The Director's Cut

Backstage Pass #3

by Janice Thompson

Tia Morales is used to calling the shots. She's the director of the popular sitcom Stars Collide, and her life on set is calculated and orderly. Well, most of the time. But her life outside the studio is another matter. If only she could get her family to behave as well as her stars do! When she starts butting heads with handsome camera operator Jason Harris, it's enough to send a girl over the edge. Will she ever learn to let go and take life--and love--as it comes?

Full of the humor and crazy family dynamics Janice Thompson fans have come to love, this colorful story gives readers an inside look at Hollywood and a healthy dose of romance.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Romance, Contemporary, Christian, Christian Romance, Fiction, Contemporary Romance

296 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2012

About the author

Welcome to the wacky, wonderful world of inspirational author Janice Hanna Thompson, where romantic comedy rules the day! I hope you love to laugh, because I make it my goal to tickle your funny bone at every turn in my light-hearted tales.

Whether you’re looking for inspirational romance, quirky cozy mysteries, light-hearted historicals or fun books for younger readers, you will find it here. You will also find an abundance of non-fiction books, guaranteed to ease life’s burdens.

Why do I focus on the light-hearted stuff? Because life is hard! My readers lead busy, chaotic lives and need those special “Calgon, Take Me Away!” moments! Providing “Love, Laughter and Happily Ever Afters” brings me great delight. Lest you think it’s all fluff, think again!

Woven between the lines of each cheerful tale you will find the ultimate love story, one guaranteed to stir your soul and get your heart fluttering. Talk about a real happily ever after! There’s something for everyone on my site, so settle back in your chair, grab a cup of Earl Grey tea, and get ready to discover a light-hearted approach to life!

Reviews

[Lindsey (Books for Christian Girls) · Rating 3 out of 5]

About this book:

“The one thing she can’t direct is her heart.
Tia Morales is used to calling the shots. She's the director of the popular sitcom Stars Collide, and her life on set is calculated and orderly. Well, most of the time. But her life outside the studio is another matter. If only she could other people to behave as well as her stars do! When she starts to have feelings for handsome camera operator Jason Harris—with whom she’s been butting heads for month—it’s enough to send a girl over the edge. Will she ever learn to let go and take life—and love—as it comes?
Full of the humor and crazy family dynamics Janice Thompson fans have come to love, this colorful story gives readers an inside look at Hollywood and a healthy dose of romance.”


Series: Book #3 in the “Backstage Pass” trilogy. Review of Book #1 Here and Book #2 Here!


Spiritual Content- 1 Peter 5:7 at the beginning; Prayers & Thanking God; Church going; Talks about God & having faith; ‘H’s are not capital when referring to God; Mentions of God & God-given gifts; Mentions of prayers & praying; Mentions of churches, church going, services, sermons, & a ministry; Mentions of worship songs; A few mentions of praising God; A few mentions of the Bible & Bible reading; A few mentions of Heaven; A couple mentions of places in the Bible; A couple mentions of Christians; A couple mentions of a blessed person; A couple mentions of sins; A couple mentions of saints; A mention of a pastor; A mention of curses & blessings; A mention of nuns;
*Note: The phrase ‘There is a God and he loves me’ is said; A mention of someone looking devilish; A mention of a man described as a handsome devil; A mention of a devil dog.


Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘holy cow’, two ‘screwup’s, and three ‘stupid’; Sarcasm & eye rolling; An earthquake (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of alcohol, drinking, being drunk or sober; Mentions of Tia’s separated & back-together parents; A few mentions of hatred; A couple mentions of gang activates & shootings; A couple mentions of drugs & someone overdosing; A couple mentions of the lottery; A couple mentions of liars & lying; A couple mentions of jealousy; A couple mentions of gossip; A mention of cannibals; A mention of jail; A mention of receiving a not-so-friendly gesture;
*Note: Many, many mentions of celebrities, singers, actors/actresses, movies, TV shows, songs, characters, & channels; Mentions of car brands; Mentions of Starbucks & going there; A few mentions of designers.


