Made to Last by Melissa Tagg ~ CFBA Blog Tour & Review

Lucie's Review:

Randi is the star of her own TV shows with fans all over the country, who are curious about the husband that Randi talks about on her show all the time, but no one has ever seen. So Randi's producer comes up with a solution--a fake husband for Randi, and against her better judgment she agrees. But then she finds out that her manager has invited a reporter to stay in her cabin to follow her around and get the inside scoop.
Matthew has a set of problems of his own, not the least of which is his growing attraction to Miranda...

This plot set up has much to offer, with ample opportunities for humorous interactions that will put a smile on your face, embarrassing misunderstandings, and character growth. And I loved it!

There was a full cast of characters, and intriguing side characters, some of my favorites were Randi's fake husband, Blaze, who was something of a misplaced surfer dude, but had his moments where he was insightful, helpful & faithful. I fell in love with Matthew's niece, Celine, a sweet little girl who had lost her hearing. Celine was such a big fan of Randi's show, and played a big part in why Matthew took the job :)

My favorite scene in the book was the scene where Matthew and Randi danced...*swoon*

Ms. Tagg's writing style is engaging, weaving believable characters, with great interactions full of chemistry. Faith, forgiveness, trust, and truth are well engrained in the heart of the story. The character development was fantastic, Randi and Matthew both had ghost in their past that they had find freedom from.

I would definitely recommend this book, because it is a book that is engaging every minute of the way, yet sits back and watches the characters grow naturally into what they need to be. It was set up sort of like a comedy, but it was not a "light read" because it also had a great depth to it. I immensely enjoyed this debut from Melissa Tagg and I can't wait to read her next book!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."
 

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Made to Last Bethany House Publishers (September 15, 2013) by Melissa Tagg

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A Word From The Author:

I’m a former reporter turned author who loves all things funny and romancey. My debut novel, a romantic comedy titled Made to Last, releases from Bethany House in September 2013. In addition to my nonprofit day job, I’m also the marketing/events coordinator for My Book Therapy, a craft and coaching community for novelists.

It all started when my dad, at the ripe old age of sixteen, picked up my mom up for their first date. She was thirteen. Thirteen!* Dad drove a cherry red car up the lane to my grandparents big ol’ green house and honked his horn…whereupon Mom jumped out of the apple tree she’d been waiting in and off they went…fishing. True story. (I’d give more details, but I’m saving it for a novella I plan to entitle Two Leaves. Mom, I really hope you read this.)

Four years of college, a few trips abroad and a stint as a reporter later, that dream is soon to be a reality. My debut novel, a romantic comedy titled Made to Last, is now out from Bethany House. Book two, Here to Stay, comes out on May 1, 2014.

In between writing and staring out the window brainstorming, I also work as a grant-writer at one of Iowa’s largest private nonprofits and serve as the marketing/events coordinator for My Book Therapy, a craft and coaching community for novelists founded by Susan May Warren.

And I love, love, love talking about finding our purpose and identity in Christ. (And well, okay, food, old movies, boots and scarves, my awesome nephew Ollie, and, fine, Tim Tebow, too.)

ABOUT THE BOOK

Miranda Woodruff has it all. At least, that's how it looks when she's starring in her homebuilding television show, From the Ground Up. So when her network begins to talk about making cuts, she'll do anything to boost ratings and save her show--even if it means pretending to be married to a man who's definitely not the fiance who ran out on her three years ago.

When a handsome reporter starts shadowing Miranda's every move, all his digging into her personal life brings him a little too close to the truth--and to her. Can the girl whose entire identity is wrapped up in her on-screen persona finally find the nerve to set the record straight? And if she does, will the life she's built come crashing down just as she's found a love to last?

If you'd like to read the first chapter of Made to Last, go HERE.