IF ONLY...

I have to admit I picked ALL I EVER WANTED by Kristan Higgins because of the main characters name. Yeah, I know, but I have a tendency when I spot a book with one of the characters names the same as two of my daughter's with uncommon names, to purchase it.

Kristan Higgins is a new author for me and not long after I received ALL I EVER WANTED, I ordered MY ONE AND ONLY. Another risky move, ordering another book by the same author you have yet to read. As and aspiring author and an avid reader, I'm all too aware that even the best writers can produce a "bad" novel now and again or change their style. Thus I will be giving MY ONE AND ONLY a fair chance.

Because I'm an inspiring writer and a Christian, I like to point out the positives in a book. In my opinion, if there were, I won't write a review and will only include a synopsis. After all, writing is subjective.

When I first began reading ALL I EVER WANTED, I was a little put off by it being first person and so contemporary. Not the kind of book I'm accustomed to reading and love. Yet, I was willing to give it a chance. But I quickly realized the story was not going to be one I could stomach. By page twenty I HAD to put it down, and the story started on page nine.

Was it all about being first person? No.
Was it poorly written? No.
Did I not like the storyline? Not exactly?
Was I intrigued to go forward? Yes.
Were the characters three dimensional? Yes.

But!

What I have a problem with, being a Christian, is all the foul language, offensive words, and insinuations. I've read my share of non-inspirational books, and I'm not opposed to stories that aren't faith based. I just believe whole heartedly that one can write an amazing, compelling, life changing, emotionally-resonating story without sex and bad language. I was astounded at how many foul and offensive words were used in only the few pages I read.

In recent years I've gravitated more and more to inspirational books. Now days, it's rare for me to purchase one that isn't. Until this book, I hadn't realized how much I appreciate good, clean fiction. I never have to worry about my kids picking up one of my books and reading it. And believe me, it happens.

Based on the back cover blurb:

For Callie Grey, things aren't going well. The love of her life and boss, Mark, ended their relationship because of "bad timing". Later, he confesses to being in a serious relationship. If that's not bad enough, she's turning thirty with no prospects in sight.

Bad goes to worse when she stirs up a crazy relationship with Ian McFarlan, the town's not so warm and fuzzy veterinarian. Callie decided to give him a "makeover" and darn if she doesn't fall for him.