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Swirl
Salted Caramel Dreams: A Swirl Novel
Jasmine and Kiara have been best friends forever. They've always shared everything, down to their favorite salted caramel dessert. But this year, everything changes. Kiara joins the school basketball team, and is suddenly too cool to be friends with Jasmine. Jasmine has never felt more alone.
Her mom signs her up for a dance class against her will. She hates it at first, but it starts to grow on her. One of the other girls in class, Ava, is really nice, and her best friend, Joseph, is very cute! Things are looking up.
But just when Jasmine is starting to be comfortable with her new normal, Kiara reaches out. Can the girls help each other when they need it most?
Her mom signs her up for a dance class against her will. She hates it at first, but it starts to grow on her. One of the other girls in class, Ava, is really nice, and her best friend, Joseph, is very cute! Things are looking up.
But just when Jasmine is starting to be comfortable with her new normal, Kiara reaches out. Can the girls help each other when they need it most?
- GenresMiddle GradeRomance
240 pages, Hardcover
Published March 13, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
June 28, 2018
This is the fourth book in the Swirl Novels, a series for tweens with middle schoolers as the main characters. Each is a stand alone book with the stories taking place in different places and no characters that are the same from book to book. Each story is by a different author. The similarities are that each has a sweet treat, a crush, and similar themes related to friendships and finding self. I also found that of the three I have read, the authors have similar writing styles- simple and organized, yet do a great job of moving the story along and keeping the interest of the reader. The characters evolve and grow in each story and all deal with a crush and a friendship difficulty. There is a good plot with underlying themes in each book, giving the stories the perfect depth for tweens.
I think, thus far, this was my favorite of the Swirl Novels. I wanted to see what would happen in the story and cared about the characters, who I could relate to and believe most tweens and teens would also find relateable. The pace was just right. This book was about going to middle school where kids most often get involved with new activities and groups of friends and then have to navigate and try to find a balance with the new and old, sometimes having to make difficult choices. What do you do when friends have different interests? Can you forgive a best friend that betrays you? How do you go about fitting in? This is a light book about heavy topics- being yourself, finding yourself, trust, betrayal, following dreams, fitting in, crushes, friendship, and taking chances.
This book is recommended for 8 - 12 year olds, but to me, the themes seem more toward the older end of this age group. I believe 11 - 13 year olds would enjoy this book the most, although I found it entertaining as an adult.
I think, thus far, this was my favorite of the Swirl Novels. I wanted to see what would happen in the story and cared about the characters, who I could relate to and believe most tweens and teens would also find relateable. The pace was just right. This book was about going to middle school where kids most often get involved with new activities and groups of friends and then have to navigate and try to find a balance with the new and old, sometimes having to make difficult choices. What do you do when friends have different interests? Can you forgive a best friend that betrays you? How do you go about fitting in? This is a light book about heavy topics- being yourself, finding yourself, trust, betrayal, following dreams, fitting in, crushes, friendship, and taking chances.
This book is recommended for 8 - 12 year olds, but to me, the themes seem more toward the older end of this age group. I believe 11 - 13 year olds would enjoy this book the most, although I found it entertaining as an adult.
August 25, 2020
A super cute middle grade about getting out of your comfort zone, forgiveness, and changing friendships. I really enjoyed it!
May 27, 2018
@kidlitexchange #partner
☕
Thanks to the @kidlitexchange
program- for a review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
🎭
Salted Caramel Dreams by Jackie Nastri Bardenwerper
☕
Another hit for the Swirl Novels. I've loved all the ones I've read so far and this one is no exception. Jasmine and Kiara have been best friends since birth. Have always done things together and they plan on opening an Etsy shop and making their own accessories. Things begin to change when Kiara trys out for Basketball and when she makes the team she hangs out more with her teammates and doesn't seem to have time for Jasmine.
When Jas over hears the girls making fun of her she doesn't expect her BFFB to do the same thing. She feels her world is falling apart she doesn't feel like continuing with designing or sewing. So her mom signs her up for Drama Club. And everything seems to get better. Jas makes new friends, she develops a crush, and she actually enjoys being part of the Drama Club.
One day as shes out hanging out with her new friends when Kiara finds Jas to apologize. Even though it's hard to forgive her Jas still loves her BFFB and knows Kiara needs someone to lean on. Then an accident happens to the costumes for the play, Jas volunteers to help design and fix what she can with the help of Kiara and their DIY teacher.
It's a story about friend ship and following your dreams. It's a beautiful light read definitely reccomend for middle school girls.
