An Author In Progress: Secret Sisters Club Book Tour

I have had Author Monique Bucheger here on my blog before and have loved her books! I've read all 4 of them!
But today I want to feature specifically
#2 - Trouble Blows West
and
#4 - Being West is Best!

Let's start with letting you meet Monique! Many of you may know her, and she's a pretty special person. She's really sweet and fun to work with too.

Author Bio:

When Monique Bucheger isn’t writing, you can find her playing taxi driver to one or more of her children, plotting her next novel, scrapbooking, or being the “Mamarazzi” at any number of child-oriented events. Even though she realizes there will never be enough hours in any given day, Monique tries very hard to enjoy

the journey that is her life.

She shares it with a terrific husband, her dozen children, an adorable granddaughter, a son-in-law, three cats, and many real and imaginary friends. She is the author of several books and plans to write many more. You can find more about Monique and her works at:

Blog:

http://moniquebucheger.blogspot.com/

Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Monique-Bucheger

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/#!/MoniqueBucheger

Barnes and Noble:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-secret-sisters-club-monique-bucheger

Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/The-Secret-Sisters-Club-ebook

Now, She has 4 books, but I'm only going to be posting about two of them (So you'll have to check out the rest of the tour to see the others and what people have to say ;) )

Book #2 - Trouble Blows West Book Blurb:

Putting her body in motion before her brain is in gear creates a mountain of problems for 12 year-old Ginnie West. She is certain that defending her twin brother, Toran, from the biggest bully in sixth grade was the right thing to do. But Ginnie couldn’t be more wrong.

She quickly figures out that Toran doesn’t appreciate being rescued by a girl any better than Pierce likes being knocked down by one. When Pierce seeks revenge on Ginnie, Toran sets aside his anger and helps her plot a playback prank at Pierce’s house.

Sadly, Ginnie learns that Pierce has a reason for being a bully when she sees his dad drop him to the floor like a ragdoll with one awful blow to the chest. Realizing he's a boy in big trouble, Ginnie switches gears and decides to be his ally, even if he won’t let her be his friend.

MY REVIEW OF BOOK #2:
I have to admit that I actually read book 3 (Simply West of Heaven) before I read this book (Book 2). This book was very different from the other two books. In the two other books the struggles that Ginnie, Toran, and Tillie face are more internal. Dealing with the confusion of Mama vs Step-mother, of not understanding why they aren't getting what they want, of dealing with family situations they didn't know they even had, or emotionally letting go of personal fears.
But in this book, there was the different perspective of the problem being an outside, non-family related issue. There was the need to stand up for each other and for their friends. It was a struggle to do what was right even when it was hard, and to look outside of themselves to find answers to other people's problems rather than their own.
I was really amazed at how Monique approached some very touchy subjects. The reality of the world today and of the scary things kids have to face is often a very hard topic to discuss. I was happily surprised to find that she was able to discuss this subject without glossing over the hard details, but while also allowing the reader to feel that there was a safe approach and protection for the characters who were hurt and scared. This book is definitely a good way to allow teens to acknowledge a topic that is easily overlooked due to awkwardness, and still allow them to end with a good feeling about the idea that there is hope and help for people who are in trouble.
I was really touched by this story and the lesson is taught about standing up for yourself and for others when the situation demands action. It also taught about forgiveness, kindness, humility, and love. I really was impressed with this book!

Book #4 - Being West is Best Book Blurb:

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 REVIEW FOR BOOK #4:
I was very pleased with this book. It allowed the reader to see the reality that middle grade kids face today without making it depressing or scary. There was tension and dealing with hard moments including facing fears, standing up for what is right, and learning to forgive. But there was also the joy and love of family. I thought Monique did a great job of allowing us to see the realities of facing fears and trials through the eyes of teenagers and allowing us to remember that no matter what the difficulties there is always someone to turn too. Plus I loved the upbeat attitude of the book and the idea of hope no matter what the kids face. I would easily recommend this to any teen or adult. I loved it and I'm 30 :)