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Southern Fried Sushi #1
Southern Fried Sushi
Ride the rollercoaster of Shiloh Jacobs’s life as her dreams derail, sending her on a downward spiral from the heights of an AP job in Tokyo to penniless in rural Virginia. Trapped in a world so foreign to her sensibilities and surrounded by a quirky group of friends, will she break through her hardened prejudices before she loses those who want to help her? Can she find the key to what changed her estranged mother’s life so powerfully before her death that she became a different woman—and can it help Shiloh too?
384 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2011
62 people are currently reading
912 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Rogers Spinola
12 books53 followersJennifer Rogers Spinola has just relocated from Brasilia, Brazil to the U.S. with her Brazilian husband, Athos, and sons Ethan and Seth. Originally from the American South, Jenny is the author of Barbour Books' "Southern Fried Sushi" series (the first book earning a Christy Award nomination), a romance novella collection based on Yellowstone National Park, and a novella in the collection "Westward Brides" (also by Barbour Books).
Jenny is an advocate for adoption and loves the outdoors, photography, writing, and camping. She has previously served as an ESL teacher, missionary to Japan, middle- and high-school teacher, and National Park Service volunteer.
Jenny has a B.A. in English/journalism from Gardner-Webb University in North Carolina. She is a member of Association of Christian Fiction Writers and International Christian Fiction Writers.
Jenny is an advocate for adoption and loves the outdoors, photography, writing, and camping. She has previously served as an ESL teacher, missionary to Japan, middle- and high-school teacher, and National Park Service volunteer.
Jenny has a B.A. in English/journalism from Gardner-Webb University in North Carolina. She is a member of Association of Christian Fiction Writers and International Christian Fiction Writers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews
July 20, 2012
This was actually SUPER good.
I'd been eyeing it for a few weeks at the church bookstore, but always not having enough money or wanting a historical one more and ending up passing it up. But then, when I saw another girl looking at it, I figured I better grab it before it was gone! (The church bookstore never orders the same fiction book twice if it's not francine rivers. xDDD;;)
And it was surprisingly amazing. After reading a bunch with Christ as an afterthought, I was losing hope, but this one was shockingly relevant to my current circumstances and full-on Christ focused. Funny how God times these things. : )
One thing I really like was the enormous amount of crisis that kept happening to her. That sounds really strange, but I'm serious. Because that's how real life is. And you can get through it!
Too often I see people become a Christian, then leave right after because they're "not happy" or "where's the sunshine and roses?" This book did a GREAT job dealing with that-at least, in my opinion.
The lack of romance was also refreshing. xDDD
The only downside is now I really want the next book, and 13 dollars is really expensive when you work at McDonalds. ;_____; Haha, I guess I'll get it when I really need it, just like this one! <3
I'd been eyeing it for a few weeks at the church bookstore, but always not having enough money or wanting a historical one more and ending up passing it up. But then, when I saw another girl looking at it, I figured I better grab it before it was gone! (The church bookstore never orders the same fiction book twice if it's not francine rivers. xDDD;;)
And it was surprisingly amazing. After reading a bunch with Christ as an afterthought, I was losing hope, but this one was shockingly relevant to my current circumstances and full-on Christ focused. Funny how God times these things. : )
One thing I really like was the enormous amount of crisis that kept happening to her. That sounds really strange, but I'm serious. Because that's how real life is. And you can get through it!
Too often I see people become a Christian, then leave right after because they're "not happy" or "where's the sunshine and roses?" This book did a GREAT job dealing with that-at least, in my opinion.
The lack of romance was also refreshing. xDDD
The only downside is now I really want the next book, and 13 dollars is really expensive when you work at McDonalds. ;_____; Haha, I guess I'll get it when I really need it, just like this one! <3
November 4, 2011
Southern Fried Sushi by Jenifer Rogers Spinola
The story is told through the eyes of the main character Shiloh P. Jacobs. She is living and working as a reporter in Japan. She spends her money on keeping up her image and on frivolous things. Her fiance, Carlos, is from Argentina and is quite the looker. She is estranged from her parents. When her dad left when she was seven her mom kind of lost it and now that she made a name for herself she was fine without them, even though her mom had been trying to reconnect.
And then Shiloh's world falls apart. She gets the phone call that her mom has died and left her a house. She ends up in Virginia with a bunch of rednecks. While there, she also loses her job and Carlos. But in the pit of her loss, God is calling her. Through her moms friend, Faye. Through Adam Carter and his friends Tim and Becky. And many others along the way.
I liked that Shiloh did not just automatically accept Christ. It was a process for her to believe and was written in a realistic way. Shiloh has to lower her expectations in life as well. She has to get jobs while in Virginia to pay off her huge debts and they are not jobs she normally would have worked, she has to deal with the fact that her mom had changed and that she had refused to talk to her. Through her moms death, Shiloh eventually finds life.
This is the first book in the series.
**Received through NetGalley for review
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
March 6, 2014
I hated this book for so many reasons. 1) Shiloh is a self-centered, judgmental, arrogant brat for most of the story, making it extremely difficult to care about what happens to her. 2) she constantly refers to herself as "Shiloh P Jacobs" which gets old after the first time. 3) the ridiculously unrealistic portrayal of characters: someone who grew up in New York has never had root beer, iced tea, or pecan pie?? What!? And what person in the US in 2011 thinks camera phones are super fancy? You're telling me southerners today have never seen an iPhone? 4) last but not least, the non-stop bombardment of Christian beliefs. It all felt so forced and contrived the way the characters constantly talked about God. No matter what the conversation was about, they would somehow turn it into a lesson on Christianity. It annoyed the crap out of me, and I found myself skimming over large sections of text as the book dragged on. There might have been a worthwhile message about redemption and forgiveness in there, especially with respect to Shiloh and her mother, if the author didn't feel the need to pound us over the head with it. Apparently "subtle" is not a word in her vocabulary.
Ok, I'm done. Normally, I save my rants for book club, but I decided to make an exception :)
Ok, I'm done. Normally, I save my rants for book club, but I decided to make an exception :)
March 4, 2014
I grabbed Southern Fried Sushi when it was free for Kindle because the cover is cute and the description sounded interesting. I had no idea that it was Christian fiction when I started reading. Apparently I now need to start checking publishers before purchasing titles.
The story started off well written with an interesting plotline and fun characters. Unfortunately once Shiloh reaches rural Virginia the rest of the book is like being hit over the head with a large Bible repeatedly. Every situation seems to require a sermon from a friend or a heavy dose of Bible verses through various media elements.
While I don't mind reading a bit of Christian fiction once in a while, Southern Fried Sushi was so heavy handed with the morality/faith lessons that it completely turned me off. Needless to say I will not be continuing the series.
The story started off well written with an interesting plotline and fun characters. Unfortunately once Shiloh reaches rural Virginia the rest of the book is like being hit over the head with a large Bible repeatedly. Every situation seems to require a sermon from a friend or a heavy dose of Bible verses through various media elements.
While I don't mind reading a bit of Christian fiction once in a while, Southern Fried Sushi was so heavy handed with the morality/faith lessons that it completely turned me off. Needless to say I will not be continuing the series.
August 3, 2020
Hated it! Not even the fact that this was a majorly religious story, it was so boring. I didn't feel connected to anyone or care what happened to any of the characters. I did 'pray' that Shiloh would die off and someone better take her place though. I just couldn't stand her, not sure how anyone could. Don't really get where the title for this one came from either. It was just so boring and dragged. Lots of skimming happened when it came to all the repeated religious talk, so annoying btw.
