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I’m headed on a much needed after-the-bar trip to Punta Cana! So, I will be taking a week break from the blog, but I promise I will be coming back bigger and better than before. I’ve got some fun reviews coming up and big plans so stay tuned!

Before Siri Mitchell wrote historical romance novels, she wrote Chick-Lit. Being a francophile, I really enjoyed Kissing Adrian, but The Cubicle Next Door was so cute, I decided to feature that one. The Cubicle Next Door stars Jackie Harrison, a computer geek at the Air Force Academy and a blogger. Joe is a pilot who is having trouble flying planes, and so in the interim he becomes a teacher at the Air Force Academy. It just so happens his cubicle is next door to Jackie’s. I think, one of the reasons I so enjoyed this book is because I could relate to Jackie: we’re both pretty much stuck in our ways and not thrilled to try new things and I appreciated Joe’s pushing her. Spiritually, Jackie has to learn that God is greater than any past of our family. This book also addresses the issue of finding a church. I didn’t realize how difficult it could be depending on where you live. Joe and Jackie ending up having to compromise on some things (not important Biblical things), but, at least Joe and Jackie go and find a community. So important.It’s rare that you’ll find a church that makes you love every aspect of it anyway. Highly Recommended!

 Sorry for the delay with this post. Our internet was out pretty much all day. Anywho, I love Tamara Leigh’s books. She no longer writes Chick Lit. She has switched to medieval romance. That said, I love every novel of hers that I’ve read. I decided to review Stealing Adda, because it’s the first one I read by her. Stealing Adda is about Adda, who is a romance novelist who comes to know the Lord. There is of course an attractive man in the picture, and a crazy arch enemy who is trying to steal everything that Adda has. There is lots of humor, and I learned a lot about the writing business. The one thing I enjoyed about this book and others that she has written, is that the ending is never what I expected and I so appreciate it. Highly Recommended!

This week I decided to focus on some of my favorite chick lit books. Chick lit is a strange arena. I mostly don’t like it, but a good author can make any genre good. I stumbled upon Camy Tang on a blog and I was glad I did. The first book in the series is called Sushi for One. This book has all the elements of a chick lit: first person, point of view from woman, contemporary, romance, but this one adds in the additon of Asian culture. Lex Sakai is passionate about her job and her volleyball and finding a godly man. And then everything starts going downhill. Just when you think God has forgotten you, you begin to learn that he is right there in the midst of the storm…and possibly the reason for the changes in your life. I really enjoy Aiden’s character and I thought Ms. Tang did a lovely job of introducing Christianity to the character without sounding cheesy.

Robert Whitlow is a man who believes in the gift of prophecy. I’m pretty sure all of his books contain it. The Choice is no different. I was, at first, hesitant to pick up this book because I thought it might be sad since it deals with the issue of abortion. But, I should have known that this book was going to be good. This book is about a girl named Sandy who gets pregnant in high school in 1974. While she is at the store, and contemplating what to do about her pregnancy, an old woman walks up and tells her that she is pregnant with twins and should they ever meet, one is going to be the death of the other. Whoa. This book is not a romance, and not even really a legal thriller, but its a good book not to be missed. 

Spiritually, there’s a lot of prayer going on in this book and I think this novel reflects how God knows our end even at the beginning. I didn’t want to put it down.  Highly Recommended!

I’m back! How was the bar exam? It’s over. So I decided to talk about an oldie, but a goodie. Francine Rivers can write some amazing books! But this is one that’s not talked about often and it’s one of my favorites. In fact, I’ve loaned it to a lot of people, several whom are not readers who love this book. Although there is a disclaimer, there are two stories that are interwoven into this novel: one contemporary and one historical. My non-readers only read the contemporary and not the historical story. I suppose that’s what nonreaders do. Anyway, this novel is about Sierra and Alex. Sierra and Alex are married. Alex gets a job that moves the family to California and let’s just say that the family suffers. But things turn around. This is a Francine Rivers novel people: drama and intense guys.  And that’s all I’m going to say! It’s a great novel of salvation, love, and forgiveness. It just reminds you that Jesus went to the cross for all of us and if he can forgive us, than we should forgive others. Highly Recommended!

 So I’m taking the Illinois bar exam on Tuesday and Wednesday, which is, how do you say it? Intense to say the least. I’ll be taking a blog break until Thursday of next week. Keep me up in your prayers! I’ve already decided to never go back to school. Ever. In life. God bless.

 Susan May Warren cranks out books faster than almost any author I know. Just when you think you need one, there’s another coming out. And let me tell you, this one is so good. I really like it because of it’s unusual premise. Isadora Presley is the radio host of My Foolish Heart, which is a show that gives out advice about romance. She also is very much afraid to leave her house and rarely does so. Caleb Knight is an Iraq veteran who has left with some scars. He has moved to Deep Haven in hopes of moving on and starting over as the coach of the high school football team. When Isadora, his neighbor, catches his eye, he doesn’t know what to do so he starts calling My Foolish Heart. It’s so cute. I was flipping the pages. There is a secondary romance in the novel, that I must admit, didn’t capture my attention as much. But I was continually rooting for Caleb and Izzy. Spiritually, Izzy and Caleb must learn to conquer their fears and trust God. Such a good book. Highly Recommended.

This is the fourth book in the Katie Weldon Series, so there will be tons of spoiler alerts. Katie Weldon is the forever friend of Christy Miller (Christy + Todd!). She was with Christy through the romance of Todd and now Katie’s got her own guy, Eli. The previous book ends with Katie following Eli to Africa. The ending was romantic and sweet. But I’m so glad Ms. Gunn wrote this book! Ms. Gunn has the unique ability to take ordinary people in ordinary circumstances and still leave you enraptured. I have so enjoyed all of her Katie Weldon/Christy Miller series because these are normal girls who meet normal guys and somehow its still so romantic without any over-the-top issues and never-gonna-happen storylines (those are fun too, but still). Specifically in this one, as you read the novel you see Katie and Eli in their quiet time, growing with God, trying to be the best examples of Christ even in their uniqueness. When I put down one of her books, I want to pick up the Bible to see what direction the Lord is sending me. But most of all, as a single gal, her books are the ones that would help me create a list of the perfect spouse more than any other.

Back to Katie and Eli- in this book they begin to learn more about each other and just kind of slow down the romance thing (but it’s still there!). Eli’s passion for the Lord is catching and Katie’s mistakes in Africa are so relatable. If I had an issue with anything it was that she didn’t have enough culture shock. Perhaps when God calls you to the mission field, He equips you with a love for the country right away. All I know is, when I studied in France, I had moments where you couldn’t take me away and moments where if I could just find the ocean, I would swim across. But that said, great book. Highly Recommended (although you have to read the others first!).

This novel is about a woman named Lucy Wiltshire who runs a non-profit for young women who don’t have a home. Her non-profit has lost significant funds and it looks like they may have to close down. Alex is an ex-football player who is running for Congress. His rates are low, until there is a chance photo with him and Lucy. It is then that he realizes if he wants to win he needs Lucy. It’s very convenient that he also has millions of dollars at his beck and call as well. That’s all I’m going to say concerning what it’s about. I love this book. I love this book! Lucy is such a wonderful heroine. She’s the kind of girl you want to hang out with. I appreciated that she wasn’t your typical skinny beauty of today. And Alex? I wanted to stick him in my back pocket. He was funny, smart, good-looking and cared for Lucy in a way that was precious. And these are just the main characters, because let me tell you, the secondary characters had me rolling.

Spiritually, Alex is just coming back to the things of God as his family struggles through a tough time. He has to learn to let go and let God. Lucy, also has to learn to trust God to provide her. This book centers on a deception (which was done incredibly well btw!) and so its hard to have two believers in a situation like they were in. Yet, Lucy discovers God’s grace throughout it all. Highly Recommended. Five Stars! Great Book!