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The Start of Us
Janie Reardon is determined to get over her old high school crush Jack Smith. So when he asks her to help him find out if another woman is interested in him, she agrees, deciding it's the best and fastest way to permanently remove him from her heart. But the more time they spend together, the more her crush grows. Can she really let Jack go once and for all?
85 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2017
112 people are currently reading
198 people want to read
About the author
Jill Lynn
32 books463 followersJill Lynn Buteyn is a co-author of Just Show Up with Kara Tippetts, and the author of inspirational romances (as Jill Lynn). A recipient of the ACFW Genesis award for her fiction work, she has a bachelor’s degree in communications from Bethel University. Jill lives near the beautiful Rocky Mountains with her husband and two children.
Connect with her on social media or at Jill-Lynn.com.
Connect with her on social media or at Jill-Lynn.com.
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
January 29, 2018
This is super adorable! A quick and fun read that made me grin. I certainly wasn't expecting that little twist, although I probably should have because I could look back and see the hints, but I was happily clueless. It was a very cute storyline though!
If you're in need of a sweet romance, but not much reading time available, may I suggest you give this one a try? I really don't think you'll be disappointed. :)
If you're in need of a sweet romance, but not much reading time available, may I suggest you give this one a try? I really don't think you'll be disappointed. :)
January 1, 2018
2.5 stars
I didn’t realize when I grabbed this as a freebie that it was a YA romance. It’s short, so I did finish reading it, but it’s present tense and hormonal—so it was tough for me. ;)
I didn’t realize when I grabbed this as a freebie that it was a YA romance. It’s short, so I did finish reading it, but it’s present tense and hormonal—so it was tough for me. ;)
April 29, 2018
Cute story! There were some real laugh-out-loud moments for me.
June 12, 2019
Short, cute and full of faith.
April 12, 2019
This sweet novella was just perfect! The author captured the thoughts and feelings of a young, college-aged adult so well. I simply loved this sweet and romantic story from start to finish and I know that I will be coming back to read this every once in a while because I enjoyed it so much.
February 15, 2018
DNF - Two chapters in, already a comment about wanting to "make out" and a reference to her ovaries already wanting babies. I was liking the style, but nope.
January 23, 2018
I simply loved this novella! It was fun, sweet, romantic, and encouraging. And just the right length for a quick read.
Here are a couple of favorite quotes.
I’m allowed to look good. Or in this case, not horrible.
I’m desperate enough to…pray. Isn’t that the worst? I’ve been in a relationship with Jesus practically my whole life, and yet I think of asking for help only when I can’t solve a situation myself.
This review first appeared on AmongTheReads.net
Here are a couple of favorite quotes.
I’m allowed to look good. Or in this case, not horrible.
I’m desperate enough to…pray. Isn’t that the worst? I’ve been in a relationship with Jesus practically my whole life, and yet I think of asking for help only when I can’t solve a situation myself.
This review first appeared on AmongTheReads.net
December 31, 2017
Sweet
What a sweet story! I love Janie and Jack. Jack is a typical guy who suddenly starts to notice the girl he's known forever. Just one problem, he's not sure if she even considers him her friend. Janie has always been attracted to Jack, but doesn't think he knows she's alive. This story brings elements of faith, romance, and love.
What a sweet story! I love Janie and Jack. Jack is a typical guy who suddenly starts to notice the girl he's known forever. Just one problem, he's not sure if she even considers him her friend. Janie has always been attracted to Jack, but doesn't think he knows she's alive. This story brings elements of faith, romance, and love.
March 26, 2022
Super sweet!
This was a quick, hilarious, sweet romance with some Christian elements. I loved the characters, even though I was frustrated with them for not communicating well.
It was clean with no swearing and just a few kisses. Overall I'd recommend to anyone who loves contemporary romances.
This was a quick, hilarious, sweet romance with some Christian elements. I loved the characters, even though I was frustrated with them for not communicating well.
It was clean with no swearing and just a few kisses. Overall I'd recommend to anyone who loves contemporary romances.
