From the Start by Melissa Tagg

From the Start by Melissa Tagg

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 Kate Walker is a specialist in love, writing acclaimed romantic scripts for TV movies, but is perfectly content with love staying safely trapped on the pages and in the screen.

Colton Greene has no idea what he wants to do with his life. Now permanently sidelyined by an injury, his career as an NFL quarterback is over and he's laying low in small town Iowa trying to figure out his comeback.

That town, devastated by a natural disaster brings both Kate and Colton into the Walker home and opens some doors that neither of them thought possible.

Good Autumn read or anytime during football season!

Characters

I'm predisposed to dislike writer characters in books simply because I feel like the authors tend to glorify the profession. Fortunately, this isn't the case in this story. Kate is a great flawed character who is really struggling to find her purpose. Returning to Maple Valley seems to help her grow in just about every aspect of her life. Colton is a wonderfully complex character who is working through, or rather trying to avoid working through, extreme childhood trauma. Although he starts out as a self-centered individual, his transformation throughout the story makes him into a very lovable character.

My Character Inspiration

Scott Eastwood as Colton Greene

Jennifer Love Hewitt as Kate "Rosie" Walker

Plot

The overall plot really seems to focus around Colton's discovery of his past. There are smaller story arcs throughout that maintain a good pace and keep your interest as well. This is my second time reading this book, so while I wasn't surprised by any of the plot twists, I remember them being really great the first time around. This book has the potential to make you laugh, cry, and dream about small town American life.

Setting

Maple Valley, Iowa is the perfect picturesque small town. While most of the story occurs in modern day Maple Valley, there are parts that take place in Chicago and LA.

Style

You can definitely pick up on how wonderfully quirky Melissa Tagg is by reading these books. The quick wit and banter between characters is always amusing. There are the token classic movie references, along with a nod to the author's favorite band NEEDTOBREATHE.

Theme

The two major themes throughout this book are ones that each character struggles with. Kate gives us a great example of being afraid of going after what you really want when there's a fear of it either slipping through your fingers or leaving you hurt in the end. Colton's challenge is finding the blessings that God has for you when things don't necessarily go the way that you originally planned.

Quotes

"And he was just standing there now, a thesaurus full of synonyms that added up to ridiculous amounts of handsome."

"'Maybe I did, but look where it got me.'
He grinned and stood, his shadow swallowing hers. 'It got you right here. Softened. Flexible. Willing to consider maybe God knows better than you what your life should looks like. And like this little bridge that weathered a slew of storms, ready to be used.'

My Thoughts

No lie, y'all. I'm in super stressed mode. I was slacking with getting this review written and now I have to double check my 8-year-old's packing job, pack for myself, and get some sleep before heading to the airport EARLY tomorrow for my sister's wedding in Oregon. I am so stinking excited about getting to be there for the wedding, but a little nutty from trying to get everything ready for the trip.

ANYWAY, thanks for stopping by and I hope you have a wonderful rest of your week! I'll be back here Monday with the next book in the series. 

TheModestMillennial