Save the Date is smart, sassy read
932746
Whenever I read a novel there are three things I want--strong characters, witty dialogue, and a good plot.  And Jenny B. Jones is an author I can count on to deliver.  Her latest book, Save the Date, boosts a rich cast of characters, a charming romance, and a plot that twists and turns like an old country road.  You enjoy the drive, but, man you weren't expecting the cow in the middle of the road.  It's funny and memorable.

Jones' latest heroine, Lucy Wiltshire, is a compassionate 30-something who works at a non-profit shelter for girls aging out of the foster care system.  When financial ruin is about to close Caring Hands for good, Lucy is desperate to find a way to save the house.  Alex Sinclair, former football player, and heir to the Sinclair Enterprise fortune needs a gimmick to get him the votes he needs to win his bid for Congress.  Alex offers Lucy the keys to Caring Hands and in exchange, Lucy is to be Alex's pretend fiance until after the election.  Lucy saves her non-profit and Alex gets his Congressional seat.

Besides lying to all their friends and family, there's another problem with Lucy and Alex's plan--they can't stand each other.  In true Jenny Jones style, Lucy and Alex have some hilarious spats, throw out zingers, and yet they somehow make a great couple.  Of course, Jones doesn't just focus on Lucy and Alex.  Characters from both Lucy and Alex's lives add charm and dimension to this book, which delves deeply into the emotional and spiritual lives of both character.  In fact, I found myself more attached to the characters in Save the Date than in Jones' previous book, Just Between You and Me.

I really enjoyed Jenny B. Jones latest book, Save the Date.  It's spunky, yet it has depth beyond simple chick lit.  The themes running through the book are many--regret, heartbreak, loss, pain along with the hope that can be found in God. Many of the characters are fighting mistakes and fears from their pasts, which threaten their futures. Jones effortlessly weaves spiritual insight into her book through sermons, private thoughts, and conversations; but not in a fake, cheesy way.

Save the Date is smart, sassy read for anyone who enjoys curling up with a good book with lively characters, who are perfectly flawed, clumsy, and quirky.  You know, people who are like us, but wittier.

*Thanks to BookSneeze for providing me with a review copy of this book!*
2770777
Whew! So afraid that they would stop making this as it's the most economical and efficient Month at a glance
with room for each day. While I've been on the net since 1987, I'm not a blackberry/pda type.. i like looking at my scribble and the ritual of transferring birthdays each year, and getting a summary of what transpired when
as i flip the pages, as well as what i plan on... easily, immediately, without electricity. love that it runs from December of last year through January of the next -- that's how long it takes me to transition. When in the corporation i kept two -- one for work that stayed at work and one for me.
4541789
Oh Susan Hatler, how I love, love, love the "Date" series.  (Does it have to be over - really?  Will it help if I mail you chocolate?)  I've loved the various personalities, quirks, situations and the weaving of different characters in and out of the novels (novella depending on which one)..  I love the "dysfunctional daters". Every story has one.
Mary Ann has a one strike you 're out rule.  She's been burned by love before and unless a guy is perfect, oh well.  As she is rushing to a charity auction to bid on a beloved bracelet that belonged to her Grammy but had to be sold to help the families finances, she runs into Trevor.
Due to the crash, she bids by phone - but on the wrong item.  She wins a reality t.v. date with a bachelor,  named Trevor, who missed the auction due to an accident..  What follows in funny and charming.
I love the interaction and banter between Mary Ann and Trevor. Both characters have misconceptions about the other, and then there is always a twist thrown in.
This a sweet little snack of a novella.  Enjoy.

Rating: 5 Stars
Content: Clean, kissing.
Source: Netgalley
2654018
These are hilarious. Although I would like it to have a picture of the whole month's dates on each page, it keeps me entertained at work.
4909206
I decided, as I succumbed to sleep, that men should come with manuals, subtitles, and reset buttons.

The inner monologue of Janie was something to behold. I have never read a witty, complex, and trivia focused character and, let me tell you, it was totally refreshing to read. I loved this book. I was consumed by this book.

This is truly a smart romance in that it teaches you things that you didn't know. It opens your mind and that is wonderful. It's like eating chocolate cake and learning trivia about the chocolate cake. Best of both worlds. Janie being a walking-talking encyclopedia cracked me up.

Almost immediately I told that voice to go eat shit and die.

At the same time, I felt for her. She was naive and aloof. She's every relatable human being (minus the trivia bits). Adorably quirky and smart.

God, Quinn, you have no idea how permanent Id like this to be. Id like us to be Twinkies and cockroaches, death and taxes. But I

Quinn on the other hand instantly became one of my top book boyfriends. He was an all-around alpha and I have a thing for them. He had secretive past. And he doesn't do relationships but Janie's eccentricities and kindness drew him in. He was possessive and protective. A great combo in a boyfriend.

The knitting group was another icing on the cake.

Probably my favorite Penny Reid book to date.

I highly, highly, recommend this book. You need to get into Janie's head.
1822240
I have an appointment with my accountant at 2:30 tomorrow.  On the way home I need to pick up some eggs and butter.  Zambrano pitches on Thursday; don't forget to tune in!  A company rep is coming to see me next Tuesday.  Mail that alimony check today (blech)!  Don't forget you got a fasting lab on Friday morning.

You think I'm going to remember all this. . .stuff?  That would be a negative!  But the folks at 3M got me covered, and have for years, with their marvelous POST-IT NOTES.  I love the multi-colored 3 x 3 inch notes; I just write myself a note and post somewhere in the vicinity of my desk, credenza, or PC monitor.  Once the event in question is history, just peel off the note, crumple, and dispose.  Yep, that easy!

3M POST-IT 3 X 3 INCH NOTES, FIVE COLORS, 100 SHEETS 14 PACK make even me look organized and on top of things.  3M, you've definitely created one of the true marvels of the modern world.
--D. Mikels, Esq.
4511298
Wedding Date for Hire, an adorably sweet romance, was just what the doctor ordered. I felt myself quickly slipping into a reading slump and, while I did have a little bit of trouble getting into the story, it was quick enough to give me the satisfaction of finishing a book. There's not much I can say about this story other than that it was so freaking cute and lovely. The characters were tons of fun. Watching them slowly move towards a friendship and a new relationship made me smile. The laughs they shared. The bickering and one-liners they sent flying at each other. I giggled was poor Maddie stumbled along until the finally realized that she can fall in love. Trent's non-stop efforts to win her over made me swoon. Such a cute romance that'll keep you company when you're between books or just when you want something quick and romantic to read.

I received a copy in exchange for a honest review.
95727
Numbers are so easy to read.  Having the date is always very convenient.  I like the how well it lights up also.
4638410
This is fun, sometimes witty, light reading. I found it perfect for reading before bed. Very calming.

Ms. Gray has a positive mindset, looks to find the lesson if she's had difficult experiences and is grateful for all she's been blessed with. She doesn't waste time swelling overmuch on the past or negative people and scenarios. She shares the lessons she's learned and the wisdom gained. She doesn't share anything extraordinary. At my age, I've heard it all before, but it was pleasant to read. Sometimes it felt like a very, long article in a women's magazine, including recipes and fashion suggestions. Like I said, it's light reading and she succeeds in creating that kind of pleasant experience for the reader.

I was so happy to learn that she and Larry Hagman and Patrick Duffy were great friends for decades. So many shows, you find out the stars hated each other, so I like it when it turns out they enjoyed each other's company so much they hung out off set.

This is a good choice if you are looking for a positive, life affirming book from a female celebrity.
3450201
Kelly is a smart cookie and her no nonsense writing and advice is soooo much better than the pink, girly cover suggests. She has some real gems in there; I thoroughly enjoyed this read.
1576961
This is a great book for all women who date to read, whatever the age.  I especially was intrigued by the chapters about vetting dates by watching their behavior on early dates, and asking questions that might elucidate character traits to watch out for, both positive and negative.

