A review by women_using_words
When Worlds Collide by Erin Zak

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Erin Zak creates some of the best characters; readers easily connect with them. Such is the case with When Worlds Collide’s Heather and Grace. They possess a unique mix of qualities that make them admirable, yet relatable. They are complex women with vulnerabilities and strengths that resonate with readers, leaving quite an impression. Zak is somewhat of a master at this. She loves playing with real and raw vulnerabilities within her characters. She knows exactly how to balance the positive and negative energies within her leading ladies, and it elevates the storytelling. The result is a compelling narrative that readers care about.

This isn’t Zak’s first celebrity romance; she’s written a couple of others. Through them all, she’s shown that she knows how to give readers behind-the-scenes glimpses into a lifestyle that readers find captivating. She plays up the magic—glamorous women, designer clothing and fancy parties— while exploring the challenges of fame, public scrutiny and media attention. In regards to When Worlds Collide, she pursues the impact of Heather’s celebrity status as it concerns personal insecurities and issues. While the contrast between fame and normalcy is well played in this novel, it’s Heather and Grace’s romantic journey that truly hooks readers. The shared moments, the doubt and insecurity, the pressure from Hollywood execs—it’s intense and captivating.

While the love affair between Heather and Grace is a bit of whirlwind, Zak manages to keep it real by focusing on the trust, respect and commitment it takes to build a relationship. This registers with readers, making the storytelling more impactive and personal. What’s more, readers become emotionally invested in their journey; that’s largely due to the fact that she places them inside gorgeously scripted scenes. The nuance, tone and dialogue feel authentic and honest. She includes experiences that are not unique to celebrities; they are relatable to all. They are plausible challenges and opportunities, ones faced everyday by the ordinary individual. And while the celebrity romance does draw readers in, it’s the vulnerabilities exposed by life and the love gained by risk that keep the story most compelling.

Final remarks…

For the longest time The Road Home was my favorite Zak book. Then, she wrote Home for the Holidays and Heidi stole my heart. (No pressure, Erin, but could we see more of her someday?) Now, Zak has written this gem and I’m at a loss to say which book is my most favorite. It’s hard to choose. I think I love Zak’s writing because she understands her characters and that transfers to the page. Vulnerabilities are split wide open and readers cannot look away. They can only embrace it and love it.

Strengths…

  • Fantastically drawn, memorable characters
  • Captivating storyline
  • Wonderful secondary characters 
  • Well-written dialogue 
  • Well-scripted scenes
  • Gorgeous love story