If there’s one thing Harlow Cruse hates more than those schmaltzy Heartcast TV movies…it’s the fact that she loves those schmaltzy Heartcast TV movies. She loves them angrily. With popcorn. Popscorn?
As if she doesn’t get enough drama in her day to day—directing a ministry-minded community theatre that cranks out three shows a month and trying to keep up with her aspiring screenwriter bestie, Teagan, a self-described “dramagician.”
When the Heartcast Movie division announces they’ll briefly be allowing submissions for new, original Christmas movies, Teagan is convinced this is her time.
Roped into workshopping scenes from Teagan’s in-progress spec script (“Christmas in Snow Prairie.” Or maybe “Jingle Bell Kiss.” “A Twice-Baked Christmas”?) Harlow finds herself paired with an even more reluctant co-star. Jack Bentley might have the most Heartcast Original Movie name on the planet, but he is anything but formulaic.
As she begins to see past assumptions she hadn’t even realized she’d made, Harlow recognizes that all the time she’s been rolling her eyes at the predictable dance of made-for-TV plot-points, she’s unknowingly been holding people to the expectations of her own formula. Her own opinions. Her own preferences. Her own strengths.
She’d never thought of herself as overly-judgmental. Or cynical. Or even narrow. But in the midst of laughing her way through poorly-executed tropes and half-painted backdrops, out-of-season sweaters and various metaphorical and literal fires, Harlow’s eyes begin to open to the beauty of not-like-me in the body of Christ. And to the truth that oneness was never meant to be a synonym for sameness.
I first heard of this mother/daughter author duo a year or so ago with their co-written debut, Turtles in the Road. Since my husband has a fun "turtle in the road" story that I tease him mercilessly about, I knew I had to read it - and I absolutely adored it. When this one came out, I knew I needed to get my hands on their latest book as well, even if it was lacking in fun turtle stories. In the same fashion as "Turtles", the Rhea girls had me laughing out loud with a stitch in my side one moment and taking a deep look at my relationship with Jesus the next. That's the beautiful thing about both of these books. You know you're getting entertained with the laugh-out-loud antics of the characters, but you're still getting hit between the eyes with some spiritual truth bombs.
This book follows Harlow Cruse, whose job is to run the church's theater ministry, teaching classes, directing the productions and loving those in her path with the love of Jesus. When help is needed for a particularly difficult set piece, her pastor recommends contacing an architect friend, Jack Bentley. About this time, their playwright Teagan receives word that Heartcast (think Hallmark Christmas movies) is holding auditions for a movie script. And the story becomes a predictable trope of Hallmark movie moments as Teagan attempts to write a winning movie plot, using Harlow and Jack to play out scenes before her.
This book had fantastic characters who were flawed, but love Jesus - who were hilarious and great fun. It had witty banter, great dialogue and a blue million one-liner zingers. There was, of course, a romance, but because it was so fun to watch happening, it didn't feel overly sappy as romances tend to do (particularly the hallmark romances that this was emulating), and of course there was a good solid faith thread running throughout. I'd strongly recommend to anyone who enjoys a good clean (and faith-filled) romantic comedy!
Special thanks to the authors for an advanced e-copy of this book. I was under no obligation to write a review and the opinions contained herein are my own.
Hold on to your hat for Off Script and Over-Caffeinated, the newest release from the dynamic duo, mother and daughter team Rhonda and Kaley Rhea. The snappy dialogue of (are avocados offensive?) and honest emotions (Oh, good. Anger. My favorite emotion.) are threaded throughout. You’ll find yourself with a dilemma: do you stop reading to bask in a great line, or do you let the story take you over like a tsunami?
What’s real of make-believe? What’s right or wrong? All that wrapped with prayers of clarity and worship. How do they do it?
Grab a copy of Off Script and Over-Caffeinated for yourself or ant friend who loves a great read.
The writing style is very unique and definitely threw me for a loop the first chapter - I struggled to follow the story at first. I'm glad I persisted because once I caught on to the style, I enjoyed the story and the humor. I also appreciated the fact that even tho it was a funny book, it didn't hesitate to bring a spiritual message as well showing the heroine learning and growing. I appreciated the themes of submitting to authority and appreciation for the uniqueness of each individual and what they bring to the table as part of the body of Christ.
So good. The dialogue reminded me a bit of Lorelei & Rory, the cerebral introvert character felt really authentic, the Christian content didn't feel preachy. I actually found myself highlighting sections that challenged how I perceive others and live out my faith. Laugh out loud funny + a dose of Hallmark cheesiness that's embraced for that, along with a "we would never work because we're so different" romance = a fun, satisfying, yet thoughtful read.
This book is so much fun! I read Turtles in the Road and expected Kaley & Rhonda's new book to be humorous and entertaining, but Off-Script & Over-Caffeinated is...well...over-caFUNated. Every page is filled with witty banter and sarcastic inner monologue, and my face hurts from smiling chapter after chapter. My daughters are in their early 20s. They will love this book. And I love that the story is clean and meaningful.
Thank you, Ruth, for the recommendation! I LOVED this book! I missed my stop on the train and stayed up far too late two nights in a row in order to finish it. I laughed out loud more times than I can count, and just fell head over heels in love with all the characters - Snerb included.
An absolutely delightful book that stands a good chance of being one of my favourite reads this year.
Off-Script and Over-Caffeinated serves up a hilarious adventure for rom-com readers and fans of comedy alike. The Rhea power-duo writes a brilliant and palatable blend of warmth and comedy while avoiding any hint of ruinous sappiness. I adored every moment of this comedy. Readers must be warned, however. Do not read this novel while consuming beverages or if suffering from sinus drainage, as resulting snort-laughter could prove disastrous.
Harlow and Jack’s story was one of my favourite reads this year. I laughed, nodded, and cried the whole way through and couldn’t put it down. Literally. I stayed up way too late the night I started reading it and woke up early to finish it before my kids woke up. If you’re looking for a hilarious, but still super sweet and fun read, look no further. You won’t want to miss out on Off Script and Over Caffeinated.
This book is a LOT of fun!! Such fun and witty banter, some truly unique and hilarious lines (no joke, I actually laughed out loud) along with some real depth and relatable characters that you feel like you could be friends with. A really wonderful read!
This was a hilarious read! The Rheas are new to me, but I have heard a lot about their prior book, "Turtles in the Road." When I saw the chance to be an early reader, I took and chance--and I am SO glad I did!
"Off-Script and Over-Caffeinated," is the story of Harlow, the manager of the Fourth Wall Theatre, a ministry off shoot of her church. While she's not meeting with angry church councils to keep the theatre running, she's waiting on her scriptwriting sister-in-law Teagan to have her yet to be named niece. Harlow's brother Ransom stands at the ready to help clean up any snafus that happen under her watch at the theatre, as well as readying himself to become a father.
Largely due to the fact that a small fire has decimated her sets, Harlow finds herself in need of a set maker and additional hands to help reset the theatre. On a suggestion from her pastor, she connects her with Jack Bentley, and over time, sparks begin to fly. To complicate matters, Teagan has just been informed that there is a scriptwriting contest for the Heartcast Network, (think Hallmark -type movies) which she has always wanted to write for. Forgetting that she's about to become a mother and overcome with excitement, Teagan enlists Harlow and Jack to act out her script in real life--never mind the fact they hardly know each other!
Filled with witty lines, smart characters and heartwarming truth, "Off-Script and Over-Caffeinated," is a book you do not want to miss. I began laughing in the first chapter and didn't stop until I was finished. If you like fun, encouraging well-written books with an inspirational message, this one is for you. I have already put my order in and have some friends in mind who will enjoy it, too.
I was an early reader, thanks to Bold Vision Books. All opinions are my own.
When Rhonda and Kaley Rhea join forces, readers are guaranteed to have an excited read full of laughs, adventure and enough romance to put an extra smile on your face!
Harlow Cruise secretly despises the fact that she loves the cute little Heartcasts movies on TV. Her life is full of drama and the last thing she needs is to add more to it with drama from television. She spends her days directing the small community theatre for the church and helping her best friend Teagan work on screen plays for the theatre. When Teagan finds out Heartcast channel has opened submissions for new movies, she feels this is her chance to get her movie on the network. Harlow sets herself up to work through Teagan’s newest script and ends up being partnered with Jack Bentley, the newest member of the theatre team. Jack has never seen a Heartcast movie and isn’t sure how he got roped into helping with the production. When he meets Harlow, he wonders if all their talk of romance and made for TV movie plots can actually happen in real life.
When Rhonda Rhea and Kaley Rhea team up to write, the outcome is truly wonderful. Reading this right before Christmas is perfect to get you in the holiday spirit with fun filled dialogue, festive storylines and genuine characters connections. There aren’t that many books that are just fun to read; many are thrilling and keep you on the edge of your seat, but it is hard to find a book that is just fun. I love picking up a book by the Rhea’s, because I know I am going to get a fun read. Harlow and Jack had a great relationship and even the unlikeable characters brought the perfect amount of rust and hardness to the story. The theater is a fun setting for the characters to work in along with a dragon, a very pregnant screen writer and a crusty old church member that is against most of what they are trying to accomplish in their fun little community plays. There is something for every reader here, a little romance, a lot of laughs and a sprinkling of suspense at the will they or won’t they moments. I recommend this book to readers looking for a fun read this holiday season. Once you pick up a Rhea book you won’t be able to put it down.
I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.
Off-Script & Over Caffeinated is a team of Mother and Daughter authors Kaley and Rhonda Rhea.
Is the first book I read from them and I have to say I enjoyed it very much. From it's fun, sassy and full of quick funny remarks to it's profound yet not preachy God messages to us this book was entwined perfectly well. Just a great cup of coffee blended just right.
This book will engulf you within it's pages as you feel you are tagging along with the characters. A girl involved in ministry, theater and thinking her way of seeing people is the only way and a guy full of poetry the one thing she needs. This book will have you laughing outloud and ponder at moments that speak to you or have you reflect for a moment. So, if you love fun, romantic, heart touching moments that you feel you are right there with them and be included into a coffee lovers circle...you need to get this book. Highly recommend it for you and a friend.
Now I can't wait to read their other book... Turtles in the Road.
Received a ARC copy of the book for my personal honest review. Thank you ladies for the copy and a great story.
This story is ridiculous! As in ridiculously funny! I found myself chuckling out loud from time to time and make no apologies for that! This mother-daughter duo did it again. Their humor is a blast.
The story is sweet and fun and faith-filled without being preachy. I found it fast paced and very well written. The one liners were hilarious. I want to be Harlow and Teagan's friend!
Two thumbs up - once again - for this dynamic duo!
Disclaimer: I received an advanced digital copy with no expectation in return. The opinions above are my own. I enjoyed the free copy so much, I purchased one of my own!
The amazing characterizations and relationships, the rom-com style plot, and the consistent wit and humorous one-liners make this a truly super-fun page-turner which I plan to keep within easy reach on my bookshelf so I can read it again and again! Yet another hit from mother-daughter writing duo, Rhonda Rhea and Kaley Rhea! If you’re looking for a book with good, clean laughs and a heart-warming storyline you NEED to read this book!
I love Jesus. I love theater. I love witty conversation. I love a good romantic plot. And this book does it all. I'm glad to recommend this read. It will make you think, laugh, wonder, and laugh again.
Currently reading this book and loving every second! Definitely highly recommend this book!! It’s a must read!! Update!! :D One of the best books I’ve ever read! This whole story line pulls you in, at every twist and turn, almost as if you were there!
I had so much fun reading this book. I fell in love with the characters. Such excellent writing- from humor that made me laugh out loud, to moments that led to deep self-reflection. Thank you for witty, humorous writing that still points us to the Truth.
Adorkable. Hilarious. Heartwarming. Definitely not A-Paul-ing. (You’ll have to read it to get that one.)
Don’t miss this book from Kaley and Rhonda - it has something for everyone. You won't be sorry, except when you turn the last page. I'm already looking forward to the next one...
Harlow is my hero. And this book has, as another character Teagan puts it, “a devastatingly joyous ending!” We all need joy with books like Offscript to get us there. You won’t be sorry you read this book again and AGAIN! And again! —Beth Duewel
I really liked the book. It was cute and fun and sweet and in a lot of ways, profound and wise. The only complaint I have is how long it took for Jack to propose (small spoiler), which we see in the epilogue. It was kind of disappointing to me and ruined a bit of my excitement to see them together. While I was many times over amused, especially by Snoob, I failed to laugh out loud. It is an overall amusing, sweet, uplifting novel, I give it four and a half stars.
This isn't a genre I read very often, but I stumbled upon Turtles in the Road (the first book from this writing duo) last year and happily queued up for an early release copy of their second offering. The same wit, charm, and warmth are all here in good measure. If you're in the mood for a fun set-up, relatable characters, and great dialogue, this might be your next read. (Releases December 20, 2019.)
This Christmas romantic comedy isn’t afraid to laugh at itself and also be serious—even inspirational—at times. I liked that combination! The story opens with Harlow and her sister-in-law Teagan who direct and write plays for their church’s theater ministry. But there’s a problem: Teagan’s script calls for props that are too big for Harlow to handle. Plus, she has church committee meetings on her hands.
Enter Jack Bentley, an introverted engineer and poet at heart with secret puppet-making skills. He may have gotten more than he wanted by volunteering at the theater, and with no warning, he’s sucked into Harlow and Teagan’s family shenanigans, extended coffee family, and all related drama. Did I mention that includes a script-writing competition of Hallmark-size proportions?
I so much enjoyed this story. It wasn’t preachy but still offered a challenge, which the Rheas naturally presented through the characters’ personal arcs. My personal takeaway was that even though someone doesn’t fit our idealized mold, God can still use that person to shape us... and surprise us. Five stars for this delightful read!
I love quirky characters who feel like they are people I would want to hang out with and clever dialogue that makes me laugh out loud, and this book has both and more! I could relate to Jack’s dismay of Unscheduled Personal Interaction and his prayer to “please keep Your people away from me.” And I loved the dynamic between Harlow and her brother! What I loved most is that it’s a story that made me reflect on my words and actions as a Christian and gave me a different perspective on a situation or people. Rarely do I save/share passages from fictional stories, but there were several gems in Off-Script and Over-Caffeinated.
I literally LOL’ed throughout this book. Lots to enjoy here!
Fans of Erynn Mangum’s Maya Davis or Lauren Holbrook series will particularly enjoy the read. Many similarities!
I related to Jack ever so much as an introvert...(in fact, that’s why I picked up the book—heard there were “introvert problems”). Ha! The descriptions were uncannily accurate. :D