Questions/Comments:
Shiloh was really annoying. She was constantly complaining and getting upset over every little thing (that really made no sense for her to mad about). Or calling a group of people names...to one of those people. Her comment of "everybody's sick or dying or struggling with something. It's not normal!" What in the world was she even talking about? She was really stupid at times also. I mean I get that she'd been in Japan for two years but still, she was in NY prior to that and born in the US. Yet in Virginia, just a few states down, she acts like she's on another planet. Some of the food items she sees or things people say, would have her constantly saying "huh" or "what.”
An example:
When she finds out that Wade and her half sister had already picked out the casket and whatnot for her mother's funeral. She gets angry over that. Please!
Or her thinking that baby sheep were "sheeplets?" Really?
She was so full of herself because she had been a reporter at some fancy place. Now she has nothing BECAUSE OF HER OWN FAULT and basically acts like she's better than everyone else. I'm surprised she had any friends at all.
Or her "seeing red” when Adam was telling her about the kind of women that men in that area would respect. Why in the world was she getting upset? I mean it's not like she was going around showing all her goods off. Who cares.
Or her wondering if a whole chicken was safe to eat? Seriously? She's never eaten chicken before?
There were several mess-ups involving no spaces in between words and a few misspelled words.
Questions/Comments:
Carlos had a new female roommate and at first Shiloh didn’t see any issue with this. How? It's a good thing to trust your significant other but this would be a bit much.
How did Shiloh ever fall in love with Carlos? That’s what I'd like to know. He was a total jerk throughout the time he was mentioned. Putting down her awards she received, having her always meet him at places, and not bothering to call her when she left the country. I mean seriously. Although the only thing I remember reading about was the fact that Carlos was gorgeous. Shiloh never really said anything about specific traits or anything about his person that she loved. Strange.
What was Shiloh's middle name? People were constantly asking and she would make one up, so what was it really? I don't remember the author ever saying.
Shiloh said how awful her mother was while she was growing up. How her mother would pack her an onion for lunch. Of course she couldn't eat that and after they got rid of the vending machines, she would end up going hungry. Um...what kind of school was she going to? During lunch all the schools I know about served you a lunch. We already knew that she had $$ for food, but at first spent it on the snack food. They left so she doesn't buy the lunch food?
Why was she so upset when she found out her mother died? I mean again, she wasn't close whatsoever. She didn't call, talk, write, visit or anything when it came to her mother. That didn't make sense to me.
When Kyoko offered to call Dave to let him know about Shiloh's mother, Shiloh said, 'Kyoko had suddenly moved beyond crabby office lunch mate to friend.' I never got the impression that they weren't anything BUT friends. So that comment didn't seem right.
Dave congratulated her on her story on the Prime Minister's wife. She internally responded with "Some other time I'd celebrate." Why would she celebrate when she didn't really write the story? I don't even understand how she thought she could have gotten away with using someone else's story like that.
Kyoko had said that it was a bad idea that Carlos was living with an attractive female. THEN the reader learns “Kyoko struck me as the last person on earth to object to Carlos's female roommate." Huh?
Shiloh talked to Fay for the first time on the phone while she was still in Tokyo. Yet prior to them hanging up, Fay responded with "Sleep well..." How did she know it was night time there? I could understand if Fay called her but it was the other way around.
Shiloh considered her mother still weird because she lived in an area that housed a lunatic asylum? I mean I kept rereading through the popular things in Virginia and Staunton, and to me, there wasn't anything I would consider weird.
Shiloh and Fay were chatting and Fay asked her if she wanted to go to her mother's house. Shiloh ended up saying yes, then "Mrs. Whatever is next door. I'm worm out." What was she even talking about there?
All the Jebus talk. Wow! I hadn't realized that this was a religious book and yeah...so much. Shiloh constantly asking every person she met (or so it seemed) whether they were Christian or believed in God was really annoying. And all the talk, specifically the "He loves you... died for you, for your sins." Why would she even care? I'm not religious whatsoever but with that constantly being said, it was really annoying. Needless to say, I basically skipped over most of the Jebus talk and also the entire conversation Shiloh had with Adam's brother.
"'God.' My lips moved again. Why on earth I was talking to him, I didn't know." Um, there are times when non-religious people say 'god' in a rhetorical kind of way or to mean something else. At least I know I do. Doesn't mean you're speaking to 'him.'
Mess-up: At one point Shiloh said that she dated Carlos for ten months, this was after Kyoko said it was eight months. Then later on goes back to saying they dated for only eight months.
What was with her always thinking people thought of her as a Pagan?
When she went to interview for The Green Tree restaurant, what was she expecting she would be doing?
How does she not know what starch was? She thought he was talking about cornstarch? Seriously? I don't iron clothes but even I know what that is. Man I really couldn't stand Shiloh. She didn't deserve all the kind people that befriended her in Va.
When the rose bushes were dying but the roots were probably still alive, she asked “Like that's going to make any difference." Again seriously? Does she not even know how a plant grows? I mean the basics?
She doesn't know about so much common sense kind of stuff yet knows the analogy of “Would you give your little child anything she asked for?" Even I've never heard that one before.
When the rednecks attacked Shiloh, what were they talking about when they said, "See how much she's got on 'er! I bet she's loaded!" What did she have on her? She wasn't wearing jewelry, had no purse...
How did those frozen peas last so long?
"It ain't what I wanted most. (That being children) Or Becky either. We want a life spent lovin' Him." I don't even know what to say about that statement.
When Shiloh was talking to Adam's brother, why was she so surprised when she found out that he had spoke of her to his family? Um, she'd been there for a while now, what did she expect?
How did she still miss Carlos? And maybe love him? Again, here's a perfect example of how stupid Shiloh was!
Lastly, how was Rick still hungry and WANT to eat while he was in so much pain?
Again, Crap!
Questions/Comments:
Shiloh was really annoying. She was constantly complaining and getting upset over every little thing (that really made no sense for her to mad about). Or calling a group of people names...to one of those people. Her comment of "everybody's sick or dying or struggling with something. It's not normal!" What in the world was she even talking about? She was really stupid at times also. I mean I get that she'd been in Japan for two years but still, she was in NY prior to that and born in the US. Yet in Virginia, just a few states down, she acts like she's on another planet. Some of the food items she sees or things people say, would have her constantly saying "huh" or "what.”
An example:
When she finds out that Wade and her half sister had already picked out the casket and whatnot for her mother's funeral. She gets angry over that. Please!
Or her thinking that baby sheep were "sheeplets?" Really?
She was so full of herself because she had been a reporter at some fancy place. Now she has nothing BECAUSE OF HER OWN FAULT and basically acts like she's better than everyone else. I'm surprised she had any friends at all.
Or her "seeing red” when Adam was telling her about the kind of women that men in that area would respect. Why in the world was she getting upset? I mean it's not like she was going around showing all her goods off. Who cares.
Or her wondering if a whole chicken was safe to eat? Seriously? She's never eaten chicken before?
There were several mess-ups involving no spaces in between words and a few misspelled words.
Questions/Comments:
Carlos had a new female roommate and at first Shiloh didn’t see any issue with this. How? It's a good thing to trust your significant other but this would be a bit much.
How did Shiloh ever fall in love with Carlos? That’s what I'd like to know. He was a total jerk throughout the time he was mentioned. Putting down her awards she received, having her always meet him at places, and not bothering to call her when she left the country. I mean seriously. Although the only thing I remember reading about was the fact that Carlos was gorgeous. Shiloh never really said anything about specific traits or anything about his person that she loved. Strange.
What was Shiloh's middle name? People were constantly asking and she would make one up, so what was it really? I don't remember the author ever saying.
Shiloh said how awful her mother was while she was growing up. How her mother would pack her an onion for lunch. Of course she couldn't eat that and after they got rid of the vending machines, she would end up going hungry. Um...what kind of school was she going to? During lunch all the schools I know about served you a lunch. We already knew that she had $$ for food, but at first spent it on the snack food. They left so she doesn't buy the lunch food?
