Permanently sidelined by an injury, former NFL quarterback Colton Greene is temporarily hiding out in a friend's hometown to avoid the media and the reminders of all he's lost. Maple Valley seems like the perfect place to learn how to adjust to normal life. The only trouble is he's never really done normal before.
While Kate plays things safe and Colton is all about big risks and grand gestures, they both get what it's like to desperately need direction in life. An unexpected project gives them both a chance to jumpstart their new lives, but old wounds and new dreams are hard to ignore. Starting over wasn't part of the plan, but could it be the best thing that's ever happened to them?
My Take:
If you're looking for a book that is witty, cute, and romantic look no farther than From The Start. This is the first of Melissa Taggs books that I have read but it definitely won't be the last! I could easily relate to the characters and I learned a lot about football and about life, I liked the Walker family, the town of Maple Valley and the cover although I pictured Colton more like Tim Tebow than that guy. I thought the town of Maple Valley was so cool, how everybody pulled together after and during a tragedy. I had read on Melissa's blog that she pictured Maple Valley like Stars Hollow from the TV show Gilmore Girls and I could definitely see the resemblance :)
A book that can make me laugh and draw me in as much as this one did is a book worth reading! Definitely the best book I've read so far this year!
I read the prequel, Three Llittle Words before I began From The Start, which I loved (it's adorable! and the best written novella I've ever read!) and gave a great introduction to the town of Maple Valley. However, you could easily start the series with From The Start, as it can easily be read as a stand alone. But why should you when you can get it FREE!!! right now from AMAZON!! CLICK HERE!!
As the first in the series, I'm looking forward to reading the following books, about the other Walker siblings! It's sure to be my new favorite series!
As the first in the series, I'm looking forward to reading the following books, about the other Walker siblings! It's sure to be my new favorite series!
What I loved:
- Kate and Coltons unexpected meeting.
- The unfolding of Coltons past.
- The very likable and realistic characters.
- The unexpected twists Tagg wove into the story.
Favorite Quote:
It's called taking a risk, Kate. Think about the characters in your movies. When they finally realize how they really feel – usually at the end – they act on it. The hero goes after the girl, or vice versa. Stop letting your characters be braver than you are. Be the girl who takes the risk. It's okay to admit what you want. When you do, you might finally get brave enough to go after it.
*I received this book for free from Bethany House publishers in exchange for my honest review.
Read a sample chapter HERE!
Take a tour of Maple Valley HERE!
Read a sample chapter HERE!
Take a tour of Maple Valley HERE!
THE AUTHOR
© David’s Gallery Melissa Tagg
Melissa Tagg, author of Made to Last, is a former reporter and total Iowa girl. In addition to her homeless ministry day job, she is also the marketing/events coordinator for My Book Therapy, a craft-and-coaching community for writers. When she's not...Continue reading about Melissa Tagg