Sexual Content- a hand kiss, two cheek kisses, two nose kisses, a hair kiss, a barely-above-not-detailed kiss, and three semi-detailed kisses; Touches, Embraces, & Shivers (barely-above-not-detailed); Blushes & Winks; Noticing & Smelling; a ‘yummy’, two forms of ‘hunk’, four ‘sexy’s (one is about a car), and five forms of ‘hot’; Mentions of married & dating couples kissing & embracing (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of kisses & kissing; Mentions of a flirt & flirting; Mentions of dating, dates, & girlfriends; A few mentions of having a fling with an engaged person; A few mentions of jealousy; A couple mentions of blushes; Love, falling in love, & the emotions;
*Note: Mentions of Tia’s dad trying to trade her mama, bouncing to one woman to another, & his wandering eye (no details); Mentions of a woman’s change; A mention of dancing on TV in your underwear; A couple mentions of a couple not seeing the place they visited; A mention of a class about how babies are made; A mention of how a couple ended up with so many kids; A mention of a voice oozing sex appeal; A mention of a man gazing at a woman’s snug blouse; A mention of a man in just his boxers; A mention of tossing someone out on their rear; A mention of butting heads.

-Tia Morales, age 30
1st person P.O.V. of Tia
293 pages

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Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Two Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars
Another Janice Thompson series is reviewed! This trilogy set in Hollywood is such a fun read and, of course, the characters are quirky. ;) This might not be my favorites by this talented author, but it’s still a fun series with great Spiritual Content.


Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...


*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.

[Page · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quick. Name a sitcom director.

I'm waiting.

OK, time's up.

I worked in television, and I can barely name sitcom directors. James Burrows, he's about the only sitcom director who has anything close to a star name, and that's because he's been around since Cheers.

I'm 4% into the book and here are the glaring mistakes in the book:

1) Golden Globes aren't given out for directing. Emmys are. A Golden Globe win (to Hollywood insiders) just means you gave the Hollywood Foreign Press some really good swag.

2) The production assistant role has gone vacant for months? For realz?! Sorry, actual sitcoms would have several PAs.

3) They hire a first year film student as a PA?! Intern, maybe. PA, no. way.

Why do I read Hollywood books? Why? The LOLs aren't worth the rage they induce.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy reading books about people who are control freaks to begin with, but they eventually learn to relax and enjoy life more due to situations beyond their control. God puts me in regular situations like this, and though hard at first, I learn to accept the challenges over time. Tia's life is a great example of this scenario. Her residual shame from her upbringing tends to filter through the cracks in her heavily guarded walls, and the shame often distorts her perception of life and how she deal with things. She often feels the need to bail her family out whenever situation they are stuck in. The heroine, Tia, is majorly codependent. Despite her grumpiness, Tia is a likable character and I couldn't help enjoying the scenes where Jason shows up and provides support and encouragement. It was a delight to see him in action. The conflict and petty jealousies were believable and so was the flirtatious sister. This was all done very well.

Tia was a tough cookie, but she had a soft interior and Jason was the perfect man to bring that out. He was a great hero to the point where he was almost too amazing, but I still liked him a lot. Every woman wants a Jason in their lives, right? I was totally feeling the love on the set and enjoyed the few surprises that came with Brock's reappearance, too. And then when Tia's sister turned her life around, I was thrilled. The best part of this book was probably the fact that Tia had to come to grips with the fact that she couldn't control everything, and that sometimes letting go was the best thing a person could do. It certainly adds a few more years to your life. The ending was heart-warming, too. I really enjoyed this series.

[Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun book!

The third and final story in the “Backstage Pass” series was such a fun (and quick) read. From the very beginning of reading Tia’s “voice” on the page, I knew I would love this girl…and I did. She completely endeared me, though she certainly has her share of troubles!

Janice Thompson is at her best upon the page in first person voice. Tia came to life with her quirky little internal one liners and great perspective. What I appreciated and loved the most though was how the faith journey was woven through every part of the story and never became preachy.

