What do you think?
Rate this book
Old Fashioned
Former frat boy Clay Walsh has given up his reckless lifestyle and settled down to run an antique shop in a small Midwestern college town. Determined to put his partying ways behind him, Clay has become notorious for his lofty and outdated theories on love and romance. But when Amber Hewson, a free-spirited woman with a gypsy soul, rents the apartment above his shop, Clay can't help being attracted to her spontaneous and passionate embrace of life. New to the area, Amber finds herself surprisingly drawn to Clay and his noble ideas, but her own fears and deep wounds are difficult to overcome. Can they move beyond their differences and their pasts to attempt an "old-fashioned" courtship?
320 pages, Paperback
First published July 2, 2015
56 people are currently reading
681 people want to read
About the author
Rene Gutteridge
44 books270 followersRene Gutteridge is the award-winning and best-selling author of more than eighteen novels, including the beloved Boo Series and Heart of the Country, her novelization release with director John Ward and Tyndale House Publishers. Her recent suspense titles include Listen, Possession and the award-winning Seven Hours project Escapement. She's been published by Bethany House, Tyndale House, WaterBrook Press, Thomas Nelson and B&H and novelized the successful motion picture The Ultimate Gift. She is teaming again with screenwriter Cheryl McKay for the romantic comedy Greetings from the Flipside from B&H and releasing her new suspense title, Misery Loves Company from Tyndale in 2013. Her romantic comedy Never the Bride won the 2010 Carol Award for Best Women’s Fiction. Her upcoming literary projects include the novelization of the motion picture Old Fashioned with Tyndale House Publishers and filmmaker Rik Swartzwelder.
Her adaptation of her novel My Life as a Doormat is in development with Kingdom Pictures and she is also a creative consultant for Boo, a film based on her best-selling novel, in development at Sodium Entertainment with Cory Edwards attached as director and Andrea Nasfell as screenwriter. She is also co-writer in a collaborative comedy project called Last Resort with screenwriters Torry Martin and Marshal Younger. Her screenplay Skid is currently in production and scheduled to begin filming in April of 2013. Find her on Facebook and Twitter or at her website, www.renegutteridge.com
Her adaptation of her novel My Life as a Doormat is in development with Kingdom Pictures and she is also a creative consultant for Boo, a film based on her best-selling novel, in development at Sodium Entertainment with Cory Edwards attached as director and Andrea Nasfell as screenwriter. She is also co-writer in a collaborative comedy project called Last Resort with screenwriters Torry Martin and Marshal Younger. Her screenplay Skid is currently in production and scheduled to begin filming in April of 2013. Find her on Facebook and Twitter or at her website, www.renegutteridge.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
January 3, 2015
I picked up this book to read as I have enjoyed the author's books in the past. She has a knack for humor with a unique writing style that is both quirky and funny. However, the subject matter caused me to struggle a bit. I was struck by the legalism that Clay demonstrated throughout the book. It ended up as I got to the middle of it, I realized that it was not so much legalism as fear. Ms. Gutteridge takes this screenplay of an upcoming movie and brings it to life in the book. I may never see the movie, but the story is told well. Clay and Amber have broken pasts for different reasons. They are faced with decisions to do things differently here on out. The way they go about it looks very different.
As you read this book, it is not a book for being old fashioned, even courtship or dating. It is about flawed people. Two flawed people that are determined to do things right. One of them believes rules and guidelines will be the way to do it. The other wants goals and joy to rule her life. They both discover the root cause of what is holding them back and the true meaning of love.
My favorite part of the book was when I reached the end and it said The End, but crossed off "end" and replaced it with Beginning.
This book was provided for me for review. The opinions contained herein are my own.
As you read this book, it is not a book for being old fashioned, even courtship or dating. It is about flawed people. Two flawed people that are determined to do things right. One of them believes rules and guidelines will be the way to do it. The other wants goals and joy to rule her life. They both discover the root cause of what is holding them back and the true meaning of love.
My favorite part of the book was when I reached the end and it said The End, but crossed off "end" and replaced it with Beginning.
This book was provided for me for review. The opinions contained herein are my own.
October 30, 2017
This is a love story like no other… In one word - Beautiful! I'm happy to see that chivalry is not dead. I really love this book and the message behind it.
August 1, 2015
3.5 stars
Old Fashioned, the novel, was much better than the movie -- in my opinion. I felt like the characters and their emotions were better portrayed in written form. I liked how the book was written and that it was authentic in the characters' struggles.
Since I've seen the movie, I couldn't help but picture the actors and scenes while reading this novelization and I actually think that made me enjoy it even more.
All in all, I enjoyed Old Fashioned. If you are looking for a sweet, unique read and enjoy contemporary romance, you might like this book.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
Old Fashioned, the novel, was much better than the movie -- in my opinion. I felt like the characters and their emotions were better portrayed in written form. I liked how the book was written and that it was authentic in the characters' struggles.
Since I've seen the movie, I couldn't help but picture the actors and scenes while reading this novelization and I actually think that made me enjoy it even more.
All in all, I enjoyed Old Fashioned. If you are looking for a sweet, unique read and enjoy contemporary romance, you might like this book.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
November 29, 2014
Old Fashioned proved anything but. I loved the freshness of Gutteridge's quirky, warped characters. Gutteridge writes about the world I navigate--littered with the imperfect. I loved the treatment of Christianity immersed neck-deep in the real world. No Christian bubble here. She delivers a solid message without a hint of preaching. Even the secondary characters were fully realized, interesting, believable, memorable. I found the writing top notch as well. Delightful!
November 24, 2014
I enjoyed this novel - it was surprising, fresh and different. It wasn't until I read the notes at the end that I realised the book is a novelisation of a movie (great observation skills right? since it is on the front cover) but never once was I reading it and felt it was missing anything or that it read like a screenplay.
Old Fashioned doesn't read like your regular Christian fiction, there is a much greater inclusion of what some might term 'secular'. Yet I found it to be realistic and very enjoyable. Clay has a past, one of which he is deeply ashamed. A former party boy he turned his life in a complete one eighty and now lives by his theories. Those around him find him strange and self righteous, but all Clay wants is to be a good man. When the free-spirited Amber moves into the apartment above Clay's antique shop, Clay is drawn to her. As Clay struggles to maintain his ideals, Amber questions him and pushes his boundaries and yet is the only one that seems to accept Clay as he is now. Girls, you'll just swoon at Clay and his old fashioned chivalry. At first I though he was perfect, but as you read, you learn there is more to his story and that maybe he is relying too much on being the perfect 'good' man and not enough on God. Amber struggles with her life, loneliness and her choices, and yet embraces every day.
You'll laugh, shake your head and maybe even roll your eyes. Some parts may have been a little stereotypical or over done, but the romance is very sweet and the characters enjoyable. I felt the book opens itself to a wide audience, as readers experience the very real struggle of living with your past and trying to make the right decisions in a world that either challenges you every step of the way or just laughs and points. A delightful read.
The publishers provided a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Old Fashioned doesn't read like your regular Christian fiction, there is a much greater inclusion of what some might term 'secular'. Yet I found it to be realistic and very enjoyable. Clay has a past, one of which he is deeply ashamed. A former party boy he turned his life in a complete one eighty and now lives by his theories. Those around him find him strange and self righteous, but all Clay wants is to be a good man. When the free-spirited Amber moves into the apartment above Clay's antique shop, Clay is drawn to her. As Clay struggles to maintain his ideals, Amber questions him and pushes his boundaries and yet is the only one that seems to accept Clay as he is now. Girls, you'll just swoon at Clay and his old fashioned chivalry. At first I though he was perfect, but as you read, you learn there is more to his story and that maybe he is relying too much on being the perfect 'good' man and not enough on God. Amber struggles with her life, loneliness and her choices, and yet embraces every day.
You'll laugh, shake your head and maybe even roll your eyes. Some parts may have been a little stereotypical or over done, but the romance is very sweet and the characters enjoyable. I felt the book opens itself to a wide audience, as readers experience the very real struggle of living with your past and trying to make the right decisions in a world that either challenges you every step of the way or just laughs and points. A delightful read.
The publishers provided a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 8, 2019
Old Fashioned is a sweet Christian novel about Clay Walsh and Amber Hewson. Amber is a free spirit who is running away from failed relationships. Clay is a converted Christian who is living out his faith, but is swallowed up by the guilt and shame he feels over his past actions. They both meet and sparks fly. The book follows the boy meets girl, boy looses girl, boy finds girl scenario, but it is done in a compelling, heart felt way. The story revolves around both characters evolving and finding their way to a deeper, clearer faith.
I would recommend this to readers who like clean, Christian contemporary romance. The story has a very strong Christian theme.
I would recommend this to readers who like clean, Christian contemporary romance. The story has a very strong Christian theme.
March 22, 2024
Nett. Kitschig. Gefühlvoll.
July 8, 2015
I’m a Rene Gutteridge fan so I was excited to read her latest. I’m thankful for a review copy of a book that let me experience a new depth and richness to Rene Gutteridge’s writing. This book is not like any of this authors other works. She took the screen play that Rik Swartzwelder wrote and created a funny and deeply emotional read. This novel had a rhythm all of its own, it had a distinct feel, it was different, real and gutsy in parts. I liked it. It was refreshing.
This novels back drop is Clay Walsh’s antique shop. It’s a place he repairs broken things and has just rented the apartment above his shop to a young woman named Amber. Both of these people are about to have a close encounter of the real kind. Clay and Amber came from divorced families. They’ve tried to manage the pain they have deep inside as they try not to think about how they hurt themselves and others. Amber’s a free spirited woman who loves nature and having fun. When life gets too hard she gets in her car and drives to where ever it runs out of gas. She then looks for a job and starts life over again.
Clay on the other hand is a man who regrets his past and has spent the past 9 years trying hard to be the “perfect” good guy. Both of the lead characters have heavy baggage from their colorful pasts that weigh them down. It’s a daily struggle and burden they bear.
Clay wants to make right decisions and treat women with respect; it’s not popular with the friends he hung out with in collage; who say if it feels good do it. In making this decision Clay realizes he doesn’t know how to be with a woman without the rules he’s come up with to keep them safe from him and him from them. He realizes that “Sometimes doing right is more than not doing wrong.”
Relationships are complex and grasping the reality that someone can love you unconditionally (even when they know all your secrets) is unnerving and powerful. I loved the diversity of the supporting cast. It is rich in characterization which adds to the “fun” factor of this novel.
I liked how this author naturally wove in themes of forgiveness, love, redemption, and relationships throughout this novel. This is done in a simple and a non-preachy way; it makes you think for example: “Next to him sat the Scotch tape. He remembered Cosie; all wound up in it, stuck from head to toe. He wondered if that’s what he looked like to God: a broken mess taped together by grace – grace that until now he’d rejected. Just like the law had been given to show him his sin, maybe the cracks stayed there to show him God’s grace…Hadn’t he seen the Leonard Cohen lyrics on Amber’s bulletin board? “There is a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in.”
Topic of premarital sex is talked about, along with showing alcohol use and the early stages of a bachelor party. There is a fun and interesting interview in the back of the book where Rene Gutteridge interviews screen play writer Rik Swartzwelder. I highly recommend this book to everyone and especially to book clubs. There are fifteen discussion questions to get your group heading to a lively meeting.
I am looking forward to seeing this movie in theatres Valentine’s day, February 14th. This story made me smile wide, laugh out-loud, shake my head as these quirky characters said the craziest things. Its thought provoking and emotionally gripping. It’s a tender story that has you look at relationships (even your own) in a new way. It’s a book you won’t want to miss.
Disclosure of Material Connection: #AD Sponsored by publisher.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
This novels back drop is Clay Walsh’s antique shop. It’s a place he repairs broken things and has just rented the apartment above his shop to a young woman named Amber. Both of these people are about to have a close encounter of the real kind. Clay and Amber came from divorced families. They’ve tried to manage the pain they have deep inside as they try not to think about how they hurt themselves and others. Amber’s a free spirited woman who loves nature and having fun. When life gets too hard she gets in her car and drives to where ever it runs out of gas. She then looks for a job and starts life over again.
Clay on the other hand is a man who regrets his past and has spent the past 9 years trying hard to be the “perfect” good guy. Both of the lead characters have heavy baggage from their colorful pasts that weigh them down. It’s a daily struggle and burden they bear.
Clay wants to make right decisions and treat women with respect; it’s not popular with the friends he hung out with in collage; who say if it feels good do it. In making this decision Clay realizes he doesn’t know how to be with a woman without the rules he’s come up with to keep them safe from him and him from them. He realizes that “Sometimes doing right is more than not doing wrong.”
Relationships are complex and grasping the reality that someone can love you unconditionally (even when they know all your secrets) is unnerving and powerful. I loved the diversity of the supporting cast. It is rich in characterization which adds to the “fun” factor of this novel.
I liked how this author naturally wove in themes of forgiveness, love, redemption, and relationships throughout this novel. This is done in a simple and a non-preachy way; it makes you think for example: “Next to him sat the Scotch tape. He remembered Cosie; all wound up in it, stuck from head to toe. He wondered if that’s what he looked like to God: a broken mess taped together by grace – grace that until now he’d rejected. Just like the law had been given to show him his sin, maybe the cracks stayed there to show him God’s grace…Hadn’t he seen the Leonard Cohen lyrics on Amber’s bulletin board? “There is a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in.”
Topic of premarital sex is talked about, along with showing alcohol use and the early stages of a bachelor party. There is a fun and interesting interview in the back of the book where Rene Gutteridge interviews screen play writer Rik Swartzwelder. I highly recommend this book to everyone and especially to book clubs. There are fifteen discussion questions to get your group heading to a lively meeting.
I am looking forward to seeing this movie in theatres Valentine’s day, February 14th. This story made me smile wide, laugh out-loud, shake my head as these quirky characters said the craziest things. Its thought provoking and emotionally gripping. It’s a tender story that has you look at relationships (even your own) in a new way. It’s a book you won’t want to miss.
Disclosure of Material Connection: #AD Sponsored by publisher.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
December 19, 2014
Old Fashioned by Rene Gutteridge (based on a Screenplay by Rik Swartzwelder) is the first book I have read based on a screenplay. It's a bit different, because while reading it you totally see it more as a movie than a book. But in a good way.
"Turning his back on his reckless lifestyle, former frat boy Clay Walsh has settled down to run an antique shop in a small Midwestern college town...and to pursue lofty and outdated theories on love and romance. But when Amber Hewson, a free-spirited woman with a gypsy soul, rents the apartment above his shop, Clay can't help being attracted to her spontaneous and passionate embrace of life."
As the interview with Rik in the back states, "I'd say I believed there was a story that wasn't being told at all and I felt compelled to try." THIS sums the book up perfectly. In a day when sex and lust is in every story, every movie, every aspect of our life it was refreshing to read a book that showed love and not lust, purity instead of sex.
With that said, it seems the ball was dropped in normalizing purity. The fact is, sexual abstinence and old-fashioned romance is rare these days, but making the main character so weird in his ideas almost pokes fun at the idea of purity. Going to a marriage counselor on a first date? A financial adviser on a second date? It seems more like a spoof than a story of a man wanting to do right.
I love the idea of a person changing from a wild life to a more chaste one. I love the idea of a book showing a couple who decides to wait for sex until marriage. Or even a couple being careful with how far they will go while dating.
But this book seems so far fetched. One, without giving a big piece of the plot away, is I don't believe that Clay's previous girlfriend would have dated him at all when she was waiting until marriage to have sex, yet he was a complete creep (once you find out what his "job" was you will understand). I know good girls often go for the bad boys but that part of the story didn't jive at all.
Second, the ending was too romanticized. I get it, it's based on a movie where you either have to go big or go home, but it was quite unbelievable. I didn't even understand why or how the "sand" at the end got in the story (again, you'll have to read it to understand this reference).
With all the negatives said, I did enjoy the book. I liked how different it was than the typical love stories. I just wish it has normalized purity instead of turning it into an extreme case of weirdness. I do look forward to the movie and think it's kind of neat that it will be opening the same weekend as "Fifty Shades of Grey". Two extreme views competing against each other.
Disclaimer: This book was given to me by Tyndale Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
"Turning his back on his reckless lifestyle, former frat boy Clay Walsh has settled down to run an antique shop in a small Midwestern college town...and to pursue lofty and outdated theories on love and romance. But when Amber Hewson, a free-spirited woman with a gypsy soul, rents the apartment above his shop, Clay can't help being attracted to her spontaneous and passionate embrace of life."
As the interview with Rik in the back states, "I'd say I believed there was a story that wasn't being told at all and I felt compelled to try." THIS sums the book up perfectly. In a day when sex and lust is in every story, every movie, every aspect of our life it was refreshing to read a book that showed love and not lust, purity instead of sex.
With that said, it seems the ball was dropped in normalizing purity. The fact is, sexual abstinence and old-fashioned romance is rare these days, but making the main character so weird in his ideas almost pokes fun at the idea of purity. Going to a marriage counselor on a first date? A financial adviser on a second date? It seems more like a spoof than a story of a man wanting to do right.
I love the idea of a person changing from a wild life to a more chaste one. I love the idea of a book showing a couple who decides to wait for sex until marriage. Or even a couple being careful with how far they will go while dating.
But this book seems so far fetched. One, without giving a big piece of the plot away, is I don't believe that Clay's previous girlfriend would have dated him at all when she was waiting until marriage to have sex, yet he was a complete creep (once you find out what his "job" was you will understand). I know good girls often go for the bad boys but that part of the story didn't jive at all.
Second, the ending was too romanticized. I get it, it's based on a movie where you either have to go big or go home, but it was quite unbelievable. I didn't even understand why or how the "sand" at the end got in the story (again, you'll have to read it to understand this reference).
With all the negatives said, I did enjoy the book. I liked how different it was than the typical love stories. I just wish it has normalized purity instead of turning it into an extreme case of weirdness. I do look forward to the movie and think it's kind of neat that it will be opening the same weekend as "Fifty Shades of Grey". Two extreme views competing against each other.
Disclaimer: This book was given to me by Tyndale Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
January 5, 2015
Oh. My. God.
Literally. God. Mine.
The truth was, maybe he had no idea how to get to know a woman in a safe way.
Well. Old Fashioned wasn't what I was expecting. First off, I didn't know until I was holding this novel by author Rene Gutteridge in my hands that it's actually based on a screenplay, one written by writer-director-producer Rik Swartzwelder. And, finding out that this book's cinematic counterpart is purposely being released the same weekend as the film version of Fifty Shades of Grey, it strengthened the assumption I formed after once brushing through Old Fashioned's book blurb: this would be a nice story intent on giving rather blanket pointers on chaste dating practices for Christians. I'd like it well enough, and that would be that.
I can't pinpoint exactly when, while reading, I realized this novel wasn't what I'd thought it'd be. When I finished the book, I threw it down, took a seat, and wept.
"Sometimes doing right is more than not doing wrong."
Former reckless frat boy, Clay Walsh, meets free-spirited pretty girl, Amber Hewson, in this romantic story that's both sweet and humorous but also complex, nuanced, and at many points, just enough. The characters, major and minor, are imperfect, sometimes outrageous, and ultimately believable. Heartache, shame, faith, and grace find their places in this tale, not about dating pointers, but about a guy and a girl, plus the guy and himself, the girl and herself, and the God Who loves them both.
"As Lloyd tells me every day--be a good steward of your pain."
A vague book review, I know. Descriptions rarely do experiences complete justice, but it didn't take me long after weeping to know that I'd be adding Old Fashioned to my list of all-time favorite books.
_____________________
Tyndale House provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review.
Literally. God. Mine.
The truth was, maybe he had no idea how to get to know a woman in a safe way.
Well. Old Fashioned wasn't what I was expecting. First off, I didn't know until I was holding this novel by author Rene Gutteridge in my hands that it's actually based on a screenplay, one written by writer-director-producer Rik Swartzwelder. And, finding out that this book's cinematic counterpart is purposely being released the same weekend as the film version of Fifty Shades of Grey, it strengthened the assumption I formed after once brushing through Old Fashioned's book blurb: this would be a nice story intent on giving rather blanket pointers on chaste dating practices for Christians. I'd like it well enough, and that would be that.
I can't pinpoint exactly when, while reading, I realized this novel wasn't what I'd thought it'd be. When I finished the book, I threw it down, took a seat, and wept.
"Sometimes doing right is more than not doing wrong."
Former reckless frat boy, Clay Walsh, meets free-spirited pretty girl, Amber Hewson, in this romantic story that's both sweet and humorous but also complex, nuanced, and at many points, just enough. The characters, major and minor, are imperfect, sometimes outrageous, and ultimately believable. Heartache, shame, faith, and grace find their places in this tale, not about dating pointers, but about a guy and a girl, plus the guy and himself, the girl and herself, and the God Who loves them both.
"As Lloyd tells me every day--be a good steward of your pain."
A vague book review, I know. Descriptions rarely do experiences complete justice, but it didn't take me long after weeping to know that I'd be adding Old Fashioned to my list of all-time favorite books.
_____________________
Tyndale House provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review.
December 30, 2014
I love the books that Rene Gutteridge writes, and this adaptation of a screenplay by Rik Swartzwelder lived up to my expectations. Filled with quirky yet believable characters that fully engage you and come to life on the page. As the characters developed and the story unfolded, I would frequently find myself laughing out loud, yet was also moved to tears during some moments.
Both Chad and Amber were so determined to run away from their pasts and become opposite of what they once were, yet each were becoming trapped in lifestyles that are difficult to maintain. The attraction to one another, and a longing for something to be a bit different sparks a blossoming romance that is sure to captivate a reader. This really is an old fashioned romance and I am ready for it to make a comeback.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale Publishers, but was not required to write a positive review.
Both Chad and Amber were so determined to run away from their pasts and become opposite of what they once were, yet each were becoming trapped in lifestyles that are difficult to maintain. The attraction to one another, and a longing for something to be a bit different sparks a blossoming romance that is sure to captivate a reader. This really is an old fashioned romance and I am ready for it to make a comeback.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale Publishers, but was not required to write a positive review.
November 23, 2014
Romantic and redemptive
First time reading a romantic novel in a long time. Guttering presents two flawed and broken characters, trying to escape their separate disappointing experiences with life. both use different methods of dealing with their pain, living with the belief they're not good enough. Old Fashioned is written in a vivid, humorous and emotional way that keeps you glued to it. Clay's and Amber's struggles become your own. best of all was the carefully crafted way that redemption is illustrated and focus is turned to the only Life-Giver.
First time reading a romantic novel in a long time. Guttering presents two flawed and broken characters, trying to escape their separate disappointing experiences with life. both use different methods of dealing with their pain, living with the belief they're not good enough. Old Fashioned is written in a vivid, humorous and emotional way that keeps you glued to it. Clay's and Amber's struggles become your own. best of all was the carefully crafted way that redemption is illustrated and focus is turned to the only Life-Giver.
January 4, 2015
Hate giving low ratings but considering I skimmed the 2nd half, 2 stars is generous! Liked Clay at first but he quickly became so weird. Never cared for Amber. Easily put the book down and never cared to pick it back up. When I don't care for the characters, its hard .
Side note: Rene has written one of my very favorite books with Rene is My Life As A Doormat. Don't write her books off!
Side note: Rene has written one of my very favorite books with Rene is My Life As A Doormat. Don't write her books off!
January 15, 2015
Mixed feelings
As I was reading this book, I kept thinking how sad that people like the characters in the book are so lost in the world and ridicule and make fun of others that are trying to find something in their lives that is more worthwhile, lasting and spiritual. The end of the book (basically the last few chapters) saved the book for me.
As I was reading this book, I kept thinking how sad that people like the characters in the book are so lost in the world and ridicule and make fun of others that are trying to find something in their lives that is more worthwhile, lasting and spiritual. The end of the book (basically the last few chapters) saved the book for me.
April 26, 2019
Old Fashioned is a beautiful story of God's redemptive power. This was not what I expected. I thought it was going to be a romantic depiction of what old-fashioned courting can look like today. In a way, it was, but it was more.The focus was more on the how of getting past our past— even after it's been covered by the blood of Jesus and forgiven. Our memories have a lot of power over us.
It has some very dramatic, intense scenes that were not included in detail in the movie when I watched it. It was pretty graphic for this gal, but I'm sure many readers may not think so. I think that the book definitely earns the movie's PG 13 rating. I will not allow my daughters to read this. Yes, my elder daughter is 17, but she hasn't been exposed to the type of behavior referenced in Clay's past. I see no reason to expose her to it at this time. After reading this book, which I did prior to watching the movie, I knew I needed to prescreen the movie. I'm glad I did. I found that the scenes I worried about were handled as benignly as possible. It might be good for a senior to read this book if they are planning to go away to school just to show them a possible pitfall of college.
Received free for review.
It has some very dramatic, intense scenes that were not included in detail in the movie when I watched it. It was pretty graphic for this gal, but I'm sure many readers may not think so. I think that the book definitely earns the movie's PG 13 rating. I will not allow my daughters to read this. Yes, my elder daughter is 17, but she hasn't been exposed to the type of behavior referenced in Clay's past. I see no reason to expose her to it at this time. After reading this book, which I did prior to watching the movie, I knew I needed to prescreen the movie. I'm glad I did. I found that the scenes I worried about were handled as benignly as possible. It might be good for a senior to read this book if they are planning to go away to school just to show them a possible pitfall of college.
Received free for review.
April 27, 2020
I heard about the film “Old Fashioned” just before it opened in February 2015. It has since become a top 5 film for me. Why? This film hits on many themes that mean so very much to me: Love, regret, heartache, hope, redemption, faith, forgiveness.
Clay’s journey feels like my own. In a lot of ways so does Ambers. I can relate to both of them. I also see pieces of myself in the journey of some of the others.
The main thing about the film and this book is having hope for future, while letting yourself live in the moment. If we carry around our past like a bag of stinky garbage, never throwing it away, instead keeping it as a constant reminder, then how can we ever move on and truly live? This book & the film that inspired it are deep. I feel & think very deeply and hence why I love this. I feel like Rick & Rene get me because of the way that they get life.
Brilliant. I’m a tender hearted man on a path of true redemption too. Like Clay, I am trying to fully forgive myself and keep my eyes on the prize, forgetting what is behind and pressing on for the goal. I could go on and on. My goodness I can’t even describe how much this meant to me. I hope to meet Rick one day and tell him how much his story means to me.
Clay’s journey feels like my own. In a lot of ways so does Ambers. I can relate to both of them. I also see pieces of myself in the journey of some of the others.
The main thing about the film and this book is having hope for future, while letting yourself live in the moment. If we carry around our past like a bag of stinky garbage, never throwing it away, instead keeping it as a constant reminder, then how can we ever move on and truly live? This book & the film that inspired it are deep. I feel & think very deeply and hence why I love this. I feel like Rick & Rene get me because of the way that they get life.
Brilliant. I’m a tender hearted man on a path of true redemption too. Like Clay, I am trying to fully forgive myself and keep my eyes on the prize, forgetting what is behind and pressing on for the goal. I could go on and on. My goodness I can’t even describe how much this meant to me. I hope to meet Rick one day and tell him how much his story means to me.
March 15, 2021
Buy the book and watch the movie. I actually watched the movie first then read the book and I love both. How do we recognize true love? How should we be forming lasting relationships. What is the purpose of dating? What is the difference between courtship and dating?
Clay has a past who has turned him into who he is today. Amber also has a past that has turned her into who she is. Opposites, nothing in common, both running from who they are, bursting into who they will become.
One of the most beautiful love stories I've read. This book will always stay with me.
Strong Christian theme. If you are not a Christian the reasons behind Clay's decisions may be lost on you.
1. For a book to earn a 5 star rating for me it has to fall into one of these categories 1. Spark an emotion that is more than fleeting. An emotion that stays with me after finishing the book 2. Touch a personal note in my life that I can relate to 3. Keeps me coming back to read even after I've decided I need to be doing something else 4. Have memorable characters that even years later I can tell you who they are and about their life. 5. One I will keep and read over and over again.
Clay has a past who has turned him into who he is today. Amber also has a past that has turned her into who she is. Opposites, nothing in common, both running from who they are, bursting into who they will become.
One of the most beautiful love stories I've read. This book will always stay with me.
Strong Christian theme. If you are not a Christian the reasons behind Clay's decisions may be lost on you.
1. For a book to earn a 5 star rating for me it has to fall into one of these categories 1. Spark an emotion that is more than fleeting. An emotion that stays with me after finishing the book 2. Touch a personal note in my life that I can relate to 3. Keeps me coming back to read even after I've decided I need to be doing something else 4. Have memorable characters that even years later I can tell you who they are and about their life. 5. One I will keep and read over and over again.
July 3, 2021
This book is not overly "religious" and could probably be enjoyed by anyone. I believe in relationships built on the strengths each person brings and in this case it is the complete brokenness in each of them that seems to draw them together. I am really bothered that Clay uses his faith as a crutch to keep him on the straight and narrow as a penance for his past. I am also bothered by the dismissal of church or fellowship or some gathering together of believers. We are called to be part of one body but just because churches are filled with (shock/gasp) sinners they are dismissed as evil. If you went to a restaurant and received bad service or bad food you would not give up eating but because one church did not live up to his expectations he decided to withdraw from fellow Christians.
I will give the writing 3 stars but over all I did not care for the characters or the story and will not bother finding more by this author.
I will give the writing 3 stars but over all I did not care for the characters or the story and will not bother finding more by this author.
March 13, 2018
Sweet Christian read
Old Fashioned is a sweet Christian novel about Clay Walsh and Amber Hewson. Amber is a free spirit who is running away from failed relationships. Clay is a converted Christian who is living out his faith, but is swallowed up by the guilt and shame he feels over his past actions. They both meet and sparks fly. The book follows the boy meets girl, boy looses girl, boy finds girl scenario, but it is done in a compelling, heart felt way. The story revolves around both characters evolving and finding their way to a deeper, clearer faith.
I would recommend this to readers who like clean, Christian contemporary romance. The story has a very strong Christian theme, so if that is not to your liking, this is not the novel for you.
Old Fashioned is a sweet Christian novel about Clay Walsh and Amber Hewson. Amber is a free spirit who is running away from failed relationships. Clay is a converted Christian who is living out his faith, but is swallowed up by the guilt and shame he feels over his past actions. They both meet and sparks fly. The book follows the boy meets girl, boy looses girl, boy finds girl scenario, but it is done in a compelling, heart felt way. The story revolves around both characters evolving and finding their way to a deeper, clearer faith.
I would recommend this to readers who like clean, Christian contemporary romance. The story has a very strong Christian theme, so if that is not to your liking, this is not the novel for you.
September 30, 2019
Old fashioned, un magazin de vechituri, care urmeaza a fi reconditionate, si al carui proprietar este la fel de "old fashioned".
Clay a renuntat la viata pe care o ducea in tinerete, plina de distractii si duce o viata linistita si retrasa, pana o va cunoaste pe Amber, de care se va simti atras. Insa cum se va apropia de ea sau ea de el, va las sa descoperiti singuri.
In timp ce citeam, ma gandeam ca stiu actiunea, ca sa imi dau seama de fapt ca vazusem filmul mai de mult. Cartea are la baza scenografia filmului, iar autoarea a reusit sa o scrie excelent, astfel incat, personal, mie imi place mai mult decat mi-a placut filmul.
Filmul 3 stele, cartea 4.
Clay a renuntat la viata pe care o ducea in tinerete, plina de distractii si duce o viata linistita si retrasa, pana o va cunoaste pe Amber, de care se va simti atras. Insa cum se va apropia de ea sau ea de el, va las sa descoperiti singuri.
In timp ce citeam, ma gandeam ca stiu actiunea, ca sa imi dau seama de fapt ca vazusem filmul mai de mult. Cartea are la baza scenografia filmului, iar autoarea a reusit sa o scrie excelent, astfel incat, personal, mie imi place mai mult decat mi-a placut filmul.
Filmul 3 stele, cartea 4.
February 24, 2018
Old Fashioned is one of the few modern explicitly-Christian movies that I like, so I was interested to read what I thought must be the source novel. It turns out to be the novelization of the film. Eh, well. It reads quickly.
I prefer the film, though they are not much different. There's a non-film scene late in the book that suggests a new convert is going to become insufferable and is already playing word games to trick people into listening to the gospel. (this is pictured as a wonderful thing according to the novel) Thankfully, that scene's not in the movie.
I prefer the film, though they are not much different. There's a non-film scene late in the book that suggests a new convert is going to become insufferable and is already playing word games to trick people into listening to the gospel. (this is pictured as a wonderful thing according to the novel) Thankfully, that scene's not in the movie.
September 11, 2018
The book “Old Fashioned” was an exciting love story in a Christian point of view. It teaches you to forgive yourself and accept the grace God has given you, and that God is the most loyal being you’ll ever meet. I think that the author did a great job at keeping me engrossed in the book, though I think on thing that was unrealistic was the way Clay proposed to Amber. I think that there was too much going on there and that if the author added less to the scene there would be more meaning (less is more!)
December 26, 2023
Overall: 4/5
The Plot: 5/5
I adored the plot! The concept was SO ADORABLE and sweet and read like a Christian Hallmark movie. I was absolutely a fan, and tore through this book in a DAY. A very fun, light, easy read.
The Characters: 3.5/5
Okay so I loved the main characters but some of the side characters felt a little flat, admittedly. The characters were a little 2-dimensional for my taste, but overall I enjoyed the character interactions!
The Icks:
Not much! The book is overall a very enjoyable, easy read.
The Plot: 5/5
I adored the plot! The concept was SO ADORABLE and sweet and read like a Christian Hallmark movie. I was absolutely a fan, and tore through this book in a DAY. A very fun, light, easy read.
The Characters: 3.5/5
Okay so I loved the main characters but some of the side characters felt a little flat, admittedly. The characters were a little 2-dimensional for my taste, but overall I enjoyed the character interactions!
The Icks:
Not much! The book is overall a very enjoyable, easy read.
September 15, 2017
To be fair, the title says it all. This is a ultra-conservative christian novel that simply tells the story about a reformed man who tries to figure out a new approach to love. It was a little preachy at times and the plot was a little flat for me, but the author did demonstrate glimmers of artistic ability.
July 24, 2019
I borrowed the audio book from my library and didn't realise it was Christian Fiction. I wouldn't have picked it up if I had known so my annoyance with God to the rescue was my own fault. That said it didn't play a huge part of the story, more so towards the end. The story was easy to listen to, but the I didn't find the ending very realistic.
October 23, 2019
Good points illustrated
Sometimes "old fashioned" is used in a derogatory manner, but " old fashioned " can be good. Clay had good intentions, but was leaning towards legalistic. Clay and Amber both had issues, but they were both willing to change.
Sometimes "old fashioned" is used in a derogatory manner, but " old fashioned " can be good. Clay had good intentions, but was leaning towards legalistic. Clay and Amber both had issues, but they were both willing to change.
September 10, 2020
More like 3.5 stars. This isn't your typical Christian romance. The characters are a bit older with more baggage than you usually read about, and while there is nothing explicit, there are some very candid conversions about sex and relationships.
June 9, 2019
Horrible narration. Could not continue hearing the screeching of the female voice.
October 24, 2019
Rene Gutteridge writes a page turner. Few characters well written, close to the end, I realized this story gives out "food for thought ". Glad I read her book.
June 8, 2020
I enjoyed this book, chivalrous 💐
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews