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From the Start

(Walker Family #1)

Melissa Tagg (Goodreads Author)

4.14 · Rating details · 1,467 ratings · 295 reviews

Kate Walker used to believe in true love and happily ever after. While her own love life may have left her brokenhearted, it hasn't kept her from churning out made-for-TV romance movie screenplays...until a major career slump and a longing to do something meaningful send her running back to her hometown of Maple Valley.

Permanently sidelined by an injury, former NFL quarte ...more

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Paperback, 352 pages

Published April 7th 2015 by Bethany House Publishers (first published March 31st 2015)

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· 1,467 ratings · 295 reviews

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Jun 04, 2014 Brittany rated it it was amazing

First of all, I just have to say that I LOVE this cover! And the great part is that the story inside the book is every bit as wonderful as the cover.

The two main characters, Kate Walker and Colton Greene, were individuals that I liked immediately and ones that I could cheer for throughout the entire book. Does that mean that I liked every decision they made? No! I found myself frustrated with Colton for a portion of the book and wanted to shake some sense into the man! But, the flaws that charac ...more

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Jun 04, 2014 Beth rated it it was amazing

Shelves: contemporary, christian-fiction, 2015, own-it, favorites-2015, tbr-pile-challenges, romantic, cfd-group-buddy-read

In general, I can’t say that I am a wholehearted fan of contemporary romance. I tend to stick with a few authors in the genre, the one’s I have confidence in, and that’s about it. While I may eventually branch out, I know for sure that I will never be disappointed with a book by Melissa Tagg. I was so happy to see that From the Start is the beginning of a new series because that means guaranteed new novels coming from Melissa. It seems that she just gets better and better with each book. Her wri In general, I can’t say that I am a wholehearted fan of contemporary romance. I tend to stick with a few authors in the genre, the one’s I have confidence in, and that’s about it. While I may eventually branch out, I know for sure that I will never be disappointed with a book by Melissa Tagg. I was so happy to see that From the Start is the beginning of a new series because that means guaranteed new novels coming from Melissa. It seems that she just gets better and better with each book. Her writing is sparkly and fresh in each story. Her characters come to life, the dialogue sparkles and the events of the story are poignant, humorous and uplifting.

The Walker family has really found a place in my heart. After meeting several of them in Three Little Words, the novella prequel to this novel, the story and its characters truly felt like home to me while I was reading. I could tell that Melissa put her heart into these characters; there was such a great ring of truth to everything within the story. They are involved in each other’s lives in a realistic way. Their interactions are nuanced and detailed in ways that made this reader smile.

The small town setting of Maple Valley is so endearing, and embodies the feeling of “home” that I felt throughout the story. Kate and Colton are such believable characters; they felt like friends I had met before. Though both Kate and Colton have that “all-American” feel, they have unique qualities that make them stand out. Kate isn’t perfectly perfect at all times like some characters I was completely charmed by them – their strengths were admirable and their weaknesses made them realistic. Though there is romance in the story, the plot doesn’t revolve around that. Don’t get me wrong though – the romantic element is strong and lovely. There is some serious chemistry going on here and a lot of sweet, sigh-worthy moments – but they have to come full circle as individuals. There are no cure-alls to the issues and challenges they face.

I loved the theme of life not turning out the way you plan, that sometimes it’s best you don’t get too attached to your plans and trust that God has it under control. That’s easier said than done both in life and fiction. After she has hit a standstill in her career as a romance screenplay writer, Kate has grand dreams of working overseas for her mother’s foundation, pinning her worth on achieving that dream. Colton has to shed the spotlight-driven life he has lived as a pro-football player, and realize his worth outside of the sport. Though the journey to these realizations is not easy for them, I appreciated the honesty of their story and the courage that it must have taken Melissa to bring these emotions to the page.

You can bet my heart gave a little leap when I saw that the second book featuring the Walker clan appeared on Goodreads – no cover, no synopsis, but the title alone is enough to keep me going until it releases. I know that it will feel like coming home again when I do get to visit Maple Valley and the Walker's again. ...more

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Jun 04, 2014 Aerykah rated it it was amazing

Shelves: new-in-2015, read-the-series, 2015, library-challenge-2015, favorites, reviewed, books-i-own

What a great read! I wish Melissa wasn't a "new" author so that I could go get several of her books to read now instead of having to wait for the next one to come out... I love her writing style and her characters. The storyline drew me right in and kept my attention from start to finish, making it very hard for me to put the book down for any reason.

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May 19, 2018 Staci rated it really liked it

Shelves: read-in-2018

Sweet story about Kate Walker and Colton Greene. Neither is looking for romance and both are searching for what to do with their lives.

I loved how Kate got involved with Megan's life and Colton in Webster's life. That showed how caring they both are about others.

While the cover is incredibly cute, the male model on the cover doesn't at all look like what Colton does in my mind.

I'm glad there are four books in the series. I can already tell it's going to be a good one!

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Jun 08, 2014 Lindsey (Books for Christian Girls) rated it really liked it

Shelves: own, read-reviewed

About this book:

“Kate Walker used to believe in true love and happily ever after. While her own love life may have left her brokenhearted, it hasn't kept her from churning out made-for-TV romance movie screenplays...until a major career slump and a longing to do something meaningful send her running back to her hometown of Maple Valley.
Permanently sidelined by an injury, former NFL quarterback Colton Greene is temporarily hiding out in a friend's hometown to avoid the media and the reminders o ...more

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Jun 04, 2014 Dawn rated it it was amazing

Shelves: bethany-house, diminishing-pile-of-tbr-challenge, mastermind, read-in-2015, review-copies

Kate Walker is a romantic screenplay writer. Yet her scripts are falling flat. When a tornado draws her back to her hometown of Maple Valley, she sees this as a chance to figure out what she needs to do with her life. She wants to do something meaningful. Colton Greene is an NFL quarterback who saw his career end with an injury. Temporarily hiding out in his best friend's hometown of Maple Valley, Colton hopes to avoid the media and be normal. There's one problem. He doesn't know normal. Maple V ...more

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Jun 01, 2015 Sarita rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: cfd-group-reads, christian-contemporary, kindle

After reading and enjoying

Three Little Words (Walker Family, #0.5) by Melissa Tagg

, "From the Start" was on my TBR wish-list since 2015, but I never made it a priority, because I thought it would be more a kind of love story which I don't generally enjoy (boy meets girl, they fall in love, there is a misunderstanding, they break up etc.)

This book exceeded my expectations. Yes, there was romance, but not in your face romance, and far more than a love story, was a story of two broken people, who had to find their own path and healing and realise the ...more

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Nov 30, 2015 Dana rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2016rc-50-states, 2016rc-new-to-me-author, 2016rc-12-for-12, read-in-2016

I LOVED this book. Where to start... I loved the sweet town that it took place in. Maple Valley made me want to live there except for the natural disasters part of it. But how the town came together and everyone looks out for each other, and the slower pace... So sweet. Then there is the Walker family. A close knit, say the right thing, be there for you family. *Sigh* And as far as the storyline, awesome, I loved how you got a look at what was going on with the main characters thoughts and feeli ...more

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Mar 05, 2015 Hannah rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2015-outread_aubrey, cals-library, ebooks-2015, libraries-2015, contemporary-fiction, owned-books

4.5 stars.
This book is the type that just makes you want to lean back and enjoy. I have a weakness for family stories, and this hits all the right buttons in that respect, making me eager for the stories of the other family members.

I loved the aspect of Kate's writing career. I always love writer-heroes/heroines in books and pleasant, good-humored Kate was no exception. And for all his flaws, Colton doesn't hesitate to get right down and help out others, a quality I always admire in a hero and ...more

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May 07, 2018 Jerry rated it really liked it

A cute, touching romance, and a fabulous start to the series.

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May 27, 2017 Jane rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: own-it, x-fini-fiction-s-z

4.60 stars - mild pg13

Another book to absolutely love! Well, naturally! It's by Melissa Tagg. (She's my bff, you know. Well, technically, not bff's quite yet. But I'm sure we could be, rest assured!)

Two things. (Or maybe three? Or four?)
~~ I wish there was a town map in the front of the book, kind of like in Jan Karon's Mitford books. (Maybe there is a map in the actual book?? I was reading the kindle version.)
~~ I just have to say: Oh no, no, no, Melissa T., you didn't!! "...he smelled like . 4.60 stars - mild pg13

Another book to absolutely love! Well, naturally! It's by Melissa Tagg. (She's my bff, you know. Well, technically, not bff's quite yet. But I'm sure we could be, rest assured!)

Two things. (Or maybe three? Or four?)
~~ I wish there was a town map in the front of the book, kind of like in Jan Karon's Mitford books. (Maybe there is a map in the actual book?? I was reading the kindle version.)
~~ I just have to say: Oh no, no, no, Melissa T., you didn't!! "...he smelled like ... soap and pinewood and flannel." WHAT does flannel smell like???!!
~~ Why do book heroines always make me feel like such a floundering failure, highlighting what a mess I am?!? These chickadees are always plucky(hah!) and strong-willed; determined, yet feminine. They always have a dream career they've been secretly harboring, and miraculously they get fired or something and bounce back living that dream they never thought could come true. They're always down to their last $20 in the bank and their last tank of gas as they hit the road and try to find their dream. And yet, somehow, just as their clunker car finally sputters to death in the most adorable, quaint, small town, they manage to find the perfect job at a cute, quirky diner/coffee shop/flower shop that just happens to have a free apartment waiting for them above the shop or the garage. And the shop owner is this perfectly wonderful person who showers them with friendship and nuggets of wisdom, and then decides to retire and leave the business to our heroine. Or instead of a kindly shop owner, the heroine has a great Aunt Susie, who dies and leaves her an old house to turn into a B&B, etc. etc. And, of course, the contractor/handyman is a hunky man of God, who just happens to secretly be a humble, gazillionaire from his former life as a stock broker/IT genius, etc. etc. ----- So how do I become one of these heroines???? Do you think if I ditch my house and jump in the car and start driving until I run out of gas, maybe one of these Hallmark moments will happen to me, as well??
~~ Well I just went off on a tangent, didn't I??!! One would think I have nothing better to do with my time!
...more

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Mar 27, 2015 Loraine rated it really liked it

Shelves: modern-christian-fiction, romance

SUMMARY; Kate Walker used to believe in true love and happily ever after. While her own love life may have left her brokenhearted, it hasn't kept her from churning out made-for-TV romance movie screenplays...until a major career slump and a longing to do something meaningful send her running back to her hometown of Maple Valley.

Permanently sidelined by an injury, former NFL quarterback Colton Greene is temporarily hiding out in a friend's hometown to avoid the media and the reminders of all he' SUMMARY; Kate Walker used to believe in true love and happily ever after. While her own love life may have left her brokenhearted, it hasn't kept her from churning out made-for-TV romance movie screenplays...until a major career slump and a longing to do something meaningful send her running back to her hometown of Maple Valley.

Permanently sidelined by an injury, former NFL quarterback Colton Greene is temporarily hiding out in a friend's hometown to avoid the media and the reminders of all he's lost. Maple Valley seems like the perfect place to learn how to adjust to normal life. The only trouble is he's never really done normal before.

While Kate plays things safe and Colton is all about big risks and grand gestures, they both get what it's like to desperately need direction in life. An unexpected project gives them both a chance to jumpstart their new lives, but old wounds and new dreams are hard to ignore. Starting over wasn't part of the plan, but could it be the best thing that's ever happened to them?

REVIEW: I am not a huge fan of contemporary romance novels as they so often lack depth of both character and storyline. But Melissa Tagg definitely will be a contemporary romance author I'll read again. Both Kate and Colton were characters I could identify with who were beset by their past history and current situations. I particularly liked the story line with its twists, turns, and complications. Overall, an inspiring read that kept my attention from start to finish as well as a book that makes me hope there might be a sequel along the way since I especially loved the Walker family.

FAVORITE QUOTES: "There's something God's been teaching me over the past decade or so--this idea of letting go. Not good at it, never have been....More and more I'm seeing the value in stepping back and waiting. Discerning when it's right to hold on and when it's right to loosen up and let go."

"Don't assume saying yes to one dream automatically means saying no to another."

"So if you can believe that--that there's a God who created a world out of nothing--then it's not such a leap to believe He's present in the here and now. And that He can pick up the pieces of your life--even when it feels like a flood-ravaged mess--and turn it into something brand new.

"But I think a lot of times, it's when the stuff we think we want is stripped away, we finally see what we need....It's knowing that you were created by a God who loves you. Finding your purpose in that and that alone." ...more

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Mar 02, 2015 Andrea Cox rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites, challenges-2015, cover-love

by Andrea Renee Cox

“What was a girl supposed to do after her heart dried up and took her creative spark with it?” Kate Walker wonders if she’ll ever write something meaningful or even find another dose of passion for her career.

Colton Greene’s NFL career ended abruptly due to an on-the-field injury. Now his agent is pushing him to rejuvenate his career by looking at new options.

When Colton and Kate both head to Maple Valley, Iowa to help clean up in the aftermath of a natural disaster, they deci ...more

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Jun 04, 2014 Melanie rated it it was amazing

Shelves: eagerly-anticipating, personal-copy, review-books, netgalley-read

*Sighs* From the Start was such a great book! I absolutely loved reading it and getting to know these characters.

I loved the setting -- it was great to get back to this small town, which we got to know a little bit from the novella, Three Little Words.

The romance was sweet, story superb, and writing great. I definitely recommend it if you enjoy contemporary romance.

All in all, I loved From the Start from the start on. ;) I can't wait to read Melissa Tagg's latest book, Like Never Before!

*Disc ...more

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Mar 25, 2015 Cara Putman rated it it was amazing

I adored this story of two people who are both trapped by their past relationships and a future that is uncertain. Kate Walker wants to do something that matters with her life. Colton Greene doesn't know where his life is going. Then they both arrive in Kate's hometown and spend the next weeks working together on bringing the town back to life after a tornado tore through. At the same time they're working on Colton's memoir and finding there's much to like about the other.

This story is about fin ...more

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Sep 25, 2016 Claire Banschbach rated it really liked it

I usually don't read contemporary romance but I've been following the author on social media and such for awhile and really enjoyed how much she loved her characters. So I bought book 1. And loved it.

Seriously. The characters are all great, and I loved Maple Valley and its close knit community. The romance is killer. I loved the interactions between Kate and Colton. They're seriously adorable. And I loved getting to meet the Walker family. Safe to say that Ms Tagg has sufficiently enticed me to ...more

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Aug 14, 2017 Sarah rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2017-reads, contemporary, library-book

I like Melissa Tagg's books. She isn't one of those authors that has the characters have a passionate kissing session toward the beginning and then have the characters try to decide for the rest of the book if it meant anything. No, she has characters that come to care for each other on a deeper level, adds a good dose of humor, and then they fall in love.

This story was sweet and I so enjoyed it. I am going to read this series straight through! Love the Walkers so much!

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Dec 06, 2018 Sarah Grace Grzy rated it really liked it

3.5 stars! Mostly because I love these characters so much.

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Jul 12, 2014 Tressa (Wishful Endings) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: for-review, from-publisher, 2015, christian, favorites, romance

From the Start is the second book I've read from this author and it did not disappoint. In fact, it pretty much blew my expectations. I think I literally fell in love with the hero, Colton Green, and ex-star football quarterback. If the heroine, Kate Walker, and author and screen-play writer, didn't do the same over the course of this story, I would have been deeply disappointed. Thank goodness for happily-ever-afters, especially when getting there feels so gratifying after wading through heartb From the Start is the second book I've read from this author and it did not disappoint. In fact, it pretty much blew my expectations. I think I literally fell in love with the hero, Colton Green, and ex-star football quarterback. If the heroine, Kate Walker, and author and screen-play writer, didn't do the same over the course of this story, I would have been deeply disappointed. Thank goodness for happily-ever-afters, especially when getting there feels so gratifying after wading through heartbreak, self-discovery, tension, and difficulty.

One of my favorite things about this story, besides the romance and main characters (we'll talk about them soon...) was the Walker family. I felt completely at home with them, comfortable, and connected. I loved how loyal they were in so many ways to each other, but that even though they are one fabulous family that they also aren't perfect. They struggle sometimes and they all react and process things differently. Because of all those differences and imperfections they felt real, like it would be great to just go hang at their house and join in the ribbing and love. To say that I'm anticipating future stories revolving around the members of this family would be a huge understatement. I think I've made my point.

Kate. Well, what can I say? She's so very talented and driven. She's also (or has very much been in the past) naive. She's still figuring things out and she has this dream that can finally, finally be realized. It's what she feels will give her life purpose and meaning and she pretty much is banking on it helping her know who she is. She's also laid-back, loyal, a lot bit of a worrier, and cares deeply for her family. She's also been deeply hurt romantically and that's a huge hurdle. Colton. *sigh* What gives that sigh meaning is that he might have started off pretty full of himself in many ways, but just like Kate he misunderstands himself and has been hiding behind hurt for a long time. He changes over the time he's in the small town of Maple Valley living with the Walker clan. He really finds himself and what he'll do and what's important to him. That's what made me fall for him. Well, and maybe the way he teases, adores, and overall treats Kate and her family, as well as a certain high school boy.

Then there were a few secondary stories... The beginning of the backstory to one of Kate's sisters (can't wait for book two, Like Never Before, coming in April 2016) and then the owner of the coffee shop. Gosh, I loved Megan! That tough shell and how Katie worms (maybe more like forces) her way in. There was also the story of Marcus and his family, particularly his son who struggled with a life-long illness. That really teared me up. These other characters just made me love this story even more! Plus the town and how people came together during two different catastrophes just yanked on my heart.

The story held my attention the whole way through. There were slower, more contemplative and inspiring parts mixed with more tension-filled desperate parts. The end... It was so tough to read what Kate and Colton had to go through. Seriously heartrending, but it was also one of the reasons why the ending was so joyous and sweet.

There are lots of parts I liked. Here are a few:
"You know, Marcus, I think . . . I think it's not wrong to ache or feel hopeless. Your beautiful, amazing son is in a hospital room fighting for his life. What parent wouldn't feel emptied of hope at a time like this?" She tasted the salt of her own tears. "But there are people who are hoping for you, holding you and Hailey up. Let us do that. Let us hope for Breydan's tomorrow and next week and next year. You just focus on him right now. On being his dad who loves him right here in this moment."
(p. 211)
"It's okay to admist what you want. When you do, you might finally get brave enough to go after it."
(p. 224)
"Don't assume saying yes to one dream automatically means saying not to another."
(p. 259)

If you love romance, women's fiction, inspirational fiction, and a story that pulls at your heart and makes you fall in love with its characters, then I'd highly recommend From the Start. It's definitely a story I plan on reading again.

Content: Clean
Source: I would like to express my gratitude to Bethany House for my complimentary copy, which did not affect my review in any way. ...more

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Mar 20, 2015 Cheryl Olson rated it really liked it

Shelves: 50-states-2015, abc-2015, e-reader-2015, girl-power

From the Start, the first in Melissa Tagg's new series called the Walker Family is a delightful read that I know that fans of her other books will definitely enjoy. This story takes place in small town Maple Valley in Iowa
where former Big time quarterback Colton Greene and struggling romance screenplay writer Kate Walker both wind up to help out after a tornado wrecks havoc on the town. For Kate, it's her home town and she's going home to help family, but for poor Colton it is helping out a col From the Start, the first in Melissa Tagg's new series called the Walker Family is a delightful read that I know that fans of her other books will definitely enjoy. This story takes place in small town Maple Valley in Iowa
where former Big time quarterback Colton Greene and struggling romance screenplay writer Kate Walker both wind up to help out after a tornado wrecks havoc on the town. For Kate, it's her home town and she's going home to help family, but for poor Colton it is helping out a college friend's family who he has great respect for and to help him get his mind of his now "very over"( because of a shoulder/knee injury) NFL career. During the course of their time together Colton realizes that Kate would be the perfect person to write his autobiography that his agent was nagging for him to get done and so they are thrown together and a friendship/relationship starts developing between the two.

What is lovely about Melissa Tagg's writing is that within the context of a romance novel, she manages to give you two characters that have their own issues and things they are going through and need to reconcile during the course of the story, sometimes they are things that are processed together, but sometimes they need to deal with their own "stuff" individually before they are able to come together. I like that. It isn't your classic 2 perfect people coming together and poof everything is...perfect. This makes for more multi-dimensional characters and interesting reading. (In fact I found myself looking for every possible opportunity to read this book as it was on my kindle app!)

Colton is a very likable character, especially as you see him transition out of his former" always in the spotlight" persona into a person who truly does find his purpose in life and how his very difficult past comes to play in that. It was definitely a stand up and cheer kind of moment at the end as he truly sees how the bad in his life could be used for good in other's lives. Kate had her own journey to take as well as she tries to live up to everything that her mother had done before her as well as heal her heart from a disastrous previous relationship . However, she learns along the way that God has a different plan for all of us...and it's ok if it looks a little different that what we originally thought.

I will say that it's hard not to fall in love with the little town of Maple Valley as well as all of it's inhabitants. Kate has 3 Walker siblings, so it will be fun to see where Melissa Tagg takes this series as we see other storylines unfold. I think she has set things up very well for future storylines and books. I know that I will definitely be visiting Maple Valley again to see what the Walker Family is up to.

4 stars

I was given a digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
...more

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Jul 11, 2014 Shantelle rated it really liked it

Shelves: on-my-bookshelf, read-in-2015, reviewed, christian-fiction, romance, contemporary, new-adult

Contemporary doesn’t usually appeal to me for some reason or another, but From the Start by Melissa Tagg was a very pleasant exception!

Following the lives of a thirty-year-old woman writing romance scripts for Hallmark but closed off to experiencing love herself, and an injured football player all out of options, this story takes us on an interesting and delightful ride. Colton and Kate both end up in a small, charming town of Iowa; temporarily…or so they think. But God has big plans in store. Contemporary doesn’t usually appeal to me for some reason or another, but From the Start by Melissa Tagg was a very pleasant exception!

Following the lives of a thirty-year-old woman writing romance scripts for Hallmark but closed off to experiencing love herself, and an injured football player all out of options, this story takes us on an interesting and delightful ride. Colton and Kate both end up in a small, charming town of Iowa; temporarily…or so they think. But God has big plans in store. If only the two will open their eyes and take a leap of faith.

As I said before, modern romance stories…I most often leave them behind with a meh feeling. From the Start began engagingly and I enjoyed it for the most part. There was things about football, which I have a hard time getting into, and the like. I was liking this book…but yeah, not much more. However, as the story progressed, I just fell into it. There were intriguing characters, humorous happenings, traumatic times, and a gentle love story coming into bloom.

On that note, I really appreciated how this romance went! No heated scenes. Not so much focused on physical and whatnot. It was fresh. Beautiful. So fun and touching to watch come together! I really, really enjoyed it! Oh, and LOVE the nickname of Rosie!! :-)

There was a fair amount of action too. A sweet little boy with cancer; son of Kate’s friends. Tornados and floods. Accidents and traumatic flashbacks. Injuries and flawed relationships. A peak into the foster care system. I was just drawn into these peoples’ lives and intrigued with all that was going on. Concerned. Sorrowed. Hopeful. Elated.

From the Start had a meaningful message. It didn’t feel like some fluffy contemporary romance that focused on self and such. It told a beautiful story of broken people drawing closer to God and finding His will for their lives. Of healing from past emotional pain. Of seeing the needs around you and reaching out to meet them. It displayed a great love story. Not perfect; but amazing all the same! :-)

So really wonderful read!! I don’t believe I have any complaints… Yes, fantasy or historical would be my first choice; but From the Start by Melissa Tagg was definitely a contemporary that I loved! Looking forward to reading more about the Walker family! :-)

I received a copy of From the Start from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.
...more

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Mar 19, 2015 Katie Skaggs rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites

WOW!! That is one word to describe my reaction to how good this book was.
I had never read anything by Ms. Melissa Tagg before this one. One of my good friends had been telling me that she was a very good author and that I should try out one of her books but since I'm not normally a large fan of contemporary fiction I choose to wait until some other time to try one out. Then upon seeing the description of "From The Start" I knew that I just had to read it. Let's just say that Ms. Tagg is now one WOW!! That is one word to describe my reaction to how good this book was.
I had never read anything by Ms. Melissa Tagg before this one. One of my good friends had been telling me that she was a very good author and that I should try out one of her books but since I'm not normally a large fan of contemporary fiction I choose to wait until some other time to try one out. Then upon seeing the description of "From The Start" I knew that I just had to read it. Let's just say that Ms. Tagg is now one of my new favorite authors!!
My point in telling everyone this is that you will know even if you aren't a huge fan of modern you REALLY need to read this book!! One thing I loved that was different from anything I had ever read was a former NFL football player as a hero, you didn't have to know anything about football to understand the book but since I am a football fanatic I probably loved
it even more because of that. Then the heroine being a writer, well it was one of the best combo of characters that I think I've ever read. Then there was the humor, at quite a few key parts I would bust out laughing
because it was so very amusing. Then it had it's serious parts too. I really appreciated the perfect balance the author brought to this book. Every character was extremely lovable and I didn't want the book to end. I also loved how the faith of each one in God was gently woven throughout the story. It was beautiful really. This book kept me up until all hours of the night, I found myself continuing to read at eleven and looking up only to discover that it's now two thirty in the morning. I just can't really say enough go about this book, it was just so great in my opinion. I really enjoyed this book from the start (no pun intended) and have no complaints! All in all I give this book five stars! I highly, highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone who enjoys a wonderful,entertaining story. I received this book from Bethany House Publishers for my honest review, which I have given.
I was not required to write a positive review and have not been compensated for it in any way. All opinions expressed are mine. ...more

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Apr 02, 2015 Tammi rated it it was amazing

From the Start by Melissa Tagg is an absolutely delightful Contemporary Fiction novel. It is both heartwarming and laugh out loud hilarious. I already adore the entire Walker family from small town Iowa. In this first book of the series, we are introduced to the entire Walker clan, but the focus is on Kate Walker and former NFL star, Colton Greene. The dialog throughout the book between these two characters is insanely witty and I loved it.

Kate Walker is the author of a mediocre novel and some ...more

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Mar 17, 2015 Shannah Mauney rated it it was amazing

Shelves: reviewd-on-blog, contemporary-christian, christian-romance

This was such an inspiring story. I absolutely loved it from start to finish. Being back in Maple Valley was refreshing. I loved catching up with Ava and Seth (if you haven't read Three Little Words, you need to. It's FREE!) and the rest of the Walker clan. The love and support of the community and their sense of togetherness reminded me a lot of my community. This story pulled me in "from the start" (pun intended) and didn't let me go until the end.This was a sweet story about a guy and girl le ...more

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Jun 04, 2014 Alyssa rated it it was amazing

Shelves: most-anticipated-2015-releases, chick-lit, christian, christian-romance, most-anticipated, favourite-books-of-all-time

Melissa killed it...again! Full review to come!

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Mar 04, 2015 Nicki Olsen rated it it was amazing

Shelves: march-challenge-girl-power

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*Summary*

Kate Walker used to believe in true love and happily ever after. While her own love life may have left her brokenhearted, it hasn't kept her from churning out made-for-TV romance movie screenplays...until a major career slump and a longing to do something meaningful send her running back to her hometown of Maple Valley.
Permanently sidelined by an injury, former NFL quarterback Colton Greene is temporarily hiding out in a friend's homet ...more

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Oct 21, 2018 Alicia rated it really liked it

Shelves: adult-fiction, own-it-hardcopy

Aww, this was cute! And deep, and funny and moving and and an all-around enjoyable read :)

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Jun 19, 2014 Abbi rated it it was amazing

Shelves: contemporary-romance

Oh were to begin?! As I fully expected, I adored every second of this book! I've been a huge Melissa Tagg fan ever since I started Made to Last and I swear she's only gotten better! After reading her novella Three Little Words which introduced us to the Walkers and Maple Valley, my anticipation for this book (which was already exceedingly high) went through the roof.
Maple Valley is such a quaint town and I wish it was real so I could move there. It was that perfect small town that made you feel Oh were to begin?! As I fully expected, I adored every second of this book! I've been a huge Melissa Tagg fan ever since I started Made to Last and I swear she's only gotten better! After reading her novella Three Little Words which introduced us to the Walkers and Maple Valley, my anticipation for this book (which was already exceedingly high) went through the roof.
Maple Valley is such a quaint town and I wish it was real so I could move there. It was that perfect small town that made you feel at home the second you stepped into it.
As for Kate and Colton, they were amazing! I loved both of them so much. Their banter was such fun and watching them fall in love had me melting. The scene where they meet was one of the funniest I have ever read and had me laughing so hard! You could just tell from the get go that they were perfect for each other. I really could identify with a Kate a lot, especially the shying away from risks, and the disinterest in football, though I will admit Colton had even me rethinking my dislike of football! My heart wanted to break for the life Colton had experienced and I loved watching him find his place in Maple Valley and in the Walker family. He was exactly the kind of hero I love, a little bit broken, a reformed bad boy, funny, hardworking, and caring. I loved how he was willing to do whatever necessary to help those he cared about.
So yeah Kate and Colton were a spectacular heroine and hero, but we can't forget about everyone else! I love the entire Walker clan! Even if so far we've only got to talk to Beckett on the phone! From Case's amazing wisdom and fathering, to Logan's typical big brother routines and his care for his family, to Reagan and her adorable eccentrics and kind nature with everyone. I also loved Bear, Marcus and his family, Webster, and Megan, whose characters helped make this story the amazing thing of beauty it is!
I honestly loved every second and wanted to reread it the moment I finished. I also find myself feeling homesick for Maple Valley even though it's a fictional town! I honestly can not get my hands on book two fast enough!

I received this book free from the author in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. ...more

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Mar 31, 2015 Sarah Ruut rated it really liked it

A disillusioned romance writer. An NFL quarterback forced into retirement. A small community willing to accept them both. But will each of their pasts destroy any hope of a future?

I loved the characters in From the Start! I found myself wishing I could meet them in real life, because they seemed so real and genuine. From the raw hurt in Megan and Webster to the quirkiness that was Raegan, the compassion in Kate to the strength in Colton, I felt like I truly got to know these characters as people ...more

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Apr 03, 2015 Sally rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2015-books-read

I loved this book! It's the first book by Melissa Tagg that I have read and I am thrilled to have read it and I am anxious to read Melissa's other books!
The storyline is very original and I felt like I was "grabbed" since I didn't want to put it down once I started.
The life situations were so realistic and I felt like I could have been reading a true story. Everything just fell into place so well. This is a must-read book! You won't be sorry!

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About Melissa Tagg

Melissa Tagg

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Melissa Tagg is the award-winning author of the popular Walker Family series, the Where Love Begins series and the Enchanted Christmas Collection. She's a former reporter, current nonprofit grant writer and total Iowa girl.

Melissa's recent releases include a Carol Award Winner (One Enchanted Noel), an RT Book Reviews TOP PICK (All This Time) and a Publishers Weekly Spring Top Ten Pick (Like Never ...more