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Spa Girls #3
Calm, Cool & Adjusted
Best friends since Johnny Depp wore scissors for hands, "The Spa Girls" live very separate lives, but stay in touch with routine visits to California's Spa Del Mar. The third novel in the Spa Girls Series focuses on Silicon Valley chiropractor Poppy Clayton, who is as colm, cool and adjusted as they come. Or is she? Known for her bad fashion sense, a love for all things natural and the inability to get a second date, Poppy is beginning to wonder if she might be misaligned herself. Her route to self discovery will be an unnatural one - a plastic surgeon, a house in Santa Cruz and a wedding date from the dark side. It's all enough to send a girl - and her gal pals - running for the spa.
307 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
12 people are currently reading
525 people want to read
About the author
Kristin Billerbeck
62 books611 followersAbout Kristin
I grew up with a strong sense of justice. I simply knew the way things should be. And since I’m not smart enough to be a district attorney, I am a novelist. My childhood was slightly confusing. I blame my parents for this. Oh heck, I’m going to blame them for everything. I think I would have turned out normal if it weren’t for them.
the billerbeck's
Okay, probably not. I am a fourth-generation Californian, and an American mutt, but identify most strongly with my Italian heritage. My mother’s family, of strong Norwegian/German descent, tried to teach me how to do things right. How to cook, clean, sew, budget accordingly – all the things a proper young girl should know to be a contributing member of society. I, however, failed miserably. For my 40th birthday, my grandmother gave me a cookie gun, so it’s clear she hasn’t given up on me yet! That is eternal optimism!
My dad’s Italian family taught me about the good life. The indulgent life. How to eat, shop and be merry. My Nana had very tiny feet and a penchant for shoes (she worked at the Emporium, no doubt to fund her shoe addiction). My afternoons at her house had no lessons, other than how to walk in her high heels, drape myself in her mink stole and drip myself with rhinestones. Tastefully, of course. I picked up on this lifestyle much quicker.
I graduated San Jose State University with a degree in Journalism & Mass Communications (emphasis in Advertising), gave my life to Jesus during college and found my true love in a Christian Singles’ Group, which yes, I skewer in “What a Girl Wants”. He is German. Practical. And a Contributing Member of Society. I am still Italian, fluffy and an aficionado of fine shoes & handbags.
Together, we have four children and now it’s our turn to confuse them. The circle of life. Dysfunctional family style.
I grew up with a strong sense of justice. I simply knew the way things should be. And since I’m not smart enough to be a district attorney, I am a novelist. My childhood was slightly confusing. I blame my parents for this. Oh heck, I’m going to blame them for everything. I think I would have turned out normal if it weren’t for them.
the billerbeck's
Okay, probably not. I am a fourth-generation Californian, and an American mutt, but identify most strongly with my Italian heritage. My mother’s family, of strong Norwegian/German descent, tried to teach me how to do things right. How to cook, clean, sew, budget accordingly – all the things a proper young girl should know to be a contributing member of society. I, however, failed miserably. For my 40th birthday, my grandmother gave me a cookie gun, so it’s clear she hasn’t given up on me yet! That is eternal optimism!
My dad’s Italian family taught me about the good life. The indulgent life. How to eat, shop and be merry. My Nana had very tiny feet and a penchant for shoes (she worked at the Emporium, no doubt to fund her shoe addiction). My afternoons at her house had no lessons, other than how to walk in her high heels, drape myself in her mink stole and drip myself with rhinestones. Tastefully, of course. I picked up on this lifestyle much quicker.
I graduated San Jose State University with a degree in Journalism & Mass Communications (emphasis in Advertising), gave my life to Jesus during college and found my true love in a Christian Singles’ Group, which yes, I skewer in “What a Girl Wants”. He is German. Practical. And a Contributing Member of Society. I am still Italian, fluffy and an aficionado of fine shoes & handbags.
Together, we have four children and now it’s our turn to confuse them. The circle of life. Dysfunctional family style.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
March 18, 2011
While the book was good and entertaining overall, I was very disappointed with the guy she ended up with. Don't want to spoil it for those of you that haven't read it. But, I was happy that I didn't see it coming. Overall, I think Poppy is a tough character to write for romance, since she comes across as very know-it-all.
