Friday, Aug 28, 2009

Book Review: Just Between You & Me by Jenny B. Jones

Author: Jenny B. Jones

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

ISBN #:   978-1-59554-851-1

Type:  Fiction:Christian

Pages: 320 Trade Paperback

Published:  September 1, 2009

Website:  http://www.jennybjones.com/

Purchase:  $11.24 (HERE) 

The Story

Maggie Montgomery is a 30-year-young, career woman.  She travels the globe shooting films for a national cable channel.  Being on the road 95% of the year is what Maggie thrives on.  While back home in Chicago for a short visit, she receives a telephone call from her father.  In desperation, he asks her to come home to Ivy, Texas immediately as he is in dire need of “help.”  As she’s due to fly off to Taiwan in less than a week, she attempts every excuse to escape his plea.  His guilt trip, and insistence, result in Maggie renting a car and heading home for a 3-day stay.  Three days… and, then she’s off to Taiwan.

The big emergency came in the form of her 8-year old niece, Riley.  Maggie’s sister & Riley’s mother, Allison, is a bi-polar, schizophrenic who has been self-medicating rather than taking her prescription medications.  She has abandoned Riley with her father and disappeared.  Maggie’s father, a widower, has to work in the plant that he’s worked in for over 20 years and cannot afford to lose his job.  He needs Maggie’s help in dealing with an 8-year old who’s up to her neck in problems at school and is continually misbehaving. 

Maggie is as undomestic as they come.  She keeps an invisible wall between herself and the situation that she is faced with.   Coming back home presents more issues for Maggie than just the care-giving of Riley.  She now must face her past… the old friends, the locals of this small town, and the ghosts.  What she doesn’t expect is to find an unlikely friendship with Connor, the town veterinarian.  But, God, in his infinite wisdom, uses this situation an opportunity to change Maggie’s heart… and a few others along the way.       

The Review

This novel gives Christian women a little bit of everything… a great heroine, her personal challenge, a hot romantic interest, that best friend who’s there no matter what, and a great reminder of God’s love for us all. 

Jenny B. Jones delivered a romantic interest in Connor that I found appealing.  He was the perfect mix of nerd, hottie, kind-hearted, and spiritual which, combined, makes the most irresistible guy, even for a non-committal heroine like Maggie who was avoiding love and commitment.  In fact, Connor was my  favorite character in this story.  Where is my Connor…??  I want one!

Overall, the novel was a solid, heart-warming story of discovery… both self-discovery and the enlightenment of God’s impecable plan for our lives.  The characters were easy to envision and relate to in both their successes and challenges.  The book had all of the elements required for a good read: witty banter, inspiration, and characters finding the way to be true to themselves.  I really enjoyed it!

Favorite Bible Quote From The Book

I was thankful of the reminder of God’s love when I read this particular section of the book which provides a verse from The Bible:

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you.  I have called you by name; you are Mine.  I will be with you when you pass through waters, and when you pass through rivers, they will not overwhelm you.  You will not be scorched when you walk through the fire, and the flame will not burn you.  I love you.“

The Rating

For the genre Fiction:Christian/Women’s, on Sher’s “Out of Ten Scale,” I am giving Just Between You and Me  a rating of 9 out of 10.  I loved the way that the book made me smile, think, and pray.  And, you know what I thought about hottie, Connor!

 

Giving Thanks

I wanted to thank Jenny B. Jones for sending me a review copy of this delightful book! I am so looking forward to reviewing So Not Happening soon!

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