Review of Afternoon Rebecca

[Kaylee Jo]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Afternoon Rebecca" by Mike J. Kizman.]

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3 out of 5 stars

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The book Afternoon Rebecca is written in the present tense, so if you’re not used to that, it can be a bit jarring. It was for me at first, but I quickly adjusted as it does work for the storytelling in this case. There are some particularly long paragraphs as well. I found that to be a bit distracting at times, as it didn’t do any good for smoothly progressing the story.

I initially selected this book because the blurb mentions meeting on a dating app, and I thought the modern take on romance would be interesting. The story is mostly about Jeff and Afternoon Rebecca’s date, but you’ll get to see a few more perspectives (and interesting and in-depth backstories) from Hannah the waitress, Fred the restaurant owner, Irving the co-owner and head baker, 19-year-old Jerry, 18-year-old Aliki, and finally, an older woman named Elise.

I enjoyed the dating app, the texting throughout the novel, and the concept of a book being about a first date. I also enjoy the idea of adding multiple perspectives from people around them at the restaurant. That reminded me of one of those cute holiday-themed movies where it shows multiple couples/people all going through similar things or at least in the same area. Finally, I enjoyed the relatability it holds for me as I met my husband on a dating app.

However, the conversations in the book were so... unbelievable or unnatural at first. I’ve never heard people talk like that, especially people my age! For the first half of the book, it sounded so forced and made me feel a bit uncomfortable anytime Jeff or Rebecca interacted. Some people may find it cute or endearing, but it just wasn’t for me. The most redeeming character, in my opinion, was Hannah.

The ending was cute and exactly what you would expect with such a wholesome book.

Overall, the author did a phenomenal job at creating characters with real-feeling backstories and building a cute, in-depth, and all-around pleasant little town. If you are a fan of Christian love stories or romances with a modern-day take, you’ll really enjoy this book.

I found only one error in the edition I read, so I believe it was professionally edited. With all that being said, I give this book a 3 out of 5 stars. It’s a pleasant and quick read for avid readers.

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Afternoon Rebecca
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Saad Ibrar]

Mike J. Kizman's *Afternoon Rebecca* is a charming contemporary Christian romance novel. It follows the intertwined journeys of Jeff Linn, a bit of a dating disaster, and Rebecca Firkins, still mending her heart after a long-term relationship went south. Their paths collide, quite literally, through Church Chat – a Christian dating app, no less – where their compatibility score clocked in at a somewhat underwhelming 67%. Think of it as a "we'll see" kind of percentage.

Their first date? A swanky restaurant perfectly situated midway between their respective homes. The setting is almost as important as the characters themselves; it's the perfect backdrop for their blossoming connection and individual journeys of self-discovery. It's not just a meet-cute; it's a catalyst for significant personal growth.

The novel delves into themes that resonate deeply: faith, the healing power of connection, and finding solace in unexpected places. Kizman crafts a wholesome narrative, a refreshing change of pace in a genre sometimes known for its racier elements. It's the kind of story that leaves you feeling all warm and fuzzy inside, like a perfectly brewed cup of chamomile tea on a rainy afternoon.

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, *Afternoon Rebecca* clocks in at a manageable 132 pages, making it a perfect weekend read. Mark your calendars: it's slated for release on September 10th, 2024. If you're a fan of clean romance novels that explore the complexities of faith and relationships with a gentle touch, this one might just become your new favorite. It's a low-stakes, high-reward kind of read, if you ask me.

[Kristin Paolantonio]

I clicked on the review since the book cover intrigued me. What a surprise that it is a Christian romance! Thank you for a great review. I will add this book to my "want to read" bookshelf. It looks like a fun, cozy read!

[Naimah Agboluaje]

Well, darlin', it seems like Afternoon Rebecca might not be everyone's cup of sweet tea. This review gives us a clear picture of what to expect - a modern take on romance with multiple perspectives, but the conversations may be a bit forced. The ending, though, is downright cute and wholesome. Overall, this book seems like a pleasant and quick read for those who enjoy Christian love stories with a contemporary twist. With all this in mind, I reckon I'd give it a solid 3 out of 5 stars. Evocative descriptions, brought scenes to life.

[Joe Alex 2]

The book seems to offer a heartfelt exploration of grief, faith, and personal resilience through the eyes of a father navigating life after loss. The realistic dialogues and emotional depth of the story are intriguing, making it a possible read for those interested in character-driven narratives. While I haven’t read it, the themes of growth and human connection make me consider giving it a try.