Such a Bad Influence
- Judith D Collins
- Oct 18
- 4 min read
By: Grace Demyan
Narrator: Charlotte Lobdell
Brilliance Audio
ISBN: 9781662529061
Publisher: Lake Union
Publication Date: 10/21/2025
Format: Other
My Rating: 4 Stars (ARC)
DEBUT NOVEL
In this humorous and heartfelt novel, a blueberry farmer teams up with a teenager in need to start a revenge business. What could possibly go wrong?
In rural Ohio, the last connections lonesome Felicity Lavigne has to her late mom are the blueberry farm she inherited and her mom’s old phone number—which Felicity still calls every day. Until she gets a call back. It’s the number’s new owner, Alex Norse, a surly, homeless teenager who has aged out of the foster care system with no one to turn to except the stranger who’s been leaving rambling voicemails for a dead woman.
Felicity takes Alex in on one condition: She has to help scare off some kids vandalizing the fields. Not only does it work, but news spreads, and soon locals are lining up to solicit justice for their own grievances. Best of all, an unexpected friendship blooms for the two young women, who have found in each other the family they’ve been yearning for.
But revenge has a funny way of getting out of hand, and when things go a bit too far, Felicity and trouble-prone Alex must stick together to confront the heartbreak of their pasts and whatever new calamities may lie ahead.
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My Review
Grace Demyan's latest charming, engaging, and witty debut novel, SUCH A BAD INFLUENCE, features a blueberry farmer teaming up with a homeless teen in need to start a revenge business and discovers a newfound family. Sparkling with humor and heart, they find a lifeline in one another.
Heartfelt. Uplifting. Charming! A witty and dazzling debut of found family and second chances.
About the story...
Set in rural Ohio, Felicity Lavigne's (age 27) only connection to her late mom is the blueberry farm she inherited and her mom’s old phone number—which Felicity still calls every day.
Her mother had inherited the three-bedroom farmhouse from her grandparents, who had received the deed under suspicious circumstances. Her mom had put a lot of love and care into the house, and it was her home. Her safe place amidst the chaos.
Felicity is drowning in debt and overwhelmed trying to run a blueberry farm with greedy people trying to take it away from her.
Then one day, she gets a call back. It’s the number’s new owner, Alex Norse, a homeless teenager who has aged out of the foster care system with no one to turn to except the stranger who’s been leaving rambling voicemails for a dead woman.
Felicity takes Alex in on one condition: She has to help scare off some kids vandalizing the fields. It works! The news spreads, and the locals line up to solicit justice for themselves.
An unlikely friendship blooms and a found family that both have been searching for. Then revenge goes too far, and Felicity and Alex must bond together to confront their pasts and what lies ahead.
My thoughts...
This poignant novel beautifully illustrates how an unexpected connection can serve as a lifeline for two unlikely friends, exploring themes of love, loss, and the journey of moving forward.
Demyan crafts a charming and witty narrative that allows readers to delve into the perspectives of both main characters, complemented by a vibrant cast of supporting figures.
Two distinct individuals—each lost in their own way—forge a healing bond in this touching story, demonstrating that trust can be restored and broken hearts healed.
From the past to the present, SUCH A BAD INFLUENCE encapsulates themes of second chances, found family, grief, hope, healing, kindness, and friendship, all wrapped in a delightful rom-com.
Alex is a bold, outspoken survivor, brimming with sass and spunk, while Felicity is the epitome of shyness and loyalty, still grappling with her grief. Their contrasting personalities serve as strengths for one another, creating a beautiful balance. Felicity offers Alex security and belonging, while Alex provides Felicity with a sense of family as they navigate their ups and downs together.
Adding to the charm is a charismatic neighbor, Wade, a lovable dog named Juno, and a town filled with colorful characters, setting the stage for what promises to be an entertaining potential series. The budding romance between Felicity and Wade, her high school nemesis, adds an extra layer of fun.
Metaphors and Symbolism: The blueberries in the story serve as a metaphor for precious gems—representing wisdom, spiritual insight, and the sweetness of life, while also illustrating the efforts and timing required to uncover something truly valuable. The sweet and sour taste of life. This symbolism parallels the journey of the characters beautifully.
Timing and effort: Finding and picking blueberries symbolizes the need for effort and patience to find what you're looking for in life, as their ripeness varies.
Life's journey: Blueberries represent the good and bad parts of life, like finding a sweet berry or one that tastes like dirt.
Spiritual insight: In some traditions, blueberries symbolize wisdom, spiritual insight, and protection.
Recommendations...
SUCH A BAD INFLUENCE is perfect for fans of lighthearted and uplifting contemporary fiction, small-town charm, humor, and romantic comedies. Readers who appreciate tales of love, found family, and emotional resilience in the face of adversity will find themselves rooting for Felicity and Alex as they strive to create their own family amidst the challenges they face.
Fans of authors like Katherine Center, Colleen Oakley, Viola Shipman, Eileen Goudge, Mary Kay Andrews, Ethan Joella, and Catherine Ryan Hyde (all favorites) will surely enjoy this engaging read.
A heartfelt thank you to the author, Lake Union Publishing, and NetGalley for providing an advanced reading copy in exchange for my honest review.
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 4 Stars
Pub Date: Oct 21, 2025
About the Author
Grace Demyan was born and raised in rural Ohio and currently resides in Alexandria, Virginia. After graduating from Tufts University and Tulane University Law School, Grace began her career working for the US Department of Defense. When she’s not writing or reading, she loves visiting historical landmarks, exploring the great outdoors, and listening to country music. She writes contemporary women’s fiction with heart and humor. For more information, visit www.gracedemyan.com. WEBSITE
