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She moved to Sandwich, Illinois, in search of a new life, but ended up in a giant pickle.
Sandwich represents hope for twenty-year-old Maddie Buckner and Kyle, the eleven-year-old brother Maddie wants to spring out of foster care. Then she loses her new job after less than a day. It’s all Reuben-the-Jerk’s fault, and she’s determined to make him right the wrong.
He does so, reluctantly, by giving her a job at his restaurant, The Sandwich Emporium.Then crazy things start happening at the restaurant, and Kyle’s foster parents apply to adopt him. To stop it all, Maddie must learn the art of humbling herself and accepting the help God has arranged, risking her heart to Reuben in the process.
And she’d rather eat a million corned-beef on rye sandwiches than do that.
"Don’t let the light-hearted cover and title fool you. Krista Phillips’ spunky, rough-around-the-edges heroine may be “tickle me” funny, but her faith journey offers more than a cute read. There is depth here, made all the more satisfying served up with a generous side of romance." - Tamara Leigh, author of Restless in Carolina and Dreamspell
"Krista Phillips' book is much like a submarine sandwich—multi-layered and loaded with tasty delights. There's a little something for everyone: a light, quirky opening, and an ending that packs a punch. Yum!" - Janice Thompson, author of the Weddings by Bella series
"Krista Phillips is a unique and entertaining new voice in contemporary Christian romance. She brings a fresh, young perspective to the genre and left me eager to read whatever she writes next." - Kaye Dacus, author of Stand-In Groom (Christy Award Finalist 2010), The Brides of Bonneterre series, and The Matchmaker series
"In Sandwich, With a Side of Romance, Krista Phillips will win you over with her witty, entertaining, laugh-out-loud writing style. She's created loveable, quirky, down-to-earth characters with real life struggles. As the characters wrestle to overcome their problems, you'll find yourself cheering them on and savoring the sweet but sassy romance that ends with a blissful sigh." - Jody Hedlund, best-selling author of The Preacher's Bride
"With lovable characters, an engaging plot, and a swoon-worthy romance, debut author Krista Phillips has penned a novel that will have readers laughing and flipping pages well into the night. Sandwich, With a Side of Romance is a refreshing and enjoyable read!" - Katie Ganshert, author of Wildflowers from Winter
Anonymous
Posted April 28, 2013
It was funny and sweet and i couldn't put it down! I will definitely buy more books from this author!!!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Maddie has "graduated" from foster care but her eleven-year-old brother has not. Determined to make it on her own and also gain custody of her brother, Maddie is an independent, street-smart twenty-year-old who is not accustomed to accepting help from anyone. Her heart needs to soften to the good will of others who come into her life. Phillips brings us a strong-willed character that must learn to accept the help others offer if she can gain custody of her brother. Memorable characters and a fun page-turner.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted May 30, 2013
Since nearly every review is a plot spoiler, this book is ruined to buy. Bn, please ban these plot spoilers from revealing every detail of a book. They keep readers from buying tge book. Who wants to buy the book when these ppl have already told us every detail? Another sale lost to excessive plot spoilers
0 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted May 29, 2013
I can only give it a 3 at this time. The print is too tiny to read and won't adjust. The reviews looked interesting, sure wish I could read it.
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted April 1, 2013
Fun, easy read...
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Prolificreader
Posted December 15, 2012
Oh, what a yummy fun loving novel!
From the first chapter I was drawn into the world of this debut novel. Witty, funny, snarky and mixed with a dose of suave and you’ve got a contemporary romance healthy in humor and nutritious in the romantic conflict department. (Okay, ending the food metaphors here, I promise)
Maddie is a baby Christian with sort of a false sense of prayer and all God is. But she’s trying and she wants to honor the God who has saved her…but on one condition: she cannot fall in love with her boss. I don’t think Maddie knew the meaning yet of the genre she was being written in to…
Sparks fly in this novel of grace, acceptance and trust that God has the very best plans no matter how much we might pray otherwise. So many moments had my family looking at me funny as I snorted and laughed my way through the book. Maddie has got the quirkiest sense of humor and ability to find the snark in each moment. She knows how to make a book fun.
The novel isn’t all light and fluff. It serves up its own dose of painful backstory that affect the characters. At first I thought it a difficult contradiction to reconcile with the amount of humor, but found character growth in the end to make it all a delightful read.
Perfect escape for the too-quick hours this novel takes to read!
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted November 28, 2012
I just finished reading Sandwich With a Side of Romance, Krista Phillip’s debut novel. Did she ever deliver! I tend to read more dramatic stories about heavy topics or suspense or mystery-type books, and this was a refreshing change. I knew that I was reading a more lighthearted novel when I picked it up, and it was fantastic. Exactly what I needed to escape and just remember how to enjoy life again. I will definitely be recommending it to friends and family.
Don’t get me wrong. There was plenty of drama from the beginning, with twists in the plot and things I didn’t see coming, but there was so much lighthearted humor interspersed throughout that the book never got heavy. I alternated throughout laughing and then crying because Ms. Phillip’s really knew how to paint a picture in your mind of the humorous situations the main characters got themselves into, but she also allowed for some real heartstring tugging as she described the past of the heroine and how it shaped her future. It was a great balance between deep emotions and lighthearted fun.
Her characters are likable, even with all their faults and the baggage they bring with them from their pasts. There were unanswered questions throughout the novel that were explained at the end as well as a lot of spiritual depth that didn’t preach but instead challenged and encouraged me as the reader.
I will definitely be reading a lot more Ms. Phillip’s novels, especially if they continue to combine humor and laughter, all pulled together in real life situations that I can definitely relate to.
This is a book, in my opinion, that appeals to a wide audience. I would recommend it to my mom who loves lighthearted romance as well as to my friends who enjoy more in-depth stories. Ms. Phillips definitely offers both. I can’t wait until her next novel comes out. I’m confident that I will enjoy whatever else she writes as much as I enjoyed Sandwich With a Side of Romance.
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.What a fun read, lots of chuckles! It is such a warm hearted and we begin to pull for her right from the beginning. Maddie Buckner is beginning her new life at Sandwich, IL...but getting fired on her first day wasn't in her plans.
Reuben Callahan is one drop dead gorgeous man, and he becomes Maddie's first customer at the beauty salon. Thus he is responsible for getting her fired. Reuben has a heart for the Lord, and has compassion...well kind of...and hires her to be a Waitress. Calamity Jane has nothing on Maddie...she is now fired again!
In the end Reuben hires her to be his Assistant..and she is marvelous at this job. Only problem?? Her name is Livy...and she is Reuben's long time girlfriend.
The compassion and Grace shown by Reuben's family will make you feel good about the human population. Such a kind and God loving family. They rally around Maddie, and she has a hard time accepting their kindness.
Maddie is a relatively new Christian and has a very checkered past. She now trying so hard and is succeeding in her Love of The Lord. She want to gain custody of her only brother Kyle, before his foster family is able to adopt him.
Enjoy this fast pace read, and travel along, with the sparks of romance, sabotage, and forgiveness.
I received this book Pump Your Book Virtual Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted October 23, 2012
This was a auick read, and hard to put down. Can't wait to read more by this author.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Back Cover
“Sandwich represents hope for twenty-year-old Maddie Buckner and Kyle, the eleven-year-old brother Maddie wants to spring out of foster care. Then she loses her new job after less than a day. It’s all Reuben-the-jerk’s fault and she’s determined to make him right the wrong.
He does so, reluctantly, by giving her a job in his restaurant, The Sandwich Emporium.”
New Christian, Maddie, comes from a background she regrets. She must prove herself to get custody of Kyle, and with two lost jobs in two days after she accidentally dumps dinner on the mayor, she convinces Reuben that he needs an assistant in the office. Thus begins an unwelcome attraction between them—because of painful (literally) liaisons with men in the past, she wants to forget about romance.
Sandwich with a Side of Romance is just that—a romance. This book provides a pleasant diversion on a Sunday afternoon. Likeable characters walk through these pages, and the Christians who people it seem genuine: no “we’re too perfect to be real”. It maintains a steady pace to keep the reader reading.
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.SKetchersid
Posted September 10, 2012
Krista Phillip's debut book, Sandwich, With a Side of Romance is a savory read, flavored with humor and depth!