November 4, 2017
Darling. Absolutely darling is the only word that comes to mind as I was reading The Start of Us. A truly endearing, sweet and sassy novella that doesn't take the normal romance of the genre for granted. A spark of spice, plenty of snark and an endearing hero and heroine that kept pulling me back to this story. A fresh take on the novella and one that I found myself grinning and giggling my entire way through. Not one to be missed and definitely one that you will consume in one sitting once you sit down to read. Definitely two thumbs up!
November 26, 2017
Fun, delightful, funny! The perfect book for a Sunday afternoon read. A feel-good, uplifting story that will bring a smile to your heart. Absolutely loved it.
April 18, 2018
This was a fun, quick read that had me totally rooting for the characters. It's a fun prequel to one of Buteyn's Love Inspired books, and I caught myself laughing out loud several times.
November 20, 2017
The Start of Us
The Start of Us is a novella that is so sweet and romantic. Oh my!! Swoon worthy Jack. Wow!! I loved this story! If you are a romantic then you will love it.
The Start of Us is a novella that is so sweet and romantic. Oh my!! Swoon worthy Jack. Wow!! I loved this story! If you are a romantic then you will love it.
February 6, 2018
"Not because I don't like him, but because I do."
How cute is Jill Lynn Buteyn's The Start of Us! It is just a perfect little read for any time of the day. Take it with you on a commute, in the car waiting for your kids to get out of practice, or just with a nice glass of sweet tea, sitting on your front porch and devour this in a mere hour or so. It is a novella, so it will be a quick, but delightful and fun read.
"I thought Jack couldn't get any more attractive, but he's just blown that theory out of the water."
Sweet and adorable, The Start of Us is exactly that - the start of a romance that can last a lifetime. It's what I imagined when I was a little girl to what romance would be like. The cover captured that moment of how romantic a simple touch can be. Endearing Jack trying to find a way to impress a girl, while Janie tries to mend her heart that Jack unknowingly kept poking at. In the end, what comes may not necessarily be a surprise for readers, but definitely for Janie. In all, The Start of Us will make a great start to those not familiar with the author's other works, but for fans, it makes a great addition.
"I'm just going to be me. God will handle the rest."
This review first appeared on Just Commonly blog.
How cute is Jill Lynn Buteyn's The Start of Us! It is just a perfect little read for any time of the day. Take it with you on a commute, in the car waiting for your kids to get out of practice, or just with a nice glass of sweet tea, sitting on your front porch and devour this in a mere hour or so. It is a novella, so it will be a quick, but delightful and fun read.
"I thought Jack couldn't get any more attractive, but he's just blown that theory out of the water."
Sweet and adorable, The Start of Us is exactly that - the start of a romance that can last a lifetime. It's what I imagined when I was a little girl to what romance would be like. The cover captured that moment of how romantic a simple touch can be. Endearing Jack trying to find a way to impress a girl, while Janie tries to mend her heart that Jack unknowingly kept poking at. In the end, what comes may not necessarily be a surprise for readers, but definitely for Janie. In all, The Start of Us will make a great start to those not familiar with the author's other works, but for fans, it makes a great addition.
"I'm just going to be me. God will handle the rest."
This review first appeared on Just Commonly blog.
January 13, 2024
This was a cute YA romance. A very fast read. With a lot of faith based influences making it pure and innocent in the best way.
However the plot was very predictable, there was no flare or questioning of what was going to happen next because the author basically told you exactly what was going to happen, before it happens. The writing also was mostly targeted towards a gen z audience, using terms like TOG for the other girl. But I guess that’s to be expected for a YA romance.
Still, I definitely enjoyed the story. Could it have been constructed a little better?.. sure. But I’d still recommend reading it. There’s not a lot of pure fluffy romances out there these days so I can appreciate this.
However the plot was very predictable, there was no flare or questioning of what was going to happen next because the author basically told you exactly what was going to happen, before it happens. The writing also was mostly targeted towards a gen z audience, using terms like TOG for the other girl. But I guess that’s to be expected for a YA romance.
Still, I definitely enjoyed the story. Could it have been constructed a little better?.. sure. But I’d still recommend reading it. There’s not a lot of pure fluffy romances out there these days so I can appreciate this.
