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Review: The Cul-de-Sac War

The Cul-de-Sac War book cover on blue background

For National Good Neighbour Day, I thought this fun title from Melissa Ferguson would fit the bill! The Cul-de-Sac War is just the guide to neighbourly relations, right? 😂

(Fine, it's an American holiday and I should spell it the American way, but I can't let go of the "u".)

Book Synopsis

In this charming rom-com, two enemies find something they never expected in one another—taking "all's fair in love and war" to a hilarious and heartwarming new level.

Actress Bree Leake doesn't want to be tied down, but just when it's time to move on again, Bree's parents make her an offer; hold steady in Abingdon for one full year, and they will give her the one thing she's always wanted—her grandmother's house. Her dreams are coming true... until life throws her some curve balls.

And then there's her new neighbor. Chip McBride.

For the first time in her life, she's met the person who could match her free-spirited air—and it's driving her to the ledge of sanity. She would move heaven and earth to have him out of her life, but according to the bargain she's struck, she cannot move out of her house and away from the man who's making her life miserable. So begins Bree's obsessive new mission: to drive Chip out of the neighborhood—and fast.

Bree isn't the only one who's a wee bit competitive, and as Chip registers what Bree's up to, he's more than willing to fight fire with fire. But as their pranks escalate, the line between love and hate starts to blur.

Good fences make good neighbors—and sometimes love and hate share a backyard.

Source: Amazon

Book Thoughts

The premise of this book is hilarious, with lots of hijinks ensuring from this all-out war between Bree and Chip. As always, Melissa Ferguson's comedic one-liners pair well against a story of growth in the midst of trials and challenges. Both of these characters' work struggles are relatable; the addition of trying relations with neighbours only makes their story more real. Thankfully, I would hope most relationships with neighbours don't extend to the level of pranks and outright war, but it definitely makes for a funny story (cue the animals!) 😄

If you're a fan of Lloyd Dobler holding up a sign, this book is filled with the ultimate in signs. The chemistry between Bree and Chip develops in an organic way, and the way they support one another through auditions and bids is charming. Beyond their relationship, profound family moments take place that are enveloped in deep spiritual insights. The Cul-de-Sac War is a lighthearted read that can pack a few punches.

Book Summary

  • Format of book: 📖
  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Recommendation: 👍

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