Throw in a fun setting like Hollywood, quirky and fun secondary characters and the novel is just one plain enjoyable ride.

I have to say this one has been my favorite of the three in this series. How it combines series and funny with that signature romance all makes for a neat little package wrapped up in a great cover.

It doesn’t have the typical romance formula “boy gets girl, boy losses girl, boy wins girl back” and it was a nice change. More of a relationship that has progressed across three books and taken off in this novel.

All in all, the author is at the top of her game, I loved this story, loved the characters, loved the crafting of the novel. Totally an enjoyable couple hours of entertainment.

This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers for my copy to review.

**Available June 2012 from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group**

[Catherine Hawthorn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can I just say that after the sparks from the first book that this book is super sweet and awesome???

What I liked:

- TIA. Man I connected with her SO HARD. I love this girl to pieces, her whole story is so inspiring to me.
- JASON. Dat man is so SWEET, I CAN'T.
- The whole thing with Tia's parents. Yes, there is infidelity and dysfunction but....yikes, now I'm getting into spoiler territory.
-ERIN AND BROCK. AHHHHHH.

What I didn't like:

- a little extra kissing than what I like in a book

RW Ratings:

Language: 5 stars
Abuse: 5 stars.
Lust: 4 1/2 stars. Mild kissing and some desire.

[Ellen White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tia Morales, the name sound Italian which would go with the quirky family and humor this story has. They have a say in everything she does. She like order as in her stars and the show. Even to .Jason, she has been butting heads with him, how can it be anything else. The authors books are always enjoyable to read.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

After reading three Thompson books in a row, I realize that her stories, while funny, heartfelt, and romantic, are all theme and variations. I loved the behind the scenes plot of this series, and it's probably my favorite of her series. But it was just a little too much like eating banana splits three meals in a row.

[Heidi Morrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic ending to this Contemporary Christian fiction series! I'm looking forward to meeting back up with Bella in the next series that I was thrilled the author shared about after the end! I was able to read a copy of this book via Hoopla, but it did not in any way affect my review. All opinions are my own.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tia is a control freak, and I can totally identify with that. Through the adventures of her life, she has to learn to trust God and let Him direct her life. This is a fun book and a great conclusion to the series. There were several moments when I wondered if I also needed to make changes like Tia did.

[Cindyanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it because I've personally been in the director's chair, so I connected with Tia with controlling the set while your personal life ran amuck. It also discusses how we shouldn't let your past control the present, since you never know what you'll discover looking ahead.

[Ama Pomaa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun read.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sad that this was the last book in the series!

[Susan Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining.

[Becca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favorite, but enjoyable.

[Jo Donoghue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just loved this little glimpse into the life of a director on her set and on her life. I won't be wearing all gray thanks to this novel. A pop of color goes a long way in your wardrobe. Thanks.

[Brook · Rating 1 out of 5]

😴 Boring

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five-star Christian romance / comedy.

** HIGHLY RECOMMENDED **

[Vera Godley · Rating 5 out of 5]

My thoughts: Typically, I don't equate ANYTHING from Hollywood or show business with genuine Christianity. I just finished reading a contemporary Christian fiction novel by Janice Thompson, Director's cut, which - although I KNOW it is fiction - tends to change my mind a bit.

First of all, the main character is Tia Morales and she has carved out a successful niche in the cut throat world of TV and is an award winning director. The show she directs is a comedy. The characters behind the show (you know, the real live folks who are doing the acting of the pretend characters) are really a trip in and of themselves.

Next in the lineup of folks you will love meeting, is Jason Harris. Now he is the camera man. He makes what Tia wants done come alive on the screen. But he also seems to be making Tia come alive in a sense that she is beginning to awaken to some really positive vibes between Jason and herself.

Tia's family is a riot. There are issues at play with each member of her family. Unfaithfulness. Uncertainty. Alcohol. Slothfulness. For each of these problems, it seems Tia is the one who comes to the rescue. The dynamics in this family are simply crazy but you will see some beauty trying to peek through in each of the characters .

