On the Loose (A Katie Parker Production, Book 2)

A more serious book to be had with Millie getting cancer, a tornado, and work camp. Katie does triumph in the end and is able to come through in splendor.

Like with the first book in the Katie Parker Productions series, I read On the Loose last year and didn't review it. After rereading it as a refresher before reading books 3 and 4, I am reminded why this series is one of my top favorites in the contemporary Christian YA genre.What I Loved:Katie's Struggle with God:Though Katie has grown interested in learning about God in the first book, in this installment her doubt resurfaces, as every aspect of her life begins to crumble around her. Katie's struggle to trust God is portrayed in a believable way, but is not outright disrespectful towards God. The author did a great job writing this aspect.Frances's Crush:A major highlight of this book is Frances's total awkwardness around her crush, Nash. Ever time she tried to talk to him warranted a hilarious outcome, and yet at the same time I could relate to her, as I used to be about that nervous around guys I liked. XDMaxine's Antics:Yes, Katie's foster grandma is back in action in this installment, full of more crazy antics that will make readers laugh out loud. I love how she and Katie develop an almost sister-like relationship in this installment, despite their vast age difference.Tackling Tough Issues with Faith:A major reason why I admire this author is that she's skilled at tackling tough subjects like tornado devastation, cancer, foster care, drug addictions, etc. with grace and always points readers back to God as a means of healing from these situations. Her books are never preachy, though the points are Biblically sound. The overall faith message in On the Loose is one I won't soon forget.Katie's Romance:I loved how the author accurately portrays high school dating. Jones shows that teens can date, have boundaries, etc. without going all the way or avoiding physical contact (hand holding, kissing) altogether. We need more examples of this in Christian YA for Christian readers who attend public school who face worldly dating.

From the perspective of a foster child is told very well.. It is interesting to see the teenage drama unfold from their eyes.

Now having spent six months with her foster parents, 16-year-old Katie Parker feels bonded with James and Millie Scott. She's made some close friends at school and church, and even learned to deal with her kooky foster grandma Maxine.Yet just when she's started to feel a bit grounded for the first time in her life, Katie receives devastating news...Millie has cancer. Katie can't believe it. How could such a good woman like her foster mom be hit with something like that? It makes no sense to Katie, who is still struggling to understand the faith that the Scotts embrace.Understandably, Katie is filled with a range of emotions, from anger to sorrow to helplessness. Yet as time passes, she begins to gain a little glimpse of what God is all about. Thanks to her best friend Frances and other new friends, Katie also learns - for the first time in her life - what it means to not be alone.Jones' characters feel true to life...and although there is a distinctly religious thread running throughout, it is by no means dominating the book. Katie is quick-witted and often sarcastic (in a humorous and likable way). Readers can't help but root for Katie to find what she has been searching for.

Honestly. These books are a must read for any person that feels a longing to laugh their actual socks off. The amount of times people ask me "what in the Dickens is so funny?",(Yeah, whatever, not actually in those precise words) Resulting in me trying to explain the insane antics of mad Maxine or the hysterical sarcastic comments and thoughts of Katie, and then ending up laughing harder while watching my poor audience wear a perplexed grimace while struggling to understand my explaining words through mad fits of giggling, I can't count. Literally. This book is amazing.... Just finished reading it for the second time. And so glad I did. It might even be funnier the second time. It's an inspirational/Christian/YA/Romance/coming-of-age type book... And it is hilarious. You have to read the first book to fully understand and appreciate this book, so I definitely recommend reading them all and in order. If you are wondering about this book.... Get it:) it's worth it. You're welcome my avid book reading friends. Or not avid. Either way, I guarantee you'll love it. Or else you can go ahead and give me a thumbs down. That's how much I guarantee. Ok, I'm done now. Enjoy ;P

I like to read, and when I say that, I don't mean 10 or 15 books a year. I read slightly more than 2 books a day--close to 1,000 per year. Because of that, most of the books I read are on digital format where I can find lots of books dirt cheap or free. I can't afford to pay $12 to $15 a book when I go through this many, mostly my upper limit is $1.50 per book, though I'll pay a lot more for some of the current political issues or historical perspective books, and am willing to pay marginally more if I'm in the middle of a series I'm enjoying. Kindle got me hooked on this series with the first book being free. I liked it so much, I had to download this one, even though it was "way out of my range" at the price of $5 -- I never pay that much for fiction. Never. It might be aimed for a Christian teen market, but this series is extremely well written and a good read for adults. I have seldom been as moved by any literary work. I laughed out loud several times and was also moved to tears at the end of the 34th chapter and almost again at the end of the 37th. I hope you'll read it and enjoy it as much as I did.

Love the mischievous gma and Katie. I love her question God and finally getting it. Understanding that she is loved! Great read!!!

This was a good straight forward read and I enjoyed the storyline. I read the first book, and am just about to start the 3rd book, to see what happens to Katie, the young girl who is put into foster car at 15 and ends up being fostered by a pastor and his wife. Life has its turmoil and tribulations for her, but please give this book a read. If you are into sex and swearing - forget this book.

Don't normally buy books like this as I'm definitely in the 'Thriller/Murder' category. However, it is delightfully refreshing and Katie Parker grabs your attention from the moment she explodes onto the page. Was so impressed I have now downloaded the other 3 in the series.Probably more aimed at teens but engaging, funny and will appeal to most women.

I absolutely love this series of books. Even though I am not a teenager( more ager than teen) I love the humour and the eternal fight with beliefs . Been there more than once as most people will do throughout life. Lokking forward to see what happens to Katie next.

Funny. Teenage relationships. Heartaches. Jealousies. Readable because it is well written. A lot of religion involved which doesn't suit everyone but it ties the story together.

Absolutely loved this book this is the 2nd one I have read and I wasn't disappointed and I have just purchased the 3rd one there is laughter loved the letters she wrote to her care worker would recommend these books