A Splash of Substance (Taste of Romance)

I was looking forward to reading Elizabeth Maddrey's A Splash of Substance. Although this is a very sweet read and a good book for anyone wanting a simple romantic story, I found the storyline a bit slow not only in the beginning, but also throughout the plot. Some of the dialogue could have been shortened and not as repetitious. I did wish for more emotion in the characters and for a little more in depth plot in the political scenes. To me it needed to explain more on why Jackson resigned. The abrupt change in the Senator was a little odd to read. Even if it was a little more foreshadowing at the beginning of her true nature that would have been good.

And although I appreciate the stance of those who want to have sustainable living and apply it to their life, the thick layering of that viewpoint wore thin.

The faith element was sporadic at times and when it came about, seemed preachy.

Elizabeth Maddrey did a good job with this story and told it in a very contemporary and sweet way. The love between Jackson and Paige developed naturally and the ultimate reunion between the two at the end had a romantic twist.

**I received this book through bookfun.org in exchange of an honest and complete review.**

A Splash of Substance is an enjoyable book. It is the first in a series called Taste of Romance. This can be read as a standalone. Each book deals with one of the three roommates. This book deals with Jackson. The book deals with a catering company, politics, faith, family, life, relationships, trust, and love. It is a light ,easy to read book but it does have some major topics also contained in it. I look forward to reading about Ben and Zach in the other books.
I received the book from the Book Club Network in exchange for my honest opinion.

A great book. love people who stand up to their ideals. Whose integrity is without question. Whose actions show what they stand for. A neat story with lots of trials and people looking to God for answers. Read this book you will enjoy it.
God bless you

It certainly had some politics, religion and romance that takes the characters into areas that they didn't expect. I did enjoy the story and found it realistic with a sweet romantic ending. I was gifted a copy for review.

A Splash of Substance, book one of the Taste of Romance series, is written by Elizabeth Maddrey. This is the first novel that I have read by this author, although she has published several others. I thoroughly enjoyed A Splash of Substance—a light, upbeat romantic story. Yet, this novel also embraces more serious views such as a Christian’s civic responsibility. Main character, Jackson Trent, works on Capitol Hill for a prominent Senator, acting on his beliefs to help shape national policy. Paige Jackson, the female lead in the story, has firm convictions about sustainable living in the suburbs and using local produce and ingredients in the catering company that she owns.

Jackson and Paige are enlisted to work together, after the Senator’s staff member who usually oversees fundraisers leaves and Jackson inherits the position. Paige is not even a registered voter, and Jackson is hardly a fan of sustainable, gourmet dining which Paige caters. However, their attraction is mutual and gradually they start dating. When Senator Carson’s actions come under fire, she allows Paige to be drawn into the scandal. Jackson must convince Paige that he was not involved in any of it and has to work to win her back. The careers of each take a sudden turn, and their lives are disrupted. Are they too different really or has the political scene ruined their chance for love?

I recommend this fun, entertaining novel that also addresses ethics and values of a Christian. I received this book through TBCN in exchange for an honest review.

In A Splash of Substance, author Elizabeth Maddrey manages to blend topics of civic duties and sustainable living in a wonderful tale. Paige Jackson needs to find more clients, or she will have to shut the doors of her catering business. She submits a bid to cater a fundraiser for Senator Beatrice Carson, hoping to acquire new clients from among the attendees. Jackson Trent is the member of Senator Carson’s staff begrudgingly in charge of the fundraiser, his first effort at this particular task.

Paige wants to “live gently” using locally grown produce in her recipes. When planning her menus, she also plans to use the entire cow not just the steaks in order to reduce wasting the less desirable cuts of meat. Jackson hasn’t ever considered such ideas. Jackson believes Christians should be in politics to help keep legislation in line with Godly values and what the forefathers had in mind. Paige believes God can run things in the world without her input, and she isn’t even registered to vote. Jackson stays abreast of current events and how they could affect the Senator. Paige doesn’t even watch the news. Yet when Jackson and Paige begin dating, they honestly consider if these differences are “deal breakers” to the relationship. I thought that was fabulous! Instead of trying to make the relationship work without considering their differences, they evaluated their core beliefs to see when and if they could compromise. As Senator Carson becomes the target of scandalous reports, Jackson gets put in an extremely difficult position. I felt like neither option he had was good; he was between the proverbial rock and a hard place. I also liked the fact that Jackson and Paige didn’t kiss on their first date. She was even hesitant to let him into her apartment when it was the two of them alone. They were both conscious of their Christian witness.

POSSIBLE SPOILERS ** It seemed that Paige didn’t really listen to Jackson’s attempt to explain and reconcile, which was understandable. But I thought she should have reconsidered long before she did. I also liked that they weren’t engaged at the end of the book. They were still just dating, although they also realized they had survived their first major difficulty in the relationship. **

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it. The sustainable living concept and the political responsibility debate were not at all offensive, but they were thought provoking. The secondary characters were interesting, and I’m glad to see that Jackson’s friends Ben and Zach will be in future books in the series. I look forward to finishing the series.

I received a copy of this book through The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review.