MY REVIEW:
“From the Start” is just the right book for one of those times when a reader could use something that is a little light-hearted, fun, a bit humorous, and romantic but has enough spiritual content to keep it from being just fluff. Melissa Tagg has just the right touch when it comes to novels like that and her heart-warming stories about the Walker family and the enchanting little town of Maple Valley are sure to please. I have enjoyed each and every one of Melissa’s novels thus far and “From the Start” was no disappointment. Melissa’s books are so readable that I don’t like to miss even one of them.
Kate and Colton were both engaging characters who had me on their team at once. I loved catching up with the other members of Kate’s family and revisiting Maple Valley. I wish I could visit there for real. It was fun walking with Kate and Colton through the major changes and challenges in their lives as they learned that it is sometimes best to just regroup and start over…especially when the Lord seems to be leading the way.
“From the Start” is a sweet romance with a strong message of faith that should leave most readers wanting more. Highly recommended!
This book was provided for review by Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
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 jumpstart 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?
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING:
“Simply adorable . . you might just fall in love with Here to Stay.”–USAToday.com’s Happy Ever After blog
Melissa Tagg’s newest book, From the Start, is guaranteed to win the heart of readers with this delightful story of a retired football player looking for his future, and a writer trying to figure out how to pen his story–while rewriting her own. Colton is downright swoon-worthy, and this first book in this hometown series about the charming town of Maple Valley, Iowa, scores a resounding touchdown! Tagg just gets better and better.
Susan May Warren, bestselling, RITA award-winning author of The Wonder of YouFrom the Start embodies Tagg’s best! Delightful. Endearing. And full of engaging characters and tingling moments reminiscent of our favorite films and stories. I’m thrilled this is the beginning of our journey with the Walkers and eagerly anticipate this wonderful family’s next chapter.
Katherine Reay, author of Lizzy & JaneWith her usual dose of girl-next-door charm, Melissa Tagg invites the reader into yet another witty and faith-filled story in From the Start. Though written with punchy dialogue and a colorful cast of supporting characters, Tagg isn’t afraid to expand the lighthearted parts of the story to delve into some of life’s tougher challenges–which she does in an authentic way. The first in a new series, I’m eagerly awaiting the next chapter from the Walker clan!
Kristy Cambron, author of The Butterfly and the Violin and A Sparrow in Terezin