When Maddie Buckner moves to Sandwich to become a hair stylist, she botches her first haircut and loses her job - and the chance to gain custody of her brother still in foster care. Reuben-the-Jerk, who got her fired, is guilted into giving her a job as his assistant at his restaurant, The Sandwich Emporium.
Maddie is racing against time, as she struggles to build a stable life and get custody of her brother. His foster parents want to adopt him, and Maddie needs to prove herself as a worthy guardian. The problem is she keeps getting herself into a "pickle" and has to be rescued by Reuben-the-Jerk...who has started to become Reuben-the-Dreamboat. Throw in Reuben's jealous fiance and you have one big, messy plate of circumstances.
There are several things I loved about this book. I loved Maddie's new faith and her "realistic" and sometimes funny prayers. There is a realness about Maddie and how she expresses herself and her faith. It's not contrived. It's honest and open. I loved Reuben who, even though he grew up in a Christian family, struggles with himself and his feelings. I love that he is real...he really can be a jerk! But oh, the chemistry between these two....it is tangible and heartfelt.
I also loved Reuben's family who exhibit what it really means to be Jesus in this world. They opened up their homes and their hearts to Maddie when she had no one...and nothing. They gave and they gave, without expecting anything in return. They encouraged and they loved, not pushing Maddie too hard or too fast. They are what I hope to be.
Krista's debut book is a funny and happy read, but it contains meat to chew on. It shows us realness of life. It shows us how we can struggle in life, yet trust God for His blessing. It shows us that God's family IS a real family who love unconditionally. It shows us that two people can learn to trust and love in spite of themselves.
Sandwich, With a Side of Romance is an awesome debut novel and I cannot wait for the next one!
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted September 9, 2012
It's not often I enjoy a book this much. Warning--you will lose sleep over this book!
In Sandwich with a Side of Romance Maddie Buckner wants custody of her eleven-year-old brother, but she is must prove she can take care of him. Upon graduating from beauty school she gets a job in a town an hour from Chicago cutting hair for a horrible boss. Her first client is a handsome man with attitude who promptly falls asleep while she cuts his hair--big mistake--he dips his head, and in the process Maddie accidentally cuts a large chuck of his hair. Since it's her first day on the job she is promptly fired. But Maddie is spunky and desperate. Before the day is over she convinces, Reuben, the man whose hair she ruined that he owes her. He offers her a job at his restaurant.
I won't tell you any more of the story, but suffice it to say I was hooked from page one and read over half of the 317 pg book in one sitting.
Special thanks to Abingdon Press for providing me with this copy. I seriously enjoyed this story.
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Krista Phillips in her new book, “Sandwich, With a Side of Romance” published by Abingdon Press brings us into the life of Maddie Buckner.
From the back cover: She moved to Sandwich, Illinois, in search of a new life, but ended up in a giant pickle.
Sandwich represents hope for twenty-year-old Maddie Buckner, and her brother, until she loses her new job after less than an hour on the clock. It’s all Reuben-the-Jerk’s fault, and she’s determined to make him right the wrong.
He does so, however reluctantly, by giving her a job at his restaurant, The Sandwich Shop. What Maddie doesn’t count on is losing her heart to her boss. Her engaged boss. When bad things start happening to sabotage the expansion of the restaurant, Maddie must get to the bottom of the craziness in time to save her brother, her job, and her heart.
Ever just want to read a fun book? If so then ”Sandwich, With a Side of Romance” is just the book. First Maddie moves to Sandwich, Illinois and, finally, gets a job at The Sandwich Shop. But this is not just a feel good romance with laugh out loud moments. Kyle, Maddie’s eleven year old brother is in foster care and Maddie wants him with her. However she really needs a job. While she is trying to make that work the foster family apply to adopt Kyle. On top of this Reuben is trying to expand the restaurant but things are happening that sabotage the expansion effort. Then there is the romance between Maddie and Reuben even though Reuben is already engaged. The only way this is ever going to be resolved is if Maddie just lets go and let God handle it. However that is easier said than done. ”Sandwich, With a Side of Romance” is just plain fun and exciting as well. It is an enjoyable story and I look forward to more from Ms. Phillips.
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Abingdon Press. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.GingerS219
Posted September 7, 2012
I received this novel, along with several others, in the mail on Wednesday. But life, you know that funny thing that gets in the way of what we WANT to do sometimes, prevented me from starting it right away. Around lunch on Thursday, I had a moment or two while I was eating. I picked up this one because the cover and title called to me. It said, "Read me. You'll laugh." So I did. And I did. That would be I did read it and I did laugh.
The laughing was balanced by a fair amount of seriousness. Krista touched on some serious subjects that some of us may have dealt with. She did an awesome job of showing us the unconditional love and acceptance of Jesus while keeping us holding our sides at some of the misunderstandings between Maddie and Reuben.
I highly recommend "Sandwich, With a Side of Romance". It actually earns 5 stars with this reader. Something I give rarely.
***I received this novel free for the purposes of review. The above is my honest opinion.***
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Maddie has one goal to find a job so she can prove that she can take care of her brother and get him out of foster care. But the first day on the job she is fired and its not all her fault! Maddie is not one to give up and soon lands herself another job. This time she has a cute boss who slowly starts to steal her heart. Will she get her brother out of foster care and find love along the way?
This was a fun book and I really enjoyed it. This book is very much a romantic comedy. I could not help but smile as I read this book and even laugh a time or two.
What I liked: The humor in this book was great. I really liked Maddie she had such spunk and really dealt with the bad things going on with her life really well. Reuben was also fun and the way these two characters played off each other just made this a great book. The author did a great job of mixing the humor with the serious side of the book as well so it felt well rounded and real. I also liked the message that God is with us all the time even when life seems to be playing hard ball.
What I did not like: I really don’t have any issues with this book.
Over all I really enjoyed this book. This is a new author and I am looking forward to reading more books from her in the future. If you like a good heart felt inspirational romance with plenty of laughs you will enjoy this book.
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted September 4, 2012
Just finished the book and had to share with others. This book is sooooooooooo GOOD!!!!! It has everything from comedy to heartbreak. It is so refreshing to read a book that you don't have to worry about filthy language, vulgarity and the usual these days. As a Christian, I appreciate the realistic life portrayed, we are not perfect----only forgiven. And life is not a "rose garden" going forward. There are thorns along the way as well. I look forward to many more books from Krista in the future as this one is a slam/dunk!!!! Thanks!!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.shirley_frances
Posted September 2, 2012
Maddie Buckner has had a rough life and she moved to Sandwich, Illinois to make a better one for herself so she can be granted custody of her brother Kyle. She discovered Jesus, as she puts it, and with her determination and faith she sets out for a new life. But with every step she takes, there is a new hurdle to overcome.
Maddie's story was very interesting. I found her to be a great woman and very real to me. Not only did she set goals for herself, but she worked hard to achieve them even at moments where everything seemed stacked against her. I really enjoyed her 'conversations' with God, they were funny and heartfelt and the author did a great job of conveying Maddie's gratefulness and faith in a light, non-preachy way. Reuben was a great character to read too. He had so many layers to him that I ended up being on the lookout to see what he revealed about himself next. He was a very caring, if a bit confused guy who always kept his faith even if at times he veered from it. I very much enjoyed how they developed throughout the story and how he and Maddie developed as a couple. They fought, mocked and mistrusted each other and in the end they came together because they opened themselves to love.
The writing was good even if the pace seemed too slow at times. However, as I mentioned above, Maddie's inner musings and 'conversations' with God were filled with so much humor and emotion that it totally made up for it. I found the dialog to be very good and entertaining too, so that helped.
All in all, this book was a very good read.
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Posted October 6, 2012
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Overview
She moved to Sandwich, Illinois, in search of a new life, but ended up in a giant pickle.
Sandwich represents hope for twenty-year-old Maddie Buckner and Kyle, the eleven-year-old brother Maddie wants to spring out of foster care. Then she loses her new job after less than a day. It’s all Reuben-the-Jerk’s fault, and she’s determined to make him right the wrong.
He does so, reluctantly, by giving her a job at his restaurant, The Sandwich ...