The Friendly Book Nook » Chick Lit

Who Do I Lean On by Neta Jackson

Sally — Mon, 31 May 2010 18:38:03 +0000

Now that Gabby is back on her feet after being in a homeless shelter, she has a new dream that will stretch her faith farther than ever.

Gabby expects a fight from her husband over custody of their boys, but she is taken aback when he leans on her for a loan to cover his gambling debts. When she turns him down, Philip makes a desperate move that puts Gabby, her friends at the shelter, and even the House of Hope at risk.

The props Gabby usually leans on–Jodi, her Yada Yada prayer partner; her friend Harry, the ex-cop; and Lee, her lawyer, who has fallen in love with Gabby–are not always there when she needs them most. Gabby must make a decision that could change the course of her life. But is it for better–or for worse?

My Review: I enjoy these books soooo much. I think it’s because I wish I was in a group like the Yada Yada prayer group! They so take care of each other and everyone else they come into contact with! I can’t really relate to the character Gabby, I would just like to tell her what to do in the case of her love life. I guess my mantra is don’t trust anyone for a while at least. I always love Jodi Baxter and I can relate to her – happy marriage and public school teacher. The only difference is I have three kids and they are older.

I ordered the first parallel novel, Harry Bentley’s Second Chance by Neta Jackson’s husband Dave. Can’t wait to get it. These books take off on the secondary characters in Neta’s books. It will be nice to read about Christian men from a Christian man’s point of view! This book will help me wait until March 2011 when the next book in the series comes out, Who is My Shelter? These books rate at the top of my list of favorite Christian fiction books. Keep them coming, Neta and Dave!

The Coffeehouse Mystery Series by Cleo Coyle

Sally — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 17:56:47 +0000

“The perfect cup of coffee is a mystifying thing. To many of my customers, the entire process seems like some sort of alchemy they dare not try at home….” Ten years ago, Clare Cosi left an unhappy marriage along with a job she loved: managing the historic Village Blend coffeehouse in New York’s Greenwich Village. For a decade, she was happy raising her daughter in the quiet suburbs of New Jersey; but now that Joy is grown and gone, life has gotten way too quiet for Clare. With a little cajoling from Madame, the Blend’s flamboyant, elderly owner, Clare agrees to return to her old job, and right from the start she gets one heck of a jolt. On her first morning back as Village Blend manager, Clare unlocks the front door to find her beautiful, young assistant manager unconscious in the back of the store, coffee grounds strewn everywhere. As Anabelle is rushed to the hospital, police arrive to investigate, but Detective Mike Quinn finds no sign of forced entry or foul play, and he deems it an accident. Clare disagrees; and after Quinn leaves, there are a few questions she just can’t get out of her mind, like why was the trash bin in the wrong place? If this wasn’t an accident, are her other baristas in danger? And are all NYPD detectives this attractive?

My Review: This is my new favorite series. I love the setting – a coffeehouse in Greenwich Village, New York City – I can relate to the main character – Clare Cosi, and the mystery keeps me engaged. It is difficult to figure out “who did it.” There is usually a twist in the end, so I THINK I know, but I really don’t – I like that! In the end it all comes together and makes perfect sense. Again, this author has added recipes and hints for making great coffee! I haven’t exactly read these in order but I’m on my fifth story, Murder Most Frothy, I have downloaded two of them to my Nook, and have bought the ones which aren’t available to download on my Nook. I look forward to reading the rest. A new one is available for pre-order titled Roast Mortem will be I believe book 9 in the series. I plan to read them all.

Hannah’s List by Debbie Maccomber

Sally — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 14:53:24 +0000

On the anniversary of his beloved wife’s death, Dr. Michael Everett receives a letter Hannah had written him. In it she reminds him of her love and makes one final request. An impossible request. I want you to marry again. She tells him he shouldn’t spend the years he has left grieving her. And to that end she’s chosen three women she asks him to consider. During the months that follow, he spends time with Winter, Leanne, and Macy, learning more about each of them…and about himself. Learning what Hannah already knew. He’s a man who needs the completeness only love can offer. And Hannah’s list leads him to the woman who can help him find it.

Macomber2010Bookmark

This book is slated to be published in May of 2010 – be watching for it!

My Review: This was a great read! I cried and I laughed. If you have read any of the Blossom Street books, you will recognize many of the characters. What a different concept. A husband receives a letter from his dead wife which listed three women she wanted him to consider for remarriage. He thought it impossible because he was still deeply grieving her death. The characters are colorful and probably resemble some of your friends. I know they reminded me of people I know. Three couples are highlighted so I would call this book a romance and slice of life read. The link above will take you to a Debbie Maccomber bookmark that lists all of her books being published in 2010. I’m also looking forward to the new Cedar Cove book. If you enjoy easy, enjoyable reading with happy endings you will love this book!

Let Them Eat Fruitcake by Melody Carlson

Sally — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:40:49 +0000

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.

Hedge Fund Wives by Tatiana Boncompagni

Sally — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 20:41:15 +0000

From Back Cover: When her husband, John, is recruited to be a big-time hedge fund manager, Marcy Emerson gives up her job, uproots her life, and moves from Chicago to New York City. But try as she might, March is never going to fit into one of the supposed seven categories of Hedge Fund Wives – the Accidental, the Westminster, the Stephanie Seymour, the Former Secretary, the Socialite, the Workaholic, or the Breeder – especially when behind every male may lurk a stab in the back.

In a perfect world John would have been there to help her navigate the waters, but in this volatile financial market, relationships have a way of nosediving faster than the Dow, and Marcy quickly finds herself tossed aside for a thinner, blonder model. But while living out of suitcases and drowning her sorrows in cocktails, Marcy realizes it’s time to get back up on her own two feet again…and fight for those things in life that are far more important than money.

My Review: Every once in a while it is fun to take a peek at how the “other half” lives, and this book provides just that. I liked the main character, Marcy, but found her rather naive and gullible at times. Her marriage and family dynamics were both rather odd to me. Neither seemed especially healthy, although in many ways, she herself seemed healthy and she was likable. Her husband, John, was the kind of man you love to hate. The marriage never seemed especially stable from the beginning of the book. As you can tell from the description of the book above, people who seemingly have it all are still not necessarily happy. I enjoyed this book, but I could live without the overuse of the f word and graphic sexual scenes. There were also a few blatant errors in editing. Overall, I found Hedge Fund Wives an enjoyable and entertaining read with a happy ending.

Review: The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks

Sally — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 23:25:30 +0000

Product Description: In his 14th book, bestselling author Nicholas Sparks tells the unforgettable story of a man whose brushes with death lead him to the love of his life.

Is there really such thing as a lucky charm? The hero of Nicholas Sparks’s new novel believes he’s found one in the form of a photograph of a smiling woman he’s never met, but who he comes to believe holds the key to his destiny. The chain of events that leads to him possessing the photograph and finding the woman pictured in it is the stuff of love stories only a master such as Sparks can write.

My Review: I always find Nicholas Sparks’ books rather surreal, and this one was no exception. I will say it was the first one I have finished since Night in Rodanthe (I have all the ones in between as well). He is a great writer and the story was riveting, just not at all true to life. The characters are likeable (except the one you are not supposed to like), the setting was great (a dog kennel in rural North Carolina), and the story which was quite romantic was also very engaging. I read it in two days. I have a problem with the dichotomy of a couple going to a Baptist church also sleeping together. I don’t know why this is always necessary. However, I liked this book and recommend it if you are looking for a great and entertaining escape. I wonder if this one will become a movie?

Review: Sunset by Karen Kingsbury

Sally — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 06:00:00 +0000

Product Description
As John Baxter makes plans to marry Elaine, one of the Baxters enters into the most trying season of all. During a time of renewed love and hope for the future, the Baxters try to come together to establish the sacred ground of marriage and to chart a course for the future. Memories of times gone by meet with the changes of today in a story that proves only the support of faith and family can take a person into the sunset years of life.

My Review: This is the last book of many books of the Baxter Family. Whew! Never fear dieheart fans – I read that these characters will make some visits in future Kingsbury books, so don’t fear withdrawal.

I don’t want to ruin this book for you, but it was, in my opinion rather weak. The ending was happy and most of the loose ends were tied up – no huge surprises. I think it’s time for this series to end, although I do feel like I know the Baxters. I do not, however, know anyone LIKE the Baxters. The same Scripture verses are used repeatedly throughout the series. I think this is one reason I like the Baxter series; that is, it is somewhat realistic and God always answers prayers the way we feel He should. I will continue to read Karen Kingsbury books – they draw out deep emotion in me and provide a positive escape. I enjoy the nice, sweet story. I recommend this book, it’s a good ending to a long series.

8 Sandpiper Way by Debbie Macomber

Sally — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 07:46:26 +0000

Product Description
Dear Reader,I have something to confide in you. I think my husband, Dave, might be having an affair. I found an earring in his pocket, and it’s not mine. I’m also worried because some jewelry was recently stolen from an old woman—and Dave used to visit her a lot.

You see, he’s a pastor. And a good man. I can’t believe he’s guilty of anything, but why won’t he tell me where he’s been when he comes home so late?

Reader, I’d love to hear what you think. I also want to tell you what’s going on with your other friends in Cedar Cove. Like Sheriff Troy Davis, to mention one. His long-ago love, Faith Beckwith, just moved here!

So come on in and join me for a cup of tea.

Emily Flemming

My Review: I love this series! This is the eighth book in the series named “Cedar Cove.” Each book is named after an address, and the main characters are the family who live there. The other characters in the town are interspersed throughout the story as well. So you are able to revisit favorite characters. This book resonated with me because it was about a pastor’s family. These books are quite realistic as one of the characters goes through cancer treatment, the pastor’s family is not perfect, and relationships need lots of work. The book is relatively clean with very little offensive language. I also love the setting in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. The next book in this series is a Christmas book. I already have that book in my pile to read. I recommend Dabbie Macomber books to anyone who likes a relaxing and enjoyable escape. She has written several series and I am in the midst of reading them all!

Review: Fearless Fourteen by Janet Evanovich

Sally — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 06:00:52 +0000

This is yet another Stephanie Plum novel.

Partial Comments From the Cover: Dom Rizzi robbed a bank, stashed the money, and did the time. His family couldn’t be more proud. He always was the smart one. Joe Morelli, Dom Rizzi, and Dom’s sister, Loretta, are cousins. Morelli is a cop, Rizzi robs banks, and Loretta is a single mother waiting tables at the firehouse. The all-American family. Less than a week after Dom’s release from prison, Joe Morelli has shadowy figures breaking into his house and dying in his basement. He’s getting threatening messages, Loretta is kidnapped, and Dom is missing. How will Stephanie Plum solve this one – and WHO will help her?

My comments: I read these books because they remind me of my home, New Jersey. The setting is Trenton, NJ. The characters are likeable and humorous. They are over the top in my comfort zone as far as language, graphic sex, and adultery; so I try to fast forward through those parts. There are a couple of story lines. Everything is resolved in the end. I love Grandma Mazur who is Stephanie’s grandma and in this story she gets involved with a teenage character and is seriously playing video games. She is NOT your typical older lady! I just wish Stephanie would choose a man and settle down. She can’t choose between two – Ranger and Morelli. I think I’m routing for Morelli – he’s just a little bit more traditional and settled (although some might argue with me about that).

This is the fourteenth book in the series, and I think it would be best to put it to rest.

Act Two: A Novel With Perfect Pitch by Kimberly Stuart

Amy — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 06:00:31 +0000

About the Book: New Yorker Sadie Maddox is the toast of the classical music world and the queen of all she surveys in short, she’s a bit of a diva. But lately her CD sales are sagging, not to mention parts of her anatomy. Maybe it’s time for a change. Something new. A second act. So when her agent suggests she take on a professorship at a small liberal arts college, Sadie decides to give it a go. Ivy-covered walls, worshipful students . . . oh yes, the ivory tower has its appeal. And she needs the money.

Except the college is in rural Iowa, and the closest thing to designer clothes is the western wear shop down on Main Street. Sadie’s colleagues are intimidated, her students aren’t impressed, and she has to live far too close to farm animals.

And when Sadie meets Mac, a large animal veterinarian, she assumes they have nothing in common he is, after all, a country music fan.

But when the semester ends, Sadie packs up and decamps for the city that never sleeps . . . and finds she can’t, either. This laugh-out-loud novel about second chances will have readers cheering as Sadie struggles to find her life’s second act

My Review: This was my first novel by Kimberly Stuart and I loved it! It was laugh out loud funny and just a pure delight to read. I breezed through it rather quickly, and was sorry when it was over.

There is a delightful cast of characters, all very different from each other. I have to admit, I’m not much of an opera fan so I probably would have added immensely to Sadie’s problem of being recognized. I cringed at her snobbiness at first (though I can imagine leaving New York would be very hard!), cheered her successes, and yes, rejoiced in the ending.

This book would serve as a great summer read, even if a lot of it takes place in the dead of winter. It’s nice to remember that sometimes it gets cold when you’re so very hot!

You can check out Act Two on Amazon.
Visit Kimberly Stuart’s website.
Look at a sample of the book at David C. Cook’s website.