Notes from a Spinning Planet Mexico
by Melody Carlson
Published by Waterbrook Press
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Reviewed by Laura Hilton
Madison Chase’s Christmas break from college in gray Washington is barely beginning, but already Maddie feels penned in—and in her parent’s way. When Aunt Sid offers Maddie the opportunity to join her at a vacation condo in warm Mexico, Maddie jumps at the chance. Maddie and Sid are pleasantly surprised when Sid’s boyfriend, Ian, and Maddie’s friend, Ryan, decide to join them in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
The condo Sid and Maddie are staying in has lots of problems and isn’t near as nice as the one Ian and Ryan stay at. Sid and Maddie try to handle all the problems as best they can, but it seems like things keep piling up. Then Ryan runs into a high school sweetheart and Maddie has to fight jealousy as well.
Maddie befriends the desk clerk, Francesca, at their poorly run condo, and as she tries to help her new friend, she discovers that Shelby (Ryan’s ex-girlfriend) has a horrible secret. Will Maddie be able to help both Francesca and Shelby?
Notes from a Spinning Planet Mexico is the second book in the Spinning Planet series that I’ve had opportunity to read. The story line is good, but at times reads more like a travel log than a fiction novel. There is some telling in places which makes it easy to start skimming instead of actually reading.
I enjoyed learning more about Mexico and look forward to reading other books in this series as they come available. Melody Carlson is a prolific author who writes successfully in many different genres. Readers will not be disappointed in Notes from a Spinning Planet Mexico, whether they like women’s fiction, romance, chick lit, or youth fiction.
If you are interested in what Mexico is like as a country you might want to consider a mini vacation by picking up this book.
Armchair Interviews says: Pack your bags for a good story.