I hadn't realized this was "Christian" chick lit until I got into it. So far the story is ok & the religious element small enough to put up with; we'll see if that lasts. ( )

A voracious reader, I make use of the free e-books offered from various sites, on a weekly basis. Following the Golden Rule, I do try to give at least a perfunctory review on Amazon.com, but this is a big winner, and this work deserves an honest review, and some publicity.

I got [b:Doesn't She Look Natural|1635826|Doesn't She Look Natural (The Fairlawn Series #1)|Angela Elwell Hunt|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1406512104s/1635826.jpg|1630056] by [a:Angela Elwell Hunt|62999|Angela Elwell Hunt|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1212001112p2/62999.jpg] on or about the 9th of September, and gulped it down in two readings.

It is hard to nail this down as a romance, mystery, suspense, or inspirational; it is some of all those things. A programmer in Y/A and Adult programming in our library, researching books for purchase for our collections, is part of that job. There is a tendency for adult readers, to drift to Y/A, and I think that is because even grown-ups like to leave something to the imagination, without being shocked every few pages.

"Doesn't She Look Natural," is a unique read, from a perspective that is "inspirational" in that the spiritual practice of Christianity, shows in decisions, lifestyle, and preconceived notions by the characters. It does not overwhelm the plot, or force itself to be a message bearer, as much as Angela E. Hunt, shows that family, community, and traditions are important for a peaceful society.

I love the strong female protagonists, the plot, and am sympathetic to their trials, tribulations and lessons being learned. This is a book (series), that I will be able to recommend to many patrons, because the content is well written, and clean. Family friendly.

I will recommend [ book: Doesn't She Look Natural ]for purchase in our library, and feel comfortable recommending this book widely.

( )

Sometimes what we want (or think we want) isn't what God wants for us. How do we deal with it when God denies us something we want? How do we react when God directs our path in a direction different from the way we want it to go?

Those are the questions at the core of this novel.

I have to admit that I was a bit dismayed that Jen couldn't seem to move past her unfaithful husband. Jen and her mother seem to rub each other the wrong way often. Both do things that the other takes in a different way than it was intended. ( )

Four stars for what it is: this is a personal family story without pretensions. The characters lack real depth but coalesce to provide touching and believable human interest. The pace flags here and there as a solid picture of the situation is built. ( )

I hadn't realized this was "Christian" chick lit until I got into it. So far the story is ok & the religious element small enough to put up with; we'll see if that lasts. ( )