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Book Review: Wooing Cadie McCaffrey by Bethany Turner

Sandra Ardoin @sandraardoin

It’s been a while since I’ve done a review here. Let’s see if I remember how. 😉


I’ve heard nothing but good things about The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck, so when given the opportunity, I decided to read Bethany Turner’s latest release, Wooing Cadie McCaffrey. After all, who can overlook a contemporary-set novel with “wooing” in the title? I mean, when was the last time you heard the word used in serious conversation?

I absolutely loved the beginning when Cadie, an accountant for a network sports show (who cares nothing for sports), meets Will, an applicant for a job as a researcher for the show (and a total sports geek). It was pages of great banter and a terrific start.

Move ahead four years—story years, that is.

Cadie and Will have dated ALL THAT TIME. Obviously, they’re in love, but things have become a bit strained in the past year. To Cadie, it seems as if Will no longer cares, and she’s ready to break up, breaking her heart.

Overall, I enjoyed the story but had my reservations about parts of it.

I found Cadie’s response following the (off the page) passion between her and Will too dramatic and, after the initial shock, her handling of it too immature—especially when they had been together for four years. At the same time, I appreciated that the author showed she took it seriously in a day when that’s not generally the case.

Lest, we let Will off the hook…. Why didn’t he explain his plan and why he had it in the first place? I think I could have accepted the lack of communication between them had they been together a short time and not four years. It made their relationship seem too shallow.

I chuckled over the chapter headings, laughed out loud at times, and found some of the supporting characters a real hoot. The movie references were fun. Most I hadn’t seen, so I think they didn’t have the impact for me that they will have for someone else. However, it was amusing to see what Will was going to do next to woo Cadie back to him. Poor guy.

I’m giving Wooing Cadie McCaffrey 4 stars. It’s a fun, fast-paced, light read built around a present culture vs. Biblical clash that (I think) deserves more attention. The major drawback is that much of the conflict relied on a lack of communication.

An FYI: I thought it was done well, but some Christians might find the book a bit too “edgy.”

What would you consider too “edgy” with regard to a Christian novel? What is too much for you?

As an author of heartwarming historical and contemporary romance, Sandra Ardoin engages readers with page-turning stories of love and faith. Rarely out of reach of a book, she's also an armchair sports enthusiast, country music listener, and seldom says no to eating out.

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