Romance, HGTV-vibes, and banter. I mean, you gotta love it.

I think Schober has such a unique style of writing and I definitely enjoy it. I loved the HGTV feel of this and now want to re-do all the things in my house. I also appreciate how she shows romance in a no-spice way that still brings the heat.

I'd recommend to fans of Christian fiction but also those who want a sizzling no-spice read!

My rating: 4*
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Thanks to the publisher for this gifted copy. All opinions are my own.

Pretty Little Pieces by Carmen Schober is a mesmerizing novel. I love the house flipping world of this book. It was an interesting look at fame and perception and the price of all of it. Also, there is a miscarriage in this book, which could be really hard for some people to read about. This book has a strong message of hope and redemption. It is also a wonderful sweet romance. Great book overall. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

This was my first Schober novel. I was drawn to it because of the description and southern setting, and I wasn't at all disappointed. The characters were flawed and realistic. I really enjoyed that aspect. My only real complaint is that it's written in the present tense. That's just a style that I can't quite get into. Otherwise, I found it delightful, warm, inviting, and inspiring. ;) Oh, and plenty romantic!

Georgina Havoc could be an apt name for a character who goes through the gamut of emotion and experience to finally find peace and purpose. Teaming up with her boyfriend, as partner behind and in front of the camera on a home improvement show, they begin a project that tests and pushes their relationship to the brink. Like all tests only one emerges stronger and wiser . It’s a fascinating look at how timelines and unknowns will either sink or teach you to swim. A fun read.

Think Chip/Joanna Gaines with TV star vibes.

Georgina is dating Lance (the “Chip and Joanna” pair), until he tells her he wants to take a break from their relationship.

Georgina decides to attempt a renovation job on her own in a little town. That’s when she meets Cassidy, an ex-sniper.

I thought this story was okay. It had some good Christian aspects while attempting some heavy topics. I wouldn’t really consider it a “lighthearted” read, but not a bad one.

Topics included were miscarriage, substance abuse, drinking, faith, and gun-stance.

While this story is categorized as Christian fiction, it’s not a traditional Christian fiction book. While it is a Christian publisher and God and church are mentioned, there are heavy elements included that don’t line up with traditional Christian values. I love a good home renovation show story, but this leaned more toward the celebrity side of show biz. I hope Chip and Joanna Gaines as we know them are around for a very long time, but they may not be and that continual reference may fall flat on people unfamiliar with them.
If you like edgier clean fiction, you’ll enjoy this book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions in this review are my own.

Pretty Little Pieces is a contemporary story about Georgina and her live-in beau, Lance, who are attempting to become the next Joanna and Chip Gaines. Georgina's life takes a nose dive when Lance wants a break from their relationship. I really did not care much for Georgina or Lance! Georgina attempts to redo a cabin on her own and meets ex-sniper, Cassidy, and various people in a small town like she has never known before. Cassidy and his mother were excellent examples of what Christians should be like. Some of Georgina's reactions will make you laugh. I received a complimentary e-book of Pretty Little Pieces through NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.

While I didn't feel like I connected with Georgina very well, and I would of loved more about the process of her project to come through in the story, I really appreciated the discussions about God. This book has some wonderful, thought provoking questions about heaven.

Editing review- after sitting with this for a while — lowering to 2. Really more like 2-2.5 the more I think about it.

This book is all about Georgina and her boyfriend, Lance. They are what everyone calls the next, Chip and Joanna Gaines. They renovate homes for their TV show in Nashville and are the up and up in their relationship and show when things change right when the book starts. From the first chapter, we know the Georgina suffers a miscarriage and her boyfriend Lance says he needs to take a “pause” in their relationship. He didn’t know she was pregnant, and the miscarriage makes him basically “ghost her” after being together for 3 years. The show takes some suffrage, so she starts working to have her own show with Lance out of the picture. She leaves Nashville and finds a new project in a small town in Middle Tennessee when she meets ex-sniper, Cassidy. They start to really like each other and things take off from here.

There are things I liked in this book, but the romance is what ultimately fell flat for me. This book will be somewhat polarizing in the community, in my opinion. I do appreciate authors tackling some tough topics, especially in a Christian fiction. The topics she tackles here include substance abuse, miscarriage, drinking, gun discussions, wavering faith, etc. I agree that it’s important that we have these conversations and appreciate that she had this story very similar to many real life struggles that many people face. However, I do feel like some of the topics could have been handled a little better, (such as the drinking scenes), but appreciate what she was trying to do here. I think someone could be ministered to if they are going through these issues while reading this book because the ending did tie faith in.

I liked the setting in Tennessee, home improvement reality show vibes and the faith mentioned at the end. Cassidy was such a great guy too, I really liked him and his values showed through so well.

What makes this a lower rated book for me is that I didn’t love the romance between Cassidy and Georgina. I don't feel like they had much chemistry together. Honestly, thinking about this from a real-life perspective, since so many other topics were covered in that way, I didn’t love how quickly she was getting into a new relationship after she had so much baggage that I felt like she needed to work through first. On one side, I see how Cassidy could help her work through some of this baggage, especially since he was a Christian and helping her along the way, but on the other hand I felt like it was a very instalove-y lustful relationship more than a cute, sweet romance and that she really needed to go to therapy to work through her issues first, before jumping into this new relationship.

I know many have mentioned they didn’t care for the spice level in this book in some of the scenes between the characters. Looking at it from a Christian fiction perspective, I think she could have toned down some of the descriptions with the kisses and make out sessions.
Honestly, some of the descriptions were unnecessary.

Thank you to NetGalley and Baker Publishing for providing a copy to honestly read and review.

This was an interesting story. The author didn't tiptoe around hard topics, and I appreciate that. For me, with this story, I go back and forth with feeling like it was a bit too much and packing a punch. The story was a good reminder of a couple things. First, Christians can't have the same expectations of unbelievers that we have of believers and second, Christians still struggle making the "right" decisions. Those "right" decisions vary with every person aside from what the Bible states as "right".

I liked the premise of the story. Who doesn't enjoy a good fixer upper story? Georgina is on a break from her boyfriend, Lance. They've been living together and end up going through a difficult experience that sends them in different directions. Neither are believers.

Georgina's good friend, Poppy, goes along with her, and helps her to renovate a home. I loved Poppy. She lives her faith, is a sweet encouragement to Georgina, and loves her family. Georgina meets Cassidy, a widower, who is getting ready to head into the jungles of South America as a sniper. He's also a young Christian who is also a recovering alcoholic.

They have an immediate attraction, but it's so crazy because of everything Georgina is going through. Her boyfriend has gone radio silent, she's lost a baby, and she's fighting for her chance to have her own show. While there's flirting, once things progress that's when it takes a turn for me. The author writes them pretty hot and heavy, which I wasn't very comfortable with. I'd say it borders on being "too much" for Christian fiction. In that same vein, it was difficult to watch Cassidy basically ignore the warnings from his mentors in regards to Georgina. With Cassidy being a believer and her not, I wasn't thrilled to watch them build an unequally yoked relationship. Also, the fact that they're getting hot & heavy with zero commitment and having secrets from each other bothered me. This is where the reminder comes in that Christians aren't perfect.

As a "person" I liked Georgina. She was fine, but I wasn't drawn into the story through her. I liked getting to know Cassidy more. My favorite character, aside from Poppy, ended up being Georgina's sister, Savannah. She was a mess, but she was interesting.

I truly appreciated the Biblical truths that are found in the story and that the author didn't shy away from making a strong statement with them. I respect that the author did recognize at one point that the main characters aren't on the same page with faith. Even with Georgina coming to faith at the end, she still encourages Cassidy to take his pants off at the lake. I was incredibly disappointed in that scene. I also didn't care for the bar scene either. With Cassidy new in his recovery, I thought it was insensitive for the guys to be drinking around him and for Georgina to order a drink while sitting with him.

Don't get me wrong, I like gritty stories that get to the heart of the matter. I just felt like this story was a bit much for me. I think I may not be the target audience for this story.

“Do not cry into a pie, Georgina Havoc…”

Georgina’s world kind of falls apart, with a break-up, miscarriage, and career teetering on the edge of ruin, all while living in the public eye. Then she meets Cassidy, grieving ex-sniper, turned-farmer. Romance, and holiness ensue.

I really, really enjoyed this. The start was painfully slow for me, but about middle-way I got sucked in. Georgina was someone I started to root for, and her approach to God is something I think will resonate with a lot of readers.

I could have done with a lot less mentions of Joanna Gaines. I love her as much as the next person, but I think Georgina can stand on her own apart from her. There was enough character development for us to understand that she was talented in design in her own right.

This is a sweet story about the messiness of life not turning out like we thought it would, and what we do with our lives when our plans have to change.

This is one of those books that you just can't look away from. It was dramatic and real and heavy at times, but also heartbreakingly beautiful.

I LOVED the God searching aspects of this book. I thought it was very true to life and highlighted real life struggles in such a poignant way. Subject matter in this book is not for the faint of heart (miscarriage, failed relationships, unmet expectations, strained family relationships and recovering alcoholism). BUT if you can read past those real life topics you will see such a beautiful story of faith, forgiveness and hope emerge.

The romance was brilliantly woven in. It was highs and lows and everything in between but felt so real and raw that I couldn't wait to see the final resolution. I am crossing my fingers that this will be a series or at least one more companion book. If there is, I will be here for it.

This is not my normal read, but the description captivated me and I'm so glad I picked it up.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.

"What do you believe, Georgie?"
Georgina knew the question was coming, but she's still not ready for it. The topic has been on her mind a lot over the past few weeks, but it still feels like a puzzle full of missing pieces."

Georgina had her life planned out. She is going to be the next Joanna Gaines and inspire others to create beauty. But then her own life fell apart. Suddenly what she thought was solid has revealed her brokenness underneath. Can she find the answers she is looking for?

I really enjoyed this second book by Carmen Schober. I appreciate her author's approach to Christian fiction. The characters are imperfect - full of grit and trying to live out faith. Since I would classify this book as contemporary with romantic elements, there is a bit of passion on the page. I was okay with it, and I did not feel like any boundaries were crossed. But the plot is definitely geared toward grownups.

For those who love watching home decorating shows, this is also a fun look into restoration. What goes on behind the scenes is different than what is seen. Knowing how to showcase a house would be challenging.

The other characters in this book are also enjoyable. Poppy is the cutest, and I love how supportive she is. Cassidy makes a strong hero - this man has had so many life experiences. He brings his own story to the table. Many others also bring their part to the plot.

So glad I was able to read the book through Netgalley. I wanted to read and review it. All opinions are my own. 4.5 stars

Carmen Schober is unlike any Christian Fiction author I’ve ever read in the best possible way❤️ She is unafraid to tackle tough topics in her books and she creates moving redemption stories in such a beautiful way.

“Pretty Littles Pieces” follows Georgina Havoc, a famous home-renovator who is said to be the next Joana Gaines. At the beginning of the book Georgina’s life is in shambles. She has recently suffered a miscarriage and her current boyfriend wants to put their relationship on “pause.” To make matters worse, she is in danger of losing her TV show if she doesn’t come up with a way to distinguish herself in the home-reno market. This prompts Georgina and her bestie, Poppy, to pack their bags and head to a small town in Tennessee to renovate a house in a last-ditch effort to save her show. Here Georgina meets hottie ex-sniper Cassidy Stokes. Although both characters carry much baggage from their pasts, through their faith they learn to trust in the Lord’s promises and not fear what tomorrow holds🙏🏻❤️

PLP was such a quick read for me and super easy to binge as the plot was fast-moving. Carmen did a great job of keeping the suspense high with Georgina’s ex being non-cooperative🙃 Let’s just say I wasn’t Lance’s biggest fan… you know an author is good if they can make you DESPISE a fictional person😠🤣🤣

Georgina & Cassidy were really wonderful characters. I loved how Carmen helped them work through their baggage and grow in their faith together. As for the romance, let’s just say there was PLENTY😍🤣🤣 This novel definitely had more heavy kissing than other Christian fiction books I’ve read in the past, but it is still very much a clean romance❤️

I also ADORED Poppy’s character🥰 She was just the sweetest soul and such an encouragement to Georgina. I love how she seamlessly kept bringing her faith up in conversations with Georgina. It served as a great reminder of how we can witness to others🙏🏻

Overall, I greatly enjoyed this story and eagerly anticipate Carmen’s next release🥳

🚨TW: mentions/brief descriptions of a miscarriage, mentions of alcohol/drug abuse, discussions about guns

🚨CW: clean romance with kissing only and no language!

It's got spice. It's got real, relatable characters. It's got fixer upper vibes (I LOVE all things fixer upper). And it's got Carmen's writing. Guys, she's the real deal. She's authentic. She doesn't shy away from real life. Her stories are clean, but they have sinful characters if that makes sense. In other words, she writes the good, bad and ugly. They aren't all pretty and wrapped in a perfect package. They are real - they do things that you and I would do (even if we don't want to admit it).

That's why I love her stories. That's why although I have this book in ebook form, I am ordering a real copy so it can sit next to my other book by Carmen. Hey, there are just some books you need the physical copy of. This is one of them. Take my word for it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

3.5 Stars- An interesting Christian fiction story dealing with some tough topics. (too many in my opinion) I really enjoyed the relationships between Poppy and Georgina and Cassidy and Georgina. For me this story fell short in the development of some of the impacts of the many issues the characters faced.

This book was about Georgiana, her good friend Poppy, and the budding romance with Cassidy. This book kept my attention, but towards the end there was so much drama between characters, I was ready to move on.

It was a nice touch that Poppy was reluctant to join Georgi on her mission to re-do the house because she wanted to stay with her small child and be able to have quality time with her. However, at the end of the book Poppy has had a second child and all of a sudden has adjusted to life with children?! It is hinted at that she will begin to work with Georgiana because she has adjusted Sorry, it does not work this way when you have children and then add more children to the mix. It would of been nice if the reader could have seen this quality or watched the process being developed in Poppy through the book. All we read through the book is Poppy wants to be back with her child, so it was quite a shock at the end of the book when all of a sudden everything is peachy for Poppy.

Christianity is dabbled with, but they were Christians with no moral convictions. They did believe in refraining from pre-marital sex, but hanging out in a bar and having a party there drinking, and getting drunk?! Represents shallow Christianity to me, does not represent being called and set apart, or anything I want to be like.

I do not think this book will stand the test of time. The fact that the characters are compared to Chip and Joanna Gaines dates it. Makes the book only for one generation, the next generation will not know who these people are.

Although the book does have a somewhat predictable ending and it kept my attention until the end, when the drama became more than I could handle. It is definitely a book only for adults. I would even give it a PG-13 rating with all the kissing and making out.

I read this book for free on Netgalley, this is my own opinion.

A definite must-read for contemporary romance lovers and fans of Chip and Joanna Gaines! Author Carmen Schoeber has delivered a brand new story that is unlike any other. Far different from her debut novel, After She Falls, Schoeber drew me in to her story of a young woman who has everything she could want in life, only to lose it all in the blink of an eye. As main character, Georgina Havoc, picks up the pieces of her life to move forward and relocates herself to a small town to resume work, she meets a handsome stranger with a deep faith that captivates her and is the catalyst for the soul-searching journey she embarks on.

I really enjoyed the characters in this story, which is something Schoeber does well. Her characters are authentic, real and are people readers want to believe in and easily identify with. Coming from broken pasts and having overcome various obstacles in their lives, each character brought something unique to the story, making it heartwarming and inspirational.

The “HGTV” premise of the story, flipping and remodeling houses for a television show, was a fun and unique plot point that I enjoyed. Also, the small town setting, outside of Nashville, was quaint and brought the right amount of heart to the story through secondary characters that supported each other, thrived on community and loved big.

I found this novel to be well paced with a great balance of faith, romance and entertainment. Schoeber’s signature way of delivering her story in a matter-of fact tone with heart and humor strewn throughout made me smile and even tear up at times. The romance between Cassidy and Georgina had just the right amount of spice while maintaining it’s clean fiction status and kept me invested in seeing them together as a couple.

The end was perhaps the shining moment of the novel with strong, poignant faith rising to the surface and change unfolding at a heart and soul level. Overall, this novel was beautiful and everything I hoped it would be!

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts are my own and I was not required to post a positive review.

Ok, so this is not all what I expected in a contemoorary "Christian" romance. So many inappropriate things. What kind of Christian talks about partying like a hussy, dancing on a table, and just acting like a tramp? So disappointing.
I did not finish this book.
I received this complimentary e-book from Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley. I was not required to give a positive review, and the thoughts above are my own.

If you like home rebuild shows on TV, or even if you don’t, you will enjoy this story, At first, using “present tense” was a little off putting, but shortly, you don’t notice anymore, you just get engrossed in the story! Will they be able to fix up the house well enough to get future shows? Will she find faith? Will they find each other? I enjoyed this book and will read more by this new-to-me author!