The romance element of this story - and YES there is a bit of romance - is low-key and definitely non-offensive.

Throughout the story, Tia and Jason are clearly living their lives dependent on the faith that sustains them.

Yes, I recommend this as a breezy, comedic, romance, faith-filled story of folks who are like your neighbor next door who have successes, problems, and grace filling their lives.

About the author: Janice Thompson is a seasoned romance author and former screenwriter. An expert at pulling the humor from the situations we get ourselves into, Thompson affords an inside look at TV land, drawing on her experiences as a screenwriter. She is the author of the Weddings by Bella series, Star Collide and Hello Hollywood! She lives in Texas.
Available June 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy of The Director's Cut by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, in exchange for my honest opinion. No requirement for a positive review was made.

[Charity · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every once in a while a series comes out that you just have to finish. It was that way with this latest book, The Director's Cut by Janice Thompson. This is the last book in her series, Backstage Pass. I have been able to read the first two in the series and I have to say, this was my favorite in the whole set! Absolutely loved it!

Janice Thompson is one of those writers that has you laughing hysterically one minute and in tears the next. I cried several times throughout this book and yet I ended it with such a happy feeling that all was right in the world of Stars Collide. If you ever wanted to know how life is when you are the director of films, this is the book to read:)

The love story in this book is sweet and romantic. Not the typical story of love at first sight but a fight at first sight and then a slow turn that advances into a great story! Tia and Jason made such a cute couple and so sweet. That was the first thought when I was reading this book. The christianity is well done with people who are growing and learning to give things over to the Lord. Tia is a director and is used to being in charge of her life and what goes on but she slowly learns to let the Lord control her life and take the script.

The only person I had difficulty with at first was Benita, Tia's little sister. She is such a flirt and can't stay away from the guys. But you learn that this is a security issue from her dad. He was always leaving and taking off for weeks at a time. So she wants to be secure in her relationship with men. Needless to say, this all comes to pass throughout the book. Along with a great mending of relationships with their parents.

Overall a great book that swings your emotions back and forth. Sweet story and funny characters. Loved the plot! If you want to find out what happens in the end of Stars Collide to all the cast members, don't stop, go pick up this book right now!

Available June 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
I received a copy of this book for review purposes. I did not receive any monetary compensation.

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again Janice Thompson delivers a fast-moving and lighthearted romance that is a wonderful conclusion to the Backstage Pass series. The characters we met in the previous books are back and better than ever but this time the focus is on Stars Collide director, Tia Morales. You won't be disappointed if you're looking for a sweet romance as well as a book that examines family dynamics and what it means to set worries aside and enjoy life.

Tia, as a famed Hollywood director is calm, cool, and collected - or so it seems. On the outside it appears that she has it all put together but the stress that comes with the responsibility of running a tight ship on set as well as family drama has taken its toll. Along with conflicting feelings for a certain handsome cameraman things could quickly get out of control but thanks to some friends and a strong faith she learns to be herself and take it easy!

Tia, Jason, Kat and Scott and all the other characters I had grown to love along with a few new faces made this story one of the most fun and enjoyable books I've read in a while. Admittedly there were a few eye roll moments but I'm not sure you can read about a sitcom or watch one for that matter and not have a few of those "moments." I was also a little disappointed we didn't see more of Brock Benson's story just because he's been around since the Weddings by Bella series and I thought he was a great character. However, everything was tied up in a neat bow by the last page. I must say my favorite part of the entire book was the author's note from Janice where she "continues" the story of all of our favorite characters. Ever make up more stories for your favorite characters after you've turned the last page? I have and apparently authors do too and it was fun to take a peek into what officially happened after the wrap. Backstage Pass was a nice series that definitely would make a nice beach read for all you vacationers out there. ;-)

*I received my complimentary copy of the book in exchange for posting my honest review, negative or postitive, for the book.*

[Robbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Director's Cut is the final book in the trilogy, Backstage Pass, by Janice Hanna Thompson. The other two books are Stars Collide
and Hello, Hollywood. Each book focuses on different people and aspects of the television sit-com Stars Collide.

I have read and enjoyed other books by Janice; however I had not read this particular series nor the first two books in the series; in
spite of this I wasn't lost or bewildered. With only a few minor instances, The Director's Cut could be a standalone book.
The Director's Cut is about Tia Morales, director of Stars Collide, a TV show.

Tia has definite ideas and goals for her job; and for the most part everything at work is under control. Not so with her personal life. 
Tia's Mom and Dad have a somewhat bizarre marriage. Her brothers can't finish a job-including helping her renovate her home. Her sister
needs a job and just happens to see Tia's sit-com as the answer. Through it all she and cameraman Jason Harris are constantly butting heads.

Tia acutely needs to learn to apply the phrase "Let go, and let God" to her daily living and circumstances but she is too afraid to relinquish control of the reins. So she stumbles through day to day trying to keep her life under control and nothing seems to work!

Anyone that has grown up in a dysfunctional family and is a "Type A" personality or a "control freak" will easily be able to relate to
Tia Morales and her struggles with control.

As things begin to fall apart around her and as Jason gets more and more under her skin, she begins to loosen her hold and just enjoy life.

Janice's terrific sense of humor is wonderfully illustrated in The Director's Cut by the use of her character's humor. She delightfully
enlightens the reader with circumstances that are both believable and somewhat outrageous.

I'll definitely be reading the other two books in the Backstage Pass series, Stars Collide and Hello, Hollywood.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

First posted on my blog, Legacy of a Writer.

This is the first time I have picked up a book by Janice Thompson, as when I’ve looked up her books in the past, they seemed very “chic-flick” and I am not really interested in those kind of books. But when I was given the opportunity to read this book, I decided to take a chance…and I’m glad I did! What a wonderful surprise to find that The Director's Cut wasn't only a fun and easy read, but had an awesome lesson interwoven into the plot as well! If you are a control-freak...you'd do well to give this book a try! ;-)

I haven’t read any of the previous books in the series, but the cast and crew of Stars Collide endeared themselves to me through the course of The Director’s Cut. What a fun bunch to work with. And as for Tia—I really came to respect her and all her determination as the director of Stars Collide. It was no easy task, but she always took it in strides. And while strength was admirable, I was happy when she finally started letting other people get close to her—namely, Jason—and lean on other people’s strength as well.

As I mentioned before, The Director’s Cut has a really great lesson about letting go of the “reins of life” and trusting in God and others to help you through the difficult times. Everything was so seamlessly woven into the plot—the book never came across as too strong or ‘preachy’, which was nice.

The Director’s Cut is in first person, and Tia’s personality and humor really stand out, making for several humorous moments. I just loved her funny (internal) comments she’d make! Thompson did an outstanding job capturing her voice and bringing this character to life. Now that I’ve read the last book in the Stars Collide series, I’m looking forward to going back and reading the rest!

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tia Morales is the director of the popular sitcom Stars Collide. On the set, she's the one calling the shots and in control. Yet her life off of the set is anything but controlled. Her family has their own problems and somehow Tia's in the center of them all. Yet when she admits to herself that she's got feelings for camerman Jason Harris, she finds herself out of her comfort zone. Will she let down her guard long enough to let love in? Or will she fight a tug-of-war battle with the God of the universe who wants to show her who is really in control?


I've never read anything Janice Thompson has written until now. Yes this is the third book in the Backstage Pass series, but I didn't have to read the others to know what was going on. This book had me laughing so much. Of course it took me until chapter four to realize that the chapter titles were really television shows. Tia struggles with the same things that so many of us struggle with, and that is allowing God to take control of our lives and for us to let go. Yet the moment that she comes to the realization that she needs to let go, it was beautiful. While I do wish that there was more of the romance between Jason & Tia in the story, overall the book was a great read. It's a romantic comedy that teaches some good lessons.



I look forward to reading both the Weddings By Bella Series and the other books in the Backstage Pass series.

This book is available in June 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell Publishing Group, a division of Baker Publishing.

I received this book for free from Revell for the purpose of reviewing. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Rating - 4 stars

[Margaret Chind · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Janice’s stories. I love them as Janice Thompson, and Janice A. Thompson, and Janice Hanna. In contemporary, in historical and even in non-fiction she has me captivated page by page. Right now I’m drooling over some of her new titles where I cannot seem to get a response back from a publicist… She has another fun one in The Director’s Cut and it had me giggle with delight to have a dreamy character from a previous book and previous series return to stage, literally. You know an author’s got me when I’m giddy about a fictional character!

Tia is not the protagonist that I am used to, but I enjoyed her and was rooting along with her life to go the way I thought it should. In her corner was definitely where I could be found. It’s amazing how in life there are some people who make you so mad, but you cannot just walk away from them even if you wanted to… Janice has it all in these pages. A bit to make you laugh, a bit to make you cry (at least sniffle a little…) and one to make you mad. A roller coaster of emotions, but all in a good way. Her characters are real to life and leap off the page. Now I just need to see them leap onto the screen!

*Thanks to Revell Books for providing a copy for review.*

“Available June 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

posted: http://creativemadnessmama.com/blog/2...

[Valerie Comer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tia Morales is the director of the popular sitcom Stars Collide. It’s her job to take the script the writers (Athena, Stephen, and team) have created and work with the actors and cameramen to pull the whole package together. At least on the set, Tia’s life is carefully scripted and people respect her. In her personal life, her parents’ marriage is on-again-off-again and her brothers have trouble keeping jobs. Her younger sister has just finished beauty school, and their parents are sure Tia can wave her magic wand and get Benita a job. To Tia’s dismay, it is almost that easy. Now she has to deal with her sister flirting with all the guys on the set as well, lessening Tia’s control of Stars Collide.

Jason Harris, one of the cameraman, doesn’t seem to fall under Benita’s charms. Still, he continually seems to butt heads with Tia. If only he weren’t so opinionated. If only he weren’t so popular with the cast. If only he weren’t so cute.

Jason, for his part, comes from an upper crust family. Tia is ashamed of her own family and, as her relationship with Jason begins to grow, struggles with allowing Jason to see the real Tia Morales. She’s the boss on the Stars Collide set, but in real life, it seems she’s anything but in control.

In The Director’s Cut, the final book in the Backstage Pass series, Janice Thompson wields comedy and reality to provide a glimpse into the makings of a sitcom and one woman’s issues with control.

[Kaylea · Rating 4 out of 5]

In her third book in the Backstage Pass series, Janice Thompson dives back into the cast of colorful characters her readers have come to love.

This installment, which revolves around Tia Morales, provides yet another brilliant and humorous look behind the lens at "Stars Collide" - the television creation of Thompson.

Thompson tells the story of Tia, a director used to being in control. She calls the shots in a neat, orderly fashion.

But Tia's life outside the studio - with her crazy, zany family - doesn't flow like her favorite screenplay. Instead, it is colorful, full of life and a wee bit insane.

Through that loving insanity, Tia learns several life lessons - including how to let love enter her life in an unexpected way.

I really like Thompson's writing style. She has a wit that is enjoyable, and a humor that will make you laugh out loud.

At times, I wished Stars Collide would actually appear on tv as a new drama - it is crafted in such away that you can truly see her images jump off the page.

On the scale of one to five, I give it a solid three and a half. If you are looking for a good summer read, I highly recommend anything by Thompson. It's definitely a fun, "beach" style read.

Note: As a freelance journalist, I was provided a copy of this book by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. This review was not influenced by a free book - just in case you (or the FTC) were worried about this detail.

[Tracey Cramer-Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I needed a break from Take Two revisions, so what did I do? I picked up a book with a central character who is also a female Hollywood director!

Tia Morales comes off as always being in control, as being one tough cookie. That seems to have worked on the set, but off the set…not so much. There’s a vulnerable side to Tia that she’s terrified to let people see. And she’s driven - her self-esteem tied up with her success as a director. This was a character I could identify with in many ways (including the family drama)!

Then there’s Jason, the cameraman and Tia’s love interest. According to the content blurb, they’d been butting heads for a year. It’s not apparent what changes the way Jason acts toward Tia, but from the start of this book he’s acting concerned about her. They do have one conversation about why he acted the way he did, and to be fair, the book is in Tia’s point of view. But he felt a little under-developed.

In this book, the Christian faith of the characters is never in doubt, never wobbly or uncertain. There’s no antagonist or anti-Christian character to play the part of devils advocate (pun intended), which I missed. Tia’s struggle isn’t so much whether to have faith, but in learning to let go of control. Again, a theme that resonates with me a LOT (consider the topic of True Surrender!).

In sum, a great “sweet romance” read with Christian themes, if a bit skimpy on obstacles. My rating: 4.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: THE DIRECTOR’S CUT
Author: Janice Thompson
Publisher: Revell
June 2012
ISBN: 978-0800733476
Genre: Inspirational/contemporary romance

Tia Morales is a stellar set director. It’s the one time she’s ever in control of life. She has a script and she can tell at a glance when something works—and when it doesn’t. If only real life was that easy. But her mom is pushing her to hire her little sister as a makeup artist, her top star is getting ready to give birth, the producers hire an assistant who is way too bubbly and is instantly wooing all the male actors and camera men under her spell.

Tia and Jason Harris have been butting heads for months. But suddenly, he’s turned into a heart throb—especially for Tia. With everything else going on, it’s enough to send Tia over the edge.

What will it take for Tia to learn to let go and take life—and love—as it happens?

THE DIRECTOR’S CUT is the third book in Ms. Thompson’s Backstage Pass series, but it easily stands alone. Readers might want to start with the first two books, to see the beginning stories, such as with Kat and her grandmother Lenora, but even if you haven’t read them, you won’t get lost.

I completely enjoyed this book—the best of the series, I think—though I’m not a huge television sit-com fan. Still, it is full of humor, romance, and drama. Don’t miss THE DIRECTOR’S CUT. $14.99. 295 pages. 4 stars.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a Janice Thompson book! She offers a wonderful blend of humor and heart-tugging moments in her Backstage Pass series. Alhtough I somehow missed the second book (Hello, Hollywood!), I loved Stars Collide. The Director's Cut is just as endearing as Tia Morales tries to wield the same control over her personal life that she does on the set of her hit sitcom. Thompaon's characters are so authentically portrayed, from Tia's exasperating but much-loved family to the members of the show's cast and crew. (And what's not to love about sweet Rex, the show's producer, and the tenderness he shows his aging wife, actress Lenora Worth, whose dementia advances a bit more with each chapter?) Faith is skillfully woven throughout this novel as Tia learns to let God direct her life. I highly recommend this book and this series, not only for the entertaining read but for the encouragement to discover that there are believers in Hollywood!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell as part of their Blogger Review program. 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.”

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK!



This is a wonderful ending to a wonderful and fun series that I thoroughly enjoyed. Tia is a fun but determined young lady, well, she was just plain out a control freak. Being the director of the hit TV show Stars Collide wasn’t always easy and it wasn’t always easy to stay in control of things, which is what Tia thrived on.

Mia’s life took an interesting turn when she started falling for cameraman Jason. Does Jason have his work cut out for him trying to calm Tia down enough to enjoy life?

Knowing nothing about behind the scenes of a TV sitcom, I was fascinated buy the inside information I read in Director’s Cut. And I enjoyed getting to know both sides of the characters, the on and off screen. And Janice Thompson pulls the story together beautifully.

In the summertime it’s nice to find books that are a nice light, fast, fun and exciting read to take you away for a few days, and The Director’s Cut is just this read! Grab a copy to read and enjoy for yourself, or to take on vacation so you can have some nice ‘you’ time.

Available June 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

This book was provided by Revel Publishers for me to read and review. I was not expected or required to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are mine only.