Under a Summer Sky by Melody Carlson

Yup, this book is pretty much what it looks like. I was a little disappointed in it. I am realizing the more nonfiction I read, the better the fiction has to be to be worth it. I also realize that I look at fiction differently that I have to review than fiction that I just read for the sheer lark of it. Fiction that I review, I want to have more substance and growth. And yes, it's a pride thing because I don't want to look like a shallow reader for the books I read. So maybe that's been the biggest difference rather than my style of reading actually changing.

Now, let me also explain a little bit about why it was disappointing. I haven't read a lot of Melody Carlson's books, but I have one called "Armando's Treasure". I've read it long enough ago that I don't remember a lot of it, but I do remember it being a really, really good book with a fair amount of depth. Now, I could be completely wrong if I were to reread it today, but that was the premise that made me pick this book.

Now this is a very well-written story. Melody is a good author and can tell a good story, but that's pretty much all it was. I didn't find a lot of nuggets to go after, except for one thing. Nicole, who is the main character in the story, is a fill-in manager at an art gallery working with a very difficult employee. Rather than fire the employee like she is encouraged to do, she gives her some boundaries and tries to work with her. At the end of the book, the difficult employee actually gives her a compliment or two. I was impressed with Nicole's persistence to giving second chances. Isn't that what we are all called to do at times? Isn't that what God does with us over and over? He gives us many more chances than just two.

There was really no hold on to your seats drama, just the unfolding of a romantic love story that didn't seem real true to life. But as far as well-written, I would give Melody great kudos for that. I enjoyed the book as it was, simply a book with no high drama and no real inspiring points, just a nice chick flick.

There was also no real faith expressed in this book, a few random prayers by two of the characters, one of which stated he doesn't always pray before meals just when he feels really grateful. Really?

This book was given to me by Revell Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review.