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The Streets of Sandwich, Illinois

I love jumping into a good book. It lets me step into other people's worlds and take a break from mine. I have no problems showing outwardly what is happening in the book. The character's situations make me laugh, cry, cheer, tell them their wrong, gasp, and well, you've been there. Hopping into a book and pulling back the cover is a great way to relax.


My friend, Krista Phillips' debut novel, Sandwich with a Side of Romance, released only days ago. 

Today I am walking the streets of small town of Sandwich, Illinois. I like company when walking. Join me?

The first person we meet is Maddie.

Maddie moves to Sandwich in a tiny clunker of a car to find a job and someplace to sleep other than the back seat of her vehicle. She's excited about her first job as a hair dressing and even more thrilled she can prove herself worthy as caregiver for her brother.

Maddie's grumpy boss allows her to sweep the floor, and maybe cut the hair of a walk-in customer. When the preferred hairstylist is busy and the boss is gone, Maddie cuts the hair of Reuben, a VIP customer who has all the warmth of a rock. 

Thanks to Reuben, Maddie is trimmed from the salon.

Saving her brother, Kyle, from a foster care setting would have to wait. She needs a job and a home to be awarded custody of him. Reuben had to right his wrong. 

Reuben reluctantly offers Maddie a job as an assistant at his restaurant in compensation. His jealous fiance, who is in charge of hiring staff, adds to a growing messy, sticky, situation.

Struggles wouldn't be difficult to address for Maddie if she didn't have to rely on Reuben's help for every jam. To complicate issues, Kyle's foster family apply to adopt him and will be granted custody in a short time, unless she can win approval first.

Maddie tries to depend on God to help her through mounting pickles. If only she could get past her roadblocks without help from the one man she wanted to avoid . . . then again, maybe she didn't want to avoid him.

I enjoyed the humor and down to earth realism of this book and the extended Christ-like kindness of the Reuben's family.

Packed with funny situations like in the I Love Lucy Show, Sandwich with A Side of Romance is a romantic comedy guaranteed to entertain and enlighten any day. Click on the book to the left to order.

Come back on Friday and meet Krista Phillips. I will be giving away a copy of her book, AND I hope to get it autographed for you!

What book have you enjoyed reading lately?

This book was provided to me as an Advance Reader Copy for my honest review

Comments

Janice said…
I am currently reading Rain Song by Alice Wisler. It is a contemporary fiction which is really holding my interest. The sweet story is keeping me wondering what will happen between the two friends who are getting to know each other by e-mail.
Thank you, Janice. Sounds like a good read to place on my list.
Julia M. Reffner said…
Mary,

I'm most excited to visit Sandwich and frustrated that other reads keep getting in the way. But I NEED my copy signed so I think I will bring it as my airplane reading.
That could be dangerous, Julie. the book is sooooo good, you might miss a connection! :)
Krista Phillips said…
Mary!! Thank you SO much for such a sweet review!!! So glad you enjoyed visiting the streets of Sandwich!
Thanks for the company. I love to walk with friends.
Laura Frantz said…
Mary,
So good to find you have a blog here:) I see some friends and so it feels like home, lol. Waving at Julia and others! I've heard so many good things about Krista's book - the cover is in my favorite color. PINK! Makes me want to read, read, read. Anyway, thanks for touching base today. You're the best!
Yeah! Nice to have you here, Laura. I've had fun visiting with you and I'll see you over at your blog as well.
Krista Phillips said…
Laura... pink ROCKS doesn't it?!? :-)
Melody said…
I've been catching up at the library on their Deanne Gists books since getting home from Nicaragua!
I agree, Melody, Deanne's books are a fun read. Good addition to our list.
Dawn said…
Sounds like a great book. Looking forward to getting one and finding a comfortable chair!
Dawn,
So true. Thanks for walking with me today:)

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