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Being Zoey #4
Taking Chances
Zoey knows her days are numbered. At least when it comes to remaining in Cedarville. So when Louisa coaxes her to be part of a garage band, Zoey tosses her insecurities aside to make music with her friends. And she even goes out for the basketball team. She finally starts to feel like she really belongs . . . until an old rival shows up. Can she really put into practice the faith she's been learning since she moved here? And worse . . . what's going to happen when her mom pulls the plug?
138 pages, Hardcover
Published March 24, 2020
About the author
Melody Carlson
431 books3,369 followersMelody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books, several of them Christmas novellas from Revell, including her much-loved and bestselling book, The Christmas Bus.
She also writes many teen books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the TrueColors series, and the Carter House Girls series.
Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books, including the Notes from a Spinning Planet series and Finding Alice, which is in production as a Lifetime Television movie. She and her husband serve on the Young Life adult committee in central Oregon.
She also writes many teen books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the TrueColors series, and the Carter House Girls series.
Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books, including the Notes from a Spinning Planet series and Finding Alice, which is in production as a Lifetime Television movie. She and her husband serve on the Young Life adult committee in central Oregon.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
May 19, 2020
Zoey is back and facing some new challenges in her young life (and some not-so-new ones pop up again too).
In Taking Chances, Zoey discovers she and her best friend Louisa have different interests. But she’s learning to stand up for herself and say no to her friend instead of getting dragged along.
Melody Carlson adds another (smaller) focus on bullying and brings in many characters from the previous three books, giving them a more prominent role in book four of the Being Zoey series. Zoey’s new faith is blossoming and it shows juxtaposed next to many of her friends.
If you are looking for a series for your tween girl(s), Zoey is a great role model. She doesn’t always do things the right way and her emotions often overpower her decisions, but she learns the important lessons from them. She discovers that family, friendships, and speaking up are important.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
In Taking Chances, Zoey discovers she and her best friend Louisa have different interests. But she’s learning to stand up for herself and say no to her friend instead of getting dragged along.
Melody Carlson adds another (smaller) focus on bullying and brings in many characters from the previous three books, giving them a more prominent role in book four of the Being Zoey series. Zoey’s new faith is blossoming and it shows juxtaposed next to many of her friends.
If you are looking for a series for your tween girl(s), Zoey is a great role model. She doesn’t always do things the right way and her emotions often overpower her decisions, but she learns the important lessons from them. She discovers that family, friendships, and speaking up are important.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
May 24, 2020
Taking Chances by Melody Carlson is a perfect contemporary Christian novel for girls aged nine and over. It is the fourth book in the Being Zoey series.
I am considerably older than the target market but am enjoying the series. There are godly lessons for us all to learn, no matter how old we are.
This book focuses on Jesus’ commands to love our enemies, and forgiveness and grace. Eleven year old Zoey faces a girl who bullied her in a previous book and declares “I’m hit with the challenge to love my enemies.” We may find that if we pray for our enemies. It is us who experience a heart change.
Forgiveness for past hurts needs to be graciously given. We forgive because we have been forgiven.
The novel shows that teenage hormones are beginning to emerge as the girls begin to notice the boys. It is a difficult time that can produce a range of emotions.
The Being Zoey series is written in the first person from the point of views of Zoey. As such the reader is easily transported back through the years to a time when they were twelve. Melody Carlson’s series awakes memories and feelings in the reader making Zoey easy to empathise with.
This Being Zoey series is absolutely perfect for your daughters or granddaughters. They are all great stories with powerful godly lessons.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
I am considerably older than the target market but am enjoying the series. There are godly lessons for us all to learn, no matter how old we are.
This book focuses on Jesus’ commands to love our enemies, and forgiveness and grace. Eleven year old Zoey faces a girl who bullied her in a previous book and declares “I’m hit with the challenge to love my enemies.” We may find that if we pray for our enemies. It is us who experience a heart change.
Forgiveness for past hurts needs to be graciously given. We forgive because we have been forgiven.
The novel shows that teenage hormones are beginning to emerge as the girls begin to notice the boys. It is a difficult time that can produce a range of emotions.
The Being Zoey series is written in the first person from the point of views of Zoey. As such the reader is easily transported back through the years to a time when they were twelve. Melody Carlson’s series awakes memories and feelings in the reader making Zoey easy to empathise with.
This Being Zoey series is absolutely perfect for your daughters or granddaughters. They are all great stories with powerful godly lessons.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
May 20, 2020
The Zoey series for middle schoolers continues. Author Melody Carlson does a great job of capturing the angst of that age as Zoey struggles with life. It’s not a heavy book, as Carlson gives it light hearted and fun moments while being honest about attitudes and things like peer pressure, gossip, bullying, and other things kids deal with.
This final book teaches the lesson of forgiveness and letting go of hurts. It shows the importance of friendships and family. It would be a great addition to your child’s library!
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
This final book teaches the lesson of forgiveness and letting go of hurts. It shows the importance of friendships and family. It would be a great addition to your child’s library!
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
May 28, 2020
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
Taking Chances is book four in Melody Carlson’s Being Zoey Series. I understand it would have been better to read the series in order, I didn’t have the chance to do that. But it was good for me reading this book as a stand alone. I was able to keep up with Zoey and her friends just fine. I really like finding a faith based series for the middle school age girl. This is such a difficult age and girls need the encouragement Ms. Carlson has written in these books.
Even though Lousia gets on my nerves with her pushy attitude, she is perfect for the story to teach young girls how to handle the Louisa type girls, and there are many of them in every school. I like the way the author weaves boys into the girls lives, so the story not only teaches how to deal with pushy girlfriends, it helps this age group in dealing with the boys they began to notice. And there are many other issues dealt with in this story that is so good for middle age girls to read. It even has a few things some may think is for older teens, just slight references to them, but in reality, no only middle school kids face these issues, so do kids much younger. So I’m ok with the way Melody Carlson weaves these things into the story.
Overall I really like this story. Coming from a book like this, a lot if girls this age may be like Zoey and question different issues instead of digging right in. If you have a tween girl, this story is a must! And I encourage you to check out the other stories in this series as well.
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Taking Chances is book four in Melody Carlson’s Being Zoey Series. I understand it would have been better to read the series in order, I didn’t have the chance to do that. But it was good for me reading this book as a stand alone. I was able to keep up with Zoey and her friends just fine. I really like finding a faith based series for the middle school age girl. This is such a difficult age and girls need the encouragement Ms. Carlson has written in these books.
Even though Lousia gets on my nerves with her pushy attitude, she is perfect for the story to teach young girls how to handle the Louisa type girls, and there are many of them in every school. I like the way the author weaves boys into the girls lives, so the story not only teaches how to deal with pushy girlfriends, it helps this age group in dealing with the boys they began to notice. And there are many other issues dealt with in this story that is so good for middle age girls to read. It even has a few things some may think is for older teens, just slight references to them, but in reality, no only middle school kids face these issues, so do kids much younger. So I’m ok with the way Melody Carlson weaves these things into the story.
Overall I really like this story. Coming from a book like this, a lot if girls this age may be like Zoey and question different issues instead of digging right in. If you have a tween girl, this story is a must! And I encourage you to check out the other stories in this series as well.
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
May 20, 2020
Taking Chances is the fourth and final book of the Being Zoey series and I have thoroughly enjoyed these books that are geared toward middle school girls. Author Melody Carlson has successfully captured the emotions and adventures of sixth grade student Zoey Petrizzo after her mother drops her off at her grandparent's house in Cedarville, Oregon. Taking Chances allows readers to see Zoey's growth since that time; she has made friends, gained confidence, and been introduced to the joy of believing in God and His son Jesus. The girl who couldn't believe that she had to spend the summer in a small town with her grandparents is now the girl who hates the thought of having to go back to Seattle. Will Zoey once again be uprooted and have to make new friends at a new school? Will she ever admit to her BFF Louisa Cardwell that Jefferson Combs isn't too bad...for a boy?
Being bullied is still an issue for Zoey and forgiveness and being able to forget the past is a big part of Taking Chances. Carlson has once again been able to write a fun story with life lessons and a wonderful faith message. This is a book that is enjoyable reading for many ages!
I received a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.
Being bullied is still an issue for Zoey and forgiveness and being able to forget the past is a big part of Taking Chances. Carlson has once again been able to write a fun story with life lessons and a wonderful faith message. This is a book that is enjoyable reading for many ages!
I received a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.
May 17, 2020
Taking Chances is book 4 in Melody Carlson’s Being Zoey series. I would recommend reading the books in order as each one is based to some degree on the previous titles. In Taking Chances, minor characters from previous books take on a more major role in the plot. Zoey’s new Christian faith is growing and she shows a maturity that exceeds that of her friends who have been Christians longer. Bullying is again a theme in this story. Overcoming fear is another theme of the book. Taking Chances does have a message for middle schoolers. Melody Carlson once again shows that she knows and understands middle schoolers.
Potential Areas of Concern
Some audiences may be concerned about the presence of dances for middle school students. There is also an instance or two of adults drinking responsibly. I don’t want to give away details, but Zoey’s mom also indicates a willingness to live contrary to Biblical principles (she is not a Christian). These items might be a problem for some audiences.
I would probably add Taking Chances to a k-12 Christian school library if the above items were not a concern for my audience.
I received a complimentary copy of Taking Chances. This is my honest review.
Potential Areas of Concern
Some audiences may be concerned about the presence of dances for middle school students. There is also an instance or two of adults drinking responsibly. I don’t want to give away details, but Zoey’s mom also indicates a willingness to live contrary to Biblical principles (she is not a Christian). These items might be a problem for some audiences.
I would probably add Taking Chances to a k-12 Christian school library if the above items were not a concern for my audience.
I received a complimentary copy of Taking Chances. This is my honest review.
May 21, 2020
I really enjoying reading books by Melody Carlson, she is one of my favorite Christian Fiction Authors. I had never read her books for Middle School ages, and I figured it would be a good change.
Zoey and her BFF, Louisa, have been trying to find an activity for them to enjoy together. Louisa talks Zoey into trying out for a "Garage Band". Zoey wants to enjoy the time left in the town before Zoey and her Mother move back to Seattle. Zoey is enjoying the Garage Band and then an old "enemy" comes around and makes Zoey very uncomfortable. The one thing that Zoey has been really growing in is her faith. She really feels the need to lean on her faith and be gracious to her "enemy" during these times. Will Zoey succeed or will her faith falter to the hurts of "enemy friends"??
I really like the message in this book. Many Middle School aged girls experience so many changes at once and can succumb to the bullying and such. Forgiveness and being a better person then the "enemy' is a GREAT message for Girls and Boys in middle school. A quick read, but a WONDERFUL book! Taking Chances is the final book in this series. It is a good standalone book, but reading the books in order makes for GREAT reading!
Zoey and her BFF, Louisa, have been trying to find an activity for them to enjoy together. Louisa talks Zoey into trying out for a "Garage Band". Zoey wants to enjoy the time left in the town before Zoey and her Mother move back to Seattle. Zoey is enjoying the Garage Band and then an old "enemy" comes around and makes Zoey very uncomfortable. The one thing that Zoey has been really growing in is her faith. She really feels the need to lean on her faith and be gracious to her "enemy" during these times. Will Zoey succeed or will her faith falter to the hurts of "enemy friends"??
I really like the message in this book. Many Middle School aged girls experience so many changes at once and can succumb to the bullying and such. Forgiveness and being a better person then the "enemy' is a GREAT message for Girls and Boys in middle school. A quick read, but a WONDERFUL book! Taking Chances is the final book in this series. It is a good standalone book, but reading the books in order makes for GREAT reading!
May 27, 2020
I was so happy to read another Zoey book, but when I got started on this one, I was feeling rather unsettled. But as I read further, I realized that that was exactly what Zoey was experiencing! Zoey has been through so much, that I wanted everything to settle down for her, but, as a middle schooler, that was not how it was to be. Again, author Melody Carlson has nailed it- knowing how quickly circumstances, emotions, and alliances can change for a pre-teen.
I was so proud of Zoey in this book. She had to negotiate changes in relationships and in school activities, but mostly I loved how she was really working to put her new-found faith into practice. Not everyone around her appreciated that, but she stood firm. She also stood up for herself respectfully.
I highly recommend this book and the entire Being Zoey series for pre-teen girls. This book stands alone, but is better knowing Zoey's history.
I received an ARC of this book from the author, through Celebrate Lit, for review purposes. The thoughts expressed here are my own.
I was so proud of Zoey in this book. She had to negotiate changes in relationships and in school activities, but mostly I loved how she was really working to put her new-found faith into practice. Not everyone around her appreciated that, but she stood firm. She also stood up for herself respectfully.
I highly recommend this book and the entire Being Zoey series for pre-teen girls. This book stands alone, but is better knowing Zoey's history.
I received an ARC of this book from the author, through Celebrate Lit, for review purposes. The thoughts expressed here are my own.
May 26, 2020
Having read the other books in this series, I was looking forward to reading this next installment. Zoey learns the power of forgiveness and being a friend to some who hurt her in the past.
This book illustrates all the angst and drama that comes with being a “tween”. Zoey learns to find her way through beginning a band with her best friend and two boys her best friend brings with her. Zoey learns the importance of being open and honest both with her grandparents she is living with, her mother, and the people around her.
By joining the basketball team, she finds a place to belong and other people she can be a witness to of Christ’s love. Moreover, she and her friends find their way to become more than themselves by reaching out to others who are hurting.
This book does an incredible job of illustrating Christ’s love for us and for those around us as well as forgiveness.
So check out this book for yourself.
I received a copy of this book for my fair and honest review.
This book illustrates all the angst and drama that comes with being a “tween”. Zoey learns to find her way through beginning a band with her best friend and two boys her best friend brings with her. Zoey learns the importance of being open and honest both with her grandparents she is living with, her mother, and the people around her.
By joining the basketball team, she finds a place to belong and other people she can be a witness to of Christ’s love. Moreover, she and her friends find their way to become more than themselves by reaching out to others who are hurting.
This book does an incredible job of illustrating Christ’s love for us and for those around us as well as forgiveness.
So check out this book for yourself.
I received a copy of this book for my fair and honest review.
May 25, 2020
I am sorry to see that Taking Chances is the fourth and final installment from Melody Carlson’s series, Being Zoey. I have loved the previous books in the series, and this one does not disappoint. I enjoyed catching up with Zoey and her friends. Once again, Zoey learns some very important lessons and reminders that we all could learn from. It was a fun story that middle school aged readers can relate to. I love there was an element of faith that would be influential for them, as well.
I am giving Taking Chances a very well deserved five plus stars. I am sad to tell Zoey goodbye. It was fun getting to know her. I highly recommend this book, as well as, the rest of the series for younger readers. I am happy to donate my copy to my children’s school library, so others can enjoy the story, too.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
I am giving Taking Chances a very well deserved five plus stars. I am sad to tell Zoey goodbye. It was fun getting to know her. I highly recommend this book, as well as, the rest of the series for younger readers. I am happy to donate my copy to my children’s school library, so others can enjoy the story, too.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
May 24, 2020
I can't resist, you have to take a chance on this series if you haven't already. It's worth all the risks. Here in book 4 of this series, Zoe has to weigh risks. I love the theme, not just the risk, but the band parts as well. Zoe just keeps growing and it makes for a fantastic series for tweens and adults too. Letting go of pain or offenses, forgiving and moving forward are the strong themes of this story as well as who is our adversary, and who isn't.
While this is the last book in the series, it's a good one. I would definitely recommend reading the entire series in order.
Thanks to Celebrate Lit for my copy of this book. My review is my own, left freely.
While this is the last book in the series, it's a good one. I would definitely recommend reading the entire series in order.
Thanks to Celebrate Lit for my copy of this book. My review is my own, left freely.
May 26, 2020
"Taking Chances" by Melody Carlson is a good ending to the series, I am sad that this series is ending. I know that is for younger girls but I have enjoyed this series.
This can be read as a standalone but I recommend reading the books in order. As all the books deal with issues that preteens face. The factor in all these books are about being true to yourself and be who God creative you to be. The main issue is in this book is forgiveness.
The ending is a great end and you will find that Zoey and her has made a complete turn around from the first book.
I received a contemporary copy by the author and Celebrate Lit. These opinions are my own.
This can be read as a standalone but I recommend reading the books in order. As all the books deal with issues that preteens face. The factor in all these books are about being true to yourself and be who God creative you to be. The main issue is in this book is forgiveness.
The ending is a great end and you will find that Zoey and her has made a complete turn around from the first book.
I received a contemporary copy by the author and Celebrate Lit. These opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews