these books are loaded with fun! with the proper amount of romance! 15 and up :) ( )

Rating: B

A little while back I reviewed With This Ring, I'm Confused because I was looking to see how published authors did light-hearted stories that had characters with doses of morality; I did that book because I couldn't find any YA Christian literature. However, lucky for me, I was able to find this series (and another, The Carter House Girls series, that I'll review separately) that fits the YA Christian fiction bill.

These books were decent, I started to like the characters the further they went on--perhaps because this author is kind of new and maybe her writing is getting better each time. Whatever the cause, Candace (and her friends and boyfriend) became more likeable as time went on. What irritated me with this series though is the same issues I've had with Kristin Billerbeck (see the With this Ring... review linked above), Christian fiction is way too heavy-handed. If you want to make your message really clear, make it clear, but don't preach. I think the reason I find this so grating is because the target audience is very likely Christians, who could probably draw the conclusions themselves without having the author come right out and put in a little prayer. Call me crazy, but some times I like to actually have to think for myself when I'm reading.

That's not to say that when the final installment in the series, The Spring of Candy Apples, comes out in late February 2009, that I won't be picking it up. Maybe I'm a glutton for punishment, or I can't stand to not find out what school Candace ends up going to (although I'm pretty sure I could make a safe bet now), but I've got to close the loop on this series.

All in all, a decent series for young adult readers (I'd say maybe 14-17, any older than that and it might be too silly and saccharine). I gave it an B because, as I read the other YA series, I found that (even with its flaws), the Sweet Seasons series could have been worse. The B is probably relative. ( )

This book was even better than the first one in the series. I really liked how Candace has really changed from the first book. She now is one of the regulars and she fits in with almost everyone. She's grown up quite a bit as she's more willing to help out others. She even gives up her free time to plan the dreaded Sugar Shock event and recruits others to join her. It's quite a nice change from the indecisive snobby girl from the first book. Her relationship with Kurt is growing also in this book. While he's a nice guy, I personally prefer Josh myself. I'm hoping that somehow him and Candace might end up together. Tamara is a much better character in this story. I was pleased to see her generosity put to good use in regards to the youth group's trip. This story really made me want The Zone to exist in real life. It would be so awesome to go visit and scare myself silly throughout the park. There's some scary events that take place in the park which would have freaked me out but Candace takes them in stride. Her job is way cool and I totally envy her. This book is a fun, quick, hip read that teens will love. I am dying to read the next book in the series. It's quickly becoming one of my favorite YA series ever. ( )

"Sweet Season" novels are such fun books to read! In "The Fall of Candy Corn" Candance is yet again working at The Zone theme park. The Zone hosts a huge Halloween them park in the Fall featuring haunted houses, spooky mazes, and more. Oh, and don't forget the candy corn. Candance finds out that shes working in the "Candy" maze. However, its not what she expects! She finds out that she is going to be playing her self! You see, Candance is the talk of the park after her night at The Zone with her boyfriend, where they got locked in. Soon though, there are all kinds of workers getting hurt. And the real target is Candance. Will they figure out who the culprit is? Or will The Zone have to quit there Halloween event early?