Skip to main content

Review: Movie-Made Romance: Christmas in Garland Collection #4

Movie-Made Romance book cover on blue background

For anyone who has played bingo along with Christmas Romance movies, it's clear that there are definite (and repeated) themes. Movie-Made Romance by A.M. Heath plays on that idea, bringing a story within a story to life.

Book Synopsis

He wants a second chance. She wants him to get lost.

Carleigh St. John is tired of watching everyone else get their happily-ever-after, and her little sister’s engagement is the last straw. Stewing down the overused plot lines from Christmas Romance movies, Carleigh creates a dating playbook. With a marathon of Christmas dates ranging from picking out a tree with her first crush to volunteering with her grumpy co-worker, she’s bound to find her perfect movie-made ending. … If only her ex will stay out of the way.

Joshua Price has spent the last four years trying to outrun his past and the ex-fiancé he had hurt, but now he is back home. As he strives to help his grandfather, he keeps bumping into Carleigh. The pull between them is undeniable, and Joshua longs to convince her to see him as a changed man worthy of a second chance.

Will Carleigh’s movie-inspired dating book bring her the happy ending she desires, or is God ushering in a plot twist of His own? Find out in this heartwarming, laugh-out-loud romance full of all the sweet, cheesy movie moments you can’t get enough of.

Source: Amazon

Book Thoughts

This book was not easy to read, especially given the circumstances leading to why it became a second chance romance. However, I'm glad that I persisted in discovering what happens between Joshua and Carleigh in this story. While the Christmas movie tropes were a cute premise, I did feel like Carleigh took it too seriously at the onset. Thankfully, over time, other characters call Carleigh out for her behaviour, which I was happy to see when she started turning into a man-izer. What turned this book around for me was seeing how the author turned a somewhat unlikable female main character into someone that largely resembled me in how I respond to being hurt and the struggles I have in forgiving others. This was masterful writing at its finest where the message of overcoming bitterness was not preached so much as a mirror was held up to me. As a result, I truly appreciated all that Carleigh went through and the journey ahead of her.

As I've come to learn, A.M. Heath writes heartwarming side characters who enrich the story further. I really liked Joshua and how much it meant for him to become a changed man as a result of Jesus’ work in his life. I actually preferred his point of view as he provided a picture of endurance, faithfulness, and respect while working to make amends. This is a Christian fiction book that points to how much sin can wound others while demonstrating God's immense grace with us. The message of the book goes beyond movie tropes, wrapping deep truths in a light-hearted package.

Book Summary

  • Format of book: 📱
  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Recommendation: 👍
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Christian Book Review Programs

Over time, I've been on the hunt for Christian book review programs that readers can join. As a result, I've been able to compile the following list which may be of interest if you are seeking review copies of Christian books. This list mostly applies to print and ebooks, although some publishers offer audiobooks as well. If further information is available for any of the publishers below (or any missing publishers), please let me know as I am happy to update this list—thank you! Please note that you can also search for these publishers on NetGalley and other review sites in case there are no review programs available or you don't qualify for one 😊 List last updated: June 4, 2026 Christian Publishers 10ofThose Availability: US, Canada, and UK residents Format: Only books published by 10ofThose qualify for review requests so as to avoid impeding with other Christian book review programs Genre: Christian non-fiction, children's books Email for availability and eligibilit...
10 comments
Read more

Review: The Top of the World - Far and Away #2

It's not a secret that I'll drop nearly everything in order to read the next  Elizabeth Camden  book, whether it's historical or contemporary fiction now. I love that no matter the era, I can expect a deeply intriguing storyline with fascinating details pulled from history and characters who pop off the pages. This next book in the  Far and Away series , The Top of the World , delivers exactly that. With war secrets, complicated family histories, and a military base literally stationed at the top of the world, this book will make you feel the chill of the Arctic north while experiencing the most heartwarming romance. Book Synopsis They were perfect together—until powerful forces pulled them apart. Now fate has given them a second chance at the top of the world. Holly Fermoy fought her way out of poverty to build a successful career in the Air Force. Stationed at a remote Arctic base in northern Greenland, she is focused on her job—and trying to forget the college romance ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Review: The Cinderella Plot

What a joyous experience in getting to read Pepper Basham 's first novel for young adults! The Cinderella Plot is written in a way that provides depth and maturity while capturing the innocence of youth, creating the perfect blend of a high school senior's world that is on the cusp of very adult decisions that will shape her future trajectory. It's fun and insightful, while warning us that identity shouldn't be taken lightly. Book Synopsis Paisley Harper is invisible. Not in a superpower way. More like the people-look-right-through-you-in-the-hallway kind of way. She’s the girl with the oversized cardigan, random book knowledge, and the uncanny ability to tutor the school’s star quarterback without actually being seen as anything more than helpful. Meanwhile, her aunt and uncle’s beloved small-town bookstore is under threat from a shiny corporate chain, her best friend keeps giving her looks that feel suspiciously loaded, and Homecoming is looming like a glittery remin...
Post a Comment
Read more