Split Ends
by Kristin Billerbeck
Thomas Nelson
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Reviewed by Lacy J. Williams
Billerbeck crafts an engaging and endearing read in Split Ends. You'll fall in love with Sarah Claire Winowski, who just wants a better life for herself and her mother.
Sarah Claire is looking to escape to a new future in Hollywood, California. Her past, growing up fatherless and poor in Sable, Wyoming, is just too painful. And her mother's alcohol problem doesn't help things either. When Sarah Claire's cousin, Scott, pulls some strings to get her a job at a famous salon in Los Angeles, she jumps at the chance for what she sees as a brighter future.
She wasn't expecting Dane Weston. Dane, one of Scott's friends who stays with him while having some repairs done in his own home, is handsome, interesting, and available. But would he still be interested in her if he knew about her background?
Sarah Claire's journey to success is definitely not going to be easy. From her demanding and eccentric new boss, to friends from Sable and her crazy mother, things seem to keep getting in the way of her hairdressing career. Doesn't God want her to have a better life than what she left behind? Could God's plan include a certain handsome roommate? What if Sarah Claire's carefully laid plans leave her alone and brokenhearted?
Real. That's the first word that comes to mind after reading this book. With catchy dialogue that will immediately draw the reader in, Split Ends explodes with real-life conflict from the very beginning.
Billerbeck has done an excellent job of dealing tactfully with difficult issues like alcoholism and extramarital affairs, jealousy and judgmental attitudes. The emotion in Split Ends is so real as to be palatable, from Sarah Claire's disappointment in her mother and her hurt at being judged by those that should have loved her the most, to her attraction and emotional attachment to Dane.
The inspirational theme of this book was present, but not enough to be preachy or beat the reader over the head with the author's views. Highly recommended.
Armchair Interviews says: An enjoyable read for people who enjoy the chick lit genre, whether inspirational or not.
Author's Web site: http://www.kristinbillerbeck.com