Why was she so upset when she found out her mother died? I mean again, she wasn't close whatsoever. She didn't call, talk, write, visit or anything when it came to her mother. That didn't make sense to me.
When Kyoko offered to call Dave to let him know about Shiloh's mother, Shiloh said, 'Kyoko had suddenly moved beyond crabby office lunch mate to friend.' I never got the impression that they weren't anything BUT friends. So that comment didn't seem right.
Dave congratulated her on her story on the Prime Minister's wife. She internally responded with "Some other time I'd celebrate." Why would she celebrate when she didn't really write the story? I don't even understand how she thought she could have gotten away with using someone else's story like that.
Kyoko had said that it was a bad idea that Carlos was living with an attractive female. THEN the reader learns “Kyoko struck me as the last person on earth to object to Carlos's female roommate." Huh?
Shiloh talked to Fay for the first time on the phone while she was still in Tokyo. Yet prior to them hanging up, Fay responded with "Sleep well..." How did she know it was night time there? I could understand if Fay called her but it was the other way around.
Shiloh considered her mother still weird because she lived in an area that housed a lunatic asylum? I mean I kept rereading through the popular things in Virginia and Staunton, and to me, there wasn't anything I would consider weird.
Shiloh and Fay were chatting and Fay asked her if she wanted to go to her mother's house. Shiloh ended up saying yes, then "Mrs. Whatever is next door. I'm worm out." What was she even talking about there?
All the Jebus talk. Wow! I hadn't realized that this was a religious book and yeah...so much. Shiloh constantly asking every person she met (or so it seemed) whether they were Christian or believed in God was really annoying. And all the talk, specifically the "He loves you... died for you, for your sins." Why would she even care? I'm not religious whatsoever but with that constantly being said, it was really annoying. Needless to say, I basically skipped over most of the Jebus talk and also the entire conversation Shiloh had with Adam's brother.
"'God.' My lips moved again. Why on earth I was talking to him, I didn't know." Um, there are times when non-religious people say 'god' in a rhetorical kind of way or to mean something else. At least I know I do. Doesn't mean you're speaking to 'him.'
Mess-up: At one point Shiloh said that she dated Carlos for ten months, this was after Kyoko said it was eight months. Then later on goes back to saying they dated for only eight months.
What was with her always thinking people thought of her as a Pagan?
When she went to interview for The Green Tree restaurant, what was she expecting she would be doing?
How does she not know what starch was? She thought he was talking about cornstarch? Seriously? I don't iron clothes but even I know what that is. Man I really couldn't stand Shiloh. She didn't deserve all the kind people that befriended her in Va.
When the rose bushes were dying but the roots were probably still alive, she asked “Like that's going to make any difference." Again seriously? Does she not even know how a plant grows? I mean the basics?
She doesn't know about so much common sense kind of stuff yet knows the analogy of “Would you give your little child anything she asked for?" Even I've never heard that one before.
When the rednecks attacked Shiloh, what were they talking about when they said, "See how much she's got on 'er! I bet she's loaded!" What did she have on her? She wasn't wearing jewelry, had no purse...
How did those frozen peas last so long?
"It ain't what I wanted most. (That being children) Or Becky either. We want a life spent lovin' Him." I don't even know what to say about that statement.
When Shiloh was talking to Adam's brother, why was she so surprised when she found out that he had spoke of her to his family? Um, she'd been there for a while now, what did she expect?
How did she still miss Carlos? And maybe love him? Again, here's a perfect example of how stupid Shiloh was!
Lastly, how was Rick still hungry and WANT to eat while he was in so much pain?
Again, Crap!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 22, 2018
Shiloh Jacob's seems to have the perfect life. She is working at her dream job and living in Japan with her Fiance. Days after her estranged Mother dies Shiloh loses everything her job and her fiance. Broke and unemployed she travels to the states to settle her mother's affairs in a small Virginia town. While sorting out her Mother's affairs and her own future Shiloh moves into her Mother's house. After living in New York and Tokyo she finds small town life kind of weird. the way they talk the foods they eat and the fact they want to share their Christian faith with her. Does she decide to stay or does she chose to move on after sorting out her Mother's estate?
March 29, 2016
I saw this book last year when it first came out and because of the title, I glanced over it. But somehow I didn't think it would be the story for me, so I left it. What a bad idea! I should have grabbed it up immediately! As a southern girl myself who moved to the big city, I can absolutely relate to Shiloh's culture shock. The quirky neighbors, the friendly people, waving at everyone you meet regardless if you know them or not; this story was like going home again. Ms. Spinola did an excellent job of describing the atmosphere of the south along with the people without making them caricatures. The warmth and friendliness of those who live down there is very true to life. It made me want to visit again! If you live in the south, have lived there, or have visited, you'll see really quickly that Ms. Spinola knows what she's talking about. Granted, trying to write out a southern drawl is pretty difficult, but it works. I could hear missing consonants and the y'alls as I was reading them! :)
Now the story is about Shiloh and her journey, but the real character and the real momentum of the story is simply the town of Staunton (STAN-ton, not STAWN-ton) and people who live there as a whole. Getting to know "Southern Speak", hugging everyone, the whole atmosphere. It's like a sweet love song about the quirks and the craziness of us southerners, that doesn't make sense to anyone until they've spent some time there themselves. Ms. Spinola gives everyone a chance to do just that! Shiloh's journey is not easy though. In fact, I didn't start out liking her too much. Her selfishness and wrong decisions, her whining; at times they bugged me. But thankfully she doesn't stay that way (and the character has to start out at a bad place so they can change, right?). She soon comes to appreciate these people and their charms. Who could withstand those who love and help you even when you insult them and complain? Shiloh is brought very low, pretty much rock bottom; but with new friends picking her up and reminding her it will be okay, she slowly moves out of her pit. Still, life isn't all sunshine and roses, so Shiloh's life isn't miraculously restored to what it was. Instead it's very realistic in the struggles that God allows to be thrown her way and how she works to get through them.
There's more books about Shiloh. I was very happy to realize that the library had books 1 and 2, and tonight I found out book 3 is coming out soon. Can't wait! :) Several moments of laughter and smiling happen when you read this story! Do yourself a favor and try it.
Now the story is about Shiloh and her journey, but the real character and the real momentum of the story is simply the town of Staunton (STAN-ton, not STAWN-ton) and people who live there as a whole. Getting to know "Southern Speak", hugging everyone, the whole atmosphere. It's like a sweet love song about the quirks and the craziness of us southerners, that doesn't make sense to anyone until they've spent some time there themselves. Ms. Spinola gives everyone a chance to do just that! Shiloh's journey is not easy though. In fact, I didn't start out liking her too much. Her selfishness and wrong decisions, her whining; at times they bugged me. But thankfully she doesn't stay that way (and the character has to start out at a bad place so they can change, right?). She soon comes to appreciate these people and their charms. Who could withstand those who love and help you even when you insult them and complain? Shiloh is brought very low, pretty much rock bottom; but with new friends picking her up and reminding her it will be okay, she slowly moves out of her pit. Still, life isn't all sunshine and roses, so Shiloh's life isn't miraculously restored to what it was. Instead it's very realistic in the struggles that God allows to be thrown her way and how she works to get through them.
There's more books about Shiloh. I was very happy to realize that the library had books 1 and 2, and tonight I found out book 3 is coming out soon. Can't wait! :) Several moments of laughter and smiling happen when you read this story! Do yourself a favor and try it.
September 1, 2024
I’m not sure how I found this, but since I have been pestering my 6th grader all summer to READ, I couldn’t pass this one up.
Shiloh is an up and coming young reporter who seems to have it all; an exciting career, a great apartment in Japan, and a gorgeous Argentinian fiancé. She also likes nice things and her spending is out of control! One day, under pressure at work, she does something terribly stupid. Within a few days, learns that her mother, from whom she has been estranged for many years, has died and she must return to a small Virginian town to settle her mother’s affairs and sell the house. Within days, her mistake at work is discovered and she loses her job, as well as her fiance!
Her mother’s house is in a very small town, Staunton (pronouned STANTON!) Virginia, Sushi is an unknown in Staunton, and they eat ‘weird’ things like collard greens! This is a real culture shock for Shiloh, who has spent time in Tokyo as well as NYC. She also has trouble with their ‘southern-speak’. And she REALLY has a problem with the Christianity that everyone wants to share with her. But she does appreciate the friendliness of the community and the fact that everyone is willing to pitch in and help.
My biggest issue with the book is Shiloh’s lack of knowledge of many things that I consider ‘regular American’. She tends to label things as southern oddities. One example: Shiloh does not know how to cook, at all, apparently. Her mother’s friend offers to teach her. They are making chicken and dumplings, pretty normal food in my opinion. But Shiloh apparently has never seen raw chicken, as she is leery and ask if it will be safe to eat. Yet she has no problem with sushi! Maybe it’s just me, but I am not from the south OR a small town, and chicken seems pretty ‘regular’ to me! But this is just one example of Shiloh’s thinking, as she labels these people as strange and backwards.
In the end, this is a story of friendship and discovery as Shiloh learns to trust and forgive, herself as well as others. I enjoyed this book very much, and am looking forward to the second book in the series, Sweet Potato Pie. But this may not be a book that most non-Christians would enjoy, as a good part of the story revolves around Shiloh ‘finding God’.
Shiloh is an up and coming young reporter who seems to have it all; an exciting career, a great apartment in Japan, and a gorgeous Argentinian fiancé. She also likes nice things and her spending is out of control! One day, under pressure at work, she does something terribly stupid. Within a few days, learns that her mother, from whom she has been estranged for many years, has died and she must return to a small Virginian town to settle her mother’s affairs and sell the house. Within days, her mistake at work is discovered and she loses her job, as well as her fiance!
Her mother’s house is in a very small town, Staunton (pronouned STANTON!) Virginia, Sushi is an unknown in Staunton, and they eat ‘weird’ things like collard greens! This is a real culture shock for Shiloh, who has spent time in Tokyo as well as NYC. She also has trouble with their ‘southern-speak’. And she REALLY has a problem with the Christianity that everyone wants to share with her. But she does appreciate the friendliness of the community and the fact that everyone is willing to pitch in and help.
My biggest issue with the book is Shiloh’s lack of knowledge of many things that I consider ‘regular American’. She tends to label things as southern oddities. One example: Shiloh does not know how to cook, at all, apparently. Her mother’s friend offers to teach her. They are making chicken and dumplings, pretty normal food in my opinion. But Shiloh apparently has never seen raw chicken, as she is leery and ask if it will be safe to eat. Yet she has no problem with sushi! Maybe it’s just me, but I am not from the south OR a small town, and chicken seems pretty ‘regular’ to me! But this is just one example of Shiloh’s thinking, as she labels these people as strange and backwards.
In the end, this is a story of friendship and discovery as Shiloh learns to trust and forgive, herself as well as others. I enjoyed this book very much, and am looking forward to the second book in the series, Sweet Potato Pie. But this may not be a book that most non-Christians would enjoy, as a good part of the story revolves around Shiloh ‘finding God’.
January 19, 2015
I got this book from a nice girl on Tumblr, she just met me in West Mall and gave me a good bit of books and this was one of them :D I don't even ... know her name, but anyway!
I am not the audience for this book.
I didn't realise this was a religious books into I was 1/3 into it and well, I didn't want to stop and I wanted to see what was happening and stuff.
So, this is the tale of one Shiloh P Jacobs. She has the "Perfect Life", hot South American fiance, great job : an AP reporter in Japan and importantly she's far away from her dead beat mum, limiting all communication and ignoring her mum's packages.
I honestly thought this was about a girl living in Japan which I was really hoping for! Instead her mum dies and she has to leave Japan because her mum left her house which she has to sell off. Also, to attend the funeral.
So, her mum lived in Virgina, and then you get to know that her mum was a shitty mum, and Shiloh eventually had to go to a foster home. I have no idea how she reached Japan, maybe I skipped that part.
As soon as she touches down in Staunton Virginia, the Jesus stuff starts and never ends and it feels as though when the plot is moving, you're suddenly cut into this jarring onslaught of the same things over and over. God has a plan. God is good, God does everything for a reason.
And like it was interupting the story, you know?
There were some interesting bits though, Shiloh having to manage two jobs, Shiloh getting professional financial advice for her debt from a new friend: something that takes a lot of courage and trust, and of course who can forget the incident with the neo nazis.
And it ends after with the metaphor with the roses and her mum.. I dunno, I wasn't feeling it, even though there was an attempt for the build up, it didn't reach me. :( Yeah. That's it.
Oh! SHe makes nice friends, I liked that. I like things with friends.
If you love Jesus, you will love this.
I am not the audience for this book.
I didn't realise this was a religious books into I was 1/3 into it and well, I didn't want to stop and I wanted to see what was happening and stuff.
So, this is the tale of one Shiloh P Jacobs. She has the "Perfect Life", hot South American fiance, great job : an AP reporter in Japan and importantly she's far away from her dead beat mum, limiting all communication and ignoring her mum's packages.
I honestly thought this was about a girl living in Japan which I was really hoping for! Instead her mum dies and she has to leave Japan because her mum left her house which she has to sell off. Also, to attend the funeral.
So, her mum lived in Virgina, and then you get to know that her mum was a shitty mum, and Shiloh eventually had to go to a foster home. I have no idea how she reached Japan, maybe I skipped that part.
As soon as she touches down in Staunton Virginia, the Jesus stuff starts and never ends and it feels as though when the plot is moving, you're suddenly cut into this jarring onslaught of the same things over and over. God has a plan. God is good, God does everything for a reason.
And like it was interupting the story, you know?
There were some interesting bits though, Shiloh having to manage two jobs, Shiloh getting professional financial advice for her debt from a new friend: something that takes a lot of courage and trust, and of course who can forget the incident with the neo nazis.
And it ends after with the metaphor with the roses and her mum.. I dunno, I wasn't feeling it, even though there was an attempt for the build up, it didn't reach me. :( Yeah. That's it.
Oh! SHe makes nice friends, I liked that. I like things with friends.
If you love Jesus, you will love this.
September 8, 2011
The book is written in the first person, which may put some readers off. However, I would encourage those people to give it a try – they will be pleasantly surprised. Shiloh, the narrator, is an award-winning journalist who grew up in New York and who is now working for Associated Press in Tokyo and engaged to Carlos, an Argentinean expatriate also based in Tokyo. She is hardworking, ambitious, loves all things Japanese (particularly the food), and never wants to leave, particularly as she is estranged from her flaky mother and the father who abandoned them both.
The sudden death of her mother forces Shiloh to return to the States to attend the funeral and deal with the estate. Here, she meets a number of Christians in the very best sense. These are not just characters who say grace before meals and attend church on Sunday. These are the Christians we should all aspire to be – people who praise God, who trust in Him in all circumstances, who reach out and befriend others, and who actively talk about their faith in a natural way because God is such an important part of their lives. Shiloh discovers that her mother had changed dramatically from the flaky woman she remembered, and as she begins to understand what caused those changes, Shiloh, too, begins to change.
