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86 Bloomberg Place #2
Let Them Eat Fruitcake
It's the holiday season and each of the roommates at 86 Bloomberg Place is a little blue. Megan's got the boss from hell, and now her mom is going on a cruise, leaving Megan alone for Christmas for the first time ever. Lelani can't afford to fly home to Hawaii and isn't sure she'd be welcomed anyway, not that she can admit that to anyone. Anna's old boyfriend—the one who cheated on her—has sailed back into her life, just when she's met a for-real nice guy she's been keeping secret from her large, crazy Latino family. And Kendall's met a famous actor, who might be the answer to her money woes—if she could only convince him she's the love of his life. Thank goodness God is around to listen when the girls need help!
Let's face it, relationships are hard work—whether they're with family and friends, coworkers and customers, or boyfriends and girlfriends. And when you've got your first apartment, a real job, and grown-up responsibilities, relationships are loaded with confusion, emotion, and secrets you can't tell to anyone but God. Best-selling author Melody Carlson has captured all the uncertainty and joy of being twenty-something in pitch-perfect detail—and their stories might just sound like someone you know.
Let's face it, relationships are hard work—whether they're with family and friends, coworkers and customers, or boyfriends and girlfriends. And when you've got your first apartment, a real job, and grown-up responsibilities, relationships are loaded with confusion, emotion, and secrets you can't tell to anyone but God. Best-selling author Melody Carlson has captured all the uncertainty and joy of being twenty-something in pitch-perfect detail—and their stories might just sound like someone you know.
323 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2008
44 people are currently reading
467 people want to read
About the author
Melody Carlson
419 books3,260 followersMelody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books, several of them Christmas novellas from Revell, including her much-loved and bestselling book, The Christmas Bus.
She also writes many teen books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the TrueColors series, and the Carter House Girls series.
Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books, including the Notes from a Spinning Planet series and Finding Alice, which is in production as a Lifetime Television movie. She and her husband serve on the Young Life adult committee in central Oregon.
She also writes many teen books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the TrueColors series, and the Carter House Girls series.
Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books, including the Notes from a Spinning Planet series and Finding Alice, which is in production as a Lifetime Television movie. She and her husband serve on the Young Life adult committee in central Oregon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
July 9, 2021
This book was mostly a miss for me.
It was filled with sexual innuendo and carried a heavy emphasis on sexual relationships outside of marriage, including marital affairs and one-night stands. That isn’t the type of story I like, which is why I prefer Christian fiction most of the time. This book came as a huge shock, especially since book one was more chick lit than romance.
One character said he was “trying to work things out” with his wife, but he had a girl in every city, it seemed… or would find one. It didn’t seem to me that he was “trying” very hard. He never did seem to change.
The melodrama skyrocketed from the amount the first book contained. This wasn’t a positive for me, though I know other readers might adore the alteration.
The cover was adorable! So fresh and clean and quirky. I just wish the story beneath it would have lived up to it.
I did enjoy Megan’s storyline. I love a quirky client! Megan’s journey with her interior decorating career is a fun one, and I can hardly wait to find out what happens with her in the next book.
Lelani, once again, was my favorite character. There’s just something about her that draws me in. It was great, this time, to see her explore faith and stand up for her moral code, even under peer pressure.
Kendall was, once again, completely annoying. I’m really hoping she mellows at some point in this series, but I’m guessing that only happens in the final pages of book four, at the rate the first two books have gone. We’ll see!
Content: nudity, alcohol, talk of “nude scenes” in a movie, one-night stand, marital affairs, replacement expletives, sexual talk and innuendo, sex theme/saturation/focus, drugs
It was filled with sexual innuendo and carried a heavy emphasis on sexual relationships outside of marriage, including marital affairs and one-night stands. That isn’t the type of story I like, which is why I prefer Christian fiction most of the time. This book came as a huge shock, especially since book one was more chick lit than romance.
One character said he was “trying to work things out” with his wife, but he had a girl in every city, it seemed… or would find one. It didn’t seem to me that he was “trying” very hard. He never did seem to change.
The melodrama skyrocketed from the amount the first book contained. This wasn’t a positive for me, though I know other readers might adore the alteration.
The cover was adorable! So fresh and clean and quirky. I just wish the story beneath it would have lived up to it.
I did enjoy Megan’s storyline. I love a quirky client! Megan’s journey with her interior decorating career is a fun one, and I can hardly wait to find out what happens with her in the next book.
Lelani, once again, was my favorite character. There’s just something about her that draws me in. It was great, this time, to see her explore faith and stand up for her moral code, even under peer pressure.
Kendall was, once again, completely annoying. I’m really hoping she mellows at some point in this series, but I’m guessing that only happens in the final pages of book four, at the rate the first two books have gone. We’ll see!
Content: nudity, alcohol, talk of “nude scenes” in a movie, one-night stand, marital affairs, replacement expletives, sexual talk and innuendo, sex theme/saturation/focus, drugs
May 6, 2012
Although I liked re-visiting the girls at Bloomberg Place, I didn't find myself quite as drawn to them this time around. Although there were a couple of storylines that held my attention, for the most part, it felt a little overdone and padded out. There wasn't that same feeling of connection between the girls (until the final chapter) in Let Them Eat Fruitcake.
Strangely enough, the most annoying character's major storyline was the one that grabbed my interest the most. Although I wanted to shake sense into Kendall (a feeling probably echoed by most readers), her spin into personal disaster made for compelling reading and was not sugar-coated. Her ultimate calamity was fairly predictable (or maybe that's just me and my suspicious mind) and sets the stage for Book 3.
As for the other characters, nothing much happened (really) apart from relationship ups and downs. Leilani continued to battle with the dilemma of whether to return home to her baby and medical school, or to encourage the budding relationship with Gil and stay in a job she dislikes.
Anna's fiery temperament and family loyalty lead her to make poor decisions (and oh boy, that mother of hers!).
Megan continues to struggle with the loss of her father and the need to make good choices in keeping with her faith.
Although the first novel in this series touched on Christianity with a light hand, in Let Them Eat Fruitcake Melody Carlson opened the floodgate more than a few times. Based on the wording, I'm assuming she was trying to reach both a secular and Christian audience. In other words, she used a more generic "God" instead of the more appropriate Christ or Jesus in many instances. As a Christian, it didn't overly bother me (although I felt it was a little unsubtle); however, I can imagine a lot of secular readers being really annoyed (unless their hearts were already open).
Of all the characters, the three who continue to remain a little too perfect are the three boyfriends--Edwin, Gil and Marcus. Patient, gentle, long-suffering. They are all a little too good to be true.
I really would rate Let Them Eat Fruitcake at about 3.5 stars rather than 3. I didn't dislike it at all, but I just didn't feel gripped by it. Even the conflict between the girls was a bit tiresome. I was far more interested in the events that happened when they were away from Bloomberg Place.
Having said all that, I will still look forward to reading the next book in the series--just not straight away.
Strangely enough, the most annoying character's major storyline was the one that grabbed my interest the most. Although I wanted to shake sense into Kendall (a feeling probably echoed by most readers), her spin into personal disaster made for compelling reading and was not sugar-coated. Her ultimate calamity was fairly predictable (or maybe that's just me and my suspicious mind) and sets the stage for Book 3.
As for the other characters, nothing much happened (really) apart from relationship ups and downs. Leilani continued to battle with the dilemma of whether to return home to her baby and medical school, or to encourage the budding relationship with Gil and stay in a job she dislikes.
Anna's fiery temperament and family loyalty lead her to make poor decisions (and oh boy, that mother of hers!).
Megan continues to struggle with the loss of her father and the need to make good choices in keeping with her faith.
Although the first novel in this series touched on Christianity with a light hand, in Let Them Eat Fruitcake Melody Carlson opened the floodgate more than a few times. Based on the wording, I'm assuming she was trying to reach both a secular and Christian audience. In other words, she used a more generic "God" instead of the more appropriate Christ or Jesus in many instances. As a Christian, it didn't overly bother me (although I felt it was a little unsubtle); however, I can imagine a lot of secular readers being really annoyed (unless their hearts were already open).
Of all the characters, the three who continue to remain a little too perfect are the three boyfriends--Edwin, Gil and Marcus. Patient, gentle, long-suffering. They are all a little too good to be true.
I really would rate Let Them Eat Fruitcake at about 3.5 stars rather than 3. I didn't dislike it at all, but I just didn't feel gripped by it. Even the conflict between the girls was a bit tiresome. I was far more interested in the events that happened when they were away from Bloomberg Place.
Having said all that, I will still look forward to reading the next book in the series--just not straight away.
March 7, 2011
Liked this better than the first book because of the setting. I love Christmas time and even though it is hectic it is great to look at the celebration through different eyes. These four girls may need a therapist, maybe they should add a 5th housemate. LOL
June 19, 2019
Second in series, ok continuation. However, no real advancement with the characters and very light spiritual content.
December 18, 2020
Do you know someone who actually likes fruitcake? I do. Me! My wife and I listened to the audio book version of Melody Carlson's Let them Eat Fruitcake, written in 2008, on our trip to and from Branson, Missouri this week.
Kendall has lived in her grandmother's house in Portland, Oregon, since her grandmother had to move to a local nursing home. Kendall has three roommates who share the large house with her. They all plan to stay home this Christmas, and they decide to plan a big party for Christmas Eve.
Each of the four young women is having trouble getting into the Christmas spirit. Kendall has delusions of grandeur after meeting a movie star at a local party. Megan, who has been mourning the loss of her father, often comes home from work feeling defeated by her mean boss. Anna is doing a poor job of juggling two boyfriends. And now she is facing a health crisis in her family. Lelani can never really open up and be herself because she is hiding a secret past.
Let Them Eat Fruitcake is written with a Christian message: while we tend to develop tunnel vision in dark times, and have difficulty seeing any way out of problems, God has a plan for us, and we need to make use of the awesome power that prayer and faith can unlock.
Kendall has lived in her grandmother's house in Portland, Oregon, since her grandmother had to move to a local nursing home. Kendall has three roommates who share the large house with her. They all plan to stay home this Christmas, and they decide to plan a big party for Christmas Eve.
Each of the four young women is having trouble getting into the Christmas spirit. Kendall has delusions of grandeur after meeting a movie star at a local party. Megan, who has been mourning the loss of her father, often comes home from work feeling defeated by her mean boss. Anna is doing a poor job of juggling two boyfriends. And now she is facing a health crisis in her family. Lelani can never really open up and be herself because she is hiding a secret past.
Let Them Eat Fruitcake is written with a Christian message: while we tend to develop tunnel vision in dark times, and have difficulty seeing any way out of problems, God has a plan for us, and we need to make use of the awesome power that prayer and faith can unlock.
January 27, 2019
I’ll be generous & give 3.5 🌟 🌟 🌟.... simple but sweet fluff
December 15, 2008
A contempoary Christian "chick-lit" novel about four, single housemates all in the early to mid-20s.
I'm not the target audience for this book, but the title was fun and the back cover made it seem interesting. I guess I've never learned that whole "don't judge a book by its cover" thing.
Now, I have to admit I've only seen one episode of "Sex and the City" and that was only because it featured a guest-star turn by Sarah Michelle Gellar. So, my exposure to that show is limited, but I get the feeling this is a series intended to be "Sex in the City" for the contemporary Christian crowd. You've got four single women from various backgrounds, trying to figure out their careers and love lives, all while having various interactions. I think the biggest difference would the four are friends in "City" and that's not necessarily the case with each of the storylines here.
What I liked most about the story was that the characters weren't drawn as black and white. Each young lady had her own past, her own issues and faced trials and tribulations that felt authentic. One character in particular, Kendall, could have come off as being evil or judged harshly by the author for some of her choices over the course of the story. But Melody Carlson allows us to see enough of Kendall's story from her persepctive to at lead understand what motivates and is leading her down the path she chooses. We may not agree with the choices she make and there are several that we just know are going to turn out wrong for her, but Carlson still allows her to make the mistakes up to and including stalking a married man she had a one-night stand with. Watching her inner rationalization that he'll leave the wife for her if she just shows up is fascinating and frightening.
