Starring Me by Krista McGee

Release Date: July 10, 2012

Kara McKormick is told she's auditioning to star in a new teen variety show. But it's what she isn't told that could change her life.

The feisty New Yorker moves to sunny Orlando to participate in a month-long audition, where she'll live with nine other contestants and an eccentric housemother. Kara knows that the show already has a big-time celebrity lined up for the co-host, but she doesn't know who it is.

Chad Beacon quickly rose to fame after winning America's Next Star, but he doesn't want his entire career to be about singing. There is so much more he wants to do-like act. The new variety show sounds like the perfect next step for him, but his parents want him to have a co-star who shares his faith since they'll be spending so much time together.

Acting is high on Kara's priority list. But a relationship with God? Not so much. In fact, she's tried to stay away from anything religious. But God is after Kara's heart and He's put people in her life who are showing her there's far more to Christianity than rules and judgment.

And just when it seems that Kara's going to have to give up her acting dream, God reveals that she may have a starring role after all-in a story so big only He could write it.

This is a companion book to First Date that was released earlier this year. I would highly recommend reading that book before reading this. You can read my review of First Date by clicking HERE.

I think I am officially a Krista McGee fan. Are her books fairly predictable? Yes. Do they have plenty of fluff in them? Also yes. Do I love them even more because of that? Absolutely. I wasn't so sure about the Christianity element when I read First Date but I thought it was refreshing in this book.

I really liked Kara. She was sassy and confident and lovable--and not in an obnoxious way. I thought she was such a great character. I am glad that Addy and Jonathan made guest appearances in this book. I was hoping there would be more to their story when I finished the first book in this "series".


I don't want to have to do a spoiler alert in this post at all, so just know that I really enjoyed this book. I would recommend it, but make sure you read the books in order! Even though this is a companion book, you still need to read the first book. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!


Now, I want to let you all know, THERE WILL BE NO REVIEWS NEXT WEEK (July 10th and 12th). I'll be back to posting on Tuesday, July 17th. See you on the flip side! (That is such a lame saying, but I couldn't resist. I've always wanted to work it into a conversation.... I figured this was close enough!)

Happy Reading!

**I received this book from the publisher for the purpose of review.

First Date by Krista McGee

Release Date: January 10, 2012 

 

Addy Davidson discovers God's unexpected plans for her life when a reality TV show turns her quiet existence on its head.

The orphaned daughter of missionaries, Addy is quite content to stay in the shadows and never draw attention to herself. But when she's selected for a reality TV show to try to become the President son's prom date-a show she didn't audition for-she's suddenly in America's spotlight.

The lights, the make-up, the competitions, and the blogs discussing every move she makes all make Addy incredibly uncomfortable. But through her time at The Mansion, Addy comes to realize that first impressions aren't always right, that hiding out may not be what God had planned for her life, and that her faith should affect everything she does. It may just be that her selection wasn't random at all and that she's on this show "for such a time as this."

I actually quite liked this book. I wouldn't say I loved it, but I definitely liked it. I thought it was a fun, light, uplifting read. It was pretty predictable, but that possibly made me like it more, instead of less, surprisingly. 

I have a small confession. Don't judge me for it. One of my favorite movies ever is Chasing Liberty. It stars Mandy Moore (love her!) as the "first daughter" who falls in love. So let's get real-- this book was right up my alley. :)

  

Now I don't usually gravitate towards books that mention religion, but it's not because I don't like them. I guess it's more because they're just not the kind of books I read on a regular basis. I have to say that it was quite refreshing to read about a teenager that was firmly planted in her beliefs without being pushy or obnoxious about it with people who weren't as comfortable with religion. 

I really liked Jonathon and how "down to earth" he was. He wasn't at all what I (or Addy) expected. He wasn't stuffy or conceited or fake. I thought he was so sweet when he'd talk about his family, and I liked his interactions with Addy. Especially his first interaction-- oh, how I laughed!

Overall, I liked this book. I would definitely recommend it, and it's appropriate for even pre-teens. It's so difficult to find Young Adult books that are actually appropriate for young adults nowadays, but this one is most certainly one to check out!

Happy Reading!

**I received this egalley from the publisher for the purpose of review.