Review: Mind Over Madi by Lynda Lee Schab

Madi McCall has been married to Richard for 18 years, during which time her mother has been waiting for this marriage to fall apart. All men cheat, her mother says. It’s only a matter of time.

Seems like the time has come when Madi sees Fawn Witchburn come on to Richard in the lobby after church. And then there’s the fact that after parent-teacher meetings, Richard, a 4th grade teacher, has brown lipstick on his shirt. The color Fawn wears. Fawn, whose daughter is in Richard’s classroom.

Madi kicks Richard out to the dismay of their three kids and the delight of her mother. But…what if she’s wrong? What if Richard isn’t lying when he defends himself?

This women’s fiction tale takes a humorous serious (not a typo!) look at one woman’s insecurities. Madi’s story is told in a quirky first person present tense voice while she grapples with her issues and those of her mother. Not all families are hunky-dory happy (you knew that, right?). This novel holds out a beacon of hope for women in dysfunctional situations–hope that God can and will give them the strength to break those chains. Hope for God’s wisdom and healing.

Lynda and I were in a critique group together a couple of years ago, and I remember working through the first third or so of this novel then. It’s great fun to see how Lynda has pulled the story tightly together–also great fun to finally get to read the rest of it! Congrats, Lynda! It’s a super novel.

LYNDA LEE SCHAB got her writing start in greeting cards (Blue Mountain Arts, Dayspring) and from there went on to write articles and short stories (Mature Living, Christian Home & School) and in many places online (including www.Examiner.com and www.wow-womenonwriting.com), but her passion has always been fiction.

Mind Over Madi, her debut novel, is near and dear to her heart. Lynda admits she has a lot in common with the character of Madi. Not only are they both addicted to ice cream, chocolate, and computer games, they struggle with the same types of insecurities and continually require a hefty dose of God’s grace.

Lynda works behind the scenes at FaithWriters.com and is a member of ACFW. She is a regular book reviewer for FaithfulReader.com and is the Grand Rapids Christian Fiction Examiner and the National Writing Examiner for Examiner.com. Mind Over Madi received Runner-up in the 2007 FaithWriters Page Turner contest, was a finalist in the 2007 RWA Get your Stiletto in the Door contest, and won second place in the 2008 ACFW Genesis contest, Chick Lit category. Lynda lives with her husband, Rob, and two teenagers in Michigan.

I received a digital copy of this novel for the purpose of review. As always, the opinions expressed are mine alone and freely given.