A review by samanthakreads
Hey, Jude Carpenter by Storm Shultz

funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲 

This YA story is a modern-day retelling of Romeo and Juliet that follows the lives of two 14-year-olds and their unlikely friendship despite the ongoing feud between their two churches. 

 

Jude Carpenter helps operate and run his family's dairy farm. He has a big heart, deeply cares for his family, and has a special love for the cows. Then we have Mona Montgomery, who loves all things books, the Beatles, and baking, oh and her cat Ringo. 

 

Although a rocky first encounter, Jude and Mona meet and become quick friends… that is until the history, distrust, and feud that initiated their churches to split resurfaces, putting a damper on their friendship. 

 

Jude learns that his family is at risk of losing their dairy farm because of their inability to afford it, as the deadline quickly approaches Mona goes on a mission to help Jude save the family farm, can she do it? 

 

𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 💭 

This story was a cute and quick read! The characters were relatable, it was fun while incorporating real-life issues with a discussion of faith, turning to God, and prayer. I’d recommend it to teens 14+ 

 

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 

An encounter with a college boy who displays bad behavior and off-putting comments during a bake sale. It was handled well, nothing explicit, and brief.