Composing Amelia

Composing Amelia
Allison Strobel
3.5/5

Another repeat author for me, I really enjoyed her previous novel Heart of Memory which was a nook freebie some time ago and I was really look forward to this novel.

Composing Amelia is the story of a young, broke married couple- Amelia and Marcus who begin the novel living check to check in a cramped L.A. apartment, working three jobs as they each focus on building their dream careers. For Marcus, this career is a as pastor and Amelia hopes to become a renowned pianist. Both have agreed to look for jobs that will offer them both something but all that changes when Marcus gets the opportunity to interview for a coveted senior pastor position in…. Nebraska. Not just Nebraska, but a small town in the middle of nowhere. To complicate matters, Amelia has just accepted a position as a pianist in a newly formed theater group and finally feels as though she is on her way.

Both Marcus and Amelia balk at the turn of events and when Marcus gets the position they decide on an un-easy compromise that turns out to be much harder than it sounds- Marcus goes to Nebraska and Amelia moves in with friends to continue her new gig. They will re-evaluate in 3 months after the opening of Amelia’s first show. What happens next begins Amelia’s downward spiral and struggle with depression and anxiety. Even a reprieve of moving to Nebraska with  Marcus can help Amelia and as she continues on a downward spiral, Marcus caught up in his own spiritual struggle must step aside and help his wife with her own.

This book had several plot twists that I didn’t particularly care for and in my opinion didn’t really fit in with the storyline. I did enjoy the struggle that was portrayed as Amelia and Marcus struggled to find their callings and battle the demons and ghosts that haunted them. I found that struggle really unique and accurate in the way it was portrayed.

Overall, I give this one 3.5 stars. Good overall story, but I feels as though there were some “holes” in the story ( which I explain after the spoiler alert).

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By one main issue with this book, and it was pretty big for me was the way in which Amelia suicide attempt was handled my Marcus. IF he felt strong enough to go hide all potential items but not enough to say anything just seems so phony, especially considering Amelia was pregnant with their child. Without the pregnancy, that would seem somewhat more plausible but to me it didn’t ring true. Also, the fact that there were no repercussions for Amelia's suicide attempt while pregnant seemed suspect.  Even with the mental illness, I suspect that there would be something more than just medication.

That brings me to the 2^nd point, the pregnancy plot twist seemed out place. It was almost like an afterthought to the entire story- I think I would have enjoyed this book a lot more without it.

The Cubicle Next Door

The Cubicle Next Door

Siri L. Mitchell

2006 Christy Award Nominee Author

I enjoyed this book except for the fact that I didn’t like Jackie. How can I like a book and dislike the main character? Well first the writing was good and the story was excellent. I just found Jackie annoying and I didn’t like her. It’s kind of like the co-worker that does a great job, is a team player ect, basically the perfect co-worker but you just can’t stand them personally .

Synopsis: Jackie is thirty year old self described geek. As the systems administrator at the Air Force Academy she is going through life perfectly fine until she is all of a sudden forced to share an office with the new instructor Joe. She begrudgingly divides her office into two cubicles and turns to the internet to vent. Everything is all good until her blog highlighted on the evening news and everyone including its subject Joe begins to read. Will Joe catch on that the blog is about him and will Jackie ever open her eyes to what’s right in front of her?

I mean how am I supposed to like a girl that doesn’t like football? At that point I almost put the book down for good (just kidding... kind of*). Plus all that damn environmentalism talk got on my last damn nerve. I’m all for saving, conserving recycling but I HATE when people push it down your throat. I think a lot has to do with this whole “Green is in” trend BS the media and Al Gore is feeding us. (My views can be summed up here). Also, Jackie was way to naïve for me. It was obvious that Joe was interested, but I detested the way she acted. Like when she was getting ready for the ball I wanted to shake her and say get over it. Do people really act that childish for no reason? So I didn't really like Jackie at all, she just annoyed me too much.

