When I first read BFF back in early 2012, I was a very busy, innocent person and I related to the story so much that even though I knew there was a concurrent story, I didn’t read it; BFF took me a long time to read, and by the end of it, I was sort of mentally exhausted. If I’d known how much harder life would get starting that year, I would have found the story to be a much more lighthearted read. I don’t think I ever really forget that there was more to the story that I wanted to read, but life got in the way and I can hardly believe I first came across your BSC universe seven years ago!

Anyway . . . I just re-read BFF and thoroughly enjoyed it; then I jumped happily into Most Likely To Succeed, which I’ve been devouring for about a week now, and I have to say, it’s absolutely brilliant. The way you braided all the details (even the small ones) of the awesome, ‘separate’ stories into one is inspiring, and I’m amazed that your style didn’t change, not only from the first to the last chapters, but for both stories. It was refreshing to come across a series not just as realistic and fun as yours, but one with such consistent writing.

I can’t say I’m not embarrassed that I relate so much to Shannon (who, according to the story and a number of its reviewers, is quite selfish), but at the same time, you did a wonderful job of creating a character that I think a lot of us, whether we want to admit it or not, can relate to. I’d like to think that some of her behaviour was mostly due to an exaggerated view of herself and her burdens, but at the same time, her parents are so absolutely awful that I don’t think she was nearly selfish/jealous/angry/bitter enough. The only times she really bothered me were when she called Mrs. Bryar the ‘hired help’ and when she thought Wes (you actually made me kind of love him) had no choice but to stay with her because she kept having sex with him — I get that she doesn’t know much about love and is desperate enough to take what she can get, plus she’s only seventeen . . . but for the most part, I wanted to hug her and Wes both, and that’s kinda cool since I never cared much for either of them in canon.

You did a great job turning Shannon’s sisters from pesky little brats into characters I actually hoped would stick around, too. And, I still think the Kilbourne parents need someone to beat some sense into them. Parenting isn’t a job you can quit, at least not the way they did it; I think it would hurt the girls a lot less to lose their parents once and for all, to have one or both walk out and never come back. The way Shannon’s mother talked about her daughter and had no sympathy for her reminds me uncomfortably of people I know in real life — it’s amazing to be reading a story and come across things that shock you because you realize the story’s practically mirroring your own life.

I usually read stories with lots of warnings at the fore of each chapter (since they’re newer and people nowadays are so delicate), but it was refreshing to read a story where I was along for the ride as much as the characters were; they didn’t have any way of seeing what was coming, and neither did I. The part with Shannon at the gynecologist nearly made me nauseous, but I also appreciate having been surprised by it, because Shannon was, and I could relate to her horror.

I don’t think I can compliment you enough on these fantastic stories, or your style; it was fun, realistic, relatable, funny, complicated, sad, scary, hard to read at times and yet impossible to stop reading for longer than it took to do what I had to — everything a story should be, your stories are. You made me love and hate characters I was neutral about before, and you made me both relieved and disappointed that my teenage years were both very similar to and yet also nothing at all like Stacey’s and Shannon’s. I feel like you cut a slice out of my own life and made it into an interesting story, and yet introduced me to a world that I would never think up on my own. Aunt Mira is a lovable character, and I was relieved when she showed up — how strange that even a fictional character has such a presence that the reader can feel relieved when she’s around. The last chapter — I was afraid that was how Mrs. K would see the baby, and thrilled that she got at least one smack.

Anyway (sorry this is long), thank you for writing this wonderful story, and BFF, and thank you for sharing them with us; they’re inspirational, unforgettable, and I look forward to reading them again :)

It's hard to admit, but I have to disagree with a lot of the reviews that said Shannon was just selfish, but only because I relate to her so much, lol ... her family mostly sucks, and she tried hard to take care of them all, and no one appreciated it ... and now this - it should be enough to destroy her. But I hope she's stronger than that ... it's been a long time since anything made me cry, but this chapter has done it. Awesome. :p

Your stories are hard to read at times, because they reflect my life a little too well - which I both love and hate about these fics. In BFF, it was Stacey's mother's being pushy about her dating again, and in this one, it's more the thought of Shannon having "something growing inside [her] that she doesn't want" ... and then there's this, which really gets to me: “Well, I’m a little tired of being a mother. I am more than that, you know. I deserve to be happy. I deserve to have my own life. Excuse me for not being fulfilled sitting around the house . . . ”

When my mom started dating again a few years ago, that was basically her attitude. All Shannon's mother needed to add was, "I don't need your permission/approval to live my life."

What Shannon went through at the doctor's office made me feel sick, and because I'm afraid of medical procedures like those, I haven't gotten much more information about what's actually growing inside me; I think my mom would be here for me if I wanted to see more doctors about it, but I don't know that for sure and I don't even know if I'd want her there anymore.

Your stories are brilliant ... and I'd like to add that I love your attention to detail, like Emily's mother wearing a violet sweater on the first night of Hanukkah in both BFF and this story. I never guessed that Shannon was the reason the Bernsteins were delayed, but I'm sort of loving it, lol

And it's nice to finally see Tiffany acting like a human instead of just a gross hole in the wall, although their parents (especially their mother) still seriously need someone to stomp some sense into them. Preferably literally.

This story's a real rollercoaster! I can't help but feel bad for Shannon, who took such good care of her family for so long — if I was her, I would step back and let all those ungrateful jerks sink on their own. Let the parents realize no one's paying the bills, and it's not a seventeen-year-old's job anyway. Actually, both Kilbourne parents (especially Mrs.) need a good slap or a hundred. I'm not sure I've come across such an infuriating character before ... except maybe Tiffany. I seriously hope she gets pregnant and an STD or two.

Having said that, I feel bad for her, and for Shannon, and Wes (lol) ... those Kilbourne girls are so desperate for love, they're willing to do anything to get even an imitation of it. I can't help but think Shannon's in for a surprise; having sex doesn't mean a guy is obligated to stick around, and if she thinks so, it's on the same level as Tiffany taking money for her virginity. And poor Wes; I never felt much for the canon version, but I have to feel bad for him in this story. I actually hope he doesn't get into trouble, because Shannon's the one who lied.

And that Sally White! I alternate between totally hating her, as I do anyone who can't take the hint, and thinking she's one of the few making sense on the Wes issue; Kristy came across as an overbearing mother-in-law type, but Sally just points out that Shannon could get Wes in trouble.

All in all, congratulations on writing yet another story that has hooked me and made me feel hope for certain characters and hate for others; I look forward to reading the rest :)

Ho-hum.

I'm on the edge of my seat can't even lie !

loving this story so much so far! It was recommended to me by a member of the facebook group for the babysitters club club podcast, and I'm so glad it was.

it wasn't horrible, it was teenagerish and angsty and maybe a little bit predictable but The BSC books - The California Diaries ones especially were like that. I stayed up till 4am to read this...

I read this series of fics several years ago. I don't know why they popped in my mind; I haven't read any BSC books in at least 3 years.

I remember this one as being the best one, and it still holds up well. I think it has a more solid plot than BFF did, but BFF was amazing as welll. You added dimension to characters we didn't get to see much in canon. Sally White might have actually been my favourite; she would be irritating to be around irl, but she was usually right about stuff. Mrs. Ellenburg was another favourite, a classy and strong woman who was a stark contrast to the awful and superficial Mrs. Kilbourne.

I can definitely imagine Shannon turning out this way. As poor as her decisions were, I can see how she felt that what she was doing could lead to happiness. It's really sad, and it's obvious Tiffany and Maria were seeking the love they didn't get from their parents elsewhere as well (I cried when Maria left, even though I definitely felt she was better off with her aunt). I'm glad Shannon ended up rekindling her friendships, and I am glad she didn't make up with Meg. I think that would have taken away from the believability of it, and Meg definitely had some growing up to do. She could have definitely used visits to a therapist as well, as her mother was extremely messed up. I mean that in a kind way.

I disagree with some reviewers; I can imagine Kristy turning out to be judgmental and self-righteous (and she has always been a favourite). The thing that redeems her is the fact that she means well and is a very loyal friend. She doesn't hide her flaws, which is admirable in itself.

I liked the characterizations overall and felt them to be believable. I did feel that Shannon's parents were a little one-dimensional. Interesting, but almost cartoonish in how awful they were towars their children. I suppose there are some people like that, and it is only from Shannon's POV.

I also like the use of present tense; it really stands out and puts the reader in the moment. I actually want to try it myself to be honest. I am sad that you left the fandom, but I understand why. I sort of did too, but came back to it out of nowhere. I hope you continue writing, as your work is phenomenal and you know how to write interesting and relatable characters. I also appreciate that you finished this series; sadly, so many great fanfics go unfinished.

I'm so lame leaving comments 11 yrs after publication but I love the story! I've 2 other by Celia and they're great. Very talented. I didn't want them to end.

nice touch adding Wes!

Again, loved it!

If you ever come back to the fandom, please write a Claudia story. She's the most amazing in your stories.

Hi! I LOVE this story so far! Sam is driving me crazy, lol. I actually feel bad for Janet, as crazy as that seems. I don't know, I guess it's because I kind of know where she's coming from. Not the getting pregnant thing, but the being in a relationship with an emotional abuser. I'm not the biggest fan of Janet Gates, but nobody deserves to put up with what she's putting up with, not only from Sam, but his family as well. Sam's that baby's father as much as Janet is that baby's mother. She'd be better off leaving him... I doubt he or his family would even want the baby around, so she wouldn't even have to wrry about custody crap.

Listen to me ramble! LOL! Talking as if these are real people! You must think I'm insane. Well, take it as a credit to your writing...that you can take relatively "quiet" characters and spin a tale round them so riveting, they seem real. Well done, Celica.

This is the last story of yours that I have completed. I stumbled across "My Mother's Daughter" and read that, and when I was finished, I went back for Regretting Stacey, BFF, and MLTS. I am completely in awe of your stories and your talent. Amazing, profound work. You take these characters and give them more depth and layers than was ever shown in any BSC book, while still remaining true to the original books - as if these could be a real part of that world. I feel utterly without words to be able to convey just how good these stories are, how they've affected me. They rise above and outshine any other fanfic I've read. These are the kind of stories that you eagerly devour, caring about the characters and wanting to find out what happens to them next. And then they stay with you after you're finished; their stories, their secrets, their lives. Part of me feels like you could change the names and publish these as original stories; they're strong enough to stand up on their own. And another part of me knows that it wouldn't be the same; that these stories belong in the BSC world. You are an incredible author, however, and I hope you eventually do go on to write original stories; somehow, I have little doubt that you'd wind up a best-selling one. Never stop writing!