Chill Out, Josey!

Chill Out Josey by Susan May Warren is the sequel to Everything's Coming Up Josey and picks up shortly after Josey's marriage to Chase. Josey is planning her happily ever after to Chase with a cute two story Cape Cod and 2.3 kids with a dog named Boo when Chase drops a bomb on her: he lost his job and has taken one in Russia. She's determined to be the Proverbs 31 wife and so does what she can to be his helpmeet. But God has some surprises in store: Josey's pregnant and Chase wants to do his job on his own, leaving Josey to find her own way in Moscow. I love Josey; she's a funny, brutally honest narrator. Even when she's struggling to make Chase happy, the reader knows the cost on her and her faith. Her confessions of weakness and need to succeed make her easily relatable and a good friend. Most women can relate to her frustration with weight gain during pregnancy and seeing all of Chase's size 2 co-workers. Warren focuses on a single verse again in this book. This time it's Ephesians 3: 18-19 May have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Josey comes to learn just how deep God's love is, and how keeping secrets in a marriage can (almost) destroy it. I love Warren's style of writing. She teaches while entertaining and creates characters that you want to visit again and again.

Susan May Warren has done it again. She's brought Josie back for another tour of duty in Russia! The whole book was a delight-- one I'll be sure to read over and over!

How does an American woman handle being pregnant in Russia? Susan May Warren produces another hit novel with "Chill Out, Josey!" Josey and Chase are now married and heading back to Russia when Josey learns she is expecting a baby! In an attempt to support her man as a "Proverbs 31 Woman," Josey waits to break the news. Susan May Warren reminds every woman what it is/was to be an unsure newlywed. With sensitivity she illuminates the insecurities we women encounter during pregnancy. I frequently had to stop reading, reminisce and laugh at myself. Bravo, Susie! Not only for a laugh-out-loud-entertaining book, but for the motivation to look at how I used to be when I was pregnant, and see those insecurities for what they were then, as well as how they still had me bound, today.

How I love this author's Russian stories. This one is no exception. If you read Everything's Coming Up Josey, you already know about Josey's adventures as an inexperienced missionary in Russia. You also know she finds true love with her childhood friend, Chase. Chill Out, Josey follows her back to Russia when Chase--now her new husband--loses his job and decides to take a job out of state--way out of state. Not exactly what Josey had envisioned for her first year of marriage. In fact, she's already looking at a cute little house for them to buy so they can settle down, get a dog, and start a family. Too bad Chase doesn't share her vision. But something happens that neither of them expect when Josey finds out, the day before they are to leave for Russia, that she's--gulp--expecting. Thus begins a great story of love, humor and misadventure as Josey tries her hardest to be the Proverbs 31 wife. Oh, how she longs to "surpass" as a wife. I guess her first mistake was forgetting to turn off the water and accidentally flooding the apartment of the Mayor of Moscow. Yikes. Not good. But in the end, Josey does manage to "surpass" even her younger sister, the model of the perfect wife and mother, who knows how to make kringle and fresh bread, while Josey can barely cook anything without starting a fire and summoning the fire department. The ending is perfectly funny. I think it liked it even more than the first Josey book. I highly recommend it.

Don't read this book in public. All of the snickering and snorting will draw attention to yourself, and you won't be able to hold it back. I read about four pages of this book to my son the other night (while we were waiting to start a game) and even he (Mr. Serious) starting rolling in laughter with me. Josey is such a great character. Her thoughts were hilarious and her antics were totally nuts. But she tries so hard you've gotta love her. She is a bit naive, though, when it comes to some things, but fortunately the trust she places in people is not destroyed. You have to love someone who cares as much she does, right? Isn't that what makes her so adorable? I think so. Josey had funny names for people that will make you laugh, but she is descriptive without sounding mean, and I loved that. She referred to the Russian women (who worked with her husband) as the underfeds because they were so thin compared to her. And when she starts going through her internal pregnancy thoughts (like comparing herself to a manatee) make sure your mouth is empty or you'll spew food on your book. Trust me, this story is a keeper. You won't want to ruin it. I especially enjoyed one of the key props in this book. Josey referred to them using a pet name, scary pants. There is a whole lot of subtle meaning that goes in to that clothing item. Brilliantly done! Personally, I think this author is most gifted in writing funny chick lit. I hope Josey's legacy continues or I'll be one sad reader. Of all of the books I've read in the past year, this is by far the most amusing, but it also had some profoundly insightful moments that were a natural part of the storyline. Lest you think you will get only humor from this book, let me set you straight now. Josey gains insight into her inner life and motivations, and as a reader you will do some soul-examining along with her. The spiritual message is wonderful. Steeple Hill deserves major kudos for publishing this work of art. This is what Christian Chick lit should be about...humor and depth. Susan May Warren has that going on here, so enjoy!