Don't Kiss Him Goodbye

London Confidential #3

by Sandra Byrd

It was just a kiss. A simple kiss, a quick kiss, an innocent peck because they were saying goodbye, and no one was watching. But someone was watching them – me. Not that I’d meant to. I didn’t know why the kiss troubled me, but it did. I hid it well, though. Or so I thought.

Now established in her quirky British village, Savvy works hard to get an article with her own byline published in the school newspaper. When an attractive and mysterious boy asks her for help with his school work, Savvy is slowly pulled into his circle. Following her own advice to cut ties with a charming bad boy would mean abandoning her dearest wishes, and it just doesn't seem as wrong as it feels. Is it?

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

Genres: Young Adult, Romance, Christian, Christian Fiction, Fiction, Teen

242 pages, ebook

First published October 1, 2010

About the author

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

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

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

Reviews

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

MY REVIEW:

High school drama, strange siblings, cute boys, and great music - this book has them all! And a whole lot more!

After a long day at school any teen girl will love reading this sassy novel about 15-year-old Savvy Smith and her new life outside London. It is full of what teen girls face on a daily basis along with a whole lot of biblical advice for dealing with tough situations and presented in a fun, fiction format.

I really enjoy reading this series myself - as a grown woman! Sandra has a writing style that is fun, real, and enjoyable to read. This series deals with real life topics in a fresh way. They are light enough to read in just an a few hours, yet challenge the reader to do what is right even when it's not so easy to do.

As a Mom I would recommend them to any teen girl in 7th grade and up. May I also suggest that you buy the set and use them - one at a time - as impromptu gifts for your teen girl every now and then. What a great way to encourage her and instill biblical thinking in her life!

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Now established in her quirky British village, Savvy works hard to get an article with her own byline published in the school newspaper. When an attractive and mysterious boy asks her for help with his school work, Savvy is slowly pulled into his circle and soon finds out that the wrong set of friends—boys and girls—can influence her own behavior. Following her own advice to cut ties with a charming bad boy would mean abandoning her dearest wishes, and it just doesn't seem as wrong as it feels. Is it? Read on for surprise twists throughout the book!
London Confidential is a new series for young girls. In the series, British fashion, friendships, and guys collide as an all-American teen girl learns to love life and live out her faith. The series follows Savvy's entertaining attempts to fit in during her first year at a new school in a new country.

* * * * *

Thanks to Tyndale House Publishers for the courtesy of a review copy. However, all opinion expressed is mine.

[Raechel Lenore · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm finding these books to be super easy to get into. :) Again, enjoyed this one. Though there were some things that slightly bothered me...
it was just a bit boy-obsessed, and wanting a first kiss, not talking to the parents much that was "eh" to me.
But I still liked the book and the message is good. :)

[Tarissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I already loved this series before, but I'm impressed all over again.

For any teenage girl who's not sure if the guy she's dating is a true gentleman or just a charming player... This is the story you need to read. Savvy shows us that she, like any of us human beings, change when we're influenced by others. This can be good or bad depending on the circumstances. This book is a lesson for us all: Make sure you're surrounded by good people.

The author gets bonus points from me for including a Taylor Swift song into the plot! Amen to that.

Minimum age to read: 9 and up. (It may be intended for teens, but it's squeaky clean too. Just contains some light, clean boyfriend/girlfriend talk.)

- -
Favorite quote:
"Righto." I adopted the old-fashioned British phrase, intending it to be a bit tongue in cheek. Of course, since everyone else in the room was British, no one got the joke.

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was good, I just have never related for a bad boy guy. I am very picky with men and feel God wanting me to stay single. I liked how she got a chance to shine for playing the guitar & how even Christian’s with modern songs we relate and have different ways the lyrics relate to us. I am glad that she went to the dance and that Tommy only went with Chloe as a friend. I thought Savvy’s little sister loving a cat even though with allergies is precious.

[Anna Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it!

I love me a good romance. And I KNEW it was Tommy! So sweet. I’m excited to find out what happens with Savvy in the next book!

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

About this book:

“Now established in her quirky British village, Savvy works hard to get an article with her own byline published in the school newspaper. When an attractive and mysterious boy asks her for help with his school work, Savvy is slowly pulled into his circle and soon finds out that the wrong set of friends—boys and girls—can influence her own behavior. Following her own advice to cut ties with a charming bad boy would mean abandoning her dearest wishes, and it just doesn't seem as wrong as it feels. Is it? Read on for surprise twists throughout the book!
London Confidential is a new series for young girls. In the series, British fashion, friendships, and guys collide as an all-American teen girl learns to love life and live out her faith. The series follows Savvy's entertaining attempts to fit in during her first year at a new school in a new country.”


Series: Book #3 in the “London Confidential” series. Review of Book #1 Here and Book #2 Here!


Spiritual Content- Matthew 6:4 at the end; Prayers & Thanking God; Scriptures are read & mentioned; Church going & going to youth group; Talks about God; ‘H’s are capitalized when referring to God; Mentions of God & Jesus; Mentions of prayers & praying; Mentions of Bibles, Bible reading, Bible studies, those in the Bible, events, & Scriptures; Mentions of churches, church going, youth groups, services, & pastors; Mentions of worship teams & worshiping; Mentions of Christians; Mentions of a Christian ministry; A couple mentions of missions trips; A mention of a Christian romance book;
*Note: Mentions of a girl saying she’s not interested in “religious stuff” but later changes her tune when she needs something from Savvy in the next book.


Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘drat’, a ‘duh’, a ‘rats’, two ‘stupid’s, three forms of ‘dumb’, and three forms of ‘idiot’; Some eye rolling & sarcasm; A few mentions of lying & lies; A few mentions of gossip; A couple mentions of bullies; A couple mentions of girls doing diets; A couple mentions of acne; A (teasing) mention of burying bodies; A mention of a war; A mention of divorce; A mention of a child picking their ear and eating the stuff from it; A mention of cigarettes;
*Note: Mentions of movies, celebrities, singers, songs (Taylor Swift, Savvy says she writes about stuff she relates to and understands and chooses one of her songs to sing at a Church event), books, & characters; A few mentions of designer names; A couple mentions of car brands; A mention of Communist implications on a holiday; A mention of Starbucks; A mention of vampires.


Sexual Content- Savvy starts hanging out with a boy who has a reputation as a player (and an earring) & he affects her attitude (she comments on his “wolfish good looks” twice and later he wants a kiss from her but she won’t give it); Savvy changes her screen saver to a picture of a cute classmate; A few Touches/Hand Holding/Hugs; Noticing & Smelling; Many mentions of boyfriends, girlfriends, couples, & dating; Many mentions of dances & dates; Mentions of kisses, kissing, & seeing couples kiss; Mentions of crushes & blushes; A few mentions of jealousy; A few mentions of flirting; A few mentions of romance books.

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

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star (and a half)
New Teens- Two Stars (and a half)
Early High School Teens- Three Stars (and a half)
Older High School Teens- Three Stars (and a half)
My personal Rating- Three Stars
Unlike the prior two books in this series, this third book dealt more with relationships and dating. Still very clean when talking about those topics, but maybe a little less relatable for preteens


Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...


*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.

[Stephanie Christmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great YA book. Really touches on what teens go thru when they aren't at the same socioeconomic level as their friends at school. Sadly, this is something that the teens can't help or change.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one is a little outside of my box. All right, a lot outside of my box. I don’t recall ever reading juvenile fiction even when I was a juvenile. But as a mom of an almost thirteen year old, I’m constantly on the hunt for good, pure fiction, and Sandra Byrd does not disappoint.

I began reading the book with the idea that it would be easy to set aside while I switched laundry over or any of that other household stuff that tends to take precedence in my life. Boy, was I wrong. I couldn’t put the book down. Don’t Kiss Him Good-bye is that engaging.

Savvy is a typical teenager with Christian values at her core. The only difference, she’s been uprooted from her American culture and replanted in the United Kingdom. Secretly, she runs an advice column for her school newspaper. Savvy seeks the scriptures for answers to other people’s problems. When her own relationship dilmmas occurr with her peers she must decide whether or not to take her own advice.

There are so many positives in this book. Savvy is not only a gifted writer, she also has a gift with music and although she is nervous she is not afraid to use it to glorify God.

I’m very impressed with Byrd’s ability to add an awesome message for young girls in a way that is not off putting to them. As a mom of four children the following excerpt (from Savvy’s mom) is my favorite part.

“This has to be your decision Savvy,” she said. “But I want you to think hard about it. When you go out with someone, dress up, or even just become friends with him, you are giving away a precious piece of yourself. Make sure that each person you give a piece of Savvy to deserves it.”

It does not matter if you’re from a Christian home or not, that bit is sound advice for children and adults alike!

Although Don’t Kiss Him Good-bye is the third book in Byrd’s London Confidential series following Savvy’s life, I did not feel as if I missed a beat. But, I can promise you I will be on the hunt for the previous books and I very much look forward to future books.

[J R · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I come across a good book, everyone around me can usually tell, because I cannot get my head out of it. This was in fact what happened, when I started reading Don’t Kiss Him Good-bye by Sandra Byrd, and as a result I ended up finishing it within a couple of hours of starting the book.

Don’t Kiss Him Good-bye is a juvenile novel about Savvy, an American teenage girl, who has recently moved to London with her family. She tries hard to find her place at her new British school, and she tries even harder to find the balance between her Christian values, her desires as a teenage girl and the expectations that surround her. When she finds out about the annual May Day Ball at her school, she is faced with a social dilemma, as her friends already have dates, and she does not.

