Posts Tagged: elodia strain

Book Review-My Girlfriend’s Boyfriend

11 Aug, 2011 by in Uncategorized Leave a comment

by Elodia Strain

Paperback , 224 pages

Published August 8, 2011

by Cedar Fort, Inc.

ISBN 9781599559056

Source: Publisher


4 stars

Unlucky-in-love Jesse finds herself thrown back into the dating game when she meets Ethan —a cute, struggling writer who seems perfect for her. Things get complicated fast, though, when only moments later she meets Troy—a confident, successful advertising exec who seems…just plain perfect. But everyone is keeping a secret, and Jesse soon learns that things aren’t always what they seem. My Girlfriend’s Boyfriend is a classic love story turned upside down, a romantic comedy that blends warm sincerity with fresh storytelling…and some big surprises.



If you’ve never read a book by Elodia Strain today is the day to go out and buy one. She is by far my favorite writer in the romantic comedy genre. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from My Girlfriend’s Boyfriend because it was written based off of a movie that was released a year ago that I’ve never seen or heard of. But I picked it up knowing that I love Elodia’s sassy, hilarious writing. And then when curiosity got the best of me after I finished the book I had to rent the movie to compare notes.



I adore the changes Elodia made and the new characters she added to the written version. She made the story enough her own with a hilarious protagonist Jesse who tends to find herself in awkward situations. Recovering from a divorce, Jesse is not quite ready to throw herself back out there in the game of love-but with a little extra push from her coffee shop co-workers and her uncle she decides to take a few risks. Then within 24 hours, not one, but two eligible and swoon worthy men walk into her work and begin to vie for her attention.



Ethan, the starving writer and Troy the rich successful executive couldn’t be more different. Funny thing is that in the book I found myself rooting for one and in the movie the other…each have qualities that will attract both Jesse and readers. You’ll laugh out loud and be very surprised at the big twist in the end. I actually had to read the last chapter through twice just to make sure I’d read it right! I would highly recommend My Girlfriend’s Boyfriend as a squeaky clean and hilarious romance for all readers. It addresses honesty, trust, taking a chance on love and following your dreams. Well done once again Elodia!

About the Author: Originally from California, Elodia Strain has lived everywhere from Alaska to Washington to Pennsylvania, where My Girlfriend’s Boyfriend is set. She currently makes her home near Dallas, Texas, where she loves playing with her adorable nieces and nephews, swimming, and enjoying good Tex-Mex.

Elodia is also the author of The Icing on the Cake, for which she was named Best New Fiction Author by Cedar Fort, and Previously Engaged, which was a 2009 Whitney Award Finalist.

She can be found online at http://www.elodiastrain.com/.

Head on over to Goodreads between now and September 30th for your chance to win a copy of My Girlfriend’s Boyfriend from Cedar Fort publishing.

Book Review- The Icing On The Cake

28 Jul, 2010 by in The icing on the cake 5 comments

published January 1st 2007 by Cedar Fort
details Paperback, 301 pages
isbn 1599550113
5 stars

It started with a cake. A rather innocent-looking cake, too, but that cake would open the door to opportunity – and disaster – for sweet-toothed, bargain-savvy Annabelle Pleasanton. In fact, between a promotion at work, her best friend’s engagement, and her discovery of handsome photographer Isaac Matthews, that little cake has managed to turn Annabelle’s world upside down. Things go from complicated to downright crazy as Annabelle discovers that handling her new writing assignment and plotting her friend’s surprise bridal shower isn’t going as easy as she’d hoped. Okay, okay – and appearing as a graceful, charming woman in the presence of Isaac is turning out to be, well, more than just a bit of a catastrophe. Not that Rona, a gorgeous boyfriend-snatching flirt, is helping things in the slightest. And just when things couldn’t get any worse, smarmy womanizer Patrique worms his way into her life. Managing her life with the two of them in the picture may be more than she can handle. Then, when a misunderstanding threatens to destroy her job, her most cherished friendship, and her relationship with Isaac, Annabelle’s courage and integrity are put to the test. Will she give in to pressure and do what is easy or will she do what she knows is right? In this hilarious yet inspiring novel, The Icing on the Cake offers comical predicaments, surprising twists, and tender moments that will delight readers of all ages.

This is hands down THE funniest book I have ever read. I found my self laughing out lout so many times my husband finally asked me to go in the other room. I had tears in my eyes. This gem is full of humor and funny scenes that will brighten up your outlook on life. I picked it up at our local thrift store browsing titles and it will make it to the top ten ever read list. The first pages drew me in because they are set in the San Joaquin Valley where I graduated from High School. The rest takes place in Monterey/ Carmel area of California which I adore. The setting is beautiful in real life and in fiction. Elodia Strain pulls off a witty, funny tale of love and chaos. Just when you think things couldn’t get more interesting they always do! There were a few times when she gives the reader a few more hints than necessary… but really, I have not read something so hilarious in the LDS fiction genre. The main heroine Annabelle takes journal entries or “pink notes” through out the book which teach seeking the best in others and is reminiscent of The Cinderella Society by Kay Cassidy. Overall theme is to do the very best you can then leave things in the Lord’s hands. Things will work out for good. Never did I feel the book was preachy or strained. The characters are lovable, the story line fast moving and it’s a page flipper. The Icing on the Cake is good clean fun which I will gladly recommend to anyone and everyone! 5 stars to one of my favorite books read thus far. To learn more about the author and enter to win her books visit http://www.elodiastrain.com/ *I’m off to order her next title…