The whole series arc is that Mrs. Carter, a retired model and fashion magazine editor, opens up her mansion to board teenagers. They include her granddaughter, DJ, DJ's childhood friend turned punk, Casey, an old neighbor and aspiring designer, Rhiannon, quarter- rebel, quarter-fashion mogul, quarter-bully, quarter- sweetheart Taylor, and exotic fashion-mogul Kriti.
All these girls play unique roles in Carter House. All of them have their own sort of sad back stories. But I won't get into those right now, because they're sort of spoilers.
Book one, Mixed Bags, centers around the introduction and beginning development of the characters. DJ had just lost her mom, and had been rejected by her dad, who chose his new wife and their twin girls over her and shipped her to grandmother's. She's been getting along OK in Crescent Cove, but only has one true friend: Conner. Sweet sweet, understanding Conner. She isn't crazy about having housemates. And, when they get there, her opinon isn't helped a bit.
Taylor immediately shows herself to be self-centered, and puts down DJ for being average, and not in the fashion circle. And, as soon as she sees DJ with Conner, she tries to make a move on him.
Eliza seemed sweet, but still sort of puts DJ down for fashion, but not nearly as bad as Taylor
Kriti is the only one who seems more concerned about education than fashion- not that she isn't concerned about being fashionable. Her dad makes designer knock-off purses.
DJ was looking forward to rooming with Casey, until she sees her. After a year of not seeing her, Casey has become a punk rocker/goth.
Rhiannon is still the sweet Christian girl she always was. Slow to judge, and hard to hold grudges
Dj is overwhelmed by these changes. But, soon enough, she begins to be overtaken by fashion! But, not where it completely takes over her life. She even begins to date Conner! But, still, as summer goes by, there are mean strikes of jealousy and hatred.
Overall, this is a great book! But, there ARE some scenes that might not be appropriate to girls under thirteen. Although, in the end, it has a good, Christian theme- DJ even accepts Christ into her life!
In the second book, Stealing Bradford, Taylor is jealous that almost every Carter House Girl has a steady boyfriend. She tries to make the moves on Rhiannon's boyfriend, Bradford!
I won't go TOO deep into that plot, because if I do, I'll spoil parts of the first book. And, after that, I'll spoil THIS book. There are still the same parental warnings as with the last book.
In book three, Homecoming Queen, two of the Carter House girls are planning to run for homecoming queen. They cause major separations within the house because of their campaigns, and where they think peoples' loyalties lie.
Also, this book centers around DJ getting into an accident. She runs to save a boy from being run over while playing in the street, and gets run over herself! She's out for the entire remainder of the volleyball season, and she is bummed. Now she has to go to physical therapy, and her sports life is thrown completely off-whack. To make matters worse, Conner's ex-girlfriend, who still has feelings for him has moved back into town.
This happens to be my favorite so far, because there is MAJOR character development with Casey. Again, the same parental warnings apply.
In the fourth book, Viva Vermont!, The Carter House Girls participate in the annual charity fashion show in Crescent Cove. Afterwards, Mrs. Carter tells the girls that a friend of hers has invited them to use his ski lodge for Veteran's Day weekend. It's off to the slopes!
Only, unknown to Mrs. Carter, several boys catch wind of the trip by way of Taylor, and tag along, renting a near-by lodge. Taylor, Eliza, and Kriti host a huge party while Mrs. Carter is away, and it's up to God to help DJ and her friends get it under control.
This is my LEAST FAVORITE of the series so far. The parental warnings apply ESPECIALLY to this book. If I were to read this series again, I'd skip it, unless it ends up being important to the plot of the next book.
I commend Melody Carlson for this beautifully written series! You can easily picture these characters, and feel like you know them. The situations seem SO real. And, it has the Christian theme! It's a win-win! I highly recommend this series, and will pick up the rest of the books soon.
