Favorite Christian Books

Archive for the ‘Comedy’ Category

Description

All Madi Lee McCall wants is to fall madly in love again…with her husband. After a rough patch, Madi’s determined to get her marriage back on track. She’s even taking a romance class at church and getting great suggestions…that fail miserably. The distractions are plenty. She has just reentered the workplace as a health spa receptionist. Her 16-year-old daughter, Christina, is pushing the limits, and Christina’s twin, Max, has fallen hard for a girl who isn’t Madi’s picture of a perfect match for her son. Even younger daughter, Emily, is developing a teenager-ish attitude. When her mother-in-law moves in-temporarily, of course-the stress starts to drive Madi a little crazier than normal. What she wants, more than anything, is some peace among the chaos.

The Interview

I’m so excited to have Lynda at Favorite Christian Books again with her second book in the “Madi” series, Madily In Love.

Thank you for joining us!

FCB: So Lynda, who or what inspires you?

Lynda: People in general inspire me. Whether it’s hearing a moving testimony or just witnessing someone’s positive outlook on life, I find inspiration to be a better person by various people I meet. A good message from my pastor, a pep talk from a friend, or a song I hear on the radio. Inspiration is everywhere. All that’s required is a heart to receive it.

FCB: What would be your dream job if you weren’t a writer?

Lynda: I would probably being doing something in the field of mental health, whether as a counselor or in research or something. Why people do what they do fascinates me and I love learning about human behavior. I’m constantly analyzing people and my husband is always telling me I should have been a psychologist. He’s probably right. In writing, I think this helps me in character development.

Or an ice cream tester. Now that would be a dream job.

FCB: What do you want readers to take away from reading Madily in Love?

Lynda: Although this book has to do with the importance (and fun) of adding romance to marriage, the main thing I hope readers can take away is that even though life seems unmanageable, disorderly, and chaotic, God is always in control. One of the recurring phrases throughout the book—as mentioned by Madi’s counselor—is “Embrace this place.” In other words, no matter what you’re going through, recognize that it won’t last forever. And down the road, you might just look back and see just how that “unbearable” season was essential in moving you to a place of growth and necessary change.

FCB: Who has encouraged you most on your writing journey?

Lynda: Definitely my mom. She has always believed in me and encouraged me in my gift. Professionally, one of my greatest earlier cheerleaders was Deb Porter, administrator for FaithWriters.com. From the moment I joined FaithWriters in 2004, Deb spoke blessings and positivity into my life and motivated me more than she’ll probably ever know. Another organization that has blessed me so much is ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers). Joining was the best thing I’ve done for my writing career. A big shout-out to my fabulous critique partner, Susan Miura, who has become a wonderful friend. And another shout-out to Diane Loew, one of my besties here at home, who encourages me, supports me, and brags about me to everyone she meets.
FCB: Finally, why not take a moment to brag about your family:

Lynda: I’ve been married to Rob for over twenty-four years. He works for a dairy company (yes, that means free ice cream sometimes!) and is an all-around great guy. We have two teenagers, who both inherited my creative gene and love of reading. Zach is 18 and graduated from high school last spring. He’s taking a year off to work, but will attend college next fall. My daughter Lyndsey is a sophomore and plays the cymbals in the high school marching band drum line. She is a social butterfly and hopes to go into special education.

FCB: Thanks so much Lynda! It’s great to get to know you better and Madi. If you want to learn more about Lynda you can check her out at:

Website: www.lyndaschab.com

Her blog with various writing and reading-related material at www.on-the-write-track.blogspot.com

Social Media – Facebook and Twitter.

My Review

Once again Lynda Schab delights readers with a story that’s just a little too close to real life for comfort. This story begins about four months after the first book ends. Madi has a new job, her mother-in-law is still living with them, her twin teenagers are being teenagers and she desperately wants to reconnect romantically with her husband. Of course, for Madi nothing goes quite the way she plans.

One of the things I enjoyed about this story is not only is it funny, it reflects real life. As I read the different things that happened to Madi I could see those things happening in my life or the lives of some of my friends. (Should I just admit some of those things have happened to me?!?) But I also saw some of the attitudes toward myself, my family and others reflected in Madi.

If you are looking for a story that will make you laugh, this is a book for you. If you want a story that will make you laugh and reflect on your own life, then this is a must read.

I would like to thank the author for the opportunity to read and review this book, I was under no obligation other than to give my honest opinion.

The Give Away

You have the opportunity to win a copy of this book, leave a comment with your state. I’ll pick a winner on Black Friday at 9:00 pm PST. Give Away open to U.S. residents 18 years old or older.

Always the Designer, Never the Bride, Emma Rae Creation Series #3 By Sandra D. Bricker / Abingdon Press No matter how busy she is, dress designer Audrey Regan can’t say no to her friend Carly when she asks her to be maid of honor—and create the perfect wedding dress. Carly’s nuptials promise to be the event of the year. Then the groom’s best man—tattooed biker J.R. Hunt—walks in and turns Audrey’s world upside down!

The Interview:

FCB: When you reach heaven, other than Jesus, what Biblical character are you most looking forward to meeting and why?

Sandra: David. He and I have so much in common in our approach to faith. We’re highly emotional individuals, and I’ve identified with his struggles so much. I’m looking forward to just sitting on the edge of the Milky Way, maybe dipping our toes in, and chatting for an eternity or two about how lovely it is to put our love to paper, sing joyously before the Lord, and how far into the depths of despair He can reach to pull us back again.

FCB: What would be the first question you would like to ask him/her?

Sandra: "David, seriously? That whole Bathsheba thing…Really?!"

FCB: When you were a little girl what did you want to be when you grew up?

Sandra: First, it was a ballerina … until I started to grow into my 5’10" overweight body! But by around the age of 8 or 9, I knew I was destined to be a writer.

FCB: With it April Fool’s Day, is there a favorite April Fool’s joke that you’ve played or was played on you that you care to share?

Sandra: Well, I kind of hate to admit it, but I’m a big jokester. It doesn’t have to be April for me to get an idea into my head like convincing my mother that I’d decided to be a nun, or the time I  kept a boyfriend going for days thinking that his car had been stolen so that I could secretly have a new stereo system installed for his birthday…I had more fun with the stolen car episode than I did in giving the great gift!  How did I know you’d be the prankster!

FCB: We see a lot of advice out there for writers, but what advice would you give someone like me, who enjoys reading and writing reviews on a book? What makes a good review?

Sandra: A good review is one that is truthful without taking on that snarky quality that reviewers sometimes can adopt. The review is meant to give an honest assessment of the pros and cons of a book, and I’m a student of the "If you can’t say anything nice, then…" school of thought. I don’t think it should be an excuse to rag on someone who has put their best foot forward, even if they’ve tripped up a bit. I think the best reviewers out there — even ones that haven’t necessarily enjoyed my genre or plot — are the ones who start with something positive, then give a courteous-but-honest reason why they think something just didn’t work. I have to tell you truthfully though … I really love my reviewers. They’re people who are well read, and I learn a lot about writing by what they really love and by understanding the things I’ve tried that they just don’t get.

Thanks so much Sandra! If you want to learn more about Sandra check out her website at:
http://sandradbricker.com/

Review Summary:  This story was just FUN! The characters are a variety of personalities from the serious, but sometimes impulsive Audrey Regan to the charming and very quirky Aunt Sophie. The plot was enjoyable as well. Audrey Regan is trying to make it New York as a wedding dress designer, yet she’s near the end of her money and her last hope is a high maintenance socialite. When she returns home for the wedding of her best friend, Carly more fun and fireworks when she runs into J.R. Holt, the brother of the groom, motorcycle riding, free spirit the sparks become to fly. The back drop for this story is once again the Tanglewood Inn the wedding destination for Atlanta.  This is a feel good story with laughs and some serious moments as well.

Digging a Little Deeper:  This is the third installment of the Emma Rae Creation Series. I read book one, but not book two. Picking up with book three was not a problem.  You can start with book three and enjoy the story but it was definitely more enjoyable having some background on the characters.

There are a variety of characters in this story. I loved the interaction between characters. The girls and their slumber party was just fun and was a great reminder of the importance of friendships where one can laugh, cry, and pray others. Audrey was an interesting and sometimes unpredictable character. But the interaction between her and JR was also fun to watch. I love Aunt Sophie and her quirky ways. It is always fun how she is able to drop pearls of wisdom  in the midst of her delusions.

As I’ve already mention this was a feel good story. There are plenty of laughs in this story but it’s not all laughs. There are some very touching moments in this story.

I would recommend this story to anyone who is looking for a light read that has some laughs, then this is a book for you. Sandra Bricker’s writing style is easy to follow.

Disclaimer: I did receive this book from the publisher but was under no obligation to give anything but my honest review.

 

Elvis Takes a Back Seat By Leanna Ellis / B & H Publishing Group Claudia, a young widow is determined to fulfill her husband’s last request by hauling a three-foot bust of Elvis Presley in the backseat of a vintage Cadillac from Dallas to Memphis to return it to its rightful owner. The road trip-taken with an eccentric aunt who actually knew the “King of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” and a temperamental teen with a suspicious mind of her own-hits some royal roadblocks and detours as these women uncover pieces of their past along with the bust’s mysterious history. What they find along the way changes their lives forever.

My Review: From the title you can guess this story is full of laughs.  Although there were several times that I chuckled this book wasn’t necessarily as funny as Leanna Ellis’ book, Facelift. However, this book was entertaining and left me with a lot to think about. Claudia is a woman struggling with tremendous loss, the type of loss that too many of us have faced in our lives. Claudia like many of us build walls of protection but through this misadventure of return Elvis to his rightful owner she discovers many things about herself and those she loves.  Her Aunt Rae provides a solid supporting character throughout this journey and Ivy adds what every teenager adds ATTITUDE!

For me this story struck a nerve. Although, I haven’t experienced the loss that Claudia had, I have built some of the same walls. This story challenged me to take a look at myself and see how I interact with others.

This is a sweet romantic comedy that will touch your heart and possibly challenge depending on where you are in life.

To learn more about Leanna and her books you can check out her website at: http://www.leannaellis.com/

I did receive this book for free, however, it was through Amazon on my Kindle!