Review: Sofie Waits by Amanda Hamm

Book Cover and Synopsis:

Amber was Sofie’s first friend at a new school and they’ve been inseparable ever since. She’s been the source of countless laughs and occasional dares. She supported Sofie through college and carried her through her mom’s battle with cancer. But if Amber is her rock, Austin is Sofie’s hard place. He’s the only guy she’s ever loved. She can’t tell anyone because he’s also Amber’s brother.

Sofie has spent eleven years trapped between her feelings for Austin and her loyalty to Amber, who would be horrified to find out about those feelings. Now something has happened, something that means Sofie’s feelings for Austin are no longer a secret. Sofie can’t avoid the fallout forever, and it might not be anything like she expected.

My source for book: Review Copy

My Thoughts:

This story is told through alternating past/present timelines, and both timelines also have alternating points of view (switching between Sofie and Austin). Initially I was a bit skeptical about this format, but it was actually fairly interesting to see how things were revealed in one timeline and then became relevant in the other. I do think this format slightly delayed my bonding with the characters due to the shifting times, but I did eventually come to like them all. 

I was quite amused by the obsession that Austin's dad had with croquet and the way he always roped everyone else into it. Quirky stuff like this is something that I always appreciate as it makes stories more memorable for me. I was also very amused by Austin's need to consciously remind himself how truly nice one of his relatives is, despite the fact that she caused inconvenience to his plans. This is SO realistic and something that I (shamefully) can relate to, which I think made it even more amusing to me.

The alternating timelines (past/present) isn't my favorite style of storytelling, but I do have to admit that it makes for a unique reading experience. Overall I enjoyed the story as a whole, though not quite as much as some of the author's other work. Still, I'm glad I had the chance to read it and I'm anxious to continue on and check out the next book in the "Coffee and Donuts" series when it's released.

My Rating: 3.5 stars

Thanks to the author for providing me with a review copy.

Review: Said and Unsaid by Amanda Hamm

Book Cover and Synopsis:

Alexa Fenley has some complicated relationships in her life. With her mom, she’s trying to keep her temper. With her dad, she’s trying to avoid any subject more emotionally charged than what one would write on a postcard. And with her sister, she’s just trying.

Now Alexa has met someone new. She’s trying to get to know him, trying to stop herself from falling too hard too fast, and trying not to let him know what she thinks of his name. But it’s possible that this new relationship isn’t nearly as complicated as Alexa thinks it is.

My source for book: Review Copy

My Thoughts:
Oooh, this is a fun one! Alexa's "voice" feels genuine and real, and I found her inner thoughts and troubles amusing and also extremely easy to relate to...from the way she talks to her dog like he's a person, to her sticky family relationships. She has some OCD tendencies (though it's not specifically labeled that), and her noticing of things that aren't quite right or even--such as unlevel earrings or mismatched numbers on doors--are humorous and to a certain degree even reminded me of myself. I also really enjoyed how Alexa so badly wanted to further her relationship with Tracker but at the same time she was too afraid to make it known. That's just so real!

I loved how Tracker was kind of persistent--in a non-threatening way--about getting to know Alexa, but at the same time he also seemed a bit shy and unsure at times. (Great combination!) I really enjoyed the large amount of bantering dialogue between Alexa and Tracker as they got to know each other, often just asking random humorous questions to see what the other would say. Since the story is told in first person from Alexa's point of view we never get to see inside Tracker's head, but I actually like it this way as it keeps the interest alive by keeping some of his thoughts and motives a mystery, just like in real life.

The story ultimately shows how small miscommunications and mis-assumptions can easily alter a relationship and unknowingly give people a false impression of our motives. I really really enjoyed it, and there are even some good messages woven in as Alexa tries to deal with her sticky family situation (which is at times a bit comical). Some of Tracker's advice to Alexa actually came around and bit me in the back after I finished the story, and though I didn't appreciate it and it's hard to implement, Tracker really was right. The story leans more Catholic than straightforward Christian (basically they go to mass), but it's very light and nothing doctrinal is discussed so even if your beliefs are slightly different it should still be enjoyable, as it was for me.

I've read and enjoyed most of Amanda's books, but I really feel each one is getting progressively better. "Said and Unsaid" is right up there at the top of my favorites list, and I'm anxious to check out the rest of the Coffee and Donuts series as it becomes available.

My Rating: 5 stars

Thanks to the author for providing me with a review copy.

Review: The Christmas Project by Amanda Hamm

Book Cover and Synopsis:

Hartford is full of small-town Christmas traditions and Gaby Bryant puts herself in the center of all of them. She loves Christmas and she loves things that stay the same. She spends most of the season engaged in one project after another, all intended to squeeze joy and beauty into the holiday. The fact that her friend Owen only reluctantly joins her preparations somehow adds to her fun.

But this year Owen has a project of his own. He wants to convince Gaby that not all change is bad and that if she’d stop thinking of him as “only” a friend, Christmas could be a whole lot merrier.

My source for book: Review Copy

My Thoughts:
I'm a sucker for a cute Christmas story, and while it's true they're a dime a dozen, this one is better than most of what's out there. It has a cute factor that's fun, but it's not over the top cheesy like many are. It stays grounded with the humorous realistic scenarios that are mixed in, such as Owen's extreme aversion to glittery decorations. (I have an Uncle who is even worse about glitter!)

I really liked the apartment building setting, with Gaby and Owen being next door neighbors on their floor. Their habit of often eating or watching tv together in the evenings was cute, and it really displayed the closeness of their friendship. Of course the "friends-turning-into-something-more" angle is fairly common, but it's one that I like and never get tired of--providing it's done well. This one is pretty good, and it's actually better than many I've recently read. Though they both wonder about the other's feelings, they don't spend pages and pages obsessively analyzing things. (Yay!) The sneaky Christmas-themed test that one of them comes up with to test the other's feelings is really cute and creative, and surprisingly the scene didn't turn out at all like I expected.

Overall, Gaby's love of all things Christmas is pretty fun, and I was quite amused how she continually tried to sneak Christmas decorations into Owen's decoration-free apartment. Though I do think I liked the other books in the Hartford series slightly better, I still enjoyed this one and was sad to leave the characters when the (neatly wrapped up) end came. Though it's part of a series, it stands alone perfectly fine. It's really a cute Christmas romance, and very clean as well. I'm glad to have read it, and I can easily recommend it if you're looking for a cute and clean Christmas story.

My Rating: 4 stars

Thanks to the author for providing me with a review copy in exchange for my honest opinion. 

Review: Collecting Zebras by Amanda Hamm

FYI: The Kindle version of this book will be free on August 1st! :)

Book Cover and Synopsis:

Angel Melling is determined to find a husband. The long held goal has recently morphed into an obsession. Being the new girl in a small town does have some advantages though. Angel quickly catches the eye of several of Hartford’s eligible bachelors.

Her quest for a husband appears to be on the right track as she embarks on the most active dating of her life. But as the guys are ruled out one after another, Angel begins to fear that she’ll run out of options. Will Angel find a guy who meets all the criteria for her happily ever after?

Collecting Zebras is the third book in the Stories From Hartford series.

My source for book: Review Copy

My Thoughts:
I found Angel's mission to find a husband extremely entertaining. Despite the fact that she immediately sizes up almost every man she meets, it doesn't feel over-the-top at all. She has a slightly sarcastic voice and it helps that she can sort of laugh at her man-crazy thoughts, in spite of not being able to control them. Angel inwardly admits that she's glad people can't read her thoughts, but I have to say I'm glad the book is written in first person so I CAN read her thoughts because they are highly amusing.

There's actually a surprising number of guys featured in the story--more than I expected--and they all continually pop up throughout, sometimes acting humorously odd with motivations that aren't extremely clear. (Riley, I'm thinking of you!) Just when I'd think no more guys could be introduced, another one would come on the scene. All of this makes it interesting when you try to figure out ahead of time who Angel might end up with. No, the number of guys may not be completely realistic, but it is completely entertaining. Everything else is fairly realistic feeling, including the speed of small town talk and some misunderstandings about which guys are or are not married!

Collecting Zebras is the third book in the "Stories from Hartford" series, but as with all the Hartford books it works well as a standalone if you want to read just the one. As for the others, there's no required order for the series; the stories just kind of fit together in any way you choose to read them. One of the main constants in Hartford is Mabel, the cashier at the grocery store, who has appeared in every story so far. I just can't help but be amused by her good-natured way of sticking her nose into everyone's business while she rings up their groceries!

I do want to point out that the book is very clean. Even though husband hunting is a large part of the story, the content never steers into iffy or objectionable areas. This isn't that kind of story, and Angel isn't that kind of person. It's not preachy at all, but Angel does attend church and accordingly she is looking for someone who shares her beliefs.