But here is where I believe good writing and a good story saved me. Both were so good, that I kept plunging back into the book (albeit more slowly than usual). In the end I enjoyed the story and have to give kudos to Ms. Mitchell for a creating a unique character, one you typically don’t find in chic-lit be it Christian or otherwise.

The topic and location were also interesting and different. The Air force Academy/Military- Civilian angle was cool (coming from an Army Brat). Of course there is the idea that most endeared me to the book- the blogging aspect and while it was a little underplayed for my taste and blogging expertise, I still enjoyed it. For instance the blog wasn’t really that interesting to me. Second I think that it is unbelievable to think that Jackie could start a blog and not get caught up in the blogshpehere ( especially checking stats). As a blogger for the last 3 years, the blogshpehere is addicting from reading other people’s blogs to updating your own ( sometimes obsessively) and Jackie did none of that. Part of me thinks Ms. Mitchell made it that way so those who are not as technologically savvy could still enjoy and understand the book.

So, if you are looking for an interesting, unique story from and interesting and unique point of view with a cute ending, than The Cubicle Next Door is for you.

*In my world, football is king, and the Southeastern Conference is the kingdom.

Southern girls know their religions:
Baptist
Methodist
Football

The Secret of Us

The Secret of Us
Roxanne Henke

*****(5/5)

Laura and Donnie have been married for 23 years ( that means they were married in the wonderful year I was born- 1983!) and their 21 year old daughter Stasha ( real name Anastasia- now you can breath a sigh of relief that they did not name their child Stasha). Stasha is engaged to be married. The book alternates between all three as they each maneuver through, life, work and marriage. Laura is sick and tired of being sick and tired of Donnie putting his work first and is beginning to relive her dreams of being an artist. Donnie lives and breathes for his business, he has dreams making his ad agency even bigger, but at what cost. Stasha is excited- she has just graduated from college and is engaged to a great guy, however she just hopes to find a job. Once they are married, though she learns how big a job marriage is. The story is great and I loved how in intertwined between all the characters. You got to see things evolve fully and you got to see two sides of the marriage coin. Newlyweds, who typically go in not expecting all the work and a marriage that has so far, stood the test of time AND people willing to work to keep standing. I really enjoyed this book as an honest description of marriage.

Throughout the book, especially during Laura's section, there are “divine thoughts (or guidance)” so to speak. At first that annoyed me, but I grew to appreciate the “thoughts” as the story went on. Those thoughts added so much to the book and if you are a believer, than you will defiantly understand and recognize these moments. They make this and the characters appear even more realistic.

The Secret of Us is a beautiful, heartfelt, realistic view of marriage, relationships, life and the power of God to build and ( to help us) keep all of it together.

Flies on the Butter

Flies on the Butter

Denise Hildreth
***** ( 5/5)

The first thing I have to say about this book is a note to the publishers. Please do not put realistic looking flies on book covers. Had they been actually on the butter- that’s would have worked, but just randomly placed… well that invites people to interrupt you to tell you that there is a fly on your book.

Denise Hildrith's latest is a break from her Savannah from Savannah series (which I review the first two here and here). Rose Fletcher is on a thirty something lobbyist from Mullins, South Carolina. As she is on her way back home, she preps herself to deal with her family, particularly her mother, whom she hasn’t seen in ten years and to mull over the mess her life is and the rift between her and her husband. Told alternating in Flashbacks between her childhood growing up in the south and her current anxiety driving car trip, complete with “perfect” strangers who give her a little guidance and lots of blessings as she goes on her way.

I knew I would enjoy this book, don’t ask me how but I did. Denise writes with such feeling that you can understand exactly where Rose is and how she got there. I could feel her loss and her frustration at being out of control. I also enjoyed the nature of the book- each chapter alternating between her childhood and the present and I loved the “strangers” at the end of each “present” chapter. Of course I loved the southern feel on this book. In fact, I even went in search of some good ole boiled peanuts for myself ( man, how I missed those when we used to live overseas). The only thing that bothered me was that I didn’t feel we got the full story on what happened, what exactly it was that made Rose run. There was a lot of leading up to, some foreshadowing but the resulting story/ discovery lacked punch, kind of like the air going out of a balloon really fast. Denise writing is very touching and she was able to deal with some heavy subjects without making it feel to preachy. Her words felt the words coming from you favorite aunt or big momma, or Mamaw- soothing, soul stirring and just right. Aside from that, it was a great, touching story about whether or not you really can go home again.

*In the reviews I read (Publishers & Booklist also on Amazon.com), there was some criticism about contradictions (a child lobbyist- not wanting to have children, driving instead of flying ECT). I felt that those contradictions are what make Rose and what makes her so lost. Everyone is a contradiction in their own way and when you are on the run from your past or your demons or yourself- you usually ARE a big contradiction. Just think back to the last time you were confused, scared and running.

Life, Liberty & The Pursuit of Happiness

Life, Libby & The Pursuit of Happiness

Lydia Hope

**** ( 4.5/5)


Libby Marshall thought everything would come together when she received the promotion at work that she was promised 5 years ago. However, a corporate merger changes and all that and Libby is demoted to an administrative assistant. Her demotion is just the beginning of crazy things to come and suddenly Libby’s life is a big mystery, with her former boss missing and a huge secret which might be the key to her future career. Libby begins a journey to start living life in the moment AND trusting her faith.

I really enjoyed this book. Overall Libby was a great character. She wasn’t to cliché or overly anything (whiny, ECT) - just a normal girl who thought she had everything figure out, but didn’t factor in life. The themes ( faith, trusting God,) were not shoved at us but sprinkled into a few key passages that were very moving for Libby (and for me). The message and the passages felt very real, I felt as if it were my aunt giving them to me.

There were a few times, especially at the end that I rolled my eyes as how perfectly everything wrapped up. I know sometimes life is like that, but some things at the end were a bit too perfect, but overall it was a great read.

I highly recommended this cute and inspiring story.

Redemption

Redemption

Jacqueline Thomas

**** ( 4/5)

Redemption introduces us to two unforgettable characters- Pastor Warner Brice and hot Hollywood actress Marin Alexander and what happens when these two from different world, find love and get married- uniting not only themselves but their two worlds together.

Soon after their idealistic courtship and marriage Marin discovers that something is missing and goes in search. She tries returning to her old career, but soon finds herself fulfilling her life with a dangerous passion that threatens everything she has and has worked hard to build.

Unable to beat this “passion” she soon fall victim to it. Her husband, children and parents struggle with watching her downfall. The person it hits the hardest is God- fearing Warner Brice who doesn’t question “Why?” but keeps in mind the promise that God made him and that he vowed before God. When everyone else looses hope in Marin, Warner doesn’t and stand up to the test- no matter how difficult it becomes, Warner will not fail.

Like the title, the overall theme in the book is redemption and the costs of forgiveness. Ms. Thomas weaves between the two world- Hollywood and the church which such ease and I loved how she though to bring them together in this book. Many times, we look down on Hollywood, but as Warner mentions in the book- it’s a battlefield that must be one as well. Jesus never committed something as a lost cause and turned his back.

Another by Ms. Thomas is that this book is not too preachy, when can often happen in the genre. She weaves the lessons between the bible and experience and it flows throughout the book.

Although I found a little of the book to unrealistic, Ms. Thomas portrayed the drug world with frightening reality, experienced only by someone who has watched a loved one fall down that trap ( or even been there themselves).

Redemption is an enjoyable read and would make a great book club read to discuss many of the issues it brings up (drugs, Hollywood, marriage, making marriage works, relationships (especially mother and daughter, forgiveness and most importantly REDEMPTION

Farther Than I Meant To Go, Longer Than I Meant To Stay

Further Than I meant to Go, Longer Than I Meant to Stay.

Tiffany L. Warren

**** ( 4/5)

“Sin will always take you further than you meant to go and keep you longer than you meant to stay”.

I read this book praying that I had not made this choice so this book was VERY relevant to me. Anyway.

The book is about our protagonist, Charmayne, and overweigh, insecure, Christian woman who gets caught up with the wrong man. The book alternates between the past and the present as we get caught up on the story that has led Charmayne to loose everything she once had- her self respect, financially security her job and her pride. Charmayne is an active member of her church, a dutiful daughter and sister and a successful bank manager. Successful by most peoples standards, Charmayne feels anything but because she is

a. over thirty

b. single and

c. overweight- three common problems for hordes of women, of all faiths, backgrounds, races etc. . She then gets caught up in something that feels too good to be true and instead of following her heart and God’s guidance; she decides to keep going leading to disastourous results. Forced to pick up the pieces and put her life back together with the help of family friends and the Lord, this book not only questions us but teaches us Christian’s valuable lessons about thinking that you are in control.

Charmayne prayed every step of the way, however she did not listen and/or act upon the answers she received which is a problem that had faces all Christians and some point or another. Sometimes is not the answer we want or we thinking we can fix it, max it work or whatever instead of doing instructed. Charmayne’s tale is a tale of disobedience and what happens when we do not follow out what we KNOW is right.

But the good news for Charmayne is that God forgives and Charmayne learns that and HOW to forgive, ( another lesson us Christians sometimes forgets) and in the end finds that everything she was looking for – she already had- right under her nose.

The best part of the book for me was learning the Story of Rizpah (2 Samuel 21), whom Ms. Warren uses to parallel the story and the lesson. I loved learning a new story, espicially one I had never heard and I loved how Ms. Warren incorporated it into the story.

Of course there are some other themes within the book- Family relationships, marriage, armor bearers ( which pastor preached on this past Sunday) that merge together to create and wonderful read that is not too preachy, but gets the lesson across loud and clear.

Read for Book Club # 2 – May 2007-

( orginally read June 2006)

Let Sleeping Dogs Lie

Let Sleeping Dogs Lie

Patricia Haley

*** ( 3.5/5)

In Ms. Haley’s sophomore novel she follows the story of a family with deep, dark secrets and what happens when those secrets come to the surface.

I enjoyed the story, however there were way too many characters and POV and not enough development on any of them. Also the ending of the story was tied up to quickly and nice, although sometimes I have to say – life does end just that way. The book was jumbled and I found myself having to put the book down a few times to stop from getting a headache from all the characters and plot points).

The book is Christian fiction but does not come off as overly preachy, but does adhere some aspects of the devout Christian faith.

This book is a the July Selection for Book Club # 2.

Adelaide Piper

Adelaide Piper-

Beth Webb Hart

**** ( 4/5)

Adelaide Piper is a “coming of age story” that follows Adelaide Piper thought her college years at a small liberal arts community in the late 80’s The focus of the book is on a traumatic event that robs Adelaide of her innocence and forces her to not only grow up but to contemplate. During this crisis, Adelaide has one of May spiritual awakenings that the author portrays through this book.

This book is a fast read and takes placed over a period of several years where we really get to do Adelaide Piper and the rest of her family, although some characters are more so than others. The book is a categorized as Christian Fiction, and themes of Christianity play an important role in the theme, it is not one where it is beaten down the reader’s throat. In fact, many of the references are rather subtle.

Although I did not go to college in the late 80’s, I could not truly relate to Adelaide college or life experiences, aside from the intricacies of southern societies which Ms. Hart touch on well ( Co-Cola being by favorite)

Overall, Adelaide Piper is a good book. Not a beach book, but perfect for a rainy afternoon.

Allure

Allure

Jackie King Scott

****(4.5/5)

This is one hard book to find on amazon.com, but I did find it and read it and enjoyed it and it was worth the search. The one thing I can say about it is it was too short, but that does in no means takes away from the book. I just wanted to know Valerie and John a little more, and to hear John’s voice- which was a little absent.

Valerie and John have been married for seven years, but are growing apart on a daily basis. Their union is even more threatened when Valerie meets handsome Curtis. The novel takes place throughout many church events and seminars and is told primarily from Valerie’s angle.

In the end though, this books is more than just a work of fiction but a great (i.e. realistic) portrait of marriage and its ups and down and the hope, faith and forgives that must exists to make marriage work.

Powerful and quick read.

Saved Folk in the House

Saved Folk in the House

Sonnie Beverly

** ( 2/5)

Okay- I am going to preface this review by saying that I do not like short stories. It seems weird given my short attention span, that I would not Love short stories- which can offer everything a regular novel does in half the time. But – I do not. I cannot stand * most short stories. In fact the only ones I recall that I actually like are Flannery O’Conner’s, particularity A Good Man is Hard to Find. Other than that, I leave short stories alone. I tried Z.Z. Packer’s acclaimed ( acclamied= Today show pick) Drinking Coffee Elsewhere, but I just couldn’t get into it. I liked the first few, but just gave up halfway through the book.

That being said, I read this book for my March Book Club # 2 meeting. This book has been on my Recommended for you list on Amazon since it came out, but for several reasons, I never read it.1). It has a relatively low rating (all those Amazon people can’t be wrong- or rather they usually are not* Update the overall rating has increases significantly since I wrote this review in Feburary and revised it for posting) and 2). It’s a book of short stories. So when it was listed as my book club selection, my first thought was to skip the meeting, but since that defeats the purpose of being part of book club ( only reading books you find interesting) I begrudingly bought the book and tried to read it.

Saved Folk in the House are a collection of three short stories surrounding characters that are very loosely related- except for the fact that the love God and have made mistakes. Here is the description from booklist- ( I couldn’t formulate one myself)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist
In "the village," a Virginia suburb, everyone knows and looks out for one another. Zakia Wilkes is a smart girl who goes to college and discovers she is pregnant two months after graduation. Eventually, she marries Jay, who provides her a comfortable life. Yet with all of her possessions, she still feels incomplete. In her search to fill the void, she becomes very involved in her church, at the expense of her marriage. Nikki Riley leaves the village for Atlanta after her divorce. She joins the church she has always watched on television and lands a job working in its accounting department. She also falls in love with her neighbor. Nikki is very close to her cousin Rae, who refuses to work legally. When Rae is incarcerated, she reflects on her cousin's preaching and starts a Bible study in jail. Rae's influence helps to reduce the violence amongst the women. Each woman relies on her faith to get what she needs and wants out of life and the lives of those she loves. Lillian Lewis
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Book Description
In Part One, Saved Babies Daddies, Zakia, part tomboy and part princess, is left alone and a single parent. Hard- working and determined, she puts her hopes and dreams into her child, her career, and her new marriage. Still feeling a void in her life, she returns to church. But the more she becomes immersed in God, the more her life begins to crumbleuntil faith pulls her through. The story continues with Real Saved Folks. Nikki, the newly divorced best friend of Zakia, believes her life will improve if she joins a church she has watched on television for years. Instead, she finds more challenges. Falling for a younger man doesnt make her life easier, but she soon discovers that where her spirit resides is what truly matters. Finally, in Out of the Mouths of Saved Babies, the children, grandchildren, and friends of the earlier characters are gathered together for what will prove to be a very eventful summer where God will use children to show adults what true faith really means.

After the first story, I skimmed the rest- so this review is probably a.) Biased and b) I did skim the book, but based on the amazon.com reviews, I’m not too far off the mark. Now as of note, some members of my book club did enjoy this book. I was not one of them. I found the book lacking in many areas, particualry character development, the story went by too fast and tried to incorporate too much. I felt bogged down and tired just reading the first story. Then I couldn’t relate to the characters (lack of development) and the story was kind of all over the place. Also the book was very “preachy”, which I can’t stand. I love Christian Fiction, Book club # 2 is dedicated to it, however, this book took the Christian aspect overboard. If I wanted to be preached at, I’ll go church or bible study. I like CF books that incorporate God and the bible into the theme/ story or even use biblical stories to supplement or to enhance the story. This book did neither. It forced the message/ bible verses down my throat. To be honest, I was very disappointed in what I did read and returned the book and got my $15.61 back

My advice- checks it out from the library or read it in the store, but then again if you like short stories, maybe you might like it.

Into Each Life

Into Each Life

Shelia E. Lipsey

***( 3.8/5)

Into each life is a Christian Fiction novel that follows the life of childhood friends. Prodigal has always been in love with his best friend Teary, but Teary instead chases after other dreams never returning the undying love for Prodigal, but when she finally does realize and appreciate Prodigal, will it be too late?

The book also tells the story of their family members such as Teary's sister. It begins when they are all just children, spending their days playing outside and having fun. It follows them through High School, College, marriage, children,infertility, divorce, sickness and death.

This book is a fast read. On one hand including so much in the book makes the 300 + pages fly by, but sometimes it feels weighted down as too much is happening in this novel and some characters development and plot points are not given enough time and it ends up feeling rushed. One such character was Teary who was very hard to like. The end is also a little rushed. I also found the names a little annoying- Teary, Prodigal & Faith. I kept asking myself who would name their child Teary?

Overall Lipsey has written and enjoyable book, that will keep reader attention and have them looking forward to her next book.

In Greener Pastures (Shelton Heights)

Kendra Norman Bellamy

***1/2

As a KNB fan, I was anxiously waiting the release of her newest offering to the literary world of Christian Fiction, and while In Greener Pastures does not disappoint, it is not her best nor my favorite KNB book yet.

In her nests book KNB takes a break from the Grace series and introduces us to some new characters. Hunter Greene is the owner of an prestigious African American newspaper in Atlanta, Georgia and single father. When a prominent Atlanta pasture- Rev. Tides, is killed in what is ruled and accident, Hunter goes on the hunt for the truth. When the pastor’s daughter, Jade feels spirit is also telling her there is more to the story she enlists Hunter's help in uncovering the truth. Hunter and Jade must fight against her family, who is ready to move on and let Rev. Tides rest in piece, the community and the people responsible who will stop at nothing to keep the truth under wraps. During all this Hunter and Jade also begin to contend feelings that are a little more than about finding out the truth regarding Rev. Tides.

This book is a Christian Fiction Romance Mystery all rolled into one, and while that sounds like a handful, KNB is able to keep everything rolling smoothly. The only true flaw is that the “mystery” is somewhat undevloped, but KNB’s writing and characters as well as the Christian themes keep this book right on target. This is another great book by KNB, although not one of my favorites. This is what appears to be the first in several books in her Shelton Height’s Series, and I cannot wait for the next one.

Like Sheep Gone Astray

Like Sheep Gone Astray

Leslie J. Sherrod.

*** (3.5/5)

This was the January Book selection for book club # 2. First time I’ve read a book by this author and the first time I read a Christian themed mystery.

Anthony Murdock is a young, prominent African American pastor who left a lucrative job and salary to follow the God's calling. However, the devil followed him and threatens to ruin everything in the form of lust and greed, when Anthony "overlooks" a little extra (bribe) money. As Anthony’s conscience and spirit catch up with he tries to undue his wrong, with out completely undoing everything else has worked for. Anthony also must content with a conniving, sinful wife who believes Anthony’s “preacher thing” is only a fad and she tries to lure him back with flashiness and greed of her own. In Anthony’s quest to make things right and find out who is out to get him, he draws strength from the powerful story of Samson, who went down with his own enemies.

This book is cumbersome at times. It’s long, the story goes a few too many places and there are too many characters. I along with some other members of the book club admitted to skipping entire chapters when certain characters were involved because they just didn’t add to the story. Other than that this was an all right read. I enjoyed it and was kept guessing until the end. It wasn’t too preachy, but had just the right amount of a message to keep it going. Especially the powerful chapter where Anthony draws strength from the story of Samson. There were also some very powerful sermons that could rival some of the best you’ve heard.

Verdict- Worth it, but bring a little patience.

Beyond the Ashes

Beyond the Ashes

Debra Parham

***** ( 5/5)

As amazon.com suggested, I got a little something for myself while Christmas shopping for my friends and family- and this was it.

The story is about Sohni Vessels and her five “sister friends” and each of their trials and tribulations throughout a year. Everyone has a past, everyone has a story and everyone has a cross that they must bear. Follow Sohni and her friends and the deal with life and each other and look to the Lord and each other to make it though.

This is a good book about girlfriends and I liked because the characters were not clichéd. There were some serious problems in the book and Parham dealt with them and tied them together and to the bible really well. Of course when there are so many characters, sometime you get bogged down and you find the characters you like and want to skip the ones you don’t like.

Overall this was an enjoyable book and highly recommended. I took a lot of lessons to heart myself and I think that when a fiction book helps you do that , without feeling like self help- 5 stars!

First Lady: Confessions of a Preachers Wife

First Lady: Confessions of a Preachers Wife
Mikasenjoya

**** (4.9/5)

Aaah- what an interesting title and even though this book is fiction, it seems to portray a pretty accurate description of the life of a preachers wife. Before reading this book, I had some ideas of the kind of drama that being a preachers wife could entail, however Mikasenjoya, did an excellent job of bringing to life.

The First Lady introduced us to Jacqueline Stevens as her family is on the move again when here husband, Pastor Lance Stevens takes a job as Pastor for New Light Church in Southlake, Texas. The book is in the form of Jacqueline’s journal as she navigates life in a new city and new home. The book opens with drama as members of the church are showing the Steven’s their new home, but you can feel the underlying drama and resentment (one of the ladies was a generational member of the church) and it doesn’t stop there. Jacqueline must navigate through life not only as a dutiful wife and mother, but as the First Lady of the Church even where there is evil lurking under the surface trying to wreak havoc.

The characters, situations and dialogue in this book were very real. It felt like a genuine portrayal of a pastor’s wife. I also enjoyed the spiritual and uplifting aspects of it- the prayers and the prayer map were an excellent addition.

This book is a relatively fast read and very enjoyable; A great addition to any home library.

Sweet Magnolia

Sweet Magnolia

Norma L. Jarret

Two embattled sisters and a family full of secrets all return to their beloved New Orleans for a summer wedding/ family reunion. Rife with family drama and secrets that lie underneath all families- the secrets uncovered this summer will require and abundance faith, love and hope to overcome.

I was excited about this book- even picking it up to take with me on a trip to visit my college roommate, but I forgot it in the car and had to due without it. Anyway, so when I finally got around to reading it I enjoyed it, but not as much as Ms. Jarrett’s first book- Sunday Brunch. It was a little harder for me to relate to the characters, but I still enjoyed it. The writing is excellent, the Christian themes are not too heavy, but perfect and make the story and enjoyable read.

I did enjoy the fact that the story took place in New Orleans. All my prayers that the city will one day recover, despite all the obstacles

Recommended.

Sunday Brunch

Sunday Brunch

Norma L. Jarret

Great book, great message. This book is about a group of five friends from college and their struggles in being Christian and single. I couldn’t’ get into all the characters, I had my favorite (Lexi), I guess because I could relate to her more. I guess I’m the Lexi of all my friends. Overall this was a nice enlightening read, not too, too heavy, but just enough. The only thing I didn't like was that I thought it was too short/ quick. I wanted more.

Perfect (Christian Fiction) for a vacation. Ms. Jarrett is a great writer and I am looking forward to future works from her.