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These Boots Weren't Made for Walking
Willing to make the necessary sacrifices–even skipping the occasional latte–to ensure career success, 31-year-old Cassidy Cantrell “invests” in a chic pair of boots, certain they’ll make a spectacular impression and help seal the deal on a long-anticipated promotion from her Seattle employer.
But reality tromps all over her expectations. Cassie’s job is abruptly eliminated–and her love life obliterated, when her longtime boyfriend dumps her for a “friend.” Her self-esteem in tatters, Cassie limps home to the resort town she once so eagerly fled–only to find her recently divorced mother transformed into a gorgeous fifty-something babe with a thriving social life. Cassie wrestles with envy and apathy as she considers the dismal shape of her own physique and romantic prospects. What will it take for her to jump back into life and regain her stride?
This sassy and hilarious novel leads readers on a romp through the wilds of relationships, romance, career, and spirituality, revealing that, while God’s plans may look drastically different than our own, it’ll always be a perfect fit.
But reality tromps all over her expectations. Cassie’s job is abruptly eliminated–and her love life obliterated, when her longtime boyfriend dumps her for a “friend.” Her self-esteem in tatters, Cassie limps home to the resort town she once so eagerly fled–only to find her recently divorced mother transformed into a gorgeous fifty-something babe with a thriving social life. Cassie wrestles with envy and apathy as she considers the dismal shape of her own physique and romantic prospects. What will it take for her to jump back into life and regain her stride?
This sassy and hilarious novel leads readers on a romp through the wilds of relationships, romance, career, and spirituality, revealing that, while God’s plans may look drastically different than our own, it’ll always be a perfect fit.
314 pages, Paperback
First published June 19, 2007
33 people are currently reading
639 people want to read
About the author
Melody Carlson
430 books3,259 followersMelody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books, several of them Christmas novellas from Revell, including her much-loved and bestselling book, The Christmas Bus.
She also writes many teen books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the TrueColors series, and the Carter House Girls series.
Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books, including the Notes from a Spinning Planet series and Finding Alice, which is in production as a Lifetime Television movie. She and her husband serve on the Young Life adult committee in central Oregon.
She also writes many teen books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the TrueColors series, and the Carter House Girls series.
Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books, including the Notes from a Spinning Planet series and Finding Alice, which is in production as a Lifetime Television movie. She and her husband serve on the Young Life adult committee in central Oregon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
February 25, 2020
Cute, Fun, Delightful Book to Read!
I had a wonderful time reading this book! I couldn't relate to wearing popular fashions or footwear, but I could relate to feeling lost and not knowing the direction in life.
In this book, there are so many cute, and fun parts to it. I loved watching Cassie blossom into who she was meant to be. It took many turns along the way, but she finally found her true self. She was able to pull herself up by her bootstraps.
This story had some sweet tender moments of romance, some laugh out loud crazy humor, and some times of real pain, but through it all there was hope and love.
Melody Carlson is a fun author to read!
I truly enjoy her books. I highly recommend you pick this book up to read. You will step right into a book that will be a sweet treat, and not want to put it down!
I had a wonderful time reading this book! I couldn't relate to wearing popular fashions or footwear, but I could relate to feeling lost and not knowing the direction in life.
In this book, there are so many cute, and fun parts to it. I loved watching Cassie blossom into who she was meant to be. It took many turns along the way, but she finally found her true self. She was able to pull herself up by her bootstraps.
This story had some sweet tender moments of romance, some laugh out loud crazy humor, and some times of real pain, but through it all there was hope and love.
Melody Carlson is a fun author to read!
I truly enjoy her books. I highly recommend you pick this book up to read. You will step right into a book that will be a sweet treat, and not want to put it down!
April 30, 2011
This was a nice book for a break and comic relief. The main character Cassidy loses her job, two days later her boyfriend of three years. She finds out that he is dating someone else. She then discovers that her supposed friend stole her new credit card and maxes it out. She ends up moving back home with her mother. Big changes are found there. Mom is dressing and flirting like she is 30 something instead of the 55 years old. She is dating several men, one who is one year older than Cassidy. Cassidy goes to the gym with her mom and that really had me laughing. Also the halloween party. Cassidy finds a job and things are looking up. There is a wedding and the family starts to rebuild and forgive for the father who left Cassidy's mother for a younger model. THings end well for everyone.
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July 24, 2011All right, but I didn't like this as much as her teen novels - possibly because I am a teen and not a 31-year-old, although I normally enjoy books like this anyway. And I felt like the last chapter was really rushed and a little overdone. Lighthearted and sweet, though, and I loved her mini fetish over her new uberexpensive boots. I enjoyed the book but I think a lot of the humor just went right over my head and the story felt kind of flat in places. Overall, I think i just found this too hard to relate to. I'll probably just stick with her books written for girls closer to my age.
August 17, 2009
I started out irritated with the main character and her mother. But, once she started to get her life together, the book went much more smoothly, in my opinion.
It was a fun, fast read. And it didn't make me dread winter, which is great!
It was a fun, fast read. And it didn't make me dread winter, which is great!
April 15, 2018
I needed a light, quick clean story so this was the book I chose. While it fit the what I needed, I just didn’t find it appealing. I never connected with Cassie or her mother as they seemed superficial. The author didn’t develop them much beyond their current circumstances and they both were materialistic.
Cassie struggles with finding her identity as a young 30-something who lost her job and boyfriend with hopes of finding herself after moving back home. The story is Cassie’s struggles of identity and reconnecting with her newly transformed mother.
The author uses fashion designer names throughout the book and has the characters obsessed with physical appearance. Maybe the author is trying to appeal to a certain reader with emphasis of designer names but that reader is not me. I couldn’t care less what designer clothes the people I know wear, much less fictional characters of a story. This was a turn off from the beginning of the story and continued throughout till the end.
Although this is labeled Christian fiction, it’s not preach-y and is without scripture. It’s a clean story without vulgar language or sexual scenes. The romantic elements are sweet and innocent. There is mentioning of drinking wine and beer and hanging out at the local brewery.
I very much enjoy Christian fiction and expected this one to be without the depth I prefer in a story but I didn’t expect it to have the superficial, emphasis of designer names as part of character development which is why my reading experience gives it 2 stars.
Cassie struggles with finding her identity as a young 30-something who lost her job and boyfriend with hopes of finding herself after moving back home. The story is Cassie’s struggles of identity and reconnecting with her newly transformed mother.
The author uses fashion designer names throughout the book and has the characters obsessed with physical appearance. Maybe the author is trying to appeal to a certain reader with emphasis of designer names but that reader is not me. I couldn’t care less what designer clothes the people I know wear, much less fictional characters of a story. This was a turn off from the beginning of the story and continued throughout till the end.
Although this is labeled Christian fiction, it’s not preach-y and is without scripture. It’s a clean story without vulgar language or sexual scenes. The romantic elements are sweet and innocent. There is mentioning of drinking wine and beer and hanging out at the local brewery.
I very much enjoy Christian fiction and expected this one to be without the depth I prefer in a story but I didn’t expect it to have the superficial, emphasis of designer names as part of character development which is why my reading experience gives it 2 stars.
July 15, 2019
Such a happy little book! I thoroughly enjoyed it! I could not stop laughing out loud when the main character, Cassie, goes to her first spin class. “...I think maybe I’m going to have a heart attack. I can’t help but glance around the room to see if anyone else is in dire need of medical help...” 🤣🤣🤣
October 30, 2008
This is the second Christian Chick-Lit book I've read all year (and possibly ever, if I recall correctly), and I can't say I'm overly impressed. While not as heavy-handed as some Christian books when it comes to faith, the character still talks too rosy and the faith in the book comes off as trite. And I can totally tell that Carlson was never a thirty-something single woman. And what, pray tell, is the obsession with clothes and shoes in these books? I know a lot of single Christian women in this age group and NONE of us even know the designer names these authors are throwing around. Honestly, the books smack of insincerity.
On a more specific level, Carlson's writing is passable, the story is interesting and other than the few slips of "oh, I'm a Christian so maybe I should forgive him" and what not, it wasn't too bad. She overused the word "actually" and the main character has at least five self-proclaimed pity parties (yes, she says it every time). And once, she totally missed a saying, either in effort to not be cliche or because she just doesn't know it well, with "out of the frying pan into the blaze (rather than fire or flame). It just felt really werid and made me stop, reread and then go . I wouldn't take tips on writing from Carlson, and there is no promise that I'll hunt down any of her other books, but if I was stuck on a plane for four hours and there was an extra copy, I'd read her without much complaint.
Funny, some of the comments in this book come across as more overtly "grown up" than many secular books, maybe because Carlson is trying so hard to avoid it--who knows.
On a more specific level, Carlson's writing is passable, the story is interesting and other than the few slips of "oh, I'm a Christian so maybe I should forgive him" and what not, it wasn't too bad. She overused the word "actually" and the main character has at least five self-proclaimed pity parties (yes, she says it every time). And once, she totally missed a saying, either in effort to not be cliche or because she just doesn't know it well, with "out of the frying pan into the blaze (rather than fire or flame). It just felt really werid and made me stop, reread and then go . I wouldn't take tips on writing from Carlson, and there is no promise that I'll hunt down any of her other books, but if I was stuck on a plane for four hours and there was an extra copy, I'd read her without much complaint.
Funny, some of the comments in this book come across as more overtly "grown up" than many secular books, maybe because Carlson is trying so hard to avoid it--who knows.
September 4, 2007
It all starts with a $200 pair of boots. At least that's what Cassidy, the main character of this novel seems to think. She is perplexed by her run of bad luck--losing her job, finding out a neighbor has stolen a credit card and run up a huge balance, and buying the aforementioned boots--which look good but leave her with horrible blisters. So Cassidy ends up moving back home, with a mother who has undergone an extreme makeover and looks more like her sister. In fact, Cassidy is shocked to find out her mother is a former high school classmate of hers. All these changes throw Cassidy into a funk for a while, but with the help of God she will find out how to crawl out of her hole, improve her life, choose the right man, and ditch the wrong pair of boots.[return]This is a totally fun light read with a bit of a good message thrown in. Cassidy's over the top dilemmas made me feel better about my own. Definitely pick this one up if you enjoy chick lit.
May 24, 2009
I enjoy Carlson's Christian chick lit. This story is about a young woman who's overextended financially and fired at work. She moves home to live with her mom, but discovers that Mom has begun dating younger men and dressing younger, too. Cassidy is a likable character and it was easy to find myself in her corner. B.
September 28, 2009
Another book chosen from cover art. Good job cover artists! You made me choose this book. But once I started reading, I didn't put it down until I finished. So thanks Ms. Carlson! Loved the story. I also loved that even though Cassie's self esteem was down, she didn't let go of her value set.
March 27, 2008
Light chick lit. Girl learns about what she wants to do when she must return home after losing her job.
April 23, 2008
The first book I read by this author and I loved it. This is another can't put down book. The characters are interesting and have their own unique qualities.
April 28, 2009
I really enjoyed reading this book. It shows that you can write a great story without using bad language and sex.
July 17, 2012
I just fell in love with a new author! Light and lovely, perfectly delightful in every way!
July 29, 2013
I loved this book! The best Carlson book I've read in a long time. I'd love to see this turned into a series especially since the ending sets up perfectly!
December 23, 2008
Love this book. It has love, humor, intrigue, and surprises.
My favorite so far.
My favorite so far.
January 16, 2020
this was dumb to say the least... not a book for me, I'll pay more attention to the content and steer away from books that are about the love of fashion designer material goods...I don't dislike designer products I just can't stomach reading about drooling over them.
this was called "christian" fiction which I guess if you say God church pray bible then you get to market your book in that genre...ignoring ex-pot smoking, breweries, bars, demeaning phrases to identify females, shopping with obsession and coveting stuff is all non-christian living and to read about those things as book characters quote things from the Bible is not a book for me...but for others read what you will I'm only telling my feelings on my choice of books and where this one fell for me.
this was called "christian" fiction which I guess if you say God church pray bible then you get to market your book in that genre...ignoring ex-pot smoking, breweries, bars, demeaning phrases to identify females, shopping with obsession and coveting stuff is all non-christian living and to read about those things as book characters quote things from the Bible is not a book for me...but for others read what you will I'm only telling my feelings on my choice of books and where this one fell for me.
September 19, 2021
I don’t usually write reviews, but this is by far one of the greatest books I’ve ever read! The execution was done perfectly, and it was actually funny! I found myself laughing out loud numerous times while reading which isn’t something I do often. I think the author did a great job at giving the protagonist, Cassidy talents and flaws! Cassidy was super relatable & the romance between her and Will didn’t feel forced. I also really liked how Cassidy is a Christian like myself, but the story isn’t about finding God or struggling with her faith, but instead her already having a relationship with God. The ending was a bit rushed, but overall this is a excellent book and I give it a 9.5 out of 10!
March 31, 2020
Cute Modern Rom-Com
Overall, it's cute & it has several humorous and poignant moments. However, the main character continually "talks" negatively about herself and assumes the worst about people's opinions of her; by a third of the way in, I wanted to tell her: "Stop beating yourself up!! You/Things aren't as bad as it seems!!" 🙄🤦🏼♀️ Thankfully, she eases up on the self hate, and the rest is fun along with some funny moments along the way. So, if you want an easy read about being at a crossroads, definitely worth the read.
Overall, it's cute & it has several humorous and poignant moments. However, the main character continually "talks" negatively about herself and assumes the worst about people's opinions of her; by a third of the way in, I wanted to tell her: "Stop beating yourself up!! You/Things aren't as bad as it seems!!" 🙄🤦🏼♀️ Thankfully, she eases up on the self hate, and the rest is fun along with some funny moments along the way. So, if you want an easy read about being at a crossroads, definitely worth the read.
January 31, 2023
This is a top tier rom com romance! She had me guessing 85% of the book. It was sweet and had the perfect amount of drama, romance, and real life problems! I would have liked seeing more of Will near the end. (honestly just in general) I also would’ve liked to have seen a little more of her self confident and happy with her weight due to the talk of body image issues. I’ll leave it by saying you know it’s a good book when you don’t want it to end!
November 1, 2017
A really fun book to read especially after a heavy, emotional one. Melody Carlson, a Christian fiction writer tells a lovely story of a 35 year old gal who seems to lose everything in one day, so she decides to go home to mom and regroup. Easy reading and a good story. A good transition book before I get into something deeper. Enjoy.
January 23, 2017
It's cute and fun, but when your main character, jobless, mostly penniless, and a little bit nutty, chooses Ralph Lauren and DKNY because she can't afford the pricier designers - well, to me that's nuts. The name-brand dropping in this novel is over the top. Can't imagine such a priority.
January 14, 2020
Loved it!
This story was laugh out loud hilarious in parts and heartwarming in others. Cassie certainly seemed to be experiencing Murphy's law before things started getting better. I really enjoyed reading it. I liked the characters and the ending. Great story.
This story was laugh out loud hilarious in parts and heartwarming in others. Cassie certainly seemed to be experiencing Murphy's law before things started getting better. I really enjoyed reading it. I liked the characters and the ending. Great story.
October 1, 2020
This is a good light-hearted read. This is like a mash-up of Shopaholic and a Christian novel. I enjoyed reading it. The only thing is that there are places where I feel that the insertion of the main character being a Christian is forced; the flow was not fluid. Still enjoyed the book though.
February 11, 2021
This was a cute and fun story. And it services as a reminder about priorities.
Loved Cassie's honesty about life and when it gets tough how we tend to deal with things.
If you're looking for a relaxing read that has some subtle and not so subtle messages in it this is a great choice.
My only complaint is with Cassie's older sister, I'm sorry, but size 12 is QUITE acceptable!
Loved Cassie's honesty about life and when it gets tough how we tend to deal with things.
If you're looking for a relaxing read that has some subtle and not so subtle messages in it this is a great choice.
My only complaint is with Cassie's older sister, I'm sorry, but size 12 is QUITE acceptable!
April 8, 2022
Cassie is thirty one and having a rough time, lost her job/boyfriend and moved back home with mom. It reminds me a bit of Brigette Jone Diary because she has a tendency to put her foot in her mouth so to say. Fun introduction to her family & hometown with a slight romance.
December 22, 2017
A fun read, but not as hilarious as others have mentioned. That being said, it's still worth the read!
June 13, 2018
I really enjoyed this fun, quick read. I just happened to pick it up at the library but now I can’t wait to read more of this author. I love clean romances!
November 8, 2020
I couldn’t even finish it. To me it was one of those books that made no sense but I guess that’s normal because I did get it out of the young adult section
July 2, 2021
A fun little read. We'll written with likeable characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews