My Comments
This book is easy to love right from the start..its a sensational debut that immediately pulls the reader in and promises both entertainment as well as depth throughout. I laughed, I was touched, I was surprised, but mostly I enjoyed Mirandas journey as if I was a friend cheering her on. From the moment I found out about this book I knew I would love it, but I had no idea I would connect with it the way I did.
What was it Grandma Woodruff used to say? Best way to make God laugh? Tell him your plans.
Miranda is the kind of character you either love (and relate to) or you just plain disagree with because of certain decisions she makes (possibly both). Shes a star on a TV show yet she prefers staying away from the spotlight in her personal time. She has no idea how beautiful she is and shes does everything naturally whether its explaining to her viewers how to build something or being klutzy around reporters. Shes terrified of being rejected after her parents left her to be raised by her grandparents and then again after her fiance left her without warning, but she has an amazing heart despite these disappointments. I believe her biggest problem in the story is carrying around her regret and shame for too many years not realizing that Gods grace and forgiveness was available the whole time. However, her overall character and feistiness in the story are a real treat.
Matthew is another unique character in this book. Hes also suffering from past mistakes and having trouble letting go. Yet the first time he meets Miranda he ends up helping her get her truck out of a muddy lake/puddle. Matthew adores his young niece and is willing to relocate for a job to help her get a procedure done that will make her life easier. His relationship with Celine Cee is one of the most precious parts of this book and made me think of my awesome nephew the whole time. Matthew is determined to jump start his career, but hes a reporter with integrity and the more he learns about Miranda (his assignment) the more he connects with her. I was amazed at how much they confided with one another in the story, but sometimes its easier to talk with strangers than your best friend.
Another great quote from Grandma Woodruff whose memory lives on in the story, Dig in, darling. Peanut butter is good for the soul.
The comic relief character award EASILY goes to Blake Blaze Hunziker in this one!! Way to go, Blaze!! The guy is a hunk, a GREAT cook, charming and clumsy at the same time, the perfect fake husband, prone to getting injured (he has endured many surgeries over time from injuries), and a friend who looks out for Mirandas best interest. One of my favorite scenes in the story is when Blaze and Miranda meet and exchange fake vows, LOVE it! Despite his playful personality, he also has a deeper side himself and he balanced both of them beautifully while dealing with the crazy situation around him. Then at the end he does something even MORE heroic that won my heart over completely, what a guy!
From Grandma Woodruff: Psalms, honey. When youre feeling lost or confused, flip open to the Psalms and let Davids prayers be yours.
For me, this book can be described as the TV show Home Improvement with Tim Allen and Never Been Kissed with Drew Barrymore (a reporter must cover an assignment or risk losing her job and she refuses to sabotage the reputation of the teacher she has fallen for).
So there you have it. A debut book with a solid plot, WONDERFUL dialogue, and unforgettable characters! I soooo enjoyed Matthews family, how Miranda gets closure (that was probably the only thing I disagreed with her about when the ex fiance shows up again, but I was glad this part of the story worked out the way it did), watching her come back to her faith, the transformation both Matthew and Miranda experience, and the forgiveness they find for the ones who have hurt them as well as for themselves. There is betrayal, deception, and fears the main characters deal with, but the beauty and healing that they find proves why the title is so significant and worth having on your bookshelves. This book does have flawed characters within, but I wouldnt change anything about them and I have no doubt that the author put herself fully into the pages of this book with style, humility, and creativity that makes Made to Last a joyful experience.
I want to thank the author and publisher for the review copy. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.
This book is easy to love right from the start..its a sensational debut that immediately pulls the reader in and promises both entertainment as well as depth throughout. I laughed, I was touched, I was surprised, but mostly I enjoyed Mirandas journey as if I was a friend cheering her on. From the moment I found out about this book I knew I would love it, but I had no idea I would connect with it the way I did.
What was it Grandma Woodruff used to say? Best way to make God laugh? Tell him your plans.
Miranda is the kind of character you either love (and relate to) or you just plain disagree with because of certain decisions she makes (possibly both). Shes a star on a TV show yet she prefers staying away from the spotlight in her personal time. She has no idea how beautiful she is and shes does everything naturally whether its explaining to her viewers how to build something or being klutzy around reporters. Shes terrified of being rejected after her parents left her to be raised by her grandparents and then again after her fiance left her without warning, but she has an amazing heart despite these disappointments. I believe her biggest problem in the story is carrying around her regret and shame for too many years not realizing that Gods grace and forgiveness was available the whole time. However, her overall character and feistiness in the story are a real treat.
Matthew is another unique character in this book. Hes also suffering from past mistakes and having trouble letting go. Yet the first time he meets Miranda he ends up helping her get her truck out of a muddy lake/puddle. Matthew adores his young niece and is willing to relocate for a job to help her get a procedure done that will make her life easier. His relationship with Celine Cee is one of the most precious parts of this book and made me think of my awesome nephew the whole time. Matthew is determined to jump start his career, but hes a reporter with integrity and the more he learns about Miranda (his assignment) the more he connects with her. I was amazed at how much they confided with one another in the story, but sometimes its easier to talk with strangers than your best friend.
Another great quote from Grandma Woodruff whose memory lives on in the story, Dig in, darling. Peanut butter is good for the soul.
The comic relief character award EASILY goes to Blake Blaze Hunziker in this one!! Way to go, Blaze!! The guy is a hunk, a GREAT cook, charming and clumsy at the same time, the perfect fake husband, prone to getting injured (he has endured many surgeries over time from injuries), and a friend who looks out for Mirandas best interest. One of my favorite scenes in the story is when Blaze and Miranda meet and exchange fake vows, LOVE it! Despite his playful personality, he also has a deeper side himself and he balanced both of them beautifully while dealing with the crazy situation around him. Then at the end he does something even MORE heroic that won my heart over completely, what a guy!
From Grandma Woodruff: Psalms, honey. When youre feeling lost or confused, flip open to the Psalms and let Davids prayers be yours.
For me, this book can be described as the TV show Home Improvement with Tim Allen and Never Been Kissed with Drew Barrymore (a reporter must cover an assignment or risk losing her job and she refuses to sabotage the reputation of the teacher she has fallen for).
So there you have it. A debut book with a solid plot, WONDERFUL dialogue, and unforgettable characters! I soooo enjoyed Matthews family, how Miranda gets closure (that was probably the only thing I disagreed with her about when the ex fiance shows up again, but I was glad this part of the story worked out the way it did), watching her come back to her faith, the transformation both Matthew and Miranda experience, and the forgiveness they find for the ones who have hurt them as well as for themselves. There is betrayal, deception, and fears the main characters deal with, but the beauty and healing that they find proves why the title is so significant and worth having on your bookshelves. This book does have flawed characters within, but I wouldnt change anything about them and I have no doubt that the author put herself fully into the pages of this book with style, humility, and creativity that makes Made to Last a joyful experience.
I want to thank the author and publisher for the review copy. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.
Such a sweet debut novel!
I am not a big fan of contemporary romance but every now and then a new book comes into my path that looks good enough to pick up and that is what I thought about Made to Last. It had a fun cover that drew me in, and it sounded like a fresh storyline so I decided to give it a try.
Miranda Woodruff is a reality TV star from the popular home improvement show From the Ground Up. While filming for season 4, Miranda finds out that ratings are down and that the network is considering canceling her show. Miranda has placed her entire identity in her show, and she is willing to do anything to boost ratings Even pretend to have a husband in order to draw more publicity.
Matthew is a reporter who is looking for a way to make his career spark. When he is asked to write a blog series about Miranda Woodruff, he jumps on the chance and is continually searching for an inside scoop in order to get a cover worthy story.
As Miranda pretends to be married to one guy, she finds herself drawn to the reporter who she is spending a lot of time with. When her former fiancé shows up, Miranda has a hard time juggling three different guys and trying to keep her show from plummeting into cancelation.
This storyline was so sweet. I loved these characters and they came alive to me as I entered their world. Blaze was such a sweet husband and I found myself really liking his character. Matthew struggled with things in his past and you can see how that affects some of the decisions he makes in this book. Miranda was definitely a strong, independent heroine. A fix-it-herself kind of girl, I couldnt relate to her in everything, but I loved her just the same. While some of the things in this book came as a slight surprise, some of the things were still predictable but sometimes thats welcome in a book. In this case, I enjoyed everything about the book.
You will definitely love this debut novel from Melissa Tagg! I am looking forward to reading more books from this loveable author.
I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review. I received no compensation for this review, nor was I required to write a positive review. All opinions stated are my own.
Leah B.
Must Love Books
mustlovereading.wordpress.com
I am not a big fan of contemporary romance but every now and then a new book comes into my path that looks good enough to pick up and that is what I thought about Made to Last. It had a fun cover that drew me in, and it sounded like a fresh storyline so I decided to give it a try.
Miranda Woodruff is a reality TV star from the popular home improvement show From the Ground Up. While filming for season 4, Miranda finds out that ratings are down and that the network is considering canceling her show. Miranda has placed her entire identity in her show, and she is willing to do anything to boost ratings Even pretend to have a husband in order to draw more publicity.
Matthew is a reporter who is looking for a way to make his career spark. When he is asked to write a blog series about Miranda Woodruff, he jumps on the chance and is continually searching for an inside scoop in order to get a cover worthy story.
As Miranda pretends to be married to one guy, she finds herself drawn to the reporter who she is spending a lot of time with. When her former fiancé shows up, Miranda has a hard time juggling three different guys and trying to keep her show from plummeting into cancelation.
This storyline was so sweet. I loved these characters and they came alive to me as I entered their world. Blaze was such a sweet husband and I found myself really liking his character. Matthew struggled with things in his past and you can see how that affects some of the decisions he makes in this book. Miranda was definitely a strong, independent heroine. A fix-it-herself kind of girl, I couldnt relate to her in everything, but I loved her just the same. While some of the things in this book came as a slight surprise, some of the things were still predictable but sometimes thats welcome in a book. In this case, I enjoyed everything about the book.
You will definitely love this debut novel from Melissa Tagg! I am looking forward to reading more books from this loveable author.
I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review. I received no compensation for this review, nor was I required to write a positive review. All opinions stated are my own.
Leah B.
Must Love Books
mustlovereading.wordpress.com
Made to Last By Melissa Tagg
Where Love Begins Book 1
Miranda Woodruff has a few problems in what looks to be the perfect life. On the outside the world sees the do it herself guru with her own TV show who was taught everything she knows by her husband. In the real world...Randi has never been married but suddenly she has a real fake husband on her couch, a very inquisitive and too handsome reporter in her cabin and wouldn't you know it...after three years her ex-finance shows up as well. What's a girl to do?
Matthew Knox is carrying a load full of issues and the last thing he wants is this assignment to save his career. But what other choice does he have? His niece adores Randi and her show and he adores his niece. Besides he's sure he can dig up some dirt on this all too clean looking woman and make his comeback.
This story is full of interesting characters. Especially Blake. A man with a mysterious past and a constant smile. And who's nickname fits him a bit too well, Blaze. The characters struggle with their relationship with God and their families and past choices. I'm definitely looking forward to more in this series.
**Received through Bethany House for Review
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/2011/10/bethany-house-publishers.html
Where Love Begins Book 1
Miranda Woodruff has a few problems in what looks to be the perfect life. On the outside the world sees the do it herself guru with her own TV show who was taught everything she knows by her husband. In the real world...Randi has never been married but suddenly she has a real fake husband on her couch, a very inquisitive and too handsome reporter in her cabin and wouldn't you know it...after three years her ex-finance shows up as well. What's a girl to do?
Matthew Knox is carrying a load full of issues and the last thing he wants is this assignment to save his career. But what other choice does he have? His niece adores Randi and her show and he adores his niece. Besides he's sure he can dig up some dirt on this all too clean looking woman and make his comeback.
This story is full of interesting characters. Especially Blake. A man with a mysterious past and a constant smile. And who's nickname fits him a bit too well, Blaze. The characters struggle with their relationship with God and their families and past choices. I'm definitely looking forward to more in this series.
**Received through Bethany House for Review
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/2011/10/bethany-house-publishers.html
Can one pull off pretending to be married? Because thats what Miranda Randi did in Made to Lastand youre going to have to read the novel to see how it worked out for her. *wink*
Sprinkled with LOL moments and serious, come-to-Jesus meetings, Made to Last will definitely do just that on my keeper shelf. Can I just make a confession? Blaze was my favorite character. I know, I know, why love the fake husband, right?? Read far enough into the book and I bet youll agree with me. He made me laugh more times than not and had such a loveable personality about him. There wasnt anything self serving in the guy and I cant wait to find out his story next year!
Randi has got quite the story to tell and the book certainly is not without its share of conflict. Sometimes the lie youve been living just becomes the reality and when the lie threatens to take away everything youve worked so hard for, the house of cards only flutters faster. To watch Randi scramble to keep her façade in place was at times, comical, but more often than not a growing experience and chances for new and different choices. She never once became unlikeable to mean important fact when you have a deceitful main character. But shes changing and growingand it was so much fun to watch her fall in love.
Thoroughly entertaining. Deeper than just a romantic comedy. A tale worthy of the telling!
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the author for my copy to review.
Sprinkled with LOL moments and serious, come-to-Jesus meetings, Made to Last will definitely do just that on my keeper shelf. Can I just make a confession? Blaze was my favorite character. I know, I know, why love the fake husband, right?? Read far enough into the book and I bet youll agree with me. He made me laugh more times than not and had such a loveable personality about him. There wasnt anything self serving in the guy and I cant wait to find out his story next year!
Randi has got quite the story to tell and the book certainly is not without its share of conflict. Sometimes the lie youve been living just becomes the reality and when the lie threatens to take away everything youve worked so hard for, the house of cards only flutters faster. To watch Randi scramble to keep her façade in place was at times, comical, but more often than not a growing experience and chances for new and different choices. She never once became unlikeable to mean important fact when you have a deceitful main character. But shes changing and growingand it was so much fun to watch her fall in love.
Thoroughly entertaining. Deeper than just a romantic comedy. A tale worthy of the telling!
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the author for my copy to review.
