Carter House Girls: Spring Breakdown [Paperback]

I swear these Carter House girls live the life I wished I had when I was in high school. Not having to live with parents, hanging out with awesome friends, going on trips all the time. I totally would relive my high school years again if I could be in their shoes. This time the DJ and the other girls are invited to join DJ's grandmother in Florida for spring break to do a photo shoot. What should have been a nice vacation getaway, ends up being a nervous disaster thanks to one Miss Eliza "I think I know better than anyone else". Eliza seems to have taken Taylor's place as resident party girl now that Taylor has gone to rehab and turned over a new leaf.

I found it interesting that Kriti pretty much disappears in this story. I have always felt that her character is way underused and really would like to see a book where she is the focus of the story. DJ's grandmother appears to be getting better throughout the series, but she still has some ways to go. I really like how DJ and Taylor are now good friends. It was antagonizing to see Taylor treat DJ horribly from the first few books and now they've become quite close.

Some readers might complain there there is an abundance of underage drinking, not only in this book but in the entire series. Well, sadly that is reality. There are MANY high school students who are able to obtain alcohol and do drink it on a regular basis. There are many parents and other adult figures who supply the alcohol or turn a blind eye to teenage drinking. Eliza's situation here, while it may be a bit extreme, shows a perfect example of what could happen to teens who disregard rules and think they know better than anyone. I applaud Melody for putting that in the book as it may be a wake up call to those out there who lived to brink of destruction like Eliza did.

As this is book 7 in the series, it is HIGHLY recommended that you read the other books in the series before picking this one up. Otherwise you will be completely confused, the other books MUST be read in order to fully appreciate the story and characters. Once again this was another great YA addition from Melody Carlson and I know I'll be looking forward to reading the next (and what I think is the last) book in the Carter House Girls series.

Something I wanted to note: The original title of this book was supposed to be Bikini Breakdown. I wonder if the title was changed due to trying to appease conservative readers since many Christians are against the wearing of bikinis? Just something I found very interesting.

Spring Breakdown is the 7th in Melody Carlson's Carter House Girls series. To be honest, had I realized it was that far along in the series, I probably would have started with the first and worked my way up. The book did not make me feel like I did not know what was going on, but I would have preferred getting a clearer picture of the characters. I did manage to catch up rather quickly, because enough information on each girl is given in a way that moves the story forward but still allows you to catch up.

I always enjoy revisiting teen life via a good book. Reading about DJ and the other Carter House Girls adventures brought me back in that way. I liked that the girls were trying to do the right things and following their convictions with what they might wear whether at the beach or a dance and convictions against underage drinking. I wasn't crazy about the cattiness of the characters on all sides. I expected the "mean girl" to be generally portrayed as jerky, but it seemed a little stereotypical (spoiled little rich girl). I did not expect to see so much snarky and catty behavior from the characters who were talking the talk spiritually one moment and doing the slash and jab verbally later. However, all of this resolved itself in my mind, because of course we aren't perfect, and in the long run the good hearts were definitely showing through by the end.


In disclosure, I received this book in exchange for review from Zonderkidz.

I have not read any of the Carter House Girls series, but this didn't affect how I read this book. I fell right into the plot and in with the characters. Enough description and characterization is given that it feels like picking up a book from the beginning of the series. Things are referenced during the book, but they are brought to enough life that you understand what is going on.


First and foremost the relationships and characters in this book are paramount. It's about the relationship of the girls. As typical teenagers, they like each other one minute and don't like each other the next. DJ is the girl next door, she loves sports and she is very Christian. Taylor is a recovering alcoholic and she's trying to clean up her life and make it day by day with her new friends and her new faith. Casey is a friend of DJ but she is starting to become a little misguided. Rhiannon is feeling a little cast aside by new friendships forming and Eliza is still the princess of the group and expects everything to go her way.


This book is well-paced and between the characters and the plot, it moves very well, is easily read and very enjoyable. I look forward to reading this series from the beginning as well as reading the next book which will be out in April.


If you enjoy young adult novels that deal with girls from different walks of life and their relationships and problems they run into and tests of their faith then this is a wonderful series for you.

› Go to Amazon.com to see all 6 reviews  4.7 out of 5 stars