Thursday, August 19, 2021

About the Book

Book: Summer Plans and Other Disasters

Author: Karin Beery

Genre: Women’s Romantic Fiction

Release date: April 2021

Elementary school music teacher Callie Stevens thinks she’s finally figured out God ’s plan for her life—she even made a list to keep her on track. Moving in with her brother and reconnecting with her ex-boyfriend are at the top of the list. What ’s not on the list is running into her childhood crush, Ryan. God wanted her to connect with Kyle, right? Trying to figure out God ’s plan is hard enough. But a dating-averse older brother, the young blonde who adores him, a pregnant best friend, and Callie ’s continual mishaps make her wonder whether her best-laid plans were truly God-inspired.

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About the Author

Karin Beery grew up in a small, rural Michigan town where she wrote her first novel in high school. She’s still writing today, telling contemporary stories with a healthy dose of romance. When she’s not writing fiction, she’s editing or teaching it. And when she’s not doing that, she enjoys time at home with her husband and fur babies, once again living in a small, rural Michigan town.

More from Karin

I discovered audiobooks two years ago, and they have changed my life! Now I look forward to long car rides and endless hours cleaning and cooking. Well, I don’t really look forward to the cleaning and cooking, but at least the chores are tolerable because I just turn on a new book and listen to a story while I work! I know I’m not the only one who multitasks with audiobooks. I had a few friends ask me when my books would be available in audio form so they could listen—with long commutes and families at home, they prefer listening to their books in the quiet of the car.

That’s why I’m so excited to bring Summer Plans and Other Disasters to audiobook, and I’m just as excited about my narrator, Jasmine Zhwalen. Summer Plans was my first published book, and now it will be Jasmine’s first too. As soon as I heard her audition, I knew I wanted her to give Callie, Jack, Stacey, and Ryan their voices. Considering it’s the first go-round for both of us, I think it turned out pretty well!

Thanks for listening!

MY REVIEW

This is my second time to go through this book. However this time I listened to the audio version. Oh my this made the story come alive. Now it was easier to picture the characters and catch the little bickering between brother and sister. I thought that Jasmine did a great job of making this story even better with her accomplished reading and voices that distinguished each character.

This was a fun book to read. It was lighthearted yet had great lessons to be learned through the characters. Callie has it all together or so she thinks. She has this big plan to come back and stay with her brother for the summer. During that time she has a scheme to reconnect with her ex- boyfriend. What could possibly go wrong with that plan? I think she forgot that God has a plan for her life and it may not be exactly what she is wanting. I have never seen such a klutz before, but Callie is really no help to her brother at his job.

I know that Callie is suppose to be the star in this story, but I absolutely adored Jack who is Callie's brother. He is smart and very protective of his sister. Their bickering was classic and I loved watching how their relationship showed how important family really is. Jack isn't all that enthusiastic about Callie's plan to win her ex-boyfriend back, but he stood by her and she went full steam ahead.

The book has a few other characters that play a key part in the story. In order for you to enjoy this story, I think you need to discover for yourself who these other characters are and how they will change Callie's life. The theme for me in this book is about listening to God and trusting Him. There is nothing wrong with making plans for your future, but if you don't take the time to listen to God, the wrong choice can spell disaster. Will Callie find what she is looking for?

I received a copy of the audio version from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.