Around the World in 80 Dates: Confessions of a Christian Serial Dater (Sydney Alexander Series, Book 1) [Kindle Edition]

Christa A Banister (Author)

Book Description

Travel writer Sydney Alexander is ready for one particular journey to end: her frustrating search for a Mr. Right. But things are looking up: Just after landing her dream job, she meets an eligible round of bachelors.

Now Sydney will discover just how far she’s willing to compromise to land her dream guy.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Sydney Alexander is a travel writer. She’s a very well-dressed travel writer—hasn’t yet met a shoe or clearance sale she could pass up. She’s funny. She’s got a great relationship with her sis. She’s got a hilarious next-door neighbor, Rain, who happens to be a hippie. And she’s got a wonderful relationship with God. So what’s missing?

A decent date. A date where she doesn’t have to pay because he’s “between jobs.” A date where she’s not fabulously fashionably ready to go only to learn “the band just got a last-minute gig” and he has to cancel. A date she wants to kiss good night, not run screaming from. Is that really so much to ask?

About the Author

Christa Ann Banister lives in St. Paul, Minnesota with her husband, Will. They love to play Scrabble and throw darts on a map, dreaming about exotic travel locations. In addition to writing fiction, Christa is happily employed as a freelance writer for her many, many clients.

Product Details

• File Size: 1819 KB
• Print Length: 288 pages
• Publisher: NavPress Publishing Group (September 27, 2007)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B001BS46A0
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• X-Ray: Not Enabled
• Lending: Enabled
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #602,421 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Testimony to the Disappointed Christian Woman March 20, 2008

By C. Mitchell

Format:Paperback

I absolutely loved this book! What was so great about this book to me was that it was written from each of the viewpoints of the different characters which made the main character's story all the more interesting. I read this whole book in one day which I haven't done with a book in a while. This book was a refreshing testimony to my spirit which is at times cynical and disheartened by a lack of available suitors that meet even the most basic of a Christian woman's standards. From the first few pages I fell in love with Sydney Alexander and I can't wait for Christa Ann Banister's sequel to this story in the fall. After I finished the book I prayed and thanked God that I had purchased this book which has given me a tangible sense of hope although the story is fictional.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars More like 4.5 stars... December 24, 2007

By Michelle Sutton

Format:Paperback

Around the World in 80 Dates was a fun read. I loved the characterization and the quirky events like Rain and Stinky Nate's wedding. Truly original. I also enjoyed traveling with Sydney and eating at so many cool places. I liked not being sure of Sydney's future and who she would end up with. I felt her elation and relief when she seemed to meet the right guy (finally.) Nothing is better than the freedom you feel when you can enjoy someone's company and be yourself at the same time. Especially when you share the same faith. That's a clear message in this story and one that singles need to read.

Many of the scenarios are pretty typical of the dating scene. (I'm so glad those days are over.) For women not married yet this is sure to be a fun ride. In fact, I'd encourage everyone to read it, married or not. The only weaknesses I saw in this book was the many points of view--some of which didn't seem necessary--and the occasional head hop within a scene. Despite those issues it was still a very enjoyable story. I hope there is a future book in the works starring her sister Samantha or I'll be really bummed since I got to know her so well. I want to know what happened in her love life since there was no real resolution. Otherwise this chick lit novel was perfect! I truly enjoyed it and had a hard time putting it down. The fact that I finished it says a lot, since many of the books I begin I never complete, let alone post a review.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars New Chick-Lit Author to Keep an Eye On November 29, 2007

By Kelly Klepfer VINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback

Around the World in 80 Dates is adorable. The description of the book does not do the book justice. Christa Ann Banister has a perfect chick-lit voice and is not afraid to use it. Classic stuff...shopping, name brands, coffee shops, ice cream binges, girlfriends, guys and drama.

Chick-lit fans need to check it out. Those with a love of quirk need to check it out. Great descriptive writing through the eyes of sarcastic-witted Sydney as her life unfolds in the classic "what else can go wrong" format, with wacky inserted omniscient peeks into the lives of her inner circle.

A spiritual message that will encourage patient twenty-and-thirty- something ladies-in-waiting. I will caution the more sensitive readers...if you have any issues with alcohol, dating, or movie choices for Christians, consider yourself forewarned that you may disagree with some of Sydney and company entertainment choices.

This is one of the more fun reads I've invested time in this year. I will definitely look forward to more from Christa Ann Banister. I'd also love to have a cup of coffee with her the next time I visit Mall of America.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Funny moments but needs a bit of work October 29, 2012

By Sue Reviews

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

This author obviously has a talent for humor and many parts of this story really drew me in and made me laugh. In that, I am sure I will remember parts of this book for quite some time because they were quiry, interesting and fun. I would definitely give this author a second try for that reason alone.

However, I think that the inclusion of many other sub-plots with other characters was very choppy. I enjoyed these stories, but the transition back and forth between so many different people's points of view didn't seem smooth and at times it was a bit confusing. I think the author may want to re-work these parts. Sometimes the points of view didn't even seem consistent. Like when you were reading the parts from her sister's point of view I would have expected that if you pulled all of those parts out and read them together they should all flow, but they really don't. I think this detracted from the main plot, although it could have been interesting if it was more well done.

I also wanted to point out that I found this main character to be pretty realistic to how a young woman in her 20's might approach the dating scene and her faith. However, if you are the type of reader that really is looking for Christian fiction characters that do most things by the good book, you aren't going to find that in this main character Sydney. I do think it's realistic for her age and maturity level, but still think some of the things she does aren't wise. If you are a reader that this would bother, I would probably avoid this book.... For example, she goes on dates with men she's just met that same day without telling anyone where she's going or who she's with, she kisses men she barely knows (usually initiated by the other character), she dates someone although she knows right away he's not a Christian, etc... Just not wise, although I do want to point out that for the most part I think she is honestly try to live a good life and do the right thing. Thus, it's probalby realistic for her maturity level, but might be bothersome to some readers.

Overall, I somewhat enjoyed this book. Parts were highly entertaining and I loved the author's voice. I can't award a higher rating because I feel it overall needs a bit of work. Yet, I don't regret reading it. Enjoy! Read more ›

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