Crazy Little Thing Called Love (Book Review)

Beth Vogt (media)

One of the things I love about this author’s books is her immediate connection with the reader.

Beth doesn’t need or use fancy, frilly words to draw us in. It’s all about story. And the way she communicates a story is sublime.

In Crazy Little Thing Called Love, I expected a quick, happy read—light summer fare to satisfy my hankering for a sigh-worthy romance. Well, there is that (the book cover and title all but guarantee it), but there’s also a nice blend of real life problems coupled with the complexity of additional issues. (Think past meets present with hurricane force.)

Newly engaged EMT Vanessa Hollister is all set to plan her destination wedding. Because Destin, Florida is the perfect (and convenient) place for her fiancé to attend medical workshops—during their honeymoon, no less—Vanessa reluctantly opts for that location. Never mind that Destin is where she was married the first time. Ted assures her the past is the past and it certainly won’t have any bearing on their future.

Things get sticky, however, when Vanessa flies to Destin to get the nuptial ball rolling, and who should she run into but storm-chaser ex-hubby, Logan Hollister. That’s when the crazy begins.

Determined to go about her wedding planning, Vanessa makes the best of an awkward situation. She’ll do what needs done and soon be on a plane back to Denver, forever banishing Logan and yesterday’s memories from her thoughts.

Of course, what Vanessa doesn’t count on is Hurricane Cressida to roll in quicker and stronger than predicted. Within hours, Vanessa and Logan’s lives are upended as they’re forced to confront not only the current disaster, but also their previous relationship which ended on a stormy note, too.

Throughout Crazy Little Thing Called Love, I empathized with Vanessa and Logan. Who hasn’t made youthful mistakes (some missteps bigger than others) and wished for a do-over?

I liked the way the author conveyed the vulnerabilities of the couple without making the struggles seem pointless and without merit.

As Vanessa and Logan’s story unfolded, I witnessed a dawning awareness (a “growth spurt”) on both characters’ parts that showcased a new maturity that so often comes with age and accountability.

The Christian message and reliance upon Christ was not preachy or pretentious, and yet—the subtly woven faith thread seamlessly bound the story together from beginning to end.

There was a poignant scene toward the conclusion of Vanessa and Logan’s story (pgs 346-347) that I particularly loved. You will, too.

And…

Spoiler alert—

She doesn’t marry Ted (who, by the way, has some epiphanies of his own.)

My rating of Crazy Little Thing Called Love: 5/5 stars

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*I was provided a copy of this book for my fair and honest opinion. I was not paid for this review. All thoughts expressed are my own.

Author Beth Vogt

Bio

(Per author website)

Beth K. Vogt believes God’s best often waits behind the doors marked “Never.” A 2015 RITA® Finalist and a 2015 and 2014 Carol Award finalist, Beth is a contemporary romance novelist with Howard Books. Her 2014 novel, Somebody Like You, was one of Publisher’s Weekly’s Best Books of 2014. In 2015 she introduced her destination wedding series with both an e-novella, Can’t Buy Me Love (May) and a novel, Crazy Little Thing Called Love (June). Connect with Beth at bethvogt.com.

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Crazy Little Thing Called Love. Where storms and hearts collide.

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Hollister and Hollister. The couple who said “I do,” “I don’t,” and “I do” again!

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In the mood for a fast-paced romantic read? Here’s the perfect book!

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Has there been a time in your life when you’ve experienced a do-over?

Do you think it’s harder to forgive yourself than to ask others to forgive you?

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Here’s to a storm-free weekend with hurricane force blessings! *clink*

Much Love Always,