Tuesday, April 22, 2014

By Appointment Only

Title: BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
Author: Marianne Evans
Publisher: White Rose Publisher
June 2013
ASIN: B00DE2L4BK
Genre: Contemporary Romance


Political dynamo Matt Bellinger understands he has an unyielding responsibility to work hard for the betterment of his community and the world around him. Life, he believes, should be built strictly on effort and tangibles, not an elusive faith. But that belief is challenged when a bill to spearhead volunteerism leads him to canvassing efforts at Detroit's legendary diner, Sal's Place, and a meeting with Heather Cavanaugh. His polar opposite, the street-smart beauty challenges his heart and perceptions. She's the head stylist at Optiva, a trendy, upscale hair salon in downtown Detroit, as well as a tireless volunteer giving back to the city she loves in honor of the God she serves.

Love blooms, gradually shifting Matt's perceptions. But when a life-threatening illness in his family challenges that fledgling faith, will he be able to hold fast to his newfound beliefs? Will he discover that faith makes all things possible and love makes all things beautiful?

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY is the first book I've read by Ms. Evans and it won't be the last. Though the book started slow and had insanely long chapters (almost forty pages for one of them) by the middle of the second chapter I was intrigued. I liked the issues in this book. Matt may be a politician but he's not unwilling to get his hands dirty working with the down and out.  I liked that Heather is a normal girl, a hairstylist, who became friends with and fell in love with a man born with a silver spoon in his mouth.

There is a lot of Bible in here, but I love that, too. Too many Christian books write a story and the characters go to church maybe once, or the characters don't go to church at all, but think something Christian-like and that constitutes the inspirational part. I loved  that Ms. Evans actually gives the message and makes it plain.

If you are looking for a good book to read, pick up BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. I picked it up out of my massive to-be-read pile because it was short and I needed an easy read to fill in a gap. This book is so much more than it appears. Definitely 4.5 stars. Recommended. 170 pages. $3.99 Kindle.

3 comments:

Marianne Evans said...

Thank you so much for the lovely review and encouragement! You're a blessing!

~Dana Pratola said...

I just read Devotion and loved it. Marianne Evans is one of my favorite Christian authors :)

Marianne Evans said...

Dana, thank you so much - what a huge compliment coming from you. You're a light and a blessing, lady!! xo

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