I really enjoyed Southern Fried Sushi. It is a well-written novel with a cast of likable characters, and some very funny scenes around Southern cuisine – as a New Zealander, I could certainly understand the culture shock Shiloh felt in moving from Tokyo to small-town Virginia. While it is not a traditional genre romance (with the boy-meets-girl, fall-in-love, live-happily-ever-after formula), it is a romance in the sense that it describes a series of relationships built on love - relationships between friends, between husband and wife, between us and God. It preaches a clear gospel message without falling into a trap of saccharine sermonising. This is what Christian fiction should be. Best of all, the sequel is due to be published in March 2012, so readers won’t have to wait long to find out what happens next!
The sudden death of her mother forces Shiloh to return to the States to attend the funeral and deal with the estate. Here, she meets a number of Christians in the very best sense. These are not just characters who say grace before meals and attend church on Sunday. These are the Christians we should all aspire to be – people who praise God, who trust in Him in all circumstances, who reach out and befriend others, and who actively talk about their faith in a natural way because God is such an important part of their lives. Shiloh discovers that her mother had changed dramatically from the flaky woman she remembered, and as she begins to understand what caused those changes, Shiloh, too, begins to change.
I really enjoyed Southern Fried Sushi. It is a well-written novel with a cast of likable characters, and some very funny scenes around Southern cuisine – as a New Zealander, I could certainly understand the culture shock Shiloh felt in moving from Tokyo to small-town Virginia. While it is not a traditional genre romance (with the boy-meets-girl, fall-in-love, live-happily-ever-after formula), it is a romance in the sense that it describes a series of relationships built on love - relationships between friends, between husband and wife, between us and God. It preaches a clear gospel message without falling into a trap of saccharine sermonising. This is what Christian fiction should be. Best of all, the sequel is due to be published in March 2012, so readers won’t have to wait long to find out what happens next!
February 28, 2015
Shiloh P. Jacobs has everything — the perfect job, the perfect fiance, the perfect life in Japan — but when her estranged mother dies suddenly, Shiloh must travel to the South to confront her past. Shortly after burying her mother, Shiloh loses her job, her fiance, and is hopelessly penniless. Since her mother left the house and car, Shiloh must move into her mother’s house and temporarily build a life for herself in a world that is so different and foreign to her. The small rural town of Churchville, Virginia is southern to its core and Shiloh must learn to navigate the language and ways of her new neighbors and friends. As much as Shiloh has lost, she still searches for a purpose and a new job to pay the bills — she searches for the mother she never knew or understood and the life that she wants to live.
I thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful story of a young woman’s search for God. I loved how God’s story of redemption was seamlessly woven into the plot and how Shiloh learns to accept the kindness and forgiveness of people she makes fun of. Her search for her Savior is so real and heartfelt — I cried as she cried out to God for answers and healing. My favorite part of this book was that the romance is between Shiloh and God. This story is her journey as she searches for the God that her mother found and the God who changed her mother’s life so dramatically.
All of the author’s characters have depth and force you to fall in love with them. They each struggle and triumph in their own lives the way people do in real life. This book made me want to visit the South in all its glory. As a reader, I enjoyed the southern hospitality and food descriptions since I am unfamiliar with the South. I did find it a little strange that Shiloh didn’t know her U.S. history very well but the story was still a pleasant read. I look forward to the next book in the series, Like Sweet Potato Pie, when it comes out in March 2012.
I would definitely recommend this read to anyone who enjoys a story about a girl searching for God in an unlikely place.
I received this book for free from NetGalley.com and Barbour Publishing but I was not required to write a positive review.
I thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful story of a young woman’s search for God. I loved how God’s story of redemption was seamlessly woven into the plot and how Shiloh learns to accept the kindness and forgiveness of people she makes fun of. Her search for her Savior is so real and heartfelt — I cried as she cried out to God for answers and healing. My favorite part of this book was that the romance is between Shiloh and God. This story is her journey as she searches for the God that her mother found and the God who changed her mother’s life so dramatically.
All of the author’s characters have depth and force you to fall in love with them. They each struggle and triumph in their own lives the way people do in real life. This book made me want to visit the South in all its glory. As a reader, I enjoyed the southern hospitality and food descriptions since I am unfamiliar with the South. I did find it a little strange that Shiloh didn’t know her U.S. history very well but the story was still a pleasant read. I look forward to the next book in the series, Like Sweet Potato Pie, when it comes out in March 2012.
I would definitely recommend this read to anyone who enjoys a story about a girl searching for God in an unlikely place.
I received this book for free from NetGalley.com and Barbour Publishing but I was not required to write a positive review.
June 11, 2012
Title: SOUTHERN FRIED SUSHI
Author: Jennifer Rogers Spinola
Publisher: Barbour Books
October 2011
ISBN: 978-1616263645
Genre: Inspirational/contemporary romance
Shiloh Jacobs is twenty-four and on the adventure of a lifetime. She is working at a coveted position at the Associated Press in Toyko and engaged to Carlos, a wealthy Hispanic man who is the best salesman in his field. She has everything under control, except possibly her spending, as evidenced by maxed out credit cards and mounting bills.
When Shiloh learns of her mother’s untimely passing, she travels to rural Virginia to sell her mother’s house, and take care of the situation there. But compared to the big city of Toyko, rural Virginia is a culture shock. Pick-up trucks and deer hunters abound, as well as quirky neighbors and a much slower pace.
But things go from bad to worse. Shiloh loses her job, her fiancée and worse, the house won’t sell. Plus her debts continue to pile up. Will Shiloh ever get back to her beloved Japan? Or will she have to settle in Virginia?
SOUTHERN FRIED SUSHI is not exactly what I expected. It starts very slowly, in Japan, with Shiloh handling her unopened credit card bills, then leaving the AP to meet with a friend for lunch. The setting, the crush of people, the sights and smells in Toyko are described to the point where I could see them, but the story started very very slowly and I couldn’t even begin to care for Shiloh. In fact, I hate her too suave fiancé when I met him and couldn’t believe Shiloh would actually put up with his nonsense. But then, most young girls make a lot of mistakes concerning men.
When Shiloh is sent back to Virginia the story really picks up. She had a rude awakening to the differences in cultures, and the differences in food—fried vegetables and meats, collard greens and mushy bread. But the people made it more fun. I loved the way she was forced to change her view of the world and grow up some. Discussion questions are included at the end of the book. $12.99. 379 pages. 3.5 stars
Author: Jennifer Rogers Spinola
Publisher: Barbour Books
October 2011
ISBN: 978-1616263645
Genre: Inspirational/contemporary romance
Shiloh Jacobs is twenty-four and on the adventure of a lifetime. She is working at a coveted position at the Associated Press in Toyko and engaged to Carlos, a wealthy Hispanic man who is the best salesman in his field. She has everything under control, except possibly her spending, as evidenced by maxed out credit cards and mounting bills.
When Shiloh learns of her mother’s untimely passing, she travels to rural Virginia to sell her mother’s house, and take care of the situation there. But compared to the big city of Toyko, rural Virginia is a culture shock. Pick-up trucks and deer hunters abound, as well as quirky neighbors and a much slower pace.
But things go from bad to worse. Shiloh loses her job, her fiancée and worse, the house won’t sell. Plus her debts continue to pile up. Will Shiloh ever get back to her beloved Japan? Or will she have to settle in Virginia?
SOUTHERN FRIED SUSHI is not exactly what I expected. It starts very slowly, in Japan, with Shiloh handling her unopened credit card bills, then leaving the AP to meet with a friend for lunch. The setting, the crush of people, the sights and smells in Toyko are described to the point where I could see them, but the story started very very slowly and I couldn’t even begin to care for Shiloh. In fact, I hate her too suave fiancé when I met him and couldn’t believe Shiloh would actually put up with his nonsense. But then, most young girls make a lot of mistakes concerning men.
When Shiloh is sent back to Virginia the story really picks up. She had a rude awakening to the differences in cultures, and the differences in food—fried vegetables and meats, collard greens and mushy bread. But the people made it more fun. I loved the way she was forced to change her view of the world and grow up some. Discussion questions are included at the end of the book. $12.99. 379 pages. 3.5 stars
September 15, 2011
Fiction; Christian Fiction
4 stars
For those of you who care, I am kicking myself right now for letting this book collect dust on my shelves for so long. If you have this-- read it now. You won't regret it.
Scouts honor.
Now where was I? Oh yes.
This is a great story about a young woman who finds God in the most unusual of places.
Shiloh Jacobs appears to be 'living the dream' in Japan with a great job and a oh-so-handsome fiance. Her success has brought her the ability to purchase some of the finer things in life and Shiloh is definitely taking advantage of that. Too bad the pressure of it all finally gets to her and she ends up making a costly mistake. Just days after learning that her estranged mother had died, Shiloh loses everything.
Broke and unemployed, Shiloh is once again stateside and travels to a small town in Virginia to settle her mother's affairs. While trying to sort out her future, she takes advantage of the opportunity and moves into her mother house. After spending time in New York and Tokoyo, Shiloh finds it difficult to adjust to the weirdness of small town life. The way everyone talks, the strange foods they eat and most of all, the way the community wants to share their Christian faith with her. She appreciates the gesture and soon starts on a journey towards acceptance, forgiveness and finding out what God's purpose is for her life.
I really loved this story and the way the author wrote the developing relationship between Shiloh and God. To me, it was very realistic and I found myself emotionally invested in Shiloh's character. My heart ached for her struggle and I teared up several times while reading.
There were a few minor flaws in the book that kept me from giving it a solid five star rating but overall it was a fantastic story. I am looking forward to reading Spinola's next book called Sweet Potato Pie set to release in March 2012.
Highly recommended.
4 stars
For those of you who care, I am kicking myself right now for letting this book collect dust on my shelves for so long. If you have this-- read it now. You won't regret it.
Scouts honor.
Now where was I? Oh yes.
This is a great story about a young woman who finds God in the most unusual of places.
Shiloh Jacobs appears to be 'living the dream' in Japan with a great job and a oh-so-handsome fiance. Her success has brought her the ability to purchase some of the finer things in life and Shiloh is definitely taking advantage of that. Too bad the pressure of it all finally gets to her and she ends up making a costly mistake. Just days after learning that her estranged mother had died, Shiloh loses everything.
Broke and unemployed, Shiloh is once again stateside and travels to a small town in Virginia to settle her mother's affairs. While trying to sort out her future, she takes advantage of the opportunity and moves into her mother house. After spending time in New York and Tokoyo, Shiloh finds it difficult to adjust to the weirdness of small town life. The way everyone talks, the strange foods they eat and most of all, the way the community wants to share their Christian faith with her. She appreciates the gesture and soon starts on a journey towards acceptance, forgiveness and finding out what God's purpose is for her life.
I really loved this story and the way the author wrote the developing relationship between Shiloh and God. To me, it was very realistic and I found myself emotionally invested in Shiloh's character. My heart ached for her struggle and I teared up several times while reading.
There were a few minor flaws in the book that kept me from giving it a solid five star rating but overall it was a fantastic story. I am looking forward to reading Spinola's next book called Sweet Potato Pie set to release in March 2012.
Highly recommended.
October 13, 2011
Shiloh Jacobs has the world on a string. She’s working a job she loves earning numerous awards in journalism, she’s working towards her master’s degree and is engaged to the man of her dreams. What could possibly go wrong? Plenty! The credit card bills are piling up, her fiancée is making eyes at his new female (supposedly platonic) “roommate”, and in order to keep a deadline Shiloh resorts to borrowing quotes from an internet source. Hoping and praying she doesn’t get caught, she swears it will only happen this once.
Southern Fried Sushi is an amusing read, full of funny mishaps and intriguing characters. The title alone would make me buy this book! I love the multi-cultural theme that Jennifer weaves all through this story.
The ongoing crisis in Shiloh’s life kept me hooked and I kept reading to find out how she was going to pull through. I really enjoyed the easy style in which Jennifer wrote this book and also the setting; it’s not everyday that you read about a southern girl living in Japan! The interjections of southern terms and phrases were the icing on the cake for me; it made Shiloh completely believable and authentic. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series and I highly recommend this author!
"Southern Fried Sushi," is Jennifer’s first novel and the first in a series of three by Barbour Publishing. Look for the sequel, "Like Sweet Potato Pie”, scheduled to release March 2012 and book three, “Til Grits Do Us Part” releasing November 2012.
Southern Fried Sushi is an amusing read, full of funny mishaps and intriguing characters. The title alone would make me buy this book! I love the multi-cultural theme that Jennifer weaves all through this story.
The ongoing crisis in Shiloh’s life kept me hooked and I kept reading to find out how she was going to pull through. I really enjoyed the easy style in which Jennifer wrote this book and also the setting; it’s not everyday that you read about a southern girl living in Japan! The interjections of southern terms and phrases were the icing on the cake for me; it made Shiloh completely believable and authentic. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series and I highly recommend this author!
"Southern Fried Sushi," is Jennifer’s first novel and the first in a series of three by Barbour Publishing. Look for the sequel, "Like Sweet Potato Pie”, scheduled to release March 2012 and book three, “Til Grits Do Us Part” releasing November 2012.
May 6, 2013
When I picked up this book in the free section of Amazon Kindle Library, I was unaware it was a christian novel. The preaching was a little heavy handed, but I was able to power through it to read the story behind the sermon. The main character was realistic and she is easy to learn to care about. She's much like any of us, confused and going through a rough patch.
The story is generally well written though I'm not sure if its the problem of Kindle formatting or the editor but several times there are words that are smooshed together without a space. It doesn't distract too much, but it was noticeable.
I could have done without the heavy handed manner of conversion/preaching, I'm a christian myself and even I found it over the top and at times distracting from the flow of the story. I understand that the tale is about this woman and her life and then her journey to finding Christ...but its also a tale about a woman who was badly treated, came from a rough family life, did one thing wrong at the wrong time and got called on it and lost everything.
I would give this book five stars, but the overwhelming sermons detract a bit from the ebb and the flow of the storytelling. I think there were probably several instances where they weren't necessary and the story could have moved further faster without them. I found that by just skimming over some of them I was able to grow to care for the characters, finish the book and even be interested enough in Shiloh's life to purchase the second book in the series.
The story is generally well written though I'm not sure if its the problem of Kindle formatting or the editor but several times there are words that are smooshed together without a space. It doesn't distract too much, but it was noticeable.
I could have done without the heavy handed manner of conversion/preaching, I'm a christian myself and even I found it over the top and at times distracting from the flow of the story. I understand that the tale is about this woman and her life and then her journey to finding Christ...but its also a tale about a woman who was badly treated, came from a rough family life, did one thing wrong at the wrong time and got called on it and lost everything.
I would give this book five stars, but the overwhelming sermons detract a bit from the ebb and the flow of the storytelling. I think there were probably several instances where they weren't necessary and the story could have moved further faster without them. I found that by just skimming over some of them I was able to grow to care for the characters, finish the book and even be interested enough in Shiloh's life to purchase the second book in the series.
July 16, 2013
This Kindle freebie started off with promise. A young American ex-pat living in japan simultaneously loses her mother, fiance and her job, forcing her to come to the States, to the rural south.
The heroine, Shiloh, is in culture shock. She now eats a steady diet of grease and white carbs and toxic processed foods, and perhaps this is what leaves her susceptible to the brainwashing that follows.
Thrown into the Bible Belt, where superstition rules and everything relates to mythological creatures (see Mithra and Osiris, both also coincidentally born of a virgin on 12/25), Shiloh begins to take on the delusions of her new acquaintance. Despite her mother's affinity for cults, Shiloh fails to see that she herself is being recruited into the biggest one in the country, Christianity.
The arrogance of the author is stunning. Quote: "This is what set Christians apart from non-Christians: their unfaltering trust and optimism, like the people singing in the rain at that little country church." There is specifically anti-Hinduism in this book, and implied anti- everything that is not "Christian". The book devolved rapidly into a tract, better written than most, but just as sanctimonious, self-important and obnoxious as any leaflet forced into your hands by any cult recruiter.
I could not finish this. I got 3/4 of the way through, but it was simply too offensive to anyone who thinks critically. Bible thumpers should enjoy it.
The heroine, Shiloh, is in culture shock. She now eats a steady diet of grease and white carbs and toxic processed foods, and perhaps this is what leaves her susceptible to the brainwashing that follows.
Thrown into the Bible Belt, where superstition rules and everything relates to mythological creatures (see Mithra and Osiris, both also coincidentally born of a virgin on 12/25), Shiloh begins to take on the delusions of her new acquaintance. Despite her mother's affinity for cults, Shiloh fails to see that she herself is being recruited into the biggest one in the country, Christianity.
The arrogance of the author is stunning. Quote: "This is what set Christians apart from non-Christians: their unfaltering trust and optimism, like the people singing in the rain at that little country church." There is specifically anti-Hinduism in this book, and implied anti- everything that is not "Christian". The book devolved rapidly into a tract, better written than most, but just as sanctimonious, self-important and obnoxious as any leaflet forced into your hands by any cult recruiter.
I could not finish this. I got 3/4 of the way through, but it was simply too offensive to anyone who thinks critically. Bible thumpers should enjoy it.
February 10, 2012
Southern Fried Sushi by Jennifer Rogers Spinola
5 STARS
Good entertaining and uplifting story. Will certainly read follow book.
Shiloh Jacobs at first did not think much about her but I started to care and even cried in the book. Shiloh is working in Japan at a newspaper, has won rewards.spends way too much and takes short cut at work.
Her mom is back in the states dies. Shiloh goes for funeral and her life falls apart. One thing after another happens to her and she is stuck in Virgina.
She meets friends of her moms that are church goers and they keep giving her a hand and sharing what helps them get threw the trials.
Shiloh learns about her mom how she has changed for the better. Learns a lot of lifes lessons. It does have scriptures and examples of how we grow but it flows together without being too preachy. It makes for a charming story that I want more of.
The characters are a wide range that are well rounded. Some of the characters you can really see them and feel for them.
Shiloh grows a lot and takes responsibilty for her past actions. She gets mad and acts out but is not afraid to apoligize after.
Its a good book I highly recommend it. I was given this ebook to read in exchange for honest review from Netgalley.
10/01/2011 PUB Barbour Publishing, Inc.
http://readalot-rhonda1111.blogspot.c...
5 STARS
Good entertaining and uplifting story. Will certainly read follow book.
Shiloh Jacobs at first did not think much about her but I started to care and even cried in the book. Shiloh is working in Japan at a newspaper, has won rewards.spends way too much and takes short cut at work.
Her mom is back in the states dies. Shiloh goes for funeral and her life falls apart. One thing after another happens to her and she is stuck in Virgina.
She meets friends of her moms that are church goers and they keep giving her a hand and sharing what helps them get threw the trials.
Shiloh learns about her mom how she has changed for the better. Learns a lot of lifes lessons. It does have scriptures and examples of how we grow but it flows together without being too preachy. It makes for a charming story that I want more of.
The characters are a wide range that are well rounded. Some of the characters you can really see them and feel for them.
Shiloh grows a lot and takes responsibilty for her past actions. She gets mad and acts out but is not afraid to apoligize after.
Its a good book I highly recommend it. I was given this ebook to read in exchange for honest review from Netgalley.
10/01/2011 PUB Barbour Publishing, Inc.
http://readalot-rhonda1111.blogspot.c...
February 2, 2012
Summary: When Shiloh P. Jacob's mother passes away suddenly, Shiloh leaves her fast-paced life in Tokyo, Japan (where she's a reporter for AP and engaged to Carlos) to bury her mother in Virginia. While she is coming to terms with the death of her mother, who was never a real mother, Shiloh loses her job and her fiance. Stuck in redneck country, Shiloh has to put together the pieces of her life with a little help from some country folk.
My thoughts: The first few chapters had too many details and not enough action, but once Shiloh sets foot in Virgina, the story picks up and becomes a great read. The author's fun style is evident in the vivid, colorful characters (although a bit stereotypical of the South). The character development of Shiloh is heart-felt and authentic. The supporting characters of Becky and Faye are quirky additions and epitomize what's best about the South.
The spiritual truths are evident but not preachy...it's more of a development of character than a lecture to the reader.
I loved this book: from the cute cover, to the notebook Shiloh keeps of Southern sayings, to the roses in her mother's garden, to the truth that with God, things can bloom again.
I received this book in exchange for my review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
My thoughts: The first few chapters had too many details and not enough action, but once Shiloh sets foot in Virgina, the story picks up and becomes a great read. The author's fun style is evident in the vivid, colorful characters (although a bit stereotypical of the South). The character development of Shiloh is heart-felt and authentic. The supporting characters of Becky and Faye are quirky additions and epitomize what's best about the South.
The spiritual truths are evident but not preachy...it's more of a development of character than a lecture to the reader.
I loved this book: from the cute cover, to the notebook Shiloh keeps of Southern sayings, to the roses in her mother's garden, to the truth that with God, things can bloom again.
I received this book in exchange for my review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 26, 2011
Story Description:
Ride the rollercoaster of Shiloh Jacobs’s life as her dreams derail, sending her on a downward spiral from the heights of an AP job in Tokyo to penniless in rural Virginia. Trapped in a world so foreign to her sensibilities and surrounded by a quirky group of friends, will she break through her hardened prejudices before she loses those who want to help her? Can she find the key to what changed her estranged mother’s life so powerfully before her death that she became a different woman—and can it help Shiloh too?
My Review:
I totally fell in love with the characters in this story. The Southern charm, good wit, humour, kindness and deep belief in God make these people your next best friend! Shiloh’s landing in Staunton, Virginia was the best thing that could ever have happened to her. Not only does she gain a wild, unusual group of friends, but she discovers something about herself, her family and God along the way. The writing was flawless, the characters well-developed and you’ll find yourself lost in the world of Shiloh and her new friends. You’ll be doing yourself a great injustice if you miss this one!
Thank you to netGalley for the preview.
Ride the rollercoaster of Shiloh Jacobs’s life as her dreams derail, sending her on a downward spiral from the heights of an AP job in Tokyo to penniless in rural Virginia. Trapped in a world so foreign to her sensibilities and surrounded by a quirky group of friends, will she break through her hardened prejudices before she loses those who want to help her? Can she find the key to what changed her estranged mother’s life so powerfully before her death that she became a different woman—and can it help Shiloh too?
My Review:
I totally fell in love with the characters in this story. The Southern charm, good wit, humour, kindness and deep belief in God make these people your next best friend! Shiloh’s landing in Staunton, Virginia was the best thing that could ever have happened to her. Not only does she gain a wild, unusual group of friends, but she discovers something about herself, her family and God along the way. The writing was flawless, the characters well-developed and you’ll find yourself lost in the world of Shiloh and her new friends. You’ll be doing yourself a great injustice if you miss this one!
Thank you to netGalley for the preview.
November 26, 2011
I have to be honest and say that I picked this book up because I thought it would be a fun light read. I had just finished a very heavy serious book and was looking for a palette cleanser before I dove into another serious book. I was not disappointed in the least in this wonderful story, in fact I was blown away. The title is catchy and the synopsis sounds interesting and fun. The surprise comes with the depth of this novel.
The Gospel is presented over and over in a very natural conversational way. It isn't presented in a pound you over the head way but in a come let me tell you about this wonderful God that I serve way. I've not read anything at this level in the fiction realm in ages.
Jennifer Spinola you are now on my radar. If at all possible my book club will be doing this book soon! I can hardly wait to read the next book in the series, Like Sweet Potato Pie; its release date is March 1, 2012. From the author's website I've also read that there will be a third book in the series. Now that's good news!
I received an E-copy from Net Galley to assist in my review. All thoughts are my own and may differ from other. No other compensation was received.
The Gospel is presented over and over in a very natural conversational way. It isn't presented in a pound you over the head way but in a come let me tell you about this wonderful God that I serve way. I've not read anything at this level in the fiction realm in ages.
Jennifer Spinola you are now on my radar. If at all possible my book club will be doing this book soon! I can hardly wait to read the next book in the series, Like Sweet Potato Pie; its release date is March 1, 2012. From the author's website I've also read that there will be a third book in the series. Now that's good news!
I received an E-copy from Net Galley to assist in my review. All thoughts are my own and may differ from other. No other compensation was received.
July 1, 2013
This is a hard book to review - I wasn't aware before starting it that it was Christian fiction, for starters. Next, the Christian characters in the book were so matter-of-fact and nonchalant about their faith, and no "beating over the head" going on, that it was a nice change from other, similar books... except that the main character, Shiloh, remarked on this attitude on about every other page, which made it turn into a "beating over the head" of another sort.
In several spots, characters magically became omniscient, remarking on things they shouldn't have been aware of (why one character's pregnancy was such a big deal, among other things), which made the story feel a bit shoddily put together.
Shiloh's mother apparently suffered from mental illness but becoming a Christian made everything better... just a bit too tidy, and Shiloh's forgave her mother a bit too easily.
Oh yes, and Shiloh's total ignorance about "all things southern" (and often, all things American), was irritating. And unbelievable.
I enjoyed the book, but I think it could be better than it was with a rewrite to fix some of these areas.
In several spots, characters magically became omniscient, remarking on things they shouldn't have been aware of (why one character's pregnancy was such a big deal, among other things), which made the story feel a bit shoddily put together.
Shiloh's mother apparently suffered from mental illness but becoming a Christian made everything better... just a bit too tidy, and Shiloh's forgave her mother a bit too easily.
Oh yes, and Shiloh's total ignorance about "all things southern" (and often, all things American), was irritating. And unbelievable.
I enjoyed the book, but I think it could be better than it was with a rewrite to fix some of these areas.
July 3, 2012
Spinola's novel Southern Fried Sushi is a delightful story about finding faith, friendship and ultimately, forgiveness. Shiloh Jacobs' return to the States from a faced pace career in Tokoyo to attend her estranged mother's funeral and settle her estate proves to be a turning point in her life. In rural Virginia, Shiloh discovers the true meaning of Southern hospitality when perfect strangers generously and selflessly open their hearts and homes to her. She discovers her mother's dramatic transformation from the depressed and rather flaky mom of her childhood to a woman who had finally found peace, happiness and a deep faith in God.
The authors both demonstrates and verbally explains Christian faith throughout the book. At times I found the “biblical lecture” a bit overdone. The budding relationship with Adam holds one’s interest, though Adam is a bit too perfect.
I would recommend the novel to young adult readers, especially those questioning their faith and God’s sovereignty in life.
The authors both demonstrates and verbally explains Christian faith throughout the book. At times I found the “biblical lecture” a bit overdone. The budding relationship with Adam holds one’s interest, though Adam is a bit too perfect.
I would recommend the novel to young adult readers, especially those questioning their faith and God’s sovereignty in life.
November 6, 2014
Shiloh thinks she is living the perfect life in Japan with a fantastic job as an AP reporter, a hot Argentinian fiance, and a lifestyle filled with all the best of the material world. But a trip back to the States when her mom dies lands in her deep south Virginia, culture shock, and a world that comes crashing down around her leaving her with nothing from her previous life but one friend. When she takes the time to understand the people around her, Shiloh finally finds the missing piece in her life.
This novel is filled with fun-loving humor, pathos and uplifting faith. The characters are delightful and the author's spoof on southern drawls and southern food are spot on (having been a California girl transplanted to Texas after marriage). There are so many little gems of faith in this book as well as symbols, but I particularly liked the Kobe rose. This is my first book by Jennifer Rogers Spinola and I can't wait to read the next one.
This novel is filled with fun-loving humor, pathos and uplifting faith. The characters are delightful and the author's spoof on southern drawls and southern food are spot on (having been a California girl transplanted to Texas after marriage). There are so many little gems of faith in this book as well as symbols, but I particularly liked the Kobe rose. This is my first book by Jennifer Rogers Spinola and I can't wait to read the next one.
January 30, 2012
Southern Fried Sushi is a beautifully written novel with a vibrant and colorful cast of characters. The Christian faith is exquisitely demonstrated through heartwarming friendships, people who trust God in all circumstances of their lives, and the true meaning of forgiveness.
Jennifer Rogers Spinola is a powerful new voice in Christian fiction. I am eagerly anticipating Like Sweet Potato Pie the second novel in the Shiloh Jacobs trilogy. Read More...
Jennifer Rogers Spinola is a powerful new voice in Christian fiction. I am eagerly anticipating Like Sweet Potato Pie the second novel in the Shiloh Jacobs trilogy. Read More...
March 8, 2017
This book wasn't bad, but I wasn't expecting to get hit over the head with Jesus. There was no indication it was a religious book in the description.I finished reading it, anyway, but I have to say that the Christian aspect was kind of heavy handed, once it got going. I've never met any people who manage to drag the Bible abnd God into literally every conversation, and pretty much all the supporting characters did this. Also, the main character was kind of an awful person, and I don't think that getting saved really changed her attitudes much.
October 29, 2012
First, I'll label the genre as Christian Chick Lit. I knew that going in and that was part of the appeal for me. I was in the mood for a light, uplifting read and that was exactly what I got! The story, the way I see it, is of a young woman who has fled from her broken childhood and of God, who pursues her and woos her to himself. The characters are fun and oh, how I would like to be in their midst!!
November 14, 2012
This novel focuses on the heroine's salvation experience MUCH more than many "Christian fiction" books I have read. It makes very clear the doctrines of sin, forgiveness and Christ's sacrifice for sinners.
The writing is a bit more simple, and the main characters are a bit silly at times, but several good morals are taught. The main romantic interest is kind, careful of the heroine's reputation, and unpushy.
This would be a good book for teens. Absolutely clean. Recommended!
The writing is a bit more simple, and the main characters are a bit silly at times, but several good morals are taught. The main romantic interest is kind, careful of the heroine's reputation, and unpushy.
This would be a good book for teens. Absolutely clean. Recommended!
April 30, 2013
I had no idea of the Christian influence when I picked this up. I don't mind a little of that, but this was almost nothing but Christian philosophy once you're about halfway through. The storyline never really completed. Little details were left undone (like whatever happened with the whole hair color thing? If you're not going to use it, don't write it in.). Some of this was really over the top and unrealistic also.
February 1, 2015
A wonderful book about the power of Christian love and faith. When all seems to be falling apart Shiloh finds acceptance and love through the Southern hospiality and Christian faith of strangers. This is a heartwarming and refreshing read. I had a little trouble starting the book but I am so glad I continued as it is a wonderful book and I look forward to continuing the series.
October 1, 2011
Southern Fried Sushi is a beautifully written novel with a vibrant and colorful cast of characters. To read this review in its entirety, please visit http://bookreviewsandmorebykathy.com/...
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