October 29, 2007
More commentary from me on what a Christian novel SHOULD be like... In real life, Christians have daily struggles in living out their faith. This book completely failed to address any of those struggles, even when they would have entered the plot very easily. Here's a conflict that Billerbeck set up: Natural health nut Christian girl meets hot Christian plastic surgeon. There's definitely chemistry, but girl hesitates because his unnatural concepts of health and beauty clash with her own. She doesn't seem to notice the fact (which is glaringly evident to the reader) that he doesn't act at all Christ-like. Then she falls in love with some other guy who isn't at all into her health thing either, whose faith goes completely unmentioned, and who buys her a diamond ring "the size of a golf ball." She goes for the latter. Really obvious Christian novel conflicts present themselves: Girl meets boy, there's chemistry, but he doesn't live out his faith, so she has to decide if he's really a good guy for her. Or, girl falls for both a wealthy, worldly guy and a poorer, Christ-like guy--both of whom are quite dashing--and has to do some serious thinking about what she's looking for in a man. Anyway, all that being said, I'll probably go back to the library and look for the other book in the set. Sigh. I'm like that.
February 12, 2008
This book was difficult for me to trudge through. I did not like the character development at all. I realize that this is chick-lit, but normally Kristin Billerbeck is a fun easy read. I just didn't enjoy this book.
The main character, Poppy, really annoyed me. She couldn't get her life in order and didn't understand why. There were lots of times of disconnect in the story that just didn't make sense.
I will say that between the two guys I didn't have a clue who she would choose. I was surprised at the ending and her choice.
This book is more of a day on the beach book.
The main character, Poppy, really annoyed me. She couldn't get her life in order and didn't understand why. There were lots of times of disconnect in the story that just didn't make sense.
I will say that between the two guys I didn't have a clue who she would choose. I was surprised at the ending and her choice.
This book is more of a day on the beach book.
October 1, 2010
Ms. Billerbeck went backwards again with this book. As with the first book in the Spa Girls series, this book focuses too much on the main character's obsessions, & not enough on plot or proper storyline building. The focus of the book even contradicts itself in several areas & again feels like a novel written, then some Christian elements added for good measure. All-in-all, I will not be recommending this series. "Christian fluff" is my final word on these books. Disappointing.
January 8, 2009
Disappointed with this one. I really expected it to be much better. It took me a long time to read it because it was boring!
February 15, 2009
A great way to end the series. Im not a huge fan of Poppy, the main character, but the story and plot did leave you with a great feeling, and sad the series had ended.
October 13, 2010
Oh, so sad that I just finished this last book in the series. I love Kristin Billerbeck and she needs to write more books. This is a great series, clean, fun, and tear filled (happy tears).
January 3, 2010
Not very well written, Christian chick-lit. Wanted to slap the narrator and tell her to quit being hypocritical.
August 20, 2010
Loved, loved, loved. Kristin Billerbeck is quickly becoming one of my all-time favorite authors. Can't wait to read the rest of the Spa Girls books!
December 30, 2013
lot of rehashing the same line. I'm messed up. I'm not messed up. I like him. I don't like him.
June 10, 2021
2.5
Ugh. Annoying main character, poor writing, typos, odd phrases. Not much real depth to her Christianity.
Ugh. Annoying main character, poor writing, typos, odd phrases. Not much real depth to her Christianity.
December 25, 2018
I have no idea what to think about this book. I think Poppy realized that what she was doing with her life was not fully what God wanted her to do, but that was not clear enough for me. This book felt like Poppy was explaining everything in her head, except it also felt she thought you were a mind-reader and could piece together what she was not saying. I think I got the gist, but I would have liked it to be more clear.
My biggest complaint about this book had to be the love interest. We are introduced to two guys. One guy we get to hear more often in the book, but we are told that Poppy cannot see herself with him. The second guy we know had chemistry with Poppy and they know each other for three years, yet we did not see him that much in the book. Since I really like the second guy, I want Poppy to be with him, but I feel we do not see Poppy with him that much to make the claim that they should be together.
Conclusion: It is an okay book about how to have a balance Christian life with a dash of romance.
My biggest complaint about this book had to be the love interest. We are introduced to two guys. One guy we get to hear more often in the book, but we are told that Poppy cannot see herself with him. The second guy we know had chemistry with Poppy and they know each other for three years, yet we did not see him that much in the book. Since I really like the second guy, I want Poppy to be with him, but I feel we do not see Poppy with him that much to make the claim that they should be together.
Conclusion: It is an okay book about how to have a balance Christian life with a dash of romance.
May 4, 2021
This was like a train wreck I couldn't stop watching. If ever there was an argument to not pick up random books in the thrift store, this is it. California Christians who are all rich, good looking know-it-alls who look down on everyone around them. And a so called love story built around a lack of consent and the man saving the woman from herself. Nope.
June 15, 2021
I enjoyed going reading more of the spa girls. I didn't enjoy this as much as the first two. I kept wondering if there would be a sequel to this story since I didn't think there was enough development of any of the romances. I agree with who she ended up with, but I would have liked to see them interact more together.
January 14, 2019
This is my favorite in the Spa Girls series. It is by far the most relatable to me and I find myself re-reading it the most.
May 30, 2022
surrender brings new life
Poppy learned some valuable lessons, thanks to the. Lord and her spa girls. I’m sure going to miss them all!
Poppy learned some valuable lessons, thanks to the. Lord and her spa girls. I’m sure going to miss them all!
September 30, 2025
Very lighthearted romance.
May 22, 2019
2.5 stars.
With her other Spa Girl-friends Morgan and Lilly married or nearly married, Poppy finds herself the only single girl in a sea of couples. Her eclectic personality doesn't allow much wallowing, however, because chiropractor Poppy is more concerned about body-fat percentages, healthy eating, exercising, and natural healing than she is about trivial things like love relationships. Or is she really?
Poppy is torn between an attraction to a patient with a dynamic personality and the gorgeous plastic surgeon in the office next to hers. And these interests don't stop Morgan and Lilly from trying to set Poppy up with a man they know is absolutely perfect for her. Poppy's friends also think that she should get out of the past and start wearing modern-day clothing rather than skirts her mother wore in the 70s. To complicate matters even further, her father decides it's time to move from the house Poppy grew up in, and dumps the whole mess of a falling-down home into Poppy's lap to deal with. All of these trials don't mesh well with Poppy's ordered, controlled life. Is there a way she can choose which man - if any - is right for her?
This is the third book in the Spa Girls series. Since the characters continue from one book to the next, so for maximum enjoyment readers should start with the first book. Enough background is provided so that new readers won't be too lost though. Poppy is an interesting character, probably the most interesting of the three women in these novels. Her Christian approach to natural healing is quite unusual. I never did get a true sense of how she meshed her faith with her work, but that didn't seem to be a main focus of the story. Although these novels are marketed as Christian chick lit, the faith storyline never takes center stage. Even when Poppy's friends are trying to get her to realize that she can't be in control of everything in life, God is given only a cursory mention and Poppy never really comes to realize what she's doing and how she needs to let go and trust God.
There's a great deal of humor sprinkled throughout Calm, Cool & Adjusted which makes the book delightful to read. The suspense of wondering who Poppy will choose is fun. And the storyline about Poppy confronting her past makes the whole book worthwhile. It has been great getting to know these characters over the past three books. Kristin Billerbeck is skilled at character development and carrying a story through to completion. Fans of chick lit looking for wholesome, yet not preachy, novels need look no further than this enjoyable series.
With her other Spa Girl-friends Morgan and Lilly married or nearly married, Poppy finds herself the only single girl in a sea of couples. Her eclectic personality doesn't allow much wallowing, however, because chiropractor Poppy is more concerned about body-fat percentages, healthy eating, exercising, and natural healing than she is about trivial things like love relationships. Or is she really?
Poppy is torn between an attraction to a patient with a dynamic personality and the gorgeous plastic surgeon in the office next to hers. And these interests don't stop Morgan and Lilly from trying to set Poppy up with a man they know is absolutely perfect for her. Poppy's friends also think that she should get out of the past and start wearing modern-day clothing rather than skirts her mother wore in the 70s. To complicate matters even further, her father decides it's time to move from the house Poppy grew up in, and dumps the whole mess of a falling-down home into Poppy's lap to deal with. All of these trials don't mesh well with Poppy's ordered, controlled life. Is there a way she can choose which man - if any - is right for her?
This is the third book in the Spa Girls series. Since the characters continue from one book to the next, so for maximum enjoyment readers should start with the first book. Enough background is provided so that new readers won't be too lost though. Poppy is an interesting character, probably the most interesting of the three women in these novels. Her Christian approach to natural healing is quite unusual. I never did get a true sense of how she meshed her faith with her work, but that didn't seem to be a main focus of the story. Although these novels are marketed as Christian chick lit, the faith storyline never takes center stage. Even when Poppy's friends are trying to get her to realize that she can't be in control of everything in life, God is given only a cursory mention and Poppy never really comes to realize what she's doing and how she needs to let go and trust God.
There's a great deal of humor sprinkled throughout Calm, Cool & Adjusted which makes the book delightful to read. The suspense of wondering who Poppy will choose is fun. And the storyline about Poppy confronting her past makes the whole book worthwhile. It has been great getting to know these characters over the past three books. Kristin Billerbeck is skilled at character development and carrying a story through to completion. Fans of chick lit looking for wholesome, yet not preachy, novels need look no further than this enjoyable series.
June 22, 2010
I enjoyed this last installment of the Spa Girls series. I made the mistake of reading the last chapter first, so I knew what was coming as I read the book, and that made it a bit predictable and formulaic, but it was a good enjoyable beach-y read.
This was the least enjoyable of the series for me, but still a worthwhile final. I would like an update after some time has past, just to see what happened to the Girls as they grew up. Despite having jobs and families, they were still very immature. I'd like to revisit them after they have grown and settled a bit more. Perhaps the author could do a follow-up book.
It's definitely worth reading, but the kind of book you take on vacation or read when you need something light and fluffy.
This was the least enjoyable of the series for me, but still a worthwhile final. I would like an update after some time has past, just to see what happened to the Girls as they grew up. Despite having jobs and families, they were still very immature. I'd like to revisit them after they have grown and settled a bit more. Perhaps the author could do a follow-up book.
It's definitely worth reading, but the kind of book you take on vacation or read when you need something light and fluffy.
March 16, 2011
Poppy is a chiropractor with an unusual sense of fashion. Her best friend, Megan is getting married and she needs to find a date for her wedding without having to resort to her friends finding her one. She shares an office in an office park with a handsome plastic surgeon and she also has a patient that likes her. Poppy is the last one of her friends who isn’t married and you do see some of her viewpoint of being the last single girl though she isn’t willing to settle for just any guy in order to get a ring on her finger. It’s interesting to see who she winds up with at the end since she gets to know the plastic surgeon more and her patient tells her about his feelings for her.
February 18, 2009
I had to reread parts of this book because I found Poppy more entertaining the second time around. After reading about her in books 1 and 2, you wouldn't guess she would be so enjoyable. I love her next door doctor friend and the fights that ensue. The renovation on her childhood home sounded too amazing to believe. What guy would really do that out of the goodness of his heart without permission? To end in Hawaii---really???? Bit sensational but endearing. Poppy, you are a free spirit indeed.
September 3, 2012
Finished Calm, Cool&Adjusted by K Billerbeck,my 5th book installment 4May.An Integrity Publishing Certified Good‐read.Indeed it was light&fun! Almost burst out laughing while in the throngs of pips.I realized that sometimes people is more than what u see on the surface.When they seem shallow,they might still manage 2teach u a lesson or 2,when they have depth, u'll drown in their endless pool of wisdom if u care to.
September 10, 2011
This was my favorite of the three. With that said, I felt like the "drama" was just a bunch of fluff that turned out to be nothing. These women live nearly perfect lives and anything that goes slightly off-track is grounds for mass chaos for about two minutes. Morgan probably had the roughest go all-in-all, but this is isn't a contest on "who had it harder?" I would recommend reading this trilogy if you're not looking for something too intense and something Christ-based.
Read
July 16, 2009This was a really cute book. I had no idea there was an entire series with all of these charracters, but I plan to try to read some of those others too.
The writer writes in such a way that you beleive these things that are happening because she speaks like you would speak if you were frustrated or even excited!
The writer writes in such a way that you beleive these things that are happening because she speaks like you would speak if you were frustrated or even excited!
October 9, 2010
I think this book was my least favorite of the three books. I felt that the ending was rushed. It was as if the author wanted it to be over with or was tired of trying to play Poppy's character out. I feel like this was a regular fiction book with a little bit Christianity thrown into it. I did find the series entertaining for the most part.
June 24, 2011
Poppy was easily likable and relatable. You never know who she ends up with until the end. I love the breezy nature of this series. Definitely a good series for that no brain type of read. Also, loved the fact there was no swearing or inappropriate parts without lacking the integrity of a true chick-lit novel.
Read
June 29, 2009I really am not very fond of this book. The whole hippy, negative and positive energy thing really did not settle well with me, mainly because it struck me as a new age kind of thing. Definitely would not read this book again.
December 16, 2012
of the trilogy, this was my favorite book. I think it is because I relate tothe Poppy in that I like to be in control. i liked the suspense of which guy she would end up with: dr jeff or simon. cute ending...
June 22, 2007
so i was not sure if i would like this series. so far i do - was not as "young" writing as the cover would make you think. i am excited to read the other 2.
August 21, 2007
This was my favorite of the three in this series.. it was funny and really good. Recommend to everyone.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews