LANDLINE by Rainbow Rowell

Georgie and Neal might say their marriage is fine, but readers will see a lot of unspoken frustration and unaddressed issues in the foundation of their relationship. Then Georgie says she can't go on their family Christmas trip, and Neal takes their girls and goes without her. Neal says it's fine that she doesn't go, and Georgie is more than willing to believe him, but readers will know it's not that simple. Then Georgie tries to use her mom's old landline to call Neal at his mom's - and she gets Neal from their college days. Can they repair their relationship with one person in the present and the other in the past?

I found this engrossing. This is a couple in serious need of some counseling - or at least an honest conversation. Georgie's memories and her conversations with the Neal-from-the-past give some insight on how things got so bad. The question becomes will the landline calls to the past end up unravelling Georgie's life in the present? Some language.

4.5 out of 5 stars

TO ALL THE BOYS I'VE LOVED BEFORE by Jenny Han

Lara Jean writes a "farewell" letter to the boys she loves when she is ready to let them go emotionally. She writes the letter, gets some closure, and then she saves it in a special hatbox her mom gave her. But when two of the boys walk up to her, holding her letters in their hands, Lara Jean's secrets are out and she'll have to figure out where she stands.

This was a fun "what if" story that is well-balanced with a strong family story. Lara Jean is still growing up and figuring out who she is and who she wants to be -- at home, at school and in her personal life. And these letters really complicate that process for awhile, but they also force Lara Jean to look at her life and her choices from a different perspective. Great read!

4 out of 5 stars
This is a story for teens/young adults/adults due to language and adult themes.

FRIDAY: Bound and Determined

Summary
Received as a review copy from Abilene Christian University Press.


Addresses relationships between men and women - generally regarding non-romantic relationships, but also dating/marriage. Includes discussion of Biblical passages about the role of women in leadership and ministry, and Bible personalities that demonstrates God's design for partnerships between men and women.



Review

Great food for thought about relationships. I think it would be interesting for church groups to work through. Direct about the ways that we talk to or about one another that perpetuate relationship problems.



3 out of 5 stars

Recommended for: Seminary students/work groups, church committes, church leadership, engaged couples.


Cautions:none