Desperate for extra income after her mother’s passing, Adanne accepts a last-minute job as a makeup artist for a movie filming in her small Alabama hometown. She’s working to save her parents’ legacy and help her brother, but the money hardly seems worth having to face the actor who got her fired from her last job in Hollywood.
John Pope has made his share of mistakes over the years. But after turning his life over to God and enduring a messy breakup, he’s ready to start rebuilding his career. Imagine his surprise when the woman called in to cover for his usual makeup artist is a quiet but feisty newcomer on the set–and definitely not a fan.
Sparks of tension–and could that be attraction?–fly between them, but Adanne hates the spotlight, and John’s scheming manager has bigger plans for him than to end up with the humble makeup girl from the small-town South. Can these star-crossed lovers find their way to happiness? Or will the bright lights of Hollywood blind their eyes to what’s right in front of them?
My Review:
Stunning debut novel that packs an emotional punch.
I’m usually not a huge fan of entertainment industry type romances (2nd least favourite trope after billionaires) but I’ve come across some really good ones recently so I’m learning never to say never.
Really enjoyed the Alabama setting for this enemies to more romance. It made for a nice mix of Hollywood angst (courtesy of John’s pushy manager) and the Southern charm of Adanne’s home town. Desperate to earn some extra money to help her family, she brushes off her make up artist skills and winds up being John’s exclusive MUA. Cue fireworks and complications because these two have back stories!
Right from the start we know that Adanne holds John responsible for her getting fired from her last job in Hollywood. We don’t know any of the details though, and it drove me crazy trying to figure it out! John has no clue either, so he’s confused…and intrigued…by Adanne’s aloofness.
Loved the way the author progresses the romance, deepening their relationship slowly as Adanne gradually lowers her guard and they have some meaningful conversations. And that includes talking about faith:
“I don’t understand how you can go through so much and still hold onto your faith…”
“It’s not me doing the holding.” (p 170)
I had to sit and think about that second line for a minute. Simple statement that makes a big impact. Faith is seamlessly interspersed throughout this story. Both John (a redeemed former bad boy) and Adanne seek out God’s will for their lives but they don’t always get it right which is so relatable.
A moving, multi-layered love story full of heart and hope and a swoonworthy happily ever after.
GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:
This giveaway is for a print or ebook copy. Winner’s choice.
US – available in print or ebook — winner’s choice
Canada – available in print or ebook or audible (if available) — winner’s choice
International – ebook copy if you have a US Kindle account.
If you would like a chance to win a copy of Her Part to Play, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday March 1 2025.
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