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Living the Creative Dream -
Since childhood, Chloe Grey has thought of Mrs. X as her adopted mom. A hopeful novelist, Chloe confides that the best authors are ones who’ve been through a devastating heartache of lost love. She’s never experienced it, so how can her stories reach her high expectations? Is her writing career doomed to failure before it even begins?
Jake Harrison’s life is finally falling into place. He has a spunky girlfriend; he’s launching his career and has obtained an apartment from eccentric artist Mrs. X. Her connections to New York galleries are priceless. His paintings will have a chance to be discovered and sought after. In return, Mrs. X has secured his help for her younger friend, Chloe. Not a big deal. Now, if only he could make himself believe that…
Since childhood, Chloe Grey has thought of Mrs. X as her adopted mom. A hopeful novelist, Chloe confides that the best authors are ones who’ve been through a devastating heartache of lost love. She’s never experienced it, so how can her stories reach her high expectations? Is her writing career doomed to failure before it even begins?
Jake Harrison’s life is finally falling into place. He has a spunky girlfriend; he’s launching his career and has obtained an apartment from eccentric artist Mrs. X. Her connections to New York galleries are priceless. His paintings will have a chance to be discovered and sought after. In return, Mrs. X has secured his help for her younger friend, Chloe. Not a big deal. Now, if only he could make himself believe that…
Paperback
First published March 1, 2018
About the author
Jackie Zack
17 books176 followersJackie Zack loves to read and grew up reading Phyllis A. Whitney, Victoria Holt, Agatha Christie, and many others. A member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Jackie has spent many years studying and practicing the craft of writing. Her light-hearted novels include a mix of romance, comedy, and suspense along with faith without being preachy. She loves serving up her special blend of entertainment and hopes it will bring much enjoyment to the reader.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
July 18, 2019
My Review:
Genre: Romance, contemporary, comedy.
My Rating: 3 stars. While I love this story there was content that took from my enjoyment of this novel.
My Recommendation: I’m unsure if I should recommend this book since I skimmed some parts of the book.
My Verse for the book is Proverbs 17:17 A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. (King James Version.)
My Thoughts: This is about a struggling writer . . . So perfect for me to read, lol. Anyway, this was an interesting story and I enjoyed the book. There were a few things I disliked (having to do with romance and yucky stuff like that, nothing was shown but it was suggested.) which makes my rating 3 stars even though I love the themes and I suggest that this is better for 16/18 up to read. Chloe, Jake, and Mrs. X were so sweet to read about. I so badly wanted to give this 5 stars but there was inappropriate content. Part of what I loved about the book was the art and writing it was so neat. Definitely an interesting read but for older readers.
Genre: Romance, contemporary, comedy.
My Rating: 3 stars. While I love this story there was content that took from my enjoyment of this novel.
My Recommendation: I’m unsure if I should recommend this book since I skimmed some parts of the book.
My Verse for the book is Proverbs 17:17 A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. (King James Version.)
My Thoughts: This is about a struggling writer . . . So perfect for me to read, lol. Anyway, this was an interesting story and I enjoyed the book. There were a few things I disliked (having to do with romance and yucky stuff like that, nothing was shown but it was suggested.) which makes my rating 3 stars even though I love the themes and I suggest that this is better for 16/18 up to read. Chloe, Jake, and Mrs. X were so sweet to read about. I so badly wanted to give this 5 stars but there was inappropriate content. Part of what I loved about the book was the art and writing it was so neat. Definitely an interesting read but for older readers.
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June 15, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (6/15/2019)! 🎁
October 27, 2023
Great story! I found it light and entertaining. I really enjoyed the characters; Chloe, a struggling writer; Mrs. X, an exotic but great artist; and Jake, a struggling artist. Oh, and I can't forget to mention Smokie, Chloe's fur baby who adds a bit of humor to the story. Of course, a love story, that I really enjoyed from start to finish. And an added benefit of the read was that the title began with an "X" which I needed for my Alphabet Challenge for 2023. Just "U" and "Y" left to read by end of year.
July 5, 2018
What is the price of creativity?
Chloe is an aspiring writer who is struggling to make progress on her novel. When she tells her good friend, Mrs. X that a great writer must suffer heartbreak, the kind, but eccentric older lady formulates a plan to help. Mrs. X enlists the assistance of talented young artist Jake, as a hired “heartbreaker.” But as Jake and Chloe’s friendship develops, they will both face moral dilemmas about their relationship and the true cost of creative success.
This clean, entertaining read not only has several laugh out loud scenes, but it also has strong themes of faith, forgiveness, and Godly love. I definitely recommend it.
Chloe is an aspiring writer who is struggling to make progress on her novel. When she tells her good friend, Mrs. X that a great writer must suffer heartbreak, the kind, but eccentric older lady formulates a plan to help. Mrs. X enlists the assistance of talented young artist Jake, as a hired “heartbreaker.” But as Jake and Chloe’s friendship develops, they will both face moral dilemmas about their relationship and the true cost of creative success.
This clean, entertaining read not only has several laugh out loud scenes, but it also has strong themes of faith, forgiveness, and Godly love. I definitely recommend it.
June 2, 2018
One of the cutest, sweeties and family friendly books I have read in awhile. I got caught up in the drama between several of the characters. It was a touching and a book I will remember for a long time.
July 3, 2018
Great Story
I enjoyed the characters and the story. The characters were interesting and likeable. The ending was so happy and fun. The story kept getting better and better. It was hard to stop reading. You wanted to know what was happening next.
I enjoyed the characters and the story. The characters were interesting and likeable. The ending was so happy and fun. The story kept getting better and better. It was hard to stop reading. You wanted to know what was happening next.
December 18, 2018
Lovely
I found the story touching and engulfing. The humor was tickling and the storyline believable. So natural and a bit mystifying. Throw in a meddlesome elder and it really takes off.
I found the story touching and engulfing. The humor was tickling and the storyline believable. So natural and a bit mystifying. Throw in a meddlesome elder and it really takes off.
August 2, 2018
Just like the rest of Jackie Zack's books, this one was a delight. The world of an artist was an added interest to me, as I also paint. Loved the story.
June 10, 2018
Lots of fun
I really enjoyed the story and I will certainly be reading more by this author. The characters were very entertaining
I really enjoyed the story and I will certainly be reading more by this author. The characters were very entertaining
September 21, 2018
Loved this book
Loved this book so much. Kept me guessing what would happen next. All three main characters were complex but so endearing. Appreciated the spiritual content.
Loved this book so much. Kept me guessing what would happen next. All three main characters were complex but so endearing. Appreciated the spiritual content.
November 25, 2019
Light and entertaining, this was an enjoyable but yet drama-filled read. I love the quirky characters and all the drama they create.
May 29, 2018
This is the first book I read by Jackie Zack, and I enjoyed it so much. I found myself saying "awwwwww" several times. I'm glad the book ended the way it did. I'm surprised I have fingernails left. :) Thanks for a very enjoyable book. This is a good read for a Christian fiction reader who enjoys a little bit of suspense in their book.
February 6, 2019
What? X-ed
If you like art in many ways, and like laughter ( with a little mad)? This is a book for you.
If you like art in many ways, and like laughter ( with a little mad)? This is a book for you.
December 17, 2019
Chloe was a struggling writer working a job delivering groceries to Mrs. X, an exotic old woman with a great artistic talent. Mrs. X tells her not to give up on her writing dream.
Jake was a fellow struggling artist, a painter who was honored be under the tutelage of the great Mrs. X, his new landlord. He never expected to strike a deal. In exchange for her feedback and connections to the art world, Jake must agree to be Chloe’s muse. The ruse was that she will pose for him while he talks to her about her writing. If he can get her to fall in love with him and then break her heart, that would be great, because, according to Chloe, the great writers experience heart ache.
Jake was reluctant to do this, especially since he had a whiny shrew of a girlfriend, who was the single mother of a mini version of herself. Yeah, she’ll be thrilled to know that he will be spending time with another woman.
