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Aylesford Place #1

Pink Flamingoed

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This is an ACE of ASIN:B00CS5A8K2 The First Year

In this first book in a humorous Christian romance series that has been enjoyed by all ages, a best-selling author inherits his grandparents house and plans to hole up there and write his next bestseller. But five minutes after he moves in, a middle-aged couple and a gorgeous redhead ring his doorbell, and when he opens the door they start singing Christmas carols to him. After singing to him, they invite him to join them as they go progressive Christmas caroling and gather more neighbors at each house until the entire street has been sung to, and to a Christmas get-together at the redhead's house afterward. From that moment on he becomes as much a part of the neighborhood as anyone else, which includes all that goes on there.

271 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 10, 2013

301 people are currently reading
831 people want to read

About the author

Steve Demaree

52 books162 followers

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5 stars
290 (38%)
4 stars
183 (24%)
3 stars
169 (22%)
2 stars
70 (9%)
1 star
42 (5%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
63 reviews1 follower
June 9, 2015
I'm always up for checking out Christian lit because I can avoid the trashiness of many modern romances, etc. However, it has to be real, and this is definitely NOT real. Too saccharin, too trite, too "Everything is awesome when you are a Christian!" Life is just not like that and there wasn't even any tension to work through and be resolved in this book. I like a book that can show that Christians are real people who have real problems. They just trust in God to help them through rather than trusting in the things of the world. Write about these people and make them real--then I might be interested.
Profile Image for Sarah.
Author 46 books459 followers
did-not-finish
July 10, 2023
I started reading this and it was just poorly written and super cheesy right off the bat. On to the other books that have been accumulating on my Kindle.
12 reviews2 followers
June 14, 2015
Good read

Well written unpredictable great characters seriously I give good feedback and the pastor has another daughter you don't find out why lady has two caskets in her basement. The witch is a good person
Profile Image for Carol Riggs.
Author 13 books280 followers
October 5, 2019
This is a Christian inspirational novel my Mom loaned me to read. It involves Brad and Amy, who immediately hit it off with clever humor when he arrives in the neighborhood upon inheriting his grandparents’ house. There are also many other interesting characters inhabiting this book, with goals and satisfying outcomes during its leisurely pacing. The humor is light and fun, the conflict minimal. As Brad and Amy’s relationship develops, so does everyone’s in the entire neighborhood, becoming more and more interlinked with each other. The story’s conclusion doesn’t tie up all the loose ends, but it’s safe to predict how those ends will be fastened.
Profile Image for Barbara J. Harbison.
93 reviews2 followers
June 10, 2014
Nice read

I found this book to be a nice read. I enjoyed the story line and as a Christian book was not too "preachy". The one thing I would say is that the writer could use an editor to tighten up his work. There were a number of times when I felt he used too many words. But that could just be the journalist in me-writing for newspapers can make you stingy with long descriptions.
Profile Image for Martha Mcneely.
76 reviews2 followers
February 15, 2016
This, for me, was just another spectacular read from Steve Demaree. It was the beginning book in one of the series he writes and I have read them all!

His characters are loveable, lifelike and worm their way into you heart. You wish for them to be your next door neighbors.

If you have never read a book by Steve Demaree, you are missing out on one of the best authors. Start now. You won't be disappointed.
Profile Image for Linda.
198 reviews2 followers
September 18, 2016
An OK escape book to read in between books of substance. A picture of what life could be like if everyone in your neighborhood was a Christian and loved each other and was content with letting the rest of the outside world continue dealing with the challenges of real life. I found myself longing for just one serious coversation that didn't involve joking, cute nicknames or "I'm only putting you down because I love you" banter.
Profile Image for Allison Kohn.
Author 69 books51 followers
October 28, 2016
Good relaxing read

This is a comfortable and funny journey into the life story of the people who live on a short street and all go to the same church. It gives the reader a climbs into the daily interactions of family members and doesn't condemn anyone as too different, too good, or too bad. And, as would be expected of this author, they enjoy old movies.
65 reviews
August 15, 2021
Fun and Unique, and God centered

It had been a difficult two weeks, but a person still needs to read! I was trying to decide my next book and stumbled (I’m pretty sure God caused the stumble) upon “Pink Flamingo.” That isn’t the best title, so don’t let that stop you from reading and enjoying it. It was just what I needed. There was just the right amount of romance mixed with a lot of humor, and a simple, gentle calling to be more like Jesus. I loved each character, even Harry! The humor was a mixture of puns and teasing and funny events or sayings. This was such a unique way of writing that it was refreshing and uplifting, which was exactly what God knew I needed. Now, on to book 2!!!
Profile Image for Susan Lyttek.
Author 22 books39 followers
March 1, 2024
Rounded up

I enjoyed a dive into this fantasy world. Aylesford Place is a street that I think every Christian wished they lived on. It's sweet and comfortable and happy. It takes us away from reality for awhile.
That said, jumping from one point of view to another in rapid fire succession got distracting. Also, some of the scenarios were too far fetched like Brad being a teen's favorite author after 4 or 5 books or a photographer/artist being both single and owning her own home. There were other quirks too.
Even so, I will read the next one because life is rough and these are a pleasant escape into an ideal world.
3.5/4
Profile Image for Jestine Myers.
1,267 reviews2 followers
June 25, 2018
This is the second book I read by this author and it was just okay. I enjoyed the characters, but there was very little oomph from one event to the next. There were very few 'problems' so the action just meandered along. Finally, I was just reading it to finish it. The characters were engaging, and I enjoyed their solid relationships with one another. This is a feel-good Christian book, but it just went a little meh for me.
162 reviews2 followers
February 11, 2017
personal and community love binding hearts together.

Characters that feel like your next door neighbor. you want to cheer them on one minute and scold them the next. Charity and wisdom are doled out in equal portions. waiting with anticipation to read the next book and find out for whom the bell tolls. Wedding bells that is.
Profile Image for Letha R Warnke.
5 reviews
July 18, 2017
An Ideal Place, But Always Reality

These characters or neighbors on this street are ideal. My own neighbors and church family have ideal moments. For the most part, we are not perfect. Sometimes we show how imperfect and human we are when we make certain choices or respond in unkind ways. That's why I couldn't give the story an ideal or perfect rating.
Profile Image for Debbie L Griffin.
29 reviews1 follower
August 11, 2021
Fabulous book, couldn't put it down. Love all his books. Read the Dekker series too. Will continue to read his books. They are amazing. He is a wonderful writer with such attention to detail.

It was a beautiful story with great characters. I felt like I lived in that neighborhood, and one of the family. There was nothing I disliked about this book I would highly recommend it to anyone who lives warm characters and a wonderful story.
6 reviews
October 30, 2024
A neighborhood paradise

Loved all the stories within this story. Wouldn't it be wonderful if all of us could live in neighborhoods like this one? Amazingly...we could! God has offered us this same type of life, but left it up to us to make it happen. What do you think...can we do it?
38 reviews2 followers
May 17, 2017
Good reading.

If you enjoy reading Christian romantic love stories don't Miss this one. The story has true to life characters who use Christian principals to solve life's problems. Read and enjoy!
Profile Image for Amy Weltner.
16 reviews1 follower
July 2, 2017
Sweet, funny and filled with God's love

Book 1 was a story filled with love, humor and a lovely message. A great read for someone looking for a reminder of all that we sometimes take for granted during a trip around the sun.
26 reviews
February 21, 2018
I've finished the entire series and enjoyed the idealistic neighborhood. I feel like my neighborhood is approaching this Utopian portrayal. I liked the feel good story and it made me believe in the goodness of others more.
59 reviews2 followers
January 30, 2021
Hallrlujah

I loved it. Especially enjoyed that it involved Christians who were more like family than neighbors. Also enjoyed the loving humor of all the characters. If course I love all Steve Demarde's books. But I now think this one is my favorite.
Profile Image for Eileen Carter.
2,044 reviews9 followers
June 4, 2021
Excellent

I throughly enjoyed this book. The characters were lively and easy to love. The way the story unfolded was beautiful and full of mystery and adventure while the humor kept me laughing. Can't wait to read the sequel to this book
205 reviews1 follower
Read
August 23, 2021
Like reading a diary

Like reading a diary. Where every boring detail is recited. Sorry. I kept reading, waiting for a storyline to develop. The characters are fake. The dialog is ... way less interesting than real life. I made it to halfway and gave up.
Profile Image for Rick  Farlee.
1,146 reviews9 followers
October 6, 2021
HUMOROUS CHRISTIAN NOVEL

All of the characters in this idealistic Christian community have different quirks that blend together perfectly, making Aylesford Place a very desirable place to live… This is a funny, easy book to read, and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Profile Image for Teresa.
121 reviews
October 10, 2021
Great book

I loved the characters and spiritual insights. This would be a great neighborhood to be a part of.
I've read all of the Dekker mystery books and am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
31 reviews
September 2, 2017
A special neighborhood that you wish was yours

Just loved these characters. This book starts off with a bang to introduce you to your neighbors. Want to live there.
5 reviews
October 14, 2017
Interesting

Keeps you reading. Great story line. Warm and full of life! I would recommend for every age to read this story!
Profile Image for Leah.
1,232 reviews1 follower
January 1, 2018
There was no real action and nothing really happened. If you are looking for this type of story but better, check out the Mitford series by Jan Karon
Profile Image for Vicky Connelly.
394 reviews4 followers
May 15, 2018
What a difference a year makes! I thoroughly enjoyed reading about this lovely neighborhood who enjoy each other’s company beginning at the magical time of Christmas. I’m inspired!
Profile Image for Geri.
77 reviews2 followers
Read
December 8, 2023
What a fun little read. New neighbors, Christmas caroling and falling in love.
Profile Image for TopazCoyote.
47 reviews
December 8, 2023
A sweet story about a small neighborhood and the day to day. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews

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