Overall, I very much enjoyed Collecting Zebras and I was sad to see it end, though it did end very nicely. Thankfully, the next Hartford book releases later this year so it won't be too long before I can once again "visit" the town and its cast of characters.

My Rating: 5 stars

Thanks to the author for providing me with a review copy in exchange for my honest opinion. 

Review: Jealousy & Yams by Amanda Hamm

Book Cover and Synopsis:

Luke Foster has been accused of being too nice for his own good. He enjoys being helpful though and never thought it was a problem until he met Summer. Now he believes she feels indebted to him and it isn’t gratitude he wants from her.

Summer Slough feels guilty for using Luke. She also feels an attraction to him that she doesn’t know how to handle. It’s beginning to look as though her mistakes and inexperience will keep them apart.

Lucky for both of them, Hartford’s annual Yam Fest is right around the corner. The community event has a way of bringing people together… maybe even Summer and Luke.

My source for book: Review Copy 

My Thoughts: 

The title of Jealousy & Yams, which initially seems odd, is actually very appropriate for this story. The town Yam fest is one of the main plot points and is the topic of many amusing conversations. And as for jealousy... strangely enough, it's the reason that Summer and Luke first meet! Though the word "jealousy" often brings to mind unpleasant feelings, the story itself is actually rather sweet. Yes, I was initially leery of Summer because I didn't understand what her game was, but it turned out to be quite interesting. Though Summer's intentions were at first slightly mischievous, her unexpected attraction to Luke turned her plans completely upside-down, causing her to reevaluate her motives.

I really liked Luke's humorous penchant for abruptly changing topics in the middle of a conversation. Sometimes the change seemed semi-logical, and other times it was pretty far out there....yet I couldn't help but grin each time he did it, because the quirkiness of it gave him such a likeable, down-to-earth type of vibe. I felt bad because people ragged him about the quirk, but Summer's approach to it was really nice in that she was supportive, and they were even able to laugh about it from time to time. 

There's some familiar faces from the first Hartford book that pop up, which is kind of fun because it gives the setting a familiar feel, though the main characters are new. However, it's all done in a clever way so that there's no necessary reading order for the series. If you want to just read one book, or you accidentally read them all out of order--don't worry! It really won't matter.

Though I normally tend to be annoyed when characters don't communicate the big stuff, Summer's and Luke's motivation for not sharing their feelings was actually kind of sweet. Despite a rough--and admittedly, odd--start to their relationship, neither wanted to force the other into anything. I really enjoyed watching their relationship as it falteringly grew. Amanda Hamm's stories are always sweet and cute, and this one is no exception. I admit it did take me a couple chapters to "get into" the storyline, but after that I was quickly hooked and finished the story in just 4 sittings. I very much enjoyed it, and I'm eagerly awaiting the next Hartford story!

My Rating: 4.5 stars

Thanks to the author for providing me with a review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: Andrew's Key by Amanda Hamm

Stories from Hartford, #1

Book Cover and Synopsis:

Talk around Hartford is that the old Hilson house is haunted. Its new owner, Rebecca Hilson, doesn’t believe that. She’s more concerned with the decades of junk that has accumulated and for which she is now responsible. She doesn’t know what to do with any of it or even how to approach sorting through it all.

Her new neighbor, Andrew Lately, is happy to offer some words of wisdom and the help of his grandson, Charlie, to get her started. Charlie makes it clear right away that he is interested in more than helping Rebecca move boxes. She doesn’t know if she can return those feelings. In fact, recent events have made her question her ability to feel much of anything.

Will Charlie's patience pay off or will it take a real ghost to help Rebecca understand the nature of love?

My source for book: Review Copy

My Thoughts:
This is a cute story with a romantic angle that feels both sweet and shy. Sorting through boxes in an old (possibly haunted) house isn't the most typical get-to-know-you scenario, but it's actually kind of fun and gives the uncertain relationship between Rebecca and Charlie a laid back feeling. There is also an element of mystery throughout... not enough to be creepy, scary, or overly intense, but just enough to make you think and wonder.

