A Cut Above

This is the third (and last?) book in the Shop-Til-U-Drop series, and I have to say that it is my favorite in the series! While I really liked Priced to Move (Book 1) and A Steal of a Deal (Book 2), I LOVED "A Cut Above"!!! A Cut Above follows the successful and entertaining formula established in the previous books: Andrea "Andie" Adams goes out of the country, and ends up getting into all kinds of trouble. This time it's a little different though, the trouble is of the kidnapping kind...and when you're in a lawless part of Colombia, it's a sure bet that help is not forthcoming from any local authorities, or anyone at all, really. (I won't say anymore so as not to ruin the story for anyone!) I loved how this book furthered the story of Max and Andie. Max is in this book alot more than the previous two, and he's really allowed to shine. He still drives Andie crazy, just like always, but in a different way: she finds that her feelings towards him are changing... can she let her self-protective defenses down long enough to see what could become of her feelings if given a chance? I definitely recommend the whole Shop-Til-U-Drop series, it's one of the best Christian chick-lit series I've ever read. While "typical" chick-lit books don't usually include theft, murder, kidnapping, mystery, etc, this series includes it all, and it actually really works. The romance is great, and totally clean (don't mistake that for boring!). Pick up the whole series, you'll be glad you did!

Ok - so I can't believe no one has reviewed this book. Sure it is book 3 of the set so most people don't review those, but I just felt like I had to. First off I recommend reading the entire series in order - these books could be read by themselves, but you'll be a little confused at all the references they make to the previous two books. I won't give the story away - you can read the editorial reviews for that, rather I'll just tell you what I liked about it. This story definitely escalates Max Matthews and Andrea Adams' (the narrator) romance. I could almost feel exactly what Andie was feeling - Ms. Aiken writes it so well. Also this book has more of God in it than the others - which I think shows Andie's own spiritual growth through the series. What I loved most of all was the writing style - it was written the same way you and I'd talk during regular conversations. Sure Ms. Aiken throws in a lot of humour and sarcasm, and while some readers might find it too much or irritating after three books worth, I thought it was great and really added to how you viewed Andie - the humour and sarcasm was how and who she was. Overall, this series is a must read if you're in the mood for light mystery, blossoming romance and a laugh. I hope we can see more books like these from Ginny Aiken.