Sandwich, with a Side of Romance

Sandwich #1

by Krista Phillips

She moved to Sandwich, Illinois, in search of a new life, but ended up in a giant pickle. Sandwich represents hope for twenty-year-old Maddie Buckner and Kyle, the eleven-year-old brother Maddie wants to spring out of foster care. Then she loses her new job after less than a day. It 's all Reuben-the-Jerk 's fault, and she 's determined to make him right the wrong. He does so, reluctantly, by giving her a job at his restaurant, The Sandwich Emporium. Then crazy things start happening at the restaurant, and Kyle 's foster parents apply to adopt him. To stop it all, Maddie must learn the art of humbling herself and accepting the help God has arranged, risking her heart to Reuben in the process. And she d rather eat a million corned-beef on rye sandwiches than do that.

Genres: Romance, Christian, Christian Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Fiction, Chick Lit

320 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2012

About the author

Krista Phillips enjoys life with her husband and their four beautiful daughters in Middle Tennessee. She is an advocate for congenital heart defect and organ donation awareness and blogs at
www.kristaphillips.com.

Reviews

[Ruth Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I began reading this, I wasn't sure I would like it. I have read so many vapid, sappy Christian romances, and I am often disappointed in both the story and the message. Well, I couldn't have been more wrong. This is a delightful romance, and I can honestly recommend it pretty highly. The story and the characters are fun. Actually, if Reuben is real, I'll drop everything and marry him now. And Maddie is an easy relatable character.

I found the message excellent. In fact, I was reminded that telling God what you want in life is wrong. After all, who is really in charge? I think both Reuben and Maddie learned that valuable lesson, and I only wish that real life could be as wonderful and fun as this story. The book is filled with great humor (I always love that) and one headstrong woman. And an arrogant man. Pretty par for the course.

I honestly can't think of anything that would improve this. It was refreshing to read a clean romance with no profanity nor sex scenes. In fact, the characters believe no sex outside of marriage. They even take precautions to make sure it doesn't happen. And there are some neat twists and turns that should heighten your interest even more.

I don't want to include any spoilers, but I absolutely adored the final line in the book, and it is the ideal way for this sweet book to end. This book will give you a nice break from real life and remind you that God can do anything even when life doesn't make sense.

i was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, so this book had me literally laughing out loud in a bunch of spots. Very witty banter between Maddie and Reuban.

With that said, after 50% through, Maddie's rough past starts making a big influence on the book. She had a very rough childhood, which lead to rough times in high school. Nothing graphic but you find out what she did in HS and how she turned her life over to God. Which is fantastic, of course. A little preachy in places, and a tad bit drama-rama. (BTW - I hate Livy!) But overall I did enjoy it, it kept me up reading till 12:30 in the morn, till my eyes were burning.

Moral Note: Talk about past transgressions (sex in high school, drinking, a violent & no good father, nothing graphic)

[Kav · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed listening to the audible edition narrated by Emily Pike Stewart.

Loved spunky, rough around the edges Maddie in her quest for a new start that will hopefully include gaining custody of her 11-year-old brother. Her story is both funny and heartbreaking and cheer inducing. She's a new Christian learning what it means to find God's answers to her prayers in the people He puts in her path. So many sweet, inspirational 'aha' moments.

Conflicted Reuben raised my hackles a bit at the start. He's already in a serious relationship so, while this isn't quite a love triangle story, it's hero is definitely drawn to the new girl in town before cutting the 'old' girl in town loose, which I'm just not a fan of. It's written well, in that the reader sees right from the start that his girlfriend is not destined to be his one true love. In fact she's quite awful! I just couldn't understand why Reuben didn't see that and how he could waffle so long in his romantic decision making process. Otherwise he's a great guy, with a good heart and a fantastic family (which he doesn't always appreciate.) So, plenty of opportunity for growth for both hero and heroine and quite a few hearty laughs besides.

[Susan Snodgrass · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Her heart lay limp inside, bloody from the massacre his words created."

I discovered Krista Phillips' writing when she already had books published, so I had the pleasure of reading them one right after the other. This one was her first, I believe, and the last I've read. Her writing is just wonderful. Such a dry wit and knows how to create characters that are incredibly believable. The plots are also very well done. I am captivated when I open one of her books. I loved every minute of this and am eagerly awaiting what she has next.

[Jody Hedlund · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Sandwich, With a Side of Romance, Krista Phillips will win you over with her witty, entertaining, laugh-out-loud writing style. She's created loveable, quirky, down-to-earth characters with real life struggles. As the characters wrestle to overcome their problems, you'll find yourself cheering them on and savoring the sweet but sassy romance that ends with a blissful sigh. A delightful debut. I can't wait to see what Krista comes up with next!

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

MY AUNT WROTE THISS!! And of course it was amazing! If you want to read a romance novel/ Christian novel this is the book to read. I was sucked into it instantly and would definitely read it again.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was SO GOOD! I laughed, cried, got mad etc. all the traits of a fabulous book! Not just fluffy chick lit at all. Loved this book!!

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars!

I'm not typically a fan of Contemporary Christian books. I don't know what it was about this one, but I latched onto it from the time I heard the title. I knew I had to read Sandwich, With a Side of Romance. I was expecting to like it, but it actually surprised me JUST how much I grew to love the story and characters!

A great deal of Christian romances involve a pure, Christian girl trying to tame the guy. I simply adored the twist on this story! We get a pure, Christian guy attempting to tame the girl with a pretty horrible background. Good guys DO exist girls! Don't get me wrong. Rueben has his faults. There are times I wanted to smack him upside the head. We all make bad choices and make wrong assumptions at times, though. None of us are perfect. He was a pretty awesome character. I'm not one to gush over fictional guys(or real guys for that matter...other than my husband), but Rueben made my heart melt a little! ;) I don't really care for most names of affection in books. I actually just skip over dialogue when someone is constantly getting called "baby". :P Rueben calls Maddie "hon" at one point and I think that might just be the sweetest scene I've ever read. It's such a simple scene, but I loved it!

I was amazed at all the humor that was packed in the pages, despite some very tough topics. Maddie has had a rough life, so she's got a bit of a chip on her shoulder. She's not the easiest person to like at times. She's a bit less conservative than me with her prayers to God, to say the least. I couldn't help but cringe with some of them. She grew on me, though!

Overall, this was a fun, humorous story. While I don't read a great deal of contemporary stories, I found this one to be unique!

*I was provided a review copy though the Pump Up Your Book blog tour in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

First posted on my blog, Legacy of a Writer.

I am not a super-big fan of contemporary romance fiction. It's not that I don't like this genre, I just prefer historical, medieval, or suspense (best of all is those three combined!! ;-). Anywho, I do enjoy reading a contemporary romance on occasion, so when I saw Sandwich with a Side of Romance, it looked like the kind of book that was light, fun, and engrossing. And that is exactly the kind of book Krista Phillips has written!

Maddie and Reuben made such a pair! The way Reuben tries to help Maddie, and the way Maddie reacts to all the kindness from him and his family...it was all a very beautiful picture of Christ-like love. Maddie's fight to get her younger brother out of foster care was really touching--I felt for Maddie. Her determination and her love for Kyle was inspiring and my heart hurt for her when she thought she would loose him forever.

There were quiet a lot of laughs woven into Sandwich with a Side of Romance, and it kept the read light and relaxing. While I enjoy and LOVE my suspense and thrillers like you wouldn't imagine...it IS nice to sit back and enjoy a story plot that has you smiling and smirking from page one. I mean, just read the opening line!! Once you do, you'll be hooked till the very end!

[Cheri Swalwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished reading Sandwich With a Side of Romance, Krista Phillip’s debut novel. Did she ever deliver! I tend to read more dramatic stories about heavy topics or suspense or mystery-type books, and this was a refreshing change. I knew that I was reading a more lighthearted novel when I picked it up, and it was fantastic. Exactly what I needed to escape and just remember how to enjoy life again. I will definitely be recommending it to friends and family.

Don’t get me wrong. There was plenty of drama from the beginning, with twists in the plot and things I didn’t see coming, but there was so much lighthearted humor interspersed throughout that the book never got heavy. I alternated throughout laughing and then crying because Ms. Phillip’s really knew how to paint a picture in your mind of the humorous situations the main characters got themselves into, but she also allowed for some real heartstring tugging as she described the past of the heroine and how it shaped her future. It was a great balance between deep emotions and lighthearted fun.

Her characters are likable, even with all their faults and the baggage they bring with them from their pasts. There were unanswered questions throughout the novel that were explained at the end as well as a lot of spiritual depth that didn’t preach but instead challenged and encouraged me as the reader.

I will definitely be reading a lot more Ms. Phillip’s novels, especially if they continue to combine humor and laughter, all pulled together in real life situations that I can definitely relate to.

This is a book, in my opinion, that appeals to a wide audience. I would recommend it to my mom who loves lighthearted romance as well as to my friends who enjoy more in-depth stories. Ms. Phillips definitely offers both. I can’t wait until her next novel comes out. I’m confident that I will enjoy whatever else she writes as much as I enjoyed Sandwich With a Side of Romance.

[Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, what a yummy fun loving novel!

From the first chapter I was drawn into the world of this debut novel. Witty, funny, snarky and mixed with a dose of suave and you’ve got a contemporary romance healthy in humor and nutritious in the romantic conflict department. (Okay, ending the food metaphors here, I promise)

Maddie is a baby Christian with sort of a false sense of prayer and all God is. But she’s trying and she wants to honor the God who has saved her…but on one condition: she cannot fall in love with her boss. I don’t think Maddie knew the meaning yet of the genre she was being written in to…

Sparks fly in this novel of grace, acceptance and trust that God has the very best plans no matter how much we might pray otherwise. So many moments had my family looking at me funny as I snorted and laughed my way through the book. Maddie has got the quirkiest sense of humor and ability to find the snark in each moment. She knows how to make a book fun.

The novel isn’t all light and fluff. It serves up its own dose of painful backstory that affect the characters. At first I thought it a difficult contradiction to reconcile with the amount of humor, but found character growth in the end to make it all a delightful read.

Perfect escape for the too-quick hours this novel takes to read!

[Iola · Rating 3 out of 5]

Madison Buckner has moved to Sandwich, Illinois, to start a new life and to try and get custody of Kyle, her eleven-year-old brother. She is fired from her job as a hairdresser on her first day, and talks her way into a new job as administrative assistant to Reuben Callahan, owner of The Sandwich Emporium and two other restaurants.

Maddie is a new Christian, trying to live by God’s standards and put her difficult past behind her. She is helped by Allie, who she meets by coincidence in a McDonalds bathroom, and who just happens to be Reuben’s sister. Allie is a good friend and great example of practical Christianity for Maddie, interfering in all the right places.

This is a fast, enjoyable read, with a freethinking and likable heroine and a slightly-uptight hero who is almost engaged to his on-off girlfriend of almost ten years, and is now trying to fight his attraction to his new assistant. If there was one thing that was not quite up to standard, it was the character of Livy – she filled too many ‘other woman’ clichés. But this was more than compensated for by the positives, particularly the way Maddie comes to terms with her past during the course of the novel.

Overall, Sandwich, With a Side of Romance is a perfect beach or holiday read, with a healthy combination of fun and serious.

Thanks to Abingdon and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun read, lots of chuckles! It is such a warm hearted and we begin to pull for her right from the beginning. Maddie Buckner is beginning her new life at Sandwich, IL...but getting fired on her first day wasn't in her plans.
Reuben Callahan is one drop dead gorgeous man, and he becomes Maddie's first customer at the beauty salon. Thus he is responsible for getting her fired. Reuben has a heart for the Lord, and has compassion...well kind of...and hires her to be a Waitress. Calamity Jane has nothing on Maddie...she is now fired again!
In the end Reuben hires her to be his Assistant..and she is marvelous at this job. Only problem?? Her name is Livy...and she is Reuben's long time girlfriend.
The compassion and Grace shown by Reuben's family will make you feel good about the human population. Such a kind and God loving family. They rally around Maddie, and she has a hard time accepting their kindness.
Maddie is a relatively new Christian and has a very checkered past. She now trying so hard and is succeeding in her Love of The Lord. She want to gain custody of her only brother Kyle, before his foster family is able to adopt him.
Enjoy this fast pace read, and travel along, with the sparks of romance, sabotage, and forgiveness.

I received this book Pump Your Book Virtual Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.

[Mickie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun cute book to read, a bit heavier on the internal praying than I have read in other Christian novels, but hey it's a Christian novel so it's no big deal. The characters were okay, I didn't fall in love with them, but there was enough interest in them and the plot to keep me interested. I did appreciate the moral value of the story. Maddie, the young 20 yr old main character made mistakes in her past and she was trying to start fresh, including her new found Christianity and trying to stay straight. Her younger brother Kyle is in Foster care and she is doing everything she can to make sure he can come be with her instead of being adopted by his mediocre foster parents. She gets a job in the small town Sandwich, and accidentally cuts off a shaggy lock of her soon to be new boss Reuben a young restaurant owner. The book follows Reuben and Maddie their interactions and switches back and forth between her perspective and his. Cute book, I am appreciating Christian novels because I don't like being surprised by sex scenes in a novel. It's nice to be able to read a book and not feel uncomfortable about it. Lastly, the editing is rough, there are quite a few mistakes, not sure how those got passed the editor.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh how I loved this book! Another Goodreads friend was reading it and said she was enjoying it, so I bumped it up on my list to read, and I am so happy I did!

Reuben, the hero, is grouchy, grumpy and sometimes cantankerous in a wonderful, sweet and lovable kind of way. :) I know, I know that sounds very contradictory, but once you read it you will understand. Maddie is stubborn, feisty and independent in a needs help and love but unwilling to accept kind of way. :)

I absolutely loved the banter between the two of them. They are good and perfect for each other, they just have a difficult time figuring it out, which is what makes their journey so fun. I laugh so much while reading this book, yet got mad (at one of the characters) and frustrated (in a good way) while absolutely loving it.

It is a funny, sweet wonderful story you will enjoy long after the last page is read!

[Colletta Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of those books that I picked up right before bed to read a few chapters to relax. That was at 9:30pm. I finished the book at 2:00am.

First I was going to read a few chapters. Then I was going to read to the mid-way point. Then I just couldn't not finish it. And it was on a school night. Needless to say, as soon as I got the girls off to school the next morning, I had to take a morning nap.

This book was excellent! And that truly is my honest opinion.

The link below will show you my full review:

http://collettaskitchensink.blogspot....

[Teresa Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books that you feel like you're living rather than reading. You can't read it fast enough, but at the same time you want to drag your feet to keep it from ending. Reuben and Maddie were adorable together. They were so real, as were the secondary characters. The storyline was great. No fluff, just story. The chemistry between Reuben and Maddie was sigh worthy at times. The conflicts were not overly dramatic and drawn out. Highly recommended.

[CarolynB · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun read. I enjoyed it very much. The characters are lovable, kind people (except for one); and the interaction between them is believable. There were some laugh-out-loud times as well as a few tear jerking times. I loved it. I'll definately be looking for more of Krista Phillips' writing.

[JaneReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maddie has had a rough upbringing and comes to the town of Sandwich with dreams of establishing herself so she can take her younger brother, Kyle, out of foster care and come live with her. But she gets fired from her job on her first day all because Rueben fell asleep in her chair. She forces Rueben to get her a new job, and when waitressing at his restaurant doesn’t work out she becomes his office assistant. After a chance encounter with Rueben’s niece reveals a secret Maddie has been keeping the family takes Maddie in and showers her with love. Maddie is reluctant to receive charity and tries her best to stop them, but they are determined. Meanwhile there is one character that is determined to bring Maddie down. Can Maddie achieve her goal and maybe discover much more along the way?

I loved Rueben’s family, they opened their hearts and home to her, showing her generosity like she had never experienced. She is a relatively new Christian and continues to grow in her relationship with God, learning to lean on and trust Him.

Rueben and Maddie’s relationship has a rocky start and with them both being stubborn they tend to clash quite a bit. But they learn from one another and even start developing feelings for the other. However there are obstacles in their way and just when it seems they will overcome the obstacles an incident transpires that creates a huge wedge between them and they no longer interact. Months later the truth comes out and there is hope for reconciliation.

This story is filled with witty dialogue, characters you want to root for (except Livy), and a family you want to be around. There were so many times I couldn’t help but laugh out loud at the antics that happened. I was very pleased with the way the story ended and I didn’t want to leave the town of Sandwich.

This review first appeared at: C Jane Read.

[Lily Mordaunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was very wholesome; I think it came more from its setting than it being a Christian novel. I did enjoy it and I enjoyed Maddie’s inner dialogue immensely. I also enjoyed the dialogue between her and Ruben, whether they were getting along or not. It was entertaining.
Finally, I related to her communication style with God. Along with the worries over the course your life takes when it contrasts with what you’ve asked for.
Maddie had a hard life, it was really nice to see her… Recovery, for lack of a better word. I thought she was a well-developed character, and I love that surprise at the end.

[Empi Baryeh · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

Maddie Buckner has plans to get custody of her eleven-year-old brother, but her luck doesn’t cooperate when she’s fired from her new job after less than a day. This turns out to be a blessing in disguise as she gets a job as a personal assistant to Reuben, the man responsible for her getting fired.

This is a sweet, contemporary Christian romance in which Maddie navigates life, love, family, and romance as a new Christian. A monkey wrench in her custody plans and a jealous girlfriend situation provide a challenge for her growing faith.

Readers of Sweet and Christian romance will enjoy this.

[Angie Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very easy to listen to light & fairly chaste romance. One character was really annoying and I was ready to be done with her before she exited, but overall a lovely story about God's redemption & grace in people's lives. Reuben's family were truly lovely and encouraged me regarding how I practically share God's love.

[Audio’s Favorite Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was narrated by Emily Pike Stewart! This was a first listen by author and narrator. I will be meeting Emily at Authors in the Bluegrass (10/1/22). This was a sweet little read with romance and Christian attributes thrown in!

[J. R. McBeth]

What a wonderful sense of humor Krista has! Couldn’t put this book down.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious. I loved it.

[Chene · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story. Religious but not overwhelming Religious and romance. It was a nice story and had good points on how religion can help govern how your relationships should work.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book of adventure, love and just fun. Great read.

[Sonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!!!

[Jeanne Modisett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not usually fond of romance novels but this light-heartened one was a pleasant find.

[Kathleen (Kat) Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maddie Buckner wonders if she could possibly win the record at Guinness for being fired the most in one day. When she is hired at the Sandwich Cut 'N' Style, she is forced to spend most of the day sweeping floors and cleaning instead of taking the walk-in customers like she was promised by Judy, her Nazi-of-a-boss. However when Judy steps out to run an errand, opportunity knocks when Reuben Callahan, whom she believes is Mr. Gorgeous is in need of a haircut and can't wait for his usual stylist. He opts to try Maddie out, even though she comes highly recommended. As she proceeds to cut his hair in the usual style but a bit shorter, Reuben falls asleep in her chair, slowly nodding off a bit more with each snip of her scissors. It isn't until he jerks father down then up as she began her cut, causing her hands to slip.

Maddie gasped. Dread curled itself around her stomach and squeezed. In her trembling hand she'd caught four full inches of his hair. On the side of Reuben's forehead was a one-and-a-half-inch dusty-blond stub. The image in the mirror was just an illusion. It had to be. Reuben Callahan blinked twice. No such luck. His hair was still in shambles, and a shell-shocked brunette stood next to him holding the evidence of her crime. It was then that Judy, the owner walked back into the salon and immediately fired Maddie. Now without a job, she was desperate, so desperate in fact that she sat on the hood of Reuben's BMW until she was able to convince him to get her a job.

What Maddie didn't know was that Reuben was the owner of a series of restaurants and feeling a bit guilty for his actions in having her fired since he did technically fall asleep he offers her a job as a waitress. Feeling absolved of all guilt, he wonders if he did the right thing in offering her a job, until he is informed that Maddie just dumped an iced tea and Reuben sandwich in the mayor's lap.

In the novel, Sandwich with a Side of Romance by Krista Phillips, poor Maddie has a great heart and a willingness to try hard, but it seems like she can't seem to do anything right. She is on the verge of wondering what God's plan is in all of this, since she has to be able to hold down a job and find suitable housing if she wants to gain custody of her younger brother, Kyle who is living with foster parents that are pursuing the option of adopting him before Maddie can get settled. Will she be able to convince Reuben to give her another opportunity or will she gain the notoriety of being the woman with the most jobs gained and lost in a single day?

I received Sandwich with a Side of Romance by Krista Phillips compliments of Abingdon Press and Pump Up Your Book Tours. This is a heart warming and delightful romantic comedy of a struggle young woman, Maddie who tries so hard to do the right thing all the time, she doesn't realize the effort doesn't need to be so difficult. I love her child-like faith in his simple honest prayers to God even though she just became a Christian six months ago. When God shows her how He can answer her prayers in ways much different than she had hoped, it enables her to see not everyone deserves the stereotype labels she gives them and instead offers her a new perspective on not only her life but romance as well. I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars and will be adding Krista Phillips to my list of authors to watch. Her writing is amazing and hooks the reader from the very first line in the book!