Finding Harmony

Roseville Romances #2

by Alyssa Roat, Hope Bolinger

Can two people-pleasing musicians win the grand prize, or will they be forced to give up music for good?

Newly hired worship leader Elijah Peterson can't seem to catch a break with his church's congregation. With conflicting demands from congregants, he struggles to find a way to make everyone happy, especially Don, a man who's rumored to have driven out the last worship leader.

Music teacher Olivia "Liv" Wilson says yes to everything-piano lessons, church volunteering, extra shifts—all while struggling to help pay her dad's medical bills. As jobs fall through, she's hit with even worse news-with bills piling up, they could lose her childhood home.

When their meddling roommates force Elijah and Liv into a cooking class together, the two come up with a plan. They'll enter an indie songwriting competition—with a cash prize that could be enough to save Liv's house. And maybe if Elijah can win, his musical family and congregation will finally take him seriously.

But winning the competition might mean losing themselves in the process. Can they find a way to strike harmony between writing songs they love and songs the audience wants to hear?

Genres: Contemporary, Christian Fiction, Romance, Christian

267 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 5, 2022

About the author

Alyssa Roat lives in the cornfields of Indiana, but she hopes to soon discover a portal to a fantasy world where she will run a bookshop for magical creatures. For now, she is a multi-published author and has worked in a wide variety of roles within the publishing industry as an agent, editor, writer, and publicist. She has two black cats who allegedly have never been fed in their lives and occasionally help her write by walking across the keyboard. Her name is a pun, which means you can learn more about her at www.alyssawrote.com or on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook as @alyssawrote.

Reviews

[Kendra Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy a good Christian Romance book. Finding Harmony by Alyssa Roat & Hope Bolinger is Book 2 in the Roseville Romances series. I had the pleasure of reading the first book in this series and I was excited to read this book.

Elijah Peterson is the Worship Leader at his church. He was just recently hired at this church and he is finding it hard to please the Congregation with the Worship songs he chooses. Olivia Wilson is a local Music Teacher who likes to be very involved in many activities, including Volunteering at Church, Piano Lessons and so much more. She is also a caregiver to her Dad who has medical issues. Liv is devasted to find out that they may be in trouble of losing their home due to mounting bills. Elijah and Liv are convinced by their roommates to join a Cooking Class. They begin spending more time together and decide to help each other out. The pair decide to enter a Song Writing Contest that has a Cash Prize. If they win, the Cash prize would help Olivia help save their home and Elijah would get more respect and recognization for the naysayers about his music career. Will Elijah and Olivia succeed in their goal of winning the Song Writing Competition? Will they both find fulfillment for those own selves in their endeavor? Will there be a Romance between the pair?

WOW, this second book really grabbed my attention from the very beginning! I was hurting for Elijah as he has to navigate his new job and the congregation isn't pleased with his choice of music. Olivia is a strong woman who wants to help others and has a busy life due to being so involved. The Friendship between Elijah and Olivia is very special and I love how the friendship slowly grew into a romantic relationship. The book did not seem to be predictable and I LOVE that! The Authors really bring the characters to life and I couldn't put the book down as I was so interested in the outcome. The Christian theme I am seeing throughout the book is that God doesn't want us to focus on Pleasing Others(People Pleasing). I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a clean Christian Romance book. GREAT BOOK!

[Phyllis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great second book of the series

My rating is 4.5 stars

Finding Harmony beautifully worked through the dis-chord in the hearts of Liv and Elijah as they struggled with the unhealthy need to please those around them.

As one who also struggles with this disorder, I related well with them and was touched by the difficulties they had sorting through the noise to understand the heart of God for their lives and their music. I could also relate to Pastor Chris, who wanted so much to please the entire congregation. My heart broke for Elijah, especially, as he felt himself being robbed of the pleasure he used to receive from offering worship to Jesus trying to live up to the expectations everyone else had for him.

I really enjoyed the descriptions of Liv's compositions and wish that words could convey the actual melodies she created instead of simply the sense of them! Despite that, I felt that I knew what her song sounded like, and loved it!

My favorite part of the story was the worship time at Vacation Bible School! And, not because the kids were cute, though that always makes me smile. What I loved was how the authors recognized the beauty of children worshipping the Lord and their freedom from self-consciousness as they simply sing from their hearts to Him.

Readers who enjoy Christian romance focused on heart change will want to read this lovely story.

Originally Reviewed on Among The Reads

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finding Harmony is book two from the Roseville Romances series. It is, also, my first introduction to both co authors, Alyssa Roat and Hope Bolinger. I thought it was a great story of love and faith. I adored the two main characters, Liv and Elijah. I liked the chemistry between the two. Even though the story is slightly predictable, it was still so good to enjoy an easy and light romance.

I am giving Finding Harmony four and a half stars. I recommend it for readers who enjoy reading sweet and clean romance. I am hoping the Roat – Bolinger will be adding another installment to their Roseville Romances series. In mean time, I will be reading the first book, Picture Imperfect.

I received a digital copy of Finding Harmony from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review:
On these light, summery days, it is refreshing to read a good, uplifting romance like Finding Harmony. If you love to listen to music like I do, then you'll be even happier to settle in with this book in your favorite reading spot.

Two young authors teamed up to write this entertaining, yet inspirational, book which is a standalone in the Roseville Romance Series. With a setting featuring a small town, church, coffee shop, bakery, and music festival, this writing team duo gives us much to love. I loved the interactions of worship leader Elijah and music teacher Liv, in a plot centered around a songwriting contest. The importance of helping family and friends, and staying true to oneself are prominent themes which make for an uplifting book.
Check out the synopsis to learn more, and add this book to your plan for summer relaxation!

Synopsis:
Can two people-pleasing musicians win the grand prize, or will they be forced to give up music for good?
Newly hired worship leader Elijah Peterson can’t seem to catch a break with his church’s congregation. With conflicting demands from congregants, he struggles to find a way to make everyone happy, especially Don, a man who’s rumored to have driven out the last worship leader.
Music teacher Olivia “Liv” Wilson says yes to everything—piano lessons, church volunteering, extra shifts—all while struggling to help pay her dad’s medical bills. As jobs fall through, she’s hit with even worse news—with bills piling up, they could lose her childhood home.
When their meddling roommates force Elijah and Liv into a cooking class together, the two come up with a plan. They’ll enter an indie songwriting competition—with a cash prize that could be enough to save Liv’s house. And maybe if Elijah can win, his musical family and congregation will finally take him seriously.
But winning the competition might mean losing themselves in the process. Can they find a way to strike harmony between writing songs they love and songs the audience wants to hear?

Thank you to Mountain Brook Ink Publisher for the advance reader's copy, and the opportunity to provide my unbiased review.

[Deana Dick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book that focuses on worship music and trying to please everyone. The authors really capture what it is like being a worship leader. It is hard to please everyone but in this case there is a man who seems to dictate what should be played and other things related to the service. With the threat of not tithing this man has crippled any songs that Elijah has planned during worship service. I was a bit taken back that a pastor would allow this kind of control over worship service just because the man was a very good tither. Elijah is frustrated with the events yet wants to do what God has called him to.

Liv is at her wits end trying to make money teaching music, giving piano lessons and trying to pay her dad’s medical bills. She has a special gift when it comes to music and there may be a chance to win big at a contest. I liked how Liv and Elijah had similar interests and join together to help each other out. It is very obvious that both of them are people pleasers which find them having a hard time saying no to others. They are so busy trying to please others, that they start to lose themselves. Will they take a step back and let God direct their path?

There is a struggle going on with both main characters that the authors explore. I wonder how many of us are people pleasers? It is easy to fall into that trap when you don’t want to let people down. Elijah is losing himself during worship because he feels like he has to do what a certain man in the congregation wants or he withholds his tithe. Liz is saying yes to everyone but drifting away from her dream. “If God gave you a passion, it isn’t a waste of time.” That statement can set each of these characters free. It can also release us from guilt when we say no to things we aren’t called to do.

Through the trials we go through God shines His glory and restores what the enemy tries to destroy. I loved how the story is a reminder that sometimes it is okay to say no. We need to keep our focus on what God has called us to do. The ending of this story is beautiful and ends with harmony for all.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

It always amazes me when two people can write a book together. How do they collaborate? What do they do if they disagree? Can they even be honest with each other if a part stinks?

I mean, I guess they have to be brutally honest. And I’d think they also had to be great friends.

Well, for your consideration today is this great romance novel of Christian fiction by two such authors. From their bio, they are good friends and have written many books both together and separately.

I enjoyed this book. I saw a lot of myself in Liv. The fact that I’m a people pleaser. I don’t want people mad at me. I hate thinking I’ve disapointed someone or let them down. So, I could definitley relate to her and ow she felt in this novel. While I don’t have a sick father I do have a super large family and it’s hard to do everything.

If you’re ready for a good read this is for you. It’s the second book in a series but seems to read well as a stand-alone novel as well. I hope you give it a go. If you do, come back and tell me what you think.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked "Finding Harmony" by Alyssa Roat and Hope Bolinger. I have read the first book in this series and I'm glad I did but I believe that a reader would enjoyed this novel without reading the first if they wanted to. ( I rarely say this I know , a shocker, right) . This is a story of people pleasing and how it can really bring you down. I think this book has faith written in between the pages without being preachy, I think worship leaders would like this story as well as romance lovers as one of the main characters is a worship leader who struggles to please God as well as the minster and the congregation. I really loved the ending. I just wish we could have read the entire lyrics to the song that was written. I know the book was about the song but I am greedy, I want it all!

Love this quote, I think we all know someone like this!

"Don is..." The pastor stopped
speaking for a moment. Clenched
his jaw. Then his eyes lit up, and it
appeared he found the right words.
"Don is a lost sheep. A disgruntled,
cranky lamb, for certain. But still a
part of our pasture, nonetheless. I'd
like to do what we can to love on
him and show him a Christlike
attitude.



I received a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own

[Gretchen Garrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about two talented musicians who are trying to make a living using their gifts. Roommates are involved. So is family. I really enjoyed this book.

Harmony is not easy to achieve. Either in music or in life. I love how the title played into the storyline. This concept was an important element of the story.

I think partially why this storyline works so well is the fact that the authors based the plot on their experiences. Both main characters struggle with keeping boundaries. I could relate a little too well to wanting to say yes to good things even though I do not have time.

This one has an almost villain in it. Complaints were not handled in a proper way. This was a reminder that sometimes kindness is not really best for anyone if there is unnecessary, overt criticism. Churches should not be expected to apply every suggestion when it interferes with calling.

This is the second book in the Roseville Romances series. While a reader could certainly follow along if only this title was read, I think it is more enjoyable to read the books in order. They are definitely connected in both characters and content.

Not only did I enjoy the book, but I really love the cover. And it fits in with the storyline. The music festival happens at the fair. An enjoyable read with a depth that causes a person to ponder expectations as well as how gifts should be used.

[Connie Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding Harmony is written by Alyssa Roat and Hope Bolinger. This is book two in the Roseville Romance series. I haven’t read the first book and there was no problem following along. I love that this book is written by two talented authors.



Liv has a lot on her plate. She works several odd jobs and has a sick father. She is a talented musician and really tries to use her talents to glorify the Lord. You feel for her since she has so much going on.



Elijah is new to his position to his position as a worship leader. However he seems to ruffle the feathers or some of the church goers that don’t like the change. I loved his character because he really wanted everyone to be happy.



They come together along with the worship band to write a song for an indie competition. Seeing the collaboration and the team work was heartwarming. The church member whose been causing such a huge mess, Don really breaks the spirits down of the worship team members and his demands on how worship should be.



The romance builds at a comfortable pace. I loved how the authors wrote that. I thought the characters balanced each other out.



Thank you to the authors, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

[Lesley Barklay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to say I really enjoyed this book, but the truth is, it hit pretty close to home. These people pleasing characters who can't say "no" took things to the absolute next level. Reading about their busy lives just about gave me an ulcer. The sense of tension every time someone asked them to do something--and then they said "yes" had me on the edge of my seat.

Their daily schedule exhausted me. I kept waiting for one of the characters to have a car crash, or sleep through their alarm because they were comatose.

As a people pleaser who struggles to say no, their thought process was super relatable. Many, many, times, I have done a mental tap dance to try and fit in something that I really should have said no to.

So, while it wasn't always an "enjoyable" read, it was realistic, and the pay off was super satisfying. I actually really liked the characters, and the side characters grew on me too. I loved the faith-based story, and the resolution was delightful.

Well worth the read!

[Carol Keen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't think I read the first book in this series, but this book stood alone well. I have to say, we have been the worship leaders in churches, so I was glad to see a realistic take on that with this story. For that reason, I found myself rather invested in the lives of Liv and Elijah. The romance is cute and clean, and there's plenty of God in this story. I liked their pastor Chris as well. The cooking classes were a neat thing, and made me almost want to take some. The main moral of this story is you can't please people, especially everyone, but you do need to focus on pleasing God.

Thanks to Celebrate Lit for my digital copy of this book. This review is my own. A positive review is never required.

[Patti Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding Harmony is the second story in the Roseville Romance series. Elijah Peterson and Olivia “Liv” Watson both find themselves seeking to please others often at their own expense. Perhaps my love of music helped bring this story to life for me.

Harmony in music and life can be hard to create. These two individuals struggle with finding a way to please God while pleasing those around them. Written by two individuals, I found myself caught up in this story.

So if you enjoy stories involving music, check out this book for yourself.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

[Ashley Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good read. The issues of being people pleasers hits a little too close to home for my comfort. It is something I struggle with in daily life.

The characters were great and I enjoyed the story. It was a clean, simple read that unfolded as expected and it was really satisfying. Really good read and I will recommend it to my readers!

4/5

Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book via Celebrate Lit. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

[Josie Siler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! The story kept me turning the pages and the message is so important. We’ve all felt the stress of life and the expectations of others, the question is, what are we going to do about it? Are we going to cave to the pressure and give up on who God has created us to be, or are we going to trust Him with our lives and the gifts He’s given us?

[Ochegba · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting read. I enjoyed the take these authors had on the story. At one point or the other we have had to deal with the issues of being people pleasers.

Both Elijah and Liv dealt with this too. Elijah being a worship leader bit unable to share his music with the congregation as he wished because of some members and a pastor who struggled to please them. Or Liv saying yes to everything that it almost makes it impossible to have time for herself.

They go through a journey as the story unfolds but also find themselves in the process and learn important lessons. Faith filled, this story is one for lovers of romantic fiction.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions expressed are solely mine.

[Melissa Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story! Congregations have people with unique personalities. Each person is important. This story includes elements of family, faith, music, friendship and more. I enjoyed reading this book.

[Laurel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very slow romance set in with a Church choir. Demanding parishioner dampens joyous singing.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet story though it did take me some time to "get into" it. I think I just had too much going on and couldn't focus.

[Julie Malcolm · Rating 3 out of 5]

This would have been a better book if Don had been called out on his behaviour