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Girls of Wonder Lane #1
Simply Mad
Maddie Heard wants what many girls want - a little respect, a boost in her career, and to find a guy to share happily ever after. Is it possible to have everything, or should she be careful what she wishes for?
382 pages, Paperback
First published June 30, 2015
36 people are currently reading
468 people want to read
About the author
Christina Coryell
21 books104 followersUSA Today bestselling author Christina Coryell was born and raised in southwest Missouri, where she lives with her husband and children. She had plenty of people tell her that her degree in English with an emphasis on Creative Writing would be useless. They were probably right. Added to her dual major in History, she became the least likely candidate for nearly every career on the planet, save being a writer. That suits her just fine.
Christina has written from the back hatch of an SUV, in a lawn chair while at soccer practice, in the front seat of her car, with kids climbing on her, and often with extremely loud noise in the background. At least half of her books have been written during baseball games.
She believes great fiction mirrors life, and great life contains a little humor, so it's difficult not to sprinkle a little funny business throughout her work. Oh...and character is everything.
She loves hearing from readers. You can find all the ways to connect with her at www.christinacoryell.com.
Christina has written from the back hatch of an SUV, in a lawn chair while at soccer practice, in the front seat of her car, with kids climbing on her, and often with extremely loud noise in the background. At least half of her books have been written during baseball games.
She believes great fiction mirrors life, and great life contains a little humor, so it's difficult not to sprinkle a little funny business throughout her work. Oh...and character is everything.
She loves hearing from readers. You can find all the ways to connect with her at www.christinacoryell.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
June 22, 2015
Christina Coryell's debut novel, A Reason To Run, book one in the four book Camdyn series, was absolutely outstanding! As was the entire series. It did not read like a freshman effort at all, but was deep and very rich. I can't recommend her highly enough.
This 5th book of hers, the beginning of a new series, Simply Mad, was again a wonderful book. Maddie is a twenty something young woman with a lot to give if someone will just let her give it. She's never pleased with any boyfriend, always finding something wrong with them. Maybe that's because her childhood friend, Josh, is the one God has for her. Maybe? Her mother has always found fault with her for everything and now, her sister in law, Brittany, is the same way! Does no one see how wonderful Maddie is? I did. Her job is also a source of irritation and becomes even more so as the book progresses. Boy, does Maddie get into some crazy situations. Laugh out loud crazy stuff, too.
She goes to church every week, but one Sunday, hears something that turns her world upside down. She begins to understand why God would have her change just a little bit. After all, HE loves her unconditionally.
This book was just so much fun to read. I loved Maddie and her situations. I do admit, though, to wanting to slap a certain two people more than once! I finally got over it, though. Maddie was supremely patient with folks who were unkind to her. Wonderful characters in this book. I look forward to the next in the series.
Christina Coryell is definitely an author to watch and one whose books I will always read. So happy I found her books!
*I was provided with a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review. I was not asked to give a favorable review. My opinions are my own and are honest.
This 5th book of hers, the beginning of a new series, Simply Mad, was again a wonderful book. Maddie is a twenty something young woman with a lot to give if someone will just let her give it. She's never pleased with any boyfriend, always finding something wrong with them. Maybe that's because her childhood friend, Josh, is the one God has for her. Maybe? Her mother has always found fault with her for everything and now, her sister in law, Brittany, is the same way! Does no one see how wonderful Maddie is? I did. Her job is also a source of irritation and becomes even more so as the book progresses. Boy, does Maddie get into some crazy situations. Laugh out loud crazy stuff, too.
She goes to church every week, but one Sunday, hears something that turns her world upside down. She begins to understand why God would have her change just a little bit. After all, HE loves her unconditionally.
This book was just so much fun to read. I loved Maddie and her situations. I do admit, though, to wanting to slap a certain two people more than once! I finally got over it, though. Maddie was supremely patient with folks who were unkind to her. Wonderful characters in this book. I look forward to the next in the series.
Christina Coryell is definitely an author to watch and one whose books I will always read. So happy I found her books!
*I was provided with a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review. I was not asked to give a favorable review. My opinions are my own and are honest.
August 8, 2015
I am not a "swooner," but by the ending of this book...I definitely swooned. I love this type of hero and the relationship that had developed between Maddie and him. And the story was endlessly entertaining with the humor in the office and family humor. Can't wait to read the next in the series, Crowned, and hang out on Wonder Lane some more!
June 29, 2015
Simply Mad by Christina Coryell is book 1 in Girls of Wonder Lane Series..Compared to the Camdyn Taylor series, this was a slow start but by the middle of the book I was loving Madeline Heard.
Madelyn Heard is a woman that has little respect from her Mother and sister, her career is taking a dramatic change and she is searching for a happily ever after guy.
She shows us in this book how you can turn lemons of life into lemonade.
She,also shows us that God can do extraordinary things through ordinary people who are willing to trust him.
I love how Camdyn Taylor is in the book and gives her encouragement.
Christina,I look forward to more books in this series.
A copy was given in exchange for an honest review.
Madelyn Heard is a woman that has little respect from her Mother and sister, her career is taking a dramatic change and she is searching for a happily ever after guy.
She shows us in this book how you can turn lemons of life into lemonade.
She,also shows us that God can do extraordinary things through ordinary people who are willing to trust him.
I love how Camdyn Taylor is in the book and gives her encouragement.
Christina,I look forward to more books in this series.
A copy was given in exchange for an honest review.
June 30, 2015
What a fun read, It is a wonderful story following Mad as she stumbles through her life trying to find her perfect love not realizing that he has been there all the time. The author has written a story line with such quirky and interesting characters that it is a delightful read. I was given a copy of this book in return for an honest review, and this is another one from this author that I definitely recommend. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
June 12, 2018
This was fun and quirky. Almost more of a coming of age than a romance. I loved the writing voice and enjoyed the story. <3
July 7, 2015
JULY 7, 2015
Happy Tuesday!
I hope everyone had a great and safe 4th of July!! My husband and I went to visit one of our granddaughters. She is a joy and a bit ornery like her Papa! It’s always nice to spend time with family. Speaking of families, I just finished Christina Coryell’s “Simply Mad” and it is a nice, leisurely read. I can relate to all the inward discussions Maddie had with herself. I would not want people reading my thoughts on anything and everything so as Maddie struggled with her thoughts of others, I was reminded of how I need to turn my thoughts to God. But as Maddie struggles with her thoughts, her goal to find a husband and her job. You come to love her serving spirit! This book is about finding what your looking for might just be right under your nose. You’ll see perspectives change, people changed and be reminded of just what is important in life and what is not. God is the author of changed hearts and lives! You will definitely see this as you read this book!!
AUTHOR OF WOMEN'S FICTION AND CHICK LIT
Christina Coryell is a small-town girl from southwest Missouri with a heart full of dreams and a head bursting with stories. She earned her degrees in English and History from Drury University, and maintains a steady "normal" job while she moonlights as an author. Christina is a very picky reader, because she wants to connect with the characters, and often finds that lacking. She thinks every great novel should be built on a great character, and in her first series, that character is Camdyn Taylor.
Visit Christina at
www.christinacoryell.com
Blessings,
Karen Hadley
Happy Tuesday!
I hope everyone had a great and safe 4th of July!! My husband and I went to visit one of our granddaughters. She is a joy and a bit ornery like her Papa! It’s always nice to spend time with family. Speaking of families, I just finished Christina Coryell’s “Simply Mad” and it is a nice, leisurely read. I can relate to all the inward discussions Maddie had with herself. I would not want people reading my thoughts on anything and everything so as Maddie struggled with her thoughts of others, I was reminded of how I need to turn my thoughts to God. But as Maddie struggles with her thoughts, her goal to find a husband and her job. You come to love her serving spirit! This book is about finding what your looking for might just be right under your nose. You’ll see perspectives change, people changed and be reminded of just what is important in life and what is not. God is the author of changed hearts and lives! You will definitely see this as you read this book!!
AUTHOR OF WOMEN'S FICTION AND CHICK LIT
Christina Coryell is a small-town girl from southwest Missouri with a heart full of dreams and a head bursting with stories. She earned her degrees in English and History from Drury University, and maintains a steady "normal" job while she moonlights as an author. Christina is a very picky reader, because she wants to connect with the characters, and often finds that lacking. She thinks every great novel should be built on a great character, and in her first series, that character is Camdyn Taylor.
Visit Christina at
www.christinacoryell.com
Blessings,
Karen Hadley
June 25, 2015
I am giving this book a solid FIVE-STAR rating. It's funny, uplifting, romantic and true to life. Maddie is a fun character to follow. She's searching for the perfect guy and no one is coming close to the guy who is truly perfect for her. I really enjoyed her thought process as she gradually realizes who her heart wants. Though she sees him as someone who thinks of her only as a friend and who will never want her back. Her friends point out what they see as her obvious feelings for Josh, but why can't she see them at first? This is so realistic. We don't always understand what we're feeling or realize the 'obvious' when we are in the middle of it. Hindsight is where we all can really see where we went wrong and wonder what we were thinking. The scenes at her job were so funny. Some of the situations she must deal with are very entertaining. Getting a nice 'promotion' at work isn't always all you hoped it would be. The Heard family made me want to hug my mother and thank her for being amazing. This family will simultaneously crack you up and make you angry. People aren't always who they seem to be on the surface. This story has some inspirational, uplifting messages woven in that will leave you with a smile on your face when things wrap up in the perfect happy ending.
June 15, 2015
A new series by one of my favorite authors...YES! In this first book, we are introduced to Madeline Heard. Maddie is a woman who is making strides in her company all the while putting up with her "kooky" family. With a new promotion to the CEO of the company, a competing sister in law, and a mother who tries to make things better for her...as long as it is HER way life is certainly interesting for Maddie. Maddie doesn't let that stop her by get her down. She deals with situations with kindness and compassion. Plus, there is Josh!
This is another well written book by Christina Coryell. I'm so happy to see another series. I end up becoming so attached to characters and I'm always sad when a book ends and I am not able to be "a part of their lives anymore." So excited to see where this new series will take me. You will not be sorry when you pick up this book!
This is another well written book by Christina Coryell. I'm so happy to see another series. I end up becoming so attached to characters and I'm always sad when a book ends and I am not able to be "a part of their lives anymore." So excited to see where this new series will take me. You will not be sorry when you pick up this book!
February 26, 2016
I enjoyed the book - Boy Mad does live in an dysfunctional family. Her mother is a *itch - constantly belittlingly her, her sister in law is a *itch - the brother seems pretty much ruled by the wife. Her father also - but at times he comes around to her side a couple of times.
Now Josh, his parents are golden - and love Mad - and wouldn't put her down. I'm glad she married him at the end of the book.
I think her mom is a narcissist megalomaniac- and I honestly don't know if a person has been that ALL their lives could turn around in the last two chapters to actually being a "good" person. It's good it happens in books - it surely doesn't happen that way in real life.
Madeline grows up in the book - I think she was very shallow - and I'm glad to see that she did - She learned how to be a real friend - and not be as two dimensional.
Now Josh, his parents are golden - and love Mad - and wouldn't put her down. I'm glad she married him at the end of the book.
I think her mom is a narcissist megalomaniac- and I honestly don't know if a person has been that ALL their lives could turn around in the last two chapters to actually being a "good" person. It's good it happens in books - it surely doesn't happen that way in real life.
Madeline grows up in the book - I think she was very shallow - and I'm glad to see that she did - She learned how to be a real friend - and not be as two dimensional.
June 23, 2015
I had the honor to review this amazing book. Mad and Josh's story is truly wonderful. Watching the way Madeline is treated by her own mother is really sad. Mad sure is a determined woman when she sets her mind to something there's no stopping her. You will feel God working on her throughout this book, You won't be able to stop reading this story.
July 2, 2015
I LOVE this book! It is great to follow Maddie throughout the book and see the Lord work through her life. I love the characters! Maddie is so much fun to read about and Josh is a wonderful character too. Christina is a fabulous writer. I love all her books! Can't wait to read the next one in this new series! I was given a copy of the book to read and to provide an honest review.
June 27, 2015
What a fun, laugh out loud read, It is sad watching how Madeline is treated by her mother.. When Madeline sets her mind to something there's no stopping her. You feel God working on her in this book, You won't be able to stop reading this story. I was given a copy for an honest review. You will enjoy this book and this author,
November 4, 2015
Good read
It took me a little bit to get into this one, but when I did, it was hard to put down. It's funny, stressful, and poignant. If Maddie's mom was mine, I would have run away from home.....or strangle her. It's amazing that she had as much confidence as she did. Recommend.
It took me a little bit to get into this one, but when I did, it was hard to put down. It's funny, stressful, and poignant. If Maddie's mom was mine, I would have run away from home.....or strangle her. It's amazing that she had as much confidence as she did. Recommend.
July 13, 2016
I couldn't put this book down! I literally wanted to wring Maddie's mother and sister-in-law's necks! LOL I love how the characters were so real and multi-faceted, although the plot was very predictable. That didn't bother me though because of all the great descriptions!
July 18, 2017
Not nearly enough of Josh.
October 15, 2018
Loved it
This was such a fun and enjoyable book to read. It was so very well written and moved along well. I love everything Christina writes.
This was such a fun and enjoyable book to read. It was so very well written and moved along well. I love everything Christina writes.
May 7, 2016
Simply Mad by Christina Coryell is a Christian Romance/Women’s Fiction novel.
Madelyn wants to find the right man and boost her career to the respectful position she deserves. So, when the opportunity arises for her to interview for a prime spot in the company she works for, Madelyn jumps at the chance for her private office and a pay raise. Unfortunately, she makes too good of an impression on her boss and ends up as a glorified secretary to avenge a tennis tragedy from years gone by.
But sometimes God knows what we need and gives us that instead of what we want.
Madelyn’s character is quirky and quick-witted. I enjoyed her escapades. This is a great, clean read for summer vacations on the beach or enjoying a warm afternoon reading a good book.
I give this book four stars!
Madelyn wants to find the right man and boost her career to the respectful position she deserves. So, when the opportunity arises for her to interview for a prime spot in the company she works for, Madelyn jumps at the chance for her private office and a pay raise. Unfortunately, she makes too good of an impression on her boss and ends up as a glorified secretary to avenge a tennis tragedy from years gone by.
But sometimes God knows what we need and gives us that instead of what we want.
Madelyn’s character is quirky and quick-witted. I enjoyed her escapades. This is a great, clean read for summer vacations on the beach or enjoying a warm afternoon reading a good book.
I give this book four stars!
January 2, 2016
Simply Mad is an awesome book by Christine Coryell. Madeline is a single professional girl climbing the corporate ladder...Jess and Josh are her best friends that she grew up with...Audrey is her CEO's spoiled daughter. This book tells a story simply about Maddies crazy life...from job challenges, to her relationship challenges with guys...Loved reading through the struggles of life she endured and over came along the way! Totally recommend this great read! I can't wait to read the next book in this series. I was gifted this book in exchange for my honest review.
May 24, 2016
I just finished this book, what an amazing book!! I stayed up until 3 am to finish the last 5 chapters. I love the character of Maddie Heard! How she put up with her family is unbelievable, I know I couldn't do it!! Very sweet story of how God leads our lives in ways we can't even imagine and how loving people even when they are unlovable to us blesses us beyond measure. Maddie tries to find that perfect guy but she can't because perfect doesn't exists!
I really enjoyed how Christina Coryell carried out this story line. Looking forward to more from this author!
I really enjoyed how Christina Coryell carried out this story line. Looking forward to more from this author!
July 21, 2015
What a truly great read. I laughed, cried, and shook my head over the antics of Maddie. I loved that she ran scenarios through her head in advance of a situation. Reminded me of the board meetings I have in my head which keep me from sleeping sometimes. The storyline is most intertaining and I highly recommend this comedy/love story. I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 28, 2015
Whilst it was a funny read, the story was more about Maddie and her job and family rather than her relationship with Josh, hence the 2 star rating. There's a lot of inner dialogue which got a bit annoying but I liked Maddie, I liked Josh but their relationship was barely given any time in the book so for me it wasn't all that great.
November 28, 2015
I really liked this book! Not surprising since I read the other series by this author and loved it. Christina Coryell brings something new to Christian Chick-Lit. The characters have morals and are clearly Christian, yet I think non-Christian could enjoy this book as well. The writing is good and not at all formulaic, and to sound cliche: you'll laugh, you'll cry.
January 27, 2017
This book was a little crazy, like the main character, but made me laugh aloud a few times. I liked that. Her absolutely crazy mother and sister just made me shake my head! Her boss, her job and a few other things made me want to shake her and say, "Set some boundaries there."
But overall, a cute story.
But overall, a cute story.
October 17, 2015
Really cute story.. Only I wish josh could have come back sooner then the last chapter!! And cut out some of the family crap giving to her. Her family grew very very annoying through the whole book. If they were my family I would have cut ties!!!
November 27, 2015
Great but I don't like
Great but I don't like these types of books BC this book is about certain character and then a n other book about another person and we don't now if the 1st person had kids or not or nothing like that
Great but I don't like these types of books BC this book is about certain character and then a n other book about another person and we don't now if the 1st person had kids or not or nothing like that
February 5, 2016
Quirky!!
I enjoy books that hook me quickly, but my favorite characteristic of Simply Mad is the way the author paints her. She's real! She has issues, and a weak stomach and comical quirks that had me giggling throughout the book! It's a great read and I highly recommend it!
I enjoy books that hook me quickly, but my favorite characteristic of Simply Mad is the way the author paints her. She's real! She has issues, and a weak stomach and comical quirks that had me giggling throughout the book! It's a great read and I highly recommend it!
Read
July 15, 2015I loved this book!! Once you start it you just can't put it down. It is a book that has you laughing out loud. Can't wait for book two of this series to come out.
Read
August 2, 2015DNF 23%.
Wasn't for me- every other paragraph was a rambling tangent she had in her head.
Wasn't for me- every other paragraph was a rambling tangent she had in her head.
November 11, 2015
Is a great book to read
October 7, 2015
I was lucky enough to find this for free on Amazon, but having read it I would pay for it! Enjoyable story with a lot of humor and just the right amount of romance!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews