Title: Love and Other Mistakes

Author: Jessica Kate

Chapters: 44 plus epilogue

Pages: 352

Genre: Christian Contemporary, Christian Contemporary romance, rom-com

Rating: 4 stars

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Love and Other Mistakes is the first book by Jessica Kate that I have read. It's basically a rom-com in book form. But a Christian rom-com. It's an enemies to friends trope that is actually well done. Natalie Groves life hasn't gone the way she thought it would, first, her fiancé left then they find out her father has cancer. Now seven years later she has a chance to follow her dreams, but the only job that she can get to work around her internship is as a nanny to her ex-fiancé child. Jeremy needs someone to help with his infant son and his niece he just didn't expect it to be Natalie. Both Natalie and Jeremy have different views of the past and neither one sees it the exact same way. Jeremey was a bit of a bad boy growing up and couldn't seem to measure up to what his father wanted, who just happens to be the chief of police. As the daughter of a law enforcement officer, I know that that can sometimes be hard to do.

From the first chapter of this book I was hooked I kept reading I just had to know what happened. My favorite character in the book I have to say had to be Jeremy's son with Natalie being a close second. The characters grew and changed over the course of the book and that was great to see. Most of the characters were different at the end of the book than they were at the beginning but not all. And just the same with life not everyone changes for the better or even grows.

I look forward to reading Jessica's next book and I would love for this one to become a movie because we need more Christian rom-com.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Way too much happening in this book besides Jeremy and Natalie reconnecting after so many years. The secondary storyline of Steph and Mike seemed to overtake Natalie and Jeremy, and there didn’t seem to be any closure. In fact, all of Jeremy’s family annoyed me to some extent. I struggled with this book a lot, and if I had known it was a Christian romance I probably would have skipped it entirely.

I thought this was a romcom, but it wasn’t. Hate the pastor 🙃 I couldn’t relate to the overly religious aspects. It was reminiscent of Love Actually but missed the mark.

LOVE AND OTHER MISTAKES is one of those inspirational romances that will make readers laugh, cry, swoon, and wish the best of happy endings for these characters. They face so much brokenness, and need each other and their faith to make it through. Definitely recommended to Christian romance or even general romance fans!

From the first page I knew this story was going to be a whole lot of fun, but also an emotional read. It definitely kept it up to the very end! Natalie is a little frazzled. She's been dealing with a lot on top of the heartbreak she still hasn't let go of. Jeremy is so utterly charming. He's a complete flirt, but only with Natalie. He is also dealing with the aftermath of his own upbringing and choices. They both haven't recovered from their broken engagement seven years ago and more challenges just get piled on top, however, they both still love each other. They just have to find their way back, and figure out if they can forgive and trust each other again.

I loved these characters! Natalie and Jem were both complex and easy to relate to. Then there were the other characters, particularly Lili who was also going through a lot in this story. The plot moved at a good pace and everything just got more complicated as it went. There were moments I had to choke back tears, others when I couldn't help laughing, and then there was the fabulous chemistry between Natalie and Jem. Definitely some swoon-worthy moments. I also really liked how this author wove the inspirational elements through this story. They felt natural, real, and not in the least bit preachy.

My only complaint would be that there is a lot of this story devoted to a secondary plot with Jem's brother and his wife. I would have like a little more closure there, or maybe just more development due to how much time was given to it (or maybe less time given to their perspectives and just sticking with Lili's perspective instead). I also had major issues with how they felt appearances were better than helping their daughter and figuring things out, particularly being pastors. It puts into question how pastors may try to hide things because they could lose their jobs and incomes if they don't practice what they preach, which also rubbed me wrong. It made me wonder how no one, particularly Jem and his dad, could see what was going on - they never really confronted Mike and Steph about things. I also had a slight issue with a pastor dating his possible employee. Just a red flag there.

In the end, was it what I wished for? I really enjoyed reading this with few complaints! I stayed up late to finish because I couldn't put it down. This is a story that tugs on the heart and doesn't let go. I'm looking forward to more from this author!

Content: Some innuendo, an affair behind closed doors, and some drinking.
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through Celebrate Lit, which did not require a positive review nor affect my review in any way.

Let me start off by saying, that I should probably not be requesting Romance novels, because most of them are disappointing. But I usually make it to the end. Sorry to say I gave up around page 45 with this one. I almost gave up after encountering three cheesy methaphors within the first 5 pages. Almost. It got better though, so I continued. Unfortunately when it got into the chapter from the viewpoint of the niece Lilli, you lost me again. But I continued...until the part with the basketball game. BUT I continued! Then Inrealized that a huge part of the book would be about church and religion and blah blah blah... That’s when I gave up. You should probably put some sort of reference in the description of the book about her being a Pastor’s daughter and such, because I definitely would not have requested the book if I’d known. Or maybe categorize the book as religious romance. But what do I know?

DNF at around 20%... I just could not get into it at all. Probably my own fault for not digging into the reviews and seeing this was Christian Fiction. I'm not going to give a super low rating as I do believe it's my own fault for requesting a book on NetGalley I now realize I wouldn't have been interested in!

If you are looking for a book about second chances, Love and Other Mistakes by Jessica Kate is the book for you. The two main characters, Natalie and Jeremy, have to come to terms in their own time on forgiving the other person and other people in their life. They have to learn to forgive and then to let go which is hard for them, but of course life happens. This book is a real world type of situations but laugh out loud moments. It is charming and witty all rolled into one.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

4 stars for this sweet, easy to read, rom-com.

I really enjoyed the story and found it to be allot about family, dealing with things from your past and trying to find your happy ever after.

Overall I found Love and other Mistakes to be an easy, enjoyable read and I look forward to reading more from Jessica Kate.

Natalie Groves had big dreams. Dreams that were shattered when her father was diagnosed with cancer and her fiancé left town without an explanation. Her world came crashing down. Seven years later, her ex, Jeremy “Jem” Walters, is back and needs her help—to take care of his infant son. What? She’s left stunned but has no other choice. She needs a job and her parents are in desperate financial trouble.

An opportunity of a lifetime soon arrives on her doorstep—an internship to land her dream job or at least that’s what she thinks. She moves into a schedule with balancing both responsibilities and finds herself struggling. To top it off, her feelings for Jem start to resurface.

Once again, her world begins to crumble and she’s left wondering where God is. Can both Nat and Jem learn to forgive and trust God with all the rest?

Love and Other Mistakes is this author’s debut and it’s amazing! It grabbed my attention from the beginning and didn’t let go. I loved the twists and turns. They kept me turning the pages to see how everything unfolded.

It’s an amazing story of love, forgiveness, and redemption.

The characters are delightful even though there were times when I wanted to throttle all of them! I loved their quirks and sassy attitudes. Added charm to the mix.

I love this author’s voice. It’s fresh, witty, and captivating. Her use of imagery throughout helps me to picture every scene. Can’t wait to read more of her books.

I give Love and Other Mistakes five M&Ms (you’ll have to read the book to know why!). This tale will delight the reader.

**I received a NetGalley e-copy of this book by the author and Thomas Nelson for my honest opinion.

This book had a lot going on. I thought this was just a romance, but it is so much more. And that does not have to be a bad thing in a book, but there was so much happening in this book, and more kept unfolding. It didn't seem to stop until the very end.

We have the main story, Natalie and Jeremy, who were a couple before Jeremy took off, breaking Natalie’s heart. Jeremy now shows up with a baby and needs Natalie’s help. That on its own could be a plot, but there was so much happening in this book, that their story seem to fade into insignificance.

The health of Natalie’s father is a subplot in this story, which influences her decision to work for Jeremy. Natalie is also trying to get an internship so she follow in her father’s footsteps. Jeremy’s relationship with his father is also another side story, because it was part of the reasons Jeremy left town. Jeremy’s niece is acting out because of issues at home with her parents.

This story seem to have one turn after the next. Just when things got bad for the characters in this book, these seem to get worse.

I understand this is a christian romance, so perhaps the drama was an effort to provide some relatability. However, I found that it was just too much for me as a reader. As a reader, I was spent when it was all over.

Natalie Groves has lost her job, and the only way she can compete for an internship with a youth ministry is to babysit her ex-fiance's baby boy, all while trying to spend time with her father, who has cancer. Jem also takes on the responsibility of taking care of his niece Lili when her parents' marital problems escalate. Things get even more complicated when circumstances beyond their control. Can Jem and Natalie reconcile, or will their reviving relationship be finished for good? Imagine my dismay when expecting a fun rom-com, but finding out that the subject matter is quite serious, sad, and gut-wrenching! I couldn't believe how much some of the characters got away with, how hypocritical these characters were, and how they seemed to be "Christian" in name only. I wanted to like this book, I really did, but I just can't overlook the egregious things some of the characters did with impunity. The writing was descriptive and realistic, but I do not endorse the lifestyles of the characters or the lukewarm approach to Christianity that was presented. I know I'm probably in the minority, and I'm sure there are many people who will enjoy this book more than I did.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley, as well as a hard copy from a blog giveaway. A positive review was not required, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

This was a good light summer read. Maybe something to take to the beach or read by the pool. Worth picking up!

So this is my first book by this author & I REALLY enjoyed it. Natalie was heartbroken when her fiance Jem broke off their engagement 7 years ago. She also had to drop out of college after her father was stricken with cancer and working a bunch of dead end jobs, Now single-dad Jem is back in town with his baby son and needs a nanny. There is no way that Natalie would work for someone she still hates, but it's her only option at the moment. Can they forgive each other and give their relationship a second chance? Although Natalie and Jem are the main characters, Jem's 16-year-old niece Lily is also a very important character. Her family is falling apart around her so she comes to live with her uncle Jem until things settle down.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a free pre-release copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Love and Other Mistakes
by Jessica Kate
Rating: 5/5

Wow. Just wow. Never have I read a story so poignant and so real and frustrating I wanted to yell at the characters. This book is THAT GOOD. I can't explain how riled up the story made me and how much I just had to keep reading. I'm such a sucker for stories within a story. There were just enough characters to keep me hooked without getting too confusing.

Natalie has the opportunity of a lifetime - a second chance at her dream job, but it's only an internship and she needs another part-time job to help with finances. Her ex-fiance, Jem, is back in town with his infant son and needs a part-time nanny. Desperate to prove that she has what it takes in ministry, she agrees to nanny Jem's son, Oliver.

Jem is back in his hometown but hesitant to interact with his father who makes him feel like he's never good enough. His first love, Natalie, doesn't seem to want to forgive him but he'd love another chance to be with her. He's a single dad trying to raise his son and care for his niece.

Lili, Jem's teenage niece, ends up staying with her uncle and helping watch the baby after school. Lili's own family seems to be falling apart and she can't tell anyone. She's being torn up inside and acting out. Where is God in all the chaos?

This story is real, funny, sad, frustrating, heart-breaking, hopeful, and a testament about the power of the forgiveness of God. I highly recommend reading this book. The author is not afraid to address issues that come up in real life and some of the hypocrisy that exists in the church. As a Christian, I was pleasantly surprised at how the author portrayed what was happening and the downward spirals that can easily occur. She addressed God's forgiveness and the hope that it brings.

This book is worth reading.

My thanks to Netgalley for an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.

Love and Other Mistakes is as close to real relationship life than any other book I have read. It shows the complicated manor of things. From exes who left their loved one at the altar to, parents who cheat and lie, to losing one's job, this book has it all. I was impressed. It was realistic. Charming in some ways. The plot took awhile to dig into. But once I was in deep, it was hard to let it go. A slow burning story with quirky characters.

Natalie is a woman who loved and got burned. She is still steaming away from that loss and betrayal. But now, she's juggling her dad's bad health, the return of her ex, and the loss of her career. Natalie had a decent heart. I liked to her to a certain point. It seemed she was a bit too determined to make a go at something that was never meant to be. Then, she would keep pushing away from what is meant to be.

Next, is Jerm aka Jeremy. He left Natalie for reason unknown until the ending. It was clearer then. I wasn't sure if I liked him or not as a character. The way he broke things of with Natalie and then showed back up was crazy. He left home, lost his job, and lost his girlfriend. His latest woman in his life left Jeremy with a surprise. One I was surprised had taken and accepted. He turned into a better character because of it.

Overall, this book is different. It's not exciting. But it's entertaining. If you need a good read and want more of real life to book, this is your read.

I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.

This book has a lot going on not that I didn't appreciate a multi layered story but this one has a different feel to it. The pastor who is has no intention of admitting to his mistakes, his young daughter who finds herself in the middle of all of his dishonesty. I have to say, these characters made the storyline interesting..

For a debut novel I thought that one was pretty impressive and I liked that author had characters from various age groups and blended them perfectly within the pages of this book. A story of family and friends and how at times we have to make sacrifices to help not only your loved ones but those who are need of help. too.

I was expecting a bit more humor but I loved the dialogue between Jeremy and Natalie and how they pulled together to do what is best other people in their lives.
Overall this storyline is much more tender than I thought it would be and that's just fine with me.. I like the writing of Jessica Kate and I will read more of her work. I received an electronic copy from the publisher through Netgalley.

This book is such an easy read. I almost didn't finish it because it seemed so "middle school". I did finish it, though. There was just something about the story that lacked depth. If you like to read something that moves along quickly without much depth, then this is for you. The faith testimony was sound, and the ending was happy.

I received an ARC for an honest review.

I’m glad I got past the beginning of the book because once it started to unfold I REALLY enjoyed it!

I was heavily invested in Nat’s choices and Her juggling of relationships with her family, Jem, Sam and her internship!

I enjoyed the split points of view, I think they were written very well!

I enjoyed Lili’s storyline and how her and her family relationships worked. Jem’s relationship with his dad also brought another dynamic to the story!

It had enough drama and pace to keep me hooked until the end (which I loved).

The religious theme throughout wasn’t for me personally, but I could read past it to suit.

4 stars out of 5 due to a slower beginning and the religious elements.

In the interest of total honesty, I'll tell you that I was not interested in reading this book at all. I didn't think the story was really appealing, and the cover was off-putting. But then one of my favorite authors recommended it, so of course, I had to give it a try.

It did take me a few chapters to really get into it. The story started out a bit confusingly, but thankfully it got clearer, and ended up being an enjoyable read. 

Natalie has lived the last seven years mourning her fiance, Jem, who broke up with her six weeks before their wedding and left town. Then, her father got sick, and she gave up all of her dreams and aspirations of working in the ministry to take care of her parents.

Imagine her surprise when Jem suddenly reappears in her life--with a baby. Now Natalie has a chance to get a new position working in a teen ministry. But during the intern period, she needs a job. When she agrees to be a nanny for Jem's son, she wonders if it's a mistake.

But during a crazy season of sickness, misunderstandings and mistakes, Natalie and Jem just might get their second chance. But when the issue that separated them before comes up again, can they work through it? Or call it quits for good--again?

This actually ended up being a really good story, and one I didn't want to put down. It was the side story with Jem's niece that I found to be confusing. I'm still not sure it was a necessary part of the book, and I didn't really like it. 

However, when it's all said and done, I liked this book. I would definitely read this author again, but I hope her next book comes with a prettier cover!

I was very surprised that this was a Christian book. It made me very happy. It showed real life situations that can cause you to question everything you ever believed in. Betrayal comes in many forms as you’ll see by every character. Some know how to cope and others do not but they learn about themselves through the process. I love this and I can’t wait for the next book this author comes out with.