☕
Thanks to the @kidlitexchange
program- for a review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
🎭
Salted Caramel Dreams by Jackie Nastri Bardenwerper
☕
Another hit for the Swirl Novels. I've loved all the ones I've read so far and this one is no exception. Jasmine and Kiara have been best friends since birth. Have always done things together and they plan on opening an Etsy shop and making their own accessories. Things begin to change when Kiara trys out for Basketball and when she makes the team she hangs out more with her teammates and doesn't seem to have time for Jasmine.
When Jas over hears the girls making fun of her she doesn't expect her BFFB to do the same thing. She feels her world is falling apart she doesn't feel like continuing with designing or sewing. So her mom signs her up for Drama Club. And everything seems to get better. Jas makes new friends, she develops a crush, and she actually enjoys being part of the Drama Club.
One day as shes out hanging out with her new friends when Kiara finds Jas to apologize. Even though it's hard to forgive her Jas still loves her BFFB and knows Kiara needs someone to lean on. Then an accident happens to the costumes for the play, Jas volunteers to help design and fix what she can with the help of Kiara and their DIY teacher.
It's a story about friend ship and following your dreams. It's a beautiful light read definitely reccomend for middle school girls.
April 20, 2018
I knew that Jasmine and Kiara were going to have a falling out, but it still hurt my heart to see it all go down. Jasmine's mom gave her a good and realistic talk after hearing about what happened, and it was nice to read. She was honest in her response, and then took action. Go Mom!
Read the full review on Book Nerds Across America: http://www.booknerdsacrossamerica.com....
Read the full review on Book Nerds Across America: http://www.booknerdsacrossamerica.com....
April 14, 2022
Here's to trying new things.
May 31, 2018
Thank you @kidlitexchange for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own. #partner
I sped through this book and just couldn’t put it down. Salted Caramel Dreams is an incredibly sweet middle grade story that’s full of great characters and wonderful lessons!!! Jasmine has plans of opening an Etsy store where her and her best friend Kiara can sell fashion accessories. The pair have always done everything together so it’s a bit of a surprise when Kiara’s interests suddenly change. She’s now a member of the school basketball team. Jasmine tries really hard to be supportive until one day she overhears Kiara talking with some of her fellow teammates. They are making fun of Jasmine and her designs. Even worse, Kiara is agreeing and not sticking up for her lifelong friend. This causes Jasmine to lose interest and confidence in the talent that she has always loved. After a little persuasion from her mother, Jasmine joins the drama club. Will she have the courage to audition for the next production and perhaps make new friends along the way?
The characters in this book are extremely relatable!!! Jasmine and Kiara display the emotions that often happen when a long friendship is tested by new experiences and hurtful words. Middle school is a time when students try new sports, join different clubs and even hang out with entirely new cliques. I loved watching Jasmine navigate through all of this. It’s incredibly scary to put yourself out there and trust new people. The members of the drama club were absolute fantastic. It was so refreshing to see a positive group of kids interact and encourage one another. The book also touches on the excitement of new crushes and includes a really cute, light romance - complete with mega jitters and feelings of utter awkwardness.
This is a definite buy for me!!!! Be sure to check out the other books in A Swirl Novel series. This is the third one I’ve read and completely enjoyed.
I sped through this book and just couldn’t put it down. Salted Caramel Dreams is an incredibly sweet middle grade story that’s full of great characters and wonderful lessons!!! Jasmine has plans of opening an Etsy store where her and her best friend Kiara can sell fashion accessories. The pair have always done everything together so it’s a bit of a surprise when Kiara’s interests suddenly change. She’s now a member of the school basketball team. Jasmine tries really hard to be supportive until one day she overhears Kiara talking with some of her fellow teammates. They are making fun of Jasmine and her designs. Even worse, Kiara is agreeing and not sticking up for her lifelong friend. This causes Jasmine to lose interest and confidence in the talent that she has always loved. After a little persuasion from her mother, Jasmine joins the drama club. Will she have the courage to audition for the next production and perhaps make new friends along the way?
The characters in this book are extremely relatable!!! Jasmine and Kiara display the emotions that often happen when a long friendship is tested by new experiences and hurtful words. Middle school is a time when students try new sports, join different clubs and even hang out with entirely new cliques. I loved watching Jasmine navigate through all of this. It’s incredibly scary to put yourself out there and trust new people. The members of the drama club were absolute fantastic. It was so refreshing to see a positive group of kids interact and encourage one another. The book also touches on the excitement of new crushes and includes a really cute, light romance - complete with mega jitters and feelings of utter awkwardness.
This is a definite buy for me!!!! Be sure to check out the other books in A Swirl Novel series. This is the third one I’ve read and completely enjoyed.
July 6, 2018
This review and many more like it are available at
Read Till Dawn
.
This. This is exactly what I needed to start off the summer.
It's grabbing and interesting and has a good message, but at the same time it's light and rather fluffy and fun. It's not stressful, there are no big dark secrets or terrible decisions. Jasmine's best friend drops her for the cool kids, and Jasmine has to find her own path. I loved it.
Maybe I'd have reviewed it a little more negatively if I'd read it in a different frame of mind (it's not exactly breaking new ground, here!), but for the purpose it offers to serve it does a lovely job. I cared about Jasmine, I loved the descriptions of her projects and plans for an Etsy shop, and I was angry when Kiara hurt her. I've done some drama myself, so it was easy to understand what she was going through in auditioning and preparing for the play, and I loved watching her shake herself off and find new hobbies and form new friendships after Kiara dumped her. Too many MG school-drama books are way too melodramatic and ridiculous; this was just the right balance of hurt and maturity.
Also, the climax was slightly too convenient but it played off well enough that I found it to still be plausible and certainly enjoyable.
Basically, Salted Caramel Dreams is exactly what it says on the tin–and probably better than you were thinking it would be. Now that I'm finished with it I want only two things: 1) more books in this Swirl series and 2) a salted caramel steamer. Those things sound awesome!
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This. This is exactly what I needed to start off the summer.
It's grabbing and interesting and has a good message, but at the same time it's light and rather fluffy and fun. It's not stressful, there are no big dark secrets or terrible decisions. Jasmine's best friend drops her for the cool kids, and Jasmine has to find her own path. I loved it.
Maybe I'd have reviewed it a little more negatively if I'd read it in a different frame of mind (it's not exactly breaking new ground, here!), but for the purpose it offers to serve it does a lovely job. I cared about Jasmine, I loved the descriptions of her projects and plans for an Etsy shop, and I was angry when Kiara hurt her. I've done some drama myself, so it was easy to understand what she was going through in auditioning and preparing for the play, and I loved watching her shake herself off and find new hobbies and form new friendships after Kiara dumped her. Too many MG school-drama books are way too melodramatic and ridiculous; this was just the right balance of hurt and maturity.
Also, the climax was slightly too convenient but it played off well enough that I found it to still be plausible and certainly enjoyable.
Basically, Salted Caramel Dreams is exactly what it says on the tin–and probably better than you were thinking it would be. Now that I'm finished with it I want only two things: 1) more books in this Swirl series and 2) a salted caramel steamer. Those things sound awesome!
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
February 11, 2018
I received an ARC from the author.
Jasmine and her BFFB (best friend from birth), Kiara share everything---including a dream of opening an Etsy shop together. But when Kiara joins the basketball team and drops Jasmine for new sportier friends, Jasmine feels adrift. And because she overheard Kiara and her new friends insult one of her creations, Jasmine turns away from her passion for designing and sewing. When her mom signs her up for Drama Club, she's hesitant at first but soon she makes new friends. She even develops a crush on another (very cute) actor. She's starting to move on but then Kiara reaches out and Jasmine must decide if she still has room in her heart and her life for an old friend in need.
Salted Caramel Dreams is a well-paced, highly relatable and very satisfying story for tween readers! Bardenwerper captures the ups and down of middle school friendships perfectly. Jasmine's struggles and her ultimate triumphs will resonate with readers on an emotional level. There's just the right amount of romance. I especially loved the scenes where Jasmine struggled to be herself (and find things to say) when she was around her crush. By the novel's end, Jasmine has expanded her interests and friendship circle and best of all, her sense of self. A very positive read for middle school fans of light, realistic fiction!
Jasmine and her BFFB (best friend from birth), Kiara share everything---including a dream of opening an Etsy shop together. But when Kiara joins the basketball team and drops Jasmine for new sportier friends, Jasmine feels adrift. And because she overheard Kiara and her new friends insult one of her creations, Jasmine turns away from her passion for designing and sewing. When her mom signs her up for Drama Club, she's hesitant at first but soon she makes new friends. She even develops a crush on another (very cute) actor. She's starting to move on but then Kiara reaches out and Jasmine must decide if she still has room in her heart and her life for an old friend in need.
Salted Caramel Dreams is a well-paced, highly relatable and very satisfying story for tween readers! Bardenwerper captures the ups and down of middle school friendships perfectly. Jasmine's struggles and her ultimate triumphs will resonate with readers on an emotional level. There's just the right amount of romance. I especially loved the scenes where Jasmine struggled to be herself (and find things to say) when she was around her crush. By the novel's end, Jasmine has expanded her interests and friendship circle and best of all, her sense of self. A very positive read for middle school fans of light, realistic fiction!
