Life on the Porcelain Edge

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Pub Date Nov 01 2017 | Archive Date Jul 04 2018
BooksGoSocial | Pelican Book Group

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Description

Tessa Tarrington's life is swirling out of control. No job. No apartment. Sick Dad...And she’s back in high school! Teaching at her Gibson's Run alma mater would be tolerable, except she’s sharing purgatory with her mortal enemy, Ryland Jessup. But eight years post-high-school, and after tragedies she can barely understand, Ryland no longer fits her mental image of the over-sized bully he once was. In fact, much to her disgust, he’s finding his way into her heart. After the sudden death of his wife, Ryland hung up his professional shoulder pads and picked up a whistle. Now he’s focused on coaching the high school football team and raising his daughter. The sudden return of his childhood crush, Tessa Tarrington, has reawakened long-ago feelings. But if God's giving him a second chance to impress Tessa, the Man Upstairs has a funny way of showing it. Just when Tessa starts to lighten up, Ryland's best friend returns. Will the always-irresistible Joey Taylor stifle any hope Ryland has to ignite the dream of a relationship with Tessa?

Tessa Tarrington's life is swirling out of control. No job. No apartment. Sick Dad...And she’s back in high school! Teaching at her Gibson's Run alma mater would be tolerable, except she’s sharing...


Advance Praise

"...the perfect example of great comic timing, amazing romance and superior writing skills."

"...the perfect example of great comic timing, amazing romance and superior writing skills."


Available Editions

EDITION Paperback
ISBN 9781611169393
PRICE $3.82 (USD)
PAGES 366

Average rating from 30 members


Featured Reviews

Rcvd an ARC at no cost to author..This book was fun and all over the place, how well we have lol moments, tear moments and chaos moments.. So we meet Tessa was a ghost writer, but unfortunately someone broke into her files and outs her and she loses her livelihood. Then to top that off her dad has a heart attack and she has to go home to care for him where she runs into her old classmate who always had a crush on her but she felt he was a bully. When you think that she and Ryland have something about to happen here comes Joey, and just what is it with him..Anyhoo true entertainment.. Enjoy!

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Not only does the cover make you laugh but the book is an amazingly, realistic novel. It portrays the very real, ups and downs of every day relationships and life and the pursuit of God. Not your typical love story. Would recommend for all.

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Life on the Porcelain Edge is a lovely and sweet story of romance and faith--sometimes light and funny but at times, more serious. Tessa Tarrington is working as a ghostwriter in New Orleans writing personal stories of celebrities. Unfortunate events in NOLA and her father's heart attack have her going back to her hometown in Ohio to help him recover. While her life is swirling out of control, she is able to get a job as a substitute teacher at her old high school where she is teaching with an old classmate, Ryland, now a single father of sweet little Emma and a coach after a short career in the NFL. She doesn't have fond memories of him but he has loved her since they were six years old. It was fun to watch the two banter and get to know each other again. The characters are genuine, well developed and likable and will have you pulling for them. Another classmate and Ryland's best friend, Joey, is a professional baseball player, who is in town for a while. He is a funny and charming guy but with his own issues. Tessa had a huge crush on Joey in high school and his attention is a balm to her soul. Her two best friends, sorority sisters Ella and Lily Mae, especially Lil, adds some lighthearted fun to the story. They will all need some faith, trust, love and forgiveness to get them through the issues that life throws them. I really enjoyed the bantering and interactions of the characters and how the author deals with overcoming the problems that crop up with the characters.
I received a complimentary copy from the Pelican Book Group through NetGalley to read and review. The opinions are mine only.

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I found Hilbert's depiction of Tessa to be so relatable, I always say if I didn't have crap luck I'd have NO LUCK & man did I feel like Tessa was somewhat parallel to myself in many ways. Granted, I haven't moved back into my childhood home, been fired & thankfully my parents are healthy but none the less I've had my fair share of hurdles professionally, my own health & with my kids ( one with special needs) & have felt that my life too was circling the drain lol! This book incorporates faith, love, humor with a dash twist and turns. Overall what brings me back to an author is a book that is not only enjoyable but relatable & I look forward to indulging in the other work C.E. Hilbert has to offer.

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A big thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. First time reading this author. I didn't notice that this was a Christian romance, but it was soon obvious. This is Tessa and Ryland's story. Will she forgive him for his previous behaviour starting in Kindergarden?? It was an okay story, but I thought Tessa could have been more open minded at first. This was not my cup of tea. I have it a 3. Many romance readers will enjoy.

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What’s it like to be twenty-six and feeling like you’re stuck in a Panini press set on high? This New Adult Christian romance used likable characters, an interesting plot and Christian wisdom to answer the panini question.

As is often the case, misunderstandings and miscommunications can make one “miss out”on important friendships and romances, and other opportunities. Main character Tessa had plenty of problems when the book started, but as her story progressed she learned that, “Since she was six years old, her desire to blend into the background had driven nearly every decision she’d ever made.” She needed to stop hiding from what had God created her to do.

Here’s what I liked about the book. Tessa had an interesting career-as a ghostwriter. This added some zing to the plot. Tessa’s two love interests were well-rounded and appealing characters. Emma, the daughter of one of the young men, stole the show. She was a cute and creative young girl and how she and Tessa got to know each other was delightful reading. Part of the story was set in Ohio and part in New Orleans. Both were described well with warm and realistic details. I also liked the examples of Christian living.

And because this book portrayed the Christian lifestyle in a positive and welcoming way, that is the reason I didn’t like the cover and title. I felt the toilet imagery didn’t fit at all. However, what was between the covers was a good read!

Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the ARC. This is my honest review.

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Tessa and Ryland have a long, awkward history going back to kindergarten. Now a decade after high school, with both of them recovering from their lives' lowest points, can a relationship blossom, or will old hurts get in the way? This Christian romance far from the usual track. The characters have flaws and behave like actual people. Although their lives revolve around their faith and impact their decisions, the whole book isn't preaching at you. It is an honest romance with Christian values, and realistic dialogue. I enjoyed it highly. My only criticisms are excessive use of similes in general and the specific terms shuttering and fluttering in reference to eyes. And I found the "mystery" of the thief to be very obvious. Overall, it was a good book and I would recommend it to those 15yrs and older.

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Although there are many typos in the e-book version, this is a fun and enjoyable inspirational read. You'll relate well to Tessa's life struggles and ups and downs. Through it all, her faith does sustain her in both the pleasant and difficult times. She is able to obtain some healing and closure from the teen years as well.

I received a complimentary copy of the book without obligation. This review is my opinion.

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Zum brüllen komisches Buch mit einigen sehr ernsten Themen und Lektionen des Lebens. Munter erzählt, merkt man gar nicht wie die Zeit vergeht. Wirklich gute Unterhaltung.

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Really enjoyed this story. I did not expect to because the title and the cover put me off. However this story led you through the path of their lives, how small things that happen when you are younger can affect your whole life.

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Great relatable story about life. I received a copy from NetGalley and the publisher and this is my honest review. Very true-to-life story with all the emotions. I found this book to be well-written and a fun read.

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This book was a quick read for me. I finished it in one sitting. Likeable characters and good story. Would read another book from this author.

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Ever have times of your past life which you'd love to just forget?
That's the struggle for Tessa.
Only, it is by being thrust back to her alma mater where her 'mortal enemy' is found that she discovers what she thought was true really isn't.

Fun romance to read which may have you pondering your own high school years.

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