Christa B

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• Rated 5 stars

“Once again, Michele Sutton lives up to her moniker as an "edgy Christian fiction writer" with a relatable tale of redemption in the superbly written "It's Not About Me." Unlike many young adult books where situations feel contrived, everything about the characters here rings authentic. In fact, be prepared to be glued to your chair for the next couple of days once you start reading because you won't want to put this book down. Overall, a great read that showcases Sutton's storytelling prowess.”

Christa B wrote this review Monday, June 23 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 3 stars

“Compared to "Something Borrowed" and "Something Blue," "Love the One You're With" really falls flat. Not only is the heroine not all that likeable (and way too vanilla), but her dilemma just doesn't warrant that many pages. But still, there were a few fun moments that didn't make it a complete waste of time.”

Christa B wrote this review Thursday, May 29 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 3 stars

“At one point or another, everyone has struggled with many of the same things the protagonist has in "Let Them Eat Cake," which makes it enjoyably relatable. I thought the sequel, "Bon Appetit," (maybe because it was set in France, who knows?) was far better though, which is a rarity in the book world.

All that aside, "Let Them Eat Cake" is still a fun read that'll make you hungry from all the great descriptions of bakery bread and the like...”

Christa B wrote this review Friday, May 23 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 4 stars

“Wish you jet off to France, but don't have the disposable income? No worries as "Bon Appetit" is a great escape that'll cost you less than $15. Fun and frothy with gorgeously descriptive scenery, it has an easy-to-relate to protagonist and so many tasty French food mentions that you'll be craving cheese and brioche for weeks to come. Don't say I didn't warn you.”

Christa B wrote this review Tuesday, May 20 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 4 stars

“Now it's become sort of a cliche to have a great, working-up-the-corporate-ladder protagonist face off against the most heinous of bosses. But no one does it with as much sass and style as Lauren Weisberger in "The Devil Wears Prada." This book made me laugh as much as it made me squirm, and I think it's a fantastic portrayal based on the author's true-life adventures in publishing that I'm sure Anna Wintour still hates with a passion.”

Christa B wrote this review Tuesday, May 20 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“This is my second book, so I can't help but love it. :) But here's what one of my favorite reviewers said about it recently:

I hope this doesn't come out as a slam, because I really, really, REALLY mean it as high praise...but reading a novel by Christa Ann Banister is like an episode of "Sex In The City" without all of the 'ick' and 'yikes' stuff! It's fun, it's heartwarming...and it keeps you a bit dizzy as you'll see!

(NOTE: The above comment is not a commentary or a slam against fans of the television show...so no nasty comments please!)

"Blessed Are The Meddlers" is a follow-up novel to Christa's debut, "Around the World in 80 Dates". I fell in love with Sydney Alexander as I watched her attempts to find her true love.

It was aptly subtitled 'Confessions of a Serial Dater'.

In her sophomore release, Christa has subtitled this one 'Confessions of a Serial Meddler'. There's a whole lot of confessin' going on, and that's because Sydney Williams now sees herself as a matchmaker of sorts for her girlfriends.

Can you hear the soundtrack of "Fiddler on the Roof" playing in your head too ("Matchmaker, matchmaker...make me a match...). Trouble is, Sydney isn't quite as good as she thinks she might be:-)

Jane, her sister Samantha, and boss Lucinda all end up out of sorts with Sydney by the end of the novel...and yet, they all find that special someone in their own way. And even with Sydney's meddling, as it turns out she's not too far off base.

Change is in the wind for all of our beloved characters, so I don't know if we'll see another Sydney novel from Christa, but I for one am in love with her unique writing style. She transitions from scene to scene in such a fun and creative way, and her opening movie quotes are a kick as well.

In the world of chick-lit and finding Mr. Right, Christa Ann Banister is a unique voice that makes me glad 1) I'm no longer single:-) and 2) that she followed her heart and created such enjoyable fiction.

I'm giving "Blessed are the Meddlers" five out of five bookmarks, with an airline ticket as a charm...you'll have to decide where it's going to take you. Here's prayin' you have a friend in your life like Sydney!

"Blessed are the Meddlers" releases August 2008 from NavPress.

Happy Reading!”

Christa B wrote this review Tuesday, May 20 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“This is my novel debut, so of course, it has a special place in my heart. :) After a friend dared me to write a book because he loved hearing about all my dating train wrecks, I had the inspiration for my heroine, Sydney Alexander. Not only is she way more fashionable than me, but she's a travel writer with a whip-smart sense of humor and that easy-to-relate-to personality that makes her the perfect friend to have coffee with. Add in a motley crew of friends with plenty of relationships issues of their own, and you have one fun read. But hey, I'm the author. So be sure to pick up a copy and judge for yourself.”

Christa B wrote this review Saturday, May 17 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 4 stars

“Let's face it: Rock biographies are usually sanctimonious dribble written by enthusiastic fans trying to be journalists. But this particular account of U2's history cuts through the swill and provides a warts and all look at the world's best rock band.”

Christa B wrote this review Monday, May 12 2008. ( reply | permalink )