Not What We Pictured

by Becca Kinzer

This is absolutely not how they pictured their summer going.

McKenna Boston is feeling stuck. She’s spent years growing her photography skills only for her career to hit a wall. She’s ready to move on, and she will, just as soon as she helps her sister’s boyfriend stage the perfect proposal. But when her best laid plans go awry and a handsome stranger accidentally ends up with the heirloom ring, McKenna hops on a flight to retrieve it. Piece of cake, right?

Nate Lambert was hoping to enjoy a relaxing summer before starting his new job as a literature professor, but he arrives in Tennessee to discover his mom’s bed and breakfast is struggling and there’s a long list of repairs to be tackled. The last thing he needs is a gorgeous, determined photographer searching for a ring he doesn’t have since the airline lost his luggage somewhere on his route from Nebraska.

With the ring nowhere to be found, all McKenna can do is wait and use the time to build her portfolio and plan her next career move. But she also can’t help getting swept up in Nate’s bed and breakfast renovations and in planning a community concert with the townsfolk. As both await news of Nate’s suitcase, it begins to seem their serendipitous meeting, and the proposal gone wrong, could actually be everything going right . . . and that this may be their chance at a love neither could have pictured.

A clean, witty rom com with a forced proximity trope and a reluctant allies love storyFeatures laugh-out-loud humor and a sweet, endearing coupleThis contemporary summer romance with a Southern small-town setting is great for fans of Sarah Adams, Pepper Basham, and Emma St. ClairIncludes discussion questions for book clubs

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

352 pages, Paperback

Expected publication April 1, 2026

About the author

Becca Kinzer lives in Springfield, Illinois where she works as a critical care nurse. When she’s not busy taking care of sick patients or using up all the storage on her phone with pictures of her dog, she enjoys making up lighthearted stories with serious laughs. She is the author of multiple titles including Dear Henry, Love Edith, which won the 2024 Carol Award for debut novel, and Love in Tandem.

Reviews

[Madisyn Carlin]

All McKenna wants is a perfect setting so her sister can have the perfect proposal. What can go wrong?

A lot, as it turns out.

Not What We Pictured is a contemporary rom-com where everything that can go wrong, will go wrong. This creates countless side-splitting, hilarious moments where you can't help but both laugh at and cringe for the characters at the same time.

McKenna and Nate don't start their relationship off on the best foot. The entire debacle kept me laughing, especially the "chipmunk girlfriend and moose boyfriend" mentioned (if you know, you know). The snippets of "interrogations" at the beginning of some of the chapters were perfect and only made the story funnier.

There is the slightest sprinkling of faith, some heavier kisses, and some emotional pain both characters have to work through. I appreciated the touching spin Kinzer included about adoption. A particular group of slightly-loony locals was another proverbial cherry on top.

All in all, this is a fun rom-com that is sure to make you laugh.

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a chance to read this book. A positive review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Samantha Hastings · Rating 5 out of 5]

An adorable romcom that’s perfect for fans of Katherine Center. McKenna is a tall and lovable heroine who is determined to give her little sister Bobbi a picture perfect proposal. The only problem is everything keeps going wrong! She wakes up a stranger so that he’ll move from a bench, but accidentally slips and ends up kissing his armpit. Nate doesn’t want to give up the bench or flirting with a gorgeous redhead that can’t seem to keep from kissing him and follows him all the way to Tennessee for the missing wedding ring that she put in his pocket. A charming small town, hilarious mixups, forgiveness and family make this read an utter delight. A perfect read for closed door romance fans!

[MJSH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another completely hilarious, utterly entertaining, absolutely charming, and slightly ridiculous romcom by Becca Kinzer! McKenna and her sister Bobbi were over-the-top hysterical with their wild imaginations and unfiltered ramblings. McKenna, even in her unhinged state, was quite lovable and her fierce loyalty and love made her a great heroine. Nate was the long-suffering hero with his romantic and tender poetry-loving heart hidden under a gruff exterior. McKenna and Nate exchanged some fantastic barbs and sarcasm at the start which turned into witty and clever banter. Both McKenna and Nate hid deep festering childhood wounds and needed to find forgiveness as well as true worth. I loved the secondary characters in Bugle, TN who helped Nate try to save his mother's bed and breakfast who also happened to meddle and interfere in every aspect of Nate's life.

If you enjoy romcom that brings you to tears with its hilarity and sweetness, this book is it. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Tyndale House via Edelweiss and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

[Jenny x Carolena]

This was a super cute contemporary romcom that has so many fun hilarious moments that you can't help but laugh out loud and also feel so many mixed emotions. There are faith elements and emotional pain that both FMC and MMC have to work through apart and together which added a layer of realism to the story. Definitely a perfect easy romcom read guaranteed to carry you through ALL the feels.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Lola]

I received a free copy from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing this one.

I am DNF'ing this one at 5%

I started it and the writing style and tone did just not work for me. It was supposed to be funny, but I did not find it funny and figured it this was how the book started I wouldn't enjoy it. So I decided to DNF it. The blurb made this one sound fun, but while reading it just all felt very convoluted and farfetched and not funny.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am gone. Deceased and will never recover … like are you actually kidding me 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

YES YES YES
💀😏💀😏💀😏💀💀💀💀💀💀
ugh how can this book make me emotional while also be so entertaining
#gilmoregirlssmalltowncoded
*queue eldest daughter

🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠😐🫠

[Sylvie {Semi-Hiatus}]

*Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me an E-Arc in exchange for an honest review!*

I'm so curious about this one!

[Katie Betts · Rating 4 out of 5]

McKenna Boston’s photography career has hit a wall, but first she agrees to help stage her sister’s perfect proposal—until the heirloom ring disappears. Chasing it to Tennessee, she crosses paths with Nate Lambert, who’s home repairing his mom’s struggling bed-and-breakfast while his own luggage is missing. As they wait, McKenna rebuilds her portfolio, joins the town’s plans, and finds that a detour meant to be temporary may be opening the door to a future she didn’t have pictured.

What a treat it is that we get to experience Becca’s gift for writing ridiculously hilarious, banter-filled romantic comedies. The dialogue spins in circles around the most outlandish things—and somehow she always pulls it together with swoon-worthy lines from the male main character and clever layers of depth that tie it all together.

In this one, we’ve got:

A town full of goofballs and well-meaning side characters who somehow make everything worse.

Oliver & Bobbi — McKenna’s sister and hopefully soon-to-be brother-in-law. They’re selfish, decision-deficient, and yet you still root for them.

McKenna — this 6-foot, curly redhead has given up, is currently giving up, and seems willing to keep giving up her hopes and dreams for Bobbi. Even while wrestling with festering childhood wounds, she keeps showing up.

Nate — a handsome, recently minted poetry PhD who will give McKenna as many sweet, lingering kisses as it takes to get her to fall for him as hard as he’s already fallen for her. He’s carrying his own childhood wounds too—ones that might need McKenna’s encouragement even more than his mentor’s.

I just adore everything about this couple.

Reminder: the only way to describe the way this story is told is unending goofy dialogue—and you should be fully prepared to laugh through all of it.

Thank you @crazy4fiction for the ARC!

Perfect for you if you like:
Slap-stick-esque comedy
Small town shenanigans
Slow swoon romance

Similar:
Famous for a Living by Melissa Ferguson (I have not read)
Love in Tandem by Becca Kinder
Things you Save in a Fire by Katherine Center (I have not read)

🌶️closed door romance (kisses only)
⚠️previous death of a parent, strained relationship with a parent

[Michele Shreve · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC – Pub Date: 4/21/2026

Not What We Pictured is a cute small town romance novel with McKenna and Nate. McKenna dreams of getting out of Nebraska and to LA but first she needs to get her sister engaged and settled before she leaves. Nate wants to help his mom fix up her B&B before he goes back to teaching in Buffalo. But when an accidental bump in during a botched proposal leaves McKenna hiding her sisters engagement ring in Nate's pants McKenna has to run after Nate to get the ring back.

McKenna follows Nate to Tennessee to get the ring back but a lost carry on leaves both McKenna and Nate stranded in this small town till he gets his luggage. In the mean time McKenna helps out Nate fix up his mom's B&B and help the town with some fundraisers. Along the way both of them realize an attraction and now their goals in life might start changing.

This is a clean romance...like the most they do is kiss so if you are looking for spice this is not your book. I did like this book because I could actually believe this couple falling in love. There was actual relationship building between the two leads. They flirt, they share family issues (after knowing each other for a few days) and they think realistically about a future together. I do feel like there was one too many I plot points that took away time from Nate and McKenna. There was the stuff with her sister, the stuff with his dad, the lost luggage, the stuff with the town and fixing the B&B and all this took away from building the relationship more with Nate and McKenna.

I did really like this book and would definitely read more by here when I want a hallmark romance.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Anne Wolters · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the loss of their mother, McKenna has spent the past twelve years raising her younger sister while building a successful photography career in Nebraska. Now, with her sister grown and in a loving relationship, McKenna is ready to pursue her own dreams—possibly relocating to California to expand her business. But first, she’s determined to orchestrate the perfect proposal for her sister and her boyfriend, down to the last detail.
That plan goes hilariously off script when a handsome stranger is found napping on the exact park bench McKenna needs for the big moment. Things spiral further when the boyfriend falls into a river, the stranger leaps in to save him, and somehow ends up with the family’s heirloom engagement ring.
The stranger, Nate Lambert, is en--route to Tennessee to help his mother with her bed-and-breakfast before starting a new job as a college professor in New York. Upon arrival, Nate discovers the B&B is in serious need of repairs. Meanwhile, McKenna tracks him down to retrieve the missing ring—now lost in Nate’s luggage. While waiting for it to resurface, she finds herself lending a hand with the renovations and getting swept up in the town’s preparations for a community concert.
I practically laughed my way through this delightful story. The characters are witty, charming, and full of heart. Becca Kinzer has crafted a warm, feel-good romantic comedy that’s as endearing as it is entertaining. If you love quirky small towns, unexpected twists, and lovable leads, this book is must-read.
I received a complimentary copy of the book. All comments and opinions are my own.

[saRahReadsRom · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 ⭐️ This story follows McKenna, who focuses on helping her little sister get engaged to her long term boyfriend. McKenna is very dedicated to her sister’s happiness and stability so she can chase her own dreams that may pull her away.

I liked the use of interview monologues at the start of the chapters in the beginning and then at the end. It added pizzazz and a bit of mystery as to the meaning. What I didn’t enjoy was the constant chaos. This story embodied Murphy’s Law—if it could go wrong, then it did. Storylines like this stress me out.

There were some humorous moments, like the “lip bump” saga! The airport employees and the B&B ladies had their moments as well. However, there were multitudes of side characters being introduced and lots of back and forth conversations that I eventually gave up trying to keep track of who was who and said what.

The author’s inspiration behind the story is really neat though! For readers who aren’t bothered by things going wrong will enjoy this often humorous tale with heart. There are swoony moments without the spice—a sweet slow burn.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for granting me the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

[☆Laura☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐


McKenna Boston nunca planeó que su verano se saliera de control. Lo único que quería era ayudar a su hermana a recibir la propuesta perfecta y luego perseguir su propio sueño como fotógrafa. Pero cuando el anillo de compromiso se pierde y un desconocido entrometido aparece en su camino, su futuro se complica más de lo esperado.

Nate Lambert, recién llegado a Tennessee, solo buscaba tranquilidad antes de comenzar una nueva etapa como profesor. En lugar de eso, termina atrapado en el torbellino de McKenna, entre renovaciones de un hostal, vecinos entusiastas y un sinfín de planes improvisados. Lo que empieza como una misión para encontrar un anillo perdido pronto se transforma en una oportunidad para descubrir que a veces los mejores capítulos de la vida son los que nunca se escribieron en los planes.



___


Estuve en el estado de ánimo perfecto para leerlo, porque es un tipo de comedia tonta que, de haberlo leído otro día, estoy segura de que no lo habría disfrutado.

La hermana se me hizo insoportable: es una envidiosa que solo piensa en sí misma.


Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is one of the silliest books I've read. It is touted as a rom-com, but the comedy is more slap-stick than funny.

McKenna is trying to set up the perfect proposal for her sister but Nate is on the bench she wants to hide the engagement ring for her soon-to-be brother-in-law to find. She hides the ring in Nate's cargo shorts, they fall into a creek (I think) and Nate's shorts get put into a plastic bag and into his carry-on bag for his trip to his mother's place in Tennessee, but the bag gets lost because the flight attendant gate-checked it and it doesn't make it to Tennessee. McKenna goes to Tennessee to get the ring back and the silliness continues.

This wasn't as enjoyable as I had hoped it would be. I haven't read anything else by Becca Kinzer, but I might try another one. Not What We Pictured is a quick read and does have some really enjoyable parts. I actually was rather sympathetic to Nate in spite of McKenna's machinations.

Three Stars.

Tyndale Publishing provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Marisa Batista · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love a good rom-com and a good meet-cute.

And that's precisely what I got when I started reading Becca Kinzer's "Not What We Pictured. "

The book's first part felt like the perfect 90s early 000'som-com. I loved it and hoped it would be adapted to the big screen. This was a 4-star experience.

Unfortunately, the story takes a turn. Suddenly, I start feeling that this book is no longer about the two main characters but about secondary characters that I don't really care about.

The author may have wanted it not to follow the expected structure and add more mundane events because we all know that life happens and doesn't usually unfold like a Hollywood movie.

But given how it started, I craved something familiar and comforting—even if it was the same old structure we've seen over and over again.

I had high expectations for this one, and these weren't met.

It's not a bad book. However, the emphasis on the secondary characters and little on the main characters was a bit disappointing (for me, at least).

Thank you, @NetGalley and Tyndale House Publishers, for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Not What We Pictured" is another fun rom com from Becca Kinzer. This one is a small town, romance filled with quirky characters and mostly takes place at a bed and breakfast. Lots of miscommunication and misdirection going on with this book.

Photographer and meddling older sister McKenna and school teacher Nate start off in an awkward meet-cute while McKenna is trying to help stage the perfect proposal for her little sister. These two did not hit it off though there are undercurrents of attraction.

As McKenna has to chase Nate down to find a very important missing item, these two reconnect and sparks fly.

This book has themes of adoption, parental estrangement, wacky senior citizens and some kissing scenes between the two main characters.

I enjoyed the book and it's the type of comedic rom com that Becca Kinzer is becoming known for.

Thank you to Tyndale House publishers and Netgalley for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Ariella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I LOVE THIS BOOK AND I LOVE THIS AUTHOR.

I'm a sucker for rom-coms so when I requested to ARC this book. I knew exactly what I was getting myself into.

BUT BOY OH BOY.

No one thought to prepare me for how much i'd love this book.

Here's a few notes.

1. Love the tall FMC. I'm a short girly, 5,2ft (on a good day). And I'm also a sucker for a good old "She's small but he's a giant" trope, but GOLLY?! I loved whatever the author threw at me.

It's funny and humourus (I clearly can't spell).
The side plots are hilarious and funny, although at times it did feel like there were too many side plots. I loved every single characters I met on page and I just really loved this book.

And it was also a clean romance, which is amazing. I'm not against reading something downright filthy but I really wanted something cute with no lust and all yearning. And i found it.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC!

[Randi Sampson · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to know the perfect way to start a romcom, simply read the first chapter of this book. Seriously. Right from the very first sentences, I was absolutely hooked and knew I was in for quite the entertaining tale... and boy, was I correct! This was a story that had me laughing right from the start and didn't let up to the end. Who knew that planning a perfect proposal could go so horribly wrong? And yet, everything that could go wrong... absolutely did bringing this delightful romance I couldn't help but love! McKenna and Nate's story was packed full of unexpected adventure, quirky side characters, laugh out loud moments and of course, a sweet romance in the midst of it all. If you love Christian romance and stories that will bring all the smiles, this is one you won't want to miss!

Not What We Pictured is a Christian romance with kisses only and no language.

**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Melissa Pepin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh I LOVED this! McKenna working so hard to take care of things out of obligation and Nate's deep desire to grow as a man to be ready for her just undid me! This story was not only funny...but it was tender and sweet and everything swoony I love about a book. This book felt like a beautiful weaving of redemption and watching Nate out himself aside to help her win...to prove that she didn't have to ean love but she could just have it was the best! Seeing McKenna realize her resentment and bitterness was exactly what it was and be able to hold that to protect her sister, while deeply wanting to make things change felt oddly convicting. The characters were so good and honestly, if you told me I was reading a close proximity, enemies to friends, close door romance...this would be EXACTLY what I picture! love love love! Tell us what happens next!

[Dulce Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story is like a series of unfortunate events. McKenna is one clumsy girl. The story is told mostly in third person but there are some short first person points of view. This is a sweet and clean romance. No spicy scenes. I enjoyed the positive message in their story. McKenna feels like she has a lot to pay for because she was adopted and is grateful that she was spared from the foster system. She puts her dreams and desires aside because of the desire to pay back what was done for her. She meets Nate in one clumsy encounter where he labels her a weird girl. After a series of events bringing them together they end up falling in love and helping each other heal past hurts they were carrying.

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book starts off funny right away. I laughed out loud multiple times at the different character's antics. The over all premise was good and it had good pacing and never felt drawn out the way similar books do. The character descriptions were great and I feel like I had a good picture of them in my head throughout. I spent a good part of the book thinking that there was no way Oliver and Bobbi would get engaged that they would decide to go their separate ways which was a nice plot device. The lack of a third act breakup was also refreshing. I will definitely recommend this book to my friends and plan to look into reading more of Becca's books.

[Jazmin Castellanos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not What We Pictured by Becca Kinzer was a cute easy read with a touch of faith base sprinkled throughout the story . It was really nice to see how McKenna valued her relationship with her sister and went out of her way to help her. It’s a value that I appreciate and hold dear to my heart. In helping her sister she crossed paths with Nate and they were thrown together throughout the story. It was filled with a slow burn that I enjoyed with light hearted moments. It would be a great story to read during the spring or summer. Overall I enjoyed this story and I appreciate Tyndale Fiction via Netgalley for the ARC! This is my honest review and my opinion on the book!

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars technically: McKenna is so selfless, & truly reminded me of myself. I enjoyed the story line of Not What We Pictured, & enjoyed the story between Nate & McKenna. I love seeing the change in each of the characters growth throughout the book. I VERY much enjoyed that this book was not filled to the rim with smut, & LOVED the Christian aspects! The way Nate forgave his dad, changed for the better, & the way Nate spoke to McKenna making sure she knew her value in Christ! Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this cute little story as an arc!

[Favour Emmanuel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nate and McKenna are definitely one chaotic bunch😂.

The whole time, I kept wondering how Oliver felt about McKenna's sudden suspicious disappearance, and for Vivi, I'm sure she was traumatised by Nate's presence😂

Although I felt that some parts of this book were dragged out, it was a really hilarious, drama-filled, and entertaining read.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for granting my request to read this e-ARC and for allowing me to provide my honest opinion.

[Blessing Okwuofu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not What We Pictured by Becca Kinzer is a sweet and fun faith-based romance book. I love how the faith aspect was written subtly but still shone through. This was quite the hilarious read, yet emotional. I love the character development, especially how both main characters found healing. The community spirit demonstrated was also heartwarming with its comic moments. A good read overall
I got the ARC from Tyndale House Publishers | Tyndale Fiction via Netgalley. This is my honest review

[Haley’s haven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Becca Kinzer for an arc of this book!

I went into this book blindly and I was not disappointed. I hadn’t read any of this authors works before so I was interested in seeing how this book would go. I loved the setting and adored the characters. The Mmc was amazingly swoony and made me grin about a million times. The story was intriguing which made the book very fast paced. This was an adorable story I definitely recommend!!
No spice
No language
5 stars ⭐️

[Charity · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was SUCH a fun, kooky romcom! I was laughing out loud the entire time. I took this on vacation to the beach and let me tell you - it was a PERFECT beach read. Nate and Mckenna were soo perfect and their banter had me rolling. Not to mention - Georgie and the Three Harry's? They should have made a band. I thought the story was fast-paced but didn't feel like the romance was rushed. Forced proximity, opposites attract, AND a clean romance - sign me up every time!! It was so much fun to read!

Thank you Tyndale House for an advanced physical copy of this book!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet and charming. Becca Kinzer weaves small town living with a sweet romance. McKenna and Nate are not looking for love. McKenna wants to make sure her sister's future is secure through an engagement. Nate has a dream job teaching at a university in Buffalo, NY. One summer in Tennessee changes everything. The banter between the two is fun and flirty. The banter among the towns people is fun as well. Kinzer does an excellent job of weaving in faith with a little fun and romance.

[Kristen McDaniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC from NetGalley for Not What We Pictured. I’ve never read anything by this author so I was going in blind. This was a cutesy fun read. Loaded with humor. Slight romance. There’s not much character development, if that’s your thing. It was a fun, enjoyable, not so serious read. Thank you again for the ARC! Four stars.

[Stephanie Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my second book by Becca Kinzer and it did not disappoint!
This was a cute, clean romance book that gave all the feels. The banter between the main characters had me laughing out loud at certain points!

I will definitely be checking out other books by this author!

[Bookish diaries · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fast-paced, cute, and sweet read.