Adanne is desperate to earn a little cash to fund her family's community center, so she takes a job as a makeup artist on a film set. There, she comes face-to-face with John Pope, the Hollywood star who cost Adanne her hard-won break in the movie biz. John has been dealing with his own demons, and the two build a tentative relationship.

After 8 years living in LA, it was nice to see a book about movies that actually felt accurate. I was curious how Adanne and John would bridge the divide between their worlds. I thought this was a sweet story.

I don't typically enjoy celebrity romance, and I'm not 100% sure how I feel about this one. I did love parts of this, and then I also felt like it wasn't for me. I had mixed emotions about Adanne. I felt her character was whishy, washy. One minute, she was outgoing and pleasant, and the next, she was hateful. Maybe it was just the walls she put up when it came to John, but I didn't know how to take her most of the time. I did love the "slow burn" and the pacing of their relationship. Most romances are a bit insta-lovey, but this was very realistic and believable. The writing style was a bit hit and miss for me, and I found myself skimming over pages to get through in places. I really enjoyed the themes of deep faith in this book, and there were a lot of enjoyable side characters apart from my feelings for Adanne. Overall, I think in the future, I would be willing to revisit this author again. Thank you, NetGalley and Revell, for the opportunity to read and review this advanced copy.

Her Part to Play is a wonderful story of the transforming power of Jesus Christ. Every part of this book inspires the reader to lean into Him when you aren’t sure which way to go.

Adanne is a beautiful person whose life circumstances cause her to pick up a heavy burden that isn’t hers to carry. Balancing everything while furthering her career is near impossible, but the answer may be closer than she thinks.

John is a man with a past he isn’t proud of. Life as a well known actor has its perks but they can’t compare to his new life as a Christian. When he meets Adanne at first it’s nothing more than a distraction. Soon he begins to see God’s hand and timing in her presence. Could it be she’s here for much more than meets the surface?

I loved the authentic way in which the author portrays the emotions of the characters. Each one is written with a unique personality displayed in their responses. From hurt to joy, doubt to faith, and awkwardness to love, this book has it all.

The sense of support and community portrayed with Adanne’s family, neighbors, and friends makes Hope Springs a place I’d love to be a part of.

This book is one of the best inspirational romances I’ve read in a long time.
I highly recommend it.

I was given a copy courtesy of Revell through NetGalley. This is my honest opinion of the book.

This book is about enemies becoming friends and continuing on to a relationship. The author does a fantastic job of weaving the Christian life and struggles into the storyline. As a debut novel Jenny has done a great job. If you enjoy Hallmark movies this book is for you.

Jenny Erlingsson's Her Part to Play is a superb debut novel that has this reader eagerly anticipating her next one!

Adanne took on a last-minute makeup job on a movie set. With her days already filled to the brim with managing her late parent's community centre and caring for her brother, whose young son is battling cancer, this girl needed a break! Unfortunately, she ends up doing makeup for the same actor who got her fired on her last movie set and cost her a job she desperately needed. For her to forgive him, it will take a deep trust in the Lord.

John Pope doesn't know why Adanne is so standoffish with him and clearly not a fan, but he hopes his newfound faith in God will help win her over. Unfortunately, he has no idea what he did to her, and it will take a lot for John to break down Adanne's walls.

I loved the faith element in this book, as well as how hard each character leaned on Christ to get them through the many obstacles in their way. I loved how realistic their love story was, and that it wasn't like a Hallmark movie. It was genuinely natural, as both characters first grew to be friends, surprised at how much they had in common.

This was a brilliant debut novel, and I look forward to reading more by this author.

For my honest opinion, I received a complimentary copy from Revell via NetGalley.

What a wonderful debut!

Adanne is trying to stay strong for the family she has left and will do anything in her power to make sure the ones she loves are well taken care of. John is on a mission to leave his past forever behind him, to forge his way as a new man, despite the glitz and glamor of his Hollywood stardom.

A strong faith thread is woven throughout the entire novel, demonstrating the characters’ faith in God and their acknowledgement that they need God to work in and through every situation. The faith message is clear, without it being preachy, and is organic to the story.

I love Adanne’s transformation as she learns that it’s okay to ask for help, to lean on others, and to loosen her grip on things she can’t control. John’s character shows the struggles of holding to one’s principles when they weren’t there before, while working in a very public career. Of searching and waiting for God’s will.

The cast of secondary characters add a wonderful layer to Adanne and John’s story. I hope we see one or two of these characters again in their own happily-ever-after stories!

A great read by a talented author. I look forward to reading more from Jenny Erlingsson.

I received an ecopy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Her Part to Play by Jenny Erlingssonn is an uplifting novel of faith, redemption, and love set in the challenging world of the movie industry. Adanne returned home to smalltown Alabama from the bright lights of Hollywood when her mother fell ill. Her return was unavoidable, unexpected, and damaged her reputation as a reliable make-up artist. Grappling with the loss of her mother, more family illness, and the possible loss of her family’s recreation center, she secures a job on a movie set when a picture is being filmed in her town. One of the stars of the movie is John Pope; he was very vocal about her quick exit from her previous movie set and his harsh words were instrumental in getting her fired and blacklisted. When John meets his new make-up artist, he has no idea that they have a history or that his careless words cost her so much! John is just trying to reshape his life, move on from a toxic relationship, and most importantly, improve his walk with God. As John and Adanne work closely together, they come to appreciate and care for each other. But will Adanne be able to see that John is more than an artificial leading man or will his Hollywood lifestyle and industry pressure separate them? Her Part to Play is a beautifully rendered debut novel. Kudos to Ms. Erlingssonn for her delightful characters and their sweet and spiritual journey. In addition, her careful and inspiring description of this small town in Alabama makes the town of Hope Springs a character itself!
I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.

This is a heartwarming story of two people moving beyond their pasts and leaning on their faith. Adanne worked with John previously. Their association ended poorly, but John doesn't remember her. Adanne has a strong sense of family and doesn't trust easily as past hurts and disappointments have yet to heal. John has dedicated his life to God but is still somewhat wary of relationships after a bad breakup. Can Adanne trust John after their previous interaction? Can John be the person Adanne needs, or will his publicity requirements get in the way?

I feel like this could be set in my small hometown. The author captured the small-town friendliness of everyone knowing everyone. She delivers on family being there for family and doing what you can to help others. The characters bless their food. They attend church. They actively seek guidance from the Lord. This is a wonderful book. This author writes what she knows.

Thanks to NetGalley and Revell for an e-arc in exchange for an unbiased review.