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The Engagement Plot
Can Hanna and Will Find True Love Amid the Bright Lights of Reality TV? Perfect for the fans of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette! Six months ago, William stole Hanna’s heart and shattered it in front of millions of people on a reality TV dating show. And now the big-wig CEO is back on Hanna’s home turf in Minnesota and wants her to forgive him? Fat chance of that. But life is swirling around faster than snow in a blizzard, and despite her objections, teaming up with William seems like the only option to rescue her reputation. William has never regretted anything more than the day he gave that ill-fated interview for the reality show, The Price of Love. But while he can’t change the past, he’s determined to fix the future. He just needs to convince Hanna to forgive him—and pretend to be engaged with him. Simple, right? When the media erupts with even worse accusations, teaming up and pretending to be engaged seems to be the only way to salvage their reputations. Despite the media frenzy that swirls around them, an attraction neither of them can fight off begins to surface. Could this love run deeper than a scandal, or will old wounds tear them apart once and for all? When all seems lost, it’s only with help from above that Hanna and Will may find their happily-ever-after.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2017
259 people are currently reading
896 people want to read
About the author
Krista Phillips
21 books116 followersKrista Phillips enjoys life with her husband and their four beautiful daughters in Middle Tennessee. She is an advocate for congenital heart defect and organ donation awareness and blogs at
www.kristaphillips.com.
www.kristaphillips.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 279 reviews
October 9, 2017
Oh how I enjoyed my time spent while reading this novel. I started it right as I was leaving on a trip which entailed lots of driving. I laughed out loud, had some pretty big smiles, a few grumpy face moments and possibly a couple sighs. My hubby kept asking me for updates and what was happening in the plot to cause my many different moods. He'd smile and shake his head at me, I'd smile back and dive right back into this fun read.
A fun twist on the Bachelor/Bachelorette premise with all the twists and turns you might expect of a couple who met on a reality TV show and the aftermath of the show. The book starts several months after the show and a pretty epic blunder on the Bachelor's part. With a little bit of a hidden agenda, work pressure, longing of the hearts, relentless paparazzi, some behind the scenes intrigue and much more going on, the question is whether or not Hanna and Will can forgive each other and have closure or possibly move forward with their lives, happily and together.
There are many great moments throughout this book. Not just great moments between the couple but moments of individual, quiet reflection, growth and healing. These two characters were well developed. I wasn't quite sure when I started reading if I should expect that or, if this would be more of a lighthearted and fun fluff type read. I was very pleasantly surprised that it was fun and fluffy, but it was also full of depth and some great gems scattered throughout.
There's a theme here, probably a theme that may not be as noticeable as others but still one I believe the author wanted to be noticed...realizing that when mistakes (incidents, moments) happen, it isn't always just the other person's fault, that the old phrase 'it takes two to tango', definitely is true here. I loved seeing both of these characters realize that some of their choices (individual and as a couple) could have been handled a little differently and the outcomes of those choices would have been different (better) for them and those involved.
This is a Christian fiction book. There are plenty of moments of self-reflection and moments where the characters focus on Christ and his role in their lives. It wasn't over the top preachy, for those of you who don't like reading that. It is definitely a relevant part of the storyline and even helps guide the plot along in many scenes. Hanna goes on this reality TV show and chooses to guard her virtue and continue to live her values and beliefs, no matter the criticism that comes her way, even when she earns the nickname Holy Hanna. Let me just say she gets plenty of criticism throughout the book for her beliefs but I enjoyed how the author handled it. She shows the pretty intense people who are more judgmental towards Hanna, especially over something that didn't happen, as well as showing how Hanna handled it all. Lots of healing for sure throughout this book, in many different aspects. It was great watching Hanna grow from the beginning of the book, where she is still very angry and hurt and holding on tightly to that. Then slowly throughout, realizing herself how holding onto those feelings has affected her and brought her to act in ways she wouldn't normally do. That's kind of vague but let's just say it might have to do with how she treats a certain person, namely a certain male, quite possibly a Bachelor... I'll let you piece that one together.
Will...what to say about Will. Lots of character growth, a great character arc for him. Yet, even from the beginning he was great! I loved the first scene where these two, Hanna and Will, are thrown back into each other's lives. Fun. Part of Will is torn because of his love for Hanna, the other for the havoc that has been wreaked on his professional life. How can he fix both and reconcile the differences, yet have the outcome that he wants, when all signs show it might be nigh on impossible? Pain from his past has him protecting his heart and life, somewhat more than he realizes. There's no future for him with Hanna unless he can fix that and allow for healing to occur. So another aspect of the Christian genre here, the need for healing and allowing Christ in his life (Hanna as well).
The chemistry and friendship between these two characters is very well written. Definitely lots of sparks and tension between them. Can they reconcile their differences and allow the love that each other feels bloom? Those late night kitchen excursions were pretty fun scenes. The ring, the dress, the business, the snow, the mud, the family moments...I just loved it!
Don't let the religious aspects throw you off from reading this one. It is definitely a fun storyline, several great characters and a fun adventure throughout the book. I highly recommend this one and suggest you snuggle in for the long haul, because I don't think you'll want to put it down. I probably wouldn't have put it down until I was finished, except I was at a wedding over the weekend so lots of fun and excitement that I ended up enjoying my reading time while in the car for the many hours of driving to and from the wedding.
Content: Clean. I think I've explained pretty well throughout the review the religious aspects of the book. Some scenes of kissing but nothing further.
I received a review copy from the publisher, Shiloh Run Press, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
A fun twist on the Bachelor/Bachelorette premise with all the twists and turns you might expect of a couple who met on a reality TV show and the aftermath of the show. The book starts several months after the show and a pretty epic blunder on the Bachelor's part. With a little bit of a hidden agenda, work pressure, longing of the hearts, relentless paparazzi, some behind the scenes intrigue and much more going on, the question is whether or not Hanna and Will can forgive each other and have closure or possibly move forward with their lives, happily and together.
There are many great moments throughout this book. Not just great moments between the couple but moments of individual, quiet reflection, growth and healing. These two characters were well developed. I wasn't quite sure when I started reading if I should expect that or, if this would be more of a lighthearted and fun fluff type read. I was very pleasantly surprised that it was fun and fluffy, but it was also full of depth and some great gems scattered throughout.
There's a theme here, probably a theme that may not be as noticeable as others but still one I believe the author wanted to be noticed...realizing that when mistakes (incidents, moments) happen, it isn't always just the other person's fault, that the old phrase 'it takes two to tango', definitely is true here. I loved seeing both of these characters realize that some of their choices (individual and as a couple) could have been handled a little differently and the outcomes of those choices would have been different (better) for them and those involved.
This is a Christian fiction book. There are plenty of moments of self-reflection and moments where the characters focus on Christ and his role in their lives. It wasn't over the top preachy, for those of you who don't like reading that. It is definitely a relevant part of the storyline and even helps guide the plot along in many scenes. Hanna goes on this reality TV show and chooses to guard her virtue and continue to live her values and beliefs, no matter the criticism that comes her way, even when she earns the nickname Holy Hanna. Let me just say she gets plenty of criticism throughout the book for her beliefs but I enjoyed how the author handled it. She shows the pretty intense people who are more judgmental towards Hanna, especially over something that didn't happen, as well as showing how Hanna handled it all. Lots of healing for sure throughout this book, in many different aspects. It was great watching Hanna grow from the beginning of the book, where she is still very angry and hurt and holding on tightly to that. Then slowly throughout, realizing herself how holding onto those feelings has affected her and brought her to act in ways she wouldn't normally do. That's kind of vague but let's just say it might have to do with how she treats a certain person, namely a certain male, quite possibly a Bachelor... I'll let you piece that one together.
Will...what to say about Will. Lots of character growth, a great character arc for him. Yet, even from the beginning he was great! I loved the first scene where these two, Hanna and Will, are thrown back into each other's lives. Fun. Part of Will is torn because of his love for Hanna, the other for the havoc that has been wreaked on his professional life. How can he fix both and reconcile the differences, yet have the outcome that he wants, when all signs show it might be nigh on impossible? Pain from his past has him protecting his heart and life, somewhat more than he realizes. There's no future for him with Hanna unless he can fix that and allow for healing to occur. So another aspect of the Christian genre here, the need for healing and allowing Christ in his life (Hanna as well).
The chemistry and friendship between these two characters is very well written. Definitely lots of sparks and tension between them. Can they reconcile their differences and allow the love that each other feels bloom? Those late night kitchen excursions were pretty fun scenes. The ring, the dress, the business, the snow, the mud, the family moments...I just loved it!
Don't let the religious aspects throw you off from reading this one. It is definitely a fun storyline, several great characters and a fun adventure throughout the book. I highly recommend this one and suggest you snuggle in for the long haul, because I don't think you'll want to put it down. I probably wouldn't have put it down until I was finished, except I was at a wedding over the weekend so lots of fun and excitement that I ended up enjoying my reading time while in the car for the many hours of driving to and from the wedding.
Content: Clean. I think I've explained pretty well throughout the review the religious aspects of the book. Some scenes of kissing but nothing further.
I received a review copy from the publisher, Shiloh Run Press, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
Read
November 6, 2017Lots of conflicting things in this little humorous romance. I think I’m just going to skip the star rating on this one. The opening was great, with her saving the guy’s life and then realizing it’s her least favorite man in the world.
Ultimately, though, it tried to be too many things at once. Romantic comedy, cautionary tale, lesson in forgiveness, etc, etc. There were so many little plot features that never got used, ones that got dropped in and left lying on the floor, until the plot grew cumbered with all these little unresolved bits of info. We even met fleeting characters who served no purpose except to come and go.
At first I liked Hanna okay, but pretty quickly I found her to be full of so many complex qualities that I never quite got to know her. I didn’t understand her dad’s meeting the guy who broke her heart publicly with open arms...what a betrayal that would feel like. Her dad doesn’t need to cheapen her hurt just to be a decent host. The entire book, it’s more and more of the same thing...poor guy. And when he gropes her in the kitchen one point, it’s her fault for “asking for it” because she didn’t have a bra on under her sweatshirt—even though he understood fully that she was still keeping herself for marriage (in all but kisses). He doesn’t respect her enough to respect her boundaries.
Also, there were lots and lots of “sanitized swears”...either “okay” words substituted for taking God’s name in vain, or with other words dashed out. I might have been easier on the “hero” because he isn’t living a Christian life, but Hanna supposedly grew up in a conservative church.
Also, who still texts using 2 for to? Seriously?
The roller-coaster of great writing vs. slaps in the face of reality kept going back and forth. It was hard not to start skimming when things got particularly improbable. And the end was so abrupt...what happened next?
The heroine definitely got the short end of the stick with this dude and I really would have liked to see her kick him to the curb, unless there had been some huge repentance moment that fundamentally changed his character more than he did change. Yes, there was some improvement, but not enough to bump him into hero status for me. No wonder I’m still single, if these are all the sort of guys that are left on the market.
Anyway, if you can suspend some reality and if you don’t expect your heroes to be extra-heroic, it’s probably a good light read to try out.
Thanks to the publisher for a free review copy. Favorable review not required.
Ultimately, though, it tried to be too many things at once. Romantic comedy, cautionary tale, lesson in forgiveness, etc, etc. There were so many little plot features that never got used, ones that got dropped in and left lying on the floor, until the plot grew cumbered with all these little unresolved bits of info. We even met fleeting characters who served no purpose except to come and go.
At first I liked Hanna okay, but pretty quickly I found her to be full of so many complex qualities that I never quite got to know her. I didn’t understand her dad’s meeting the guy who broke her heart publicly with open arms...what a betrayal that would feel like. Her dad doesn’t need to cheapen her hurt just to be a decent host. The entire book, it’s more and more of the same thing...poor guy. And when he gropes her in the kitchen one point, it’s her fault for “asking for it” because she didn’t have a bra on under her sweatshirt—even though he understood fully that she was still keeping herself for marriage (in all but kisses). He doesn’t respect her enough to respect her boundaries.
Also, there were lots and lots of “sanitized swears”...either “okay” words substituted for taking God’s name in vain, or with other words dashed out. I might have been easier on the “hero” because he isn’t living a Christian life, but Hanna supposedly grew up in a conservative church.
Also, who still texts using 2 for to? Seriously?
The roller-coaster of great writing vs. slaps in the face of reality kept going back and forth. It was hard not to start skimming when things got particularly improbable. And the end was so abrupt...what happened next?
The heroine definitely got the short end of the stick with this dude and I really would have liked to see her kick him to the curb, unless there had been some huge repentance moment that fundamentally changed his character more than he did change. Yes, there was some improvement, but not enough to bump him into hero status for me. No wonder I’m still single, if these are all the sort of guys that are left on the market.
Anyway, if you can suspend some reality and if you don’t expect your heroes to be extra-heroic, it’s probably a good light read to try out.
Thanks to the publisher for a free review copy. Favorable review not required.
unfinished
May 5, 20235/4/2023 update: Funny story. Every Monday night, I watch a Hallmark-y type movie with my husband and daughter. I usually look for a movie with a rating of 4 or 4.5 stars. This past Monday, the first movie I landed on was ........ The Engagement Plot. The blurb indicated that it was about a couple that met on a reality dating show, and the heroine's name was .... Hanna. I had just reread my review for this book and wanted to see if the highly rated movie was an adaptation of this book that I DNFed. (My review below.) Yup. It is. And I really enjoyed it. In my defense, I felt that the movie fixed what was lacking in the book. Holy Hanna should be a really sweet character, right? I just wasn't feeling that from the book. (See the quotes I put in my review below.) The heroine of the movie adaptation was a very sweet lady. Curious? Here's a link to the movie.
---------------------------------
I've done something I never ever do. In fact, I cannot remember doing it before. I'm giving up on a book. I strongly disliked it right from the beginning, and now at 40%, I'm throwing in the towel. I'm not happy about it, but the fact that I have so little reading time combined with the degree of unhappiness I have with this book has made the decision for me. I expected it to improve, and don't feel that it has. It probably will, given that several of my Goodreads friends have given this a good review, but I think I've given it enough of a chance.
The Engagement Plot (2017, Shiloh Run Press) by Krista Phillips is a contemporary "Christian" romance set in Embarrass, Minnesota, Nashville, Tennessee, and at the point I DNFed it, soon-to-be in New York City. I chose to read this book because Barbour preapproved it for me via NetGalley, and since I've felt so blessed with the many Barbour books I've read through NetGalley, I thought I'd try and support the publisher by reading it.
Rating: I'm not going to give a rating because I haven't finished the book. But based on the first 40%, I'd give it 3 stars. This is because I don't think it does the job as Christian fiction. The basic plot is interesting, and the writing quality is good, however.
Plot: Months ago, Hanna Knight, 27, was on a reality dating TV show and very publicly became engaged to William Preston, a CEO, with stars in her eyes. And she was very publicly shamed by said man by a deliberately misleading statement on a talk show. This wrung her heart, unrightfully damaged her reputation, and derailed her personal and professional life. Interesting plot for a contemporary romance, right? I agree. But then Mr. Former Fiance comes back into her life. She is then so extremely resentful and immature in her actions and her inner Christian that I decided, "40%? Enough is enough."
Christian elements: These are thoughts and prayers that come from "Holy Hannah."
"She'd have to play good Samaritan to some moron who didn't have enough sense to stay inside during a classic Northern Minnesota blizzard. Be nice, Hanna…"
"Please, Jesus, let this work."
"...with his dress pants and shiny, expensive-looking loafers, he looked like one who might worry about such stupid things."
"...some of the few in this world who hadn't turned their backs on her over the last six months." Really? Presumably Christian people in the community are being judgemental towards Hanna.
"You've apologized. I've accepted, and we'll get on with it. The good Lord expects nothing less of me." Great self-advice but I didn't feel her walk matched her talk.
Is it clean/chaste? Yes.
***********
The bottom line: The interesting premise was not enough to conquer my perception as an unsuccessful attempt at a Christian book. I will not be trying another book by this author unless she has a book in an anthology that I want to read. Readers who enjoy modern, sassy main characters and who wouldn't be troubled about the lack of Christian example would enjoy this book more than I did. I will continue to read books published by Barbour because this book appears to be an outlier.
I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
---------------------------------
I've done something I never ever do. In fact, I cannot remember doing it before. I'm giving up on a book. I strongly disliked it right from the beginning, and now at 40%, I'm throwing in the towel. I'm not happy about it, but the fact that I have so little reading time combined with the degree of unhappiness I have with this book has made the decision for me. I expected it to improve, and don't feel that it has. It probably will, given that several of my Goodreads friends have given this a good review, but I think I've given it enough of a chance.
The Engagement Plot (2017, Shiloh Run Press) by Krista Phillips is a contemporary "Christian" romance set in Embarrass, Minnesota, Nashville, Tennessee, and at the point I DNFed it, soon-to-be in New York City. I chose to read this book because Barbour preapproved it for me via NetGalley, and since I've felt so blessed with the many Barbour books I've read through NetGalley, I thought I'd try and support the publisher by reading it.
Rating: I'm not going to give a rating because I haven't finished the book. But based on the first 40%, I'd give it 3 stars. This is because I don't think it does the job as Christian fiction. The basic plot is interesting, and the writing quality is good, however.
Plot: Months ago, Hanna Knight, 27, was on a reality dating TV show and very publicly became engaged to William Preston, a CEO, with stars in her eyes. And she was very publicly shamed by said man by a deliberately misleading statement on a talk show. This wrung her heart, unrightfully damaged her reputation, and derailed her personal and professional life. Interesting plot for a contemporary romance, right? I agree. But then Mr. Former Fiance comes back into her life. She is then so extremely resentful and immature in her actions and her inner Christian that I decided, "40%? Enough is enough."
Christian elements: These are thoughts and prayers that come from "Holy Hannah."
"She'd have to play good Samaritan to some moron who didn't have enough sense to stay inside during a classic Northern Minnesota blizzard. Be nice, Hanna…"
"Please, Jesus, let this work."
"...with his dress pants and shiny, expensive-looking loafers, he looked like one who might worry about such stupid things."
"...some of the few in this world who hadn't turned their backs on her over the last six months." Really? Presumably Christian people in the community are being judgemental towards Hanna.
"You've apologized. I've accepted, and we'll get on with it. The good Lord expects nothing less of me." Great self-advice but I didn't feel her walk matched her talk.
Is it clean/chaste? Yes.
***********
The bottom line: The interesting premise was not enough to conquer my perception as an unsuccessful attempt at a Christian book. I will not be trying another book by this author unless she has a book in an anthology that I want to read. Readers who enjoy modern, sassy main characters and who wouldn't be troubled about the lack of Christian example would enjoy this book more than I did. I will continue to read books published by Barbour because this book appears to be an outlier.
I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
January 18, 2018
While this story has some serious flaws, the charm factor and writing style overpower any of those issues. Sure, it's not perfect, but it's very entertaining.
November 7, 2017
FTC DISCLAIMER: I RECEIVED AN E-ARC FROM THE PUBLISHER THROUGH NET GALLEY. I VOLUNTARILY OFFER MY HONEST REVIEW OF THE BOOK, THOUGH IT IS NOT EXPECTED OF ME! RECEIPT OF THIS BOOK IN THIS MANNER DOES NOT AFFECT MY OPINION OF THE BOOK OR THE CONTENT OF MY REVIEW!
Normally, I enjoy reading a romance that is a homage to shows like The Bachelor or The Bachelorette, but I have to say I didn't really enjoy this one.
I absolutely hated the deception! With Hanna being a "Christian" woman, her reputation should not have been her entire focus! Actions speak louder than words, I always say, and her actions were not saying anything good about Hanna! Will was just as bad with his innuendo and selfish nature, almost as if he felt he deserved to have Hanna just fall at his feet! I couldn't understand them together, and didn't see much romance or wooing between the two of them.
For me, this book really dragged, taking entirely too long to get through. Thankfully, it was a standalone romance and not a series, but even then I wouldn't recommend or purchase a copy of this book for myself.
Normally, I enjoy reading a romance that is a homage to shows like The Bachelor or The Bachelorette, but I have to say I didn't really enjoy this one.
I absolutely hated the deception! With Hanna being a "Christian" woman, her reputation should not have been her entire focus! Actions speak louder than words, I always say, and her actions were not saying anything good about Hanna! Will was just as bad with his innuendo and selfish nature, almost as if he felt he deserved to have Hanna just fall at his feet! I couldn't understand them together, and didn't see much romance or wooing between the two of them.
For me, this book really dragged, taking entirely too long to get through. Thankfully, it was a standalone romance and not a series, but even then I wouldn't recommend or purchase a copy of this book for myself.
July 26, 2017
This was such a fun novel, with a great humorous plot and some deeper threads.
September 6, 2017
A fun contemporary romance between a couple who met on a reality TV dating show. Full of humor and some tender moments, as well as faith.
I enjoyed the funny and sometimes awkward situations the characters find themselves in as they try to iron out the difficulties that all began with a lie. The story demonstrates well how damaging a lie and gossip can be, how it can grow and hurt people until set right. Hanna has a lot to forgive, and eventually Will does too. Their relationship has a lot of ups and downs, allowing for some personal and spiritual growth along the way. Hanna's friend Carly is a good example of a true friend who speaks the truth in love, and encourages her to see the bigger picture, when she says, "Get over the fact that you made mistakes. It's not about you anyway. It's about bringing God glory." Wish we all had a friend like that in our corner to laugh with, bring us chocolate, and lovingly push us in the right direction.
Readers who enjoy contemporary romances with faith and humor will like this one. I have enjoyed all the ones I've read by this author.
(An e-book was provided by NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.)
I enjoyed the funny and sometimes awkward situations the characters find themselves in as they try to iron out the difficulties that all began with a lie. The story demonstrates well how damaging a lie and gossip can be, how it can grow and hurt people until set right. Hanna has a lot to forgive, and eventually Will does too. Their relationship has a lot of ups and downs, allowing for some personal and spiritual growth along the way. Hanna's friend Carly is a good example of a true friend who speaks the truth in love, and encourages her to see the bigger picture, when she says, "Get over the fact that you made mistakes. It's not about you anyway. It's about bringing God glory." Wish we all had a friend like that in our corner to laugh with, bring us chocolate, and lovingly push us in the right direction.
Readers who enjoy contemporary romances with faith and humor will like this one. I have enjoyed all the ones I've read by this author.
(An e-book was provided by NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.)
November 26, 2017
Do you enjoy watching The Bachelor and The Bachelorette? Well this is something like that sort of. It is a book for reality TV fans. They are sure to fall in love with this book.
It was a good romantic comedy, It's a feel good read. The first book that I have read by Phillips but not my last. The story line was very well thought out, and different.
I loved Hanna and rooted for her until the very end. You may like the outcome. Read it all the way to the end!
This is a 4 star read. I recommend this book to reality TV fans. And Romance fans.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.
It was a good romantic comedy, It's a feel good read. The first book that I have read by Phillips but not my last. The story line was very well thought out, and different.
I loved Hanna and rooted for her until the very end. You may like the outcome. Read it all the way to the end!
This is a 4 star read. I recommend this book to reality TV fans. And Romance fans.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.
November 1, 2017
The Engagement Plot had me laughing out loud throughout the entire book. It was exactly what I needed to read at the time. The old saying "laughter is good medicine" is so true. The banter between the hero and heroine was so fun and also being in their heads was too. I really enjoyed the book and I hope there are more to come in a series.
*I was given a copy of the book by the author and was under no obligation to leave a review.
*I was given a copy of the book by the author and was under no obligation to leave a review.
January 29, 2018
A fun read with plenty of depth. I liked it a lot :)
November 3, 2017
If you read the blurb above for this book I probably know what you are thinking about this book. A light, fluffy, brain candy sort of book picking up on the "Bachelor" reality TV show. Right? Because that's kind of what the blurb would have you think. But. I'm here to tell you that this book is more than that. In fact, the story picks up months after the reality TV portion happened. Yes, Hanna does do some remembering of certain moments and there are certainly some very "in the public eye" situations, but I loved the very personal sort of feeling I had while reading this book.
These characters, Hanna and William, have depth. As you get to know them better, you can easily see their strengths and weaknesses. They both do a lot of growing and learning throughout this book. It's a process and one I enjoyed very much. There was an obvious attraction given the history between William and Hannah and though they both try to squelch it, it just won't go away. That leads to some sparky situations full of tension. Yup, that was good stuff too.
This book has very obvious Christian elements. There is nothing overly preachy but it is there. I thought the whole book was well done and had a good balance of both the lighthearted, fun moments and the more serious, soul searching moments. I enjoyed it from beginning to end! I'm looking forward to reading more by this author.
Content: kissing, Christian elements
- I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
These characters, Hanna and William, have depth. As you get to know them better, you can easily see their strengths and weaknesses. They both do a lot of growing and learning throughout this book. It's a process and one I enjoyed very much. There was an obvious attraction given the history between William and Hannah and though they both try to squelch it, it just won't go away. That leads to some sparky situations full of tension. Yup, that was good stuff too.
This book has very obvious Christian elements. There is nothing overly preachy but it is there. I thought the whole book was well done and had a good balance of both the lighthearted, fun moments and the more serious, soul searching moments. I enjoyed it from beginning to end! I'm looking forward to reading more by this author.
Content: kissing, Christian elements
- I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
November 15, 2017
"He didn't need God. He would keep his promise on his own. He 'was' William Preston. He fixed things. Give him a problem, he'd find a solution. No divine help needed."
Six months ago William Preston shattered Hanna Knight's heart on a reality show in front of millions of people. Her life has been a mess since then. Now William's in Hanna's home in Minnesota wanting forgiveness. Ha! But with her reputation in shambles, agreeing to William's plan seems the only sensible thing to do.
William has regretted the ill fated interview he gave on national TV for six months, but he can't change that now. But he CAN try his best to fix the future. If Hanna will let him, that is. All she has to do is agree to be engaged to him. Easy, right?
This is Rom Com at its finest. I was engaged in the story (no pun intended) from the first page. Krista Phillips has scored a home run with this novel, in my opinion. Characters crafts so well that I feel like I'm sitting there with them in every scene. Emotions running so deep that my heart feels every one of them. This is Hallmark movie stuff, folks! Seriously.
Will Will and Hanna get past the surface of this mess to see what God is doing in their lives? Or will they only see these old wounds and pain and not allow the grace of God to change their lives? This is one for the keeper shelf!
Six months ago William Preston shattered Hanna Knight's heart on a reality show in front of millions of people. Her life has been a mess since then. Now William's in Hanna's home in Minnesota wanting forgiveness. Ha! But with her reputation in shambles, agreeing to William's plan seems the only sensible thing to do.
William has regretted the ill fated interview he gave on national TV for six months, but he can't change that now. But he CAN try his best to fix the future. If Hanna will let him, that is. All she has to do is agree to be engaged to him. Easy, right?
This is Rom Com at its finest. I was engaged in the story (no pun intended) from the first page. Krista Phillips has scored a home run with this novel, in my opinion. Characters crafts so well that I feel like I'm sitting there with them in every scene. Emotions running so deep that my heart feels every one of them. This is Hallmark movie stuff, folks! Seriously.
Will Will and Hanna get past the surface of this mess to see what God is doing in their lives? Or will they only see these old wounds and pain and not allow the grace of God to change their lives? This is one for the keeper shelf!
September 11, 2018
3.5 Stars. This was pretty cute and humorous at times. I thought it was going to focus more on the Bachelor-like reality show, but it's more about what happened after. I thought the big conflict was kind of unrealistic, though. Hanna was nicknamed Holy Hanna because of her Christian values, but then Will insinuated that they slept together (when they hadn't) and it completely ruined her life. While I do believe that the internet likes nothing more than someone's supposed fall from grace, I don't think the extensive tabloid coverage and all the hate mail would really be as extreme as it was. And while I liked that it portrayed a Christian going through a phase of questioning God and her faith, I thought the "come-to-Jesus" moments could've been a little better written. I thought the book was a little too long, but I was looking for something fun and light that I didn't have to think too much about and this definitely entertained me. Would recommend to Christian Contemporary/Romance fans.
November 1, 2018
Cute with good characters. I'm not a fan of reality dating shows but I still enjoyed this.
October 26, 2017
Can Hanna and Will Find True Love Amid the Bright Lights of Reality TV?
Perfect for the fans of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette!
Believe it or not I don't watch either show as I find it demeaning to watch... That being said I just started reading this ARC copy that I received from NetGalley to read and review and so far I am enjoying it. Had it classified as romance but is more christian fiction without being overly preachy. Will and Hanna meet on a reality television show and break up based on his careless statement on their romance. They meet up again and fake an engagement to help them with their career and personal beliefs. There was a lot of laughter along the way and a HEA. Hope she got to wear the dress in his parents closet.
Perfect for the fans of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette!
Believe it or not I don't watch either show as I find it demeaning to watch... That being said I just started reading this ARC copy that I received from NetGalley to read and review and so far I am enjoying it. Had it classified as romance but is more christian fiction without being overly preachy. Will and Hanna meet on a reality television show and break up based on his careless statement on their romance. They meet up again and fake an engagement to help them with their career and personal beliefs. There was a lot of laughter along the way and a HEA. Hope she got to wear the dress in his parents closet.
October 2, 2017
The Engagement Plot is sweet and funny at times but deep and serious at others. It is the story of two real people who are trying to right a wrong that has hurt them both.
Hanna met Will on the reality television show, The Price of Love. She was dubbed Holy Hanna because of her faith. Will chose Hanna out of the other contestants but messed up by implying that they had an intimate weekend. Hanna was so hurt that she gave back the ring and told the show that she was going home. The whole show was a publicity ploy by Will, CEO of a cosmetic company, and his company to raise sales. Will's unfair implication appears to have made sales go lower so he has been told to make amends; he is to approach Hanna a plan to try to help him and the company and also give Hanna a chance to save face. She has been treated ugly by many people, including many Christians. She even quit her job as a teacher because parents didn't like her. Will's plan is to pretend that they are back together. With her father joining forces with Will to convince her to give it a try, she agrees to the arrangement. To make it legit, they agree to do an interview on a talk show.
They encounter ugly fans along the way. Some are unhappy with Will for how he treated Hanna and some are ugly to Hanna for being a fallen Christian. I liked both of the characters for all that they had been through and for who they actually are in spite of the TV personas. There is a great cast of supporting characters as well. Hanna's BFF, Carly, is a wonderful Christian friend who tells Hanna how she sees things that Hanna can't see but is there for her. Emma, Will's assistant, covers his back while he is away. Will's parents are loving and supportive to them. Hanna's dad is supportive to both but with a warning to Will. But the elephant in the room is faith. Hanna is a Jesus loving person who has made mistakes. Who hasn't? Will is estranged from God even though he grew up in a Christian home. He holds God responsible for not saving his little sister. Can they develop a real relationship? What will happen to Will's job? Will God work in Will's life and Hanna's as well? This is a sweet journey that shows where our meaning in life should be, not in a job or what others think about us but in a relationship with God. Awesome read!
Thanks to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book in exchange for an honest review.
Hanna met Will on the reality television show, The Price of Love. She was dubbed Holy Hanna because of her faith. Will chose Hanna out of the other contestants but messed up by implying that they had an intimate weekend. Hanna was so hurt that she gave back the ring and told the show that she was going home. The whole show was a publicity ploy by Will, CEO of a cosmetic company, and his company to raise sales. Will's unfair implication appears to have made sales go lower so he has been told to make amends; he is to approach Hanna a plan to try to help him and the company and also give Hanna a chance to save face. She has been treated ugly by many people, including many Christians. She even quit her job as a teacher because parents didn't like her. Will's plan is to pretend that they are back together. With her father joining forces with Will to convince her to give it a try, she agrees to the arrangement. To make it legit, they agree to do an interview on a talk show.
They encounter ugly fans along the way. Some are unhappy with Will for how he treated Hanna and some are ugly to Hanna for being a fallen Christian. I liked both of the characters for all that they had been through and for who they actually are in spite of the TV personas. There is a great cast of supporting characters as well. Hanna's BFF, Carly, is a wonderful Christian friend who tells Hanna how she sees things that Hanna can't see but is there for her. Emma, Will's assistant, covers his back while he is away. Will's parents are loving and supportive to them. Hanna's dad is supportive to both but with a warning to Will. But the elephant in the room is faith. Hanna is a Jesus loving person who has made mistakes. Who hasn't? Will is estranged from God even though he grew up in a Christian home. He holds God responsible for not saving his little sister. Can they develop a real relationship? What will happen to Will's job? Will God work in Will's life and Hanna's as well? This is a sweet journey that shows where our meaning in life should be, not in a job or what others think about us but in a relationship with God. Awesome read!
Thanks to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 27, 2017
4.5
Such a fun story!
Krista Phillips took the "Bachelor" Theme and cleaned it up in spin-cycle with some wonderful lessons on faith, God's grace, and the power (and hard-call) of forgiveness. Will Preston is a broken hero - the kind who really needs someone to give him a big hug and teach him what love and forgiveness is really like. Hanna is pretty sure she's not that person. At ALL. She's been burned by Will before and has no intention of feeling the sting of his "false" affections again - after all, he basically ruined her life with one simple sentence.
Whether the cameras are rolling or not, can these to wounded people rediscover love?
Get ready to chuckle, smile, and have an urge to slap a few people in this contemporary romance by Krista Phillips :-) And...I reiterate....when Will apologizes-to-the-coffee-scene??? Hilarious and Adorable!!
Such a fun story!
Krista Phillips took the "Bachelor" Theme and cleaned it up in spin-cycle with some wonderful lessons on faith, God's grace, and the power (and hard-call) of forgiveness. Will Preston is a broken hero - the kind who really needs someone to give him a big hug and teach him what love and forgiveness is really like. Hanna is pretty sure she's not that person. At ALL. She's been burned by Will before and has no intention of feeling the sting of his "false" affections again - after all, he basically ruined her life with one simple sentence.
Whether the cameras are rolling or not, can these to wounded people rediscover love?
Get ready to chuckle, smile, and have an urge to slap a few people in this contemporary romance by Krista Phillips :-) And...I reiterate....when Will apologizes-to-the-coffee-scene??? Hilarious and Adorable!!
November 10, 2017
I don't think there isn't one person who doesn't know about online dating reality shows like the Bachelor or the Bachelorette. Where an eligible person tries to find the perfect person among a host of suitable candidates and hopefully a happily ever after will ensue. Fans of such shows will love Krista Phillips new novel, The Engagement Plot. Here we have a similar premise as the setting for our novel, with the reality show named The Price for Love and instead of the infamous red roses, the contestants receive gold coins with hearts verifying their commitment to find true love. Everything appeared to be going well for the final two, with most of the audience rooting for an all around honest church loving girl, they aptly named Holy Hanna, after Hanna Knight, the one woman who vowed to keep her integrity and morals intact despite all the pressure to bend to the viewing audience. She was the one, the upstanding CEO and eligible bachelor William Preston asked to marry him.
Only while Hanna was busy making wedding plans in her mind during the two month hiatus that they were instructed to have no contact with one another expect for an off-camera date, while the show wrapped up for the final unveiling. Hanna was hoping she had found the right man, when in reality, when it came to push the shows ratings as well as his own status in the company, Will led both the show's host and viewing audience to believe that Hanna had compromised all her moral beliefs for a quick weekend away with him. That was the end of the relationship and the end of Hanna's heart. She vowed to find some way to look for how she could have been so easily misled by Will. It cost her almost everything and now her reputation has been in ruins no matter how Hanna might have tried to salvage it.
So now, while avoiding reporters, she has moved back home with her father in Minnesota heading home in the midst of what is turning out to be one of the worst blizzards in history and finds a car trapped in a snowbank. She knows that no one will be out here for hours and her father wouldn't even leave a person stranded. What she didn't expect to find was Will Preston stuck in the snowbank almost freezing to death. While she is more than tempted to leave him there, she knows she can't in good faith no matter what he has done to her in the past. That was not how she was raised and now, she is stuck bringing him home back to her fathers house and undoubtedly hoping the storm might be delayed until he can get on his way to wherever he was headed. Only for now, she will have to deal with all the pain she thought she put behind her again.
I received The Engagement Plot by Krista Phillips compliments of Barbour Publishing and NetGalley. This is such a great story because you only know it's going to get better the further you get into the book and at each crossroads it appears as if God has other plans in store for the two to be reunited again. Can she risk her heart again for the second time? Has Will Preston truly changed? Or does he have another motive behind his visit? You'll just have to pick this one up to find out. I thoroughly enjoyed it and easily give this one a 5 out of 5 stars. This would make a great Hallmark Channel movie!
Only while Hanna was busy making wedding plans in her mind during the two month hiatus that they were instructed to have no contact with one another expect for an off-camera date, while the show wrapped up for the final unveiling. Hanna was hoping she had found the right man, when in reality, when it came to push the shows ratings as well as his own status in the company, Will led both the show's host and viewing audience to believe that Hanna had compromised all her moral beliefs for a quick weekend away with him. That was the end of the relationship and the end of Hanna's heart. She vowed to find some way to look for how she could have been so easily misled by Will. It cost her almost everything and now her reputation has been in ruins no matter how Hanna might have tried to salvage it.
So now, while avoiding reporters, she has moved back home with her father in Minnesota heading home in the midst of what is turning out to be one of the worst blizzards in history and finds a car trapped in a snowbank. She knows that no one will be out here for hours and her father wouldn't even leave a person stranded. What she didn't expect to find was Will Preston stuck in the snowbank almost freezing to death. While she is more than tempted to leave him there, she knows she can't in good faith no matter what he has done to her in the past. That was not how she was raised and now, she is stuck bringing him home back to her fathers house and undoubtedly hoping the storm might be delayed until he can get on his way to wherever he was headed. Only for now, she will have to deal with all the pain she thought she put behind her again.
I received The Engagement Plot by Krista Phillips compliments of Barbour Publishing and NetGalley. This is such a great story because you only know it's going to get better the further you get into the book and at each crossroads it appears as if God has other plans in store for the two to be reunited again. Can she risk her heart again for the second time? Has Will Preston truly changed? Or does he have another motive behind his visit? You'll just have to pick this one up to find out. I thoroughly enjoyed it and easily give this one a 5 out of 5 stars. This would make a great Hallmark Channel movie!
December 4, 2017
Oh my word, this book!! The author brilliantly took a situation that one would think is easily dealt with and move on from, but she added layers to the story that are completely surprising and work so well. The author puts her whole heart into the writing, voicing every thought and complexity a well meaning Christian would feel (not all pretty but definitely authentic), but also knows when to hold back in keeping the romance and language clean. It's such a fine balance that is perfectly achieved in this Rom Com with great characters and forgiveness. Forgiveness for others, and something we do for ourselves when something goes wrong.
This book is FILLED with best friend moments, klumsy moments, one great ice fishing scene, an executive assistant that I truly loved, one OUTSTANDING TV interview, and perfectly descriptive winter moments in Minnesota. I was also truly touched at Will's parents and Hanna's dad in the story, their families enhanced the story much deeper than I anticipated. *Hanna's best friend arriving at the house with a shotgun in hand looking for Will was incredible, I didn't know if I should be laughing for shocked*
Hanna and Will have a few kissing scenes, but I never found the book inappropriate. Despite the issue with Will's lack of faith, I just found him perfectly suited for Hanna. He was a gentleman, a good friend, a hard worker, and wonderfully feisty! The job scandal he was involved with was also very well written.
This book was just right for me, it's my first time reading Phillips' work, but it won't be my last :)
This book is FILLED with best friend moments, klumsy moments, one great ice fishing scene, an executive assistant that I truly loved, one OUTSTANDING TV interview, and perfectly descriptive winter moments in Minnesota. I was also truly touched at Will's parents and Hanna's dad in the story, their families enhanced the story much deeper than I anticipated. *Hanna's best friend arriving at the house with a shotgun in hand looking for Will was incredible, I didn't know if I should be laughing for shocked*
Hanna and Will have a few kissing scenes, but I never found the book inappropriate. Despite the issue with Will's lack of faith, I just found him perfectly suited for Hanna. He was a gentleman, a good friend, a hard worker, and wonderfully feisty! The job scandal he was involved with was also very well written.
This book was just right for me, it's my first time reading Phillips' work, but it won't be my last :)
September 28, 2017
I never watch reality TV, but for some reason I love books written about reality TV... Go figure! Will and Hanna met on the reality show - The Price of Love. When Will picked Hanna and proposed, she didn't realize that all her troubles were just beginning. In a stupid moment in an interview Will manages to devastate and humiliate Hanna. As the CEO of a skincare company, going on The Price of Love was the board's idea to help promote sales. Now that he has humiliated Hanna and sales are down, the board has sent Will to Minnesota to fix the scandal.
I really liked Will and Hanna, and watching them try to figure things out when a saboteur is determined to ruin things for both of them was a fun read -- I stayed up way too late reading this book! I will definitely be checking out more books by this author...
Content: Clean (she is determined to wait until she's married, and he implied on national TV that they had a "fun" weekend together so there are some references to that)
Religious: There are definitely religious elements in this book, but I didn't feel like it was preachy
Source: ARC from NetGalley (opinions are 100% my own)
I really liked Will and Hanna, and watching them try to figure things out when a saboteur is determined to ruin things for both of them was a fun read -- I stayed up way too late reading this book! I will definitely be checking out more books by this author...
Content: Clean (she is determined to wait until she's married, and he implied on national TV that they had a "fun" weekend together so there are some references to that)
Religious: There are definitely religious elements in this book, but I didn't feel like it was preachy
Source: ARC from NetGalley (opinions are 100% my own)
October 31, 2017
The Engagement Plot by Krista Phillips is the first book of hers that I have read and it won't be my last. I didn't expect the book to be one laugh after another but that is exactly what it was.
I am a huge Bachelor/Bachelorette fan, my only problem with the show is all of the sexual innuendos, lack of clothing, etc. Ms. Phillips takes the premise of the show runs it through the wash with SHOUT and writes a story that is both fun, and has a inspirational theme of faith, forgiveness, and grace.
I was glad that I had a physical copy of the book because throwing my kindle across the room would not have been a good idea.
This is an absolute fun story, and a definite must read!!
I received a copy of this book compliments of the publisher, I was not required to write a positive review, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I am a huge Bachelor/Bachelorette fan, my only problem with the show is all of the sexual innuendos, lack of clothing, etc. Ms. Phillips takes the premise of the show runs it through the wash with SHOUT and writes a story that is both fun, and has a inspirational theme of faith, forgiveness, and grace.
I was glad that I had a physical copy of the book because throwing my kindle across the room would not have been a good idea.
This is an absolute fun story, and a definite must read!!
I received a copy of this book compliments of the publisher, I was not required to write a positive review, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 20, 2017
This was a very unique read. The concept was great,and the author did a really great job with it.
Hanna
and Will may have started a bit u likeable, but she was a woman scorned and he wasn't a Christian so you had to give them a little slack. And as the story progresses you love them more and more as they fall in love with each other. It was a tad bit risqué in some parts, but was an overall sweet romance and clean read.
I received this book from the publisher but was not required to review it, favorably or otherwise.
Hanna
and Will may have started a bit u likeable, but she was a woman scorned and he wasn't a Christian so you had to give them a little slack. And as the story progresses you love them more and more as they fall in love with each other. It was a tad bit risqué in some parts, but was an overall sweet romance and clean read.
I received this book from the publisher but was not required to review it, favorably or otherwise.
April 5, 2020
Love this story! Learning to trust someone again after they've broken our heart is so hard to do. We know that we're supposed to forgive them, but is it even possible to trust them anymore? We never know why God brings certain people back into our lives, but there is a reason for everything and everyone. It doesn't always make sense in the moment, but later on we can look back and see that every little detail of our lives was carefully put into place by the One who never ever makes mistakes. He freely offers us His love and grace, so how can we do any less for others?
August 6, 2019
I appreciate that the author aims for "humor", but it comes at the expense of having to read the thoughts (perspectives) of two extremely stubborn, prideful, immature people - the main characters. I found myself actually rooting for them to split up! They're not good for each other. I enjoyed the supporting characters (minus the obvious villain) and reunion between Jesus and a "lost soul" way more than any of the interactions between the main characters, William and Hanna.
There is literally no difference in the responses of the "Christian" female and the "lost" male who has turned away from God ("He'd effectively given God the finger years ago, telling Him off and going his own way.", pps. 232-233). They both consciously leave God out of their daily decision-making process (she "prays" before doing whatever she wants to do, while he skips the pointless-prayer part) and, therefore, lack the ripe fruit of following the Holy Spirit. Consequently, they're either fighting or making out. Neither activity is love.
Of the two, the (allegedly) Christian female is the bigger hypocrite, though, because she can hear God correcting her yet she still doesn't obey Him...until He literally threatens her life (she chokes on food, blacks out, gets saved by guess who, and recovers ready to reluctantly obey God's most recent order 😂). She allegedly "accepted Christ" at 4 years-old and never officially rejected Him, so she's had decades to mature...yet is no more mature than the guy who purposely stopped following Christ at 15 years-old. I respect William for admitting that he's mad at God more than "Holy Hanna" who pretends to care about her relationship with Jesus yet she acts just like (often times, worse than) William! Something ain't right, here...
She frequently and openly judges and accuses people of doing to her what she has done - and continues to do! - to others without repentance. Then she has the self-righteous nerve to judge Christians who point out her hypocrisy (see Matthew 7). She must've been absent from church on the days that the Golden Rule (again, see Matthew 7) was taught. I adore her best friend who repeatedly confronts her about her "blind" self-righteousness and hypocrisy, though. Carly (along with the couple's parents, the man's personal assistant, etc.) is worth suffering through this "love story" in which the people aren't actually loving each other.
For example, the "Christian" female consciously withholds forgiveness as retaliation against the apostate male for more than 95% of the book. She somehow believes that the guy must prove that he's worthy of her (she's no prize!), but he actually shows more loving patience and kindness towards her than the other way around. He at least tries to make amends for his wrongs while she denies that she's wrong AND refuses to make amends. Many people must be tagged in to show her that she is wrong before she kinda accepts the truth. What the woman feels and demonstrates is lust, not love. Even at the end.
SPOILER ALERT: The man literally sacrifices everything that he values for her...but she sacrifices NOTHING for him. And we're supposed to applaud her for FINALLY forgiving him (something that she should've done BEFORE page 1)??? A Christian's forgiveness is obligatory because we have experienced God's forgiveness of our sins, not conditional! Her "love" is literally the opposite of Jesus' love, which leads me to my final - yet most important! - point...
It seems to me that the author is confused about God's purpose for extending grace: to convict and lead the sinner to REPENTANCE, so that he or she can be forgiven and reconciled with Him (and others) - not so (s)he can keep the same sinful mindset, attitude, behavioral patterns, etc. until (s)he gets his or her way like Hanna. #spoiled
I finished reading this book only by God's grace. I wanted to quit by page 3. The 3 stars is a gift of grace from GOD (I would give it 1 star!). I only recommend this book to romance-lovers who are unbelievers or "borderline Christians" (people who claim Christ as their Savior, but aren't actually living a holy lifestyle) as a step up from what they usually read. If you want to read a true love story, then open the Bible instead. ❤
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NLT
Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
JESUS: "Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven...and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us...If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins." (Matthew 6:9-10, 12, 14-15 NLT)
JESUS: “Refuse to be a critic full of bias toward others, and judgment will not be passed on you. For you’ll be judged by the same standard that you’ve used to judge others. The measurement you use on them will be used on you. Why would you focus on the flaw in someone else’s life and yet fail to notice the glaring flaws of your own? How could you say to your friend, ‘Let me show you where you’re wrong,’ when you’re guilty of even more? You’re being hypercritical and a hypocrite! First acknowledge your own ‘blind spots’ and deal with them, and then you’ll be capable of dealing with the ‘blind spot’ of your friend." (Matthew 7:1-5 TPT)
JESUS: “But what do you think about this? A man with two sons told the older boy, ‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’ The son answered, ‘No, I won’t go,’ but later he changed his mind and went anyway. Then the father told the other son, ‘You go,’ and he said, ‘Yes, sir, I will.’ But he didn’t go.
“Which of the two obeyed his father?”
They replied, “The first.”
Then Jesus explained his meaning:
“I tell you the truth, corrupt tax collectors and prostitutes will get into the Kingdom of God before you do. For John the Baptist came and showed you the right way to live, but you didn’t believe him, while tax collectors and prostitutes did. And even when you saw this happening, you refused to believe him and repent of [STOP] your sins." (Matthew 21:28-32 NLT)
Romans 2:1-6, 12-16 NLT
You may think you can condemn such people, but you are just as bad, and you have no excuse! When you say they are wicked and should be punished, you are condemning yourself, for you who judge others do these very same things. And we know that God, in his justice, will punish anyone who does such things. Since you judge others for doing these things, why do you think you can avoid God’s judgment when you do the same things? Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?
But because you are stubborn and refuse to turn from your sin, you are storing up terrible punishment for yourself. For a day of anger is coming, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. He will judge everyone according to what they have done...
When the Gentiles sin, they will be destroyed, even though they never had God’s written law. And the Jews, who do have God’s law, will be judged by that law when they fail to obey it. For merely listening to the law doesn’t make us right with God. It is obeying the law that makes us right in his sight. Even Gentiles, who do not have God’s written law, show that they know his law when they instinctively obey it, even without having heard it. They demonstrate that God’s law is written in their hearts, for their own conscience and thoughts either accuse them or tell them they are doing right.
And this is the message I proclaim—that the day is coming when God, through Christ Jesus, will judge everyone’s secret life.
Galatians 5:13-26 NLT
For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another.
So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses.
When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!
Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.
Colossians 3:12-17 NLT
Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.
Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.
Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.
And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.
There is literally no difference in the responses of the "Christian" female and the "lost" male who has turned away from God ("He'd effectively given God the finger years ago, telling Him off and going his own way.", pps. 232-233). They both consciously leave God out of their daily decision-making process (she "prays" before doing whatever she wants to do, while he skips the pointless-prayer part) and, therefore, lack the ripe fruit of following the Holy Spirit. Consequently, they're either fighting or making out. Neither activity is love.
Of the two, the (allegedly) Christian female is the bigger hypocrite, though, because she can hear God correcting her yet she still doesn't obey Him...until He literally threatens her life (she chokes on food, blacks out, gets saved by guess who, and recovers ready to reluctantly obey God's most recent order 😂). She allegedly "accepted Christ" at 4 years-old and never officially rejected Him, so she's had decades to mature...yet is no more mature than the guy who purposely stopped following Christ at 15 years-old. I respect William for admitting that he's mad at God more than "Holy Hanna" who pretends to care about her relationship with Jesus yet she acts just like (often times, worse than) William! Something ain't right, here...
She frequently and openly judges and accuses people of doing to her what she has done - and continues to do! - to others without repentance. Then she has the self-righteous nerve to judge Christians who point out her hypocrisy (see Matthew 7). She must've been absent from church on the days that the Golden Rule (again, see Matthew 7) was taught. I adore her best friend who repeatedly confronts her about her "blind" self-righteousness and hypocrisy, though. Carly (along with the couple's parents, the man's personal assistant, etc.) is worth suffering through this "love story" in which the people aren't actually loving each other.
For example, the "Christian" female consciously withholds forgiveness as retaliation against the apostate male for more than 95% of the book. She somehow believes that the guy must prove that he's worthy of her (she's no prize!), but he actually shows more loving patience and kindness towards her than the other way around. He at least tries to make amends for his wrongs while she denies that she's wrong AND refuses to make amends. Many people must be tagged in to show her that she is wrong before she kinda accepts the truth. What the woman feels and demonstrates is lust, not love. Even at the end.
SPOILER ALERT: The man literally sacrifices everything that he values for her...but she sacrifices NOTHING for him. And we're supposed to applaud her for FINALLY forgiving him (something that she should've done BEFORE page 1)??? A Christian's forgiveness is obligatory because we have experienced God's forgiveness of our sins, not conditional! Her "love" is literally the opposite of Jesus' love, which leads me to my final - yet most important! - point...
It seems to me that the author is confused about God's purpose for extending grace: to convict and lead the sinner to REPENTANCE, so that he or she can be forgiven and reconciled with Him (and others) - not so (s)he can keep the same sinful mindset, attitude, behavioral patterns, etc. until (s)he gets his or her way like Hanna. #spoiled
I finished reading this book only by God's grace. I wanted to quit by page 3. The 3 stars is a gift of grace from GOD (I would give it 1 star!). I only recommend this book to romance-lovers who are unbelievers or "borderline Christians" (people who claim Christ as their Savior, but aren't actually living a holy lifestyle) as a step up from what they usually read. If you want to read a true love story, then open the Bible instead. ❤
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NLT
Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
JESUS: "Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven...and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us...If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins." (Matthew 6:9-10, 12, 14-15 NLT)
JESUS: “Refuse to be a critic full of bias toward others, and judgment will not be passed on you. For you’ll be judged by the same standard that you’ve used to judge others. The measurement you use on them will be used on you. Why would you focus on the flaw in someone else’s life and yet fail to notice the glaring flaws of your own? How could you say to your friend, ‘Let me show you where you’re wrong,’ when you’re guilty of even more? You’re being hypercritical and a hypocrite! First acknowledge your own ‘blind spots’ and deal with them, and then you’ll be capable of dealing with the ‘blind spot’ of your friend." (Matthew 7:1-5 TPT)
JESUS: “But what do you think about this? A man with two sons told the older boy, ‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’ The son answered, ‘No, I won’t go,’ but later he changed his mind and went anyway. Then the father told the other son, ‘You go,’ and he said, ‘Yes, sir, I will.’ But he didn’t go.
“Which of the two obeyed his father?”
They replied, “The first.”
Then Jesus explained his meaning:
“I tell you the truth, corrupt tax collectors and prostitutes will get into the Kingdom of God before you do. For John the Baptist came and showed you the right way to live, but you didn’t believe him, while tax collectors and prostitutes did. And even when you saw this happening, you refused to believe him and repent of [STOP] your sins." (Matthew 21:28-32 NLT)
Romans 2:1-6, 12-16 NLT
You may think you can condemn such people, but you are just as bad, and you have no excuse! When you say they are wicked and should be punished, you are condemning yourself, for you who judge others do these very same things. And we know that God, in his justice, will punish anyone who does such things. Since you judge others for doing these things, why do you think you can avoid God’s judgment when you do the same things? Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?
But because you are stubborn and refuse to turn from your sin, you are storing up terrible punishment for yourself. For a day of anger is coming, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. He will judge everyone according to what they have done...
When the Gentiles sin, they will be destroyed, even though they never had God’s written law. And the Jews, who do have God’s law, will be judged by that law when they fail to obey it. For merely listening to the law doesn’t make us right with God. It is obeying the law that makes us right in his sight. Even Gentiles, who do not have God’s written law, show that they know his law when they instinctively obey it, even without having heard it. They demonstrate that God’s law is written in their hearts, for their own conscience and thoughts either accuse them or tell them they are doing right.
And this is the message I proclaim—that the day is coming when God, through Christ Jesus, will judge everyone’s secret life.
Galatians 5:13-26 NLT
For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another.
So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses.
When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!
Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.
Colossians 3:12-17 NLT
Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.
Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.
Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.
And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.
October 14, 2017
On a scale of cotton candy to Brussels sprouts, The Engagement Plot by Krista Phillips is a dark chocolate rose. The glitzy aluminum hides the deep flavors of the creamy confection with a touch of bitterness laced through the sweetness. It's both sweet and carries substance.
[free copy received. opinions my own]
One sentence from the most eligible bachelor, William Preston, with a touch of innuendo dragged Holy Hanna's carefully groomed witness for Christ right through the mud. Now, she's done with her ex-fiance and wishes that she'd never set foot on the TV reality show. But when she rescues him off the side of the road in the middle of a blizzard, she's swept into a ruse that just might save her reputation and his job. But will her heart betray her this time?
The Engagement Plot is Krista Phillips' best book yet. The believeable and hilarious moments that occur between Hanna and William kept a grin on my face. Laughter ran through this book even though the characters dealt with some earth-shaking moments of personal resolve and over-the-top media attention. A couple of moments did bother me such as how Hanna's father treated her in the beginning of the book. As a young woman near the same age as Hanna, I don't think that's a very accurate representation of how a father treats an adult daughter (calling her out in public is pretty disrespectful, although maybe appropriate for a young child). Ironically, I actually found myself preferring the fathers of the main characters as my favorite characters although they felt like mirrors of each other. The fathers were gutsy, smart, and communicative.
Overall, if you enjoy comedy and romance with a whole heck of a lot of confusion, then this cute book is for you.
[free copy received. opinions my own]
One sentence from the most eligible bachelor, William Preston, with a touch of innuendo dragged Holy Hanna's carefully groomed witness for Christ right through the mud. Now, she's done with her ex-fiance and wishes that she'd never set foot on the TV reality show. But when she rescues him off the side of the road in the middle of a blizzard, she's swept into a ruse that just might save her reputation and his job. But will her heart betray her this time?
The Engagement Plot is Krista Phillips' best book yet. The believeable and hilarious moments that occur between Hanna and William kept a grin on my face. Laughter ran through this book even though the characters dealt with some earth-shaking moments of personal resolve and over-the-top media attention. A couple of moments did bother me such as how Hanna's father treated her in the beginning of the book. As a young woman near the same age as Hanna, I don't think that's a very accurate representation of how a father treats an adult daughter (calling her out in public is pretty disrespectful, although maybe appropriate for a young child). Ironically, I actually found myself preferring the fathers of the main characters as my favorite characters although they felt like mirrors of each other. The fathers were gutsy, smart, and communicative.
Overall, if you enjoy comedy and romance with a whole heck of a lot of confusion, then this cute book is for you.
August 7, 2017
3.5
Fun and fast paced.
This review is based on the ARC provided by the author and/or the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
Fun and fast paced.
This review is based on the ARC provided by the author and/or the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
October 7, 2017
The idea behind this book is fun and spunky, after all who doesn't love a reality TV show that brings two people together in true love? While I stopped watching shows like The Bachelor many years ago, I have read a few books that follow these same kind of lines. That one girl amongst the fake, who's ended up in the house for some valid reason or another. While the actual initial meeting is shared, the story doesn't really go into the TV show events. Which I like. It can get a bit same old same old. Instead we pick up the relationship of Will & Hanna, some time later - after she has angrily ended it based on a TV interview Will does. She's back home in northern Minnesota, where its knee deep in snow and trying to move on from the months of painful tabloid articles & letters from judgmental angry viewers.
Will is in trouble. As CEO of a major corporation, something isn't right. He believes sales to be tanking and he is under pressure from the board to take drastic measures. It takes the form of going to Minnesota, proposing to Hanna, and earning the company some positive - and free - publicity. He knows he made a massive mistake over his choice of words when answering the TV interviewers question. He'd implied that things had gone much further than Hanna would ever have let them go. She unashamedly proclaimed during the show that she was a dedicated Christian, with a strict set of morals. She informed the viewers and Will there was a line she wouldn't cross. But now she won't even speak to him. Why did he say those things? Will she ever forgive him?
Interestingly - you expect them to already have been madly in love with each other, but I think the author quite rightly starts them out in the right place. There is plenty of mutual attraction, as you'd expect, but a huge lacking of devotion. The kind that leads a person to look beyond the mistakes we make in our relationships, to forgive easily and move past the small stuff. That essence of love is not there yet, and it sets us up in an accurate, more true reflection of where they both are on their journey.
Sometimes, it's a little too predictable, but overall the story is light, and simple. I need to read books like this once in a while. It's refreshing after a deeper more serious read. There's a fairly even pace and unfortunately I couldn't grasp more than an hour a day to read this. It truly is one of those you don't want to put down. Enjoyable read, engaging plot.
Thanks to Netgalley for the complimentary eARC, this is my honest review.
Will is in trouble. As CEO of a major corporation, something isn't right. He believes sales to be tanking and he is under pressure from the board to take drastic measures. It takes the form of going to Minnesota, proposing to Hanna, and earning the company some positive - and free - publicity. He knows he made a massive mistake over his choice of words when answering the TV interviewers question. He'd implied that things had gone much further than Hanna would ever have let them go. She unashamedly proclaimed during the show that she was a dedicated Christian, with a strict set of morals. She informed the viewers and Will there was a line she wouldn't cross. But now she won't even speak to him. Why did he say those things? Will she ever forgive him?
Interestingly - you expect them to already have been madly in love with each other, but I think the author quite rightly starts them out in the right place. There is plenty of mutual attraction, as you'd expect, but a huge lacking of devotion. The kind that leads a person to look beyond the mistakes we make in our relationships, to forgive easily and move past the small stuff. That essence of love is not there yet, and it sets us up in an accurate, more true reflection of where they both are on their journey.
Sometimes, it's a little too predictable, but overall the story is light, and simple. I need to read books like this once in a while. It's refreshing after a deeper more serious read. There's a fairly even pace and unfortunately I couldn't grasp more than an hour a day to read this. It truly is one of those you don't want to put down. Enjoyable read, engaging plot.
Thanks to Netgalley for the complimentary eARC, this is my honest review.
June 19, 2019
Six months ago Will proposed to Hanna on national TV after a whirlwind of dream dates and exotic locations, then he broke her heart.
Hanna is back home in Minnesota recovering her reputation and waiting for the media to forget her name. But when a winter storm brings an unexpected guest with an unorthodox solution to both their problems--a fake engagement.
Will hasn't been able to forget about Hanna, and his company is in trouble, will they be able to help his business and fix Hanna's reputation without losing their hearts?
A delightful, delicious romp of a romantic comedy perfect for fans of reality dating shows. Hanna is struggling with the aftermath of the dating show, trying to clear her name of insinuations and misconceptions that millions were led to believe by her former fiance, Will. Hanna is a small-town girl, she is very close to her father and comes from humble seed, she is serious about her faith and her reputation. Hanna is stronger than she thinks, I admired her faith and vulnerability. I loved her friendship with Carly, everybody needs a Carly in their life!
Will is a wealthy, big city, CEO, he is drawn to Hanna because he sees something different in her. Their chemistry is amazing, as opposites who compliment each other perfectly. I especially loved how Will's parents welcomed Hanna with open arms, as well as his father's wisdom.
Overall, this was a pleasure to read, great interaction, fantastic chemistry, filled with humor, and faith. I liked how it looks at how reality shows put a lot of pressure on people and how suddenly a person's life gets thrown under a microscope with fame, as well as the courage that it takes to stay true to one's self and faith. I thought that Ms. Phillips did a great job of imagining what it might be like to have your life changed forever by a dating show, bringing to life the struggles of being in the public eye and staying true to one's convictions. I also really liked how Hanna grows over the course of the book coming to some new realizations, and learning to trust that everything in in God's hands. Fast-paced with a fantastic plot, I found this book hard to put down and nearly read it all in one day! A terrific read for fans of romantic comedy.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Hanna is back home in Minnesota recovering her reputation and waiting for the media to forget her name. But when a winter storm brings an unexpected guest with an unorthodox solution to both their problems--a fake engagement.
Will hasn't been able to forget about Hanna, and his company is in trouble, will they be able to help his business and fix Hanna's reputation without losing their hearts?
A delightful, delicious romp of a romantic comedy perfect for fans of reality dating shows. Hanna is struggling with the aftermath of the dating show, trying to clear her name of insinuations and misconceptions that millions were led to believe by her former fiance, Will. Hanna is a small-town girl, she is very close to her father and comes from humble seed, she is serious about her faith and her reputation. Hanna is stronger than she thinks, I admired her faith and vulnerability. I loved her friendship with Carly, everybody needs a Carly in their life!
Will is a wealthy, big city, CEO, he is drawn to Hanna because he sees something different in her. Their chemistry is amazing, as opposites who compliment each other perfectly. I especially loved how Will's parents welcomed Hanna with open arms, as well as his father's wisdom.
Overall, this was a pleasure to read, great interaction, fantastic chemistry, filled with humor, and faith. I liked how it looks at how reality shows put a lot of pressure on people and how suddenly a person's life gets thrown under a microscope with fame, as well as the courage that it takes to stay true to one's self and faith. I thought that Ms. Phillips did a great job of imagining what it might be like to have your life changed forever by a dating show, bringing to life the struggles of being in the public eye and staying true to one's convictions. I also really liked how Hanna grows over the course of the book coming to some new realizations, and learning to trust that everything in in God's hands. Fast-paced with a fantastic plot, I found this book hard to put down and nearly read it all in one day! A terrific read for fans of romantic comedy.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
January 15, 2018
I’m going to start out by admitting upfront: I HATE the current proliferation of bachelor/bachelorette/married-at-first-sight type shows. As in, I growl at the TV when I see ads for them. Maybe that means I should have passed up on this one when I was offered it for review, but I had heard quite a few friends say they enjoyed reading it (even ones who don’t like The Bachelor/Bachelorette), so I decided to give it a chance. There were definitely some things I could appreciate about the story, and I didn’t hate it, but I didn’t love it either.
I think there were two main reasons for that. The first was the pretend engagement, and the second was the way these characters dealt with being wronged. In the case of the former, rather than entering into that kind of a public deception, I would have liked to see the story explore how things would have proceeded had Hanna stuck to her guns and refused the pretend engagement. In the case of the latter, these characters seemed to struggle with holding grudges—at times I felt like Hanna was even reminding herself to hold a grudge (to try and stop her heart from becoming attached again).
To be fair, both of these aspects may have been deliberate on the part of the author in order to show that, no matter how much we stuff up, God can still use us. Hanna’s best friend Carly makes this point, and also the point about a soft answer turning away wrath, towards the end of the book. It’s true, and I can appreciate what the author was trying to illustrate; I just don’t think this was the story for me.
* I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion.
I think there were two main reasons for that. The first was the pretend engagement, and the second was the way these characters dealt with being wronged. In the case of the former, rather than entering into that kind of a public deception, I would have liked to see the story explore how things would have proceeded had Hanna stuck to her guns and refused the pretend engagement. In the case of the latter, these characters seemed to struggle with holding grudges—at times I felt like Hanna was even reminding herself to hold a grudge (to try and stop her heart from becoming attached again).
To be fair, both of these aspects may have been deliberate on the part of the author in order to show that, no matter how much we stuff up, God can still use us. Hanna’s best friend Carly makes this point, and also the point about a soft answer turning away wrath, towards the end of the book. It’s true, and I can appreciate what the author was trying to illustrate; I just don’t think this was the story for me.
* I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion.
Read
October 24, 2017There were parts of The Engagement Plot which were excellent. I loved the writing, which was witty and original. I loved the dialogue, which was the perfect blend of clever and snarky, and allowed the personalities of the characters to shine. The plot sounded kitschy at first, but it soon convinced me: a couple who met and fell in love on a cheesy reality TV show, then broke up following gutter innuendo in a TV interview (as an aside, why do we call it reality TV? It's nothing like reality).
The other aspect I loved about The Engagement Plot was that it was Christian romance with an emphasis on the Christian. Hanna is a devoted Christian—at least, she was until Will's TV interview destroyed her reputation and cost her her job. Now she's just mad at God. Will was raised in church but isn't a Christian, which doesn't give her as much angst as it should (and the whole should-she-shouldn't-she is one of her major conflicts). As far as bringing the Christian into Christian romance goes, The Engagement Plot is better than average.
Unfortunately, there were also some less good qualities. The cover isn't great—it portrays Hanna as a ditsy teen drama queen when she's anything but. The txtspk is trying to be hip, but is as dated as my first Nokia brick phone.
Worst, the whole Doug subplot was too obvious. The Doug/Hanna scenes felt contrived, which is never a good thing. I wondered if I'd overestimated Hanna's IQ and street savvy. So there are weaknesses and strengths in The Engagement Plot. Overall, it's a quick, fun read.
Thanks to Shiloh Run Press and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
The other aspect I loved about The Engagement Plot was that it was Christian romance with an emphasis on the Christian. Hanna is a devoted Christian—at least, she was until Will's TV interview destroyed her reputation and cost her her job. Now she's just mad at God. Will was raised in church but isn't a Christian, which doesn't give her as much angst as it should (and the whole should-she-shouldn't-she is one of her major conflicts). As far as bringing the Christian into Christian romance goes, The Engagement Plot is better than average.
Unfortunately, there were also some less good qualities. The cover isn't great—it portrays Hanna as a ditsy teen drama queen when she's anything but. The txtspk is trying to be hip, but is as dated as my first Nokia brick phone.
Worst, the whole Doug subplot was too obvious. The Doug/Hanna scenes felt contrived, which is never a good thing. I wondered if I'd overestimated Hanna's IQ and street savvy. So there are weaknesses and strengths in The Engagement Plot. Overall, it's a quick, fun read.
Thanks to Shiloh Run Press and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
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