About the Book
Book: Curtain Call
Authors: Hope Bolinger & Alyssa Roat
Genre: Sweet Contemporary Romance
Release date: November 5, 2022
With their future in theater on the line, can a newbie actress and overwhelmed playwright put on a production to remember?
Part-time thespian Griffith Williams can’t seem to do anything right in his parents’ eyes, especially compared to his brother, a missionary in the Dominican Republic. But if he can pull off the biggest play of the year, the Christmas play, he could win a job as a full-time director, and prove to himself—and his family—that he hasn’t mistaken his calling to the arts.
Would-be actress Hadassah Wright spends her days teaching and corralling her many, many younger siblings in a large homeschool family. Her only escape seems to be through marriage to a childhood not-so-sweetheart—until a casting call for a local play provides an opportunity to act, perhaps for the last time.
When the two end up as leads in the play, the chemistry they feel isn’t just on the stage. Hadassah finds refuge from familial pressures through helping Griffith at the theater, and Griffith finds a kindred spirit in Hadassah’s longing to pursue the art she loves.
But when an envious stage manager, a director with far too many demands, and a relentless suitor threaten to derail the show, will the curtains close on any chance of romance?
About the Authors
Hope Bolinger and Alyssa Roat are the authors of more than twenty books both independently and co-authored. They have worked in a wide variety of roles within the publishing industry as agents, editors, writers, journalists, and publicists.
When not writing, Hope is a theatre nerd who loves to hike, and Alyssa is a history geek and game enthusiast. Both are proud cat moms. You can learn more about them on social media @hopekbolinger and @alyssawrote.
More from Alyssa
When you think of calling, what comes to mind? Pastoral calling? A call to missions?
What about a call to theater?
Hope and I (Alyssa) found ourselves with a feeling of calling from a young age. We both felt the Lord leading us to writing and publishing.
I, for one, didn’t listen too well at first. Writing? But I wanted to serve God! I wanted to live a life that mattered for God’s kingdom! So instead, I studied math and science to prepare for a future in the medical field so I could work in medical missions.
The problem was, I didn’t enjoy it. Words beckoned to me. Books and writing gave me deep joy other endeavors never quite could. But if I didn’t go into traditional ministry, how was I supposed to serve God?
In Curtain Call, our characters struggle with calling. Griffith feels pressure to be a missionary like his brother. Hadassah feels obligated to be a good wife and mother like her own mom and sister. But they never feel quite as alive, quite as themselves, as when they’re on the stage. Is it possible that God might…want them there?
As you may have guessed, I eventually learned that God calls all of us to different things. He put the love of words inside of me. He guided me to writing and doing what He has called me to do brings the greatest joy of all.
As Hadassah and Griffith in the book struggle with identifying their calling, I pray that we all may explore the unique joys and talents the Lord planted within each of us. We hope you enjoy reading Curtain Call as much as we enjoyed writing it. May His still, small voice lead you on the adventure of a lifetime.
My Review of Curtain Call
Griffith left the mission field and is working at a coffee shop in order to afford to spend time in the theater, his true passion. Hadassah wants to get involved in the community play. She had dreams of her own, but now that her sister is married, her mom needs help with all of her siblings. Can Griffith find a way to make money following his dream? And can Hadassah learn to speak for herself and find boundaries?
I would classify this book as contemporary fiction with a bit of romance. Part of the focus is on following God where he calls, so it is definitely inspirational. Since it is a part of a series, one would probably appreciate this title even more if the previous two books are read first. The whole series is about how creatives can find a way to support themselves on the craft that they love. Since the authors are in a similar position, I feel like their perspective is powerful and well-portrayed.
While I really enjoyed this book, parts of it made it uncomfortable. Not because of content but because of conviction. I could see myself a bit too readily in several sections. Sometimes I have expected people to serve in their areas of gifting where they also trying to earn an income. Should they really be expected to simply volunteer? And considering that I also have kids that are nearing adulthood, I was reminded as I watched the meddling parents in several chapters that I do not want to place weighty expectations on my kids to follow my dreams instead of their own. SO many life lessons could be learned from this work of fiction.
I did receive an advanced copy of this book. I wanted to read and review it. All opinions are my own.
Blog Stops
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 5
Texas Book-aholic, November 6
deb’s Book Review, November 7
Inklings and notions, November 8
Locks, Hooks and Books, November 9
For the Love of Literature, November 10 (Author Interview)
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, November 10
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, November 11
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 12
For Him and My Family, November 13
Susan K. Beatty, Author, November 14 (Author Interview)
Blossoms and Blessings, November 15 (Author Interview)
Holly’s Book Corner, November 15
The Sacred Line, November 16
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 17
Guild Master, November 18
Giveaway!
To celebrate their tour, Alyssa and Hope are giving away the grand prize package of a $20 Amazon gift card and copy of each of the three books in the series!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
Griffith left the mission field and is working at a coffee shop in order to afford to spend time in the theater, his true passion. Hadassah wants to get involved in the community play. She had dreams of her own, but now that her sister is married, her mom needs help with all of her siblings. Can Griffith find a way to make money following his dream? And can Hadassah learn to speak for herself and find boundaries?
I would classify this book as contemporary fiction with a bit of romance. Part of the focus is on following God where he calls, so it is definitely inspirational. Since it is a part of a series, one would probably appreciate this title even more if the previous two books are read first. The whole series is about how creatives can find a way to support themselves on the craft that they love. Since the authors are in a similar position, I feel like their perspective is powerful and well-portrayed.
While I really enjoyed this book, parts of it made it uncomfortable. Not because of content but because of conviction. I could see myself a bit too readily in several sections. Sometimes I have expected people to serve in their areas of gifting where they also trying to earn an income. Should they really be expected to simply volunteer? And considering that I also have kids that are nearing adulthood, I was reminded as I watched the meddling parents in several chapters that I do not want to place weighty expectations on my kids to follow my dreams instead of their own. SO many life lessons could be learned from this work of fiction.
I did receive an advanced copy of this book. I wanted to read and review it. All opinions are my own.
The cover looks great
This sounds really good. I love that one character was homeschooled.
Yes, that was a fun part!
Thank you for sharing your review of Curtain Call, this sounds like a great story and I am looking forward to reading it myself
A great book!
Congratulations on your release of Curtain Call, Alyssa & Hope, I enjoyed following the tour and learning about your book, which sounds like a great book for me to enjoy! Good luck with your book and I hope the tour was a success! Thanks for sharing it with me!
Thanks, The Sacred Line, for sharing your review!
Have a sunshiny day!
🙂 Thanks for supporting authors.