From the Bookshelf of Christian rom coms and romances…

Told You So (Told You, #1)

Kristen Heitzmann

Why we're reading this: I loved the relationship in this book, and I'd definitely consider it a romantic comedy.…more
[close] I loved the relationship in this book, and I'd definitely consider it a romantic comedy.

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Nov 13, 2015 Rissi rated it it was amazing

Shelves: review, 2015, most-anticipated, favorites

I still remember reading my first novel by Kristen Heitzmann. It came about thanks to the INSPY Awards and the specific book was The Breath of Dawn. Needless to say and without getting into detail, I was wonderstruck by it. That was three years ago and since then, there has been nothing new from this talented author. Until now. Now, Kristen Heitzmann is revisiting the title of author in a big way: she has joined the ranks of Indie authors. Her first Indie book just released and is as delightful I still remember reading my first novel by Kristen Heitzmann. It came about thanks to the INSPY Awards and the specific book was The Breath of Dawn. Needless to say and without getting into detail, I was wonderstruck by it. That was three years ago and since then, there has been nothing new from this talented author. Until now. Now, Kristen Heitzmann is revisiting the title of author in a big way: she has joined the ranks of Indie authors. Her first Indie book just released and is as delightful as one would expect.

The story chronicles best-selling author Grace Evangeline. Her path crosses with playwright Devin Bressard, a man who believes Grace’s novels are anything but worth their status. This immediately pits the pair as kind of enemies which is inconvenient since Grace and Devin must write a play together. As tensions mount between this unlikely pair, their passion leads to life-changing events. Whether they like it or not, their hearts may never be the same.

Told You So, by Kristen Heitzmann | Book Review

Told You So is certainly its own story however the one thing that did flitter across my mind while reading through its quick-witted barbs were reflections of Darcy and Elizabeth. The story is completely different, but the structure of the lead characters is very reminiscent of the fan favorite and iconic literary couple. Grace and Devin's bickering is beyond brilliant and composed. Words fail to describe my feelings of this. Kristen knows all of the right bits of dialogue to craft so that the entire novel really feels like one marathon string of witty dialogue montages and it really reads like that as well. This book was so impressive and entertaining, but there's also an elegant prose with an equally sophisticated plot that exceeds expectations of this novel.

The shift that happens at approximately the halfway point left me stunned. Not in a bad way, rather in an unexpected-plot-twist kind of way. Where the book leads is a bend that completely shifts the otherwise clever albeit humorous attitude the novel adopts. Not to be slighted, the characters are also more than just the exquisite wit. Kristen places a depth to these characters that too frequently is missing from the lines of romantic-comedy. Grace isn’t the average “pretty face” her made up persona would suggest and Devin, well, he’s not the man your first impression might draw of him.

If you liked Kristen’s prior novels, be sure you pick up a copy of Told You So. It’s a grown-up kind of romance and the author pushes limits further than she’d would in traditional publishing. The balance in the give-and-take and knowing where to pause is good as is the sense of complexity the book puts out. Much as I enjoyed reading my Kindle copy, this is one book I will be adding in paperback to my bookshelf because it effortlessly earned its place among my favorites.
This is one book I heartily anticipate re-reading because it’s one novel that – I believe, will only grow more and more engaging as I’ve a feeling I missed some of the cleverness. Simply put, with this sort of novel, a reread is bound to allow a reader to catch missing nuances.

Sincere thanks to the author (and Rel) for providing a complimentary e-copy of this book for reviewing purposes.
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Mar 01, 2017 Pepper Basham rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

It was a pleasure to add my review to the masses. Told You SO was my first Kristen Heitzmann book and it was a fantastic introduction. And even though my stomach clenched for 3 hours from the tension (and still hasn't released), I would happily pick up another by this author. It's edgy, make NO mistake - but it deals with authentic questions, answers, and life. We all need a Rescuer...even when we're not looking for one :-) Thanks Kristen, for this story! (Did I say that the ROMANCE is SUPERB!!! ...more

8 likes · Like · see review

Jan 16, 2016 Mikal Dawn rated it liked it · review of another edition

Before I start my review, I do want to put out a warning for those who hold certain convictions regarding what they read: there is some cussing in this novel (around five words total throughout the book), as well as some drinking. The cussing is by non-Christian characters, and the drinking is done by almost everyone.

My thoughts:

I have to admit that I was put off during the first half of the book by the pretentious feel and attitudes of the two main characters. They were both bordering on unlika ...more

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Nov 14, 2015 Elizabeth Newsom rated it it was amazing

It all starts with Grace Evangeline, a famous and popular author, throwing a cup of tea at Devin Bressard, a play producer who believes that true art shouldn't "bleed sentimentality" like Grace's novels. But Grace is determined to have her novel on Broadway and even goes so far as to stalk him.

Right from the first page, this is a captivating story. There's tension and drama but the characters are best of all. Each of them is so unique, with their own backstory and personality--especially Grace a ...more

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Jan 09, 2016 Heidi rated it really liked it

Very enjoyable! I purchased this book on the recommendation of a trusted book reviewer, I believe it was listed as one of her favorite reads of 2015. I had heard great things about this author, too, so I was eager to see what the buzz was about. Told You So did not disappoint. I thought the pacing was excellent. Scenes involving meals or riding in a car were succinct and offered just enough detail to draw the reader in without bogging the story down. Characterization was fabulous and the plot qu ...more

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Nov 28, 2015 Jackie Layton rated it it was amazing

I fell in love with the characters in this story. I laughed with them and I cried. New York City was a fun setting which was just the icing on the cake.

1 like · Like · see review