by Monique Bucheger
Twelve-year-old BFFs, Ginnie West and Tillie Taylor, are matchmaking geniuses. Together, they maneuvered Ginnie’s widower-dad into proposing to Tillie’s divorcee-mom. Sweet! Certain they are well on their way to sisterhood, each girl is floored when Tillie’s lousy-excuse-for-a-father puts in an appearance after a six year absence. Too bad “lousy dad repellant” doesn’t come in a can. Even though Tillie’s dad has sobered up and is determined to make amends, Tillie would rather he just disappear again. If he stays, “Operation: Secret Sisters” may need to be renamed “Operation: Not Gonna Happen.”
If that’s not bad enough, the biggest bully in seventh grade comes over often and wishes he could call the West’s farmhouse “home.” When the bully’s abusive dad shows up as well, Ginnie thinks it’s time to change her family’s motto from “When you’re here, you’re family” to “There’s no more room at the West’s.”
My Thoughts
This book is the conclusion the West series about BFFs Ginnie and Tillie and their schemes to get their parents together. I really wanted to finish out the series after getting so far, because I wanted to know if they got their desired ending or not. 🙂
This story has lots of family issues and drama. And…just when Tillie & Ginnie think they have succeeded, and their plan has finally worked to get their parents together, then is when Tillie’s dad Jasper shows up. He is a different person and wants to get his family back together again. So…what happens now? You’ll have to read the book yourself to find out!
The author does a good job at showing what kinds of damage alcoholism, anger, and other difficult issues can do to a family.
Although I do not agree with how everything works out in this book, I did find it an intriguing read. There are lots of things happening that give food for thought. I think this story will be relevant for many young readers in today’s world.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
All-of-a-kind Mom 