Customer Reviews

Off the Record

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Judge Laurel Kincaide is running for chief judge of Alabama. If elected she'll make history as the first woman to fill that role. To get there she has to survive the primary. Cole McGaughan is a religion reporter sent south to cover the campaign. The only problem, the secret in her past is tied directly to him. Their ambition is on a collision course with that secret.

In this book, author Elizabeth White paints a vibrant picture of the south and politics. Each time the book threatened to fall into a cliché, she managed to write beyond it. And each time I anticipated where the plot headed, she managed to keep me interested anyway.

Each thread of the book wove together beautifully. Even the spiritual thread never felt like an after thought shoved into the story to make it fit the Christian market. Instead, it was carefully written and enhanced the plot.

I read this book quickly because the pull of the characters and story was too strong to walk away from. I had to know how it ended. And that ending was very satisfying.

This was the first novel I've read by Christian fiction author Elizabeth White, and about the fourth inspirational romance novel I've read in a row! Even though I'm not a huge fan of this genre, this book made it more enjoyable. Laurel Kincade is running for Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court, and reporter Cole McGaughan knows a secret about her past that will make her conservative, family-focused supporters think twice about voting for her. I love to study how stories develop, and this one continues to gain momentum and build interest throughout, with a touching and surprising ending.

The "inspirational" aspect of this book was also a surprise. Too many times books are labeled "Christian fiction" because the author claims to be a Christian and the main character has some sort of shallow relationship with God. It's more like deism than anything else. But the spiritual development of the characters in this novel is excellent and not forced or cliche. It obviously comes from a deep place in the author's own life.

Again, a few discernment issues on this one. I know it's a love story, but lately I've noticed a trend in Christian romance to allow more and more non-discreet details to slip into the pages. I don't know that it's always necessary. It depends on the context. And I noticed a few instances of that in this book. So be aware of that before you read.

All in all, though, a well-written and absorbing read.

Will Judge Laurel Kincade win her bid to become the first female Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court? Or will journalist and former love interest Cole McGaughan drop a gavel on her plans?

Off the Record is a feel-good read which will have you smiling all the way through. Author Elizabeth White does a wonderful job of including humorous observations and clever one-liners which reveal more about her characters and their perspectives than a paragraph full of description. One of my favorites: " "Catfish, please," she told the server. Most of the world's ills would be cured if all its bottom-feeding scavengers were fried to a crisp and served with hushpuppies."

Isn't that the truth!

Off the Record by Elizabeth White is the story of Laurel Kincaide, a young Southern lawyer who has decided to run for Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice. Just as she announces her candidacy, she sees journalist Cole McGaughan, the one man who could bring her campaign to a quick end with secrets about their shared past he holds in his hand. Laurel's best friend and campaign manager, who is unaware of their past, asks Cole to follow Laurel through election day for a story that could help them both: his with his newspaper career and Laurel to win a seat on the court. Things are complicated by Cole's friendship with private detective Hogan who has been hired by Laurel's opponent Field. White does a wonderful job of creating the Kincaide family with its delightfully twisted history and members. Laurel is trying to live out her faith during her candidacy, and she struggles to believe that Cole has had a change of heart and faith since they last met. I really enjoyed reading about Cole's faith. White portrayed it in an intimate way that struck home with me. Cole spoke to his Lord often as a good friend and loved son. At one point he runs through his options to calm down: cold shower, shot of alcohol, etc before realizing that what he needed was to talk to God, and it brought peace to his soul. Cole's relationship with God has helped my own grow in the same way. The book ends the way you would expect, but the twists and bumps on the way are worth the ride.

I didn't start reading this book with high expectations and so I was pleasantly surprised. The storyline was interesting and the characters were intriguing. The author was very skillful at keeping the reader guessing without aggravating the reader too much. This book was not profound or soul-searching but it was a nice easy read. It's a good rainy day book.

My first complaint about the book is that the male characters would sometimes cry/get tears in their eyes at very unlikely times. It made me chuckle at times. Most men don't get emotional for the reasons that the author was making them get emotional over. I also thought that Matt's character change was very unbelievable and happened too way too fast. My main complaint is that the second half of the book dragged on. I felt like the author could have shaved off a lot pages. It was pretty obvious what was going to happen and so the waiting was just annoying and boring.

Even with the above complaints, the book was a surprisingly enjoyable read.

I liked the story for the most part, but it contained alot of Christian innuendo. I wish it had been labeled as such in the Kindle Store. Still was a sweet little love story.

A sweet story, but too much Christian innuendo for me, as I am not one. I wish it had been labeled as such in the Kindle Store.

Story holds your interest a little drawn out with the judge coming to the conclusion how she felt

I got this book as a free download to my kindle, wasn't sure what to expect. I must admit I was pleasantly surprised. Well written, easy to follow and entertaining. good story line. I enjoyed it, and can't beat price.

White's book, Off the Record, manages to combine a Christian journey, romance as well as political intrigue. Laurel Kincade is a candidate for the Alabama Supreme Court and a figure from her past, Cole McGaughton, appears. Laurel has led an exemplary Christian life, but she has one secret from her youth: a three day marriage and annulment to Cole while in law school. Cole then had been nothing but a bad influence, but has since changed his life, focusing now on God, his family and his career. But Cole's appearance is a shock for Laurel as he is a reporter and she's afraid that he might be able to blow her campaign. The book also adds campaign intrigue. After this book, I'm very much looking forward to reading other books by White.