A Crazy Optimist

by Anne Greene

This Romantic Comedy stars a Crazy Optimist who owns a Pet Taxidermy shop and supplements her income by becoming a Professional Maid Of Honor.

Sparkle January recently moved to New York City. She finds a best friend in Nick Patrizio, whose Harvey’s On The Harbor restaurant is around the corner from Sparkle’s apartment. She visits Harvey’s daily, not to eat, but to tell her troubles to Nick and drink coffee.

Sparkle finds that building both her new professions brings unexpected difficulties and dilemmas. And she intent on transforming herself from Ugly Duckling into Acceptable Swan. Nick is the voice of reason and safety in the storms. Nick’s had tragedies of his own but falls for Sparkle the first moment she breezes into his restaurant. But Sparkle hides a secret that forces her to guard her heart. And what is the key to Sparkle’s optimism?

91 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2018

About the author

Anne Greene is an award winning author.

Reviews

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Crazy Optimist, by Anne Greene, is an 88 page contemporary Christian romance comedy novella. This is a cute short story of Sparkle January who has recently moved from Texas to New York City. She is a Pet Taxidermist who is struggling to make ends meet. She has placed an add to be a maid of honor in weddings and is getting a lot of business. Restaurant owner, Nick Patrizio, is Sparkles best friend. Even though he does not approve of her new business he is there to help and support her.
This is a cute short story to get lost in on a lazy afternoon or evening. Some of the things I like about this story is that it is a good clean story. I like that Sparkle turns to God but the story does not get preachy. Another thing I like about the story is that even though it does have several characters, there are only a couple main characters to follow through the story. I also enjoy the humor in this story, starting with Sparkles name and occupations and following through with her clients. I think anyone who enjoys romantic comedy will enjoy this story.
I received a copy of this book from the author. This is my honest review.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Crazy Optimist by Anne Greene is a Christian novella. Sparkle January has been living in New York City for five months and her pet taxidermy business has yet to take off. She is hoping her latest enterprise will be a money maker. She enters Harvey’s On the Harbor wearing a “Maid of Honor” black tee shirt to speak with her friend, Nick Patrizio. The restaurant is around the corner from her apartment and she stops by to talk with her friend each day. Sparkle’s latest idea is to be a professional maid of honor. She needs to get a stable income, or she will need to return home to Texas. Sparkle posted an ad online and had 400 responses. Her first job is on Saturday and Sparkle asks if Nick could drive her since she has directional issues. Sparkle begins Saturday by getting her hair and nails done at Beau’s Beauty Bar. It is going to be a challenging day for Sparkle, and she will need Nick’s steadiness to get through it. Nick has fallen for the positive Sparkle, but she seems intent on keeping him in the friend zone. Why has Sparkle put a wall up around her heart? Is there a chance for Nick and Sparkle?

A Crazy Optimist is a light-hearted Christian romance. I found the book to be well-written with a steady pace and smooth transitions. The Christian element is present with the point being made without it becoming preachy. We see the importance of prayer and having a steadfast faith. Sparkle is an entertaining main character and her antics had me chuckling. She is optimistic and very perky. Nick was the perfect partner for her. He is solid, trustworthy and has a big heart. I like that the romance plays out softly and sweetly. My rating for A Crazy Optimist is 4 out of 5 stars. A Crazy Optimist is a lively Christian romance that will have you giggling and leave you with a happy feeling in your heart.

[Connie Saunders · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title of this new book describes the main character perfectly because Sparkle January is a crazy optimist! She's funny, a self-described jinx, and she truly believes that she can earn money working as a Professional Maid of Honor to supplement her income as a pet taxidermist. Sparkle, however, is lonely since she moved to New York City and her best friend is the owner of the restaurant near her apartment. Nick Patrizio is always willing to listen and she knows she can tell him almost anything. And then, Sparkle begins to view him in a different light and she realizes that she can never consider a serious relationship with him or anyone else because of a family secret.

I liked that this 88-page novella features a young woman with Christian standards who relies heavily on her faith in God. I also enjoyed that Sparkle January is seemingly unaware of the obvious interest of her "best friend" Nick. There are some serious moments but much of this book had me laughing out loud! Author Anne Greene has written a sweet, inspiring romance and I recommend A Crazy Optimist to anyone wanting a quick, "feel-good" story!

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sparkle January is one of the most fun, friendly, and optimistic gals to have come to the Big Apple from Texas. She is a beautiful young woman, both inside and out, yet sees herself as an ugly duckling and a jinx, because things just seem to happen when she’s around. She is determined to make an honest living in city where immigrants from around the world have come to find a new life.
Sparkle has a pet taxidermy business in her apartment. With only a few orders so far, she becomes a Professional Maid of Honor to help pay the rent. She hurries into Harvey’s on the Harbor, a restaurant with a lovely view where she met her first ever best friend, Nick, several months earlier. He always makes time to share coffee when Sparkle comes in, so it is natural that she comes to tell him this news. She has her first wedding scheduled. And asks if Nick could drive her to some of the weddings she has scheduled as she is directionally dyslexic.
A hair sculptor changed her hair color…to pink. The bride was a true bridezilla, and the maid of honor dress was a wee bit smaller than anticipated. But Nick got her to the church on time, and they could laugh afterward at some of the things that happened. After all, what are best friends for?
Sparkle doesn’t want a long-term relationship. Best friends are always best friends, and she wants Nick to always be her friend. This is not Nick’s intent, especially the better they get to know each other. They are both Christians, close in age, and Sparkle is someone Nick doesn’t want to risk having her around all those potentially single guys at the weddings she booked.
The author opens the window into each one’s personality and heart in as much depth as necessary, and this reader was quickly cheering for the two of them to get together, despite how tidily locked away Sparkle has tried to keep her heart. Nick seems to be everything a Christian gal could want. Good looks aside, he is a hard worker, owner of his restaurant, a faithful believer, and someone willing to go the distance to be there for Sparkle when she needs him. She is a delightful young woman who sparkles with the love of the Lord and the optimism He gives her.
If one loves contemporary, sweet, and funny romances, I highly recommend this story! The author has perfectly designed Nick and Sparkle, and the plot, for a woman’s heart.
From a grateful heart: I received a copy of this book from the author; there is no requirement to read and review.

[Julie Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A CRAZY OPTIMIST by Anne Greene
Sparkle lives in NY, 5 months now and makes a living as a pet taxidemist. Work is getting hard to find so she posts an ad on CraigsList as a professional Maid for Honor and gets lots of work.
Nick is her friend and she visits him at his place and they talk. She talks him into escorting her to the events and the comedy part of this is hilarious. Won't spoil it by telling you the events that occured but I had tesrs in my eyes if that's any indication of how funny it all was. Then when you think it can't get any funnier, it does.
She realizes she has to break off from Nick because of his outlook on life.
She owes him a picnic and love where they end up and all the new things I learn-so precious because my father and grandfather were nurseymen.
She goes on with her life without stopping in on Nick and while exercising she needs to protect herself like no other time. Terror of the fire I found threating and wondered what I'd do in her place.
Religion is a large part of this story also as she relies on God in many instinces.
She only wants friendship with him because of her past-she does tell him in time and she knows they can never be together.
Very few characters, great story to see how each reacts to different situations. Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sparkle January moved to New York City recently
from Texas. But it is not what she thought it would
be. Sparkle makes her living as a pet taxidermist
but she is just making ends meet so she decides
to become a “Professional Maid of a Honor”.
Her only friend in New York works at Harvey’s On
The River restaurant around the corner from where
her apartment is located. His name is Nick Patrizio.
He is actually the owner of the restaurant not a
waiter like Sparkle thinks.
The story takes off very quickly. It keeps on at an
invigorating pace right up to its conclusion.
They are made for each other but don’t know it.
The characters were well developed, relatable and
realistic and interesting. Sparkle was a fun loving,
optimist adding humor to the story.
Both characters had human flaws and emotions.
Their lives were shaped by their perceptions and
by experiences.
This story showed how important communications
between people is.
Emotional plus spiritual healing does not arrive
overnight. But with determination and faith in God,
healing happens when He allows it.
A heartwarming read!!!
I volunteered to read A Crazy Optimist. Thanks to the
author for the opportunity. My opinion is my own.

[Lynda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This contemporary novella is Greene's latest, and a fun summer read perfect for a short break from the busy-ness of life.

Sparkle is a fun character, though her name was a bit distracting at times. It seemed to fit her quirky, optimistic nature, though, and she is a sweet girl who largely chooses to look on the bright side of things and helps others to do so. She's a good compliment to the slightly-brooding Nick, who has a heart of gold.

I love how the characters have faith as a part of their lives; even though it does not dominate the storyline or conversations, turning to prayer and allowing God to tend the future are demonstrated within these pages.

This is a short, fun novella and a great escape from the daily grind. Perfect for the beach or even in the cool air conditioning, those who enjoy contemporary romance should find this a fun departure from heavier topics while the sweet ending is sure to put a smile on any reader's face.

I received a review copy of this book from the author but was not required to write a positive review. The thoughts expressed are both honest and my own.

[Tom Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A Falling In Love Story”

The author gave me a copy of the book for an honest review. Sparkle January moves to New York from Dallas, Texas, to become a Pet Taxidermist, but the job doesn’t pay her bills, so she decides to become a Maid of Honor for weddings to add to her income. She has made one best friend in New York, café owner Nick Patrizio. He’s someone she can run her ideas by and ask opinions of. But Nick has fallen in love with her, and he does cause little butterflies to flutter in her heart, but Sparkle has a secret. It is a secret that keeps Sparkle from her own wedding, and she’s afraid for their feelings to advance beyond best friends.

Although I don’t normally read romance novels, this author’s clean writing style, and interesting stories have pulled me into all of her books. There is humor, drama, tension, and people fall in love. You won’t find sex and profanity in her books, and I’m thankful for that. This is a book Christian readers can, and will, enjoy. Highly recommended.

[Anne Rightler · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Crazy Optimist by Anne Greene is an entertaining romantic comedy. Sparkle, having recently relocated to New York City from Texas, is finding that making her way in the big city is proving to be more difficult than she had anticipated. But she has found a best friend in Nick, the owner of the restaurant around the corner from her apartment. His friendship means everything to her but she has to give him up. A secret from her past is keeping her romances at friendship level only. The author has funny scenes throughout this novella as Sparkle is a gal who seems to be able to 'botch, blunder and foozle everything and everyone around' her. Will she let love transform this regular-looking guy into a modern-day knight in shining armor and allow him to rescue her from herself? A Crazy Optimist is a sweet, fun, and charming story--a quick-to-read story that's sure to please.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Crazy Optimist is a romantic comedy novella by author Anne Greene. The cover lured me in to want to read it, the sweet face and the cute cat. I love the name of the heroine, Sparkle January. I also appreciate how the author put much detail into the writing of the setting, as well as the characters. The reader can imagine being in that spot.

Sparkle is single and earning her own way in New York. She is the sole owner of a taxidermy and a Maid of Honor for hire on the side. I didn’t realize someone offering their services as Maid of Honor could make so much money. Actually, I had never heard of this before reading the book.

I like how salvation is easily brought in to the story, and that scripture is quoted. I did not like the serious tone the book took before the ending. By the title and cover, I thought it would be more comical. However, at just 88 pages, this book has a lot to offer and so I give it 4* out of 5*.

Disclaimer: I received this novella complimentary the author and was under no obligation to post a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Crazy Optimist, by Anne Greene is a very easy read. It kept my interest throughout the book. It is actually a novella and less than 100 pages long. Because of the shortness of the book, the characters cannot be as fully fleshed out as in a true novel, but she does a great job. The main character, Sparkle, is full of life and very optimistic. The other main character is her friend who is a bit more reserved.



The story flows well and is a unique idea. There was one part that was not resolved in the book and that was a bit disappointing but understandable with the shortness of the book. All in all it was a delightful read. The editing was very good, though not perfect but the errors did not distract from my enjoyment. In fact, I really only recall one error.



In full disclosure, I was given this book but reading and reviewing it was my choice.



I recommend you get this book and read it, you'll enjoy it, I'm sure.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Crazy Optimist is a romantic comedy by Anne Greene. The novella is a delightful, sweet, and entertaining read. Sparkle January, the owner of a Pet Taxidermy Shop and a Professional Maid of Honor, is a recent transfer to NYC. She soon finds a best friend, Nick Patrizio, who owns nearby Harvey’s on the Harbor restaurant. Sparkle visits Nick daily for coffee and conversation—actually, her confession of troubles and his expert advice. Her humorous capers and the witty dialogue between the two best friends is reminiscent (to me) of Breakfast at Tiffany’s. This is a not-to-miss book, full of hilarity but also solid values. I plan to read this again; it is that enjoyable. The author has written over twenty books, both historical and suspense. The author gifted me with a book in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Gail Hollingsworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

With only eighty eight pages this was a quick but enjoyable read. The main character, Sparkle, was definitely "crazy". I would also say a little ditsy, but still lovable. She had moved from Texas to New York City. She jumped from one occupation to another on a whim. She was a taxidermist on the side, recreating deceased pets for their owners. She decided also to start offering her services as a maid of honor to brides who needed one. She needed something lucrative to keep her finances in the black. After meeting Nick, he became her professed best friend. She had a secret she kept to herself that wouldn't allow her to get closer in a romantic way. Her optimist side came from her love of Christ. I would say this is a cute, different, fun way to spend a couple of hours.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author but was not required to write a review

[Pam Graber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nick Patrizio is stuck firmly in the friend zone. He wants nothing more than to break out of it. If only Sparkle wasnt so determined to keep him there.

Sparkle January is a recent transplant to New York City. Nick is her first and only true friend. Her jobs are a little odd, but she enjoys them. Hilarity ensues as she enlists Nick's help in one of her ventures. Will she see what Nick has seen for months? That their best friends status is due for an upgrade?

This was a fun, quick read with lots of giggles packed into the pages. If you like your romances with a side of laughter, you won't go wrong with this one.

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just a short novella but so much fun to read! It’s not that Sparkle January has everything going for her – she certainly has trials – but she seems to look on the bright side! I will confess – her name cracked me up as did most of the situations she found herself in! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it as a great quick, light read, although, be warned, there is one scene that is difficult to read – in other words, it isn’t all light hearted. I received a copy of this book from the author. I am freely writing a review - all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Joan Arning · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sparkle is a well-written but scatterbrained protagonist who recently moved to New York City! Her new best friend, Nick Patrizio, is an excellent male protagonist who is constantly getting Sparkle out of tight spots! You will enjoy this quick romantic book. I received a copy of A Crazy Optimist from the author. This is my honest opinion.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very sweet story. Sparkle seemed to live up to her name, and Nick balanced her out. This was a quick but fun read and I would recommend it.
I received a copy of this book from the author and was not required to write a positive review.