Book Review: Her Part to Play by Jenny Erlingsson

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Her Part to Play by Jenny Erlingsson hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Her Part to Play 

Author: Jenny Erlingsson 

Publisher: Revell 

Release Date: June 18, 2024 

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Desperate for extra income after her mother's passing, Adanne accepts a last-minute job as a makeup artist for a movie filming in her small Alabama hometown. She's working to save her parents' legacy and help her brother, but the money hardly seems worth having to face the actor who got her fired from her last job in Hollywood.

John Pope has made his share of mistakes over the years. But after turning his life over to God and enduring a messy breakup, he's ready to start rebuilding his career. Imagine his surprise when the woman called in to cover for his usual makeup artist is a quiet but feisty newcomer on the set--and definitely not a fan. 

Sparks of tension--and could that be attraction?--fly between them, but Adanne hates the spotlight, and John's scheming manager has bigger plans for him than to end up with the humble makeup girl from the small-town South. Can these star-crossed lovers find their way to happiness? Or will the bright lights of Hollywood blind their eyes to what's right in front of them? 

Debut author Jenny Erlingsson's diverse cast comes alive with faith, romance, and a touch of humor to create a story worthy of the big screen.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | Bookshop

---

Excerpt

Adanne swallowed. How’d she go from a sleepy makeup artist to standing in as an extra? Most of the scenes were blocked before she finished applying the makeup. Surely someone else could do this with the stunt double instead of her standing in the last place she wanted to be . . . at the center of everyone’s attention.

Before she could come up with a better alternative, the stand-in sauntered out of an office building adjacent to the general store. Except, it wasn’t a double.

He approached her, adjusting the suspenders attached to his trousers as he listened to the production assistant who was walking beside him. Adanne blinked, swallowing down the bile rising in her throat. Surely the Lord would allow the Alabama clay to open and swallow her right up. Away from the man she’d been grateful to avoid since she’d stepped foot on set. The careless actor whose antics got her fired three years ago.

---

My Thoughts

Her Part to Play by Jenny Erlingsson was a pleasure to read. Many elements of the story drew me, but the theme about God doing new, fresh things in a person’s life (taken from Isaiah 43) resonated with me most. My present life circumstances made this theme particularly effective and gave me a right-book-at-the-right time experience. The hope and spiritual truth I gleaned from the novel has continued to encourage me in the days since finishing the story.

I also enjoyed the enemies-to-lovers romance in Her Part to Play. Since the animosity was fairly one-sided, the story also held friends-to-lovers vibes that laid a nice foundation for the romantic development between Adanne and John. While physical attraction appeared frequently, it was never lusty. Plenty of emotional connection and genuine care grew between the characters, making the fruition of their relationship beautiful.

Her Part to Play had a realistic small-town Alabama setting (except for the scenes set in Hollywood). Dialogue between the characters, as well as Adanne’s thoughts, gave an authentic, Alabama feel to the story. Though Adanne’s family served as side characters, they felt lively, real, and made me wish for family like that. Every so often, one of her family members spoke a statement that held a heap of life truth that made me laugh out loud or pause to truly take it in, depending on the situation. Looking back, I see I marked many quotes in the novel.

Her Part to Play stands as Jenny Erlingsson’s fiction debut and I hope she’ll continue her fiction work. I loved everything about this book. Recommended for fans of Christian fiction who enjoy contemporary romances with sparking chemistry, racial diversity, and poignant truth.  Five stars!

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

---

About the Author

Jenny Erlingsson is an author and speaker of Nigerian descent. After 12 years working in junior high and women's ministry, she moved with her family from Alabama to Iceland. When she's not running after her four kids or ministering alongside her husband, she can be found writing romantic fiction and creative nonfiction to inspire deep faith in diverse settings, as well as encouraging other writers. Her other writings have been featured on (in)courage, Live Original, Velvet Ashes, and more. And in the margins, you might find her reading five books at a time with a side of Icelandic chocolate.

Connect with Jenny by visiting JennyErlingsson.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

---

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a print copy of Her Part to Play and a $25 gift card to Bookshop.org!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight July 10, 2024 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on July 17, 2024. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

---

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!