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The Health and Happiness Society #2
I Am Girl Power
Cardiac nurse Megan Bailey has it all. Until she doesn't.
Thanks to a string of horrible relationships, an unexpected turn in her career, and mounting credit card bills, Megan Bailey escapes to Adventura Summer Camp to work as camp chef.
Instead of a relaxing summer in the trees, she faces a persnickety oven and squirrels in the kitchen. With the help of her twin brothers and a quiet, blue-eyed camp ranger named Justin, Megan will have to navigate the treacherous waters of her greatest fear: her parents possible divorce.
I Am Girl Power is the second book in the quirky new Health and Happiness Society series. Join Megan as she experiences heartbreak, laughter, and the frightening winds of change.
Thanks to a string of horrible relationships, an unexpected turn in her career, and mounting credit card bills, Megan Bailey escapes to Adventura Summer Camp to work as camp chef.
Instead of a relaxing summer in the trees, she faces a persnickety oven and squirrels in the kitchen. With the help of her twin brothers and a quiet, blue-eyed camp ranger named Justin, Megan will have to navigate the treacherous waters of her greatest fear: her parents possible divorce.
I Am Girl Power is the second book in the quirky new Health and Happiness Society series. Join Megan as she experiences heartbreak, laughter, and the frightening winds of change.
Paperback
First published May 4, 2017
About the author
Katie Cross
181 books806 followersMy world revolves around my husband (who is a major hottie), my precious kids, my Vizsla’s who act like children, and the mountains.
I wear hiking boots instead of heels when I need to feel powerful, and on a bad day, I love a weightlifting workout. Actually, I love it on a good day.
I don’t eat bread because my thyroid doesn’t like it, although there are days I miss it. Especially ciabatta. Sweet potatoes are kind of my thing. Cookies too.
I write because I never stopped.
Author of The Network Series, The Dragonmaster Trilogy, and The Coffee Shop Series.
Email me at kcrosswriting@gmail.com
I wear hiking boots instead of heels when I need to feel powerful, and on a bad day, I love a weightlifting workout. Actually, I love it on a good day.
I don’t eat bread because my thyroid doesn’t like it, although there are days I miss it. Especially ciabatta. Sweet potatoes are kind of my thing. Cookies too.
I write because I never stopped.
Author of The Network Series, The Dragonmaster Trilogy, and The Coffee Shop Series.
Email me at kcrosswriting@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
May 23, 2017
This was the first book I'd read by Katie Cross. The cover and title caught my attention just as much as the synopsis. Very vivid characters and a great story of trying to start again after disappointments and challenges causing changes in life. I thought the first person point of view was definitely the best the author could have chosen, as the plot really lent itself to this POV. I felt immersed in the story from beginning to end.
Thanks very much to Katie Cross and her publisher for the chance to review the eARC of this book. I'm looking forward to reading other books by her.
Thanks very much to Katie Cross and her publisher for the chance to review the eARC of this book. I'm looking forward to reading other books by her.
April 25, 2017
I read the first Health and Happiness Society book. So it was quite exciting to see the next one. They are all standalone books, but they other characters from other books do make a small appearance. This is quite exciting because I love the focus of the book is more about health and happiness, then a little romance. Romance is not the primary focus. If you are looking for romance, then you might have to find another book. I do love reading romance but despite the little romance, I still thoroughly enjoyed it. I honestly felt like anything that could go wrong did go through for Megan. Megan lost her boyfriend and her job. She ends up working for free as a chef for her twin brother's summer camp. She has a huge amount of credit card debt to pay off. When she gets to the summer camp, the kitchen is gross. The kitchen appliances don't necessarily work. She not used to cooking unhealthy foods. How is she going to last two and a half months there? This is definitely a coming-of-age book. I think everybody should give this a try. I do believe that health and happiness are vital aspects and I love how this is Megan's journey to that. Y'all need to read this book to see how her journey goes. Will she find her own health and happiness? I honestly love Megan as a character, sure there are moments where you want her to just tell everyone what is wrong. But ultimately I do think she is a strong, beautiful fighter. She is girl power.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book.
June 21, 2016
One of the powerful things about Ms. Cross as an author is that she takes the reality of life and puts it into a compelling story full of rich characters, new settings, and powerful personal growth. There's something special about "I am Girl Power." It's empowering without being annoying, it's sweet without being cloying, it hits all the right notes without feeling predictable. Bottom line: it's a must read.
August 25, 2021
First off, not even going to lie. My name is Ashley and I did judge this book by it's cover. Honestly it look like it would be chocked full of an annoying heroine and corny romance lines. But I gave it a shot and boy was I wrong. I was ashamedly suprised. This focused more on characters and family dynamics and there was little romance at all. The protagonist was also competent and relatable. Geez just realized that competent sounded rude but I've had a rough month of idoit heroines so I needed this.
The camp aesthetic drew me in the most. Yes I was one of those kids who watched Parent Trap and Heavyweights, forever wanting to go to summer camp. This was highly entertaining and fun. I mean all you could imagine. A squirrel in the oven, pranks, a lake, and bears. Really enjoyed the comradery of the staff and Megs attempts to fit in and hang with the boys. Oh man I giggled way too much.
This story was very fast pace almost to the point were I thought it glossed over too much. Another 100 pages this would have probably been a 5 star read. I started this book first even though it is the second in the seires. These are all apparently standalones though side characters make cameos in each one.
I am Girl Power was recommended to me on Likewise when I asked for books that might help my stepdaughter enjoy reading. I found that reading about someone relatable to your situation helps in the enjoyment and interest. So Meg starting a new job worry about finances is the perfect book for a new graduate haha.
The story had some great family dynamics and at times was very wholesome and warm. The title of this seires was a little disappointing. It didn't focus much on introspection and mindfulness. Absolutely loved the to-do and shopping list. Also the recipes made the book very immersive and fun. To me the ending left a lot to be desired. Neither Megs job or any of the relationships were sewn up at all. I'm wondering if it will be in the background of the next book.
The camp aesthetic drew me in the most. Yes I was one of those kids who watched Parent Trap and Heavyweights, forever wanting to go to summer camp. This was highly entertaining and fun. I mean all you could imagine. A squirrel in the oven, pranks, a lake, and bears. Really enjoyed the comradery of the staff and Megs attempts to fit in and hang with the boys. Oh man I giggled way too much.
This story was very fast pace almost to the point were I thought it glossed over too much. Another 100 pages this would have probably been a 5 star read. I started this book first even though it is the second in the seires. These are all apparently standalones though side characters make cameos in each one.
I am Girl Power was recommended to me on Likewise when I asked for books that might help my stepdaughter enjoy reading. I found that reading about someone relatable to your situation helps in the enjoyment and interest. So Meg starting a new job worry about finances is the perfect book for a new graduate haha.
The story had some great family dynamics and at times was very wholesome and warm. The title of this seires was a little disappointing. It didn't focus much on introspection and mindfulness. Absolutely loved the to-do and shopping list. Also the recipes made the book very immersive and fun. To me the ending left a lot to be desired. Neither Megs job or any of the relationships were sewn up at all. I'm wondering if it will be in the background of the next book.
June 13, 2017
Fun summer read with memorable characters. Also loved the moral of the story, and it's relatable to every woman looking for power within herself.
October 9, 2020
I really enjoyed this one more than Book 1. Meg battles what ever woman battles at some point in their life: finding your purpose, coping with family drama, finding connections.
September 12, 2022
Girl Power - what is it? Read this beautiful book and find out. It explores what makes a girl tick and what makes her powerful. It was hard to put it down and I was very satisfied when I finished it! You need to read it!!!
December 1, 2022
Another great book by Katie Cross. Very much enjoyed Megan’s story.
June 29, 2019
This book has a little bit of everything. Megan agrees to help her twin siblings run the summer camp they've started, without pay. Meanwhile, she's been laid off from her nursing job, debt looming over her, hoping for a coveted flight nurse position to open up somewhere, and facing unknown life challenges along the way. As she navigates her new life summer camp lifestyle, it comes to light that her parents are having marital issues which rocks her world to its very core. As she attempts to not deal with the repercussions of her parents uncertain future together, she reconnects with the mountainous nature all around her, making new friends with not only people but with the camp dog as well as the temperamental appliances in the kitchen which becomes her new home away from home. There's adventure, practical jokes, bets and challenges that will have you rooting for girl power ever step of the way, far away romance with both good and bad outcomes, and true honest friendship and unconditional love. It's an enjoyable story from beginning to end. I didn't read the series in order, simply because I wasn't paying attention to the book details before I started reading, and frankly didn't realize it was a series until halfway through this book! I will definitely read the first book in the series at some point though. I think these are stand alone books eventhough it's a full series. I never once felt lost or that I had missed something critical to this story.
November 13, 2018
In Bon-Bons to Yoga pants, Megan was a strong, self-contained woman. Though it is later revealed that, like all of us, she has her own insecurities, I find myself in this book quite disappointed in her.
In this book, it seems she doesn't know the things she was preaching and living in the previous book. At least she wasn't all over Justin! I loved the way she allowed herself to build a relationship with him, without becoming a love-sick puppy.
As she is also friends with at least 2 people, who make food for groups of people, I am not sure why she did not have them on speed-dial and got some ideas and advice from them, before starting this project? In the previous book, she was feminine, but in this book, she seems to try to be a boy (cracking her neck)!
If I ignore the previous book, I did enjoy this book, though I want to kick Mark! Such selfishness! Also, how does one clean an oven, without realising there is a squirrel inside, or did she clean the whole kitchen, but not the oven - that after she was warned there may be a squirrel in there?
In this book, it seems she doesn't know the things she was preaching and living in the previous book. At least she wasn't all over Justin! I loved the way she allowed herself to build a relationship with him, without becoming a love-sick puppy.
As she is also friends with at least 2 people, who make food for groups of people, I am not sure why she did not have them on speed-dial and got some ideas and advice from them, before starting this project? In the previous book, she was feminine, but in this book, she seems to try to be a boy (cracking her neck)!
If I ignore the previous book, I did enjoy this book, though I want to kick Mark! Such selfishness! Also, how does one clean an oven, without realising there is a squirrel inside, or did she clean the whole kitchen, but not the oven - that after she was warned there may be a squirrel in there?
June 8, 2017
Megan is one of those characters that, to the people around her, seems like she has it all together. Nothing can phase her. She is girl power, hear her roar.
But the best part of Megan's story is that you get to know the girl behind the weight lifting, behind the professional nurse, and behind the smirk of confidence. Megan is real. She's vulnerable and facing the worst time in her life.
Honestly, this book was a bit of a trigger for me because I could relate to soooo many of the things Megan goes through, and it hit a whole bunch of buttons and feels that I didn't expect, but I wouldn't change that for the world.
Megan's story is finding strength in weakness and being okay with yourself, growing and adapting.
I'd recommend this to anyone - male or female - for a good women's fiction read.
But the best part of Megan's story is that you get to know the girl behind the weight lifting, behind the professional nurse, and behind the smirk of confidence. Megan is real. She's vulnerable and facing the worst time in her life.
Honestly, this book was a bit of a trigger for me because I could relate to soooo many of the things Megan goes through, and it hit a whole bunch of buttons and feels that I didn't expect, but I wouldn't change that for the world.
Megan's story is finding strength in weakness and being okay with yourself, growing and adapting.
I'd recommend this to anyone - male or female - for a good women's fiction read.
August 29, 2017
Even though she appeared in Bon Bons to Yoga Pants there was so much to Megan that we don't learn until this book.
I liked how she supported and encouraged Lexie, and am glad to see she is the protagonist in I Am Girl Power.
Katie Cross again does a fantastic job of writing an interesting story of growing up and learning about what's important in life. I liked that a good amount of the book takes place at Camp Adventura. While it does mean the other Health and Happiness Society members don't appear as much, it makes sense for Megan to have a different path than Lexie.
It was great, too, to see a strong, hard working, and smart female protagonist. A part of her struggles were around relationships, but they weren't the focus of the book.
I definitely recommend this book for a fun summer read!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I liked how she supported and encouraged Lexie, and am glad to see she is the protagonist in I Am Girl Power.
Katie Cross again does a fantastic job of writing an interesting story of growing up and learning about what's important in life. I liked that a good amount of the book takes place at Camp Adventura. While it does mean the other Health and Happiness Society members don't appear as much, it makes sense for Megan to have a different path than Lexie.
It was great, too, to see a strong, hard working, and smart female protagonist. A part of her struggles were around relationships, but they weren't the focus of the book.
I definitely recommend this book for a fun summer read!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 16, 2020
Simplistic
When I started this series, bon bons to Yoga pants, I expected it to delve more into the health and happiness aspects of losing weight and taking control of your health and happiness. Both books tend to sideline the health part, focus on the junk food that we love, and worry about finding a relationship to make them happy. I was hoping for something more introspective and independent from men with this series. It is a quick read and fun, but doesn't really focus on the health and happiness society. The focus is on the individual away from the society. I disliked Lexie's character so much I this book. She still goes on and on about cupcakes. Cupcakes are what she got rid of to find her happiness. I couldn't really believe she was so focused on the again. The series has been disappointing.
When I started this series, bon bons to Yoga pants, I expected it to delve more into the health and happiness aspects of losing weight and taking control of your health and happiness. Both books tend to sideline the health part, focus on the junk food that we love, and worry about finding a relationship to make them happy. I was hoping for something more introspective and independent from men with this series. It is a quick read and fun, but doesn't really focus on the health and happiness society. The focus is on the individual away from the society. I disliked Lexie's character so much I this book. She still goes on and on about cupcakes. Cupcakes are what she got rid of to find her happiness. I couldn't really believe she was so focused on the again. The series has been disappointing.
September 6, 2017
Con este libro Katie Cross nos lleva con el mismo ritmo de lectura a traves de momentos importantes de la vida de Megan, a quién conocimos en Bon Bons to Yoga Pants.
Durante todo el libro nos alejamos de la Sociedad de la Salud y la Felicidad, y nos vamos con Megan a las montañas... donde creo que lo más relevante que ocurre es que se da cuenta de cuales son sus preoridades.
Me gustaría que Katie Cross le sacara más jugo a la historia y terminara de cerrar ciertos temas que a mi parecer quedan sin resolver y que al menos a mi me gustaría saber que sigue.
Katie Cross escribe de manera sencilla, dinámica y sin mayor complicación, lo que logra que puedas leerte el libro en cuestión de días sin quebrarte la cabeza.
Durante todo el libro nos alejamos de la Sociedad de la Salud y la Felicidad, y nos vamos con Megan a las montañas... donde creo que lo más relevante que ocurre es que se da cuenta de cuales son sus preoridades.
Me gustaría que Katie Cross le sacara más jugo a la historia y terminara de cerrar ciertos temas que a mi parecer quedan sin resolver y que al menos a mi me gustaría saber que sigue.
Katie Cross escribe de manera sencilla, dinámica y sin mayor complicación, lo que logra que puedas leerte el libro en cuestión de días sin quebrarte la cabeza.
March 31, 2022
Not what I was expecting
After "Bonbons to Yoga Pants", I expected this to be more like what we learned about Lexie. Instead, it was a different kind of "health and happiness" ~ not a bad thing, but definitely not what I was expecting. 18 months have passed since the end of the first book and I'm sad to have missed out on so much in these ladies' lives. I also was irritated every time I read "little blister" (or a version of it). It would just grind my nerves a little more each time.
For those who like to know: very mild profanity (use of d*** one time), no violence, no sex scenes.
I try to refrain from recapping the storyline in my reviews, but also don't want to spoil in sharing what I enjoyed or didn't.
After "Bonbons to Yoga Pants", I expected this to be more like what we learned about Lexie. Instead, it was a different kind of "health and happiness" ~ not a bad thing, but definitely not what I was expecting. 18 months have passed since the end of the first book and I'm sad to have missed out on so much in these ladies' lives. I also was irritated every time I read "little blister" (or a version of it). It would just grind my nerves a little more each time.
For those who like to know: very mild profanity (use of d*** one time), no violence, no sex scenes.
I try to refrain from recapping the storyline in my reviews, but also don't want to spoil in sharing what I enjoyed or didn't.
April 5, 2019
I loved I Am Girl Power! Megan's story is super empowering and interesting. I love following her adventures in camp and getting to know her family. The story feels so natural and real and RELATABLE. This story was about her self-love journey and how she realizes the next steps on her journey, even if they aren't what she originally expected. I love the little sparks of growing friendships and relationships that I can't wait to find out more about in future books. Every story I've read in this series has been such a beautiful story of personal growth and development. The society and group of friends truly are about health and happiness, and I just want to know, where do I sign up!?
November 5, 2019
Okay, I really, really loved this one. I loved Meghan from the first book, and I really loved having her character fleshed out. I also really dug the whole career woman thing, and how Meghan could do it all herself… basically. Love bad-A heroines. Another big bonus was catching up with the characters from the first book, and OMG yay for Lex! The one thing I didn’t like was that there was a WHOLE lot of suspense around the Meghan/Justin dynamic but nothing really came of it. I hope Meghan has a second book dedicated to her, because I felt that was a LOT of build-up for nothing to come of it. Still so much mystery about Justin, too! Definitely need more details.
November 20, 2021
The 2nd book in The Health and Happiness Society series did not disappoint. I couldn't put the book down until I finished.
Megan's world has just turned upside down. She had the worst weekend of her life, so her twin brothers' offer to work with them at their newly acquired camp couldn't come at a better time. Even though it wasn't exactly what she was expecting, the summer gives her time to heal and make a plan.
Katie Cross' excellent writing makes you feel as though you are right there in the mountains with Megan. You can almost smell the fresh mountain air!
Great summer read!
Megan's world has just turned upside down. She had the worst weekend of her life, so her twin brothers' offer to work with them at their newly acquired camp couldn't come at a better time. Even though it wasn't exactly what she was expecting, the summer gives her time to heal and make a plan.
Katie Cross' excellent writing makes you feel as though you are right there in the mountains with Megan. You can almost smell the fresh mountain air!
Great summer read!
March 1, 2019
The story is rather predictable. Megan gets herself in debt and after getting laid off and missing out on a her dream job, things look bleak. Her brothers ask her to help them out for the summer at the camp they run. Megan thinks getting away for the summer and spending it with family will be just what the doctor ordered. But life is never that easy. With her family having it's own issues, finding out her summer camp job is cooking and the kitchen has a resident squirrel challenges arise at every turn. How can Megan face them all?
July 10, 2017
What's not to like about this? I absolutely love Megan and her journey of self-discovery after she loses sight of herself. She is strong, wonderful, relatable, and GIRL POWER. *Disclaimer* I was drooling over the food nearly the whole time I was reading this. Yum! I love all the recipes that are mentioned. Another great book by Katie Cross and I can't wait to read what's next in store for the Health and Happiness society.
July 29, 2017
First of all, I loved Megan! She's fabulous and one day I hope to be as bad-A as her. She's fearless, even though life isn't perfect and I love that about her. I'm also jealous she got to live in the mountains for a summer. It sounds truly magical, minus the kitchen of my nightmares. :)
My only disappointment was that Megan didn't even kiss Justin!! What?! How can you live next door to a super hot guy all summer long and not kiss? They both have some amazing self discipline.
My only disappointment was that Megan didn't even kiss Justin!! What?! How can you live next door to a super hot guy all summer long and not kiss? They both have some amazing self discipline.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2018
Megan’s dreams are falling apart, his boyfriend Nathan is moving to New York and he broke with her, she just lost her work as a nurse and their parents are having a marriage crisis. So when her twin brothers Mark and JJ ask her to help them with Adventura, their summer camp as a chef, she say yes. She is going to face challenges, hard decisions and she will find happiness. The audiobook is awesome.
April 30, 2020
Discovering Yourself
Meg has been treading water barely able to keep her head above water and too busy treading to see how deep she has gotten. Then she is forced to face her reality when she faces yet another relationship failure and job loss. Her brothers offer an outlet to volunteer for a summer at his camp. During her trip home, she must face her own problems and her parents dissolution of their marriage. Meh discovers adulting sucks!
Meg has been treading water barely able to keep her head above water and too busy treading to see how deep she has gotten. Then she is forced to face her reality when she faces yet another relationship failure and job loss. Her brothers offer an outlet to volunteer for a summer at his camp. During her trip home, she must face her own problems and her parents dissolution of their marriage. Meh discovers adulting sucks!
June 12, 2018
Quick easy fun read
This story was so enlightening. It was a quick read. Katie has a way of writing that draws you in very quickly and captures your attention immediately. The things that Megan deals with in this book I could relate to in some way or another. For a quick read this is your book. Love this book.
This story was so enlightening. It was a quick read. Katie has a way of writing that draws you in very quickly and captures your attention immediately. The things that Megan deals with in this book I could relate to in some way or another. For a quick read this is your book. Love this book.
July 7, 2018
Another great read by Katie Cross
I read #1 then #3 and back tracked to read this 2nd book in the series. It still read just fine out of order, so don’t miss a single book! I really liked Meg. Her brothers are laugh out loud funny and the sibling dynamic is great and real. KC paints the picture, whether it’s scenery or family. It’s like you’re watching a movie.
I read #1 then #3 and back tracked to read this 2nd book in the series. It still read just fine out of order, so don’t miss a single book! I really liked Meg. Her brothers are laugh out loud funny and the sibling dynamic is great and real. KC paints the picture, whether it’s scenery or family. It’s like you’re watching a movie.
July 30, 2020
I liked this book very much! I like meeting new characters and visiting with old friends from previous books. In “I am Girl Power” Lexie, Rachelle, Bitsy are support characters and Megan’s family are the latest additions. That’s what make a series come together! Now on to book 3 in the Health and Happiness Society.
August 18, 2023
This book was very good l. It's more of a women empowerment story. With a cute love interest. I had wished the book extended to the love story. However, in this book, I found out that the group of women in the health society each have their own story to tell in their own book. I hoping I find out what happens to her and her hunky hiking man in one of the other books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2023
Feel good e-book. Lots of typos and grammar errors, pretty sure this was self-published without an editor. That didn’t stop me from reading the series because the author did make me care about the characters. Quick reads.
April 16, 2025
good story except the fact that the twins don't give her leniency when they give her energy gel or whatever, and they don't ever ask about her position in life before they expect her to work and do so many things for free for them and their camp.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2017
Another amazing book by Katie Cross. Love, love, love it - seemed to be a few similarities with the heroine and the author lol
Next one please!
Next one please!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews