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: 👍

Comments

Review: Shadow Light - Light Rising #1

This is the book that I was eager to reread as soon as I received the ARC. Shadow Light by Ivy Emerson is worth dropping everything for in order to meet Declan Cole and Tessa Lockwood in London, England. Honestly, this is Christian fiction that you'll want to have waiting for you as I cannot say enough good things about it (I mean, look at that cover!). Make sure you catch it as it releases on February 1, 2026! Many thanks to the author for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis I only ever wanted to stay in control. Run my security firm. Find the truth about the past I can’t forget. I told myself feelings don’t belong in this job— until she hired me. I only ever wanted to help people. Start over. Prove I could stand on my own again. I was in my brave-face, teach-myself-to-knit, can-do-anything season— until he walked back into my life. The shadows are closing in, dragging the past with them. But the truth we u...

Review: Christmas in the Castle Library - In the Castle Library #1

I am so grateful to have been gifted the In the Castle series based on a dear friend knowing my exact reading tastes. As a result, I'm not surprised that I absolutely fall in love with Christmas in the Castle Library by Ann Swindell . Christian fiction that has eternal meaning and clearly points to the Gospel through an immersive story centred on following Jesus Christ—what more could I ask for? 😊 Book Synopsis Ellie Sawyer has always felt more comfortable with books than people, which explains why she’s a PhD history student neck deep in research and trying to complete her doctoral dissertation in time to graduate. But the final books she needs are half a world away in the tiny European kingdom of Lethersby, and the only time she can access the secretive Royal Castle Library is during the Christmas holiday. Ellie is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery that has eluded Lethersby scholars for more than 100 hundred years by figuring out what happened to their long-lost ...

Review: Slow Theology

It's not often that I'll reread a book within the same week, making Slow Theology by A.J. Swoboda & Nijay K. Gupta a new favourite for me. It's the exact pace I needed this season, where there's enough thoughtful content to chew on while providing broad encouragement to seek God more closely. Many thanks to Baker Publishing Group for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis Why slowing down is the secret to spiritual strength In our fast-paced world of outrageous headlines and knee-jerk reactions, we struggle to hear God's voice amid the noise. Despite constant connectivity, our lives lack true spiritual connection and depth. A. J. Swoboda and Nijay Gupta offer a practical theology guide for building resilient faith through Christian discipleship. Addressing spiritual deconstruction and doubt with honesty, they show how to fortify your faith against cultural challenges through eight transforma...