Review of Happily Ever Ashten

Title: Happily Ever Ashten

Author: Erynn Mangum

Series: Carrington Springs book 3

Chapters: 19 plus epilogue  

Pages: 325

Genre: Christian Chick lit new adult

Rating: 5 stars

     Happily Ever Ashten is the last book in the Carrington Springs series by Erynn Mangum. Ashten has lived in Carrington Springs her whole life and has pretty much worked at her grandparent's restaurant her entire life it seems. Now that she is a teacher she still works at the resultant in the summer, but at 31 she wants more. Her family her father especially wonder why she's not married yet. As a 30 year old who's father asks the same question on repeat I can relate. She's living in a room in Katie's house and she knows that's going to have to change because Katie's is getting married. 

     Eliza gets it in her mind to play matchmaker between Mike and Ashten about the time that Ashten's ex-boyfriend the one she thought she was going to marry comes back to town.  Ashten is torn she doesn't know what to do. But then her grandmother gives her some awesome advice that sounded just like something my own would say. 

     Happily Ever Ashten wraps up the series nicely Katie and Eliza get their happy endings and we see the direction that Ashten's future is taking. Though I wish we could have seen Ashten's happily Ever After too, since it is the title of her book, but we did sort of get a look at it with the comment the guy who won her heart said.  I am looking forward to her next book or series. I've already finished one novella she wrote this year, review to come, and as always I look forward to her Christmas one this year.

Review of Once Upon a Eliza

Title: Once Upon a Eliza

Author: Erynn Mangum

Series: Carrington Springs book 2

 

Chapters: 20

Pages: 322

Genre: Christian Chick lit new adult

Rating:  5 stars

     Once Upon an Eliza is the second book in the Carrington Springs series by Erynn Mangum. Even though it's not a true sequel you do need to read Katie in Waiting first. As most of the character's are introduced in the first book.  Eliza is a maternity nurse who moved to Carrington Springs to get away from her brother Mike and his friend Cooper.  Since losing both of their parents Mike has become overprotective of his little sister.  Eliza sees Cooper her brother's best friend as a slight pest. he's a firefighter when not working is always trying to find things to fix at Eliza's house. 

     I liked Eliza better than I did Katie. I think it had a lot to do with the fact that I could relate to Eliza; and what she had gone through in life. I too lost two loved ones one suddenly the other slowly just like Eliza did.  Unlike Eliza though I don't know the loss of both parents, but do know the sting of the loss of a mom.  It's a sting that doesn't begin to ease quickly. 

     I've been a fan of Erynn's books since I accidentally discovered Miss Match in the Lauren Holbrook series in the teen selection of my library. Miss Match wasn't teen it was basically Christian Chick lit. A chick flick you can read. I had tried to read chick lit before but had always been disappointed by the content. But Erynn's books our different the chick lit is infused with Christian faith and message of and lesson of learning to trust God and his promises and to rely on him.  Each of Erynn's books are no different and Once upon an Eliza continued that trend. I discovered her books in my early twenties the same age as most of the characters in that first series, and now at 30 her three heroines in the Carrington Springs series are also in their 30s. Erynn's books always find a way to be relevant for whatever age or stage in life I am. 

     I enjoyed book two and I can't wait to see what book three holds. There's a seen towards the end between Eliza and the hero that starts her realizing that what she wanted was actually right in front of her all along. Which I thought   was cute. You never know where loves going to find you. 

Review of Match Made

Title: Match Made

Author: Eyrnn Mangum

Series: A Lauren Holbrook novel book 4

 

Chapters: 21

Pages: 248

Genre: Christian Chick lit

Rating: 5 stars

     Match Made is the newest book from Eyrnn Mangum and the fourth book in the A Lauren Holbrook series. Unlike the first three books it is not told from Laurie’s point of view but a new character Annie McKay but Laurie and the rest of the gang from the first three books are there.  Of course Laurie’s still has her hobby and this time she’s focused on Annie and Zachary Murphy the worship pastor at the church.

     I liked Match Made more that the first three. I enjoyed that Annie was in her late twenties and established in her job but still feeling like something was missing. She’s wondering what God’s plan is for her life. I guess I like Annie because I’m close in age to her sort of know what I want to do with my career path, waiting and trusting God. So it is nice to read a book from one of my favorite authors revisits characters from earlier books a few years after those books ended and adds newer characters that are a little older than characters in previous books.  

Top 14 Books Read in 2014

The Following is my top 14 books that I have read in 2014
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13.
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12
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11
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9
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8
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6
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2.

 

1
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Review of Paige Turned

Title: Paige Turned

Author: Erynn Mangum

Series: Paige Alder series book 3

 

Chapters: 20

Pages: 336

Genre: Christian Chick lit

Rating: 5 stars

Paige Turned is the third book in the Paige Alder series.  A book that wraps up the series perfectly at least in my opinion.  Like all of Erynn’s other books and series I fell in love with the character’s especially Paige. I think that it was because I found myself relating to Paige the most. I could see myself in Paige. I felt like I learned right along with Paige.

I love how Erynn’s books have the right mixture of life, faith, and laughter.  Paige Turned was no different.  Erynn’s character’s seem real and the problems that they face are the same problems that we face in real life. However through it all God’s love and promises shine through in each novel. Out of all of Erynn’s novels Paige is the one at least in my opionon who grew or changed the most.

After reading Paige Turned I cannot decide which of Erynn’s heroes are my favorites. It’s a toss up between Jack from the Maya Davis series and Tyler from the Paige Alder series. They both or great.  

The Paige Alder series is the perfect series for those who like chick lit but also enjoy reading clean romances. 

Favorite Books of 2013

 This book because it is a reminder of my teen years. I first discovered Katie when I read the Christy Miller series. But Katie was always a favorite of mine because I could relate to her more. I was thrilled when she got her own series. Finally and Forever wraps up the series pretty good but leaves it open for another book if the author wanted.

  Just a cute Historical fiction read by one of my favorite Christian Historical fiction author.

 A Sweet retelling of Snow White that I loved. I liked the retelling better than the original fairy tale.

 A cute teen read

A Sweet Christian romance in which the hero is a cowboy and a Marine

 A nonfiction that focus on the three woman of Christmas Mary, Elizabeth, and Anna
A sweet Christmas novella.


  The first two books in the Paige Alder series by my favorite Christian Chick lit author. These books will have you laughing and crying along with the characters. If your like me it will make you want to pick up your Bible as soon as you put the book down for the night.

 The second book in the Ballantyne legacy. It was an emotional read  that kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. But not as emotional as the first book.  Silas will always be my favorite hero that Laura has written but Jack is a close second. 

  another emotional historical fiction read, that kept me on the edge of my seat. But so good. Another book that makes you think. I cannot wait to read the prequel and the sequel. Amber has quickly become a favorite author of mine after only one book.
 A sweet cozy mystery starring a Librarian and a sweet dog.
  The newest Nicholas Sparks book that has two different romances in it. Young and old.

Review of Paige Rewritten

Title: Paige Rewritten 

Author: Erynn Mangum

Series: Paige Alder book 2
 
Chapters: 22

Pages: 299

Genre: Christian Romance, Christian Chick lit

Rating: 5 stars

Paige Rewritten is the second book in the Paige Alder series by Erynn Magnum.  In Paige Rewritten Paige is given the choice of staying at her current job or taking a new job that would allow her to use her degree.  Paige is slowly starting to learn how to say no. Paige also has a choice between two guys. Tyler a sweet guy that she meets at Church he also helps with the youth group and teaches the freshman guys.  Then there’s Luke a guy from her past.  Paige slowly learns to forgive the people who hurt in the past.
Paige Rewritten is one of the more emotional books from Erynn.  With the second book in the Paige Adler series I laughed and cried with the characters.  Again I saw myself in Paige more than I have in any of Erynn’s other characters.  You could just read and see the romance in the book.  There was a scene where one character took another character to the botanical gardens to ask her to be his girlfriend and makes note of her favorite flower. But like Erynn’s other books it is still a Christian Chick lit. Paige Rewritten is the first full length novel of Erynn’s that has a bit of a love triangle. However unlike the other books I have read with love triangle I know who I want Paige to end up with in the end.
I enjoyed reading Paige Rewritten I think Paige is becoming my favorite heroine and the Paige Alder series my favorite series, with Paige Rewritten my favorite book.  I laughed I cried, I laughed some more and I cried some more. I also hurt when the characters hurt.  The only thing that I didn’t like was the cliff hanger.  However if I wasn’t already planning to read the third book Paige Turned  the cliff hanger would make want to buy and read the third book as soon as it came out.

Review of Paige Torn

  Title: Paige Torn

Author: Erynn Mangum

Series: Paige Alder

 

Chapters: 19

Pages: 291

Genre: Christian Chick Lit

Rating: 5 stars

     Paige Torn is the newest by Erynn Mangum, and she does it again. Paige Torn is another great book by Erynn. However I may be slightly bias because I’ve loved all of her novels and novella’s. Erynn writes characters that one relates to. As well as the right balance of humor and Faith. Paige torn is no different. I like that fact that Erynn writes chick lit. I love that fact that she writes Christian chick lit. With her main characters being in their 20’s makes for great reading for this 20 something.

     Paige Torn is the first book in the Paige Alder series. Just happens to be my favorite novel and character. While I liked Lauren from the Lauren Holbrook series and could relate to parts of Maya’s life in the Maya Davis series. I find that I can relate to Paige because after reading Paige Torn I find that I am Paige and like Paige I do have a hard time saying no.

 

     In Paige Torn Paige Alder is a twenty two year old college graduate who works at an adaptation agency as a secretary. She feels that her singleness as time for service. Unfourntally Paige cannot say no to anyone, to point where she barely has time to read her Bible let alone eat dinner. At 22 she doesn’t want to get married let alone date. That’s when she meets Tyler a guy who helps with the youth at Church. Can God use Paige’s coworker, best friend and Tyler to show her how thin she is spreading herself?

 

     Another winner and I cannot wait until October for book two Paige Rewritten. At least I don’t have to wait a whole year.

 

I brought the book and the review is my own thoughts. 

Review of Identical Differences

Title: Identical Differences

Author: Erynn Mangum

Genre: Christian Romance, comedy

Rating: 5 stars

     Identical Differences is short novella by Erynn Mangum. Just like with other books and novella’s that she writes you are laughing from the very beginning of the book. I enjoy Erynn’s novels. They are what I pick up when I need a good laugh and pick me up. Identical Differences is no different. I can’t wait till May 2013 when Erynn’s new book comes out. It’s the first book in a new series. Paige Torn by Erynn Mangum 

book review of Sketchy Behavior

Title: Sketchy Behavior

Author: Erynn Mangum

Series:   no

Chapters: 20

Pages: 222

Genre: Christian teen fiction

Rating: 4 ½ stars

     Sketchy Behavior is the seventh book that I have read by Erynn Mangum not counting her three novella. It is her first teen novel. I love Erynn’s novel; that combine two of my favorite genres together Christian fiction and chick lit. Erynn’s novels are the books that you pick up when you need a good laugh.

     I wondered if she could write teen books as good as she does adult and she does. Kate Carter is a high school junior that has a talent for drawing, but little does she know that that talent will get her into trouble. Justin walters is her classmate who she has come to believe that he doesn’t talk. 

     Erynn’s characters are real and believable who make the same type of mistakes that we make in real life. My sister who doesn’t sister who doesn’t read Christian fiction loved the book, she picked it up to prove to our parents that she could get a job doing what she loved, and in the process she fell in love with an author

The Lauren Holbrook series

Title: Miss Match

Author: Erynn Mangum

Series: Lauren Holbrook book 1

Genre: Christian Chick Lit

Rating: 5 stars 10/10

Title: Re Match

Author: Erynn Mangum

Series: Lauren Holbrook Book 2

Genre: Christian Chick Lit

Rating: 5 stars 10/10

Title: Match Point  

Author: Erynn Mangum

Series: Lauren Holbrook book 3

Genre: Christian Chick Lit

Rating: 5 stars 10/10

Just like with her Maya Davis series Erynn Mangum combines humor and the love of God in her books. Her books deal with the life of college students and young adults and the struggles that they go through. As well as what the learn and how they grow in their Faith along the way. If you enjoy chick lit and Christian fiction then Erynn Mangum is the author for you. I am waiting for her new book to come out.

Maya Davis Series a review

Make sure you read the books in order

Cool Beans

Erynn Mangum

Maya Davis series

Book 1

Maya is a 24 year old Barista in Hudson California. She lives with her roommate and best friend Jen, and adorable if slightly neurotic dog Calvin. Calvin the dog likes chick flicks and Pilates. She works at a coffee shop called Cool bean; along with her other best friend Jack.

Maya has a lot to deal with; her brother moves back to town. Jen is dating her ex-boyfriend. Instead of turning her problems over to God she holds them in. This causes her to distant herself from doing her devotions. This causes even more problems for Maya in her relationships with her friends. She finally learns to let go and let God.  When Jack drops a bomb shell of his own; will everything work out for Maya or will everything explode in her face.

Spoiler alert if you haven't read book one don't read on

Latte Daze

Erynn Mangum

Maya Davis series

Book 2

Latte Daze is book 2 in the Maya Davis Series. You have to read the books in order; in order for the books to make sense. Travis and Jen get engaged. Jen asked Maya to be her maid of honor; they are enjoying planning the wedding until Jen’s mother shows up. Maya and Jack are now dating, and Maya is still getting use to calling Jack her boyfriend. Jack has his first dinner with Maya’s parents as her boyfriend.

Before the book ends more changes are coming Maya’s way. Then Jack drops a bomb shell of his own. What’s Maya to do with all these changes simple trust God, even when it’s hard; it’s best to trust God.

Will Jen’s and Travis wedding go off without trouble? What will happen to Maya and Jack? Stay tuned for the next book.

Spolier alert don't read on unless you have read the first tow books

Double Shot

Erynn Mangum

Maya Davis series

Book 3

Maya Dreams seem to be coming true. She’s finally engaged to her best friend and the love of her life Jack. Who would have thought that it would have taken six years for them to realize that they belonged together; all in God’s timing. Maya is busy trying to plan a wedding in under three months can it be done.

Maya also has more challenges and changes to face. Her brother’s and sister-in-laws baby is born early. Will the baby survive? Jack’s offered his dream job will he take it? Will Maya’s and Jack’s wedding come together? All these questions and more will be answered in the final book in the Maya Davis series Double Shot.