Review: Around the World in 80 Dates.

My latest review for the NavPress Blogger Review program!

Christa Ann Banister
Around the World in 80 Dates: Confessions of a Christian Serial Dater


Christa Ann Banister’s Around the World in 80 Dates is an enjoyable approach to Christian dating. While the subject of a late-twenty-something trying to find her Godly match and fumbling her way through first dates may sound trite, Banister has a casual and direct voice that invites the reader in and dispels any sense of irritation at the familiar topic. The reality of the main character, Sydney’s, faith is woven into the story and cannot be missed. The gospel is presented clearly between dates at P. F. Chang’s and assignments at the heroine’s travel magazine writing job. The constant reality of the woman’s faith is not obnoxious—it is endearing, imperfect, and feels real. The book deals well with both Christian and non-Christian dating contexts, and doesn’t vilify the non-Christian or exalt the perfection of a Christian partner. Banister confronts the reality that even Christian men can be jerks, and that each of us has to decide who we’ll be within the world of relationships. The supporting characters are sweet and provide an entertaining chorus that supports Sydney as she explores herself and her relationships. Banister is also careful to create a real sense of longing in her lead and several other women in the novel, but is not indulgent or depressing on these points. The only real downside to this faith-filled chick-lit is the constant appearance of brand and pop-culture references that will undoubtedly, in only a few short years, become obnoxious for a reader that doesn’t remember their context. However, this current background now will most likely entertain one reading the book. If you’re looking for a happy ending with a dose of Jesus and a few laughs, pick this one up.

The Garden!

As you know (or maybe you don't?), we're avid gardeners. We don't have a TON of space, but what we did to our back yard this year, with the help of my dearest father, is FABULOUS!

Check it out! :::I planted heirloom tomatoes, and wow, I cannot WAIT for these boys to ripen!

We bought a little patio set, and it has made it SO pleasant!

We have planted strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, every herb you can think of except tarragon and rosemary, and tomatoes or 4 kinds, and cayenne peppers!

Our baby peppers!

The monstrosities that are our tomatoes...

And so there you have our back yard! Good times!

The New Car!

Woohoo!

After realizing that having one car would be extremely challenging for us come fall when I'm on campus at APSU 4 days a week and Matthew is working full days, we decided it was time to man up, and buy another car.

Trust me, this came with hours and hours and months and months (actually years) of discussion. I'll say initially thought of another car was much to my dismay. I loved not having 2 cars... felt like we were doing something food for the world, and being responsible. And plus, I'd rather ride the bus or subway than drive.

Unfortunately, 'round these parts, ain't no subway, and the bus is where folk get murdered. SO... exhibit a, our new car!

we feel so grown up!

Slickety Slickety Slack.

Well hello.

I come to you a penitent blogger, knowing that I have been inconsistent. And yet, I suppose it shows that I've been doing other things, maybe, and so I guess you can take solace in that.

We've come off of block leave at the end of June. That time was FABULOUS. We had three 4-day weekends, and Matthew didn't work past noon at any point. It was so nice to have that, and GREAT that we didn't actually take any leave during that period, and yet had so much free time.

Matthew is now in Air Assault school- this entails a whole bunch of things that I don't fully understand, but I know it includes rigging vehicles and other items to helicopters, and also repelling out of helicopters. He has to remember loads of numbers... I've been helping him study and yipes. He's doing well so far, and barring any craziness, will graduate on the 15th. Then he'll be Airborne and Air Assault qualified, no big deal!

And me? Oh, not much going on here. Really. I've been trying to be a good steward of my time, working to chip away at the long list of books I need to have read by December, and attempting to make some good food as well. Our garden is flourishing and we are really enjoying our yard and house lately.

OH! And we bought a new car! I have taken pictures, but I haven't loaded them up, so when I do, I'll post our new car (wow, talk about freedom! 2 cars!!!), and some pictures of our little garden.

As you can see, nothing to riveting going on here, but we are happy, which is nice. Now if the news would only move on from all the Michael Jackson business, and report on SOMETHING else!

More soon....