Thursday, June 12, 2014

Dixie Belle by Debby Mayne

This novel is pure Christian romance. You'll not find any unexpected twists or turns. You'll not learn something new about a place, event or career (something I appreciate in novels). Nor will you see intense character development.

When Cissy testifies against her abusive boyfriend, the people in her small Alabama town shun her. After all, he was their high school football star and the best mechanic in town. Her parents decide Cissy should go to New York, to live with and work in her uncle's sewing notions company. Soon after she arrives in the big city, she meets Tom, the owner of her uncle's competition. The rest of the story is the makings of a typical romance novel.

Cissy is sort of the typical southern belle. She is not a strong, “I can do it” kind of fictional character. She is a nervous talker and frequently says more than is appropriate for the situation. And, though she does have a college degree in the business area, she seems out of her element working for her uncle. She does befriend another southerner who helps her navigate unfamiliar northern ways, giving her some independence.

There is a great Christian element to this romance. Both Cissy and Tom are strong Christians. The one area of character development included in the story is that of Tom, finding that he has failed to cause his deep Christian faith to permeate his business practices.

If you like a simple Christian romance, this is the novel for you. If you like a more complex novel with intense character development, one that informs you on a new topic, or one that includes lots of twists and turns, you'll have to look elsewhere.

Debby Mayne is the author of more than thirty books and novellas. She and her husband live near Charleston, South Carolina. You can find out more about her her books at www.debbymayne.com.

Realms, 282 pages.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review.

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