Fried Chicken and Gravy

Fried Chicken #1

by Sherri Schoenborn Murray

Missy Stuart is humiliated when she burns dinner for the super cute—if outspoken—new auto parts rep. But, when he suggests to her father that she should take cooking lessons from the old ladies down at his church, she wants to crawl under a car and die.

Missy is perfectly happy working in their auto repair shop and has no intention of spending more time in the kitchen. But if filling the hole in her father’s heart is as easy as filling his stomach with fried chicken and gravy, it might be worth the effort. When she dutifully accompanies her father to church, she finds that she has more to learn than a bunch of recipes.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Romance, Fiction, Christian, Christian Romance, Contemporary

330 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2014

About the author

Sherri Schoenborn Murray is a bestselling author known for her memorable characters, small-town humor, fishing tales, and Counterfeit Princess stories. Clean, wholesome, lighthearted fiction. With a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Idaho, Sherri is a two-time American Christian Writers' Finalist for her inspirational romance Fried Chicken and Gravy.

All of Sherri's novels include a recipe or two. You'll find her favorite recipes and recommendations for other Christian authors' books available on Amazon when you visit her website at www.christianromances.com.
Sign up for Sherri's newsletter for new releases and recipes.

Sherri has also rounded-up quite the collection of outstanding Christian audio books on her website: www.bestchristianaudio.com.

Reviews

[Elizabeth Meadows · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is exactly my type of book. Set in the 70s (my formative years), very food-centric, clean romance with a Christian message. I thought it was adorable.
Feminists beware! You will probably not like the father in the story. But he does make some big changes throughout.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute funny story. Different from any I have read. Missy is not the usual girl(woman) she fixes cars. Her dad wants her to learn to cook and has her make dinner every day but the food is awful. She meets Robert who is stuck by the side of the road and fixes his vehicle with a bic pen. She tells him it is a temporary fix but he pushes further as he is a salesman and just starting the business so he doesn’t have the funds to fix it. Missy has forever loved Gary, but Gary sees her only as a friend. Read more to see how Missy learns to cook and how her relationships with these men play out.
The gospel message clearly given in this story

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I discovered this author through Audible, as this book popped up as a recommendation, and I am so grateful for that! This book has been such a blessing to me and I'll be rereading it often.

[Alice · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not hate this book. I read it to review for my assisted living gdoupo book review. Somskons suggested it and since IVs never done a "Christian romance" I thought is see how the group likes it. For me the story was just too shallow and the romance was not well developed. You can write clean romance and still create an emotional reaction in your reader. Over all, still a sweet, light story

[Paige Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I chose this book for a prompt to be revealed on my site at a later date. It was for a strong lead character. The quote by Ginger Rogers perfectly encompasses the heroine of this story: she did everything Fred Astaire did, but backward and in heels. This lady was doing too crabbing much. She was fixing cars, cooking, taking care of animals, and waiting on ungrateful fools. But I only ended up admiring her. Even if it put the men in her life in a slightly different light. I thought she was going to be a cute pixie who works on cars, but she was made of tougher stuff. And it was cute that her father was trying to fix her up. His coming to God moments was heartwarming. The relationship was a slow burn, but endearing. I think I even learned something about romance and love. And despite my warning, I can make the case that she is indeed a strong character.

I took a point off for the misogyny. The themes of love, friendship, coming to God, and growing up could have been perfectly communicated had she tweaked the ending of the cooking class, slightly. 1) she could have had the girl turn out to still be a horrible cook at the end or 2) the girl could have learned to cook, but still felt like she was more comfortable out of the kitchen than in and stood up for herself by not continuing to cook for them. Just so she had more ownership of her person outside of cooking for a man (her father) that has nothing to do with those themes. But I didn't take more off because I'm giving the author grace and loved the character and watching her grow. I see the point, even though I didn't miss the hiccup. She had a serving heart, despite her complaints, and I know women like that in real life.

[Sally Mander · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars, Fun romance about loving and loss

FRIED CHICKEN AND GRAVY (FRIED CHICKEN #1)
by Sherri Schoenborn Murray

In this fun novel about loving and loss, we follow Missy Stuart and her father Big John Stuart in their automotive repair business and the people they come into contact with. Robert is a commission-only automotive parts supplier who is looking at Big John as a future customer. Big John is known area-wide for his dealings with solicitors. For that reason, Robert is determined to be called by his name and not by the other nicknames that Missy and Big John assign to him.

Missy's mama died when she was only 10, so she missed out on the teachings of the womanly arts, that her daddy and brother Doug would greatly appreciate. Missy is sure that if she had those skills like cooking, nice clothing, and a fancy hairdo, Doug's best friend Gary would finally notice her for the woman she is, instead of Doug's little sister.

Robert knows that he can help Missy to become the woman she is meant to be, with help from his mother's cooking classes and all kinds of sparks fly.

Not only is this novel a romance, with cooking lessons and recipes, but it is also a tool to help a person know Jesus and God's promises. It's refreshing to see an author who's not afraid of tackling God issues in these trying times of the world. Highly recommend.

With much gratitude, I received a complimentary copy of #FriedChickenAndGravy from #SherriSchoenbornMurray @SherriSchoenbornMurray #ChristainRomances @ChristianRomances I was under no obligation to post a review.

[Irene Onorato · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been awhile since I picked up a book that made me throw my head back and have a good belly laugh, but this one gave me plenty of chuckles. The story takes place in the late 1970s.

Missy Stuart is the twenty-year-old daughter of Big John, owner of a four-bay mechanic shop in a small town. Having lost her mother as a teen, Missy was thrust into the role of mechanic, bookkeeper, errand girl, etc, in order to help her father's business. Not only that, she's the family's designated cook. Her brother douses everything with enough catsup to kill the taste, but her culinary disasters leave a LOT to be desired.

Enter the hero, Robert - a dead ringer for Jerry Lewis - who is trying to become a parts supplier for the Stuart's garage. He's polite, considerate, and bound and determined to make a resistant Missy like him. His efforts seem to push her further away, but Missy's father sees an inherent goodness in the newcomer.

Scenes at the dinner table are hilarious. I loved the interaction between all the colorful and well-depicted characters. There's a sequel to the story, and I'm looking forward to reading it as well.

[Jean Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute, fun story with humor and faith. I kind of felt sorry for Missy as she works full time in her dad's auto shop, he sends her on errands and expects her to cook dinner every night. Then he and her brother complain about how bad the meals are. When was she supposed to have learned to cook, since both her mother and grandmother died when she was young. She meets Robert when she sees him stuck on the side of the road and goes to help him with his car. Missy has had a big crush on her brother's friend for years and he was always fixated on another girl. When the other girl gets married, he turns his eyes to Missy. Thankfully she realizes he is just using her. I like how the women get Missy into their cooking classes despite her not being married. She learns a lot in the class and start making lots of different meals. It was touching when they went to church with Robert and her dad became a believer and I loved how Missy came to believe as well. Colorful and well depicted characters and the parrot Martha is so funny.

[ضحى الحداد · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5 stars
Have you ever beaten a dead horse ?, no ?, well, read this book and you will know how it feels
The story is about Missy who lives with her dad and her brother and she have a crush on her childhood friend Gary, she is a great Mechanic but a terrible cook, one day she stops for a guy who had his car broken ( Robert ) and she helps him out, only to discover that he is intending to be a seller to her father workshop.. so we will see how these two character who had ZERO chemistry with each other being forced around by everyone to allegedly "love" each other .. and Missy has to change her faith and her personality to please Robert to have her .. so I guess you will see how will it go

this is a book to be read while you are in the middle of chaos that it's ok if you don't follow what is happening because frankly .. NOTHING IS HAPPENING, so .. let's see the second book if it's any better

[Emma Maher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good story. Always enjoy a good romance. I love any romance, except overrated sexual content, but I do enjoy a good Christian clean romance or a Amish story. This is a book about Missy Stewart learning to cook, her dad finding Christ & at the end Missy gives her heart to Jesus too. She falls in love with a Car sales Rep who is a devout Christian; & Missy finds that her brothers best friend isn't the man who she thought he was. At first she was head over heels for Gary, but eventually once things change and Gary takes notice of her, willing to admit that Missy has liked him for years, she comes to find out that he was just a crush. She then admits that Robert is the actual one for her but she has to first get right with God and learn how to give her life to Christ first before they could get serious and make It official. This is a light-hearted read. I enjoyed the naration of this book that I got on Audible.com.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet story, though I felt bad for poor Missy. Her Mama died when she was young then her grandma died a couple of years later. Missy had to cook, clean, take care of chickens and work in the auto repair shop. Missy was not a good cook. I liked how she stopped for "Jerry Boy" despite having just bought ice cream. I liked the influence that Robert had on Big John. I liked when Missy realized she liked being with the women's group. I thought she was fixing great feasts a little too soon after one cooking lesson and reading a cookbook, I think in real life there would have been a few mistakes. I really liked when Missy called "Jerry Boy' by his name, Robert.
There were several fun moments throughout the book. A most memorable moment was when Big John became a Christian and the changes he made in his life. I liked how the author showed his imperfection during a fishing trip. It was funny and a great teaching moment.

[Diana C. Kobylak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great 1970’s era book that begins with Robert, a young Christian salesman stranded in the middle of the road. Missy, a mechanic’s nonChristian sassy daughter, who is also mechanically inclined stops to help him and performs a quick fix on his car. Meanwhile, the neopolitan ice cream melts in her vehicle. The story is humorous as Missy’s dad, Big John, attempts to teach him about mechanics and not so subtly attempts to match make. However, they are not very respectful of Robert and call him Jerry or Jerry boy because he resembles Jerry Lewis. Missy’s mom died when she was a child and is always burning or overcooking the food. She wants her hair to look like Farrah Fawcett to attract Gary, her self-centered childhood friend. As the story goes, there is a transformation in the household and both Big John and Missy benefit from having Robert in their lives.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book; it was a light, fast read. I really felt bad for Missy, having to do all the “woman’s work “ for her dad and brother and his friend, while also working full-time in her father’s garage. And having no one to teach her, she couldn’t cook. But going to the ladies’ group for cooking lessons one time and getting a cookbook, then cooking good food immediately was kind of far fetched. And I missed Martha after Rick came back and took her home. I was hoping his new honey wouldn’t like the bird so he’d bring her back. But the big change in John, after he started going to church, was really good. It took Missy a little longer to find Jesus, and it made a great story.

[Sue Peacock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Missy's Meals

What a treat to read this funny story set in 1978 when Farrah Fawcett's hairstyle, Gunsmoke, and orange soda were favorites. This story told of a simpler time when people would still stop and help stranded drivers. Home cooked meals were a special time when families still ate together, and as the title suggests, food was an important part of the story. The snappy dialogue and funny scenes made this book a pleasure to read. I loved the characters, and Martha made it even funnier. Robert's patience and persistence were the key to the faith and healing in this delightful book. Thank goodness there's a sequel since I'm not ready to say goodbye.

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book on kindle and listened to pieces of it on Audible while driving to work. The narrator is good at character impersonations, but at times her voice seemed too robotic and proper. Other than that, this book was definitely a great read. Funny, light hearted, and woo-worthy (if that’s a word). I can say that some parts were quirky and weird, but I loved the 70s vibe it gave off. I do think Missy’s conversion towards the end was a little too fast? And the the romance seemed too fast at the end, but not too bad. Overall nice, laid back read, reminded me of when I read a lot of books in middle school.

[Roger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fried Chicken & Gravy, my fifth read from author Sherri Schoenborn Murray. A wonderful Christian romance set in the 1970's that was a thoroughly entertaining book that I very much enjoyed reading/listening to. The narrator did such a wonderful job of narration. If I see Sherri Schoenborn Murray’s name on the book I’m guaranteed a good read, this one was so good that when my wife walked in on me listening to it we finished the book together and I just finished downloading all of the author's books I own onto her Kindle for her to read.

[Linda Dickerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet, Christian, clean romance

What a sweet Christian romance novel with a wonderful sense of humor....... A very enjoyable read with characters you fall in love with in a time when things were more simple. Thank you Sherry Schoenborn Murray. I look forward to reading more of your Christian novels!!!! I highly recommend this book for sheer joy.......😊

[Cindy Davis- Cindy's Book Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book. Such a lighthearted, quick read. The book is described as a clean romance, I would say it is heavier on the humor and light on the romance. It is a VERY clean book, with hand holding and a tiny bit of kissing. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a light romance, with a good dose of humor.

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book reminded me some of my childhood in the 70’s. My dad was also a mechanic and his name was also Big John, as he was very tall and intimidating to many, but had a huge heart.
Some of the book is a little corny, but there is beautiful Christianity throughout. That with thoughts of my own dad made me love it.

[Lynne Moody · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a clean fun romance that's totally worth reading. The characters were sometimes weird and unusual that you couldn't help love. The storyline had me cheering for them ,laughing and crying at times. I keep hoping all would work out for the best. Which it did !

[Myrna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick &Easy

Sweet book....Quick and easy read....I would have like a little bit more character development. Would have liked more back story on the mother. It was too easy and predictable the love story.

[Windi · Rating 1 out of 5]

Well. I feel as if I picked up a book written for middle schoolers. A shame really as it could be quite good except for the elementary style of writing. Even light hearted content can be, and should be, written with some substance. Abandoned at 17%.

[Vikki Vaught · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a blast from the past. From the leisure suit to the lack of cell phones, just a delight to read. The spiritual message is outstanding. I really teared up when the heroine accepts Christ. Glad this one was in the romance package. Happy reading/listening!

[Alice LaJuett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book!

I absolutely loved this book! The characters are believable and memorable. Along with watching Missy and Robert find their way to each other, we see Missy and her dad find their way to God! This is one I am glad I did not pass by!

[Ellen White · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story taking place in the 70’s when a woman was to know how to cook.
A father suggestion of a women’s church group. The talks between a father and his twenty year year old daughter was very special. She loved the mechanic shop and him. Good Christian story.

[Hannah Armantrout · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was a lighthearted, fun romance. There was not any sexual content, it was very clean, and the main character had a stubborn streak that was humorous. I would read it again, just because of the lightness of the book.

[Ugochi Akwiwu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring Christian message. Thank you for ministering.

-Ugochi

[Karen DePriest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put it down.

Really enjoyed this book. Loved the character development. Each character was unique It was funny and not too predictable as many romance novels.

[Deidre Avant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read for all

Loved the way the story unfolded. It is true to life in many ways. Would recommend to any type of reader!

[Traceylee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why

At first I thought the book hasn't good till you get into it. It is a great Christian romance book.