Teenreads.com -- ON THE LOOSE: A Katie Parker Production, Act 2 by Jenny B. Jones

Books by
Jenny B. Jones

IN BETWEEN
A Katie Parker Production, Act 1

ON THE LOOSE
A Katie Parker Production, Act 2

ON THE LOOSE
A Katie Parker Production, Act 2
Jenny B. Jones
Th1nk Books
Fiction
ISBN-10: 160006115X
ISBN-13: 9781600061158
208 pages

Katie Parker has lived with her foster family, James and Millie Scott, for six months --- and what an otherworldly experience it's been for this almost-orphan girl whose mom is in jail for selling drugs. Katie laughingly jokes about her single-wide trailer home where she had to mother herself while her own mom was involved in illegal activities. Such a melodramatic life change for the ever-theatrical Katie to be the sole attention-getter of a pastor and his wife...but Katie isn't complaining. Besides the normality of regular meals, an up-to-date wardrobe and daily stability, Katie often can't believe how good she has it now.

Then, in due fashion, real life with all its pain intrudes on Katie's momentary blissful existence. Like a set of falling dominos, Katie is embroiled in an entire soap opera drama of her own. The town of In Between, Texas, is hit by a tornado whose damage forces mad Maxine, Katie's foster grandmother, to move in with the Scotts --- and, to Katie’s unending horror, share a room with Katie. Millie is then diagnosed with breast cancer. Katie fearfully wonders what will happen to her foster mom --- and to her if Sunny Haven gets wind of it. Amy, the Scotts’ long-lost daughter, makes a dramatic hospital waiting room entrance, all strung out and sporting a rebellious you-owe-me attitude. Katie's world is rocked further as Amy deviously tries to undermine the Scotts’ love for her.

As if there wasn't enough "drama" at home, Katie tries out for the school play and gets a part. It’s not the part she wanted but a significant role nonetheless that has her doing what she does best: acting dramatically. However, the escapades don't stop there for Katie: she is accused of stealing at school, her mom is released from prison and she's falling for the school flirt against her better judgment. Amidst all this upheaval, there is comedy galore as Katie's wit gets sharper and sharper --- as does her longing to better understand the Scotts’ faith in God.

Though Katie's tumultuous surroundings continue to unsettle her, she slowly finds a refuge both safe and strong, not merely in the Scotts’ obvious love for her but in Christ alone. When she makes this pivotal choice to follow Him, peace floods in and Katie is no longer just a "bit actor" in life's huge drama. She realizes that she always has been in the spotlight of God's faithful care.

--- Reviewed by Michele Howe

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