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London Confidential #2
Through Thick & Thin
Savvy Smith, 15, sees her chance to write a full column in the paper, making her name and making her way in her new hometown near London, England. But the choices she faces when given the chance to choose between friends, family, and fame may turn her dream into a nightmare.
London Confidential is a new series where British fashion, friendships, and guys collide, and an all-American girl learns to love life and live out her faith.
London Confidential is a new series where British fashion, friendships, and guys collide, and an all-American girl learns to love life and live out her faith.
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
8 people are currently reading
189 people want to read
About the author
Sandra Byrd
75 books1,011 followersThe 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
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
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
September 10, 2019
I like this book. It's cute, it's fun. It's a little bit sassy.
An American girl who lives in London now, trying to navigate high school? Oh, the drama. What I really love though is how Savvy keeps God as number 1 in her life. She's not perfect as a Christian, but she knows when it's time to 'fess up to her sin. She's also juggling a secret advice column for the school newspaper, while waiting for the right chance to get her name on the byline of an actual article... I like that she has goals, and she's trying to attain them, while still keeping balance with the rest of her life.
Minimum age to read: 9 and up. (It may be intended for teens, but it's squeaky clean too.)
An American girl who lives in London now, trying to navigate high school? Oh, the drama. What I really love though is how Savvy keeps God as number 1 in her life. She's not perfect as a Christian, but she knows when it's time to 'fess up to her sin. She's also juggling a secret advice column for the school newspaper, while waiting for the right chance to get her name on the byline of an actual article... I like that she has goals, and she's trying to attain them, while still keeping balance with the rest of her life.
Minimum age to read: 9 and up. (It may be intended for teens, but it's squeaky clean too.)
August 6, 2017
I liked the first book in this series. This one... not as much. It still had great characters and a pretty good message. But, I found myself irritated about how shallow Savey's problem's were. I mean bad hair day's and fashion problems just didn't make me feel very sympathetic towards her. I appreciate the author trying to deal with issues a lot of kids probably have though. I can see some kids enjoying this, but I personally wished for something deeper.
I thought it was rather unrealistic that Savvy But I did really love that their were real consequences, and they hurt.
Overall, cute story for younger teens, probably just a bit to young for me now.
I thought it was rather unrealistic that Savvy But I did really love that their were real consequences, and they hurt.
Overall, cute story for younger teens, probably just a bit to young for me now.
March 21, 2019
AHHHH middle school flash back.
Somewhere around the age of 11-12 I LOVED this book. I reread it a bunch of times to the point where the book is a bit worn now, and I just stumbled across it today for the first time in years.
Though at the time, I had NO IDEA it was the second book in a series, I literally just learned that now😂
I think my grandma bought it for me at the pharmacy in town once and gave it to me.
And I thought it was a stand alone.
Guess not 😂
I do now feel a bit inclined to read the first one at least since I’ve read book 2 first, and maybe the others if there’s more😆
I really only remembered Savvy’s name because I’d never heard it before and I thought it was different and cool haha 🤣 I believe she wrote something for a school paper and ... aside from that, I can’t recall whatever else happens in this story, despite having reread it countless times (But that was at least 6 years ago!)😅
Since it was one of my absolute favourites when I was but a “tween”, I’m going to give it a 4/5 and recommend it to middle grade age group😄
Somewhere around the age of 11-12 I LOVED this book. I reread it a bunch of times to the point where the book is a bit worn now, and I just stumbled across it today for the first time in years.
Though at the time, I had NO IDEA it was the second book in a series, I literally just learned that now😂
I think my grandma bought it for me at the pharmacy in town once and gave it to me.
And I thought it was a stand alone.
Guess not 😂
I do now feel a bit inclined to read the first one at least since I’ve read book 2 first, and maybe the others if there’s more😆
I really only remembered Savvy’s name because I’d never heard it before and I thought it was different and cool haha 🤣 I believe she wrote something for a school paper and ... aside from that, I can’t recall whatever else happens in this story, despite having reread it countless times (But that was at least 6 years ago!)😅
Since it was one of my absolute favourites when I was but a “tween”, I’m going to give it a 4/5 and recommend it to middle grade age group😄
March 24, 2010
Ever wonder what it would be like as a teen if your family moved to Great Britain? Sandra Byrd, the author of the 4-book London Confidential series, takes the reader on such a venture in her tween/teen novels: Asking for Trouble and its sequel, Through Thick & Thin. They introduce 15-year-old Savannah Smith (Savvy for short) from Seattle, Washington whose family relocates "across the pond."
In this continuing story, Savvy struggles with obedience versus following her own desires. Can she have both? At school and at home, she faces opposition to the inner voice of God. In a world that's not perfect, neither is Savannah. Despite that, she bears her heart to the reader. Even more of a reason the reader will identify with and love this character.
If you don't own book 1, Asking for Trouble, you'll want to start there. Book 2 is a seamless continuation of the first installment. And be sure to keep your eyes peeled for books 3 & 4 due out later this year.
In this continuing story, Savvy struggles with obedience versus following her own desires. Can she have both? At school and at home, she faces opposition to the inner voice of God. In a world that's not perfect, neither is Savannah. Despite that, she bears her heart to the reader. Even more of a reason the reader will identify with and love this character.
If you don't own book 1, Asking for Trouble, you'll want to start there. Book 2 is a seamless continuation of the first installment. And be sure to keep your eyes peeled for books 3 & 4 due out later this year.
April 22, 2010
The way Sandra Byrd writes is easy for me to easlily relate to what's happening in the novel. I love how the book gives us a taste of the British life but also combines it with what teens worry and care about today as well. I really enjoyed the adventures Savvy has in "Through Thick and Thin". I makes me happy that she adjusts to living in a new country and that it seems real, like how someone really would react to moving to England if they were a teen.
June 6, 2025
This one is my Fave so far… all about fashion and I love how she decided to go to the dog show for her sister, I enjoyed how Hazel secretly leaned to like Savvy & that Penny stated Savvy’s friend. It all went well even the mean girl still felt good. You never know why a person acts like they do so you still need to be a light and treat them with kindness. My favorite part was her sneaking off to London cause even as Christians our sinful nature takes over. It’s okay to want to be included but you also need to draw a line and not be tempted down the wrong path.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2019
Another cute book that I thoroughly enjoyed!
June 17, 2024
This book was cute and short! It was a quick read! Way to go! Thank you for a good book! It reminds me sometimes about middle school! 💗
April 9, 2020
About this book:
“Savvy Smith, 15, sees her chance to write a full column in the paper, making her name and making her way in her new hometown near London, England. But the choices she faces when given the chance to choose between friends, family, and fame may turn her dream into a nightmare. London Confidential is a new series where British fashion, friendships, and guys collide, and an all-American girl learns to love life and live out her faith.”
Series: Book #2 in the “London Confidential” series. Review of Book #1 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; Many 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 Christians; Mentions of spiritual gifts & miracles; Mentions of worship teams & worshiping; A few mentions of sins;
*Note: A mention of someone thinking other’s horns emerging; A mention of the grim reaper.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘darn’ and a ‘drat’; Some eye rolling & sarcasm; Savvy is tempted to lie but does not; Savvy later, though, disobeys her parents and sneaks out to go shopping, when she confesses/she’s found out later, she gets in trouble (she says when planning that disobeying wasn’t something she’d typically do, but because this isn’t a typical situation, she wonders of special circumstances applied; she does feel guilty); Mentions of lying & lies; Mentions of cheating; A few mentions of a historical figure’s wives being beheaded; A few mentions of thugs; A couple mentions of a school simulation of being drunk; A couple mentions of a smoke shop & cigarettes; A mention of throwing up; A mention of passing gas;
*Note: A few mentions of designer names & clothing stores; A couple mentions of Teen Vogue magazines; A mention of Botox.
Sexual Content- Mentions of boyfriends, girlfriends, couples, & dating; Mentions of dances & dates; Mentions of super cute boys; Mentions of crushes & blushes; A couple mentions of kisses & kissing; A mention of a player; A mention of flirting;
*Note: A mention of Savvy shaving her legs.
-Savannah “Savvy” Smith, age 15
1st person P.O.V. of Savvy
271 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- Two Stars
New Teens- Three Stars
Early High School Teens- Four Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars (and a half)
This second books in the “London Confidential” series continues Savvy trying to find a good friend but also learning about how actions have consequences and more about British culture. There’s a large lesson of being truthful after Savvy hides something from her parents and gets grounded. Because this series is clean, I think older preteens would enjoy these books.
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.
“Savvy Smith, 15, sees her chance to write a full column in the paper, making her name and making her way in her new hometown near London, England. But the choices she faces when given the chance to choose between friends, family, and fame may turn her dream into a nightmare. London Confidential is a new series where British fashion, friendships, and guys collide, and an all-American girl learns to love life and live out her faith.”
Series: Book #2 in the “London Confidential” series. Review of Book #1 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; Many 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 Christians; Mentions of spiritual gifts & miracles; Mentions of worship teams & worshiping; A few mentions of sins;
*Note: A mention of someone thinking other’s horns emerging; A mention of the grim reaper.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘darn’ and a ‘drat’; Some eye rolling & sarcasm; Savvy is tempted to lie but does not; Savvy later, though, disobeys her parents and sneaks out to go shopping, when she confesses/she’s found out later, she gets in trouble (she says when planning that disobeying wasn’t something she’d typically do, but because this isn’t a typical situation, she wonders of special circumstances applied; she does feel guilty); Mentions of lying & lies; Mentions of cheating; A few mentions of a historical figure’s wives being beheaded; A few mentions of thugs; A couple mentions of a school simulation of being drunk; A couple mentions of a smoke shop & cigarettes; A mention of throwing up; A mention of passing gas;
*Note: A few mentions of designer names & clothing stores; A couple mentions of Teen Vogue magazines; A mention of Botox.
Sexual Content- Mentions of boyfriends, girlfriends, couples, & dating; Mentions of dances & dates; Mentions of super cute boys; Mentions of crushes & blushes; A couple mentions of kisses & kissing; A mention of a player; A mention of flirting;
*Note: A mention of Savvy shaving her legs.
-Savannah “Savvy” Smith, age 15
1st person P.O.V. of Savvy
271 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- Two Stars
New Teens- Three Stars
Early High School Teens- Four Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars (and a half)
This second books in the “London Confidential” series continues Savvy trying to find a good friend but also learning about how actions have consequences and more about British culture. There’s a large lesson of being truthful after Savvy hides something from her parents and gets grounded. Because this series is clean, I think older preteens would enjoy these books.
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.
November 21, 2010
Title: THROUGH THICK AND THIN
Author: Sandra Byrd
Publisher: Tyndale
March 2010
ISBN: 978-1-4143-2598-9
Genre: Inspirational/young adult
Savvy Smith, 15, is living in London with her family and still struggling to make friends. She has her job delivering school newspapers, and her secret column Asking for Trouble but she is lacking a true friend. But then, Penny, one of the popular girls notices Savvy and starts being a little friendly.
Penny manages to get Savvy tickets to the fashion show happening on a local estate, and the editor at the paper promises Savvy she’ll finally have her name on a by-line. But then Savvy makes a mistake—a serious one—and finds herself grounded.
Her choices? Hand the tickets over to another girl at the newspaper and possibly lose Penny as a friend, or keep a promise she made to her younger sister. This may turn Savvy’s dream into a nightmare.
I thoroughly enjoyed this second book in the London Confidential series by Ms. Byrd. Savvy is a realistic character that any young teen girl can identify with and Ms. Byrd writes with realism and wit.
My two daughters completely love this series (we discovered it on book three) and so I was so thankful when the author sent me books one, two and four so we could complete it. If you are looking for a great series for your daughter to put under the Christmas tree then the London Confidential series would be excellent. Great series. $6.99. 280 pages.
Author: Sandra Byrd
Publisher: Tyndale
March 2010
ISBN: 978-1-4143-2598-9
Genre: Inspirational/young adult
Savvy Smith, 15, is living in London with her family and still struggling to make friends. She has her job delivering school newspapers, and her secret column Asking for Trouble but she is lacking a true friend. But then, Penny, one of the popular girls notices Savvy and starts being a little friendly.
Penny manages to get Savvy tickets to the fashion show happening on a local estate, and the editor at the paper promises Savvy she’ll finally have her name on a by-line. But then Savvy makes a mistake—a serious one—and finds herself grounded.
Her choices? Hand the tickets over to another girl at the newspaper and possibly lose Penny as a friend, or keep a promise she made to her younger sister. This may turn Savvy’s dream into a nightmare.
I thoroughly enjoyed this second book in the London Confidential series by Ms. Byrd. Savvy is a realistic character that any young teen girl can identify with and Ms. Byrd writes with realism and wit.
My two daughters completely love this series (we discovered it on book three) and so I was so thankful when the author sent me books one, two and four so we could complete it. If you are looking for a great series for your daughter to put under the Christmas tree then the London Confidential series would be excellent. Great series. $6.99. 280 pages.
November 21, 2010
Review by Jill Williamson
The London Confidential series is where British fashion, friendship, and guys collide, and where an all-American girl learns to love life and live out her faith.
Savvy’s dream is to write a full article in the school newspaper. She comes up with the perfect idea. A fashion show. An even if she manages to score tickets to the illusive event, can she convince her editor to give her a chance to write the article? Savvy is going to have to bend some rules and twist some arms to get things to go her way. Will putting that much strain on her friends and family be worth it?
I love this series. This is book two in Sandra Byrd’s London Confidential series about Seattle native, Savvy Smith, whose family moved to the suburbs of London. She has settled in at her new school and is trying very hard to make friends. Savvy is a lot of fun to read about. I enjoy experiencing high school in a different country where English isn’t quite the same. These books are quick reads in a mass market paperback size. They are fun and always get you thinking about the choices you make. If you haven’t read them yet, be sure to start with book one. We reviewed it here. These books are great reads for girls 12 and up.
The London Confidential series is where British fashion, friendship, and guys collide, and where an all-American girl learns to love life and live out her faith.
Savvy’s dream is to write a full article in the school newspaper. She comes up with the perfect idea. A fashion show. An even if she manages to score tickets to the illusive event, can she convince her editor to give her a chance to write the article? Savvy is going to have to bend some rules and twist some arms to get things to go her way. Will putting that much strain on her friends and family be worth it?
I love this series. This is book two in Sandra Byrd’s London Confidential series about Seattle native, Savvy Smith, whose family moved to the suburbs of London. She has settled in at her new school and is trying very hard to make friends. Savvy is a lot of fun to read about. I enjoy experiencing high school in a different country where English isn’t quite the same. These books are quick reads in a mass market paperback size. They are fun and always get you thinking about the choices you make. If you haven’t read them yet, be sure to start with book one. We reviewed it here. These books are great reads for girls 12 and up.
March 9, 2011
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
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
October 22, 2013
Once again, Sandra Byrd brilliantly explores the teenage mind and examines how seeking approval can get Savvy into and out of troubled messes. My favorite part of reading these books is that Savvy not just learns her lesson, she consults God’s word and His guidance for her choices.
I love this series of books and this one was no exception. If you have a tween in your home, these are excellent books to not only give her, but to read along with her. Byrd presents exceptional opportunities in these books to have a better understanding of the tween mind but also to talk with your daughter about choices and their consequences. Once again, this is on my recommended list for tweens and their moms!
*Review copy provided by Tyndale House Publishers. Thank you
I love this series of books and this one was no exception. If you have a tween in your home, these are excellent books to not only give her, but to read along with her. Byrd presents exceptional opportunities in these books to have a better understanding of the tween mind but also to talk with your daughter about choices and their consequences. Once again, this is on my recommended list for tweens and their moms!
*Review copy provided by Tyndale House Publishers. Thank you
May 19, 2010
I’m a teenager living in the real world. Some days are good, some days I just don’t talk about, and sometimes hilarious things happen to me. This is my favorite kind of book; a slice of what COULD be my life. Sandra’s writing keeps me curious, laughing, and thinking about the choices I make every day.
Generally, I’m not a fan of sequels, but ‘Through Thick and Thin’ kept me just as interested as ‘Asking for Trouble.’ I can’t wait for the next two!
Generally, I’m not a fan of sequels, but ‘Through Thick and Thin’ kept me just as interested as ‘Asking for Trouble.’ I can’t wait for the next two!
May 7, 2010
This is the second book in the series, and it was just as good. In fact, better because I already knew the characters. It was a fast paced fun read and would be great for any teenager. I was surprised the first one didn't have much about God in it since it was published by a Christian imprint. This one had much more in it than the first one.
August 31, 2016
Cute book with a relevant message to young girls about being yourself, even in the midst of change and peer pressure. My 8 year old daughter loves this series and so do I. I love reading it with her.
November 24, 2015
I was pleasantly surprised that the title does not refer to weight gain and loss. London Confidential is a great title for this series. While this book helped me get to know Savvy and some of her schoolmates better, one was left a mystery, which had me reaching for book three right away.
September 20, 2010
Savvy finally makes friends and is content with her life. This book was good better than the first.
December 25, 2011
This was a super cute book.
It was a really fun read.
It was funny, and interesting.
Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
It was a really fun read.
It was funny, and interesting.
Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
October 5, 2013
These books are great for any christian girl.
March 31, 2013
This Book is really good, I feel, because I feel like a lot of teens, spiritual, or not can relate to it in some way. this was an easy read, and I loved it!
August 23, 2015
This is a fun series for younger readers
September 6, 2016
4.5
Another enjoyable book, continuing the story of Savvy. There was a part or two that was a slight bit frustrating but it worked out for good and the message was another good one. :)
Another enjoyable book, continuing the story of Savvy. There was a part or two that was a slight bit frustrating but it worked out for good and the message was another good one. :)
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews