Romance readers will enjoy From the Start by Melissa Tagg.  It was especially nice to read a book focusing on a real relationship and not on a lustful or whirlwind romance.  The read was pleasant and left the reader with positive thoughts. 

Although the story was not especially suspenseful or full of unexpected plot twists, the novel was a pleasure to read.  The author developed the main characters in a realistic and plausible fashion.  The pacing felt very even and not rushed.

According to the author’s website, this is the first book in the Walker Family series.  What a relief, because the author rather obviously did not wrap-up the stories of the secondary characters.  Overall the experience of reading this book was enjoyable and although the reader could delve into more depth concerning the issues presented, the reader could also just enjoy a modern romance based on “real” feelings and not just physical attraction.  Can’t wait to see what else Melissa Tagg writes!

Review of a Digital Advance Reader Copy

This book was sent to Compass Book Ratings for review by Bethany House Publishers

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language:  None

Violence/Gore:  Report of a person punching another; a bone is sticking out at an odd angle as a result of an accident.

Sex/Nudity:  Non-married characters kiss and embrace; female character unknowingly climbs into bed with a male character; male characters are depicted as shirtless – one is in bed and the other removes shirt as it is dirty.

Mature Subject Matter:

Death of a parent, terminal illness, marital infidelity, unwed pregnancy.

Alcohol / Drug Use:

Report of an adult drinking in a bar and being hung over; report of an adult shooting up.