About the Book

Book: Curtain Call

Authors: Hope Bolinger & Alyssa Roat

Genre: Sweet Contemporary Romance

Release date: November 5, 2022

With their future in theater on the line, can a newbie actress and overwhelmed playwright put on a production to remember?

Part-time thespian Griffith Williams can’t seem to do anything right in his parents’ eyes, especially compared to his brother, a missionary in the Dominican Republic. But if he can pull off the biggest play of the year, the Christmas play, he could win a job as a full-time director, and prove to himself—and his family—that he hasn’t mistaken his calling to the arts.

Would-be actress Hadassah Wright spends her days teaching and corralling her many, many younger siblings in a large homeschool family. Her only escape seems to be through marriage to a childhood not-so-sweetheart—until a casting call for a local play provides an opportunity to act, perhaps for the last time.

When the two end up as leads in the play, the chemistry they feel isn’t just on the stage. Hadassah finds refuge from familial pressures through helping Griffith at the theater, and Griffith finds a kindred spirit in Hadassah’s longing to pursue the art she loves.

But when an envious stage manager, a director with far too many demands, and a relentless suitor threaten to derail the show, will the curtains close on any chance of romance?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Authors

Hope Bolinger and Alyssa Roat are the authors of more than twenty books both independently and co-authored. They have worked in a wide variety of roles within the publishing industry as agents, editors, writers, journalists, and publicists.

When not writing, Hope is a theatre nerd who loves to hike, and Alyssa is a history geek and game enthusiast. Both are proud cat moms. You can learn more about them on social media @hopekbolinger and @alyssawrote.

More from Alyssa

When you think of calling, what comes to mind? Pastoral calling? A call to missions?

What about a call to theater?

Hope and I (Alyssa) found ourselves with a feeling of calling from a young age. We both felt the Lord leading us to writing and publishing.

I, for one, didn’t listen too well at first. Writing? But I wanted to serve God! I wanted to live a life that mattered for God’s kingdom! So instead, I studied math and science to prepare for a future in the medical field so I could work in medical missions.

The problem was, I didn’t enjoy it. Words beckoned to me. Books and writing gave me deep joy other endeavors never quite could. But if I didn’t go into traditional ministry, how was I supposed to serve God?

In Curtain Call, our characters struggle with calling. Griffith feels pressure to be a missionary like his brother. Hadassah feels obligated to be a good wife and mother like her own mom and sister. But they never feel quite as alive, quite as themselves, as when they’re on the stage. Is it possible that God might…want them there?

As you may have guessed, I eventually learned that God calls all of us to different things. He put the love of words inside of me. He guided me to writing, and doing what He has called me to do brings the greatest joy of all.

As Hadassah and Griffith in the book struggle with identifying their calling, I pray that we all may explore the unique joys and talents the Lord planted within each of us. We hope you enjoy reading Curtain Call as much as we enjoyed writing it. May His still, small voice lead you on the adventure of a lifetime.

Review

I loved this book! The premise was so sweet and the characters were so relatable and well written. Hadassah was a bit of a kindred spirit for me with how introverted she was so it was awesome to see how she grew throughout the book. Griffith was also a great character and to see how he came to understand what God had planned for him was masterfully written. The interactions between these characters were so believable and entertaining; they flowed naturally and did not feel forced or stiff at any point in the book.

            There were characters who infuriated me and I just wanted to shake them and say “Why are you like this?”. Byron was certainly one of them; his interactions with the other characters in the book made for a good tension that carried through the story and make me wonder how things were going to go. I was genuinely curious about how the story would progress and how the characters would grow into who God meant them to be and what He planned for them to do. This was such an amazing book and perfect for the holiday season! I absolutely loved it and highly recommend it for people who love a sweet, clean story that hits all the right notes.

Just to note for some readers who may be uncomfortable: There is mention of an unwanted kiss between two of the characters and how uncomfortable one character felt after, even a while later as it still impacted some of the character’s later interactions. There is also some discussion of infertility, which may be difficult for some readers. This is such a good book so these two things do not deter me from recommending it. I just wanted to warn anyone who may be uncomfortable with these subjects.

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

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 5

Texas Book-aholic, November 6

deb’s Book Review, November 7

Inklings and notions, November 8

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 9

For the Love of Literature, November 10 (Author Interview)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, November 10

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, November 11

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 12

For Him and My Family, November 13

Susan K. Beatty, Author, November 14 (Author Interview)

Blossoms and Blessings, November 15 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, November 15

The Sacred Line, November 16

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 17

Guild Master, November 18

Giveaway

To celebrate their tour, Alyssa and Hope are giving away the grand prize package of a $20 Amazon gift card and copy of each of the three books in the series!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/22670/curtain-call-celebration-tour-giveaway