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Worlds Collide
Some Decisions Change Your Day. Some Will Change Your Life.While the headlines screamed “Hollywood Heartthrob Marries Girl Next Door,” the public relationship of Jack Harrington and Grace Winslowe never revealed the private struggles that threatened to pull them apart–and when celebrity biographer Jada Eastman starts digging, she discovers that there’s more to this couple than anyone could guess.Their relationship began like a scene from one of Jack’s movies. Leaving behind a dead-end relationship and the bitter Chicago winter, Grace had moved to Southern California to start a new life. Meanwhile, Jack had established himself as an up-and-comer with considerable acting talent, and a private heartache. When a fateful accident pulled the two of them together, they couldn’t avoid their initial attraction or the vast differences in their values and lifestyles.Now, against the backdrop of Beverly Hills and the 24/7 nature of the entertainment world, Jada grapples with her own beliefs as she encounters the spiritual chasm of this famous couple. Can Grace and Jack face the consequences of their own personal histories–and can the biographer avoid being affected? As the three of them examine the couple’s bittersweet story, it becomes clear that everyday decisions can carry lifetime consequences when individual worlds collide.
386 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 15, 2005
4 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
About the author
Alison Strobel
8 books116 followersAlison is a women's fiction novelist who writes books about life, love, and faith. Her sophomore release, "Violette Between," was a RITA Award finalist in 2007. She lives in Colorado with her husband (with whom she has co-authored two children's books) and their two daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 28, 2018
If you're going to write a book about HIV, is it too much to ask you do the most basic research about it? The misinformation in this book is terrible and stigmatizing.
1. It never has been possible to get HIV from kissing, no matter how sick the patient is.
2. Tests for the disease are good, reliable, and widely available in the developed world. It does not take years to diagnose HIV unless the patient being an idiot about getting tested.
3. Highly effective treatments for HIV have been available since the mid-1990's, and more are being developed all the time. These treatments restore people's health and make the virus almost impossible to transmit to others. They only become ineffective if the patient is not vigilant about taking them regularly. Adherence to therapy is critical, but even if resistance develops to one set of drugs, it's likely there'd be something new try.
4. For the reasons listed above, HIV is not deadly unless it goes untreated.
1. It never has been possible to get HIV from kissing, no matter how sick the patient is.
2. Tests for the disease are good, reliable, and widely available in the developed world. It does not take years to diagnose HIV unless the patient being an idiot about getting tested.
3. Highly effective treatments for HIV have been available since the mid-1990's, and more are being developed all the time. These treatments restore people's health and make the virus almost impossible to transmit to others. They only become ineffective if the patient is not vigilant about taking them regularly. Adherence to therapy is critical, but even if resistance develops to one set of drugs, it's likely there'd be something new try.
4. For the reasons listed above, HIV is not deadly unless it goes untreated.
October 14, 2012
What a unique and touching story--a great start by the daughter of best-selling author/teacher Lee Strobel!
When Midwesterner Grace Winslowe decided to make a fresh start in sunny Southern California, she had no idea she would meet Jesus there--nor that a near-fatal collision with Hollywood heart-throb, Jack Harrington, would launch her into a roller-coaster relationship that would test her faith and new-found friendships. As the two relate their story to celebrity biographer, Jada Eastman, she learns there's more to their romance than the tabloids could ever have suspected.
If you want to get a glimpse of how God can reach and use even the most unlikely people in one of the toughest mission fields in the world, then this is a must-read for you! You'll laugh, cry and think, as this adventure unfolds.
When Midwesterner Grace Winslowe decided to make a fresh start in sunny Southern California, she had no idea she would meet Jesus there--nor that a near-fatal collision with Hollywood heart-throb, Jack Harrington, would launch her into a roller-coaster relationship that would test her faith and new-found friendships. As the two relate their story to celebrity biographer, Jada Eastman, she learns there's more to their romance than the tabloids could ever have suspected.
If you want to get a glimpse of how God can reach and use even the most unlikely people in one of the toughest mission fields in the world, then this is a must-read for you! You'll laugh, cry and think, as this adventure unfolds.
January 7, 2021
It was a bit hard to get into but the story was amazing. I truly enjoyed reading it
September 14, 2011
Most people think of glitz, glamour and endless partying when Hollywood is mentioned. The world of film and television stars is filled with hard work as well as the glitz and glamour. Religion is not especially synonymous with Hollywood, especially not moderately conservative Christianity, but these two worlds literally and figuratively clash in Worlds Collide by Alison Strobel.
Jack Harrington is a small-town boy that has become the quintessential Hollywood heart throb. He started out on a television show that did well and moved gracefully into film. He worked and played hard, but not as hard as others. It isn't until his lover dies in a car crash that Jack begins to question his life and goals, but he isn't quite sure where to go or how to start over. Enter Grace Winslowe. Grace is from a Chicago suburb but a small town girl at heart. She has moved to Southern California with the hopes of starting over. She becomes a school teacher, finds peace with herself through her friends and new found faith, and is moving on until one eventful night where she literally crashes into Jack on the highway. This accident becomes providential for them both as it brings clarity to Jack's life and love to them both. They begin their life bound not only by love but by faith and begin to introduce their beliefs to others. Fast forward a few years and a celebrity biographer has been hired to tell their story. Jada is hesitant at first because she doesn't want to hear about the faith and nonsense but soon gets pulled into their stories.
Worlds Collide is as much about love, faith and perseverance as it is about two unlikely worlds clashing then meshing. Jack and Grace aren't the typical Hollywood couple and perhaps that brings enough intrigue in and of itself. Their stories about faith and love appear quite realistic if not idealistic. Neither Grace nor Jack have had overly happy lives and they have both dealt with serious issues on many levels, personally, professionally, and spiritually. Readers beware, this does not end with a happily ever after...but it does end filled with hope and a sense of purposefulness gained by love and faith. This may not suit all readers due to the abundance of overt religious themes but it is a well written and enjoyable read about faith and love.
Jack Harrington is a small-town boy that has become the quintessential Hollywood heart throb. He started out on a television show that did well and moved gracefully into film. He worked and played hard, but not as hard as others. It isn't until his lover dies in a car crash that Jack begins to question his life and goals, but he isn't quite sure where to go or how to start over. Enter Grace Winslowe. Grace is from a Chicago suburb but a small town girl at heart. She has moved to Southern California with the hopes of starting over. She becomes a school teacher, finds peace with herself through her friends and new found faith, and is moving on until one eventful night where she literally crashes into Jack on the highway. This accident becomes providential for them both as it brings clarity to Jack's life and love to them both. They begin their life bound not only by love but by faith and begin to introduce their beliefs to others. Fast forward a few years and a celebrity biographer has been hired to tell their story. Jada is hesitant at first because she doesn't want to hear about the faith and nonsense but soon gets pulled into their stories.
Worlds Collide is as much about love, faith and perseverance as it is about two unlikely worlds clashing then meshing. Jack and Grace aren't the typical Hollywood couple and perhaps that brings enough intrigue in and of itself. Their stories about faith and love appear quite realistic if not idealistic. Neither Grace nor Jack have had overly happy lives and they have both dealt with serious issues on many levels, personally, professionally, and spiritually. Readers beware, this does not end with a happily ever after...but it does end filled with hope and a sense of purposefulness gained by love and faith. This may not suit all readers due to the abundance of overt religious themes but it is a well written and enjoyable read about faith and love.
February 5, 2009
Review by Jill Williamson
Celebrity biographer Jada Eastman is given the chance of a lifetime: to write a book about Hollywood heartthrob Jack Harrington and his wife. She goes to their Pasadena home to start interviewing them and instantly likes the couple. Grace goes first. A regular, non-actress, girl from Chicago, Grace decided to make a big change in her life and move to Southern California. She just needed a change.
Jack was acting, of course, the star of a string of major motion pictures, and the culprit in a string of bad relationships. He grew steadily frustrated with his have-everything life, and began searching for something real. His relationship with Grace began like any chick flick. An every-day fender bender on the LA freeways and Jack couldn’t get Grace out of his head. Even though their lives were worlds apart, Jack was used to getting what he wanted.
As Jada continues to interview the celebrity couple, she discovers that love can survive the consequences of a sinful past. But can Jade simply do her job without being changed, or will this amazing couple provide an example of faith and trust that cannot be ignored?
This book was amazing! It’s real and honest and because of that I only recommend it for older teens. But WOW! I loved it. Having lived in LA for ten years, I can testify that Alison Strobel is giving an honest look at celebrity life. It’s like a cycle. Most actors start out sweet and good and driven to succeed, but with that success comes heaps of money, fame, and more temptation than most people could ever withstand. Then they start to see that all of that stuff is meaningless, so they dive into the world of philanthropy or politics, trying to use their popularity to make a difference. But only one thing can truly make a difference in a man’s life and all the money, fame, and good deeds can never fill that void. I admire Alison for writing such an honest book that shows so much truth and consequences and love. I give a standing ovation for this one.
Celebrity biographer Jada Eastman is given the chance of a lifetime: to write a book about Hollywood heartthrob Jack Harrington and his wife. She goes to their Pasadena home to start interviewing them and instantly likes the couple. Grace goes first. A regular, non-actress, girl from Chicago, Grace decided to make a big change in her life and move to Southern California. She just needed a change.
Jack was acting, of course, the star of a string of major motion pictures, and the culprit in a string of bad relationships. He grew steadily frustrated with his have-everything life, and began searching for something real. His relationship with Grace began like any chick flick. An every-day fender bender on the LA freeways and Jack couldn’t get Grace out of his head. Even though their lives were worlds apart, Jack was used to getting what he wanted.
As Jada continues to interview the celebrity couple, she discovers that love can survive the consequences of a sinful past. But can Jade simply do her job without being changed, or will this amazing couple provide an example of faith and trust that cannot be ignored?
This book was amazing! It’s real and honest and because of that I only recommend it for older teens. But WOW! I loved it. Having lived in LA for ten years, I can testify that Alison Strobel is giving an honest look at celebrity life. It’s like a cycle. Most actors start out sweet and good and driven to succeed, but with that success comes heaps of money, fame, and more temptation than most people could ever withstand. Then they start to see that all of that stuff is meaningless, so they dive into the world of philanthropy or politics, trying to use their popularity to make a difference. But only one thing can truly make a difference in a man’s life and all the money, fame, and good deeds can never fill that void. I admire Alison for writing such an honest book that shows so much truth and consequences and love. I give a standing ovation for this one.
May 22, 2019
When celebrity biographer Jada Eastman takes on writing the life story of famous Hollywood actor Jack Harrington, she doesn't know what is in store. She has always believed that celebrities are just like everyone else. Yet from the first moment Jack and his wife Grace begin to tell their story, Jada is both entranced and hesitant. She knows of the couple's Christian beliefs and is 'convinced this type of kindness and guilelessness will never last; they will probably try to lull me into a false sense of security so they can suck me into their cult.'
The story of Jack's and Grace's relationship is told through alternating viewpoints. From the initial moments of their individual arrivals in Hollywood to their eventual tumultuous meeting and Christian faith journeys, the couple lays their entire life out for Jada and the world to see - both the beautiful and the ugly parts. When the worlds of famous actor and school teacher, Christian and non-Christian, biographer and subject, collide - no one can remain unchanged.
This is realistic and upfront Christian fiction. The characters aren't perfect. Bad things still happen to them and they still face temptation and heartache. The beautiful thing about this story is that in the midst of trials, God is there to help them through. Jack is everyone's idea of a stereotypical Hollywood heartthrob. He's famous, rich, and spends his free time partying and drinking heavily. Grace is not a part of that world, but she has her own struggles to face. But God grabs hold of Grace's and Jack's hearts and doesn't let go.
Alternating between Grace's and Jack's points-of-view makes the story interesting. The reader is often given a glimpse of the same situation from two different sides. In a day and age when glamorous Hollywood marriages are often over before they begin, this fictional account gives hope that any marriage can work, when combined with faith and effort. Alison Strobel (daughter of Lee Strobel) has a gift for entrancing, heart-tugging writing.
The story of Jack's and Grace's relationship is told through alternating viewpoints. From the initial moments of their individual arrivals in Hollywood to their eventual tumultuous meeting and Christian faith journeys, the couple lays their entire life out for Jada and the world to see - both the beautiful and the ugly parts. When the worlds of famous actor and school teacher, Christian and non-Christian, biographer and subject, collide - no one can remain unchanged.
This is realistic and upfront Christian fiction. The characters aren't perfect. Bad things still happen to them and they still face temptation and heartache. The beautiful thing about this story is that in the midst of trials, God is there to help them through. Jack is everyone's idea of a stereotypical Hollywood heartthrob. He's famous, rich, and spends his free time partying and drinking heavily. Grace is not a part of that world, but she has her own struggles to face. But God grabs hold of Grace's and Jack's hearts and doesn't let go.
Alternating between Grace's and Jack's points-of-view makes the story interesting. The reader is often given a glimpse of the same situation from two different sides. In a day and age when glamorous Hollywood marriages are often over before they begin, this fictional account gives hope that any marriage can work, when combined with faith and effort. Alison Strobel (daughter of Lee Strobel) has a gift for entrancing, heart-tugging writing.
February 21, 2015
Overall
This book is one of Christian Fiction's best kept secrets! I have never seen it for sale at my local book store, nor do I frequently hear people discussing it. I'm really not even sure how I discovered it or where I picked up my copy. But like a pearl buried at the bottom of an ocean, this is a treasure you won't want to miss! If you enjoy realistic fairy tales of the "Hollywood heartthrob meets girl next door" variety, you will be swept away in these pages. And unlike so many similar tales, which play at the surface, this one isn't afraid to examine what might be going on way down deep - the struggles, the challenges and the sincerity of such a story.
This book is original, intelligent and written so well, we forgot it wasn't real! You will be swept up into this charming story! (SPOILER WARNING) And while we usually love a good, sappy, happily-ever-after ending, this story offers something different - and it's refreshingly real, honest and beautiful.
Read the rest of our review here...
...more
This book is one of Christian Fiction's best kept secrets! I have never seen it for sale at my local book store, nor do I frequently hear people discussing it. I'm really not even sure how I discovered it or where I picked up my copy. But like a pearl buried at the bottom of an ocean, this is a treasure you won't want to miss! If you enjoy realistic fairy tales of the "Hollywood heartthrob meets girl next door" variety, you will be swept away in these pages. And unlike so many similar tales, which play at the surface, this one isn't afraid to examine what might be going on way down deep - the struggles, the challenges and the sincerity of such a story.
This book is original, intelligent and written so well, we forgot it wasn't real! You will be swept up into this charming story! (SPOILER WARNING) And while we usually love a good, sappy, happily-ever-after ending, this story offers something different - and it's refreshingly real, honest and beautiful.
Read the rest of our review here...
...more
November 24, 2014
There are so many thought tumbling around in my mind about this book. When I first started reading, I wasn't sure if I was going to like how it was written. It is written in first person from two people. Once I got into the book a little ways, I realized that Alison was doing a brilliant job of switching back and forth between the two. In the end, I absolutely loved it. I'm not sure I would like this form all the time or from many other authors, but Alison pulled it off beautifully! I thought she did a seamless/flawless transition from chapter to chapter and character to character telling the story.
The characters are flawed, broken and in need of God's love and redemption. This is what I thought was the most wonderful thing about this book. Alison does a really great job of bringing the characters to their knees and showing how God can completely change a life! She shows us how messing life can be and how all our actions have consequences. And that sometimes those consequences are difficult to accept and seem unfair. She reminds us that life can be messy but beautifully redeemed through Christ!
The plot was good. There really wasn't any guessing as to what was going to happen, but the journey getting to the end was great! I really loved this book. It has been rattling around in my head all day long. I think this one will stick with me for quite sometime.
One thing that I notice right off was that this would not be a book for those that sensitive to some language and certain topics such as drinking. Though I personally didn't have anything against anything that was written, though would be some that would. We all have our own tolerance threshold. The only other thing I would say about this part of it would be that if a teen girl was going to read it, it may be good to have an adult that could discuss it with them. Maybe I am being a bit over caution, but some people like to have a heads up on these kinds of things.
The characters are flawed, broken and in need of God's love and redemption. This is what I thought was the most wonderful thing about this book. Alison does a really great job of bringing the characters to their knees and showing how God can completely change a life! She shows us how messing life can be and how all our actions have consequences. And that sometimes those consequences are difficult to accept and seem unfair. She reminds us that life can be messy but beautifully redeemed through Christ!
The plot was good. There really wasn't any guessing as to what was going to happen, but the journey getting to the end was great! I really loved this book. It has been rattling around in my head all day long. I think this one will stick with me for quite sometime.
One thing that I notice right off was that this would not be a book for those that sensitive to some language and certain topics such as drinking. Though I personally didn't have anything against anything that was written, though would be some that would. We all have our own tolerance threshold. The only other thing I would say about this part of it would be that if a teen girl was going to read it, it may be good to have an adult that could discuss it with them. Maybe I am being a bit over caution, but some people like to have a heads up on these kinds of things.
July 14, 2015
This book was surprisingly intense and dramatic read I couldn’t stop thinking about after I read the last page. Alison is the daughter of the man who wrote "CASE FOR CHRIST".
Some decisions change your day. Some will change your life.
While the headlines screamed "Hollywood Heartthrob Marries Girl next door,” the public relationship of Jack Harrington and Grace Winslowe never revealed the private struggles that threatened to pull them apart - and when celebrity biographer Jade Eastman starts digging, she discovers that there's more to this couple than anyone could guess.
Their relationship began like a scene from on of Jack's movies. Grace had moved to Southern California to start a new life. Jack had established himself as a up - and= comer with considerable acting talent. When a fateful accident pulled the two of them together, they couldn't avoid their initial attraction or the vast differences in their values and lifestyles.
Now, against the backdrop of the entertainment world, Jada grapples with her own beliefs as she encounters the spiritual chasm of this famous couple. Can Grace and Jack face the consequences of their own personal histories - and can the biographer avoid being affected? It soon becomes clear that everyday decisions can carry lifetime consequences when individual worlds collide.
This makes for a memorable read and it’s great for a book club pick.
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
Some decisions change your day. Some will change your life.
While the headlines screamed "Hollywood Heartthrob Marries Girl next door,” the public relationship of Jack Harrington and Grace Winslowe never revealed the private struggles that threatened to pull them apart - and when celebrity biographer Jade Eastman starts digging, she discovers that there's more to this couple than anyone could guess.
Their relationship began like a scene from on of Jack's movies. Grace had moved to Southern California to start a new life. Jack had established himself as a up - and= comer with considerable acting talent. When a fateful accident pulled the two of them together, they couldn't avoid their initial attraction or the vast differences in their values and lifestyles.
Now, against the backdrop of the entertainment world, Jada grapples with her own beliefs as she encounters the spiritual chasm of this famous couple. Can Grace and Jack face the consequences of their own personal histories - and can the biographer avoid being affected? It soon becomes clear that everyday decisions can carry lifetime consequences when individual worlds collide.
This makes for a memorable read and it’s great for a book club pick.
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
January 2, 2009
Read this last week on the plane. I enjoyed it, in a "lite" reading kind of way. To put this in perspective of Christian writers, Alison is not as good as Francine Rivers, and much better than Liz Curtis Higgs (she's just a little too corny for me).
This was less preachy and better than I expected. Employing a "narrator" in the role of ghostwriter for a celebrity book was a great idea, and worked really well for this. I really liked the characters -- they were believable and sympathetic, which made me care about them and how they felt.
I also really liked the friends Grace made once she started going to church. Those girls were exactly what I want to be to visitors to my church.
I feel small admitting this, but the use of the word "normality" in this book made me crazy! I actually had to look it up at one point, because I didn't even think it was a word! Because it's so odd, and it was used so many times, it stuck out to me (not sure why I fixated on this). I would have preferred "normalcy" in place of it in many cases, and then a variety of other synonyms other times. Our language is so rich that I hate to see a word re-used so many times where there are so many others to choose from!
This was less preachy and better than I expected. Employing a "narrator" in the role of ghostwriter for a celebrity book was a great idea, and worked really well for this. I really liked the characters -- they were believable and sympathetic, which made me care about them and how they felt.
I also really liked the friends Grace made once she started going to church. Those girls were exactly what I want to be to visitors to my church.
I feel small admitting this, but the use of the word "normality" in this book made me crazy! I actually had to look it up at one point, because I didn't even think it was a word! Because it's so odd, and it was used so many times, it stuck out to me (not sure why I fixated on this). I would have preferred "normalcy" in place of it in many cases, and then a variety of other synonyms other times. Our language is so rich that I hate to see a word re-used so many times where there are so many others to choose from!
June 29, 2015
2.5 stars. This book was not as good as I hoped it would be. I am a Christian and I enjoy reading Christian books, but this book was too much for me. The multiple conversion stories took away from the actual story. I hate to say that as there are a lot of good messages in here, but for someone who is already a believer, it took away from the plot.
The end did seem a little rushed and I would have liked to have delved deeper into the characters' struggles and feelings involving the scenario at the end. It was tied up a little too easily and quickly.
That being said, I did like the characters. I always appreciate how Strobel deals with real-world issues and situations in her books. She discusses stuff not every Christian author wants to touch.
I don't think I would have read this all in one sitting had I not been trapped in the car. Lol.
The end did seem a little rushed and I would have liked to have delved deeper into the characters' struggles and feelings involving the scenario at the end. It was tied up a little too easily and quickly.
That being said, I did like the characters. I always appreciate how Strobel deals with real-world issues and situations in her books. She discusses stuff not every Christian author wants to touch.
I don't think I would have read this all in one sitting had I not been trapped in the car. Lol.
June 19, 2016
I picked this up at a garage sale thinking it was a romance novel, I didn't pay too much attention to the synopsis at that point. it wasn't until I read the reviews in the front cover, saw one from my favorite Christian singer plumb, and I began to wonder what I was getting into. I've read Christian romance novels before and they sound corny, not that most contemporary ones aren't, but they've just never been fun for me to read.
ANYHOW. deciding to give the book a try, I took it with me this weekend.
I loved it.
the first person story told simultaneously from two points of view, and throwing in the narrator's questions and comments? absolutely perfect for this story.
and the ending. I should have seen it coming, and maybe earlier I the story I did, still took me by surprise and left me with tears. beautiful book.
ANYHOW. deciding to give the book a try, I took it with me this weekend.
I loved it.
the first person story told simultaneously from two points of view, and throwing in the narrator's questions and comments? absolutely perfect for this story.
and the ending. I should have seen it coming, and maybe earlier I the story I did, still took me by surprise and left me with tears. beautiful book.
July 7, 2012
I didn't think that I would like this as much as I did. I don't like books about celebrities and how normal people meet them and begin a relationship with them. But this one was different. Both Jack and Grace seemed like "normal" people and their story was one of redemption and ultimate sadness. But their lives meant something in the long run with all the people they touched.
June 28, 2010
Easy read. Highly predictable plot. I can see this storyline being used as a Hallmark movie. I felt like there were a lot of important details left out and the author seemed to rush the ending by tossing it all into a brief epilogue.
July 15, 2011
I've never read this author, the excerpt sounds good. I really enjoyed this book. It dealt with 2 people from completely different lifestyles meeting and the relationship they build. The ending was sad but not surprising.
April 25, 2008
This was a good book to read. It looked at the conversion process of a movie star who collided with a teacher on the freeways of CA. I loved the setting and the plot.
February 8, 2016
Sad ending.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews