Kara G. reviewed on 9/17/2013 + 82 more book reviews

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.

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