And that's just one character thread here. The stories are all loosely connected around the girls' interactions at the house and their desire to throw a Christmas party on Christmas Eve. The novel keeps coming back to the party as the driving factor and helps things all build to a necessary point in the final few pages. There are some resolutions, but Carlson leaves a lot of stories unresolved, setting up a sequel to come sometime early next year. She also ends the story on a cliffhanger of sorts. While it's not lifethreatengly massive, it may be enough for me to pick up the next story and see where things go next.
I'm not the target audience for this book, but the title was fun and the back cover made it seem interesting. I guess I've never learned that whole "don't judge a book by its cover" thing.
Now, I have to admit I've only seen one episode of "Sex and the City" and that was only because it featured a guest-star turn by Sarah Michelle Gellar. So, my exposure to that show is limited, but I get the feeling this is a series intended to be "Sex in the City" for the contemporary Christian crowd. You've got four single women from various backgrounds, trying to figure out their careers and love lives, all while having various interactions. I think the biggest difference would the four are friends in "City" and that's not necessarily the case with each of the storylines here.
What I liked most about the story was that the characters weren't drawn as black and white. Each young lady had her own past, her own issues and faced trials and tribulations that felt authentic. One character in particular, Kendall, could have come off as being evil or judged harshly by the author for some of her choices over the course of the story. But Melody Carlson allows us to see enough of Kendall's story from her persepctive to at lead understand what motivates and is leading her down the path she chooses. We may not agree with the choices she make and there are several that we just know are going to turn out wrong for her, but Carlson still allows her to make the mistakes up to and including stalking a married man she had a one-night stand with. Watching her inner rationalization that he'll leave the wife for her if she just shows up is fascinating and frightening.
And that's just one character thread here. The stories are all loosely connected around the girls' interactions at the house and their desire to throw a Christmas party on Christmas Eve. The novel keeps coming back to the party as the driving factor and helps things all build to a necessary point in the final few pages. There are some resolutions, but Carlson leaves a lot of stories unresolved, setting up a sequel to come sometime early next year. She also ends the story on a cliffhanger of sorts. While it's not lifethreatengly massive, it may be enough for me to pick up the next story and see where things go next.
June 19, 2011
I read this book in about six hours from cover to cover but not because I couldn't put it down, because it was an easy read, and I was stuck on a bus. For me, this book was nothing special. It was slightly entertaining but not any different than all of the other chick lit books I've read. Melody Carlson wrote well enough, but the story just didn't intrigue me. Check out her website for other books she's written.
Four girls are living together in a house owned by one of the girls (the gorgeous, blond one with the rich parents). All of their Christmas plans fall apart, and they decide to throw a Christmas party together as housemates. The story follows their intertwined lives between this decision and the actual party itself, and it's extremely predictable. I swear anytime there is a book or movie about four girls, you can always expect to see the same four types- I'm giving the example of Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. You've got the blond with the gorgeous body and charm (Blake), then you've got the quiet dark haired beauty (Alexis), the artsy/nerdy type (good thing I don't even know her name), and the curvy dark haired girl that is typically Latino (America). This book has the exact same characters, and they get into the same problems you would expect them to. There really wasn't anything I couldn't and didn't predict throughout the entire novel.
But don't let my review stop you for reading this book. It's not bad, it's just predictable and very similar to all other chick lits on the shelf and chick flicks in the movie store. I can only take so much and like mine to have a slight twist.
Four girls are living together in a house owned by one of the girls (the gorgeous, blond one with the rich parents). All of their Christmas plans fall apart, and they decide to throw a Christmas party together as housemates. The story follows their intertwined lives between this decision and the actual party itself, and it's extremely predictable. I swear anytime there is a book or movie about four girls, you can always expect to see the same four types- I'm giving the example of Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. You've got the blond with the gorgeous body and charm (Blake), then you've got the quiet dark haired beauty (Alexis), the artsy/nerdy type (good thing I don't even know her name), and the curvy dark haired girl that is typically Latino (America). This book has the exact same characters, and they get into the same problems you would expect them to. There really wasn't anything I couldn't and didn't predict throughout the entire novel.
