About the Book:
Author:
Janice Thompson
Publisher: Revell
Publication Date:
2012
Series: “Backstage
Pass” (book 3 of 3)
Genre: Christian
Fiction, Contemporary, Romance
Rating: 4 ½
out of 5
Tagline: The
one thing she cannot direct is her heart
The Story (from the publisher): Tia Morales is used to calling the
shots. She’s the director of the popular sitcom Stars Collide, and her life on
set is calculated and orderly. Well, most of the time. But her life outside the
studio is another matter. If only she could get her family to behave as well as
her stars do! When she starts butting heads with handsome camera operator Jason
Harris, it’s enough to send a girl over the edge. Will she ever learn to let go
and take life–and love–as it comes?
My Thoughts: Tia’s story rounds out what has been
a “fun” series. Set in the glamorous and glittering, fast-paced world of
Hollywood, the books take a unique approach in each storyline – all three
angles of filmmaking, acting and writing, are covered. Book one looks at show
business from the perspective of actors, followed by the screenplay writer viewpoint,
and then directing. Of the three, I think hers was the story I was (subconsciously)
most anticipating. Even from the first, meeting Tia and before I knew who the
final book was about, I hoped Tia would get a chance to have her story told and
indeed Thompson did not disappoint. (Plus it didn’t hamper my enthusiasm that I
also hoped a certain cameraman who was a source of irritation to Tia would be
leading man potential. *wink*) I loved this
little book despite the fact that it was the least wholesome of them all.
If there is a
downfall in the writing, that would be it. Tia’s family is a large one but she
seems to be the only one who perhaps has some morals. Conservative readers may
not be able to get behind any of Tia’s siblings considering one is a flirt who
is willing to fall into bed with anyone good-looking while another is
apparently a drunk though he is married with children in addition to her father
being a repeat unfaithful husband. It is these issues that make reading the
story less enjoyable and relaxing than it could have been. Reading Christian fiction
should meet (and surpass) certain criteria and in my humble opinion, one of
them being that I shouldn’t have to wonder at what is around the next corner –
whether or not the character will make a choice that will ruin the trust
(figuratively speaking) we have placed in them, in turn making us doubt
everything about their relationship with Christ.
So much about
The Director’s Cut is perfectly
adorable. I loved meeting DJ’s sister (from “Weddings by Bella”) who is not
only a wonderful young lady with a heart of gold but also a fantastic character
with an infectious personality that makes it impossible to dislike her. Her
presence just makes you smile as a reader and though she may be a supporting
character (hopefully, we will get to know her better someday) in the lives of
Tia and Jason, she is unforgettable. As is Brock – the Hollywood heartthrob who
tried to steal away Bella from DJ; having brought him into the Stars Collide family, you can guess what
his presence means. Then there is Jason and Tia. Gosh! But I loved these two
together. Their relationship was the kind of one that I’d have liked to be
two-sided as opposed to being limited to Tia’s thoughts and emotions. Still, my
picture of this couple is a good one and I was probably left with a goofy grin
reading the last pages of this little delight. Like its counterparts, I do
think the metaphors of life vs. Hollywood got old but for this particular book,
I didn’t let that dampen my enthusiasm for the story. Great writing plus
endearing characters equals a darn good time.
In Summary: A great series closer! If a series
has to come to an end, this is how it is done. This one makes the ‘cut.’
Available June 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker
Publishing Group
*Many thanks to the
publisher providing this copy for reviewing purposes
I still haven't read book #2 in this series!
ReplyDeleteReally? This one was my most favorite - I really liked it! From the characters to the plot, it was best in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteHope you enjoy Hello, Hollywood! if you read it. I'll be watching for it. :-)