who truly cares about her students even though she lacks confidence in her teaching abilities. I felt she was portrayed accurately as a woman who was beginning a new career.
The romance between Liam and Sophie is very sweet and realistic. Their friendship grows before their relationship progresses into romance--a lot like real life. Their personalities complement each other nicely.
The last couple of chapters are so fun! I won't spoil the fun by revealing anything, just trust me that the ending is satisfying and humorous, of course.
'Newbie' is a witty, light story that illustrates the juggling act a teaching career can be. I highly recommend this book for teachers who want to take a look at teaching from the humorous side and for anyone who wants to enjoy a fun book that will leave you chuckling long after you've finished reading it.
---PDF copy of book provided in exchange for an honest review.---
Here are some examples of true-life situations Sophie, the heroine in the story, and I both encountered as newbie teachers:
-- Student vomiting on teacher's clothes and shoes. √
-- Student wetting pants in class. (Way too many times to count!). √
-- Telling the students one of their classmates moved suddenly, and then dealing with the emotional fallout caused by the announcement. √
-- Breaking bad news to or sharing concerns with a parent as gently as possible, unfortunately resulting in the parent avoiding the teacher for the remainder of the school year. √
-- Having room parent fail to put together a Halloween Party for the class and
calling on husband and friends to save the day. {Best part was the kids never suspected anything was amiss.} √
Sophie publishes humorous posts on her 'Newbie Blog'. I loved that her blog posts were exactly like Sophie's thoughts and snappy dialogue. Some of the posts were hilarious--others were poignant and thoughtful.
Any way you look at it, Sophie was consistently doing her best to not only survive as a newbie teacher, but to make certain her students had a successful first grade year. She is a nurturing, conscientious, dedicated, kind woman who truly cares about her students even though she lacks confidence in her teaching abilities. I felt she was portrayed accurately as a woman who was beginning a new career.
The romance between Liam and Sophie is very sweet and realistic. Their friendship grows before their relationship progresses into romance--a lot like real life. Their personalities complement each other nicely.
The last couple of chapters are so fun! I won't spoil the fun by revealing anything, just trust me that the ending is satisfying and humorous, of course.
'Newbie' is a witty, light story that illustrates the juggling act a teaching career can be. I highly recommend this book for teachers who want to take a look at teaching from the humorous side and for anyone who wants to enjoy a fun book that will leave you chuckling long after you've finished reading it.
---PDF copy of book provided in exchange for an honest review.---
March 23, 2015
Newbie is an entertaining story that follows the trials and tribulations of twenty-four year old Sophie Kanakaredes' life as she transitions from a real estate agent to a "newbie" first grade teacher at Rio Grande Elementary School.
Told in the first person narrative, the reader is easily drawn into Sophie's story as she picks up the pieces of her life after the housing market crashes, sending her real estate career into a downward tailspin. Sophie accepts a position as a first grade teacher hoping that it would be temporary, that is until she meets her handsome co-worker Liam. And just when she is starting to get the hang of teaching little kids, Sophie gets a surprise when a lucrative real estate deal that she had previously worked on is closing, leading to a part-time venture and partnership with a handsome man named Kevin. What's a girl to do when she has to choose between two careers and two handsome men?
Newbie was such a fun and lighthearted story to read. I really enjoyed following Sophie on her journey as her life transitioned between careers with humorous bumps along the way, and a touch of romance thrown into the mix. Sometimes life brings unexpected and pleasant changes and choices that makes it well worth the risk.
Newbie is a delightful and enjoyable tale about life's unexpected changes, that sometimes takes a person down a different path, and provides them a chance to grow and find out what's really important in life.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by I Am A Reader Blog Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
Told in the first person narrative, the reader is easily drawn into Sophie's story as she picks up the pieces of her life after the housing market crashes, sending her real estate career into a downward tailspin. Sophie accepts a position as a first grade teacher hoping that it would be temporary, that is until she meets her handsome co-worker Liam. And just when she is starting to get the hang of teaching little kids, Sophie gets a surprise when a lucrative real estate deal that she had previously worked on is closing, leading to a part-time venture and partnership with a handsome man named Kevin. What's a girl to do when she has to choose between two careers and two handsome men?
Newbie was such a fun and lighthearted story to read. I really enjoyed following Sophie on her journey as her life transitioned between careers with humorous bumps along the way, and a touch of romance thrown into the mix. Sometimes life brings unexpected and pleasant changes and choices that makes it well worth the risk.
Newbie is a delightful and enjoyable tale about life's unexpected changes, that sometimes takes a person down a different path, and provides them a chance to grow and find out what's really important in life.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by I Am A Reader Blog Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
October 12, 2014
I loved this book!! The main character gets into awkward situations and I going myself laughing out loud a few times. Great characters and plot. Definitely a book I can read over and over.
August 31, 2014
WHAT IT'S ABOUT
The housing market is crashing, and Sophie’s life is crashing with it. At twenty-four, her successful real estate career evaporates. She’s broke, can’t find a job, or pay her bills, leaving Sophie wondering how her successful lifestyle became so fragile.
At the urging of her roommate, Sophie accepts a job in her fallback career—teaching six-year-olds. She hopes it’s temporary. After all, how long can a tanking economy last anyway? The best part of the new job is Liam, another employee at Rio Grande Elementary. The worst part of the new job is, well, teaching.
Sophie has a surprise real estate closing from a contract she wrote months ago, leading her to a niche in the real estate market and to a new partner, Kevin. Sophie must choose between Liam or Kevin and between a lucrative career or recess duty.
MY TAKE
I loved NEWBIE. Sophie's inner thoughts are a delight. She just makes me smile. Her journey as a newbie teacher is real and touching. If you've ever wondered about being a teacher, this book will give you a feel for what it might be like.
And I'm totally Team Liam.
The housing market is crashing, and Sophie’s life is crashing with it. At twenty-four, her successful real estate career evaporates. She’s broke, can’t find a job, or pay her bills, leaving Sophie wondering how her successful lifestyle became so fragile.
At the urging of her roommate, Sophie accepts a job in her fallback career—teaching six-year-olds. She hopes it’s temporary. After all, how long can a tanking economy last anyway? The best part of the new job is Liam, another employee at Rio Grande Elementary. The worst part of the new job is, well, teaching.
Sophie has a surprise real estate closing from a contract she wrote months ago, leading her to a niche in the real estate market and to a new partner, Kevin. Sophie must choose between Liam or Kevin and between a lucrative career or recess duty.
MY TAKE
I loved NEWBIE. Sophie's inner thoughts are a delight. She just makes me smile. Her journey as a newbie teacher is real and touching. If you've ever wondered about being a teacher, this book will give you a feel for what it might be like.
And I'm totally Team Liam.
August 31, 2014
Loved this story. I thought it was crisp and funny. Sophie has a great character arch as she goes from the Real Estate world to a classroom of 1st graders. Love Liam. He is a nice breath of fresh air. He and Sophie's interactions kept me laughing and wanting more. I HIGHLY recommend this novel!
September 4, 2014
In recent years I've become addicted to Sophie Kinsella's books. This book reminded me of hers, only cleaner, which I appreciated! It was sweet and witty. Definitely had me laughing out loud. Loved the ending :)
November 23, 2014
I loved this book! I especially have a tender spot for books with children in them and this story about Sophie being "forced" to teach when the real estate market does so poorly captured my heart. The characters were warm and lovable, the story was fun and I enjoyed every minute of the book.
Read
November 11, 2014Refreshing. It brought back memories of my first year of teaching. Loved the characters.
March 25, 2015
A real estate broker who only becomes a teacher because she can't find anything else to do and she's flat broke - makes it sound a lot like teaching is easy money. Just spend a few hours a day with a bunch of children, teach them a few things and then send them home. Maybe that's what Sophie Kanakarades thought when she first took the job. She certainly wasn't planning on sticking around for a long time - just until the real estate market picked up again.
I liked the way this book was written. The story was told from the first person point of view, and included Sophie's thoughts, which brought a lot of humour to the story. Sophie also wrote a blog during her time of teaching and those blog entries were included in the text of the story. The mix of storytelling, interjected thoughts and blog entries gave Newbie a light feel and made it a humorous read.
I liked most of the characters in the book. I did not however like Mrs. Hays. Unfortunately, there are a few Mrs. Hays in the teaching world. As a teacher myself, I could relate to the number of extra hours outside of class time it takes to prepare for teaching. Sophie mainly talked about lesson preparation. She didn't mention report card preparation, or marking (of which there is not a huge amount in grade one).
My favourite character was Liam. He's the kind of boyfriend every girl dreams of. I liked the clean romance Newbie. It added to the pleasure of reading the book.
The secondary characters like Beth were given enough depth to make them interesting and for us to care about them. I wanted to know whether Beth's baby was a boy or girl, but she didn't have the baby by the end of the book so now I won't know plus I won't know how Beth is afterwards. I kind of feel like Beth is my friend too.
I loved the twists and turns in the plot of this book. I found Kevin's (Sophie’s real estate partner) sneakiness absolutely despicable and he got what he deserved for pulling that stunt on Sophie. In teaching not a lot goes as planned and so there are always a lot of surprises. Sometimes attempting to get through a day of teaching can be a day twists and turns in itself!
Newbie was a humorous, light-hearted look at teaching and a beautiful clean romance. I would highly recommend it for all ages teen and older. I gave it 5 stars out of 5.
Thank you to the publishers for providing a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. A positive opinion was not required. All thoughts are my own.
This review was published on my blog Shelf Full of Books http://kathrynsshelffullofbooks.blogs...
I liked the way this book was written. The story was told from the first person point of view, and included Sophie's thoughts, which brought a lot of humour to the story. Sophie also wrote a blog during her time of teaching and those blog entries were included in the text of the story. The mix of storytelling, interjected thoughts and blog entries gave Newbie a light feel and made it a humorous read.
I liked most of the characters in the book. I did not however like Mrs. Hays. Unfortunately, there are a few Mrs. Hays in the teaching world. As a teacher myself, I could relate to the number of extra hours outside of class time it takes to prepare for teaching. Sophie mainly talked about lesson preparation. She didn't mention report card preparation, or marking (of which there is not a huge amount in grade one).
My favourite character was Liam. He's the kind of boyfriend every girl dreams of. I liked the clean romance Newbie. It added to the pleasure of reading the book.
The secondary characters like Beth were given enough depth to make them interesting and for us to care about them. I wanted to know whether Beth's baby was a boy or girl, but she didn't have the baby by the end of the book so now I won't know plus I won't know how Beth is afterwards. I kind of feel like Beth is my friend too.
I loved the twists and turns in the plot of this book. I found Kevin's (Sophie’s real estate partner) sneakiness absolutely despicable and he got what he deserved for pulling that stunt on Sophie. In teaching not a lot goes as planned and so there are always a lot of surprises. Sometimes attempting to get through a day of teaching can be a day twists and turns in itself!
Newbie was a humorous, light-hearted look at teaching and a beautiful clean romance. I would highly recommend it for all ages teen and older. I gave it 5 stars out of 5.
Thank you to the publishers for providing a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. A positive opinion was not required. All thoughts are my own.
This review was published on my blog Shelf Full of Books http://kathrynsshelffullofbooks.blogs...
August 29, 2018
Clean romance
Cute fun romance and also a love story of a teacher with the craft of teaching. Loved the intertwining of Sophie's work and romantic life. The blog made for a fun break in the story. Her struggles with her job, finances, and of course her love life made for a fun read. Figuring out the kids and her job, and then her daily routine as she struggles to stay ahead and do her best with her new career made for a cute fun read. Her developing feelings for Liam, and their gradual unfolding romance interspersed with their meeting, glances, dating, fun times, and muddling through the missteps, mistakes, and misunderstandings made for a perfect quick romantic fun read. Sophie's desire to do her best with her work, and her genuine character, and refreshing nuances of her flustered embarrassment, dedication to her jobs, and her reflections on her developing deep feeling for Liam were cleverly told. The minor characters (her roommates, her mother, her fellow teachers,her classroom episodes, and her real estate work) fleshed out the story and made for a wonderful mix. Definitely an "O" for outstanding read. I will look to read more from this author(s). Grateful for a clean romantic get-away!
Cute fun romance and also a love story of a teacher with the craft of teaching. Loved the intertwining of Sophie's work and romantic life. The blog made for a fun break in the story. Her struggles with her job, finances, and of course her love life made for a fun read. Figuring out the kids and her job, and then her daily routine as she struggles to stay ahead and do her best with her new career made for a cute fun read. Her developing feelings for Liam, and their gradual unfolding romance interspersed with their meeting, glances, dating, fun times, and muddling through the missteps, mistakes, and misunderstandings made for a perfect quick romantic fun read. Sophie's desire to do her best with her work, and her genuine character, and refreshing nuances of her flustered embarrassment, dedication to her jobs, and her reflections on her developing deep feeling for Liam were cleverly told. The minor characters (her roommates, her mother, her fellow teachers,her classroom episodes, and her real estate work) fleshed out the story and made for a wonderful mix. Definitely an "O" for outstanding read. I will look to read more from this author(s). Grateful for a clean romantic get-away!
March 9, 2015
As we open this book, Sophie has been riding high on the real estate market, but all is crashing down before her, and she looses her job. We look at her checkbook, and she needs a new roommate to help make ends meet, and she needs a job.
I found it delightful to read about the new roommate and what happens, but love the new job, and of course the characters that made it feel so real. Some are so nice and others you would love to shake. Who would intentionally sabotage a children’s party? Yes, she ends up teaching first grade, and feels she is over her head, but help is on the way, and love those who rally around her.
She has major decisions to make on her life, and enjoy how she deals with people who can’t understand the word “No”. So very funny. She handles herself very well!
There is a bit of romance, misunderstandings, drama, and other real life happenings here. A really fun read, that makes you keep turning the pages to find out what is going to happen next. Enjoy!
I received this book I Am A Reader Not A Writer Blog Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.
I found it delightful to read about the new roommate and what happens, but love the new job, and of course the characters that made it feel so real. Some are so nice and others you would love to shake. Who would intentionally sabotage a children’s party? Yes, she ends up teaching first grade, and feels she is over her head, but help is on the way, and love those who rally around her.
She has major decisions to make on her life, and enjoy how she deals with people who can’t understand the word “No”. So very funny. She handles herself very well!
There is a bit of romance, misunderstandings, drama, and other real life happenings here. A really fun read, that makes you keep turning the pages to find out what is going to happen next. Enjoy!
I received this book I Am A Reader Not A Writer Blog Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.
March 27, 2015
I loved this book! I thought that Sophie was a really great written character, it almost seemed as though she was someone that I could know. She was in real estate, but things just weren't working anymore that way, so she fell back on what she had gone to school for, teaching. Even though being a teacher was almost forced on her and she wasn't sure that she would like it, she made the best of it - falling in love with her sweet first graders almost instantly. I love that Sophie seems to be down to earth, not really caring about all of the worldly things that she used to be able to afford as a real estate agent, but can't as a teacher. I really loved her love interest in this book too, Liam is down to earth and a bit mysterious, perfect for the bubbly Sophie. This book is a cute, clean, contemporary romance that you won't want to put down! I do have to ask though, what happened to Sophie and Liam????
January 16, 2016
A really cute read! I have to admit, this started out real slow for me and thought I was going to give it 3 stars but I ended up liking it much better than I thought. This book reads fast, its fun and a little flirty but still a clean chick-lit/romance.
I liked the characters in this story. I loved Sophie. I thought she made a much better teacher than real estate broker. I thought she was great with the kids.
One thing I liked about this book that made it fun was when she blogged about her experience teaching. I think these were my favorite parts.
This had a lot of little twists and surprises. It kept you wanting to read.
This is the first one I have read by this author duo, but I will definitely read more!
Thank you "Book Blasts and Blog Tours" for sending me this e-book for my honest review.
I liked the characters in this story. I loved Sophie. I thought she made a much better teacher than real estate broker. I thought she was great with the kids.
One thing I liked about this book that made it fun was when she blogged about her experience teaching. I think these were my favorite parts.
This had a lot of little twists and surprises. It kept you wanting to read.
This is the first one I have read by this author duo, but I will definitely read more!
Thank you "Book Blasts and Blog Tours" for sending me this e-book for my honest review.
April 3, 2015
I absolutely love this book!
As soon I started reading, I was laughing out loud!!
The plot is full of witty dialogues, all the characters are lovable, it's a sweet and clean romance, I really enjoyed and Highly recommend for all type of readers, especially for the ones who want to have a great time!!
*I received a copy in exchange for an Honest Review*
As soon I started reading, I was laughing out loud!!
The plot is full of witty dialogues, all the characters are lovable, it's a sweet and clean romance, I really enjoyed and Highly recommend for all type of readers, especially for the ones who want to have a great time!!
*I received a copy in exchange for an Honest Review*
April 7, 2015
This was a fun book for me. i taught first grade for MANY years. So this brought back so may memories. I guess the more things change the more they stay the same. 6 year olds are always 6 year olds.
Lots of laughs in this book.
Lots of laughs in this book.
January 15, 2015
Darling feel good book.
February 18, 2015
This was a light easy read that I could start and come back to without too much thought!
March 8, 2020
This review was previously posted at LABOOK'S, For more reviews check the blog!
This book was provided by the author through I Am a Reader Not a Writer Book Tours in exchange of a honest review, this didn't affect my opinion.
Newbie tells the story of Sophie, a real state worker that see how her beloved career died after the market goes down, and she had to emigrate to her backup plan and lack of a proper life style (according to her) job, teaching. After she met some friends and a sexy teacher substitute she found herself into a new profession that will change her life.
I felt warm for this novel in so many ways, I admire how Sophie started to learn the ups and downs of the profession and how she manages herself in the end. I enjoyed her blog because it very much what we blog as well, to show the world the things we do and to help others with our words even if we started with that in mind or not. I always felt for teachers because thanks to them we can reach those goals we want through our school time, they're pretty much our rol models, beside our parents. There a phrase people say in my country: “A teacher may or may not be attended by doctor but a doctor always needs to be attended by a teacher”, which this novel reminds me so much.
I liked Sophie and I felt for her because as a woman who wants to success in a future I can feel how much she was struggling when the career she loves so much fails her. But I also like how she handles herself, how she didn’t allow that her bad luck gets over her and she faced a new challenge and a new adventure. I admire that she put up her life back in track.
My problem with this book is that I found it quite boring at some parts, I just wanted to finished early because I felt that the story was getting large unnecessary, even when days and weeks passed so fast. I just felt bored, like something was missing, but I can’t point exactly what it was. I like the characters and the realistic of the plot but I felt that it was flat about the emotions.
Overall, I like this book very much. I like the teacher theme and how much Sophie make it a major part of her story, even made you wonder if you really want to change career and become a teacher. I felt that the emotions were a little flaw but it’s compensating with characters and a great plot.
This book was provided by the author through I Am a Reader Not a Writer Book Tours in exchange of a honest review, this didn't affect my opinion.
Newbie tells the story of Sophie, a real state worker that see how her beloved career died after the market goes down, and she had to emigrate to her backup plan and lack of a proper life style (according to her) job, teaching. After she met some friends and a sexy teacher substitute she found herself into a new profession that will change her life.
I felt warm for this novel in so many ways, I admire how Sophie started to learn the ups and downs of the profession and how she manages herself in the end. I enjoyed her blog because it very much what we blog as well, to show the world the things we do and to help others with our words even if we started with that in mind or not. I always felt for teachers because thanks to them we can reach those goals we want through our school time, they're pretty much our rol models, beside our parents. There a phrase people say in my country: “A teacher may or may not be attended by doctor but a doctor always needs to be attended by a teacher”, which this novel reminds me so much.
I liked Sophie and I felt for her because as a woman who wants to success in a future I can feel how much she was struggling when the career she loves so much fails her. But I also like how she handles herself, how she didn’t allow that her bad luck gets over her and she faced a new challenge and a new adventure. I admire that she put up her life back in track.
My problem with this book is that I found it quite boring at some parts, I just wanted to finished early because I felt that the story was getting large unnecessary, even when days and weeks passed so fast. I just felt bored, like something was missing, but I can’t point exactly what it was. I like the characters and the realistic of the plot but I felt that it was flat about the emotions.
Overall, I like this book very much. I like the teacher theme and how much Sophie make it a major part of her story, even made you wonder if you really want to change career and become a teacher. I felt that the emotions were a little flaw but it’s compensating with characters and a great plot.
March 21, 2015
Sophie graduated with a degree in education, but as her real estate business was taking off she went that route. Things were looking great until the economy started to take a bit of a turn. Sophie is now finding herself in trouble financially, so it's time to return back to her original career plan. This finds Sophie in a room full of 6 year olds looking forward to a year of being responsible for their education and well being. She feels vastly unprepared for this new life. However, with the help of some friendly teachers and a handsome school worker, Sophie begins to get a new perspective on life.
I loved Sophie! She managed to walk a line between being impractical and practical at the same time. When she sits down and really looks at things, she realizes that real estate is not going to hold her in good stead. So she goes out to get a job in her original planned field, teaching. Of course, having been out of school for a few years, Sophie is just a tad bit rusty. This is not helped by the cranky teacher over the department. Thankfully some of the other teachers in the grade are much more helpful. I found this to be a fairly realistic representation of a work environment. Some people will love you, some will hate you, and yet you have to work with all of them. Sophie did a good job of trying to just do her best with everyone.
Of course, what's a career change without a little romance? Sophie finds this by way of the super handsome and somewhat mysterious Liam. I found the initial part of their relationship felt a tiny bit rushed, but things evened out at the story went on. They were a fun pair, and you couldn't help but cheer them on. Overall I found this book to be a very enjoyable read. Sophie really had to ask herself some important questions in the end about what was really important to her with regards to her life and her future. Sophie discovered that sometimes the most unexpected parts of life are the things that help us to truly find out who we are.
Book provided for review.
I loved Sophie! She managed to walk a line between being impractical and practical at the same time. When she sits down and really looks at things, she realizes that real estate is not going to hold her in good stead. So she goes out to get a job in her original planned field, teaching. Of course, having been out of school for a few years, Sophie is just a tad bit rusty. This is not helped by the cranky teacher over the department. Thankfully some of the other teachers in the grade are much more helpful. I found this to be a fairly realistic representation of a work environment. Some people will love you, some will hate you, and yet you have to work with all of them. Sophie did a good job of trying to just do her best with everyone.
Of course, what's a career change without a little romance? Sophie finds this by way of the super handsome and somewhat mysterious Liam. I found the initial part of their relationship felt a tiny bit rushed, but things evened out at the story went on. They were a fun pair, and you couldn't help but cheer them on. Overall I found this book to be a very enjoyable read. Sophie really had to ask herself some important questions in the end about what was really important to her with regards to her life and her future. Sophie discovered that sometimes the most unexpected parts of life are the things that help us to truly find out who we are.
Book provided for review.
March 24, 2015
Newbie, is a sweet book, written by Jo Noelle.
The story starts out with Sophie, loving her Real Estate job, being able to dress in awesome clothes and shoes, her favorite, she had just bought a new car as well. Of course when she bought the new car, The real estate market dropped and leaving her with no income. Not sure what to do, she hits the local want ads, as her room mate suggested. She applied to be a first grade teacher for one year. Not an easy job at all.
The story goes on to tell how she got the job and her experience and life as a first grade teacher, and of course the job is not as glamorous as being a real estate agent. A classroom full of first graders and she has no lesson plans, nothing to prepare her for this job.
This book is really good, I love how she describes being a first time teacher, how much she cares about the children and of course the other people in her life, including the man she meets while being a teacher, he works there as well. Things are going as well as can be expected, and Sophie hears from her old boss about coming back, even working part time in real estate. There are a lot of ups and downs through out the story, feels like it could be real life. Sophie has choices to make, will she make the best choice for herself? Well you will have to read the story to find out.
I was provided an ARC from the author.
You can check out the Blog Tour and more reviews:http://dianasbookreviews.com/blog-rev...
The story starts out with Sophie, loving her Real Estate job, being able to dress in awesome clothes and shoes, her favorite, she had just bought a new car as well. Of course when she bought the new car, The real estate market dropped and leaving her with no income. Not sure what to do, she hits the local want ads, as her room mate suggested. She applied to be a first grade teacher for one year. Not an easy job at all.
The story goes on to tell how she got the job and her experience and life as a first grade teacher, and of course the job is not as glamorous as being a real estate agent. A classroom full of first graders and she has no lesson plans, nothing to prepare her for this job.
This book is really good, I love how she describes being a first time teacher, how much she cares about the children and of course the other people in her life, including the man she meets while being a teacher, he works there as well. Things are going as well as can be expected, and Sophie hears from her old boss about coming back, even working part time in real estate. There are a lot of ups and downs through out the story, feels like it could be real life. Sophie has choices to make, will she make the best choice for herself? Well you will have to read the story to find out.
I was provided an ARC from the author.
You can check out the Blog Tour and more reviews:http://dianasbookreviews.com/blog-rev...
March 29, 2015
4 STARS
I like the writing style of Jo Noelle. I laughed and cried while reading Newbie. It's charming and witty. Makes me appreciate the hard work teachers do.
Sophie is a character that I want to be friends with. She is smart hard working and worries about her students. Makes friends easy.
The kids are so cute. I enjoyed them. So glad my kids are grown up.
Liam works for the elementary school too. He is very charming.
Kevin is a co-worker for real estate company.
Sophie has to choose is she going to stay teaching or going back to work in real estate. Does she choose Liam or Kevin.
This is a clean read.
I would read more books by Jo Noelle in the future.
I was given this ebook from the author. In return I agreed to give a honest review of Newbie and part of its blog tour.
I like the writing style of Jo Noelle. I laughed and cried while reading Newbie. It's charming and witty. Makes me appreciate the hard work teachers do.
Sophie is a character that I want to be friends with. She is smart hard working and worries about her students. Makes friends easy.
The kids are so cute. I enjoyed them. So glad my kids are grown up.
Liam works for the elementary school too. He is very charming.
Kevin is a co-worker for real estate company.
Sophie has to choose is she going to stay teaching or going back to work in real estate. Does she choose Liam or Kevin.
This is a clean read.
I would read more books by Jo Noelle in the future.
I was given this ebook from the author. In return I agreed to give a honest review of Newbie and part of its blog tour.
March 13, 2015
what a funny and sweet story! I think I could relate to the book because my hubby is in real estate and I have several siblings and friends that are teachers...so I understand what she was going through as a new teacher!
I liked the blog excerpts throughout the story, really added to the story and her situation. I like that the relationships with her friends were real, not everything was roses and champagne. The relationship with Liam has some rocky pockets and it was actually refreshing in several spots - how he felt about intimate relationships for example. Of course you have to throw in another guy for some friction/tension in the story. I didn't really like Kevin, seemed a little slimey!
Overall a good story and worth reading
I liked the blog excerpts throughout the story, really added to the story and her situation. I like that the relationships with her friends were real, not everything was roses and champagne. The relationship with Liam has some rocky pockets and it was actually refreshing in several spots - how he felt about intimate relationships for example. Of course you have to throw in another guy for some friction/tension in the story. I didn't really like Kevin, seemed a little slimey!
Overall a good story and worth reading
January 2, 2015
This sweet, clean romance tells Sophie's story from losing her successful real estate career to having to take a job in her fallback job--as a first-grade teacher and all the chaos that happens when it's just Sophie and 30 children depending on her. We hope you will laugh with her and at her!
New Adult range: clean read
New Adult range: clean read
March 28, 2015
I loved this book, Sophie was a funny, well rounded character who was easy to relate to and her transition from real estate agent to grade one teacher was great fun to follow along with. The other characters in the book are pretty fabulous as well and I would love to be able to wrap Liam up and take him home myself. ;)
March 12, 2016
Surprising
This book caught me off guard. While looking for something to read, I've passed this book up many times and ended up with something unenjoyable or so predictable that I either force myself to finish or end up just deleting it. When I finally decided to give Newbie a chance, I again expected the same thing, girl meets boy, insta-love, boy does something wrong, fight then happily ever after. Newbie does have a few of those aspects, but what romance wouldn't? What surprised me was the fact that the romance was not the main story line. It was a story about a lady discovering herself and realizing what she truly wants in her future. I loved this book, everything from the teaching to the blogging to Sophie finding herself.
