Nicole is the third book in the Sewing in SoCal series by Sarah Monzon and follows the story of Nicole and Drew.
When I first met the character Nicole (way back when I was reading Molly) she struck me as a crusader. She was always on some cause lambasting those who did not feel, or react, as passionately as she did. But then I read this book…
My Review of Nicole
What started as a clash of wills between Nicole and Drew, mellowed into something sweet and true and you couldn’t help smiling as you watched their relationship turn into something that looks as though it could stand the test of time.
The Characters in Nicole
Sarah Monzon did a great job fleshing out Nicole’s character. She was more than a woman passionate about many causes. She had hurts, fears, and insecurities like every woman. She second-guessed some of the choices she made and had wrong views about people.
Drew was the man who irritated her and she couldn’t see beyond the nonchalant facade he showed to the world. But just as Nicole was more than a crusader, Drew was more than a wannabe surfer boy. He had hidden depths that Nicole hadn’t counted on and had a way of balancing her too-serious self.
We knew from previous books (and from the opening chapters) that Nicole could be serious but it was great to see her loosen up and have some fun.
As with earlier books in the Sewing in SoCal series, we interacted with their circle of friends and had the bonus of catching up on threads from the two previous books.
In Nicole, we got a closer look at Sierra’s life and the positive influence Drew also had on her in allowing her mother to give her more freedom to explore and have fun.
The Themes in Nicole
One of the themes explored in Nicole is our social responsibility. As stewards of God’s creation, what have we done to protect–or destroy–this earth? How have we made life better for someone else? Because we are Christians, we have a responsibility to take care of the planet that God has entrusted to us.
Another theme was at what point do we allow ourselves to have joy in this life even as we strive towards heaven. It’s easy to get so caught up in doing good work that it becomes all we do which isn’t what God wants for us. He wants us to live a rich and abundant life–on earth, as well as, in heaven.
There was also a theme of judging by appearances. We tend to judge people based on what we see without acknowledging that they may choose to present a certain impression that is not reflective of their whole person.
Interestingly, we become defensive when we are judged wrongly but don’t always give others the courtesy of reserving judgment.
Final Thoughts on Nicole
Nicole is book 3 in the Sewing in SoCal series. It may be read as a standalone but is better in sequence as each book builds on the ones before. I look forward to reading the rest of the series (please let there be other books in the series) as I thoroughly enjoy the characters and their stories.
I received an advanced reader’s copy from the publishers through NetGalley; a positive review was not required. Get your copy of Nicole.
Nicole: A Sweet Romantic Comedy (Sewing in SoCal book 3)
Who has time to date when she’s trying to raise a miniature human by herself AND save the planet from its irresponsible inhabitants? Not to mention my winning personality (snort) and my curves-have-curves figure (eyeroll) don’t exactly attract the opposite sex.
Unfortunately, none of these reasons have stopped my best friends and SoCal sewing sisters from taking on the archaic role of matchmakers, and they’re not beneath a little bribery if that’s what it takes to get my cooperation. Let’s just say everyone has their weak spot, and donations to my favourite charities is mine.
If I were to consider a romantic relationship, my dream guy certainly wouldn’t be immature, everything-is-a-game Dr. Drew Bauer. The man raises my body temperature faster than global warming does the Earth’s!
But life seems determined to keep throwing us together, especially now that one of my SoCal sewing sisters is engaged to his best friend, in which case there can only be one of two outcomes:
1. I kill him in a fit of annoyance.
2. My common sense escapes me, and I fall in love with him.
Honestly, I’m not sure which would be worse.
About Sarah Monzon
A Carol award finalist and Selah award winner, Sarah Monzon is a stay-at-home mom who makes up imaginary friends to have adult conversations with (otherwise known as writing novels). As a navy chaplain’s wife, she resides wherever the military happens to station her family and enjoys exploring the beauty of the world around her.
You may also like:
- Molly Review
- Jocelyn Review