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?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

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

This story brought up some great memories of when I directed the church play every year for the children. It was so fun to see how each child was excited to be part of the play. You could feel the tension as the time came to go on stage. One thing I always made sure of was that every child who wanted in the play was a part of it. Reading this story reminded me of all the responsibility Griffith has taken on. 

It’s funny how Griffith has been waiting for the right moment to hopefully get his chance to get noticed and direct for a living. He has always been in the shadows of his siblings but now maybe his chance to shine has come. Being asked to direct the community play excited him but there is a little catch. They are doing a play that Griffith has written. How unexpected that was for Griffith. Talk about pressure, wow. 

Hadassah has always watched children. Being in charge of homeschool for her siblings leaves her little time for herself. She would love to be married with a family of her own, but she has too much responsibility overseeing her siblings to have time to date. Working as the lead in the play may bring her out of her loneliness. Getting to spend time with Griffith helps both of them become more confident. I like that both characters are searching for their calling and want to do what God has planned for them. What is your passion? Are you still searching for your calling? 

Byron comes off as an arrogant person who wants to take over the play. He acts like he is helping Griffith but I think he has plans of his own. He also has his eyes on  Hadassah. Byron has an agenda to win Hadassah over and does everything he can to make Griffith look like he doesn’t know how to direct a play. 

There are a few moments in the story where disaster tries to strike but God was watching over things. I love how Griffith was able to have a good and honest talk with his parents about his mission. We each have a mission whether it be sending cards to shut ins, bringing food to the sick or directing a play that brings people together to encourage them and give them hope.  Don’t miss the author’s notes at the end of the book. It will give you hope and challenge you to never give up. 

“Calling is where your passions and the world’s brokenness meet.”

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion. 

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.

https://promosimple.com/ps/22670/curtain-call-celebration-tour-giveaway