One of the books I picked up at the RWA conference was Forgive my Fins by Terra Lynn Childs. It was quite entertaining and had a neat premise. A mermaid tale is a fun idea. I loved the underwater world that the author created and I could see it all in my head. I like it when a writer doesn’t over-describe the world so that I can fill in the blanks with my own thoughts. There was enough description to make it easy to make the world come alive. I loved the colorful visions that the undersea world evoked.
The hero in this story was my kind of guy and would’ve been someone I might have dated myself in high school- in fact, I think I did in the 10th grade. LOL! I also think I knew some girls like the heroine- funky dressers and lots of fun, as well as pining over a boy that had no interest in them. I think Ms. Childs nailed the teen angst without making the heroine seem whiny. A fine line indeed.
The ocean slang was quite cute as well. It wasn’t overdone and the light touch of the writer made it more enjoyable.
I like that this story was a full story with a satisfying ending. None of that stopping in the middle of the action to manipulate me into buying the next book to get an ending. This one, I want to get the next one because the first was such a joy to read.
I recommend this one highly- or should I say Deeply? Deeply as the ocean. LOL- bad one, I know.
BY THE WAY, JOANNA B, YOU WON THE COPY OF ONE OF MY BACKLIST BOOKS ON THE FOURTH OF JULY BLOG HOP. I SENT YOU AN EMAIL.
Jillian Chantal 
First off, that cover and title are AWESOME. Would this story be appropriate for, say, a somewhat sheltered 16 year old? I have someone in mind who might enjoy it.
And congrats to Joanna B! 🙂
By: Laurie Ryan on July 11, 2011
at 10:02 am
It would be appropriate for a 16 year old- no sex, etc in it. Email me your address and I’ll send you mine and you can check it out. I usually give away books once I read them and will be happy to send it to you.
By: Jillian Chantal on July 11, 2011
at 10:18 am
Sounds like a great read. I’ll check it out. It is always difficult to balance the slang of a world. You never want the reader to roll their eyes as they read. 🙂
By: Ciara Knight on July 11, 2011
at 3:34 pm
I agree about the slang eye rolling.Too much of it gets really irritating. Congrats again on your new contract!
By: Jillian Chantal on July 11, 2011
at 3:39 pm
It’s always great to find a new genre. I remember my first YA read.
By: Lavada Dee on July 11, 2011
at 7:16 pm
I’m liking YA for the most part, Lavada. They’re quick reads.
By: Jillian Chantal on July 11, 2011
at 7:22 pm