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Pacific Avenue #1
Room at the Top
Sophia Campelli likes the structure of her predictable life in a rundown Victorian house in San Francisco's North Beach. When she and her twin Gia receive news of a massive inheritance, they can't celebrate yet. Not with the conditions attached. Further complicating matters, she meets the intriguing Joel Edgerton and sparks fly. Unfortunately, he's engaged to someone else. Can she find her happily-ever-after or will the treacherous waters of sisterly undercurrents wash away her dreams?
302 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2020
49 people are currently reading
217 people want to read
About the author
Kristin Billerbeck
63 books612 followersAbout Kristin
I grew up with a strong sense of justice. I simply knew the way things should be. And since I’m not smart enough to be a district attorney, I am a novelist. My childhood was slightly confusing. I blame my parents for this. Oh heck, I’m going to blame them for everything. I think I would have turned out normal if it weren’t for them.
the billerbeck's
Okay, probably not. I am a fourth-generation Californian, and an American mutt, but identify most strongly with my Italian heritage. My mother’s family, of strong Norwegian/German descent, tried to teach me how to do things right. How to cook, clean, sew, budget accordingly – all the things a proper young girl should know to be a contributing member of society. I, however, failed miserably. For my 40th birthday, my grandmother gave me a cookie gun, so it’s clear she hasn’t given up on me yet! That is eternal optimism!
My dad’s Italian family taught me about the good life. The indulgent life. How to eat, shop and be merry. My Nana had very tiny feet and a penchant for shoes (she worked at the Emporium, no doubt to fund her shoe addiction). My afternoons at her house had no lessons, other than how to walk in her high heels, drape myself in her mink stole and drip myself with rhinestones. Tastefully, of course. I picked up on this lifestyle much quicker.
I graduated San Jose State University with a degree in Journalism & Mass Communications (emphasis in Advertising), gave my life to Jesus during college and found my true love in a Christian Singles’ Group, which yes, I skewer in “What a Girl Wants”. He is German. Practical. And a Contributing Member of Society. I am still Italian, fluffy and an aficionado of fine shoes & handbags.
Together, we have four children and now it’s our turn to confuse them. The circle of life. Dysfunctional family style.
I grew up with a strong sense of justice. I simply knew the way things should be. And since I’m not smart enough to be a district attorney, I am a novelist. My childhood was slightly confusing. I blame my parents for this. Oh heck, I’m going to blame them for everything. I think I would have turned out normal if it weren’t for them.
the billerbeck's
Okay, probably not. I am a fourth-generation Californian, and an American mutt, but identify most strongly with my Italian heritage. My mother’s family, of strong Norwegian/German descent, tried to teach me how to do things right. How to cook, clean, sew, budget accordingly – all the things a proper young girl should know to be a contributing member of society. I, however, failed miserably. For my 40th birthday, my grandmother gave me a cookie gun, so it’s clear she hasn’t given up on me yet! That is eternal optimism!
My dad’s Italian family taught me about the good life. The indulgent life. How to eat, shop and be merry. My Nana had very tiny feet and a penchant for shoes (she worked at the Emporium, no doubt to fund her shoe addiction). My afternoons at her house had no lessons, other than how to walk in her high heels, drape myself in her mink stole and drip myself with rhinestones. Tastefully, of course. I picked up on this lifestyle much quicker.
I graduated San Jose State University with a degree in Journalism & Mass Communications (emphasis in Advertising), gave my life to Jesus during college and found my true love in a Christian Singles’ Group, which yes, I skewer in “What a Girl Wants”. He is German. Practical. And a Contributing Member of Society. I am still Italian, fluffy and an aficionado of fine shoes & handbags.
Together, we have four children and now it’s our turn to confuse them. The circle of life. Dysfunctional family style.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
July 7, 2020
I can always count on Billerbeck to deliver a solid romance with nuanced characters and witty repartee. Add to this family issues, sister relationships, and money drama, and this story has it all. I devoured this one, and you will too!
June 30, 2020
This book was SO worth waiting for! I've been waiting for another Billerbeck novel, and this one had it all-family relationships, romance, witty dialogue, great setting, and interesting characters. I can't wait for the next book in the series!
June 26, 2020
Top Notch
Kristin Billerbeck delivers with this start of a new series. Her characters and twists won't let you go. Can't wait for the next.
Kristin Billerbeck delivers with this start of a new series. Her characters and twists won't let you go. Can't wait for the next.
March 27, 2021
Hmmm...conflicted on this one. The first half was strong, but the second half became convoluted and hurried. I liked the characters, but wished there was more development between Joel & Sophia. I did like the setting and the plot concept...I just think the execution got a little lost. I also agree with the other reviewers in that this book would have benefited from some editing. I'm interested to see what book #2 will cover, though!
August 3, 2020
I love Kristin Billerbeck’s writing and was anxiously counting down the days until this arrived at my doorstep. This was a great storyline and loved the characters. It was a quick read and a good start to this new book series! I did notice some typos in the copy. I also wish some of the relationship moments between the sisters would have gone a bit deeper, as well as the relationship developing between Joel and Sophia. Overall, I enjoyed it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2020
4.5 Stars
August 1, 2020
Best book yet
Kristin Billebeck is one of my favorite authors, she never dissapoints. She always makes me laugh and I love her characters.
Kristin Billebeck is one of my favorite authors, she never dissapoints. She always makes me laugh and I love her characters.
June 28, 2020
Who edited this?
This book was entertaining but the editing made it hard to read. There were so many typos, grammatical errors and the wrong names used for characters. It distracted me from the story many times. The story itself was good but I would have loved to see more between the sisters. Maybe that will come in later books. I also think there were way too many mentions of Joel’s Tahoe blue eyes.
This book was entertaining but the editing made it hard to read. There were so many typos, grammatical errors and the wrong names used for characters. It distracted me from the story many times. The story itself was good but I would have loved to see more between the sisters. Maybe that will come in later books. I also think there were way too many mentions of Joel’s Tahoe blue eyes.
August 25, 2020
I really wanted to give this book more stars, as it was very entertaining and I did enjoy it. I liked most of the characters and the story was quite unique, but I just can't get over the ending! I hated the ending. I'm looking forward to more Pacific Avenue books.
August 27, 2020
I liked the story and it was pretty good but it could have been so much better. First let me say what was up with the editor and proof reader for this book? I think they need to look for other jobs. I had the actual book not kindle version and there were so many typos and words that were wrong that I’m surprised it was missed. The writing was choppy, so much so that I had a hard time figuring out who was saying what and what was going on. I liked the plot but it didn’t feel finished to me. It seemed like the deadline for the story came and it had to be written in a hurry. Read it and enjoy it for the most part, just try to overlook all the errors and annoyances. This one was not as good as Split Ends (2007). I hope her series books are better. I am trying those next. (I hope the editing was better on the others)
June 27, 2023
Well, this was a hard book to put down. The family dynamics, the drama, the budding romance, and snappy comebacks kept me glued to the pages.
Joel and Sophia has a lot of ups and downs, but it fit with their personalities. Kristin Billerbeck wrote a wonderful and entertaining book. The banter and dialogue was easy and heart-warming. There were hints of what would come in the following book.
This was a book that I would call a summertime beach read. A book that leaves the reader happy and feeling good.
Pros:
Fun and snappy dialogue keeps the reader engrossed in the story.
The characters were well-rounded and complex in their personalities.
The pace of the book flowed well.
Cons:
There were a few typos and errors, but not enough to distract the reader.
The ending seemed a tad abrupt, but not overly so.
Would I recommend it?
Yes. A delightful Chicklit book that is quite entertaining.
Joel and Sophia has a lot of ups and downs, but it fit with their personalities. Kristin Billerbeck wrote a wonderful and entertaining book. The banter and dialogue was easy and heart-warming. There were hints of what would come in the following book.
This was a book that I would call a summertime beach read. A book that leaves the reader happy and feeling good.
Pros:
Fun and snappy dialogue keeps the reader engrossed in the story.
The characters were well-rounded and complex in their personalities.
The pace of the book flowed well.
Cons:
There were a few typos and errors, but not enough to distract the reader.
The ending seemed a tad abrupt, but not overly so.
Would I recommend it?
Yes. A delightful Chicklit book that is quite entertaining.
July 30, 2022
I have always been a fan of Billerbeck’s books and was excited for this one since I haven’t picked one up in awhile. It started off strong and I was enjoying the characters and the plot. And then it just kind of fell apart. Storylines became convoluted and there were secrets piled on secrets that never made sense. The relationship between Sophia and Joel was so wishy washy, sometimes within the same scene, and even to the last few paragraphs. I found myself just wanting to get to the end and not even caring if the plot resolved itself. Also, the proofreading and editing for this book read like this was a first draft. I would like to say I will move on to book two, but I’m afraid I’m going to call it quits after this book.
November 4, 2022
I've always loved Kristin Billerbeck's style of writing, so when I got the chance to actually sit down and read Room at the Top, it didn't take long to finish. Actually it took all day and night (yes, I stayed up to finish!), but that was because it was a hard book to put down.
I loved reading about Joel and Sophia. It was full of ups and downs, but it fit with Sophia's personality on how it was developed.
The 5 stars are for the content of the book. I absolutely loved this story.
It did have a few typos and wrong words, but as someone who also has a chronic illness, I know how easily those can happen when writing. The story was strong enough to overlook those pesky little mistakes that survived editing and proofing.
I'm looking forward to the next book.
I loved reading about Joel and Sophia. It was full of ups and downs, but it fit with Sophia's personality on how it was developed.
The 5 stars are for the content of the book. I absolutely loved this story.
It did have a few typos and wrong words, but as someone who also has a chronic illness, I know how easily those can happen when writing. The story was strong enough to overlook those pesky little mistakes that survived editing and proofing.
I'm looking forward to the next book.
October 7, 2020
How I missed my favorite chick lit author
I've always loved Kristin Billerbeck's characters & Sophia is no exception. I loved the social worker who doesn't really want to inherit billions! The idea seems crazy, yet the character is so relatable.
This story is full of flawed characters paying for the mistakes of others. Isn't that life? The characters are fun but still take you on a journey of self discovery. The storyline is a little convoluted and the hero was not my favorite. But I loved the depth the author brought to her usual fun writing style.
I've always loved Kristin Billerbeck's characters & Sophia is no exception. I loved the social worker who doesn't really want to inherit billions! The idea seems crazy, yet the character is so relatable.
This story is full of flawed characters paying for the mistakes of others. Isn't that life? The characters are fun but still take you on a journey of self discovery. The storyline is a little convoluted and the hero was not my favorite. But I loved the depth the author brought to her usual fun writing style.
February 24, 2021
Great new start to this new series by Kristin Billerbeck.
Relatable character with her job situations, a twin holding her accountable with advice, new sisters to live with, a dad with questionable morals regarding family, the firey sass from the main characters. The flawed love interest who is charming, protective and with those lake tahoe blue eyes.
Fun inserts of Jane Eyre, Italian heritage with Nonna, Papa and Italian mother, celebrities mentions that are part of following Kristin's blog and social media.
Looking forward to the rest of this series from each sisters perspective
Relatable character with her job situations, a twin holding her accountable with advice, new sisters to live with, a dad with questionable morals regarding family, the firey sass from the main characters. The flawed love interest who is charming, protective and with those lake tahoe blue eyes.
Fun inserts of Jane Eyre, Italian heritage with Nonna, Papa and Italian mother, celebrities mentions that are part of following Kristin's blog and social media.
Looking forward to the rest of this series from each sisters perspective
June 14, 2024
Billerbeck At Her Best
I enjoyed this book on many levels, but the banter and tongue-in-cheek character responses…well, you can’t help but jump in and go with the current.
Humor marks Billerbeck’s writing, and this was the right one for me! There’s also the winsome, natural inclusion of faith and values. So difficult to weave into a storyline, but not for this author.
Good read with humor and real-life situations.
I enjoyed this book on many levels, but the banter and tongue-in-cheek character responses…well, you can’t help but jump in and go with the current.
Humor marks Billerbeck’s writing, and this was the right one for me! There’s also the winsome, natural inclusion of faith and values. So difficult to weave into a storyline, but not for this author.
Good read with humor and real-life situations.
November 16, 2020
This author has done it again and gave me a chick lit book to beat out her other series. I loved the premise, cheating, dad abandons daughters, yet grandpa schemes to get the sisters to be friends. I can't wait to read the next book and see what the next step is in their journey. Yes, there is a bit of cheese factor here, but I enjoyed it, along with the hint or spice of danger.
July 19, 2021
I was so excited to read Room at the Top. I am a long time Kristin Billerbeck fan and the story was everything I expected and more. Room at the top is a wonderful romance with great dialogue, interesting characters, and a true to life family dynamics. Room at the Top kept me laughing and I can not wait for the other books in the series. I recommend.
February 20, 2021
Overall decent storyline, I liked the italian heritage and gaining a peek into a different culture, and the plot twist of having the step mother as the grandpa's murderer was intriguing. However, there were a few typos and wrong words which I rarely encounter in a book and that was disappointing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 26, 2021
Well written
I really enjoyed the story until the romance got too unrealistic. The book is well written- story line very interesting but the romance part of it just didn’t do the rest of the book justice.
I really enjoyed the story until the romance got too unrealistic. The book is well written- story line very interesting but the romance part of it just didn’t do the rest of the book justice.
June 1, 2021
What a fun and delightful story. The characters jumped off the pages - quirky grandma and papa, annoying step-sisters, and a set of twins who couldn't be more different. I read this in 2 days because it was so easy to read. I couldn't wait for the end - which totally satisfied.
July 10, 2023
I would give this book 3.5 ⭐️ rounded down on GR. I really enjoyed the book, but then the end seemed rushed and sloppy . This was my first book by the author. I def will read more by her and the second book in this series.
September 28, 2020
Excellent. I did not want it to end. I am very much looking forward to the next in the series.
October 7, 2020
Great story! More review coming soon
October 18, 2024
This was kinda weird, not very realistic nor very romantic
June 2, 2025
Really good
Didn't expect it to be as good as it was. ..I can see this being a series with each sister having a happy ending!
Didn't expect it to be as good as it was. ..I can see this being a series with each sister having a happy ending!
December 31, 2020
Uh, someone forgot to edit this book! Typos on every page!
October 28, 2020
Great plot potential. but rushed characters with minimal growth
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews