6 Dates to Disaster

Bird Face #3

by Cynthia T. Toney

Her goal is to fly to Alaska. Her family is broke. Will an opportunity to make money be the answer to her prayers—or the road to disaster?

For her mom’s birthday, Wendy finds an old jewelry box at a flea market—the perfect gift for someone who loves salvaged junk. But inside the box is a cryptic note that appears to have been written recently. Who wrote the note, and did the intended recipient ever see it?

Wendy’s curiosity leads her on a search with boyfriend David at her side and eager to help.

But Wendy needs more personal and urgent help—the financial kind—because her stepfather has lost his job. The family’s plan to visit Alaska on vacation is headed down the sewer like a hard Louisiana rain. How will Wendy ever see Mrs. V or Sam again?

When an opportunity arrives in the form of tutoring Melissa, one of the Sticks, Wendy’s money problems appear to be solved. Until the arrangement takes a turn that gets Wendy into trouble like never before.

And in the final months of ninth grade, she might lose everything she counted on for the future.

Genres: Young Adult, Christian

210 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 5, 2016

About the author

Cynthia chose to write for young people to show them how wonderful, powerful, and valuable they are. She creates complex characters and twisty plots—because life is complicated. Ask any teen! Her stories address issues that young people face today, but they are full of hope and laced with humor. Her characters are diverse in culture and ethnicity and include deaf and Jewish teens.

Cynthia's contemporary Bird Face series includes 8 Notes to a Nobody, 10 Steps to Girlfriend Status, 6 Dates to Disaster, and 3 Things to Forget. Her first coming-of-age historical, The Other Side of Freedom, takes place in the rural southern U.S. in 1925. It has received literary awards from Independent Author Network Book of the Year Awards (2018 Outstanding Fiction Children/Juvenile and Second Place Fiction Book of the Year), Next Generation Indie Book Awards (2018 First Place Grand Prize and First Place Children's/Juvenile Fiction), Catholic Press Association (2018 CPA Book Awards, Third Place, Children's), and Readers' Favorite Book Awards (2018 Gold Medal, Children: Coming of Age).

In addition to writing, Cynthia has a passion for rescuing dogs from animal shelters and encourages others to save a life by adopting a shelter pet. In her spare time, she grows herbs and studies the complex history of the friendly southern U.S., where she lives with her husband and several canines.

She loves hearing from readers. Connect with her at cynthiattoney.com, birdfacewendy.wordpress.com, facebook.com/birdfacewendy, on Twitter and Instagram @CynthiaTToney, and on Pinterest.

Reviews

[T.M. Gaouette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cynthia Toney adds more excitement to the saga of Wendy's life in this third book in her Bird Face Series. We meet again with all the old characters and friends, and some new ones. Wendy is learning what it's like to live in a blended family and to be in a relationship with David. She's also missing Mrs. V and Sam and desperately trying to make money to visit them in Alaska.

Things are looking up in her new life, but as usual, the good times don't last and real life kicks in. And just when it looks like things could not be worse, they suddenly are. How does Wendy deal with it all? In usual Wendy fashion. 6 Dates to Disaster reminds us that there are consequences to all our actions. It reminds us that true friendships never die. And it reminds us that life is not always fair. If you're a fan of the first two books in this series, you will like this story too. It's a fun book, lined with the usual suspense, and spiced with a taste of Cajun.

[A.J. Cattapan · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this third book from the Bird Face series, high school freshman Wendy is finally dating David, and all seems to be going well so far. However, another area of Wendy’s life is falling apart. In the last Bird Face book, we learned that Wendy’s elderly neighbor, Mrs. V., was in the early stages of Alzheimer’s. Her son and grandson decided it would be best if she moved to Alaska near them. In this book, Wendy is desperate to get to Alaska to visit Mrs. V. one last time before she can no longer remember who Wendy is. The problem is that her parents have lost their jobs, and Wendy will have to earn the money on her own to get there. Wendy’s desperation leads her to some ethically questionable decisions. Can she find a way to earn the money for the trip to Alaska and still maintain her relationship with David?

If you’ve read the other two books in the Bird Face series, you’ll enjoy this one as well. Author Cynthia Toney keeps all the kissing scenes very PG, so parents can feel comfortable handing this book to their young teens. The story moves along swiftly, and I was able to finish in just a few nights.

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent continuation of the Bird Face series and will greatly appeal to teens (and those of us who remember those years so clearly). The author continues Wendy's story with warmth and honesty as she deals with first love, a blended family, financial problems, desperately wanting to make enough money to visit an elderly friend and surrogate grandmother with Alzheimer's before it's too late, the unexpected problems that arise from her money-making scheme, and a friend's consequences to dating a boy with an alcohol problem. The story moves at a steady pace yet gives time to connect the reader to Wendy and her problems in a sympathetic way. Though part of a series, this book could be read without reading the first two (but it will be better if you read them first) and the ending, though perfect, will make the reader want to get the last book to find out what happens! A recommended clean book for teens.

[Lindsey (Books for Christian Girls) · Rating 3 out of 5]

About this book:

“Her goal is to fly to Alaska. Her family is broke. Will an opportunity to make money be the answer to her prayers—or the road to disaster?
For her mom’s birthday, Wendy finds an old jewelry box at a flea market—the perfect gift for someone who loves salvaged junk. But inside the box is a cryptic note that appears to have been written recently. Who wrote the note, and did the intended recipient ever see it?
Wendy’s curiosity leads her on a search with boyfriend David at her side and eager to help.
But Wendy needs more personal and urgent help—the financial kind—because her stepfather has lost his job. The family’s plan to visit Alaska on vacation is headed down the sewer like a hard Louisiana rain. How will Wendy ever see Mrs. V or Sam again?
When an opportunity arrives in the form of tutoring Melissa, one of the Sticks, Wendy’s money problems appear to be solved. Until the arrangement takes a turn that gets Wendy into trouble like never before.
And in the final months of ninth grade, she might lose everything she counted on for the future.”


Series: Book #3 in the “Bird Face” series. Review of Book #1 Here! and Book #2 Here!


Spiritual Content- Prayers; Going to church & Mass; Wendy wears a crucifix & is Catholic; Talks about God & His will; Most ‘H’s are capital when referring to God; Mentions of God; Mentions of prayers, praying, & blessings over food; Mentions of churches, Mass, & going to both; Mentions of Catholics & Lutherans; Mentions of a crucifix necklace; Mentions of Easter; A few mentions of a saint; A couple mentions of faiths;
*Note: A mention of a high school goddess.


Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘dumb’, a ‘shoot’, a ‘witch’, two ‘rats’s, and six ‘stupid’s; Some eye rolling; Mentions of underage high school kids drinking & drinking wine/alcohol; Mentions of a high school party with alcohol, drinking, & drunks; Mentions of a car accident, injuries, & pain (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of hatred; Mentions of cheating; Mentions of lies, lying, & liars; A few mentions of debts; A few mentions of nightmares; A few mentions of gossip; A couple mentions of drugs; A couple mentions of jealousy; A couple mentions of a divorce;
*Note: A couple mentions of a vampire; A couple mentions of pimples.


Sexual Content- Wendy does have a boyfriend, they go on dates, & they also sometimes talk in low & sultry voices *Spoiler* His parents want them to breakup near the end and they do, Wendy is very heartbroken and upset *End of Spoiler*; three cheek kisses, four forehead/head kisses, six barely-above-not-detailed kisses, five board-line barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed kisses, and 1 semi-detailed kiss; Remembering kisses (barely-above-not-detailed); Sparks & Warmth (barely-above-not-detailed); Touches, Embraces, Hand Holding, & Nearness (barely-above-not-detailed); Wanting to touch (barely-above-not-detailed); Noticing & Smelling; Many mentions of boyfriends, girlfriends, dating, dates, breakups, heartbreak, & crushes; Mentions of kisses, kissing, & making out; Mentions of touches; Mentions of cute boys & boys that are trouble; Mentions of blushes; A few mentions of hints about having sexual relations with a guy (it’s never said); A mention of a romantic rendezvous;
*Note: A few mentions of a girl worrying that she’ll get fat; A couple mentions of swimsuits & not wanting a boyfriend to see her in one; A couple mentions of a girl that had anorexia; A mention of a skinny girl not eating; A mention of a bunch of girls in shorts.

-Wendy Robichaud, age 14/15
1st person P.O.V. of Wendy
210 pages

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Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- Two Stars
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars (and a half)
My personal Rating- Three Stars
{Add a star for girls in Public School}
I know it’s pretty normal for public school girls and such, but my head is still so boggled at the idea of fourteen-year-olds/fifteen-year-olds dating. I think it’s completely because one of the girls I’ve babysat since she was little is now 14, so all my big sister-ness was coming out while reading “6 Dates to Disaster”. {Which now I get the title.} ;)
I may not have liked all the kisses between Wendy & David, but there were some sweet parts and good learning moments at other times. I’m hoping that there will be a fourth book of Wendy’s summer adventures. :)


Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...


*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the Author for this honest review.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third installment of the Bird Face series by Cynthia Toney is another winner for young teens. As Wendy attempts to earn money to fund her Alaska summer trip to visit Mrs. V. (and Sam), she finds herself in over her head tutoring classmates. As the demands of her job spiral out of control, everything she cares about could be jeopardized - running track, school, summer plans, and most worrisome - her deepening relationship with boyfriend David.

An old friendship is revived with Jennifer, who’s also in over her head. And then there’s a little mystery involving a note hidden in an old jewelry box.

6 Dates to Disaster (and the first two books in the series) allow teens to see the ramifications of the small but important choices they make that affect their relationships - with their parents, siblings, friends, and members of the opposite sex. Add a little Cajun spice, and you have the recipe for a great read.

(I am acquainted with the author through a couple of online writing groups. Opinions expressed are my own.)

[Angela Moody · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Wendy Robichaud. She is kind, caring, a bit naive. She thinks of others first - most of the time - when that doesn't clash with her own desires. When it does, look out! She can be greedy and selfish, but deep down, Wendy cares about others, and though it takes her a while, she does eventually put their needs above her own. When Jennifer comes back into her life, Wendy accepts her with no reservations and no accusations. When one of the "sticks", Melissa, asks Wendy for tutoring help, Wendy ignores the warning bells going off in her head and agrees to help - which leads her down a road of greed and a whole lot of trouble.

I read this book from beginning to end in about two hours. I couldn't put it down. Cynthia Toney is my new favorite author and has been from the time I discovered her. I highly recommend her books to teen reader and adult alike. We all have lessons we can learn from Wendy "Birdface" Robichaud.

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

The recently-released third book in the Bird Face series, 6 Dates to Disaster, finds Wendy looking for ways to fund her summer plan of visiting Mrs. V and her grandson in Alaska after her stepdad loses his job. An excellent writer, Wendy agrees to secretly tutor one of the girls in the “cool” clique, with more clients to follow, but Wendy finds herself doing more rewriting than proofreading–and is soon accused of cheating. She’s also distracted by her budding romance with David and by a mysterious note she found in an antique jewelry box.

Author Cynthia T. Toney's romance series for the junior-high and high-school audience gets into the heart and soul of a character that any teen reader would be proud to call a friend.

[Jean Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cynthia Toney has done it again! 6 Dates to Disaster is the 3rd book in a series and I've read them all. Cynthia writes deep and grabs your heart strings at the beginning and doesn't let go. I went Ahhh for Wendy and her love relationship with David. I cringed for Wendy, when she ran into trouble and didn't stop and think it through about the school assignments. The mystery thread throughout the book was fun. If you want a story about real life as a ninth grader with lots of heart, this book is for you. I hope there is a book 4, and I know what I'd like to see as a continuation of the Bird Face Series. Great job!

[Leslea Wahl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Six Dates to Disaster is the third book in Cynthia Toney’s Bird Face Series. This series follows the life of teen Wendy Robichaud. Wendy is a good kid whose seemingly innocent decisions lead to some trouble in her life. I found her predicament in this novel to be quite relatable. Often teens don’t purposely make bad choices but instead get into trouble as good intentions somehow spiral out of control. In this book Wendy finds herself trying to raise money to visit her beloved elderly friend, Mrs. V. Trying to achieve her goal leads to some problems with friends, relationship, family and school.
Cynthia Toney’s style is always easy to read, enjoyable and flows so easily that I find myself devouring her stories quickly. As with her other books, this novel deals with many everyday challenges that teens might face such as financial difficulties, blended families, issues with dating and friendships, as well as facing consequences for their actions. Readers of the previous books in this series will be happy to know all the wonderful characters from the first two books are back. I don’t know if the author is planning on writing a fourth novel in this series but she left me wondering what happens next and hoping for more.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Steven R. McEvoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title of the first book in this series, 8 Notes to a Nobody, really grabbed my attention. And to be honest I had bought books 2 and 3 before even finishing book 1. So this book is my third by Cynthia T. Toney, that I have read, but it will not be my last. I know that as a middle aged man I am not the default audience for these books. But as a father of a son, and of daughters this is the type of book I need to read, and reread with them. There are great lessons in these books, and the characters struggles with their faith and life can serve as example and motivation for readers of any age.

