Book Review: Mennonite Meets Mr. Right by Rhoda Janzen

After going home and rediscovering herself in Mennonite in a Little Black Dress, Rhoda Janzen gets a second chance at love in Mennonite Meets Mr. Right. Her original memoir is one of my favourite books in terms of writing. So does the sequel do it justice?

BOOK SPECS:

Number of pages: 257

Format: eBook

Genre: Memoir, Religion, Contemporary Romance

Trope: Self-discovery

Original title: Does This Church Make Me Look Fat?

SHORT REVIEW:

While this is a romance and puts into perspective just how much the right person can be a positive influence in your life; it's also a book about faith - finding and growing in it - told from the point of view of a cynic forced to confront her own mortality due to cancer. So if what you're looking for is a light romcom or steamy smut, this is not the book for you. But if you want something that will challenge and inspire you while deploying humour, then please take a seat. I personally thought it was quite moving. Detailed review below.

HEART RATE:

SMUT SCORE:

Buy it on Bookshop.org

Buy it on Amazon

---

FULL REVIEW:

Plot

In her first book, Rhoda meets Mitch at a supermarket - of all places! She literally does that thing when you exchange looks with a stranger you find attractive in the middle of the aisle. They go for coffee, but he's no academic or culture vulture, and he's a devout Christian to boot - all the things Janzen considers a deal-breaker. You never read about him again after that.

When I heard she had written a second memoir, I actually thought she had gone for the younger Mennonite she met via a mutual connection, or that maybe she met someone completely new. But as it turns out, despite originally thinking Mitch wasn't a match for her, Rhoda couldn't quite resist his southern charm.

Then disaster strikes and, shortly after they start dating, she finds out she has cancer and her chances are not looking good. But when she tries to break up with him, he declares there and then that "he's the man for the job." And through a surprising turn of events, Janzen not only finds Mitch is the one for her, but he also triggers a whole chain reaction that sees her finding faith and hope in the most unlikely of times - when cancer has short of given her a death sentence.

Characters

All the characters from the first book are back, namely Janzen's friends and family. But with the introduction of Mitch, you also gain access to a new cast of characters - his family.

I have to say, out of the whole set, Mitch is my favourite. He brings a steady calm to the whole thing that is undeniable. And despite being the complete opposite to Rhoda, he seems to bring her down to earth and connect her to the divine. Ok, that sounds incredibly cheesy, but hear me out... Because he's a man of faith, his presence ends up awakening Rhoda's faith. Something she actually needs, as she faces her own mortality.

Smut & Romance Score

Yes, I have just jumped from religion to sex. I'm Brazilian. Sex features in all our conversations. But it doesn't really feature in this book, though. Although Janzen discloses that sex with Mitch is great, you won't find any smut in this memoir just like you didn't find any on her first book. I don't blame her. I wouldn't advertise something I don't want to sell either.

Writing

I have read a lot of reviews of people saying that this book is not as funny as her first one. And I agree, it's not. But then again, when you're talking about dying of cancer, it might be a little difficult to be funny.

Having said that, I still felt that she approached the subject (and religion, let's not forget that plays a big part in this book) with quite a lot of flair and humour. So for a book that deals with such heavy subjects, I still think it's beautifully written and entertaining.

OUT OF CURIOSITY:

This book was originally printed under the title Does This Church Make Me Look Fat?, later changing to Mennonite Meets Mr. Right. You will find it for sale under both names.

SPOILER - Yes, Rhoda Janzen does beat cancer and marries Mitch. You are not reading someone's last words.😊

Buy it on Bookshop.org

Buy it on Amazon