August 3, 2019
Jasmine and her best friend Kiera used to dream of opening an Etsy shop selling their unique designs together.
However as Kiara gets into basketball and begins to hang out with new friends then disses Jasmine, she decides her friendship is lost and when her mum pushes her to join dance club, she meets Courtney, Ava and Joseph. They soon become friends while her and Kiera drift until a need for new costumes arises and offers the girls a chance to reunite and share big news...
I liked the design passion and the clever link to her new friends being they too liked the same drink from the title which the girls had added and invented for the menu which they didn't know about.
All about friendship perils and perks a realistic teen story about going separate ways.
However as Kiara gets into basketball and begins to hang out with new friends then disses Jasmine, she decides her friendship is lost and when her mum pushes her to join dance club, she meets Courtney, Ava and Joseph. They soon become friends while her and Kiera drift until a need for new costumes arises and offers the girls a chance to reunite and share big news...
I liked the design passion and the clever link to her new friends being they too liked the same drink from the title which the girls had added and invented for the menu which they didn't know about.
All about friendship perils and perks a realistic teen story about going separate ways.
October 18, 2019
This book was really good in my opinion.
May 6, 2020
It is fun watching the main character try new things. Although it is hard to believe that the main character is in middle school.
August 6, 2018
Thank you to the Kid Lit Exchange for the review copy of this book! All opinions are my own. #partner
What a sweet, wonderful book! I love the Swirl series, and this is another great one. This book in the series explores the friendship between Jasmine and Kiara and what happens when two best friends have diverging interests. I love how we see a realistic situation that seems like such a huge deal when we’re young-remaining best friends with someone while making new friends and doing your own thing at the same time. As with the other Swirl books, there is a crush on a boy, but it’s very sweet and doesn’t overwhelm the wonderful theme of friendship.
What a sweet, wonderful book! I love the Swirl series, and this is another great one. This book in the series explores the friendship between Jasmine and Kiara and what happens when two best friends have diverging interests. I love how we see a realistic situation that seems like such a huge deal when we’re young-remaining best friends with someone while making new friends and doing your own thing at the same time. As with the other Swirl books, there is a crush on a boy, but it’s very sweet and doesn’t overwhelm the wonderful theme of friendship.
June 24, 2018
Thank you @kidlitexchange #partner for this free review copy of Salted Caramel Dreams by @jnbwrite ! All opinions are my own.
Jasmine and Kiara have always been best friends! They have a secret handshake, they walk to and from school everyday together, they created a delicious salted caramel steamer at a local cafe, and they also dream of opening their very own Etsy shop to sell their handmade accessories. Everything is wonderful until Kiara decides to join the basketball team at school. Jasmine tries really hard to support her best friend’s new hobby, but when Kiara starts hanging out with new friends and starts behaving differently, it makes Jasmine uncomfortable. After Jasmine overhears Kiara and her new friends saying hurtful things about her, Jasmine feels very lost and alone! She doesn’t want to sew anymore and she doesn’t know who she can talk to. Her mom encourages her to join the drama club and at first Jasmine is a little overwhelmed. Will she be able to meet new people, make new friends, and find another hobby she can love as much as sewing? Will her and Kiara ever be able to repair their friendship?
This is such a great read for any middle schooler! It has so many layers to it...friendships, betrayal, trust, first crushes, taking chances, and forgiveness. As an adult it really flashed me back to my younger years when I was figuring all of those things out. It’s definitely a story everyone can relate to! I will definitely be picking this book up for my library, along with all the other books in this Swirl Series!
Jasmine and Kiara have always been best friends! They have a secret handshake, they walk to and from school everyday together, they created a delicious salted caramel steamer at a local cafe, and they also dream of opening their very own Etsy shop to sell their handmade accessories. Everything is wonderful until Kiara decides to join the basketball team at school. Jasmine tries really hard to support her best friend’s new hobby, but when Kiara starts hanging out with new friends and starts behaving differently, it makes Jasmine uncomfortable. After Jasmine overhears Kiara and her new friends saying hurtful things about her, Jasmine feels very lost and alone! She doesn’t want to sew anymore and she doesn’t know who she can talk to. Her mom encourages her to join the drama club and at first Jasmine is a little overwhelmed. Will she be able to meet new people, make new friends, and find another hobby she can love as much as sewing? Will her and Kiara ever be able to repair their friendship?
This is such a great read for any middle schooler! It has so many layers to it...friendships, betrayal, trust, first crushes, taking chances, and forgiveness. As an adult it really flashed me back to my younger years when I was figuring all of those things out. It’s definitely a story everyone can relate to! I will definitely be picking this book up for my library, along with all the other books in this Swirl Series!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews