"Newly single, stalked by a killer, and in desperate need of some chic clown shoes--Bella is one skinny mocha frapp away from total meltdown. When the Fritz Family Carnival makes its annual appearance in Truman, Bella's keen reporter instincts tell her the bright lights hide more than they reveal. Her suspicions are confirmed when one of the stars is murdered. Though the police make an immediate arrest, Bella doubts this case is quite that simple. She needs her crime-solving boyfriend, Luke, more than ever. Problem is, his ex-girlfriend has moved back to town, giving Bella some murderous thoughts of her own. Then again, there's no time for a relationship crisis when Bella's doing her best to derail her father's wedding and stay one step ahead of a killer. Is God sending her a message in all of this madness? With a murderer on the loose and her boyfriend's ex on the prowl, this undercover clown has never had more to juggle--or more to risk."
I take Bella's side on the fight between Luke vs. Bella. Honestly, I don't blame her and Luke could be a bit more understanding. Then again, there is a reason why no character is made just to perfect to the heroine. 1) Because it is boring, 2) boring makes lack of sales, 3) too much Edward Cullen-ish, and 4) Cullen isn't perfect.
Anyway, So Over My Head finally has a murder case. Nancy Drew (Bella Kirkwood) is finally in play once again. After two books, there is finally a murder case. And Bella gets to find the body. And Luke breaks up with her. Well, it is actually Bella who breaks up with him. Let's all admit it. Bella always had a bit of mixed signal when it comes to Luke while Luke always struggles from being professional or play personal. Bella is one of those gray areas for him.
Well, So Over My Head manages to keep its upbeat tone despite the death of the hairy lady at the circus. Oh, yes. Hairy bearded lady, I should add. She is quite good at games. At least the simple games. The other games are quite okay, but that isn't the point. Nancy Drew (my nickname for Bella Kirkwood, in case you haven't picked it up by now) is here to solve the murder of the bearded lady and find whatever treasure that lady hid. Plus, there is also a minor white collar-ish subplot involving Bella's dad.
The plot is very exciting. I enjoyed every bit of the book. The last installment is perhaps the best out of them all. Out of the entire series. I think. If you disagree, then I would say the first is the best. First and third. They are tied for the same place. The beginning and the ending is always the most beautiful parts of a trilogy.
My favorite parts are whenever Bella interacts with Luke. Luke and Bella are complicated. Together or apart. Bella has boyfriend issues while Luke is too attractive and always get other girls' attentions which in turns drives Bella nuts. So it is all a circle. Anyway, it is all very adorable and cute. Beginning puppy love.
Overall, I enjoyed the trilogy/series. A Charmed Life is a delicious book full of twists and turns. The entire series is exciting. Even the first book alone would satisfy readers. It is that good and complete. The touch of religious matters shouldn't bother most people very much. I think it is all very adorable and sweet. Plus, it provides insight into the characters.
Rating: Four out of Five
""Think you're having a rough week? Bella's stepdad, a semi-pro wrestler, just signed the entire family up for a reality TV show. Bella's first thought: Kill. Me. Now."
Living in Truman, Oklahoma wasn't 100% miserable for Bella. Sure, she misses Manhattan, couture clothes, and her dad. But she was making new friends at Truman High and almost enjoying her work at the school newspaper. Then the whole stepdad-wrestler-reality-show issue hit and her life is now being splashed across weekly tabloids and broadcast news.As if having a camera crew following her around isn't bad enough, Bella soon discovers a conspiracy against the Truman High prom queen candidates. And the closer she gets to the answer, the more danger she's in.
As her relationship with Luke teeters between friendship and romance, Bella's ex-boyfriend Hunter reappears and vies for Bella's attention. Denying allegations of a love triangle, working to solve the prom queen mystery, and trying to keep her cool on national television finally motivate Bella to start talking--and listening--to God more.
But what comes next has Bella once again screaming: "I'M. SO. SURE.""
I'm So Sure is an amusing story containing the many wild adventures of Bella Kirkwood. She is the classic Lois Lane. The difference? She also is Jimmy Olsen, but that is not the point here. She can take pictures instead of having another red-haired boy be a photographer. That is indeed one step up from being Lois Lane. However, she may or may not be breaking laws or as Lois Lane puts it, "Committing a felony." And yes, I am a fan of Superman: The Animated Series. I watched that when I was a kid. And I did swoon over Bruce Wayne like what Lois Lane did in World's Finest Part I, II, and III. Big fangirl.
Her Superman? Well, that would be Clark Kent, hiding behind glasses and the whole disguise that shouldn't fool a single person. I don't know how anyone doesn't see the big blue boy behind those round pairs. Anyway, Luke is Clark Kent. And yes, he does wear glasses, which makes this story a bit more cheesy, especially since Bella mentioned Clark Kent. Luke does appear as Superman whenever Bella is in trouble. Though not quite literally. He is perhaps invincible as him, because he still managed to protect Bella in times of her greatest need. It is totally adorable. Except for that little problem with bipolar personality. Oh! And his girlfriend, who goes to Harvard and is one year older than him, but that isn't really the issue here. Nah, it is just the girlfriend who has more confidence and seemingly more smarts than Bella.
Still, they are both wonderful characters. Their chemistry together makes me always wonder if they are ever going to get together and make rabbits.
I'm So Sure is a Christian novel. That means that there are a few characters who are going to pray, but that doesn't bother me very much. Honestly, it makes Bella very adorable. I remember those kids in Sunday School. "Thank you, God, for giving me a mouth. I will take very good care of it. Thank you, Father, for giving me food." It is very adorable, though not adorable as those nine-year olds. I wished she prayed for Luke to be manly.
Overall, I think I'm So Sure is a wonderful, delightful read, especially when you need to relax a little bit. The plot is exciting, and you will be trying to figure out the hitman who is bent to ruin all of the candidates for Prom Queen.
Rating: Four out of Five
