Book Review: Priced to Move by Ginny Aiken

About the book:

She Thought She Was Leaving the Rat Race Behind...

Gemologist Andie Adams is suffering a bad case of burnout in her stress-filled job in New York. So she jumps at the chance to ditch her wormy corner of the Big Apple for a home in Kentucky with her lovable but off-the-wall Aunt Weeby. After all, things should be slower paced in Kentucky--right?

Wrong. Andie reluctantly joins the Shop-Til-U-Drop Network as its newest jewelry and gemstone show host. Sparks fly between her and the know-nothing (but drop-dead gorgeous) jock they've hired as her cohost. And when Andie's job exposes her to a international investigation, the mayhem escalates during an exotic journey. Explosions, missing gems, sabotage--life was never this exciting in New York!

My thoughts:

Okay, I confess that I am completely and hopelessly now addicted to chick-lit. I just love, love, LOVE it! Since I fully intend to read much more of it in the future, I'm definitely going to have to be on the lookout for new authors and good recommendations for existing releases that are out there. As for this author....I've read some of her other books in the past, and really enjoyed them, but I had no idea that she had branched out into chick-lit. Thank goodness, she's written a whole series--not just one book--so I can get a good fill of chick-lit from an author that is already an A+ in my book. :o)

This book has several things that I just love. First of all, Andie works with diamonds and gemstones all the time. Seriously, is there any other job out there greater than that for a girl?!?! Then, on top of that, she's been offered an incredible opportunity in Louisville (of all places) to work for the Shop-Til-U-Drop (S.T.U.D.) Network as their jewelry host. So, she gets to be around all this jewelry AND be on tv...just too cool, in my opinion. And, just to keep it even more interesting, there's a little mystery thrown in there and what seems like might be a developing romance. Since there's 2 other books in the series, I expect that possible romance to play out furthur a little later on. Oh, and let me not forget to mention that this book is set in the south. Andie's travels do take her to a couple of other places around the world, but the fact that home for her is now in Kentucky puts a whole new spin on things.

I also got a kick out of the supporting characters. Aunt Weeby, Andie's aunt, is hilarious! She is a southern gal to the core, and has an opinion on practically everything. Her opinion doesn't come off as know-it-all, but rather "I know just a tidbit about what you're talking about, and I'm gonna put it my two cents." Then, there's Miss Mona, the owner of the S.T.U.D. Network. She's a no-nonsense person, but sweet as she can be. Finally, there's Max...Andie's tv cohost, and stud extraordinaire. He also happens to be the first male hired to work at the S.T.U.D. Network...go figure. :o) The on-screen scenes between Andie and Max had me laughing out loud because Max is such a dunce about jewelry! That flusters Andie to no end, but everyone else just eats it up!

With all that said, I absolutely cannot wait to finish out this series! It also makes me want to gather up everything ever written by Ginny Aiken and just gobble it up (sorry now...we say stuff like that in the south).

4 Stars

Southern?  Yes
Sass?  Yes

Book Review: The Trophy Wives Club by Kristin Billerbeck/3 Stars

About the book:

Haley Cutler is the consummate trophy wife. Perhaps was is the more accurate term. Haley married Prince Charming when she was only twenty—back in the day when highlights came from an afternoon at the beach, not three hours in the salon.

Unfortunately, after seven years as Jay Cutler's wife, a role that provided significance and what she thought was love, Jay walks out, and Haley finds herself with few life skills that translate to the real world, not to mention a sense of amnesia about who she used to be. But before Haley can find her way, she must meet with Jay's lawyer, the strikingly handsome Hamilton Lowe. Although she can't stand his self-righteous contempt for her divorce, she takes his suggestion to attend a group at his church called "The Trophy Wives Club," a Bible study composed of women who have been dealt a raw deal. Haley's never been into the whole Jesus thing but could really use some friends to walk her through this phase (how do you apply for a credit card anyway?).

As Haley begins to realize that she really can stand on her own two feet, she also learns that sometimes in losing we find the real reward . . .

