Bookshelf

Nothing But Trouble
by Susan May Warren
Author Website: www.SusanMayWarren.com

Available in paperback and Kindle format. Tyndale House Publishers, 2009; ISBN: 1414313128; 352 pages.

This is the first book in the author's new PJ Sugar series.

PJ Sugar, the main character, tries to escape her past only to find it follows her. After ten years away, she returns home for her sister's wedding. There she finds her same prim and proper (and overbearing) mother, the same feelings for the same hunky boyfriend and the same trouble all over again. What happened to God making her a “new creation?”

As she tries to find a fresh start, she stumbles into a murder mystery, trips over a little romance and just enough redemption.

PJ reflects pieces of each of us, the pieces that long to get it right but are never quite perfect. Throughout the story, the author talks of Peter and Christ’s love for him. I loved this aspect of the book! It reminded me how God uses the imperfect to accomplish His plans. We need only surrender and let Him use us. What a valuable truth to a world of flawed people! The story is entertaining, yes, but it’s also tremendously encouraging. We all want to be perfect; we want those around us to think we have it all together. But God loved us while we were yet sinners. He loves us just as we are, mistakes and all. And He wants to use us, just as we are.

The characters were fantastic, fully developed and authentic. The descriptions and dialog were great. This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I can see why she’s won awards! She grabbed me on the first page and pulled me straight through to the end. Best of all, the end held a beautiful cliffhanger. I’m already looking forward to the next book in this series.

Final Thoughts: This was a delicious book, a perfect summer read! I'm putting it in my personal favorites.