RTC

This is my type of book and i wasnt not in the mood for some of it. ( )

I just closed the covers over the last page of From the Start by Melissa Tagg and I am so sad the book has ended. It was a beautiful story of Colton and Kate finding love once they were able to overcome the obstacles their hearts had put in place to prevent that very thing. Kate had put thick walls around her heart to make sure she was never hurt again. Colton felt so much regret over what he had lost, he didn’t want to risk having anything else he might lose. But Kate unwinds the strings Colton wrapped around his heart at the same time as Colton breaks through Kate’s fort of resistance. The result is a sweet, forever kind of love birthing new trust and commitment while pointing the way to God’s path for them through an unknown future.

This is the first book I’ve read by Melissa Tagg but am looking forward to reading more. Ms. Tagg has a gift toward giving her characters a “realness” allowing readers to feel their emotion, both pain and elation. From the Start is not all happy, have a tissue ready, but it is completely captivating. Furthermore, Tagg has left the doors open for future sequels in the lives of the Walker family. Waiting eagerly for Raegan’s story!

I received this book from bookfun.org in exchange for my honest opinion
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From the Start was very hard for me to put down. I loved the characters and story!

Kate's career as a writer has stalled. She comes home to help out her father when a tornado rips through her small hometown. She is on the verge of changing her direction in life and needs the connection with her family.

Colton's career in the NFL is over. He is also seeking a new direction in his life and takes advantage of the opportunity to help out his friends family in Maple Valley after the tornado.

The two of them never imagined that a town tragedy could help them both find direction and heal from past events in their lives. Their connection happens quickly, but they don't fall instantly in love. Both of them have obstacles to overcome before they can fully let themselves care for another.

I loved the setting of this book. It is a small town where people pitch in and help after a disaster. The residents comes together and pulls everyone into the community and makes them feel at home.

Kate has a loving nature that is the perfect component for helping Colton overcome the tragedies of his childhood. She reaches him and helps him cope and remember events that were pivotal in his life, things he has buried.

There are a few Walker siblings that need a boost to their love lives, it looks like this is the first of a series. I am very excited to read the rest of the Walker family series as it comes available.

This is a clean Christian romance. ( )

Title: From the Start
Author: Melissa Tagg
Website: http://www.melissatagg.com/
Pages: 352
Year: 2015
Publisher: Bethany
My Rating: 5 out of 5
Kate Walker’s character reveals the loneliness that comes when, after being hurt by someone, we build walls around our heart to keep others from getting close. I enjoyed following the character’s journey into discovering what is contained deep within the heart when she agrees to write the memoir of a former NFL player. Colton is the player who suffers a career-ending injury, but also discovers he doesn’t know what life is for him beyond the grid.
The themes that are conveyed repeatedly in many ways are where we should ultimately find our truest source of love, meaning and what we work we are to do. Both of the main characters, Kate and Colton, are reflections of real people who work hard to be the best each day while carrying some baggage from their past. We can learn from these two that letting the past go into the hands of God isn’t easy. It takes time, but ultimately leads to freedom for the heart and soul.
I was touched when a little boy battling cancer was introduced as part of the story and that sure is a heart-wrenching truth. Faith is taking life one day at a time and looking to God, especially when sitting beside the bed of a very sick child, and the truth shared in those scenes of just how hard it is to keep hoping when all hope looks lost. Yet, it reminds others to appreciate their lives even with all their trials, struggles and daily challenges.
I loved the climactic ending the author snuck in that really surprised me! I thought the reality portrayed in this work of fiction made it much more endearing to the heart of this reader. I cannot wait to see what flows next from Melissa Tagg! Until then, I hope others will enjoy this story.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Other reviews can be read at http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspot.com/ . Also follow me on Twitter @lcjohnson1988, FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/lisa.johnson.75457 ( )