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?
Alyssa Roat lives in the cornfields of Indiana, but she hopes to soon discover a portal to a fantasy world where she will run a bookshop for magical creatures. For now, she is a multi-published author and has worked in a wide variety of roles within the publishing industry as an agent, editor, writer, and publicist. She has two black cats who allegedly have never been fed in their lives and occasionally help her write by walking across the keyboard. Her name is a pun, which means you can learn more about her at www.alyssawrote.com or on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook as @alyssawrote.
This was a cute story. It took awhile to build the storyline, but you get to know the characters well. Love that the show went on even through all the struggles.
This was an excellent read! It's perfect for the holidays but also is great for a theater fan. You instantly fall in love with all the characters and their story lines and can't help but route for them. I experienced a range of emotions, from joy to laughing out loud, to outright anger at what some of the characters were doing, which I found to make this book even more enjoyable. I would highly recommend this holiday romance with deeper messages attached to it about coming in to your own person and pursing what your passion is to anyone and everyone! Do yourself a favor and add this to your reading list!!
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.
I really enjoy a good Christian Romance book. Curtain Call by Alyssa Roat & Hope Bolinger is Book 3 in the Roseville Romances series. I had the pleasure of reading the first 2 books in this series and I was excited to read this book.
Griffith Williams is a part-time Theater guy. He enjoys the Theater so much he is hoping for his chance to be a Full-Time Theater Director. He feels that he has so much to prove to his parents who are not supportive of his Theater aspirations. Hadassah Wright is one of the older siblings in a Large Homeschool Family and she helps teach her siblings during the day. She really would love to be a Theater actress. She decides to audition for the Casting call for a Local Play and that is where she meets Griffith. They are both excited when they get lead roles in the play. They begin spending lots of time together and soon realize that they are falling for each other. Their relationship stands to be put in jeopardy by others at the Theater. Will the couple be able to deter the distractions that are hindering their relationship? Will they reach their dreams in Theater?
WOW, the series gets better with each book that I read. I enjoyed this book from the very first chapter. Griffith and Hadassah seem to want to reach their own dreams yet are held back by Family things. I LOVE how Griffith is proud to realize that he can live up to his parent's standards. Hadassah sees freedom from Family Obligations by getting into Theater. I really enjoyed the fact that the authors included a homeschooled family, as we have been a Homeschooling family for 18 yrs. The relationship between Griffith and Hadassah was slow and growing and I appreciate how the author played that out. The Christian theme I am seeing throughout the book is that we all have a calling in life and when we follow God and lean on him, he will help us overcome any distractions that stand in our way. . I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a clean Christian Romance book. GREAT BOOK!
Curtain Call is a sweet Christian romance with just enough of an antagonist that you’re going to stay engaged and fall in love. I’ve read the other books in this series but they can be read individually as well. This makes a wonderful stand-alone on its own so don’t worry about reading the others first. Though, of course, my own disclaimer is always read the books in the order they’re written!
I love the characters in this book and how they find their way to who they are meant to be. Each of us has a calling or a placing in our life of something that we are supposed to do. It could be to become a nurse, a pastor, or a teacher, or any number of things. Sometimes we are called to do more than one job. And other times what we were once called to might change into something else.
Whether you have found your calling in life or not, you are going to love this book. The characters are relatable and pull you in. They call out to you (yes pun intended) and capture you into their world.
THE CHARACTERS Griffith is directing a play that he wrote. It’s what he feels called to do but he also feels like maybe this calling can’t be from God because it’s not going out and being a missionary or “actively winning souls”. What he’s forgetting is that God can use anyone anywhere!
Hadassah is lonely. She teaches her siblings in their large family homeschool and got the starring role in the play. As she starts to come out of her isolated shell could she find out that what she thought her calling was might not be true?
Oh and add in some fun, some sabotage, and some love. That sums it up nicely and well. This is a great cozy read!
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
I loved this book! The premise was so sweet and the characters were so relatable and well written. Hadassah was a bit of a kindred spirit for me with how introverted she was so it was awesome to see how she grew throughout the book. Griffith was also a great character and to see how he came to understand what God had planned for him was masterfully written. The interactions between these characters were so believable and entertaining; they flowed naturally and did not feel forced or stiff at any point in the book.
There were characters who infuriated me and I just wanted to shake them and say “Why are you like this?”. Byron was certainly one of them; his interactions with the other characters in the book made for a good tension that carried through the story and make me wonder how things were going to go. I was genuinely curious about how the story would progress and how the characters would grow into who God meant them to be and what He planned for them to do. This was such an amazing book and perfect for the holiday season! I absolutely loved it and highly recommend it for people who love a sweet, clean story that hits all the right notes.
Just to note for some readers who may be uncomfortable: There is mention of an unwanted kiss between two of the characters and how uncomfortable one character felt after, even a while later as it still impacted some of the character’s later interactions. There is also some discussion of infertility, which may be difficult for some readers. This is such a good book so these two things do not deter me from recommending it. I just wanted to warn anyone who may be uncomfortable with these subjects.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
I have not read any previous books by either author, but I enjoyed this story and would like to read more of their works. I am like several of the characters in the story who had performed in Christmas plays in their church. That is clearly a far cry from performing in local theater as they were preparing to do. I especially liked the characters of Griffith and Hadassah. I could feel their pain as they struggled with shyness, insecurity, and inferiority. I could relate quite well with the struggles they were having over their calling in life. Although I have been retired for a few years, an occasional thought goes through my mind, wondering if I followed the right path and what if I had taken a different journey. Griffith and Hadassah were in the early stages of figuring out their calling. The authors did a great job of developing the characters. Often, I share about a supporting character that I really liked, such as Leroy in this story. However, I have a comment this time about one that I had difficulty liking. I struggled trying to discern how Byron had made it as far as he had with his attitude and his actions toward others. One would think that someone would have already put him in his place long before he reached adulthood. I find it interesting that his contemporaries and even younger people saw a very different person than did his parents and other adults their age. I appreciate how the authors placed an emphasis on finding and following one’s calling in life. Maybe Byron was still searching for his. I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher. This is my honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.
As a homeschooling mother of four, I looked forward to reading Curtain Call. I loved getting to know Hadassah, daughter and sister in a large homeschooling family and aspiring actress, and Griffith Williams, an aspiring director. The two come together to help bring the community’s Christmas play to life. Both individuals struggle to live up to the expectations of their families.
Add in a bunch of rowdy siblings for Hadassah along with meddling parents along with their interfering best friends along with the friends’ son, and this book caused me to enjoy this book and want to stamp my feet in frustration at Byron and his pompous, arrogant ways. As stage manager, Byron sets his sights on marrying Hadassah, and creates a courtship that only exists in his mind and their parents’s desires.
But when God gives someone a calling both professionally and in terms of a soulmate, no amount of interference can change that course. I loved seeing how Griffith’s friends and Hadassah’s sisters work to the two successfully pull of the play and overcome all the obstacles Byron tries to throw in their way.
I loved reading this book and getting to know the characters. In many ways, I would love to read a book about Byron where God works a change in his heart and life and he encounters his own soulmate. I also would love to read more books about Hadassah’s younger siblings.
So if you enjoy reading books centered around Christmas, Christmas plays, and find your calling and your soulmate, check out this book for yourself. I definitely recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
Curtain Call is written by the amazing writing duo of Hope Bolinger & Alyssa Roat. I have read their works before and am always impressed when they can seamlessly weave together such an amazing story. They make a great pair. They always create such memorable characters.
We meet thespian Griffith Williams. He seems to never be able to measure up in his parents eyes. His brother is a missionary and he seems to always be living in his shadow. He hopes to pull of an amazing Christmas play. We also meet actress Hadassah Wright. She spends a lot of her day helping with her homeschool large family. This has left her with little time for herself. She would like a family of her own one day - but she shoulders some great responsibilities.
Will Hadassah have to settle for a marriage with a childhood friend? Will Griffith be able to shine on his own? Will they figure out what God wants them to do with their lives. I loved watching the characters lives unfold before my eyes. The characters are well developed and the story line will catch your attention right away.
Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.
I enjoyed this book set at Christmas time. I liked how Hadassah and Griffith had to decide whether to follow where they felt the Lord was leading them or give in to the pressure they felt from their families to do something else. I liked seeing the characters growth that these characters had. I also liked seeing their families realized that just because what they felt was their calling didn’t match what their families thought they should do, doesn’t mean it had less value. I thought this was a good story about learning to follow your heart and learning to trust yourself.
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
This was a really good sweet romance read. I enjoyed the story. The authors wrote relatable characters that you really fall in love with. Oh, it is part of a series but stands on its own just fine. Hadassah has a lot going on and wants to go after her dreams.
Griffith was a good guy. I just loved the two of them and their interactions with each other. There are some characters I wasn't as big of a fan of, but they were well written as well. I truly enjoyed the story throughout and was rooting for them.
4/5
Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book via Celebrate Lit. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
I am an old lady 👵! I have gone through many curtain calls so far. It amazes me how the experiences of one season of life fed into the next season of life. This book made me think about this long journey I have been on. Some people have many callings throughout their lives. I'm in one of the last seasons I think but when my final curtain call comes, what I long to hear is well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of my salvation. Even though I am not as active as I used to be, I know in not finished until that very last curtain call.
I finished this book in less than two weeks and I couldn’t put down. This was was the first romance novel I have ever read and it was amazing from cover to cover.
The character’s chemistry flowed so well along with supporting characters and side stories. I could just picture all of this happening and it was fantastic.
While I couldn’t put it down during certain chapter, I had to in order to ponder the idea of calling and God’s plan in my life. It was both an encouraging and challenging read. I just wanted to read it again the moment I finished.
I found this book to be full of hope and perseverance. It encouraged the reader to not give up on their dreams. Challenges always arise when one is following the call of God in his/her life. I would recommend this book to anyone who is not sure of what direction to go in life. It will inspire you to take a second look of the options in front of you before giving up on your dreams. I chose this rating because many times we don’t support to the fullest those who have inspired and encouraged us with their work.
Hadassah Wright was the second child in a family of ten children with a lot of responsibility in the household. She wanted to be in the theater but her parents expected her to get married and have many children. Griffith was in a similar situation where his parents wanted him to become a missionary. Both had a desire to follow the calling that God placed on their hearts. The story reflects the struggle between parents and children. The book was interesting.
This was a fun book to read! I love the title, it fits perfectly with the story. This is a story about fulfilling your own dreams. It is also a little about adoption. I have read all three books and strongly recommend them all but this can be read as a stand alone.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.
This was a fun read with some delightful characters. I loved the development of Leroy from a shy shelter kid to a leading character. The cooperation and pulling together from "most" of the theater group was awesome. Also the theme of how important family interactions and support are for everyone. Definitely a good read. 🙂
This really made me frustrated- it is written so well you want to ring some of the characters necks! Bryon. What a loser, only he has such an inflated ego. Each character is well described and you are rooting for them. Enjoyed the fact that this is about seeking God’s will for our lives. Very well done.
What a fun book to write! Calling is something I've always struggled with. I know I've been called to write, but it can be a very difficult process. So grateful to write this book on theater, on calling, and on a sweet love story between two struggling twenty-somethings
He was a theater director and she A young woman whom het parents pushed her towards their idea of her future husband. Not happening , but she tried for their sake. She finally got the never up to say no. It's A good Christmas story, not exciting, just nice.
Delightful story of listening for God’s call and following where He leads instead of where people ( even well meaning people and family) think they should go.
This story is very worth reading. It's hard to get started, but then all the issues start grabbing you and can't read fast enough. You will enjoy this story.
Curtain Call is the third installment from the Roseville Romances series by Alyssa Roat and Hope Bolinger. I have enjoyed the previous books in the series and I believe this oen is probably my favorite to date. I loved getting to know Griffith and Hadassah. They were fun and entertaining in every scenes. I thought the story was sweet, romantic and at times “dramatic”. It was slightly predictable but still a pure delight to read. I really thought it was a great read and I liked it.
I am giving Curtain Call four and a half stars. Readers and fans of clean romantic fiction. I am hoping Roat / Bolinger will be continuing to add book books to the Roseville Romances series.
I received a digital copy of Curtain Call from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
"Plays are dying, Griffith," Mom had told him on a spotty FaceTime call. "Would God call you full-time to something like this when we and your brother are seeing lives changed every day?"
Griffith left the mission field and is working at a coffee shop in order to afford to spend time in the theater, his true passion. Hadassah wants to get involved in the community play. She had dreams of her own, but now that her sister is married, her mom needs help with all of her siblings. Can Griffith find a way to make money following his dream? And can Hadassah learn to speak for herself and find boundaries?
I would classify this book as contemporary fiction with a bit of romance. Part of the focus is on following God where he calls, so it is definitely inspirational. Since it is a part of a series, one would probably appreciate this title even more if the previous two books are read first. The whole series is about how creatives can find a way to support themselves on the craft that they love. Since the authors are in a similar position, I feel like their perspective is powerful and well-portrayed.
While I really enjoyed this book, parts of it made it uncomfortable. Not because of content but because of conviction. I could see myself a bit too readily in several sections. Sometimes I have expected people to serve in their areas of gifting where they also trying to earn an income. Should they really be expected to simply volunteer? And considering that I also have kids that are nearing adulthood, I was reminded as I watched the meddling parents in several chapters that I do not want to place weighty expectations on my kids to follow my dreams instead of their own. SO many life lessons could be learned from this work of fiction.
I did receive an advanced copy of this book. I wanted to read and review it. All opinions are my own.