I recommend this book highly!!  Fun, interesting, quick read.
1649840
Love Match is a modern-day comedy of manners that delights readers with crisply drawn characters, delicious dialogue, and surprising plot twists from first page to last. If Jane Austin were alive and living in San Francisco today, this is the book she would write. Once the story pulls you in you can't put the book down. It's a smart, sassy and scrumptious read. Highly recommended for guys as well as gals.
4182511
This sweet little read from Annette Irby will satisfy that need for time-constrained readers who long for a whole story in a short byte.

Restaurant-owner Lara meets recent widower Wyatt at the grocery store. From the moment she empathizes with Wyatt in front of the Valentine's Day display she prays for him without knowing the reason for his sadness. Later, he eats alone at her restaurant and we understand that this year is different. Wyatt's two-year-old grief has morphed into loneliness.

The mutual attraction and concern for each other sparks early.

Irby does a good job setting her characters and scenes, using the senses to tickle with reader and draw him or her into the conversation as these two people get to know each other.

Wyatt, the businessman, appreciates what Lara, a businesswoman in her own right, goes through to earn a living. He's ready to move on and Lara feels like a natural fit. They're both in their early thirties, unattached, but Lara is recovering from a broken relationship and, besides, could use his help. She doesn't mix business and pleasure, even if the business embodies the perfect husband material.

When Wyatt trades food for his consulting fees, Lara accepts reluctantly, sticking to her pride and principles, even when she knows he's interested in more than that from her. It doesn't take long for Wyatt to come up with a plan to get past her principles, but can he get past the hurt in her life?

Irby's great characters, honest dialogue, and rounded settings will make this novella a favorite romantic read.
3688995
The Practice Date on our Kindle was fun to read. A little predictable, but followed what I remember High school kids being like...predictable as well.  Easy reading for the youth. I loved the title and the idea of two friends practicing a date...except the intimacy wouldn't happen on a practice date between just friends helping each other out as just friends!  But convenient to read on the kindle and was a nice book. Lieske seems to really enjoy her talent in writing.
1060404
With access to blogs and Pinterest it's easy to find lists of date ideas. Seeing this book, I thought it'd be a repeat of everything already out there, essentially a waste of money.
I'm so pleased to say I was wrong!
This easy to read 223 page book is amazing!
Taken from the introduction:
"...Dating is viewed as a prelude to marriage. It was important, it served its purpose, but now it's time to get serious about life. It is this kind of reasoning that leads couples ti forget that their relationship with each other is what marriage is all about.....Dating is to marriage what breathing is to the body....The choice to date communicates the message, "I still love you. I still enjoy being with you. I'm glad I married you."
Unlike some books, I suggest reading the introduction.
Each date contains the Title (the dates theme), Words to grow on (bible verses in text), Set the scene (what this dates about), Make it happen (instructions), Finish strong (questions to start a discussion), Mind your language (using Gary Chapman's Love Language-offers advise for certain love languages), Take it to God (before your date use some of the suggestions given), and Dig Deep (grab your bible and delve deeper into Gods word with these bible versus).
This book offers great idea ranging from normal (but still loads of fun) to creative and unique. This book is definitely a great way to break up the mundane date night and get you out of a rut! Unlike some books, this would be great for both newly weds and going on 25 years couples.
One thing I should note, though the cover bears Gary Chapman's name, he wrote the introduction and the book works close to his Love Language book (i.e the Mind Your Language part of each date), the book is actually written by Randy Southern; so I feel bad his name isn't on the cover or even spine of this great book.

If you're married, this book is worth the purchase! My parents are actually planning on doing it like a devotional-working there way through the book.

"I received a copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of this review."
3775222
love the large area on every date , so you have some area to make notes, on some important days.
I have ben ordering one or more for years now
4032801
Try to overlook the typos and settle down to enjoy this whimsical adventure, which of course has  a nice love story.  The bonus is a ....no, I'm not going to spoil it !