As a former exchange student, I felt a strong personal connection to the story of Savvy, and I was amazed at how many of the emotions I could recognized from my own experience as a 15-year-old at a new high school, in a new country. Byrd has been able to create a story so real, that I found myself intertwined with Savvy and her dilemmas, and it made Don’t Kiss Him Good-bye even a thrilling read.


Byrd has also managed to braid in the core of Christian values in Don’t Kiss Him Good-bye, but she does so in a natural way. Byrd has created a wonderful story that really speaks to the heart of a teenage girl, and Don’t Kiss Him Good-bye is an easy read that flows naturally and leaves the reader feeling close to Savvy goes through.

A version of this review has been published at Story Time Under the Stars

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: DON’T KISS HIM GOOD-BYE
Author: Sandra Byrd
Publisher: Tyndale
September 2010
ISBN: 978-1-4143-2599-6
Genre: Inspirational/Juvenile fiction

Savvy Smith is settling into her first year at a new school, in a new country. In addition to the differences in the English language, she discovers yet another new English tradition: The May Day Ball. Apparently, it is quite a big deal, and girls have dates for it months in advance. So, Savvy starts making a list of whom she might have a possibility of getting a date with.

But then she finds out that most all the boys already have dates. Except one, who is good-looking, but he seems to have a reputation for trouble. What will Savvy do? Follow her heart? Follow the crowd? Or follow her own advice?

DON’T KISS HIM GOOD-BYE is the third book in the London Confidential series by Ms. Byrd, but it is the first book in this series I read. The book easily stood alone, and I was surprised to notice it was part of a series. Now I have to look up the other three books in this collection.

Savvy is a lovely fifteen year old girl who absolutely won my sympathies and my love. I cared what happened to her, and I had to keep reading to see what happened. Even though the book was relatively thick for a juvenile book, I read through it all in an afternoon. This is a book that I am willing to let my fourteen year old girl read without worry. And even my eight year old girl. I thoroughly enjoyed DON’T KISS HIM GOOD-BYE. $6.99. 243 pages.

[Angel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Christian Fiction, when I had teens I encouraged them to read it as a way of keeping their hearts and minds pure. Of course I didn’t succeed one hundred percent, but it is a pleasure now to see my daughter reading authors such as Lori Wick and Jerry Jenkins interspersed with her secular authors.
I believe we build reading habits in our early teens, so good teen books are essential.
“Don’t Kiss Him Goodby” revolves around a teen who’s pleasent life as an American teen is interrupted with a sudden move to London. She finds herself getting use to a new culture, making new friends and all the other typical teen issues. the book has a sense of realism to it, the problems are not over the top, they are problems most teens might experience in the real world.
Savvy has a deep committment to God, and starts an advice column seeking Scripture for the answers.
However, as in any book she suddenly finds herself in a place where she has to decide to take her own advice or……well you know.
All of us have experienced the its easier to sit by the wayside and tell you what to do, then it is to do it. Savvy has to make that decision A heavy decision for the best of us, much less a teenager.
The book is funny, absorbing and a fast read. It is the third book in the London Confidential series, but still I did not feel the loss of reading the first two. However,. it doesn’t mean I won’t for the fun of it.
It is important to start your teens on a good path in everything even reading. I strongly recommend this book to teenagers and adults alike.

[Jennifer L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was first introduced to Sandra Byrd's London Confidential series a few months ago. I read the first two books, and put it in the back of my mind that I wanted to read the next ones. It was that good. I'm not a fiction reader, but I couldn't put these down. Savvy is such a well developed character who is so easy to like.

In this book Don't Kiss Him Good-Bye (London Confidential) Savvy falls for a guy who says he is new at the school. But is he? Whenever Savvy mentions Rhys, everyone seems disapproving, but WHY? Then Savvy's little sister, Louanne, starts acting strangely, but what could be wrong with her?. At April Fool's For Christ night at church, Savvy isn't careful with her notes and someone (But who?) finds out she is the author of the “Asking For Trouble” column in the Wexford Academy newspaper. Savvy has no date to the May Day Ball. A former columnist for the Wexford Academy newspaper moves back into town, and is there something strange there?

Obviously there is no lack of plot lines, so this is a very fast paced book. I enjoyed it as an adult, and I think teen Christian girls would especially enjoy this! After reading it, I want to be able to hang out at the fish and chips shop with Savvy and her friends!

[Jill Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review by Jill Williamson

Just when Savvy thought she was getting the hang of things. She has two pseudo friends, a column for the paper, and a secret admirer. But guess what? London’s version of the prom is coming up and Savvy doesn’t have a dress or a date. She makes a quick list of possible candidates, but it dwindles quickly, leaving her with one choice. A guy with a reputation for trouble. He’s cute. So can’t they go as friends? Savvy has to decide if she’ll follow her heart, the crowd, or her own advice.

Loved this one! I read it in an hour. These books are fun, quick reads that pack a punch of entertainment. In this volume, Savvy struggles with every girl’s dream: having a date to the ball. She finds the perfect dress, but Prince Charming is MIA. Her only option is a guy who’s a player. But when she tells him she just wants to be friends, he doesn’t seem to be listening. The story has a fabulous ending, but you’ll have to read it to find out what happens. This is the third book in the London Confidential series, which is about an all-American girl who’s learning to juggle fashion, friendships, and guys in her new home in Great Britain.

[Reading Vacation · Rating 4 out of 5]

REVIEW

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

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

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

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

RATING

4 Plot

4 Characters

4 Attention Grabbing

4 Girlie Meter

4 Ending


20 TOTAL


4 STARS

[Jennifer Bagazin · Rating 3 out of 5]

My love for Big Ben and London (just about anything related to the UK really) caused me to impulse-buy this book without even checking what the story's about or of it is part of a series or something. Turns out that it is, part of a series I mean. Its the third book to the London Confidential Series, some kind of a series about a 15 year old American going to school in London and her story of fitting in and stuff. But the transition was okay, I mean I dont think I had much difficulty in getting along with the characters. What probably shocked me most though, was that the book was a Christian book. Meaning it mentions God and churches and the occasional Bible passage from time to time. Pretty rare if you ask me, coming from a Londoner. Also, the plot was pretty middle school for my test, probably an ideal setting for Taylor Swift types, which was why I didn't quite enjoy the book as I should.

[Lori Twichell · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this third outing in the London Confidential Series, Byrd tackles the inevitable hot topic of girls and boys. I’ve been wondering when this subject would come up and Byrd’s handling of it did not disappoint. Savvy remains strong, vibrant, and even when she gets caught up in a situation that could be overwhelming, she stays mostly level headed. Never disrespectful, Savvy consults her Bible and her mother on her situation.

Beyond just boys and getting in with the wrong crowd, Savvy also learns that even the best intentions can have disastrous results. She takes responsibility and, as difficult as it is, owns up to her mistakes.

Once again, the adventure is fun, light, and enjoyable but packed with Godly lessons for young girls. I am completely cemented as a fan of Byrd’s writing and cannot wait to see what future stories she brings to the page in the future.

*Review copy provided by Tyndale House Publishers

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story about 15 year old Savvy Smith was a fun, entertaining read for young girls! It was well written and enjoyable, and I appreciated the way it addressed common issues and situations confronting many teen girls in a Biblical way, using humor and a sassy fiction format. I wish there'd been an alternative like this when I was young instead of the Sweet Valley High and other twaddle I filled my head with. My daughter devoured the book in one sitting and can't wait to get her hands on the others in the series! This book, and the others in the series, would be a great choice for girls age 12 and up.


Thanks so much to Tyndale House for providing a review copy

Read more: http://www.homewithpurpose.blogspot.c...
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[Leighan Herzberger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brand new to the well-known city London, Savvy Smith strives to be a good role model, a good christian, and an amazing journalist. Though her strive to be a good christian is changed when she meets a boy and agrees to help him with a paper. Later she finds herself changing who she hangs out with and her group of friends don't show the real Savvy. Can she get herself back on track? Read one of my favorite books, Don't Kiss Him Good-Bye.

[Julie Rowse · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this up through Overdrive and didn't realize it was the 3rd in a series. I liked that I wasn't lost with the characters, something that can easily happen in a series. Also didn't realize it was a Christian-focused novel. Glad I read it so I have something to suggest to my students who struggle to find YA novels that match with their values.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book I read in the London Confidential series. As an avid reader of young adult novels I really loved this book and I intend to go back to read more of the books in the series. Savy is a very relatable character. Her story makes you, as the reader, feel like you are listening to the stories of a close girlfriend.

[Talia Mooney · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was really good but the only thing that I don't like is that I didn't read the books before this one, I just found out that this book was the 3rd book in the series. I now know how it would feel to be in her shoes because of how good the author was at giving vivid details.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great YA book. Really touches on what teens go thru when they aren't at the same socioeconomic level as their friends at school. Sadly, this is something that the teens can't help or change.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a super great book!
Interesting, and funny.
I really like this series and I will definitely read more books by Sandra Byrd.

[Lucee · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books teach great lessons.

[Niyati Em · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been such a fun day. My second book in the London Confidential series. Let's hope I can read Book 2 and Book 4 soon enough.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part cautionary tale, part suspenseful story, this book had me holding my breath hoping Savvy would make the right choice.

[Catherine · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too cheesy, too predictable, not enough to keep me interested.