Theodora's Diary

Rating:
Summary: Witty, but not hilarious
Review: I'm amazed people think this is laugh-out-loud funny. The writing is clever, even witty, but many of the jokes fall flat. I think this book would be funnier if it weren't being marketed as a "Christian" novel, which it barely classifies as such. The characters are quirky, the language and story-line are clean and unoffensive, but the whole book is just so-so. Read "Flabbergasted" by Ray Blackston instead.

Rating:
Summary: Great New Author - Great New Characters
Review: I've read both of Penny Culliford's books, and I hope this will be a continuing series. The characters are fun, quirky and EXTREMELY well developed. There is a bit of Theodora in all of us and I want to know what happens after the wedding! This is a LOL, can't-put-it-down read. (I read "Theodora's Wedding" in one sitting.)
TO Penny: PLEASE KEEP WRITING! We need more writers who can capture a woman's heart and soul without compromising her virtue.

Rating:
Summary: Laughter Is The Best Medicine
Review: Laughter is the best medicine and "Theodora's Diary" proves to be the tonic for whatever ails you. I came across this gem of a book two weeks ago after having a frustrating day in "stay at home wife/mommyland". It saved my sanity! The book is written in the style of "Bridget Jones Diary" with a Christian theme. You will laugh till your sides hurt or until your neighbors will think you have "gone 'round the bend" as you read about Theodora's life. The characters are memorable, the comic timing is perfect and the message is relevant for today's women. Grab a chocolate bar, curl up in your armchair and enjoy the laughter!

Rating:
Summary: Laughter Is The Best Medicine
Review: Laughter is the best medicine and "Theodora's Diary" proves to be the tonic for whatever ails you. I came across this gem of a book two weeks ago after having a frustrating day in "stay at home wife/mommyland". It saved my sanity! The book is written in the style of "Bridget Jones Diary" with a Christian theme. You will laugh till your sides hurt or until your neighbors will think you have "gone 'round the bend" as you read about Theodora's life. The characters are memorable, the comic timing is perfect and the message is relevant for today's women. Grab a chocolate bar, curl up in your armchair and enjoy the laughter!

Rating:
Summary: Witty, but not hilarious
Review: Oh, man. I loved this book. It is laugh out loud funny from start to finish. I can't believe I'm the first to review it. This is one chick lit author to watch. I have got to get my hands on the next book now (Theodora's Wedding). I want to know more about this quirky character and her friends and neighbors.

Rating:
Summary: Terrible
Review: This is not a good book at all. Her life is eventless all she does is go on vaction, eat chocolate,complian about her boyfriend and pray. Those are all good things to do but they are boring. She takes things to far all the time. I would not ever read this book again.

Rating:
Summary: Very British humor
Review: This is truly a five-star winner. Witty writing without being overly sarcastic, clever characterization that keeps each person rich and intriguing in the reader's mind.

Theodora is refreshingly realistic. She is not smart, beautiful or even particularly spiritual at the start of the book, but she is likable and her adventures are fun to follow. She is a colorful personality, and the people surrounding her are equally interesting--her Greek-obsessed mother, football-crazed plumber boyfriend, the Aussie Reverend "Digger" Graves, and maternal Pollyanna Mrs. Hubble. Each of them makes the plot vibrant and fast-paced. They are all consistent, and any emotional and spiritual changes are both believable and satisfying.

The faith element is handled with tongue-in-cheek, but also with a skilled painter's brush. The Christian stereotypes are all present, and somehow they are both endearing and laughable. This comical backdrop, however, only enhances the brilliance of characters like Miss Chamberlain, who radiate Christ.

The pun-ny writing is laugh-out-loud (or groan-out-loud) funny, reflecting dry British humor. I loved the way the prose rambled along, interspersed with moments of cheekiness that almost took me by surprise. I loved the lack of jaded sophistication, the absence of the kind of biting sarcasm that seems to always be putting someone down.

I can't recommend this book enough. I have to mention, however, that there are several references that are purely British in nature, and may not seem that funny to an American reader. My husband had no idea what a "bloke" was, while I found reference to a "Bible for Blokes" uproarious.

Fun reading. I can't help thinking that fans of Betty Neels would enjoy this book. I can't wait to read the sequel, "Theodora's Wedding."

Rating:
Summary: I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU PEOPLE!!!!
Review: This story is totally awesome(sorry for the beach lingo!)! You could e-mail Penny if you have zondervans e-mail(back of the book), and she replies personally. Flabbergasted is also a good book though(0800718372=ISBN)! Also try "Dear Bob".