I like how Rebecca is in her twenties--clearly an adult--but is still trying to figure out her life and future plans. It highly amused me (and scarily enough, sort of reminded me of myself) when she came across various situations that a "grownup" would know how to handle, then quickly realized that SHE is a grownup and should be able to handle things on her own. The first person writing style puts you right inside Rebecca's head, and her occasionally matter-of-fact way of thinking is both amusing and engaging.

Charlie is definitely a sweet guy, and I really enjoyed watching him as he spent time around Rebecca. Though he respects Rebecca's wishes of staying in the "friend zone"--for the time being, at least--you can still tell he has feelings for her by the little double-meaning (but not dirty!) comments he makes. I really enjoyed watching their relationship slowly grow. Rebecca's reasoning for taking things slow was very unique, and interesting to watch play out.

The story kept my attention the whole time, never wavering even once, and I was sad when it ended. That's not to say the ending isn't good though, because it is! Rebecca's realization of her inner traits and how they effect her feelings for Charlie is particularly poignant, and made for a great conclusion to the story's build-up. Andrew's Key is definitely some of the author's best work, and I'm very much looking forward to seeing what's in store when the rest of the "Hartford" series releases later this year.

My Rating: 5 stars

Thank you to the author for providing a copy of the book for review purposes. All opinions expressed are my own.

Review: Meet Cute by Amanda Hamm

Book Cover and Synopsis:

5 stories… 5 couples… 1 cute collection…

THE SLOW LANE – Slow traffic on the way home from work is never any fun. Or is it? When the good-looking guy in another car starts flirting with Mia, she ends up enjoying the commute and the surprise it brings.

MY BROTHER THE MATCH-MAKER – Tabby’s brother likes to play match-maker. She insists she doesn’t want his help. Will Tabby have to admit she likes the guy her brother picked for her or will she finally see her good friend as something more?

WAITING FOR THE BUS - Wes isn’t waiting for the bus. He always knows exactly what time it arrives. He knows what time she arrives to wait for it. Can he figure out the mystery woman? And will he have a chance to capture her attention as well as she has captured his?

NOW IS GOOD – Emily and Zane get two chances to meet two years apart. What happens when only one of them remembers the first time?

PIZZA HEAVEN – Pizza Heaven has mouthwatering food and a fun atmosphere. It’s a dream job for most of the college students who work there. Kara in particular doesn’t want to leave and she’s attached to something besides the pizza. The problem? She doesn’t have the courage to tell him.

My Thoughts:
This collection of 5 short stories is aptly named, as each story details "cute" first meetings paired with sweet and creative ways of asking the ever important "will-you-go-out-with-me?" question. From matchmaking, to accidental meetings, and long-held crushes, all of these scenarios are explored in the stories. Each one is very clean, and though they're not overtly Christian or religious, there are light undertones of faith woven in.

Most of the stories use a first person writing style, which I always enjoy as it allows me to feel more connected to the characters. I quite like the unique atmosphere of Amanda Hamm's work; it's uncomplicated while at the same time being very amusing, with subtle (and not-so-subtle) humor woven in through the inner-thoughts of the characters. They seem real--just like average everyday people--which makes it easy to picture yourself in their shoes.

While I thought all of the stories were cute, my favorite by far was "Pizza Heaven." It's been several days since I read it, but my mind continues to go back and revisit the story. The restaurant setting was great fun, and the characters and their personalities were awesome; I was immediately comfortable with them, which made it easy to cheer for and sympathize with them through their ups and downs. "Pizza Heaven" is the longest story in the collection, and while it's very complete and doesn't feel too short, I do admit to wishing it had been longer--simply because I enjoyed it so much! :)

I don't often read short stories as I honestly just finish them too quickly, however I did enjoy this collection. It's easy to be amused by the great bits of banter, sweet and harmless flirting, and one or two humorously awkward scenarios. In keeping with our times cell phones play a big part in two of the stories, and the sheer creativity of how they are used is delightful. If you're a fan of short stories or if you're just looking for something light and fun, this collection is a good one to consider!

My Rating: 4.5 stars

Thank you to the author for providing me with a review copy.

Review: Weathering Evan by Amanda Hamm

Book Cover and Synopsis:

Tammy Janeway is having some issues. Evan Knightly is at the root of all of them. Of course it’s not his fault that she has a massive crush on him. But she can’t even be sure he deserves her adoration. One minute he’s undeniably sweet and charming, the next he acts like a creep.

Tammy is tired of feeling like a nervous teenager in her professional life. She knows she’s making a fool of herself in front of the co-worker who is already dating Evan. She knows she can’t stop thinking about him and she knows she wants to. But the one thing she doesn’t know just might be the key to finding a fresh start.

My Thoughts:
Discovering new and different authors is one of the things I really like about my Kindle. There's several indie authors that I've discovered with it, and Amanda Hamm is one of them.

Tammy's job as a Customs Broker is well researched; beforehand I didn't even know the occupation existed, but now I feel that I know a fair amount about it. It's not a position I would seek out, however it was still interesting to learn about. Tammy's office is peppered with a typical quirky cast: incompetent boss, gossipy co-worker, and a "strictly business" co-worker.

Considering the title, I expected Evan to be present in the book more than he was, although for various plot reasons this wasn't really possible. As Tammy's crush on him grows, she finds herself alternating between trying to find ways to "bump" into him, and trying to avoid him. (Making a fool out of yourself due to your massive crush on a co-worker's boyfriend is never good!) It turns out the title has kind of a double meaning, which I won't give away, but I will say that never before has talking about the weather been so charming!

Occasionally some of Tammy's work scenes went on a bit long, but there were other times when I couldn't help but sympathize with her as she tried to placate incompetent and rude customers. (I think we've all experienced those scenarios!) I wish Evan could have been featured a bit more, but the scenes he did have were done well and used wisely.  

As for the ending...on one hand it seemed a bit abrupt, but on the other hand, it was rather sweet. I do wish there had been more story after the end scene, and ultimately I feel that's the mark of an enjoyable story, wanting more after it ends. :) I would recommended this if you're looking for something just a bit out of the norm. I enjoyed it! 

My Rating: 4 stars

For my regular readers, I just want to point out that Tammy and several other characters are Catholic. Tammy attends mass and a Catholic singles group, but the religion and beliefs are not discussed. I generally read Christian fiction, but I was not uncomfortable in the least with any of the content here.

Review: The 4th Floor Lounge by Amanda Hamm

I've sort of been MIA from posting lately...truth be told, I was in the middle of a light fantasy series, and while I absolutely loved it, it doesn't really fit into my regular categories of "Christian Fiction" or "Young Adult", so I decided not to feature it here (although I did post reviews at Amazon).
Anyway, now that I've returned from the fantasy world, regular reviews will now resume! :) Here's The 4th Floor Lounge by Amanda Hamm.

Book Cover and Synopsis:

Where does an extreme introvert draw the line between being lonely and being left alone? One quirky college student is looking for the answer in the 4th floor lounge.

Her goals are simple: make one or two good friends and avoid talking to everyone else. Achieving those goals will not be easy for this gorgeous yet socially awkward heroine. She’s constantly approached by guys who are not interested in friendship. And when she finally forms some solid bonds it’s her own romantic feelings that get in the way.

My Thoughts:
Okay, I admit it: I'm an introvert, so obviously I was able to connect with Charlotte, the title character, immediately. And I do mean *immediately*! Many of her actions and thought processes were....um, well, lets just say very familiar! In a way it's nice to know other people have similar thoughts and feelings, but then again, to see some of them down on paper staring back at me was actually a bit sobering...however, it was also extremely entertaining!

The writing style is rather simple in a way, but it has a very comforting quality to it. It's written in first person style, with Charlotte narrating most of the book, so it often has the fun and easy feeling of a friend telling a story about them self. Although extroverts (or "talkers", as Charlotte calls them) may think the whole book is a bit over the top, it really isn't far off the mark; Charlotte's personality is very genuine and her thought processes are completely authentic for someone who struggles with social settings.

Overall, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect when I first picked this up, but I'm very glad I didn't pass it by. I really enjoyed following Charlotte through college, and watching the ups and downs of her friendships and awkward interactions. Some people might think she's weird, in fact she knows it and acknowledges it, but it's extremely refreshing to see that she doesn't let those opinions change who she is. I really had fun with this book, and the ending was very sweet. I'm looking forward to checking out more of this author's works!

My Rating:
5 stars

For those interested in content:
This isn't really a "Christian" novel, but I was very comfortable reading it. Charlotte and a few other characters are Catholic, but their beliefs aren't really discussed, basically all that's mentioned is people going to church/mass. The content is pretty clean; Charlotte lives in a co-ed dorm so there's a couple of light veiled innuendos (mostly from guys trying to get Charlotte to go out with them), but certainly nothing extreme at all.