Bethany House Review- From the Start by Melissa Tagg

Good morning Y'all!! You may think I've been slacking lately. I kind of have but actually, this is take THREE. I have reviewed this book 3 times now so three's the charm!!

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*Summary*

 Kate Walker used to believe in true love and happily ever after. While her own love life may have left her brokenhearted, it hasn't kept her from churning out made-for-TV romance movie screenplays...until a major career slump and a longing to do something meaningful send her running back to her hometown of Maple Valley.

Permanently sidelined by an injury, former NFL quarterback Colton Greene is temporarily hiding out in a friend's hometown to avoid the media and the reminders of all he's lost. Maple Valley seems like the perfect place to learn how to adjust to normal life. The only trouble is he's never really done normal before.

While Kate plays things safe and Colton is all about big risks and grand gestures, they both get what it's like to desperately need direction in life. An unexpected project gives them both a chance to jump-start their new lives, but old wounds and new dreams are hard to ignore. 

Starting over wasn't part of the plan, but could it be the best thing that's ever happened to them?

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*I loved*

The second I saw this book on goodreads, I knew I had to read it. So naturally, I did what every good reviewer/reader would do. I figured out how to get it ten seconds after reading the description. Luckily for me, I found Melissa's website and found out I could get a paperback reviewer copy right from her. *Happy Dance* I LOVE reviewers that do this!! After talking with Melissa and reading her free Novella, Three Little Words, I knew it'd be a fantastic read and love story and I was not disappointed.

I read this book in one night. ONE. I recommended it to my Church library that I'm on the committee for. I raved about it to my sister. I shared things on facebook. I probably am considered a stalker for From the Start. It was SO worth the loss of sleep and I'll read it again in a heartbeat!

  Melissa's writing is some of the best I've ever read. The scenes flow smoothly, perfect grammar, and it just felt natural. I loved the descriptions of the characters but felt that it wasn't overused but in perfect balance with the rest of the story which I love.

   

I have a flaw. (Many, actually but this is just one) I tend to consistently take the characters from my favorite book and bring them into my "real life". I'm pretty sure I saw Colton at walmart in fact. *swoon* My parents are actually beginning to worry about me. ;) I connected to both Colton and Kate so strongly, especially Kate, not knowing if what you're doing is really worth it, if something better is out there for you, waiting for you.

I understood Colton's frustrations and sympathized with him feeling as though he's lost everything. I've been there. I understand and I think that's what really makes a book besides a "hunky" guy and a sweet romance. I was SO excited to see Chris and Ali made it back into the story!! No, you don't even understand, can't comprehend, how excited I was!! That alone gave Melissa a star!! I love it when we see "old" characters in new books...and know places as well. 

Speaking of places,one of the best decisions Melissa made was making it take place in a fictional town. I LOVE Maple Valley. It reminds me of my little town of Appomattox and I love where I love so there's another star. The charm of the town is unmistakable!! Seriously, the town suffers a natural disaster and they hold a parade. What?! I was in love and The Red Door is officially my favorite place on earth. (Pathetic I know!)  I really felt like this story was the perfect setting!!

It didn't go too slow or too fast and I NEVER wanted it to end. I loved seeing glimpses of Colton's past life and I truly hurt for him. The ending didn't make me throw the book so that means Melissa has truly succeeded in her writing career! LOL

Throughout the story you can see the change happening within both Colton and Kate. It wasn't like "Oh they have problems" and that's that, end of story. No.  Melissa did a fantastic job of not only writing a romantic novel but also writing a redemptive one that makes me beg for more. 

Oh. My. Word. Romance? You want Romance? Melissa Tagg!! Colton and Kate's interactions were literally to die for. They were swoon worthy, endearing, amusing, edge of your seat amazing with perfect touches of romance and simple friendship. They helped each other in every way to overcome their personal hurdles and I think that's what made it so perfect!

Melissa isn't pushy with her beliefs but she does allow her faith to shine through her work and make it better. I think that's what every Christian Fiction should look for...true faith that doesn't push but shows that God is standing there waiting with open arms. This is really what gives Melissa that last fifth star that titles this book pretty close to perfect...and I believe God helped her get here!

There is nothing questionable about this book. No foul language, graphic descriptions, or those very unnecessary scenes. 

From the start is pure, Romantic Christian Fiction and something I'd recommend to my grandmother or my 12 year old little sister. A feat not all authors are able to accomplish and I greatly admire that.

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*Not my favorite*

One would think, that a blank space here would be a given after the almost literal novel I wrote in the "I loved" section. :D If you're like me and can't believe there's nothing wrong with this book, head to goodreads. From the Start is LOADED with 5 star reviews!!

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*My Rating*

I give From the Start...

5 stars!!

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*My overall thoughts*

From the Start by Melissa Tagg is an amazing Romance story on redemption, love, and God's plan for our life. A five star must read for sure!! Head to Amazon today!!

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 *Where to get it*

Amazon

Walmart

Deepershopping

Christianbook

Barnes & Noble

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*About the Author*

Melissa Tagg

*I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts were my own and I was not compensated in any other way.

Thanks so much to Melissa for generously providing me a copy of this book!! She is one of the sweetest ladies I've met and definitely one of the best authors to work with!! Can't wait for book 2...keep your eyes out!!


Thanks for looking!!

Happy Reading,

Nicki