Lovely chick-lit written in lighter tones - yet with much deeper undertones. Charming group of Tolkien aficionados and some true literary context nicely complements the main couple of two strong-headed and broken-hearted people on their respective quests for better futures, both of whom might find something entirely different and definitely better than their original aims have been.

Ms Kara Isaac is definitely delightful, intelligent writer with the knack for both funny notes and the (unexpected) vulnerability and authenticity. A group of Tolkienites? This is definitely an innovation what only got me into a dream of visiting New Zealand and every beautiful thing it has to offer.
Jackson and Allie are entertaining, while their struggles are real enough (mainly Allie's bad luck is both heartbreaking and truly innovative, as the plots go).
My only criticis goes towards the ending, which feels both a bit fairy-taley and rushed. But otherwise I have high hopes for this fresh, fun and witty new authoress on my literary horizon!

3.5 stars
I never really got into this one. I know lots of people who lived it, but it just wasn't for me.

what a delightful book for the inner nerd in all of us. Filled with quirky characters and a delicious story line this book is amazing!

Fans of romantic comedies will love this debut novel. Such a fun read! Its situational comedy, quirky supporting characters, and witty banter had me grinning and chuckling, even as I got to know and empathize with the lead characters in their struggles and disappointments.

The unique backdrop of a Lord of the Rings themed tour in New Zealand sets this book apart from the start, and makes it quite memorable. There are some fabulous descriptions and details throughout the book, the kind that make me want to go on exactly this sort of tour. Though I think I’d want to brush up on my LOTR trivia first….

But it’s the characters, their hurts, and their goals that carry the story. Both characters are likeable – Allison from the beginning, and Jackson as we get to know him better – and they each have some unfortunate emotional baggage to work through, and some growing to do. I enjoyed cheering them on along the way toward a charmingly romantic ending. Perfect for those readers of clean contemporary romance looking for a good chuckle along the way to happily ever after.

Thank you to the publisher for providing a complimentary electronic copy of the book for review purposes.

A solid debut novel in terms of voice and setting, but the romance just wasn't believable for me, and much of the action felt formulaic. Like a bad chick-flick, there were many points in the story where I was consciously aware that I was supposed to be laughing... but wasn't. Still, Isaac has storytelling talent and I look forward to seeing it improve and mature in future stories.

Kara Isaac makes her debut with this contemporary romance featuring a disgraced scholar and an entrepreneur on a tour of New Zealand.

In Close to You, Allison Shire is running from her past when she meets Jackson Gregory on a tour of Tolkien movie sites in New Zealand. Allison decides she is done with love – she recently discovered her husband was married to someone else while she was married to him! Meanwhile, Jackson’s girlfriend stole his company secrets, and jilted him. Accompanying his great-uncle on the three-week Tolkien tour, he pretends to be a Tolkien fan, trying to convince his great-uncle to invest in his next scheme. Drawn to each other despite their initial dislike of one another, can they get past their past hurts and find true love?

Isaac pens a humorous Christian romance with endearing characters. One reads so many books with Austen themes, that it is refreshing to find an author who uses another great English writer – Tolkien. Even if one is not a Lord of the Ring fan, the descriptive narration, the beautiful setting in New Zealand, and the plausible plot make this novel an enjoyable read.

The themes of second chances (hope and love) underpin the story. The premise of two flawed main characters who are trying to move one after betrayals is noteworthy. Isaac weaves in enough backstory for non-Tolkien fans to follow as they go on the tour with Jackson and Allison. The faith element is light but present.