My thoughts:

This is my third experience reading Kristin Billerbeck's books, and I can always count on her books to give me a good laugh. And while there's a good dose of humor in this book, The Trophy Wives Club deals with a very difficult topic: divorce. I cannot imagine being blindsided with a divorce after being married to a man I thought loved me, but apparently, never did. This is exactly what Haley Cutler experiences, and this book follows her journey of self-discovery.

Personally, I know I would've immediately reached for the tub of chocolate frosting as well as had a TV marathon with Maury and Judge Judy just like Haley did. But I also know that after a few days of doing that, I would realize that it's time to try to turn my life around. The good news for Haley is that she has a wonderful new group of friends from a local church--The Trophy Wives Club--who have experienced everything that she is just now getting a taste of. Through these great friends, Haley turns her life around dramatically, and has a few things handed to her that I thought weren't very realistic. Honestly, how many people do you know that have million-dollar condos that they don't live in, and will let you live there rent free? Not to mention, friends that have connections in the film industry, and just happen to have a job waiting for you?

Overall, I liked the premise of the story, and I definitely had a good laugh (blondes walking into walls is a hilarious mental image). But as I kept reading, this book slowly kept going downhill. In addition to the things I just mentioned, I have to admit that the ending ruined the book for me. I already knew how it would end, but I was so hoping for something different from everything else out there.

The Trophy Wives Club by Kristin Billerbeck was published by Avon Inspire and was released in 2007.

3 Stars

Southern?  No
Sass?  A little

Book Review: In the Company of Secrets by Judith Miller/5 Stars

About the book:

The truth could cost her everything....

Olivia Mott didn't intend to lie. Somehow, it just happened. And wasn't it all Lady Charlotte's fault anyway? Now Olivia's position as assistant chef at Pullman's elegant Hotel Florence is dependant upon her keeping her secrets. And sometimes lies have a way of leading to other lies. Should Olivia admit her real past and accept the consequences or keep quiet in order to preserve her comfortable new circumstances?

Deception seems to be part of everyday life in the company town of Pullman, Illinois, where the grand Pullman Palace Car is manufactured. Samuel Howard, Olivia's friend and the town manager, seems to think everything is fine, but Olivia observes something quite different. Could it be that Olivia is not the only one harboring secrets?

My thoughts:

This was my first experience with Judith Miller's writing, and I loved every minute of it. From the very beginning, In the Company of Secrets is filled with beautiful descriptions and a wonderful history of the town of Pullman, Illinois. Just a warning--be prepared to be left hanging because you will have no choice but to read book 2 to know the rest of the story!

Olivia Mott and her employer's daughter, Lady Charlotte, escape to America harboring all sorts of secrets. Olivia has relied on Lady Charlotte to provide her with a recommendation so that she can get a job at the prestigious Hotel Florence when they arrive in Pullman. Unfortunately for Olivia, Lady Charlotte's recommendation is so exaggerated that Olivia wonders how she will live up to her new boss's expectations! Lady Charlotte, meanwhile, must lie and claim to be a widow when she discovers she is pregnant from an affair. Nightly, Olivia and Charlotte literally have to compare notes so that each other knows what lies have been told to cover up previous lies.

Olivia also manages to capture the attention of two different men in town. Samuel Howard serves as a town manager of sorts for Mr. Pullman, the founder of the town, and Fred DeVault is a local employee. Mr. Howard would like to have Olivia all to himself at all times, while Olivia is developing a great affection toward Fred.

All the while, Olivia feels so guilty for all the lies that she must continue to tell. How can she ever pray to God, much less sit in church, when she knows her life is full of so much deceit?

5 Stars

Southern?  No
Sass?  No

Book Review: The Shack by William P. Young/3 Stars

About the book:

Mackenzie Allen Philips' youngest daughter, Missy, has been abducted during a family vacation and evidence that she may have been brutally murdered is found in an abandoned shack deep in the Oregon wilderness. Four years later in the midst of his Great Sadness, Mack receives a suspicious note, apparently from God, inviting him back to that shack for a weekend. Against his better judgment he arrives at the shack on a wintry afternoon and walks back into his darkest nightmare. What he finds there will change Mack's world forever.

In a world where religion seems to grow increasingly irrelevant "The Shack" wrestles with the timeless question, "Where is God in a world so filled with unspeakable pain?" The answers Mack gets will astound you and perhaps transform you as much as it did him. You'll want everyone you know to read this book!

My thoughts:

After reading this book, I can now see why it is so controversial. While I don't have the same opinions of it as some, I found the majority of the storyline to be completely relevant to the times we're living in today. There were times when I was reading and I just had to stop for awhile to let what I had just read soak in. What spoke to my heart the most was how much I, as a Christian, pass judgment on other people. It's been several days since I read the chapter that deals with that, and it's still not letting me go.

Two things I didn't care for.... 1) I'll admit that I did a double take when I read that God was a woman, but I understood why the author presented God in that way. And 2) I think it was completely unnecessary for swearing to be included in this book. There wasn't a lot, but it was more than I am comfortable reading when a book is labeled as "Christian fiction."

3 Stars

Southern?  No
Sass?  No

Book Review: Splitting Harriet by Tamara Leigh/5 Stars

About the book:

Once upon a time, I was a rebel. And I have the tattoo to prove it.

Then there was the spiked hair–the shade of which changed monthly–“colorful” language that can’t be found in your everyday sixteen-count crayon box, a pack-a-day habit, less-than-modest wardrobe, and an obsession with guitar-trashing, drum-bashing music.

Did I mention I’m also a preacher’s kid? That’s right. And like the prodigal son after whom I modeled myself, I finally saw the error of my ways and returned to the fold.

Today my life is all about “lead me not into temptation.” When I’m not serving as Women’s Ministry Director at my father’s church, I’m working at Gloria’s Morning Café. I even have worthy goals, like saving enough money to buy the café, keep my Jelly Belly habit under control, and to never again hurt the people I love. No more parties. No more unsavory activities. And no more motorcycles! You’d think I was finally on the right track.

But since my dad’s replacement hired a hotshot church consultant to revive our “dying” church, things aren’t working out as planned. And now this “consultant” says I’m in need of a little reviving myself. Just who does this Maddox McCray think he is anyway? With his curly hair that could use a good clipping, tattoo that he makes no attempt to hide, and black leather pants, the man is downright dangerous. In fact, all that’s missing is a motorcycle. Or so I thought… But if he thinks he’s going to take me for a ride on that 1298cc machine of his, he can think again. Harriet Bisset is a reformed woman, and she’s going to stay that way. Even if it kills me!

My thoughts:

Meet Harriet Bisset….. prodigal daughter of a preacher and lover of Jelly Bellys. She also happens to be the director of women’s ministries at the church where her father was the former pastor, and she’s doing her best to keep things from changing too much. Who needs a contemporary worship service when you’ve got a beautiful organ and an organist that’s been faithful to play it for 30 years? Unfortunately for Harri, the church board members have hired a consultant to bring the church into the 21st century.

When consultant Maddox McCray arrives, Harri doesn’t care for him one bit. But when he starts revitalizing the women’s ministry activities, Harri has to admit that maybe he has a clue about what he’s doing. Oh, and how she doesn’t want to have feelings for him, but that’s easier said than done.

This book was so enjoyable, and right up my alley. I loved the occasional touches of humor, and the depth of Harri's character. She tries so hard to please God, and to keep herself above reproach, because Lord knows, she's already had enough of that in her life. Mix Harri's character with all the struggles going on at her church, and you've got a great book that really makes you think. Being a former PK myself, it's not an option to be away from prying eyes and gossip circulating about you and your family. Tamara Leigh did an excellent job of revealing Harri's conflicting emotions about what Harri would prefer to see happen versus what was best for the church as a whole.

5 Stars

Southern?  No
Sass?  Yes, loaded with it!

Book Review: Let Me Fly by Elisa Mayo/4 Stars

About the book:

She wrestles with a decision that will set her feet onto a path from which there is no return. As she stands on the threshold of choosing her way, she faces the question every person wrestles with at some point in her life—which way is the right way? Let Me Fly takes the reader through the joys, heartaches, and victories of discovering God's chosen path. This memorable story is filled with unforgettable characters that mold Celia and support the budding woman as she learns the hard lesson of where the path of the world leads. Will Celia marry the dark, handsome Vince and travel the world with a man claiming a never-ending love? Or will she wait for a different kind of security? Will her dream of happiness be crushed by an adulterous affair?

You will share Celia's life as if it were your own, applauding her happiness and crying when life leaves her broken. And as the Lord resurrects Celia from the ashes of her own crushed spirit, you will remember a time when He did the same for you. Let Me Fly proves to be a refreshing story of love and life, with a back-drop amid the twinkling lights of the city and the refreshing change of pace of small town country living.

My thoughts:

As a teenager, Celia Martin yearns to be free to live a life not dictated by her surroundings. She's grown up in a small-town farm community, and knows that when she gets old enough, she's going to the big city. Fast forward a few years and you'll find a very successful businesswoman who knows that something big is missing in her life. She's also got a coworker that is very interested in her, but she struggles with decisions concerning him. Through all of this, God seems so very far away to her.

I have never read a book that explored so many different emotions in a person's life. There's love, hate, loss, hurt, and I was feeling all this right along with Celia. All the while, though, she knows that her Heavenly Father has not forgotten her just like He doesn't forget any of His children.

"Let Me Fly" is a definite must-read!

4 Stars

Southern?  I think so...???
Sass?  No

**Many thanks to the author for providing a copy for review.

Book Review: Return to Me by Robin Lee Hatcher/5 Stars

About the book:

When Roxy Burke left home for Nashville, she swore she wouldn't come back until she was a star. But it's desperation that drives this prodigal back to her family, and no one is prepared for what happens next.

Roxy has crashed and burned. She's squandered an inheritance, lived a wild life, and wasted her talent. Desperate and ashamed, she now must return to her father and sister, neither of whom she's talked to in seven years.

Roxy's father welcomes his daughter with love and tenderness. But his easy acceptance is hard on Roxy's sister. After years of being the dutiful daughter, Elena feels resentment and anger toward her wayward sister.

Even more problematic is the reaction of Roxy's former boyfriend. Once a rebel, Wyatt has given his life to Christ and plans to enter the ministry. He and Elena are engaged, but Roxy's return raises questions that could mean the end of Elena's perfect future.

The Burke family faces the return of the prodigal and must reach out for healing. Will they each be able to accept God's grace?

My thoughts:

Roxy Burke has messed up bad. With almost no goodbyes, she leaves her whole life in Boise for a new life in Nashville hoping to become the next big country star. Now, seven years later, she's squandered everything, especially her inheritance, and she's no country music star. She's had no contact with her family in Boise, but returning there is really the only choice that she has. Because of the lack of contact, Roxy is completely surprised when she finds that her older sister, Elena, is now engaged to Roxy's old boyfriend, Wyatt, and a wedding is about to take place.

Now, shift to the other side of the story. Elena can't believe all the attention that Roxy's getting now that she's home. She's the modern day prodigal son. She's completely messed up her life, while Elena has worked hard for everything she's ever gotten. Elena feels like no one's giving her any credit, and she's everything short of being flat out rude to her sister. And then, of course, she questions Wyatt if any of his former feelings for Roxy have returned now that she's back home.

I saw myself relating to Elena's feelings throughout this entire book. While there were times that I wanted to beat her upside the head, I knew she had to go through the phases that she did to come to a point of forgiveness. Robin is one of my favorite authors, and every time I read something by her, that book seems to become my new favorite! This book is no exception. I hope she continues with the series (A Carol for Christmas was the first), and maybe delve into Elena's future.

5 Stars

Southern?  A little
Sass?  No