Searching for Spice - DiMaria, Megan. Tyndale House, 2008. 363p. $12.99, paperback. ISBN: 978-1-4143-1887-5. tyndale.com Fiction Marriage-Fiction. Spouses-Fiction.

Linda Revere is a busy forty-something mother of two who longs to put some sizzle into her marriage. She and Jerry, her practical-minded husband who teaches science at the local community college, are approaching their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary, and Linda determines to make married romance her project. But between her hectic workdays at an upscale photographic portrait studio with its high-maintenance clients and a difficult boss, the rigors of parenting two teenagers, nurturing friendships, and keeping up with the minutiae of modern suburban life, Linda's project doesn't get far.

Colorado writer DiMaria renders her first novel as Linda's first-person narration, weaving cheerful humor as she goes. When juvenile misbehavior by one of her children and a health scare for Linda threaten the family's happiness, Linda questions her husband's judgment and the soundness of their marriage. Through prayer and God's grace, they endure together, difficulties are resolved, and the Reveres realize anew how blessed they are.

Readers who enjoy undemanding stories of modern domesticity and romance, with characters who look to scripture and their faith for guidance, will appreciate finding Searching for Spice on church library shelves.

Monica Tenney, Media Review Editor
Maple Grove United Methodist Church
Columbus, Ohio