I discovered this ChristFic author and first read four of her romance novels about twenty years ago. I recently reread 'em, and now I've finally gotten to what I think is the only other solo novel of hers, written around that early 2000s time.

I thought it'd be another contemporary romance, but I'd say this book is romantic contemporary fiction. It includes the perspectives of multiple characters and the different issues they're dealing with, rather than just being a story about Sabrina and her love interest.

Now, some aspects of the plot I didn't find the most convincing, including the fact that someone like Sabrina would agree to a workplace deal with unethical strings attached. I also didn't find it believable that entertainment outlets and numerous fans across the country would have such major interest in Sabrina's New Year's goals and the details of her love life when she wasn't already a celebrity—a music artist or movie star or someone whom wide audiences would already be primed for gossip about.

Yet, I still found the unfolding of it all quite entertaining and not too high on pettiness and "drama," even considering the villain of the story. I grew to like Sabrina and her love interest more as I got deeper into the read, despite my frustration with some naïveté on his part and my wishing they'd both just say what's on their minds at some key times. I'll admit that in the end, I felt just a little shortchanged in the romance department, as the resolution isn't a swoon-worthy one. But again, this isn't exactly a romance novel.

I'm not sure how much the book's salvation subplot was needed, but the whole aspect of it didn't merely feel pasted in. And a part of it gave me a good and genuine laugh-out-loud moment.

In all, I found this read satisfying, and it seems to have turned out that I saved my favorite novel by this author for last. ( )

Sabrina Bradley is the Assistant to the Assistant Producer of The Daily Dose, a Midwest daytime talk show. The show host, Darci Oliver, has a knack for interrupting Sabrina’s schedule with personal errands requiring her to deal with various housekeeping, dry-cleaning, and catering services. Sabrina is repeatedly faced with conflict and adversity as she manages to still handle her daily responsibilities. She is thorough and innovative. In one scene, she attaches paper plates, with faces drawn on them, to pillows and props them up in chairs to prepare for an upcoming television interview!

Avery Benjamin is Darci’s boss, unofficial ex-fiance, and the show’s producer. He and Sabrina are members of the same church. Avery is impressed with Sabrina’s work ethic and the clear thought process with which she carries out her responsibilities. Himself a man of faith, he becomes captivated, taking into account her unshakable faith and dedication to the LORD. He begins to watch out for her at the office and to also include her in previously-closed production meetings. He pursues Sabrina with reckless abandon trying to become involved in every aspect of her life.

Darci takes note, disapproves, and sets out to undermine and discredit Sabrina at any cost. When Sabrina’s private list of New Year’s resolutions literally falls into Darci’s lap, it’s showtime. For those who have watched even one episode of “Ugly Betty,” I have two words to describe Darci: Wilhelmina Slater. She pulls out all the stops, considering nothing sacred, to achieve her goals.

Will Sabrina’s faith prevail? Is Avery her Boaz? Are Darci’s schemes a match for Avery’s favor toward Sabrina?

If you’ve ever worked for a television production company, been a witness to or victim of office politics, had an office romance or known someone who did, watched a daytime talk show, written New Year’s resolutions, or even snuck a peek at a tabloid, you will enjoy reading this novel. I intend to read other works by this author. (2004, 324 pages, $23.95) ( )