December 20, 2017
A charming, funny and sweet novella about a girl trying to get over her crush by helping him find love with another. So cute. I love first-person stories because I like being in the main character's head and discovering and fumbling through life along with them. And the main character, Janie, is a great character for readers to connect with. She's relatable, cute and endearing. And the hero, Jack, is great - swoony and sweet. I love how the novella touches on our identity in Christ, having a relationship with God and trusting him with the direction of our lives. Overall, a tender and romantic love story and a quick, clean read. I loved it.
January 1, 2018
I totally enjoyed reading this book. It was so fun and delightful. The characters were very easy to get to know and relate to. It's fun to remember what life was like when I was in college and all the emotions that played in my life. Being single and not knowing if the guy I liked noticed me or had the same feelings. I could totally identify with all that Janie was feeling.
I've never read any of Jill Lynn Buteyn Books, but now I think I'll have to pick up a few.
I've never read any of Jill Lynn Buteyn Books, but now I think I'll have to pick up a few.
September 12, 2019
I loved this book!!! Janie and Jack are the most adorable couple. He was pretty sneaky about asking for help. She made me laugh with her thoughts. The christian aspect made this story even sweeter especially their beliefs and attitudes in regard to a relationship. This is my first book by this author and now I want to read Cash's story.
August 7, 2024
ehh
The storyline was not great, I thought I would get to know the characters more before the end of the book making it more interesting but it went flat and did not give me any real drama, enlightenment or any other emotion to really get me to keep reading. I did finish the book because It wasn’t a long book so wanted to just get through it.
The storyline was not great, I thought I would get to know the characters more before the end of the book making it more interesting but it went flat and did not give me any real drama, enlightenment or any other emotion to really get me to keep reading. I did finish the book because It wasn’t a long book so wanted to just get through it.
September 1, 2018
I loved this novella! It was a very satisfactory read with a wonderful ending. If you're looking for quick, light, clean read with a most satisfactory ending, this fits the bill!
*I received a copy of this book when I signed up for the author's newsletter. All opinions are my own.
*I received a copy of this book when I signed up for the author's newsletter. All opinions are my own.
May 27, 2024
A few cringe worthy parts and moments where you could tell what was happening, this was a relatively wholesome read.
Good short read for anyone looking for some good mushy romance with Christian themes and no spice.
Good short read for anyone looking for some good mushy romance with Christian themes and no spice.
September 13, 2024
Very interesting book
I really enjoyed reading this book...once I got started I couldn't stop...I'm looking forward to reading more of your books...just keep writing them as interesting as this one...GOD bless you and your family
I really enjoyed reading this book...once I got started I couldn't stop...I'm looking forward to reading more of your books...just keep writing them as interesting as this one...GOD bless you and your family
November 6, 2024
Juvenile, gushy
If you're looking for lighthearted and predictable, this one fits the bill. Definitely innocent and faith-based. A cute read, but juvenile and eye-roll inducing. I skimmed past 40%.
If you're looking for lighthearted and predictable, this one fits the bill. Definitely innocent and faith-based. A cute read, but juvenile and eye-roll inducing. I skimmed past 40%.
November 8, 2017
I promise you want to subscribe to this novella! I devoured it in one sitting! The characterization is wonderful and the voice, unique and witty. I absolutely loved it!
January 1, 2018
What a great little book! I'm tempted to let my teen read it. So good!
January 1, 2018
Sweet story
Super sweet story. I loved getting to read their history together, and the lovely way they got together. Love it!
Super sweet story. I loved getting to read their history together, and the lovely way they got together. Love it!
January 5, 2018
Cute, humorous and an overall fun read! 4.5 Stars
January 17, 2018
Light reading
This novela is a light read. It seems more suited to a young reading audience. I liked the progression of the story.
This novela is a light read. It seems more suited to a young reading audience. I liked the progression of the story.
September 13, 2019
A very cute, and quick read. Now I want to read more of this author!
September 13, 2019
Janie Reardon is determined to get over her old high school crush Jack Smith.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews