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Participant
Sometimes falling apart is the only way to put yourself together...
Alexis spends most sunny California days in a drab cubicle toiling away at a job that crushes her soul, and goes home to a dysfunctional relationship that is doing a number on her heart. She’s plagued with discontent and haunted by an unsettling melancholy, which only worsens after her fiancé of almost three years packs up and moves out. Desperate to pull herself out of a downward spiral, she spends money she doesn’t have on classes at the Chloe Dillon Modeling and Acting Center. Unexpectedly, she discovers a passion for acting.
Self-discovery and new friendships abound at the Chloe Dillon Modeling and Acting Center, where she opens her eyes to positive affirmations and mingles with talented ambitious classmates. She believes she’s turning her life around as she painstakingly steps towards learning to love life and herself. Battling her way through self-doubt, fear, and depression, she musters the courage to risk it all, quitting her dreaded job and pursuing a huge opportunity that could help her break into the acting industry.
In the throes of preparation for the big acting showcase, she’s saddened to learn that her estranged fiancé has been diagnosed with a serious illness. Alexis, finding herself in a financially and emotionally precarious situation, must choose between a newly discovered ambition that might never become reality, and the relative safety and sense of loyalty she feels for the only man she has ever loved.
Alexis spends most sunny California days in a drab cubicle toiling away at a job that crushes her soul, and goes home to a dysfunctional relationship that is doing a number on her heart. She’s plagued with discontent and haunted by an unsettling melancholy, which only worsens after her fiancé of almost three years packs up and moves out. Desperate to pull herself out of a downward spiral, she spends money she doesn’t have on classes at the Chloe Dillon Modeling and Acting Center. Unexpectedly, she discovers a passion for acting.
Self-discovery and new friendships abound at the Chloe Dillon Modeling and Acting Center, where she opens her eyes to positive affirmations and mingles with talented ambitious classmates. She believes she’s turning her life around as she painstakingly steps towards learning to love life and herself. Battling her way through self-doubt, fear, and depression, she musters the courage to risk it all, quitting her dreaded job and pursuing a huge opportunity that could help her break into the acting industry.
In the throes of preparation for the big acting showcase, she’s saddened to learn that her estranged fiancé has been diagnosed with a serious illness. Alexis, finding herself in a financially and emotionally precarious situation, must choose between a newly discovered ambition that might never become reality, and the relative safety and sense of loyalty she feels for the only man she has ever loved.
220 pages, Paperback
First published November 5, 2018
5 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
About the author
Carmen Kemp
1 book8 followersI’m a born and raised So Cal native. I have a real thing for sunshine, which is just one reason why I’ve never wanted to live anywhere else. I work in an office, and I work out. I’m an avid movie watcher of all genres, but horror movies are my favorite. If I'm not already planning my next vacation, I'm definitely thinking about it. I always wanted to write a book, and so I did.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
November 6, 2018
I adored this book. Every 20-something woman will relate to Alexis, who struggles to find her purpose in life. Most of us have worked jobs we hate, simply because we don't know what else to do, and we've all experienced heartbreak.
The author reminds us with this well-written story that we should never lose hope, and that we can find new beginnings in the most unusual places.
The author reminds us with this well-written story that we should never lose hope, and that we can find new beginnings in the most unusual places.
June 28, 2020
I stumbled across this book for cheap on Kobo and really enjoyed it! It is an inspiring story of a woman locked into a job she hates, who decides to completely change her life.
December 28, 2018
Received a promotional copy of this book via Voracious Readers Only.
This was probably the most well written book I have read thus far from VRO. The rocky relationship dynamic in the beginning hit close to home as my fiance and I went through a similar stint when we initially moved in together. The roller coaster of good and bad aspects of like was really realistic and age appropriate for the main character and I was happy to read the direction she took. This is a great story of personal growth and I can't wait to see what this new author does next.
This was probably the most well written book I have read thus far from VRO. The rocky relationship dynamic in the beginning hit close to home as my fiance and I went through a similar stint when we initially moved in together. The roller coaster of good and bad aspects of like was really realistic and age appropriate for the main character and I was happy to read the direction she took. This is a great story of personal growth and I can't wait to see what this new author does next.
September 25, 2019
Great Story
Kemp pens a very interesting story in Participant. The story shows the readers great characters, and in the middle of trying to figure out life. The story revolves around Alexis, who is not happy with her current life. Alexis has a lot of different dimensions, and great chemistry with the surrounding characters. The story takes the reader on Alexis' journey, ups and downs, failures and triumphs while she tries to figure out her life. It's a well-written story, and I enjoyed reading it. I look forward to reading more by this author.
Kemp pens a very interesting story in Participant. The story shows the readers great characters, and in the middle of trying to figure out life. The story revolves around Alexis, who is not happy with her current life. Alexis has a lot of different dimensions, and great chemistry with the surrounding characters. The story takes the reader on Alexis' journey, ups and downs, failures and triumphs while she tries to figure out her life. It's a well-written story, and I enjoyed reading it. I look forward to reading more by this author.
October 22, 2019
This is definitely a great read! I'm honestly not the target audience for this book and yet I still see the beauty in it. I can relate to the pain, uncertainty, and self-doubt that Lexi feels. I read a few other reviews and there are numerous posts about how this book relates to so many 20 something women. I am not a 20 something any more but I can still feel connected to this character.
There are times when I am so thankful to have books sent to me and this is definitely one of those times!
*Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
There are times when I am so thankful to have books sent to me and this is definitely one of those times!
*Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 25, 2018
An entertaining and intriguing page-turner.
At first I thought this story would be too "girly girl" for me, but the well described and interesting characters kept me reading on. The girls in this story are like commercial jingles: annoying but catchy. By the third chapter, I was hooked.
The true meaning in this book is to never give up on your dreams. No matter how many people tell you you're insane or you'll "never make it". This is something I can relate to in so many levels. And to read a very true-like tale of a young woman making it on her own is truly inspiring and filled my heart with joy.
At first I thought this story would be too "girly girl" for me, but the well described and interesting characters kept me reading on. The girls in this story are like commercial jingles: annoying but catchy. By the third chapter, I was hooked.
The true meaning in this book is to never give up on your dreams. No matter how many people tell you you're insane or you'll "never make it". This is something I can relate to in so many levels. And to read a very true-like tale of a young woman making it on her own is truly inspiring and filled my heart with joy.
December 30, 2018
Thank you to Voracious Readers Only for a complimentary copy of this book. I really enjoyed Lexi's character and felt I could relate to her, from making significant life changes to growing into someone she learnt to love. The narrative was well executed. I particularly appreciated the fact that it wasn't all rainbows and unicorns but some very real and sad/unfortunate situations unfolded. I look forward to other novels from Carmen.
November 19, 2019
So many things I enjoyed about this book. Initially drawn to it because the heroine was called Alexis, I read the free sample and found the characters realistic and wanted to see how the story unfolded. I wasn't disappointed. For a debut novel, this is excellent. I definitely want to read more by the author.
November 16, 2018
Participant is a great read. Warm and encouraging, it gives hope to evreyone who has ever experienced pain and self doubt. An excellent read. I look forward to the next book from this talented young author.
November 13, 2018
I loved this book! It was well-written and I could really relate to the main character! This book has inspired me to look past my soul-crushing job and get out and enjoy things I am passionate about. Can’t wait for more books from this author!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews