When I began reading this, I wasn't sure I would like it. I have read so many vapid, sappy Christian romances, and I am often disappointed in both the story and the message. Well, I couldn't have been more wrong. This is a delightful romance, and I can honestly recommend it pretty highly. The story and the characters are fun. Actually, if Reuben is real, I'll drop everything and marry him now. And Maddie is an easy relatable character.

I found the message excellent. In fact, I was reminded that telling God what you want in life is wrong. After all, who is really in charge? I think both Reuben and Maddie learned that valuable lesson, and I only wish that real life could be as wonderful and fun as this story. The book is filled with great humor (I always love that) and one headstrong woman. And an arrogant man. Pretty par for the course.

I honestly can't think of anything that would improve this. It was refreshing to read a clean romance with no profanity nor sex scenes. In fact, the characters believe no sex outside of marriage. They even take precautions to make sure it doesn't happen. And there are some neat twists and turns that should heighten your interest even more.

I don't want to include any spoilers, but I absolutely adored the final line in the book, and it is the ideal way for this sweet book to end. This book will give you a nice break from real life and remind you that God can do anything even when life doesn't make sense.

i was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.

Sandwich With a Side of Romance is a well-seasoned and balanced blend of flawed personalities trying to live as the Christians they are. They do falter and then get back on track in varying ways. Despite the personality challenges and realistic obstacles, the main characters grow spiritually. God's favor shines through on their relationship. The book shows Christian love in action helping the needy. It also shows the difficulty in admitting to need.

You will not be disappointed by this book in any way except that it comes to an end. I hope the future will bring the pleasure of another story of Maddie, Reuben and their family and friends. Maddie is an unforgettable character who you want to cheer for as she meets and overcomes challenges.

Yep. We got a winner right here alright!

You know, the can't-put-down type that'll leave you wondering how it could possibly be a debut?!

Lately I've been floating on a cloud of five-stars-worth debuts, (no exaggerating here) and I'm so glad to be able to add this author's name to it!

Krista Philips's good.

Real good.

With characters that come alive throughout the story, witty dialogs, hi-larious moments and deep messages, Sandwich with a Side of Romance is a yummy treat for a relaxing evening with just you and a good book.

Hopeless romantics, this one's for you! I just loved witnessing the sweet-as-honey romance blossom in this story, crowned in the end with a very satisfying ending.

Just some remarks. The hero in this book had a problem with a family member and I would have loved having a scene where we could have witnessed them reconcile. And Maddie almost swears at one point.

But overall, I really enjoyed this story. It's worth adding to your TBR pile in my opinion.

This is my honest review. So many thanks to the author and the publisher for a copy of the book.

Maddie Buckner wonders if she could possibly win the record at Guinness for being fired the most in one day. When she is hired at the Sandwich Cut 'N' Style, she is forced to spend most of the day sweeping floors and cleaning instead of taking the walk-in customers like she was promised by Judy, her Nazi-of-a-boss. However when Judy steps out to run an errand, opportunity knocks when Reuben Callahan, whom she believes is Mr. Gorgeous is in need of a haircut and can't wait for his usual stylist. He opts to try Maddie out, even though she comes highly recommended. As she proceeds to cut his hair in the usual style but a bit shorter, Reuben falls asleep in her chair, slowly nodding off a bit more with each snip of her scissors. It isn't until he jerks father down then up as she began her cut, causing her hands to slip.

Maddie gasped. Dread curled itself around her stomach and squeezed. In her trembling hand she'd caught four full inches of his hair. On the side of Reuben's forehead was a one-and-a-half-inch dusty-blond stub. The image in the mirror was just an illusion. It had to be. Reuben Callahan blinked twice. No such luck. His hair was still in shambles, and a shell-shocked brunette stood next to him holding the evidence of her crime. It was then that Judy, the owner walked back into the salon and immediately fired Maddie. Now without a job, she was desperate, so desperate in fact that she sat on the hood of Reuben's BMW until she was able to convince him to get her a job.

What Maddie didn't know was that Reuben was the owner of a series of restaurants and feeling a bit guilty for his actions in having her fired since he did technically fall asleep he offers her a job as a waitress. Feeling absolved of all guilt, he wonders if he did the right thing in offering her a job, until he is informed that Maddie just dumped an iced tea and Reuben sandwich in the mayor's lap.

In the novel, Sandwich with a Side of Romance by Krista Phillips, poor Maddie has a great heart and a willingness to try hard, but it seems like she can't seem to do anything right. She is on the verge of wondering what God's plan is in all of this, since she has to be able to hold down a job and find suitable housing if she wants to gain custody of her younger brother, Kyle who is living with foster parents that are pursuing the option of adopting him before Maddie can get settled. Will she be able to convince Reuben to give her another opportunity or will she gain the notoriety of being the woman with the most jobs gained and lost in a single day?

I received Sandwich with a Side of Romance by Krista Phillips compliments of Abingdon Press and Pump Up Your Book Tours. This is a heart warming and delightful romantic comedy of a struggle young woman, Maddie who tries so hard to do the right thing all the time, she doesn't realize the effort doesn't need to be so difficult. I love her child-like faith in his simple honest prayers to God even though she just became a Christian six months ago. When God shows her how He can answer her prayers in ways much different than she had hoped, it enables her to see not everyone deserves the stereotype labels she gives them and instead offers her a new perspective on not only her life but romance as well. I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars and will be adding Krista Phillips to my list of authors to watch. Her writing is amazing and hooks the reader from the very first line in the book!

Maddie has had a rough upbringing and comes to the town of Sandwich with dreams of establishing herself so she can take her younger brother, Kyle, out of foster care and come live with her. But she gets fired from her job on her first day all because Rueben fell asleep in her chair. She forces Rueben to get her a new job, and when waitressing at his restaurant doesn't work out she becomes his office assistant. After a chance encounter with Rueben's niece reveals a secret Maddie has been keeping the family takes Maddie in and showers her with love. Maddie is reluctant to receive charity and tries her best to stop them, but they are determined. Meanwhile there is one character that is determined to bring Maddie down. Can Maddie achieve her goal and maybe discover much more along the way?

I loved Rueben's family, they opened their hearts and home to her, showing her generosity like she had never experienced. She is a relatively new Christian and continues to grow in her relationship with God, learning to lean on and trust Him.

Rueben and Maddie's relationship has a rocky start and with them both being stubborn they tend to clash quite a bit. But they learn from one another and even start developing feelings for the other. However there are obstacles in their way and just when it seems they will overcome the obstacles an incident transpires that creates a huge wedge between them and they no longer interact. Months later the truth comes out and there is hope for reconciliation.

This story is filled with witty dialogue, characters you want to root for (except Livy), and a family you want to be around. There were so many times I couldn't help but laugh out loud at the antics that happened. I was very pleased with the way the story ended and I didn't want to leave the town of Sandwich.