Adanne (pronounced Ah-dah-neh) is working as a makeup artist in Hope Springs, Alabama in between running the cash-strapped local community center and visiting her nephew, who is in hospital with cancer. She’s a little too good to be true on the outside, but insecure on the inside … which makes her relatable.

Giovanni Pomponio, better known as John Pope, is a Hollywood leading man who has recently returned to his childhood Christian faith … which raises some obvious challenges.

Her Part to Play is Jenny Erlingsson’s debut novel. While some elements of the plot are somewhat predictable (particularly given the overly wordy subtitle), I did enjoy the way she brought it all together into a faith-filled romance.

After all, I do love a Christian romance where the faith aspect is central. Hope Springs is a fabulous small-town Southern setting, the kind of town many of us would like to live in—a town where people care about each other. I enjoyed “meeting” Adanne and the other residents of Hope Springs.

Jenny Erlingsson is an Alabama-born Christian writer of Nigerian descent who now lives in Iceland. Her heritage comes through in her writing, which is great to see. Her writing is strong, and I’d love to read a Christian romance set in Iceland!

Recommended for fans of small-town contemporary Christian romance featuring BIPOC and film star characters.

Thanks to Revell and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.

This was not part of my go-to story type but the romance was good. If you like Hollywood than you'll likely love this couple.

Relatable and incredibly smart. I loved the spiritual content and thought it was very inspiring.
Many thanks to Revell and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

I really enjoyed this story and the way faith was included so naturally. I had never read anything by this author before, but I will definitely be keeping an eye out for her in future. It was a sweet, well-written love story that touched on a couple of bigger topics but overall is very cozy and enjoyable. Highly recommend.

Beautiful clashing and then blending of two worlds with honesty and trust. Not completely predictable and sucks you right in until you can't focus at work because you just want to hurry home to keep reading.

A story about love, redemption and interracial tension that is a great story for today’s readers.

Adanne works as a hairstylist and makeup artist. When a movie shoot in her town needs an extra artist for their film, she comes on and uses the opportunity given to her to try and help her family. What she doesn’t realize is that this job will bring her face to face with the actor that got her fired from her last job. John Pope has turned his life over to God and in the process has tried to make up for the mistakes of his past. When he feels an attraction to Adanne, he wonders if it could be too good to be true.

I had high hopes for this book, and while it was great writing from a debut author, I just couldn’t connect. I also feel like this one was far too similar to one I recently read by Toni Shiloh. I think it is great that there are more diverse books coming to the Christian fiction shelves by these authors, but they are starting to seem very similar and nothing unique about them. That is kind of becoming the case with a lot of the romantic suspense, historical romance and even contemporary romance genre books. It would be great to have something unique and new cross my shelves soon, unfortunately this one wasn’t it. I would recommend this to readers that are looking for those diverse books and enjoy contemporary romance.

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

This was a good story, with beautiful faith. I love how this author wove faith so easily into her characters. Adrianne is a makeup artist that has had a lot of lost and burdens. Because so much has happened she has taken on the role of feeling she has to care for everyone even as she is sinking. She has an encounter with Joh, a movie star that got her fired from a job a few years prior. This book follows there journey together and as individuals. As John is a few years sober and trying to figure out exactly what that looks like. And Adrianne is a journey of allowing others be her community and accept help.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an early readers copy to honestly read and review!

First thing first, how about this cover. Isn't it absolutely gorgeous!! I couldn't resist this tour simply based on that! This is a quick read with sweet characters. I haven't finished it yet, as it is another victim of interference by current unexpected demands on my time. I am only a quarter into it, but I am curious about the past connection between the two main characters and have some guesses about what might happen to help with their current struggles. It is giving me cozy romance, happy ending Hallmark vibes and I'm here for it. The writing is smooth and easy with realistic conversations, interesting characters and clear settings. I can't wait to finish it.
Having finished it over vacation, it was indeed a cozy romance, happy ending book with a small town feel and a focus on Christian worldview, with characters who had relationships with Jesus. Down to earth living with some Hollywood glam and ups and downs on the road to together, this was an easy and enjoyable read, that brought a few tears along the way.

Adanne is a make-up artist, she’s working hard to help her family.
John Pope is an actor who is trying to move ahead after a difficult break-up, his manager wants to push him into another relationship but he is not ready. Adanne didn’t have the choice but to take this job as a make up artist to keep her family legacy even though she is not thrilled to work with John at the beginning their relationship deepen little by little.

Though the plot was interesting I could not connect with the characters and the story in general.

Adanne's job as a makeup artist on a movie being filmed near her home is the bright spot in a desperately busy life, trying to hold everything together for everyone - until she's unexpectedly forced to work with the male lead, John Pope, who happens to be the man who destroyed her career. But she needs the money badly enough she'll deal with an entitled star if that's what it takes. John has turned his life around significantly since he became a Christian three years ago, but spending time away from Hollywood in a small town - not to mention with his intriguing new makeup artist - is making him question what his next steps should be. Could God have more prepared for them than either realises? And can each learn that God is the one in control, and the one who plans our steps?

I almost didn't ask for a review copy of this - and what I would have missed out on! This was a new author for me, but the story held me from the very first page and I'll definitely be watching out for her next book. I enjoyed getting to know both Adanne and John, and particularly appreciated the banter between them. But I think what I liked most was actually seeing the way Adanne's family and town supported her once she finally let them. She's so convinced she has to do everything, and watching her gradually learn that others can - and want! - to help is inspiring. I also appreciated the idea of God making something new in people's lives, specifically here John's. Mike did get rather annoying at times, but once John finally really put his foot down, it was good to see that straighten itself out. All in all, it's a well-written, enjoyable and at times touching story, with an inspirational message that I appreciated. Looking forward to more by the author.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

I enjoyed this romance that has a lot of emotions mixed in. I really liked Adanne and John. I liked the laughs. I loved that Adanne and John grow together in their faith. I liked learning a little about the movie industry also. I received a copy of the book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

This story has a fun setting, with the hero being a movie star trying to make a come back and the heroine being a makeup artist. I thought that it was interesting to see behind the scenes. Love the themes of redemption and forgiveness.

I give this book 3.5 stars. I enjoyed this slow burn Christian love story between Adanne and John. I also appreciated the references to Huntsville, AL, since that is my hometown. Pros: The strong relationship between John and his mother. Showing some of John’s redemption story (as he turned from alcoholism to Christ). Showing that although Adanne was committed to her family and community, she had to accept help from them also. Adanne also had to learn to trust and to let go of her insecurities. Cons: This was an extremely slow burn. When the characters finally got together, it seemed like they quickly fell in love.

What a sweet, romantic read from a new to me author. I enjoyed the characters and their growth throughout, and that ending, sigh worthy.

Here we have a story of fame versus small town, genuine love versus the copycat wannabe, and of two lives changed for the better after their less than perfect circumstances and past loss.

Adanne, a makeup artist, has needed some extra income as she tries to keep her beloved late parents dream alive. She is trying to achieve all of this on her own, as her brother and his little family are in the middle of long battle for their little boy. And for whatever reason, Adanne thinks she needs to do this all on her own without family or even community help. She gets this job that due to circumstances, push her more and more into one of the actor's way. Specifically, one she would rather not have to deal with. Especially since he was a pain to deal with three years ago.

John Pope doesn't recognize her or remember any of the past they share. He was very self-centered before his horrible breakup with his ex-girlfriend, but he has turned over a new leaf now. He has had some eye-opening moments and has been working hard to not just live for himself. During the filming of his newest movie in a small-town in Alabama, he finally finds his heart. He just has to convince her.

This was such a fun story, especially since there is a movie being filmed in my small town. Talk about real life coincidence. I look forward to more of this author's wonderful stories in the future.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

This is a debut novel by this author, and it is an absolutely beautiful story.
I loved the characters, and enjoyed watching their romance come to life.
Adanne was an especially memorable character. She was determined to do what she could for her family, and gave of herself in abundance.
But it was time she realized what her own needs were. I enjoyed reading along and watching her grow into who God created her to be.

Realistic setting, lovely characters, and an intriguing plot, this story was well worth the read.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

There is lots to like in this debut! Erlingsson demonstrates her history of writing through her story telling craft and her own experience in being in an interracial relationship. I really enjoyed the fact this story featured such a relationship and Erlingsson presented it in such a way that it felt natural.

John Pope is an actor, not getting the best roles at present, and now trying to get a leg up by making a movie in small town Hope Springs, Alabama. His usual make-up artist, Doris, is on leave caring for her ailing sister and in steps Adanne Stewart, a gusty local Hope Springs young lady.

The connection between the two feels at times a little forced and I felt for parts of the story that the author was creating something between them so she had a story to tell because not a lot happens in the first two thirds of the book.

But John becomes more engaged and senses something in Adanne and her heart for her town and community centre, established by her deceased parents. The centre is struggling to survive and perhaps one of the reasons is Adanne tries to do it all, her brother, Daniel, caring for his son, who is going through cancer treatment.

The faith element in this story is very good. John's story of repentance and seeking after God is lovely to read. His preparedness to make significant changes to his life is a strong demonstration of what a life living for Jesus can be about. I also loved Adanne's extended family's faith. There is one scene late in the story when her two cousins come around Adanne and the three of them pray in surrender to God. Erlingsson captures the beauty of this sacred moment wonderfully.

The romantic twist at the 80 percent mark really bothered me. I felt it was disingenuous to John after all he'd was doing to impress and give to Adanne. Movie stars receive inappropriate approaches from fans, in this case, from an ex-girlfriend of his, and it bothered me that for the twist he was made out to be the bad guy. I'm not sure how he could have responded differently without insulting his ex. which didn't fit with his character. It made me wonder whether Adanne would ever be able to deal with the attention John would receive from female admirers.

However, the story does end beautifully and I love how the town got around Adanne to show how appreciative they were of her and her unyielding devotion to the community centre.

I was fortunate to receive an early ebook copy from Revell as part of the readers program via Net Galley. This has had no bearing on my review.

Adanne is a makeup artist. Both her parents have passed away. Their legacy is about to go under. Her nephew has cancer, and she feels it is up to her, alone, to make everything work out for everyone. She has some control issues, in my opinion. She's also very selfless. She's willing to give up her own dreams if that is what it takes.
A movie is being filmed in her small hometown and she takes on a makeup artist job and is doing the makeup for the star of the film who just so happens to be the same actor who cost her her last job in Hollywood. But, she desperately needs this job.
The actor, John, is now a changed man. He has stopped drinking and is now a Christian and is trying to live a better life than he did before. Of course, Adanne does not know this.
Things somehow go from her barely tolerating the man in her makeup chair to...what is this? Sparks? Could it be?
This was the first book I had read by this author and found it very entertaining and enjoyable. Such a sweet Christian fiction romantic story. Loved the small town vibe and family story-line.
I received an advanced ecopy by the publisher, Revell, through Netgalley. I was under no obligation to leave a positive review.

This was such a hope-filled story laced with themes of forgiveness and redemption!

On the heels of losing her mother and, Adanne Stewart takes a job as a makeup artist for a film shooting in her small Alabama town. Feeling like she’s carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders, the last thing she needs is to be assigned to the movie star that had her fired from a set two years earlier.

John Pope, once an arrogant actor who pushed his weight to get things done, is totally shocked by this new makeup artist who seems to have a chip on her shoulder. After having his life turned around by rediscovering the faith of his youth, his humility and kindheartedness start to tear down Adanne’s walls. But can she trust that he’s truly a different man than she encountered two years prior?

I LOVED this story! Jenny is a masterful writer and her words are beautiful. I’m a sucker for a story where the MCs overcome difficult circumstances and there’s growth on the other side. Jenny did such an amazing job weaving this into their stories. There was also a clear, strong Christian theme that was beautifully integrated!

If you’re looking for a sweet, swoon-worthy read with no spice and all the feels, check this debut novel out!

Adanne, a cosmetics artist, once again she has an opportunity to pursue a career she’s passionate about. John Pope, the main character, is the issue. She worked on one of his films years ago, and things didn't turn out well. She would give him another chance since she had heard he had changed. She also needed the money.

I loved the little town of Hope Springs, Alabama, where the movie was being filmed. The town felt like a character in the story. John Pope struck me as a man who was attempting to live out his faith and make his own decisions about his life and career. He wanted to do what was right, not simply make the choices that would gain him more attention and admirers.

This charming tale involves a contemporary romance set in Adanne's hometown and gives readers an intimate look at some film industry's backstage operations. In addition to having characters, you'll love hanging out with and a natural faith message that emphasizes the value of family and shows that doing the right thing can be hard. It's ok to receive help. It doesn’t make you weak. Adanne comes to realize you don't have to face the hard things alone. She discovers it’s easier said than done.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book by the publisher and NetGalley. 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 is a solid debut book. I enjoyed it and it reminded me of Toni Shiloh's style. Adanne has an interesting background. She's a caretaker, trying to meet all of her family's needs. I get it. And I understand that it's hard to ask for help. I appreciated her growth in that throughout the book.

I enjoyed the interactions between Adanne and John. I've never thought about the hours an actor spends with his makeup artist getting ready for a shoot every day. It was fascinating getting a glimpse into that world.

I love small town stories as I grew up in one and understand the unique dynamics at play. I liked seeing how the community came together. This was a fun read with great character development.

Thank you to Revell for providing me with a free copy of this book. I'd recommend it and I'll look forward to reading whatever comes next from this author. All opinions are my own.