This book caught me off guard. While looking for something to read, I've passed this book up many times and ended up with something unenjoyable or so predictable that I either force myself to finish or end up just deleting it. When I finally decided to give Newbie a chance, I again expected the same thing, girl meets boy, insta-love, boy does something wrong, fight then happily ever after. Newbie does have a few of those aspects, but what romance wouldn't? What surprised me was the fact that the romance was not the main story line. It was a story about a lady discovering herself and realizing what she truly wants in her future. I loved this book, everything from the teaching to the blogging to Sophie finding herself.
March 10, 2015
Clean Romance; New Adult
Co-author Review: I love Sophie's story. She's successful and happy until the economy crashes taking her lifestyle down with it. Plan B is to teach. It's much harder than she thought, but the kids start to get into her heart, and so does Liam.I think my favorite scene for him is when Sophie goes on a listing appointment to her partner's friend. Liam isn't in most of that scene, but when he is, it's memorable!
Co-author Review: I love Sophie's story. She's successful and happy until the economy crashes taking her lifestyle down with it. Plan B is to teach. It's much harder than she thought, but the kids start to get into her heart, and so does Liam.I think my favorite scene for him is when Sophie goes on a listing appointment to her partner's friend. Liam isn't in most of that scene, but when he is, it's memorable!
January 19, 2018
Funny!
It is a light comedy romantic novel, where we can learn about teaching, parenting, and relationship. Really like it. Lonely
It is a light comedy romantic novel, where we can learn about teaching, parenting, and relationship. Really like it. Lonely
December 5, 2021
What a great book!
When the housing market crashes in 2007 it takes Sophie’s career in real estate with it. Potential buyers are backing out, bankruptcies disrupt closings, and new listings disappear. Fortunately, her interview at Rio Grande Elementary School pans out and she finds herself employed as a first grade teacher with a one-year contract. Unfortunately, her minimal experience at teaching left her woefully unprepared for her new position.
I give Jo Noelle a big thumbs up for this book! Sophie’s New Teacher Blog provides a humorous, but very realistic, look at the world of teaching young students; the challenges, the triumphs, the impact of teachers on their students, and also the impact of students on their teachers. I loved the part where Sophie changes her attitude on teacher salaries once she discovers just how many hours are needed to prepare and teach a classroom of students for the school year.
When the housing market crashes in 2007 it takes Sophie’s career in real estate with it. Potential buyers are backing out, bankruptcies disrupt closings, and new listings disappear. Fortunately, her interview at Rio Grande Elementary School pans out and she finds herself employed as a first grade teacher with a one-year contract. Unfortunately, her minimal experience at teaching left her woefully unprepared for her new position.
I give Jo Noelle a big thumbs up for this book! Sophie’s New Teacher Blog provides a humorous, but very realistic, look at the world of teaching young students; the challenges, the triumphs, the impact of teachers on their students, and also the impact of students on their teachers. I loved the part where Sophie changes her attitude on teacher salaries once she discovers just how many hours are needed to prepare and teach a classroom of students for the school year.
April 24, 2023
A contemporary romance with the struggles of teaching and real estate along with real life problems and decisions thrown into the mix giving the reader a great story to digest!
Loved this story with the main female character, Sophia, giving us her many fun, romantic and sober unheard thoughts in the midst of conversations. Loved the blog giving more insight to her character too.
And the two ‘princes’ (Liam and Kevin) - who will come out victorious and claim the princess’s heart?!
Loved the moral aspects addressed and yet with lovely, clean, heart racing moments too.
I highly recommend this!
Loved this story with the main female character, Sophia, giving us her many fun, romantic and sober unheard thoughts in the midst of conversations. Loved the blog giving more insight to her character too.
And the two ‘princes’ (Liam and Kevin) - who will come out victorious and claim the princess’s heart?!
Loved the moral aspects addressed and yet with lovely, clean, heart racing moments too.
I highly recommend this!
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