You Had Me at Good-Bye

Found this very predictable and dull. Did not love all the religious references in this book. Had I know that the book was going to be that way, I would have passed. Don't think I will get another of her books.

Author Tracey Batemen writes another winner in her 2nd book in the Drama Queen series. The characters come to life as the story unfolds. Bateman does a wonderful job of drawing the reader in so that you experience all the emotions right along with the characters of the book. Once you open this book, you will find it hard to put it down until you finish.

Reviewed by Leslie Granier for Reader Views (4/08) "You Had Me at Good-bye" is the second book in the "Drama Queens" series by Tracey Bateman. This volume focuses mainly on Dancy Ames, but her family and two close friends, Laini and Tabby, play prominent roles as well. Dancy is facing several changes in her life including, but not limited to, being fired from her job and learning of a family member she did not know existed. She is having problems finding the right man, which is compounded by the fact that both her brother and her good friend will be celebrating marriages soon. Only after Dancy loses the things that she considers important to her does she realize what it is that she wants the most. This book contains religious elements but the author adeptly avoids being preachy and trying to overdo the spiritual aspects. Her message of the importance of trusting in God to find the right path for one's life is a central theme. It was fun to see the personal growth that many of the characters underwent as their lives progressed. I also enjoyed reading about the thought processes they used when faced with making important decisions about their futures. Dancy's transformation from a spineless and indecisive woman into one who is strong and goes after what she wants is well portrayed. The author uses excerpts from a book that Dancy is writing to begin each chapter. These excerpts give the reader insight into how Dancy pictures her life should be versus how complicated it presently is. It is when Dancy learns to accept what she cannot change that her true growth begins. Women of all ages will enjoy this book. It is a cute story that centers on looking for love, but also stresses the importance of letting God guide you through your life decisions. The interactions between Dancy, Laini, and Tabby are very realistic and will remind many readers of the times they have spent with their close friends. There are some questions listed at the end of "You Had Me at Good-bye" to assist reading groups in their discussions. I am eagerly looking forward to reading the next book in this series.

I was so excited to read this book by Tracey Bateman. I loved the first book in this series, and this book did not disappoint either. It was well written, and I read it in one sitting.

Every time I sat down to read You Had Me at Good-bye I had a big, goofy grin on my face. I cheered for the heroine, Dancy Ames, as she navigated work and family situations, and at times I really wanted to knock her parents' heads together. There were scenes that made me swoon. Yes, swoon. Talk about getting involved! This is the perfect book to sweep you away for a few hours of pure fun.

You Had Me At Good-Bye by Tracey Bateman is the second book in the Drama Queen series after Catch a Rising Star. Book editor Dancy Ames is fired after an altercation with a writer and, with help from her friends, must rediscover her footing. Dancy lets everyone walk all over her, from her rich, uptight parents, to her boss and Lane Publishing. But the worst part is that the man who stole her job just could be her dream guy, but he's sending mixed signals, and poor Dancy is in a tailspin. Bateman's writing is the equivalent of literary comfort food. Had a rough week? It's one of her books you want to curl up with to forget about the world for awhile. As Dancy's walk with God strengthens, so does her self-confidence, giving her the ability to finish her novel, stand up to her mother, dump an unwanted boyfriend, and be her new brother's hero. I love Bateman's trademark writing style. It's almost snarky, but with enough sweet to keep it light. Dancy is a hilarious narrator, and her antics make for great reading!