What I love most about the books by Cynthia T. Tooney is that they are good clean reads. They do not preach, but they do teach a lesson, they show honest struggles. The characters do have struggles and they often make mistakes, and sometimes big mistakes. And those mistakes have consequences. However there reads are not smutty, they do not portray alternative lifestyles just for the sake of having it in the book, or being politically correct. I classify these books as realistic fiction much along the lines of Madeleine L'Engle's Chronos books. Now in this book we do have a blended family, but one that was approved by the Church. We also have a family facing hard times. The father has been laid off from work. Both the father and mother are looking for jobs now. And the older kids need to help more around the house especially with their younger brother that has extra needs.

Wendy Robichaud's life that came together in a way that it has never been, is now falling apart in an entirely different way. Her step father has lost his job. And the family needs to make some tough decisions. They are all going to need to cut back, and the plans for the summer now seem completely out of reach. So when Wendy is approached to tutor a popular girl but keep it secret it seems like the perfect solution to all her problems. She can make the money she needs for the trip to Alaska. Soon however she has a whole slew of girls she is helping with their papers. And when things come to the light, Wendy is thrown to the wolves by the popular girls.

Wendy was just a girl with a dream trying to work hard and make it happen. But will she be able to prove that her help was just that, help and not work for pay. Will she be able to save face? Will she make it to Alaska? Read to find out!

This book was a great read. It did an excellent job of capturing High School life. And also family life when facing financial hardships. It has some twists that will catch most readers by surprise.

I have a few criteria for how I judge books. The first is could I see myself rereading it. Second can I think of people I would recommend it to right away. And finally would I want to see my children read it when it is age appropriate. This book scores very well in all three categories. It is a great read. And I hope we see more books in this series!

Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Cynthia T. Toney.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2018 Catholic Reading Plan!

[Glenn Haggerty · Rating 4 out of 5]

6 Dates to Disaster explores early teen friendships, romances, and dating around a series of contemporary teen problems. With faith and parental encouragement Wendy learns to value and pursue her girl friendships even as her relationship with David evolves to girlfriend status. She struggles to figure out how to balance romance and a pure relationship, while learning an unpleasant lesson about honesty and greed.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just keeps getting better

The series seems to gradually mature with the main character Wendy. Bird Face book 3 did not disappoint, just be aware (****spoiler alert!!!******) this one is not (yet?) set in Alaska. I can't wait for the next one!!!

[Gretchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cynthia creates strong and fun characters. Her stories are humorous and realistic but are clean and morally uplifting. I really like the way Wendy pitches in to earn money when their family is faced with financial concerns. David and Wendy are a cute couple without being too physical or dramatic. Wendy is a big-hearted girl, especially when it comes to her stepsister Alice and her former best friend Jen. One thing I love about the Bird Face series is the cast of great characters. Not only Wendy but David, Alice, Gail, Jen, Wendy's family, Mrs. V and Sam (who only have cameos in this book), and her classmates such as The Sticks.

One thing I found to be really interesting and challenging was one of the main story points, Wendy's tutoring. The crux of the issue is whether or not Wendy helped the students she tutored too much. As an adult, I didn't see anything wrong with what Wendy did. However, I had to step back and put myself in the shoes of a high school student. While adult writers might hire an editor or someone in another profession might have a peer or senior colleague review their work and mark it up with corrections and suggestions, that isn't really the role of a tutor. They're just supposed to help a student understand concepts not heavily correct or even rewrite assignments.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Theresa Linden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cynthia Toney has written another fun story in her “Bird Face” series. Many of the characters you’ve come to love in the first two books are back, even if only through email. Main character Wendy Robichaud and her family face new struggles. And Wendy stumbles upon a new mystery, a cryptic note she finds in an old jewelry box that she bought as a present for her mother. Wendy makes some choices she doesn’t quite think through and they lead her into a ton of trouble.

A great book for young teens that gives the reader a lot to think about: family responsibilities; giving tough advice to a friend; making mistakes, owning up to it, and paying the price. I enjoyed the Cajun touches like this one, “My stomach flipped like a crab cake on a spatula.” I recommend this book for any teen, especially if they’ve enjoyed the first two books in this series.

I am a fellow member of the Catholic Writers Guild and received an advanced copy for my honest review.

[Beth Steury · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wendy's story continues in Bird Face #3, 6 Dates to Disaster. Just as Wendy is growing up, so are the situations she's tackling. Wrapped around mystery and intrigue, opportunity and decisions, Wendy faces high-school-sized dilemmas. Toney's strength in weaving a realistic teenage tales shines in this story.