The Big Picture (A Katie Parker Production)

Katie Parker has finally settled into a comfortable and predictable life with her loving foster family...when her bio mom is released from prison. Bobbie Ann Parker claims to want her daughter back, and although Katie is shattered at losing her wonderful new life, she's also filled with hope that she and Bobbie Ann might have a new beginning as well.Yet almost immediately, it becomes crystal clear that Bobbie Ann hasn't changed. She's still using drugs and surrounding herself with bad people. She leaves the house for days at a time, not caring that Katie is left alone without food or electricity. Katie doesn't understand. Why can't her mom love her enough to change?Thankfully Katie's time with the Scotts gave her faith in God. Despite her fear and bitterness at not knowing what will happen to her day to day, Katie knows she can depend on the grace of God. It also helps having a new church community nearby, with the pastor's son Tate taking a special interest in Katie's wellbeing.Yet through it all, Katie can't help questioning God. Why would He put her through this heartbreak and chaos?Readers of the previous two books will find this one much darker - and much more religious - than they have been accustomed to. Prior to this novel, it was known that Katie's mother was a drug addict, but this one clearly depicts the details of the life she lives and subjects Katie to. It may be a bit much for younger readers. Likewise, in her darkest moments, Katie also turns to God more than in the past. While it still isn't cloying or over the top, it may be a bit too much religion for some readers.*** Possible spoiler alert ***Katie's mother Bobbie Ann is depicted as a one-dimensional villain all throughout the book. It's easy to hate her and love the Scotts when their life with Katie is loving and supportive, and Bobbie Ann is horrible. Several times, Bobbie Ann tells Katie, "You don't understand what it's like to be me." Yet Jones offers no information about Bobbie Ann's past, nothing at all to suggest why she might have gotten into drugs in the first place. While nothing could excuse her behavior toward her daughter, at the very least having some kind of insight as to Bobbie Ann's motives might give readers some food for thought. Yet Katie's two homes are very black and white, which is not only not good writing but also not true to life. No situation is so clearly good or bad, just as no person is.

This book was really good. Katie's mom gets out of jail and wants Katie to come live with her. She works hard gets her wish but things fall apart.

GUYS, this series just gets better and better! <3What I LovedKatie's Ever-Improving Character Arc:In this installment, Katie displays even more growth as a character as she faces the demons of her past again head-on and holds fast to the Christian principles that her foster parents have instilled in her. I laughed with Katie and cried with her. The poor girl goes on an emotional roller coaster, but keeps faith that God will see her through. I absolutely love the journey she's been on throughout these three books, and I feel her character arc is strongest in this installment.Maxine's Antics (yes, again):You know I had to mention my favorite character again. XD Though her fussing with Sam did feel a bit dragged out in this installment, I loved her antics in trying to win him back over. If you love Maxine as much as I do, be prepared for more laughs.TATE:Y'all... I thought I shipped Katie with Charlie in Book 2... but in this installment Charlie really tested my patience and then Katie meets this sweet little goober and wow! <3 Tate is perfection. Tate is a million times better than Charlie. And that's a fact. XDRealistically Portraying Child Neglect:If you like Christian fiction that accurately portrays real-life hardships, I highly recommend checking out this series. The way Jones writes about child neglect in this installment absolutely broke my heart for Katie, and I was hanging on the edge of my seat until she was returned to the safety of the Scotts.Katie and Maxine's Friendship:My absolute favorite part of this book is that Katie finally admits that Mad Maxine is one of her best friends, and their heartfelt moments with one another during their struggles gave me all the feels! <3If you enjoy Christian YA, I highly recommend checking out this series.

This is the third book in Katie Parker story. While I was expecting a different type of story, I was NOT disappointed. As in the first two books, I felt that Katie was a realistic female protagonist. However, she's not perfect, and the storyline in this third book puts Katie in an impossibly difficult situation. Katie's birth mother is back and she thinks she's ready to have her daughter returned to her. Lots of tears were shed by this reader as Katie deals with the loss of her foster family as well as her struggles living with her birth mother.Unlike the first two books, this was a sobering tale. Life can be messy, especially when dealing with family members who struggle with drug addiction. It's NOT pleasant to read about, but I thought the author handled it well. This is not a fluffy nonsense book, but a story that deals with real issues that teenagers face. I'm glad I read this book.*Although this book deals with some darker themes, this is a clean story. I'd recommend this YA novel to anyone, but especially to teenage girls. Like the first two books, there is a strong Christian thread running through the story, but not overwhelmingly so. It would be best to read the first two books prior to this one. I think the reader needs to see how much Katie stands to lose and her relationship with her foster family, a storyline that takes place in books one and two.

If your looking for an easy, enjoyable read that will keep you giggling then the Katie Parker production books are for you.With lovable characters, witty dialogue and a heartwarming emotional roller coaster of a plot. You'll quickly full in love with Katie Parker and her gaggle of interesting friends and family. I've loved this books so much, that I can't wait to take them from kindle format to solid paperbacks, that I can add to my bookshelves and cherish forever.A brilliant collection of books by an amazing author.

This book is not everybody's cup of tea with its religious background but I find following the adventures of Katie quite interesting and easy read.. This is the third one I have read following her life and the books are so well written. I shall read the next one in time.

I absolutely adore this series, the funny and quirky way that the author depicts the characters is amazing. You can really feel yourself routing for the characters and seriously getting reeled in. It's rare that I would recommend a book, but I'd have to say that this along with the others in the series are phenomenal and are very enjoyable to read

I've enjoyed the series but I think this was my least favourite of the 3 books. I felt it dragged on a bit. Other than that I truly enjoyed the other 2 books. I came across these books by chance and only after reading the first book did I realise it was aimed at teenagers. Don't let this put you off...it's well written and the different characters keep you engaged.

When I got the first book for free I hadn't realised it was a teenage book. I absolutely loved it and would reccomend it for adults too. It made me laugh out loud and it made me cry. Absolutely excellent.