Chloe’s choice of genre was unique. I mean, she could choose to write anything, but yet she chose Amish fiction. Well, regardless, the artistic desire to create was something I could relate to. All talk of the Amish was pretty dull though, and there was some lag.
That Mrs. X was a crafty manipulator. Even after realizing that Jake had a girlfriend, she still had faith in Jake and Chloe coming together. Perhaps that girlfriend is not the one for him. I’ll say! I couldn’t stand that woman! I couldn’t wait for Jake to get rid of her.
I liked this story. Jake and Chloe get to know each other and start to appreciate each other’s work. I liked how Jake actually acted out her writing scenes to help her out. The clencher though was toward the end, when even after the two have fallen for each other, Mrs. X. pushes Jake to break Chloe’s heart—all for the good for the art. Dang.
A good story!
Jake was a fellow struggling artist, a painter who was honored be under the tutelage of the great Mrs. X, his new landlord. He never expected to strike a deal. In exchange for her feedback and connections to the art world, Jake must agree to be Chloe’s muse. The ruse was that she will pose for him while he talks to her about her writing. If he can get her to fall in love with him and then break her heart, that would be great, because, according to Chloe, the great writers experience heart ache.
Jake was reluctant to do this, especially since he had a whiny shrew of a girlfriend, who was the single mother of a mini version of herself. Yeah, she’ll be thrilled to know that he will be spending time with another woman.
Chloe’s choice of genre was unique. I mean, she could choose to write anything, but yet she chose Amish fiction. Well, regardless, the artistic desire to create was something I could relate to. All talk of the Amish was pretty dull though, and there was some lag.
That Mrs. X was a crafty manipulator. Even after realizing that Jake had a girlfriend, she still had faith in Jake and Chloe coming together. Perhaps that girlfriend is not the one for him. I’ll say! I couldn’t stand that woman! I couldn’t wait for Jake to get rid of her.
I liked this story. Jake and Chloe get to know each other and start to appreciate each other’s work. I liked how Jake actually acted out her writing scenes to help her out. The clencher though was toward the end, when even after the two have fallen for each other, Mrs. X. pushes Jake to break Chloe’s heart—all for the good for the art. Dang.
A good story!
March 29, 2023
What happens when a renowned artist decided to play matchmaker between long-time family friend Chloe and her attractive new tenant, Jake? The mental wheels start turning after Chloe, who wants to be a writer, tells her that the most successful authors have had their heart broken. Chloe, however, is the one who has ended all of her previous relationships. The choice is obvious: get Jake to make Chloe fall for him and then break up with her! This could be difficult for him since he already has a girlfriend, but Mrs. X is adamant – and promises him a break on his rent if agrees to it.
Zack finds creative ways to spend time with Chloe and be her writing muse. However, there is still the girlfriend to deal with…and she is not at all happy with the arrangement.
While there is a hint of adult activity in Jake’s relationship, there are no graphic scenes.
I enjoyed getting to know Chloe, Zack, and Mrs. X and seeing them interact with each other. While less enchanted by the girlfriend, she is an interesting addition to the story.
I received my copy of X-ed directly from the author when she drew my name as a book winner in a recent online Facebook group party. No promise was made of a review, but I am happy to leave one for a book that I really enjoyed reading.
Zack finds creative ways to spend time with Chloe and be her writing muse. However, there is still the girlfriend to deal with…and she is not at all happy with the arrangement.
While there is a hint of adult activity in Jake’s relationship, there are no graphic scenes.
I enjoyed getting to know Chloe, Zack, and Mrs. X and seeing them interact with each other. While less enchanted by the girlfriend, she is an interesting addition to the story.
I received my copy of X-ed directly from the author when she drew my name as a book winner in a recent online Facebook group party. No promise was made of a review, but I am happy to leave one for a book that I really enjoyed reading.
August 13, 2022
Mrs. X (really Egts but pronounced X) has an apartment as part of her old home, and she rents it out to Jake Harrison an aspiring artist. Mrs. X is also a known artist. Chloe Grey helps Mrs. X out each week with her grocery shopping since Mrs. X is too busy to go. Chloe is trying to find herself as an Amish writer but is struggling with writing a subject she doesn't know much about. Can artist Jake help Chloe with her writing; and, in turn, can Chloe be the inspiration for a different kind of painting for Jake? Only time will tell as sparks fly between the two who have both planned never to marry.
I have read a couple of Jack's previous books and this one is just as enjoyable as they were. Good clean reads.
I have read a couple of Jack's previous books and this one is just as enjoyable as they were. Good clean reads.
November 30, 2024
This story has potential but the writing was labored and it felt like it didn’t know what it wanted to be. It felt like it was forcing itself to include a Christian message instead of just telling a good story about two Christian artists who fall in love. At the same time some of the characters’ actions seem counter to how the type of Christians the author portrays them to be would behave. The basis of the conflict could have been interesting but tension was built to be suddenly very simply confessed and wrapped up. It just didn’t make sense based on how the character had been portrayed up to that point. But hey! I met the “X” part of my alphabet challenge!
August 31, 2020
X-ed
Strange, involved love story. At times hard to keep characters straight. Wondered why so many different twists and turns that just seemed to length the story and not really seem needed. The fact I finished it at least indicates some might enjoy. Even so I would not read other by this author after having read this.
Strange, involved love story. At times hard to keep characters straight. Wondered why so many different twists and turns that just seemed to length the story and not really seem needed. The fact I finished it at least indicates some might enjoy. Even so I would not read other by this author after having read this.
July 16, 2022
I liked this book but at the same time, I had some problems with it. Jake irritated me, like it was clear to see Alyssa just wanted a man, literally any man and he continued with her, like what??? I liked Chloe, she was herself and wasn't afraid to show Jake who that. Mrs. X irritated me a little too when she butted her noise in their relationship, not cool at all
August 30, 2020
Christian Romance.
This book was awesome. I could not put it down. I loved the characters and kept trying to guess the next twist. Amazing writing. I could picture the story as I read.
This book was awesome. I could not put it down. I loved the characters and kept trying to guess the next twist. Amazing writing. I could picture the story as I read.
May 7, 2024
2024 Popsugar Reading Challenge prompt: A book that starts with the letter “X”
I knew nothing about the plot going into this book, but I absolutely loved it! It was a nice clean romance story and it was Christian fiction, which was an additional bonus for me. I could not put it down.
I knew nothing about the plot going into this book, but I absolutely loved it! It was a nice clean romance story and it was Christian fiction, which was an additional bonus for me. I could not put it down.
October 9, 2024
meh?
It was okay. Jake was kind of insufferable. He was constantly realizing how crappy his girlfriend was and then just thought to propose? Dumb.
Chloe and Jake’s story was cute but not something I’d pickup again or recommend.
It was okay. Jake was kind of insufferable. He was constantly realizing how crappy his girlfriend was and then just thought to propose? Dumb.
Chloe and Jake’s story was cute but not something I’d pickup again or recommend.
April 3, 2026
Such a sweet story
Well written, with great character development. A sweet story, fresh, young, beautiful and innocent. Just a reminder that there are still beautiful things in this world.
Well written, with great character development. A sweet story, fresh, young, beautiful and innocent. Just a reminder that there are still beautiful things in this world.
August 18, 2018
The story is about a struggeling righter tryibg too complet her story. She meets a painter Who is trying too get his big break in the art World.
It is easy to read and The romance is cute fluff.
It is easy to read and The romance is cute fluff.
June 24, 2019
Interesting concept with Mrs. X controlling the strings. I enjoyed the book and would read others by the author.
September 7, 2019
Great read!
I enjoyed the humor and the drama of this book and I look forward to more books by this author!
I enjoyed the humor and the drama of this book and I look forward to more books by this author!
October 15, 2019
Wily senior citizen.
Really liked this book. Kept me wondering what would happen next. Like the values and talents of the characters. Enjoy
Really liked this book. Kept me wondering what would happen next. Like the values and talents of the characters. Enjoy
October 17, 2019
A truly enjoyable read from start to finish !
December 19, 2020
My first Jackie Zack book. It was well written. Sweet story. I enjoyed it.
December 31, 2021
I loved this!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews