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romcommer's review against another edition
3.0
This wasn’t bad at all.
It’s not a one couple story though and it doesn’t follow 2 people into their reconciliation journey.
(Though we don’t really get a very good excuse as to why Jeremy left in the first place!)
A cheating lying pastor and a troubled daughter overshadowed the love story and the dad/grandpa also had a huge part in it as well as Ollies diabetes story and the mom Chloe who’s not really a mom this book is about family problems and how humans can make mistakes and live with them and makeup for them and how a family can survive the imperfections and flaws of the human nature.
Jeremy is tight on money and pays her nanny duties enough for her to survive - seems there’s an unsolvable math problem there.
The recurrent theme of Christianity and church kind of put me off. I wouldn’t have read this book had I known it’s a Christian fiction.
It’s not a one couple story though and it doesn’t follow 2 people into their reconciliation journey.
(Though we don’t really get a very good excuse as to why Jeremy left in the first place!)
A cheating lying pastor and a troubled daughter overshadowed the love story and the dad/grandpa also had a huge part in it as well as Ollies diabetes story and the mom Chloe who’s not really a mom this book is about family problems and how humans can make mistakes and live with them and makeup for them and how a family can survive the imperfections and flaws of the human nature.
Jeremy is tight on money and pays her nanny duties enough for her to survive - seems there’s an unsolvable math problem there.
The recurrent theme of Christianity and church kind of put me off. I wouldn’t have read this book had I known it’s a Christian fiction.
sherwoodreads's review against another edition
I'm tagging this as fiction, and spiritual (more about that later). It's billed as a romance, and there is romance in it, but that is overshadowed by so many issues it read more like a problem novel.
To discuss it, I have to go into spoiler territory, so if you don't want to be spoiled, don't read on.
It's a debut novel, and as such it's impressive. The author certainly packed the story with issues, keeping the pacing boiling along.
Central is Natalie, who was dumped by her fiancé weeks before her marriage, which caused her entire life to crash and burn. She is back in her home town after a series of bad jobs that didn't work out--and right when she begins a promising internship for a new ministry, she runs into her ex, Jeremy. Who is also back in town--with a baby. He's a single dad.
Natalie ends up being hired by Jeremy to watch his baby, as he, too, is beginning a new job, at the local newspaper.
Along the way we meet Natalie's wonderful parents--her dad, her idol, is retiring from his lifelong ministry as he is dying of cancer. Jeremy's brother and sister-in-law, Mike and Steph, are co-pastors at the church that Jeremy left, but apparently he's returned to. We also meet what I think the best character in the book, Mike and Steph's daughter Lili.
Lili discovers that her dad is cheating on her mom, and when Mike finds out, he pleads with his daughter not to tell anyone. That's right, the pastor makes his teenage daughter complicit in his cheating.
Jessica Kate writes about these flawed characters with sympathy, showing how fragile human beings are--this is no postmodern novel smirking superiorly at the "corrupt fundies" that has become so very common in fiction these days.
The problem is, this issue just about overwhelms the rest of the book, as Lili tries to deal, makes friends with an awesome teen whose family is full of their own problems, and finally can't deal and runs away. Meanwhile Nat is dead set against trusting Jeremy, though they are instantly attracted to each other all over again.
But then things take another horrible turn when Jeremy's baby turns out to have a severe case of diabetes. That's right, another heart-breaking issue!
For the most part, Jessica Kate deals fairly with the characters--including Jeremy's ex, who comes knocking at the door to see her baby after dumping him on Jeremy right after she gave birth.
Probably the best sequence was Lili's running away. Her quest for understanding resonates with a sense of verisimilitude, and her faltering faith and how she deals is easily the best treatment of that subject in the book. For the most part, the others seem not to remember they are Christians, except intermittently; when Mike finally tackles his issues, the hard stuff is kept entirely off-stage, which nearly shipwrecks the book. How did his congregation react to his confession? We don't know. How did he justify breaking the Ten Commandments when he's supposed to be a leader of his flock? We don't know, except that he finally got his wife to agree to therapy--which she wouldn't do before because of how it would look. After all this heavy stuff, conflict resolution is pretty much whisked past us, which is anti-eucatastrophe.
Meanwhile, Nat's dad is not going to make it. Definitely not light-hearted romance.
Natalie and Jeremy get their happy ending, but their resolution is very much overshadowed by the entire Mike issue, and the diabetes and cancer don't help. And yet the author is so good at painting three-dimensional characters with strong appeal. I liked everybody in the book, warts and all, though I don't think this is exactly a fun and light-hearted romance. Given that, I still look forward to seeing where this author goes. Lots of talent there.
Copy provided by NetGalley--I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."
To discuss it, I have to go into spoiler territory, so if you don't want to be spoiled, don't read on.
It's a debut novel, and as such it's impressive. The author certainly packed the story with issues, keeping the pacing boiling along.
Central is Natalie, who was dumped by her fiancé weeks before her marriage, which caused her entire life to crash and burn. She is back in her home town after a series of bad jobs that didn't work out--and right when she begins a promising internship for a new ministry, she runs into her ex, Jeremy. Who is also back in town--with a baby. He's a single dad.
Natalie ends up being hired by Jeremy to watch his baby, as he, too, is beginning a new job, at the local newspaper.
Along the way we meet Natalie's wonderful parents--her dad, her idol, is retiring from his lifelong ministry as he is dying of cancer. Jeremy's brother and sister-in-law, Mike and Steph, are co-pastors at the church that Jeremy left, but apparently he's returned to. We also meet what I think the best character in the book, Mike and Steph's daughter Lili.
Lili discovers that her dad is cheating on her mom, and when Mike finds out, he pleads with his daughter not to tell anyone. That's right, the pastor makes his teenage daughter complicit in his cheating.
Jessica Kate writes about these flawed characters with sympathy, showing how fragile human beings are--this is no postmodern novel smirking superiorly at the "corrupt fundies" that has become so very common in fiction these days.
The problem is, this issue just about overwhelms the rest of the book, as Lili tries to deal, makes friends with an awesome teen whose family is full of their own problems, and finally can't deal and runs away. Meanwhile Nat is dead set against trusting Jeremy, though they are instantly attracted to each other all over again.
But then things take another horrible turn when Jeremy's baby turns out to have a severe case of diabetes. That's right, another heart-breaking issue!
For the most part, Jessica Kate deals fairly with the characters--including Jeremy's ex, who comes knocking at the door to see her baby after dumping him on Jeremy right after she gave birth.
Probably the best sequence was Lili's running away. Her quest for understanding resonates with a sense of verisimilitude, and her faltering faith and how she deals is easily the best treatment of that subject in the book. For the most part, the others seem not to remember they are Christians, except intermittently; when Mike finally tackles his issues, the hard stuff is kept entirely off-stage, which nearly shipwrecks the book. How did his congregation react to his confession? We don't know. How did he justify breaking the Ten Commandments when he's supposed to be a leader of his flock? We don't know, except that he finally got his wife to agree to therapy--which she wouldn't do before because of how it would look. After all this heavy stuff, conflict resolution is pretty much whisked past us, which is anti-eucatastrophe.
Meanwhile, Nat's dad is not going to make it. Definitely not light-hearted romance.
Natalie and Jeremy get their happy ending, but their resolution is very much overshadowed by the entire Mike issue, and the diabetes and cancer don't help. And yet the author is so good at painting three-dimensional characters with strong appeal. I liked everybody in the book, warts and all, though I don't think this is exactly a fun and light-hearted romance. Given that, I still look forward to seeing where this author goes. Lots of talent there.
Copy provided by NetGalley--I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."
hannahfeathers's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
srmcdaniel14's review against another edition
5.0
Ever since I read the premise for this book, I was eager to get my hands on it! This debut romance features witty banter and relatable characters while showcasing the messy things of life with strokes of humor.
First of all, I’m a fan of the love/hate trope because the story begins with a mountain of complications between the two main characters and it’s always interesting to see how things gets untangled. Another element that made the story engaging was the heroine. I found myself rooting for her success from the very first page!
All in all, this was a solid debut from Jessica Kate, and I’m looking forward to her future stories!
I received a copy from the author, all opinions are my own.
First of all, I’m a fan of the love/hate trope because the story begins with a mountain of complications between the two main characters and it’s always interesting to see how things gets untangled. Another element that made the story engaging was the heroine. I found myself rooting for her success from the very first page!
All in all, this was a solid debut from Jessica Kate, and I’m looking forward to her future stories!
I received a copy from the author, all opinions are my own.
turquoiseavenue's review against another edition
5.0
Heartfelt and heartwarming! Jessica Kate had me laughing, crying and fully engaged in this story, which was well written and multi layered. Her characters are lovable and relatable and I highly recommend this particular story which delves into forgiveness, life’s many trials and surprises. I enjoyed the book immensely as an audiobook.
flowersofquiethappiness's review against another edition
4.0
What a sweet and wonderfully complicated story! The romance bits and cuteness convinced me to try this one, but I ended up feeling blown away by the depth of emotion that resonated so clearly. Ms. Kate is certainly an author to keep an eye on!
Firstly, let's talk Natalie and Jem. They have their super adorable moments, yes, but also have a super complicated relationship. The hurt and pain they're both struggling underneath are weights on their shoulders that they don't know how to handle. Watching as they breathe new life into each other while simultaneously balancing that chemistry between the two of them...it makes for a good read, is what I'm saying. Both have made mistakes and have need of some growth when our story opens. But as the chapters flew by, I loved that they continued to push each other onward, even if unconsciously.
Secondly, I have to mention Lili because I loved her pretty much from the moment she showed up on the page! I wanted SO badly to give her a hug several times because the poor girl has a whole lot of yuck to deal with in her life. (I will also say that I am not a fan of her parents at all. *frowny face*) Still, she's got some awesome people around her, namely Nick, and I loved all their moments together. I think Lili's chapters were my favorite actually. Her uncertainty, her fears, trying to figure out her life...I just connected with all her emotional upheaval and was with her every step as she pushed towards a shaky but clearer future.
So! This is a pretty intriguing story that seems like a romcom only it chooses to go a lot deeper with the issues its characters are going through. But don't let that keep you away! There is a depth here that is very worth diving into, reader friends. And I hope you do so and soon. :)
**I received a complimentary copy via Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
Firstly, let's talk Natalie and Jem. They have their super adorable moments, yes, but also have a super complicated relationship. The hurt and pain they're both struggling underneath are weights on their shoulders that they don't know how to handle. Watching as they breathe new life into each other while simultaneously balancing that chemistry between the two of them...it makes for a good read, is what I'm saying. Both have made mistakes and have need of some growth when our story opens. But as the chapters flew by, I loved that they continued to push each other onward, even if unconsciously.
Secondly, I have to mention Lili because I loved her pretty much from the moment she showed up on the page! I wanted SO badly to give her a hug several times because the poor girl has a whole lot of yuck to deal with in her life. (I will also say that I am not a fan of her parents at all. *frowny face*) Still, she's got some awesome people around her, namely Nick, and I loved all their moments together. I think Lili's chapters were my favorite actually. Her uncertainty, her fears, trying to figure out her life...I just connected with all her emotional upheaval and was with her every step as she pushed towards a shaky but clearer future.
So! This is a pretty intriguing story that seems like a romcom only it chooses to go a lot deeper with the issues its characters are going through. But don't let that keep you away! There is a depth here that is very worth diving into, reader friends. And I hope you do so and soon. :)
**I received a complimentary copy via Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
lauren_soderberg's review against another edition
2.0
2.5 stars:
Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with a complimentary copy of this novel to read and review!
I went into reading this book expecting more of a typical romance/rom com-type novel. 'Love and Other Mistakes' doesn't quite fit into either mold, and, in my opinion, fits into a much narrower niche. If I had to describe the genre, I'd say it's Christian Fiction with a dose of Christian Romance. There is no explicit sexual content or language, though I wouldn't go so far as to say that there aren't still more sophisticated themes and issues present throughout.
I applaud Jessica Kate for seeking to weave a more nuanced romantic tale, and think there is definitely an audience who will appreciate the Christian elements and the lack of explicit content. These stories are important, and help to diversify the genre. However, the presentation of all of these components together just didn't work for me. While there are heavier issues and conflicts that are explored (such as terminal illness and infidelity) a lot of the resolution to said conflicts didn't feel earned. This was especially present in the infidelity storyline, where there was more emphasis put on the forgiveness element than to the perpetrator actually showing any remorse. Perhaps this is more realistic in some ways, but it almost felt abusive because it was a parent/child dynamic, and it left me feeling uncomfortable and frustrated.
Perhaps the overarching theme of the novel is that forgiveness heals, regardless of whether or not the aggressor wants said forgiveness. I just craved more explication and more of a connection to the characters. Overall, I'd say this is a great book for someone who already has a knowledge of the Christian community that Kate writes about, and who would enjoy a chaste exploration into love and forgiveness.
**I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.**
Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with a complimentary copy of this novel to read and review!
I went into reading this book expecting more of a typical romance/rom com-type novel. 'Love and Other Mistakes' doesn't quite fit into either mold, and, in my opinion, fits into a much narrower niche. If I had to describe the genre, I'd say it's Christian Fiction with a dose of Christian Romance. There is no explicit sexual content or language, though I wouldn't go so far as to say that there aren't still more sophisticated themes and issues present throughout.
I applaud Jessica Kate for seeking to weave a more nuanced romantic tale, and think there is definitely an audience who will appreciate the Christian elements and the lack of explicit content. These stories are important, and help to diversify the genre. However, the presentation of all of these components together just didn't work for me. While there are heavier issues and conflicts that are explored (such as terminal illness and infidelity) a lot of the resolution to said conflicts didn't feel earned. This was especially present in the infidelity storyline, where there was more emphasis put on the forgiveness element than to the perpetrator actually showing any remorse. Perhaps this is more realistic in some ways, but it almost felt abusive because it was a parent/child dynamic, and it left me feeling uncomfortable and frustrated.
Perhaps the overarching theme of the novel is that forgiveness heals, regardless of whether or not the aggressor wants said forgiveness. I just craved more explication and more of a connection to the characters. Overall, I'd say this is a great book for someone who already has a knowledge of the Christian community that Kate writes about, and who would enjoy a chaste exploration into love and forgiveness.
**I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.**
krdavis02's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0