BREATH OF FRESH AIR IN CHRISTIAN ROMANCE

I recently read for review I ALWAYS CRY AT WEDDINGS, the debut novel by fellow author Sara Goff.

Here is my 5-star review. LOVED IT. 

A BREATH OF FRESH AIR BY CHRISTINE LINDSAY

I ALWAYS CRY AT WEDDINGS is a wonderful romantic comedy for those of us who are tired of Christian romances that always seem to be set in pioneer days, dude ranches, or Amish communities. I’ve watched many a romantic movie set in New York. So, reading I Always Cry at Weddings felt like that---being inside a contemporary romantic comedy taking place in the Big Apple.

Ava Larson is a young woman like most of us, or like our grown up daughters or granddaughters---she makes mistakes. Big mistakes that accumulate a frightening amount of debt in a short period of time, all for making the right decision. Ava decides to not marry the rich man she’s been engaged to for the past five years and receives the bill for her high society wedding that will never take place. Ava then starts a journey of self-discovery that adds problems on top of problems, that have her squeaking pretty close to losing everything and facing the terrifying prospect of becoming one of New York’s homeless.

But Ava finds that all is not as it seems. Like who is that really cute guy that lives on the street just outside her apartment? How can this seemingly homeless guy appear to have his life in control while hers is spinning out of control?

This story has brow-raising but plausible twists and turns if you read it keeping the average young person of today in mind. Financial security is a thing of the past. Life can change on the spinning of a dime.

So while this book resonates with the honking horns of 5th Avenue, car fumes from New York cabs, the bright lights of Broadway, the thumping of the dancing shoes in night clubs, it still comes across as a breath of fresh air in Christian romance. The steadfast sweetness of Christianity is brushed into the novel with the lightness of a feather, enough to uplift you, as the flawed characters find strength and truth in ageless faith.

READ EXCERPT FROM I ALWAYS CRY AT WEDDINGS

Ava gave a hopeful smile and exchanged a glance with Josh, her fiancé. The last couple they expected to go simple and cheap was Courtney and Brad. They had the money to throw a knockout wedding, like theirs would be. Plus they had a vow of chastity to wrap up. Wouldn’t that be all the more reason to go big? In a church, or under a chuppah? What about God’s blessing? Instead, they opted for a public building with fluorescent lighting and stale air. A room where couples and their witnesses waited in long, grim lines to get their licenses signed, stamped or whatever. How unromantic. How could they?

Ava looked down at her skirt and blouse, her long legs in red opaque tights, and then to Courtney, who had on a pair of low-cut jeans and a pink T-shirt, both on the clingy side. Brad wasn’t dressed any better in grass-stained khakis and an old yellow polo shirt. Here they lost her completely. A bride wore a white dress of some kind. White wasn’t just tradition. It symbolized the innocence of a new beginning and the purity of commitment. Without white, it wasn’t a wedding.

“I guess we overdressed.” Ava blushed as it became obvious that she was staring.

“You guys have seen these outfits before.” Courtney winked. “The Bridgehampton Polo Club, a year ago today…”

“When Josh and I introduced you, of course!” They had gone divot stomping at halftime, Courtney and Brad competing and hitting it off at once. 

“That’s so cute you’re wearing the same clothes. Wow, our first date was so long ago…” She turned to Josh. “Remember? I wore a vintage bubblegum-colored dress with pleats down the front. Ugh! I was going through a ‘Carrie Bradshaw’ phase, on a budget.” She pictured the elegant French restaurant, Daniel, and her meal of goat cheese stuffed escargot and peppered filet mignon…warm and buttery madeleines…a taste of champagne.

“I remember you got a little tipsy.” Josh smirked.

She laughed, as if it were a silly mistake. After dinner, she had naively gone back to his apartment. In a dream-like moment, which she could barely recall, she had given up her virginity. Gone. She felt the sting of regret now, thinking that their first time could’ve meant something if they had waited until marriage, until they knew and loved each other, like Courtney and Brad.

“You look beautiful,” Ava said, softly, almost to herself. Courtney didn’t need the white dress, the veil. She still had that special glow.

ABOUT SARA GOFF recently moved to Connecticut with her husband of 14 years and their two sons after living in Sweden and then London for nearly seven years. I ALWAYS CRY AT WEDDINGS, her debut novel about figuring

out life and finding love in New York City, was recently released by WhiteFire Publishing. A part of the proceeds from the book will go towards her educational charity Lift the Lid, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Visitwww.lift-the-lid.org for more information on the charity. 

PURCHASE LINKS FOR I ALWAYS CRY AT WEDDINGS.

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BOOK REVIEW POSTED BY CHRISTINE LINDSAY www.christinelindsay.com