There is something to be said for a book that can make you laugh and give you a break from the heavy-weighted worries of the world. I will confess I enjoy books with deep, thought-provoking themes. But, especially this year, it is fun to read for pure entertainment purposes. Although, laughing while trying to sneak a few pages in here and there tends to draw more attention to your strange reading habits. Be prepared for questions about what you are reading from whoever is around you.
Continue reading to learn more about the book, find a purchase link, and read my full review.
More About the Book:
Bree Leake doesn’t want to be tied down. She’s had more jobs than she can count–and the next stop on her journey is The Barter, the nation’s oldest live performance theater in Abingdon, Virginia. But just when it’s time to move on again, Bree’s parents make her an offer; hold steady in Abingdon for one full year, and they will give her the one thing she’s always wanted–her grandmother’s house. Her dreams are coming true . . . until life at the theater throws her some curve balls.
And then there’s her new neighbor. Chip McBride.
For the first time in her life, she’s met the person who could match her free-spirited air–and it’s driving her to the ledge of sanity. She would move heaven and earth to have him out of her life, but according to the bargain she’s struck, she cannot move out of her house and away from the man who’s making her life miserable. So begins Bree’s obsessive new mission: to drive Chip out of the neighborhood–and fast.
Bree isn’t the only one who’s a wee bit competitive, and as Chip registers what Bree’s up to, he’s more than willing to fight fire with fire. But as their pranks escalate, the line between love and hate starts to blur.
Get your copy here.
My Thoughts
The Cul-de-Sac War by Melissa Ferguson is a light-hearted, sassy romance. If you enjoy witty banter, laugh-out-loud scenes, and copious amounts of dog slobber, then this story is for you! Bree and her hot mess of a life will catch and hold your attention from the first scene. When her serendipitous meeting with Chip turns into a prank war between unlikely neighbors, things really take a turn for crazy town.
While I enjoyed watching Chip and Bree make each other squirm (especially in front of Bree’s parents–they are hilarious!), some of the pranks were a bit over the top for me (trees) and more mean than funny. But still, I liked getting to know Bree and her restless, wanderer’s heart. And I enjoyed the development of her relationship with Chip from frenemies to friends to more. All the sarcasm and devious plotting faded into a genuine and deep connection–one that will make your heart feel warm and fuzzy!
I also enjoyed Chip’s backstory and his struggles with his family. It ended completely differently than I thought it would, but the conversation between him and his dad at the end brought tears to my eyes. You will appreciate the life lessons as well as the spiritual ones.
Fans of contemporary Christian fiction will enjoy this light-hearted, rom-com-style romance.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions are my own.
I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Happy reading and God Bless!
–Kristina
Blessed & Bookish 