Flirting with Disaster by Sandra Byrd

Reviewed by Lori Twichell, Radiant Lit

Genre: YA fiction

Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers

Publication Dates: September 27, 2010

There are changes in the wind at the school newspaper and Savvy Smith wants to be a part of it. The editor position is open and every member of the staff must vote for the person they want to run the paper. A previous member of the staff is back who does not like Savvy at all and she’s also running for editor along with Hazelle, a girl that Savvy’s already crossed swords, er…pens with a few times before.

So now this new girl (who is really not new because she used to live there and be on staff before Savvy joined the paper) is trying very hard to lure Savvy into voting for her with promises of columns and stories and bylines. But will she really do what she says she will? And what about those text messages that are starting to come in on Savvy’s phone? Will she really have bad luck for the next two days if she doesn’t? I mean they’re just harmless text messages, right?

In the fourth outing for Savvy Smith in the London Confidential series, Sandra Byrd once again tackles relevant issues for young girls while making the topics fun, light, and Savvy is completely adorable. Though she is a great example for tweens who may be dealing with similar issues, I love that Byrd has not made Savvy perfect. She makes mistakes (some that make moms cringe) but she learns her lessons and always has a solid Biblical message to impart while she does.

Sandra Byrd’s clever twists and fun situations are a delight to read. At the same time, as a parent, I couldn’t be happier that my girls are excited about these books. They are as into Savvy’s adventures as I was and thankfully, I know that I can trust them to Sandra Byrd’s very capable tales.

If you have a tween, the London Confidential series is a solid series that honors God and shows young girls how to live their faith in even the most awkward situations. Bravo Sandra! I can’t wait to see what you have up your sleeve next!

*G – All good, clear and solid here!

*Review copy provided by Tyndale House Publishers.