This is not your typical contemporary Christian fiction.

Georgianna is a reality show interior designer who is struggling with multiple issues and trying to put the broken pieces of her life back together.

She takes on a big project in hopes of moving her career forward and meets ex-sniper handyman Cassidy who has been through his own struggles but has made peace with the past, mostly due to his faith and the support of others.

The opposites-attract romance between Cassidy and Georgianna is very sweet and Cassidy is so supportive, not just of her but of everyone around him. I loved that Georgianna's discovery of her faith and her way forward was not a strait path but more of a zig-zag and two steps forward, one step back as that is how real life works. I really appreciated how the author didn't shy away or gloss over the tough issues from their pasts as well as their relationship - it made the story real and intriguing.

4.5 stars

TW: miscarriage, alcohol addiction, death of spouse (past event)

I received a complimentary copy but a positive review was not required.

This was a fun women’s fiction novel that reminded me of HGTV. It reminded me a little bit of The Homewreckers that I read this summer. I liked the character and the drama of this novel. Thank you to the publisher for my gifted copy.

While this book is marketed as a romance, I could tell right from the cover that there was going to be some depth to this novel too -- and I wasn't disappointed. This contemporary romance had a really good balance between the sweet and tender, and the gritty, real-life aspect. Georgina's character is flawed and imperfect and (at times frustrating) but in a way that added to the authenticity of the story. There were also some really strong Christian themes woven throughout the story, and I thought that the faith-based conversations between characters was well done.

I also really enjoyed the reality-show / influencer aspect to the plot. The decorating aspect was so fun and I LOVED the friendship between Georgina and Poppy. We all need a Poppy in our lives!

I will definitely be on the watch for future stories by Carmen Schober! Thanks to the publisher and author for this advance e-read!

Georgina Havoc stands on the cusp of success—a home renovation show with her boyfriend Lance Broussard, a good therapist who helps her overcome the stresses of growing up with uninvolved, distant parents, and an unexpected pregnancy.

In one evening, she loses two of the most important things—she miscarries. When she tells Lance, she loses him, too. He wants to put their relationship on pause. But because of their very public lives, Non-Disclosure Agreements, lawyers, publicists, and agents make the breakup of a relationship a minefield.

Her best friend, Poppy, and her agent develop a recovery plan. They pitch a new show to the network where Georgina and Lance worked together. In the new pilot, Georgina will go solo to rehab a cottage and rebuild her life after a devastating breakup.

Former military sniper Cassidy Stokes hasn’t had a drink in three years. After losing the love of his life, he spiraled out of control. But thanks to good friends, Cassidy has found his way back to God, and his life has settled into predictable routines. Now, if he can figure out how to tell his ailing mother he’s agreed to go to El Salvador and find a replacement for his job managing the farm at Harp House, he can tackle his next mission with a clear head.

After a beautiful woman almost kills him with her Lexus, he’s surprised to find her parked in front of Kit’s cottage. He doesn’t feel prepared for the sparks that fly between the two of them. After all, people don’t get a second chance at love, do they?

What I Loved About This Book

Schober pairs two unlikely people in this inspirational novel. How could a girly television star with a trunk load of emotional baggage who hates guns fall in love with a hunky widower who wants to use his sniping skills to help bring peace to a regional conflict? Even worse, Georgina has no use for a God who seems as distant and capricious as her earthly father.

Readers will relate to Georgina and Cassidy’s messed-up lives and their attempts to solve their problems independently. As they grow closer together, Georgina realizes she’s met a man who means to stay. And just maybe, he follows a God who also means to stay.

Schober creates relatable characters with real-life flaws who work through abandonment, faith, and family issues. Her use of humor adds just the right touch. I couldn’t put this book down. If you haven’t read Schober’s book After She Falls, I highly recommend that one, too.

I loved how this author gives readers a look behind the scenes of a DIY Show through Georgina Havoc ‘s eyes. She is the makeover queen, and people are saying she and her boyfriend are the next Chip and Joanna Gaines. Georgina Havoc and her beau Lance Broussard have been gaining in popularity until they hit a wall they could not get through, it’s personal.

Georgina Havoc’s world comes crashing down as her relationship falls apart. Problem, they've worked together on this show for years. The T.V. network wants to see what Georgina can do without Lance. Alas, Georgina is on a race to put something together for the executives that will show off her talents as a solo star.

This has both Georgina and Lance re-thinking their priorities in life. Can they do this solo? They sure are going to try and win the investors over to their way of thinking. Georgina goes to a close community of Tarragon, Tennessee to remodel a cottage that is close to where she went to summer camp as a child. It brings back good memories and uncovers a few surprises there.

In the middle of the stress, chaos, and fun of redesigning this cottage there is a splash of romance, and some helpful and insightful life lessons intertwined in a non-preachy, honest way, that asks some hard questions, with some raw responses. I love the authors’ insight into relationships, family and romance. She keeps the main thing the main thing.


‘People aren’t all good or all bad, Georgina,” Alvin said once, during her mom-centered session, “That would be simpler, but we’re all a mix of both. Adjust your expectations accordingly.”

I love this fresh voice in the Christian Fiction world, filled with heart-warming moments, showing and discussing what genuine love is, and taking readers on an adventure, all the while keeping the main thing the main thing. This I s a great escape and one that would work for our next book club pick.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book by the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/

This book is layered with romance, women's fiction, and life. The heroine wants to be the next Joanna Gaines, but her life is falling apart, in pretty little pieces she's not sure how to collect. Through it all she is surrounded by a cast of characters her help her learn how to feel and trust. A story I kept coming back to because I cared about the characters.

Pretty Little Pieces finds Georgina Havoc trying to restart after her personal life takes a hit that also threatens her career. Georgina is part of a popular renovation show with her boyfriend but has to go it alone for a while. How will she handle being on her own?

For some reason, I didn’t connect very well with the characters. I did really like the friendship between Georgina and Poppy though, and Cassidy was a good, strong male lead. However, since he is portrayed as a Christian, I would have liked to see him hold back in his relationship with Georgina since she was not a Christian. I did love that this was a clean romance, and I didn’t have to worry about content. Overall, I liked the story but found it too slow moving at times.

Thank you Netgally for the e-arc in exchange for my honest opinion.

Carmen Schober’s debut novel, After She Falls, was one of my top reads last year, so I have been really looking forward to reading Pretty Little Pieces. Then when I saw that our hero is an ex-sniper, my anticipation ramped up even more!

In fact, Cassidy ended up being my favorite character in this story. He was always kind, helpful and understanding. I liked him and Georgina together as a couple and I loved how he answered Georgina’s tough Biblical questions. His answers were straightforward and easy to follow for someone who, while she believed in God, wasn’t following Him. There were some great secondary characters in this story too. I also thought Georgina’s character growth was well done. I would’ve liked more completion on some of their stories.

From the premise of the story, you might be thinking that this is a fun, light romance, but it is not. It has several heavier themes including alcoholism, miscarriage, light drug use, and loss of a spouse. That being said, I never felt like this story got too heavy or weighed down. I would’ve liked a bit more focus on Georgina’s show and her renovations though.

I received a complementary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. The faith thread is medium.

This was such an enjoyable and undoubtedly unique contemporary romance. Sometimes these kinds of stories can feel cliché, but this one didn't! Real issues were confronted, including miscarriage and hard spiritual questions. I really appreciated the honesty and realism. Even the parts about the home design TV show seemed real instead of too prettied up.

Sometimes the language the characters used was too much for me. (Ex: dang, suck, freaking) And I personally would've preferred a little less physical description in romantic moments.

I really liked how Cassidy (the hero) handled tough Biblical questions from Georgina who wasn't a believer during the majority of the story.

A strong, distinctive contemporary romance! I'm interested in more from the author!

*I received a complimentary copy, but all opinions are my own.*

I absolutely adored Carmen Schober's Pretty Little Pieces.

The story in this novel is built so well and with such attention to the characters' needs in order to achieve growth. Georgina is phenomenal, not just as a character, but as a human being. Her ability to pursue her dreams in the wake of tragedy and heartbreak was so admirable, and her commitment to Poppy, Savannah, Cassidy, and the other people in her life was beautiful. Speaking of those three characters, I have such a special place in my heart for all of them. Poppy is such a fantastic best friend, mother, and wife. She brought so much joy to this story. I also really grew to enjoy Savannah. She faces many struggles, but she cares deeply for her sister, and I value that so deeply. Finally, Cassidy is an incredible character. I really loved reading about his journey from marriage to alcoholism to recovery and finding love again.

As a Christian myself, I thought this story was a testament to the power of God's love. Not only was Cassidy able to recover from intense grief and alcoholism, but he became such a strong man of God. He did not hesitate to trust God's plan and he always prayed. I also loved Georgina's journey to once again find Christ. Her questioning and denial of her faith ending with a desperate prayer and commitment to God was amazing. I think Poppy, Cassidy, and Savannah's encouragement was so beneficial in getting her back on that road, but her decision to fully reinvest herself in her faith and pursue God was heartwarming and all her.

This book is a stunning piece and I hope that many people can see the light it provides.

This was a new to me author and the plot of this story is what tempted me to pick up this book. While there was nothing glaringly off putting about this story, I felt like it was slow to start and I had a hard time investing in it, even to the halfway mark. There were a lot of story threads to keep up with and none of them really grabbed my attention and hooked me. The characters had definite flaws that ranged from alcoholism to casual drug addiction. At times I felt like a ping pong ball bouncing between the various issues that everyone was dealing with in this story. All that said, I was expecting a fun romance with some home renovation tossed in and this book was not what I was expecting.

I really enjoyed Pretty Little Pieces as a whole. I loved the main characters (esp. Cassidy!), the setting, and the nod to Joanna Gaines/home design. The connection between Cassidy and Georgina sparked from the start and it was fun to see how their story played out as the book went on. Pretty Little Pieces had the right amount of depth when dealing with tough issues (loss) and as some characters wrestled with their faith.

Thank you kindly to Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley for an ARC of this book that comes out December 6, 2022!

Link to Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5034926818?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1

A woman faces personal and professional hardship in her quest to be the next "Joanna Gaines" in the home improvement show business. Honestly, I had a hard time getting into the plot, although I stuck it out and was gratified with the ending.

PRETTY LITTLE PIECES by CARMEN SCHOBER is a beautifully written romance novel with a strong Christian message of redemption and restoraion, unforgettable characters and a great love story. As Savannah says of her sister Georgina’s relationship with Cassidy, “Its like your feelings for each other take up actual physical space.”
When Georgina Havoc comes to Tarragon from Nashville with her best friend Poppy to try and build her own career after being let down by her partner and boyfriend Lance Broussard, she is broken but determined to succeed. I like the way the very pregnant Poppy stands by her through thick and thin as they have one delay and potential disaster after another, as Lance does his best to ruin things for Georgina. When Georgie’s twin sister leaves rehab and comes to Tarragon it seems like the last straw.
Cassidy Stokes had an illustrious army career as a sniper and wants to use his talents in order to make a difference in El Salvador. He turned to drink when his wife died and is a work in progress, having turned to the Lord for His help.
It is a story about two people coming from very different family backgrounds, with very different lives and dreams for the future…..
I am not going t tell you any more as I do not want to spoil the read for you.
I cannot recommend Pretty Little Pieces highly enough. It is a book that I will definitely read more than once.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

A new to me author that had me on the edge of my seat wanting more!
A book that has just about everything a reader could want in a novel!
I finished this book in one evening ( my favorite time to read). So very good!
I felt that I could relate to Georgiana quite a bit especially about taking a step forward and then 2 steps backwards! Sometimes it's very discouraging!
But it's what life is all about. It's a journey and the choices we make.
I loved every minute of this book. I couldn't put Georgiana's story down until I was finished and it had a very satisfying ending.
My heart is feeling full for such a wonderful story!
5 stars for a well written novel. I highly recommend.
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Another great book from Carmen! I really enjoyed this one so much. I read this quickly and I loved dabbling in the world of all things Gaines-esque. Great job, Carmen! Can't wait to read what you write next.

Pretty Little Pieces by Carmen Schober
This was a really enjoyable book.
I enjoyed the characters and found myself genuinely caring for Georgina. And rooting for her to work out her issues and figure out how to move forward with her life in a positive way.
Even the side characters
I had no problem identifying with the characters here.
I can't get over how well written this was.
I could literally feel everything. It just flowed off the pages.
The story was built beautifully and the setting was very well crafted.
A sweet comfort read. In which I'm so glad I had the chance to read.
In a nutshell.... I will recommend this book and I will most definitely read another story written by Carmen Schober again.

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

Bethany House,
Thank You for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this eARC!

I stayed up late reading this novel, then I woke up early to finish it. At first, I was disenchanted by the way Carmen Schober dealt with her characters' characters. Lance was underhanded and manipulative, Georgianna was not the "good, Christian girl" found in most Christian novels. That was my bad for judging the characters before they were fully revealed through the plot. The characters have flaws, and I do too. It took something like this to shake up my stodginess. Thank you, Carmen.

After my sweet Mama passed away, I was going through her papers and things (she had thirty years worth of tax returns, plus a plethora of other papers to sort and sift) and I found a gem that I think was an enlistment form for World War II. That it was still in her possession tells me that she didn't follow through. (I promise this particular ramble is relevant). One of the questions on the form asked what her career aspirations were and she said, "secretary or interior designer." That surprised me. Mama wasn't one who chose form over function during the years I was growing up. Our house was decorated in early comfort eclectic. Daddy had a chair and ottoman or a recliner with a side table. Mama had a rocking chair and a footstool. The sofa was for company and we kids sat on the floor. The rugs on the floor were made by my grandmother who crocheted them from the scraps of fabric left over from Mama making our clothes. No matchy-matchy stuff for us--not even a theme in our décor!

The premise of the book is a behind-the-scenes look at how an interior design show is made. The players are the main characters of the book. When Georgianna miscarries, Lance leaves their apartment and ghosts her for the better part of three months. The producers want another show from Georgianna where she and her best friend, Poppy, join forces to renovate a cabin in the Tennessee woods, near the Bible camp Georgianna attended as a child. A Non-Disclosure Agreement binds Georgianna and Lance from discussing their relationship, or what was left of it, so when Georgianna meets Cassidy Stokes, she is not totally forthcoming with details about her life.

While working on the cabin, everything that can go wrong, does, in a way. First, Lance hijacks the producer who has worked with the two of them, so a substitute producer is brought in for the making of this what could be a pilot episode for Georgianna. The new producer can't find a contractor because Lance has hijacked him, as well. She finally finds an elderly gent who still has his license and his bond to be the contractor while Cassidy helps out. Georgianna's twin sister, Savannah, shows up. She is something of an emotional drain on Georgianna, but ends up giving Georgianna the masterpiece bedroom she needs for the show and for the owners of the cabin. Both Cassidy and Georgianna have pasts to overcome on the way to a relationship, and at one point, Georgianna can't see that they can even have a relationship.

The supporting cast of this book bring dimension and depth to the main characters and help to flesh them out a bit more. The setting in rural Tennessee reminds me so much of the area in Arkansas where I grew up and makes me just a bit homesick. Carmen has done a skillful job in depicting the real life conundrums in negotiating around relationships.

Five Stars, Two Thumbs Up, and a bedroom mural to take your breath away.

Bethany House provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Where have I been and where did Carmen Schober come from??

There's a reason I don't usually pick up contemporary romances. I like depth, and I don't usually enjoy the Hallmark-cliche romance that encompasses the majority of contemporaries I do pick up in the Christian fiction genre.

But this book? It's genre-defying. It's a story that focuses on real, raw issues and tough faith questions in an honest, realistic way.

This book is the contemporary Christian novel I've been asking for, for years.

Pro-masculine men? Check!
Strong faith, without hiding from the tough questions? Check!
Absence of woke ideas and feminism? Check!
Pro-conservative values? Double check!

I loved this story, for the above alone, not to even mention the amazing plot line and characters that warmed my heart and strong Christian faith seeped into this drama-enticing story. It's a fixer-upper reality TV host meets country ex-sniper handyman in a powerful story of how to pick up the pieces of a broken life and spirit, and where to turn to in the lowest places of your life.

I loved the characters, especially Cassidy. He was so caring to literally everyone, and always trying to take care of somebody or another.

And y'all. The faith. The questions Georgina asked, and the way Cassidy answered them. I am here for it! I love the non-cookie cutter answers and how by Cassidy's answers this story encourages the tough questions and provides depth in the answers.

"Sadly, a lot of folks take pain as a sign that God is far away when it's really a sign that He's near. Pain tells us something has gone terribly wrong in this world, and Somebody's gotta make it right..."

I teared up at the end. I am that person who cries watching military homecoming videos on YouTube so you can bet I had all the same feels here. I would love a sequel. Something to dive a little deeper into the lives of the side characters that were so integral to the overall story and themes. And just more of Georgina and Cassidy.

I'll be posting a content review on my blog shortly, as this book does have mature themes and content. It's a steamier novel than I typically prefer, for one. An overview of the content: some swearing (crap, heck, and that sort), a traumatic event experienced, pregnancy outside of marriage, recovering alcoholic, rehab, drug use, a mention of contemplating suicide (during rehab).

4.5 stars ✨ - the half star for the swearing and steamy romance, which is a personal preference but I prefer books without that content.

I received an e-arc of Pretty Little Pieces from Netgalley for review. All opinions expressed are purely my own. I will be purchasing this one when it comes out. 🤍

First of all, what a gorgeous cover!

Now for my thoughts on the story itself...

This is definitely a romance (and a little steamier than your average Christian romance), and it featured my least-favorite Christian fiction trope of the romantic-interest-who-needs-to-get-converted-first, but I still enjoyed it. Also, it starts out with a traumatic experience that I feel like Georgina never really works through, and lots of past sadness that I feel could have been given a little more attention. I also loved the supporting characters but wanted more details/development of them as well. This almost felt like a sequel because I seemed to be missing some of the pieces (ha!). And I could have used more of the reality-show part -- more details of the filming, renovation, etc.

I guess my biggest criticism is that I wanted more! But four stars for the premise and the ending; I just wanted more of the in-between!

*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review.