It’s the holiday season, and each of the roommates at 86 Bloomberg Place is a little blue . Megan’s got the boss from hell, and now her mom is going on a cruise, leaving Megan alone for Christmas for the first time ever. Lelani can’t afford to fly home to Hawaii and isn’t sure she’d be welcomed anyway, not that she can admit that to anyone. Anna’s old boyfriend—the one who cheated on her—has sailed back into her life, just when she’s met a for-real “nice guy” she’s been keeping secret from her large, crazy Latino family. And Kendall’s met a famous actor, who might be the answer to her money woes—if she could only convince him she’s the love of his life. His wife might have something to say about that, though. Thank goodness God’s around to listen when the girls need help!

Let’s face it, relationships are hard work—whether they’re with family and friends, coworkers and customers, or boyfriends and girlfriends. And when you’ve got your first apartment, a real job, and grown-up responsibilities, too, relationships are loaded with confusion, emotion, and secrets you can’t tell to anyone but God. Best-selling author Melody Carlson has captured all the uncertainty and joy of being twenty-something in pitch-perfect detail—and their stories just might sound like someone you know.

My Review: Although this is advertised as Christian chick lit, I think it relates to all women.   I bought this book last year, but just finished reading it.  I love reading Christmas books and I enjoyed that aspect of this book, but it could be read at any time of the year.  I noticed that it’s the second book in a series called “86 Bloomberg Place,” but  the author explained enough about the characters that I didn’t feel I needed to go back and read the first book, although I am interested in reading the next book because there were plenty of cliffhangers.  The characters seemed extreme to me, especially Kendall.  I had a hard time with some of Leilani’s choices especially concerning her family, and Megan seemed confused in her faith although she was able to help people because of it.  As I write this I realize that maybe this is more true to life than I originally thought.  People can be extreme, make difficult choices and become confused with their beliefs.  All in all I enjoyed this book and found it a quick read.  Melody Carlson is one of my favorite authors and I’m looking forward to reading her newest Christmas book, The Christmas Dog.