But don't let my review stop you for reading this book. It's not bad, it's just predictable and very similar to all other chick lits on the shelf and chick flicks in the movie store. I can only take so much and like mine to have a slight twist.
October 5, 2009
Let Them Eat Fruitcake is the second book in the 86 Bloomberg Place series. I have come to the realization that these books move incredibly slow. It could be because each chapter skips to a different character, but every time I try to think of what the book about, only about one sentence comes to mind, and I think, "Is that it?" This one takes place just before Christmas, with the end of the book wrapping up on Christmas day. The roommates plan a Christmas Even party, have man troubles, and . . . that's about it. But I guess just about every chicklit could be described as "woman has man troubles, everything is solved in the end."
Only everything isn't solved in the end of this book since it's a series. So we only get the first part of that sentence. The characters are all pretty much the same. Kendall is unlikeable, almost to the point of being an unbelievable character. I mean, are there really people like that out there? Ironically, her point of view is probably my favorite to read, just because it's the most interesting. The other girls really aren't doing very interesting things.
All through this book I thought it was just so-so. Nothing special, but not so bad that it was hard to get through. I would have rated it a 3, but I really enjoyed the ending. It was definitely a feel good, and I can see the series getting better type ending. So I'd rate it a 4/5. Recommended for chick-lit lovers and Christian fiction readers. It was a little heavier on the religion than the first one, but still not overly so.
Only everything isn't solved in the end of this book since it's a series. So we only get the first part of that sentence. The characters are all pretty much the same. Kendall is unlikeable, almost to the point of being an unbelievable character. I mean, are there really people like that out there? Ironically, her point of view is probably my favorite to read, just because it's the most interesting. The other girls really aren't doing very interesting things.
All through this book I thought it was just so-so. Nothing special, but not so bad that it was hard to get through. I would have rated it a 3, but I really enjoyed the ending. It was definitely a feel good, and I can see the series getting better type ending. So I'd rate it a 4/5. Recommended for chick-lit lovers and Christian fiction readers. It was a little heavier on the religion than the first one, but still not overly so.
December 11, 2012
This is the second of a four book series. In this book, the four roommates are all starting to get the hang of each other. All four of them are being challenged with different relationships, whether it is with their friends and family or their coworkers. This book shows how each of the roommates deal with their problems in different ways and how they deal with the holiday madness. They even decide to throw a Christmas eve party, but with their hectic lives, they don't even know if they can do it.
I think this book was a little better than the first one. It has more going on and I just like it being Christmas time! This book seemed to flow better and kept me reading more intently than on the last one. I also like how this book uses real life situations to give the reader a good lesson to learn.
I recommend this to book to teenaged girls. Especially if you are struggling with relationships in your life. This book will help you realize that even though they are fictional characters other people are feeling the same way you do, and that there is a good way to handle it.
I think this book was a little better than the first one. It has more going on and I just like it being Christmas time! This book seemed to flow better and kept me reading more intently than on the last one. I also like how this book uses real life situations to give the reader a good lesson to learn.
I recommend this to book to teenaged girls. Especially if you are struggling with relationships in your life. This book will help you realize that even though they are fictional characters other people are feeling the same way you do, and that there is a good way to handle it.
May 24, 2012
I thought this second book was better than the first, but I'm not totally sure about this series yet. I feel like we still don't really know much about the characters, and am hoping to learn a little bit more about them in the next book. Anna is definitely my least favorite though. As crazy as Kendall is, she's fun to read about. Anna is just kind of… there.
Still, this was a fun and breezy read; and as it usually is with Melody Carlson's books, it made me feel peaceful and happy after reading.
Still, this was a fun and breezy read; and as it usually is with Melody Carlson's books, it made me feel peaceful and happy after reading.
June 22, 2009
This was a bit of a dissapointment after the first book in the series. I never really got into the book. It was okay, and everything turned out in the end. But I think the characters kind of annoyed me. But, that's probably true to life - if I lived with them, they'd probably annoy me then, too! I'll still continue on in the series and see what unfolds.
July 3, 2010
This was the second book in the Bloomberg series. There were more Christian reference and implications that the roommates might all get saved at the end of the series, as well as a super lame plot twist. However, I really liked how one of the characters has a vainglorious Christian frenemy. Who doesn't love a self righteous lecture that's really a brag about how Christian the other person is?
January 11, 2011
Well written but a bit predictable. Wished it were a little longer so the characters could have been developed even more. Seems as if the author addressed many of the issues facing women in their mid 20's-mid 30's in current times.
December 8, 2013
There is absolutely no depth to this book. ...and that's pretty bad coming from an avid chick-lit fan. I'm not looking for much but this was basically a series of events. Very little detail or character development. The story line was ok but I just needed more.
December 5, 2008
Oh my suck. Maybe it is me but what is with any hack thinking they can write about a group of girls, friendship in varying amounts, and boy trouble and make a good novel?
March 24, 2010
This is a pretty cute series. I like it enough to finish the series. It's not one I'd put on my best reads list, but entertaining and cute.
September 22, 2020
This is the second book in a series, which I didn't realize, and there are definite ongoing threads both forward and back. I'm not sure I would say this book tells a complete story. I definitely wouldn't say it stands alone and if you read the other books, read in order. I felt unsatisfied at the end of the story with too much left open.
This is the 6th book I've read by this author and it was a shock. First of all, based on the title (without seeing the series notation), I expected a comedy, maybe a Christmas comedy. I didn't find anything funny. In fact, it was mostly depressing. It ends on Christmas Day and there are references to Christmas and some seasonal activities, but it easily could have been built around other seasons.
I also didn't find much in the way of touching moments which is what I read Christmas stories looking forward to. Any attempts at touching moments, and I assume that's what they were, fell flat for me.
It didn't help that I found the four main characters anywhere from disappointing to get-me-away-from-her (Kendall). There appears to be attempts at character development, especially for Lelani, but I'm pretty sure you have to read the whole series to see it fully happen. That's not gonna happen for me.
Lelani has potential but is still a little too close to being the victim both in circumstances and personality. It there was just one book, focusing just on her, I think I would be interested.
Megan would also have potential if she would just take charge of herself. Megan actually makes the fewest bad choices, but that's not saying a lot. Anna could be OK too, but I wonder if she's going to become a victim in book 3. Kendall - see next paragraph.
This is a Christian book, but it's unlike almost any Christian romance I have ever read, and I've read a few dozen. This book has main characters like Kendall making choices that aren't just bad, they're horrible, with a dose of self-destructive. Lelani has begun trying to live like a Christian, but she makes at least one really bad choice supporting Kendall in a way no one, especially a Christian, ever should. At one point she thinks to herself: she could see the sensibility in Kendall's plan<.b>. My thought at that point was - in what universe?
I often comment about how preachy a Christian book is. In this case, there are things that sound preachy, but I question what the message is. Characters pray for guidance. Sometimes it results in good decisions and sometimes not. I guess that happens to all of us. But again, what's the message?
Lelani closed the door and tried to remember exactly what Megan had just told her. Believe in God. Trust God. Pray to him. Really, it did sound simple. Okay, almost too simple. Yet, Lelani couldn't deny that she desperately needed help.
By itself, there is nothing wrong with this advice or these feelings, but there is more to the Gospel. God is not solely a heavenly therapist handing out good guidance any time we ask for it, and without other commitments by us. There is more to being a Christian, and if a Christian author is including messages in her writing, and most authors are, then "Believe in God, Trust God, Pay to him" leaves out way too much. Certainly, this author's implied message probably includes that all of us make mistakes, sins, and we desperately need to depend on God for our lives to be right, but there is still more in the Gospel and that all centers around Jesus, and I don't see that in this story. The circumstances of the story are begging for that necessary element.
Despite the fact that there are many loose ends at the conclusion of this book, a lot of important things happen abruptly just before the end. These things needed more development, especially since I'm pretty sure they will be relevant in the next book.
Mature themes: one character has casual sex with a married man which isn't really described. Another character has already had a baby resulting from extramarital sex with a married man. There are some other serious circumstances in her life. One character abuses alcohol and has indicators of clinical depression and seriously self-destructive behavior. Another character (very) briefly questions whether she wants to keep living. (Note: I don't mention this things by way of judgment, but rather to indicate that there are some deep serious issues in this story. If this book is read by a young person still under parental authority, then two way discussion is warranted between parent and child.)
This is the 6th book I've read by this author and it was a shock. First of all, based on the title (without seeing the series notation), I expected a comedy, maybe a Christmas comedy. I didn't find anything funny. In fact, it was mostly depressing. It ends on Christmas Day and there are references to Christmas and some seasonal activities, but it easily could have been built around other seasons.
I also didn't find much in the way of touching moments which is what I read Christmas stories looking forward to. Any attempts at touching moments, and I assume that's what they were, fell flat for me.
It didn't help that I found the four main characters anywhere from disappointing to get-me-away-from-her (Kendall). There appears to be attempts at character development, especially for Lelani, but I'm pretty sure you have to read the whole series to see it fully happen. That's not gonna happen for me.
Lelani has potential but is still a little too close to being the victim both in circumstances and personality. It there was just one book, focusing just on her, I think I would be interested.
Megan would also have potential if she would just take charge of herself. Megan actually makes the fewest bad choices, but that's not saying a lot. Anna could be OK too, but I wonder if she's going to become a victim in book 3. Kendall - see next paragraph.
This is a Christian book, but it's unlike almost any Christian romance I have ever read, and I've read a few dozen. This book has main characters like Kendall making choices that aren't just bad, they're horrible, with a dose of self-destructive. Lelani has begun trying to live like a Christian, but she makes at least one really bad choice supporting Kendall in a way no one, especially a Christian, ever should. At one point she thinks to herself: she could see the sensibility in Kendall's plan<.b>. My thought at that point was - in what universe?
I often comment about how preachy a Christian book is. In this case, there are things that sound preachy, but I question what the message is. Characters pray for guidance. Sometimes it results in good decisions and sometimes not. I guess that happens to all of us. But again, what's the message?
Lelani closed the door and tried to remember exactly what Megan had just told her. Believe in God. Trust God. Pray to him. Really, it did sound simple. Okay, almost too simple. Yet, Lelani couldn't deny that she desperately needed help.
By itself, there is nothing wrong with this advice or these feelings, but there is more to the Gospel. God is not solely a heavenly therapist handing out good guidance any time we ask for it, and without other commitments by us. There is more to being a Christian, and if a Christian author is including messages in her writing, and most authors are, then "Believe in God, Trust God, Pay to him" leaves out way too much. Certainly, this author's implied message probably includes that all of us make mistakes, sins, and we desperately need to depend on God for our lives to be right, but there is still more in the Gospel and that all centers around Jesus, and I don't see that in this story. The circumstances of the story are begging for that necessary element.
Despite the fact that there are many loose ends at the conclusion of this book, a lot of important things happen abruptly just before the end. These things needed more development, especially since I'm pretty sure they will be relevant in the next book.
Mature themes: one character has casual sex with a married man which isn't really described. Another character has already had a baby resulting from extramarital sex with a married man. There are some other serious circumstances in her life. One character abuses alcohol and has indicators of clinical depression and seriously self-destructive behavior. Another character (very) briefly questions whether she wants to keep living. (Note: I don't mention this things by way of judgment, but rather to indicate that there are some deep serious issues in this story. If this book is read by a young person still under parental authority, then two way discussion is warranted between parent and child.)
August 25, 2022
I liked the first book better because I think this one really was packed a punch and a bit of scandal. Kendall really is unbearable in this one! At least in the first one, she’s the girl you love to hate but going there with a married actor? Not a fan. Her having a friend whose doing the same thing and justifying that kind of behavior is just kinda off putting as well. I didn’t really have as much love of the characters in this one as I did in the first. I’m going to read the rest of the series because I do think there’s potential. I liked Lelani and her work storyline. I don’t dislike Megan and I also like her work storyline and I like how it shows she’s sorting through her fathers death but she is a little too preachy. Anna has gone down quite a few notches after this book too. It’s fine to talk about her faith but she needs to dial it down a bit. I hate to give negative feedback about this book because I LOVE Melody Carlson, she’s one of my favorite authors. The book WAS entertaining but I’m hoping book 3, Spring Broke is better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 28, 2021
Stress of the holiday season is growing as each of the roommates finds themselves in tense situations. Megan's mom is going on a cruise so she will be alone for Christmas. Lelani can't afford to go home and is working retail during the holiday and having to deal with shoplifters. Anna's old boyfriend returns to the scene making Anna confused as to whether she still has feelings for him or if she cares for the new guy in her life who is very kind. Meanwhile her mother tells the family she has been diagnosed with breast cancer, a horrible thing to hear at anytime, much less the holidays. And Kendall meets an actor, thinks she is in love, but is he going to leave his wife for her and rescue her from her money woes? They all need God and find turning to him helps in each situation. Kendall receives a puppy for Christmas and begins to learn from this experience as well. I will have to read the other book as this is book 2 in the series.
March 19, 2025
The 4 women at 86 Bloomberg have overcome their initial misgivings and are learning to get along with each other, but that doesn't mean the Christmas season won't cause some wrinkles. Kendall had met a Hollywood actor and is determined to make him her husband. Lelani is confused about what she wants from her relationship with Gil, but when his family gets the wrong idea it might be over before it starts. Anna is just getting to know Edmond when her ex Jake comes back into the picture and she finds her old feelings returning, and Megan just wants a day at work where Vera doesn't find something wrong with her. The group needs each other to get through these challenges, but they may let personal feelings stop them from reaching out.
It was a good continuation to the series, and another easy read. This author has yet to disappoint me and I've been reading her books for half of my life
It was a good continuation to the series, and another easy read. This author has yet to disappoint me and I've been reading her books for half of my life
July 24, 2022
I get that this was written by a Christian author but she’s got some seriously weird ideas about sex. It’s reaching horror movie level tropes where the slutty one dies first.
The characters are not well rounded. The only one that seems to have depth is Lelani who is also suffering because of- you guessed it, sexual sin.
Overall, it’s an easy read but lacking depth.
The characters are not well rounded. The only one that seems to have depth is Lelani who is also suffering because of- you guessed it, sexual sin.
Overall, it’s an easy read but lacking depth.
November 6, 2017
Too cheesy and the characters are annoying. I think I tried to like it but I generally don't like these types of books. I suppose if you are a fan of the chick lit writing then you will enjoy it, but I'd rather pass.
September 28, 2018
Possibly deserves three stars. I was too distracted my the reader of this audio book. Her voices got under my skin (like nails on a chalkboard). I suffered through and somewhat enjoyed this (better than rush hour radio).
September 30, 2019
An enjoyable read. Although the character Kendall is shallow and at times annoying, we all have a person like this in our circle. One of the many reasons the characters in this series are relatable. Continuing with series as I am hooked.
June 7, 2021
i enjoyed it more than the first book as we actually got to see those characters grapple with what God has to do with their lives. It was closer to the True Colors series that attracted me to her as a writer. I am looking forward to the next book.
December 10, 2025
A bit disappointed in this series, though thinking back to being 20, perhaps it’s not as far off base as each girl is walking through their own searching and seeking love, affirmation, and fulfillment- many times in the wrong places.
June 3, 2017
This book was middle of the road. I felt there were so many story lines none of them were fully elaborated. Still, I like her writing and will give a different book a chance.
July 25, 2019
Ugh not a fan tho I liked her other books.
September 21, 2019
A good story of four roommates and their lives leading up to Christmas.
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