South Carolina Books

Forever Blue by Suzanne Brockmann
Silhouette Intimate Moments # 742 - October 1996

Carter aka Blue is on leave from Alpha Squad to be his stepbrother's best man. The whole town is talking and speculating whether Blue will show up, because his brother Gerry is marrying Blue's high school sweetheart, Jenny Lee. After changing careers, Lucy finds herself back home, and now on the town police. She's had a crush on Blue since he rescued her from five bully's when she was 15 years old. She's read everything she could get her hands on about Navy SEALs, so she's well aware of the kind of life Blue leads. When Blue's brother Gerry is murdered by the twist of his neck, of course, Blue is the main suspect. Everyone is willing to accept that the motive is jealous rage. Lucy's been assigned to investigate the murder, and she's torn between her attraction to Blue and going by the book. And when the motel refuses to rent Blue a room when he's ordered not to leave town, Lucy has no choice but to take him in ... and things heat up.

I can certainly agree with the rave reviews Ms. Brockmann has received for her Navy SEALs series. She is a magnificent story teller. Her characters come alive and the suspense and action keep you reading on and on. Add in a sizzling romance, and this is one of those books I know I'll be wanting to read again and again.

Another great read in the TALL, DARK AND DANGEROUS series featuring SEAL Team Ten. If you're following this series, you don't want to miss this installment. Plus, I just love Blue McCoy, and he and Lucy make the perfect couple!

Suzanne Brockmann is a fantastic writer, the story is good, the dialogue even better - except one thing - a seemingly continuous need to throw the word 'mercy' in every few pages. It gets very annoying - and sounds so very prissy, coming from a Navy Seal hero - I don't care if they do say it in the south! Otherwise, a great story, and a great ability to make predictable sex scenes very unpredictable. Recommend it!

Check out - Blind Spot - Romantic Suspense with environmental theme

I've never read a Suzanne Brockmann novel before, but I get the impression that she's well-loved by her fans. Perhaps love has blinded them to the flaws of FOREVER BLUE. I give this book 3 & 1/2 stars.

While I must admit, that the book is another, which I read in record time, I felt cheated in the end: Carter 'Blue' McCoy (ironic name given the coy feel of this story) and Lucy Tait are two characters who start off making the reader think they will be very unique romance novel leads--that is, unconventionally and refreshingly direct and honest with their thoughts and feelings. Nonetheless, Suzanne Brockmann very conveniently...and frustratingly decided to throw a roadblock 'mystery' up between them, putting the two would-be lovers on opposite sides for too much of the book.

To be brief, Blue is a Navy Seal who has taken a vacation to visit his hometown and to be the best man in the wedding of his stepbrother...and Blue's highschool sweetheart. Local rookie cop, Lucy Tait, who has had a crush on Blue since highschool starts off as a tool for Blue to use to release some sexual steam and a way for Lucy to make her dreams a reality. Their first date goes awry, but they both find that they have bigger problems on their hands when the next day finds Blue's stepbrother dead...and Blue a prime suspect. When Lucy is assigned the lead on the case, fate takes the choice of 'romance' off the menu for Blue and Lucy until the murder is solved...or does it??

Well, while the first steaming chapters of dialogue and interaction between these two promised a great deal, they delivered very little. The two love scenes between these two were not worth the wait, and left this reviewer feeling surprised and let-down.

FOREVER BLUE had a great romance foundation that was not built upon properly. The purported 'love' between Blue and Lucy felt more like hero-worship together with a healthy dose of low self-esteem on Lucy's part and like a case of the little head ruling the big head and a little gratitude and loneliness on the part of Blue.

The Navy SEAL information was incredibly interesting and added a lot of depth to Blue; it was fascinating and the most tasty ingredient in Brockmann's literary recipe. I just wish that more time had been taken to flesh out Lucy, who I think could have been a really marvelous and special character; the tidbits about her having been on the boys' basketball and baseball teams or her life as an entrepreneur...or anything more about her background would have helped the reader 'see' her more clearly.

And finally, the story centering on a murder and the ensuing charge hanging over Blue's head was poor for a couple of reasons: The circumstances and motive didn't really make sense, and was not clearly explained in the rush of final chapters; the victim's involvement and character should have been more developed, both to make the connection to Blue feel more real and to give the reader more insight as to why he would have been involved in the conspiracy.

Potentially Incredible, Actually Unsatisfying.

SEAL executive officer Carter "Blue" McCoy is on leave to attend the wedding of his step brother Gerry in Hatboro, South Carolina. The town is anticipating his arrival because Gerry is marrying Blue's former girlfriend, Jenny Lee. But no one is as excited about his arrival as Lucy Tait. A rookie officer with the Hatboro PD, Lucy remembers Blue fondly as the guy who rescued her from bullies back when they were teens.

While trying to break up a fight, it is Blue who subdues the baddies, again rescuing Lucy. Suddenly she is on the receiving end of his smoldering eyes, and when he asks her to attend the engagement party as his date, Lucy is pretty excited and has big plans to seduce him. But those plans never materialize - at the engagement party; an apparently drunken Gerry picks a fight with Blue, who leaves the party with intentions of leaving Hatboro first thing in the morning. When Gerry suddenly turns up dead, Blue is the prime suspect. With the police convinced of his guilt, the town against him and nowhere to turn, Lucy takes Blue in and lets him stay in her spare room, which causes plenty of gossip in the small town. Lucy is the only one who believes that Blue was set up - now she just has to prove it without losing her heart.

No one creates sexy alpha heroes like Brockmann. The humor, tenderness, and exciting plot are early indications of her talent which comes out in later novels like "Hot Target" and the excellent "Over the Edge."

Having been pleased with a couple of Whitlow's previous books, I purchased Life Support with the same set of expectations. I found the book very well written - the main plot, sub-plots and characters well developed. However, the ending was pathetic. Unlike other books in a series, you cannot read this book alone. At the end, if you want to call it that, you are left with NOTHING resolved. I have never been more disappointed with a novel.

Whitlow's Life Support has a well-designed plot. It is better than the average Christian fiction book, which often has a formula offering predictable outcomes. This book will make you think. It is believable, and I really love it. The characters are realistic. Author, With Great Mercy.

Let me say first that I like Robert Whitlow a lot. Jimmy is one the best books I've read in a long while. This was an excellent story with insight to the legal world and the complexities of the attorney-clent privilege. But, this could have easily been told in one book. Life Support cannot stand on its own without Life Everlasting and vice-versa. Sequels are great but only when the story can't be told in one novel.

I have thoroughly enjoyed all of Robert Whitlow's books and devoured each one within a day. Life Support is no exception to his growing list of fascinating novels. It is refreshing to read a well-written book with an engaging plot that also has a solid, moral foundation. I eagerly look forward to his next work.

This is the first Robert Whitlow book that I have read. I'm so pleased. The spiritual tidbits that were just for me at the time I needed them were amazing. I had to keep going back to read them. Whitlow's insight about the love relationship being spiritual instead of just with the mind hit me with such force.

His description of the spiritual birth was so accurate. It was the first time I have ever heard anyone describe it. The whole paragraph was beautiful and became holy.

The plot is great. Another 4 1/2 hours of sleep night because I could not put it down.

Excellent book for anyone to read. I also pruchased the teen version for my son. It is an excellent book as well.

This year our baseball team (comprised of 13-16 yr olds) decided end of year trophies would be a little juvenile for the boys. The coach let me know about this book and thought it would be a good idea to give each of the boys one for the end of the season gift. We did and it was very well received! An amazing book for anyone that aspires to do something more with their life!

Well written and very easy to read! I highly reccomend!

This book provides an excellent insight into the life of Lou Holtz and his motivational attitude on life. His dry humor will make you laugh, his thoughts inspiring, and make you think W.I.N. for those tough decisions in life.

Lou listed some great stories.

In fact that is one reason why this is a great book, because Lou is an AWESOME story teller.
Listen to the audio book as you read, Lou narrates this book very well.

Lou has lived an amazing life.
He just got it done, no matter what he does.
Anyone can pick up some great tips about being more successful from this book.

Paul

This is an excellent read! You won't want to put it down and it will make you do some self examination.

I do enjoy the Idigo Tea shop mysteries. The history, tea, and an intellegent Heroin make this series a delight. The Orchids and the garden setting made for one intresting story.

The book was exactly as described by seller. I was very pleased with this purchase.

Childs again brings us an intriguing mystery set around Theodosia's Tes Shop. The unexpected twist kept me involved. I enjoyed this one- as I have her past tales- and look forward to upcoming mysteries.

I enjoyed this book very much. It kept up the quality of all of her other novels in this series. Look forward to the next one.

The Indigo Tea Shop in Charleston's historic district is doing well. Theodosia Browning even has a line of T-Bath products. Drayton, their tea blending expert, is planning new signature teas for the shop and getting used to the idea of an intern working with him. Then tragedy strikes at the Annual Plantation Ramble where Theo had supplied the refreshments. At first the death is ruled to be from natural causes but later it's found to be murder and Theo promises to help find the killer, as the victim's wife is overwhelmed with disaster on top of disaster.

This, the eighth of the Tea Shop Mysteries, continues to develop the characters that have been introduced and continued in the series. As much as one might read the book for the whodunit and whodidit, it's a chance to visit again with people we know and care for. The major part of series is that when you read the story it's like catching up with a yearly letter..

Childs manages to bring us into the story and the setting. There's information about teas and their blends. Descriptions of the historic houses, clothes, and food, reading becomes a very sensual experience filled with vivid descriptions. Because of the descriptions you get caught up in Theo's life and experiences. She's a woman who manages to be at the center of things -- outgoing and friendly with a strong organizational sense, people confide in her and trust her. So, it seems natural that she'd be asked to look into the murder by the victim's wife. Childs doesn't have Theo charge around like a PI but simply listen, observe and report to the authorities as often as she can. However, when the authorities don't take her hints, well then she may follow up on her own because she has to be sure that all avenues are explored.

After reading some bad reviews I was concerned, but I have to tell you this book was thought provoking and a good tale. I am not into saving the environment, and I did not find this to be preachy in anyway as some of the reviews stated. If you enjoy a book about family, love and caring this is a great story. There is much more than saving Sweet grass and it is a good life lesson!

I really do love everything this author has written as do my daughter and Mom who have read them as well! I love the stories that Mary Alice Monroe writes and how she weaves love of and experience of nature into stories of family and relationship.

I love books from the Carolinas in the Pat Conroy tradition even though I'm from North Dakota and have lived in Houston, Texas almost 20 years. These books have developed my joy of the sea. I always thought I was a lake person but not anymore!

In this book Mary Alice Monroe tells us all about losing the land we love. How money, illness and greed has destroyed our farms and land. The low country is featured in this book. It along with beautiful land all over our once beautiful country is dissapearing so fast, it's here one day and gone tomorrow. That's what happens to the Blakely family when the elder father has a stroke. What do they do now? Can they afford to keep the land that developers would love to get their hands on. This a book about love of that land and family. About hanging on by your fingernails and making baskets, one at a time, slowly and lovingly. It's about preserving our heritage and fighting for what's most dear to us. Very good book. The story gives us an even greater lesson then we realize unless we take the time to look at our shrinking lowlands.

ANOTHER WONDERFUL BOOK FROM MARY ALICE MONROE! I HOPE SHE KEEPS THEM COMING.
ENDEARING,MAKES YOU FEEL LIKE YOU REALLY KNOW THE PEOPLE.

I must be on a Southern Lit kick because I read this one in one day ~~ since it was too hot to be outside, it seems logical to sit and read a book ... which is what I did. I found this book in a rummage sale also and since I have read one of her earlier works, I've been searching for more of her titles. I found this one and didn't regret it. It is the perfect summer read!

This novel is based on a family riddled with secrets that continued to haunt them to the present. There's Mama June, there's her husband, Preston, who was befelled by a horrible stroke. There's Nan, their daughter, married to an ambitious businessman, and mom to two teenage sons. There's Morgan, the prodigal son, home from Montana where he had lived for ten years, fighting to preserve the bison there. They all come back together when Preston had a severe stroke. The story weaves between past and present, with other characters involved, like Nona, the housekeeper/cook whose family has strong and long ties with the Blakely family over the centuries. She is also a sweetgrass basket weaver. There's Kristina, the therapist who became very involved with the entire family and there's Adele, Preston's sister, who wants nothing more than to get rid of Sweetgrass and all it holds.

This book is about family relationships, love and death, and rediscovering love all over again ~~ going back into memory lane and fighting for what is important. It is an endearing book. It is sweet and sentimental. It will keep you thumbing through the pages to find out how it ends (even if it is more predictable than you expected ... but all ends well is a happy novel, right?), and it's the perfect summer read ~~ so if you're going to the beach or to the lake or even to the pool, be sure to grab a copy of this novel. It's perfect for the plane ride too ~~ so kick back with a glass of iced tea and enjoy!

7-6-07

I entirely disagree with the reader below me. (Everyone owned slaves back then, except for, notably, Alexander Hamilton, who hated slavery, and yes, he wasn't the only one. But still, the focus of the book was Theodosia, not Aaron.)

I came across Theodosia while I was watching the PBS Home Video "The Duel" (which I recommend if you are interested in Alexander Hamilton, Aaron Burr, the duel itself, or politics in that time period). I wanted to know more about her and purchased this book. I'm glad I did! This biography seems more like a novel because of the incredible, fast-paced journey it leads you on into the past. I especially liked the last few chapters, when the author explored Theodosia's possible fates and the "mystery of the Nag's Head portrait." This whole book never had a boring moment, so if you are interested in this great yet unknown woman or her infamous father, read this book ASAP!

I hate to rain on the parade of all these glowing reviews, but this book is a product of shoddy, lazy, amateurish research. A full 59% of the footnotes are based on secondary sources, & a full 25% of those are from one source alone which the author himself admits is unreliable. The section on Aaron Burr's mother is based on a "source" well-known for decades to be [untrue]. The discussion of Burr as a "slave-owner" is totally misleading, based on assumptions for which there is no evidence, & completely overlooks Burr's well known anti-slavery record. I could go on & on, but you get the picture. The book is full of factual errors, misleading assumptions, & faulty logic. Theodosia Burr Alston needs a good biography, but this isn't it.

I first heard about Theodosia Burr while visiting Charleston, SC, earlier this year. The tour guide mentioned she was Aaron Burr's daughter, a woman educated like a man and raised to be future Empress of Mexico, who disappeared at sea and was rumored to be stolen away by pirates. I was fascinated and determined to learn more. When I looked up Theodosia on Amazon, Richard N. Cote's book came up. I bought it immediately.

I was not disappointed. The biography "Theodosia Burr Alston: Portrait of a Prodigy" by Richard N. Cote was a fun ride through history. While the book could use more editing, the story itself was intriguing. A Revolutionary War hero and infamous duelist, Aaron Burr raised his only child to be female version of himself: a sophisticated, intelligent, free-thinking prodigy who socialized with French nobility, Native American Chiefs, and quite a few famous Americans, including President George Washington and Dolly Madison.

What I discovered reading this, however, was that Theodosia herself did not interest me as much as her father. In fact, something about her turned me off. I found myself skimming sections about her to learn more about her charismatic father, Aaron Burr, whose mercurial career in politics and wild scheme to conquer Mexico made for a much more interesting story.

All in all, "Theodosia" was a great book in terms of history. I learned quite a bit about our Founding Fathers and what life was like after the War in the newly formed US. I also enjoyed satisfying my curiosity about Theodosia's education and death, as it is an interesting footnote in history. But more importantly to me, I was pleased to learn so much about Aaron Burr, the third Vice President of the US. He is the true hero of this book.

What an in depth and at times riveting account of Theodosia, the beautiful and very gifted daughter of Vice President and scheming traitor, Aaron Burr. This is a story that has been told before but never brilliantly as in Mr. Cote's sweeping tale. The author brings to life the romantic and tragic heroine, Theodosia, so vividly that the reader truly feels her joys and pain. From her privileged upbringing by a father who was a brilliant but flawed man to her marriage into South Carolina's wealthiest family and eventually to her mysterious death at age 28, this is a story that carries us through the ballrooms and political intrigue of the 18th and early 19th Century. Theodosia, the most well educated woman of her time, was destined by her ambitious father to be empress of Mexico in a scheme both treasonous and ultimately ruinous. Theodosia vanished at sea in 1812 leaving behind a haunting portrait that washed up on a North Carolina beach and a story so intriguing that it lingers in the heart and mind long after the book is finished.

There is little doubt that Vice President Aaron Burr was the single, most important person in the world to this young, and impressionable young woman: and why not? He was, after all, her father, the person most likely to offer her his best nurturing protection, validate her worth, and interpret the world as he would like her to see it, educating her for what he perceived it to be, in its complexity as well as its simplicity. As his most unconditional admirer, she apparently did the same for him, and as his trusted confidant, the author spectacularly preserves and presents their special relationship of father and daughter with reasonable success despite the number of rumors, accusations, and hype that usually accompanies infamous figures in history, allowing us to appreciate the complexities of political environments, personal relations, and complex events in a very readable and eloquent fashion, in today's conjecture of thought and reason as best he can from a 200 year old antique history. An insightful account of a very colorful period of American history. While certain presumptions may well be far fetched, certainly the inquiry is a valuable contribution to what can only be called one of the very few accounts of the importance of females in the lives of historical figures.

I just discovered this author and am enjoying each of the books I have read. Flies on the Butter was especially a great read as the relationship between the grandfather and granddaughter reminded me of my childhood and our relationship. Also, her relationship with her Mother - right there also. So many of the comments on church, food, activities - it took me back. I would recommend.

The story line had a lot of promise. I wanted so much to love Rose and love her story, but I think the book became trite and boring. I have a hard time believing a husband would be that forgiving. I liked all the people Rose met along her journey; I just didn't feel her repentance for her actions. It really did not grab me and I believe it could have.

Denise Hildreth's "Flies on the Butter" is my kind of novel! I was so fascinated by the inner workings of her heroine, Rose, that I had to make this novel the "dessert" of my day or I would not have gotten my own writing done. If you love mysteries, you'll enjoy following the trail of what's been going on in Rose's life. If you like relationship novels, you'll be in reader heaven with "Flies on the Butter," and you'll be thrilled with the outcome. Her novel is smut-free, a very important criteria for me. I am delighted to find another novelist who writes about the things I write about and creates the kind of books I love to read. Readers, you don't want to miss "Flies on the Butter"! It's really a great book to look forward to as you finish your work day! Kay Moser, novelist www.kaymoser.com

Thirty-something Rose Fletcher, a successful lobbyist in Washington, D.C., is on her way to visit her small town Southern home for the first time in a long time, but there's a lot more to her than meets the eye. The novel's fairly traditional prodigal/coming home plot is enlivened by the author's Southern charm, wit, and sensibility. The storyline flows smoothly, the flashbacks are natural, and the character development is strong. It's the kind of book that won't let you stay at arm's length; it demands to pull you in. And you won't be sorry.

This is a thought-provoking tale which takes place during a high-powered, successful lobbyist's long drive from Washington DC to her hometown in South Carolina. During this drive, we learn of her life through phone calls and emails to her Blackberry from her office and clients, her estranged husband (whose calls she doesn't return), and also from her cousin and brother who have already gathered for a huge family reunion she is duty-bound to attend after staying away for years. The reader begins to realize her frantic need to escape the confused emotions from her past when she chooses not to fly but drive her car to put off the confrontation. Along the way, she encounters a convenience store person, a waitress, and a pastor who sees her need and unhappiness and cause her to remember and re-experience her early years. As she confronts the issues that have kept her emotions frozen, the reader is swept along enjoying the humor and wisdom of this book. I didn't want to put it down until the last page.

The most useful book we found about Asheville. Fun to read, full of info and excellent photos. For visitors or new residents. Only problem is it is out of print.

This book is an interesting relic of history, but it's now completely outdated. Most of the locations and stores are closed, and much of the "underground" information is wholly inaccurate. Only worth buying for that limited set of people who have a nostalgia for what the town used to be.

This book is a must have for anyone living in Asheville,moving to or just visiting Asheville.I moved just outside of Asheville a couple of years ago and this book has been a great guide to find things to see and do around the Greater Asheville area,this book has alot of places to go and see that usally you only find out about by living here for years or word of mouth so this book is a great information guide for showing your out of town guest around the city and the near by mounatins.Tom's Great humor adds a friendly feeling to it and you feel like your talking to a friend and it keeps you reading right though until
the end!Also Gail's great photos are great to look at but I wish there were more of them and I would like to see a Part Two to this book and maybe some more of Gail Forsyth-Kerr's great photos of Asheville added to it.So order this book you will not be sorry until you get to the end and still want to hear more about this great mountain City!Thanks Tom + Gail!!
Ken Benjamin
APPLE CREEK FARM
SPRING CREEK,NC

This book is what all travel guides should be. It makes suggestions for great places to visit and gives detailed instructions on how to get there.

This book did not leave my side for my entire visit! It was like having a (really fun) friend in the city! Found places we never would have on our own. A+++!!

maggie of course is the follow up to THE DEAD DON'T DANCE and like it, it is very well written and very hard to put down...another winner in my book, pun intended...jr

Charles Martin is such a realistic writer. His stories are so "human", in that things happen in his books that actually happen to "real people". In "Maggie", his sequel to "The Dead Don't Dance", he writes in such a way you can enjoy this book, even if you didn't read the first one. I had read the first one, which made the second one very exciting!
Mary Lee Howard, Andalusia, Alabama

This book is not what you expect in a series. It picks up and tells a very different story than the first book. Martin writes by painting with many different colors and textures, and presents places and images with a unique and fresh talent of expression.
Distinctive among many excellent Christian Fiction novels, Martin uses memorable characters that readers can relate to, which are everyday people feeling the pain and struggles of everyday life and celebrate in the simple pleasures of living.

Maggie was the second book in a two part series by Charles Martin. The series was great and Maggie particularly compelling.
Charles Martin is a young author who needs far more recognition in my estimation.
His books are compelling, thoughtful, inspirational, and well written. I have read all of his works, and have ordered the new one which will come out this month.
Hope he goes far and writes for a long time.

This book is a great sequel to The Dead Don't Dance. Charles Martin is a talented author who really gets deep into his characters' lives. His stories are riveting and uplifting.

I've got to say it took me forever to get into this book. I just finished it 30 seconds ago ... and I'm glad the long journey has come to an end. Usually I am so engrossed in a book I can't put it down ... this one I had to force myself to keep reading. But I finished it ... it kept calling me back, I wanted to know the end and I'm glad I did. This book had some laugh out loud parts to it ... and it had a surprising depth, that you wouldn't expect from such a sleeper of a book.

I'm a little wary at starting Lost in Rooville ... but hopefully it will surprise me like A Delirious Summer did.

After reading Flabbergasted, I quickly became a fan of Ray Blackston and his quirky characters. And he impressed me even more with Delirious Summer. There is such an element of fun in his decriptions of the many wacky characters in this book that I could not help but be amused. Unlike other writers in the Christian fiction genre, Blackston doesn't try to shove oversimplified moral lessons down his readers' throats; he offers us instead insight into the minds of normal, flawed people and how they approach their relationships with God. Who wouldn't want to read about a man who climbs roofs to talk to God, a mentor who uses a tangelo to instruct young men about the nature of love, or a girl with a piercing who has a milkshake ministry? Great book. Great author.

This was something that I charged into head on. I can easily say that I took the same route with "Flabbergasted", and I found an author that I want to keep up to date. I didn't exactly blast through this like I can do with other reads, but I did finish it, and I can say that I recommend it. I can easily see why this might be a favorite for some, yet I can also see how others might have been in some spots and this and thought, "COME ON! Let's pick up the pace, Blackston." There are times where I'll pick up what I'll label a mediocre read, yet it'll leave me craving for more in the end. That's how this was for me.

So, is this where we depart with Jay Jarvis? Probably not, but we do meet Neil Rucker. By the way, Jay is the slowest Spanish student that Neil has EVER had to endure. You'll join Neil on furlough to South Carolina. I think my major disappointment was that I expected a whole lot of wacky stuff, just like in book #1. But while it wasn't filled with that, there were instances where I was able to laugh out loud a few times. So when Neil meets Jay's friends, (Darcy, Steve, Alexis & Lydia) they all go on a beach trip. Neil is personally looking to find love, while others might be looking to rekindle old flames amidst fire. Take another ride in Lime Sherbet! Through it all we learn a little bit about crabbing, maybe a lesson with a tangelo, but ultimately we learn a huge lesson about change. This is about learning how to hit the curve balls that God throws at you. Yeah, you may hear of some church hopping here and there, but that isn't exactly the main idea here.

So, was I glad I made this journey when it was all over? Yeah, I really was. I just didn't realize it was going to be such a long trip! I personally thought there were a few too many unanswered questions. Oh well. Will this keep me from reading Ray Blackston in the future? No way. I look forward to my next read by him, and I'm really looking for a big surprise! My hopes are indeed up, Mr. Blackston, and I'll be diving deep into the next read with more gusto than ever.

While this wasn't my favorite read, I can still say thank you for the change of pace. Keep on keepin' on!

Christian Spanish Teacher Dude (& friend of formerly-Agnostic-Stockbroker-turned-Christian-Missionary Dude) braves newly-charted Christian Singles dating scene waters until Ecuadorian tragedy strikes.

I guess I'm in the minority in saying that this book wasn't one of my favorites.

I'm not particularly interested in the "lad-lit" type of books. I did like the humor, but there didn't seem to be much depth to the characters or the storylines. It seemed that the main point of the guys was to get a woman and the women were church-hopping just to find a man. It was like THE most important thing. And that all seemed to ignore the point of going to church--to worship God among believers.

It seemed whenever a storyline or character looked promising, the author seemed to stop exploring yet. I started to take an interest in Neil and Alexis when they talked about their parents, how Alexis was rejected by her father. But after the one conversation, the storyline didn't develop. The same with Darcy and her parents, who threatened to cut her off because of her Christian beliefs. I thought the fire at the missionary story showed promise, but that seemed to end and didn't seem to indicate that it would go anywhere.

So, I was not to excited about this book. Others might enjoy it though. At least the humor and the relationships were clean, and not trashy as in a lot of books these days.