Mixed Bags

Carter House Girls #1

by Melody Carlson

When her mom died, DJ had to move in with her grandmother, internationally famous ’60s fashion model Katherine Carter. Now Mrs. Carter’s opened a boarding home for young ladies, and DJ―who would rather wear her basketball team uniform than haute couture―is just sure they’ll all be unbearable fashion snobs. One by one, the girls arrive and begin to figure out how to fit into this new family, getting to know each other and forming friendships. Sure, there’s an aspiring diva or two, but before long, the Carter House girls are dating, fighting, laughing, shopping, sharing clothes, purses, shoes … and their deepest secrets. DJ may not turn into the perfect little lady her grandmother has in mind, but one thing’s for certain―with all these new “sisters,” her life will never be the same!

Genres: Young Adult, Christian, Christian Fiction, Fiction, Contemporary, Teen, Realistic Fiction

224 pages, Paperback

First published April 22, 2008

About the author

Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books, several of them Christmas novellas from Revell, including her much-loved and bestselling book, The Christmas Bus.

She also writes many teen books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the TrueColors series, and the Carter House Girls series.

Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books, including the Notes from a Spinning Planet series and Finding Alice, which is in production as a Lifetime Television movie. She and her husband serve on the Young Life adult committee in central Oregon.

Reviews

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

About this book:

“With six teenage girls living under one roof, things are bound to get interesting. Mix six teenaged girls and one 60s fashion icon (retired, of course) in an old Victorian-era boarding home. Add guys and dating, a little high-school angst, and huge personalities and you’ve got the Carter House Girls.
When her mom died, DJ was forced to move in with her grandmother, internationally famous 60s fashion model Katherine Carter. Now Mrs. Carter s opened a boarding home for young ladies, and DJ who would rather wear her basketball uniform than haute couture is sure they’ll all be unbearable fashion snobs. One by one, the girls arrive and begin to figure out how to fit into this new family, getting to know each other and forming friendships. Sure, there’s an aspiring diva or two, but before long, the Carter House girls are dating, fighting, laughing, shopping, and sharing clothes, purses, shoes not to mention their deepest secrets. DJ might not turn into the perfect little lady her grandmother has in mind, but one thing’s for certain with all these new sisters, her life will never be the same!”


Series: Book #1 (of eight) in the “Carter House Girls” series. {Another series by this author, “On the Runway” mentions these characters after the final book. {Read #1 of that series review Here!} I personally would read the CHG series then the OTR series. :) }


Spiritual Content- Rhiannon talks about God, the Bible & happiness and also witnesses to the girls; ‘H’s are not capital when referring to God; A Prayer; Scriptures are mentioned; Mentions of being religious; Eliza says she’s from the Bible belt and is a Christian “Of course”; DJ thinks that what Rhiannon “preaches” about is too good to be true; *Spoiler* Five pages till the end, DJ prays to ask God into her heart. *End of Spoiler*;
*Note: Two mentions of going to hell; A mention that Casey know looks like she might sneak out in the middle of the night to worship Satan; A mention of a fashion goddess.


Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘crock’, a ‘crummy’, two ‘dumb’s, two forms of ‘idiot’s, two forms of ‘suck’s, three ‘freaking’s, three ‘shut up’s, four ‘witch’s, seven ‘stupid’s; A possible curse is cut off; Sarcasm, sass & eye rolling; Taylor drinks, has a fake ID & buys beer and wine (semi-detailed); Grandmother drinks wine & martinis; Taylor smokes & DJ considers but doesn’t (semi-detailed); DJ’s parents were divorced; Casey is rebelling against her Christian upbringing (goth, piercings, etc) and mentions of her computer game with guns & screaming people; A party with drinking and underage drinking; Mentions of drugs; Mentions of drunks, underage drinking & alcoholics; A mention of a movie with blood, guts & gore;
*Note: Many mention of designers & celebrities; Mentions of & going to Starbucks; A mention of Boy Scouts.


Sexual Content- a check kiss, a not-detailed kiss, two barely-above-not-detailed kisses, two semi-detailed kisses and a detailed kiss (which is more like a make-out session); Noticing; Mentions of kissing & making out; Touches (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of eating disorders; Flirting & Flirts; Many mentions of curves, boob implants, shaving & looks; Mentions of guys hooting at a girl’s legs & cleavage; a ‘babe’, a ‘hot’ when referring to how someone looks; Boys, boyfriends & girlfriends, dating, dates, jealousy, & all that drama; A mention of a pervert; Mentions of getting and keeping a guy’s attention & seductive voices; A couple mentions of having it and when to have sex on a date; Grandmother thinks that DJ had unprotected sex and doesn’t want the girls having casual sex (this conversation leads to a mini-talk on kinds of sex. And just a note: DJ did not have sex.); A mix-up with a purse having a package of condoms; Conner says his dad took off; DJ’s father was involved with another woman before her parents were divorced;
*Notes: Many, many, many Mentions of (and sometimes wearing) tiny skimpy bikinis (that leave nothing to the imagination), shorts, miniskirts, bras, see-through tops, & cleavage showing. DJ won’t wear anything that shows her belly, cleavage or butt.

-Desiree Jeanette “DJ” Lane, age 16
P.O.V. of DJ
198 pages

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Two Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars
{Add 2-3 stars for girls in Public & Private School}
When I first read this series (pre-BFCG), I rated it all four stars. Now as I’m older and wiser my tastes have changed a bit, not quite my cup of tea. I still enjoy this series, but I’m still iffy on Conner.


Link to review:
Coming 8/21/15


*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.

[Melanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

An easy read. Not too deep and reminded me a little of (I think) Allie Carter books. I found the characters to be fine, but didn't have any favorites. There is a little bit of a romance, but that ended up going in a different direction than expected. I found it interesting how DJ is a tomboy, but starts to let others make changes to her appearance.

[Sofia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eh, this book was ok but certainly not my favourite. The ending was rather generic, the characters were flaky and annoying. The whole situation is interesting, and it could've been a cool story if DJ hadn't conformed to the fashion girls' ways and started dating and everything, I think that ruined it for me.

[Mary Grace · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have to say, this book is so utterly boring I’m surprised I could even get through it! I had high hopes for a well-written, interesting, juicy novel, and I got a predictable, slow-paced, cookie-cutter story. I rounded the stars up because it has potential, but the real rating is more like 2.5. Honestly, I found the writing bland at best and the characters meh. They were all over the place, under-developed, and unrealistic.

I wouldn’t recommend this book if you want a page-turner, but go ahead and read it if you’re looking for a slightly Christian-based, “feel-good” story. It only took me a few hours to read, including the time I spent banging my head against the wall.

Update: on second thought, it doesn’t deserve 3 stars. I reread the ending and it really, really sucks. Don’t read this book if you value your time and brain cells.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve been wanting to read this series for a while now. This is the first book in a series of 8. Since this is the first book, not a lot happens. Characters and conflicts are introduced but nothing is really resolved.

The book does a good job of setting up the conflict well.

I don’t know how I feel about Conner, but I liked DJ well enough. I’m interested to continue learning her story.

[Alanna Lavery · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was very interesting! It is not super long, I have read several books by Melody Carlson and i love them, though i feel like this one wasn't as well written as some of her other one. Also i wouldn't recommend this book for your girls it has some scenes that wouldn't be appropriate for younger girls (has some talk of sex, condoms, etc.) but over all i really enjoyed this book!

[Tara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Started an 8th grade girls book club this year at school and, after MUCH discussion, followed by more discussion, and then even more discussion, after which there was of course a vote where we had to tally up the votes on the board as the girls cheered (or gasped) at each and every vote, depending on which way they wanted the vote to go, they FINALLY settled upon the first book in this series.

Very quick read and readable, and I think there's a lot here the girls will like (along with some elements they probably won't), and it definitely is going to give us lots to talk about and discuss, but overall it felt a bit flaky and quite outdated (originally published 2008, so no shock there)...needless to say, this was NOT the one I voted for, but I'm ALL IN in terms of this book club and I can't wait until we meet to discuss together!

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

About the book:

After DJ's mom died, she had to move in with her grandmother, Katherine Carter, a retired internationally famous '60s fashion model. Now Mrs. Carter has decided to open a boarding home for girls, and DJ who would rather wear her team jersey than Gucci and Prada thinks that these girls will all be intolerable fashion snobs. One by one, the girls arrive and begin to figure out how to fit into this new lifestyle, and forming friendships. Sure, there's an aspiring prima donna or two, but before long, the Carter House girls are dating, fighting, laughing, shopping, and sharing...their deepest secrets. DJ may not turn into the young woman her grandmother intended her to be, but one thing's for sure with all these new "sisters," her life will never be the same!

My review:

This story was pretty good for YA fiction. If I could imagine being in a boarding house with a bunch of different girls it might look something like this story, even though the girls in this book are rich, or at least half of them are. I enjoyed reading about Conner and DJ's developing relationship and about DJ's innocence when it came to dating. I thought the author did a good job showing how difficult it is to understand what guys are interested in. Girls always think it's about beauty but with Conner he wanted a girl he could relate to. It's got a great message about the pressures of fitting in and provides a good platform for expressing different struggles teens deal with. The polaroid picture being taken at the hairdresser was a bit outdated, though. I don't know anyone who even has a polaroid camera these days. I ordered the next three books in the series because I am very interested in reading more about Conner and DJ and finding out who gets the guy in Stealing Bradford. Of course, I'm rooting for Rhiannon. So far I like this series.

Mixed Bags was published by Zondervan and released in May 2008.
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[Brooke ♥booklife4life♥ · Rating 2 out of 5]

At A Glance

Genre: Young Adult; Christian
Love Triangle/Insta Love/Obsesion?: no
Cliff Hanger: Nope.
Rating: 2 Stars

Score Sheet
All out of ten

Cover: 7
Plot: 6
Characters: 7
World Building: 7
Flow: 8
Series Congruity: n/a
Writing: 7
Ending: 5

Total: 5

In Dept

Best Part: Good intentions
Worst Part: Southern Accents.
Thoughts Had: Ugh.; Oh no; Very clean there!

Conclusion

Continuing the Series: yes
Recommending: To other Christians

Short Review: Well, i didn't know this was Christian. So i was a bit taken back by that. I hated listening to the southern accent of one of the girls. I felt like i just sat down at the middle school popular table and wrote down everything they said...

Review in GIF Form:

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great characters and story. But. Same old resolution from Carlson. I keep telling myself to not read her books anymore. Because I already know how it'll end... finding Jesus. But the interactions, conflicts and general storytelling is worth it. I just pray (lol) for a better ending. I think an author should be more creative and try something different with each book. Grow a little. All my favorite authors do this. This pattern is constant and repeated from the 4 or so books I've read by Carlson. Sheesh. Quit it. Why is "Christian YA" considered a genre? I wish there was a section of the library/ bookstore called "science fiction YA" or "true crime YA" or anything. I think YA should be YA. Period. But that is another topic. This book could have been 5 star, except the ending lacked anything to be excited about.

[Margaret Chind · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first started this book, I was not too sure of how I would like it. But then as I left it and went to do some other things, I realized that I kept thinking about the story, and could not get it out of my head! This is the first, I think, of Melody Carlson that I've been able to read.. meaning get my hands on. It is a great little story that should be read by all mid-high school girls. It is so real to life and it does meet up with every type of girl. You can see yourself and remember your painful history within each individual girl. I was shocked when it ended, because it is one of those wonderful books that has previews of the sequel in the back, so I had though there was much more. But it was really a great story!

[Bella Mables · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very... interesting at first because I'm so very used to reading in first person point of view but this was third person. I adjusted to it and it was quite an excellent book. I still haven't read the sequel: Stealing Bradford, but I am very much looking forward to it. If you hesitating on reading this book or if you think the beginning sucks and wanna put it down.. DO NOT DO THAT. I t gets very good and I, honestly, am a twilight fan and can't put the twilight series books down(I know what does tht have anything to do with this??) but now I feel the same way with the Carter House Girls series... I almost feel obsessed. This book is really good and I enjoyed reading it. Like I said, I look forward to checking out Stealing Bradford once someone reaturns it to the library.

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story of 6 teenage girls living with a retired 60's fashion model, Katherine Carter, in a boarding home. DJ is the main character. She moved in with her grandmother, Mrs. Carter, when her mom died. Soon, other girls start arriving at the boarding home, and DJ, a total tomboy, thinks the others are stuck-up brats. You should read this to find out what happens to DJ as the girls start to become 'sisters'; dating, sharing clothes and secrets.
I would recommend this book to teenage girls who like realistic fiction stories with drama. I learned from this book that you shouldn't always judge someone by how they look, like the saying Don't judge a book by it's cover.

[Laura Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Melody Carlson's books are so easy to dive into. On page two I already feel like I'm in the story. The characters in Mixed Bags are authentic teen personas, each trying to find their way, despite initial appearances of rich, fashion queen type divas with a few outsiders trying to figure out how they'll choose to fit in or choose not to fit in hanging on the fringes. The characters are faced with real, daily issues. It's refreshing to see them make both good and bad choices. My only quip is that the story only went one week into their live. I guess I'll have to read the rest in the series to find out what happens next :D

[Alli · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Christian YA fiction book, which I did not know until I looked the book up. Although, I often do not read Christian books, I found this was a good book. Also, for a first book this sets up the series well. This book is about a girl named DJ who lives with her grandmother at Carter House, large house in a small town. Soon five new girls move into the house, where they will live while attending high school. The girls are all from different backgrounds and creeds. This causes some interesting developments in the storyline. I recommend this book to teens and young adult readers who enjoy boarding school based contemporary.

[Jade West · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was boring.
I think it was written pretty well, the female characters did have the two-faced personality which you would find in many. They each had nice stories to them
Now the bad, almost started on it. The whole book lasts about three to four days. The main character far to easily became a person she swore not to without hesitation, and I find that hard to believe. Really it was more stupid drama then anything else.
I recommended it to people who like girl drama, but if you were like me and hoping for a book filled with diverse girls (not always in race or culture) then it isn't for you.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novel sets the stage for the next books in the series. I found most of the characters intriguing and I was vastly interested in how this whole thing was going to work out. I could definitely see things from DJ's point of view and I'm not sure I would have been able to handle the different personalities of the new girls. I enjoyed this book and I wanted to know what would happen next. I'd recommend if you liked ya christian fiction that doesn't sugarcoat tough issues.

*Taken from my book reviews blog: http://reviewsatmse.blogspot.com/2010...

[Ray · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't even know what to say about this book. I've got mixed feelings about it. I'm debating on wether or not to continue with the series. Now that DJ's a Christian maybe it'll be better? Not sure.

[Mary Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book quite a bit! The characters were very believable and seemed like real high school girls and boys! Reannon seemed a bit too perfect a Christian to be true, but at the same time this is written from DJ’s perspective so maybe to her she looks like she is perfect. I hope she brings the characters to life even more in the next books! I will also say this book is a quick read, with a cliff hanger at the end so it doesn’t end in a pleasing way. There is much better teen Christian fiction out there *points to Jenny B Jones books* (seriously so much better) but this is still fun to read and see all the stupid drama they get into! This book is also not as clean as most Christian fiction, nothing morbid, but if you haven’t had “The Talk” or are a sheltered kid, this book is going to teach you a bit! 😂🤣😂 But over all it wasn’t that bad 😊

[elle !! (PLS NO POLLS) · Rating 3 out of 5]

i loved this book when i read it a couple years ago. unfortunately, though I never got to finish the whole series because I couldn’t find any copies of the book near me besides the first book which is at the library of my old school lol. I really wish I got to finish the series. One thing I did not like, though is that they tried to make it Christian, but it was kind of obvious that it was not very Christian. an excuse for a Christian book kind of.

I’m surprised Zondervan even adopted this book honestly.

I honestly feel like there was too much detail in the relationships and that the relationships were not kept
“Christian”.

[dearlittledeer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Uhhhh....I had no idea this was going to be a "Christian" book. Halfway through the story here comes this girl with her story about how going to church made her life so much better and then we get the ending with the MC saying yes to Jesus. But all that had little to do with the other plot of DJ trying to figure out her new style and dating Connor. I might listen to the other audiobooks in the series just because this was pretty innocuous and easy to follow.
P.S. Taylor was my favorite character; does that make me a bad person??

[Catrina Songer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably 3.5

I reread this book because I remembered liking it as a teen and wanted to read it to see if a young Christian teen in my life would like it. I think it's a good book for an older teen as the mature themes are way more present then I remembered. I will continue to reread the series. I like the characters mostly. I just wish there was a little less droning, references to sex and such for teen Christian fiction. I also wish DJ's grandmother and other adults were better role models. Good teen book but not as innocent as I remembered lol

[Sarah Odom · Rating 3 out of 5]

I definitely had different expectations before reading this book. Not sure what exactly they were but it was very interesting (in a weird way). The idea of having six girls in one house to be like sisters is a cool idea. But the characters where so snooty and I didn’t like that. DJ could have been the different one and accepted the others. I don’t know this is the first book maybe it changes. Overall, it was ok!

[Shelley Saddler · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't like how it left you with HAVING to buy the next book to find out how the story ends. And, I didn't like how it got all into allowing God into your heart, etc. at the end. I should have read a bit more about this author. Didn't realize she wrote including churchy/religious type material. It just goes against my beliefs in God. I don't feel he works in the way described.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

For a Melody Carlson, this book had a lot more negative talk and teenage girl angst than I'm used to. I don't necessarily think I'll finish the whole series, but maybe just one more because the ending was more of a beginning and I really want to know what happened to Connor.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun beginning to an entertaining series of Christian YA novels called the Carter House Girls. It was well written and introduced readers to several interesting characters. I am so glad I started this cute series.

[Stephanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first 95% were a cute teen novel that I was gonna knock out quick while being sick, but then the last few chapters turned into how you need to accept Jesus in your life and then the book randomly ends. I could have done without the abrupt end and “find out what happens next in the next book”

[Bailee · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a really good book. It shows how girls can go from making bad decisions to following christ.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very nice, clean coming of age book. It talks about first love, peer pressure, and six girls getting along. I enjoyed it very much.

[Terri · Rating 3 out of 5]

AUDIOBOOK:

liked the whole book but last 5 mins takes a super religious turn. I'll give book 2 a try but not sure??