Book Review
Pretty Little Pieces by Carmen Schober
Contemporary Romance | Christian Fiction
A month ago, author Carmen Schober reached out and asked if I’d be interested in reading her newest novel, Pretty Little Pieces. While my TBR pile was overflowing and reviews were piling up, I couldn’t help but say, “Yes!” after she pitched her story. A contemporary romance perfect for fans of HGTV style renovation shows? Count me in!
Reader’s Thoughts:
While this book is marketed as a romance, I could tell right from the cover that there was going to be some depth to this novel too — and I wasn’t disappointed. This contemporary romance managed to balance a sweet and tender storyline with the grittiness of real life. Schober doesn’t shy away from characters with heavy backgrounds and I loved how the title, cover, and plot all captured this messy, imperfection so well.
I didn’t always love Georgina. This flawed character felt authentic but was, at times, frustrating to read. I think this occasionally gave me a bit of a disconnect within the story. However, I absolutely LOVED the friendship portrayed between Georgina and Poppy. (We all need a Poppy in our lives!) And the romance with Cassidy had good chemistry, in that opposites attract sort-of-way, making them easy to root for.
As someone who has experienced multiple miscarriages, I appreciate the reality of pregnancy loss depicted in fiction. (Although, I will admit that I wasn’t expecting it in the first chapter and did find it a jarring way to jump into a story.) I was hoping Georgina would have worked through this a little more, but I also know that grief is never neat and tidy, so I was okay with that. Overall, while this story dealt with heavier topics, I didn’t ever feel weighed down by it. There was a good balance between difficult and lighthearted moments.
I also really enjoyed the reality-show / influencer aspect to the plot. The decorating aspect of the story was really fun and I only wish there was more!
I will definitely be on the watch for future stories by Carmen Schober! Thanks to the publisher and author for this advance e-read!
Recommended for:
Contemporary Romance
This post contains affiliate links; as an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. e-ARC provided courtesy of Netgalley, the author, and the publisher, Bethany House Publishers. All opinions expressed are my own.
About the book:
(From the Publisher) Ambitious influencer Georgina Havoc and her designer beau Lance Broussard have been dubbed the the next Chip and Joanna Gaines, but their happily-ever-after falls apart when Lance blindsides her with a “pause.” The show must go on, so Georgina takes on the task of renovating a forgotten cottage in the tiny, tight-knit town of Tarragon, Tennessee on her own.
Georgina has a plan to save her relationship–and her show–but a surprise drop-in from her troubled twin sister makes things extra messy. That, and the presence of rugged ex-sniper Cassidy Stokes, who throws a wrench in all her plans.
As she puts the pieces of her rippled life back together, will Georgina retreat to the familiar or embrace a new design?