Baby Girl Box Set Books I-IV

Baby Girl #1-4

by Elle Klass

Box set includes In the Beginning, Moonlighting is Paris, City by the Bay, and Bite the Big Apple.
Abandoned at 12, Baby Girl is forced to face the harsh realities of life and struggles to find her path. She forages for sustenance, steals from the wealthy, and sleeps in any dark hole she can find. A ‘family’ of sorts forms between her and a band of other youngsters. Together they fight for survival, friendship, and love in the midst, but that is only the beginning. Life throws her one curve ball after another until secrets are revealed and the search for her true origins begins and ends with the powerful truth.

Genres: Mystery, Coming Of Age, Suspense

349 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 25, 2015

About the author

Elle Klass is an award winning author. She currently lives in Florida with her family. To date she has written and published over sixteen books, in varying genre's including mystery, suspense, psychological thrillers, fantasy, sci-fi and contemporary fiction. When she's not writing she's spending time with family or friends, traveling, relaxing at home watching ghost and horror movies or listening to an audio book.

To sign up for Elle's mailing list and get updates on new releases, events and giveaways: http://elleklass.weebly.com/contact-m...

Visit her YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCADU...

Reviews

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely riveting! Children live in poverty. Children are abandoned, but how many children could escape into the world and find the will and determination to survive? At twelve years old, one girl finally realizes her mother isn’t coming back after months of being gone and she sets out to make her own way in the world. Alliances are formed and a budding romance begins only to be torn away. This is her story, a journey of heartbreak, joy, and discoveries that make your worst nightmare seem like child’s play. Hardened, streetwise and entangled in a web she never knew existed, she discovers who she really is, where she came from and who is trying to stop her from making these discoveries. Will she come through unscathed and stronger? Will her journey uncover more than she could have ever hoped for? They say the truth will set you free…it can also be deadly, especially when power and the almighty dollar are involved.

Elle Klass’ Baby Girl Box Set Books I-IV took me by storm as each segment tell the tale of one woman’s search for freedom from the unknown, from feeling less than human and to discovering what the meaning of “family” really is. Ms. Klass spares nothing in creating scenes that will twist your insides, leave you gasping in disbelief that the world is really so cold and wanting to cry for a girl with no safe haven to turn to. Her main character takes the world by storm with her innocence, tenacity and beauty as she claws her way to inner peace and contentment. Filled with the strength of Elle Klass’ writing and confidence to make bold strokes, from start to finish this twisted entanglement of emotions, actions and reactions will have you alternating between white knuckle and a melted heart. This isn’t a battle between good and evil, this is as real as fiction can get, this is a study in doing what is necessary to survive and thrive without losing your soul.


I received an ARC edition from Elle Klass in exchange for my honest review.

Publication Date: July 15, 2015 (Kindle) May 25, 2015 (Paperback)
Publisher: Elle Klass
ISBN-13: 9781512343298
Genre: YA Fiction | Mystery
Print Length: 218 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[ReadAlongWithSue ★⋆. ࿐࿔catching up · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was attracted to this book through a promotion tour and agreed to read it.

Its well written and I read it in one sitting yesterday evening and while in bed. I can see how the story was once broken down into several parts and now that this is a complete box set of books.

The story itself was quite remarkable how this young girl became homeless and on the streets fending for herself.

Also how she met up with a couple of other youngsters, one of them being nick named Einstein which was apparent in the book why he was named that.

At times though, to be honest, I found some parts just a little hurried. For example when she and this young chap got together. I was like whooooooo a minute have I missed something here? when did this start, and how old is she now? Is she still 12?

That was just one instance that threw me, there were a couple more.

Its well put together if only some of it was extended and detailed more.

Its gone in my GOOD BOOK category but just not outstanding.

[Philomena Callan Cheekypee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've gotta say I'm so happy I read this book complete and in the Boxset. Even though I didn't read these books as four individual stories I am glad I read this in one super book.

Baby Girl is the story of a twelve year old who finds herself alone and homeless. She takes us on a journey of survival and finding out who she is.

The synopsis only gives a teaser of what's in store. I really didn't expect to enjoy this book as much as I did. Although it didn't end the way I hope it would (at about 96% I think I stopped breathing) I still liked the ending... If that makes sense lol

Great unpredictable twists that had me in a tizzy. It's not an angsty read. However the story is told really well and I'd definitely re-read it.

[Jennifer Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. Cleo has had a rollercoaster of a life, one that I wouldn’t have handled as easily as she did, especially not after losing someone so important to me as she does. Cloe’s strength and determination are my favorite parts of this novel. She is an inspiration to anyone who’s life has started out the way hers did. She knows she needs to be strong, to take care of herself, to do what she has to do to survive and find the life she wants. So many people would have given up, would have fallen into a life of drugs, homeless shelters, and crime, and I can see why had they come from the world she did, but she was determined not to. She gave me strength, hope, and knowledge that I can make it through what I currently have to go through with my home life. Her strength was exactly what I needed at this point in time.

This audio book was a given to me in exchange for an honest review. I told the author that I desperately needed this book, but not for the reasons I initially thought. I was listening to a boring, extremely slow paced novel, and really wanted an adventure. Elle promised me with this novel, and I got it, but so much more. I got an inspiration. I got a female lead that took control of her life, who set out do what needed to be done, no matter the pain. Cloe makes hard decisions that I don’t think many of us would be able to make, which has shown me that I can as well. She’s faced her fears, insecurities, and the people stalking her, which told me that I can face the hardships that lay ahead of me.

I am the primary caregiver of a dementia patient. This job is the hardest one I’ve ever had. So many times have I wanted to give up, but I haven’t. I’m a strong person. I just needed to a reminder that I was, and Cloe was that reminder.

There are spots at the beginning where the audio isn’t great and other places where the narrator slips on a few things, but the audio gets better, and the slips aren’t that often. There are places where I wish the pacing were a bit slower, but that could just because I wanted to spend hours more in the world the author created.

The characters will pull you in, make you love them. The story will make you wonder who, what, how, why? And the connections are awesome. Cloe will make you cry and wish she was real so that you could hold her and tell her that everything will be all right in the end.

I can’t wait for the next books. : )  

[Marcha Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed the original four stories in the Baby Girl series but reading them separately with various other books interrupting the continuity detracted from my enjoyment of this outstanding saga. I don't have time to reread many books unless they're a true favorite, which was the case with these. I thus thoroughly enjoyed reading it as a single tale so I didn't forget who minor characters were or other pertinent details. The author even added some additional scenes, rounding out the story even more.

Baby Girl is the ultimate coming of age story of a girl who assumes the name of Cleo after being abandoned in early adolescence and left to fend for herself. Besides surviving, however, Cleo is being pursued by hostile forces, increasing her determination to find her roots and not only discover who she really is but what circumstances resulted in her sorry situation. Her quest takes her to coast to coast in the United States and a few points in between as well as Paris, France. To elude her pursuers, she assumes a new identity and persona for each location as she gathers new pieces of the puzzle.

Given that everyone is on a quest to discover who they really are at some point in their life, there are deeper themes in this story that resonate at a subconscious level and make it even easier to relate to Cleo. The various people who help her along the way also bear an important message, that whether or not your family has been there, physically or emotionally, there are always those who fill the void, often better than a blood relative ever could. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an enjoyable, well-crafted story with a variety of memorable characters.

[Candi Silk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining Drama and Suspense!

Reading fans of Elle Klass will applaud the release of Baby Girl Box Set Books I-IV! It is packed with hours of reading entertainment in its 350 pages. The author’s trademark characters will lead the reader on a journey that is like a reckless roller coaster ride at times.

The likable and creative female protagonist will keep the reader guessing whether she’s running from her past or running back to her past as she searches for her real identity. And of course the characters she meets along her way add to the edgy action drama. The sequence of events has a way of pulling the reader forward deeper into the tangle of twists and turns.

Klass works her talent as she pens a tale that is so close to life the reader will have a field day with all the “what ifs” of everyday life. The Baby Girl Series is entertaining as well as enlightening. The “fiction and fact” of the story are so close together the reader will at times find it difficult to find the middle of the road. And for me, as a reader, that makes for an exciting read! Five stars for Elle Klass on this one!

[J.S. Luxor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stayed up late reading the entire book last night. Baby Girl by Elle Klass tells the story of a tough as nails yet determined survivor of what can only be described as a depraved start in life. Cleo gets abandoned at the cusp of her adolescence and has few resources. She turns to the streets and finds a family of sorts among other homeless teens. She's fortunate in the fact that her intelligence, skills and willpower happen to be top notch. Cleo also meets a series of men who assist her in the search for her bio-mother. This boxed set combines a number of her adventures in her quest to discover the truth about her background. She travels from poverty and living on the streets in the most dire circumstances to the high life in Paris with her lover then on to New York City and important connections with family and friends. The name and appearance changes made me chuckle. She's written in the first person and has a unique voice. Ms. Klass shows a talent for understanding and conveying the coming of age issues confronted by this young adolescent. Well done!

[Karen Ingalls · Rating 5 out of 5]

5.0 out of 5 starsWonderfully written
ByKAREN INGALLSon July 1, 2016
Format: Paperback|Verified Purchase
A wonderfully written story about one young girl who searches for the truth of her birth, who were her biological parents, and coming to terms with the motive and life of the woman who raised her. Taking on different names and roles, the main character meets the challenges of solving what was a cold case. A must read.
Ms. Klass's style of writing reminds me of the style of Bethany Turner, who also has a wonderful imagination, story line, and well described characters. Congratulations on an interesting title, intriguing plot, and well edited book.

[Kim Cormack · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm already a fan of this Author so I knew this box set was going to be a treat! Elle Klass is a storyteller to be reckoned with. This is a tale told with the genius of a spider weaving an intricate web. A story of one girl's heart-wrenching beginning, her survival; in dire times and the moments in between with her companions that make life worthwhile. She changes her identity as she travels through her life and is a truly intriguing character. I didn't want this story to end!

[Brigitte · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the Beginning

Cleo lives with her mother and doesn't know her father. She lives a very sheltered life, besides going to school. They have a very simple and somewhat poor lifestyle except for the odd occasions, when her mother would disappear for a few days and return with food and clothes.

Cloe is now twelve years old and when her mother goes absent for longer than usual, she decides to pack up and run. During that time, she learns how to fend for herself until she meets others who are in a similar situation to hers, including Einstein who is the oldest and assumes the role of their leader.

Cloe and Einstein make plans for the future to keep them safe but just when they think everything is going to plan, something goes drastically wrong.

Moonlighting in Paris

Having changed her identify in book one, Cleo is now known as Justine. She changes her looks to suit her name and her new life in Paris. When Justine walks in a hotel to book her accommodation, she meets Didier, the manager and owner of the hotel.

Didier takes an instant liking to her and she finds her lifestyle changing from one extreme to the other and she adapts fairly quickly to the change. Then comes the twist which changes everything.

City by the Bay

Cleo is back in America, she changes her identity yet again and is now Shanna Nu. She is successful in obtaining a job with an investigative agency and as it so happens the Private Investigator could well have some of the answers she is looking for.

As the story unravels, things begin to fall into place and Shanna is more intent on obtaining more answers which will hopefully bring more clarity to her quest.

Biting the Big Apple

Shanna is now working for "Briggs" a very wealthy and powerful family in the hope of uncovering some of the mysteries surrounding her life.

She carries her own investigations methodically and is determined enough not to be deterred by anything or anybody. More surprises are in store and emotions run high. The story flows nicely bringing with it a sense of achievement and closure.

I had already read these books individually and the author adding a prologue and an epilogue to the box set have made the series more complete.

[Heidi Lynn’s BookReviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, I would like to thank Rosie Amber and Ellie Klass for providing me with this box set so I may bring you this review.

Baby Girl by Ellie Klass was full of kidnapping, neglected children, crime, fake identities, two great loves, poverty, death, loss, reinventing yourself, missing person, secrets, hit n run, mystery, suspense, homelessness, body guards, proposals, glitz and glamour. This book had me at the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen.

Cleo and Einstein’s story touched my heart. I loved their first kiss, the first time they explored each other and their blossoming relationship. To see where they both came from to now was amazing. Yet, heart breaking as well.

Baby Girl was extremely well written. I loved the attention to detail and descriptions that she was able to give the characters and situations. Many times I would come across a line or a paragraph and it would crack me up. Some of the names I felt were unique.

This book gave you an inside view of what it like to actually be homeless. You get to visualize what Cleo and Einstein had to go through to get by. Seeing her transform and her self discovery was a joy to read.

[Maggie James · Rating 3 out of 5]

Baby Girl by Elle Klass relates the story of a young girl, who goes by the name of Cleo – her real name is a mystery. She’s vulnerable, sensitive, yet tough and determined to survive. Abandoned as a young girl by her feckless mother, she’s forced to live on the streets and rely on her wits. Determined to discover answers about her past and why her life has turned out the way it has, she embarks on a quest to find the truth. Along the way, she finds comfort and support from other homeless teenagers. Her adventures take her on a rollercoaster ride from poverty on the streets to Paris and New York. Meanwhile, she is forced to assume various new identities along the way to outwit the people pursuing her.

This coming of age story is an interesting read, if one accepts that many of us search for our identities at some point in life.

[Elle Klass · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all the readers and literary professionals I've met through Cleo's journey. One question always remains, 'Will these stories ever be in paperback?' Here you are, the first four in one book!

It was an eye opening experience putting all these books into one and as Cleo's journey continues I hope to bring more paperbacks along the way.

Hugs to everyone! Thank you for pushing me into publishing these books in one solid story which includes an epilogue and prologue only seen in the box set. Smiles!

[P.S. Winn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actually 4 1/2 at least!
I have read all these books separately but am excited to find them in a collection.The story is compelling as readers follow the life of Cleo. A young woman abandoned at birth, going through hardships and searching to uncover the hows and whys of her past. The author has an amazing writing style and the books are hard to put down. A collection is hard to review because the books rate both 4 and 5 stars, leaning heavily toward a 5 star average.

[Bobbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This boxed set tells the story of Baby Girl who had a difficult life from the very beginning. She was found equalling baby girl on the top of the garbage in a dumpster! It tells her story, and even has some romance. Once I began this set, it was so good and suspenseful, it was truly hard to put down. Check it out for a great read!

[Samantha Bull · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book in exchange for an honest review. I must say I am thoroughly hooked on this series. It just keeps getting better and better with each book I read! THIS is a MUST read series! Don't wanna pass this up!

[Rosemary Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brought up in a solo parent household, with a parent that was barely there, our “Baby Girl” learnt her first hard lessons of life, depend on no one, she transitions through various situations, finding three friends, and then loosing two of them. Life appeared to settle then tragedy strikes, not once but twice. There good people that help, but there is always that in answered question of where she came from, why did they want her dead? Therefore, she pushed on, until she gets her answers.
When I started to listen to this audiobook series, I was sceptical about the narrator, but as I continued to become absorbed into the story, I appreciated the narrators interpretation of the tale being told.
I enjoyed this series immensely.

[Paula D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a emotional, twisting heartbreaking story! Cleo is abandoned by her mom and she is on the run she meets boy named Einstein and they become friends and more both running from everything. All Cleo wants to know is about her family and what all happened. But living on the streets is hard day in and day out. When a tragic accident happens. Cleo then gets helped from James and then even more things start to unravel. Love and gasping moments in this book that are shocking and had me crying. A really good series but in the end you want to read more! 5/5 stars ****Reviewed by Sweet & Spicy Reads provided for a voluntarily Advanced Reader Copy of this book ****

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

“This audiobook was given by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom.”


Baby Girl Box Set Books 1-4
: Elle Klass

I listened to another book by this author that I loved. That gave me great hope for these books.

As this started out, I was disappointed. The premise began alright but too many unbelievable events occurred. I kept listening, hoping things would be more realistic. Unfortunately it didn't happen until the 4th book. Remember this is only my opinion, others find it better than I. I will still give the author another try.

The narration was somewhat so-so, just not as robust as I prefer.

[Lorna Holland · Rating 1 out of 5]

Okay. I really hate having to give books a one-star rating (I think I've only given about 5 out of all 400 and something books I've read on here) but sometimes a book leaves me no choice. This is one of those books.

I feel especially bad about it because I was given a copy of the series for free in exchange for an honest review and a space on the blog tour. The author is lovely, and I was looking forward to reading the series.

But when I started, it took a massive effort just to get past the first page of the prologue. Yes the plot was a bit cliché to start with, but the writing is where the real problem was for me. It looked like it hadn't been edited at all. I can forgive the odd spelling or grammar mistake, or formatting issues, but this was too much.

To give it the benefit of the doubt, I read on.

I read the entirety of the first book in the box set, but couldn't bring myself to read any of the others. In fairness the quality of the writing did improve slightly after the prologue, but then other problems arose.

The problem is, there's a good story in here waiting to be let out. However, the plot was far too rushed, the characters weren't properly introduced, and as a result I couldn't get involved in the book at all. When the twist at the end of the book happened, I didn't really care, even though I know I should have done.

So I'm sorry I can't write a more positive review (which is why I'm leaving it here instead of uploading it to my blog), but I don't want to mislead anyone by not being honest. This is just my opinion, after all.