‘From the Start’: The Football Star and Romance Writer
STORY | From the Start follows Kate Walker, a TV script writer who seems to be running out of work. Following her career high as an Emmy-winning writer, she now finds herself in professional decline. Unsuccessful at selling much of anything beyond the odd romance to a TV network, she wonders what her next step is. Then a tornado rips through her hometown of Maple Valley, and it sends Kate rushing back.
While there she meets her brother’s best friend, Colton Greene. A former NFL player who watches his own career slip away. Colton didn’t plan to visit Maple Valley with Logan, but he’s here just the same. While visiting, he’s thrust into helping his hosts recover from the tornado, gets pressure to write a book and in-between it all, learning more about Kate Walker.
From the Start by Melissa Tagg | Book Review
REVIEW | Though she’s always has a fantastic sense of humor that rolls with her unique style, I don’t know if her books have risen to the level her fourth full-length novel does. Her author note in the back may acknowledge that this is the hardest book she’s yet written, but let me tell you, the results are rewarding. Humor aside, I think what I like best and what works so very well in this novel’s pages is its capacity to be more than a delightful romantic-comedy. Both of its main characters carry burdens from their past, which prevents them from living life fully.
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If there is one teeny, tiny complaint to cite, it’s going to be in how Colton “finds” himself (giving up a contract, leaving behind interviews). This part of the story takes some unexpected twists and plays out longer than I anticipated. I felt like this sort of distanced some of Kate and his scenes together. That said, I can honestly say, this in NO way takes away the enjoyment of the book. There is a lot of unique backstory and complexity to these characters, which makes for the kind of read we wish all of our books would copy.
Adding structure to the story is Kate’s family. I love a good close-knit family bond, and the Walker’s are no exception. They’re fun-loving, but best of all they look out for each other, while doing so with humor and a passion for life. There is much to praise this book for. This includes the interactions between Kate and Colton, all of which is priceless! I suspect many of these influences are from the classic era of Hollywood films (which Melissa loves), which makes the story pop. From the beginning during Colton and Kate’s first meeting (can we say, cutest meet-cute ever), there is a lot to smile at.
Melissa’s writing is fresh, sharp, engaging and multifaceted in its range of emotions. From the Start will make you laugh, root for its characters and maybe even shed a tear or two. Plus, the ending is movie-worthy adorable.
PS: If you’d like to meet this delightful family and get some notion of Melissa’s writing, snag the free novella Three Little Words where we meet Walker cousin Seth as he romances his love, Ava through letters.
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About the Book:
Author: Melissa Tagg
Publisher: Bethany House
Source: Author Influencer Copy Provided
Publication Date: 2013
Find the Review Elsewhere: Goodreads ǀ Novel Crossing
Find the Book Elsewhere: Goodreads
Series: Walker Family, book 1
Genre: Fiction; Contemporary Romance
Rating: 5 out of 5
Sincere thanks to author Melissa Tagg for providing an influencer copy of this book in exchange for an honest review; all opinions are my own.
I'm so excited to read this one! I'm getting it to review so it should arrive sometime in the next month. I loved Here to Stay even more than Made to Last. :) Great review!
Hope you like it, Kristin – and I'll be curious to read your lovely review. I would agree with your assessment of her books thus far. Each one has gotten better and better! :)
Just bought this one today and am eager to read it! Lovely review, as always, Rissi!
Wonderful buy, Cassie! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. I think this is Melissa's best yet. :)
Thank YOU for reading.
Thank you for giving us yet another fun book review, one I agree with 100%! Your observations about the bond the Walker family share is beautifully expressed, and I too really enjoyed how this book gave us a more in-depth look at them, their dynamic and history. Especially amused by the sisterly interactions between Raegan and Kate, the picnic basket auction one of my favourite scenes, Case the match-maker was also hilarious!
Speaking of Raegan, while I love Kate and Colton's story and was grinning like a fool at the movie-perfect ending, it's the possible pairing of Reagan and Bear that really has me excited. There is just so much potential with these two, and though it looks to be a good two years away yet, I can't wait to see how her story shakes out. Until then, I'm looking forward to getting to know Logan and Beckett (but mostly Beckett) a lot better!
God Bless
Eleanor Rose
Hi, Eleanor! Thank you (as always) for leaving your thoughts. I always enjoy reading your well-expressed comments. :)
The picnic basket auction was straight out of an old-fashioned romcom and I think Melissa is all the more talented for how she incorporates these old-fashioned pieces of charm.
Reagan's story is highly anticipated and I suspect Melissa has much in store for their story. Until then, like you, I'm going to fall in love with the stories in our more immediate future. I've little doubt they too will be amazing! :)