Having read Ms. Senate’s previous novels, I was looking forward to reading Questions to Ask Before Marrying. I found it to be a quick, light read (finished it in one-sitting), however I didn’t enjoy it as much as I enjoyed the others.

Stella and Ruby are sisters and are complete opposites. From their outer appearances, their views on life, their personalities, to their relationship with men. Despite their differences, both sisters truly love each other. Both are adjusting to life several years after their mother’s death. As young girls, their father abandoned the family leaving the women to form a tight bond.

When Ruby announces her engagement to Tom, Stella begins to question Ruby’s true feelings towards him. She doubts there is any passion between Ruby and Tom and wonders what the real reason is behind Ruby agreeing to marry him. As a way to get Ruby to think more about her relationship, Stella concocts a road trip to Las Vegas to find a man she spent one night with to inform him she’s pregnant with his child. Ruby reluctantly agrees. It’s on this trip that Stella and Ruby begin to deal with unanswered questions from their past. ( )

Questions To Ask Before Marrying is a light, fun read that is easy to finish in one sitting. It's one of those books that will take your mind off of whatever is troubling you; its enthusiastic, quirky tone will leave you in a good mood.

I enjoyed reading about Ruby and the struggles she went through in order to determine who she wanted to be with: Tom or Nick. While I didn't agree with some of her choices, I thought the character was well-written and very easy to relate to.

I had a little more trouble with Stella. Her insistence that Ruby isn't in love with Tom was frustrating, especially since it didn't seem like Stella cared what Ruby had to say on the matter. Her personal journey was a little more difficult to relate to, though I had sympathy for her.

The novel is very short, but deals with a lot of different issues on opposite ends of the spectrum, so it gave me the sense I was being jostled around a bit. Time also does not pass evenly; sometimes days will go by from chapter to chapter. It takes a bit of adjusting and as a result, the book does not flow smoothly.

Questions To Ask Before Marrying is a fun and light read that most chick lit lovers will probably enjoy.

From S. Krishna's Books ( )

A surprisingly endearing and moving read, I loved 'Questions to Ask Before Marrying.' I expected a light story -- and I did get one -- but I actually stumbled across something with a lot of heart, too.

Ruby Miller is about to marry Tom Truby, a dependable and all-around good guy with whom she's living and planning a future. Her twin sister Stella is less than pleased with this match, believing that Ruby is simply settling for Tom because he's loyal -- and nothing like their father, who abandoned the family when the girls were young.

Add in the sudden confession of love by Ruby's good friend and fellow teacher Nick and you have a real quandry -- should Ruby move forward with Tom as planned, or is Nick -- dangerous, handsome, unpredictable -- really what she's been searching for? These are definitely questions to ask before marrying.

I loved the storyline between the sisters most -- though incredibly different, Stella and Ruby are unequivocally devoted to one another through everything. A separate storyline requiring the Miller twins, former child stars, to journey to Las Vegas is as hilarious as it is endearing. And the ending was perfect!

Definitely pick up this one if you're a "chick lit" fan! ( )