Extending the right hand of fellowship to church visitors probably doen’t include sucker-punching the cute guy from pew seventeen. But when Lily recovers from being startled by him late at night, she realizes who he is. And wishes she’d hit harder. It’s clear Micah doesn't remember her—or breaking her heart ten years ago. Avoiding him becomes her best option.
When they get thrown together for swing dance lessons, romance heats up on—and off—the dance floor. As Lily gets to knw Micah, she believes he’s changed. But forgetting the past isn't easy, especially when she discovers they’ve both set their sights on the same piece of real estate. And a dark secret from Micah’s past is quickly catching up . . . . .
Emily Reynolds writes what she enjoys reading romance with a comedic punch. She enjoys exploring the mystery of falling in love, God's redemptive grace, and laugh-out-loud humor.
Emily graduated from Gordon College in Massachusetts with degrees in English Language & Literature as well as Biblical Studies. She's earned her living as a professional wedding photographer, high school English teacher, newspaper copy editor, piano teacher, and women's self-defense instructor.
She has been involved in American Christian Fiction Writers and won national writing awards for contemporary romance. Emily lives in southern Maine with her husband and son. To learn more, visit EmilyCReynolds.com.
The kissing was sickening and detailed, and the romance so frivolous and worse than a Hallmark movie, that I cringed at nearly all the interactions. I could have loved this story...it had potential, especially with the fun characters at Lily's church, but the romance totally ruined it. I think this kind of book could really effect your mind. It's not that we girls don't already think a certain guy is attractive, but reading such in depth thinking from a fictional character "her neck was beautiful" "he wanted to feel her mouth again" and a lot of physical things for both the guy and girl being sexualized, is not healthy.
I got this book awhile back for free on kindle, and I don't think I read the blurb in detail then, because when I looked at it after starting this book, I realized it wasn't my style of book anyway. I'm definitely not as quick to jump on a deal now :P
No offense intended by this review. This book really rubbed me the wrong way, especially when the Bible is so clear about guarding our hearts and minds.
Blurb: Extending the right hand of fellowship to church visitors probably doen’t include sucker-punching the cute guy from pew seventeen. But when Lily recovers from being startled by him late at night, she realizes who he is. And wishes she’d hit harder. It’s clear Micah doesn't remember her—or breaking her heart ten years ago. Avoiding him becomes her best option.
When they get thrown together for swing dance lessons, romance heats up on—and off—the dance floor. As Lily gets to knw Micah, she believes he’s changed. But forgetting the past isn't easy, especially when she discovers they’ve both set their sights on the same piece of real estate. And a dark secret from Micah’s past is quickly catching up . . . . .
A pleasant book mostly about Lily, who is finally getting to open the photography studio she has been dreaming of, and also about Micah, who wants to open his own Jujitsu studio in part to help teens learn how to control their anger. Lily works assorted jobs, and one is she cleans the church she attends. (She also plays piano there.) In the course of her work she meets the new guy in town (Micah) who has come into the room looking for a ladder to use to check on needed steeple repairs. (He works in construction.) He startles Lily and she responds by punching him in the eye. It seems Lily works out using boxing. During the next weeks Lily and Micah, now sporting a shiner, are thrown together by her cousin who knew Micah from college. He fills in for a groomsman who is out of state, and takes Lily to a series of swing dance lessons for the bridal party in preparation of the forthcoming retro wedding. When Lily learns Micah's last name, she remembers him from a disastrous date in high school of which apparently Micah has no recollection. Theirs is a highly volatile relationship because of Lily's memory as well as Micah's past and reluctance to discuss it all. The irony that they are Christians is not lost by each character addressing their problems with the Lord.
Well written and an enjoyable read that can help distract you from world issues, or work waiting to be done. It may be predictable, but many twists along the way make it entertaining up to the end!
Enjoyed the book but I would of liked a bit more faith in the text. The story is about Lilly and she needs to let go of the past, learn to not hold grudges, learn to trust in God more and not take things into her own hands. Micah needs to not blame himself for things he couldn’t control in the past. A lovely love story with a twist and plenty of romance.
When Lily meets Micah after years she is still holding a grudge. Things are different in both of their lives. While finding out they care about each other they realize truth and forgiveness are important.
It takes a good author to make you chuckle, grin a little bit more and then snort with laughter. Emily Reynolds manages to do all this and more in Picture Perfect. Lily is a photographer waiting to sign the lease on a building so she can start her own business. While waiting to do this she has a variety of part time jobs, one of which is cleaner for the church. The opening page where she finds a dead (turns out it's still alive) bat in a bin is priceless. Then, when she squares up against Micah in church over throwing a half full cup of coffee in the bin, it's so easy to picture the event and smile along with the cracking conversation that ensues. To cap everything off, Lily is paired with Micah for dance lessons for an upcoming wedding. She remembers a very bad date with him in high school but now, 10 years later, he doesn't seem to remember her. Her inner self is disgusted with the way he behaves and her no-filter way of talking reflects this. Their first, and second, meetings result in a black eye and bruising for him and a sense of doom for her. A brilliant debut and I'm looking forward to reading a lot more from this author. Christian rom-com fiction with a real heart at its very best.
I enjoyed this story and hope for more from this series. Lily has her eyes set on a perfect property for her new photography studio, so she doesn't have to work so many different part time jobs. Micah is trying to open his martial arts studio - at the same location! Can they overcome the past or will both of their dreams get put on hold? Very clean, well-written book!
Emily C. Reynolds' first novel, PICTURE PERFECT, is a winner! It's obvious Ms. Reynolds took the time to carefully CRAFT her story. She's filled it with smart, clever wording, laugh-out-loud scenes, and distinct characters. Congratulations on a book well done!
Lily and Micah's first meeting is not only comical, but sets the tone for the first weeks of their relationship- strenuous, yet filled with undeniable attraction. Early on Micah is so endearing to me and draws my sympathy because he just can't say the right thing- either his sarcastic wit comes through in the most inopportune times or the words he chooses rub Lily the wrong way. Their bantering becomes entertaining, but when they finally stop bickering they find the attraction they have for each other has bloomed into a sweet romance. And Micah's kisses!!! Five star swoon-worthy! But all is not perfect in "Love Land" and trials test their relationship's endurance. In the end, both Micah and Lily show growth and maturity as he comes to grips with his past mistakes and learns to forgive himself, and she faces her insecurities head on. Enjoyable romance with fun characters! I hope there will be a sequel continuing the stories of some of the other characters!
This review contains my own thoughts and opinions regarding this literary work. I have not been compensated by the publisher or author in any way.
I loved this cute story. It was a beautiful portrait of forgiveness and opening up to really loving someone. Letting go of guilt and holding onto things that matter in life. A beautiful story, beautifully written, and quite a beautiful man. Finding God, Letting go of the past and living life to the fullest. Beautiful.
This story reminded me when I was in Connecticut. One of the boys in the singles ward was in an accident and died that night. It was horrible. An ex-girlfriend has guilt, the girls that wanted him were all sad. it was a mess. We had a meeting all about it. We all let it go and moved on and this book was a beautiful portrayal of that time.
This is a cute book about dreams being realized, but suddenly cut short. It is a Christian book with the theme that when God closes one door, He will open another to more glorious things than we can imagine. The romance part is cute and leaves plenty to the imagination. At times, you may want to scream at the characters to just talk to one another. But that is a condition we all suffer from. This is a good "escape" book that you may enjoy on a cool summer's evening.
This was my first book by this author and I am so glad I gave her a try. The story was a great story of learning forgiveness and trust. Though there were some serious aspects of the story, it also had laugh-out-loud moments (my husband kept asking what I was laughing at!) The dancing lessons were so fun, and the romance was sweet. I will be looking for more books by the author.
This was a fun read. Kept me engaged. Very well-written and unexpected twists in just the right places. I'll be looking forward to more from this author.
Sweet story about spiritual growth, change and forgiveness. Micah and Lily both have things in their pasts that they can't seem to let go of. In spite of themselves, they end up praying and trusting in God to guide them.
I like that in spite of feelings, the characters turn to the Lord and acknowledge their shortcomings. There is humor in this story but also a depth of meaning in faith and forgiveness.