Krista Phillip’s debut book, Sandwich, With a Side of Romance is a savory read, flavored with humor and depth!

When Maddie Buckner moves to Sandwich to become a hair stylist, she botches her first haircut and loses her job – and the chance to gain custody of her brother still in foster care. Reuben-the-Jerk, who got her fired, is guilted into giving her a job as his assistant at his restaurant, The Sandwich Emporium.

Maddie is racing against time, as she struggles to build a stable life and get custody of her brother. His foster parents want to adopt him, and Maddie needs to prove herself as a worthy guardian. The problem is she keeps getting herself into a “pickle” and has to be rescued by Reuben-the-Jerk…who has started to become Reuben-the-Dreamboat. Throw in Reuben’s jealous fiance and you have one big, messy plate of circumstances.

There are several things I loved about this book. I loved Maddie’s new faith and her “realistic” and sometimes funny prayers. There is a realness about Maddie and how she expresses herself and her faith. It’s not contrived. It’s honest and open. I loved Reuben who, even though he grew up in a Christian family, struggles with himself and his feelings. I love that he is real…he really can be a jerk! But oh, the chemistry between these two….it is tangible and heartfelt.

I also loved Reuben’s family who exhibit what it really means to be Jesus in this world. They opened up their homes and their hearts to Maddie when she had no one…and nothing. They gave and they gave, without expecting anything in return. They encouraged and they loved, not pushing Maddie too hard or too fast. They are what I hope to be.

Krista’s debut book is a funny and happy read, but it contains meat to chew on. It shows us realness of life. It shows us how we can struggle in life, yet trust God for His blessing. It shows us that God’s family IS a real family who love unconditionally. It shows us that two people can learn to trust and love in spite of themselves.

Sandwich, With a Side of Romance is an awesome debut novel and I cannot wait for the next one!

You can order your very own Sandwich HERE!

GIVEAWAY: I’m giving away a copy of Sandwich, With a Side of Romance!!!

* This book was provided by Abingdon and NetGalley.com for my honest review.