Last Mango in Texas

Texas Tech student Kyle Mango is attending a fraternity party when he meets Gretchen, an artsy animal lover whose independent spirit immediately sparks his attention. But after a month of bliss, they suddenly find themselves in rough waters. When Kyle inherits four oil wells from his uncle, he sees his affluence as an opportunity to impress Gretchen. But just before he makes his move, Gretchen hears news of an oil tanker spilling its load near the coast of Alaska. Leaving Kyle behind in Texas, she joins a group of campus activists in Alaska for the summer to clean oil from suffering birds.Kyle is torn between managing his business--and being left lonely in the Lone Star state--and risking everything to fly to Alaska to pursue Gretchen. The young oil man soon discovers that oil slicks are nothing compared to relational slicks. The early bird may get the worm, but the oily bird can ruin romance! Through it all, Kyle explores faith in God and His power to change lives.

Texas Tech student Kyle Mango is attending a fraternity party when he meets Gretchen, an artsy animal lover whose independent spirit immediately sparks his attention. But after a month of bliss, they suddenly find themselves in rough waters. When Kyle inherits four oil wells from his uncle, he sees his affluence as an opportunity to impress Gretchen. But just before he makes his move, Gretchen hears news of an oil tanker spilling its load near the coast of Alaska. Leaving Kyle behind in Texas, she joins a group of campus activists in Alaska for the summer to clean oil from suffering birds.
Kyle is torn between managing his business--and being left lonely in the Lone Star state--and risking everything to fly to Alaska to pursue Gretchen. The young oil man soon discovers that oil slicks are nothing compared to relational slicks. The early bird may get the worm, but the oily bird can ruin romance! Through it all, Kyle explores faith in God and His power to change lives.

Ray Blackston of Greenville, South Carolina, worked as a buyer and a broker for eleven years before cashing in his modest 401k and leaving his corporate cubicle to write full time. He serves on the missions committee of his church, has traveled to rural Ecuador on a summer missions program, and coaches his seven-year-old nephew, Action Jackson, in T-Ball. You can visit Ray on the Web at www.rayblackston.com.

The question for Kyle Mango in Ray Blackston’s Last Mango in Texas, is, does God have plans for our vocation and for our love life, and, if so, what happens when they seem to conflict? Kyle meets and falls for Gretchen Trammel when she helps him escape, in the middle of the night, from a fraternity party where he is a pledge. Kyle thinks they are destined to be together but it seems as though life conspires to keep them apart. Gretchen, a nature-loving activist, has just left to spend the summer cleaning seabirds after an Alaskan oil spill. What will she think when Kyle finally finds the nerve to tell her he recently inherited four oil wells from his uncle? Would God really call an oil man and a wildlife protester into a life together?

Blackston creates funny, quirky, heart-warming characters and puts them in interesting settings. The interplay between characters will have readers laughing all through the book. Family dynamics are true-to-life, respectful and healthy. The romantic relationship between Kyle and Gretchen is so sweet and chaste, it’s almost platonic. Self-sacrifice and generosity are major elements for most of the characters.

The first two-thirds of the book have very few references to God, prayer, Bible-reading or church attendance. When God is mentioned, it is evident that the characters don’t have a vibrant relationship with Him. However, God doesn’t leave anyone, even the characters in this book, stagnant in a relationship with Him. God can use many things to get people’s attention and often uses those very things to woo his children. As it says in Jeremiah 31:3: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have drawn you with loving-kindness.” A change in several characters in the last few chapters makes for a faith-filled ending.

This book had an entertaining, easy plot that leaves readers hopeful and thankful for the work God can do in a life open to His leading. This would be a good book for anyone looking for a light-hearted journey into the search for true love and purpose. – Nikki Studebaker Barcus, www.ChristianBookPreviews.com

Plenty of laugh-aloud moments. . . [Par for the Course] is an enjoyable read.

"Ray Blackston's A Pagan's Nightmare is a delightful tongue-in-cheek look at some of our sacred cows . . . and he's not afraid to tip them over! Ray does a great job of reminding us what's really important--not the trappings we've created for ourselves, but our relationships with a living, powerful God."

"As someone who doesn't care for golf and believes that the only good club is one of the sandwich persuasion, I was flabbergasted by how deliriously fun Par for the Course turned out to be. I still don't care fore golf, but delivered with a serving of humor, a stroke of romance, a range of political sparring, and an arsonist with a score to settle, Ray Blackston's tale is my cup of tee."

Average Rating:

4 of 4 Reviews Showing:

Reviewed by Christine L. Howard (Ridgecrest, CA 93555), March 19, 2009

The themes and style of this novel are very well executed. However, the role of faith in this Christian novel sadly wane. Ray's humor is quite refreshing and I enjoyed the book, but would have prefered it not marketed as a Christian work.

Reviewed by Sally (Pembroke Pines, FL), March 04, 2009

Written in first person narrative, this humorous Christian chick lit couples an oil man with an environmentalist. That's creativity! The Texas man, Kyle, and the tree-hugging Gretchen are strong characters who pull apart toward their own special interests while being drawn together romantically. Will they ever get together? If so, how? I looked forward to reading this novel. I've read two other books--Flabbergasted and A Delirious Summer by Ray Blackston, and he always has me chuckling as I read. This book is no different. Imagine an escape from a fraternity during a frat party. How could it happen with the brothers watching? What background music will be playing? Ah, you'll have to read the book to see the answers those questions. This is a fun read, with a serious theme: "What does God want from me?" Try it, you'll like it. Included is a Reading Group Guide.

Reviewed by Ginger Tate (Owasso, OK), March 04, 2009

The Last Mango in Texas, by Ray Blackston, is a refrshing novel. I enjoyed this novel from the first page until the last. The main character, Kyle Mango, is such a lively character that you are intrigued with him and his life instantly. Kyle is a student who meets the girl of his dreams. However, things soon become confusing. He faces the hardest decision of his life: Love or Money.

Reviewed by Stacey (Las Vegas, NV), February 28, 2009

“Last Mango in Texas” is signature Ray Blackston. His dialogue sparkles. His characters are bright and funny. His narrative is some of the wittiest writing in the business! Kyle Mango is a college student with an unthinkable decision to make! He must choose between Gretchen, the girl of his dreams, and being set for life financially as the owner of four oil wells that he inherited from his uncle. No brainer? NO WAY! Ray Blackston weaves a colorful tale of love and environmental responsibility that will make you laugh out loud and seriously question how you would handle yourself if faced with the same circumstances. This is a completely enjoyable, intelligent read with a thread of faith woven throughout.

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