Review: If We Were a Movie by Kelly Oram

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Music meets Movies in this sweet college romance from the bestselling author of Cinder & Ella. NYU freshman Nate Anderson is a triplet who is desperate to escape his wild and crazy brothers. After they screw things up for him one too many times, Nate flees his housing situation and takes the first available room for rent as far from his brothers as he can get. Enter his new roommate Jordan--a quirky LA girl who believes that everything in life has already been done in the movies. In this heartfelt tale of love, friendship and family, Nate learns how to deal with his new adult life using Hollywood films as a guide.

My Review

I didn't realize for the first couple pages the first person POV was a male... which made me laugh when I got confused enough to figure it out. Nate has plenty of the typical guy in him- he appreciates good-looking girls and likes goofing off with his brothers- but he stands out with his compassion for the feelings of others and his passion for music. His girlfriend Sophie is cast as the villain of the story, but I thought she came off pretty obvious and two-dimensional. It didn't reflect well on Nate that he was still with her, but as he encounters Jordan with the help of the matchmaker Pearl, he redeems himself by recognizing and treasuring her individuality and kindness. I loved their friendship with the banter, film references, and unconditional support. The gay sidekick was a character I could have done without- I found him annoyingly stereotypical of a tired trend. Nate's shifting relationship with his brothers on the other hand had depth and really showed some of the difficulties of growing up and choosing something different than what your loved ones preferred; trying to balance being true to yourself with family love and loyalty. While reading, the story played in my head just like a movie, and I thinks it's fitting of the title and theme that it would easily translate to the big screen.

(Thank you to the author for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

 

What readers just like you are saying about If We Were a Movie...

"WOW! This book is great! The concept is so inventive, and the writing is brilliant."

"I thought Cinder & Ella jerked with my emotions too much but this one might have it beat."

"I finished reading If We Were a Movie yesterday. I loved it! I fell hard for Nate. Jordan was amazing! And Pearl's timing was perfect! "

"Amazing concept with movies as chapters, and fantastic storyline."

 "I loved this story and was humming along to the songs from the book whilst reading. I can see this book becoming the movie it was written to be."

"If We Were a Movie made me want to binge watch movies, listen to old playlists and re-read it all at once."

 

Excerpts

“So this is what a Pearl-approved guy looks like.” She shook her head once and cracked a smile. “She’s got good taste, I’ll give her that. You’re an odd mix of sexy and adorable. Don’t see that often.”

I was a little taken aback by the compliment, if that’s even what it was. She may have just been stating what she considered to be fact. She laughed at my surprise and held out her hand to me. “Nice to meet you. I’m Jordan Kramer.”

I’d been afraid of that. “You’re a girl.”

Jordan laughed. “That’s what it says on my birth certificate, but I’m really glad you were able to figure it out without needing to read it.”

Nope. I definitely didn’t need that.

  


I handed Jordan the electric guitar that I’ve had since I was twelve, and laughed when her eyes got really big. “You play the electric guitar, too?” “Music major,” I teased, picking up my keyboard. “I play this, too. A little. And the bass guitar.” “Awesome.” She examined the electric guitar with awe. “Why do you seem so surprised?” She looked at me as if the answer to that question should be obvious. “Hello. Have you met yourself? You with an acoustic guitar singing soft songs around a campfire or in a coffee house makes perfect sense. But I can’t picture you up on a stage, jamming on your electric guitar like a rock star.” She studied me a moment, then shook her head. “You’ll have to play for me, or I’m not going to believe it.”

 

About the Author

Kelly Oram wrote her first novel at age fifteen--a fan fiction about her favorite music group, The Backstreet Boys, for which her family and friends still tease her. She's obsessed with reading, talks way too much, and likes to eat frosting by the spoonful. She lives outside of Phoenix, Arizona with her husband, four children, and her cat, Mr. Darcy.

 

   

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Review: Change of Heart by Courtney Walsh

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

A Colorado senator’s wife, Evelyn Brandt seems to have it all. But her carefully constructed life comes toppling down when the FBI crashes her society brunch with news that her husband has been arrested for embezzlement, and he’s far from repentant. It turns out this was only the start of his indiscretions―for which he has little regret.

As the weeks following the scandal turn into months, Evelyn withdraws, even shirking her duties with the philanthropic Valentine Volunteers. The inquisitive women of the group are determined not to let Evelyn’s divorce destroy her. They have big plans for her to use her long-forgotten artistic talent to reimagine the city’s iconic lamppost hearts. But doing so will force Evelyn to work closely with Trevor Whitney, her ex-husband’s former best friend. Though she and Trevor used to be close―and he’s been letting her hide in his guesthouse―his gruffness conveys his unease with the situation.

Amid the beauty of Trevor’s farm and the comfort of a paintbrush, Evelyn starts to reclaim the dreams she sacrificed to become the perfect politician’s wife. And as creativity inspires them both, Whit begins to see the girl he fell in love with before his friend―and his own mistakes―stole his chance. Possibilities for a new beginning emerge, but long-kept secrets threaten to ruin everything. After so much time, is a change of heart too much to hope for?

My Review

I was hooked to this story from the start. Evie and Trevor are written in a way that just draws you in, and I was totally invested in their outcome. Unrequited love has such a potential for passion and angst, which was fully tapped without crossing the line into melodramatic. I loved the themes of rediscovering your dreams and reinventing yourself as Evie realized that it was time for her to focus on herself and not her self-absorbed husband. The ladies that befriend her in her time of need each have their own quirks but provide support and help as Evie gets her feet back under her. I also enjoyed Trevor's aunt who gardens on his farm and gives him a little push when he needs it. It was quite the journey as Evie and Trevor's relationship ebbs and flows, shifts and changes, but always moving toward something special.

(Thank you to Tyndale Publishing for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

Review: Undeniably Yours by Becky Wade

* Undeniably Yours is currently free on e-book! *

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

When Meg Cole’s father dies unexpectedly, she becomes the majority shareholder of his oil company and the single inheritor of his fortune. Though Meg is soft-spoken and tenderhearted–more interested in art than in oil–she’s forced to return home to Texas and to Whispering Creek Ranch to take up the reins of her father’s empire.
The last thing she has the patience or the sanity to deal with? Her father’s thoroughbred racehorse farm. She gives its manager, Bo Porter, six months to close the place down.
Bo’s determined to resent the woman who’s decided to rob him of his dream. But instead of anger, Meg evokes within him a profound desire to protect. The more time he spends with her, the more he longs to overcome every obstacle that separates them–her wealth, his unworthiness, her family’s outrage–and earn the right to love her.
But just when Meg begins to realize that Bo might be the one thing on the ranch worth keeping, their fragile bond is viciously broken by a force from Meg’s past. Can their love–and their belief that God can work through every circumstance–survive?

My Review

I started the Porter Family series with the second book, Meant to be Mine, and I've been meaning to get back and read Bo and Meg's story. It totally confirmed why Becky Wade is one of my favorite contemporary fiction authors! The characters are flawed enough to be realistic and relate-able without making them unlikable. I particularly connected with Meg and her issues with anxiety. I loved how she uses coping techniques to manage her overwhelming feelings and searches for a way to come to terms with her circumstances. Even though she was raised in an environment of wealth and is the heiress of a huge fortune, her struggles show that everyone has difficulties, no matter what their station in life. Bo's protectiveness of her is pretty awesome. The way their friendship developed naturally from heartfelt conversations gave their eventual romance a foundation that was tested by the conflict that emerged from Meg's past. There are scenes that hint to the reader what is to come, which amped up the tension instead of diffusing it. It made me want to read all the books in the series again before finishing with the newest one which releases in the beginning of May 2016.

(I won a copy of this book in a giveaway from the author; this is my honest review)

Bonus!  I marked off "A book you own but have never read" from my 2016 Reading Challenge! Eight more books to go...

Don't miss the rest of the Porter Family series! Now is a great time to get these books while they are on sale!

 e-book sale: $1.99
My review here - 5 stars!

e-book sale: $1.99 
My review here - 5 stars!

Pre-order sale: $7.99 for print book 

Short story e-book 99 cents

Lucky Leprechaun Giveaway Hop!

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Synopsis

Sophie Pope is devastated when she hears the news: her former boyfriend, college football star Anthony "Rocket" Rogers, is engaged to be married. Determined to win him back before he says I do, Sophie hatches a foolproof plan to stop the wedding. But when Rocket's best man, aspiring baseball player David Savage, thwarts her plot, she realizes the game is up. For David, though, it s just beginning . . .

David knows that Sophie is just another pretty face, and he's more than happy to save his best friend from her shallow advances. She's not his type at all, so he's baffled by his response to an awkward encounter with Donovan, another of Sophie's former flames. Despite himself, David feels driven by an inexplicable need to protect her. Pretending to be Sophie's new fiancé leads to unexpected sparks between the pair, and soon they're searching for excuses to spend time together. But when a curveball threatens to send them in opposite directions, will Sophie and David step up to the plate for the possibility of true love?

Entry-Form

Review & Giveaway: The Hearts We Mend by Kathryn Springer

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Planning and Post-It notes are the epitome of Evie’s life. But when she meets Jack, her life gets more than a little complicated.

Thirteen years ago, Evie's firefighter husband was killed in the line of duty, leaving her to raise their young son, Cody, alone. Now, Cody is marrying the love of his life, and as he packs up his belongings, the house feels as empty as Evie's heart. But for all her planning and mad organizational skills, Evie could never have anticipated the dramatic shift her life is about to make.

Tattooed, rough-around-the-edges Jack raises quite a few eyebrows in the tight-knit community of Banister Falls. Where Evie's life is stream-lined, Jack's approach to living is moment-by-moment. But as Evie gets drawn into Jack's world—a world that isn't as safe or predictable as the one she's worked so hard to create—he challenges her to open her eyes to the problems outside the walls of the church.

Jack doesn't make Evie feel comfortable, but he definitely makes her feel something. Something she hasn't felt since Max passed away—or, maybe ever. Because even though Jack isn't anything like her late husband, he just might be everything she needs.

My Review

I started this book not realizing it was the second in a series. It took me a few chapters to get a feel for all the characters and their relationships since the story pretty much dives right in to Evie's life, and I think it would have been a smoother start for me if I had already read the first book, The Dandelion Field. Evie is angsting over her empty nest now that her only son is married, but once she and Jack become unlikely friends, the story focuses on her eye-opening experiences in the seedy part of town and the love and kindness needed by the people there. Evie has a true heart for service and I admired that she made friends in Jack's neighborhood quickly and without judgement. Her compassion is a blessing to Jack's family and although he doesn't feel worthy of her, he falls for Evie and they begin a sweet romance (amazing first kiss, by the way!) I felt for Jack as he repeatedly tries to be the rescuer and fix-it man for his splintered family, only to realize that he has to let God take care of things out of his control. I loved his character trait of being handy at renovating and improving buildings, it reminded me of my uncles and their skills :) The theme of letting go of fear to embrace the blessings God has in store for us is one that was successfully represented throughout the course of the book. Now I'm going to go read The Dandelion Field!

(Thank you to Litfuse Publicity and Zondervan Publishing for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

Don't miss the first book in the Banister Falls series, The Dandelion Field

Synopsis

This handsome firefighter makes a living coming to the rescue, but Gin doesn't need a man to fight her battles.

After Raine's dad walked out, Ginevieve Lightly never lived in one place too long, a rambling lifestyle that defined her daughter's youth. When their car dies in Banister Falls, Wisconsin, Gin promises Raine they can stay until she finishes her senior year of high school. Gin will do anything to make sure her daughter has a bright future . . . a future that's compromised when Raine reveals she's pregnant.

Dan Moretti has only ever called Banister Falls home. After losing his best friend in a tragic accident, Dan devoted himself to responding to fires, rescuing the helpless, and guiding Cody Bennett, his best friend's son, through life. With Cody being the epitome of the good kid, it was an easy job. Until he says four little words: The baby is mine.

Knowing gossip of Raine's pregnancy will erupt sooner or later in the small town, Gin's reflex is to grab the suitcase and escape to a new city, a new life. But with each passing day, Gin's feet stay rooted in Banister Falls, and she falls a little more for this local firefighter who shows her not all men abandon women at the first sign of smoke.

As Gin and Dan do the best they can to guide the two teenagers through their early entry into adulthood, they discover together that romance can bloom in the rockiest of situations. And God can turn the pieces of a broken past into a beautiful new beginning.

Book Tour Giveaway: Painting Rain by Annette K. Larsen

Synopsis

How do you heal your heart after tragedy leaves you broken? When the person you loved didn’t deserve it and they can’t earn your forgiveness because they’re already dead? How do you move on, and heal, and love?

If you’re Princess Lorraina, you paint. A year ago Lorraina watched Tobias die, and she still doesn't know how she's supposed to heal—or forgive. How can she when she’s still running away? In an attempt to reinvent herself, she steps outside her comfortable life as princess and seeks the tutelage of a master painter—a man who is not at all impressed by her pedigree, and demands not just talent, but emotional honesty. Struggling to learn what’s being taught, she finds herself drawn to someone who not only knows her secrets, but who she once considered far below her notice. Now she is compelled to seek him out despite knowing their relationship would be forbidden if discovered. Staying away from him doesn’t seem possible when discovering him may be the key to healing her heart and rediscovering herself.

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Author Annette K. Larsen 

I was born in Utah, but grew up in Flagstaff, Arizona and St. Louis, Missouri, the fifth of seven children. I attended Southern Virginia University and Brigham Young University, where I studied English and Theater. I now live in Idaho with my husband and four children. I have Charlotte Brontë to thank for the courage to write novels. After being bombarded with assigned reading about women who justified abandoning either their families or their principles in the name of love, I had the great fortune of reading Jane Eyre. And that was it: finally, a heroine who understood that being moral and making the right choice was hard, and sometimes it hurt, but it was still worth it. After rereading it several years later, I realized that if I wanted more books to exist with the kinds of heroines I admired, then I might as well write a few myself. My books are about women who face hard choices, who face pain and rejection and often have to face the reality of sacrificing what they want for what is right. The consequences are often difficult or unpleasant, but in the end, doing what’s right will always be worth it. I believe there is no substitute for good writing or good chocolate. Fortunately, one often leads to the other.

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Blog Tour Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Code or Paypal Cash 

Ends 3/31/16

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Review: Thin Ice by Irene Hannon

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

After losing her parents in a car accident and her sister to a house fire, Christy Reed has been mired in grief. Life is finally starting to feel normal again when an envelope arrives in the mail--addressed in her sister's handwriting. And the note inside claims she is still alive.

FBI Special Agent Lance McGregor, a former Delta Force operator, is assigned to reopen the case, but he's coming up with more questions than answers. If Ginny Reed is still alive--who is the woman buried in her grave? Where is Ginny? And is Christy a pawn in a twisted cat-and-mouse game--or the target of a sinister plot? As he digs deeper, one thing becomes clear: whoever is behind the bizarre ruse has a deadly agenda.

Bestselling author and two-time Christy Award finalist Irene Hannon warms readers' hearts as they root for a romance between Lance and Christy, but she pulls out all the stops as this high-stakes thriller chills to the bone in a race to the finish.

My Review

A suspenseful plot, a creepy villain, a vulnerable victim, and themes of sacrifice and family make this a compelling book. The villain was creepier than I expected, and the scenes from that point of view kept the  pace moving forward. At first Christy is looking for answers, but Lance soon realizes she is in a desperate situation. Her anxiety is palpable as she waits for the next clue or discovery, and I was biting my nails in trepidation. There is also a subplot with Lance's brother serving in special forces overseas, and Lance's devotion to his family is admirable. The romance between Lance and Christy followed the same formula as the previous book in the series- they verbally acknowledge the attraction to each other and make a plan to pursue a relationship after the case is closed. It kind of kills the anticipation and romantic tension. They still shared some special moments and I especially enjoyed the ending scene which is heart-warming.

(Thank you to Revell Publishing for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

Review: Love's Violet Sunrise by Naomi Rawlings

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

With her brother facing trial for a murder he didn't commit, German immigrant Mabel Krause needs a lawyer who can help prove her brother's innocence. The only trouble is--she can't afford one.

Hiram Cummings needs money to return to law school, and the fastest way to earn it is by working as a legal clerk for the powerful and rich Rhett Vandergriff. When a desperate immigrant comes to him for help, he finds himself on a mission to prove a man's innocence, risking his job in the process.

But all is not as it appears, and Hiram soon learns that not only is his job at risk, but he's also in danger of losing his heart--if he and Mabel don't lose their lives first.

Love's Violet Sunrise is a prequel to the bestselling Eagle Harbor Series, as well as part of the American State Flower Collection.

My Review

Naomi Rawlings has a gift for writing strong characters who are confronted by seemingly impossible circumstances yet manage to persevere by seeking God's will and following it. I admired Mabel's tenacity in not giving up when rejected over and over. Her determination compels Hiram to recognize that his integrity took precedence over his job and dreams for the future and he could not allow her to fend for herself. The story is suspenseful as powerful men pursue them while they are trying to solve the crime in order to free Mabel's brother. They bond during the time they spend working together and the romance that blossoms is quick but sweet. This is a wonderful beginning to a series I enjoyed reading and it made me want to go read all the books again :)

(Thank you to the author for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)